Well, I'm going to try the journaling thing here at dt. I started one and have a few entries, so I'll post them here. It's just such a busy place here, and I've been a little nervous about posting, but I need support too, so I thought I'd give it a try.


March 8, 2004

I am beginning again, but for the last time.... I am determined to get it right this time around! Learning about me and molding new healthy habits to replace the old unhealthy habits are the only way I'm going to make this lifestyle change and I feel really different about it this time. I don't know what it is, but something's clicked and I truly feel differently.... in a good way. And it's about time! *grin* I need to do this for me, but I also want to do this for Alan. He deserves more than what he's getting from me....and as long as I hide behind this weight, he's not getting all of me. No one is really and that's a waste of my life, right? RIGHT! So here I go......

A bit about me....

It's March 9th, 2004 and I am beginning my journey again. I am currently 52 years old, very happily married with 4 grown children who are the light of my life and 2 dogs that I adore. I am active in choral groups, singing in some and playing the piano for another called Serenity Singers. They are my main group and the people that are most like family to me. It is a life line for me..... as is the goal of getting healthy. It's part of my "recovery".... I am in the process of recovering my body, mind and spirit in this new journey and am excited about the prospects of doing so!

I love being creative and working outdoors in our yard/garden and I love animals of all kinds. If I had my way, I’d have a barn full of all different kinds of them!

I started gaining my weight in 1996 and currently have about 90-100 pounds I need to lose. At least right now I think I do. I'm honestly not sure what my goal weight will be yet, but that's what I'm starting with. I've lost before, but re-gained and lost again……. Etc etc etc over and over, gaining more each time I gained back and so the story goes. *grin* I know some of you will understand this. My weight gain began partially due to medical reasons, but also because I used food and eating as a coping mechanism. Now that I don’t need those same coping skills, I have to find good, healthy habits to replace the old unhealthy ones I’ve developed over these last years. I am down 3 ½ pounds in my new journey so far and I am very grateful for that! I have much work to do….. I need to get fit again, I need to lose weight and get healthy, I need to re-learn eating habits, and I need to practice patience through the whole process. I know in my heart that I can do this and I need to take things one day at a time until I reach my goals. I am not alone and that is the best thing of all….. I have a wonderful support system to help me along the way and I am grateful every day for each one of them.

I'm really having a rough day..... I feel depressed a bit and am determined not to turn to food as a result of old habits. I can logically say I know it's habits that are making me think of food, but I know I'm not really hungry and am keeping a close watch on just being on "automatic" and grabbing something. So far so good, but I still don't know why I feel so badly today..... the last couple of weeks has been pretty good honestly. Hmmm...... it's curious, but manageable so far!

Well, today has been much better than yesterday in the feelings department, not to mention the sun was shining and that just felt better all the way around. It's still cold, but cold and sun is fine by me! I am so grateful that I didn't eat yesterday because I was having a bad day. I sure wanted to, but was determined NOT to totally ruin the day. This way I can look back on yesterday and know that something positive came out of it. And that's one big positive..... there have been days in the past when I've eaten the whole day away because of feelings of depression or anger and that's just not going to happen anymore because I'm going to practice discipline this time around. It's not about will power anymore.... it's about discipline and doing the right thing for me.

I got a hair cut today that I'm pleased with and ran some errands which I usually hate doing. But all in all, it wasn't so bad and it was kind of nice getting some fresh air and exercise in. I always make sure I take my shopping carts back inside the store for extra steps taken. I figure any little bit helps! Now on to fixing dinner and getting my jammies on.... my favorite thing to do... put on my jammies and get into bed! lol I'd like to finish my book tonight, too..... so there's something else to look forward to.

Yea for another day of healthy eating!

Well, today was my weigh and meausre day and I lost another 2 pounds and 4 inches! I was very pleased because I haven't been depriving myself (except for the things that I gave up for lent, but I haven't missed those....) and I haven't been hungry or craved sweets either. I guess it's true what they say about craving sweets.... if you get off the sugar, the cravings go away. I have been really watching what I eat sugar wise and have even changed the yogurt I eat to Blue Bunny since it has no added sugar and has Splenda in it for the sweetening. I'm really excited about getting this weight off and for some reason I feel differently about it this time around. I have no doubts I am going to get it off! I would like to be down around 200 or even 199.5 would be fine by the 1st of June, but I don't know if that's doable or not. That might be getting a little over zealous and setting my goals a might too high. But that's what I have my sites on anyway..... for now.

This morning I tried a new "breakfast shake" and really enjoyed it. It was soy protein in 8 ounces of water with 2 small banannas mixed in with a carton of Blue Bunny vanilla yogurt. It filled me up, felt healthy and I wasn't hungry all morning. Usually when I have a snack, I try to make it some kind of protein (low fat or fat free) and it seems to keep me from being hungry. Hard boiled eggs have been what I've been eating for my morning snack. This morning I didn't have them.....

I got more done today, too. I think the fact that I'm eating better is giving me more energy than I've had lately... that nasty junk food and refined sugar really drags me down - physically and emotionally. The vicious cycle of overeating and eating bad foods begats the negative feelings I have and terrible self esteem I'm plagued with. When I'm eating healthier, it's a positive cycle that I get into of better foods and positive feelings of accomplishment that help my self esteem and boost my energy! The thing I need to remember is that it's MY CHOICE which cycle I am going to be on! MY CHOICE! That's pretty exciting really.....

Another weigh and measure day and I'm really happy to report that I lost another 4 & 1/2 pounds and 4 inches! I knew that I'd lost this week because I could feel it, but I had no idea it would be 4 & 1/2 pounds. I'm really pleased about that, because it's also without any exercise. I know I need to add it and actually FINALLY started my "8 minutes in the morning for real shapes and sizes" and I was SO excited that I did it all - warm-up AND cool down included. I didn't cut corners and did the exercises just like they were outlined. I plan to add more to that in the future, but this is where I am starting for now. I am really out of shape and don't want to do too much too soon or I'll get discouraged and stop. I know myself and that's one of the old patterns I've become aware of..... but I started the exercise, so I'm hoping that will help keep that weight coming off!

I almost fell into the "old" ways last night when I knew that I felt like I'd lost weight and knew I'd be weighing in this morning, the thought crossed my mind to skip dinner altogether. But then I thought to myself that if I have to skip meals to lose weight, that's not the healthy way to do it and it won't last. I am after LASTING weight loss more than I am FAST weight loss. Don't get me wrong..... I'd love to see this flab vanish with the fat fairy one night. But since that's not going to happen, I have to do what I can to make lifestyle changes and replace all these negative thoughts and bad habits with positive thoughts and good healthy habits. I am on my way! WooHoo!!

Hi DJ,

Sounds like you are on your way. When you can lose with the success you are having and with not being hungry you should be able to stick with it. Good luck.

Carol

You are looking good there, Dj. Just take it a day at a time, and enjoy life.

Dj :)
how wonderful to see you here posting in the journals forum..no need for YOU to feel nervous..you are a diettalk idol to me sweetie. i have missed seeing you around here in one spot where i can keep up with you...seems like lately a lot of my fave people are posting again..that makes me happy!
Have a wonderful week Dj. 4.5 pounds gone already..thats success!
hugs bell :)

:) Hi DJ!! Welcome to the neighborhood!!!

Hi DJ :wave:

I am so thrilled you are here in the journals! You always offer so much support to everyone here at DT and now we have a better chance at giving some of it back to you :D

I read all of your updates and am excited for you - heck you got me excited for me! lol I just love your attitude and am going to adopt it right along with you - this time we WILL do it!

I am so proud of you when you had a bad day and you did not turn to food!!!! YEAHHHHHHHHH :cheer:

The lbs and inches are leaving you my friend - how thrilling!!!!!!!!

TOGETHER we CAN do this!!!!!!

Beth :not:

Hi Dj,

Welcome to the journals!! Nice to finally see your smiling face here. Now I can find you and see what you are up to!~

I am really happy that you did decide to journal. That is what helps me the most. Plus coming here and reading about others.

I know you will enjoy being here and have some fun!!

Hope you have a good night!!

Love and hugs,
Lizzie

Hi DJ,

What a pleasant surprise it was to see that you have started a Journal ... :welcome:

We all need support and encouragement as we travel this journey to our success ....

Just so that you know starting March 30th, we're forming a Support Group (I am using some of the guidelines that Dr. Phil suggests in his book The Ultimate Weight Solution).

I sincerely hope you will decide to join us ... I have made this my final commitment to get off these last remaining pounds of blubber ..

When I started my Journal in January I weighed 186.5 ... and here we are in March and I am 185.5 ... that isn't much progress to me ....

I have to constantly reread Dr. Phil's book to not throw in the towel .. but my nature is such I may think about it .... BUT I WILL NEVER DO IT.

Again so pleased that you are starting your journal and I will read with interest hearing about your success ... As always, Monica

Wow! I was really surprised to come in here and find all this support already. Thank you all SO much! It means a lot to me especially since I've been so resistant to starting a journal in here in the first place. A lot of silly unfounded fears, but you all have helped a lot. Thank you again.....

Carol, not being hungry has been a mystery to me and something really new for me, too. I think the cravings don't come around because I'm really being careful about not consuming refined sugar and white flour. With the size of my "sweet tooth", it's almost a miracle I'm not craving sweets right now.

Thanks, Jo..... that's just the only way I can do this and that's one day at a time. I don't want to sabatoge myself by looking too far down the road and getting discouraged. I just keep reminding myself how time flies and one day at a time adds up really quickly!

Ah, Bell..... thanks so much for the warm words. I am glad I took the plunge and did it. I do need the support and I feel great already getting the cheers to carry on. It's wonderful. I'm happy to be here, too.

Hey, Jessica..... lol Just so long as the "welcome wagon" comes with non-edible goodies! *grin*

Beth, you made me want to go out and run around the neighborhood. What a great cheerleader you are! Thanks so much for the excitement you showed in your post..... that's awesome and makes me so glad that I'm writing in here.

Lizzie, I will need you to keep an eye on me..... lol some days, I might need lots of eyes! LOL But so far so good and this time seems different for me, so I'm hopeful once again. I haven't felt that way in awhile. When you lose and gain and lose and gain like I have, I just felt like such a failure and at times like I shouldn't even be here because of that. But then I am reminded of how human I am and lots of people here have been through the same thing and it's good to show people it's always too soon to give up!

Monica!! I was so excited to see that you posted. Thank you so much...... you'll have to let me know where you are doing the dr. Phil thing and I will definitely join you all. I have just started his book and am looking forward to learning all I can from it. I know the quality of my life can be so much better..... it's all up to what I do with it. You may have only lost a pound since the first of the year, but at least you are still going in the "down" direction. That's great! And you have done so much toward your goal of getting healthy. One of the true inspirations here at dt for sure!

