I have been off of my diet and exciercise for too long (diet 6 months, excercise only going 2 or so times a week). I have been putting everything in my mouth, the good news, I have only gained 4 pounds. But I am getting serious about finishing it off. Next month I am going on vacation with a super hot friend of mine and I want to look good laying next to her in my bikini. So I am getting back on calorie counting and working out.
I have missed you all, I just have been super busy with school and work. I thought when summer came around I would have more time since i have a smaller class load, but I seem more tired now than ever before. But I also think some of that is because I am not getting all the excercise anymore. Starting this week (when my huge paper that is consuming my life right now is done) I will get back on track.

Hi, elsie! I am pretty new here and wanted to stop by to say "hi"! I've seen you posting on a few threads and think you've got some great advice.

It seems from your stats that you started out around where I am now, can you give me an idea how long it took to get to where you are? I'm trying to get to 135 in about five months, would that seem to be a reasonable goal to you?

Thanks!

Sabrina,
Thats about what it took me actually probably about 6 months. I started off and i lost 16 pounds in the first 6 weeks. Then I was out of the country for about 2 months and didnt diet or really excercise at all and lost about 5 pounds. Then it was a couple of months before I went back into the gym, but I was eating healthy. If I would have stayed on track I could have done it in about 5 months, but it took me a little bit longer. Ofcourse I haevnt done much in 6 months now, but thats bcause I got comfortable. My original goal was a size 7, I am a 4, so its hard to stay motivated to lose. But I am shootig for 124 now, which will make an even 50. But the last part is the hardest part, especially when you are --for the most part-- ok with where you are at.

Thank you very much for your feedback! Good luck in pursuing your goals, I am sure you have what it takes to meet your new target. :)

Its been an interesting couple of days, I had a niece born on tues (my 5th niece), and then a friend had her baby the same day. I made it into the gym for a nice workout today and am back on the diet, and doing well. Magically the scale dropped 4 pounds over the weekend --dont understand it, it is NOT water weight-- but I will take whatever I can get. This morning I was on E and I went to the gas station and realized I had left my walet at home, so I had to call my dad to come bring me money, I love that. I swear I am an adult who lives on my own "daddy, I need money." Tomorrow I have a final in my Shakespeare class, so I should be doing that, but instead i am either on here, or watching the little babies in my fish tank.

Babies everywhere! I just got new fish a month or os ago, and the guy told us that they have live births. I thought she might be pregnant and sure enough there are little babies in there. I am sure many of them will get eaten, which might be a good thing. When I looked these fish up it says that they will have 10-50 babies every couple of months. I dont know how I ended up with a breeding pair, but lucky me I guess.

Hey!

Well congratulations on your loss from 174. You really rock at this.

And I am sure that you can get down to whatever size you want to be. Just buy a sexy swimsuit and try it on to see how it looks for motivation!

~K
(that's what I do with pants, lol)

Hey Elsie, it has been a while hasn't it. Glad to see you back!!!

Maybe since you are so small already that you just need some toning. I have seen some of your pictures in the past, you are pretty small already.

Remember, all of us have a body shape that we can't possibly change, no matter how skinny. ONe of the most attractive things is a person at goal with some nice muscles, and a positive spirit about them.

Have fun on your trip.

Girl, Welcome back! Boy I was not around for a bit then I come back and you were not around... I was hoping things were good... I am glad to see you posting again.

Right now I am at work... so not much time to post. It is great to see you are getting back into things.. I am sure you will look super hot for your vacation.

See you around chic... :)

THanks for visiting me girls.

Made it to the gym today, I am doing good with ym diet. Funny when people see you they always say "you've lost weight" even though you are the same as the last time you saw them. I know I mainly need to tone, but I have this layer of fat around my stomach, thats where I store it all. So I am hoping these last 10 pounds will cut down that fat there. Other than that I know I will enver have a perfect body. Being bigger has stretched me out and I know it wont ever be the same, but I just want to look as good as I can. Tonight I am going to dinner with a friend and 2 teachers from high school. I havent seen them in about 10 years, so I am looking forward to it, but ofcourse there will be drinking and the temptation of fried food. So we shall see how I do.

elsie, Thanks for stopping by my journal. It must feel great to have lost 40 pounds. I see how may people at diettalk have lost and maintained their weight and it makes me determined to do it also. I hope you did good at dinner tonight, I blew it!!!
Have a good weekend. Amy

Hi elsie!!
I'm just popping in to say hi!! :peace:

How'd it go last night?

