Here's the new thread for Boot Campers to post on for the next two weeks - Feb 27 - March 12th.

No matter what phase you are currently in, everyone can post to this thread (starting Sun 2/27).

The thread for the last two weeks will be closed to new posts late on 2/26 but can still be read (and responded to in the new thread).

Goals for the phase you're entering can be posted in the applicable Goals thread (Phase 1...Goals, etc.)

Questions about boot camp can be posted on the Q&A thread.

Beth :peace:

Hi Everyone :wave:

On my end of our world it is after midnight - so I can post here now.

I am rephasing starting today ( Feb 27th )...........sigh Like I always tell you all - I gotta learn to hang tough!

I am creating a chart of sorts that I will post for anyone else that wants to use it to help keep track of water, exercise, fruits etc etc. Trying to design it for anyone and any plan. I just started on it tonight and have asked Sue for her help - so hopefully in a day or so I can post it :)

Sue has a few great ideas starting with this 14 day BC challenge - but I will let her post them and explain them.

I need to go post my goals.....

Beth :peace:

OK, OK, it is not quite SUnday here (9:33 pm) Hey! Its California! Well, this week has been so hectic on me. First, I though I did wonderful on my math test and it ends up I got a D!!! I though I had an A for sure or maybe even a B. ::SIGH:: Then, one of my friends was acting really dumb with me, then two of my friends confessed two totally different things to me, which makes me think OMG! they are growing up. Then finally tuesday the friend apoligized to me for being so mean, I forgave her, but then she tells me she might drop out! I had to convince her not to. Then on Wednesday I studyed for my Chemistry I was sure i had it down, anywayz, that same day before that I got out early (an hour) to go take my DMV permit test seeing I am only 17 (WOO HOO! ! 18 ON MArch 24th!!!) I did not pass for little things I did not pay extra attention to like for example, When you get in a accident, who do you call within ten days?
A.) DMV
B.) CHP
C.) your insurance company

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THERE? Well, I put C.) but it was wrong. It was A!!! then there was another one that I though was really hard.
WHEN is it illegal to leave a child under six in a car?
A.) Leaving the keys in the ingnition
B.) leaving a child with a 12 year old
c.) leaving the engine running?
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I put B but it took me a while then I found out it was A. WHo knew?!
ANYWAYZ...SO i was sad I didn't pass it so i will go onwednesday to take it again. MUST STUDY!!! then another friend, wanted to kill himself!!! I was like no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I persuaded him not to, and that was only wednesday! then thursday before going to school i got to letters one fro a university they never recieved my trancripts so they will not review my application when i did send it!!! a month before! then another saying they will not review it because i did not pay. I did, A MONTH AGO!!! SO I basically applied two to schools for no reason! I went crying to school the whole day I could not concentrate on my chem test! I did not do it, butb i am hoping my teacher will let me retake it he is really nice. Then, my ENglish teacher yelled at me for being "irresponsible" I really wanted to slap him. Then I had to explain to him and he was like..."ok it's ok", THEN I got home basically cried more, feeling I wasd leting myself down< "WHAT IF I END UP AT ELAC OR RIO HONDO?" I WOULD DIE! (COMMUNITY COLLEGE) NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT, BUT I feel it hard when your whole family even your cousins and uncles are looking at what you are going to do next if you are gonna make it. to me I am going to be the best thing to come out of that family, but what if u fail you know? THen someone i forgot who told me it is my life, you know but it is hard, they expect so much. :( then on fridasy i didnt go to school, i had a sort of hospital outpatient thing. a thing were they put a tube down your throat, i had an iv on my writs all day it hurt plus it was the second time this month i was in the hospital the whole day and i didn't eat until 6 because the doctor was 5 hours late!!! so yeah ib ate a sandwich with jello and orange juice because they ranout of cranberry and i really wanted some. so that was my freakin' week! what a week. sorry i wrote somuch but i really wante dot tell someone y'all. oh and i have to remember to pages worth of lines for my drama class! (NOOOOO! NOT NOW!!!) altho8ugh i love it i do not feel up to it but it is my grade. then there is an essay about lord ogf the rings which i have to choice a charechter and say why he is a hero (A minor charachter) so i chosse sam because it was closer to a major charcter. I rewad the book and i still cannot or care why he is a hero! i love the book and the movie as well, but with all this i really dont care right now he my teacher reviewd my rough draft, but i didnt go on friday so i must turn it in monday but my friend who got it for me i havent been able to contact but she will be there tommrow so i have to either walk it or something to go get it!!! no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! X-( well, this week has caused me to once again rephase. yes rephase phase 0ne i cannot belive i am like the only one who will. but i started saturday over just havent been able to post it so her it goes again:
1.) Excercise on trendmill at least 30 minutes.

2.) Drink ALOT of water!!!

3.) NO SODA!!!!!!! OR CHIPS!!! NO JUNK FOOD!!

4.) MORE Veggies.

5.) and misc. excercise routines.

Still weigh the same!!! BY the way I am proud all of you guys are holding up strong, if only i could. UGh and then to top it off i found outmy resulkts for my stomach! :c( ugh!! SHOuldn't my Senior year not be stressful? sad yes because you must grow up and oiutta there, but its nerve reckin plus i get some college letter this coming week, and i havent even bought my sisters birthday present or my nieces!!!!!!!!!! I need a job, i was offered one but couldn't becaus eof my school work!!! but i really want my class ring! I don't know if my dad will be able to help me buy it he has 3 kids of his own nd he must pay everything for them although they all have jobs (they are very snobby) while my mom eturned to school and is holding up a job but my dad helps and my sisters do my dad just need to see theyre aleeady old they dont evenelp ith there rent my sisters fdo i am so sorry i am sayin my life story. BUt i do love my mom and my dad.:) and my two sisters WHO loveme not the other one who hate me! oh well. WOW I am tired! I havent's slept in since september pn any saturday!!! i would tommrow but i have to much homework and test!!!! but right now i am happy for some reason i am poutting asise everything anfd focusing on my health. then bring on everything! :D BUt i know My GOd is with me to be my guidance and my assurance. GOOD night everyone! SOrry for all this. needed to rant.

LOve, michelle

Hi everyone and welcome. For me, this is going to be the beginning of a successful Phase 2 and I wish all of you success on your continuing journeys, no matter where you are in your phases.

I started a new challenge for 2/27-3/12. It deals with giving ourselves some much deserved ME TIME. You can read all about it in post #1 here: http://diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46566. Posts about this particular challenge can be posted in that challenge thread. I think if we take this challenge to heart that we can see an improvement in our stress levels, which I believe can help us on our weight loss journeys.

Enjoy the challenge and let's all see progress during these next two weeks! Sue

Sorry, Michelle. I didn't see your post until after I posted. It sounds like you're going through a tremendous amount of turmoil right now. I wish there was something of substance I could do to help you. I hope now that they found out what's wrong with your stomach that it can be easily fixed without too much more medical attention. Good luck at school. I know you try so hard and you should be commended for that. I hope things will even out for your friends too. :ghug: Sue

Hello campers! What a busy Saturday was had here! I kept getting booted off-line and finally gave up and went to work!
I'm starting Day 8/Phase 2. Where does our time go?? The weeks just fly by! I actually earned my keep at work yesterday. I only took a 15 minute break for Brunch.....and got lots done. I'll be doing up payment books today. I did brochures and Move-in folders yesterday and rented three units. It rained all day and I loved it. Only one little boo boo. I'd worn my canvas slippers, in the rain to unlock a gate.....well wet shoes tend to produce some friction on my poor feet. They still hurt! It stopped short of blisters but it's very sensitive still.
Week one of phase two report: 28,500 steps: 14.25 miles: 256.5 minutes @ 18 minutes per mile.
50 minutes other exercise, 464 oz water: avg. 66.28 oz daily YAY! Ate after 7 PM only twice. YAY........Working on personal spaces! A progression of sorts!
Vickie! GOOD for you! Taking an extra day.....you need some recovery brfore taking on a full load again, to avoid a relapse and if your ear is still hurting, that needs care as well.....you know all that of course! YAY...that is good on the blood sugars! Me too...getting to the "portion control" phase. I do well some days....OH I wish I had cats to play with! Congrats on doing Day 4/Phase 4! Yes....your dream is a GOOD one!
Heather...woohoo, slipping into Phase 3!! Congrats to you too!
Jean....day 1 down and out! Yippee! Good going! We'll do this a day at a time, as it's what we're given. Keep keeping on!
Kris! down 3 pounds more! YAY! The pay-offs are coming!
Boblin! 11 pounds down in February! WOW...Me some too! That's great!
Sue! Thanks GF for the daily Hugs! They mean a LOT to me! I have the same tendency, of overeating after a "social" event.......I have HIGH anxiety about such things and I'll bet you are on the money when you said you were repeating old behaviors, even tho you had a good time and the situation was different. Our minds have those "triggers" built in and we just seem to keep doing what we've always done, 'till we make a concious effort to do something different.
Jo. I too, look forward to seeing your outline in action! That's a good one and I'll bet it makes a difference when you apply it!....MMMM...popcorn! YUM! I mean, I'll bet that would be good!
Nebraska! Oh that sounds SO relaxing......a nap and a DVD..my kind of entertainment! I also enjoy reading...a LOT. I hope you had a quiet, soothing time of it!
Beth.....OH BOY! New chart in the works! That sounds great! I do daily ones in my planner and that helps a lot.
Leslie..OH NO! Don't ya hate car troubles? I pray it's something simple and inexpensive to fix and you're on the road again soon....tho you had a good attitude about the walk home! And acknowledging that food won't fix it! Good for you! I've been there and done that several times and I just thanked God I could get home!
Blanche! Yay! Phase 3 done! WOW! That's great! Move on up there with those on Phase 4! Keeping it simple is important and look at the changes you're making habit! Woohoo!
Michelle......(((HUGS))) for you too sweety! To be so young and have such a load on your little shoulders! I pray for peace to reign in your heart, mind and emotions.....find a hiding place to be still and quiet and know that God is aware of you each moment.
You have truly had a rough week.......and overwhelming! Take good care of you......now and in the days ahead.
Vegas......hey little buddy come in for roll call! I miss you! Hope all is well on the home front...also ArmynavySis, Artmaker and any other MIAs.......have a blessed day each of you.....
I'm gonna get a nappy before Church..I got up at 1:00 AM and I am running down!

Take good care of you....I will as well!
Bren

Today is Phase 1/Day 7!!! So far so good!!! I probably won't be spending the afternoon with my friends, so hopefully I'll do better today than I did last week! I don't know if I've lost any weight, I'll prolly weigh myself in tomorrow. If I can just keep going another week, then I can start Phase 2!!! :D

Hi everyone I am only one more day away before I am in phase 4 :cheer: My eating has been good but my exercise has been excellant. I'm sorry to hear about your horrible week slashorkitty but things are going to be a lot better this week. At least you did not gain any weight. Some of us would have started eating like we lost our minds, so this shows to me how strong you are. This time you will finish your phase. :D
Blondee49 I hope your feet feel better.
Keep up the good work Naomi
Everyone have a wonderful, successful and blessed week and remember we are winners and this weight will come off. :D

Found my way to the new thread. Sounds like some of us are struggling. Hey, that is life. The key is not to give up. And the fact that you all are still here means you have not given up! So look for your small victories. There always are some, even if it is eating less of something or only binging for one day instead of a week. Build on your victories.