Thanks again everyone........ I'm off to rehearse my piano pieces and then I'll be back to post how my day went. Hope everyone is having a great day! The sun is shining here in Ohio and that's always a bonus!

DJ,

I would be thrilled to have you join us ....

We will be meeting on Tuesday, March 30th at 3 p.m. EST .... I am going to create a separate room called Plain Talk ...

A little later today I am going to post my ideas of what our support group will be like .... if you are interested check out the 100 Plus Chat Forum under the thread Diettalk Support Group ...

I am asking for all participants to voice their ideas ... I am trying to make it clear that this isn't Monica's Support Group but Our Support Group ...

Make it a great day .. and I will definitely be checking back to read your Journal. As always, Monica

:caf:

DJ Oh I am so Happy you are here.... I to have been a Yo-Yo this year oh and the year before and the year before that.. But I won't give up.... NOPE......

Look out world Here we come....

:hug:

A Hearty Welcome Dj!

I guess I'm just a bit slow. I hadn't noticed your Journal until just now. But I want to join the others in welcoming you to the "neighborhood." I know that having you with us can only make it better for all of us.

Congratulations on the pounds lost already. I totally agree with you that a positive approach is the only one that is going to work when all is said and done. Keep that attitude and a smile on your face, and nothing can get you down.

I look forward to watching your progress. All together, we make one formidable group of "losers." But we are very happy losers!!

Hugs,
Sandie

Thanks, Monica.... I will definitely check it out. Thanks for posting the information. As for ideas, I'll have to see what you have in mind before I can think of any ideas. I'll go look later tonight or tomorrow sometime.

MAXIMUM! lol I love your smilie face...... I'm glad I'm not the only one who's been in that yo yo place, but I'm also glad we are finding our way and doing it together!

Thanks for the welcome, Sandielynn.... I always appreciate hearing from you. I know what you mean about attitude. I can always tell when mine is slipping because I view things SO differently. I'm glad that I've begun to recognize that....
lol @ losers.... I guess we are a great bunch of losers at that!

Today was a good day for me. I'm starting to feel a bit better from my bronchitus and I got some things done around the house, which always feels good. I got most of my laundry caught up until the washer quit working for some reason..... seems like when it rains it pours for things not working. My car isn't working right now either... needs a new alternator. I'm lucky that my husband is so good with fixing things that he'll be able to fix them, but it's just finding time inbetween work times.

But all in all with all the work I got done, it was extra movement and that's always a bonus. I did my "8 minutes in the morning" workout and had it done before 9:30am which is an improvement. Eventually I would like to have it done before breakfast and then go directly out for my walk. I figure since there is a warm up and a cool down, I'd be good and ready for walking. And if I do those before breakfast, they'll be done for the day and I won't be able to procrastinate them away. I am good for saying "after I do this one thing, I'll go for my walk..." yadda yadda and consequently my day is gone and I didn't walk. But I know it'll all fall into place when I have a little bit more stamina and strength. It's been so long since I've done any "intentional exercise", that I am very, very out of shape... not to mention a bad knee. But I'm determined to stick to my 8 minutes in the morning for starters and go from there.

My food was good today, too, and I am ALWAYS grateful for that! lol I had an urge to grab something before dinner as my husband phoned and said he was going to be late. I knew I could wait and I knew I didn't need anything, but still kept thinking about what I could have. So I made myself sit down in the living room with a glass of water and watched tv until he got home. And that kept me from eating a needless snack! YEA ME!

Right now we're getting ready to watch American Idol and I won't be eating anymore tonight. My husband and mother (she lives with us....) usually have something "ice creamy" and I'm not eating desserts or sugary things (gave them up for lent), so I'll pass on that. I'm also trying to set a certain time in the evening and not eat after that. Right now it's 8pm, but eventually I'd like that to be 7:30.....

Hope everyone else is having a good evening! I'll try to get back to some more journals tomorrow. There are so many! aacckk!! *grin* Sleep well everyone and see you tomorrow......

Sounds like another very successful day Dj! WooHoo!!!:D

I know exactly what you mean about watching it with the exercise and not over-doing it when you have not done it for a good while. I have a very hard time with that. When I'm feeling good and have the energy, I just want to go all out and do what I feel I'm able to do. Then I hurt myself, and pain takes over and even if I want to, I can't enjoy the exercise any longer. I try and try, but can't seem to find a way to pace myself right.

Today I went for a walk, outside in the sun and fresh air. I really shouldn't be walking more than about 10 minutes by now, but I walked 17 minutes, briskly too, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now my back is telling me I pushed just a bit too hard. My instinct is to ignore it, but my brain reminds me what happened the last time I did that..........so I guess if I find the chance to walk again tomorrow, it will be a bit less quickly and maybe not as long either. Very frustrating!!

Well, you certainly have the right ideas, great attitude, and good sense to go with both. Success is written all over you!

Hugs,
Sandie

Hi Dj, Just wanted to stop by and wish you all the best on your journey. You are off to a GREAT start. I have done the yo,yo thing many times myself,I bet most have. But as they say never give up trying. We will make it!

Have a GREAT day!

Hey Dj..

I see so many messages in your journal and I'm thinking.. How could I have missed this? Uh.. dude.. 21 posts in one day? My., aren't we the popular one! :D

Welcome to the journals. I TOLD you it wasn't as bad as you had thought!

Congrats on another good day! You rock!

Sandie/Dj - what do you mean you don't just jump into it? That would explain many a sore muscle. Hehehe

Corinna

and she rocking and a rolling and a groving and a moving lol :dn

you are doing so wonderful DJ.

Sorry but I had a picture of you sitting there watching tv, drinking water going "come on hubby come on, get home"! lol I laugh as I have so been there and done that before. Then he comes in 15 minutes later and I am like going goofy and he is like " oh sorry stopped down at the barn was was talking to so and so".......ackkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk :caf: lol

So now I chew on a plain stalk of celery and have my glass of water while waiting :)

Beth :not:

glad to hear that you are getting over your bronchitis Dj :)
So was American Idol the country theme tonight..we are always a few days behind here in Australia..i see they are planning a Barry Manilow night too...should be fun! i like the way they are doing all different themes..
Have a great week my friend.
hugs bell :)

Hi Dj So glad to see you posting in the journals. And doubly sorry for finding you so late. But I haven't been coming to diet talk very regular. For the simple reason that I don't deserve all you worthy people working so hard to lose and then there's me still yo yoing.
Anyway hope I'm starting over again and again we just can't give up. But I think I was brewing something like a stomach flu spent most of yesterday in bed got up this morning feeling better. So maybe today will be a good one.
Anyhow congratulations on the lbs. lost I read right through your journal as I love the way you write your such an inspiration to us all.

Hi Debby,

You are really doing good. I still think slow and steady is the answer. How is the "8 Minutes" doing. I started out with 3 lb weights and now have boosted it to 10 lb for most things. If I have to lift from an outstretched position I fall back to 3 or 5 lb. I still haven't built up enough strength to hold my arms at my side and lift straight out with the heavier weights. I do this before breakfast. Have you noticed a difference in your energy level?

Hope today is another good day.

Carol

Hi ya DJ... :wave:

Kudos to you for grabbin some water instead of something that would have satisfyed the mouth but not the tum..

I find that I always want to munch on some thing.. before dinner, and I use to grab some chips, now I make myself grab a Apple... or Hot tea... Oh hey didja hear they are going to have Kimberly Locke on tonight.. AND AND SURVIVOR IS ON TOOOO What to doooo... :caf:

LOL, Thanks, Maxi..... :D you make me laugh every time. I am going to be taping survivor and watching after hubby goes to sleep, so we can watch American Idol as it's happening. I am a taping fool this time of year! LOL I've done that too with the apple and I slice it so that it seems like more.... dumb, I know, but it slows me down in my eating some. I've been drinking peppermint herb tea every afternoon, too. It's so good and I read somewhere that peppermint will suppress your appetite. I don't know if that's true or not, but I'm really enjoying the tea!

Carol, the 8 minutes in the morning is going good, except I haven't done it yet today! aacckk!! Got to get moving. But I'm doing the new one that he has out..... "8 minutes in the morning for real shapes and real sizes" and it doesn't have weights so far. They are strength resistance exercises where you push against the table or your hands against each other, that type of thing. The only thing about it that is really difficult is the cool down because every time I get down on the floor to do it, our youngest dog wants to play and she brings her sock over and drops it on my head. lol I'm glad you let me know that you really feel like the 8 minutes has worked for you. That's encouraging!

Boblin! Thanks..... It's so good to see you!! It's been a long time, hasn't it? And you haven't been so slow to find me. I just started my journal day before yesterday, so I've just been in here a short time. I haven't even had time to go around to other people's journals much yet. And you DO deserve everyone's support here at dt..... just because you've been yo yo-ing just means you are human like the rest of us and there'd be a lot of us that wouldn't be here if it that were the case! We need you, too.... you've always been a great support! I'm glad you are feeling better and glad you came back and didn't give up! We can all do this together, you know....

Bell, I am getting over my bronchitus, but last night coughed my head off until 2am. I hate when that happens!! But on OTHER nights when I've woken up, I would sometimes eat something like cereal or whatever and watch TV until I got sleepy again, but this time I didn't turn on the TV so it wouldn't feel like I should be eating.....(habit, you know....) I just laid back down after taking some medicine and went right back to sleep and NO FOOD WAS CONSUMED!! lol American Idol is country this week..... I like that they are doing different themes, too. I think it shows who can handle the different kinds of music.

LOL, Beth...... I should have been rocking and a rolling..... more calories burned. lol I did start dinner as soon as he walked in, though. I was starving!!

Cori.... lol it wasn't just one day.... it was two days. And as far as jumping into the exercises, I could do that when I was your age, but at MY age, I know better. lol It's hard, though, when you are used to being athletic and not starting out slowly and then you HAVE to...... patience is something I have to work on every day. lol Thanks!

Millie, thanks for reminding me I'm not alone.... that really helps, it really does! And you are right..... we WILL make it!!

Sandielynn..... your walk sounds awesome. I do love walking outside the best. But it does sound like maybe you overdid it a bit. Do you have one of those rice socks that you can heat in the microwave? That's a great thing to put across a sore back or muscle of any kind... the heat is awesome. If you don't, I can tell you how to make one. It's dead easy!

Well, I'm off to do my "8 minutes in the morning"....... I know, I know..... it's no longer morning, but I'm still doing it before I start fixing dinner. lol Have a good day ladies. I'll be back later.

Well, wanted to make a report before I sign off to watch American Idol at 8:30..... Survivor is taping right now..... gotta love those VCR's.