I messed up big time yesterday, but today is a new day right?

-- Chrissy

Well lastnight was eh...ok. No healhty food, but I ate one mozerella stick, 1 celery stick, about 6 hot wings, and one of those postatoe thigns with cheese and bacon. SO it was bad food, but I guess I didn't eat all that much. Ofcourse I also ended up having 4 glasses of wine --my head is making me pay for it today--. So not great, but I am not going to be all thta worried about it. We have social situations where we cant always choose what we eat, or we might want to drink, and we have to allow ourselves to do so. If we dont we are setting ourselves up for failure. I was planning on going to the gym this morning, but I didnt go to bed until a little after 2, so the thought of going to the gym at 5:30, just wasnt working for me, so I decided to sleep in. Fri is usually my day of from the gym, because I usually go to bed late, since Nick goes out and plays pool, and I can't sleep alone. Ok I better get moving, got to go to work.

Well, sounds like you had a fun night out. Congrats on the wt. loss. WOW! You will have that bikini body yet.

I have been busy with the garden and just trying to get food canned or frozen. Next week is fair week, so oldest sone and I will be busy a couple of days.

Very warm here. That usually means it is fair week!! :)

I totally understand the wine thing, I swear I would lose weight if I wasn't around wine so much :o

It's okay we get to start fresh each day right?
-- Chrissy

Elsie...just wanted to say hi :wave:....and congratulate you on your great weight loss...you are almost there ..... its nice to go on a long vacation like yours and come back losing 5 lbs....i m going in vacation after 13 ays and so scared ....i gained 2 lbs in the last 2 days when i went off dieting....its easier to control your food when you cook yourself....but i ll try to et s healthy as i can...
hope you ve a nice week end.... :rose:

Thanks for stopping by. Eating healthy here in Taiwan is so hard. Everything is cooked with oil and grease. So I end up cooking a lot for myself. I don't like to cook for just one, but the benefits speak for themselves. Where in China did you live? I have heard stories from other English teachers I know here. You are doing great and will be bikini ready in no time.

Well beena good couple of days for excercise. Yesterday I was in the gym for 2 hours then came home and did 2 hard hours in the yard --I hate having a big yard sometimes--. Today I spent 2 hours in the gym then took the dog for a walk for an hour. My food has been ok, but lastnight I ate quite a bit of candy, but still did decently calories wise, but not the best food choice. I know sometimes we are just going to have those weeknesses. The weekend is over too fast, thats the problem with spending so much time in the gym, the day seems to fly by. I have been getting lots of compliments from people in my family and at the gym it feels good, but I know I am not where I am comfortable being yet.

runt- I have taught in Qingdao, Huangdao --just outside of Qingdao-- anad in Jinan. Qingdao is awesome and eventually I want to buy an apartment there.

Hey, good job on all of that work. I noticed that I actually lose more weight sitting on my ass. I let myself eat a lot less. There is none of "I can eat this, I'll just go running" which I never get to do, lol.

Way to go on the compliments, though. You def. earned them if you are going to the gym so much.


~K

Wow!
You really work out hard! That's awesome. WHat do you do at the gym? I love the elliptical machine, I can never get motivated to go there though. I really should add some strength training or yoga or something to my regimen :)

Do you ever take any of the classes?

-- Chrissy

the gym I go to is small so there is no classes. I usually start off on the stairstepper and do about 20 min (250 cal) then I do my weight training, and I finish it off with the eliptical which is between 250-500+ calories) I do calories and not time. Minimum I can burn is 500 cal from doing cardio/fat burning machines. Weight lifting was something I wasnt as serious about at first, but the muscle tone is great plus the more muscle the more claories you burn. But it is always exciting to see the definition. I might change gyms in the enxt couple months because a new one is opening a bit closer to me and they will have pilates and yoga classes. If I change to that gym I will definately start taking classes if my schedule allows. So mainly I just train with trainers --when I can afford to-- and that has been great help.

