I figure that the start of a new year deserves a new journal. This is my year to get to goal, and start maintaining. I have many goals for myself this year. One being of course getting these unwanted pounds off, and working toward a healthy lifestyle. I so badly want to reach my goal not only for myself, but for my family. My precious daughters....so I can have the energy to run and play with them. I want to feel "comfortable" in my body. I truly believe, when I can feel comfortable physically, I will also be able to feel better emotionally. I also want to raise my HDL (good cholesterol), the doctor said if I got it to about 60, I would be perfect with all that stuff. My HDL was 41 as of December. This is just barely acceptable. I know that it is from being overweight, and spikes in my insulin levels. When there are too many spikes it can contribute to lowering of HDL. I am able to join the Gym next month, and I plan on utilizing this to the fullest extent. I know by getting "purposeful" exercise....I WILL feel tons better. I really am looking forward to my journey, and getting to know my purpose for my life. SO...this is the year for me......

AJ, new journals are always great, so much potential, so much hope. You are going to do great.

Ah, a gym membership, that is wonderful, you go for it. You are so lucky to have it.

I also want to commend you on going to the doctor and getting your cholestrol checked!!! So many people never do that and it ends up blowing up in their face, with heart troubles, etc.

I look forward to our year together here.

Great goals, AJ! :up: You can do it! Have a wonderful year.

Nancy and Athletea...thanks so much for your encouragement, and caring. I too am looking forward to our year here together at DT!! I am so excited about what is in store for myself, and many others this year.

On the cholesterol thing...the doctor wanted to do a complete metabolic panel, because she was worried about me possibly having thyroid problems. Well, everything turned out good. No problems, cholesterol was great, except the HDL being low. She said I was doing fantastic, and just to get some weight off, exercise, and although she never said it I know have to stay away from soda, and so far....I HAVE HAD NONE :o ...Yeah for me. I did get on the scale today, and since around Christmas time (the last time I looked at the scale) I have already lost 5 pounds. I KNOW cutting out the soda will definitely help, not only that...I feel tons better too!!!

I think I should post these little things for myself, so I can look back on them, in case I start slacking.....Me?? noooo... LOL I am planning not to anyways!

Record food and daily activities....using fitday.com
Weigh myself 1 time per week...take measurements 1 time per month
Keep up with journal entries here on DT
Drink my water daily...no LESS than 64 oz.
Follow my planned meals...and am planning on using the Zone blocks
Workout doing "PURPOSEFUL" exercise 5 times per week at least 1 hour per day.
(of course when I can start going to the gym...until then I
will do some sort of exercise here at home each day.)
Do my daily bible readings, and devotions!!!
Have fun with the kids, and make it a fantastic year for the whole family!

Record food and daily activities....using fitday.com
Weigh myself 1 time per week...take measurements 1 time per month
Keep up with journal entries here on DT
Drink my water daily...no LESS than 64 oz.
Follow my planned meals...and am planning on using the Zone blocks
Workout doing "PURPOSEFUL" exercise 5 times per week at least 1 hour per day.
(of course when I can start going to the gym...until then I
will do some sort of exercise here at home each day.)
Do my daily bible readings, and devotions!!!
Have fun with the kids, and make it a fantastic year for the whole family!

Those a great goals. Stick with them, and enjoy life each day.

Thanks Jo for stopping by with word of encouragement. That means a lot to me. Without the encouragement, kindness and caring and support from everyone here at DT, This journey, (and past journey) would be (would have been)very diffficult. I am so thankful that I found DT. :o I know that I can make this road to success, with lots of perserverance, support, and most of all prayer. I know I can do this...I did it before I had my second daughter, I was only 20 pounds from goal, and then I got pregnant, and after the pregnancy, I went back to my old eating habits, and just didn't care about myself, or how I felt, or even looked. I felt awful! That is
O-V-E-R!!! I am done feeling so down all the time...so guess what, I am changing that!! Like the title of my journal...KNOWING MY PURPOSE. It defines what I do, and what I don't do. My purpose becomes the standard that I use to evaluate which activities are essential and which ar not. People who do not know their purpose try to do too much, which causes stress, fatigue, and conflict. I am slowly on my way to finding my purpose in many ways. I have been reading Purpose Driven Life, and am finding many new things about myself. I know I can accomplish my goals, and can make it a lifestyle change. I CAN do this, I'm excited to do this!!! :)

Like the title of my journal...KNOWING MY PURPOSE. It defines what I do, and what I don't do. My purpose becomes the standard that I use to evaluate which activities are essential and which ar not. People who do not know their purpose try to do too much, which causes stress, fatigue, and conflict. I am slowly on my way to finding my purpose in many ways. I have been reading Purpose Driven Life, and am finding many new things about myself. I know I can accomplish my goals, and can make it a lifestyle change. I CAN do this, I'm excited to do this!!! :)

Aj, I really like what you wrote, and Purpose Driven Life is a very good book.

Thanks Nancy....for stopping back in. I am really enjoying this book. It has so much insight! It was given to me by a dear friend, who really got a lot out of it too!

It is a really slow lazy day around here, it is snowing, and quite cold...looks like about 20 degrees, with the sun shining. I think it is a good day to saty in. We didn't go to church this morning as I had a headache, and DH was not feeling well either.

The kids are wild, and tearing the house up...not really...they are just really hyper! But at least they are getting along and playing TOGETHER! Usually the older one wants to do her own thing...which is fine, but then the little one just wants to hang on me. UGH....makes for not being able to get much done.

I am so proud of myself. I have completely cut out soda. I feel tons better too! I didn't really get headaches either. Every time I have tried to get oof caffeine before, I would get awful headaches, but this time it is different. Thank goodness. It has been almost a week, with absolutely no soda at all. Water, water, water for me. Sometimes we have to make those all or none choices, and this was definitely one of them.

I better be on my way for now, as I need to do some things....I am trying to get things ready for taxes....Yuck!

Well here it is Monday already...This year is going to fly right by us. I lost another pound :jn I know it is probably water weight, but I will take the loss!

Was going to take the kids out somewhere and go do something, but it is only 18 degrees. I think we will have to wait till tomorrow. My older daughter has a dentist appointment, so we will have to go into town. Maybe I will take the kids to the mall, and go walk around and maybe have lunch there or something. We'll see. My five year old loves the mall...or maybe we'll go to the Carousel. They both love that.

I am still off from the soda...I know I can do this...I CAN NOT go back to drinking it. NOT even occasionally. That's what happened before, I eased back into drinnking it, and before long, I was drinking it all the time. In some aspects, I felt like an alcoholic, but with soda...(I don't drink alcohol at all) I know the soda was not good for me, and it was almost like I would feel guilty for even drinking it. Maybe this sounds a little weird, but it was almost like I was being convicted (spiritually) for drinking soda. I know that the Lord wants us to be healthy....and I want that for myself too!! This time I WILL do it, I am looking forward to gettting to goal, and work on maintaining. DH and I have been talking about another baby, but there is NO WAY, I could do that at this weight. I am not ewven sure we should have another one. Being that we are on a one person income, and we decided that I am going to stay home and homeschool the children....our budget would be even tighter! I guess we will cross that bridge when we get there. If the Lord has planned for us to have another child, then, I guess we will...in His timing. I just know I physically could not get pregnant at this weight, It would be really difficult on my body! Well, enough about that.....

Until tomorrow.........

I am off to take my daughter to the dentist. This means we will probably be eating out for lunch, but I plan to make it healthy, and keep myself on track...and that mean absolutely NO soda!! I know I can do this....ice tea, or lemonade, or better yet...why not water! LOL I was thinking I might go to the used book store, and see what I can find. There are always great deals there. I will post when I get back....For all who come in and check on me...Thank you for your support. It truly means alot to me!

Well...what a "fun" trip that was...(sarcasm) it i is icky outside, and we really did not go anywhere besides the dentist, because of the weather. Oh well...I have to go back into town on Friday, a dear friend is coming to visit. I pray that she will be able to come anyways. She has been pretty ill, and has further testing to do after she is done with her bout of antibiotics. So...we'll see if she is able to come.

Yesterday I found out that my friend from back home is coming out to visit me this June. She is so excited. I have been friends with her since the 3rd grade, but have known her since first grade. That has been a while ago. :o That gives me extra incentive to get myself in gear. I know that what I look like, or how much I weigh has no bearing whatsoever on our friendship...but it always gives you an extra boost to do it for yourself too! I want to do it for ME!

I am still staying away from the soda. It has been over a week, WOW...I didn't think I could do it at first, but now I really don't even miss it. Cold, cold water takes the place of soda anyday! I am so happy...that was the biggest hurdle for me. Now everything else comes pretty easy. And I guess it is paying off too, seeing I have already lost 6 pounds since Christmas! Whoo hoo...I have a long road to travel before I get to goal, but I know I can do it...and I WILL!!!!!

AJ,

As is usuall YOU ARE ON THE MARK ... congrats on the six pounds gone forever .... :cheer:

:cheers: AND HERE'S TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS ... because that is just what is going to happen. Make it a great evening. I am as always, Monica

I went to the dentist today, too.. Fun, fun.. 8 am and I am being scraped. Congrats on the loss! :)

Corinna

Hi Monica and Corinna...Thanks so much for checking in on me, I so greatly appreciate the support.THANKS!!!

I had a pretty good day. It seemed to go by very fast. Did pretty good with eating, and that stuff. I must be going for now....until tomorrow!!

Oh AJ, 6 pounds is fantastic!!! Congratulations!!!

And super congrats on getting rid of the soda, good for you!!! Keep up the great work.

Hey Babe!!! :) Congrats on the weight loss so far!! :D You CAN do this!!! Good job giving up the soda, I drink a lot of water 1-2 gallons a day, but I still sneak a couple diet soda's in there, but shhh!! - don't tell :laugh:

Today has been a pretty good day so far. I am still working on reading my book. I am in the first few chapters, pondering over the thoughts. I love this...Nothing matters more than knowing God's purposes for your life, and nothing can compensate for not knowing them. AMEN!! I have always told myself that EVERYTHING has a purpose, even if we don't know why or what...God does.

I have been keeping up with my daily bible reading. This is really something I wanted to make an everyday task. I WANT to read it....I have challenged myself to get into the word more, and read the entire bible this year. I have a chart to go off from, and by sticking to it, by Dec. 31, I should have read it all the way through. I have already learned so much just by going through Genesis. This is something that I need to do grow myself spiritually. No matter how old we get there is always something for us to learn.

It is nowing here, and suppose to get really cold. Tomorrow is supposed to be about 0 or 1 degree above. That is a bit too chilly! I guesss I will be staying in this weekend. My friend is not coming this weekend, but she will be down next Friday for sure. She doesn't want to drive in the yucky weather. I don't blame her! LOL

Nancy, Thanks so much for stopping by to share support, and show that you care. Without the support from people here at DT, my journey would be more difficult. Thanks for always, popping in with your words of kindness!! :hug:

Andrea, Thank you also for your support, caring and your positive attitude. You are well on your way to success, that special day to soon be coming will definitley give you the extra drive!! Congrats again!! :D

I am off for now...will come back in later.....by the way...another pound GONE!!!!