I had a good day today. Didn't get a lot done, but had a good conversation on the phone with a friend who called me and that was nice. I don't spend a lot of time on the phone usually. My food was good and I did the 8 minutes in the morning, although it wasn't until around 3:30 this afternoon! lol I was out in the morning with one of my daughters that stopped by and I didn't have time to do it this morning. But at least it got done and I didn't skip a day. We had a good healthy dinner, but I honestly was prepared to come in here and tell you all I'd over eaten because I made baked ziti in these individual casserole dishes that I have and love. But they are pretty big........ I figured I'd eat the whole thing. Weeeelllll....... I only ate HALF of it and saved the other half for tomorrow or Friday!! I had a small whole wheat role, and a bunch of french green beans and I ate those first before I started the ziti. I think that really helped me to feel full.

I'm shocked at myself....... and I'm totally full and satisfied and not stuffed like my husband and my mom are right now! LOL

Have a good evening everyone and I'll be back tomorrow. I have errands to run a good portion of the day, so it might not be until tomorrow afternoon, but I will return. Hope you all sleep well!

Well, here it is the end of another day. Today was harder than most have been so far. I didn't get my "8 minutes in the morning" in, but I did manage to walk at least 1 mile. It might have been more, but not much more.

I was just so frustrated this afternoon and didn't really know why..... just antsy and wanting SO BADLY TO MUNCH!! aacckk!! I hate feeling like that. I managed to keep the munching to 1 serving of almonds (1/4 cup) and then had a healthy dinner. Now I'm getting ready to take my meds, wash my face, brush my teeth and climb in bed. I'm going to read a bit and then off to sleep!

I guess I should feel good about the fact that I still had a good day with my food. I didn't over eat or eat things that are unhealthy, so why in the world don't I feel good about today. :c(

Weird..... very weird..... maybe I'm just tired. Goodnight everyone......

Hi Dj Congratulations on not turning to food while being under the weather as I Call it. hope you get up in great up and with it spirit tomorrow it does make things much easier. So when is your first weigh in or are you weighing at all.

Hi DJ,

I know what you're saying I call that my feeling "nudgey" .. where anything and everything is fair game ...

Now I always have either a full bowl of cut up vegetables or cut up fruit ... I especially love the summer months ..

The fact you were able to eat just a small packet of almonds is to your credit :up: ....

I think your solutions is terrific .... at least you aren't going to turn on the boob tube and see food ... food .... food to tempt you ..

Pat yourself on the back for having FOLLOWED THROUGH SUCCESSFULLY ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS PLAN . Make it a great evening. As always, Monica

Thanks, Linda...... I slept in this morning and do feel a bit better. I guess I need to remember I am just getting over bronchitus, so maybe that's part of it. I weigh in every Monday morning and I take my measurements, too. I chose Monday's because it helps me to stay true to my eating over the weekend when I know I'm facing the scale on Monday morning. I've lost 13.5 pounds and 16 inches just since I started eating better around lent time. I'm really pleased because up until this week, that's been without exercise. Now that I'm adding some exercise in there, I'm hoping it will continue.

Monica, I don't have the veggies cut up yet, but I do have fruit washed and ready. But I was afraid to grab even that because I was afraid if I started I wouldn't stop. Looking back, I probably should have grabbed some water because my water was down yesterday, too. Interesting..... I was down and my water was down.... hmmm.....lol Funny you'd say that about the tv, too. Bedtime is usually my hardest time not to eat. I don't know how it happened, but I got in the habit of getting something to munch on in bed after Alan went to sleep..... I'd turn on the tv and watch and eat in bed. Now what I do is brush my teeth and gargle with listerine to ensure I'm not going to eat! Food never tastes good after listerine.... actually nothing tastes good after listerine! LOL

Thanks for the encouragement, Linda and Monica. I really appreciate it.

Well, another day down....... where do they all go to. I guess as I get older the days just fly by. I can't believe it's already Spring! But it rained all day today and things are getting much greener, so warm weather is just around the corner. That will be really a nice change for me.



I'm going to try to start listing my food here like I've seen so many doing.

Today I had:

BREAKFAST:
1 bowl of Special K with Strawberries - 2% milk

MORNING SNACK:
1 tangerine

LUNCH:
1 Lean Cuisin egg roll dinner
6 strawberries
1 large sliced cucumber
2 slices of FF lebanon baloney (80 calories total 0 fat 0 sugar)

AFTERNOON SNACK:
1 5.5 ounce V-8 juice

DINNER
Japanese chicken terriyaki w/cabbage, broccoli, bean sprouts, 1/2 cup white rice

TREAT WITH HUBBY WATCHING A MOVIE:
1 cup SF jello w/ 2 tbls. FF cool whip (15 cals total 0 fat 1 g sugar)

And that's it......Oh, my water......

WATER
100 ounces

EXERCISE
8 minutes in the morning

And THAT'S it..... lol

I feel full and satisfied and glad that I got through another day. I'm still a bit down, but I think it's all part of getting totally over this gunk I've had..... It's supposed to be sunny and warm out tomorrow. I'm sure that will help. Part of it is just feeling so FAT! I didn't feel like this a couple of days ago..... aacckk!

Hope everyone has a great weekend......

Wow Dj,

You are doing just :super:!! I know at times it can be almost unbearable when you are not feeling your best, to hang in there and deny yourself something you want so much. That is character building! But then we all knew you had great character!!

It was rather nice here this morning. And I'm hoping it will be tomorrow also. Maybe our sun will shine on you this weekend also. Wouldn't that be nice?

Take care now. Remember, when you are ill, rest and fluids. Plenty of both and you will feel better much quicker.

Hugs,
Sandie

Thanks a bunch, Sandielynne..... the encouragement is so appreciated. Here lately, even though I've been eating healthy, I've been feeling so "heavy" afterwards. So I thought in writing out what I've eaten for the day will help me to look back at it and know that I'm eating well and not over eating.... I don't want to swing the other way and starting eating too little because of feeling so "full".

I checked our forecast for today and it's changed a little bit..... cloudy for today, but no rain at least. When I let my dogs out this morning at 5am, it was foggy and so quiet except for the chirping of all the birds waking up. I just stood there and enjoyed it. I love listening to the birds.

Today I'm going to do some sorting of all our books. I've taken them off our shelves (4 floor to ceiling shelves full of them....lol so they are all over the floor). I'm going to wipe down all the shelves, and then start sorting the books into what we're not keeping and then into authors and categories. Then at least I'll be able to find what I want without pulling books out and looking everywhere.

I'm also going to work on my "Dream book". I don't think I've talked about that much at dt, but it's really helping me. I'm on my 3rd book now and enjoying it alot. I've taken plain scrapbooks and old magazines and I cut out pictures that will encourage me, or inspire me or make me smile...... I have pictures of outfits that I would wear when I am a normal size and lots of things like that. When I feel like getting into something I shouldn't be into, I can pull out one of those books and look at the pictures and have instant "willpower". It's amazing how something like that can work. It's relaxing, too, to sit and paste these pictures in there. I'd recommend it to anyone!

Well, I'm off to cuddle my hubby for a bit..... Take care and have a great weekend!

Holy moly, Dj! You rock! You're doing great! What a wonderful way to move into spring, the season of rebirth. =)

Your going to do it this time DJ. I can see it in your post's you are watching closely to why and when you eat and that is very important.
That book sounds interesting would be something to base a meeting on but i'm no longer the president at tops. Gave it up after three years. I will now be assistant weight watcher at least with a posting i'll feel I have to be there.
Keep up the great work Dj I'm starting my 4 th day of healthy eating. Today will prove to be cruel as I have a spaghetti supper to cook today complete with salads sugar pies and poor man's pudding. They told me to be ready for at least 200. So needless to say there won't be no chat for me today.

Take care.

Good Morning DJ,

Did you say 4 floor to ceiling bookshelves ? Tell me would you like to have a 72 year old man come and stay with you ... lol PERMANENTLY .... he wouldn't take up much space and as long as you gave him a cup of coffee to drink; a chair to sit in and a lamp to turn on when it becomes dark .... he would be absolutely no problem .... my husband loves to sit and read .... his favorite store is Barnes & Noble ....

Ten years ago when my daughter Laurie got married and moved out we converted her bedroom into a den (lol before Les would go into our garage -- which he sometimes still does ... and read) and I created two floor to ceiling book shelves .... and he keeps ordering more or going to Barnes & Noble ...

I guess I shouldn't complain .... I have a wall of VHS films ... and since my son-in-law purchased my first DVD ... I have quite a collection of those ....

Make it a great day. As always, Monica

Timmi! Thank you so much..... that means a lot coming from you. You are always so careful about what you eat and you exercise SO much. It's awesome.... you're right..... spring is the season of rebirth and that's just how I feel. Reborn and rejuvinated! thanks again....

Boblin..... my gosh you are one brave woman! Cooking for 200 people?? AACCKK!! I hope you at least get some time to sit down and eat something! It's funny you mentioned that you think I'm going to do it this time. I've started and re-started so many times and yet this time I really do feel differently and I don't know why. But I'm glad and I'm taking advantage of it for sure! Thanks for being such a great support!

Monica......LOL@ having your hubby over! I do love to read as well, but I must admit we also have more than a *few* VHS and DVD's, too. :o CD's as well..... I'm trying to sort them out and get rid of what we don't use. Time for Spring cleaning as well. It's nice that you turned a bedroom into a den.... that sounds great with the book shelves. We just turned a room my daughter moved out of into a sewing/craft room. Alan put a little tv in there for me and a nice chair if I want to read..... I finally finished the wall paper and am really pleased with how it all came together. Thanks for stopping by! I really appreciate it....

Have a wonderful weekend ladies and thanks again to all 3 of you. The clouds have cleared here and it's so sunny and nice out! You watch..... it'll get all warm and nice tomorrow afternoon and I have a 3 hour rehearsal right in the middle of it. Wonder if the director would move us outside? LOL

Is it a nice sunny day there? Hopefully we get it tomorrow! :) You keep at it, my friend.. You are doing wonderfully!

Corinna

Thanks, Cori...... I appreciate you saying that. And it did turn out to be sunny and pretty warm for this time of year. So I'll bet it's coming your way! Get out and get some fresh air tomorrow. That will help you feel better.

Today started out being a lazy day, but turned into a productive day. I woke up at 4 and couldn't sleep, so I got up at 5 and got on the computer. Alan started watching TV..... I crawled back in bed at 6 to get warm and a movie came on that we got interested in. We thought it was from 6-8am, but it turned out it was from 6-10am!! 4 HOURS!!! We sat in bed and watched that movie.......lol But after that we got up, took a short walk and ran some errands. I got my rehearsing done for the day and we had a nice dinner. Then we watched "Finding Forrester" with my mom. She lives with us for those of you that don't know me very well.... the movie was excellent and I'd recommend it to any of you that haven't seen it. The 4 hour movie we watched this morning was called "Night Sins". It's a book that I LOVED by Tami Hoag and the sequel book is called "Guilty as Sin". If you love intrigue, you'll love these books. The movie was very good as well.....