The yard work was exhausting yesterday and the worst part about it, is i only cleaned up probably 1/30th of my yard... and it was to make another parking space --we have too many vehicles-- so I can get our new truck off the road. And I just realized that I got sunburned on my walk wit the dog today. Off to take a shower and go to the movies --see fantastic 4--

Well I made it to the gym today and had to work a bit longer than usual. I decided to go to work early to get my paycheck --that should have been ready on friday-- so I could deposit it and then go get lunch. Then on the way there I got a call from my brother saying that I am a new aunt. Seems like a blessing, but its quite scary. My poor little niece wasnt due until 9/29 but my sister-in-law has toxemia and so they said the baby wasnt getting enough nurrioushment so they did an emergency c-section. Alaura --I dont know how its spelled-- was only 1.87 pounds. She is almost going on a day now, so I am thinking happy thoughts, but I am worried about her. Needless to say no lunch for me. It is 8 pm and today I have had about a total of 500 calories, not great but not up to eating, plus my phone is ringing non-stop for people wanting info. I am trying to track down my mom but she left for a week long camping trip and so I cant get a hold of her. My brother lives in Germany, so I have this urgent need to get on a plane and go, but I dont have the money, so I will just have to stay positive and think that in December they are ocming to visit, and my little tiny neice will be with them. Kinda depressed, so I will leave it there.

elsie, I hope everything goes well with your neice. Technology has come so far that premies have a great survival rate now. I know how scary it can be. My cousin had twin girls that each weighed a little over a pound. They are 13 now and you should see them!!! You would never know they were premies. Keep us posted!! Amy

hey elsie, i finally found your journal... congrats on becoming an aunt and ill say a prayer for your niece.

Hi! You sure do have alot of babies in your life now. What kind of fish do you have? I had some guppies once that kept having babies. Even after the male died, the female continued to have babies. I hope all is ok with your neice. I'll think positive thoughts and say a prayer for her.

Thanks for being a great support to my journal. You started at close to where I am starting now. Although I would be very happy at 140, 130 at the most. :) When you first started, what kind of diet did you follow? Also, share some before and after photos! I get so motivated by looking at before's and afters. Keep it up!!!!

Elsie,
I bought those soy crisps-- they're pretty good and I got the sea salt ones. They are only 4 cals each!! that's crazy. I appreciate the suggestion!

-- Chrissy

Well I am feeling pretty good. The baby is breathing on her own, so I am not as worried about her. And thank you all for your prayers, they must have worked :) I had one neice born a week before this one --proud aunt of 9!-- and then the fish; which are lyretail mollies. Seems to be that time of year.

I have never tried the sea salt crisps, but my favorite are the bbq and the ranch ones.

Diz- I do have before, during, and after pictures posted in the pictures thread. Nothing terribly recently, but there hasnt really been any changes. When I started my diet I was on a 1200 calorie diet (trying to eat 50% protein) and worked out 6 days a week. Now I just try to remain under 1500 but I am more flexible because my metabolism is so much better than it used to be --amazing what excercise and eating frequently can do--. When I first started I wasw strict (no junk, no white food, never broke the calorie limit) but now I am more flexible. It is hard keeping the motivstion when you are --basically-- happy where you are. Just need 10 more pounds.

mmmmmmm BBQ??? I didn't see those! I'll have to try them!!!!!!

-- Chrissy

I am glad to hear your niece is doing better. Thanks for your encouragement in my journal. I looked at your pictures....you look great!!

Thanks Amy

Well not making it to the gym today. Lastnight the cat tripped me and I fell in th kitchen. My knee and ankle are pretty banged up, and I am still limping. I might even have to take the elevator at school for once, since stairs seem the hardedt to do. I had so much homework lastnight --that I am still not done with-- so that extra time today was good. Yeah for Thur. I only go to school tues-thur and my work schedule tomorrow is SUPER light, so its like having a 2 1/2 day weekend... which I ned.

Yikes! Not good!! I hope your knee will recover. Have you thought about going to the doctor to make sure you didn't tear anything? Hope you feel better soon!

Hi! Sorry to hear about your knee. All that yard work and going to the gym and your cat trips you in your own house. Isn't that the way it goes? I hope you feel better soon! That is wonderful news about your neice!!

Hopefully my knee will be fine to go to the gym tomorrow. I am not going to worry about it too much. I used to have terrible knees, and now that this weight is off theya re fine. So I can handle a bruised bone. I would go to the doctor, but unfortunately being a student with a part time job, I dont have insurance. If it doesnt get better I will go to the school clinic, but I hate having to pay for that tuff. Like I think I have a chipped bone in my left ring finer from breaking up a dog fight about a month agao, but I can deal with it. Being a VERY acceident prone person, I am pretty used to getting hurt.

How is your niece doing? I'm keeping her in my thoughts.

I hope that your knee is feeling better.

-- Chrissy

Well another day down, food was eh yesterday. We had pizza for dinner. I am not going to the gym today --between my knee and the back of my thighs being super sore from Wed's workout-- but I plan on going tomorrow.