Friday already.....This week just flew right by. I guess that's a good thing though, especially being cooped up in the house. It is just too cold to be taking the kids out anywhere. It's about 12 degrees now, but is really suppose to drop around 5 p.m. or so.

I have some cleaning to get done today....1 load of clothes,and bedding, then I need to clean the bathrooms, and vacuum. Not too bad. It will keep me busy though.

I have been doing well with eating. I have now lost 7 pounds since Christmas. I am sure the biggest part of the loss comes from not drinking soda anymore. What a huge weight that is lifted off from my shoulders, I have been trying to get off soda for so long, finally made that choice that it is TIME!!! I am so glad I did!

I am keeping up with drinking my water...I love ice cold water. I have a big water bottle....2.2L and fill 3/4 of the way and freeze it, and then fill the very top with water, and as I drink it throughout the day, I have nice COLD water.

I better be going for now...gotta get to work around here! 8-|

Ohhhh...today is another cold gloomy day. I am going to get the house cleaned up a bit today, do a couple of loads of laundry, and all that good stuff...yah...LOL. I am feeling kinda down today, so I guess I better work on picking myself up off from the floor, and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!! I hate feeling like this...it is such a drag. :c(
Maybe if it isn't too cold this afternoon, I will go for a walk by myself. It's too cold for the kids to go out, so hubby can watch them. Talk a walk, clear my brain, and get out of this funk!
I have been eating pretty well for the last couple of days, but probably am a little under in caloreis, Maybe that is why I feel like this....ya think?!?!? LOL
Got all our papers ready for taxes...and now I am just waiting on a W2 and taxable gift deductions list. The I can get our taxes taken care of. One more big thing to check off the list!
Well...I am going to get going, and start some work, and come back after my walk.

WOW...Tuesday already where has the time gone? This week is going to fly by. I have lots to keep me busy this week, as we aill be having company on Friday. Finally my dear friend is able to come down for a visit. I can't wait it has been since end of September since we saw her. That's a long time, when I was used to seeing her every day. She is treating me to the salon for my Christmas present. SO, I will be sporting a new hairstyle soon! It will be fun!

I lost another pound!!!! That makes 8 pounds since Christmas!!! What a great start! Like I said I am sure it is mostly from eliminating soda....But I will take the losses!!! I am still staying off from the soda...I can explain how much better I feel.....I even feel like I have more energy. Not zapped all the time.

Not much else exciting in my life...just here taking care of the kids and home. Sounds pretty boring to me, but what a blessing being able to stay home with the kids, and not having to go out and work!!

Off I go for now.....got work to be done and kids to be bathed!! :cruise: They like to splash!!

Well AJ, you just keep dropping those pounds that is so great. Hang on to whatever you are doing with all your might. Don't let go!!!

I hope we will meet up in chat again soon.

WE have had freezing rain, right over all the snow we already had, which is too bad because the temps had finally gotten up to where I thought I could walk outside, but not on this ice. Grrrr. LOL

Hi Nancy...Thank you soo much for the encouragement...it means a lot to me. The weather is doing kinda the same thing here. I wish it would make up its mind!! LOL

I am concerned for my friend. She called me today, and said that she would not be coming, the doctor wants to have a talk with her about surgery. They need to remove a section of her bowels, and she also has six spots on her liver, which the doc is very concerned about. I know she is scared, and is in the mindset that she will not make it through this. I tried to keep a poisitve outlook, and tell her that this is in God's hands. He will take care of her.....it is His plan. He has a specially unique plan for each of our lives, and he will guide us through it. We just have to ask for his guidance throught fervent prayer. I pray that His will would be done, I pray that he would cure all her ailments and sicknesses, that is, if it is His will. She is such a special friend to me. She has helped me, encouraged me, and just been there for me through so much. I love her dearly. It is once in a lifetime that one could have such a special friend. So, if anyone reading this would also keep my dear friend in your prayers, I would appreciate it tremendously!! Thank you in advance!

Once again Thank you Nancy for your friendship and caring....Hugs, AJ

Over two weeks being off from the soda! I AM doing this!! I feel a lot better....Now, just waiting to be able to sign up for the gym. Have to wait till payday. I am really looking forward to it. The gym opens at 5:30, so while DH and girls are still sleeping, I will be getting up and starting my day at the gym. I plan on going a minimum of 5 days per week, and trying to shoot for six. I do plan on taking Sundays off as we have things going on with church, besides the gym is only open for 4 hours on Sunday. M-F for sure, and Saturdays if we aren't doing something as a family. But...I do plan on getting some sort of intentional exercise on Saturdays, whether it be walking or whatever. I am ready for this....

Eating healthy isn't a big problem as I love fruit, and most veggies, meat is not a problem...lean meat, that is. I don't eat much red meat, or meat that is high in fat...almost always buy lean meats. Whole grains..I do fine with, I like rice, but don't eat much of that...I love potatoes, but to solve that problem...I just don't buy them...if I do, I buy them a few at a time. Not a huge bag of them. Breads...they are a downfall, but I buy whole grain, so I just need to make sure I watch my intake. Keep it to a minimum of 2 slices per day, as carbs from a lot of other things too. My main goal with eating healthy is to get most of my carbs form vegetables, and fruits....primarily vegetables though. I used to be a huge eater...how else did I get this way?!?!?? LOL But, now that I am drinking more water, I don't get as hungry, and I am making a CONSCIOUS effort to make good choices, and not let too much time go by between meals and snacks...I feel awful, because blood sugar levels go waaay too low. This makes such a huge difference for me.

Journaling on a daily basis, and keeping track of what I am eating by tracking in fitday.com....daily bible reading, and making time for me. Even if the only time I get to myself is when I am reading my bible...I am ok with that! What better time to have to myself, than when I am walking with the Lord in His word?!?! These things are part of what is going to bring me on through to the end of my journey...along with exercise as well...of course. Being down 8 pounds in less than a month is definitely an extra push for me too. This IS the year that I make my goals happen!!

Another motivation for me, is that my friend (since the 3rd grade) is coming in June. She is so excited, and so am I. She and I have discussed being overweight, and she doesn't like being overweight either. I want to show her, that she can have motivation too. She can do little things to lose the weight too. Although it is not a top priority for her, I know she would never judge me for being "too heavy", but I really want to show her that if I can do it...she can too! She says she is comfortable the way she is, but sometimes I wonder. I know she doesn't care what others think of her...which I admire her for. I really don't either, if people don't like me for who I am..not "what" I look like, or "what" I have....then they aren't true friends anyways. I have the Lord, and He is the "one" who will judge me.

well...better be going for now....

ANOTHER POUND GONE!!! Down nine pounds since Christmas!! WoW...I can't believe it! On Wednesday, I get to go sign up for the gym. I am sooo excited. I have been trying to put together some sort of routine for myself, for when I do start going to the gym. I am not sure what yet, but want to take some time to think about it. Any suggestions are welcome. I guess I will have to see how my body does physically too. I usually don't have any problem getting started. I have been waiting for so long to go to a gym. The town we used to live in didn't have a gym, except for in the next town which was 25 miles away. Didn't have the gas money to do that all the time!

Anyways...been doing well with keeping track of foods, and have been setting some mini goals for myself. I was thinking, I could probably lose 30 pounds in the next 20 weeks. Being as I have not been exercising, and then going to the gym 5-6 days per week, I think things will change drastically for me. So I figured by June 9, I should be able to shed another 30 pounds, which would put me at 185. By that time...if I have reached that goal, I would only be 35 pounds from goal. I hope to acheive my second goal, and goal weight by December 31 of this year. I am striving to achieve my goal of 150 by the end of this year. I WILL DO WHAT IT TAKES!!! In that I do mean eating healthy, and exercising...not taking drastic measures such as taking diet aids, and fad diets etc. NONE of that!!!

I am REEEAAADDDY TO GOOOO! I am just really excited about the 9 pounds gone already!!! Wooo Hoooo! :laugh:

:cheer: CONGRATULATIONS AJ :cheer:

Wow! You're doing really super. Dropping 10 lbs in a month is right on target for healthy weight loss too. So you must be doing it the right way as well. Keep up the good work lady. I know you will make that goal!

Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

Well...it has been a few days since I last came by my journal, but I wasn't around this weekend, and have been sick since last night. My whole family turned up sick in the middle of the night. It was really bizzare. All of us within hours of each other. Not really sure if it was something we ate , or some sort of bug got at us...AGAIN! I hope this passes, ans SOON! Everyone is feeling a little better, but not back to normal yet. I know God will give us the strength to get over this quickly.

My dear friend had her appointment today, and PRAISE THE LORD....they found out that the spots are benign cysts, and with those, there is nothing to worry about. She will have to have surgery within the next coulpe of weeks, to remove a section of te intestines, but she is very comforted by talking witht the surgeon, and knowing that God is blessing her through this whole process. She is such a special lady. I may be going to pick her up to come and visit for a couple of days this weekend, but we need to see how everyone is feeling by Thursday.

I get to go and sign up for the gym this week. I am so excited. I need to see if they are still runnning a special...they had 3 months for 79$, with no initiation fee. Not bad deal...we would save 17$ over a 3 month span, which isn't a ton, but it is 17$.

Anywhoo... not much else going on. I am still reading my book, Purpose Driven Life, and it has made some things clear to me. Some things that you just don't think about. Great book!! I am learning a lot from it.

Thanks for all the support, caring and friendship from all of you...What a blessing that I found DT almost 3 years ago. I did this before, and I KNOW I CAN do it again...and keep it that way!!!! Not fall by the wayside.

SANDIE...Thank you so much for your support, caring and friendship over the last few years, you are a wonderful lady! THANK YOU!!!! :D

I am excited!!! Today I get to go and sign up for the gym today. I was thinking what I should start out doing for a routine. I thinking this week, I will start out by doing mostly cardio, on elliptical, treadmill, and bike, and maybe after a few days, I will ease into the machines for light weight training. Then I was thinking about M-W-F doing cardio, and then on T-TH-SAT doing about 20-30 mins cardio, and then hit the machines for weights. I guess I will just have to see how things go. Any suggestions, or comments are welcome. I appreicate it! THANKS!

I didn't do so hot eating yesterday, but I will not beat myself up...I WILL move on! It was one day! I am really excited to get to the gym, and work out. The big motivator for me, is seeing the 9 pounds I have already dropped in the last momth, andthen adding exercise....It is bound to slide right off! I know it will take time, and lots of hard work, but I love a good workout....makes ya feel so good! It is almost like an aphrodisiac. Can't wait!! :D

Anyhow....I better off and running for now...get go run some errands today, and daughter has ballet too! better get going.......