Okay..... so my meals today were as follows:

BREAKFAST:
1 bowl Special K w/strawberries & 2% milk

SNACK:
6 strawberries

LUNCH:
2 slices of FF lebonan baloney - 80 cals.
4 slices of lowfat sweet lebonan baloney - 90 cals. 1.5 grams fat
3 large celery sticks - celery sticks are cut in halves and luncheon meat is wrapped around the celery. It's great and low calorie, too!
1 tangerine
1 ounce WOW chips - 75 calories 0 Fat grams

SNACK:
1 whole wheat toast w/2 tbls fat reduced peanut butter & 2 tsp. strawberry sugar free jam.

DINNER
1 grilled pork chop
red potatoe pieces baked w/ 2 tbls. olive oil & onion soup mix
1 tossed salad with sunflower seeds, cherry tomatoes & green onions
1/4 cantelope

WATER:
80 ounces

EXERCISE
walked 1 mile

So that's it for me...... I am very tired after being up since 4 this morning so I'm on my way to bed. Have a good night everyone and sleep well!

Hi DJ - it's a bit late, but welcome to the journals! :) It's nice to see you here and get the scoop on how you're doing.

DJ - spring is in the air - Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!! people like you and I who have had enough of winter! :)

I might even go fishing this afternoon lol

I start my spring cleaning on Monday - Yippee!!! Can't wait till my house is all clean and spiffy :D

Your movies sound great - tim and I watched Sweet Home alabama last night and it was a funny type but not really comedy movie - was good.

Hope you got some sleep my friend.

Beth :not:

Good morning Dj how come your at the end of your day and I'm just starting LOL.
But it's sure good to come to your journal and see that your still with it.
Isn't it great to see the sun shinning and the birds chirping early in the morning.
Hope to run into you in chat. Take care

Hi DJ

Glad you are feeling better. Your eating sounds great. Keep up the good work.

Carol

Hrm.. I should spring clean, too! Good idea, Beth! :)

Dj - I'm guessing you like ff bologna? Hehehe, I hope it was tasty. Congrats on eating well, walking and enjoying the day. This morning, I was sick, so I went back to bed and now I work until midnight, but got in my exercise. Yay me!

Corinna

Hey Dj,

Glad to see you had a fun AND eventful productive day. Good girl on the walking too. I wish I could walk 5 miles, but I have a feeling I will NEVER see that again. But a girl can always hope, right?

I love being able to stop in and say hello. Like going for a walk through the neighborhood, and stopping in to visit all the neighbors and chatting for a few and then moving on. Don't you think?

Well, I hope your week is as wonderful as your day was.

Take care
Sandie

Hi DJ!

I thought I'd pop in and see how you were doing - looks good! Have a great week!

100togo

Sunday is done and gone....... I am bushed, but in a good way. We had a 3 hour really hard rehearsal. But the choir already sounds great and our performances don't start until the end of May. Everyone's working so hard and it's so heart warming to see people volunteer and give up their Sunday afternoons to do the kind of service that we do. I am really blessed to be a part of them all!

dea.... thanks so much for stoping in and saying hi. I'm trying to get around to everyone's journal, but it's hard, isn't it! lol There are so many of us.

Beth, I did have a good sleep, thanks..... and we saw "Sweet Home Alabama" and it was really cute. We all enjoyed it a lot. We had a beautiful spring-ish day here and I wore sandles to my rehearsal!! I thought about you today and wondered if you were as lucky as I was to have such beautiful weather. I sure hope so!

Boblin..... it sure is great to see the sun and hear the birds. When we get our lawn furniture out, I love to sit out back with a cup of coffee first thing in the morning and just listen to the morning sounds. It's so nice to start the day out that way. Thanks for stopping by to say hi!

Carol, thanks for coming by to see me, especially since you've been so sick! I'm glad you are feeling a bit better though.

Cori..... sorry to hear you were sick, too. That's really hard when you have to work, too. You are always so faithful to your exercise..... when I grow up I want to be just like you with your exercise. *grin* You are amazing with that....... and yes, I love this particula ff balogna. It's spicy and so good..... wish I could send you some. Maybe when we finally get together at some point, I'll have to bring you some. I think you'd really like it. It's not like regular baloney at all.

Sandielynne...... I think if you keep increasing your walking, you'll hit 5 miles some day. Just keep doing what you're doing and anything is possible. I have a goal to play racquetball again someday, too. I'm determined!! I hope you have a great week, too..... thanks so much for always giving me encouragement!

100togo! Thanks so much...... I am looking forward to getting to know some of the people who post in this forum. Have a great week!

Soooo.... here is my menu for the day:

BREAKFAST
1 bowl corn flakes w/bananas - 2 % milk

SNACK
1 sliced apple
1 slice English muffin bread with sf jam

LUNCH
1 ff baloney (real baloney this time, Cori...lol) with lowfat swiss cheese on lite whole wheat bread w/mustard
1 ounce WOW chips
1 tangerine

SNACK
1 - 5.5 ounce V-8 juice

DINNER
1 egg salad sandwich, made with "just 2 good hellman's mayo", green bell peppers, green onions, celery, mustard on lite whole wheat bread
1/2 ounce WOW chips
1 tossed salad w/cherry tomatoes (6), green onions, sunflower seeds (1 tablespoon)

WATER
93 ounces

EXERCISE
I didn't........ :c( but I was gone a good part of the day. I guess this will be my "rest" day.

I'm on my way to bed everyone. Take care and have a good evening. I hope to see some of you in chat this week! And I'll visit some more journals tomorrow. Good night :ghug:

Hi DJ,

Thanks so much for stopping by my journal! Looks like your menu is pretty good. Although I must admit, I don't think I've had egg salad since I was a kid. Have switched to egg beaters ... the spicy ones are my fave. Anyway, good luck on your journey! looks like you have made great progress already! Geesh, 4 pounds in a week and inches too! Wonderful! I have a long way to go too...but we will get there, slowly but surely!

TTYL, Iv

Hi ivoryrose and thanks for stopping by my journal, too. I know what you mean about wanting and needing support. It's so important to all of us. I am trying to stop by as many journals as I can..... I think I'm going to try to get to a certain amount each week. It's hard when time is hard to come by. But you are right..... we all will get there! So many people are working so hard at it.

I wanted to check in and say that today was my weigh and measure day. I am so happy to report that I lost another 3 pounds and 1 inch!!! I was actually looking forward to getting on the scale this morning! lol THAT'S a change for sure!!

I'll be back later...... have to get out and run some errands, which I've been procrastinating. Hope everyone's having a good day!

CONGRATULATIONS DJ ON HAVING ANOTHER VERY :super: SUCCESSFUL WEIGH IN ... THREE POUNDS GONE FOREVER ... :cheer: ... and not only pounds lost but inches lost as well. Congratulations you are really a successful loser. Make it a great day. As always, Monica

Hi Dj just a wee note to Congratulate you on another 3 lb loss. Way to go girl your doing it. And on that note i'm out the door for a walk and coffee. Keep it up.

Dj, you're doing just great!! Keep it up. Losing those lbs. is fun, isn't it?

Wow look at you go girl :)
3 more pounds eliminated forever, looking forward to getting on the scales???how cool is that, you must have worked hard this week and knew you would reap the rewards!
Great job.Hope this week is a happy and healthy one for you. :)
hugs bell :)

OH WOWEEEE!!! Happy dance for you, lady! :ex: :dc :dn You are really taking it off. Seeing your menu/exercise is really helpful...ideas that are working for someone else are always inspirational...it's good to mix things up once in a while! Whatever you are doing is sure as heck working, so keep it up! And just think -- 3 pounds is 12 STICKS OF BUTTER melted off your bum!

As for the support angle, here's the thing, we DO need support. Just putting things down in writing helps, but getting that feedback helps a LOT. Plus, it gives me, for one, an outlet for my bizarre humor and observations ... which I'm sure my friends appreciate. ha ha

Keep up the great work! --Iv

:cheer:CONGRATULATIONS Dj - DOWN 3 LBS.:cheer:

What a wonderful and successful week you had lady! I am so happy for you! Way to go Dj!!!!!

Hugs,
Sandie

Thanks, Monica! I'm really excited about it, too! It's been awhile since I've felt like there just might be some hope for me after all.

Boblin..... thanks a bunch! I appreciate it...... have a good walk!

Thanks, Jo..... it's nice to have you in my cheering section! I am going to be a big loser in no time! LOL and you're right.. it is fun! I haven't been this excited about something in a long time.

Bell.... lol I couldn't believe that I was excited to get to the scales either. But I could tell I'd lost more by the way my clothes were fitting. Isn't that just the best feeling!!

Thanks, ivory..... what a neat way to think about losing 3 pounds..... 12 sticks of butter! I'd never thought about it that way before. That's cool...... thanks again!

Sandie..... you and I must have been posting at the same time! Thanks so much for stopping by! I had a great week and I'm looking forward to another just like it..... coming here and getting all this help is wonderful, too. I'm sure that's a big part of why I've been able to do it this time around. I'm not alone......

I had so much to do today and felt like I didn't get much done, although when I go over my list, I did get pretty much of it done. Oh, well....... progress not perfection, right? My food for today was:

BREAKFAST
Special K with strawberries - 2% milk

SNACK
2 slices lebanon baloney - 80 cals, FF
1 string cheese

LUNCH
1 egg salad sandwich on whole wheat bread (lowfat mayo)
1 whole cucumber
1/2 ounce WOW chips

SNACK
1/2 canteloupe

DINNER
1 sirloin burger w/onion and tomato
1 whole wheat bun
baked fries (sprayed with butter pam & garlic salt and baked)
1 cup of green beans

WATER
88 ounces

I'm on my way to bed again....... take care everyone and have a great evening!

3 pounds and 1 inch GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YIPPEE :dn

:cheer:

I am soooooooooooooo proud of you!:D

Beth :not:

Your on a roll Dj your going to do this for you this time. No one else matters but you. Isn't it just great getting up in the morning with this feeling of success. I don't know how many good days this has been for me I think it's 6 tomorrow will be my week up.
together we can together we will.

:cheer: Hooray for the losses!!

Another good Monday. Doesn't it feel good to see results.

Hugs,

Carol

Thanks so much, Beth, Linda, dea & Carol...... I am still feeling better, have more energy than I've had in awhile and get so excited every time I think I'm going to be able to get into my old clothes! I have some beautiful clothes that I haven't been able to wear since I started gaining my weight in 1996. So I am REALLY looking forward to getting into them again. I even have my dress picked out for my husbands Christmas party this year.... LOL Talk about planning ahead. And that's if I get to go.... this last year, I had a performance and couldn't go. :( But nevermind... that's a ways off and I have lots to look forward to this year.