My neice is doing "good" as the nurses keep saying. We dont know if it is because she is really good or if there is a language barrier --since she is in Germany--. But I talked to my sister-in-law yesterday for an hour. The only thing she has problems with is that she cant see her all the time when she wants too --too dizzy-- and so she gts upset. I tried to remind her that if she was still pregnant, she wouldnt ever get to see her, so to stay focused. My sister-in-law says that whether Allora lived or Died she would be ok, because the two best places for her would be with her parents who love her,or in heaven. She is a very sweet woman, and I am glad she is so positive about it. I asked her if she was going to have any more, she said she didnt ant to, but my brother says yes... leave it to a man. LOL

Sorry to hear about your neice and your knee. Hopefully you will feel better tomorrow and can work out.

I would love to do as little as 1200 calories but I am still nursing my 3 month old, so, gotta eat a little more calories for him. :) I can totally see how it would be hard to continue to eat right and exercise when your happy where you are. Many years ago I could eat whatever I wanted, exercise and stay thin. Then I had babies and stopped exercising. The weight slowly packed on. So this eating right thing is totally new to me. NEVER had to eat right before in my life!! LOL.

Hope that knee mends. Just dropping in to say "hi" and wish you well. Enjoy your weekend. Are you working with a trainer anymore or on your own?

Hi Elsie.
just stopping in to see how you are doing and to thank you for stopping in and my journal and your words of support..
i really aprreciated you telling me about your experience with autistic kids..thanks again!
i am glad to hear that your niece is remaining stable.i am keeping her in my thoughts and your brother and sister in law..it must be so tough to not be able to see Allora anytime she wants to.sounds like she has a great attitude though which is wonderful.
take care of your knee. hope it feels better soon.
hugs bell :)

I said a little prayer for your niece. I hope she pulls through alright, but it sounds like your brother and SIL have things pretty well under control. It must be hard, though, being so far from them at such a stressful time.

Good luck achieving that bikini body. It sounds as though you have a good plan and that you should be able to manage alright. Exercise does wonders!

HI Elsie...it has been so nice reading through your journal...yet its so sad about your niece i really hope she will get well soon...well i aw your picture too...you look so beautiful and doesnt seem like you really need to lose weight...but wow...you already lost 40 pounds thats great work....so congratulations...
try to take it easy,and rest till your knees get better and make sure ou dont hurt yourself...i too have lots of troubles with my knees specially the right one....it really hurts after exercising or using the treadmill...i dont want to hurt them,so i ll go to a doctor oon to ask him....i too hope thing will get better after i lose more weight...
have a nice wekend... :wave:

Hi! It's great to hear that your neice is doing well. Your sister-in-law sounds like a really strong person.

Hi elsie,

I hope your knee and ankle are better....thats terrible!! How is your niece doing?
Hope you are having a good weekend. Amy

Elsie I hope everything does go well with your new niece.

Enjoy your weekend! Take care, hope your knee is feeling better.

well the heat outside --its 107 degrees-- makes you want to curl up in the refridgerator and die. This morning I got the great idea of running to the gym --whihc is about 5 miles away--, maybe not the best idea. I walke, jogges, and ran there in about 45 minutes. On the way back I was making better time, but I called my step sister to pick me up because I was running out of time, I had to get home and shower and get ready for my neices birthday party.
Tonight I am going to a friend's luau, so once the sweat dries off, I will have to start thinking about getting ready to go again.

Well I went to a luau yesterday and then I went out with my cousin. I am sooo sore today. I dont know if it is from dancing ofr over an hour in my 6 inch heels, or from running to the gym yesterday, but my legs are soooo sore. Today Nick, My cousin, her son, and I went to the water park. I wore my bikini, but wore a top most of the time, unless I was sunning. I was concerned with body parts falling out that shouldnt be seen, and not comfortble enough with my body yet. I feel so wiped out now, its amazing hw the sun can take it out of you. I thopught I could go to the gym this afternoon, but no way. I ate pretty well today, ate out twice had subway, and a pita from jack in the box. But it was so hot, I had some ice cream. sually when I go to the waterpark I would be eating corndogs, and cotton candy galore. So I was happy that I walked out of there without eating anything.

Hey Elsie
How are your knee and ankle feeling? Hope they're better. Thanx for supporting my journal, it's really encouraging to see people responding to the things I write in there. What are you studying by the way? I'm also a student. So I know how hard it is to balance work and studies and keep the diet and exercise going. I've started at roughly the same weight you did. How long did it take you to get down to 134? Well done for the 40 pounds that you've lost so far!!! :D

I am an Enlgish Major, just finally going back to school. I have one more year and I am done. It took me about 6 months to lose the weight, though part of that time I wasnt actively dietting or excercising.

