Ok...so here I am ... slowly coming out of all the excuses on why I could not stay on my plan...

I am taking the advice of some of my DT friends here...listening to myself...and forgetting about the past! (BUT learning from it too!)

I am moving forward...one day at a time...not giving up...not giving in...

The basics...eat less...move more...fit special occasions into my plan and not use them as an excuse to eat...deal with my emotions and stressors in my life in healthier ways...and set realistic goals and no time limit to reach them...

I am using Calorie King to keep track of my progress and I have also begun to read Dr. Phil's books...I am off!

mcmarto

way to go Mcmarto,

I have just been trying to read Dr. Phil's book a bit more too. I am in the part about analysing our thoughts and changing them. I think that is a bit where you and I are sometimes.

Sorry I haven't responded to your e-mail yet. Will soon.

Yay, Mc! I am glad you are thinking these things out and are ready to stick to it. You can do it! :up:

Is your DH still not drinking? Is he willing to go to the gym with you anymore? Really nice warm weekend here -- hope you've got the nice weather too -- enjoy it!

Lisrey :spring:

Sounds like a great plan, mcmarto! Taking it one day at a time and figuring how to eat healthy in all situations is the best thing you can do.

You've got lots of people cheering you on here at dt...... you can do it! Just make up your mind that you're going to.

I'm reading Dr. Phil's books, too. Lots of stuff in there that's good...... take care and have a great weekend!

It is such a nice...breezy ... beautiful day today...I took Olive for a mini-walk today...I just got back from shopping...now I need to get read for this shower...finding something to wear...eeek!

Yesterday went well...not as well as I hoped...but still better then the day before...so...slowly but surely!

We had lunch today at a sub place called Jimmy John's...it was not all that great...I felt like it was wasted calories...but now I know for next time!

Crazy...I have to admit...the book has started off a bit boring...but...I am just beginning chapter 3 now...it should get better!

Lisrey...My DH started drinking again...he only lasted until St. Patrick's Day...pfft...he is currently enjoying a few drinks twice a week..I am trying to convince him that once a week is enough!...We tried fixing our treadmill today...but I think I have to call in a repairman...In regards to working out together...just on the weekends...during the week we work in opposite directions...it is better for me to go on my own after work...and for him too........now to get started on that!

DJ...Nice to meet you...thanks for cheering me on!...I need it!

I do feel like I am starting to think differently...I am telling myself that even if the calories were a little higher then I expected their is no reason to give up or give in...it will all balance itself out in the long run!

I watched this really bad reality show yesterday on the Travel Channel...it was called Bathing Suit Slimdown (something like that)...they had 4 people on for 10 weeks...cut them down to 1200 calories a day and had them work with a personal trainer...anywhere from 3-6 times a week!...Hello...they must have all been starving...

Ok...I am off to get ready!

mcmarto

Hey there Mc,

We all have to start sometime, some day, and then just keep putting one foot in front of the other. At least you know what you want. Now all you have to do is behave in a way that will make it happen. Easy, isn't it? Oh how I wish!!!!

Don't worry kiddo. There's an entire crew of us here ready and more than willing to encourage and support you all you need. But this time, no running away when things get sticky? Ok? It's just impossible to try and help someone if they won't let us know they need the help. And if you are MIA we have no clue what's going on in your life.

So you hang in there and do the best that you can, and we will do all we can to help you. You go girl!! I know you are made of the right stuff. And together we will make this happen.

Hugs,
Sandie

Thanks Sandy!

But I was not MIA...I was still around...I just did not want to have a journal at the time!

I have not been feeling well...TOM...ick!

The shower went well...a dreaded buffet...but...I did not overdo it...

Yesterday did not go as well...today has been fine!

Tomorrow is girls night...we are going to go see a movie...but we will stop at Panera first...I love the veggie sandwich there so that is my choice...maybe some soup!

I went to Costco today and got a large fruit platter and tons of strawberries...mmm mmm good...I made it to the grocery store to to get some lunch and dinner stuff...so I am all set for the next week!

I will talk to you all on Thursday...mc

Are strawberries your favorite fruit, Mc? I read somewhere that berries are among the most nutritious fruits!!! I always get excited when I actually LOVE something that turns out to be good for me. hahahaha

Good luck at girls night!

Well...I had a good day yesterday!

The kids had a 11:35 dismissal from school...my mtg did not begin until 12:15 so I braved the cold and took a 25 minute walk!

I ate all the good stuff I brought to work...after work I went to meet my friend at Panera...well it is about a 10 minute walk from the movie theater...so...I turned it into a 20 minute walk!...

I ate well...and felt great!

Today ... if it does not rain...I am going to try to walk during the kids lunch break...its about 20 mins...if I am lucky...I can maybe stretch it out to 25 or 30...hopefully the rain stays away!

I was a little stressed out by my DH this a.m...but I am trying to stay in control!

Have a good one!

mc

Congratulations on getting your exercise started! Baby steps are just fine, and walking is a great exercise. You're on your way, Mc! Have you got some strategies in mind for the rough spots?? We're here to help you through them when you need us!

Lisrey :x

Well here I am Lisrey...having a rough spot now!...hahaha!

I am not talking to my DH...he called in again today...and...I am just annoyed...boring...married people crap...

I did get my walk in at school...20 mins...now I am hungry...gotta cook dinner...but I just want something easy...I am so tired from staying up half the night!

Off I go!

mc

Hi Mc. Found you. I think I found you before but didn't subscribe at the time. Bad me.

Sorry about the DH calling in. He should be ashamed of himself. Maybe he is.

Sending 'on track' vibes your way. Hope they help.

Hi Mc,

I'm glad you have begun to start walking. I'm doing just about the same now, 20 minutes a day. It hurts sometimes, but I'm hanging in there. This morning it was raining lightly, so I just covered up and went anyway. They said the rain would be harder later in the day, so I took my chance before the heavy rainfall began.

Later on, I was really glad I had gone. It did loosen me up and made me feel better the rest of the day.

Sorry the dh is being such a pain. Let's hope he is "feeling better" tomorrow and goes in to work.

Take care sweetie,
Sandie

Good for you, making time to walk...especially in the cold!

Does your DH get paid when he calls in?

Hey Kilogo...Sandie...oh...and LUTHA...yahoo!

Well...my DH never calls in on Friday...hello...its payday!...He does not get paid when he calls in.......nothing...nada...He has an interview with another company tomorrow...they called him to see if he was still interested in working for them...he claims he heard good things about them...he has written down questions to ask...so this is good!...His old partner was already laid off from the most excellent company he was hired onto just over a week ago........so...if this new place is looking for a crew...the two of them may be back together again!...

I sent out 10 resumes today........after researching the schools some more...I realized 2 out of the 10 I really would not be interested in teaching at.......gee...watch those schools be the only one's to call!...I am really interested in about 3 of them...very close by (about a 5 minute drive...my current school is 30-35 mins away...all expressway...).....So now its a wait and see game!

I did not get to walk today because I had an emergency meeting to attend to at school for one of my consultative students...it was a nice day too...so much traffic...

I came home to do some more research on more possible schools..I am spent!

Have a great weekend everyone!

mcmarto

Hi Mc,

Sure hope you find a school that is close by, and that turns out to be a really good one for you too. I don't think it's asking too much, but I don't know how likely that would be either. Still I think it should be quite possible. Good luck kiddo.

We're having some nasty late winter weather coming in soon. So I don't know if I'll be walking this weekend or not, but I'm going to try just the same. I might just surprise myself....haha

Take care now.
Hugs,
Sandie

[BHey...Hey...Hey!

Wow...all this change!...Eeek!...I almost could not log on today...it kept telling me my username could not be found!...WOW...

Well...it was a lazy Saturday...and a busy Sunday...

I feel large...but I am trying to stop with the negative talk!...I am a little stressed about all the resumes that went out...and...about finishing up my paper for my Masters!...This week is only a 4 day week...they are giving us Friday off...Teacher appreciation day...then it is spring break!...Yahoo!

I hope to eat right...lots of mini-meals so I never get hungry...walking...and getting back to the health club...I am going to check out a club in the city...not too far from here...but they have parking...I will go there on Friday and during spring break...then fit it into my schedule once I am back at school!

Keep your fingers crossed on the resumes I sent out...their is one school I really...really...really want to work at...it is 5 minutes away...and...they are a Magnet school...dealing primarily in the Fine Arts...they have two in school Artists...they are associated with the Lookinglass Theater...they have music...including band...and they are part of the Chicago Children's Choir...

Have a great week everyone!...mc

Hi Mcmarto

Hope you get one of the schools you want. We started spring break this week. The kids are having fun doing nothing. although my daughter is already to go back to school. Enjoy yourself.
Renee

Hey Arfain...thanks for stopping by!

Well...so far nothing on the job front...I called a few of those schools that my resume went too...Two of them have already hired...and remember...their are two that I am not interested in...that leaves six...the site will be updated soon so I may need to find some other schools to send my resume too...I guess I am fighting for some jobs over here on the North Side (much tougher to get)...but I have faith that I will have something by June!!!

It has been so beautiful today...but I have been running around...yesterday getting a new phone...I got a picture phone...I love it...I have not had a new phone in 6 years so this one is so cool!...You can send e-mails...or send your pic's to other people...and...when I download the pic's on the Sprint site I can do all sorts of things to the pictures...it has been a lot of fun!

Today I had to take my car to my mechanic...I needed a new alternator...next week he is taking it in to his shop for me to have the fuel injectors cleaned...I also need some other work...either with the steering column...or something else?...I wish I could just buy a new car but it would not be a wise choice right now...I am supposed to be saving and paying things on time to help build up my credit (that had gone sour while my DH was not working...the doing his own business...then not working!!!)...

Well...I am off to relax for what is left of this evening...

mcmarto

Hi mc,
Good luck on your job search. Are you applying for the same type of position, or will you go to regular classroom? it is a good saving to work closer to home, the driving adds up in money as well as time. Lucky you, your break coming up! Ours was last week, it was heaven to relax a bit.

Pat

Hi Mc. Good luck on the job hunting. I'm sure someone with your skills and experience and talent will find a great job in no time.

Oh, what chick flick did you see? Did you like it?

Hello Everyone!

Happy Friday!...I am off...it is Teacher Appreciation Day!...Woohoo...and now I am on Spring Break...I cannot believe it!...I was actually looking forward to this time off...but not really cause I have to work on my grad paper all week!...pfft...Well...starting Monday...

I am annoyed...I had to get a new alternator on Tuesday...but then yesterday my battery light was on...my mechanic tested the alternator and it ends up its a lemon...soooo...now...I have no car until he can replace it later this evening!...I had so many errands to run too!...I will try to do things around my apt or hitch a ride to at least Target from a friend!

Oh gosh...let's see...last week I went and saw Jersey Girl...it was cute...not as bad as I thought it would be...........this week we saw The Prince and Me...oh gosh...it was terrible......except for the Prince being totally cute...it stunk...big time....Not that I was thinking it would be a high quality film or anything...but I did not think it would be as CHEEEEEEEEEZY as it was!!!

Ok...I am of to visit more journals!

Have a nice weekend everyone!

mcmarto

I've not even heard of Prince and Me. I guess I will continue avoiding it that way. Sounds awful.

Sorry about the car troubles. It'll be great when you can buy yourself a new car someday. "Warranty" is a very useful word.

You have a nice weekend, too. Big Easter celebrations?

Hi Mc,

Glad you enjoyed at least one of the films. I've seen the ads for both. My kind are the thrillers, horror, sci-fi stuff for the most part. But I like Julia Roberts, and I've never been disappointed by any of her movies, including the fun ones like Notting Hill. She does them very well. But she was also great in that movie with Denzel Washington a while back. Very talented well rounded actress, eh? She fascinates me because she is the same age as my daughter. I have no clue why I make that connection, but I do.

I had a slightly rough day, but pretty good for most of it. Hope you have a nice holiday. Enjoy your time off.

Hugs,
Sandie

Hi Kilogo...Hi Sandy!

Well...I do have a warranty Kil...paid extra for the 7year/100,000 mile warranty...Everytime you take the car into the dealer they charge you $95 to check it (for each specific thing that may be wrong)...then it ends up that nothing is covered!...The last time they wanted to charge me $550 to change one fuel injector and to clean the rest.......I went and got it done by my own mechanic for $175.00...

Honestly the car is driven...lots...it has 93,000 miles in just 5 1/2 years, we did the ritual oil changes...and all the other stuff you do at the mileage it recommends...but about two years ago we started having problems...and they have not stopped ever since!

He did change the alternator...tested the new one...it is working better...I had to pay an extra $40 for it ... but... now it seems better.......

What a boring day!...I took the car in...then went to Target...picked up my DH...we had lunch...we have been home since 2...just lounging...

Tomorrow is dinner at my parents...I need to stop at Costco first thing...I will take some laundry to my mom's...and that is about it!

I haven't really been exercising and my eating has been up and down...I did manage to lose 2 pounds in the last 2 weeks...I hope to get to the gym this week...cook...make better choices!

mc

Hi Mc,

So, maybe you are not 100% on track, but you are working in the right direction, and making efforts to get there. Every little bit helps. Maybe once the holiday is over with, you will feel more motivated.

Have a great day with your parents and just enjoy the moment.

Hugs,
Sandie

Thanks Sandie!

You are doing so well...staying on track!

We had fun at my mom's...my little baby nephew is too cute!

I am now watching The Nick and Jessica show...rather interesting!...hahaha!

Tomorrow...Laundry (for the rest of my stuff)...Costco (since it was closed today)...then to the health club...eeek...it's been a long time...since late December...almost 4 months!!!.......Then...I may possibly go visit a friend or two...???

Have a nice week everyone...mcmarto

Hi Mc,

I'm glad your Easter went so well, and that you had such a good time. Especially with your nephew. I know that he won't remember this Easter too well, but they will be some of your most treasured memories with him.

How are your parents doing? I hope they too are well and having a good life too.

It sounds like you will be getting more deeply committed to your own weight management soon. Good for you! You just follow your instincts and do what is best for you. It will all come together just fine, all in good time.

Hugs,
Sandie

Hey Sandie...thanks for stopping by!

My parents are doing well...excited about the latest addition to our family!...We were all just thinking that next year little OG will be able to search for his own eggs during the hunt!...Cute!

Well...I managed to go to the laundromat...then to Costco...the bank...then back home...a friend of mine picked me up and I went for a manicure and had my eyebrow's done...she had some acrylic nails put on...then...I went with her to get her haircut and we had lunch...

I got home in time to work on my cover letter...I printed out 5 of them...along with the resumes and envelopes...those are ready to be mailed out tomorrow!...I then called a possible new mortgage broker...spent the rest of the evening getting together the documents he wanted and trying to figure out my fax machine again (since I have DSL now it messed it all up)...I finally figured it out...next thing you know it is 8 and I am watching Miss America...I fell asleep towards the end of it...I don't even know who won?

I did not make it to the health club today...but...I did get a few things done off my list!...OH...and I barely ate...a granola bar this a.m...some split pea soup...and half my lunch plate!...

Let's see...tomorrow...sweep up and dust the place...wash some dishes...clean up the bathroom...mail out my resumes and take Olive on a well deserving walk...I am also going to visit a friend who just bought a new house...and...possibly go visit my little nephew again?

Have fun tomorrow!

mcmarto

Happy Tuesday Mc,

My, my but you have been a busy lady. Are you still working at the school, or are you done with them for good now? I sure do hope you find what you are looking for. I should think that a teacher of your caliber that enjoys her students as much as you do should be an asset to any school, they ought to be out there breaking down doors to get to you before someone else does. Hey, wouldn't that be great? Never hurts to dream. You never know just when it's your turn for dreams to become reality.

Well, I was in the the "neighborhood" so I wanted to stop in and say hello. Maybe tomorrow you will eat a bit better? Let's hope so.

Hugs,
Sandie

Thanks Sandy!

Well...I did manage to do everything on my list yesterday...except visit my baby nephew...I came home and had dinner with my DH instead!...

Sandie...I am still working at my current school...we are on spring break!...I go back on Monday!...I sent out 5 resumes yesterday...so its a wait and see.........another friend of mine told me it took about 3 weeks before a school called her...so not to worry...especially since we are on spring break too!

I have been eating a lot of chocolate lately...yesterday I had a brownie and a small piece of cake...this a.m....so early...I already had a small piece of cake...soon I will have some choco milk!...eeek!

I read somewhere that if you are trying to lose weight...and...you are addicted to food...(comfort foods) that you shouldn't kid yourself when it comes to dieting...you need to cut those foods out (they could be triggers) for good!...What do you all think about that?...I mean you hear the everything in moderation mantra...but if you have no self control???

Today I am going to attempt to work on my paper and then go visit a friend...it is supposed to be 60 today...yahoo...and then over 70 for the rest of the week!...NICE!

Have a nice day everyone!

mcmarto

Hi Mc,

I think you got it right girlfriend. If a certain food item is a trigger, you really must cut it out of your diet altogether. There is no middle of the road where that is concerned. I have the same problem with most nuts and ice cream. If it's not here at all, I do just fine. But if there is any in the house, I can't stop until it's gone. I'm not like you with chocolate though. A bag of kisses will last me for months. I'm more than satisfied with just one or two on the odd occasion. But I have tried nuts in the shell and jarred, and both I eat until gone, as though I have no control at all. And when I buy special low fat, Splenda sweetened ice cream or frozen treats, it is the same story. I can't seem to stop with just one.

I know it's no fun having to do without the foods you love best, but they really do throw you way off course and destroy your resolve eventually. You can't afford to allow that to happen, if you want to be healthy. And in the long run, a long and healthy life is worth far more than that brownie or bag of chocolate kisses any day. I guess when it comes right down to it, you have to weigh how much you value those you love against that next brownie or chocolate bunny. Which one means more to you and which one do you want to spend more time with? If it's those you love, then kiss that brownie goodbye. Because in the end it will take you away from those you love quicker than you are ready for.

Mc, I absolutely resent the fact that my body does not metabolize food like some others I know. It has always infuriated me that some of my friends can sit down and eat 3 times what I do, belch, and that's the worst that happens. And I gain 3 lbs just watching them eat it all. It has been my lot since I began puberty. Definitely in my genes, I am predisposed to being obese. My entire family are "stout"! But the day finally dawns when you have to realize, like it or not, this is your lot. Grow up, adjust, and make the most with what you have, and stop feeling sorry for myself. I will never be like those people that can eat as they chose and not suffer the consequences as I do. So I finally faced it and regardless of what stones are in my path to cause me to stumble, I will continue to seek a healthier lifestyle and eating regimen. My niece means so much more to me than any ice cream sundae ever could.

Good luck on the job hunt kiddo.
Hugs,
Sandie

Thanks Sandie!

I am kind of thinking that if I want to succeed in this journey...it may have to be...no more of this...or just on my birthday!

I had once seen this woman on tv who had lost a lot of weight...like close to or over 100 pounds...well...she mentioned how she loved burgers and fries but gave them up when she started her weight loss plan........she would eat this meal just once a year...on her birthday!...AND...she would still skip the cake!...I remember thinking that this was so odd...and I kind of laughed it off...but obviously this must have been a trigger for her and it was necessary for her to give it up!...In the end she was healthier and happier!

I ate more junk today...even baked some banana bread...took a loaf to my friend...kept a loaf here...I am going to wrap it up for my DH to take it to work...it is too tempting for me...!!!

Now...tonight...I am going to work on my paper...Ch. 4...tomorrow...Ch. 5...and...begin fixing Ch. 1, 2, and 3...on Friday!...Wish me luck!

mc

Good for you Mc,

I know once you figure out all the necessary in's and out's of what will work for you and what won't, you will have a totally successful journey to a healthier you!

Hope all goes well with your paper. I never had to do anything like that when I was in school. But then, I took the "business" course. About the best thing that came from it was the ability to type well. It is still with me, obviously. I always enjoyed typing, and now I am benefiting from it, finally!! LOL

Take care now,
Sandie

Hi Mc. I'm thinking the trigger foods are like booze to an alcholic. Moderation just doesn't work.

Hope you hear something from one of these schools soon. And good luck on the paper!

Thanks Sandy and Kil!

Well I have everything set up to start working on my ch. 4 and ch. 5's...but...look...I am online instead...gee...at 9 I will have to see what Oprah is about!...hahahaha!...I know...I will get into it...I bet it won't take that long to even complete...then I have to figure out how to forward it to my Advisor...

Since I switched to SBC Global...I have not been able to forward anything...I may end up on the phone with them later!

I am meeting with an old co-worker for a early dinner...she is coming by to pick me up at about 4...so this will be a nice break...we are going to discuss the new job she found and the new condo she bought!...

OH...I am also waiting for a call from my new mortgage broker...eeek!...

Well...I am off!

Have a nice day everyone!

mcmarto

Hi Mc,

Sounds to me like you are too busy running here and there and doing this and doing that to have any time left for working on that paper. And am I starting to notice a bit of the procrastinator in your personality??? I would never have thought that of you, but I do think I am seeing a pattern here........LOL

Hope you have a good time out with your friend. Take care and maybe the next time I get to say hello, you will have Chapter 4 and 5 finished??? LOL

Hugs,
Sandie

Oh gosh Sandie...I am a big procrastinator...I seem to think I do my best work when I don't have much time left!

Well lucky for me I started setting up all my papers and fixing up the first three chapters on Wednesday cause I have run into problems!...Thursday after meeting with my friend I just watched TV...

I woke up early Friday a.m. to fix up my Ch's 1 & 2...well...I get to chapter 2 and part of it is missing...I freak (cause this was the literature review)...I remembered I had saved it on 2 disks...neither one would open...I sat sobbing...seriously...then I remembered I had a hard copy that my advisor had corrected...so...I had to get that out and re-type it...it took me a little over an hour...so...now I am happy...Ch's 1,2, and 3 are fixed up...gee...I get a call from a friend who faxes me over her ch. 4 & 5 so I can get a better idea of what our advisor wants (the samples she gave us stunk!)...So...I then went out to lunch with my DH...then...went to visit my nephew (more procrastinating)...but...I did check to see if I could forward from my brothers house...and I can...so...I will go their tomorrow when this is all done to send it to my advisor...eeek!

So...here I am...procrastinating some more on this Ch. 4...hahaha...then...Ch. 5...they are actually not very long chapters...I am just not in the mood...and now I am dreading going back to work on Monday...I did not do any lessons...the good thing...report card pick up is Wednesday (no kids...but parents who are sometimes worse!)...hahaha...so we work from 12-6...I can go in early and work on them...and I don't see that many parents so I will have time in between!...I am going to attempt to write them for the last 10 weeks...

Can you believe it?...I have only 47 days left of this school year!...Yahoo!

I will feel (and hopefully look) much better come June!...

Have a nice weekend everyone!

mc

AND...I counted wrong...I only have 46 days left of this school year...and after I go in tomorrow...only 45.........yahoo!

After 8 hours of hard work yesterday...I finally finished...now to wait and see if I did it correctly...hopefully she will get it back to me within a week...so I can fix any mistakes...now I have to work on my presentation...and...I think that I present in mid - May???...Graduation is the first weekend in June!

Finally...I feel like I have been in grad school forever...gosh...its been about about 2 and 1/2 years...it took a little bit longer then the cohort expected...but...I am glad its almost over!

Now...to worry about getting a new job........a former co-worker of mine told me that principals are fairly slow moving when it comes to new hires for the next school year...she said I will definitely get calls...maybe not until May...or early June!...HELLO!!!

Gosh...I have just been eating...no exercise...I am the highest weight I have ever been...contemplating what to do...realizing that I am going to have to give up a lot of the foods I enjoy (which are comfort foods and not good for me anyway) in order to win this battle...I am so annoyed with myself that I had gotten down to 198.5 in late December...and now I am 30 pounds heavier...yes...I said it...the scale read 228 today!!!(this is 6 pounds over my highest weight of 222)...eeek!

So what will I do?...I am actually depressed and I feel ashamed and guilty...I guess I need to get past these feelings first...quit bad talking myself...focus on moving ahead and not all the mistakes I have made in the last 4 months...

I have lost weight before...always putting it back on...so what will make this attempt..........different???...Well this time...hahaha...not attempt!

mcmarto :shrug:

Congratulations! What a relief that must be!

Weight loss is a learning process, right? Each time you lost weight you learned some things about yourself, about nutrition and exercise, what you like and don't like.

I hope you've learned that 'just a bit more discipline this time' isn't going to work. You need to find a program that you can live with for the rest of your life.

Hi there Mc,

Congratulations on finally finishing that paper of yours. Gosh woman, you had me sweating bullets, and it wasn't even my problem..........ha! ha! ha!

I can't tell you how often I had done exactly what you have done. Lose a good amount of weight, fall down, but instead of getting back up, I found some excuse to stay down and wallor. But the fact is, there are not enough excuses any more to justify our self destructive behavior.

I've heard it said so many times to see yourself thin, and then behave accordingly. Yeah, easier said than done. I've felt the guilt and the shame, and then allowed that to take me right into depression as well. I have also totally despised my body for working the way it does. For gaining weight so easily. I have very often felt nothing but contempt for myself for being weak, stupid, lazy and destructive about myself. But the fact of the matter is, like it or not, regardless of what we think, our body is the way it is, and there is nothing we can do about it. So I guess that means it's time to stop hating ourselves and time to start loving ourselves. And by doing that we will treat our body with repect and regardless of how difficult it is, we will also learn how to take care of it properly, facing up to the truth and accepting what is, and then doing what must be done. We must truthfully see ourselves as we wish to be, and then act and behave accordingly.

I have learned that this is just too long a journey, with too many curves in the road, so I know there are going to be ups and downs like every other long trip in life. It wasn't a smooth road growing up. It was even less smooth being married, and worse still raising 3 children alone. But eventually we do make it to the end of each stage. The difining moments are the choices we make along the way. You know, for the sake of your own health, you must take this journey, unless you plan to ignore everything and throw all caution to the wind. But be prepared to suffer the consequences when you do too. So this journey will be lengthy and difficult at time. But you can make good choices and that will make it easier over all, and you will arrive at the end of it much sooner for doing so.

Take care and travel well,
Sandie

Thanks Kilogo and Sandie!

I am so tired...I could not get to sleep last night...I think it was 1 a.m. before I fell asleep...I was up at 5:30...I was so tired at work today...I had my asst work with the kids on some Earth Day stuff...then we had a little recess...later we cleaned up our classroom........and before you know it...it was time to go home...

Tomorrow its back to work...I finished up my lessons for the week and got some stuff together!

Well...here I go...back on a healthy plan...tomorrow.......somebody asked me today if I could see myself at 145...I admitted that I could not...so this is one thing I am definitely working on!

Hope you all have a good week...My goal is to have a good week!

mc

Hi there Mc,

Sorry you had such a trying day. It sure is miserable to put in a full day when you had such a restless night. So I will be keeping my fingers crossed that tomorrow is a much better day for you.

My friend, if you have any pictures of yourself at a much lower weight, take them out and hang them up so you can picture yourself weighing much less. They can also inspire and motivate you. I have one right here on my desk where I can see it all the time. I am determined to get down there once again. I might not look as good considering the picture is over 20 yrs old. Got more wrinkles now..........LOL

Take care lady, and take a Tylenol pm tonight. That will help you to sleep better, and wake up feeling great!

Hugs,
Sandie

Thanks Sandie!

Gosh...yesterday was a terrible day at school too...I had to leave the classroom for a 2 hour meeting (which did end with good results...the Autistic student that I knew from day one of school did not belong in my class is finally being transferred down to the Autistic program...gosh...I only alerted them back in October that this needed to be done!!!)...So...my class was out of sorts since other people were supervising them...

I was tired cause I barely slept the night before...again.....after work it was raining...I had to go do laundry ... then ... I had to go to the grocery store for some fruits and veggies!

One good thing......I stayed in my calories.......1500...yahoo!...

Now...a question...how do you research fraudulent info on your credit report?...After speaking with my mortgage broker...he said their was one account on my dh's report that he wanted to know about...but...we have no idea what this account is...I think it it a student loan...and I think someone obtained it under my DH's SS#!!!!...AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...so now we have to hasse with this for a few weeks...or months!...........I do remember many years back being contacted in the mail by a college or the student loan people asking if he was attempting to sign for a loan and we said NO...I having a stinky feeling this involves that incident...it was so long ago I do not even remember when it all happened!...

Well...today is report card pick up...I will leave here a little early since my classroom is a mess and I have some paperwork to fill out ... but basically we have to be there from 12-6...12-1 is considered lunch...then 1-6 all parents...its totally boring...hopefully all my parents show up!............

Have a nice day everyone!

mc

Hey Mcmarto,

Parent day is boring, lol, now how can that be. All us WONDERFUL parents, lol. Hang in there dear teacher, they will be gone soon.

Isn't it great when you have lots of fruit and veggies in the house, whoohoo, I love it.

I am finally getting back on track again, and even out walking. I sat down and made a plan, just for this week, and am trying to follow it. I have myself walking each weekday this week, and am doing good so far, lol, of course it is only Wednesday morning. yesterday I went over my calorie goal but will do much better today.


Hey good work on your calories yesterday, that was great.

I read about not being able to picture yourself at 145, and I can understand that. I was wondering, instead of trying to see the final picture, what about just working on smaller goals, like getting below the 200's, and then down to 180 etc.

Well, that is enough for pestering you for today mcmarto. LOL. Take care.

Hey there Mc,

Sorry about the boring day, but I guess it comes with the territory, right? I wonder if there really are jobs that provide nothing but pure joy and delight to the worker. I find it very difficult to believe, but I guess it's within the realm of posibility! But I bet it doesn't happen all that often. How else would we appreciate the real joy in our life if we didn't have to suffer through the "hell" of our jobs...........haha

I remember you telling us about that boy way back. So they are finally figuring it out eh? Gee, wonder what took them so darn long? Almost the end of the year now. So this entire year is basically shot for that poor kid. Oh well, some people are forever thinking they are right when they couldn't be more wrong, but they will never admit.

I just wanted to pop in and wish you a great weekend. Take care, have fun and keep safe.

Hugs,
Sandie

Hey Crazy...Sandie!

Thanks for stopping by!

Well...I had another good day yesterday...about 1525 calories!!!

I was very hungry when I left school...but I controlled myself...made it all the way home where I prepared dinner...instead of eating fast food!!!

13 out of 14 of my parents showed up...so that was good...of course they were all spread out...so...I barely got any other work done...

In regards to the Autistic boy in my class...this year really wasn't a lost year...it was just more stressful for me and the student's in our class...I guess it was a learning experience for us all...he did learn some himself...their was just a lot of wasted time where he could have been better serviced in a different environment!

The funniest part about all of this is that I originally brought this up to the case manger in October (and the Autistic Itinerant teacher)...this is when he told me it was my opinion he did not belong in the room...blah...blah...blah...then in January I had the mom come in to observe...I had the Autistic itinerant in like 3x...I approached the case manager again about moving him and he stated we had to make sure it was what the parents wanted...now its February...I had the Speech teacher go as the case manager what was going on with the student...when would he have his meeting...and again he acted like I had never told him anything!!!......but...that's not how it works...we hold a meeting and everyone who services the child puts down facts...makes suggestions...answers the parents questions and as a team we decide the placement!

Well...at the meeting this week the Occupational Therapist brought up the fact he needed to be moved...we all agreed...the parents asked questions and we figured it all out (and...the parents were well aware a possible change was going to happen...they brought it up at the meeting!!!)........well...later...the case manager approached the OT teacher and said...next time you are going to drop a bomb like that ... let me know...we need to give the parents the heads up!!!...She was like...what are you talking about?...mc has been talking to the parents since October...she mentioned this to you several times...he acted like I had never brought this up!

This makes me so mad!...So I guess I learned something new...put everything in writing...date it...keep putting dated papers in his mailbox with the facts...if not...they will act as though you never brought it up!...pfft!

Have a great day everyone!

mcmarto

Mc, in response to your PM, I will try to answer your questions. Sorry I've not been around, but I've been working insane hours and I've been just exhausted, so I've been going to bed around 8 or 9.

First of all, congrats on your good eating of late! I know you are happy about that!

Now, to the questions you asked me about...

I know you can get copies of your credit history online for a fee. One of the companies is Equifax, one is Transunion, and I can't remember the third company. But if you are applying for a mortgage, perhaps the broker has already done it and can better advise you. I have no idea how you would fix something once there is wrong information on there. I think I've read that you write a letter to the credit company and ask to have it put in your file, but I'm sure there are other things you can do. I'd recommend you ask your broker and that you do an internet search. I think that 60 minutes or Dateline has done a story on this type of thing in the last year or so, so I'm sure there is lots of info out there on how to fix this type of thing.

Now your question about weight loss "what will make this attempt different?" I think if you have to ask that, then you aren't there yet. I know, b/c I've asked it a zillion times. You just have to take it day by day, hour by hour, choice by choice. You aren't giving up your comfort foods forever. You are making choices to eat healthier foods each meal, so eventually, you can have macaroni and cheese (or whatever) once in awhile. I don't know about the "trigger food" thing. I believe for some people giving up the trigger foods seems to work. I've "given up" sugar for the past couple of months, but it was b/c of the insulin problems I was having. And I've not given it up forever, nor do I have to, according to my doctors or my dietitian. I plan on having a street ice once in a blue moon or a Mister Softee on a really hot day as a special treat. But it won't be a big deal. I'll eat lots of veggies and good proteins and whole grains before and after, just like I always do. Those things will just be food to me, not a way of life. I finally changed my mindset, Mc. Or rather, it just changed without me "making" it. And it is VERY DIFFERENT. Don't look at the big picture. Take it one step at a time. Don't think of yourself at 145. Don't. Just look at every opportunity to eat as a series of choices. Then move on to the next thing. I didn't get here overnight. Day. By. Day. Hour. By. Hour. I don't even look at how many actual pounds I lose. I look for downward trends. I look for how I feel. I look for better medical tests. That kind of stuff. If you change the way you look at the whole weight loss process, then it will be much easier on you. You can do it, Mc. Without guilt and shame and all that stuff. It's just food. Just focus on eating healthy for the next five minutes if you have to. That's what I do. I think it would work for you, but if it doesn't, keep trying to find a way that DOES work for you. Just be kind to yourself. You deserve it. We can't tell you what is best for you. We can only share what works for us. We can only give you our support (when we aren't asleep...ack). Ultimately, it's your choice, just like it was mine. We believe in you, now YOU'VE gotta believe in you.

Mc, go to the public library and get some books on fixing your own credit. Two good self-help law publishers are Nolo Press and Sphinx Publishing. Here is one book from Sphinx which is pretty current:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/157248344X/qid=1082682817/sr=8-5/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i5_xgl14/102-7532784-0888165?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

I give these books out all the time at my library. They have all the info you'll need. Good luck!

Chum's got some great advice there. It does take time for everything to "click." You'll get it... don't give up!

Lisrey :up:

Thanks Chum and Lisrey...for stopping in and all the great advice!

I told my DH to call Trans Union about the possibility of fraud on his credit...he has not done so yet...he gets annoyed with me cause he thinks I am slowing this whole home buying thing down...but now he is...and...he is thinking of switching jobs in two weeks!!!...I will have to remind him again today...and possibly have him call the mortgage broker (I asked my DH to wait one more year...to pay off some more things and save up some more money...but he keeps pushing me...!!!)...So its a wait and see...maybe the mortgage broker will recommend more time!!!...pfft!

Ok...so...Friday was another good day...1490 calories...I was so tempted to eat fast food after work...I even kept thinking about it once I got home...but I talked myself out of it...and kept trying to positively motivate myself...so far so good!...Look at the scale...125...yahoo...much better then 128 (and the occasional 130 I would see the day after a good binge)...

Now its the weekend...I have planned to go workout...I wish I can say I was motivated...but I am not...I have a little shopping to do...and...my nephew's party to attend tomorrow...14...wow...but that is about it!...OH...waiting for my papers back from my advisor...she was in Boston...she gets back today...eeek!

Have a nice weekend everyone!

mcmarto

Hi Mc. I hope the DH gets that credit situation checked out soon. What's the housing market like in Chicago? It's crazy around here. Too many people and not enough houses means sky-high prices.

Good job on resisting the fast food. Have fun at the boy's birthday party!

Well...homes here are now very expensive...Condo's are going up everywhere for some crazy prices...I had 2 friends recently buy condo's...one for $215,000 and the other for $250,000...not worth it to me!!!...We were looking more for a 2 flat (starter)...then maybe a year after that look for our home and rent out the flat!

Fortunately my DH is handy...and has tools...so...we are also looking at the HUD homes (which are not always in the best neighborhoods and our definitely fixer uppers) but every now and then something good comes along...you bid on it...and then wait a week to see if your the new owner...now we have to wait to do that...or I can do that on my own...so its a wait and see...and my DH is really lazy about doing things so it may be a year (which I actually want to wait) so we can pay off some more things and have more money saved...He may start a new job too!!!

Gosh...I woke up all crampy and icky...TOM is here...this sucks...my official weigh in is tomorrow...hope it does not affect me too much!

I am off in an hour or so to go buy some more veggies and pick up something for my nephew (and my assistant who also celebrates her birthday this weekend!)...Not fun...since I feel like crap!

I did receive all my chapters back from my advisor...for the most part it looks like she said they were fine...some formatting mistakes...now I have to switch gears and work on my presentation...this is coming up...the second Tuesday in May!!!...Then...after that...I have a month to edit that paper and get it bound...so I am glad that is off my shoulders!...Hoo...ha!

Have a nice day everyone!...I hope to stay strong at my mom's...especially around the cake!...hahaha!

mc

HI Mc. I was just cruising thru and noticed your post on the $$$ housing costs. Thats the one reason I dont move back home. Im not sure what area you are in, but I have family in the south and southwest suburbs and others in Wilmette..and the costs are unbelieveable...what they are doing in the suburbs is buying the more simple homes and bulldozing them down and building big obnoxious homes on them..because there is more land to work with. Some of the neighborhoods are unbelievable. Anyway, just wanted to say hi and I hope you find what you want at a reasonable cost.

Thanks Lindasue!!!

Yes the city is getting pretty expensive...we hope we can start buying up a few things...and eventually own one real good property...but...this could take a few years to do!...I wish we could have started sooner...but that is life!...

mcmarto

Hey...Hey...Hey!

It is day 7 and my official weigh in...I am down 2.8...yahoo!

This is pretty good considering TOM is here and I feel absolutely terrible...eeek!...My throat is all scratchy and it is starting to evolve into a cold!

Yesterday at my mom's I attempted not to eat a lot...I did well...but...I did have a piece of cake...not as a reward to myself for a good week...but because I wanted it...I knew if I did not have it I would crave it for weeks!...

My DH just got home...he finally called the guy who was offering him a job and told him he would not be taking it...now he is being all weird...wondering if he made the right decision...complaining he is in a bad mood and his stomach hurts...he has a lot of trouble moving out of the work mode into the home mode!...I swear...Fridays are his favorite day...heck...it is most peoples favorite day!

Well...I am off to get my salad and dinner going!

Have a nice night everyone!

mcmarto

Hi McMarto

Congrats on the loss. I know you are about ready for school to end. We have 6 weeks and 2 days left. My son is counting down. He is ready for it to get out. Of course, he has been in a week.

Take care and have a good week.
Renee:)

Mcmarto,

congrats on the 2.8 pounds lost, that is fantastic!!!!

LOL, maybe hubby was having sympathy TOM symptoms, LOL.

Keep up the good work, don't wait to be motivated to exercise, that may never happen, believe me, I know, lol.

Thanks for your support in my journal, your a great friend.

Thanks Arfain and Crazy!

I can't wait to be out of school too...yahoo!.........I am sick...totally sick...my nose is all stuffy and runny and bright red...I keep sneezing...I feel just terrible...

I am getting ready to make my salad...then rest before dinner...

I did well yesterday...1460 calories...I have todays calories planned out too...1600...not bad...I am staying within my 1500-1600 span!...Now to exercise...I may be going to see a movie tomorrow after work...if not...I am going to take my walkman and go by the lake (my favorite spot...near the museum campus)...and walk for an hour or so...it supposed to be 72...yahoo!

Have a nice night ... mcmarto

Wow. It's truly amazing how different housing costs are across the country. I don't think you can buy a property around here for 200K. Not even a tiny condo. We are very high here, but places like NYC are even higher.

It's rather depressing. But it seems like once you jump in, no matter where you live, you find that you can afford it more easily than you thought you could. Those tax write-offs make it all worthwhile.

Congrats on losing 2.8 whilst tomming. Sympathy TOM, :laugh: That was a good one, crazy. Sounds like the DH needs to hit the gym after work before coming home to destress first.

Well yesterday ended up at 1475...today...1625...not too bad!...I made it through day 9...here comes day 10!

I am still sick...totally congested...I seemed worse while I was at work!

It was girls night...we went to see that 13 to 30 movie...whatever its called...it was a cute love story...better then I expected!

2 more days left of this school week...yippee!

Thanks for stopping by Kil...the condo's I mentioned aren't even in great neighborhoods...for something in a better neighborhood you will be paying over $400,000 for a condo...and even more for a townhome...eeek!...Way to pricey for a little old school teacher like me!

hahaha...I need to buy something soon or I will get pushed out of the city...eeek!

mcmarto

mcmarto,

Thanks for the note in my journal, I like the idea of splitting up the portion sizes, great idea.

Sounds like when school is done you need to get some extra rest and some nice exercise out in the fresh air.

Keep up the good work!!!!

Hey, I haven't seen a mcmarto poem for ages, :(

Hi McMarto

Hope you are feeling better. Well, the weekend is here - well almost. Try and get some rest this weekend. You are doing great with your eating. I wish I could say the same, I've been eating everything in sight it seems. But that will improve, I cleaned out the fridge and freezer and got rid of alot of stuff.

Have a good, peaceful weekend.
Renee:)

Hey...sorry I could not stop in on Thursday...but...I am having trouble with my DSL line...yet again...I am typing this from work...getting ready to go home!

Thanks Crazy and Arfain for stopping by!

I did well yesterday...1540 calories...oh...and I feel better too...just a little stuffiness left...and every now and then a hacking cough...but...much better!...

I was craving pizza and sweets bad yesterday...I did buy a few WW desserts (lower in calorie and fat)...so this should help...I also went out and got some more fresh fruit for my sweet tooth!

Today I am doing well...hope I don't get pizza cravings again!

Tomorrow I have a big night with my mom...2 sil's and my 2 nieces...we are going downtown to the American Girl store for my younger nieces birthday...she is getting her doll and we are going to see the show and have dinner...it should be fun!...All the ladies in the family...hahaha!

Besides some cleaning...nothing else going on this weekend...oh...I guess I should exercise!...Eeek!

The scale is looking good but my official weigh in is on Monday...so it will have to wait!

Have a great weekend .. hopefully my DSL line will get all straightened out and I can come back and visit before Monday!!!

mcmarto

I got a poem from Mcmarto,

And I'll tell you, she is so smarto!!!

She is helping me through,

She gives me lots of clues,

To get off the weight,

And before it's too late.


Hehehe, well, not a mcmarto poem but will have to do for now. Thanks for yours in my journal, really made me smile. Take care.

Ok...I had to restore my computer to an earlier date...now I am back on...no problems...for now!

We had great fun at The American Girl Store...my niece got her doll...Josefina...my SIL bought her 2 more outfits and some accessories and I bought her the bed and bedding...we saw the show and enjoyed the dinner...it was a lot of fun!

I did go over my calories today...I am pushing 3,000 easy!...Not kidding here...lots of little tastes of this and that...and...3 different small desserts...too good to pass up!...But...its life...tomorrow...a new day...keep counting and be accountable!

Have a nice night!

Thanks for my poem crazy!

mc

Hi McMarto

I love the American Girl dolls. My daughter has 3 of them and a host of clothes. She loves them.

Glad you got your dsl restored. It is such a pain when that goes down. Ours goes down for periods and it may be a day or two before the Italians figure out how to fix it. They couldn't install the software on my computer I had to do it. The guy spent 1 hour messing with it and messed up the system so bad that I had to restore it. After I did that it took me all of 5 minutes to get it installed.

And yep, today is another day. Yesterday's mess ups have passed.

Have a wonderful day.
Renee :D

Thanks Arfain!

Oh JOY...happy news!...I am down 2.6...for a total of 5.4!...Yipeee!

I resisted eating out today...had a nice dinner at home...my splurge...a Subway lowfat brownie (which was more like cake)...but pretty tasty!

I am so tired...I also went for a 45 minute walk with Olive and my DH...he is already asleep...it is not even 8!!!

My thesis presentation is 2 weeks away.........ahhhhhhhhh...got to get it together!

Hope you all have a great week...my goal is to lose 2-3 lbs this week...and...exercise at least 5 days...1 day down!

mcmarto

Wow, Mcmarto! That's an awesome loss! Congratulations :up: I'm so happy for you.... and your goal for next week sounds very doable. My goal is just about the same as yours for next week. I didn't do very well on the exercising last week, so I want to try to walk at least one mile every day this week.

Good luck to both of us! And keep up the great work.... you're doing terrific!

Mcmarto, RIGHT ON!!!! CONGRATS ON THE 2.6, THAT IS FANTASTIC!!! :D :D :D

HI McMarto

Congrats on the weight loss! That is wonderful. The walk sounds nice also, my hubby is the same way. Goes for a walk and goes to sleep.

Have a great day.
Renee:)

Dj...Crazy...and Arfain!

Thanks for stopping by and the encouragement!

Well I did it!...Did all the laundry today...then...got home...washed dishes...dusted...and swept...then...I went for a 45 minute walk...yahoo!...I walked much faster today (no DH or Olive)...I did about 2.6 miles!!!...Wow...

Yesterday my calories were under 1500...today...a little over 1500...I have one splurge day planned...Saturday...my DH and I are going out to breakfast (yummy veggie omelette...and...we have a party to go to ... yummy Italian food)...Sad...but I am looking forward to this day...hahahaha!...

2 workout days down...3 more to go!

Oh...did I mention...I got really annoyed at work today...next week is testing...they expect me to give 2 different level tests to 16 kids in one room...HELLO...sped kids are supposed to be given a test in a small group...they get extended time and they are supposed to have the quiet everyone else gets...I don't see how this will be possible...I tried talking to the disciplinarian at our school who handles all of this and he referred me to the principal...I am going to go talk to him tomorrow...the will then refer me back to the disciplinarian...its bull...one of the many reasons I have chosen to leave this school...pfft!

mcmarto

Hi
congrats on another day of exercise.

On the testing, standardized testing is a pain. My son does the testing that way, although he isn't in special ed he has an IEP. It says small group, longer test time and help with reading directions. It helps. When they throw something into the pot, like giving 2 test at once, it makes it not only harder on the teachers but on the students. Your school sounds like it has some issues. I hope you get picked up by a new one soon.

Take care
Renee:)

Hang in there mcmarto, just a few more days and you are rid of them!!!!!

And, WOW, you are doing so great with your walking, good for you!!!!! :ex:

Thanks for your friendship and visits to my journal. They are always great. I appreciated the idea of how you plan out how many calories at meals and snacks. I need to see if I can plan like that too.

Well, keep up the good work. You are doing great. Don't let that weekend food mess you up too much though. You deserve to be healthy and fit.

Thanks Arfain and Crazy2!

Well the number for testing in my class has gone up to 17...ahhhhh!...My principal was not available today so I did not get to talk to him...tomorrow I am going to bring up this testing crap to my case manager...see what he thinks...

I noticed his name is not on the roster to give any tests (this is major bull cause his title is actually case manager/special education teacher...he lie's to the board and tells him he teaches part of the day...even has some students assigned to him on the computer but he does not do any teaching)...it makes me angry that the disciplinarian tells me he has no extra man power yet he does not assign the case manager to a group...gee go figure they are buddies who go on hour lunch breaks everyday!!!)...

Gosh...and I thought we were all advocates for our students and we were their looking out for their best interests..........arse holes!

I have enough stress as it is ... they have me basically doing two jobs for the price of one...I am the self-contained teacher (full time kids...10 total)...and I also take resource kids (pull out...anywhere from 40 mins to 2 hours a day)...another 6 kids!...My classroom door might as well be a revolving door...and the resource kids are higher functioning so they cannot be incorporated with the kids in my class...I just received two more resource kids this week...I told everyone they had to wait until after testing for me to incorporate them...its so late in the year too!...

I also have the stress of my presentation and finishing up my paper...I will be so happy when the presentation part is over...pfft!...I present on May 18th...I am scared...

I did not walk today...my feet and shins were achey...my calories were a little over...closer to 1800...so...I need to be careful to stay closer to 1500 these next few days!...I have been wanting to eat...resisting...resisting!

I am pug sitting Chato again...he has gotten so fat!...He is a bully...anytime Olive walks near her bowl...he freaks out...!!!...Luckily for the most part they get along!

I am off...its late...I dozed off earlier and now I am wired...it is after 12!!!...

mcmarto

Hi

Well, school is almost over for the year! Hopefully, next year you will be at a different, better school.

I had amost forgot what public schools are like. My kids go to Department of Defense schools and things are done a little different at times. For the most part the teachers seem real happy. Of course, they are getting a chance to live overseas and experience new cultures.

I'm sure you are happy about finishing up grad school. That will be a relief for you.

My best friend has 2 pugs. She is crazy about them. I love them too, they are so cute and loving.

Have a wonderful day.
Renee:)

Sounds like an anonymous phone call to the local newspaper regarding overcrowding of special ed kids at the public school is in order?

Could be productive, anyway. Your principal shouldn't be able to get away with that. Sounds like he doesn't care at all about the special kids. Or their teacher. Jerk.

Have fun Chato sitting. Give Olive a pat for me for being a tolerant trooper while the bully dog invades her home. Poor Olive.

Hahaha...poor Olive indeed!

He has gotten mean (only at meal times)...I feed him first...then feed Olive later...but...even if the bowl is empty and Olive goes near it...he growls and acts like he is going to attack her!...It's her bowl!...I had to go out and buy two new toys since Olive only had one and they were fighting for it...now they have three and they are ignoring all of them!...Go figure!

Thanks Kilogo and Arfain for stopping by!...I got the testing stuff all settled...I approached my case manager...then together we spoke to my principal...he called the disciplinarian in (the one running the testing)...and...we figured out that I cannot teach two tests...they have a sub they are going to use...and oh...gee...their is a room available!...Glad that is over with!

Today I saw my case manager and he actually said to me..."Oh...aren't you going to thank me for helping you out?"...I said..."Oh...thanks...reluctantly..."...he seemed to think I was not being grateful...but I reminded him that its his job to look out for the best interest of the sped kids on his caseload and for the teachers working at the school!...pfft!...

I did not have a good day yesterday...I got home and the DH and I were going to walk but it started raining...I ate fine up until the evening then I ate too many cookies and some chips that were not part of my day...it put me way over!...Of course...a few hours later I feel guilty and I am sobbing...

But today is a new day...I have been careful and I got in a 45 minute walk...just got back (even though its cold...barely 50!)...I am trying to diminish the all or nothing attitude...I am telling myself that days like that will happen and that does not mean I give up or give in ... !!! ... So far so good!

I was hoping to have a free day tomorrow but realize I will just have to make good choices this weekend...with two parties tomorrow and Mother's Day on Sunday (apps and pizza...oh...and an ice cream velvet cake!...HELLO!)...my weigh in is on Monday!

So far...3 workout days down...2 more to go to meet my goal of 5 days!...Yahoo!

I am off ... have a great weekend everyone!

mcmarto

Happy Saturday all...I see everyone is out and about!

I was up early...went to Target and Costco...got most of my shopping done...I just need to pick up some more fruits and veggies tomorrow!...I picked up Wendy's for the DH (and told myself over and over again I did not want it!)...AND did not have any!

I came home and took a walk...another 45 mins...yahoo...my pace was just a little slower today...but it was good!

It ends up we are skipping one of the parties today...the one with all the food...so this will help me out...so far my calories are good!...

I am roasting some veggies ... doh!...they are done!

I hope everyone has a good day!

mcmarto :jn

Hey, Mc! Sounds like you made some excellent choices today. Be proud of yourself for passing up the fast food and getting out to walk. I know all the social events are a big challenge for you, too, so missing the party probably helped you on the food front. Sorry you couldn't go, though!

Have a wonderful Sunday & keep it up!

Lisrey :up:

Thanks Lisrey!

It's a beautiful Sunday here in Chicago!

We woke up early and went to take my DH's mother to breakfast...I had a veggie omelet made with egg beaters...I had to eat the potatoes and the toast...hahaha!...and they gave us some fruit salad too!...It was all so yummy...we shopped for a bit of groceries afterwards then I came home and took my 5th - 45 minute walk today!...yahoo!!!...I made my goal for the week!...Now to keep it going!!!

I need to clean up in the kitchen...then we are off to my mom's...we are having some apps and then ordering pizza (we should have grilled...it is so nice out)...but that's ok!...I need to control myself today...Tomorrow is my weigh in!...

We may take the pugs with us...they can play in my mom's large yard...maybe I will run around with them and my nieces and nephews to burn off some more calories???

I hope you all have a nice day!

mcmarto :D

Well...my afternoon went well...I went easy on the apps...but had a little too much pizza...I felt full...and...when I came home and figured out my calories...it was a lot!...Eeek!

I have been drinking tons of water...trying to flush out all the salt...hope it works!

Keep your fingers crossed for me tomorrow!

mcmarto

Hello!

Well...its official...I am a pound lighter...pfft...I blame it on the salty pizza...I know I could have been at least 2...so...this just means that next week I will show an even bigger loss!!!

School was rough today...we only have 29 days left...the kids know it...my students have been so sluggish...lots of messy ... incomplete ... unacceptable work!...Lot's of Re-do's!

I need to go clean up the kitchen...I made a walk date with a friend for 6...hopefully we can go together a couple of times this week...I want to get in 5 days again!

Hope you all have a nice night!

mc

Congratulations on the 1 pound loss, mc!!! That's great..... and you're right it probably is water weight that you're hanging on to, but that's okay. You still lost and you are still going in the right direction! D O W N !!!!!

You are inspirational on the walking! I just might drag my hubby out tonight if I can.... I'd like to shoot for 5 out of 7 days, too! Thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks DJ!

I did get a 40 minute walk in today...it started to rain...so...my friend and I cut it short...we probably could have gone an hour!...We are meeting again on Wednesday...I prefer walking with someone else...it makes the time go by faster...my DH doesn't walk with me that often...I usually walk with my headset (at a low volume)...so I can still hear noise around me...but...I also walk through the park during the daylight...and...its very busy with lots of people (ball games)...etc...

So...DJ...if you have to wait for your DH...don't...go on your own!!!...You will be much happier in the long run!!!

Calories good today...1500...yahoo!

I am off!

mcmarto :sweat:

Hi there McMarto!!

:cheer:CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 1 LB. LOSS:cheer:

Wow, look at you! Walking and losing.............losing and walking. Why, that's just the most wonderful news!!

I hear ya lady, about sitting around waiting for the DH to go walking with ya. My puppers are much more dependable. They would walk forever if my poor old body could hang in there as well. As it is, they are lucky to get 30 minutes out of me, and that's on a good day!!

Take care now and keep safe.
Hugs,

Excellent work Mcmarto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are doing so well. Hang in there, don't let anything mess you up!!!

You were so right, mc! I shouldn't have waited for Alan.... he got busy and we didn't get to go at all. I'm not waiting tomorrow. I am going to go right after my morning routines and get it in! Then if he wants to go when he gets home, that will just be extra for me. Good idea and thanks for the suggestion!

Sandie.... I can't walk both my dogs alone. Our youngest, Emme, pulls SO badly and she weighs 80 pounds. She just gets so excited to get out and has to smell everything on the ground. She honestly looks like a cartoon dog sniffing every where, zig zagging back and forth. When we walk 2 miles, she walks 4! lol Our oldest dog, maggie walks beautifully and if I didn't feel so guilty leaving Emme behind, I would just take Mags.... although when I was up to 2 or more miles a day, I would take Maggie for a mile and then take Emme for a mile and that worked out great. Part of Emme's pulling is a competition thing with Maggie. Oddly enough, she doesn't pull when Maggie's not with me. :shrug: Go figure.... lol

Thanks ladies and keep up the good work, mc... you've inspired me.

Here is a pic...a view of the park where I walk!

mc

Hi McMarto

Congrats on the pound! That is a beautiful park you walk in. I wish we had something like that here.

Glad you got the testing stuff straighten out. We have 30 days of school left and the kids are restless. They don't want to do homework and then it's half done also. I don't blame them for wanting school to get out. I'm ready for it to be out. Things will be alot calmer then. Son needs the summer to regroup. The last couple of weeks have been rough on him. We spent the whole weekend catching up on 3 weeks of work he missed while sick. The science teacher practically told me to tell my son the answers on the science test he had to do. :c( I haven't had science in years.

Oh well, only 4 weeks.

You are doing wonderful with the exercise. I usually walk by myself with my walkman, listening to Spanish language tapes. If I waited on hubby it would never happen.

Have a wonderful day.
Renee:)

Hey Mc,

Thanks for sharing that view of the park where you walk. It looks just amazingly serene. It must be an absolute joy to have such a beautiful place to walk.

I'm really glad you are doing so well. Keep up all the good work kiddo.

Hey Mcmarto,

I couldn't open the picture but from Sandie, sounds like it is wonderful. No wonder you are getting out there walking!!!

Hope you are doing good.

Thanks Arfain and Sandy!

I wasn't too sure if you would be able to see the pic since I have never attached one before!!!

Today was a terrible day at school...two of my students were misbehaving...terribly!

After work I came home...met my DH we went to visit his grandma...then...we went to the lake and walked...50 mins...Yahoo!

I just had my dinner...mmm mmm good!...I am trying to resist having some sweets...I may just have a f.free pudding...then call it a night!

They still have not come by to pick up Chato!...The visiting pug...he was supposed to be picked up yesterday...then they said today...anyhow...I heard they might be relocating to Miami...I may never see the little guy again...

OR...they may choose not to take him...and...give him to me!!!

Well...off to lounge...have a nice night!

mcmarto

Thanks Crazy...you slipped in there!

Well...they just called for my pug friend...I acted like I didn't know who they were...hahahaha...they will be here in 30...so I gotta go play with him!


mcmarto

:)

Wow. I'm gone lounging in the sick bed for a few days and I get back and see you are doing just GRAND, Mc!

You are walking and losing pounds and eating better and everything!

Yahoo! Many, many kudos, my friend.

Chato is back? Maybe to LIVE with you? Isn't he the one who pee'd on the floor last year? (Or was that DH?)

Keep it up, Mc! You are really doing well! :)

Hi Mc! It's great to see that you're down a pound, and doing so well with the walking too! I think 45 minutes per day is quite an accomplishment. It is so easy to let other things get in the way.

Sorry to hear that your students are misbehaving. I wonder if I can ascribe any of my toddler's acting out to spring fever?

What's this? Is the thesis presentation almost upon you?

Thanks Chummers and Lutha for stopping by!

Chato is the one who actually pooped in my bed (and my DH laid in it)...when he was just a young pup...he has outgrown all that now that he is 2...he is pretty well behaved!

My mom's dog is the one who was taking a leak all over are apartment the last time she was here...so...she is not allowed back!

Yes...my thesis presentation is next week Tuesday...just another 20 minutes of my life...eeek...then I have to finish up editing my paper and bind it...I so want to be done!...I just sent out graduation announcements and invited over 20 family members and friends to dinner .. so their is no turning back now!

I went on walk #3 today...yahoo!!!...It started pouring but then seemed to clear up...so my friend and I headed out...within 10 minutes it was raining yet again...we stood under a tree for about 5 mins...then it slowed down into a drizzle so we just walked in it...45 mins...2.25 miles!

My calories are good...pretty low right now...1200...I may have to eat something else so I don't wake up too hungry!!!

........OH...we just found out some bad news...myDH's sister (the one he had a falling out with 21 months ago...and...has not spoken too)...has cancer...stage 2 womb cancer (she has suffered from endometriosis all of her life)...she does have to young girls...1 and 4...

My DH seemed pretty upset...back in October...around his birthday...his oldest sister and I were trying to figure out a way that they could get together and talk...by accident...but it never happened...just last week he told me he was over it...and...would talk to her if he saw her at a family function...he is more angry with her husband.......

So now tomorrow he plans on calling her...he said he had to think of what he wanted to say...he did not want to end up making it worse...

On a lighter note...tomorrow I go pick up my cap..gown...and hood...weird!...

I will check in later ... talk soon!

mcmarto

Hi McMarto

Congrats on the walks.

Isn't it exciting to get your cap, gown and hood. Makes it final. Graduating is both excitng and scary. Because then you are starting a new phase in your life.

That is sad about your sil, hope your hubby and her can finally talk things out. Will they be able to treat it or is it too far along? I will keep her and her family in my prayers. Cancer is sometimes harder on smaller kids because they know something is wrong but not what it is and they don't know how to fix it.

Take care.
Renee:)

Thanks Renee...from my understanding it is stage two...she is going to have surgery in a few days...I will keep you posted...

I am in school...figured out it will be 66 miles from my work to the University...eeek...its supposed to start storming...I hope it holds off or I will be in my car for most of the evening!

I will most likely not have time for a walk today...gotta prepare my sub plans for Monday and Tuesday!

Talk to you all later!
mc

Oh, Mcmarto..... so sorry to hear about your SIL! I sure hope things work out for your husband and her. It would just be too tragic if they couldn't.

You're doing really well with your walking and congratulations on getting your thesis done! That must be such a relief!

Take care and I'll keep your family in my prayers.....

Hi Mc,

My goodness, I'm so sorry to hear about your SIL now having cancer. I do hope that she and your DH will be able to mend their fences for both of them. She is going to need all the love and support possible, and I certainly would not want him to suffer any regrets if anything should go wrong for her. I will be wishing her great success in this fight she has ahead of her and I do hope that it goes easy for her too.

Now you! I am so proud of you lady. You're eating well and walking so much, and just doing great things for yourself. That's wonderful. I wish I could say the same. Alas, I have some good days, some not so good. I'm seeing my doctor next week and hopefully that will be the beginning of good things to come. But you are doing really well. I hope you are proud of yourself. You should be!!

Have a great weekend and have lots of fun too.

:hug:

Hi Mc. I, too, hope that the DH finds it within himself to contact his sister and make amends now. He truly needs to or he will regret it for the rest of his life.

Good for you on the walking!

I am excited for your graduation! Take a picture of you in your hat and gown and post it here, ok?

You walk view looks lovely. Good reason to walk every day just to enjoy that, no?

Hey DJ...Sandy...and Kilogo!

Thanks for stopping by...your kind words mean a lot!

My DH is still glum...has not called her yet...he is going to go see his mom tomorrow to do some work at her house...so we will see how that goes...as of this evening I do not think she knew...the odd thing is that my DH called over there looking for his oldest sister...and his mom made some comment about how she sensed something was wrong so she did not go to work today...eeek!

I have gone over my calories ... two days!

Yesterday I hit 1800 and today...a little over 2100...ahhhh...stress eating for sure...it was raining so I could not walk...but...I have two walks planned for this weekend with my friend who is still working on her paper...so...this will help me make my 5 walks for this week!...

I am going to try to stay under 1600 these next two days and hopefully record a loss for Monday...I am feeling better...looking slimmer...and...my pants are feeling better...so...I need to keep with the weight loss!

I will be working on my presentation all weekend...I am sure I will stop by...

Talk later!

mcmarto 8-}

Hey Hey Hey!

Well last night I figured out what overheads I would have

Today I have worked for close to 4 hours typing...and getting them all together...

I am going to work another hour tonight then continue tomorrow...

Tomorrow night I am going to visit a friend who is going to take a look at them...then I just have to practice and practice and practice...

Think of me Tuesday at 5...this is when I present!...

I did go on two walks today...I went around the park for an hour with my friend...then a few hours later I went for another hour walk near Navy Pier with my DH!!!...Its cold today too...barely 55 and windy!...But it was nice...helps relieve the stress!...I have posted some pic's of the sights!



My calories are good for today...and...I have averaged about 1575 all week...so...tomorrow my goal is to keep it at 1575...yahoo!

I am off to do some more work!...

mcmarto

MC
you absolutely have to go to graduation and get pics taken and post them. I am soo proud of you for being able to do a masters program AND work like you do.

I am sorry about the SIL and cancer I really hope they can work things out.

So do you have big plans for graduation? Have you picked out a nice outfit? Any rewards you promised yourself?

OH I wish I were you right now!!!

Hey Mcmarto,


Wow, 2 walks, that is fantastic, good for you. Great way to ease the stress for sure.

Wow, you will be so glad to have that project done. Hope it goes really well for you. Just go for it, give it your best.

I look forward to seeing that happy mcmarto on Tuesday night. Be careful how you celebrate though. LOL

Hahaha...too funny CJ...no outfit picked out...I will be wearing a black robe most of the time...they told us to pick something lightweight (the graduation is outside)...After graduation we invited about 24 family and friends to dinner...I was going to have a party but decided not too...maybe my mom will want a family one???...She has not mentioned it!

I think my gift to myself may be a vacation...that would be nice...but its a wait and see!

Crazy...Thanks for the advice girl...I don't want to go to crazy...my 4 year anniversary is coming up and we are already going out to dinner Friday night!!!...

Well...I did not do any work last night...and now its after 12...I have done stuff around the house including some shopping...but have not finished yet...eeek...I need to get with it!...

I have a 3:00 walk scheduled...and then maybe another one later with my DH!...Yahoo!

mc

Well...I did an hour walk yesterday...then took my overheads to my friend to go over them...I fixed them up last night...

I made sure they were in a logical order today...then I typed up my notecards...went to Kinko's to get my overheads made...

Came back...took a break...and got in a 45 minute walk...I just had dinner and have plans to start going over my actual presentation at 6...once every hour for the next 4 hours...

Tomorrow I have off again so I can practice during the day...I was hoping to go get my brows done and possibly get a haircut...but...it would all depend on how I feel I am doing with my presentation!...I am so nervous...

My other friend (the one I saw last night)...is presenting today...she probably just finished about 10 mins ago...I cannot wait to hear from her...lucky her she was in a group of 6...so she only had to speak for 4 or 5 mins...I have to do the full 20 myself!!!

Well...Super...Duper...Good News!...I had my weigh in today...4.8 down!...I could hardly believe my eye's!!!...That is 11.2 down...down...down!...Last week I only had a 1 pound loss...I felt it should have been more but I ate pizza on Mother's Day that was so salty...so I think I was bloated...it all made up for it this week!

I have to be careful...tomorrow night after my presentation I am going to dinner...on Wednesday I am going to dinner with a fellow dieter (so I will be good)...

This week is our anniversary...4 years...I am annoyed with him too!...Pfft...So we are going out on Friday to this place called Key Wester...I want the conch fritters...possibly some blackened catfish...a key lime pie martini...and possibly some key lime pie for dessert!...If I don't get tempted by something else...

This is why I really have to stay in my calories up until Friday...I know I will go over some on that day...

Well...off I go..its almost!

Wish me luck everyone!

mcmarto

Good luck, Mc! And Happy Anniversary, too. I had one of those last week... and birthday is this week. Too much celebrating in too small a time frame! :D

Great job on the loss!! :dc

Lisrey :*

Thanks Lisrey...and you are right about the celebrating!

Well...last night my friend and I went to see a movie...we decided to have dinner before...during the movie my stomach started burning and cramping bad...it went on all night until 1 a.m....I had to force myself to throw up...I definitely had food poisoning...it was terrible...

Thank goodness I did feel better today...the VIP's were coming to our school today...I am glad they did not choose to come into my room...it makes me too neurotic!...Glad that is over!

Now....I have only been able to get one walk in this week...today my DH and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary...we went to Target...then we were going to go to Chipotle...then for a walk...but it started storming here...bad...very bad...so we came home!

It is so warm and humid...we have not put in our ac yet...and we need it!

Now for another story...

My DH has been trying to get this job at this other yard (where his old partner has been working for the last 2 months)...so he calls up last week and the VP told him he would let him know by Friday if he had a job for him...

Well...this past Monday he went into his current place of employment and his partner had called in...so they were going to team him with this other guy and my DH refused (the guy does not know how to work and my DH does not want to risk hurting his back)...Well...he asks if he can go alone...but they tell him NO cause they don't allow that...yet of course they allow a selective few others to work alone...so they ended up in an arguement and my DH left...I was home working on my presentation and I was furious when he came in...to make matters worse he calls in on Tuesday...sick...so...he goes in Wednesday and his partner was sent to work at another location...his boss gave him the silent treatment and refused to talk to him...

My DH calls me and tells me he was out of a job (I was furious)...I told him to call that other place...Great Lakes...the place he was supposed to hear from this Friday...so he does and they ask him in to work a few days cause they could use him...he worked yesterday...and then today...today they "Welcomed him aboard"...

I swear...my DH has a f'n lucky horseshoe up his arse!!!...This is literally how he has gotten his last 2 jobs...by chance!!!

Well...the cons of this place...its an hour away as opposed to 35 mins...and the union is not that great...he also starts at 6 instead of 7 (even though he was still early at his old place)...and he works much later (not home until 6:30-7:30) as opposed to 3:00-5:00...OH...and he has to work Saturdays...he say's this is what he wants????

Pro's...he literally makes twice as much money...NO KIDDING!...The highest amount of footage he ever got at his old place was about 150 for the week...mostly averaging about 100-120...at his new place...its 200-250 a week!...Eeeek!

So this is good...but I just hope he does not burnout to quickly with all that driving...and...I hope this place keeps him busy year round!!!

Now I may be getting a new car sooner then I thought...he will need the one I drive (now 5 years old)...since his van is not going to be able to take the back and forth for too long!...

I have wanted an SUV...not a full size...something more like a Honda Pilot...Mitsubishi Endeavor...and of course the more affordable Saturn VUE...does anybody know anyone who has any of these cars?...I want to know what they think about them!!!

Thanks...

Only 22 days left of school!

mc

Ok...I have noticed lots of people have not been around DT!!!

Well...its been a rainy ... busy week...so I got in a 45 min walk on Monday...then I managed an hour yesterday before it rained...I am hoping this weekend is nice...I need to get 3 more walks in!

I have also gone over my calories on 3 days...not by a lot...but...I want to show a loss on Monday...and...so far the peek at the scale doesn't look good!...

Well my DH worked at Great Lakes on Wednesday...then again Thursday...before he left Thursday they welcomed him aboard!...He got the job!!!...AND...they are still considering having him become partners again with his friend (his old partner from 4 years ago who has been working at this place for 2 months now)... he told him they would work together today...and most likely all of next week...then they would go from there...this is great cause they can carpool!...

The last 3 days my DH has worked with 3 different guys there...and his friend has worked with several of them and others...guess these guys that have been there for awhile like how my DH and his friend work...so they want them as partners...but as we know...the goal the entire time was for them to get back together since they work so well together and they both are driven for the $$$!!!...

He gets home pretty late now...after 6:30...as late as 7:30...I get home by 3 the latest!...So I have all this time...I have been making plans to take walks...or workout...trying to keep busy cause I don't want to end up overeating...etc...

Today ... Saturday he is working...but it is only a 1/2 day...he should be home by 2...then he will probably nap...we may do something later???

Oh well...I am off to clean this place...it has been neglected...I have stuff all over...ick!

Then it will be a relaxing day for me...bad TV...cooking shows...magazines...I haven't done that in a long time!!!

Have a nice weekend everyone!

mc :)

Hi Mc,

You are right. Not many have been around lately, including myself....LOL
If they are like me, they are working in the garden or walking or just enjoying the sunshine, when it's shining and not raining. We've been getting a lot of rain here too. Thunder and lightning stuff. Flash floods and all that. Definitely not in a drought this year.

You're doing great with your wlking, and according to your stats, you're also doing well losing the weight too. Good for you friend.

I bet you're glad DH now has a job he seems to enjoy and working with someone he enjoys working with and works well with. Sometimes that's all it takes for a guy to finally settle down and fit in. If they aren't happy in their work, it only makes life miserable for them, and then they make your life miserable too. I truly hope all goes well for him now.

Have a great weekend kiddo. You've earned it.

:hug:

Hehe, mcmarto, sounds like a lovely day for you!!! I love those days I have all to myself. whoohoo!!!

You are doing so great with your walking and your food. Just a little over is good for us isn't it. I remember the times that I have gone waaaaaaaay over, eek!!! But it feels good to know that I am changing and it is getting easier to keep it down, well, pretty easy, lol.

Sorry that I am one of the ones missing in action sometimes. I am trying to get back at it. This next week will be easy for me to be here alot because DH is working night shifts so I am up early and can make it to morning chats and then have lots of time in the evening to catch up in journals and maybe meet up with people in the chat room too.

Take care and keep up the great work.

Hi, Mc!

Congrats on getting your presentation completed! :up: And good job on all the walking. I've been having "issues" with the storms too... it's hard when you're going up against Mother Nature, LOL.

Do you think it's a good thing or a bad thing for your plan that your hubby is working longer hours? For me that sort of thing is usually good, as my Sweetie is not the best influence on my eating or exercise habits. But yours seems more willing to exercise with you. Will you be as likely to do it if he's not around? Hope the job will work out well for him. Sounds good about the car!

Lisrey :)

Hi Mcmarto

Congrats on the loss last week. I gained this past week. Hopefully, it will be a better week. Congrats on getting your presentation done. I know that was a load off of your mind.

I'm glad your husband has gotten a new job that is better paying. that makes a big difference.

My kid's teachers are counting down the days also. It's funny.

Have a great week.
Renee

Hey ladies...thanks for stopping by...Sandy...Lisrey...Crazy...and Arfain!

Now I have been MIA!

Well my weigh in yesterday was a .6 loss...better then a gain!

I am PMS-ing...so I will blame it on the bloat!

I made my goal of walking 5x again last week...I had 2 walks on Sunday too!

I went to the zoo yesterday on a field trip...I got a 90 minute walk out of it!...Yahoo!

Today I have the worse cramps...but...I was good and walked an hour!!!...

Tomorrow is girls night so I will be going to my friends new house...

I felt a little reckless today...like I wanted to eat whatever...I have been craving the usuals...salt (as in chips) and chocolate...so I am having just a little...I had 1 oz of chips...and...now I am having some low fat Ben & Jerry's choco brownie frozen yogurt!

When all is said and done...1490 on my calories...yahoo!

I hope to show a bigger loss next week...it will be tough...I have some baking and to do this weekend...and...I met a friend yesterday for dinner...and my parents are taking me to lunch on Saturday...then...its Memorial Day on Monday...eeek...so...I plan on exercising a lot...to counter any weight gain!...

OK...I am off to visit some journals...

19 days left of school!...

.......................OH...almost forgot...my DH and his partner have been carpooling...well...yesterday they had their last job be here in Chicago...so they told them to keep the trucks (so they would not have to drive all the way back...this would be another 3 hours...seriously)...so he was home yesterday at 5:30 and today at 6...now...I don't know if they will be able to continue to do this since they might end up with tickets...they are not allowed to park on residential streets...they found a more industrial spot to leave the trucks overnight...hopefully they stay safe...and they don't get any tickets................its a good deal but not if we have to pay $25 tickets everyday...which my DH was actually considering...HELLO...are you crazy?.............................

mc

LOL, Mcmarto..... men are generally crazy anyway. right? lol I think you've got the right idea with putting in some extra exercise to offset the coming events. I forgot it was memorial day weekend, but we're having a combined birthday party for two of my kids and my mom. geesh.... they'll be too much of everything, I'm sure.

Only 19 days of school left? WOOHOO! What will you do with your summer?

Take care and have a great week..... hope your TOM doesn't give you too much trouble... cramps are the pits!

Marto,

You are doing so great, it is just fantastic!!!!

You will do just fine with all the things coming up too. You will exercise lots and be careful with the food. You must be feeling so good these days. And when school is done, whoa, watch out!!!

I am so happy for you, and you are an inspiration to me. Thanks so much for your friendship.

Good Morning

Congrats on getting your exercise in. It is the time of year for field trips at school. My daughter's class is going to some Gorge hiking Friday. I got volunteered. Should be interesting. Memorial Day weekend is going to be hard for me, we have so much planned. We are counting down the days also.

Men are crazy sometime. Over time it would get very expensive to pay a parking ticket daily.

Have a good week.
Renee:)

Hi

Just a quick note. My son visited an Italian school yesterday. People sometimes complain about education in the states. The school he went to didn't have a library, doesn't have a gym, or computers. There is no lunch room, the kids sit on the floor to eat their lunches. On the other hand, they get sodas with their lunches. they got to school 6 days a week, from 8:30 until 12:30. And have some homework but not as much as my kids.

It was just strange. Thought you would find it interesting. Have a wonderful day.
Renee:)

Thanks DJ...Crazy...and Arfain for stopping by!

That was an interesting school you mentioned!...

Well I have been crampy and miserable now for 3 days...today my uterus feels like its going to fall out...I even have to walk slow!...So now walking in the past 2 days!

Yesterday I ate cake...way too much of it...super chocolate lover's cake...and I know exactly how many calories were in it...I felt like I deserved it for having my TOM...pretty sad...so now today I have been trying to control my eats...so far sooooo good!

It is almost 7...trying to decide on dinner!

Tomorrow its a food fest at school...its Ethnic Day...teachers do a ethnic pot luck and then at 12:30 we all go to a great assembly where students perform a variety of dances...etc...for different countries!

I am taking in some black beans and rice (Cuban style)...hope they turn out ok...I already know I am going to eat...some of everything...hahaha...It's an early event so I may have just a piece of fruit for breakfast...

Well...I hope I feel better and I am able to walk some tomorrow...

Have a nice weekend everyone!!!

mcmarto

Oh no Mcmarto, it is so awful to feel that bad. :(

Thank goodness it only lasts so long and then we can get back to 'living'.

We are doing too good to turn back now!!!

Friday was a food fest...then cheeseburgers and fries with my DH for dinner...

Saturday was a food fest...lunch with my parents (fajitas...I only ate 1/2)...but then I went out and had pizza with my DH...and Krispy Kreme's!

Sunday...had breakfast with my DH...and another Krispy Kreme...thank goodness they are gone...don't know whats for dinner...maybe leftover pizza...

Monday...huge b-b-que at my mom's...ack!

No walking...its been raining off and on here for the past week...Luckily I got in two walks earlier this week...but far from my goal of 5!!!

Next week will be a better week...skipping my weigh in until Monday...June 7th!

Thanks for stopping by Crazy!

mcmarto

New month...new goals!

This month my goal is to do cardio...5x a week...for a minimum of 45 mins...and...to see 210 by July 1st!...

I put a few pounds back on from all the overeating I did last week...but I will not change my stats...

I am back on track as of today...

Saturday is my graduation...woo hoo...this will be my only splurge...and its for lunch/dinner...so it will cover two meals!...

The only other day I foresee is June 18th...my final fling with my kids...(June 22nd is my last day of school...then back to the gym...no excuses...)

I sent a few more resumes out...I have a lead on a school ... hopefully something will come out of it!

My principal is fuming...our test scores went down...again...this time in Reading and in Math!!!...Eeeeek!...

Well...have a nice week everyone!

It's a beautiful day so I hope to get an hour walk in today...no..I know I will get an hour walk in today!!!

Hip...Hip...Hurray!

mc

Hi Mcmarto

Great goals for the month. Graduation is week is so exciting. Our last day of school is the 10th. The teachers is on the 11th. They are ready. We have alot of teachers retiring or leaving this year. Next year, there will be a whole new group of them for the students to break in. But we won't be here for it. We will be in Spain at a new school. I hope something will come up for you soon.
Take care
Renee :)

Congrats on your upcoming graduation!! This is an accomplishment that no one can ever take away from you. Enjoy your day.

I hope you're able to find a new school. How far in advance of classes beginning do you need to make the change?

Funny that I was joking in my journal that you deserve a new car, and here I see you are contemplating getting one in the not-too-distant future. One of my friends at work has a Honda Pilot. She seems happy with it, but she is one of these very conscientious air quality folks and feels a little guilty about having something which uses that amount of gasoline. The Pilot uses little compared to my Ford Expedition, though! I don't drive the Expedition to work, however. Most days I'm on the vanpool and when I drive myself in I take my Civic. So I guess my recommendation about the SUV depends upon at which school you end up teaching...if you still have much of a drive, go for fuel economy.

Keep up that cardio!

Arfain!...From Italy to Spain!...WOW...tell me more...how exciting!!!...How long will you be in Spain...It seems like yesterday you moved to Italy!!!

Lutha...Thanks for stopping by...and the car info!

Well...here I am...end of the second day of June...and...still eating crap...a little less crap...but still eating it!

Tomorrow after school I am meeting a co-worker at her place for a bite...then we are going to go cruising in her new convertible!...We used to hang out a lot...but then she got moved to our other building...

My DH works late at h