I had this situation today that nearly caused me to eat.... but I had to laugh afterwards thinking what a joker God can be. hehehe..... I ran out to do some errands... I had 3 places to go and I wanted to hurry so I could get back for Monica's new support group meeting. All my jeans were in the dryer and not dry yet, so I threw on this winter-ish outfit that I have and the pants are a thin material, but still kind of wool-ish.. it's some wool cashmere blend. So I put knee hi's on and I'm out the door. I stop at the bank first..... park out front where I see a door (this isn't my bank, so I didn't know...), get out of my car and walk up to the door and it says "emergency exit only". aarrgghh..... so I thought, well, I'll just walk around the back anc be grateful for extra exercise. I walked around the back and went in, made the deposit for my daughter and then walked back around the front to my car. As I'm walking to my car, I looked down because my legs feel funny from the knee down.... wouldn't you know it, I have static cling really bad and my slacks were just hugging my knee hi's something awful. I tried pulling on them, but I was a bit self conscious, too, and they weren't budging. So I got in the car and adjusted them in there and then drove to the insurance office. I get out of the car, walk about 5 steps and *shurlp* my knee hi's grab my pant legs again. Not only did this feel and look ridiculous, they were about 5 inches too short now, too. aagghh.... I felt so self conscious, I wanted to run and hide, but I had to run this errand to get this paper from the insurance agent for my daughter, so I did that self talk thing and kept on walking. I get the paper, hurry down to my car and head off in the direction of my last stop - Sam's club. Most of you know how big Sam's club is and when I parked up, I adjusted my pants and actually PRAYED for me not to have static cling, I was so embarrassed. LOL I got out of the car and of course you know I had static cling, so I prayed "okay.... I have static cling and I know it's not the end of the world and I probalby shouldn't be so vain. I'm working on that.... so could You at least not let me see anyone I know?" Well....... I run to the pharmacy and to a couple other areas and I check out. I'm just about to go out the door and I see this woman staring at me. I was starting to get a little ticked off, but I figured she was looking at my hideous pants!! All of a sudden I realized it was this girl I went to high school with and haven't seen in probably 15 years. Of course, I looked like a dork AND the last time she saw me, I was about 115 pounds with my clothes on! lol I wanted to crawl under my basket and probably would have attemted it if I thought there was even a remote chance of me FITTING under there. She recognized me (another prayer that God said forget it to....) lol and she came over and hugged me and told me how glad she was to see me. I wanted to scream. I slithered out to my car and nearly drove over the curb I was so nervous and then I saw TACO BELL.... Oh my goodness, I had the biggest urge to just drive up there and order one of everything on the menu! But somehow instead of going straight, I turned left and headed for home. (thank you God...*grin*) So I opened my flavored water and took a drink and started to relax.

On a serious note, I am trying so hard not to worry about how I look to other people, but since I hate the way I look, it's really difficult. I have more days that I feel good about what I'm wearing and how I look. But there are days when I just feel so huge and so ugly and it's hard to overcome those feelings. In the past, I would have gone through taco bell and then gone home and devoured whatever sweets I could find as well...... but today even with those same feelings of inadequacy, I didn't eat. I didn't need to because I drove away and let that feeling of "needing food for comfort" or "needing food to hide in" (if that makes sense) pass....... and it did pass. I guess that's why I like that saying "This too shall pass....." and it does whenever we let it. Isn't that just the greatest thing!

Soooo, after this novel, I need to go start dinner. It's going to be a healthy dinner, despite my pangs of embarrassment when I think about seeing Linda at Sam's club. Another good thing came out of all this, too.........

I NOW HAVE A NEW PAIR OF PAJAMAS!!!!!!!!!!!! .....doesn't matter if I have static cling in bed, does it! *evil grin*

DJ ..... I read your novel .. AND I THINK YOU DID 2004% SUPER . .... I posted the information about our Support Team in the 100 Plus Chat .... I think (at least I hope) it is self explanatory .... sometimes though what I think is self-explanatory LOL IT ISN'T to others ....

If you still have questions, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO ASK .... it is going to be new to all of us for a while ... but then when we get started it will take shape ....

I am so glad you stopped by and I am looking forward to all of us achieving our goals (or getting closer to achieving our goals) this year. Make it a great evening. Take care. As always, Monica :wn

Thanks, Monica. I did read what you posted in the 100+ forum and understood most of it. But didn't quite understand how we're forming groups of like diets and groups of same goal weights. That confused me a bit. You put me in with calorie counters and that's okay, too. Although, I may hope around a bit since I don't count calories. But I'm sure it'll all become clear to us as we go along with it. Thanks again......

Today my food was:

BREAKFAST
Special K with strawberries and 2% milk

SNACK
2 pieces of "pizza bread" which is 2 lite whole wheat pieces of bread toasted; add a large slice of fresh tomatoe; sprinkle with a wee bit of garlic salt and italian seasonings; top with part skim mozzerella cheese and broil until cheese melts. YUM!

LUNCH
1 egg salad sandwich on lite whole wheat bread
1/2 ounce WOW chips
green bell peppers & celery

SNACK
1/4 cup almonds

DINNER
Broccoli cheese quiche (made with skim milk and 50% lite cheddar cheese (oh geeze, I had lots of eggs today! lol Glad the egg salad is used up!)
tossed salad w/grape tomatoes, sunflower seeds & onions w/2 tbls. vinegrette dressing

WATER
97.4 ounces

EXERCISE
"8 minutes in the morning"

Good night everyone..... I got woken up VERY early this morning by what I thought was one of my kids crying. It was 4:50am. I picked up the phone to hear this squealing.... and it scared me to death! Here it was squeals of delight as my daughter's cat was having her kittens IN HER BED! She had 6 teeny tiny little fur balls.... lol She's 25 and had never seen anything like this before... she was SO excited! Needless to say, I'm bushed and am on my way to bed. Have a good night everyone!

Poor Dj! I hate, hate, hate those evil clothing days. I'm happy you didn;t let it get to you TOO much.. *I* think you're beautoful and it should count for something, no? Hehehe

Corinna

Should I congratulate you on being a grandma? :)

LOL, jess....... kitty grandma. I wish it were a real grandma! Although, I keep telling my kids that I'm too young to be a grandma. But I have two big boxes filled with things just in case... lol My "grandma boxes". Ready and waiting!

Thanks, Cori.... and yes that counts for something... a lot actually. That was nice of you to say. I just hate those days when I'm so self conscious, I'd just rather stay in the house. lol I'm better at pushing myself out the door these days, though. Thank goodness!

I had a grand dog for years before my daughter finally had her first child. She was married 6 years before Kim was born. My grand dog looked much like her "mother". Rhonda had long blonde hair with freckles and her cocker spaniel was a blonde party cocker with freckles over her nose.

Carol

Carol, that made me laugh!

Shawn and I had dogs early in our relationship (1? 2? years into it?)...Baby took 8 years...But it was important for us to be settled, Shawn wanted to complete his degree, have a stable job making reasonable money....

Waiting was a good thing, for us. There are still difficulties, but I can't imagine how rough it would have been had we done that early on...

Awwwww, kittens (trouble is, they grow up to be bad kittties with stinky bottoms.)

Hi ya DJ :hug:

Your so sweet. You know I use to worry about my appearance so much that I never left the house without my eyes done and pantyhose on...

Now I COULD CARE LESS... Don't get me wrong... I should care more... But these days as long as it doesnt bother I could care less if it bothers someone else...

Course thats me.... Miss not so sweet.... :rofl:

YOU HANDLED IT WELL......my friend...

How exciting little teeny tiny furbiees...... awl...:)

Awwwww, newborn kitties :) One year, we had this cat birth her kitties on my sister's winter coat. Lucky duck. She got a new coat out of the deal. ;-)

Static cling is one of the reasons I stopped wearing hose. However, if you find that happening again, and if you have some lotion around, rub some lotion on top of your hose. Sounds dorky but it does help for a brief period of time.

Dj - it would have been nicer if I had spelled beautoful properly. ;)

I hate staying in the house! It's WAY too messy! Hehehe

Corinna

newborn kitties..how gorgeous Dj...i love cats. much more a cat person than a dog person...i would love another cat but hubby is pushing for a dog..if only someone else would feed and walk it occaasionally i wouldnt mind lol..
You did so great not letting the knee hi thing set you off on an eating bender..i am really proud of you!
Hope you manage to catch up on your sleep...
hugs bell :)

Hi Dj,

Oh boy, can I relate to your knee highs story. It's happened to me more often than I care to remember. But then, that's the whole problem. I do forget, put them on, and then get out of the car at the store, and the minute I try to walk I am reminded again not to wear knee highs........haha Always too late, of course. And then all the way around the store, there I am yanking at my pant legs.

I had a cat once that decided to have her kittens in my linen closet. I wasn't too thrilled to have that mess on my clean bedding and such, but actually it frightened me more than anything else. The shelf she had the kittens on was quite high, and if one of them had fallen out, it could have been killed by the fall. So we moved her and the babies right off to a safer place, and I got the linens all washed and cleaned. She didn't seem to mind me moving her, and my children just loved watching the babies growing and developing.

I was in the "neighborhood" and thought I would stop in, say hello, and also tell you how pleased I am by your doing so well and staying strong under very trying circumstances.

Hugs,
Sandie

Oh DJ, I hate those days when I feel like I look like a frump - is frump a real word? lol It is now lol :)

I hate knee highs - except for a different reason - my fall down and hang around my ankles and I feel and look like a frump!.........sigh

You did :super: on not going to drive through!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of you.

Beth :not:

Well, I've been MIA for the last couple days on my journal... I've been really busy and every time I came into dt to start on posts, someone would phone or I'd have to leave the house and I never got down here to post my menus. So I'm going to update and do it now.....

There is a kitty update.... 5 of the kittens are doing well, but one of them died and Cimmee and her roommate were really upset over that one. But it seems the mother cat doens't have her motherly instincts yet since she is young and this is her first litter. The vet says they will come along, but right now the girls are having to work really hard at keeping the mama cat in the box with the kittens to keep their body temps what they should be. I guess for the first couple of weeks, the kittens can't regulate their own body temperature and the mother cat should be in with them all the time. This cat keeps jumping in and out of the box like she can't figure out why these little creatures are hanging all over her. lol They are going to bury the little one that didn't make it in one of my other daughter's garden. That was a tough one for them, but something they need to learn to handle.