I should be studying for a test tomorrow, but I am sucked in by the internet once agian.

Holy cow! I wouldn't be walking, running, skipping or hopping no where for 45 minutes in 107 degree heat!!! Kudos to you. haha!! It's been about 115 here most days. DH thinks I am crazy for planning on walking DD to school starting next week. It's only a ten minute walk. It is SO hot!!!

skipping? Why didnt I think of that, that is way more fun that running.

Well at 7:30 in the morning it was still pretty cool. But by 9:30 it was getting pretty warm. I am looking forward to cooler weather, but there is no break in sight.

I hate summer. I really do. I love fall, winter and spring. Always beautiful outside.

Today has been a long day. I left at 6:30 at night and didnt return until 9:30... days like this make me so happy that I will be quitting my main job at the end of August, to dedicate more time and energy to my schooling. At least I have made it to the gym every day but monday. Uusally Fri is my day off, but since I missed Mon, i will try to get up early tomorrow and go. Luckily I only have to work like 6 hours tomrrow, and I will be off about 2:30 and can start my weekend. I have had so much to do, but have had no time to do it. So tomorrow I will spend lots of time running errands. I am not looking forward to the hours I need to spend at the bank.
Since I have been working so much, my eating has gotten a bit better. I have to eat away from home, but instead of eatuing fast food, I have been eating things like plain salmon and tuna, or protein shakes. I did go to wendy's today and got a jr cheeseburger (no cheese or mayo) and a potato (no butter) and I ate that over about 3 hours, but I still did wonderfully calories wise.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I will attempt to run to the gym again this week, even though I could barely walk the 2 days after I did that last weekend.

Hey elsie,
Hope all is well... That's great that you run... I am a terrible runner... How did you start with the running as I am clueless to the whole process. I would love to start.
That's really amazing that it took you 6 months to lose the weight. Did you exercise a lot in the beginning... That's something I am having a bit of trouble with also. Any words of advice would be appreciated. :)

I am not by any means a runner. I always said I only run when chased, but I thought it would be a good way of getting my cardio in and switching things up. My gym is about 5 miles away so I just did it. It took me like 45 minutes to get there --like i said I am not a runner-- and a half an hour to get back.

When I first started I did excercise like a mad woman --6 times a week-- I have been slacking off, but usally still go at least 4 times a week.

Right now I am working quite a bit, and only going mildly insane. I cant wait until Aug 18th, the last day at my job. Then I will have a week in mexico, and come back and start my hectic school schedule, but more relaxed work schedule.

HI! I guess busy days are in the air everywhere. I hope all is great with you!

Well I just got back from running to the gym. It is so hot, I am so wet, like I got sprayed with water. I know tomorrow I wont be able to walk, but I figured I needed to switch up my routine.
Been working longer hours --at the job that pays me less-- but I only have 3 more weeks of it until I quit.... ick that means 3 weeks until I am on vacation. Well vacation is great but I was hoping to have that 6 pack before then, but its obviously not happening. It will be hard being in a bathing suit next to a girl with a six pack. I will have to deal, but it makes me want to go buy more 1 pieces.

I am hungry and tired, tyl alater. I hope everyone is doing well.

you are GORGEOUS!!!!!! six pack or no six pac..dont sweat it!!!!!!
Great job on still fitting the workouts in with long hours and hot days!!!
hugs bell :)

Heya Elsie!

Ooooh, so jealous......I want to come on vacation with you! And as I have a flabby 24 pack rather than a six pack, I would definitely need a one piece.... :)

I gotta start following your lead......my eating has been HORRID lately. Must smarten up (again!!)........so, when you coming up here?? (joking!) :D

Hi all, been slacking on the posting.

Well I have had a busy week, great workout wise though. I have actually decided that I want to start running amrathons. My first one will be a half marathon (13 miles) in Oct, then I will run in the Death Valley Marathon in December (half again) and then the next one I am plannig on doing is in march. I plan on doing one in March, April, and May, and that will be the last for the season. I am hoping at some point in time there I will be about to do a full marathon. The jogging has helped thught. I lost like 3 pounds this week, with still eating everything, so changing the routine is doing something good. So hopefully I will be looking better ocme vacation time :)

I went shopping this weekend and bought some new clothes. Nick made fun of me because most of them are from the kids section. Walmart caters to larger women and so I have a hard time shopping there, but as Nick was looking through the men's I went across the aisle and looked thorugh the kids clearance racks. Got some really great deals. However I can not believe that one of the pair of shorts I bought were too big WTF???!!!??? I guess kids clothes are no different in their abilities to not size the same. I told Nick if I lose 10 more pounds, I am shopping in the kids department all the time, they have some really cute clothes, but I cant fit into most of them. I hate to admitt it, but I love Mark Kate and Ashley Olsen's line of clothes.

Wellt hats all for me. If anyone is interested in running marathon --Oct I believe I am doing Big Sur-- then let me know. If you are another Californian we can meet up and jog it together.

Oh I forgot, I also went to a market. Has like a flea market and every other vendor there, and I bought a TON of fruit and veges. So I figured since I have been losing I am going to try to kick it back up and go into healthy eating zone. [sidebar: that being said after I just shoved a burrito down my throat] So tomorrow i plan on cutting a bunch up and making a fruit alad to take. I also found some cheap protein drinks, already mixed. I will pop open a can soon and see if they are any good. If they are, I will have to go back and pick up some more.

I have a big test on Wednesday that I really need to study for, so hopefully I will have some time to cook away and be prepared for the week.

I am curious to see how much I really weigh, I will see on tues. I weighed myself yesterday, adn with all my clothes on --I always weigh dresses-- and after drinkin 24 oz of water I was at 134. I had been sitting between 136-138 over the last couple of weeks. I am sure without all that water in my, I would probably be down to 133. So naked and starving about 130. I have to think of it that way, to make me think happy thoughts, funny that I feel good, but still obsess over my weight; almost like as if I was still fat.

Running marathons sound like a great idea, you'll have no problem losing the reat of your weight and keeping it off if you are always in training for a marathon.

That is kind of the plan. To battle the "winter weight" I plan on runnign through out the winter season, to make sure I dont gain. Even though I am always freezing now, and the warmth would be nice.

Hi, sounds like you are doing great - and are very busy. Won't be long and I will be back in the classroom. I had a much better day today with cals. It was so hot and made the mistake of going with honey and the boys to the sheep sale to drop off a load. Did not stay due to heat, but the pick up had no A/C. Why did I bother to shower before leaving??? We ran a couple errands and then picked up a couple melons on the way home. YUMMMM! Delish!!

Both honey and I ended up zonking out in recliners later. The heat just zaps ya. I am planning to walk tonight. Need to keep moving. :)

Since I am dedicated to losing weight again I went out and bought some pre-roated chickens today. I tore one to pieces pulling off the skin and fat for the dog --he loves me-- I made 2 containers with rice, corn, and chicken so I have that ready. I also cut up fruit and made a fruit salad for em to take for breakfast tomorrow. I forgot how much work this all is, but I know it will be worth it, and I would rather eat chicken and rice then a burger anyway.

Nick isnt feeling well, he thinks he has an ulcer, and the symptoms seem to agree. Sucks wedont have medical insurance right now. Luckily he has the money to go to a hospital and get checked out.

Other than that not much new. Big test on Wednesday that I havent even begun studying for. And I have a HUGE project due next week, that I need to get working on soon. Too much going on!

Oh my - sounds like busy times for you....... Hang Tough ! :D

Sorry to hear about Nicks stomach - hope it is something simple. Has he tried papaya ? Dried papaya does wonders for my stomach. But then I don't have an ulcer.......

Keep us updated please.

Beth :dn

Wish my numbers looked like yours! I thought that since I had so much to lose that it would go pretty fast for the first four months or so, that the last month or two would be hardest with less to lose. But I'd have to say the last month to month and a half has been extremely difficult. Still doing the diet, still doing the work, but with little change.

I like your idea of running through the winter, wish I could do that, but for me sometimes there is no room in the road wtih snowbanks, or other times the conditions are just too slippery. But I just got back into doing my bike on a trainer, so between that and my little stepper I have some indoor stuff I can do. With this heat I'd be glad to exercise outside in some cooler temperatures, that's for sure!

Sorry to hear news about the ulcer and the test. Hope everything works out okay for both.

Hi elsie, Whated to stop in and read a bit of your journal and it sounds to me like you are making great strides in your weight loss. I have tried running and it seems like my lung power never gets any better so I always have to stop and walk as much as I run and I kept at it last summer for 3 months and still did just as much walking as running. Plus I don't sweat like most people do when they run or play hard so I get way over heated. So I love to walk so I walk but at a hard pace and a lot of it is up small hills. I wish you all the luck in your marthons.

Well I crammed for hte tst, and i think I did really well. Now I just have aproject that is due next week, where i have to dictate 10 minutes of speech into phonetics. I know it will take me probably at least 8 hours to do that, and then I have to write a paper about my findings. I havent tape recorded anyone yet, so I decided to do a southern accent and I downloaded Larry the Cable guy's comedy routine and I will transcribe that, I am sure my teacher will get a kick out of it.

Only a week and a half until vacation, yeah! But I wish I had more time to lose wieght since I am back on the kick. I got a new client today which makes me happy. The more the merrier so when I leave my job at the end of next week I will be able to be secure for this last year before i start teaching.

I got complimented at the gym by a PT says I must be kicking butt because he can totally see more definition. I dont know if its true, but all compliments are welcome. I have another woman there who harrasses me everyday about my shoes. I need to get new ones. I have bought 3 pairs since the ones i wear everyday, but they hurt my feet. After I come back form vacation I will go spend the money and get a couple pairs of the same ones I have now. With running I know its important. She also says I should get this computer arm band thing. It cost $500, but you imput how many calories you eat in a day, and it tracks how many you have burned and so it will tell you how much work you have to do to lose so much weight or to maintain etc. I dont think I am that dedicated --or rich-- but it sounds cool.

Beth- I could never get Nick to eat a papaya, its healthy, lol
Sabrina- I can definately understand not wanting to run in the snow
Tannie- Do you drink enough water? Noww that I drink a lot of water I sweat like no woman should, lol. Luckily it doesnt stink since it isnt concentrated, but I look like I ran through the sprinklers on the way home.

I just got a phone call from my boss, and she fired me..over the phone, LOL!!!

I was quitting in a week so its not that big of a deal, just frustrating more than anything, because it was based on b.s. that a new brown noser told her. I had a conversation with a parent today adn she walked in during the middle of it, and made me look all bad. I just hate getting fired, but I am not sad about losing that job, I was way underpaid and it was too far away. So it looks like I have more time for all of my DT friends.

Elise, sorry that sucks,

Thank goodness you were leaving anyways, but it's nice to leave on your own terms, but who needs them :tongue: it sounds like they didn't value you anyways.

You put a positve spin on it (more time for DT) maybe you should be in PR or advertising :D . Good luck to you and keep us updated.

Goodnight

Well today was a pretty good day, I went to the gym and found out I am 131 pounds, yeah. That means I have lost 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks, which is awesome since I havent lost in like 7 months or something.

I got my test back I got 17/20, I forgot to answer 1 question, and one I forgot a stupid letter. But I get to try to retake it, so I will make sure ot read it more carefully next time.

Congrats on the weight loss seem like the running is really working. Keep up the good work. :cheers:

Hey there Elsie wanted to stop in and say hello... see you lost 6 lbs... that is great! :o)

Sorry to hear about the job loss, but it sounds like you really needed a change anyways. Good luck!

Take care chic.

Well between finals and vacation it has been a couple of weeks. I did ok on my classes this summer (I got an a- in both) not super, but good enough.

I have been slacking on the excercise the last couple weeks, first with a huge project in school, then vacation, then coming back form vacation adn trying to get back on track with my classes and everything. I am feeling chubby right now, but I know it will be easy enough to get off the extra few pounds I am sure I have gained.

I went shopping and bought some pretty clothes which is always good. This week is my birthday, so I believe Nick is gettng dressed up and taking me out for dinner, especially since we never went out for our anniversary due to me always being injured or sick when we were supposed to go.

If anyone is interested in reading my journals from my trip you can do so at:
http://blog.myspace.com/elsielodde (http://blog.myspace.com/elsielodde)

Hey elsie, I see your weight went down! Yay!
Sorry about your work situation.

Elsie I read a little of your blogg about the trip. Sounds like super fun. Congrads on the grades. A- Is pretty darn good. Have fun on your birthday this week.

Take care.

Nick says he is going to join the gym with me, but it just hasnt happened yet. On friday I jogged 7 miles, and then on the way home pulled my sciatica --how do you do that sitting--. We have been trying to get our house together, painting and organizing. So we ended up shopping for like 6 hours yesterday, then came home and started moving around furniture in the spare room to get rid of an entertainment center. We are trying to amke room for this goregous giant shelf I bought. We had planned on painting back there, we bought the paint yesterday, so at 9 at night we decided to start painting it, at least the wall that the shelf is on. Needless to say we went to bed at about 1. I said I wanted a scrapbook room for my birthday, and we shall see I might get one... that is if it isnt too crowded in there. We are having a junk --or garage-- sale next weekend.... just how I like to spend my birthday weekend.


Tara- my weight went down a couple weeks ago. I ahvent been on a scale in 3 weeks, but I know it is higher than that now. I so need to get in the gym.

Happy Birthday Elsie!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v67/nannerbanner/fireworkslive.gif
Hope you got your scrapbooking room. :)


BTW here is a link to the pub for more birthday wishes:
http://diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49032

Happy Birthday Elsie

Thanks guys :)

It is so amazing how much different birthdays are when you are an adult. Kind of sad really. I love getting older, so I have no problems with that, but I just miss the parties with the cake and the hats and the pretty dressed packages. I am not complaining, I got some nice gifts, and I had mouse at the resturant- but it isnt the same.

I welcome my first birthday since being at a healthy weight. I was going to go jogging today, but I only got 5 hours of sleep so a nap seems better. It is also unusually cold here, so maybe later this afternoon I can go for my 7 mile jog --as long as the air isnt bad--.

I dont have a scrapbook room, but it has much more potential this week than it did last week. Hopefully the garage sale tomorrow will help it have even more potential.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY ELSIE!! :balloons:

Good Luck with your 7 mile run & getting room for your scrap book area. :o)

Well I am back to the workout thing, with a vengance. After about a month of being pretty lzy, Nick has joined the gym with me. So now I am working out with him, and doing my weight traning class. I cant believe Nick is actually getting up at 4:30 to go to the gym in the morning, I hope he sticks to it, since it is making me go.

I just jogged home from the gym, it only took me about 40 minutes to do the 4.5 or so miles, I am happy about that. Before it would take me about 50 or so minutes. I kept a pretty steady pace and didnt walk much, except to pull p my pants which are too small. I dont know how I will do as it gets colder though.

Heya Elsie!

I'm sooo bad, haven't been on in so long. Just wanted to pop by and say hi, see how things are going for you.....sounds great! I'm finally settled in to the new apartment, getting school stuff done, etc etc so I figure I should be on quite a bit more now. Gotta get back to the gym though, haven't been very good on that end lately (not like you, you workout queen!) :)

Well I dont know about being a workout queen. I have been pretty busy and so I have pretty much been working out 4 days a week (6 or 7 times a week). Not the 6 days a week I used to do. My food habits are garbage, but I guess I just need to be happy that it isnt as bad as it used to be. I should be happy about ym smaller portions and the amount of soy in my life that was never there before.

Well hopefully school will be getting better soon. My worst class is an UD Astronomy course, ick!!! I suck at math and science and it is both. I was stressing about my last test but we got it back on Thur. The class average was a 65%, so I should be happy that I got 75%. The guy who sits in back of me says that it is the only thing he is good at, and he got a 50%, so I guess I feel a little better. I jsut hae to realize that I dont always have to get As, especially when it is obvious that the teacher sucks. Right now I am getting a break in some reading, because I am reading stuff, I have already read, which is making my week a bit easier, but I have 2 papers to work on.

I hear ya. I took an astronomy class too. Actually I'm one of the math-and-science-minded people but stick me in an English class or anything like that and oh my god.....

I have to read papers too this week. Actually have to prepare a grad lecture on the effect of turbidity on marine ichnogenera (I know, blah blah!) but I've been busy being painfully lazy so far this week!:)

And no matter what you're eating you look great so.....something's working for sure!

Elsie, where areeeee youuuuuuu (echo echo echo).

Just dropped by to sing you a song from the Simpsons.

"Oh Elsie, you came and you found me a turkey
On my vacation away from workie"

Come back soon!

Sorry hjust been busy working and with school and all of that good stuff.

Just when I thought I was almost done..... I have decided to go to graduate school --I must be crazy--, so I will have another 2 years --at least-- of being poor and unwed. Oh pooh. But I am hoping this change will make my job more satisfying, and more relevant to what I really want to do. I have to go bathe --I have worked out twice today with no shower-- before work, and I am supposed to leave in 30 min. I will stop in later and check in with everyone later.

Trust me.............you ARE crazy.

lol.

:)

hey.. going to grad school is what all of the cool kids do, lol

and be sure to stock up on lots of caff beverages (I like rockstars) because the taste of coffee get nauseating after a while

Heya Elsie,

Just popped by to say hi....I know you're busy with work and school and all of that good stuff.....stop by when you get a chance! :)