Hurray for AJ and the gym!!!

Keep up the great work, you are doing so well.

NANCY....Thanks for being there for me, and being my cheerleader! I am soooo excited! Thanks for your caring and support!! It does mean a lot to me!! :hug:

I have not posted here in awhile. I have been down in the dumps. I was not able to go to the gym, because some money that was owed to us, was not paid when it should have been. But...they said they could do it by this Saturday..so...we'll see. If they come up with it, I should be able to go starting this coming Monday. I went for a walk yesterday, and took the kids to the park. I put on my pedometer, and got in just barely over 4500 steps. I thought that was pretty good. Then with all the walking around and stuff, here at home...I probably got in over 7500 steps.

My dear friend came and spent the weekend with us. We had a great time. She is however still having a difficult time with the whole sugery thing. She found out on Monday, that there is so much damage, that nothing could really be done to reconnect because there isn't enough good part to use, so they are possibly going to do a colostomy surgery, which she is TOTALLY against, but I told her it can be managed, and that most people wouldn't even know she had it. Unless of course she told them. She just needs to give it over to the Lord completely, and let His will be done. He knows her needs, and will provide for her.
We also went shopping together, and I got a new haircut. We found some great deals. I found a really cute dress shirt, and matching skirt at a second hand store. It is pretty tight now, but I am going to make it into it by May, I hope. That should be enough time.

I am still reading my book...Purpose Driven Life. I am loving it. I did miss several days, but am back reading it now. I love the likeness that Rick Warren puts into it. He talks about we need to do everything in our daily life, as if we were doing everything for Jesus. He goes on to talk about first meeting his now wife, and when he first fell in love with her, he thought of her ALL the time. Our relationship with Christ should be the same way. We should be thinking of Him in all that we do. I thought this was a great mental picture for comparison.

Well...I better be going for now......

well...did as planned for Habit Kickers (in the chat thread)....no eating with tv on, no soda, and watched a lot less tv today.

I am getting more and more excited about going to the gym...I just hope I won't be let down again!

The time is just flying by. I can't believe this week is gone already. Where does the time go? I got a phone call from my friend since the 3rd grade, her grandmother passed away yesterday evening. They knew it was going to happen, but only knew for less than a week. I am keeping her and the rest of the family in my prayers. None of them expected her to pass first, her husband has been sick for quite some years, and they all thought he would go first. God has the ultimate plan...we should never second guess it!

Eating has been going ok, I could definitely be doing a little better, but today has been better than the last few days, so I won't beat myself up. I am moving forward! I am "supposed" to be able to sign up at the gym this weekend. See if the people get us the money they owe us first. I sure hope so...I have been waiting, and waiting!!! That is what I will use to pay for membership. I want to go soooo bad!!

I think I am going to go over some of my goals, eating plans etc. and revamp them. I really think I can lose 30-35 pounds by the first part of June...this is when my friend comes. I think that is realistic. And, I do think I can lose enough to get to goal of 150 by December. I can't remember the last time i was at 150. I was 168 when I met my husband 7 1/2 years ago. That is the lowest I can remember in a long time. I did get to 180 before younger daughter was born, and that was in 2002. I was wearing a size 14 at 180. I really hope I can get down to a size 10. I will really have to see how things go as I get closer to my goal. Things may change, depending on how my body adjusts to everything. So,I guess I will see as time gets closer, and weight comes off. But, I really need to think about some things, and do some re-evaluating.

Thanks for reading and checking in on me...feel free to drop me a line, and say hi, or share some comments! Thanks to everyone here for you continued support over the years!!

Hi AJ,

Sorry it has been a while since I have posted in your journal, I know we meet up once in a while in chat but reading your journals helps me to keep track better.

It is great to sit down and re-evaluate what you are doing and what is happening. I know you planned on getting to the gym and really working hard but now with this delay maybe you need to re focus some things. Remember, think positive thoughts, don't beat yourself up BUT also learn from the past and then move forward.

You are going to do just fine.

Ohhh....I am having one of those whoa is me days....I am just having a rough time emotionally lately, and I really don't feel like I know where to turn next. Sorry if I sound like a whiny baby, but I know we all have our days, some are just better than others. Today is not one of the latter. So, I just feel like taking some time away from my journal, which explains why I haven't been posting. I don't want to be negative.
:(

Nancy, Thanks so much for your continued support and caring. I am so glad DT has people like you here. I appreciate YOU! Thank you!

Hi AJ,

Sorry you are having a rough time right now. I guess we all can relate to that problem here. But I wanted to stop in and say hello when I saw your journal there. I hope you, hubby and the children are well and happy. Try to think positive thoughts. I might help.

Sandie......:) So good to see you stopped by my journal. Thank your for your caring thoughts and kindness. We all have those those less than good days, and we all can relate....you're right! I guess it is just that I am really frustrated right now, and when you have plans of doing something...getting sooo excited, and then be let down over and over. It kinda gets to ya. Oh well....I can't let it keep me down. I got on the scale this morning, and I lost another pound, so that makes 10 pounds since Christmas. Slow and steady I go. LOL

Hubby asked if I just want to take the day and spend it by myself for Valentine's Day. LOL I know he means well...and frankly I could use a day to myself, but on Valentine's Day I would rather be with him, and the kids. He was being so thoughtful. He can see that I am so tired and worn out this last week or so. The little one is up all the time during the night. She is teething, and even when I give her motrin before bed, she is still waking at about 4:00am. It is very tiring, as I am NOT used to it! LOL

Well...I better be going for now. Got to get some stuff done. Thanks again Sandie for stopping by and checking in on me. I appreciate it, it means a lot to me. Hugs, AJ

So AJ,

So how are things going at your house these days. Sounds like it was pretty crazy all right. What a sweet hubby though, lol. Take up his offer for him to get up, just one night, lol.

I hope you are feeling better now. Once those teeth come through things will be better.

Try to find time to rest, it will pass and you will be on your way again.

Nancy.... Hello my friend! Than you for stopping by my journal, and encouraging me. I really appreciate you, and your friendship here at DT. Thanks for your time! I do appreciate it so very much! I would never be able to go forward on my journey if it were not for people like you and many others here on this site. I feel so blessed that I have found such great support here over the years. THANK YOU!

AHHHH....a good nights rest can really rejuvenate you. Baby slept through the night and did not wakr up once. I think the teeth are finally at the point where they are not bothering her as much. Thank goodness...I was thinking I would mever be able to sleep through the night again with out having to get up. I feel good this morning. I have maintained my 10 pounds loss, which I am very pleased about. I do think I am statring to get a cold though, and I have started taking airborne...I hope it will keep me from getting a bad cold. We'll see I guess. I woke up a bit earlier this morning, to try and take some time to myself, but wouldn't you know it as soon as I got out of the shower, the little one was knocking on the door for me....LOL figures?!?

Baked some cream cheese sugar cookies with the girls last night, it was part of Daddy's Valentine's Day gift from the kids. Everybody enjoys them, but they are kinda like chips...you can't eat just one....LOL Really you could, but...you know what I mean! LOL The kids love to help do things in hte kitchen. The littlest one loves to help empty the dishwasher, an the older one loves to help cook and bake. I hope they stay that way.

Well...I know for sure I can start the gym as of the 26th, and possibly sooner, but that depends on if the people give the us money we are owed, otherwise we have to wait until the 26th., either way, I know I will get there soon!! :D

Well...I better be going, have some laundry to start, and dusting, vacuuming, etc. Cleaning will keep you busy all the time....LOL

AJ, so glad you got some good sleep that is awesome. What a difference it makes, eh.

Well the 26th is just around the corner so it won't take long. Good work on maintaining the 10 pound loss, that is great. Now you will be able to move forward with your plan. Hey, it would have been hard to go to the gym when you weren't getting enough sleep anyways. So.....

Take care, hope to chat soon

Hi A.J,

I'm so glad you finally got a good night's rest. I agree, it's very hard trying to keep going and keep up with little ones when you are not getting your proper amount of sleep.

We don't have any children here, but we have two little dogs that must have very small bladders because they have Lew and I both up more than once every night. I guess I've gotten used to it, because it doesn't bother me too much. When they wake me up to go outside, I always find that I need the bathroom also. So all of us go and then it's back to sleep. But they move faster than I do, and they just love jumping into my spot on the bed, and then making me try to fit in around them. It can get pretty crowded at times............... :laugh:

You cookies do sound tasty, but I've never heard of "cream cheese sugar cookies" before. Maybe that's a good thing! LOL You sound like a very patient person, which is not like me. I always had a very hard time dealing with my kids in the kitchen when I was trying to do something. It got done so much quicker when I just got to it. So I am afraid I was not the kind of Mother that encouraged them to help me. Still, my daughter did develop a love of baking, so when she was a little older, like 12 or so, she often would bake cookies for herself and her two brothers. I would just leave the room and let her do her thing. She never seemed to mind. And yes, before that, like it or not, I did cook with her and did teach her things. I just didn't encourage it, and I didn't offer to do it often.

Here's hoping that you continue to sleep well and get your rest. Great seeing you in chat in the morning.

Hi Ajmarble

I haven't been to your journal but i do enjoy chatting with you in the chat room.
A new mama with little ones sure can be hard on ones sleep.
i think you should take the offer of a day alone but just not on Valentine's day. On his next day off LOL. Take it. You deserve it. 10 lbs gone Congratulations.

Nancy....Thanks for stopping in my journal, seeing I haven't seen you aorund in chat for a few days. You make a great point by not being able to do well at the gym with such little sleep.. Maybe that is a good thing! LOL She has been sleeping through the night again for the last few days. She was getting both of her top "I" teeth. Those are the most painful. Now the girls, hubby, and myself have all caught colds. Started taking the Airborne, and am hoping it will pass sooner. Thanks for your caring and friendship Nancy....I appreciate it so very much!!

Sandie....LOL...your little furbabys sound like little characters. How sweet. Maybe it is a good things everyone all gets up at the same time to go potty. Then they won't disturb you when you DON'T have to go...LOL I really do love baking with my kids, especially the older one, since it is something she really enjoys doing. The little one is not so much because she is only 19 mos. but she enjoys sitting in her high chair and watching. Sometimes we give her the spoon and then bowl, and let heer try and mix it a coulpe of time....that really makes her feel like she is hot stuff! LOL and how cute is that...it is hilarious to watch. :laugh: about being patient....sometimes, I am not so sure about that, although I do "try" and make a conscious effort to let them try things, and help me with cleaning, cooking, baking etc. even if I do have to redo it myself. I think it gives them a sense of being needed, and also responsiblity. I didn't always feel that way though...it took someone else telling me that, and now the kids are a lot happier, because they get to help me, and I don't freak out if something doesn't go exactly my way. Obviously you did a great job raising and teaching you daughter in the kitchen. I am sure she learned everything she needed to know!!Thank you for coming into my journal and checking on me. I really do appreciate your friendship and support...Thank You!

Boblin...I have enjoyed chatting with you as well. It is nice to finally get to know some new faces around here too. I am a pretty shy person, so I tend to just stick to "what (or who) I know" Thanks so much for coming by and reading my journal. The support caring and friendship that I have here at DT...is well...all I can say is I couldn't have done witout all that. I am on my second journey here at DT. I lost 42 pounds last time, and was 20 pounds from goal. Then along cam baby #2 and I went back to old eating habits, and was going through some difficult times emoptionally, on top of that, I hated where we lived, and I pertty much let myself go. BUT, I am back, and making my second journey the one that really counts!! I WILL reach my goal this time, and will start maintaining. We have talked about another baby, but, I will not let what happened the last time, happen ever again!! So...long story short...I am in it for the long haul this time!! I thank you again for stopping by, and encouraging me. Hope to see you in chat again soon.

As for me, I am still maintaing on the 10 lbs lost but, I haven't really had much of an appetite with this cold either. I am drinking plenty of water, at least I am trying to keep up with that. As for food in the past few days, well...it has been ok. We are kinda running at the tail end of the groceries for the month. DH gets paid once a month, so trying to stretch everything over the month sometimes gets a bit difficult. Oh well.. I will just make do with what we have, and stay conscious about what I eat. Still doing well with soda. I have started allowing myself ONE per week, and this seems to be working so well for me. I usually have one soda on Friday nights, as this is when we watch movies and such as a family. I have to say not having ANY...was getting pretty difficult.. I went several weeks with NONE, and told myself, if I started having more than just one per week, I would go back to none, so I guess it really seems to be working well for me. I guess I really learning to exercise my "willpower" and learning I CAN deny myself things, and am ok with it!! Looks like going to the gym will start on the 26th....no matter what!! I can't wait! I am so excited! Then maybe I can really get into my schedule I created!! That would really be nice!!

Well.... I think I have written enough for now, and if you are reading this, you are probably getting extremely BORED!!! LOL anyways, if you are reading this...Thank you so much for stopping by, and I thank you so much for your caring and support!!

My dear lady,

You never bore me! How else do we get to know one another but by their words and reading them express their thought, ideas and feelings about many things. That can't be done in 3 word sentences.

I have a major problem with Diet Pepsi. If it's in the house at all, I will drink nothing else. And I had such a want for it, that I was spending a small fortune keeping a supply around when I didn't have the extra to spend. I finally came to the conclusion that this is one of those vices I must take control over. So if I go out, I will buy a single 20 oz bottle, or order a glass of Diet Pepsi at a restaurant. But I will no longer buy it for home consumption. I stick with the water. Thank goodness I really enjoy my water as well!

Don't worry about the scale not going down. Sometimes we plateau, but while sitting still on the scale our body is still going through changes that are not always obvious at first, but come about slowly over time.

Have a good day, and sorry I didn't get to chat with you today.

stopping by to say "hi" :wave:

sorry to hear your family is not feeling well - hope everyone gets 100% better real soon :)

Beth :peace:

Wow, AJ! A 10lb weight loss since Christmas is great going, especially with little ones. And congratulations for maintaining it!

I know if I'm overtired I just eat everything in sight, so well done for not slipping into the night grazing when the littlest one wakes you. I hope your house feels better soon.

uughhh....everyone in the house has the flu. And bad too. Littlest on has been running temp of up to 104.4, and the rest of us have been in the 102-103 range. Severe body aches, chills, sweats, severe cough, and stuffy nose. It is terribly miserable. I could deal with all of it, if I could just stop coughing. The coughing has become so bad, my throat has become so sore, and feels like it is all cut up on the inside! Ohh.... I just hope it doesn't last much longer. It is really difficult to take care of the little ones when you feel so miserable, and hubby can do much either as he feels terrible too! I haven't eaten much of anything for the last 2 days. Just been drinking lots of water. I think we all may make a visit to the doctor tomorrow. See if there is anything we can do.

Sandie, Beth, and Roma....Thank you so very much for your visits to my journal, and your get well wishes. It does mean a lot to me. Thank you for your encouragment and support!! Hugs, AJ

The whole family went to the doctor...and yes..it is the flu. Ok doc...tell me something I didn't know!! Basically...she said that it just has to run its course. So, I guess I will have to lay low for next few days, until I start feeling better. The respiratory part seems to be the worst, along with a sore throat. So...until I start feeling better....I don't think there will be any exercise. My house is in shambles, and I feel a bit overwhelmed, but I know it will be there for me when I get better. Well...better be going for now..... :c(

Dear AJ,

I know this sounds crazy ..... but the house be damned ....

THE HOUSE WILL BE STANDING LONG AFTER YOU HAVE GONE ... but to get healthier and be there for yourself, your daughters and your husband .... YOU HAVE TO DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY to get better ...

I do understand that you are a TERRIFIC MOTHER and a very devoted wife ... BUT IT'S TIME TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF ...

Also be mindful my dearest friend YOU HAVE TO EAT SOMETHING .... just keeping fluids is not GOING TO ENABLE YOU TO BECOME STRONGER .... take care and GET SOME REST. I am as always, Monica :hug:

MOnica...Thank you for your caring and kind words. I have been following your orders!! AY, AY!! LOL I am getting stonger each day, and able to a bit more too, but am not pushing it. The house is still a disaster, and will stay that way until I am feeling well enough to clean...how's that Monica? :laugh:

We had to take the littlest one to the ER tonight as she had an allergic reaction to Robitussin. Poor babe was coughing, and coughing, and coughing, so I called the pediatrician to see if I could give her some cough med. Yep...only a 1/4 teaspoon. Ok...well, later she woke up with 104 temp, and hives all over different areas of her little body. She was so, miserable. Well... long story short everything was taken care of and she is doing just fine. Just kinda scares ya a bit.

On a good note, I have lost 2 lbs this week. I am sure it is attributed to being sick, but that's ok...I will take a loss even though I was sick! I am going to sign up for gym membership Firday or Saturday, so if I am feeling well enough by Monday, I can start going to the gym!!! FINALLY!!!

Well...it is quite late, and I need to get some rest!

Remember that being sick can take it out of you for as long a few weeks afterwards. If you're not feeling strong enough to start at the gym on Monday, it can wait a little while longer. Your body is important and you have to make sure you give it time to heal.

Catriona...Thanks so much for your visit and your caring words...It means so much to me. I do know I need to let my body heal, and I will...I promise :D .....I am just really excited to get going to the gym. I have been waiting so long for it!!

Today, I am still resting and taking it easy, and trying to make sure this stuff doesn't turn into pneumonia or bronchitis. It is all in my chest now, and I pray it only gets better, and not worse!

Eating what I can tolerate, just enough to keep me going I guess. I have no appetite at all, but have been forcing myself to eat. Keeping the fluids running through my body too. It has been soooo long that I have been this sick, and boy am I grateful it does not happen very often....it is utterly miserable. :c(

Well....off for now....Thanks again Catriona for the visit to my journal. I appreciate the support! Thanks!

Well...another pound gone! That makes 13 since Christmas...I know it isn't a whole lot, but for not exercising that much, I think it's pretty good. As soon as I get rid of this respiratory junk, and feeling better, I get to head out to the gym. I am so exicted. Finally things worked out to where I am able to go. It's about time!

In the mean time, I am just trying to take things easy, day by day, so I am careful not to get even more sick than I already am. I pray it is over soon. It will be going on 2 weeks of this stuff on Thursday.

So...not much else new since I have been sick....Things have been pretty broing around here.....So, I better be going for now.......

Ahhh... finally starting to feel better. I think this is the end to this nasty crud. I feel much better than I have in about a week and a half since I got this stuff. Now, I am starting to get a few things done around here, but can only do a little bit at a time, as this stuff is hard on the respiratory system. I find myself getting winded really easy. I am only doing little things for about 10 minutes, taking a break, and then go back at it for another 10 minutes or so. Only doing as much as I am comfortable with. I know if I do too much, I may set myself back, and get even more sick. If I keep up with feeling well, I plan to hit the gym Friday morning. I will start out doing treadmill, bike, and elliptical, and work up from there. Just need to start out real slow with having been sick. I am really excited. I have even lost another pound....it almost looks closer to 2 pounds, but I will only count it as one, seeing it is half way between. That makes it 14 pounds since Christmas. Wow....not too shabby. That is mostly from cutting out the soda. I find I don't even really enjoy soda anymore. When I have allowed myself to one, it is super sweet and tastes like syrup. For some reason I really don't "enjoy" it like I used to...but hey, I think that's a good thing. Well....moving on from here....going to try and go pump out another 10 minutes of work around the house.

Feeling pretty good today...not totally healed, but am feeling well enough to get some more things done around here. After not being able to do much of anything for almost 2 weeks, the house can become quite the disaster area. I got some bedding washed yesterday, a couple loads of laundry, and did a bit of vacuuming. Doesn't sound like much, but put a small dent in it. I think my daughter is feeling well enough to go back to ballet today, so we will see how she does...she is so excited to be going back. She loves ballet. Get her out and exert some of this built up energy she has...lol. Well....hopefully I can get more done today....until then....

Hi AJ,

Glad to see you are coming around and feeling a bit better every day. Having an entire family come down sick just makes it so much harder on the Mom. She doesn't have the time to get well herself, and can't afford to be sick either! Talk about getting it up one side and down the other!!!

I bet your daughter is adorable in her little tutu's also. I remember my niece when she was little and in ballet. Those little costumes were just so cute!

I got my walking done the past two days, 20 minutes each day too!! I did the 2-10 minute walks, and it worked out much easier on my leg, so I'll stick with that for the time being.

I'll be gone the next 4 days, so you have a great weekend and I hope that by the time I return you will all be fully recovered and bouncing around with vim and viggor!! :laugh:

Take care

AJ,

Glad you are starting to feel better finally. Whew!!!

You know that exercise will also help build up your ammunity to sickness, so when you are strong enough get working at it. Maybe the rest of your winter will be better.

Take care

Hi Sandie and Nancy....Thank you sooooo much for visiting my journal, and giving me some kind words of encouragement. You two ladies are great! I so greatly appreciate your support and friendship. It means so much to me.

Well...I lost another pound, and am down 15 pounds since Christmas. I am so happy about that. I will be starting the gym on Monday, and am sooo excited. I can hardly wait. We went grocery shopping today, and bought lots of good fruits, vegetables, meats, and just good ol healthy food. We will be making some major changes in our eating habits, within the next day or so. Hubby is doing it with me too...so I guess the whole family will be eating better as a whole. I still need to get a few thing at the grocery store, that the other store didn't have, so I will be doing that tomorrow. I am planning that starting Monday, I will be keeping track of what I eat, here in my journal. I will also keep track of it on fitday, as well.

I kinda got a little scared on Thursday night. I really wasn't up to cooking, and hubby said well...go to the deli, and get some chicken strips, and jojos. So, about 45 minutes later, I was having major pains in my upper right abdomen, and radiating into my back. Well...I for the most part thought maybe it was acid reflux, but finally cam to a conclusion that it was a gall bladder attack of some sort. Almost ALL of my family has had theirs out...so I guess the odds are stacked against me. I have not contacted the doctor as of yet, but may wait and see how things go...BUT stay completely away from fried and fatty foods. Which...this is the plan anyways. So, as I have been planning this...it was so ironic for something like this to happen. Makes me even more sure, that my eating habits need to change. The funny thing is...we very rarely eat fried foods as it is, but this just validated to me they are BAD, and to never eat them, ever again!

Well...I am looking forward to a new start the week!! Until then.....

Started out this morning with a good 30 minutes workout. I finally got to the gym, and got signed up. I did 15 minutes on the elliptical trainer, and 15 minutes on the bike. Boy did it feel good to start the day out right, with some good ol exercise! I feel great already!! Have made changes in eating habits. Have gone back to COMPLETELY NO SODA, as even one during the week, really is not even worth it. I don't even enjoy the taste of it anymore. So, why drink it then? LOL I have already drank 22 oz of water before 7 am so, I have an extra jump with that too.

BEFORE GYM SNACK....1 BLOCK
1/2 c. plain non fat yogurt - 1 block carb, 1 block protein
6 whole cashews - 2 block fat (extra fat block b/c of ff yogurt)

BREAKFAST.....3 BLOCKS
1 whole apple - 2 blocks carb
3 strips extra lean turkey bacon - 1 block protein
1/4 c low fat cottage cheese - 1 block protein
1 cup fat free milk - 1 block carb, 1 block protein
12 whole cashews - 4 fat blocks (one extra, b/c of ff milk)

LUNCH
3 oz. deli ham - 2 protein blocks, 4 fat blocks (1 extra for ff milk)
1 c ff milk - 1 carb block, 1 protein block
1 whole orange - 2 carb blocks
1 cup baby carrots raw - 1 carb block

For dinner....there was family in town, and we ate at a chinese restaurant, I had shrimp fried rice, and limited myself to 1/3 of the portion they gave. I really felt bad (not bad like, emotionally) after eating it. It did not agree with my body, and my feet were swollen a bit today...must have been all the salt...ICK! Told hubby I would be happy if we never ate there again!

Glad you are finally better and that you can finally go to the gym too, you have waited so long, lol.

Hey with all the money you save from no soda, you can buy some great workout clothes, whoohoo!!! You will look AND feel great!!!

Hi Nancy, yes...I have been waiting for so long, and FINALLY it paid off. I did get a new pair of atletic shoes, but it is part of my birthday present....b-day is Thursday, but DH is taking me out and maybe I ill get a new workout outfit too! Did get some new workout clothes for Christmas too!

I got up again and went to the gym. I did 10 minutes on elliptical (.70 mile), 10 minutes on bike (2.5 miles....pretty good I thought), and 15 minutes on treadmill (.75 mile) so I did 35 minutes total, and bumped it up 5 minutes from yesterday! I feel great, and have more energy throughout the day already!! Must be those endorphins kicking in. :D Now I am getting tired between 8-9 o' clock at night, and am going to bed much earlier....and so are the kids. This is working out so great! Hubby and kids are still sleeping while I am at the gym, and when I get home...he gets up to get ready for work, and kids are usually wake up around 8, so they are definitely getting more rest, which is wonderful!

BEFORE GYM SNACK
1/4 c lowfat cottage cheese - 1 protein
1/3 banana - 1 carb
3 cashews - 1 fat I :sweety: cashews.....lol

BREAKFAST
3 strips extra lean turkey bacon - 1 protein
1 c ff milk - 1 carb, 1 protein
1/4 c lowfat cottage cheese - 1 protein
1 orange - 2 carbs
12 cashews - 4 fat (1 extra for ff milk)

Will come back in later to post rest of menu....

Wow, good for you aj, and increasing your time already, wow.

I also find that when I am exercising well I want to eat healthier, its a good thing.

Keep track of your minutes aj, and even if you can't make it to chat feel free to post in the 'Exercise Chat Report' thread.

Hope you have a great day. :D

Well....I did not go to the gym today, I decided I had better let my muscles adjust as they were a bit sore in a couple of spots. I will be going tomorrow morning. I am going to strive for 40 minutes. I plan to work out Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and take Sunday off. Then I will start going for an hour each day, next week. I just need to make sure I don't hurt myself, and not be able to work out at all. I also decided that I will be keeping track of my food on fitday only....it is becoming too much to do in both places, as I usually come in here in the mornings, and end up not making it back to post the rest of my meals and snacks for the day. I am feeling pretty good. We celebrated my birthday last night, but it is tomorrow. Everyone was busy Thursday. DH is taking me out Friday night....we will probably go to dinner, a movie, and shopping for a new workout outfit! Yippee! :D

Nancy....Thank you so much for your visit to my journal. You have no idea how much it means to me to have you post in here, and share your support! THANK YOU!! If I happen to not make it to exercise chat, I will post my minutes. I have a question thoug...is it Monday to Sunday, or Tuesday to Monday? Well....better be gone.....

Well...I achieved increasing my minutes to 40 today. I rode the bike for 10 minutes (2.5) miles, and walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes (1.75 miles). I couldn't get on the elliptical, they were full this morning. So, I am feeling good today....even though I am a year older, which really does not bother me....lol :laugh:

I am looking forward to my "date" with my hubby tomorrow. We very rarely go anywhere without the girls. So, it will be some nice time to get away, just the 2 of us. I guess I should look and see what movies are on....ugh, it has been at least a couple of years or so siince we have been to the theater. It's kinda spendy anyways, but we can splurge...it is for my birthday... :laugh:


Well....food is going well, and water is going well too. I fell a little short on water yesterday, but will definitelty be on track today!!!

Well... better be going for now, going to go and search the forums while kids are still asleep! Hope each one of you who reads this, has a fantastic day!!

Dear AJ,

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY :bd

MAY IT BE THE BEST DAY OF ALL DAYS :balloons: ......

A DAY THAT IS CELEBRATED :cheers: WITH THOSE YOU LOVE AND WHO LOVE YOU ....

I am as always, Monica :hug:

Responding to your post on 3/9/05

AJMARBLE – HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! Hope your day yesterday was the best ever. How are your muscles? It sounds like you got quite a workout the other day. That’s good that yoru giving them a rest. I agree with you about keeping track of your food intake only in one place. I find it that really helps me as well. Have fun during yoru special evening tomorrow night.

~ Katherine

Well... Today, I did not go to the gym, as I had a bad migraine this morning. It is starting to go away now, but am kinda bummed that I was not feeling well enough to go this morning. I am not letting it get me down. Hubby and I have a date tonight, and we will be doing a lot of walking, as I want to go shopping too. So, I guess I will get a small bit of exercise in. I am definitely going to the gym tomorrow, and don't have to be back until 9:30 am, so I will probably sleep in till 7am, get up and go to the gym for awhile. I am really loving the gym. I have soooo much more energy, than I have had in a super long time! I am feeling great. The scale has stayed at a constant, but I think once I get really going on a regular basis, for an hour per day, the weight should start coming off. I am keeping up with my water....an absolute minimum of 66 oz. per day. It is really easy for me to drink water now....before I was lucky if I could get down a whole glass. Now it is my best friend....LOL :laugh: That is definitely a positive change I have made. Food is going pretty well. I really feel like I am making healthy choices, so therefore, I am not going to foloow a specific program, just keep making healthy choices. Our whole family is eating better, and now we are all up eating breakfast together...something we have not done in a long time. When I get home from the gym, DH gets up, showers, and in the meantiime the kids are getting up, so I start getting breakfast together for everyone, and yes...have breakfast TOGETHER! I am making sure i am eating enough, by keeping track with fitday, so I can make sure I am eating enough, but not too much.

Monica....Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. I means alot to me! I never did hear from my dad, but oh well. I guess next year...lol This is my year, to become healthy! I MUST do it for my health!!

Katherine....Thank you so much for visiting my journal. I really do appreciate the visits I get in here. I decided I better let my muscles recooperate(sp?) so that I am not able to exercise at all...that would be a major bummer!! I think we will have a nice time together tonight, as just being by ourselves is a nice treat every once in a while. We very rarely go anywhere without the girls, so I am sure it will be fun. It is funny though... usually we end up talking about the kids...lol :laugh: Thank you again for stopping by...I appreciate the birthday wishes...Thanks!!


Well... I better be going...have to fold laundry, and finish the last load. Then it will be time for lunch....Hope each one of you who reads this has a great weekend!!

Wow, a real date with hubby eh? Good for you both! That is something every young couple with young children should make sure to make the time for. You need it to keep your marriage healthier and stronger, and everyone needs to be away from the kiddies now and then. I hope you both have a great evening out and really get to enjoy yourself, and one another!

Good girl for having a family breakfast. You know, it rather surprised me when I started hearing in the news about families not sitting down to meals together. I had never heard of such a thing. We always had meals together when I was growing up, and I always had meals together with my children. It is just a given, or I thought it was. It amazes me that people are now just rediscovering it. They have missed so much by not doing it.

Have a good weekend now and keep up the good work!

Hi Sandie... Thank you so much for visiting my journal. About breakfast, it is so nice. We've always sat down to meals together, except for breakfast...until now that is. Usually hubby was out the door, without breakfast, and the girls and I were still sleeping. But now, I am up before all of them, go to workout, come back, have a few minutes to myself, start breakfast, and just before hubby gets ready to leave, the girls wake up, and then we all sit down for breakfast before daddy leaves. It is such a nice way to start out the day. When DH and I had the first child, we told each other, we wanted to make a point of eating meals together as a family, unless, of course something unexpected comes up. But I definitely know what you mean. Even though you are "just eating" what a better way to establish a set time to be able to talk with your kids...especially as they get older. I love our family meal times together. Isn't it sad to think there are so many out there who don't get to enjoy this?

Our date went pretty good. For the most part, we just went out shopping and had a nice dinner. We ate at a mexican restaurant. I had tequila lime marinated grilled chicken. Boy was it good. Not too much either. The portions were perfect size. About the size of my palm. But, we did splurge...after we went shopping, and walked around for awhile...we went and got an ice cream treat. We hardly ever do that...so we thought why not...we both are working on weight loss. So, it's not like we do it that often. so we figured, since we both wanted some ice cream...we could do that. It was funnny... since we are getting up so much earlier...we were both ready for bed by 9 p.m....lol we picked up the kids, went home, and everyone went straight to bed. How boring is that??? LOL :laugh:

Well... I was not able to go to the gym....I found out we had to clean the church today, so that took us 2 1/2 hours, and guess who got to scrub the bathrooms.... yep...you guessed it...ME!! Plus, scrub the kitchen, and dust everything. That felt like a workout there. I also got the honors of shoveling the driveway out. We got about 4 inches of wet heavy snow today, now my back is sore....I hate shoveling!!
X-( Anywhoo.....I am going to let my back relax tomorrow, and then I am back at the gym first thing Monday morning. :lift: :ex: So....I hope each of you who reads this has a wonderful rest of the weekend.

Hi AJ,

Glad to see you and DH had such a lovely time together and an evening out as well. It's really important with young children around to have time for yourselves too.

It sounds to me like you didn't need to go to the gym today. You got enough of a work-out right there at the church cleaning up. And especially shoveling snow.

We got hit with more snow the other day too. So I know what you are talking about. Luckily though yesterday and today were both warmer and sunny. We actually hit 50°F here. Can't wait now to see the end of all this snow!

Have a great week ahead lady. Wishing you and your family the best always.

Well... I was not able to go to the gym....I found out we had to clean the church today, so that took us 2 1/2 hours, and guess who got to scrub the bathrooms.... yep...you guessed it...ME!! Plus, scrub the kitchen, and dust everything. That felt like a workout there.

Hi, there. I must comment on your cleaning your church. My DH and I were scheduled to clean our church this weekend. It comes around to us about four times per year, which isn't too bad. DH and I, plus our son and his wife, plus a grandchild or two make a pretty good cleaning crew.

I dusted pews and cleaned the kitchen. It felt good this morning to sit in a nice clean pew in a nice clean church. Cleaning is just good exercise. Not glamorous at all, but good exercise.

Keep smiling -

I did it! 60 minutes this morning at the gym. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical (2.6 miles) which I am very proud of myself for doing...and 30 minutes on the treadmill (1.5 miles)and that is a pretty good pace for my short little legs...LOL :laugh: I have 22 oz. of water down already, starting on the next bottle full, and am feeling great this morning!! I know that going to the gym is going to be my special "ME" time....it's funny, just when you think you hate exercising, it becomes your best friend. LOL
I am going to measure myself tomorrow, and weigh in. I think I need to do this on Tuesday, to help me stay most accountable for eating on the weekends. I need to find the cloth measuring tape...I know it is around here somehwere...daughter probably was playing with it, as she thinks it something really special... :laugh:

Sandie... hello dear lady, thank you for stopping by my journal again, I sure do love the visits I get!! I definite feel like the cleaning I did was a workout, but not sure if I should count it in my minutes, but let me tell you, I did work up a sweat... 4 showers, 3 toilets, 4 sinks, tons of floor scrubbing, and oodles of dusting...lol Thats enough to make you not want to clean for awhile...haha Thank you so much for your support and friendship Sandie...it does mean so much to me!

Jo...Thank you for dropping by my journal. I always love to "see" new visitors to my journal. There is sure something to be said about a clean church isn't there? It was mostly DH and I cleaning, as our little ones don't do much but make a good mess, so our older daughter helps keep the younger one occupied so we can get the cleaning done. Our turn for cleaning comes up about every other month, but I like doing it. Just another way to serve the Lord. Thanks again Jo for dropping by...I love new visitors, stop by anytime!! LOL

Well, I am going to search around the forums for a bit before I need to get breakfast ready for everyone. Hope each of you who reads this has a fantastic day!!!

AJ – WTG on the exercising. 30 minutes on the elliptical. That’s just amazing. I’ve been on one of those machines like 3 times in my life and every time I fee like I’m going to fall off of it. So if I had to stay on 30 mintues it would seem more like 30 years to me lol

And then walking for 1.5 miles as well. Girl you just blow me out of
I guess I never thought of exercising in quite that way before. I have a love hate relationship with working out. I love when my workouts are over, but I hate to workout. I guess workouts for me are like gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe. No matter how hard you try you can’t get rid of it. Well no matter how hard I try I can’t get of exercising and I know that it will be a part of me for the rest of my life. So I guess I have to learn to deal with it.
Good luck with your weigh in tomorrow.

~ Katherine

Well.. the weigh in kept me at a stand still, and I also took measurements! I will just be happy to watch all those numbers go down, down, down!! I got to the gym this morning for 60 minutes again! I did 35 minutes (8.1 miles, level 6)on the bike and 25 minutes walking on treadmill (1.3 miles) I feel even better today than I did yesterday. I think my MIL is coming to have lunch with the girls and I, so I need to figure out what I want to make. I think probably some salad, with lots of veggies, a turkey burger, and maybe some fresh slices of fruit. We'll see.

Katherine....THANK you so much for visiting my journal...I SO appreciate all the company I get! I hear what you mean about exercise like being gum on your shoe
(which is a totally hilarious analogy), but when I was on my first weight loss journey, before baby #2...I really learned to LOVE exercise. I feel wonderful after exercising, and have SOOOOOOO much energy. I find I eat better, and want to do more things....especially things I wouldn't even think about getting up off from the couch for before. I can definitely say that I had to LEARN to love exercise... because I was fo such a couch potato for such a long time!! I guess you have to come to a certain point. I think my biggest drive in all this, is I am deathly afraid of getting diabetes. My sister was just told recently she is borderline diabatic. She is only 31, and we have a history of it in our family. I use that as my daily motivation to keep me in check. I know that I do NOT want that in my future, and my physical well being compromised later on in life, all because I was too lazy to exercise and eat right when I was younger. I will NOT let that happen. I have kids that I need, and want to be around for, God willing! Anyways......I totally understand the love/hate relationship you have...but do know this, you CAN learn to change that thinking too!! Take care Katherine!! I wish you all the best. Hugs, AJ

Well... I better be going to make breakfast for the kids.....will check back in later....

Well...I did not get to the gym this morning as I was up on and off all through the night. The littlest was up about 6 different times, and was having such fitful sleep. She wanted mama, because everytime I tried to go back to bed, she just clung to me. Then about 3:45 am the other one got up and said she had bad dreams. UGH!! This does not make good for someone trying to get up at 5 am. Oh well.... I will for sure be at the gym tomorrow morning. I think am am going to do some exercising around the house today, or maybe go to the gym for a bit after hubby gets home from work... we'll have to see how the day goes. I already am feeling the effects of not going, and not enough sleep. I am feeling a bit crabby...LOL But I plan not to let myself stay that way....For some reason, it seems like Wednesdays are bad days or something...??? Anyhow, I am going to do the best I can to make today a great day. Have to take daughter to ballet lessons later on, and have a few errands to run...so maybe some fresh air will do me a bit of good. I thought I may even go for a walk or something later, but I don't think it is going to get warm enough so I can take the kids with me. Until then.....

You go girl! I will check in and see how you are doing.
Thanks for rescuing me in chat today.
The little lamb,
lilredhen
aka Lisa :o

Hi Lisa...LOL you are so very welcome!! Thanks for visiting my journal...I always love to get visitors. Was so glad you joined DT...I know you will find some great support here. It is a wonderful place. I don't thik I would have been able to keep going sometimes, unless it was ffrom the support of some great people here at DT. Hope to see you around soon.

Well.... had another sleepless and restless night with the little one... she has been running high temps, so I went and worked out for one hour last night while Dh was here with the kids. I did the elliptical for 30 minutes and walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I thought for sure I would be up and ready to go after i worked out, but I think with such lack of sleep the night before... I was wiped out by 10:30-11 pm. I was glad about that, caause usually after the gym, I am ready to do all sorts of things...lol

I need to see how things progress witht the little one today....she has just woken up, and seems that her fever may have broken. Yesterday it got as high as 104.5...but I called the doc, and said they are seeing quite a bit of that, but to just do comfort cares with her, and if it persisits throughout today, that I should bring her in. So... we will see how it goes.

Well...better go for now....

Well, the fever seems to be staying down....I just wish she could get rid of the cough. Doesn't make for much fun when the kids are sick. I can't wait till everyone is ok and well...no more of this junk!!! I am kind of taking it easy today, just washing some blankets, and doing some light housework. Not much to speak of though. I am going to see if hubby will watch the kids again tonight while I go to the gym. I would really like to go and get another hour done tonight. I will probably do the elliptical (I love that thing!!) and treadmill or bike. Starting next week, I think I will start into some light weight training. I am still trying to figure out whether I should be doing weights each day, but different muscle groups...and of course cardio EVERYDAY... OR whether I should only do weights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or what....ANY SUGGESTIONS???? I welcome everyones input...let me know what you think. I am really loving getting out to the gym and exercising....feels so great!! I hope that I will be able to start seeing some changes this next week or so. I peeked at the scale, (but won't count it as a loss YET!) but it was down 1 more pound. Hopefully that will stay off when I weigh in again on Tuesday. Well...enough rambling on for now...but please do let me know what your thoughts are on the weight training.... :o

AJ – sounds like you had a pretty ruff night the other night. Was your daughter okay? Did she has a nightmare? I see now that she did have a dream. That must have been hard on her. You know it’s weird, I don’t ever remember having a bad dream. I hardly dream at all. Then again I read some where that we dream every night, but I guess I’m lucky because I never remember them. And then I have the nights when I dream all night long. It’s weird don’t you think?

WTG ON getting in 60 minutes at the gym the other morning. That’s wonderful. Oh my gosh your really flying on that bike. Your turkey burger lunch sounds great. Did you save any left over for me? I thought you might like that analogy with the gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe. Right now for me I have my days when I totally look forward to exercising and others when I just dread it. Yesterday for example was my schedule day to workout, and I really enjoyed it. Tonight when I go to bed I’m going to bed with a positive attitude so that I will enjoy my workout tomorrow morning as well. I know what you mean about getting diabetes. It runs on both sides of my family, but so far I’ve been able to dodge that bullet. Thank you so much for your kind words.

~ Katherine

Hi AJ,

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with the little one being ill when it seems to me you just went through that just a little while back. It takes a lot of strength and stamina to keep up with kids, so I hope you are able to get a good night's rest and feel fresh and ready to go in the morning. I'm so glad your hubby takes over for you so you can get out and get some time to yourself as well as get your exercise in.

I don't know a lot about how these work-our routines are suppose to work, but from what I've read, it seems that you do cardio one day and strength training the next. So you would do cardio Mon., Wed., and Fri., and then do the weights on Tues., Thurs., and Sat, and then give your body a rest on Sunday. I am surprised there is not someone available to you at the gym to give you some suggestions or advice on this matter. I have always believed that all gyms had people available just for this very thing. I'm sure they don't want their patrons overdoing it in any one area and then end up causing themselves more harm than good because of it.

The weather here has been getting much nicer. We have enjoyed sunshine every day this week, and it is doing wonders for the depth of the snow.........it's MELTING!!!! I can actually see spots here and there, in our lawn, that are now down to bare ground and grass. Maybe now that the sun is actually hitting the grass, it will begin to green up some? I certainly do hope so. Still waiting for my Red-Winged Blackbirds though.....oh well. 8-| Sooner or later, they are bound to arrive, right?

Have a good night my friend. Hope the baby is feeling much better by tomorrow.

I got another evening workout in as I posted above...was up a lot during the night with the little one. I did 60 minutes again. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical (2.1 miles), 15 minutes on the bike (3.2 miles, level 6) and 15 minutes on the treadmill (.74 miles) I AM doing this... I have made it four days in a row at 60 minutes a piece. I am feeling great. I look back at how I was a few months ago....and I have come quite a way I think. Not so much in losing pounds necessarily, but in making permanant changes. I have quit drink soda COMPLETELY, no diet sodas, nothing. Only, water, milk, decaf iced tea, and on occasion fruit juice (100% juice only). I have kept my daily water intake to a minimum of 66 oz. per day...usually more. I have been going to the gym a minimum of 3 days a week for the last 2 weeks, and this week have gone 4 days in a row, and still plan on going tomorrow. I am making conscious decisions to make healthy food choices. I am getting SOOOO much more down around the house, and am able to stay on top of things too! What a great feeling that is. I have made a schedule for cleaning, and things that I will be doing around the house on certain days. This is working wonderfully. I guess it is the more exercise you get, the more energy you have, hence getting more done around the house. LOL It feels great....FINALLY....I seem to be getting life under control!! :o

Katherine....How are you?? Glad to see you stopped by. I love the visits! Hasving turkey burger agaiun for lunch... wanna come and have lunch???LOL :laugh: I do love those things... only 1 carb per patty, 24 grams of protein, 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. I lkike them with some mustard on them... kinds reminds me of the good ol' Wisconsin brat burgers my dad always used to get...MINUS ALL THE FAT AND GREASE...lol The littlest one is doing much better... she just has a cough now... I hope it clears up soon. You are kinda like me with dreaming.... I know I dream, but for the life of me I can't remember what it was about in the morning. weird huh? lol Thank you again for coming in and visiting me Katherine....I do appreciate the kind words of caring and support!

Sandie...HEY LAAADY...How is it going?... I haven't seen you in chat for a couple of days...was going to try and get in there tonight, but needed to get to the gym....speaking of gym...I have asked the lady there to go over what toning exercises I should be doing etc... and we are going to go over that this next week. I didn't ask when I should be doingsertain things...was just trying to get some ideas what people here thought. Seeing what I could come up with. I will get it figured out though... thank you for your advice on what you have read... that is kinda what I was thinking too. SO glad that babys fevers have subsided... you are so right it takes a lot of stamina when they are sick... basically the whole family has been sick for the last month. This stuff keeps hanging on. We are all still coughing, but we were told it hangs on for about 6-8 weeks...UGH... I hope I can take the insanity for a few more weeks if that is the case...LOL I do hope your red-winged blackbirds do return soon. You must love birdwatching. I used to love to do that when I was younger. I do love those cardinals, chickadees, and bluejays. I also love the Western bluebirds we see around here...they are such a pretty bright blue. Well... I hope I see you around in chat soon. Take care my dear... Thanks again for stopping in and checking on me... :D

Well... not much to report as of so far today. I am working on some cleaning around the house, and laundry. I do plan to go to the gym again tonight, if DH will watch the kids again for about an hour. I can't wait till net week to get back to the gym in the mornings. I really prefer to go early in the am, but if I can't...I will gladly go when I am able to....LOL AS lonmg as I get there 5x per week. Gonnna get the laundry going...and get to cleaning....will be back later. Hope each of you who reads this, has a wonderful weekend!!

Hi AJ: Thanks for visiting me in my little corner in here...Always nice to have a visitor..

sorry the little one has been sick..It is always hard to juggle things when they are sick..and don't sleep well...I got to visit my little granddaughter on Wednesday this week..and if you go past my journal sometime again you can catch a glimpse of her..I just posted a couple new shots of her..I am always showing her off and my little grandson too...

thank you for your kind words about my work on my exercise bike..I must admit I like it...I know I get a good work out...Sounds like you are doing well too...I would think the gym trainer would set up a little program for you based on the number of days you want to work out etc..and it would be a mix of weights and cardio...They do that at the city gym here anyway...

I don't know how familiar you are with weights I am not too great so I like all the help from the trainer there that I can get..as not to hurt myself but enough to challenge myself....
Take care thanks for visitng me...and you keep up the good work and this just might be our year....
Louise

Hi Louise...always great to have some new company in my jounral!! Thanks for visiting...I appreciate it so very much! I think you are right....this may just be our year!! :laugh: I hope so anyways!!

Well... didn't go to the gym last night, because DH wanted to have a family movie night with the kids. SO, we rented "Flubber" with Robin Williams...DD has never seen it yet. It is kinda of a cute movie. SO, after dinner last night we watched movies, and then got the kids ready for bed..and then DH and I watched a movie too. Then I headed for bed, and he watched an action movie...which I am not really a fan, besides, I was having a hard enough time staying awake.

So, being that I did not make it to the gym last night, I am going to go in a couple of hours,... they don't open till 9, so will wait till DH gets up, and can watch the girls...
When I get home, I am going to start some spring cleaning today, and get the cupboards washed. Inside and out. So....that will take up a good prtion of the day. Also have to contend with kids, because DH has some work to do out in the garage. Anyways...I think that will be good exercise for the arms... :laugh:

Well.... better be going for now... need to have some breakfast, and give it some time to settle before going to the gym. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

BTW...didn't realize thie until just now...but today, I have been here at DT for 3 years!! This is my second weight loss journey...AND the last!!! This is IT! I am DTermined to get to goal this time... :laugh:

Hi there,
Read your last post about this being your LAST time to be on the weight loss journey and wow can I relate to that! ME TOO! Your commitment to the gym is awesome tho and I think you are really doing good. Family nights are important too, so I am glad you got to do that. Keep at it.

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to introduce myself. Just found this site and registered. I am constantly on a diet but my thighs are telling me I need to get a little more serious! I've tried everything and am just not sure what to do. WW worked well but I just couldn't stand counting and measuring constantly. It became quite consuming. X-( X-( I have also had success on SB but had difficulty without the fiber in my diet, if you know what I mean?!? :c( Thought the support of others might help. I have a closet full of clothes from size 8 to 16. Planning a trip to WDW this summer and I want to fit into shorts and feel comfortable walking around. Darn these thighs!!!!!!! :help:

I am always looking for a good kid's movie AJ. I haven't seen Flubber. I will see if the video store has it. I also want to rent the new Mulan video.

Keep up the exercise. You are doing so well with it.

:jn

Hi eball....THANKS for stopping by! As I said, this is the absolute LAST time!!!! I will not quit... I WILL succeed!!! I have no plans of giving up, even if I kill myself trying to get to goal :laugh: ....I know, I won't have to die for success...LOL, but I would rather die trying, than to have not tried at all. I agree...family times are very important. We try and do something at least once a week all together...not that we aren't together all the time anyways, but something special as a little family. It keeps the family together IMO. Thanks so much for your encouragement, it is greatly appreciated!! See you around in chat soon!!

Mamadala....Hello, and welcome to DT. Good to have you join us. I really think it is important to find what plan works for you...not only as a diet, but making lifestyle changes. It helps so much more when you are able to do things that you can stick with forever. I am slowly, but surely finding this out...LOL I totally agree that measuring can be very consuming, but is sometimes necessary to get us back to realizing what a real portion is! UNfortunately...and weight loss does definitely take preparation. But, after we get the hang of it, and get in the groove...we can pretty much eyeball out the portions. So, nice to meet you Mamdala, and thanks for stopping by my journal..

Tess....I can't believe you have never seen Flubber....I really think you will enjoy it, especially looking for Kids movies....It is pretty cute. IMO, Robin Williams does a great job with his character. Also, thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I think we can all use a bit of it sometimes...LOL Good to have you visit my journal!!

Well....I didn't make it to the gym this morning, as I was up most of the night again. Daughter was up AGAIN!! She started spiking a fever again. There is definitely no way I would have been able to function at the gym this morning. I decided I have had enough, and need to find out what is going on with daughter.... well she has a pretty bad ear infection, and doc said her lungs don't sound to great either...not horrible, but not good. He didn't think there was a need to do chest x-rays, as he was putting her on a strong antibiotic for her ear anyways, and said it would kill whatever is going on with the lungs as well. He thought it was probably bronchitis
(being that has been was has been happeneing with this crud that has been going around), so she has that for 10 days. I am just praying it will bring her some relief....ESPECIALLY during the night!!!! I can't take it anymore! :c( It can only get better. I really, really, hope DH will watch the kids for 1 hour so I can go to the gym this evening. I am feeling irritated, sluggish, and feisty today. I really think it is because I have not exercised. I NEED to get out!! LOL Well.....I better be going for now...hoping to stop into the exercise chat tonight and report my minutes. Hope each of you who reads this will have a wonderful evening.... :)

Well...back at the gym this morning. Got in an hour of exercise. I really didn't think I would be able to go as the little one was up at 4 am. I have been up since then...I got dressed, rocked her for awhile, and she finally went bakc to sleep, so I went ot the gym, and when I got back, she was still sleeping. Thank goodness. That way DH didn't have to get up with her, and she got in some more rest too...she needs it!! She has been so crabby with this ear infection...especially at night!

Well...another 2 pounds gone forever. Weighed in this morning!! Down to 207. Not too much longer and I will be in the 100's again...for the last time too!! Not going to keep doing this to myself. Once it is gone....THAT'S IT!!!! X-(

Well..better be going...get some things done....hope each of you who stops for a visit, has a wonderful day!!

AJ – Way to go on getting in an hour of exercise this morning. That’s wonderful. How old is your little girl? I bet she just wanted for her mommy to hold her and ease her back to sleep again.

Ouch! My mom was always dealing with ear infections with one of us. I think my brother got the most of them. Those hurt, and I feel for children when they have to go through that pain.

:cheers: way to go on loosing the 2 pounds. That’s wonderful. I’m rooting for ya girl!

~ Katherine

Well... another hour at the gym...did 30 minutes on elliptical, 15 on bike, and 15 on treadmill....I decided I am going to hold off on the weight training until next week...I just need to work cardio right now. I have been doing some crunches, and wall push offs at home. So, that will help a tiny bit...but I talked to the lady at the gym..and she said she would help me work out a weight training routine that would be best for me. I can already tell that working out is making a difference. I can see it in my face, and across my tummy, and my legs look slimmer too...although my legs are kinda like chicken legs to begin with...well more like a chicken drumstick...LOL :laugh: muscle at the top...and nothing at the bottom...LOL My brother in law asked me the other day if I had lost a bunch of weight...I laughed, and said well not much, but a little....he said he could really see it in my face. It has only been about 2 1/2 weeks since I last saw him too...I was very excited...someone noticed...and actually said something!! :D

Katherine...so good to see you! My girls are 5 1/2, and 20 1/2 months....yes...I agree....ear infections can be very painful, I am kinda wondering if I don't have one myself.. :( She is dealing quite well though, she has been sleeping better the last couple of nights...and yes...nothing like mama to snuggle with LOL Thanks for the encouragement Katherine...I so appreciate it!! See you around soon...Hugs, AJ

Well...better be off for now....to each of you who reads this...I hope you have a great day!

Well.....I decided I needed to get some extra rest this morning, as I was feeling soooo exhausted. I figured it is better to get a little extra rest, rather than let myself get down, and end up sick again...not only that but with 2 small children, and a hubby...I need to try and stay well, as I am the one who keeps all of them in line.... :laugh: So, needless to say I did not make it to the gym this morning, but am going to do some exercise here at home a bit later. I will go to the gym in the morning...and then we have a day full tomorrow as we need to go into town, and get groceries. What a chore that is...we usually buy most all of what we need for the month, as DH gets paid once a month. It kind of stinks...but is also nice, as I pay ALL the bills at the end of the month, and then I know what we have left for the month. Makes it kinda nice in that aspect. Anyways...it has been cold and blustery the last couple of days, which does not make nice for the mental well being...isn't funny how the weather somewhat controls our moods??? 8-|

Well... I better get going...need to get the laundry in the dryer....hope everyone has a wonderful day!

I agree Aj. Just snuggle up on the sofa with the little ones playing close by. Drink some orange juice, prop your feet up and rest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:coach: That is an order!

Get well soon!

Hugs

Hi Tess...Thanks so much for stopping by, and your encouragement, I mean orders... :laugh: I so appreciate every person who stops by. I do love new visitors!

Well...is has been an extememly busy weekend. I have been doing nothing but cooking and cleaning, or so it seems anyways....But I guess it does get that way around the holidays. 8-| Anywho....I have been trying to get rested up, as this sinus infection is wearing me out. I am sure it is also a lack of sleep from getting woken up by the little one. But I do feel so exhausted....so, in the morning I am going to sleep in as late as the kids will allow me, and then after hubby gets home from work in the afternoon, I am going to go to the gym. Last week it was somewhat of a disaster to get to the gym....too many things to be done in preparation for Easter. I did get there 2 x , but this week will for sure be 5!!!

Well...gonna get going to bed...will be back in the morning....Thanks for stopping in :D

Back to the gym. I went to the gym this evening, and got in a 60 minute workout. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical, 10 minutes on the bike, and 20 minutes on the treadmill. Boy did it feel good. I must say after being sick with the sinus infection, and not being at the gym for about 5 days, I had to push through to get the 30 minutes out, but oh...it felt so good when I was done. I really love the gym...

We had a nice Easter. We started off the morning with church. What a powerful message! We had about 11 people here. I cooked eveything but the ham and mashed potatoes. I was definitely done cooking for the day...and I wasn't cooking anymore!! We had a nice dinner, and had a nice visit with our family. I was beat by the end of the day, but oh well...next time it is at someone elses house!!!

Well... I started posting under the Shaping Up for Summer challenge that Lizzie has started. I think it will really help keep me motivated. I really hope I can lose about 30 pounds by the beginning of July...I will do my best to get there. Then that will give me about 6 months to get off the other 27...and then I will be at goal. Can't wait for the day....then I can work on maintaining!! Won't that be nice!! :D

Well...I better get going... I hope that each and everyone of you who reads this, has a wonderful evening, and a great day tomorrow!! Keep on moving....

Whoo Hooo...another 2 pounds gone!! That makes 19 gone since Christmas. That puts me 2 pounds closer to my goal of 30 pounds down by the first part of July. If I keep up this rate...I think it will be very manageable, and will hopefully be able to reach total goal by December!! I can't wait!! :laugh:

I just got back from the gym about 15 minutes ago, and did 60 minutes...30 on treadmill, 10 on bike, and 20 on treadmill. I am going to start weights next week. I talked to the lady, and she said she would be glad to work out a program for me. I was going to do it this week, but I think I need some more time to get cardio going again after being gone sick for a few days. Then hopefully I can start seeing some muscles slowly emerge from this body...LOL :laugh: I know I can do this....and this time...I WILL!!!!

Well....got things to get done, and am going ot stop in chat for a few minutes....be back in later...

:cheer:CONGRATULATIONS ON 2 LBS OF FAT GONE FOR GOOD!!:cheer:

Wow, I am so happy for you! You are on a roll, and ain't nothing or no one going to stop you! You are my inspiration!

Hope you have a wonderful week!!

Hi Sandie... Thanks for always being my cheerleader!! :cheer: I appreciate it more than you know. I am so grateful for all the support I get from everyone here...I don't think I could do it without you all. Thanks again Sandie, you are such a very dear lady...thanks for being my friend! Hugs, AJ

Have been to the gym already this morning. I got in 60 minutes. I did 30 elliptical, 20 bike, and 10 treadmill. I have some housework planned for today, and DD has ballet class later today, so we will see how things go for the day. Not too much going on here, just same ol' same ol' boring stuff...lol. I wish it would warm up, so I could take the kids for a walk or something... It has been so cold to go outside, especially for the little one. We'll see...they "say" it is supposed to warm up by the weekend. I'll believe it when I see it...lol :laugh:

So, anyhow...I am going to be going for now...so...thanks for stopping in and visiting my journal...hoping you have a great day!!

responding to your post on 3/29/05

Congratulations on the 2 pounds loss. I’m so happy for you. Your doing so great with your 30 pounds goal by July, I just know that you can do it.

Have you thought about your program as far as the weights go? I would love some insight on this. In a few weeks I’m going to start incorporating free weights to my workouts too.

:rose: Katherine

Hello Katherine....haven't seen you around for a few days. Thanks for stopping by with encouragement for me. I so greatly appreciate your kind words!! I am going to start doing light weight training on Monday. So, we will see what happens. I would be happy to let you know what she recommends for me. Maybe we can be doing it together? :D

Well...back at the gym again this morning for another 60 minutes workout. 30 min. on elliptical, 10 on bike, and 20 on treadmill. I have a lot to try and get done today, as I am going to take my girls to their cousins basketball game. They love going to watch, as do I. I have been keeping up with my water, and doing ok on food. Although we did get pizza last night, but I limited myself to 2 pieces. So...anyways...other than that things are going pretty well. I hope it warms up a bit, so I might just walk to the school and pull the kids in the wagon or something.

Well...better get going for now. Again....Thanks Katherine for visiting!!

Ah I remember the days of walking to the school and of pulling kids inthe wagon, very nice memories.

That would be great if you and Katherine were buddies in your exploits, lol. It is nice to have someone keeping a close eye on you.

Keep up the good work aj, you are such a sweetie!!!

Responding to your post on 3/30/05

AJ – I had to think for a minute as to what DD stands for. Then I figured it out dear daughter. Is that correct? Way to go on the gym yesterday morning. I’ll send you some good thoughts for warmer weather this weekend.

:rose: Katherine

Hi AJ,

It was great chatting with you this morning.

I did what I was planning, and walked an entire down my "country mile" about noon today! I am so proud of me....... :laugh:

I see you are doing great with your exercise program as well. I really should start doing some strength training as well. And I have no excuse not to since I already have all the necessary equipment right here in the house. I'm just too lazy, I think. Shame on me there!

But you are doing very well, and it is obviously working. Yippee AJ! :*

Keep up the good work my friend!!

Nancy....Thanks so much for your kind words and constant encouragement!! I am so grateful!! Now...do you reall think I need someone to keep an eye on me?!?!?! LOL :laugh: yes, I agree...it would be neat for Katherine and I to communicate back and forth on stuuf like weight training and such....Well didn't get to the park in the wagon...BUT...we did get to the park...kinda glad we didn't walk...is was a bit chilly, and then kids may have turned into ice cubes with the long walk there and back. maybe this weekend...wagons...ah the memories I have as well...except, is its of my brother, sis and me hopping in the wagon, and racing down the hill into the ditch...LOL :laugh: it was fun at the time....hehe

Katherine... Yes, DD is dear daughter, or even darling daughter! PLease do send some warm weather...I could use some warming up!!! LOL Will let you know what happens on Monday with the weights...Thanks so much Katherine for your visits...I so appreciate each one!!


Oh Sandie...that "country mile" sounds absolutely delightful...I can just imagine....AHHHH It was great chatting with you as well. Nice to able to talk with someone, and share ideas, stories, and such! Take your time, and ease into the weights...do a 10 or 20 reps every other other day, and see what happens. You an do it Sandie....I know you can...look how far you have come laready after having knee surgery...you are definitely a trooper!! Thanks for always cheering me on Sandie...I am so thankful....there is no way I could do it without all of you here at DT!!

THANK YOU so much everyone!! It means a lot to me!!!

Today I got to the gym at 5:30, and did 75 minutes today. For the "I CAN" chat goals for April....I made a goal for myself to continue the 60 minutes 5 days per week, and add an extra 15 minutes when time allows me...so it is April first, and have alrady meet that goal for today! For the 75 minutes, I did 30 on the elliptical, 10 on the bike, 30 on the treadmill, and 5 minutes of crunches. Actually, the extra 15 minutes didn't seem like much at all... so maybe next month I will try and add an extra 15 on top of that!! We'll see, as the time gets closer, as I do have a certain timeframe in the morning that I can go, as DH is still here with the kids, and needs to get ready for work at a certain time....so, we'll just wait to see what happens!!

Have been keeping up on my water, and doing pretty well...so, I will just keep plugging away on that!!

Well...not much happening around here this weekend...at least I think anyways...you never know what will happen!! LOL

Well better be going for now...Thanks again Nancy, Katherine, and Sandie, for coming in here to visit. Hope each of you has a great weekend! Hugs, AJ

Well....I have a big chore planned for today, as I will be going through youngest daughters room and getting rid of a lot of their toys, and is time to go through clothes, as almost everything in there is too small. I don't need to go shopping though...I saved almost all the clothes from from when older daughter was smaller, and now use them on the little one. Boy is that handy. Almost everything is in great condition as she was a pretty neat and tidy child...Sometimes I wonder if that is good or bad.!?!? LOL Anyways, I am sure it will take several hours, but that is what I did last Friday, I cleaned the older ones room out. It is amazing what you can find when you tear kids rooms apart...LOL So... that is my big chore for the day. I mat try and go to the gym for a bit, but I may just for a walk brfore it storms or rains, or whatever it is going to do. It is cloudy and gray outside right now....but hopefully it will pass...

well... better be going for now....

Well....I have a big chore planned for today, as I will be going through youngest daughters room and getting rid of a lot of their toys, and is time to go through clothes, as almost everything in there is too small. I don't need to go shopping though...I saved almost all the clothes from from when older daughter was smaller, and now use them on the little one. Boy is that handy. Almost everything is in great condition as she was a pretty neat and tidy child...Sometimes I wonder if that is good or bad.!?!? LOL Anyways, I am sure it will take several hours, but that is what I did last Friday, I cleaned the older ones room out. It is amazing what you can find when you tear kids rooms apart...