Jess....... lol @ kitties with stinky bottoms! Sometimes dogs get those, too.... or stinky breath from licking their stinky bottoms! I'm not sure which is worse! *grin*

Maxi..... thanks for thinking I am sweet.... there are people that would disagree, I'm sure. I had a go around with a manager of a Best Buy this afternoon. lol I'm sure he's thinking I'm not so sweet either. But then again he didn't get to see me at my best with my static cling! LOL

dea, thanks for that helpful hint with the lotion. I never heard that one before. I've heard about keeping a fabric softener sheet on hand to rub on slips and hose, etc. But I didn't have any. The thought crossed my mind to buy some in the store, but I don't use them (I use liquid softner) and the box at Sam's club was HUGE! lol Hopefully, I wouldn't see THAT much static in a lifetime..... lol

Corinna.... no problem on the spelling. I read phonetically anyway. lol

Thanks, bell..... I appreciate that. I've been thinking a lot about how I've learned to turn to food for things like anger and comfort...... when I'm hurting or sad. It's strange and I don't know when it started or why, but it's very real. I guess it's a habit and one I need to break. So far so good..... I just need to take it one feeling at a time, I guess.

Thanks, sandie...... I'm glad I'm not the only one that's struggled with their knee hi's. I am not going to be wearing those again any time soon! lol I'm glad you stopped by.....

Beth..... lol Frump is a word I definitely understand! Something I feel like from time to time. And thanks.... I am glad I didn't go through that pesky drive through as well. Those can be deadly for me. It's so "annonomous" to get food that way.

Soooo...... my food has still been okay, although I feel bloated and feel like I've gained for some reason. Maybe I'm retaining water from the prednizone I'm on for my cough or maybe I haven't gained and I am just feeling like I have. That's happened before, too. Time will tell.... Monday morning will be here and the scale won't lie.

Wednesday's food:

BREAKFAST
Special K w/strawberries 2% milk

SNACK
None

LUNCH
FF baloney with light swiss cheese, mustard on whole wheat lite bread
1/2 ounce of WOW chips
1 apple sliced
1 cucumber sliced

SNACK
1 ounce pretzel sticks
1 banana

DINNER
1 & 1/2 cups spaghetti with meatless FF SF sauce
1 piece garlic bread made with light cheese
1 tossed salad with sunflower seeds (2 tbls), lite vinegrette dressing, cherry tomatoes, green onions, bell pepper chopped

WATER
91.7 ounces

EXERCISE
8 minutes in the morning

THURSDAY'S FOOD:

BREAKFAST
Kashi shredded wheat w/2% milk

SNACK
None

LUNCH
1/2 canteloupe
4 slices FF lebanon baloney (90 cals) with 4 celery sticks

SNACK
1/4 cup almonds

DINNER
5 ounces of marinated grilled salmon
green beans
boiled cabbage in FF chicken broth

SNACK
SF jello with 2 tbls of FF coolwhip

WATER
83.7 ounces

EXERCISE
1/2 mile walk

FRIDAY'S FOOD:

BREAKFAST
Special K w/strawberries - 2% milk

SNACK
None

LUNCH
1/2 canteloupe
4 pieces FF lebanon baloney w/ 4 celery sticks (I wrap each slice of meat around a celery stick)
1 Lean Cuisine French bread cheese pizza w/hot sauce on it

SNACK
1 whole wheat bagel with 2 tbls lower fat peanut butter and 2 tbls SF jam

DINNER
grilled hamburger pattie - 5 ounces w/tomato, onion and worcestershire - no bun

SNACK
1 sorbet (soy) bar - 60 cals.

WATER
96 ounces

EXERCISE
Yelling at the Best Buy store manager?? lol

Well, I'm off to bed again. I feel badly that I haven't been to visit any other journals, but I'm going to try to get to some this weekend. I am wishing you all well and thinking about you even though I haven't been here the last few days. I apologize to those of you that have been so nice in visiting me. I promise I will return the visit really soon!

Take care and have a wonderful weekend! And don't forget to turn ahead your clocks on Saturday night for those of you in my time zone...... aacckk..... lose an hour of sleep! I'd rather lose an hour of exercise. Why can't we choose which hour we lose?? *grin* Good night everyone!

I couldn't get in here yesterday, but I wanted to post my food for yesterday.

BREAKFAST
2 hard boiled eggs
1 whole wheat bagle w/2 tsp. diet butter & sugar free jam

SNACK
None

LUNCH
4 slices of FF lebanon baloney wrapped around 4 large celery sticks (90 cals)
1 sliced apple

SNACK
None

DINNER
1 grilled chicken breast
FF baked beans
green beans
1 soy sorbet bar (60 cals)

WATER
92 ounces

EXERCISE
none....... stressed to the max.... hopefully that burned a few calories!

GOAL
To walk one mile every day this week.
To do my "8 minutes in the morning for real shapes and sizes" Monday through Saturday mornings!

It is snowing here in Ohio today and we woke up to a blanket of white. We're supposed to get an accumulation of about 4 inches! Pretty weird for Palm Sunday but not unheard of. Alan and I had wanted to take the dogs for a walk yesterday, but got tied up in a stressful situation outside of the house and didn't get back until too late. So we made a promise to each other that we'd walk today despite the snow and cold. Won't be the first time and I want to start the week out right. I'm going to try to walk every day this next week and that is one of my goals listed above for the next week.

I am really down this morning, but hoping the the walk and talking to my mother-in-law in Wales for her birthday today will help perk me up before I go to my rehearsal this afternoon. More than likely being around the people in my choral group will help me to feel better, too. So I'm looking for today to be a good day. One of my daughters is coming over this afternoon and staying the night, so that will be fun for sure!

Have a great Sunday everyone and take care!

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

Dj - I hope your day improves. Maybe we're on the same wave-length? I'm really down, too. It's cold here, too.. I think it's losing the hour sleep.

And I still didn't spell B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L properly.. Ahhhhhhhh, much better..

Corinna

Have fun with your daughter Dj, that is sure to have you feeling better. :)
hugs bell :)

Thanks, Monica, Corinna and Bell. I think I'm just tired and had a couple of stressful days, so I think it's just from that. Thank goodness it didn't affect my food..... just my mood. lol

You're right, Cori, about it being cold and I hate losing an hour of sleep. I would have rather lost an hour of rehearsal this afternoon! lol Don't mess with my sleep.....

My food for today:

BREAKFAST
2 fried eggs in pam, 1 whole wheat bagel with diet butter & SF jam

SNACK
1 apple sliced

LUNCH
Special K with strawberries and skim milk

SNACK
None

DINNER
1 chicken breast baked with hot sauce
green beans
baked potatoe wedges

SNACK
1 sorbet bar (60 cals)

WATER
81 ounces

EXERCISE
Walked 1 mile with Alan and the dogs

Well, my daughter Carah is here and we are watching old home movies and having a good time. You were right, Bell.... it's making me feel better. And she's spending the day here tomorrow, so that will be fun, too! Have a good night everyone and I will be back tomorrow..... goodnight everyone!

I'm happy you are feeling better. I would if I could go to bed now, but alas, I am at work. I bet my husband is asleep! OY! I should kick him when I get home.

Corinna

mmmmm...kicking is kinda' bad goodwill...

you're doing awesome DJ...

I am sorry for the rough days you have had recently, but I am :super: proud of you that you did not allow this to effect your eating! :)

Kittens - maybe place a heatpad on low and wrapped in a thick towel in with them or a water bottle again wrapped in thick towel - this has worked for me before.

have a great day today my friend!

Beth :not:

Thanks, Cori..... I'm sorry you couldn't have gone to bed earlier, too. I ended up staying up with my daughter, Carah who was staying the night last night, and we watch old home movies and had a lot of laughs. Leave it to Carah to help me to feel better... I went to bed around 11:30pm, but slept in this morning and didnt even hear alan leave for work. I feel a bit better today.

Thanks, Jess..... I appreciate it!

Thanks, Beth..... I am really surprised at myself for not turning to food, but i have to say a big old glass of wine was really calling my name on Saturday night...lol But I gave it up for Lent, so I resisted that, too. *grin* I feel better today.... the sun is shining and it's beautiful out, even though it's really freezing. But there isn't snow, and that's a good thing! Thanks for the suggestions on the kitties. Cimmee (my daughter) and her roommate, Linda, have the kittens in their attic room and it's got it's own electric heat. So they cranked it up as high as it'll go and it's toasty warm up there now for all the babies. And the mother seems to be taking to them more now.... I saw them on Saturday and they are so cute! I loaned my digital camera to Cimmee to take some pictures, so when I get it back, I'll share. Anyone want a free kitty? LOL

Take care everyone and have a good day. I am planning on it!! I am sitting here relaxing and having my first cup of coffee for the day. It's nice and I love this time of day...... thanks again ladies for the support!

Weigh and measure day today....... my report is I lost 1/2 pound and 2.75 inches!!! I am pleased with that because it's still losing.

I'm on my way out the door, but wanted to report.... have a great day everyone. I'll be back!

My food for today was:

BREAKFAST
1 whole wheat bagel w/2 tablespoons reduced fat peanut butter, 2 tsp. SF strawberry jam

SNACK
None

LUNCH
1 & 1/2 boneless skinless chicken breasts w/hot sauce wrapped in a corn tortilla

SNACK
1/4 cup almonds

DINNER
2 tacos w/ground sirloin & spices, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, onions & 50% fat reduced cheddar cheese shredded
baby peas
SF cherry jello w/2 tablespoons FF cool whip

WATER
98.7 ounces

EXERCISE
"8 minutes in the morning for real shapes and sizes"
Walked 1 mile with Alan and dogs.... Emme (our youngest dog) pulls and weaves all over the place. She walked 2 miles! LOL

On my way to bed..... goodnight everyone. I am bushed!

WTG on the loss, DJ!! Sounds like you had your a-ha moment and are well on your way!!! Woo Hoooooo!!! :D

Yay Dj...good loss of pounds and inches...thats wonderful! a loss is a loss right?
hearing about your night with your daughter makes me realise i havent spent any one on one time with my mum for a while... we like to go out for dinner and catch up just the two of us..
Have a successful week and stay feeling positive!
hugs bell :)

Hi Dj,

Just dropped in to have a peak at your journal as you were good enough to drop in and offer your encouragement. Congratulations on the loss. thats a lot of inches.....

I admire your dedication to this, I can never make myself write down all I eat. Maybe the thought scares me.

Hope the kittens are well. Do you think you could air mail me one???

Laoise

Thanks, Jess...... That makes a total of 17 pounds and 19.75 inches since I re-started my quest to get healthy and lose weight a little before Ash Wednesday. I know giving up a lot of stuff for Lent helped me, but now that I've been losing and feeling better, I sure don't want to quit now. I guess I have had several "ah ha" moments this year and not wanting to give up no matter what is one of them!

Thanks again and hope you have a great day!

:wave:

I just came by to visit. You're doing so marvelously well! I'm really impressed with the number of inches you've lost - and it's only been what, something like 6 weeks?! Wow!