I'm on Phase 2, day 8. Today is our usual brunch and I'm going to make an effort to eat less than I did last Sunday.

Jo

Wow Blondee, look at all that exercise you got in! {{{hugs}}}

Naomi, ahh yes, you can make it through another week!

Leslie, you are really progressing fast. Good for you!

This challenge has already meant so much to me, and it just started. I spent an extra few minutes in bed this morning just laying there enjoying. But the real inspiration from the challenge came to me after I got up. I thought that really I just want to make a conscious effort each and every day to be good to myself in ALL areas of my life—for instance, I want to eat healthy foods because they’re good for me, I want to exercise because my body needs to, I want to take care of myself emotionally, I want to surround myself with things I enjoy. I think this will bring serenity to my life so that when the stresses come, I will be able to handle them better. It’s already working!

I made it to phase 3, and without rephasing phase 2! Here is what I posted on the goal page:

I was beginning to think I would never make it here! Was a tough couple weeks, but I did make it through.

My goals for phase 3 are:

1. me time (as per challege)
2. Wise food choices.
3. I will get some form of excersise every day.
4. I will not stress out ... still having trouble with this ... job hunting is so hard on the ego. Will not let it get to me.
5. Will start clearing/cleaning/packing the excess out of one room every two weeks ... long term goal to prepare for eventual move.

Okay ... so I am all set right! Now just to keep up with it. :laugh:

about #5, and a question a few days ago by one of you. I have not heard about the interview yet ... hard to wait so long, and was getting really depressed about it. Had deep soul searching time and realized why I was so anxious. It was not the job so much as the move to Victoria that I was excited about (though I am definintely excited about the job ... just moreso the new city.) There is dozens of reasons why it makes sence for our family, and it all hinged on whether i got the job or not. Hubby and I had a long talk, and decided we will narrow my job hunting to just Victoria (had been looking/applying province wide, as there are no jobs in the community we are in) ... we are going to move there, as soon as I can find work there, even if it takes a year. Feel so much less pressure now, and have been able to "let go" of the emotions involved in whether I get the job from the big interivew ... it will not matter, just means it will be longer until we get to Victoria. Have since apllied for 4 other jobs there, so hopefully before the summer is out, will get something, and be on my way. Hubby is expecting an inheritance soon (a little over $10G: estate has been probated, just waiting on the disbursement); we have talked about using the money to move over the summer even if I have not found work yet ... have not decided for sure on this option.

In the meantime I am going to start spring cleaning/packing prep, as sometime this year we will be moving. It gives me a focus/stress releiver, and even if by some luck I find work were we are, and don't move, it never hurts to get rid of all the junk etc.

Im a newbie. I decided maybe Im actually discussing and posting my goals, I can stick to them better. Hopefully it works.

1. Do Tae-bo tape at least 5 times this week
2. Get to the gym 2 times this week
3. Minimize chips (only 1 serving sized bags of Baked Chips or pretzles a couple times of week, if Im really hungry b/w meals)
4. Get some more (low in fat) calcium - yogurt and milk in cereal (pathetically I rarely keep milk in the apartment b/c I never drink it)

Welcome Razz. Jump right in and read/post frequently (it really helps!) and good luck to you on meeting your goals.

I love your attitude, Heather, and congrats on making it through Phase 2 with no rephases. I wish you the same in Phase 3.

A chart for tracking your own progress has now been posted as a sticky for you to print out. Thanks, Beth, for the wonderful idea!

Hi Campers,
Doing ok so far! I am pleased. Hubby fixed breakfast (brunch) for us this morning and I splurged but I am still with-in calorie limits for the day.....and we had a wonderful french toast breakfast.
FBS was 112 this morning
6 pm BS was 122

Stress Busters for the Day:
Spent a bit of time taking a nap while hubby and his step dad worked on a computer. Got outside for about 20 minutes for the first time this weekend for a bit of fresh air.
Plan to take my shower after dinner and maybe spend some time reading. I haven't taken any time to read in ages.

Does anyone here remember me talking about my neice Tiffany who stayed with me last summer when I was so ill?
I talked to her on the phone just a few hours ago and my heart is breaking for her. She is going thru a very rough time right now and I would like to ask for a few prayers for her if you don't mind. I will post some of the details in my Journal if anyone is interested.

Hey, welcome to Bootcamp Razz. I am sure you will get MOUNDS of support here and make some good friends here! This is a great place to be!!!!!

Hnyack, congrats on making it to phase 3! Way to go!!!!!!

Thumbs up to the entire crew!!! What a great group! Full of inspiration and encouragement! I am proud to be here!



Blessings:spring:


Vickie:pass:

GREAT chart Sue ! :D

Thank you for doing all the work on it - I just came up with the idea ;)

I have mine all printed out and am using it for today already......

You can get your print outby clicking here (http://diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46574) - each one is good for 2 weeks and they are FREE :cheer:

Beth :peace:

Completed Day 1 of phase 4! Wasn't sure I'd ever be able to say that - so glad I made it out of phase 3.

One of my new goals is to stop eating so much fried stuff. It was a bit surprising to me today when I went to grab for the chips, which I have gotten into the habit of eating, that I couldn't eat them. Then I had planned to cook some frozen fried fish, and realized that was out too. Then I though of going to baja fresh and getting a salad I sometimes get, but realized that had a fried thing in it too. I knew I was eating too much fried stuff, but I really didn't realize how much of it I was eating. I did make it through the day without any fried food.

Heather - congrats on finishing your phase and the decision to go for it and move to a new place!!! I tend to get stuck in ruts b/c I am afraid of change - so I feel very good for you to step up and start making the plans you need to to make a positive change. Have my fingers crossed on you getting that job!

Michelle - sounds like you are going through a very difficult time. It's great that you have not gained weight! Hang in there and take care of yourself.

I didn't do so good last week. I'm getting lazy and sick of watching what I eat. This is what I always do, so I'm trying real hard not to!

Rephasing - phase 3
Here are my goals:

2 serv. veggies per day
2 serv. fruit
2 serv. dairy
32 - 48 oz. water

2 ab workouts a week
1 cardio or weights
2 20 min cleaning sessions

Good Monday morning all my fellow campers!!

Yay, we picked up a new crew member! Welcome Razz 44........jump on in and make yourself at home! This is a fun and informative group and VERY encouraging and supportive.

Leslie..thanks so much for well wishes for my poor feets! They are recovered now, no pain and I look foward to getting some walking in today. Yesterday was so beautiful, I LONGED for the outdoors! Congrats for getting into Phase FOUR! Yay!

Sue! Thank you! Keep those hugs coming and here's some back! (((HUG)))..ya know ya can't hug without getting one back! LOL! Well, I guess ya could..like hug a tree or something! Like slamming a revolving door.....some things fall outside the norm of "possibilities". YES..I was surprised, pleasantly so when I tallied my stuff from week one of this round! Let's me know I have risen from slug-land!
WOW....I stole the last part of your post! I'm working on those things as well, and I just printed out yours! WOW! Thanks to Beth for the SUPER idea and YOU for the hard work of that great chart!! I have my copy!

Heather! WOW....in Phase three already! Good job! You and hubby seem to have a good plan in place for the move to a place with job opportunites for you. We have that here as well....where my Mom and Brother live..here in Abilene, just 40 miles away, there are many more options. Your packing/de-cluttering plan is sound as well! I need to steal your idea too! I don't plan to move but if I should .....downsizing my "collections" would be a boost.

Vickie! Woohoo...you're on a roll! I'm so glad you felt like enjoying that nice Brunch hubby prepared. That sounds so good. Wow.....the BS readings are really good! They're better than mine some days and I'm not diabetic.
I remember your mention of Tiffany, and will keep her in prayer Vickie. I know how special she is to you and how you missed her when she returned to her Dad after he came home.

Blanche...yay! Into phase 4 already too! Good for you! You are doing excellent...taking the time to evaluate what you've been eating and making concious choices to change the pattern. That's a BIG step!

ToonMom......make your plan fun if you can and it takes some of the stress or boredom out of it. Congrats for hanging in and NOT giving up!
Armynavysis........good to see you! Have a GREAT week ahead!

I find it helpful.....just did mine yesterday, for March...to do up a Food Plan for the month...listing my Protein/Veggie/Fruit/Fat/Dairy/Grain choices....then making up weekly menus from that master list. I can get carried away and fall into the pasta pot more often than I'd like so I need a PLAN!

Today is Day 9...yippee of Phase 2. Woohoo! I am encouraged and lifted up by ya'lls daily input and am blessed to be among such a fabulous group!
I'd better get out of here and ready for work! Yikes..time slips away when I'm not paying attention.....
Bren

Phase 4 Day 5 -- getting along ok. I have been going through a period of depression the last few days :c( , so the fact that I have managed to hang on and complete my goals is very encouraging. My job environment is unpleasant right now and I think I need some spring weather and I need to get away from it all for a few days (I have a plan for mid March) and I have been consumed with jealousy for friends who got to do things I wasn't able to do this weekend -- like travel to Arizona to see my favorite Native American band or have a pajama party in California for the Oscars with other Johnny Depp fans. Honestly, the jealousy thing has eaten me alive for days. Is that sick or what? Maybe I can turn it around and call it "motivation" and get my life in a better condition.

Anyway, onward and upward.

For those of you who are planning to declutter, check out FLYlady's website. She has been a miracle worker in my life as far as getting my house in order -- I have kind of slipped up lately and that is probably contributing to my sad mood. So need to take my own advice and get out of my computer chair!

Heather, I was lucky enough to visit Victoria a couple of years ago. Absolutely a beautiful city! I can understand why you would want to live there.

Big hugs to everyone! Here is wishing all of us a successful day!

Hi all. I just printed out the tracking chart at work (my house printer's broken) and see that the little check-off boxes are not right. I'll work on that tonight and try to fix.

Good for you Blanche on trying to reduce the fried food (it is everywhere isn't it). Congrats too on Phase 4.

Hi Toon. I think that happens to everyone (getting tired of watching what we eat). Yes, it's much easier to eat whatever we want whenever we want to, but that's what got us here in the first place. Continuing to try to eat healthy shows that we care about our health and happiness. It's worth it (easier said than done at times, I know, but let's all just keep progressing).

Bren, you are such a sweetheart, always. I want the very best for you and I know you're going to achieve all you set out to do! :ghug:

Hi Nebraska. Sorry for what you've been going through. I know it's hard to pull yourself out of those feelings, but it sounds like you're trying to think positive and not allowing yourself to be sucked in. This too shall pass. You have the right kind of attitude and I'm proud of you for keeping going.

2 days on the new thread and there are massive posts. You guys are great. I have only a quick moment. I didn't go down any over the weekend so as for weigh in yesterday I posted the 3 lb loss I already mentioned. I have 1 lb to go just to get back to where I was. Day 8 on Phase 1 and doing well thought.

Phase II, day 9 - Still doing well except for the exercise. I'm going to have to really push it to get my minutes in for this week.

Have a great day everyone.

Jo

Completed day 2 of phase 4.

The colors on my computer are really messed up for some reason. There are yellow and purple boxes of color behind things. Hopefully I'll be able to sort this all out. Seems like I've been having one problem after another with electronics these last few days. I really can't stand looking at the screne - the boxes of color are very bring and mess up other thinkgs making it hard to read. I'll have to try to fix this and come back.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Good Tuesday AM group!!
..and happy MARCH 1st! Wow..time is zipping by and I have 10..yes TEN lovely months to make a fabulous turn around, get fit, feel GOOD, and lose a big ol' hunka myself!
I'm entering Day 10 of Phase 2! woohoo!.....oh, YOU have the same ten months, I'll share!
I'm feeling better physically and in getting my surroundings in order, my spirit's lifted. As I'd said before, when my place is a mess, I FEEL like one! Hey, I got in 3 miles yesterday! YAY! First time in TOO long!

Nebraska...do you have a link to flylady, or do we find her here at DT? I have a one BR apt. and space is a primo need! I have a 5x5 foot space cleared for exercise and I have a treadmill, cardio glide and a step box in the corner so I have a "mini-gym" set up. I will de-clutter to get my "Library" set up and if I'd clean/organize my walk in closet, a person could sleep in there! I want to get my kitchen and closets done this week while I'm off. My friend Cissy will come for my collection of give-away stuff..just gotta bag it up!

AWW SUE! You made my day dear friend!! You are special and I appreciate so much, the awesome support and encouragement. I am FEELING like I will make it now......is it facts or feelings first? I am bringing God into my food and exercise plans and I do SO much better when He's involved! He'll be my personal trainer!

I had a tater ephihany......which I posted at Snow angels.....Tell it like it is thread..I won't re-do it here, but it was a eye opener for me! LOL! Yes, I am silly at times but humor is a neccessity, as are these.... :ghug: I enjoy myself and have FUN most every day. I am blessed to be here!......... and I have much to do so will boogy for now.......have a wonderful, blessed day...each of you! I'll be back!

My Mom is coming over this morning and I'll get some groceries for my Bubba, then we'll go to lunch. It will be a planned overload today, @ Furr's.........thank God we don't do this every week! LOL!
Bren

The sun is shining this morning! That makes such a difference. Also, friends who were gone over the weekend have brought back goodies for me to share, so that makes me feel a bit better too.

Off to Curves in a minute. This should be my day to weigh and measure.

Here is a link for FLYlady http://www.flylady.net

For me this is phase 4 day 6 --

New article titled - HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MIND -
How to Get What You really Want in Life is posted - you can reach it by clicking here (http://diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=495518#post495518)

Beth :peace:

Beth, thank you for that article. I want to study that a bit more deeply as it contains some powerful information. We love you Beth! :hug:

Hi Nebraska. I'm so glad your friends thought about your feelings. You have good friends.

Hi Bren. I'm like you, I feel out of control when my surroundings aren't in order. Good for you on tackling your living space. I personally feel change comes with facts first and then the feelings follow but it's not until we have the feelings that actual change occurs. You're doing it girl, and you're doing it well. And God will help you because you're allowing him to. And, I love your sense of humor, you keep us all up. Thank you and :ghug:.

Hope your computer gets fixed soon, Blanche, and congrats for continuing strong in your journey.

Good luck on getting in your exercise minutes, Jo.

You're making great progress, Kris, and three pounds is wonderful, slower than you want, I know but still wonderful and the healthy changes you're making is probably even more important than the numbers.

I'm on Day 4 of Phase 2 with no binges. I had a moment of clarity last night regarding my binges that I just realized I don't have time to share here but I posted about it in my journal.

As we're able, Sue

Sorry I was not here yesterday. It was a bad day painwise for me and I stayed in bed alot!!!!!!
My report for yesterday goes something like this.....
FBS: 120
7 PM BS: 90
Total Calories: 1222
No exercise
Slept the day away....OR TRIED TO ANYWAYS....

Today I finally have a doctors appointment at 4:30! I went to work for 1/2 day and it was about all I could handle. I should have stayed home but I felt bad as the census is very high and no one could be found to replace me today. I will talk to my doctor before I try it again tomorrow.
I am doing good foodwise today. I will be back later to post on todays escapades....

Have a great afternoon. I am off to get ready to see the doc!


Blessings:spring:


Vickie:pass:

Phase 3 day 3

Had a bad day ... bill collectors nagging. So tired of unemploment, and being broke. Something has got to work out soon. I went grocery shopping today, and it helped to be so broke ... could not afford any munchie type treats, or little extras. Did get lots fo fruit tho ... so that should help the diet.

Beth, the Craig Lock article you posted in the articles section is incredible!!! I am still feeling stuck and miserable, but I have had moments today when I felt like maybe I could take charge of my life and improve things. That article tonight was just the encouragement I needed to think positive thoughts. I think I will eventually print it out and put it in my journal for further writing and thought.

I'm baaaaaccckkkk!!!!!!!
Ok...report for today:

FBS: 102
6 PM BS: 142
Total calories: 1714
Exercise: none unless you count running up and down the halls at work this morning trying to keep my balance.
Stress Buster: TV, playing with computer games and with my cats...

Went to the doctor today. He says he suspects a viral infection with my sinuses that has settled in my ears. gave me some new meds....not antibiotics as they do nothing for viruses. Wish I would have known that it was a virus before I bought those super expensive antiobiotics that did absolutely nothing for me... X-(
He took me off work again for a couple of days. I can go back at the end of the week if I feel better. If not, I may be back in the hospital again. I have got to get well!!!!!!!!!!
Hynack: you have my condolences on the bill collector thing. I have been there and done that very recently and that is one reason why this illness is so worrisome to me. I am desperately trying to get caught up. Wish I could be so carefree as my hubby. He worries about nothing!!!!! I will be thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way that your employment will not last much longer.
BIG :ghug: for all the bootcampers! I am going to go to bed.......


Love ya,


Vickie:pass:

I think that I lost 4 pounds during the month of February! It might only have been 2, it is kind of hard to tell with my bouncing scale, but I think it was 4. :D

I've been going through some difficult things lately - lots and lots or work pressure/stress and tensions with boyfriend. But it does make me feel good that I'm sticking to my goals. Even though each phase my changes have not been that big, in total after completing a few phases, I can feel a difference, I feel like I can move around some now, before I felt like I could barely walk around much.

Hi to everyone! I am still having some computer problems, but hope to solve them soon so I can read you posts more easily.

Day 11 - Phase 1. Gosh, am I slow but I'll get there. Still doing great. Have been very consistent on all goals. I did 50 min. on bike Mon. and 30 already today. Yesterday I did 15 plus 25 min. on treadmill. Have been having no problem staying within the WW guidlines points. I've not eaten after 7 and water intake is never an issue for me. Reading the posts are great. Thanks for the support.

Yesterday I managed to get some extra exercise minutes in. We plan to walk today and I have a plan that will help me get the full number of minutes in by Friday. It still will be tough, but doesn't look as hard as it was earlier in the week.

Phase II, day 12. Otherwise going well.

Jo

Good for you, Jo, on the exercise plan. It starts with the plan doesn’t it?

You’re doing great, Kris, on the “getting” there.

Hi Blanche. It’s amazing how losing weight, eating healthy and exercising regularly really do make us feel better. Good for you for keeping up with your goals during this stressful time for you. Time for de-stressing through some “me time”?

I’m sorry you’re still sick, Vickie, and I so hope these new meds will work.

Nebraska, I’m sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Deciding to rise above those “stuck and miserable” feelings will help you to take the steps necessary to “take charge of my life and improve things.”

I feel for you, Heather, for your finances and work situation, but I’m so glad there was enough $ for healthy stuff and not junk food.

Sue (P2 D5)

Hi all and you are all doing so good. Then there's me dragging this week. I'm having one hell of a time to get back with it.
So today sees me rephasing for the second time phase 2 . so today is finished and goals are all met. So today March 2nd is day one of phase two I'll keep my same goals i'll get there. Why because I want to.
Congratulations to all you girls losing. And I will join you.SOON.

Hello everyone :D How is it going? I am now in phase 4 and this is my second day. I still don't have my car and I had to talk to a lawyer but my trust is in God working all things out. I feel great and I am very much encouraged. I constantly tell myself that I am not going to overeat because that is life and good and bad things happen, food will never change that. I have been eating well and exercising. So far I have lost a total of 11 pounds and I am proud of myself. Sometimes it feels quite slow but I know that the slower it is the better the weight will stay off.

Leslie, you have a great attitidue. And there is nothing wrong with slow. I took me three years to lose 50 pounds! And I have kept it off for three years. You change your eating habits and your relationship with food when you lose slow. You learn to deal with life's little (and big) upsets in ways other than binging. You should be proud. Keep at it.

The day is finished. Food was good. I got some exercise in and only need one more day to meet my exercise goal. I turned down Steve's offer to eat out tonight since we are having company for dinner tomorrow night and I know I will have extra calories. Small victories.

Jo

I am starting to feel strong again. I am doing this.

My FBS today was 112.
4:30 pm BS 72......having some hypoglycemic symptoms like extreme shakiness, cold sweat, faint feeling. Had 2 slices of toast with peanut butter and a glass of milk.
6:00 pm BS 96....feeling much better.

I am starting to think....hope actually... that I might have lost enough weight that maybe my doctor will take me off some of my diabetic meds. He was impressed with my efforts and successes with weight loss when visited his office yesterday but we did not talk about my meds. Fingers crossed that this trend continues and I can finally get off some of this stuff.

Total calorie intake today was 1746. Too much fat though. I have to start watching that closer. I am staying pretty close to goals with carbs and protein intake. Also trying to watch my sodium intake closer. Gotta take good care of my poor ole heart!!!!! :)
Leslie and Jo, I have always gotten very depressed when i thought I was losing too slowly and soon I would give up and I wouldn't be losing at all. Hopefully, I have grown and those days are behind me. I have heard that the slower you lose, the longer it will last. That is my goal. I am taking my time.....learning to eat all over again. It will be worth it in the long run!
Sue, I am starting to feel better and I might just have turned the corner towards health again. Fingers crossed!!!
Boblin, big hug to you! I understand what it is like to feel overwhelmed by something and feel like you can't keep up! My money is on you girl. You can do it. Lets go!
Kris, great exercise. You are doing great. Keep it up!
Blanche, Congrats on the weight loss! Thats so cool!


:ghug:



Vickie:pass:

I completed day 4 of phase 4. So far, phase 4 is going much better than phase 3 did. I feel like I'm back on track now - though I still have my weak moments - I wanted to eat sugar today, but I already ate it once this week, so I told myself I can eat it, but I have to wait for next week, and it wan't impossibly hard to do that.

I think my computer is ok now - I'm not really sure why it got messed up or how I fixed it but I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I wish I had time to respond to all your posts, but I have to do some work yet tonight - way too much work right now!!! But I at least want to say it means a lot to me to read all your posts, and this group is helping me so much!!! I see myself in so much of what you guys write, and appreciate all the great advice and support.

Just checking in -- hello bootcamp buddies!! (nebraska waves and smiles at the assembled crowd)

My work day was really awful, still in that terrible depressed and miserable state (translate that as motivation); I decided last night that I will go to bed each night and visualize what I truly want as I go to sleep. I believe the power of positive thinking is more powerful than we believe. :laugh:

Well, at this point I am half way through phase 4. I have rephased ... twice?... in phase 4, so it is taking longer than the first three phases. I am already thinking about what changes I need to make next phase but first I have to finish this one!

I was weighed and measured at Curves yesterday. I let the young new girl do it and I knew better. Although I showed a loss in pounds everything else was up and down all over the board...... I don't think she is accurate at all, judging by how things fit and how I feel I think her numbers were way off. I am doing my best not to let that drag me down, but it is another month now until I have an official weight and measurement time..........

Thanks to every one who keeps showing up. I appreciate you all so much!

I need to let you know that Sue will be your only leader for awhile here at Boot Camp.I am taking a "leave" for a little while.



I am still missing a major healing/desire/understanding/step/move/affirmation/change or something that is leaving me feeling incomplete....as my own person.

I think maybe I need to spend more time and effort getting my life together then what I am.

I won't be leaving DT altogether.

It's very hard to explain what I am feeling right now - and I am not going to try to make you understand something, I am not understanding myself.

I will post updates in the prayer thread about my daughter and her un born daughter and still post in other threads and such, but I am officially on "leave".

Beth :peace:

Hello bootcampers ...

OK, I found my head in the fridge tonight ... too bad it wasn't my common sense. I must tell you all that I am starting over ....

March 3, 2005 ... Thursday ... will be Phase 1, Day 1 for me.

Don't ask ... I won't tell. I would never have believed that I'd be here in March still trying to get through Phase 1 ... :o

Beth ... I think you are doing a good thing for yourself ... taking a break. You will feel much better when you can hold your little granddaughter in your arms and see that your daughter is safely through her pregnancy. Please come back when you feel better.

I need to get off this computer! Too bad computer time doesn't count as exercise. :ex:

Hello campers.........
Thanks Sue for you very kind words back yonder on page 2! It meant a LOT to me and I'm hanging on in spite of the fact I've not lost anything pound wise. I will have to re-evaluate my patterns and choices. I had more fiber this past week and I am blown up like my exercise ball...plus have fluid retention.....my fingers hurt to bend 'em..that lets me know fluid is up.....BUT it's a TEMPRARY situation and I WILL..I CAN...do somethin' about it.

Beth........do what must be done for now, to take the best care of you. We love you and will keep you in thought and prayer in the time ahead.

Nebraska! thanks for the link to FlyLady's site! I saved to favorites and will be back there soon! I'm gonna try to get some PM computer time in, as opposed to TV.....and will have some play time then!

Leslie...11 pounds is it? I do, so badly, want to lose this weight.....Goal one is to get BACK to 200. I gained so much during my period of sickness, rounds of prednisone, where mud on a bun would have tasted DELICIOUS.......and then the 25 pounds after an attemt at "dating"....LOL! I was a mess.....and just haven't come totally to my senses yet! I'm almost there!

Vickie! I'm so glad you're feeling better! Take the time off to finish recovery if you can!
I'd better run 'fore I'm booted.gotta get ready for work anyway..have a blessed day..all of you! I'll be back!
Bren

Phase 1, Day 5 for me. I've done pretty well this week. I've done Taebo 3 out of the last 4 days this week and I've managed to avoid indulging in pretzles and chips as I always seem to do. Though apparently I've formed an addiction to peanut butter, I've been eating it everyday and with the ridiculous fat content, that obviously isn't the best food.

Doing pretty good. Weight loss is kinda at a standstill right now though. My brother just left the house to go help my uncle on his farm for a while, so I get to help my younger brother feed the chickens and goat. Hopefully that'll help take the lbs off!

Hi all you boot camp friends. You are all doing great. I'm here to report that my good days this week outdid the bad. I just came in from tops and i lost another 2 1/4 lbs. Making it 13 1/4 since i started boot camp. Thank you Sue and Beth. This idea is great.
Good luck to you all.

Hi guys. I'm doing great (P2 D6), but I'm really really tired again tonight and need to head off to bed without responding to the posts. I better NOT be getting sick! Well, if I am, I'm going to try to head this off at the pass. Take care everyone. I'll have time to read and post tomorrow. Love, Sue

Still going strong. And feeling better. I am sorry that this illness seems to be spreading around. Hubby is feeling ill tonight. :(

FBS: 137

Total Calories today:1661

I am returning to work tomorrow so I will be saying goodnight soon. I am ready to sleep.
Sue, I hope you feel better soon!
Congrats :up: to all of you "losers" out there. I am so proud of ya!!!!!!
Special congrats :up: to all those who keep on keeping on!!!! You are doing GREAT!!!!!!


Blessings:spring:

Vickie:pass:

You guys, I am hanging on by a thread! My work place really sucks right now....... I don't think it is only my attitude, I think my boss has an extreme case of short guy syndrome and he is greedy and controlling to boot X-( -- you don't even want me to share some of the ugly thoughts I have been having. I actually got so stressed this afernoon I started to get sick to my stomach. But I got through the day, I forced myself through my Curves work out, and I have stuck to my goals. I am now really over half way through phase 4. :)

I am trying to think of my present problems as motivation. At lunch today I looked at a community college cataloge and started to glean some information to possibly take classes on DVD or on line this summer. Small steps, but steps forward. My friends keep encouraging me that 58 is not too old to do this.

Blondee, you are welcome for the introduction to FLYlady. I couldn't even begin to tell you what a wonderful change she has made in my life. :D I am trying to apply her "baby step" and "routines" ideas to bootcamp.

Beth, I am so proud of you for taking care of yourself. We promise to try not to be too hard on Sue while you are on leave......Sue, I am sure we will all be willing to do what we can to assist you.

Off to rest soon. Will try to close my eyes and envision positive changes.

Completed day 5 of phase 4. Got a bit harder for me today, but still I am pretty much on track.

Beth - Thank you so much for starting this boot camp. It sounds like you are going through a very stressful time. I pray for your daughter and her unborn child, and send them positive energy. I'm glad you are taking the time for yourself that you need, and hope you will come back to bootcamp when you are ready.

Nebraksa - I'm wondering if after a certain amount of time it just gets harder to stick to the changes we are making. I noticed that a few of us who started in the beginning all seemed to be struggling a bit around the same time. I managed to get out of my pit by eeeking by and not going totally off until I could somehow get back in the right mind set. It was very hard not to just give up and go crazy with food, but somehow I fought through it and it is better now - though it is still hard. Anyway, I'm happy you are sticking it out!

Sue - Glad you are doing well. Thanks for taking over for a while. If you need any help, I'd be happy to pitch in a bit. Just let me know.

Boblin - Hi! Congrats on your loss! Thank you for helping me during my low point when I really needed it!

A QUICK check in as I am running behind this morning! Congrats on the new loos Boblin! That's great..over 13 # since starting!
I am going into day 13 Phase 2 today........by the hair of my chinny chin chin! LOL! I feel better now that some of my fiber bloat has gone down and i can breathe again...such an "ugly" word..bloat! I think I'll call it "fluffy-ness".

Sue..I hope you're not getting sick! Rest all you can........Nebraska.....(((HUGS))) to you.....I'll be thinking of you in the time ahead.
Blanche....look at how far you've come! Woohoo! Good for you!
ArmyNavySis.....oh I like the farming thing...having grown up in the country..we raised pigs chickens and guinees (sp)? That grey speckled odd shaped bird. My Dad worked on a Ranch as a cowboy, turned cook...for 35 years.
OK..I was gonna run wasn't I..have a blessed day all of you...I'll be back!
Bren

Fluffy-ness! How cute Bren.

Good luck with reducing or eliminating your meds in the future, Vickie.

Peanut butter, mmmmm. If you guys look around at your stores, there are low fat PBs out there and there are also healthy variations too, they don’t taste quite the same but are still good and allow you to indulge a bit without going off the deep end. I’m currently eating Peanut Wonder and it’s really very tasty.

Thanks to those who have offered to help while Beth is on leave. The best thing you can do is come here to post and encourage others and share your own ups and downs. I’m proud to be part of such a growing, learning, progressing group of wonderful friends. I stay in touch with Beth and she’s still going to Curves, making breakthroughs, and progressing. Keep her in your thoughts.

I think we’re all going to go through ups and downs. It’s just simply a matter of fact with this weight loss/growth journey we’re all on. I like what Blanche said, “I managed to get out of my pit by eeeking by and not going totally off until I could somehow get back in the right mind set. It was very hard not to just give up and go crazy with food, but somehow I fought through it and it is better now.” We’re a special, brave bunch of people who decide to walk this journey and we are blessed to be walking it together. Thank you to each of you.

We each have so many different struggles in our lives—work, relationships, health, weight fluctuations, and more. These things are going to come. We must accept it. We can grow from these down periods. Learn what you can, as you’re able, and we’ll come out the other side better people—not perfect, but better. I’m so proud of you guys for continuing to trudge through when the snow is deep. Remember, spring is right around the corner, and then summer, and then fall, and then winter again. But we always have the hope of new growth that comes with spring.

I think getting caught up in the numbers game (weight loss) can be dangerous. It’s a way to measure our progress, but certainly not the only way. Are your clothes fitting better? Is your body toning up? Do you feel better health-wise? Are you emotionally more stable? Are you happier? Are you making progress in other areas? Do you have other things to be thankful for? Nebraska’s right—“I believe the power of positive thinking is more powerful than we believe.” Leslie has it down too and look at her go! So many others of you do too! Keep the hope, keep the faith. We're all doing it.

Love, Sue

Hi to all you wonderful boot campers.

The sun is shinning so that's enough to want to shine.
Blanche:
I'm so glad I could be of any help. This is one of the roughest roads I have ever travelled bumps, humps, there's even holes, deep enough I needed a shovel to get me out. I've been good, I've been bad, but what ever the reason may be I aways seem to get back dieting sometimes, it takes months other times weeks. But I do have to admit lately it seems to be only days.

Bren: Yes that's it Bren were not fat we are fluffy. And there's nothing ugly about those pretty little sheep. So we are pretty to.

Nebraska: What you talking about 58? That certainly isn't old not when your nearing that age anyhow. Never to old to look good and want to be healthy.

Vicki: Hope you have a great day at work. But take it easy remember you were sick and don't want it back.

Sue: Take care we don't need you sick. We need you here. Yes i'm with you with every slip or fall we are learning. It's only something that got in our road. The road to success.

Completed day 6 of phase 4. It is a bit hardner now b/c I've used up all my flexibility for the week (most things I let myself do 1 X per week instead of totaly giving them up) and now I don't have any of this 1X things left, sugar, caffine, fried etc. But I just have to get through tomorrow, then it will be easier as I will start a new week and have some flexibility again.

I noticed some talk about peanut butter. I switched to almond butter a while ago, it is a natural brand so you have to stir it and it costs a bit more, but I have been pleased with it. I have hypoglycemia, so I need lots of little protein snacks from time to time, and supposedly almonds have a very good form of protien in them (I think it may be called a complete protien, but I'm not sure.

I liked what Sue said about not focusing on the scale so much. I think it the past I would eat more when my weight was down, like I would game weight watchers, go off one or two days a week, and stay on it just enought to be down a fraction of a pound each week. Now I am trying not to look at the scale so often. I still want to check it once a month, just to make sure I am going down - if I weren't I would have to readjust my plan. But for me it definately helps to take a longer term approach. Similarly, I think the two week phases are great for me - in the past I would eat carefully off and on, but now I am learning what it really means not to have sugar that often...I think having to stay "on" for two weeks somehow helps me actaully make changes to my behavior.

today was a better day, thank goodness! not sure I could survive very many feeling as awful as I was yesterday. It wasn't great, mind you, but no stress-induced nausea and not as much tension-induced muscles aches. thanks to everyone for being so supportive.

sue, your encouraging message was absolutely wonderful. I will need to go back and read that again from time to time. There was a lot of wisdom and comfort packed into those paragraphs.

Well, 58 seems old when you are thinking of going to school and taking classes so you can get a more satisfying job. It doesn't make sense to invest a LOT of money in education when I may not have a lot of years left to earn a dividend on that tuition money. On the other hand, I probably have another 10 years in the workforce and I might just as well try to do something I enjoy. I took some job tests a couple of years ago, and actually the type of work I am doing now (reception) was second to last in the list of things I was naturally suited for (operating heavy equipment placed dead last). I guess I need to use some balance and make wise choices.

I keep looking at the Craig Lock article Beth posted and seeing the part about how my attitude creates my reality. Ouch!

Well, if not for bootcamp I would have gone clear off the deep end tonight, but since I am sitting on day 9 of phase 4 and ready to start day 10, I didn't want to lose my spot and rephase -- so I struggled through with just one mishap of about 5 minutes tardiness, and I am going to excuse that. The idea of "starting over" is a huge motivator for me, even if one little day off would not destroy all the good days that have gone before. Tomorrow will be another challenge since I am going to be on an odd schedule, but I will just have to make it work.

I am shaking my head in disbelief at the miserable day at work I have just survived. 16 miserable hours with too many patients and not enough help. I sometimes wonder if my patients are aware of the situation they are in just because their nurse is gonna be too busy to give them individualized care today. Oh well.....15 years and I can RETIRE!!!!!!!!! Rant over!!!!

Report for today:

FBS: 115
I have no clue what my calorie count is for today cause I haven't been to fitday today and I won't probably get there. I will figure it up and report tomorrow. I wrote everything down in my personal food journal. I know I was too darn busy to over eat though :rofl:
No time to do anything to nurture myself either today.

Better get to bed......gotta get up in 5 hours and do it again! Thank God for Sunday....my next day off!


Blessings:spring:


Vickie:pass:

YIKES.....16 hours Vickie! Oh no........Come on Sunday!
My co-worker and I were just talking about that situation yesterday..how nurses and Doctors are on call for TOO many hours and the YEARS spent paying back loans so they can do what they're doing..working killer hours!
My niece is a nurse at the hospital in Birmingham, AL. Her Dad had his heart surgery there and she got to go up and see him regularly. She just had her first baby in October, so I know her hands are full..........hope you had 5 hours os SOUND,SLOID and peaceful rest before you tackle today!

Today is day 14 of Phase 2 for me. Since I do plan to start Phase 3 tomorrow, I'd better get a plan today!
My co-worker and I are doing our stepper at work again and wow...were we out of shape! LOL! It was fun and great exercise..and to make it "FUN"...I picked up a nice little dry erase board for us to keep our tallys on. We moved stuff around at the office on Monday, to free up some space and I'll be doing some cleaning today...cabinets and such. Perhaps I'll be inclined to carry on here at home afterwards!
Gotta get ready for work so will boogy for now..have a wonderful day in spite of any roadblocks or hinderences to your JOY......be blessed....each of you!
Bren

Hi all you boot campers you all are looking very good.
I'm on day 5 of phase 2. I like this boot camp. It's a great idea Sue and Beth came up with.

Blanche: With every slip or fall we have on this journey we learn something new about
oneself. And it seems to make the next journey last somewhat longer and
easier.

Nebraska: I'm with you on there. We don't want to rephase i've seen myself on the
treadmill before going to bed for 5 min. because i was short on my goal.
Having juice because i was short of fruit. All because I don't want to
rephase.

Vicki: I was also in nursing for many years when I started in 67 we worked with
patients a lot. When I went to ward clerking in 75 there was a lot of
paper work. I quit it all in 82 when the work just got to stressful. And
caused ulcers. And it had to be related because no more bouts with ulcers
since. No more blood transfusions. Life is great. Won't be no
pensions. But wouldn't been any anyhow because after i started
having the boys I went part time.

So wishing you all a great day. And I'll work on mine as well.

Hi everyone. It's Saturday, March 5, and I have determined that today is going to be a good day. Who joins me?

I love reading everyone's posts. Gives me an uplift and encourages me to go strong (and helps me at the times I'm not doing so well).

Congratulations, Nebraska, on deciding that your last ten years in the workforce will be in a career you enjoy. I understand your concerns, but I'm glad you've decided that you're not to old to LIVE and ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST.

Vickie, OMG. I don't think I'll ever think my job is stressful again after listening to what you're days are like, especially when you're coming back from an illness. Nurses deserve every dollar they make and more for what they give of themselves to help others. Bless you.

How wonderful, Bren, that you are able to exercise at work with a friend!

Blanche, it sounds like you're learning so much and we're learning so much from you. Thank you.

Good for you, Linda, on your dedication to making this road we traveling a successful one. I appreciate you very much.

I realized a couple things last night while I successfully averted a binge (these are things I have learned repeatedly in the past): Binges occur when I'm overhungry, overtired, overwhelmed and when I don't have healthy food in the house but lots of other food temptations instead. My lunchtime feast was just short of a binge and had I not been so tired when I got home that I plopped into bed, it very well may have continued. I could have made wiser food selections when I woke up, but it wasn't too bad. At the end of the night, when I realized I wasn't tired enough to go to bed, I decided to stay up and watch tv. As I lay on the couch, about 5 times I was tempted to get up and eat but I wasn't really hungry. I kept repeating to myself that I did not want to eat, that I wanted to have control over this. When I finally did get tired, I said to myself, you are tired, not hungry, go to bed, and I did. Thankfully, it worked this time. I have high hopes for today as well. If I could do it yesterday when everything was right for a full-fledged binge, then I can do it today too. Awareness and personal responsibility. Each day we can know success makes us stronger. I don't want to rephase either. I want to make it to the end of Phase 2 and I don't want to let up at Phase 2's end, I want to go strong into Phase 3. Sue (P2D8)

Nebraska, 58 is not old. So go for it and get the skills that can make your final working days more enjoyable. I retired from a job in health care at age 56. And then went directly into a new career as a medical paralegal. It was part time, much less stress, and I had (and am having) a blast. I already knew the basics (medical) but had to learn some more of the law stuff, which was easier. Harder, I had to improve my computer skills in using Word and tables and general speed issues. It was well worth the effort.

Sue, I love your post up stream on struggles, ups and downs, and the numbers game. Struggles and ups and down are really about life. Life goes on and without challenges and risk there can be no growth. The numbers game however, we impose on ourselves, and that is a choice. I rant at the scales several times a week. But I have chose the option of frequent weighing. And I choose to eat around 1400 calories a day instead of the option of less food which would lead to "nicer" numbers. I have learned to look at the scales as feedback that may or may not objective as to what I had been doing, and not give them the power to ruin my day. If they are up and I know I have been bad, so be it. If they are up and I know there is no good reason for the increase, then I look at it as a abberation that will adjust if I continue to stay on plan.

Yesterday I finished phase II. I'm still mulling over my plans for phase III and will post the promised "lookback" at how I did on phase II later.

Jo

Hi everyone this week has been really busy for me. I am still trying to get things together since I don't have my car at the moment. I am starting phase 4 over on Sunday. I weigh 199 pounds. I've gained 1 pound :c( I ate to much take out food. So I will rephase. March 6 - 19. I am not giving up. I had a great time at the womens conference at my church. Well good luck everyone and remember we are victorious over losing weight. :D

Reflections on Phase 2....

Yesterday I finished phase 2. In looking back, this is how I did...

Exercise: By far the hardest thing for me. Week one was fine but week two, I wasn't sure I would make it. Wednesday I considered giving up and rephasing, but decided to try and get some extra minutes in. (I needed 150 minutes for the week, ending on Friday.) I pulled out my free weights and even did some floor stuff. We walked on the beach even though it was rainy and cold. And I made the minutes, barely.

Food: My goals were continue tracking using my FitDay software and to be under 1400 calories on average per day for the phase. (Phase I was 1409 calories average per day.) I managed to decrease the calories even though we had company for dinner one night and had our usual two Sunday champagne brunch meals.

What I am proud of: Over the two weeks there are more than one thing that I think I "did good". First, I managed to quit eating the Girl Scout Cookies and gave them to Steve. I turned down an offer to go out to dinner with Steve this week since I knew that we were having company and I would be cooking special food and drinking. I've also used the sugar free gum several times when I wanted to eat.

Areas where I did not do so good: Even though I managed to decrease my average calories per day, too many of the calories I did eat were from desserts or sweets. I was way off what used to be my standard of "one concentrated sweet" a week. I know that brunch is a unique situation here in Texas in that it is weekly. And the dessert table is full of good stuff. And yes, I do manage to usually keep the calories for brunch under 2000. But I could show more restraint at brunch. Plus there are two places that we go out to eat for dinner that have frozen ice cream as part of the dinner.

Weight: The scales have been very frustrating. For this two weeks they have bounced all over the place, ending the week at 154.5 after a mid week low of 153.5. Tomorrow is brunch so they will bounce back up the first of the week I'm sure. Still, after the holidays I hit about 160 and I think that I have pretty much lost my holiday gain. To go lower than 155 (where my body likes to stay when it is not wanting to gain) is always a very slow process. If I can be at 153 (for my high number of the usual bounce) by the end of March I will be happy.

Plan: The focus on Phase III will be to try and reduce the calories that are spent on sweets. I am going to stay with my exercise minutes but try and add some minutes every day of some kind of physical activity. Working in the yard, heavy cleaning, that kind of stuff. (I spend way too much time on the computer or reading normally.)

You can check out the Phase III thread for the specific goals.

Jo

Starting day 6 phase 2

Good Sunday to all who see this.
Sue Congratulations on taking control of yourself yesterday. Way to shut up that inner voice. Just put it to bed. Good thinking.

I had a fair day yesterday water, exercise was good good. But had to much food. I made meatloaf for supper very good. A little to good. Had a my cup of potatoes and 1/2 cup of peas. For some reason meatloaf needs peas. I haven't tallied it in fit day yet but i'm sure i'm over 1500 again oh well. As long as Monday I get back with my 1200 to 1500. I'm happy with 3 not so bad days. and 4 good days a week. As long as it shows a loss come thursday. Take care all.

Completed week one of phase 4. I just eeked by again, but I hope to do better this week and finish pahse 4 strong. But even if I just eek by, that is good enough, I have to remember not to be so hard on myself, because then I tend to get discouraged and quit. Eeeking by for me, if it is the best I can do, I have to think of it as good - at least it is better than binging and not eeking by. So this morning, I will take a walk and start phase 4 week 2 off well.

I also have to take my own advice and stop looking at the scale again. I didn't do it in the beginning and I found that it was much better for me - I get so discouraged when it bounces up- also if it is down then I feel like I can cheat a little and still be ok. The problem is with this bouncing scale , unless I weigh myself a lot it is hard to tell what my weight is. BUt then, today for example, it says I am up 3 pounds - well I did just eek by, but eek by I did, so I don't think I deserve to be up 3 pounds, and I know likely it will go away tomorrow, but I still feel very discouraged. I think I need to stop weighing myself expect for once a month - but I also need an accurate scale, I don't have a gym or anything with a good scale where I can weigh myself. Maybe I'll have to join WW, but then I'll have to weighed every week. Do any of you happen to know of a reliable scale brand or model? Sorry fo all this rambling, but if you know of a good scale suggestions would be most appreciated.

Sue - That is so great that you kept from binging!!! That is the hardest thing for me, when emotionally I want to - it is so strong and hard to fight. I'm really very proud of you! And thank you for sharing how you feel and when it happens. I think that recognizing what we do is an important step in being able to make changes. I used to binge a lot, day after day, probably for a few years - and gained 75 pounds in the process. I think I was depressed and didn't know it at the time. I don't do it everyday anymore, but there is always the temptation to do it, and then once I do, I do it for several days. Your thoughts about when it happens and how you stop it were really good to read - make me feel like I'm not alone in this and give me ideas on how to stop myself too. Thank you!

Yippe yahooty! I finished Phase 2 yesterday!
My weekly tallys for week two:
Water: 376 oz for the week: 53.71 oz daily average
Project: Office: clean/organize/set up "space"
No food after 7:00 PM.......5 out of 7 days
Exercise: 120 minutes: 17.14 minutes daily average
Steps: 29,100: 4157.14 daily average: 14.55 miles

I'll post my Phase 3 goals shortly........ok....that's done!
1) Water: 60 oz a day
2) Exercise: 15 min. daily avg. PLUS 30,000 steps weekly: 15 miles
3) Food: Portion control/increase veg/fruits, decrease high carb choices..avoid eating after 7 PM 6 out of 7 days

Yay Sue....you did GOOD.....quieting the inner voices that cry for extra food!
It's NOT easy but you DID it! In time the screams should subside to a whimper!
Yep..it's fun to share tips/exercise and ideas with my co-worker. There are just the two of us and we both have weight troubles. She's taller than me and I weigh about 20 pounds more than her so I'm gonna boogy to play catch up! I am "racing" to 200 again! I will celebrate that day and be hollering for sure! Boblin, you may hear me!

Everyone is doing very well and it's so good to see all of you here. Hooray for US!!
Hey Jo....... I really like the idea of your Sunday brunches, and if I had some "friends" I'd be inclined to do something like that! My goal is to make 5 new friends.and influence many more...just kidding about the influencing but I need to get on the stick to make 5....I have 10 months left to do so, and I DID plan to have 2 dates this year as well..wow.......time's flying! I'd better boogie!
I'll c-yall here later!
Bren......starting Phase 3/Day 1.....Phase 3: March 6-20

Phase 2/Day 1 Marck 6-20
Starting Phase 2 today - finally. I posted a 3.5 lb loss. I didn't lose this week. Just followed the bare minimums. I am ready to kick in this next phase though.

My goals will stay the same with some added exercise:

64oz. water daily
Follow WW points weekly
30 min. of cardio 5 times a week
follow Jorge Cruise's strength training: 8 min. day, 6 days a week

Hi All. Jo, I love your analysis, sounds like that is a very helpful thing to do. Just reading yours helped me. I'm not at the end of Phase 2, ummmm, actually I am now at the beginning of phase 2, but I'm going to do an analysis right now:

Exercise: Continued with water aerobics 3x/wk but haven't done cardio or weights for at least two weeks now. I've used time as an excuse. That is changing today as I do need to get rid of these extra calories from yesterday and need to get back to doing all I can.

Food: Except for yesterday, food intake has been good, a mixture of healthy eating with controlled treats. Note to self: make SURE you ALWAYS have veggies in the house. I most certainly filled up on the "carp" yesterday so it's out of my system hopefully for at least 7 days. I want to see an improvement in the number of days between binges. 7 days was good, I want to go for at least another 7 days this next time.

Where I did good: The best thing from this last week was my attitude--positive, confident, willingness to learn, willingness to not be defeated, being good to myself. These were all very helpful and the reason why I had 7 excellent days.

Where I didn't do so good: Umm, that would be yesterday and only yesterday. I don't even know what happened (except maybe boredom and escape from doing things that needed to get done but haven't wanted to tackle), but I didn't care at the time. Don't really care all that much now. It happened, it's over. I feel today like I felt on Friday.

Plan: I will stop putting off my biz paperwork but I will break it down into manageable segments--5 minutes a day to start and if I get into it and want to keep working on it that's just fine, but heck, I can take a small chunk of papers and work on them for just five minutes. Five minutes is such a short period of time. I will continue to think positively and progress on my personal journey, I will continue with water aerobics and get in at least one day of cardio and weights during this next week, I will continue to track my food and keep it within 12-1500 calories a day.

Thanks, Jo, that was a very helpful exercise for me. Sue (P2D1, March 6-19)

Ahh....starting over Day 1 Phase 1. I started out the week pretty good, but the last few days I went crazy eating-wise and didn't exercise. I was eating chips, popcorn, a ton of banana bread (I had to throw out the loaf so i wouldn't eat anymore), PB&J, chocolate, cheese and crackers....virutally every food I shouldn't eat, I was eating. I don't know why I was so out of control the past couple days. X-(

So Im forced to start over...phase 1 goals..

Exercise
1. Taebo 5 times a week
2. Gym 2 times this week (not sure what I can do the second week, since I'll be home for spring break and don't have a gym membership there)

Food
3. Avoid buying foods I can't resist....if I need to go to supermarket, must only buy essentials
4. No chips
5. Minimize snack foods of any kind...light popcorn ok, small servings of pretzels ok
6. No baked goods - cookies, cakes, banana breads
7. Increase amount of veggies and calcium

Sue, I'm glad you enjoyed my "reflections" and did one for yourself. Just putting it all down on paper seems to be a helpful process. And it certainly contributes to "awareness" and "taking responsibility for choices".

We finished brunch and I did pretty good. Haven't put in my caloires yet and I really won't know until I do that. But I did better on the desserts compared to the last two Sunday's. I also gave away the REST OF THE GIRL SCOUT COOKIES! Gone. Out of the house. No cheating. No temptation.

Someone earlier mentioned having more veggies in the house to eat. I have found that planning is an important part of success, and one of the things you need to plan is having good foods around to eat. When I am in one of those moods I can eat and eat. If I start a box of crackers I will surely eat half the box and probably will eat the whole box. Soooooo.... there are no crackers in the house. I buy whole wheat melba rounds. When I feel the urge I eat those, hopefully about a third of the box. But even if I lost control, the most damage I can do is the whole box which is not nearly so bad as a box of wheat thins... (my cracker of choice). When I look to buy things I read the label and ask myself what are the calories/fat/sugar of the whole thing. (Not a serving, the whole thiing.) And then I decide whether to buy them. Thank heaven Steve is great about not having to have that stuff in the house. He buys his own "junk" and keeps it in his own cabinet. Mostly he buys stuff that is not high on my temptation list. It works for us.

Have a great day everyone.

Jo

Oooh, Jo, I LOVE the idea about figuring out how many calories in the whole container. I had kind of done that with the sugar free bakeable cookies I had bought last week, just in case. I did everything I said I was going to do today, and the workout was great, easier than I had feared. Time to start that back up regularly.

Good luck to you Razz. I see I'm in good company. Sue

Completed day 8 of phase 4. I found out today that there will be two small celebrations that I will be attending the week after next. They are both at restaurants I like a lot. This is going to be a major challenge. One in one week would be managable, but both will be tough. I need to think about how I will handle this. I don't want to skip either of them.

(I had to throw out the loaf so i wouldn't eat anymore)
...
2. Gym 2 times this week (not sure what I can do the second week, since I'll be home for spring break and don't have a gym membership there)

Good for you throwing out the bread so that you won't eat it. As some diet book says "Trash That Fat!"

For a gym-type workout with no weights, try doing this lower body routine - all you need is a floor (I like to wear shoes too but it isn't essential):

1- lie on your back with hands folded on your chest or behind your head; without pulling on your hands crunch up until your shoulders are definitely off of the ground; hold for a second; relax. Repeat 10 times.

2- same position; this time bend your knees with your feet in the air; crunch your butt up without getting your lower back off of the floor; you can only get about an inch off of the ground but your stomach will feel it; repeat 10 times.

Go back to step 1 until you've done 1 & 2 three times each.

3- Stand up. Lunge forward, catching your weight on the forward leg (not too quickly, you don't want to hurt yourself). Return to standing, do it again with the other leg; counts as one repetition; repeat 10 times.

4- Still standing, feet slightly apart, bend your knees until you feel your front thigh muscle; hold a second; return to standing. Repeat 10 times.

Go back to 3 until you've done 3 & 4 three times each. If this is too easy, you can do 3 & 4 holding dumbbells, but I assume you won't have them as you're not at the gym - maybe wear a backpack full of books instead.

5- Still standing; feet under your shoulders with toes pointing inwards. Raise yourself up onto your toes; hold; lower down again. Repeat 10 times.

6- Still standing; feet straight out; raise up on your toes; repeat 10 times.

Do 5&6 three times.

Now, go back and do #1 and #2 AGAIN, three times each.

Now, go back and do #3 and #4 AGAIN, three times each.

All done! Not the same workout you might get in the gym, so if you don't feel tired enough try skipping rope or running in place for 15 minutes afterward.

Hope this is helpful!

Phase 4 Day 11 completed. sometimes I get through the day a minute or two at a time, but I am learning a lot more self discipline than I ever thought I had. The overall two week goal keeps me from giving up, but so much happens minute by hard-won minute.

We had a windy but wonderful day here in eastern Nebraska. My husband got out our classic convertible and invited me for a ride. I was reluctant, didn't think I had "time", but it was very relaxing. Guess that is "me time" for today. On the drive he suggested we stop and have a beer at a local tavern. He had beer, I drank a Pepsi One. He did not ridicule or discourage me at all in my choice! Making that choice was a real personal victory for me.

Next phase (yes, I am already planning) I will have a short trip with a friend. I want to make some allowances for special ocassions that will give me a little breathing room, am still tinkering with the way to make it all work and still make progress in my lifestyle changes.

For now, it is enough that I have met my goals one more day.

Fat Geek, please reconsider your name. That is so painful to read, I can't image what it must feel like to think of yourself that way!

Hello campers! I'm doing a quick check in...Day 2 Phase 3..Yippee!
Yesterday was my short day at work, and my morning was spent in Church..so I still had a full day.

OH Sue......is it you with the paper mill at your place? I am searching for stuff here that only God knows where I put it...so He will have to help me find it! I am so glad in times like these that I live alone! I have maybe 20 tubs.....assorted sizes/boxes etc AND my filing cabinet.......how did this happen??
My plan this week is to spend at least two hours..sorting/searching and releasing stuff!
I'm looking for my son's birth certificate and social security card......I finally heard from him! I was getting really concerned, as it had been about 6 months or longer.

Have a wonderful week group..NO MATTER WHAT!........I will do the same!
Love and Hugs to all...
Bren

Well, no matter how many ways I try to justify it, I think I messed up yesterday and I guess I need to rephase. :c( Gosh I hate this! I have worked so hard and done so well and here I am AGAIN! When I took my meds this morning I realized there wasn't a multivitamin in the lot, which means that yesterday, when I took my medications as I was filling my weekly container, I did NOT take a vitamin. :c( Something so simple, an easy thing to be sure to do, and I let it derail me again!!!!! X-( I think this is what caused me to rephase last time!

Well, the upside of this is that I am pretty sure I can maintain these goals on my trip with my friend in a couple of weeks (except maybe for a struggle with the exercise requirement) and I am pretty comfortable with my goals this phase and I am even beginning to cut back portions and make some adjustments without a specific written goal. And I showed a loss on my scale this morning so something must have clicked in the last week.

But gee, I feel awful having to start phase 4 again! :c( Maybe I sailed through the first three phases because the beginning goals were easier or maybe because the challenge was all fresh and new and exciting. Anyway, back to day 1, crying all the way.

Gee FG, thanks for the home gym workout. Those are some pretty old but "hard" exercises to do. The lunges and butt thing do give great workouts. I copied it down and will give it a try sometime this week.
Razz44, I too like Tae Bo.
I'm on day 2 of Phase 2. I was sick over Friday and Sat. but am feeling better. I didn't do any cardio over the weekend but I was out both Sat. and Sun. as the weather here make it to the 60's. (Back to a 28 degree high today so you can see why I wasn't going to pass that up). My DH and I went boat shopping Sat. and even though I had to run out side 2X's to toss my cookies, I actually walked for about 2 hours. Same with yesterday. I did a Richard Simmons tape today, hour long but not real high intensity, 8 min. of strength training and then an additional 15 min. on bike. I am following all goals and feeling good.

Hope everyone has a great week.

FG, I love the quick and dirty lower body workout. I printed it off. Where did you find it and is there more there? I'm particularly looking for a routine for the stretch exercise bands.

Nebraska, sorry to hear you had to rephase. But hey, you made it through three phases in record time. And it is supposed to get harder. I have a problem getting my calcium in every day so I can relate to your problem with the vitamines.

Phase 3, day 3. Did pretty good at brunch yesterday as far as sweets are concerned. That will be my main focus for this phase.

Jo

You are all doing so very great. Congratulations to one and all.
FG I like those exercise. Like someone said there old but there good.
I was debating this morning about joining curves. Kind of undesided. Son paid my first month so I went and registered going to be doing my first session tomorrow at ten.
I had a fairly good weekend the scale was down this morning and being down doesn't give me the right to eat. Just gives me the right to keep going and do it. The more of a loss for thursday the better.
Keep at it all. We will get there.

WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I finished phase 1 FINALLY!!! I have been busy but hopefully tonight I'll post my goals for p/2. I am glad to be done with p/1! I haven't really lost anything, but I have gained some muscle, so maybe that'll help burn the fat.

Oooh, Blanche. Two celebrations in one week. That IS going to be a challenge, but you're up for it. I know you are!

Hey FG! So glad you're here. Hope to see you regularly!

Hi Nebraska. Your Sunday account sounded full of victories! And I wrap my arms around you for having to rephase over those vitamins. I think that IS why you rephased last time. But it sure sounds like you've made some lasting changes, so that's a good thing. :ghug: (and to you too, Dear Bren, and to EVERYONE who would enjoy a hug right about now).

Hi Bren. "Releasing paperwork." A friend just shared the same sentiment with me. It's a novel idea. Goodness, I'm so glad you heard from your son!

So glad you're feeling better, Kris. Your determination with exercise is inspiring.

Ahhh, sweets, Jo. That one gets to so many of us.

Love the attitude, Linda, "scale was down this morning...Just gives me the right to keep going and do it."

Congrats, Naomi, on finishing your Phase!!!

Well, my 6 month old foster cat still thinks he's small enough to sit on my shoulder. I think he needs some attention from his mommy (me!) so gotta go.

Edit: oops, I forgot to post about me. I'm doing fantastic, sticking to plan in all ways! Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement. Sue

Looks like I did OK today - got the exercise and breakfast in for sure. I had this instant oatmeal thing - "Quaker Baked Apple" - but looking at Nutrition Action's ratings of oatmeal I see that I picked one pretty near the bottom of the pile (see http://www.cspinet.org/nah/01_02/grainsnlosses.pdf (http://www.cspinet.org/nah/01_02/grainsnlosses.pdf) for their review - you have to LOVE that these people are willing to name names when it comes to rating products). At least thats already 1/3 breakfasts for the week and it's healthier than Raisin Bran. Was pretty tasty too, must be why it rated badly ;-)

I'm having trouble counting my water. I think I had 6 glasses today but who can say? Anyone have a good system for actually counting that won't make me look like an idiot at the office?

Kris O, boblin, jowc123 thanks for the nice comments on the workout.

jowc123 - I made up this workout based on an abbreviated version of the dumbbells workout in Joyce Vedral's
Weight Training Made Easy (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446671096//ref=nosim/diettalkbooks) (I do not mean to advertise Amazon with this link but I often find reading their reviews helpful and I do generally like their store).

I find her workout takes much longer than she says it does, but it adapts easily to settings with no weights and once you get up into the pyramiding version it's quite a solid workout (at least for me). Nothing with the exercise bands in it though, it's a pure dumbbells workout. My wife has settled into a workout with an exercise ball that she prefers but I use this one plus a machine we have for lat pulldowns. I find the lower body workout takes me about 30-35 minutes and the upper body workout takes me almost an hour. The lower body would take longer but there is a whole class of exercises that you get to skip if you're male (the book is pretty much female oriented but that probably works pretty well with the group on this list :-).

Sue, thanks for the welcome. I guess I'll be logged in every 2 days or so for a post in the evening, like this one. It seems to take a long time to write a post (I think I've been at this one for 20 minutes plus) so I probably can't afford to do it every day.

nebraska - I should have remembered this problem, lots of people hated the name on Cyberdiet too. I'll see if I can change it to just FG. In my worldview, the 'Geek' part of FatGeek is desirable ... true, too :-) Anyway if I can easily abbreviate it without having to re-register myself I will.

HI all .. not been doing that great ... no excersise for a few days, not eating good, and been awol from here ... so will rephase ... phase 3 day 1 will be the 8th.

Good morning all you fellow campers.

Yes SUE to often I have left a down scale send me into an eating frenzy. Yea scale is down and it's only Monday. I have until thursday to take it off. No more if the scale is down on Monday it's a bonus. Just be down more come thursday.

Here's something I thought of this morning

I'm losing weight and it's quite ok
I'm doing something right they say
No sugar, flour or white's the way
The way for me, to get fit and stay.

I'm no writer but in this journey you have to have fun. Don't make it boring or you will run. And by run I mean run in the wrong direction.
There's something dreadfully wrong with my scale it's down again today.
But hey I'll take it. I sure wouldn't mind a great big whooping loss on thursday.Being that is the only scale i'll use here. You will have to wait. Because I have one of those bouncy scales. Going to curves at ten for my first workout. I joined yesterday.
Take care all

Phase 4 Day 2 -- I went back yesterday and counted, this is my 4th rephase -- maybe I will get it right this time. :o

FG, as long as you are looking at your name as a positive thing, I will get past my own internal cringe. I guess "geek" is something positive to you is like "computer geek" which essentially means "expert"? I just have visions of some skinny pimply teenager in bad glasses and a bad suit standing along the wall unwanted at a high school dance when I hear that word. Guess that dates me. :laugh:

As to water, I purchased a 32 oz Rubbermaid water bottle. I fill it every day and carry it with me at work, I know "they" talk in terms of so-many glasses, but if you convert to ounces you can keep track that way. With so many sport bottles and things available now, you should be able to find something attractive and manly and be able to count your intake. I do not like the taste of the well water where I live, so I buy filtered water by the gallon at my grocery store and fill that Rubbermaid bottle every morning, it works for me.

Things are going pretty good here. We have had some sunshine and we had some warmer weather for a couple of days, too. That helped me a lot. I think before another winter comes I need to investigate light boxes.

My friend has had to cancel her trip with me later this month since she got a wonderful opportunity to advance at her job. So I will be making at least part of the trip alone, the way things look right now. :( We had planned this for almost a year, so it was a disappointment, but I am not going to give up the trip because of it.

I LOVE Curves! This is the longest I have ever stuck with any exercise program -- they make it fun. This month, if you do 16 workouts, you get a free motivational CD, so I will have to work two extra visits into my schedule somewhere.

Have a nice day, everyone!

Just wanted to say that it is day 3 - phase 2 and doing well.

I will put my 2 cents worth in over your name, Fatgeek. I guess I got over the teenage geek thing so many years ago that it didn't even cross my mind. I don't get bothered by much though.

Your wife likes the medicine ball? I returned one of those big balls (oh that sounded bad) that I got at Wal-Mart. I just didn't think it was doing much more of a job that I was doing on the floor etc. Maybe I should have given it more of a chance. It just seems like it should make exercise harder thus a better workout.

Hello to everyone else.

Linda, Hope you like Curves. At least give it the full month before deciding. I found it much better than the circuit at the Gym. You can go in, get in the circle, and it is literally brainless. Then you are "done" in no time at all. It is not near as challenging as the advanced workouts you can get at the Gym. But the key of any exercise program is one that you will do!. I prefer walking but try to fit a session or two at Curves a week with my walking.

FG, I think I have a Verdals book at home. I also have a Walk Away the Pounds tape that uses the stretchy bands along with the walking. But the tape I have does not have "enough" upper body stuff. I think I'll do some more looking for a video tape on the bands.

Doing OK so far on Phase III.

Jo

Hello crew whats up :D I'm doing pretty good but I haven't lost any more weight. I am exercising. Since I don't have a car at the moment it seems as if losing weight is harder. I guess because I can't go to the store when I want to and get what I need. I now have to rely on someone to take me and I hate that, don't get me wrong I appreciate the ride but I feel like such a nuisance. I will be glad when my car get fixed.
Well good luck with the rest of this week.

Tomorrow I will start phase 5 and I haven't the slightest idea what goals to set for myself. Better get busy with planning and stop procrastinating.

My week thus far has been BUSSSSSY! My blood sugars have been staying pretty stable. I have worked alot of hours since returning to work after my ear infection. BTW, that infection seems to be cleared up quite a bit except I still have dizzy spells and I even fell on Sunday. Its so embarrassing to fall in public. No injuries except a few scrapes and bruises but I am still pretty sore. My doctor gave me some medicine to help with the dizziness so hopefully it will be better soon.
I am now gonna go clean up my dishes and think about my goals.....will be back before bed to post them.



Blessings:spring:


Vickie:pass:

Kris O, she's using one like this Sissel Ball (http://www.sissel-online.com/product/abs_swiss_ball_pro.php) with weights. She says that doing the presses &c on the ball is more challenging than on the bench because she has to keep her balance. Me, I'm having enough trouble pressing 30lbs per side thank you very much! (She's working with 10s but I don't think she wants to be able to press 60lbs anyway, I guess she'll work up to 12s then 15s and see how she feels.)

Well, I reviewed my day today and found a bug in my goals. I supposedly am doing 1h of weights and treadmill in the evenings, and I just don't have the time - it's supposed to say Treadmill in the mornings. As it was, today I didn't wake up early enough (often a problem after playing badminton till 11PM the night before - can't get home & asleep fast enough to wake up at 6:30AM). As it was, I only managed 20 minutes on the treadmill missing my 30 minute goal soundly (and previously I had it at 45 minutes because I was thinking it was evening treadmill, but I can only do the 45 minutes as a badminton substitute). Argh! :c(

So tomorrow will be Phase 1 Day 1 again. Better luck this time, I hope...

Still haven't got any firm goals set up in my mind yet so I think I will just keep the ones I have for another 2 weeks. Too tired to start a new set of goals right now. See ya all later.



Vickie:pass:

Jowc: I really do enjoy curves in fast right after this post i'll be headed out the door to go there. It opens at 7 I want to make it a habit of getting there early in my day. Like first thing.
FG: Why not use the badminton as a form of exercise it is exercise.

For the rest of you all you are doing great. Keep it up. together we can.

Hello all! I've been getting booted a LOT so will try to keep this short! Hiya FG and welcome to Boot camp!
Hey, Kris...I have had my ball for over a year and am just now starting to use and enjoy it! I was afraid of falling off it or something and didn't trust it to hold me up..but it does great. I do simple lunges on mine, Dance on it...sit on it while using my free weights, getting some bouncing in, and on floor....prop my legs on it and do the lift things. I aim to be more flexible and build up some strength. My poor body needs help! I have those lovely bands too. I really like them, but don't know how to use 'em much. I figure any movement is better than none and God knows I can BE still!

OH NO Vickie! The dizziness! I sure hope you get some relief and quick! I take meclazine daily and when in relapse with the Meniere's, use the Dyazipam..valium sub.
I hate that nasty feeling! Not only the dizziness but the feeling of being out of control. Have you seen an ENT? I used to fall a lot when I first became ill.....I was only 22 at the time. People thought I was drunk. The attacks came unannounced and were very bad........with vomiting etc........I've had periods where I couldn't drive etc. It's really scary and yep...falling may be embarrasing, but sweety, that's the least of your worries! I am so glad you weren't hurt seriously and pray you get some answers and real help SOON!.....BTW...Phase FIVE already!! Yay for YOU!

OK..this was supposed to be short......thanks Sue for our hugsand tremendous support! Thanks all of you for showing up and keeping the fire lit! Everyone is doing really well and we keep getting back up!
Gonna run...I have a lot to get done today and the best way to FINISH is to get started!
Love and hugs to all...
Bren: Day 4/Phase 3

FG, the trick for goals in stage I is to make them reasonable and achievable. Then make each phase progressively harder. Your exercise goals are awesome.

Vickie, Wow! Onward you go. Be proud.

Bren, maybe I should get a ball, most of them come with exercise videos. (I have everything else at home, why not a ball?) Now, just to make myself use them. I have some good exercises for the band that were given to me by the physical theapist for when I had shoulder problems. Trouble, I left the sheet at home in Missouri. I remember a couple of them but not the whole routine. The nice thing about the band is that it is very very easy to travel with. So there are no excuses. I literally was able to rehab a frozen shoulder without surgery, using the exercises and the band. I have 95% of my range of motion back.

The trick on exercise is finding something you will do. For me the best is walking. But I like to walk outside. That is great in Texas where we walk on the beach. Not so great in Missouri in the summer when it is very hot or the winter when it is cold.

The scales are trending in the right direction. I'm pretty close to being able to say I have lost five pounds since starting in January. At the place I am weight wise, two pounds a month is a pretty reasonable weight loss. I would like to hit 152 by the end of the month. We are going out to dinner tonight with friends, always a challenge. We are going to a place where they serve seafood boil so the calories should not be too bad, assuming I limit the booze. Think I'll stick with light beer.

Jo

Hi guys. Thought I better get my butt in here or y'all would be sending the troops into the woods to see where the heck I was, lol! I've been a good girl, even amongst some adversity, still on plan since Sunday (that makes it at the end of Day 4 for me I think). Been reading my communication manual and talking with some friends. And now, sleepiness is setting in, which is a good thing as I have a client dropping off their dogs at 5:30 am (yes in the MORNING) tomorrow! That means, I need to be up at 5 or they are going to have their own rude awakening tomorrow morning when they see me in my still 4x PJs, black under my eyes, and hair sticking straight up in the air. Oh, yeah, I'm tired because now I'm just getting giddy. I'll be back tomorrow to read and do a decent post. Take care everyone! Sue

Well here's my full report for today ... looking OK. No breakfast, and once again woke up too late to get morning exercise in - getting up at 7:30AM just doesn't cut it, I was barely awake in time to get to work - skipped breakfast too. As I only have to manage breakfast 3x per week that's OK for now, lunch was healthy and I had about 8 squares of chocolate at work (this is not a daily thing, we have a luminary from Switzerland who comes about once every 6 weeks with swiss chocolate and while I managed to give it a pass two or three times today it was a challenge sitting next to a foot-long chocolate bar for 8 hours without having at least a few squares!). As perfect eating isn't in my goals, I can get away with it for now!

Dinner was good and I caught up on my missed morning weights workout after doing 45 minutes as a substitute for badminton (nobody I know is playing tonight). Speaking of which, I must not have been clear last time Boblin - badminton does count as exercise in my goals, I play for at least 1h every mon, wed, fri and usually I play for 1.5-2h. It's when I don't make it out that I can do treadmill instead. The problem with my goals was that on Tuesday and Thursday I had myself doing 45m on the treadmill plus upper body weights both in the evening - when I moved the treadmill to the morning to make it fit it also had to go down to 30m because there's no time (as it is, I'm not managing to exercise in the mornings at all on many days).

Thanks for the welcome, Blondee.

jowc123 - I might need a few more rephasings before my goals get achievable. As a motto for life, I believe that nobody remembers your failures, but everyone remembers your success - so if you shoot really high, the 1 in 10 times you make it will be worth the 9 in 10 times you fail. It's this type of thinking that has probably torpedoed me dozens of times at weight loss, because this goal just isn't about one spectacularly good and exciting day; it's about consistently decent days no one of which accomplishes anything ... only when you stack up months of good days do you get results. Still, I am seeing results this time around - by focusing not on the results, but on the habits. In other words, I try to feel good not based on what I see on the scale, but based on what I did each day, knowing that if more days are good than bad the scale will eventually catch up with the reality that I'm doing it right.

Gee, nebraska, I've never heard of geek used the way you use it :D To me it's always meant what they say on dictionary.com: "A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept ... Our word geek is now chiefly associated with student and computer slang; one probably thinks first of a computer geek."

Anyway I'm going to count this a successful day 1 even though the weights were at the wrong time of day. Everything on my goal list got done, although I still don't have a solid system for counting water consumption.

Hello bootcampers!

I need to post before midnight to get my weekly post in here on time. I've been reading all your posts but not stopping to check in ... I think I wanted to get at least 7 days done on Phase 1 before saying anything ... lol trying to finish Phase 1 has been an adventure.

I started on January 1, 2005 ... and many rephases later, I am still trying to advance to Phase 2. I am done with Day 7, Phase 1 as of midnight tonight! That deserves a cheer.

:cheer:

OK ... on to Day 8, Phase 1.

I love all the exercise talk we've been having in here. One of my short term goals is to start a moderate exercise program. Keep talking, I'm listening.

Bren, you sparked my brain with your remark: "the best way to FINISH is to get started!" That is the best advice for all procrastinators everywhere (and I could be President of the club). Good luck Boblin at Curves. I like your idea of doing it first thing in the morning. Vickie, you are moving along ... I admire your persistence. Welcome, FG. First time I saw your name I thought it was a put down to yourself ... the word "FAT" I think did more damage than Geek. I think words are powerful ... your mind is going to believe that you are FAT ... so I vote for FG. That could mean "FINE GUY."

One more week and I may be getting my completed Phase 1 badge! :ribbon:

See you all soon.

Yesterday I was on day 11 of phase 4, and I messed up! I had been fighting myself not to go off track, and the day before yesterday suceeded because of what Sue said - I realized I was tired and stressed and not that eating was just a way I relaxed - and it was very, very hard, but I stopeed myself, and was ok. Then yesterday I wnet out to lunch with a friend at a Mexican restaurant, and ordered well, just a reasonable salad with grilled chikcen. But then, without thinking about it I ate a tortia chip, that I did not intend to - which quickly became eating about 1/3 of a small basket of tortilla chips on the table. Then I got home late and was so hungry I stopped and got chinese food and ate a whole order of beef with brocolli. Then I was so far off track I gave up and ate a piece of cheesecake and a 1/2 cup of ice cream. I think all of this is realted to PMS - I realize I do pretty well until every month I have this problem. I alos get very anxious and easily upset around this time. It is becoming pretty bad.

Anyway, I am trying to remember the things we have been saying - that I should get back up right away, don't repeat all this with anouth bad day. I feel terrible about it, but try not to feel to bad - it was bad, but not completely horrible/unrecoverable - at least it was just one peice of cheesecake (this was the worse thing I ate) and not half a cake.

It will be hard to get back on track today, as I am still suffering from the PMS thing, and face another hideously stressful day at work - on top of my own work I need to get done, I also have to find a nice way of telling someone that something she did was completely unacceptable and that she had to redo it, and improve it a lot - this will be very ahrd as I like the person, but I just can't pass along her work in its current state - it is so bad that if others see it, it will be the end of any future she has with us. She has done good work in the past, I think she must have been too busy to do this well or having some type of problem, as I dont think this is typical of her.

So, her I go (Boblin, I'll have to hold you hand again and jump back up on the wagon) - I will restart phase 4 today! I will do it, I will do it, I will do it!!! (at least I hope so)

Sue - that post you wrote bef