I saw that 8 minutes in the morning book on Saturday and stopped to look since I knew you'd been doing it. Do you like it? It seems I already do a lot of those exercises, just not consistently! :D I've started using my rubber band thingy to do bicep/tricep exercises everyday and I'm using a stair to step up then lift my other leg back (quads and glutes). I just do it till I can't do anymore. I'm noticing a difference in my rear view already!

Hey, I saw you made hot-sauce chicken too! I've discovered that as I've cut the fat out of my diet I've been much more excited by really flavorful food - spicy stuff especially. It might also have to do with constantly being in ketosis and having my mouth taste kinda nasty...sorry, TMI. In any case, the hot chicken tastes so good! And almost no extra calories at all! Whoohoo!

It's sunny here today too. I'm hoping the groundhog who lives outside my office window will come out to play today. He's so cute.

Take care and have a great afternoon! :spring:

Hi Debby,

You are doing so great. I think this time you are looking far down the road to your goal and not wanting to burn out. Your attitude will make this journey the best.

Carol

Thanks, Carol..... I am thinking more about the end result this time, but being very careful just to do what I need to do each day. It's really important to me to make it this time!

Hey Badger! Good to see you and thanks so much! I really do like the "8 Minutes in the morning" program. Carol uses the first one that uses weights and I have done that a little, too. But I got the new one that is called "8 minutes in the morning for real shapes and sizes" and I really like it so far. It hasn't used weights yet and I don't know if it gets to them or not, but eventually I'd like to do both programs - one with weights and the other with resistance exercises. I know I can spare 16 minutes a day! *grin*

LOL at the hot sauce chicken.... I got the idea from you and meant to mention that but must have forgotten. I read in your journal that you made it and I love hot sauce, so we tried it. It was great! Thanks for the suggestion..... as far as seasonings go, have you tried garlic pepper or anything like that? That's really good on potatoe wedges sprayed with butter pam and baked.... we use it on chicken when we're grilling, too. Lemon pepper is another that we love on lean pork chops and chicken... even hamburgers. It's very tasty!

We used to have a family of ground hogs that lived underneath a neighbors back porch. These are neighbors that the back of their house faces the back of our house... we used to watch those all the time and the little ones were so cute! And the mama was all white! I had never seen an albino ground hog before and it was so neat..... the neighbors eventually had a trapper come and take them all away. I guess they were digging holes under their porch pretty badly. But they are cute!

My food for today was:

BREAKFAST
Corn flakes with dried bananas w/2% milk

SNACK
None

LUNCH
Healthy choice mac and cheese
8 slices of FF lebanon baloney (160 cals)
1 whole grapefruit

SNACK
1/4 cup almonds
3 strips (small) of beef jerky

DINNER
Grilled tomato and FF American cheese sandwich
Green beans

WATER
138.7 ounces! No wonder I was in the bathroom half the day..... :laugh:

EXERCISE
8 minutes in the morning for real shapes and sizes
Walked 1 mile with Alan and the dogs.....

I didn't feel like my food was very healthy today..... I think it was because I am not having enough veggies. I need to do better at getting them in my daily intake! Tomorrow is grocery shop day, so I'll get lots of good fresh ones in.

I'm on my way to bed..... take care everyone and have a good night and a good night's sleep!

DJ? Looky at you goily goil! :flower:

You are doing AWESOME Your food looks so great. You know I tried turkey wrapped around celery and it was purty dern good.

I love all this healthy eating and walking dogs.... Good for you :ribbon:

Thanks, Maxi..... I really appreciate it. The lebanon baloney is really spicy and so flavorful. I love it wrapped around celery! I'll have to try the turkey, too.

Today was very hectic and a little stressful, but all in all I think I handled it okay. My food was good and I got a couple of servings of veggies which was better than yesterday. I have a book called "5 a day" and I need to dig that out for suggestions on how to get more of them in my diet. My daughter's car engine blew up on her way to work this morning..... and I mean litterally blew up. A part blew up and blew a hole right through the block! I felt so badly for her as she seems to have such bad luck with cars! Luckily my husband is really good at building engines and repairing things, so he phoned a friend and they are looking around for a used engine that he can put in her car for her. Meanwhile she has my car and hopefully, she'll be able to get some rides. Problem is she works 3 jobs and they aren't that close together, so transportation or lack of it is a major deal for her. So needless to say, I didn't get all my errands run today, but I did get some essentials done. Tomorrow I'll stay home and finish re-arranging my kitchen cupboards and give the upstairs a clean for easter dinner. My husband is off on Friday and he offered to help me finish running errands, which will be nice! Extra time I get to spend with him is always good! I ended the afternoon with a 4pm matinee movie with a friend and that helped me to unwind and relax. We saw "Somethings gotta give" with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. It was really good! Lots of laughs. I would recommend it to anyone that wants a chuckle!

So.... my food for today was:

BREAKFAST
Special K w/strawberries & 2% milk

SNACK
None

LUNCH
PBJ on diet whole wheat bread - SF black raspberrie jam and 2 tbls. reduced fat PB
1 ounce WOW chips
baby carrots about a cup full.....

SNACK
None

DINNER
1 ff ham sandwich w/diet whole wheat bread and 1 slice FF cheddar cheese & mustard
1/2 ounce WOW chips
1 cup of carrots

EXERCISE
Walked one mile
Didn't do 8 minutes :(

WATER
87.9 ounces

It's supposed to rain tomorrow, but I'm still going to try to walk. At first I thought I might take 2 walks to make up for not doing my "8 minutes" workout this morning, but I don't want to over do it and end up burning myself out.... so I'm going to practice my patience, which doesn't come all that easy to me, and just take 1 walk of 1 mile tomorrow. I'll get in my "8 minutes" done tomorrow unless some unforseen thing happens again..... hopefully that won't be the case!

So..... off to read a bit and then to bed. I love this time of day.... crawling into bed with a book is really great! Take care everyone and have a good night!

Hi DJ,
you are one sensible gal :)
not overdoing it with the exercise is a good thought. i have in the past pushed myself too hard and then ended up so run down that i catch everything going around.
one movie i meant to see but missed was Somethings Gotta Give.. i will have to keep an eye out for it. doesnt seem to take long for them to come to DVD now.. i see Calendar Girls is on DVD now..i may have to get it out today when i go to blockbuster.
Its always nice to have help doing the errands and to spend extra time with hubby will be nice. i hope your daughter gets her car up and going again soon.
hugs bell :)

Thanks, bell..... it's hard not to push ourselves sometimes, isn't it! But I know that's what I need to do with the bad knee that I have. I don't want to completely blow it out... that's for sure!

Calendar girls is a GREAT movie! My girlfriend and I went to see that last week.... I loved it. We decided that we're going to try to hit one matinee movie a week because this particular theater the matinee movies (at least the first one of the day which is 4pm) is only 50¢...... you can't even rent a video for that and it gets us out of the house a bit doing something nice for us! I think you'll like both movies. Calendar girls is exceptionally good because it's a true story, but also has a lot of humor in it!

50cents...wow thats incredible..the cheapest we can see a movie even its not really new is $5 a person...
i will get Calendar Girls today now that you said you liked it...Have you ever seen Mrs Caldicotts Cabbage Wars? that was another excellent movie a year or so ago..
hugs bell :)

I'll have to look for that one, bell.... I haven't seen that one either. There's nothing on the TV this weekend, so I'll be getting a few videos to entertain us. I'll look for that one! Thanks for the recommendation.

As far as the 50¢ movie..... that's just one particular theater that does that. Their regular cost varies between $1.00 and $1.50. It's great.... the movies that come there are just about or have just been released on video, but sometimes it's just better to see the movie on a large screen - like Lord of the Rings. Still a good movie for a video, but WOW on the big screen! The normal theaters around here are $5.00 for a matinee and $7.50 for a normal night time movie. It's expensive. I always get my kids movie gift certificates in their christmas stockings because of the expense to them.

I think we're going again on Friday afternoon since my husband is off for the day. I'll let you know what we see. We are thinking about "The butterfly affect...."

Pfff.. Its $ 9.50 here for a movie. We usually go to th Drive-Ins. $ 5.00 a person and 11 and under are free. Plus you get NEw Releases. We just bring our lawn chairs, blankets and Boom box. Cooler with drinks. and they sale the BEST Carne asada tacos there. But still movies that are dark arent always the greatest to see there like Lord of the Rings.

Wow! $9.50! That's awful..... we don't have drive in's anymore around here. There used to be a bunch of them when I went to school. But not anymore..... wish they'd bring them back!

Getting caught up on journal reading, since I'm at home today. You lost nearly 20 inches?? Wow! That's really awesome. Congratulations on your success :)

$ 13.50 an adult and $9.50 a child is our normal price for movies.. it cost Jason $40 to take the 2 kids to the movies and get one drink and one popcorn to share.
hugs bell :)

That amazes me, bell.... I guess we always have perspective to remind us that things could be worse, right? lol

So, today I had a list of things to do and ended up doing something completely different. I am glad I accomplished one big thing, but on the other hand, I have about 10 things started and not finished. I hate that....

My food was okay for today... it was good up until dinner and we had pizza tonight. I wasn't going to have it, but then decided to have some anyway. I hope it doesn't screw up my week, but then again..... it's done, so there's no undoing it. :shrug:

My food today was:

BREAKFAST
Corn flakes w/bananas & 2% milk

SNACK
None

LUNCH
broiled fish w/Healthy Choice mac & cheese & 1 large cucumber sliced

SNACK
1/4 cup of raw almonds

DINNER
PIZZA!!!!!!!! AACCKK!!!!!!!!!! :c(

WATER
104.4 ounces

EXERCISE
Walked 1/2 mile and was up and down the stairs MANY times today!

I wanted to post a picture of my kids.... this was taken a year ago at my oldest daughter's rehearsal dinner. They are (left to right) Carah - 2nd oldest girl at 28; Cory - youngest at 24; Cimberlee (pronounced Kimberly) - 3rd oldest girl at 26; and Christen - oldest (her wedding) at 30.

I have loads to do tomorrow since I didn't get done what I was supposed to today! lol That's what I get! So I'm on my way to bed..... Alan's off tomorrow, too, so that'll be fun to spend some extra time with him. We LOVE long weekends! Goodnight everyone.... have a good evening!

What a fantastic looking group of kids!! I say kids because mine are 31 & 29. You must be so proud.

I loved Calender Girls! I meant to see Somethings Got to Give but didn't get to it.

Our movie prices in Canada are the same as Bell has in Australia. My daughter is a nurse and does travel nursing. She spent this winter in Colorado & now won't let me rent anything at Blockbusters because she says it's highway robbery what they charge here compared to the States. But I don't think Blockbusters is noticing.

pat

Your kids are all gorgeous Dj. must take after their mum eh?
Hope you have a wonderful Easter!
hugs bell :)

Thanks, Pat! I am really proud of them..... they've been through their hard times, but are all grown and responsible and it really warms my heart that things are going well for them.

Wasn't "Calendar Girls" just the greatest? I loved it. I think you'll really like "Something's gotta give", too. It was funny! Too bad you don't have a Family Video around you. That's a franchise (at least here in Ohio, but it might be nationwide, I'm not sure) that has the greatest deals going! They are inexpensive and they always have loads of everything on VHS or DVD. I love going to the video store.

Thanks, bell..... I think they are pretty gorgeous, too. *grin* I don't know if they take after me or not.... I know people say my oldest and my youngest girl look like me, but my son looks like his dad for sure and my 2nd oldest is a good mix between the two. I'm posting a wedding picture of all of us.....so you can see for yourself. even though I'm 100 pounds overweight in this picture, I'll show it to you anyway! LOL See how I trust you? *grin*

Hope you ladies have a great Easter, too. It's sunny and beautiful today and that's always good for the soul! I'm off to take a shower and get moving on errands..... take care!

Here's some pictures of the wedding..... the first one is me with my ex-husband (my kids father). The second one is of my husband Alan (right), me, my mom, my son-in-law, my daughter Christen, my daughter Cimmee (she has a blonde wig on because she had her hair dyed navy blue and white right before the wedding aacckk!) LOL, my daughter Carah and my son Cory. The third one is my daughter Christen and her whole dress... it was so beautiful!

DJ...YOU ARE ONE HOT CHICKY ;)

Georgous Dress....... How wonderful.... EEEEE Thanks for sharing that was fun.... Nice to put a face with a post.. :up:

Beautiful dress, beautiful daughter, and beautiful you!! Thanks for sharing those pictures :)

DJ, you are amazing looking! and what a gorgeous family! Thanks so much for sharing those!

Oh my, you can't possibly be 100 pounds overweight in these pictures! You look wonderful.
What a beautiful wedding dress.

Pat

Thanks so much, Maxi, dea, jessica and Pat.... isn't it funny how we all view ourselves differently than we view ourselves! lol I'm not real fond of me in those pictures. Luckily I don't have to look at me very often! LOL I guess part of that is my hair.... we had a hair dresser come to our house and do everyone's hair there and she pooffed up more than I'm used to. I wear mine short and straight and pretty flat actually. Lots more natural..... although it's red with blonde highlights right now which isn't natural at all! *grin* I got bored this winter...... lol

I just loved my daughter's dress too..... thanks for the compliments on it. It was an amazing dress. And also pretty cool that it was a $7,000+ dress and she got it for $199! The bridal store was going out of business and she just grabbed it, even though it was a 12. She wears a size 0 (okay, let's slap her....lol) and we found a wonderful alterations lady who altered that dress from a 12 to a 0 and didn't lose any of the lines. Then another lady made the veil.... we were going to make it here, but I got nervous about little dog hairs that the vacuum might not pick up getting into the fabric. There was just so much of it that I didn't know how we'd avoid it with 2 dogs.

Pat, I can't remember exactly, but I think I was around 225 or 230 there and I did go all the way up to 242.5 a little while after that. I am down some now and intend to get down somewhere around 135 or 140. I might adjust that some as I go down, but for now that's what I'm planning on. I used to weigh between 110 and 115.... I have a small bone structure, but I know with my age I won't go that low again. So it's probably not totally 100 pounds overweight, but really close to that! lol I am 5'6 and I guess carry my weight pretty good... I am fairly muscular as I used to be really physically active with playing racquette ball and long distance walking. So I've always weighed more than I look like I do. But in the past years, I haven't done anything physical and that's part of my weight gain, I'm sure. I'm working up slowly to getting back to being as physically active as I used to be. That's one of my long term goals along with losing the weight.

It seriously just makes me shake my head that I had gotten all the way into the 190's and then gained it all back and then some..... and then reached an all time high. What a waste of precious and valuable time!

But it's NOT going to be like that this time!!! I am more determined than ever and I'm not going to let ANYTHING stop me!!

On my way out the door to walk with my husband and doggies..... have a good rest of your friday night ladies and thanks again!

Way to go Dj!!! :D

That's the right spirit!! And nothing CAN stop you unless you allow it. And I know you won't be sitting still for that any time soon.

I loved the pics lady. You are lovely indeed, you do not look as heavy as you say you are, and your daughter is totally drop dead gorgeous. I assume she got her looks from her Mother too. No doubt!

What a bargain on that dress too. I couldn't believe the price when you mentioned it. She really lucked out there and it did look so wonderful on her too.

Just trying to catch up some on my Journal visits. Was in the "neighborhood" so I thought I might just as well stop by. I hope you are having a good night. Take care and have a nice holiday on Sunday.

Hugs,
Sandie

What lovely pictures! And I agree with everyone else, you do carry your weight very well. You are beautiful! :D

Your daughter should be given a practicality award for buying such a reasonably-priced gown. I get so annoyed when I see women spending enough for a down payment on a house on just their gown. Grrr...like $$ grows on trees. Your daughter sounds like a wonderful young woman. I wish her much happiness in marriage.

Red hair now, huh? I've always wanted strawberry blonde hair. Had a friend in elementary school who my grandma doted on (she did not dote on ME) who had strawberry blonde hair. I'm just not brave enough to do it. Guess I'm afraid it will come out fluorescent orange or something. Eh, well. I'll just keep coloring it blonde and denying the fact that it is getting darker as I get older. :laugh:

Have a wonderful holiday! :wave:

DJ! You are beautiful! No I am really serious - you are! The way you describe yourself, I was shocked when I opened those pictures - oh lady you need a new inner mirrow :)

Thanks for sharing the pictures - they are all so nice and your daughters gown is WOW!

Happy Blessed Easter! Remember He Has Risen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :flower:

Beth

Wowie, your daughter gets a big :up: for snatching up that gown at a bargain price. Pretty darn smart of her. I bet she gets it from her mom. :)

Hehehe, who cares if the red/blonde highlights are natural or not. It sounds fun and playful!

Happy Easter!

Hi Dj,
How are you doing on this beautiful day? Hope you and your family are enjoying Easter! Have a wonderful day!!

Love and huugs,
lizzie

Hiya Deej! Thanks for stopping by my journal. I replied there, but saw your journal and thought I would stop by to see what you are up to.

Wow, I saw the posts talking about the pics, so I went back to find them...well good heavens how beautiful!!!! Your daughter's dress was fit for a princess! Bet she felt as beautiful as she looked!!!!! That cathedral veil is lovely...looks like an heirloom. You are looking pretty good yourself there, missy. We are about at the same point, weight-wise. But I'm like you, my face doesn't get all that puffy even with all this extra weight. Although, at least from the pics, you may be closer than you think....you don't look like you need to drop 100 pounds. Are you tall? sometimes that streamlines the extra weight. And your daughter is in a 0???? Who gets to be THAT??? She doesn't get to register ANY gripes. hee hee JK.

Anyway, you have a great holiday, stay on plan, and one day at a time, we will both drop those many pounds! Happy Blessed Easter! :rose:

Hi DJ :wave:

stopping by to see how you are doing - hope everything is ok :)

Beth :not:

Well, here it is the day after Easter and I haven't been in here in awhile. I have been SO busy! But I missed hearing from you all and reading in your journals how you were doing. I think I caught up today with everyone, but am not totally sure about that... there are SO many journals! lol

I had a pretty good weekend and got LOADS done around the house on top of cooking a big dinner for yesterday, coloring 6 dozen eggs and putting together 9 Easter baskets. My husband helped me to get it all done, bless him for that! He's always so helpful.... it never ceases to amaze me how he does everything so willingly and so happily. I am so blessed and so grateful for him!

My kids got me an easter basket this year and this is the first year that's ever happened. While I was really touched by it and the thought that went behind it, it was FILLED with all my favorites which are all sugar, sugar, sugar...... I ended up eating a couple of the Reeses peanut butter eggs yesterday and woke up wanting something sweet this morning! It has to be the chocolate and sugar since I've had next to no sugar for over 6 weeks now. I guess that confirms what I thought all along and that is my food and sugar cravings disappeared because I cut it out. So I am going to have to get back to that. I have already put the candy in baggies and am giving it away. I don't want to hurt feelings, although I'm sure they'd understand.... but just the same, I'm being careful not to let them know just in case. I'm going to suggest flower bulbs or veggie seeds or something along those lines in case they want to do something next Easter! lol I know I won't eat flower bulbs...... not unless they come sugar or chocolate coated! *grin*

My weight is up 3 pounds this week..... I think most of it is water because other than yesterday, my food was really good. But even yesterday wasn't too bad, although I had ham. My rings are tight and my feet are a bit "Fred Flintstone-ish", so I'm thinking it might be water. Hopefully, it'll come right back off. But I'm not going to weigh myself until next Monday again. I just have to get back to working hard at being healthy and walking, too. I wanted to walk today, but it was so miserable outside. And while that shouldn't be an excuse, I was cold and it was rainy (drizzly kind of rain) and freezing cold. So I stayed inside.

I am still determined to get this weight off and will work at it in some way every day until it is GONE!

Sandielynne, thanks for stopping by my journal and thanks for the compliments. They are much appreciated especially since today I feel like an extra big slug. lol No more ham for me..... LOL I sent most of it home with the kids.

Badger, thank you, too, for the compliments. My daughter did do really well in finding that dress and it was weird that she and my other daughter were actually out looking for bridesmaids dresses and they came upon it by accident. Even though her dad (my ex) gave her basically a blank check and said spend whatever you want to, (he's loaded) she was very frugal and I did all the flowers and table decorations for the reception to save him money. It was a lot of work, but I love being creative and everyone loved the centerpieces and flowers. It turned out really great and my ex was grateful for the money saved for sure! As far as the red hair goes, I've always loved red hair and just decided to give it a try. I've done the strawberry blonde that Loreal Preference has and it was nice. It's just that red hair (from a box) fades so quickly. This time I tried the new Loreal that comes in a kit..... but it's expensive as far as do it yourself stuff goes $17+. But it turned out good and it's been fun! It's fading now, but you can still see the blonde highlights. I keep my hair in a short cut, so if the color wouldn't have turned out right, it would grow out pretty quick. lol

Beth, LOL...... you are right. I do need a new inner mirror. I have always struggled with body image, even when I wasn't heavy. It's something I have been working on and am making some headway, but have a long way to go in that department. Thanks so much for your kind words!

dea, thanks..... the red hair is fun! I've had no regrets about doing it at all.... life is too short not to be familiar with Loreal...... *grin*

Emilyrose, thank you so much! I am really proud of my family. They are great people and I love them to pieces! I am very lucky....

Lizzie, I had a great Easter. I hope you did, too. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello!