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Diet & Weight Loss Forums > Groups > Diet Buddies - Working Together to Reach Our Goals > Mid-Life Spices |
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Hiker Distinguished Member 
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HI, I am looking for a diet buddy or ideally diet buddies. I am in my mid fifties and I have been on Weight Watchers and the Fat Loss 4 Idiots diet as well as a myriad of other diets. Weight Watchers is the only one I could really live with but I am not up to going back... I've heard it all, I just need to do it! I am looking to loose weight with a low calorie/low carb diet. I found the support of others on the FL4I sight very motivating, it just wasn't the diet for me. I would love to find others who like me have been struggling with this for a while and can relate to the battle we fight every day and would like to have an on-line diet buddy. I enjoy walking, hiking, bike riding---not that I do enough of it obviously but I do enjoy them  .Hiker Last edited on 5 June 2008 01:22 pm by Hiker |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Well it's been a week and no buddy. Guess I will go it alone. I've actually had a pretty good week, kept my calories under 1300 which is my goal. I have also started walking again, I used to walk 5 miles every day but then foot problems sidelined me. I am back up to 2 miles every day and I am just trying to make it a habit again. Why are good habits so hard to establish and bad ones so easy? It's been so hot here I haven't been able to take the dogs with me  , walking without them is just not as much fun. I have started having yogurt for my morning snack instead of fruit and that has helped me increase my calcium some, it's probably better overall considering the carbs in fruit. Anyway, if anyone reads this and is interested in buddying up let me know. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member 
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Hey hiker, How's it going? I just saw your post. I know the battle. I've done weight watchers, Atkins, Sustical, etc. For years I've lost, put it on, lost, etc. The last one was Atkins and I lost 40 only to gain back 60. I started seriously taking a look at what my habits were. This site was a godsend in that it gave me knowledge of what happens to my body, why I gain weight and what was needed to take it off. I thought long and hard about this and I came to some new realizations. 1. The term "diet" is not good. It implies something temporary in our culture. I needed to make a lifestyle change and that meant for life. 2. Programs didn't work for me. This goes back to the "diet" aspect. Weight Watchers is a good program but it's just that. Once you get off the point counting, it's not easy to get to a realistic lifestyle. At least this is my perspective. 3. I have to eat fat, carbs, protein, etc. To cut any group out is not good. We need them all to live a healthy lifestyle. It's what we eat and how much. 4. Exercise. A must! Aerobic and strength training. I've been working to change my habits since last July. I've counted calories and can now recognize portion sizes of certain foods and know what my intake is, more or less. I've also developed tastes for several things I didn't think much of before. I've cut out desserts, booze, deep fried stuff but will occasionally have them. This way I don't feel deprived. If we're to adjust our lifestyle we have to acknowledge that these things are part of life. A vacation here, a wedding there, a holiday or two. You get the idea. My weight will fluctuate for the rest of my life so I'll weigh in everyday and make sure I get the calories I need to maintain and continue to work out. As of this past Monday I'm down 87 lbs. Life is good!Hang in there, hiker and let me know how you're doing. Oh, by the way, my wife and I went on our first hike on vacation last month in Tn in the Smokey Mountain National Park. Beautiful! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hey PBF, thanks for the post, it was really motivating and it sounds like you and I are approaching this the same way...just eat sensibly and excercise. WOW, 87 lbs is fantastic! I bet you couldn't have done that hike before the weight loss. I hear what your saying about moderation especially on the sweets and deep fried stuff. I usually limit myself to fried claims once each summer and then I get a big order and lots of tartar and just enyoy every bite. I don't feel guilty becuase it's once a year. The desserts are a downfall for me and I am trying to get into the mindset just like w/ the clams....a few times a year is fine but it can't be a daily or even weekly occurance. The Smokey mountains is a definate on my wish list, probably when we retire in a few more years. Did you do day hikes or overnight? I am a huge baby about sleeping in a tent or on the ground so we are limited to day hikes excpet in the White Mountains where there are cabins. We have stayed in them and it is a lot of fun, unfortantly no dogs and for me that's a problem. We might do one overnight this summer and put the dogs in a kennel for one night but nothing planned yet. Unfortunalty I changed jobs a little over a year ago so I only get 2 weeks vacation, not much time for hiking. Do you and your wife enjoy any other types of excercise? My husband and I also enjoy biking...not speed biking mind you, just leisuley rides most often on old rail beds that have been converted into paths so there are no huge hills....I hate hills  .Again, congrats on your loss and good luck, it sounds like you have a plan and are sticking to it. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hey Hiker, This was our first hike and you're right, we couldn't have done it without the weight loss. The park service describes the trail we went on a moderate. My wife has lost 42 lbs since we began last year but she's not exercising so it was tougher for her but she made it pretty well. This was a day hike. We're just getting into this so we want to get used to it. I suspect we'll do overnighters one of these days. We're both in our 50s so we are strong believers in comfort. Here's a link to the cabin we rented.http://www.sugarmaplecabins.com/cabin.asp?property_id=441&group_id= We have two dogs as well; a yellow lab and a beagle. We put them in the kennel. We really need our down time and we cater very well to the dogs all year long. I don't feel guilty. My wife just changed jobs too so her vaction goes from 3 weeks to one and she has to accrue that. We're looking into places where we can do day hikes and not have to drive too far. We don't have bikes and my wife isn't an exercise buff. I think she's going to start soon though. I have a stationary bike in the house and a weight bench. I use these religiously. We went to the Grand Canyon and Sedona a couple of years ago and it was spectacular. We didn't hike though. Maybe the next trip. How much weight do you want to lose? What time are you giving yourself? Stay in touch and stay strong! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hey Bert, I feel your wife's pain. I am have certain things I like but there is so much excercise I don't like. Fortuanaltey I found walking and hiking, for me I really like to be outdoors so that was the key. It took me many years to figure it out. I belong to a gym but I really thing I just want to give them my money every month for some unknown reason becuase I never go. I keep thinking I will but I don't. I don't mind the cold so even in the winter I would rather walk and I love to snow shoe. There is nothing like the woods in the winter, I am really bad at geography but I would imagine even in NC in the mountians it snows in the winter. If so I can not tell you what a great expericne snow shoeing is, on very easy trails of course. I would like to loose 30-40 lbs, I am taking it slow and have kind of set a goal of loosing it by Thanksgiving. I am hoping if I can loose the weight it will motivate me to get trough the holidays without going crazy. Right now I am a little bummed in that I have been really sticking to a 1300 calories a day but I am not seeing much at the scale. I try to weigh only twice a week but I confess I've cheated and it looks like I haven't lost any this week. I will know tomorrow as that is my real weigh in day. Ive checked a lot of sites and at 1300 calories based on my weight, height and activity level i should be losing about 1.5 lbs a week but it doesn't seem to be happening. I am trying to keep a positive attitude and just keep going but I admit it's hard. I am sure you must have had some struggles along the way, how did you get through those times when you weren't losing but you were sticking to your diet? What type of diet are you doing? It sounds like your wife is doing fantastic too, is she trying or just benefitng from your new lifestyle? My husband has diabetes and high blood pressure so he tries to be careful to. I guess it's a life long challenge. BTW, I saw your Mexican bean recipe on your site w/ the 3 long stem roses and it looks great. I copied it and I think I will try it this week. It's great to hear from you keep in touch. Hiker Last edited on 15 June 2008 02:30 pm by Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hey Hiker, Yes, we have snow in the mountain in winter but without 4 wheel drive it's hard to get to them. I think this hiking thing is going to be great for us though. I used to hunt a great deal in my younger days and spent a great deal of time outdoors. My wife was never one for the outdoors but she's changing her mind a great deal on this. I know what you mean about the frustration of not losing as quickly as you would like or not seeing the scale move. It happens. I actually gained over the weekend due to enjoying myself at a wedding but I'm back to what I was last Monday. Don't give up! The thing that keeps me going is the understanding that this is not a short term thing. I'm making a life style change and that means FOR LIFE! If I gain a bit or stay the same, it's gonna happen and be part of life. I want to enjoy things like the wedding, etc, but as long as I make those times the 5% of my life and not the 95%, I'll win over time.My diet (I hate that term-too temporary) is really counting calories, looking at portions and exercise. I think you're doing things fine but make sure of your calories. Often we consume more than we think. I know I do so I allow for a 10%-15% error.  There are going to be times when the scale doesn't move so keep in mind that with exercise, you're mostlikely gaining some muscle and that's heavier than fat. You'll do it.My wife helps with the menu planning and we shop and share the cooking. She isn't exercising though (#%^@) and she's still losing. I guess she has that metabolism. She is eating well though and that has a lot to do with it. BTW, I had cholesterol and blood pressure issues too. Not any more. My cholesterol over all is under 200 and the bad is down significantly. Blood pressure is normal and the doc has taken me off the meds. Sugar went from 99 to 81! All in all I'm getting pretty healthy and my doc is really happy. I am too. Hang in there and don't let the slowness get to you. It's a process and it's about a healthy life style and not the scale. See how your clothes fit too. That's a great measure. Bert |
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anned Distinguished Member 
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Hello, Hiker and Bert, My name is Anne and I just saw your posts. It sounds like you two are serious losers - ha! I would like to be as well! I have struggled with weight all my life. Although I have not tried as many fad diets as it sounds like each of you have, I have certainly "dieted". By the way, I don't consider WW to be a fad diet like Atkins- it can be decently balanced. Like Bert, at the beginning of this year, I had a realization that diets don't work for me - I have to sign up for a lifestyle change. Even so, I wanted the lifestyle change to come with weight loss and the lifestyle would help me to keep it off. I lost 30 lbs in about 3 months (my initial goal was 35) but since April, I have not been very successful losing. It is not surprising because I have not been as focused as I was at first. Every time I gain a few pounds, I have jumped on those to lose them but I haven't kept going. I feel that I am ready now to get that focus and momentum back. Once I get to 35 lbs, I plan to set another weight loss goal, probably for another 15. This site has been a big help to me. This is the first time I have ever really counted calories religiously. Now I see that even though I never really had horrible eating habits, those 50 calorie nibbles can really add up over time! I have enjoyed the buddy forums and have been in one since January - but my buddies have slowly fallen away. Just today I posted to see if anyone was out there (the forum is losing weight in 2008) so we'll see what happens. Then I saw this forum and I was wondering if you would mind if I joined you (assuming my buddies don't want to be on the site much). I am willing to commit to 3 months of encouraging and posting on mostly a daily basis. (Peter made a suggestion that buddies should make a commitment to each other for a period of time and then are more likely to be successful). So what do you say? I can contribute to the hiking discussions. I live in the middle of big hiking country in the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado! The trails are NOT flat by any stretch of the imagination, but the scenery is beautiful. My goal is to be able to continue to do these until I die (I am 50 now so hopefully no time soon). Hiker, I think your will power is amazing when it comes to desserts! Since I was looking at this very long term, I decided that I would not be happy if I could not have treats. So I allowed myself about 130 calories per day for a treat - a half cup of ice cream, 2 small cookies, a couple small pieces of chocolate, etc. I really wasn't sure if this would work because I was worried that once I got started, I would not stop. But it has worked well - just knowing that I can have a little bit keeps me satisfied - and I know I can stick to it long term. I thought I'd throw that out to you in case you are feeling like you need a treat now and then. Of course, there will still be days that I over-indulge but like Bert, as long as those are the exceptions, I think it will be OK. Hope to hear from you, Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Anne, Welcome to our group. Of course you can join. We can all use the additional encouragement! I love it out west. I envy you. Maybe one day my wife and I will retire out there somewhere. We have very good friends in AZ and we love it there. I'm 56, by the way and in the best shape I've been in in the past 20 years. I'm on the edge of being under 200 lbs for the first time in 20 years. My wife an I are just getting into hiking and we love the outdoors. Any and all ideas, suggestions, equipment, etc. is welcome. Counting calories and exercise is the only thing that works for me. Congratulations on 30 lbs. You'll get to the 45-50 mark. Just stay focused. For me, it's really a matter of habit changing as I mentioned. This way the focus becomes somewhat automatic. I do have a goal of losing 100 lbs and I hope to hit that by the end of July. If I don't, I'm not worried. I'll hit it eventually since this is going to be a life long change. After that I'll fine tune and then maintenance. I suspect I'll be on the forums for quite some time. I don't think an indulging snack is bad at all as long as you take it into consideration in your overall calorie count. You won't feel deprived either. I try to do it only once or twice a month though. If I do it more frequently I'll never be able to change my habits. Right now my snacks are fruit, 60 calorie yogurt, 100 cal popcorn, 70 calorie sugar free pudding, you get the idea. I always count these into my overall daily count. The really special treats like, let's say, DQ Blizzard with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups  is something I'll reward myself with. As long as it's the exception rather than the rule, I'll be ok. Let's face it; this is all part of life and as such, should be part of a lifestyle.Glad you're with us Anne. Stay in touch! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Anne, welcome, it's great to have another buddy....the more the merrier I say. Sorry to say the past couple of days have been absolutley crazy for me so I haven't bee on the site much. I think tomorrow should be a little better and I will actually get on here and chat. I'm glad you decided to stop in and join us. I see you're from Colorado, my daughter lives there and I think it is a beautiful state. "talk" to you both later. Hiker |
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Thanks, Bert and Hiker, I am excited to be in a forum again! I wish us all great luck in losing weight! Hiker, where does your daughter live? I live near Telluride - about 350 miles southwest of Denver. It's closer to Utah and the Four Corners area. I do love it here; I don't know how I am so blessed. It's small town though so not for everyone (thank goodness!). It sounds like we are all fairly close in age - I'm 50 - EEEK! How did THAT happen? It's easier for me to tell my age than my weight - that has always been a pretty taboo subject - I don't even let the doctor weigh me! But I'm 5'8 and wear a size 10. Before I lost the 30 lbs, I could not get into alot of my clothes. Now I can again and that feels good but I'd really like to be a size 8. That means shopping for some new clothes and I don't like shopping. I think this is partly why I have lost some momentum - I'm sort of comfortable in the clothes I have right now. Well, time to move on! I am pretty good about exercising but l don't know if any amount is ever enough. When I lived in the big city, I used to go to the health club and I actually liked that alot. I liked the access to good equipment and I liked seeing other people. Now I don't have access to a health club. So, I bought a really good cross trainer a few years ago and I use that mostly for day to day exercise, as well as some free weights. Then I also walk, bike (some), ski, hike, snow shoe, etc. I consider the latter things to be mostly for fun although I know it's exercise too. My overall fitness goal is to be in good enough shape to do all the physical things I want to do. So far, so good. Speaking of exercise, there is an amazing race near where I live that you might want to check out just for fun called the Hardrock 100. I am not in good enough shape to do this but it does not fall into the category of something I want to do either! It's an extreme race and really puts into perspective that my cross trainer might as well be a couch! Here is a short description: The fifteenth running of the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run is scheduled to start at 6:00 am, Friday July 11, 2008, in Silverton, Colorado. In 2008, the course will be run clockwise - a big loop through the San Juan Mountains of beautiful southwest Colorado: Silverton - Ophir - Telluride - Ouray - Sherman (Lake City) - Silverton, 100 miles, 33,000' total elevation gain, 11,186' average elevation, low point 7,680' at Ouray, high point 14,048' at Handies Peak. By the way, this is a continuous race. The winner last year came in at over 24 hours. If you decide you want to do it, you can stay at my house! I had a good day today, by the way. 1250 calories (a little low) and a fair amount of exercise. Good luck to you all! Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert & Anne, first I just want to say I am so glad to have some diet buddies, I really think it helps a lot. I'm glad you are both interested in hiking but I am sure we will find many other common grounds. Anne, you are right it looks like we are all in the same age category...I do think that helps only in that at different stages of your life you have different challenges...we are all having the slowing metabolism challenge for one! And Bert and I both are facing cooking for 2 which can be a blessing in many ways but a challenge too. I am sorry I have been a little remiss with this site...and my diet I'm afraid. I am having some remodeling done and I work at home...it has made for some very stressful days and that has sent me right into the salty/sweet thing....you know you eat one and then have to have the other and so on and so on. I have not given up hope but I am a little disappointed in myself. Oh well, I will get back on this wagon. Tonight I have to go to my nephews pre-school graduation ( I guess they have about 4 graduations before high school now ) anyway, he is a sweetie and I don't mind but of course I know he will pick some place for dinner that won't have great choices and of course there is the cake and ice cream. This too will pass. Then on Saturday my granddaughter is here from Colorado so we will have another challenge. Just one of those weeks for me....we all have them. Anne my daughter lives in Colorado Springs, she went out there when she was in the Air Force and fell in love with Colorado and her husband and we never got her back. Two summers ago I was working for a few weeks in Angleworm, it was so beautiful. I really do like Colorado....not as much as Massachusetts--after all they don't have the Red Sox but the weather is very nice and the countryside is beautiful. I did miss the trees but the weather was a great trade off. It sounds like we are all trying to make some real life style changes, acutaully it sounds like both of you have already made some great strides. Mine have been smaller, I lost 20 lbs and kept 15 of it off for about a year now but I've been stuck. I still want to loose around 35 more so I need to get serious. I haven't weighed myself this week, mostly becuase I know it is not going to be good news but I will do that this week end. The remodeling is going to be going on for a couple of weeks so I am just going to have to get used to the noise and commotion....I am so spoiled working from home I am used to haveing pretty much complete silence. BTW....I have checked the box at the bottom that says to notify me by email when replies are posted but so far I have not been notified once. Do either of you know what I might have done wrong? Sorry for such a long post, just trying to catch up. Hiker/Fran Last edited on 19 June 2008 12:03 pm by Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi ladies, It's good to hear from you. Hiker, I only get notified if someone replies directly to my post so I have to make sure I check daily to see if someone else posts too. I'm going to see what I can find out. I've checked the box too. I wonder if there's a way when we reply to one that we can copy others. Peter can help us too. Anne, at 5'8" and size 10, you don't seem to be terribly over weight. You're definitely on the right track. My wife is on this life change with me and has lost 42 lbs since last July. She's 53, about 5'5" and went from a 16 to an 8. Some things a 6. What ticks me off is that she hasn't done a lick of exercise!!!  She has to start and she knows it but when is to be determined. We have the stationary bike, weight bench and free weights in the house.The race you're talking about is insane!!! There's no air out there Granted, it's clean air but there just isn't enough of it to go around. Hiker, I feel your pain regarding the re-modeling. Last spring we had a new roof, the house trim repaired and painted, new gutter work, new HVAC duct work, two new air conditioning units and a new furnace. All was being done at the same time!!!  Crazy, not to mention expensive.I'd like to join the local YMCA but my wife just got laid off so $$ are slim right now. I'd like the Y because I can really mix up my routine. I think that's good. Also, enjoy the graduation celebration. It's all part of life and since we're making life changes, one or two days won't hurt. What we do 5% of the time vs. 95% of the time is what's critical. The 5% should be fine. Just try to plan a good exercise regimen during that time to minimize the impact. Have a great day ladies! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, I am sorry to hear your wife lost her job....that really stinks. I don't know what your town has but I know here the city has a lot of free summer outside activities that can be a lot of fun. Are you home during the day? Our recreation dept offers a lot of nice walks, some hikes as well as tennis and a few other more ambitious activities. You might want to check it out, for years I was unaware we even had these. I agree it's great if you can mix up your routine a little. Any chance for swimming? They say that is a great activity. Another thing we have done is get a state park pass, lots to do there and not too expensive. It must be hard for your wife, if I understand, this was a fairly new job? That is the trouble, once you lose a job then your the first to go at the next job and it's a tough cycle. Best of luck to her. Hiker/Fran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi, Thanks for the kind words. She's been through the mill and on an emotional rollercoaster. She was forced out of her position of 14 years when the practice she works at was bought. She interviewed with a guy and it seemed all was well but when she got into the job she learned that the lady she replaced was only there a little while and was fired. So was the lady before her. There were two additional women in the office and one turned her resignation in on Monday and yesterday was her last day. The other one that's there has only been there a month and my wife said she's really frazzled. The guy said he needed someone with experience on the particular software package they had. She told him in the beginning that she didn't but he didn't seem to think it was an issue. There were other things too such as getting on his hands and knees to scrub out a small spot on the carpet, arranging chairs in the waiting room and going back and back to make sure they alligned, etc. A bit O/C. She's probably better off but it's still very disappointing. We have plenty of stuff to do in the surrounding area with regard to hiking, etc. I work during the day so we have to hit them on the weekends. We live just outside of Charlotte and it's pretty cosmopolitan. Swimming is at the Y. Thanks for your thoughts. Please keep her in your prayers. Bert |
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Greetings, Bert and Fran, It was fun reading your posts and getting to know more about you. Remodeling, working at home, poor luck with a job, Massachusetts, Charlotte... thanks for sharing! Bert, I am also sorry to hear about your wife's job. Is she looking for something else? I hope she can find something that is a better fit for her. That way, she'll be able to look back and say it was a good thing that this happened. Hiker, your daughter lives in Colorado Springs? Tell her I have a very nice house for sale there! My husband and I are still trying to sell our house in the Springs - it has been a very slow market. He is building our house in southwest Colorado. It's not done but we do spend alot of time here. Since this is where we will ultimately end up, I say this is where we live even though we are "in between". I work out of my home as well - the co I work for is based in DC - so I can work anywhere I have a phone and internet connection. Right now I'm taking a break for lunch. I have found working at home to be a challenge with respect to eating. The kitchen is too close! I have really had to work on the nibbling habit. I can't say I've overcome it, but I am managing the temptations better. A couple weeks ago I bought a bag of chips - big mistake - I could not leave them alone. I'm on track for today. Exercised this am, have been eating well. By the way, I have posted some of my favorite recipes to this site if you are looking for something. Breakfast burritos and pumpkin muffins are life savers for me. Do you guys have things that make your healthy eating life style easier? You know, tastes good and good for you? I don't know about the e-mail notification. I am getting notified of your posts, Fran, but not Bert's. Well, on my way to 35 lbs! Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, Anne...good morning. Anne, building a house....now that makes my remodeling headache seem small. Is it your "retirement" dream home? We built ours 12 house 12 years ago and now we are just upgrading a few things we couldn't afford to do at first. Building a home is exciting, this was the first time we did that...I think you need a couple of tries to get it right. Our problem is we absolutely love our lot so we're here to stay and will just have to deal with our other "mistakes". When you were in Colorado Springs you must have gone to the Garden of the gods? It was several years ago but I am still inspired but the incredible beauty of that place. We went every morning, around 6 am and the quiet and beauty where spectacular. I've been later in the day but the mornings....I can not describe them. I too work at home, it has it's drawback, like unlimited access to food but I hope I never have to go back to an office. I love this working at home thing. Why more companies don't do it I'll never know. I am way more productive at home than I ever was in an office and I am so much happier in my job. Bert, you don't happen to work at home too do you? Just wondering it would just be a weird coincidence. Boy it sounds like your wife is better off...that guy sounds like a nut case to me. I will keep her in my thoughts and I hope something turns up soon, I know being out of work is devastating to a persons ego. Unless of course that is what they want but it doesn't sound like that is the case. One positive is it sounds like she keeps her weight under control. When my last company left and about 200 people were out of work, I swear the large women had so much more of a hard time finding jobs no matter how competent they were. Not fair but I swear it's a fact so she can feel good about that at least, she'll have a leg up. I got through the graduation without too much trouble and I am trying to get off to a good start today. I plan to take the dogs for a long walk this afternoon and to keep on track diet wise. I'll let guys know how it goes. I started the day with cottage cheese, which I actually really like and I hope to stay on track. BTW, I think both of you said you were on WW at one time or antoher, me too. I do think it is the best one out there but this time I want to learn to manage the calorie intake myself rather than depending on the points system. But basically I think WW has a good system. I think a major part of the success w/ WW at least for me was the support that is why I am so glad to have some diet buddies to do this with, I really think that makes a difference. And I swear I won't always be so long winded. Fran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi ladies, Fran, I used to work out of the house for many years. I was in sales and traveled a lot and had one day a week for administrative stuff and had an office in the house. I did this for a major portion of my career. I now work for our local community college. It's a long story how this came about but it's a completely different career than what I was in. I started making the transition to a new career when I was 44. I'm on one of our campuses (we have 6) in the Corporate & Continuing Education end of the college. I'm responsible for the foreign language program, the Notary Public training program and a little bit of APICS. I've been to Garden of the gods and it is spectacular! I love it out west! Fran, I feel the same way that you do about WW. It is a good program but I had to learn to recognize types and portions of foods and calorie amounts on my own. For me it is a matter of incorporation knowledge about these things as I change my habits and make them part of my life. So far so good. Monday is my official weigh in day but as of this morning I'm at 200 lbs. That's 90 lbs GONE!!! I hope to be under 200 by Monday. It will be the first time in 20 years. Have a great weekend ladies. I know I will! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, no matter what Monday brings 90lbs is fantastic. I'm sure you know that but I just had to congratulate you.  |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Thanks!!! |
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Wow, Bert, that is great! 90 lbs is a small person! I'm rooting for you to get below 200 by Monday. I know that will be a huge emotional lift! Bert can do it, yes he can! If anyone can lose it, Bert's the man! Oh sorry, just a little cheerleading there! How about you, Fran? Any short term goal you are shooting for? My short term goal is the next 5 lbs to get me to 35 lbs. I have been good the past two days. Today I have gotten my exercise - 40 minutes on the cross trainer and free weights. Plus today is my day off so I'll be doing some major house cleaning. Not fun necessarily, but active. Fran, I've been working at home for 11 years and I also like it alot. Not only do I now want to go into an office but I never want video cam either! I do alot of web meetings and if I had to get dressed up - well, that would be awful! Bert, what do you do at the college? I am intrigued - continuing education and foreign language - quite a mix! And what is APICS? What is your job, Fran? Mine is a little hard to explain. The company I work for has the largest executive network in the world - we bring them together and deliver research & networking opportunities. I am a senior research director so get involved alot with delivering service to clients. Yes, building a house is a big undertaking, especially since my husband is doing all the work himself. He has been working on it for over 5 years and probably has another 5 to go. We live in a studio over the garage - which is very nice - while he is finishing the main house. This is the place we hope to stay forever; it is just beautiful here. I would actually be satisfied if the house were never finished just to be able to be here and look out at the views every day. I am very familiar with Garden of the Gods in CS - our "other" house is very close to there. Take care, you guys. Happy Friday! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Anne, Thanks for the cheer! I can see you doing the cartwheels now. I'm part of the LMPD team (Leadership, Management & Professional Developement). We feel that language training can play a large part in that. Many of our students need language for their jobs rather than just for a quick vacation. We offer 4 levels of Spanish, 3 of Italian, 2 French, 2 German and 2 Mandarin Chinese. APICS is the Association for Operations Management. I'm not sure how the acronym applies. The specific course I'm involved in is an exam prep course for the Certified Supply Chain Professional designation. This is a national/global certification awarded by APICS and is recognized world wide. Expensive course; $2000. My responsibilities include, but are not limited to , course development, instructor staffing, scheduling, marketing, coordinating text book ordering with our 6 campuses and the book stores and collaborating with our corporate training team by customizing courses for on-site corporate training. I'm tired already just listing it all. LOL! I'm glad it's Friday!! Have a great one and tune in on Monday for the big weigh in results!! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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HI guys, just checking in for the day, hope all is going well for both of you. Boy it sounds like you both have pretty exciting jobs. Me...I am a claims adjuster, I handle liability claims and Iwork in the field, meeting with people, investigating accident scenes etc. As I said I work from home but I do have to go out quite a bit so it's a nice change. It's the kind of job you fall into because you need a job but it turns out I actually really like it so I guess I'm lucky. Anne asked about my short term goals, I have set a goal of loosing between 1-2 lbs a week...my short, short term goal is to get completely on board with my plan . I did well yesterday....until the evening then the ice cream was calling me and of course I over did it. Still it was a pretty good day overall for me a few challenges like planning on subway for lunch only to find it was closed for renovations and I ended up at Sbarro's but I made up for that slip with supper and we took the dogs to this place wear they can run off leash through acres of woods so we walked for a good hour or more with them. So overall I am satisfied.It sounds like both of you have been doing this for a while and doing it quite well, I feel lucky that you both are here. I started in February but I was doing one of those fad things and I should no better but I was looking for a quick fix anyway now I know I am going to have to do it the right way and I am glad I have such good leads to follow. Do you guys eat out much? That is a problem for me, I hate to cook so I am always up for "lets eat out tonight" any suggestions? My husband is really flexible and will go along with whatever I want to do meal wise so I can't blame him. Well, I am off for a girl bonding day with my 14 year old granddaughter--what to do with a 14 year old--Yikes! We're going to do the pedicure/manicure thing, then probably a little shopping...maybe a movie we'll see how bored she gets with the old grandma. I know she does not like the kinds of things we normally do...outside activities so I am trying to find stuff she can tolerate for a day. She lives so far away I only see her a few days a year so it's always hard but I want her to have some happy times of me....I may need her when I'm really old .Have a great day guys. Last edited on 21 June 2008 01:03 pm by Hiker |
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Happy Saturday! I hope you have fun with your granddaughter, Fran. I know what you mean - you want them to have a good time with you. My husband has two daughters from a previous marriage and so I got to be a grandma! We have a grandson who is 8 and a granddaughter who is 5. Even though I may not be the biological grandmother, they know no difference and we have a great time together. They are at such perfect ages where they really want to do things with you so it is fun. I'm told that grandparents don't go through the "you don't know anything" stage like parents do so maybe we'll be lucky and they will keep wanting to hang around with us. They also live a ways away so we see them about 4X per year. Well, anyway, I hope you found that perfect thing to do with a 14 year old. Pedicures and a movie sound pretty good to me! Eating out is a problem for me as well. Pre-January, we used to eat out alot more than we do now. To be honest, eating out was our main form of entertainment when the weather was bad. I was really strict from Jan 1 to mid April (only ate out 1-2 times in that whole period). Since mid April, we have eaten out more and my weight loss has been totally stagnant. What happens is that I work hard, lose a couple pounds (this takes about a week) and then go out to dinner - the couple pounds is back like a lost dog! I do not go hog wild when I go out either. Typically a roll with butter, small salad (with little dressing), and then split something with my husband. No wine, no dessert. If I have nothing but a salad when we eat out, I am OK as far as weight goes but I'm not really that enthused about going out to get a pretty plain salad. I make great salads myself. I wish I had a silver bullet on this one for you but I don't. One thing you might try is going out to lunch on a weekend rather than eating dinner out during the week. At least then you have a long period before bed. If you could have breakfast, a healthy snack and then go out for a late lunch - say 2 or 3 in the afternoon, my guess is that it would work better weight wise. Then you could have a small snack in the evening or skip it all together. In addition to not eating out much, I have given up alcohol for the most part. I was not a big drinker but would have a glass of wine 2-3 times per week. Basically, I decided I did not have room in my daily caloric allowance to drink it. This applies to just about any drink - wine, beer, juice, milk, etc. When I am not at the point of trying to lose weight anymore, then hopefully I will be able to add some of this back in moderation. I have tried to substitute other things for eating out. This is much easier when the weather is nice like it is now. Things like a bike ride, a walk, a dip in the local hot springs (that's a good winter activitiy also) are fun and don't entail food. Tomorrow we are going to an outdoor concert and I'll bring a little picnic of healthy things. You both sound like you have interesting jobs. Fran, it is such a coincidence that one of the women in the other forum I was in was also an insurance adjuster. For a minute, I thought maybe you had changed your name and started over! I think it is great that you like your job - what could be better than that? Today is my fourth day in a row of being good and it is easier today than it has been the last three days so maybe I am making progress! Bert, I can't wait to hear what the scale says on Monday! I'll bet you are going to break the 200 mark! Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Anne & Bert, good morning. I love Sunday mornings, no pressure just a slow day planned...a little housework and some yard work but just what ever gets done. At least I will try to keep this laid back attitude. I can easily slip back into my type A personality but it's nice to just go slow some days. I know what you mean Anne about stringing a few good days together, once you get past a point, for me it's to get past a week end, and then it gets so much easier. Bert, tomorrow is a big day for you, I have my fingers crossed for you. Have a nice day. BTW, do you think we should change our name? I have no ideas whatsoever and my creativity is about 0 but I though we might want to get a name? My only suggestion would be something that would show we are always open to others, unless you guys feel otherwise? Any suggestions? Fran Last edited on 22 June 2008 02:31 pm by Hiker |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Last edited on 22 June 2008 02:29 pm by Hiker |
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Hi, Bert and Fran, Just a quick note before bed. I didn't do extremely well today - but not horrible either. We'll see tomorrow... I was wondering about a name too. We could get one or we could also "move" to the forum that I have been in since January. It's called "losing weight in 2008". The only reason I suggest that is because it has the second highest number of posts and reads among all the forums - Peter's keeping track of sweets is higher. I was kind of excited about it being such an active forum and I am a little sad about leaving it behind. I'll just open that up to you for comment. Bert, waiting to hear on your news tomorrow! Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning Anne and Bert. I have no problem with changing to the other forum if they don't mind newcomers. The only thing I am concerned about is they all sound like they are way ahead of me as far as dedication and committment go, I am still struggling to get on the band wagon. I am not sure they want to hear about those early problems? If they don't mind I am fine with it and if they don't want new people and you want to go back to your old group I certainly understand, it looks like you've been with them for quite some time. Anyway let me know how they feel about it. Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Good morning ladies!!!! What a lovely day it is!!!! WHOO HOO!!!!!! 199 LBS AS OF THIS MORNING!!!! This is the first time I've been under 200 lbs in 20 years!!! Fran 1-2 lbs a week is great! That's what my goals have been too. Some weeks I hit it and others I didn't but my average over the weeks has been pretty consistent. I've been keeping a log by week for almost a year and it's great to see the progress. I'm down 91 lbs. I've got 9 lbs to go to hit my big goal and then I'll fine tune. I've cut back on the alcohol too. A glass of wine now and again and maybe a bourbon. It's my treat. My mother gave me a bottle of Maker's Mark for fathers day and I wouldn't want to insult mom. When we go out to eat we'll go to a seafood place like Bonefish Grill and I can get a grilled piece of fish, veggies and maybe a salad if I'm really hungry. I generally ask for dressing on the side and dip my fork into it so I have the taste with every fork full but I don't have much at all. Instead of bread with butter I'll dip in a little olive oil. It's better. We also go to Carabbas and they have a salad there with a vinigrette dressing and grilled scallops and shrimp. That's great. I think they call it Ensalata Johnnie Rocco. Well, since we're talking about grand kids, you know I have the most intelligent and beautiful grandson around, don't you? He'll be three in September and we have a grand daughter on the way, also due in September. God is good!!!If it's all the same to you two, I'd like to keep our posts the same. We can welcome others to be sure but if it gets too big I may lose track of all the posts. It's easier too to help each other. Let me know what you think. Have a great day, ladies and stay strong!! We can do it!! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert....whoohoo!!! Fantastic    !! You must feel so great today you should celebrate...non food celebration of course. You are going to be able to do so much more with those two little ones. When we can we go for "nature" walks with our nephews (ages 2 and 4) and we always bring a bag along for each of them...they find so many treasures and sometimes we come home and with a little glue and construction paper we make beautiful pictures. It's great exercise for us and the kids.Thanks for the eating out tips, I will try ordering grilled fish more. I really like fish so that is not a big sacrifice....it's that darn bread bowl and mashed potatoes. Your right a salad would be a much better choice and I already do the fork in the dressing trick. Isn't it amazing how little salad dressing you use and it still tastes the same. Someone also told me they do that with Chinese ... they order steamed shrimp and veggies with the ginger sauce on the side and use the dipping the fork trick, haven't tried that one yet but next time I have to have Chinese I will. We can definitely keep this site going, actually I was suprised you wanted to stay...I know you do another site to and I thought you might have joined me out of pity since no one was responding but I was glad you did regardless. I am not sure if Anne will want to stay here or go to her old site, it's great if she stays but if not we can keep this one going and maybe others will want to join...if not we've got each other! Any ideas for name?Hiker Last edited on 23 June 2008 02:56 pm by Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Thanks, Hiker!!! Here are some names off the top of my head. 3 on a Match, Thin Trinity, Skinny Minis, Mid-Life Spices (my fave), Born to Lose. I'll see if I can come up with more. Our pal out west is probably still sleeping. Wake up!!!!!Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, my you are a creative type arn't you. They're all great, but I'm with you " Mid-Life Spices" is my favorite too. Hey Anne, when you wake up enough to read these let us know what you think. Last edited on 23 June 2008 03:15 pm by Hiker |
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Good morning you two! Well, I'm finally awake! Congratulations, Bert, what great news!! Doesn't it feel great to pass a big milestone like this?? I know it does - 91 lbs - under 200lbs! Wow, wow, wow! Am I right that this has taken you about a year? I have some good news as well. I was down 33 lbs this am! Even after some slips yesterday. Concerning the forum, I definitely want to stay with you. I guess I did not describe the other forum very well. I don't have any active buddies there right now. I am the one who started in in January and I've been the only one consistently participating. I've invited other people to join along the way as buddies have come and gone. The only reason I suggested it was 1) lots of people read it and Peter said that the forums are helpful to others trying to lose weight even if they don't get actively involved and 2) I thought that MAYBE one of the past buddies would return. It is not a big deal though and more importantly, I'd like to keep posting with you guys, wherever that may be! I want you to know that I am in this for the long haul and will be here to support you. Honestly, I have been disappointed to get started with someone in a forum, only to see them disappear after a month or so. I have been on the site continually since January and I can see that both of you have been as well (or longer). So, I really appreciate that! BTW, I agree with you, Bert - God is good! It is only with His strength that I have been able to lose some weight! By myself, I have no willpower!!! Have a great day, you guys! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hey Anne, 33 lbs!!! Way to go!!! It does feel good, doesn't it!!! Yes, I've been at this since July 16, 2007. Regarding your comment about God's strength to help you lost weight, I don't generally speak of this as some people get uptight but at this juncture I think it's appropriate. We all know that there is the physical aspect to losing weight with respect to calorie counting, portion control and exercise. It goes without saying this is a big part of it. We now know too that there is an emotional side to losing weight, perhaps more specifically, why we gain weight and how we need to take a look at some of the emotional reasons we eat and what we have to do long term to address these emotional issues. I believe there is a spiritual aspect as well. I've gained, lost, gained, lost several times over the past years only to end up gaining more than I lost. Yes, it was fad diets. Yes, I wanted to do it very quickly and yes, after I hit my goal I went right back to the old habits. It wasn't enough though to identify all the external aspects of why I gained or lost weight and identifying emotional aspects just didn't cut it either. I can't tell you how many commercials I've seen that always state "This time is for you! Lose weight for yourself. You deserve it." etc. All these ads are all about "me" and self focused. To be sure, we want to lose weight and the one, at least from a physical standpoint, that will benefit is ourselves. I've tried this motivation in the past and was still unsuccessful. I may have mentioned this before but last year, when on vacation, I hurt my back. I was like an old man walking around. I realized during that time that, God forbid, if we were accosted, there was no way I could protect my wife. It was at that moment I began to realize that this was no longer about me. I had to get in shape to protect my wife. It went deeper than that though. I knew I had to be strong to physically protect her but more importantly, I began to realize that I had to ensure I'd be around in 10 years to be with her. I always felt that I wanted to pass before her as I couldn't live without her. That was the "me" motivation again. I've come to realize that I have to be the one with her; to hold her hand when she takes her last breath and be with her to the end. I know all this sounds morbid and mushy but I'm getting to my point. I had all the knowledge of why I gained weight and what I had to do to lose it. It's kind of like golf; I know what to do but I can't do it! I began to pray. I asked our Lord to show me the way. If He wanted me to lose this weight and get in shape I couldn't do it on my own. I prayed telling Him that He gave her to me and I needed to be around to love and support her. He answered my prayer. I began on July 16th and I haven't looked back. If that's not enough, since I began on this journey, my son asked me to be guardian of his children in the event something happened to both of them. What an honor!! What a responsibility! It's not about me. It's about those I love! It's not my intention to proselytize but there is no way I could accomplish what I have without my Christian faith. Our Lord has been with me the entire way and with His help I'll keep this off for good! Thanks for taking the time to read this, ladies. It's a hugh part of my success. To Him be the glory! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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You guys are both so great, I am not really religious but I am certainly not anti-religion but I do envy people that have your kind of faith and I am glad to share with you. I got two great diet buddies and what you say Bert is so true about loosing weight. I know all the facts and I believe them in my head but you really need to believe it in your heart, call it religion, spirituality, faith whatever, I think you need it to be successful and so far I have not reached that point....but I am trying and I know I will get there. I think we are going to be good support, like you said Anne, we are all in for the long run. So far today is a good food day for me, I've kept my carbs extra low because for supper I am having a baked potato with turkey chili,I use canned turkey chili so it is a nice easy meal but I know the baked potato is not great. So for the name....Bert had some great suggestions....Anne any suggestions or any preference on Bert's suggestions? Again, I am so glad the 3 of us are on this journey together. Sorry for the mush. Fran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Fran, It's not mush. For the record, I never think of myself as religious either. Sure, I go to church for worship but it's just that; worship. I can worship in many ways. It may sound weird but often times religion gets in the way of faith. Does that make sense? Someone once said that "Religion was man's attempt to reach God. Christ is God's attempt to reach man." I kinda like that. Anyway, I'm glad we found each other too. B Last edited on 23 June 2008 08:15 pm by pbf4326e |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning guys. So Bert, today is the day you start on the below 200 phase of your life! My goal like that is 150, I haven't been below that in about 12 years, but this time I will make it but for now I will be happy with any loss. Yesterday was a good food day for me, my total calories were actually a little low, just over 1,000 but my carbs were too high...40%. It's unbelievable what 1 (albeit large) baked potato can do. Unfortunately my husband couldn't walk and that was all the excuse I needed so I missed out on that extra calorie boost but it was a good day. I felt in control of my eating. We're getting hit with some nasty thunderstorms in Massachusetts but at least it's not hot and humid so I won't complain. Unfortunately two of my dogs are afraid of thunder, one is absolutely terrified and it's so sad to watch. He's on drugs and they help but not enough. Worse than kids, there is nothing you can do to explain it to them. Well you guys have a good day. Anne, let me know what you think about the names Bert suggested or if you have any of your own and we can let Peter know. Fran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Mornin' Fran, I felt so good today I even wore a tie! You'll get under the 150 mark. Stay focused and go for little goals. I don't know how far you are from 150 but it doesn't matter. Lifestyle change is what it's about and the little goals help us. Don't worry about the baked potato. It's the stuff we put on it that's the killer. My wife and I will bake sweet potatos and when we have the regular white potatos, we get one good size one and split it. I put salt, pepper and Colonel Seasons popcorn seasoning on it. You should be able to find it in the popcorn section of the supermarket. It's great on potatos. You can get white cheddar, cheddar, ranch, etc. Oh yeah; it's also good on Orville Reddenbacher 100 cal popcorn. My beagle is afraid of thunderstorms too. As long as she's with us she's ok though. She just needs the reassurance. I save the drugs for myself. Anne, good morning (eventually) Have a great day and stay strong! Bert |
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Good morning Bert and Fran! I wanted to post something last night but we went to a concert and then did some grocery shopping afterwards and didn't get home till 11:30 pm - way past my bedtime! Any name you guys want is fine; it sounds like there was one that you both liked. Bert, thanks for the insight on your weight loss journey. Kind of interesting that we have both found prayer to be a major key to success after many years of failed attempts. My angle is that I find food and the habits associated with it to be addictive but unfortunately, we can't give up food entirely like you can with other common addictions like alcohol, drugs, cigarettes (thank goodness I have not had to deal with those issues as well). I wasn't successful in conquering my nibbling habits and like an alcoholic, I suspect that I will always have this problem. I do now recognize that I need strength from God to overcome my tendencies and that He is stronger than my bad habits! This is kind of the alcoholics anonymous approach! I also agree with what you guys have said concerning religion vs. sprirituality. God is alot more interested in relationship than he is in religious ritual. I find that going to church can be a good thing for me but I have to accept the shortcomings of people in that and remember that God is so much more. I don't normally talk about this either, but I'm glad you did, Bert. Fran, is there a reason you have gone with a low carb diet? Have you tried it before and has it been successful for you? The reason I ask is that I have tried them - the most extreme being Atkins - and I have not done particularly well. I think trying to minimize bad carbs like white bread, sugar, etc is probably good for everyone. But there are lots of good carbs too - fruit, veggies, and even baked potatoes! I have ended up having sweet potatoes much more often than white potatoes - they are good for you and so sweet! But they aren't that great with chili on top so I'd go for a white one there! I also don't have much due to the calories involved - typically my husband and I will split a small one - but then portion control is what this is all about, right? I think when we all reach our goals - and maintain them for some period - that we should have a celebration party! Bert, you would probably have to wait for Fran and me! Bye for now! Have a great day! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I think a celebration in the San Juan Mountains sounds great!!! It's a litte flat here. Fran, let me add to the good carbs list that Anne speaks of. We have switched to 100 % whole grain pasta as well as breads. Again, portion size is key but it takes more metabolic activity to digest these vs. the white kind. Also, don't be fooled with labels that state "made with whole grains" of " whole wheat." It's either 100% or not. Hodgson Mills pasta is good and we eat a Petridge Farm Whole Grain bread. Regarding the pasta, you can use turkey Italian sausage or make meatballs with ground turkey or chicken. This, with a good marinara sauce, and you're good to go. Very satisfying with a big salad. Speaking of food, it's lunch time and I'm starving.  See you gals later. Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Thanks for the tips, I have no reason to go low carbs except my husband has diabetes so I try and keep carbs low. I haven't tried the Pepperidge Farm bread but we buy a high fiber bread from Trader Joe's that is really good. Unfortunately we don't have a Trader Joe's real close (20 minute drive) so I don't alway have the bread on hand, the Pepperidge Farm sounds like a great alternative and is probably something we can always get the grocery store. Also I already buy the popcorn seasoning....I never thought to put that on a potato--I will now  . I do sometimes buy the Hodson Mills pasta but it takes soooo long to cook. One thing about me....I am the world's laziest cook, eally I think I have a crown for that. My husband helps but it makes no difference....no one will accuse me of being a domestic goddess . If I were rich I would pay my whole salary to someone else to cook and clean and I would be happy to do so. Now that's lazy.I"m with Bert we'll celebrate in Colorado, of course maybe if it's winter, NC is the better bet . Enjoy the rest of the day. |
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Love to have you ladies visit the Tar Heel State! Fall is particularly lovely as is spring. Generally, winter's a bit wet. B |
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Well, I was thinking more like the Caribbean where we could show off our beach bodies! Well, we'll just have to see... I do think you would love it here as well! Whole grain bread - I have had trouble finding a good one. I live 30 miles from a decent grocery store and I have not seen Peppridge Farm. I have been buying Roman Meal however I see that there is high fructose corn syrup listed in the ingredients - horrors! The reason I keyed in on RM in the first place was because of the whole grain and only 60 calories per slice. But I would rather not have the corn syrup so if you know of any others (still low cal), please let me know. I don't have much time to cook, Fran. So alot of what I do is make things in larger batches and then freeze them. Like I have breakfast burritos almost every morning. But I make them all at one time, put them in the freezer and then take them out individually. For me, that allows me to eat healthy and also takes the sting out of constant cooking. I also keep pumpkin muffins in the freezer - 122 calories each! Gotta get back to work! Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning guys. There you go, we have a great trip when we loose the weight, winter in the Carri bean, spring in NC, summer in CO and Fall in MA! Of course you guys will be waiting for me to reach goal but hey at that point you will probably be so ready to go you'll nag me into submission . Had another good day yesterday (1400 calories)---finally strung together 2 good days! Now I am going for a week, wish me luck. I am really proud of yesterday because we had a busy day and had sandwiches for supper, pastrami no less but still I came in OK. I know what you mean Anne about the corn syrup, they sneak that in so many things. You had me scared for a minute so I went and checked my Trader Joe's bread, it doesn't have any. Trader Joe's is a small chain but I really love it. Do either of you have any around? A lot of people think they are expensive but I have compared many items to Shaw's and they are usually cheaper. Of course Shaw's isn't the cheapest either but those are basically my choices. Bert, you even wore a tie! It must have been a good day. You know I know a lot of women, including myself who really like a man in a tie . My husband stopped wearing them about 5 years ago (except of course for special occasions) but I have always thought they were sexy.I will wait for Anne to wake up but if no one objects I will ask Peter to change our name to Mid-Life Spices (Bert's suggestion). I think that describes us well. Have a good day and stay strong and cool. if possible. Fran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Morning ladies, Yes! Trader Joe's!!! We get all sorts of stuff there. I really like their chicken breakfast sausages in the fresh meat area. Only 110 cal. for 2. With a toasted (lite) English muffin and a fried egg I'm at 280 calories for breakfast. I use a litte butter Pam for the eggs and sausage. Their frozen asparagus is very good, the vegatable bird's nests, the chipotle chicken skewers, etc. There is so much. How about the trail mix bars?? Only 140 cal and they have chocolate chips! Anne, you mentioned showing off our new bods in the Caribbean. I've lost a lot of weight but I'm still better looking with clothes on. In fact, the more I wear the better looking I get. Fran, you mention you like ties. Mmmmm-maybe a tie with my thong would do the trick. Nah!!! That's an image best left alone.Regarding Anne and I nagging you to submission. I think that could be the next fad diet; the Nag Diet! Constant nagging helps burn calories and no one can nag and eat at the same time. The recipient of said nagging would lose weight due to stress and just running away from the nagger. Brilliant!Great two days, Fran. Keep it up. I had a good couple of days myself and I'm working hard. Let's stay focused and committed! I'll think of you two when I'm working out if you think of me (not in the thong and tie, please) Bert |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Oh Ladies, I almost forgot. Pepperidge Farms Whole Grain Breads don't have the high fructose corn syrup either. We use the 100% Whole Wheat at 110 cal per slice. It's chewy and flavorful. Here's a site that may help you find where it's sold in your area. http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/ProductDetail.aspx?catID=750 Bert |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Ladies, I don't know if you've seen this post on Peter's challenge but we should make it a point to ensure we have each others contact info when CPH goes away. I'm distraught. I'll send each of you my email address on a PM. There's no date yet but I certainly want to keep the support going. Bert
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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HI guys, I used to be on a different thread and I remembered some info about this so I went back and her is what I was able to steal. This is from the FL4I thread and I thought it might provide a little more info: ** ANNOUNCEMENT ** RE: Livestrong.com CPH members have recently received an email from LIVESTRONG.COM showing some association to CPH. I am in the process of investigating this with the site owner and admin. Once I receive feedback I will be able to better answer anyone's question concerning this. Rayna ANNOUNCEMENT #2 Many of you have likely seen the email from livestrong.com and have noticed at the bottom it says ... "the new home of CPH". With regrets, I hate to say that this has been under wraps for quite some time, but I took a vow not to say anything. Unfortunately, I'm not very good at checking my mailbox where all my CPH mail goes, and was a little late seeing the email. It was my understanding that an announcement was to be made to all members. I guess the email was their announcement. There is also an active thread taking place on CPH that discusses the transition. The post by Peter clearly explains it all. http://www.caloriesperhour.com/forums/forum19/5943.html Unfortunately, I do not know the future of FL4I on the new site. As I receive information, I will pass it on. If there are no plans to incorporate an FL4I section into the new site, I guess we can all talk off line to identify methods for continuing active support for FL4I. RAYNA ANNOUNCEMENT #3 Folks, there is a possibility that some of the CPH threads could be carried over to livestrong.com, but it's unclear at this time. If FL4I is carried over, we can continue as usual but with a different format. Meanwhile, if I could suggest that we not create any FL4I-related threads on livestrong.com until we find out what's going to happen. BY doing so, this could possibly impact the decision-making factor. CPH is going to be around for will a while. When a complete transition date has been identified, ya'll will be the first I tell!! Thanks, Rayna I think swapping emails is a great idea so we don't loose each other---and you are right Bert a tie and thong---not a good look--not even on Brad Pitt! Fran Fran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I never got the email and I'm not sure what a FL4I is. I'm glad we'll stay in touch until the new site is up. Bert |
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Oh, this is bad news! I love this site and don't want to lose it! I will send both of you my e-mail address. Do you think we should try to get on the livestrong site or just wait? Have either of you tried already? I gained two pounds Now that I know about cph going away, I feel like going and eating more. But I will try to make do with gum and water for now.We don't have any Trader Joe's around here although I have been before in other places. I like the wine selection. I guess I will just have to keep looking for bread. I really do like the fact that Roman Meal is only 60 calories per slice. That is a big deal to me because I make several things where I need two slices of bread and yet the calories don't get excessive. Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I'm thinking that perhaps we should stay with CPH's forums for now. We don't know when it's going away and when it does, we'll have each others contact info and we can check out Living Strong then. At least we won't lose any time. TJ's wine selection is great and very reasonable too. I'm off to a meeting, ladies, so I'll see you tomorrow. Anne, don't worry about the 2 lbs. You'll get rid of that fast. Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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hopefully we can stay on some type of forum but at least we have each other now so if we do loose it we'll be ok. I agree let's stay here and see what happens, I think we will get some more updates as time goes on. Anne, since you didn't object I assume you are okay with changing our name to Mid-Life Spices. I will let Peter know. I am off to a dozen or so errands and then I'm meeting my brother for dinner so I"ll be gone for the rest of the day too. Fran Last edited on 25 June 2008 06:15 pm by Hiker |
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Nir Senior Administrator 
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If any of you did not receive the email about LiveStrong, or if you are not receiving email notifications for PMs and replies to topics, I would urge you to visit http://www.caloriesperhour.com/forums/my_account.php?edit_profile=1 and ensure your email is entered correctly. You might wish to periodically check if your Spam/Bulk email folders have any messages with 'livetrong' or 'CPH' in the subect line. One way or another, I am sure the unique  community will survive, but I guess we can't always expect the URL to be the same. Check out how http://www.thedailyplate.com is now accessible at http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate for how it was handled for another website owned by Demand Media. |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning guys, we made it to page 2 and we have a name! Boy are we ever smokin'. I made it through day 3 and still doing okay, I went out to dinner last night but I used some of the things you guys suggested and I went for seafood, no sauce and double veggies rather than potatoes. It was really good and I was satisfied. Even when the others went for dessert I just had coffee and I didn't feel like I was sacrificing! I just kept telling myself it was my choice and I decided I didn't want the calories. Anyway I know it's because I have this site and your support, it is really helping me get back on track. Thanks. I also discovered Al Fresco brand sun-dried tomato chicken sausage, there is only 140 calories and 7 grams of fat in a 2 oz link. They are pre-cooked (extra points with me) and come 4 to a pack. I had a couple yesterday for lunch with a little Healthy Choice tomato sauce and they were excellent. They also make an apple one and I like it but it seems to be more of something I would have with eggs or toast....just kind of breakfast like to me anyway. Bert, our TJ's does not have wine...in MA basically only liquor stores can sell alcohol a few stores have been and wine licenses but I guess they are very hard to get. Heck in MA until about 5 years ago you couldn't even sell alcohol on Sunday except for "medicinal purposes" and let me tell you everyone knew of a drug store in every town that defined "medicinal" very broadly . Now cities/towns within 10 miles of a bordering state that sells on Sunday (like all of them) can now sell liquor on Sunday. It was some silly carry over from the Puritans, even the stores were closed, it was so silly but finally we've gotten past it and things are open even on Sundays. It's tough to take that Puritan stuff out of our blood....but we're working on it.Bert, Hope your meeting wasn't too long yesterday- --Anne and I have an advantage there, a lot fewer meetings when you work from home. Have a good day. Fran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Fran, Good for you on dinner. That's what it takes. Your'e really taking charge on your choices. No alcohol on Sundays. Puritans, eh. Aren't they the same folks who burned people at the stake(Mmm;tastes like chicken)? Maybe they should have had a drink or two to lighten up. The meeting went well. Actually, it was about setting up an on-line support group at the college for faculty and employees. I've spoken so much about CPH that we have a core group interested in an intranet here. We're submitting a grant proposal to see if we can fund it. I'm not the techy guy. I would do some of the writing. Imagine that. Me getting wordy. Stay strong! Bert |
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Good morning (almost afternoon) Congrats on surviving dinner out, Fran! That's a big one! I did well yesterday but only lost .2 lbs so I'm still up. Well, I'll just keep plugging away. No liquor stores are open in Colorado on Sunday - actually I think a number of western states are like that so it's not just the Puritans. In Colorado you can only buy wine in a liquor store so no wine available on Sunday! The only thing you can get in the grocery store is low alcohol content beer or wine coolers. Luckily, I usually have our wine delivered via fed ex in bulk!! That's true but I haven't had more than 2 glasses of wine in the past 6 months - boo hoo! It's OK, I'd rather eat my calories now then drink them. I checked my account per Nir's suggestion and everything was fine. I have not received any e-mails from cph or livestrong and I do check my junk folder. So I'm not sure what the deal is with that. I did take a quick look at the livestrong website and it doesn't look too bad. I did not see the calorie information, though and I use that alot. Hopefully they will move key things over. I have alot of meetings at home, Fran! They are just all over the phone, but meetings nevertheless. So you are lucky! Bye for now Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Good morning, Here's another site you can use for calories. I used it before CPH and I still refer to it. http://www.thecaloriecounter.com/ I checked my data too and it's fine. Have a great day and stay strong!! Bert |
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Nir Senior Administrator
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calorie information over there is at http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/ |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hi guys, so how's it going for both of you? So far my week has been pretty good, hopefully I can carry it into the weekend. I have a story to tell that I think is related to our diet. Yesterday I met with what might be the most miserable women I have ever met....she was just so unhappy and such a complainer....she even complained about her husband....who has been dead for 4 years! She is 70 years old and every day seems to be horrible for her, she has some health issues and some legitimate complaints but she really let's them rule her life and doesn't seem to be able to see any of the good things in her life. Anyway, my point is just like with us making life changes, it is all in our perception, we make our own reality and it can be miserable or an interesting journey with ups and downs. I guess what I am trying to say is we can make a conscious effort to make this fun, not to say there won't be those bad days but it's how we perceive those as just a bad day or as our whole being. Anyway, I for one am going to make a strong effort not to become that woman and I can tell both of you have a great attitude too so this will be a great journey. Have a good week end and hope all of your challenges are small ones. Fran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Fran, You hit the nail on the head! Life is always going to through us curves and some days we'll be strong and others not so much. There are things we just can't control in life and we have to focus on those things we can. How we react to situations, people who hurt us, etc. We can't control those other things. All we can do is control what we do and as long as we remain positive about the ups and downs, we'll be ok. I choose to be positive and look at the glass half full most of the time. It's too easy to fall into a state of complaining and self-pity. I won't do it. How I look at myself and react to situations must be positive if I'm to be successful at anything, let alone weight loss. It's taken me a long time to get this through my head with respect to my weight but God's grace has shown me the way and I want more!! Thanks, Fran!!! Have a wonderful weekend!! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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I too found myself falling into it but seeing it in someone else was a real wake up call for me and I am going to make a strong effort not to fall into that trap. I tend to let petty annoyances define my day, I just need to step back and let it be more often. I know I am very fortunate in life and I need to remember the glass is half full more often. Hiker Last edited on 27 June 2008 02:41 pm by Hiker |
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anned Distinguished Member
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Good morning, Fran and Bert, Nice comments. I agree. It is always so nice when you run into people who are cheerful and upbeat. I know I am not always that person, but it is a good goal. Everyone gets a dose of life - and it's not 100% good all the time - but in the big scheme of things we are so fortunate. I love to travel and have been lucky enough to travel to some places in the world that truly highlight how blessed we are just to live where we do. No, the US is not perfect, but wow, what opportunities we have here! I am married to a person who may be the most psycologically balanced person I have ever met. He truly thinks life is grand and that outlook is reflected in everything he does. I wish more of him would rub off on me but regardless, I am lucky to be married to a guy with such a positive outlook. Many people wonder how he could ever build our house and I agree it would be totally overwhelming to me. But to him, it is just an adventure and he doesn't worry too much about all there is to do - one day at a time. I try to adopt that attitude with weight loss or eating right in general. It is a good goal long term. Every day is not going to be "perfect" but every day is not a disaster either! I was down a pound today. Still have not totally lost the two I gained but it's getting close. At least my "hover point" seems to be a couple pounds lower than it was a few weeks ago. Have either of you tried Palermo's frozen pizza? I have not because I can't get it here but I hear that it is very good and reasonable calories - around 260 cals for 1/3 pizza. Fran, I know you don't like to cook, so maybe you would enjoy this. You can get it at Costco. Have a great weekend! Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Anne, congratulations on being down a pound! And to move the "hover" point down even a little is fantastic. I think once you do that you are really making progress. Your husband sounds like a really nice guy, building a home....what an undertaking! I checked on line and Bert and my favorite store, Trader Joe's, has Palermo pizza. I will have to give it a try. You mentioned that you had sort of given up wine because of the calories, I have done the same thing. Funny how when you decide to cut that is like a no brainer. I rarely drink, because of the calories but I find that if I do have a glass of wine now it goes right to my head !Enjoy your week end. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Anne, Did you ever wonder why, perhaps, your husband has such a great perspective on life? Could it be that he feels privileged to have you for a wife??? What esle in his life is as consistantly there? If that doesn't make you feel positive and good, what will!!!?? Think about it. Congrats on the pound! Every pound gone is a victory. It doesn't matter if you gained two. You've lost one of them and the trend is downward! Good for you!! I think I may have had that pizza you speak of. We're members of Costco too so I'll check both places. I just returned from the local farmers market. I love that place. Local tomatos (vine rippend), bananas .59/lb (not locally grown), blue berries, South Carolina tree rippend peaches. Great stuff!! I worked out this morning before I had breakfast with my men's group. I was awake at 3:00 am and couldn't get back to sleep. At 3:45 I struggled with the idea of moving my alarm out and skipping exercise but I realized that I wasn't going to get to sleep anyway so I got up at 4:40 and hit the bike. Glad I did. Monday is my "official" weigh in day. I weigh in every day but I'll wait until then to let you know how I make out. We have a surprise B-day party tonight and I have to stay strong. If I get through that the rest of the weekend is looking good. Have a great one, ladies. Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hi guys, I know you're probably off for the week end but I had on of those nights like Bert did where I was up at 3 am so now it's 8 am and I've done my housework and it's too early for errands so I thought I'd drop by. Unlike Bert, I did not get up and exercise....I took my Summit, Scruffles and Scooter and we cuddled on the couch and watched TV for a couple of hours . Bert, you are so good but I don't think I could ever exercises that early. The cuddling was good though. Boy did I mess up yesterday, we went to the movies and I thought I would be good and not have popcorn so I had a Slushie thinking....its flavored ice how bad could it be? Well I checked it when I got home and found out it was 370 calories and like 90 gr of carbs! Good think I only had a small one...I was thinking of a large. I guess it was the syrup. I guess at the movies diet Coke is the only good choice. By the way, if I were you I'd skip seeing "Wanted" way too violent and really no point at all. I mistakenly thought it was about super powered good guys, wrong. Hey, have a good week end and I'll "talk" to you on Monday. Fran |
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Hi, Bert and Fran, Happy Saturday! Bert, how did your b-day party go? I hope you enjoyed yourself and also met your objectives. Getting up at 3am? Oh, my! I hope you guys don't have trouble sleeping on a regular basis! I have been good the past two day, especially with activity. We went for a hike today at a place called Lizard Head. It was actually quite an easy hike for around here - 5 miles, less than 1000 ft elevation gain and max elevation 11,000 ft. Going higher at this time of year pretty much guarantees snow. We had a little snow to go through but not too much. Anyway, I think it is still a good workout - much more of a workout for me than walking. I'll have to look it up on the site and see an estimate for calories burned. My husband and I agreed that it is quite a bit more strenuous than skiing and when I looked up skiing this past winter, I was surprised how many calories it was supposed to burn. I had a skinny cow after dinner as a treat - 140 calories. Have you ever tried them? I think they are good. Have a great rest of the weekend! Bye for now, Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Happy Monday guys! Hope you both had a great weekend. Bert, how was the B-day party? Did the surprise work? I am so jealous that you are getting native tomatoes, it will be another month for us but once they come in I usually end up giving myself cankers because I eat so many! I just can't wait. Anne, unfortunately I do have trouble sleeping, it's been going on for years so I have learned to accept it. Sometimes are worse than others, a night here and there is no big deal it's when there are 3 or 4 in a row it gets a bit much. Hiking 5 miles is great! I don't care if it was flat, it is still a good workout. Nice job. And yes, I do eat the Skinny Cow ice creams, I love the sandwiches, when I have to have chocolate I will have an all chocolate one and it really does the trick. It's funny, Bert is eating summer tomatoes, Anne is still having snow in the mountains and I am somewhere in between...no snow, no tomatoes....what we have is lots and lots of thunderstorms! I was okay this week end, I slipped a little on Saturday I went to a friends house to play cards and of course there were snacks everywhere, I overdid on the crackers but at least I didn't add the cheese on top so that was better than I might have done. On Sunday my husband was dying for ice cream and unfortunately we have a Coldstone Creamery less than 5 minutes from the house, but I did just order sorbet rather than my usually ice cream with add candy and syrups. If you have never been to a Coldstone Creamery STAY AWAY from them, they are dangerous.I think I am going to do my "official" weigh in tomorrow, I was going to do it today but truthfully I was scared to. I am afraid if I have gained from my week end mistakes it will send me into a downward spiral because even though I was fell off a little I know it could have been so much worse. Oh well, maybe I will have the courage tomorrow. I'll let you know good or bad. Have a great start to the week, hope you both have nice easy weeks. Any vacations planned? Fran Last edited on 30 June 2008 11:58 am by Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Good morning ladies, Sounds like we were all busy over the weekend. The party was great and my buddy was surprised. They had NC Bar-B-Que pork and chicken. I had a small amount of pork, a wing and a thigh less the skin, a bit of cole slaw, on small spoonfull of baked beans. No bread though. I drank diet soda and did indulge in a piece of B-day cake. The good news was that Saturday morning I didn't show any gain. I had a great workout; 30 min. of hard cardio and 45 min. of strength training. I was beat. I didn't work out on Sunday and I should have because for some reason, I was much hungrier than usual in the afternoon. I snacked a lot but had healthy snacks. I think I had too much salt. Of course, two Maker's Marks on the rocks doesn't help either. The result was a lb. up instead of down. #%@&!! Oh well, I got up this morning and hit the bike hard for an hour of cardio. I'll get it back down but it just goes to show you how little a change can affect me. It's a lifestyle change though and I'll get it back.I went to Good Will this weekend and bought a pair of slacks and a sport coat. A whopping $9.42. I think I'll try to do this more often to supplement my clothing budget. I'll save for when I get to wherever I'm going to net out at and buy some really nice things then. I've always wanted a camel hair jacket but until now, I'd look like the camel was still wearing his hair. We rented "10,000 B.C." over the weekend. Pretty lame. It could have been better. Only a buck though at the RedBox. Have a great day ladies and let's stay strong. By the way, Fran, cuddling should be made into an olympic event! I'm all for it!! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, the B-day party sounds like it was fun...BBQ pork and chicken...how can you go wrong. Nice buy on the clothing purchase, how can you go wrong at those prices. I do a lot of shopping at consignment stores, a little more expensive than Good Will but usually a larger selection. Of course in my case I can always shop in the cellar, I have storage boxes with clothes from size 10-18, the 6's and 8's are gone since I figure if I ever wear that size again I am going shopping for an entire wardrobe! Not likely to happen, with my goal of 135 I would still wear a 10. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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That's the spirit, Fran!! Go for the whold new wardrobe! What a great incentive!! Bert |
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Good morning (just barely), Bert and Fran, Wow, this has been a crazy morning so far. I wondered if I'd ever get on the site! Barbeque Pork, Birthday cake, Coldstone - that all sounds great!! And it sounds like moderation was employed by all, so congratulations to both of you. When I was 120 lbs and people used to ask me how I did it, I said that you can eat anything you want - you just can't have very much of it. I think this is very true. Well, running 30 miles a week like I used to do didn't hurt either! Bert, I can see that pound melting as I write and I think there is another one going along with it! Keep the faith! I am hoping for an easier week this week. Last week was so hard. I was down on Monday, gained 2 lbs right away and spent all of last week really struggling to get that off. So I am down 33 lbs again today - same as last week - but I am thankful to have gotten back here. Now if I can just keep it off and start moving down again. I am going to a family reunion in July. It seems like traveling and family outings always spell trouble. I'd like to be 2-3 lbs below my goal of 35 by then so I can have some "wiggle room". My sister will be there and she is really good about exercising and is careful with what she eats so she will be a good influence. Bert, I had to google Makers Mark but now I see you were enjoying some libation. Do you like it better than birthday cake? Good idea about the Goodwill. My husband and I were traveling several years ago and ended up needing to do some painting. We didn't have any work clothes so we went to the Goodwill to pick some stuff up. As it turned out, what they had was better than the clothes we were wearing so there you go! We looked pretty good painting! I have not purchased any new clothes since I started losing weight. Like Fran, I had the smaller sizes in my closet, screaming out to be worn. I too had donated the size 6's - really nice stuff too - you could have picked it up for almost nothing at the Goodwill! Soon I am going to buy a new pair of jeans as the ones I have are getting pretty worn out. I wish I liked to go shopping. I think online shopping is hard for clothing. I worked out hard this am on the cross trainer, then did some weights, STRETCHING and ABDOMINAL work. I have trouble with the last two - so incredibly boring - but I know it is really important. A doctor told me once that the main difference between a young person and an old person is flexibility. I definitely believe that. And the abs - well let's just say that my stomach is relatively flat but is definitely not anywhere near being a 6 pack. Well, maybe a six pack of gummy bears or something like that! I hope you two have a great day and may we all experience the losses we are hoping for! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Anne, Thanks for the encouragement. I know I'll lose it. It's just a matter of time. Actually, I do prefer Maker's Mark to cake. I have probably had the two together at one time or another. Maker's Mark is not a breakfast food though. Cake is. Just ask my wife. I've gone through all our closets and have gone through all the smaller stuff and I'm down to the bone now. I have no choice but to buy stuff but since I'm not finished losing, I have to try and keep it as inexpensive, without looking like a hobo, as possible. I've always had a six pack; the trouble was it was hiding under a keg.  I don't know if I'll every have the P90X abs but if not, that's ok too. I've lived this long without them. Later Spices, Bert |
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anned Distinguished Member
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I totally agree that cake is a breakfast food! And because it is early in the day, you can eat more of it! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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anned wrote: I totally agree that cake is a breakfast food! And because it is early in the day, you can eat more of it! CAKE! It's not just for breakfast anymore! CAKE! It's what's for dinner! CAKE! Let them eat it! CAKE! You can't have it and eat it too! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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I'm with you guys...cake is definatly a breakfast food! Of course when you add icecream it becomes a lunch. I missed something what is this Makers Mark? |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Maker's Mark is the finast bourbon on the market, at least for my pallette. |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Oh, hmmm...think I'll stick with the birthday cake. Although I used to drink courvoisier years ago so maybe I could be convinced to come over to the dark side . |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I used to drink courvoisier too. Got to expensive and hurt my head to badly. B |
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anned Distinguished Member
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I'm a margarita girl. Ole' |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I've been known to partake south of the border too. |
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Well, I've had a good day today - 1282 calories and pretty good exercise. I am hoping for the best tomorrow! |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Well I got the courage up to weigh and I am down 1.6 lbs to 168  ! I'm down a total of 6 lbs since I started at the beginning of June so I am just doing the 1.5 lbs per week I need to stay on track to be at 135 in December. My average calories last week were 1462, a little higher than the 1300 I am striving for but still a lot better than the 2000 or so I was doing. My goal this month is to keep the calories in the 1300 range and increase my activity level...for that Bert you are my role model. I just need to get into the right frame of mind. I can't exercise in the morning, I start work at 6:30 so I get up at 5 and that's about as early as I want to get up. I do finish my day by 4, sometimes 3 so I have time in the afternoon but I have been procrastinating and not getting it done. I was looking at some pictures of my Mom in her 60's and my sister who is that age now and they are both well over 200 lbs, my mom was 5'1" and my sister is 5'3" the same as me so I can see where I am headed if I don't get control of this now. Believe me you guys have been a great help these last few weeks, I am so glad you saw my post and joined. Anne, congrats on your great day yesterday. Calorie wise what do you try for daily? So when we take our tour of each others home states it's margarita's all around? Sounds like a good idea to me (not when we're driving of course)---that's the insurance adjuster in me --it just comes out .Have a great day.I will be on the road all day today so I probably won't get a chance to see any posts today. I had to edit this...because I forgot to run spell check . You guys never want to see my posts before I spell check but if you do....remember it's the thought that counts!Fran Last edited on 1 July 2008 11:59 am by Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi ladies, Wow!! It sounds like you're both on track with your losses. That's terrific!! I have some good news too. When I weighed in yesterday I was at 199. No movement on the scale at all but I suspected it was water. It was! I weighed in this morning and was at 197 lbs.!!! Only 7 lbs to the goal of 100!!!! I need your help to carry, drag, kick my butt across that line!!! I didn't work out this morning.  I woke up at 1:45 am and was still wide awake at 3:00am. I drifted in and out a bit and at one point I knew I couldn't get up at 4:45 so I changed the alarm to 6:00. A half pot of coffee, bowl of oatmeal w/blueberries and skim milk and I feel reasonably better. I have a meeting at 9:30 and I'll see if I decide to stick around.The point is, if I don't get in a work out today, I'll hit it tomorrow. Fran, don't beat yourself up if you can't work out in the am. You'll find a time that works into your schedule. The tough part is making it part of your daily routine; a habit. This is going to take about 2-4 weeks but if you're faithful to that schedule, it will become habit. Now and again you'll get thrown off but it's all about what we do for the rest of our lives. We can do this! Have a lovely day Spices. Bert |
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Greetings, Bert and Fran, Congratulations to both of you on stellar results! Fran, 6 pounds in a month is a great accomplishment! Slow and deliberate will help to keep that weight off and that is what you are going for! And Bert - 197 - boy, oh, boy! You are going to be so thin, we won't be able to find you! I don't think anybody will be dragging you across the finish line - we just want to hold onto you so we can be dragged across after you! Fran, I know your goal is 135 and Bert, yours is 190. Bert, you have mentioned that you will take it from there. Does that mean that you are planning to set another goal when you reach 100 lbs? I am planning to do that when I get to 35 lost but first I just want to enjoy that! For the first three months, I stuck very religiously to 1300 calories. I came up with that amount because I read something that said if a woman wanted to lose weight, she should aim for 1100 to 1500 calories and 1300 was in the middle of that. Very scientific! Anyway, I eventually asked a few questions on the site and Nir helped me to see that 1300 might be a little low for me based on my height (5'8") and activity level (45 minutes aerobics 4-6 X per week plus weights). I still kind of aim for 1300 but I don't worry if it's 1400 and some days even 1500. Of course, I still have those 1100 days too and I often lose weight when I do that! Fran, you might want to check out the BMI / RMI calculations on the site for more info. I figured between the three of us we have lost 131 lbs! Wow! Bert, can you imagine what it would be like to put a 92 lb backpack on now and walk around with that? Amazing! I was thinking of that this weekend while hiking; how it would feel to be doing it with an extra 30 lbs or so. Have a great day you guys! Anne PS: I forgot - I was down another .6 this am so now that's 33.6 lbs! Only 1.4 lbs away! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Anne, I hope you had a good night's rest. 1.4 to go! Fantastic. It's really great to look at what you have to do to hit a goal, particularly when you can look back and see what you've accomplished. Every pound or fraction thereof counts!!Yes, 100 lbs was my big goal. I started with that but focused on 10 lbs goals first. The next was to get under 200 lbs. When I hit 190 that will be 100 lbs gone. I still need to lose some weight after that but I'm not sure what that number is. I'm continuing to work out and trying to increase my strength training. If I start building more muscle (more than I have now LOL) that will have an effect on my weight on the scale so I'm not sure what the bottom is. I know I'm not going to go down to 145. That's what the BMI calculator says I should be to be at the "right weight." That's bogus. I haven't been that since I don't know when. The BMR/RMR calculators are more realistic with respect to the calories though. I plugged in (and continue to do so) what my height and weight is and it comes up with how many calories I have to have, with consideration to physical activity, to MAINTAIN my weight. I then did the same calculation with respect to what I want to be, in this case, 190. That showed me the calories I needed to be at to maintain 190. My calorie goal was to be below that number. Eventually I'll increase the calories and maintain an exercise program that will allow me to maintain at what ever weight I feel I should be at. Have a great day. I just finished lunch and I'm headed out for a 2 mile walk. See ya. Bert |
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Hi, Bert and Fran, Bert, that is an interesting point you bring up about deciding on "the weight". I don't quite have that figured out either. I am in the normal weight zone for my height but the range is about 40 lbs within that zone! I have not really decided what to aim for beyond the 35 lbs. When I started, my main goals were to be a healthy weight, to feel good and to fit into my clothes; all of those have been achieved. But I think I should still go a bit lower - maybe 15 more lbs. That would make 50 all together! If I had thought about 50 lbs in the beginning, I would have been overwhelmed (even more than I was). I had a good day today in calories and exercise. I made a burrito for dinner though and used taco seasoning - high sodium. I hope that doesn't bite me tomorrow am. See you guys tomorrow Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning guys! Wow reading about your loses is quite an inspiration, Bert and Anne, I plan to hold on to both of you to get me across that finish line...I plan to buy the slinkiest, sexiest (black of course)dress I can find and then make my husband take me somewhere fabulous for Christmas vacation and hearing your stories makes me belive it can happen...you are both soooooo close, I am honored that I am going to be here when you fly across those goal lines. Of course then I plan to be an anchor that makes sure you both stay there . The next week is going to be a huge challenge from me and I'm hoping you guys might have some suggestions. Today they are taking out my kitchen and it will be out for about 5-7days so that means take out or microwave for all meals. I can deal for breakfast and lunch with the microwave but I know suppers will be mostly take out which is a a challenge any suggestions would be welcome. I know I can order salads and for some of the meals I will but salad everyday for a week just won't happen...wish I could say it would but I know better. You've already given me some good restaurant suggestions...grilled fish etc any others? See it's never enough with me! How about you guys, any big plans for the Fourth? Have a great day! Fran |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hi again...I just noticed there is a post from someone named Yam looking for a buddy, he/she sounds like they would fit in our group. Age and attitude wise. How do you feel about me inviting them to join us? My feeling is the more the merrier but if you prefer to keep it to us three that is fine by me. Fran |
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Hi, Fran and Bert, Yes, I am in favor of having another buddy. For me, it is fun to read about what everyone is doing and I love to get new ideas and inspirations! Hmm... Carry out meals. That is definitely not my strong point as I rarely do carry out. Do you have a little toaster oven? I end up cooking quite a bit in that because it just doesn't seem worth it to turn on the big one sometimes. If you don't have one, you might want to consider getting one just because I know you aren't thrilled with cooking and you can make some very easy meals. For example: Buy frozen fish at a place like Sams in a bag. Put it on the toaster oven tray, season with some Old Bay. I often use foil in the tray - no clean up whatsoever! Then serve with an easy salad and a frozen veggie that you can do in the microwave. BTW, fish at Sams comes either naked or with a breading. I buy the naked but I have had the breaded and it is very good. A piece of that is 200-250 calories which is still OK. The breaded fish is cooked frozen and you can cook the naked fish frozen as well; they both cook very quickly. I often cook 4 or 5 sweet potatoes in the toaster oven at night. I just wash them, wrap them up in foil and cook at 400 degrees for 1-1.5 hours. Then put them in the frig, take one out for dinner and split with your hubby - good with the fish. (I usually cut off 3 oz for myself - 75 calories) If you can stand to brown some ground beef, you could have what I had last night for dinner - a burrito! Brown very lean gr beef or turkey with a chopped onion, season with taco seasoning. Keep it in the frig and then do everything with the microwave when you are ready to eat. Heat the gr beef up in the micro first - if you put it in the tortilla first and try to heat the whole thing, the tortilla will be overdone. 3 oz seasoned ground beef 1/2 oz shredded cheese flour or wheat tortilla (watch the calories, you can find them for 120 calories) roll up and heat in the micro, put the cheese on the inside or outside - whatever you prefer top with things like salsa, chopped tomatoes, chopped lettuce, sliced green onion, a dab of low fat sour cream, some canned green chili sauce. You can do whatever you like, just watch the calories. BTW, the calories in many canned enchilada and green chili sauces are very reasonable - like 30 calories per half cup and that's more than I would eat anyway. Serve with a salad and / or raw veggies with a little low fat dip. I also like the low fat turkey smoked sausage. The sodium is pretty high, but it is in most carry out food as well! My favorite brand (lowest calories) is healthy ones - 1/2 link is 170 calories. Cook in the toaster oven (microwave would work too) and have it with a reduced calorie whole grain bun with onions, condiments, etc. When I have this, I really always want two - but one must resist these temptations! How about the crock pot? That is easy too. Maybe you just have not learned the art of no fuss cooking, Fran. I am a master, willing to share my secrets! Fran and Bert, I would really love to hear about your favorite healthy meals too. Maybe we should make a point to share more of that - not all at one time because it takes too long! I maintained my loss from yesterday so I am happy about that, even with the sodium in the burrito last night. More later, Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Anne, thanks for the ideas,I do use the crock pot a lot mostly in the winter but I have no kitchen to work in, I have a microwave in the family room amd a refrigartor in the hallway and that's about it. I can tell you truly are a cook because you think there is such a thing as "no fuss meals", me I think they are all too much work (LOL) Don't get me wrong, I cook because it would be too expensive to eat out every day but honestly...if I could I would. So actually that part of the next week I am going to like. Thanks. I'll wait to hear from Bert before I contact Yam but I think you're right, the more people the more ideas and support so I'm all for that. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi gals, I just got in. I was part of an interview committee this morning, went to the local farmer's market for some provisions and came back to the office to get caught up on email and phone. Just finishing my lunch. Fran, I don't know if this will be an option for you but do you have a hot plate? You could cook some salmon in a little olive oil or do some veggies. Chicken tooThere are also some frozen, steam in the bag veggies that are good too that you can microwave. There's also a company that has brown rice you can microwave but the name escapes me right now. They're individual portions. If you eat out, stick to grilled meats and fish as well as veggies. Boston Market may have some good choices and once in a while you could get the Weight Watchers frozen meals. Be careful of the breaded fish. We bought some talapia from Costco and it's onley 250 but the majority of calories are from fat. Maybe, if you have a hot plate, you could cook some whole grain pasta and microwave the sauce. Stick with the basics no matter what you do and you should be fine. Couple all that with some extended exercise and that can take up some of the "overage" if it occurs. I'll have to get some of my recipies to you. Did I ever send my Mexican bean salad recipe? It's very good. Yam can join us. Sure. In the immortal words of Popeye the Sailor, "I yam whats I yam and that's all thats I yam!" Bring her along. Is she a her?? We will drag you across. When I hit my goal, I'm not finished and after I am, that's when the real work starts. Maintaining! That's life time. I slept pretty good last night (took a Unisom) and got up to do 20 minutes on the bike and strength training. Tomorrow will be an hour on the bike. No plans for the fourth weekend other than to chill. Next weekend my buddy from VA is coming for a visit and it will be tough to stay focused but I'll try. Gotta get back to work. They're paying me so I should do something. Have a great day and stay strong!!! Live in the moment and conquer the moment!! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert and Anne, thanks for your suggestions. I will definatly be trying some of them. Bert, stop reading and get back to work! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Another idea... Sam's roasted chicken - that qualifies as carry out, right? Pull off the skin, have with a microwave veggie and / or sweet potato and salad. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Absolutely!! I for got about those! Costco has them too! Good idea, Anne. B |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Now there is a meal even I can "cook" I think it's roasted chiken and nuked veggies and maybe...if I am ambitious... a nuked sweet potato. Again, thanks so much guys. Fran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Say ladies, I'd like your opinion on something. I may have mentioned that we're going to try and get funding to begin an intranet site at the college for weight loss support. It would be similar in nature to the forums here. I've been asked to write something (an initial post) to get the attention of people and encourage them to post and seek as well as offer, support for those of us who've have the struggle of losing weight. I'd like your opinion. Here's the very short post. ********************************************************************** Weight loss! Just the sound of it conjures up all sorts of memories, remedies, challenges and emotions. It’s “She has such a pretty face,” or “He could be such a handsome man.” It’s snickers from some people when you walk by or the inference that one who is fat is also lazy. It’s comments like “You’d better keep your fat clothes because you have a tendency to put it back on.” It’s tears, frustration and New Year’s resolutions. Some of us just want to lose a couple of pounds because our clothes are getting a bit tight. Others want to lose more for the upcoming beach season or the high school reunion. Still others suffer from morbid obesity, have high blood pressure and cholesterol and run the risk of diabetes down the road. This is when it becomes serious. This was my situation. Losing weight can be frustrating but it doesn’t have to be. No one has to do it alone and the purpose of this new intra-site is to encourage and support those of us at CPCC who want and need to lose weight and begin living a new and healthier life style. Let’s turn frustration into accomplishments. Let’s turn obstacles into challenges. We can do it! I know. I’ve been there and fought the battle and have finally had success. During the last year I’ve lost 93 lbs and I’m still losing. It’s not a secret formula or magic potion. I’ll be on the forum in the coming months and we can talk with each other about my journey and how you can achieve your goals as well. Here’s to us!!! ********************************************************************** What do you think? Thanks, Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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I think it's great, it got my attention and it was also sensitive to the issues without being too touch feely--something that could scare me off as quickly as to tough an attitude. I think you have struck a nice balance. How exciting starting a new site and all the new buddies you will have! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Thanks, Fran. I appreciate it. B |
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Bert, I think this is great too! I am a bit envious; I think it will be very rewarding to help others in this way. Plus, what an accountability factor - you will be their example. I predict that this will be a huge success! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Thanks, Anne. I appreciate that. You know, as I've been on this "journey" I've kept my team at work abreast of my loss each week since I began. It wasn't because I was being boastful (surely at the beginning there was nothing to boast about) but during the past year, by telling them and getting their encouragement, it did hold me accountable. Now, with the advent of our inta-site, I feel sharing my experience with others at the college will hold me accountable during maintenance. This is forever so being involved will be a great help to me as well. Thanks, Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning guys. All of your suggestions really helped me make some plans for the week end, and possibly longer with no kitchen. Last night we went to Boston Market and I had a 1/4 chicken dark ( I know it's higher in calories but white is just too dry) and a double order of zucchini in marinara sauce. It was excellent and I stayed within my calories. I could have done a little better by taking the skin off but I confess...I didn't. Still it was within my calories so why not. I checked out the calories burned calculator and that really gives you a visual of how important exercise is, I can burn a couple hundred calories more a day with exercising 3 or 4 days a week. It seems worth it to me. Bert, I saw you joined Nir's challenge, I did too. I figure the more people I have to answer to the more on track I am apt to be. So do either of you have any fourth of July plans? I think we may go for a walk in the woods, maybe even a short hike, it's hard to plan when your house is a total mess, at least for me it is so stressful have trouble thinking straight. Anyway what about you guys? Any cook out challenges coming up? I don't know if you guys have ever tried it but buffalo burgers are great. I like veggie burgers but to me they are just not the same when I want a juicy burger I have meat in mind and the Buffalo is lower in fat and at least to me as good, maybe even better than beef. And hey, if I can eat cow why not buffalo? Anyway food for thought (pun intended). Hope you both have a great Fourth of July! Happy Birthday America  ! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Fran and Anne, I'm a dark meat fan to when it comes to chicken and turkey. I do take the skin off though as it still has sufficient moisture and flavor. Good for you!! The exercise is key for me too. Without it my body just won't burn enough calories. The neat thing about it is that when I burn 700 calories, I can eat a bit more each day and still lose weight. It's great. Regarding tomorrow, my wife made plans for us to go to a friends house for dinner without asking me about it first. She's a good friend but I really don't want to go. She's having some problems with her sister (she's a horder like you've seen on TV). She has stacks and stacks of stuff in her house and one can't move. There are several other issues she has going on too with her elderly parents. The sister won't be there but her folks will and I know that they'll drown their sorrows with very fattening foods for dinner. Part of me says I should go to support our friend and just be with her and part of me is really #%@&! off that I'm going to be faced with that temptation when I'm so close to my goal. I've had buffalo and it's great! You've given me a great idea for dinner tomorrow. I'll bring my own. I've also eaten large varieties of game from venison and elk to pheasant, quail, Canada goose, duck, squirrel and racoon. Wild game, tended to properly in the field and prepared well, is excellent and very low in fat. Thanks for the idea!!! Enjoy the weekend and always remember that we live in the greatest country on earth despite what the press would like you to think!! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hey Bert, sorry to hear about your trials tomorrow, it's hard when our friends need us but we need to be good to ourselves too. I think you would be making the best compromise possible to go and support her but bring your own food, she should be able to understand that too. You have tried a lot more things than me, I have had the buffalo, venison, duck, goose but no elk and defiantly no raccoon or squirrel. Not that I wouldn't try them, the opportunity has just never come up. I'm not sure about the squirrel, the raccoon yes, the squirrel, I'd have to think about Enjoy and stay strong, you are so close. Fran |
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Hi, Bert and Fran Wow, another crazy day today! I am finally getting going on the weekend, however! Fran, I know what you mean when the house is a mess - I don't do well either when that is the case. When the house is clean and neat, I feel serene and comfortable. When it is not, I feel a bit anxious I guess. Well, I'm glad you've got some good food plans to see you through the remodeling of the kitchen. Bert, I don't blame you for not wanting to go into a den of fattening food when you are so close to your goal. I am the same way - I just want to get to that goal NOW! You do seem to be good about handling those social situations so just remember you can do it! I haven't had squirrel or raccoon either - but I have had bear! I was up in Alaska and met a guy at a restaurant. It was my birthday and my husband ordered a dessert with candles on it so this guy came over to talk with us. We ended up seeing him in another restaurant (small town) a day or so later and he brought me some bear meat for my birthday. I'm game to try anything so I made it into chili - not bad. Probably my overall favorite is elk and birds are pretty good too. I have a friend who is an excellent wild game cook. I don't care too much for venison although when she prepares it, I can be convinced. Yesterday my husband finished a big project and so I said I'd take him out for dinner to celebrate. He really likes to go out and we have not been doing that too much. I picked a place where I knew I could order something reasonable for me. I got a senior meal (smaller portion) and had a small plain broiled chicen breast (skin removed), a salad with dressing on the side (didn't use too much) and sauteed veggies. No bread, no dessert. I even gave up my daily treat just in case I needed the extra calories at dinner. I figure I came in at about 1400 calories for the day, counting 600 calories for dinner. Even if I was way off on the dinner calories, how much off could I be? Let's say it was 1800 calories, although I know that is way high. Oh, I also walked two miles yesterday, worked out on my cross trainer and lifted weights. When I got on the scale this am, I was up 1.2 lbs!!! I know no one said that life is fair, but come on! As I said, I want so badly to get to my (initial) goal. I just feel like I'm not getting anywhere!! This also makes me worry about maintenance. Will I gain all my weight back if I eat 1500 calories per day? I'm not asking for an answer, I'm just saying what goes through my mind. I'm 5'8" and used to weigh 120 lbs in my late 20's and 30's. To maintain that weight, I was a serious runner (30 miles per week, 7 minute miles), lifted weights and was otherwise very active. I ate almost nothing - seriously. My idea of a big splurge was to have a bite of my husband's ice cream cone - I never actually had one myself. I can't remember that I used to have breakfast (maybe I did), I'd have a yogurt and diet soda for lunch and for dinner I'd have something like a very small amount of grilled fish or chicken and a steamed veggie. I did not eat in between meals. If we went out to a mexican restaurant - no chips, no drink, taco salad without the tortilla bowl. I think you get the idea. So, I pretty much know what it takes for me to be 120 lbs and I'm not shooting for that because although being very thin is nice in alot of ways, I really don't want to deprive myself to that extent anymore. But I would like to be able to eat normally (healthy food, small to moderate portions, a treat once in awhile) and also maintain a normal weight - maybe around 135. At 135, I should be able to consume about 1800-1900 calories per day, but today I will gain weight on that! I was hoping to slowly condition my body to eat more once I got to my goal - maybe up 100 calories per day each month. But I really don't know if it will work! Sorry for the long winded post. I guess I am just kind of disappointed in my progress and worrying. Happy 4th of July! Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Happy Fourth of July buddies! Today be sure to tell someone you are proud to be an American, like Bert said...we live in the best country in the world, not perfect but the best and we need to say so more often. So Bert tell us, since Anne and I both agree a messy house is very stressful...is that a woman thing? For me and I think Anne too a clean house give us a sense of peace, almost like a spring meadow...weird huh? Anne, I am so jealous....you went to Alaska? That has been a lifetime dream of mine and in fact over the past 10-15 years I have gotten mad it has become such a popular vacation, I wanted to go when everyone thought I was out of my mind, now that so many people are going there I am not sure it will be the same. It is the first place planned for our retirement. I really want to go in May and spend a year, of course I admit I want to spend the winter in Anchorage where there are plenty of people to teach me how to deal with it. I'm not sure if I will get the full year but we are definitely planning to go, how long is still open for discussion. I even have a foolish hat I bought 35 years ago for my trip to Alaska, who knew it would take so long to get there? I still have the hat and I will get to wear it! Anne, you made some good choices and there is nothing worse than eating right, and getting your exercise and being UP at the scale. It's not right, it's not fair...and it's probably going to happen again. At those times I try to think back on the other times when maybe I did overindulge and didn't exercise and had a loss. I'm sure you've been blessed with those too, it's hard when you get the bad weeks but try and hold on to the memory of the good ones and know you will have them again. I think Anne is right, maintaining is very hard.I reached my goal once about 13 years ago and I obviously did not maintain. I think for me it was getting away with cheats and then ignoring the small creeps up. Anne and Bert you guys will do and you will be doing it together (you'll have to come back for me) but I know it will be a great journey for you both. Have a great day and enjoy and Bert....be strong I know today is a challenge for you but we are here to support you. Fran |
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Nir Senior Administrator
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Anne, I see what you mean: if you got down to 120lb and didn't exercise then 1500 would mean weight gain. (my 66 year old mum would gain if she ate more than 1200-1300). According to the national weight loss registry most successful maintainers exercise every day and keep a close eye on their weight. This few calories can seem unfair and low, depending on food choices. Makes me think of 'calorie poverty' - have to eat fewer calories, regardless of one's financial situation. The trick is to be 'happy with one's lot', otherwise one overspends and ends up in debt (=overweight). |
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Well, Hello, everyone and Happy 4th (one day late)! Thanks, Fran and Nir. I was just being a complainer - I need to focus more on what I have done so far which isn't bad - 33 lbs gone. If my personal body is such that I can't eat much without gaining, I guess that's the way it is. Exercise is not my issue; I have been a regular exerciser since I was 18. I think that is a big reason why people don't seem to notice that much when I do put on some weight - I am pretty muscular - not like a body builder but solid. Fran, don't dispair about Alaska and missing it all. We were there for 3 months (summer mostly) in about 1998 - Wow, I can't believe it's been 10 years! It is easy to stay off the beaten path and away from tourists if you want to. We went places that I felt that no one else had ever been to. The trick is to stay away from the tourist crowd. If you want to do the inside passage, take the Alaska state ferry, not a cruise ship. If you want to go to Denali, camp in the interior of the park and beat the tourists up in the am (I don't mean flog them, I mean get up earlier). 99.9% of the people don't hike or if they do, they only go a short distance. If you take a long hike, I guarantee you won't see anyone! Oops, I forgot you don't like to camp. How about a small motor home? We took our camper which is a cabover and had an excellent time. One thing to keep in mind about Alaska is rain - often in copious quantities for days. It's green there for a reason and coming from Colorado, I did get tired of it at times. I hope you guys are having a wonderful holiday weekend. We went to a parade yesterday and fireworks. It is very Mayberryish here and I find it lots of fun. Today are horse races, tomorrow a picnic in the park and a concert. I ate some bad stuff yesterday but compensated by not eating good stuff so the calories weren't so bad. Like I had an ice cream cone in place of lunch. I know, not a great idea, but once in awhile probably won't kill me. Bye for now, Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hi guys, hope you are both have nice long week ends. Hey Anne, you are not complaining...we're here to support each other and sharing your challenges as well as successes is what it's all about. So don't ever think you are complaining. Thanks for the info on Alaska, we figure we will probably renting an RV, something we can live in for a few months,I am okay w/ camping...just not sleeping on the ground. You've made me feel better about the tourist. Every time I mention going to Alaska someone tells me about the great cruise where you can see everything from the boat, then I know they just don't get it. That might be great for them but it isn't my idea of Alaska at all. Your suggestion of the state ferry rather than a cruise ship sounds great. In fact I copied and printed your post and it is now in my Alaska folder so I won't forget. Thanks. So far my week end has gone pretty well, I am walking at least 2 miles every day and staying within my 1300 calories. According to the calculator on this site I can have 1696 calories if I do nothing and 1943 with light activity. I think my 2-3 mile walk will qualify me as "light activity" some of it is in the woods so I think that helps boost it up a little. I will know on Tuesday if it's working. I did read on one of the sites where someone weighed themselves everyday (knowing there would be ups and downs), the recorded every day and then took and average for the 7 days as their weekly gain/loss. I kind of liked that idea so I think I'll give it a try. I do like to weigh myself everyday but I find I can stress out if like Anne....I do everything right and see a gain . Maybe knowing it is just going to go into an average will help. Of course I don't think I will be very happy if the average is up..Hope you both have a nice final day of our long week end and I'll "talk" to you on Monday. Fran Last edited on 6 July 2008 02:24 pm by Hiker |
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Hi, Fran and Bert, Happy end of the 4th weekend! I had a really good weekend - lots of festivities going on. I guess that is one benefit of living in a summer tourist spot. And it is small enough that it is easy to participate in things. This morning we had church in the park - no kidding. It was a short service, followed by a free bar-b-que put on by the local church and bluegrass music. The service was Christian with a very patriotic theme. I mention this because I suspect that this may be the last place in the US where a church service is held on public town property! They have been doing it every year around the 4th of July for 22 years. I am just holding my breath waiting for a tourist to drive by, complain of being "offended" and sue the city. Until then, it is an enjoyable event. Other than that, there was the parade and fireworks on the 4th and another bluegrass concert. I didn't used to be much of a bluegrass fan but a good live performance is pretty fun. I am always amazed by talented musicians. Do either of you play an instrument or sing? I am totally musically challenged - but appreciate those who are not. I have been careful with eating this weekend but not perfect. Today I had two very small brownies but then only a salad for dinner (we did eat rather late, however). I am hoping that the damage tomorrow is not extensive. Goodnight Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good Monday morning. Hope everyone had a great week end and we're all so excited about our week ahead (yeah right). Anne, your town sounds nice I am close to Boston and there are great things going on there. We have the Boston Pops perform with the fireworks and the combination is so spectacular they are televised nationally, Trouble is the crowds are so huge I would rather stay home. We've been a couple of times and it was great but as a yearly thing....I don't think so. Although there are people who go every year. They start lining up at 6am, the gates don't open until 9 and there is nothing going on until around 2 and of course the fireworks are at 9 but still they line up. I know what you mean about the church in a public park, it would never fly here. Last year there was a big to do about the Christmas tree in an elementary school. Personally I don't know why there can't be a Christmas tree, a Star of David, a whatever holiday Muslims celebrate. Let them all learn about each other is my philosophy. But hey, that's just me. Bert, today is your weigh in day I believe? Hope it goes well, if not....hey it's Monday after a holiday so be kind to yourself. Fran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Well, good morning ladies. I'm back. It seems you've been busy with the typing. I didn't look at a computer all weekend! There's good news and bad news regarding my weight. Thursday evening my mother called (84 yrs) and said "I'm lonely." Well, what's a son to do but go over and spend some time with mom. My wife and I stopped at an Italian restaurant on the way that friends had told us about. They said the guy was from New Jersey and made great pizza. We picked up a pie, just plaing cheese, and went to mom's. Mom was already on her first scotch when we got there. I was weak and had a bourbon. Hadn't had one in a while and it was so good, I had another. Mom had some Pringles and Cheetos and because I was drinking, it affected my appetite and I ate some of those. When we got into the pizza I was so hungry I had 3 pieces. The pizza was everything my friend said it was. Fantastic!But, I wasn't finished. My logic was such that I was going to get all the temptation out of the way in one evening so I could concentrate on repairing the damage over the long weekend. My wife and I headed to Dairy Queen after mom's and I had a large Blizzard with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  My system just wasn't used to all that so later that night my stomach was off and it was off all night into the morning.When I got up I didn't even want to look at a scale. I made some coffee, had a sensible breakfast and hit the exercise bike. Hard!! Friday evening at our friends I was good. I had the buffalo burger and no desert. I also worked my butt off in exercise Saturday and Sunday. Bottom line, I'm still 197 this morning. No loss but no gain. I guess I should be happy with that and I am. I'll weigh in again Tuesday to see if I'm just retaining water. Anne, don't worry about up or down. As long as the trend is down, you're winning! I know what you mean about how people are offended. We live in the United States of the Offended! Read "Persecution" by David Limbaugh. I'm becoming offended by the way we're being pushed around. Music? I love it. I've been playing guitar since I was 13. I have a Taylor accoustic and a Gretsch Country Classic 1962. It's not an original '62 but it's a beauty. It's the same model that George Harrison used when the Beatles started out. We want to go to Alaska one day and I think the rental of an RV is a good way to go. The last big vacation we went on was two years ago this August to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. We have good friends that live in Sierra Vista, 16 miles from Tombstone, and they came with us. We had a ball! Sorry this is so long. It takes a while to catch up. Have a great day, ladies!!! Bert Last edited on 7 July 2008 01:48 pm by pbf4326e |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, congratualtions on maintianing! It sounds like it was well worth it, having pizza and a Blizzard not to mention on bourbon or two! Hey, we have to live sometime and besides, you were just being a good supportive son. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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You're right on both counts. Seriously though, we do have to live a little. If we deprive ourselves all the time we'll never be successful. Heck, we'll be resentful. These things are part of life and part of a lifestyle and as long as we account for them once and a while (for me I have to plan exercise to combat the potential gain), we can enjoy these things now and again. Thanks, Fran. Bert |
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Well, good morning everyone! Congratulations on maintaining, Bert! I'd say that's fantastic! The result of my indulgences is 2 lbs up I'm going with the theory that much of it has to do with eating late last night. Although I did have some treats, I don't think my calories were that out of line. So hopefully in the next couple of days I'll be down. Only 11 more days to reach my 35 lb goal before the family reunion - yikes!Fran, I know what you mean about the crowds for festivities in big cities. When I lived near a big city, I hardly ever went to anything because I didn't want to brave the crowds. So now, even though the stuff here is not as spectacular, I get to enjoy it now whereas I really didn't before. Yesterday, after the bluegrass concert, we got to talk with the players - now where the heck can you do that in a big city? Bert, I am impressed that you play the guitar! You can entertain us at our goal reaching reunion! Have a great day and good luck staying on track! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Anne, Don't worry about the 2 lbs. In the overall scheme of things, it's not that big a deal. Hit the exercise hard this week. You know, I'll eat something close to when I go to sleep. Usually it's a piece of whole greain bread with a little organic peanut butter and a small class of skim milk. It keeps my metabolism going through the night. I may have mentioned this before so I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself. Make sure the peanut butter doesn't have all the other stuff you don't want. Peanuts and salt are it! You can tell if you have to stir the oil into the butter as it will separate from it because it doesn't have all the other stuff. Hang in there. You're gonna make it. Where's the family reunion? Bert |
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When we have our goal reaching reunion, Bert can play the guitar, Anne can mix the margaritta and me....well I'll actually cook something! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I can play some John Denver stuff so we'll be right at home in Colorado. Fran, don't take this the wrong way but should we be afraid that you'll cook? B |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Yes. be afraid-- be very afraid! But that is my challenge, to learn to cook something...on second thought...Maybe I'll just order take out. I do that better than anyone one I know, in fact when my family and friends are looking for the best...whatever I can usually direct them. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I can live with that. B |
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OK, I have an idea. I will give Fran lessons in "no fuss cooking"! Fran, you would not believe how easy it is to make pepper steak. When you set it on fire at the end, your guests will be shocked and amazed! Hopefully a 911 call will not be necessary. My reunion is in southern Michigan. It is a reunion of cousins - I think I have 32 first cousins. When you count second cousins, it's scary. Bert, you have not mentioned the snack before bed that I remember. Interesting! Do you count calories? If so, how many do you shoot for? Anne |
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32 first cousins! Would you believe I have 3, only 2 living. Seriously, that is all I ever had 3. Pretty sad huh? I'll take those lessons but remember if it takes more than 20 minutes---from the minute I walk into the kitchen until it's on the table it's too much work . I am the laziest thing you ever saw when it comes to cooking. Fortunatley my husband didn't marry me for my cooking, not sure why he did .... must be my winning personalityFran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi, Yes, I count calories. Generally speaking I have around 1600 - 1800 a day. That's low, I know, but I'm doing ok with it. Today I've had roughly 650 calories so far (it's 3:48 now) and I'm going to head to the common area fridge and get my V-8. That will bring me up to 720. The neat thing is that I burned 700 calories this morning on my exercise bike according to the bike's calculations. There's no way to program for sex, weight, etc so I figure maybe 600. That means I'm at 120 for the food and my bod is feeding off the fat. Tonight I'll cook a chicken breast in a bit of olive oil and sprinkle it with McCormack's Mediteranian Sea Salt. I'll fix a big salad with greens, brocoli, cauliflower, carrots, roasted red peppers and some sqash and zuchini with tomatos I cooked up over the weekend. I'll cut the chicken up and put that on the salad and have some Greek vinagrette dressing. I should count the calories for all the salad stuff but it's not much. That allows me my bedtime snack. 32 first cousins!!! That's not a family; it's a tribe. Sounds like fun. I have four that are living and I haven't seen them in 30 years. Maybe it's time. Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning guys. I have to tell you....I had my "official" weigh in today and I'm down 1.4lbs! I am really happy. not quite the 1.5 I was hoping for but close enough, considering all of the restaurant meals I have been eating. I have discovered Friendly's (sorry Anne I think they are east coast only) but they have some great salads and I bring my own fat free Italian dressing. They are one of the few places that don't cheap on the lettuce. Really, why do restaurants do that? The put plenty of chicken, then cheap on the lettuce?? Makes no sense to me. I have found a good way to deal with that issue, if I am bringing them home which I usually do I keep a bag or two of the pre cut lettuce, you know the kind you pay too much for but don't have to do anything to , any way I keep those around and when I buy a salad I add a handful or two of my own lettuce mix.Oh Bert, I should warn you....I love John Denver! What can I say, I'm old and I like music I can understand the words to. Actually in my old age I have started listening to country music, the new stuff and I really like it. Must be an age thing. Have a good day Spicers! Last edited on 8 July 2008 12:00 pm by Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Good morning Spice Godesses!!! 1.4 lbs!!!! Way to go, Fran!!! Keep up the steam!!! Anything from a pound up a week is terrific! I'm old too (56) but I feel the best I've felt in years. I loved John Denver. I saw him live back in '77 or '78 at Maddison Square Garden in the round. We were 8 rows from the stage. Starland Vocal Band opened. Afternoon Delight??? Well, I'm still at 197 so I'm recording it and moving on. I did an hour on the bike this morning. My upper body is still sore from strength training on Saturday. No matter. Tomorrow is my strength day and I'm going to hit it regardless. Have a great day ladies. Bert |
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Bert, good attitude. You know with all the exercise and strengh training you're doing maybe you are putting on some muscle so it won't show at the scale. This time around I took measurements just for that reason. Guys have it easier--the belt is an automatic check. As long as you aren't going up that's great and really, maybe you are losing fat but gaining muscle. Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I think you're right about the muscle weight, at least to a point. That's what I'm hoping for. I noticed that some dress shirts I bought a few months ago fit in the shoulders well enough but are getting pretty blousy in the waist. I can also see more muscle definition in my arms and shoulders in general. I'm no body builder but I'm not looking like a "gurly-mahn" either. My slacks are baggy in the seat but fit fine in the thigh. I guess this is all good. I'll just keep pushing! Bert |
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Congratulations, Fran! I love those downward ticks! Plus maintaining 197 for a week is great as well, Bert! Remember, you just broke 200 and being down 3 lbs from there is fantastic! I am up a pound from where I was a week ago but I'm down 1 lb from yesterday. I am working toward 3 more lbs this week - get back to where I was minus two more lbs. Fran, LOL on your lettuce trick. Actually, I think it's a good idea. The reason I'm laughing is because of the bagged lettuce. I know it's convenient and I have tried it a number of times but I can't get past two things about it: 1) why do they leave the spiny lettuce stuff in that I have to go and pick out and 2) why does the bagged lettuce only last a few days in my frig when a fresh head of lettuce lasts at least 10 days? So I have given up on it unless I am really desperately in a time bind. I have had better luck with bagged spinach and slightly better luck with bagged field greens from Sam's. You gotta be able to get through the quantity, however! Speaking of taking measurements, I wish I had!! I noticed this weekend that I was down one more notch on my belt but I haven't lost any weight. So maybe there is some truth in being able to lose inches (or fractions thereof) when you hit a plateau. I love being a spice goddess, by the way! Have a great day and as Bert says, be strong! Anne |
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I forgot to mention one thing in my prior post... This is the time of year for corn. I never was really sure about the calories in corn. Online, it said 1 small ear or 2.7 oz of corn kernals is one serving. So exactly how small is small? Yesterday for dinner, I split a piece of corn in half, cooked it, cut the kernals off and weighed them - it came to about 3.5 oz! So less than 1/2 ear is 84 calories - good to know. I put 2.7 oz of corn on my plate and gave the rest to my husband along with another piece of his own corn! BTW, Fran, this was way too much cooking, cutting, weighing effort for a little corn. Do not attempt this in your own home! Hey, how is the remodeling coming? Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Anne, I haven't had any corn this year. I generally like to slather butter all over it. Kinda defeats the purpose of it when the butter calories are more than the corn. Maybe if I have a couple of those little ears you get in Chinese food. Great news on the belt tightening!!! I'm down another notch myself and have one more to go before I buy a new one. We are going great, ladies!!!! Here's to us!!!!  Bert |
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The remodeling is going well, the floors look great so far but for 24 hours we had to stay off off the entire kithen and family room so last night we were confined to very small den. the livign room and dining room are full of stuff so they were out fo the question. . Oh well, we are just laughing about it and dealing the best we can. Of couirse they just told me that when they do the final coat of polyurathane we can used the entire upstairs for 24 hours! Now don't you think they might have mentioned that?Fortunalty they have agree to do all except that final coat and come back in August when we're on vacation and finish it up then. I love corn on the cob, it is a lot of work...but .... I usually get my husband to peel it and then I just steam it and we eat it right on the cob. BTW if you do eat it on the cob and are like me and have to have some butter we have discovered butter spray, it works excellant on corn and you use a lot less. |
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Hi again, ladies. I just had a moment to read this article. Thought you might like to see it. http://www.newsweek.com/id/144958 Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Interesting article, I agree that keeping a food diary/journal really makes a difference. My problem is when I know I have eaten way too much I don't write it down. I know that makes no sense and I am trying to get over that hump. The week-end thing I believe is at least partly a result of our affluence. When I was a kid I got a candy bar once in a great while, same for cookies, chips whatever. Now we can pretty much pick one up whenever we want. When you're out running errands on the week end it is so easy to grab a candy bar at one store, a soda at another and maybe a bag of chips at the next and then of course we may as well pick up a pizza on the way home. I know I am guilty of doing that, that is one reason I am trying to really limit my junk...I ask myself...would my mother have let me do that? The answer is usually no, the hard part is I know she would have said no only because she couldn't afford it, I have to tell myself no because I can't "afford" it in another way. |
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Just thought I'd say good night! I was way under calories today (not planned). I ended up going to a meeting that lasted until after 8 and so I didn't eat until almost 9. I am a bit worried about that - late is not good for me with weight loss. I had some healthy version eggplant parmesan that I had made earlier (no parmesan) and pineapple for dinner. I really hope that does not kill an otherwise very good day. I read the article and without a doubt weekends are a challenge - that is when I want to go out to dinner the most or when we are socializing which often includes food. I just have to focus on treating the weekends like any other day. Have you guys tried roll butter with the corn? Take a pretty hard stick of butter and roll the hot corn in it lightly. You really don't get that much butter on at all - but enough to do the trick I think. I often very lightly swipe hard or frozen butter in the bottom of a hot pan too, say before pan frying fish. It takes way less than a teaspoon and covers the bottom pretty well. In addition to 40 minutes on the cross trainer today, I did stretches and abdominal work. I am just beginning to focus on the latter two - I don't like doing them but know that I should. So I will report on my progress! Sweet dreams, Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning guys. Can I tell you guys about a success? OK, I know you will say yes. Yesterday I had an unbelievably stressful day. You know the kind...when my husband came home and said what should we get for supper I scream at him and say "How the #%@&! should I know" yeah, that kind of day. Anyway after my husband, being a very wise man decided to work in the yard for awhile. After some time had passed I was able to suggest Panera, someplace I can get a 1/2 sandwich and a low fat soup. For me that was major, usually those kinds of days push me right into an eating binge but I didn't go there! Usually that would have been a row of Oreo night and maybe a little ice cream instead I had my supper and later I "indulged" in a Greek style yogurt, it's a little higher in calories but really creamy so it's worth it. I get the one with honey and it is really a nice dessert. Anyway that is my success. Big deal huh Hey did you guys hear on the news that now they ( I assume AMA but I don't know) is suggesting babies get tested at age 2 for high cholesterol and children as young as 8 get put on medication for it. They say it is because of the high obesity rate in kids. Boy is that sad, we really have to do better by our children. I have 2 grandchildren and 2 nephews, none of them is overweight but I can see in my two grandchildren that although they are not overweight they are not skinny either. When I was a kid we were all pretty much skinny, not from lack of food but we got so much exercise, that just doesn't' happen anymore. Anyway, I just thought it was interesting and wanted to share. Hope you guys don't mind me doing that? Anne, sounds like you had a tough day too and you made some great choices. I don't blame you for not liking to eat so late but some days it just can't be helped. Pat yourself on the back, you didn't stop on the way home from your meeting and grab a pizza or big mac, and your getting some exercise in. I call that a good day! It's really hot and humid here (Anne, you are so lucky not to have humidity to deal with) so I am taking the dogs for a walk now rather than our usual 10am time. Maybe I can beat some of the heat. Have a great day guys. Fran Have a great day guys. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi gals, I think you two are really doing great!! You're really looking at what you're doing and not reacting to the situations that can cause poor eating. You're taking charge and changing habits. That's huge!! Way to go. Weekends are tough for us too. For us it's generally that we had a tough week and we just want to let our hair down. Very easy to get pizza (we found a new fantastic place just last week) or go out to dinner. I think once and a while that's ok and when I do it, I try to make the best choices I can and commit to hard exercise the next day to compensate. Rolling corn in butter, eh. I think I'd like to do that myself. I heard something about the kids and cholesterol situation. I'm not sure medicating kids that young is a good idea. Many of the cholesterol drugs can have effects on liver function and I wouldn't want to expose my kids or grandkids to that possibility long term. I think it's better to give them good eating choices and make sure they get their little butts out. I know it's not as safe as it used to be and their are many predators out there so it's incumbant on us to make sure we go with them and get active with them. For me, this is another part of my motivation for getting in shape. Got up today and did 20 min. on the bike and strength training. Three sets each of leg lifts for front and back thigh, 3 sets of military pushups (30, 20, 17), 3 sets bicep curls. I'm still a bit sore from Saturday's workout. Have a great day, ladies, and stay strong!! I love 'ya!! Bert |
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Boy, you guys are quick! Here I thought I'd beat you to it this am by checking in BEFORE my exercise! Congrats on handling that stress yesterday, Fran. I also have the urge to eat at those times - kind of crazy because then I just feel worse later - guilty. I think the way we medicate in this country is ridiculous! And the way that so many kids is sedentery is ridiculous too! My grandchildren have all the video stuff - but luckily they are both very active too - my grandson is involved in every sport known to man. So they are very thin and don't seem to care a hoot about food! I'd still love them if they weren't thin (maybe even more??) but I'm glad they don't have to deal with that difficulty - at least not now. I grew up being an overweight child and it is not fun. My mother is thin and was always very careful about what she fed us; all my older sisters were thin as well. My father, on the other hand, was always "pleasantly plump". I remember her taking me to the doctor for the first time when I was 5 for this issue (we never went to the doctor back then unless it was something really serious so you can see how concerned she was). He said not to worry - that I would grow out of it. Well, I never did grow out of it until I was about 13 and decided to go on a starvation diet! Oh, well, I could go on for days on this but my real reason for writing so early was... A new low today by .2 lbs! Woo Hoo! 1.2 lbs to go to make 35 - wish me luck. (I can't help but wonder what might have been this am if I had just skipped dinner all together last night.) I gotta go exercise before work! More later! Good luck today! Wow, isn't this more fun than going it alone? thanks for being buddies! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I grew up being chunky too and I was always active as a kid. My mother always bought me clothes in the "Husky" department. Right now my grandson is a stick but he has the genes to really put it on. My son is big as is my daughter-in-law. I'm torn about talking with my son about his weight though. On the one hand, I want to impress upon him the importance for his health and his ability to take care of his family. On the other hand, my mother always had something to say about my weight for years and it #%@&! me off. To this day she'll say "You'd better keep your fat clothes. You know you can put it back on." I heard this just two weeks ago. Mean lady. I think it's good to talk about this stuff because there's many underlying reasons why we've gained weight over time. True, we've developed bad habits but the real question is "why" and when we can answer that, we can act to overcome the situation. Being together on this is great support. I'm glad we're a team. Bert |
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Hi, all Bert, I can't believe that your mom tells you to hang on to your "fat clothes"!! If she wasn't your mother, I'd have to come over and slap that woman! She obviously doesn't get that you have made a lifestyle change and how that is so different than losing weight on the latest fad diet that you leave behind. This is not a diet - it is how you are now. And you've learned how you can have a piece of pizza now and then and a piece of cake and a blizzard - they are incorporated as occasional treats into your otherwise very healthy eating plan! So all I can say is good for you and I'm really sorry to hear that anyone would ever say anything to imply that you will slide back. I have great faith that you will not! Now, for some advice - not that you asked for it!! I think discussing another person's weight with them, unless they bring it up, is not a good idea (your son). No one likes to be heavy; it is not a "choice" as I define a choice anymore than being an alcoholic is. My guess is that your son is a little uncomfortable now just because you have lost weight - you know he thinks about it and probably belittles himself because of where he is. I think the best thing you can do is love him as he is. He can only lose weight when he is ready and there is really nothing you can do to get him there. So that's my take on it.Hey, I bought a bunch of rutabagas - oh, my gosh, I don't know what I was thinking! Does anyone have a good recipe for them? Anne |
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Hi Anne, You're right about not talking with my son. He'll have to figure it out for himself as I did. I hope that he'll see how I've succeeded and realize it can be done. I have a recipe for rutabegas but it's very fattening. It involves a lot of butter and cream. I'm taking off for the afternoon. We went out to lunch and something didn't agree with me. I feel sick. See you gals tomorrow. B |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Sorry you don't feel well Bert. Rest...and try and keep cool. I agree with Anne, talking to someone about thier weight unless they ask is not a good idea. They know they have a weight problem and they are just going to deal with it in their own way. So you guys both grew up plump--not me in fact the social worker used to come to our house and check our cabinets--I swear they would actually come into our house and ask about what we eating and check the cabinets, becuase my brother and I were so thin. Of course my mom was a single parent back in the 50's so of course she was suspect as a bad mom. In my family we stay stick thin until around 30 and then it starts creeping on until about 40 when it slams you. The bad thing is by then you are so used to eating everything you want and not gaining an ounce it's hard to change. But with you guys I will. Anne, you are right this buddy thing is great. And don't try to beat me and Bert...we have 4 hours on you. Actually when I first saw your post from yesterday I was thinking...she was up at midnight then I realized it was like 8:00 your time. On top of being on the east coast I am an early bird. In fact I used to be on a site and ended up talking to people from Europe a lot of the time. |
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Hi, Guys! Fran, I used to dream about being the kind of kid who could eat anything! I guess it would be hard when things changed - never thought about that. At least I was well versed in portion control! Bert, I have a fattening recipe for rutabagas too - involving bacon and onions, one of my favorite combos. Hmm. I could just mash them but I'm not so sure my hubby would warm up to them. They might be good with mashed carrots and potatoes too. Have you ever mashed potatoes and carrots together? Very good! Hope you feel better, Bert! You weren't rolling around in the butter, were you? I'm actually just 2 hours behind you guys - Mountain time. Pacific time is an additional hour behind me. So I could beat you up in the am - maybe on a weekend if you sleep late! I gotta go do my sit ups! I'm taking a late lunch today. Had my favorite bacon, lettuce, avacado and tomato sandwich. Yum! I could eat about 3! Hey, what ever happened to Yam? I don't think I mentioned this before but one of my previous buddies from the site came back about a week ago. She didn't want to post on the site though (too bad) and she asked if I would just e-mail her. So I am doing that with her as well. I am hoping that she may change her mind and come back to the forums someday. Anne |
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Yam thought we might be too sports oriented....not sure where she got that but that's fine. I am happy with just us but if others want to join that's great too. Tell your buddy she is always welcome. |
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Sorry for not knowing the time of day Anne. I don't know where I got 4 hours....guess I moved you to CA time . I made a slight error in judgement yesterday...I ordered a veggie quesadilla (sp?) which might have been okay except this thing was HUGE, half would have been enough...of course I ate the whole thing . Actually it was a really good one, not as greasy as a lot of them are, next time I will be prepared and stop at half. I was pretty good at getting in the exercise, I walked 2 miles and went for a short (6 mile) bike ride  . I should have gone longer but I haven't been out in a while and it was so humid I wanted to be sure I could get back. As it turned out I was fine and could easily have done a couple more miles. I do have the neatest bike, it's a retro bike so although it is only 4 or 5 years old and has 18 speeds it looks like the bikes we had as kids, wide tires, big seat, regular handle bars so I can ride sitting upright....much easier on the back. The best part is it's purple and I added pink tassels to the handle bars, when I ride that I feel like I'm 10 years old again .Hope you both had good days. Talk to you later. Fran |
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Hi, Still feeling badly but back at work. It must have been the salmon I ate at lunch yesterday. I had grilled salmon, steamed brocoli and fresh strawberries with Splenda. It hit me pretty quickly. I didn't vomit but I felt like it. I'm still burping and they're very fishy burps.  I'm open to someone else coming to the group but consider this. If we add too many folks it may get difficult to keep up and respond to all the postings. The big postings, such as Nir's challenge, are great for big groups. Let me know what you think. I'm going to see how the rest of the day goes. I have a meeting at 3:30 but I may blow it off as I feel #%@&!. We'll see. Hang in there sports fans!!! Bert |
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Hello fellow spices, Sorry you still aren't feeling well, Bert. Fishy burps? Eeewww, that isn't a good thing! I hope you feel better soon. Cool sounding bike, Fran. I am envious of the seat. Whenever I start riding my bike in the summer, I end up with bicycle butt! It sounds like you are getting some good exercise which is great! Speaking of exercise, you are both planning to be here for the Hardrock 100 this weekend, right? I've signed you up! Actually, I have to go to Colorado Springs this weekend and I am going to miss it. I really wanted to volunteer to be a worker at a food station so I could see what these people really look like after 100 miles. Maybe next year! As far as additional buddies, I am not too concerned one way or the other. The only thing I am hoping for is that we all stay active together. I understand your concern, Bert, especially since you are in two of these. My previous experience is that people came and went pretty quickly and so you needed new blood - but hopefully that will not be the case with us! I think I went through 4 or 5 buddies before hooking up with you guys - maybe it's me! I was very good again yesterday - 1300 calories, lots of exercise (including those darn sit ups). No change on the weight - 1.2 lbs to go! I am going away this weekend by myself (6 hr drive) and since we have a house in Colorado Springs, I won't be going out all the time. I'm going to see a few friends probably but will be very cautious. I REALLY want to get to 35 lbs!!! Wish me good luck. I'll check in this weekend if I can get an internet connection! Anne |
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I'm pretty much with Anne, I am happy with our group, my concern is people dropping out but we have all beendoing this for a while so I'm sure we will be sticking it out. Believe me I was so happy when Bert responded. I had my post out there for a week and kind of felt like there was a big L on my forehead. Anyway, how about saying we don't go out looking but if someone comes in like Anne did and asks we grow the goup up unitl say 5 or so? Like I said 3 is great with me but I hate to say no if someone asks to join or if any of us has another buddy. Anyway that's my thoughts things are good as is. I've got 2 great buddies so I'm happy . |
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Bert, hope you feel better. I was planning salmon for supper... maybe I will rethink that....I don't want fish burps  .Fran |
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Yes, Bert. Feel better. I wish I didn't think this way but whenever I get sick (not often at all), I am anxious to see what the scale says. I guess that's the only compensation! So good luck on that. I'm leaving for Colorado Springs now - it's a 6 hour drive - not looking forward to it! Anne |
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Anne, have a great time in Colorado Springs. Talk to you on Monday. |
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Hey Bert, hope you're back to 100%, no fun being sick over the weekend . Well Anne if off in Colorado Springs so it's just you and me today....I forgot to sign up for the 100 Hardrock in Colorado so I guess I will just have to miss it this year .Not much going on with me, so far I have been doing well both calories and exercise wise this week. Of course my weight has gone up every day since my weigh in on Tuesday, only a .2 or.4 but still UP not DOWN but I won't let it get to me. I am sure there is an explanation but if I am not down my 1.5 this week !Did being sick at least have the slight benefit of weight loss? Of course for you, you are so good about exercising that if you're sick and don't work out it might off set the reduced calories . Boy we just can't win huh? Well have a good week end. Right now in New England the weather is beautiful, the humidity broke yesterday, 80 and dry is sooooo much more comfortable than 80 and humid....and 90 and humid....I won't even go there. Enjoy the week end. any plans? Fran |
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Hi, Bert and Fran, Hey, I got my wireless connection to work! Yesterday was one of those days when I didn't have time to eat. So by the time I left I was famished. I made myself a sandwich to take in the car and a yogurt. I stopped once at Burger King to get some chili - I figured that would be OK - but they don't have it anymore. I could have had a salad but it is too hard to eat while driving and I was wanting to get as far as possible before dark. So I left. I had a few veggies in a cooler and I had those instead. I was sure I'd be at my goal today after such a light food day. I did lose some but I'm still not quite there. I'm at 34.6 lbs!! I just hope I don't gain any now. You know how sometimes you do after you have a starvation day. I rolled into Colorado Springs just after 9pm and decided to stop at Kohls. I really do need a new pair of jeans - mine are totally worn out - and I have not bought any new clothes at all since I started losing weight. So I decided to give it a try. Guess what? Size 8, slim cut! Now, I have other pants that are an 8 already and some that are 10's and even some 12's still so I've been guessing I'm about a 10 overall - although they are somewhat big. I didn't think I was ready to go down a size yet but all the 8's I tried on fit. I am helped by the fact that the styles are now below the waist as I am definitely smaller on the bottom than the top. If my top was the same proportion as my bottom, I would be satisfied now, but I still need work on the midsection. I hope you both are doing well. Bert, are you over your salmon issue? Have a great weekend! Anne |
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WHoooHooo! Size 8 slim cuts, Anne you devil you are doing great and it sounds like you made some terrific choices yesterday. How hard was it to walk out of BK when you were starving?! Fpr that you deserve a . Have a great week end. |
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Thanks, Fran! I like that devil image . My husband always says he likes his women a little on the wild side! How are you doing today? Any big plans for the weekend? I am having a couple of women friends over tonight for dinner while I'm in CS. They are easy to do the healthy stuff with so we are having a salad with chicken on top, skinny cows for dessert and then we'll take a walk. I had my hair cut and highlighted today - that is always a nice pick me up. But now I am leaving to go to the endodontist for two root canals!!  Anne |
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Size 8 jeans and new highlights....you better watch it you're husband is going to wonder about your week end in CS.... you better bring the dentist bill for him to see. My sympathies on the root canals--should I tell you I have had about 13, maybe one or two more or less? They are not fun, some are easy, some are horrors, here's hoping these are easy one. I've never done two at once, you are a brave girl. Enjoy your week end, it except for the dental thing, it sounds great. Mine is going to be kind of boring, we have a memorial service to go to for one of Frank's aunts so that will take up most of Saturday, maybe a bike ride on Sunday. |
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Hi, Fran, I must have missed your post from earlier today. I know how frustrating it is when the scale isn't going in the right direction when you are working hard at it! Try not to worry - just keep at it and it WILL go down. It is like the stock market in reverse. It would be better if your weight would just go down a fractional amount each day but it doesn't seem to work like that. You end up with up and down days and the important thing is that the overall trend is down. I bet you will have around an 8 lb loss by Monday! My root canals were not so great - took 3 hours. The problem was that he had trouble getting me numb which has happened before. It was probably 1.5 hours until I got totally numb. I'm glad to know someone else who has also had a lot of root canals! I guess some people just have bad luck that way. I've always taken good care of my teeth and I have almost as many as you've had - I'd say 9 or 10. I need to ask the dentist next time I go! Goodnight, all! Anne |
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Sorry the root canals were tough ones, I only had that not getting numb thing happen once and it was not fun. You are the first person I've known who has had as many root canals as me (after 6 or 7 it doesn't matter)! We should have ourselves a pity party....Bert you're invited even if you've never had a root canal. I have always blamed the fact that as a kid I had no dental care but you were the opposite and had the same problem. I am just very grateful my son did not inherit my teeth, he's had like one cavity and never even considered a root canal...and he is not a good flosser! Now tell me is that fair? I don't know if you have general dental issue, I know I do....tons of caps, gum issues, fillings (although the caps have slowed that way down) anyway, this is weird but I stared rinsing every night with Listerine...I know it taste awful but you do get used to it, and it has made a bigger difference in my dental health than anything so if you have overall issues you might want to try it. Who knew you would get dental advise here? Have a good day. Fran |
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Oh, shoot, I'm up a pound today! This 35 lb goal is about as elusive as - as I don't know what! I know, I know, it will come off - but when? I know I'm going to gain something at this family reunion next weekend and I really wanted to have more than 35 off by that time. Aaargh!!! |
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Anne, I still think you are going to make it...and if you don't wear those size 8 jeans and be proud. Maybe you could wear them inside out so everyone could see the size and won't they be jealous. |
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Hi, Fran and Bert, Hey, Bert, how are you doing? I really hope you are getting better! I had a bad day yesterday. I bought fudge at the store - big mistake - and ate some. Then I watched a movie with friends and had popcorn last night with diet pop. this morning I was up another 2 lbs! Oh boy. Well, that is about it. I screwed up; I am still plugging. Fran, what is your weekend story? Anne |
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Good Monday morning guys. Bert, Hope your back with us at 100%? Did being sick bring any weight loss benefit? That is the only silver lining I can think of to being sick....or maybe getting a day off to stay home but I think all you got was a 1/2 day. Anne, sorry to hear about your tough day yesterday, it is so hard to stay on track when you are away and especially when you're spending time with friends. Don't beat yourself up over it, one day of fudge and popcorn aren't going to make you gain two pounds...unless you ate 2 lbs of fudge . Really, I'm sure most of the gain is just the everyday up and downs. No one is going to give up fudge, we just have to learn to control it to those special times which is what you did. My week end went pretty well, I got a 4 mile walk in on Sunday and both days I kept my calories under 1300, actually on Sunday I only had 750 which is really too low. I wasn't trying, I am not sure what happened, in fact I had saved a yogurt for my evening snack and I just didn't want anything. Actually I was quite happy with myself, i had saved the yogurt and I went and got it because it was "snack time" I sat back down and said to myself...I am really not hungry, I knew I was just going to eat it because I had save it and it was time so I put it back. I do think I might be coming down with a cold so maybe that was it. Whatever it was it was a record low calorie day for me so I'll take it. Tomorrow is my weigh in day for Nir's challenge, I'll let you guys know how I do. Have a great day Spicers! |
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Hi ladies, I hope you had a nice weekend. I'm back today after a lost weekend with a long time buddy. We've been good friends for nearly 40 years. I tried to be good but I wasn't. Several pitchers of Pina Coladas, chocolate cake (my wife made it ), blueberry pancakes (this was with whole wheat flour and made from scratch. I made these.) and chicken sausages. Not too bad on this one. Steak, mushrooms sauted in butter, garlic and sherry, etc., you get the idea. I have to get back on the stick today. I think I over did it yesterday as my stomach was doing flip flops all night. Ugh! Good news is I bought some shorts over the weekend and I'm down (at least on the shorts) to a 36 waist. I'm glad of that. I think the sins of the weekend will stay with me a few days but with a lot of exercise I think I can get it down. Bad news on the scale this morning though. I'll keep hitting it! It seems you gals are doing great! Hold me accountable and help me to get back to my previous weight level. Have a wonderful day!! Bert |
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Hi, Fran and Bert, Welcome back, Bert. It sounds like you had a fun weekend with your friend. I guess we all have difficult times from a food perspective! The good news is that we don't let it slip too long and we are both back on track, right? Fran, it sounds like you had a great weekend food-wise! I can't wait to hear what your results are for the week! Size 36! That must feel great, Bert! And what a great time to show it off - summer! I did not eat 2 lbs of fudge - thank goodness! I bought a pound and ended up freezing what is left. I decided I wasn't doing well with it in the refrigerator. So now it is in the inaccessible zone. I did not gain or lose yesterday - I was hoping for a loss of course. I am supposed to go out to dinner with a friend tonight. I sent him an e-mail and offered to make dinner instead. I know this totally freaks you out, Fran. Anyway, I figured it would be better for me to cook than to be tempted at a restaurant tonight. I don't have very many days left to meet my goal and I am way behind now. I can make salad, broccoli, fish and a skinny cow for dessert (I know he likes skinny cows). Good luck to all of us this week! Anne |
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Bert, you will be back in no time, you had a splurge and you enjoyed it and you know it so it's done and you are back here on Monday morning, just waiting for us to whip you back into shape. OK, get on the ball today, no more fooling around. There did that do it? Seriously, like I said to Anne, there are going to be those times but as long as we limit them and don't fall into the, I screwed up so I may as well throw in the towel attitude (something I have been guilty of in the past) we will be fine. Anne, are you weak from hunger or something?? Actually volunteered to cook?!? Just kidding, it sounds like you made a good and reasonable choice. So what will you be serving? I take it not chocolate cake and pina coladas like Bert..Actually I am a little worried about the scale tomorrow, I've been really good but I have a feeling it is not going to show up and that will get me so .We'll see. |
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Hi Spice girls. Did I mention that I thought I might have had food poisoning last week? Well, the discomfort hasn't gone away yet. I have this dull, constant pain right in the center of my abdomen, just beneath the breast plate. One of my co-workers thinks I may have a gallbladder issue. I hope not. Surgery would screw up my workouts big time. I'm going to see if it goes away in a day or two or if it hangs around. If it does, I'll get to the doctor. Based on what I've been able to learn, I shouldn't have a problem as my diet is rich in fruits and vegatables. One thing I saw though is that a very low fat diet could cause it too. Mmmmm! We'll see. Bert |
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OK, Fran, you obviously fainted after I said the thing about cooking and didn't read the rest!! I'll be making fish, salad, broc, skinny cows - very low cal. |
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Bert, definatly, I have known 2 people who eat very healthy that have had gall bladder issues, don't let it go too long. Anne, you are right....after I read you were going to cook instead of go out to eat my head just went completely crazy. I just can't imagine doing that |
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Bert, I hope that pain goes away. I wouldn't like the idea of surgery either. I'll say a few prayers that that won't be necessary. Anne |
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Thanks, Anne. I appreciate it. I'm still hurting but it doesn't seem bad enough to go to the doctor yet. I'll wait and see what tonight brings. Bert |
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Hi guys. Well I had my weigh in this morning and it was good news. I am down to 164.4, 2.2 lbs from last week and 9.6 from when I started really watching in early June. I am pretty happy with the loss and actually surprised, I have been weighing everyday and I wasn't seeing much until yesterday and then again today but at any rate, it showed up in time for the weekly weigh in . Nir's challenge is helping me too I think, it's weird but having "accountability" to you guys as well as the challenge keeps me more on track. Hey, I don't want to get uninvited to the great weight loss reunion! Have a good day, and Bert I'm glad you were feeling a little better yesterday, hope you keep improving. Fran |
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Hi spicey ones, Well, I'm back on it strong. I've lost half what I gained during the "Lost Weekend." I hit the bike for an hour today. Fran, OUTSTANDING!!!! Keep it up. You're doing great!! Got a meeting in 15 min. I'll be back later. Bert |
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Great news all around! Congratulations, Fran!!! Almost 10 lbs - quite an accomplishment and I'm sure you feel the difference! You go, girl! And Bert, on your way down again - good for you! And me - lost 2 lbs as well. I have a hectic day, will try to check in later! In the meantime, eat healthy! Anne |
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Well, aren't we just a terrific bunch of losers  . Go Spicers! |
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I never thought I'd be excited about being with a bunch of losers until now! Ain't it cool???? Bert |
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Yeah, but Bert, you are the biggest loser - and I for one am jealous (well, mostly impressed, actually). I'm off to bed. It has been a very long day. I am working tomorrow and then driving back to southern CO after that. Hope to be back by midnight! Today was a low calorie day mostly due to being so busy - only 1100. I don't really mean to do that, it just happens sometimes. Anne |
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HI Guys. Anne, sounds like you're off to another busy day. If you're spending a lot of time in the car I have a few good suggestions for take along food. One of my favorites is hard boiled eggs. Tonight I'm meeting a friend for dinner (surpsingly I didn't suggest I cook instead ) but it is her turn to pick and she picked The Cheesecake Factory , oh boy, it is going to be tough. I am going to go on line today and see what are my best choices. I am also being realistic and I plan on having cheesecake....I am hoping to have 1/2 a piece and bring the other half home to my husband....Hope I can be strong enough.Have a good day Spicers. |
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Hello Spice goddesses, Anne, you crazy woman!!! Get some rest. I've found that when I don't get the proper sleep I'm much more susceptible to eating too much or the wrong stuff and exercise is out the window. The other side of that is that you don't get enough nutrition (1100 cal) and your body goes into starvation mode and holds on to the reserves. Your schedule is tough but try to incorporate a routine into it. Fran is right about car snacks. They will keep your energy level up and keep your metabolism going. Fran, I went to the Cheesecake Factory last week. You can get a piece of grilled salmon, steamed brocoli and fresh strawberries for dessert. Don't get the whipped cream but just sprinkle some Splenda on them. Good stuff!!! Don't even look at the cheesecake when you walk in. They're insidious!! Hang tough, ladies. I'm back to 197 again after the lost weekend. I hope to be down below that by Monday. Hang tough!! Bert |
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Great job so far Bert, you are fantastic. I like your menu for the Cheesecake factory, except the strawberries...I'm allergic. Honestly I think I am going to do a 1/2 piece of cheesecake because I know me and I know if I don't I will feel sorry for myself and binge on something else.and still not feel satisfied . I have been pretty good with the excercise, maybe I will do an extra couple of miles when I walk, not that that would off set cheesecake, not even a half piece but it's better than nothing. But salmon and broccoli sounds delicious. |
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Fran, That's the way to do it. If you anticpate having a treat, account for it with denying something else or step up the workouts. That's what I did to get through Thanksgiving and Christmas. No gain over Thanksgiving and 2 lbs over Christmas. We can do this!! B |
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Hi guys, Anne you gad-a-bout, hope you're having fun in all this traveling. Well Bert, you suggestions were great for Cheesecake Factory and I did order the salmon and broccoli, unfortunately I got there too hungry so I had a couple of pieces of bread. Then my order came and instead of double broccoli they have me broccoli and mashed potatoes. When I pointed out the mistake they brought me another order of broccoli but didn't take the potatoes. My fault, I should have asked them to remove them from the plate but I didn't and guess what...Yup I ate them and they were loaded with bad stuff. I still had my cheesecake, and at least I did limit that to the half piece I planned but overall not a red letter day for me. I figured my calories were around 1800, I try to keep them under 1300 and if they go to 1500 I figure it's not ideal but ok, but 1800 not ok. Today I have a very long work day, probably 12 hours so I can get my usual 2 miles in but there won't be any extra today. Hopefully I can make up for it over the week end. I am so mad at myself for not sending those #&%#* potatoes back, I can't say they were worth it. The cheesecake on the other hand was worth every calorie .Well have a good day Spicers, onward and downward (weight wise of course). |
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Fran, Don't beat yourself up! This is how we defeat ourselves. You had a nice dinner with a friend and indulged a bit. Just get back on the horse!  Kick butt on the workout over the weekend to compensate. You can do it!! Bert |
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Greetings, Fellow Spicers! Sorry for being AWOL yesterday (is the the correct term?). Things have been zoo like! Bert, congratulations on getting back to 197 so quickly! I love "getting even" again, don't you? And Fran, just remember that one slice of cheescake will not get in your way - you are down almost 10 lbs, that is the important thing. Just keep plugging! I am NOT having fun traveling. The reason for my trip to CS was to rent a house that we have there - not our residence, but another house. I really, really dislike being a landlord and want to get out of it but now is not the time to sell a house! I have had some rental properties since I was 22 years old and you just get tired of it. They take alot of time, always at the wrong time. Anyway, I showed the house to at least a dozen people and left town (because I have to go to the family reunion) without a signed contract. Lots of time & energy for no results. The rental market seems pretty strong right now and people seemed to really like the house, there is just always a "reason" it does not work out. I have learned this is par for this business and one of the most frustrating things. I got a contract just yesterday at noon - by 3 the people had backed out - long story. I got another contract over the weekend from in town people and went to look at where they currently live; I did not sign that contract because it was clear that if I rented to them, I was signing up for a total recarpet and remodel job based on how they live. It is incredible to me how many people live in absolute filth - I feel sorry for the kids. OK, so in the midst of all this, I managed to get exercise all days but the last two - all walking - but I live in the hills so it's not bad. I was also careful about eating except for the fudge and popcorn that one day that I already told you about and that landed me with an extra 3 lbs. I knew I had to be prepared in the car yesterday as you pointed out. I took cut up veggies with some light dip, pineapple, a pumpkin muffin (I make these, very healthy) and water. I don't usually have any overwhelming desire to stop and buy food while traveling as long as I have something along, but yesterday I did! I really wanted a soft serve cone or something like that. Then I wanted gummi worms. Then I got a fix on potato chips! I was going crazy. Every time I came upon a place I could stop, I closed my eyes (as much as I could while driving) and drove past. It's a 6 hour drive so I did need to stop for a bathroom break. I ended up at a gas station and you know the tempting junk they have inside, including all the above that I mentioned. I bought a diet Dr Pepper - something I never do either but at least it was diet. Wow, so I made it back in one piece and without giving in to the temptations. Results? As of this morning, I am down 35.4 lbs!!! Yeah!!! I finally made it!!! Now, I know the trick will be going to the reunion. I would have loved to be going with a few lbs to spare, but it won't happen that way. I am just very thankful to hit this point before I go. I am going to try really hard not to gain more than a couple lbs while gone and I will need to jump on those the second I get back. BTW, I went shopping again and bought 2 more pairs of size 8 jeans. That may seem like alot but where we live, jeans are the uniform. I also got a new bathing suit but that is a 10 because I am bigger on top (not boobs necessarily, just broader). I also had to get a tall size and even that is short for me. I don't consider 5'8" to be very tall so I don't know what women do who are 5'10" or over. I have never seen an "extra tall". I guess they just can't wear one piece suits. I am not that long waisted either, it's mostly my legs that are long so you would think that a regular length would do it, but no way. Sorry for the long, long post. I am leaving tomorrow so I will be sporadic until I return next Thursday. Have a great week and as Fran says, onward and downward (I love that!)! Anne |
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anned wrote: BTW, I went shopping again and bought 2 more pairs of size 8 jeans. That may seem like alot but where we live, jeans are the uniform. I also got a new bathing suit but that is a 10 because I am bigger on top (not boobs necessarily, just broader). I also had to get a tall size and even that is short for me. I don't consider 5'8" to be very tall so I don't know what women do who are 5'10" or over. I have never seen an "extra tall". I guess they just can't wear one piece suits. I am not that long waisted either, it's mostly my legs that are long so you would think that a regular length would do it, but no way. Hey Anne, Congratulations!!!! You made it!!! That's wonderful. It's worth all the discipline. I quoted you above as I'm envisioning a gorgeous, 5'8", long legged woman with big (or not so big) boobs. You've made my day!!! Bert |
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Gee, thanks, Bert! Now you've made my day! |
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Anything for you, you spicey size 8. B |
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Anne, congratulations....we knew you were going to make it ! Size 8 jeans is incredible, even if I reach my goal it won't get into a size 8, I am just the opposite of you, I am 5'3" which puts me on the high end of "petite" but even petite pants are often too long, I have no legs at all. Now for the other half of me....nothing there either....where does all of my weight come from . Sorry about the trouble you are having renting, my brother has rental properties and it is scary how some people live.....I have to go to other people houses and seriously, i have an extra set of cloths in my car and air freshener, when I come out of some houses I go to the nearest public rest room and change and this is weird but sometimes the smell is just stuck in my head so I have a really strong orange freshener and I use that to "erase" the one in my head. How weird is that? Anyway, you do need to be careful my brother has paid thousand of dollars repairing damage that was senseless and should I mention the one tenant that left....I am not kidding....garbage on the kitchen floor, not just fresh garbage but about 4 inches of accumulated garbage all over the floor. Now why would someone do that? And of course they are also the ones that leave owing 6 months back rent. The best way, at least out here, is word of mouth. Any thought to rent to own type deal? Have a good rest of the day and again, nice job at reaching your goal! |
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You're tiny and gorgeous. Ah! Variety is the Spice of Life!! B |
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Yes, Fran, you can be Tiny Spice! And Bert, you are definitely Shrinking Spice! I don't want to be Big Spice! Talk to you guys later! I gotta do laundry, pack, etc. Anne |
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Anne, how do you feel about Svelte Spice? I think it fits anyone who wheres a size 8 jean. I like Tiny Spice, not a term usually applied to me but...I'll take it since I am working in it. Bert, does your wife know what a charmer you are? Well, I am glad to say yesterday went well diet wise which I was really happy with. Thanks to you guys I was able to keep my slip in perspective and move on. No big challenges for me for the week end, how about for you guys? Have a great day. |
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Hi spicey ones, No big plans for the weekend here either. That's a good thing. I had a lousy afternoon yesterday but instead of going home and having a couple of bourbons and a bunch of bad food, I got home did 53 pushups (34, 13, 6) and did some bicep curls. I then only had one bourbon and a few pistachios and a sensible dinner of one broiled pork chop, bird's nests (shredded veggies from Trader Joes's) and steamed brussel sprouts.Yes, my wife does know I'm a charmer(or maybe a bull $#!T artist) LOL. We'll be married 34 years this September!Have a great weekend, Tiny and Svelte!! Bert |
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Hi, Spice Buddies, Good job on avoiding the bad day binge, Bert! The reward for that is better than the bourbon and food would have been anyway, you Shrinking Spice! Svelte Spice, Fran? I don't know that this describes me but like you, working on it! I am on the last leg of my journey today and got a connection at the airport. My flight is boarding in 10 minutes. I was proud of my meal planning in transit. I knew I'd be tempted by the fast food joints resident at the airport. So I made some tuna salad last night and packed a lunch with cherries, tuna, crackers and some low fat cheese. My calories for the day ended up at 1430 which included a 150 calorie treat. I suppose I could have been lower but I should not gain weight on that and I was happy overall. Of course, the next five days will be challenging and I'm going to try my best to maintain! Have a great weekend, you two. I'll be excited to hear your reports - I hope I can check in some time! Anne |
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Anne, I am sure you are having too much fun to check the site but if you do have a good time and enjoy yourself, you can have a great time without going way off but I hope you allow yourself some indulgences. Have a great time at the reunion and you are going to knock them dead in those new jeans! |
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I'm down a size! I got into my size 14 pants today! is it "pant" or "pants" ? Pants sounds right but doens't make sense since it singular? Oh the problems of the English language. OK, now that I have that out of my system., how are my fellow Spicers this fine Monday? Probably just you and me Bert, I' hoping Anne is having way to much fun to check the site even if she has access to a computer. How did your week end go? Did you have a bourbon or two? Got to have some fun in life....you can just do a few extra push ups. I can do maybe one (modified girlie type ). I stayed on track calorie wise, I had hoped to get a little more bike riding in but we had to furniture shop and it took a lot longer than I thought but the good news is I found what I wanted at a price I could afford. Of course the carpet I wanted for my stairway would run me over 2K so let's just say that is probably not going to happen. My husband is okay with it if it's what I really want but I think maybe I could like something else almost as well. Have you ever seen the Sopranos? I want the carpet they have in their foyer....unfortunately I married a teacher not a mafia boss, oh well, such is life. Hey have a good day and a great start to the week. Anne if you are there hope you're having fun. When are you headed back home? |
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WHOO HOO!!! Down a size!!! Way to go, Fran. Spectacular. Doesn't it feel good? I had a good weekend. I worked out both Saturday and Sunday. When I was lifting weights on Saturday I strained something in my neck. I felt it pop. It hurts but it will get better. I'm at 195 this morning!! That's 95 lbs gone!!! Five to go for the goal!!! I know I won't lose 5 this week but I really have to kick my own arse. I'll have a bourbon when I cross the finish line. You're just like my wife. You watch a show and see the carpet, or drapes, etc. She'll notice the china or a print on the wall. With the Sopranos, I notice the guns they use. That's one of my hobbies. Before I ventured into academia I was in the arms and ammo business, working for Remington Arms Co. It was a great company for years but it's not the same and some of the people running it are less than ethical. Stay strong and it won't be long before you're down another size. You're fantastic, tiny spice, tiny dancer, etc. Hold me close, tiny dancer!! Mmm...sounds like it would be a good song title. Anne, hope you're having a blast!!! Bert |
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Bert, down to 195...FANTASTIC, it won't be long before you're doing the goal line happy dance! Do they have guns on the Saprono's? I never noticed . Men and woman in general are different creatures, and that's a good thing. |
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Hiker wrote: Men and woman in general are different creatures, and that's a good thing. And I thank God for it. Bert |
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Good morning Bert, hope you are having better weather than us, it is very hot and humid here. I think this might be the most humid summer I've ever seen. I do hate the heat so I am whining a lot but my husband knew when he married me...it's hot, I whine . Heat or not, I had a great week weight wise, this morining was my "official" weigh in day and I am down anoter 1.2 lbs! Actually I was down 3lbs from last week but I am doing the weekly average thing, it is really helping me keep fluctuations in perspective. I was thinking about you and you being so close to your goal, it must be killing you you are so close. Of course it must also make you feel great you have done such a phenomenal job at this. I am off for a 5 hour stress test so I won't be around much today. Of course I am also starving because I can't eat or drink anything....I am definatly a person who eats breakfast. I won't get to eat until 1:00---Can a person die from not eating for 17 hours , I think I might be the firstAnne, if you're out there hope your week is going well. Have a great day guys. |
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Good morning, 1.2 lbs is fantastic! A loss every week gets you closer and closer to the prize AND each pound is a prize in itself. You're right about my going crazy as I'm so close. I know this weight thing is going to be a lifetime challenge but getting to my goal is really important and I WANT IT!!!! I don't know of anyone who died without food for 17 hours but I know I'd feel like dying. I try to eat every 3 hours just to keep from getting really hungry and keep my metabolism going. Today I had a quarter cantelope, two T.Joe's chicken breakfast sausages, an egg and a Weight Watcher's English muffin. I'll eat a peach (Allman Brothers come to mind) at 10:00 am. Lunch is a ricotta and tomato pie we tried a couple of nights ago. It's pretty good and only 191 calories a serving. I'll also have a 60 calorie yogurt. Later in the PM I'll eat an apple and have a low sodium V-8. I also have a T Joe's fig cereal bar if I really get hungry. All total that's around 926 cal. so it leaves me plenty of room for dinner. Hot?? You want hot??? We're going to have a heat index today of 105. It's going to be brutal!!! Enjoy your day and Anne, if you're out there, know we're thinking of you! Bert |
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Well, I'm back and I didn't die of starvation. The bad thing is 1/2 way through they make you eat a muffin, to me that was a perfectly good waste of calories, I used up 200 calories on a muffin. I eat like you do, usually a cup of cottage cheese for breakfast, a hard boiled egg for a snack, lunch is usually a small chicken thigh or some lo cal soup. In the afternoon if I want a snack I usually have a piece of fruit or a yogurt and like you that leaves me plenty of calories for supper. At night I always have sugar free Popsicles, at 15 calories I don't sweat it and if I am still hungry I'll go for another yogurt or fruit. That pretty much keeps me under the 1300 I like to stay at. The tomato ricotta pie sounds really good, especially with fresh tomatoes. Do you have a recipe for it and more importantly is it hard? 105 !!! I could not even go out of the house. 90 is unbearable, over 100--just not humanly possible to live. |
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I hope you enjoyed the muffin. I have the recipe at home and it's really easy. One pan. You will have to shop for the ingredients though. Essentially, you get a bowl, put all the stuff in it, mix it up and put it in the pan and the pan goes in the oven. Pretty simple. I'll try and remember to get it and send it you both of you. Mmm. Lunch. I'm hungry. See you later. Bert |
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Hi, Bert and Fran Sorry I have not checked in; I have not even read your posts yet so I apologize for that. My mother has been ill since I came back here and that has been difficult. I even tried to extend my stay but could not get a flight back until 8-12! My eating has not been that good - darn! I hope it does not take too long to recover when I return home. I'm looking forward to catching up with both of you soon! As Fran says, onward and downward! Anne |
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Good morning Spicers. Anne, it was nice to hear from you but I am sorry your mom is not feeling well. Right now you have enough stress I am sure so take care of yourself and her and don't worry about a few extra calories. Do what you can under tough circumstances and you are going to do fine, cut yourself a little slack right now. Bert, your ricotta tomato pie sounds like it might be within my cooking abilities--put it in pan and cook it....I can probably handle that one BTW, is your wife having any luck on the job hunt front? I know it's a tough time to be looking but I was thinking of her so I hope it's 0K that I asked. |
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Good morning, WL Buddies, Wow, I sure missed alot! Fran down a size and Bert down 95 lbs!!! Congratulations to both of you!!! I know how it feels to want those last 5 lbs, Bert; you will get there!I wish I had good news to report but I don't - up 4 lbs. That is alot. I gained it all in one day, believe it or not. It was the day of the reunion and I attributed it to salt. I did not have anything to drink and I didn't eat all that much - but alot of nibbling. It has not come off because the other days I was just not being very careful. Well, today I start back on track. I packed my breakfast and lunch for the plane. I just opened it up a few minutes ago and someone put cookies in my lunch. Both my sister and father asked me if I wanted any and I said no to both of them. Then I find them hidden in my lunch. I'm pretty sure it was my dad. I am not going to eat them and will save them for Ray. Well, it was a very crazy few days. The reunion was good - 86 relatives in attendance. It was at my cousins' house. Two of them live next to each other on Lake St. Claire; I think it is the 2nd largest lake in the US after the Greast Lakes. Normally there is lots of sun and swimming but it was overcast and not overly hot. Good weather overall for a party and probably better than lots of sun. It did rain in the evening though and so we had to move either inside or under the tents. My parents are both 90 and still live in the house I grew up in. My mother has been very frail for years and my father's health has been good so he takes care of her. Now she is getting to the point where they really need more professional nursing help. While my sister and I were there, she got quite bad and could not walk at all. My dad cannot lift her himself even though she only weighs about 115 lbs. So anyway, we are trying to figure out what to do. They are both stubborn and independent and don't listen to us. If they did, they would have had help a long time ago and they would have at least moved into another place that did not require so much work. As my mother says, getting old is not for sissies. So that is how things work if you are lucky to live to a very old age (my grandmother on my dad's side lived to 103 by the way). On the other side, I received a call yesterday from my best friend. She is two years older than I am and her husband is 60. He was just diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer that has metasticized to his liver. His chances for survival are very slim. I think maybe a sudden and fatal heart attack might be a better way to go than either of these other two options. Fran, I think you need to come to Colorado for the weather. I think it is great - not too hot, not too cold. We do not have any air conditioning and sleep with big blankets on every night. Then it is shorts during the day, maybe a light jacket in the early evening. Well, I am sorry for the long post. Please wish me luck in getting rid of these 4 lbs right away! Good luck to both of you! Anne |
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Hi Anne, Glad you made it back safely. Don't worry about those 4 lbs. You'll get those off in no time. It's part of life and as we've talked about, we tend to fluctuate with the slightest deviance in routine. The important thing is what we do after. I'm beginning to get into the mind set that when I do go off for a special occasion that I will gain and I have to plan for it and view it as a maintenance issue rather than part of a weight loss issue. After all, when we get to our goals, maintaining the weight level will be a lifestyle. I know what you're going through with your folks. My mom is 84 and very frail. She lives about 20 minutes away and that's good but I wish she'd make some changes that would keep her safer. I also have a sister that lives 12 hours away and she always has suggestions on what I should be doing. 'Nuf said. Fran, I forgot the recipe. I'll try and get it to you tomorrow. I also forgot to tell you that my wife is on her third week at a new office. It seems to be going well. The dentist was there for the first week and has been on vacation last and this week. They did give her a key to the office though and I guess that's a good sign. She's getting along well with the staff and particularly the gal who shares front office responsibilities with her. That's critical. I did an hour on the bike this morning but my heart wasn't in it. It was a real struggle but I gave it everything I had. Onward and downward!! Bert |
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Anne, I agree w/ Bert, those 4 lbs will come off pretty fast once your back into your routine and I also agree when your away like that or any special occasion you are going to have some gain, it's all part of learning to live with a new way of life and as much as we don't like to think so there will be ups w/ our downs. I know, it's so much easier to say when it's someone else but it will come off. Bert, whenever on the recipe I am sure you have more important things on your mind than a recipe. You are both lucky to have parents alive, my mom died in April, she was 93 and had lived with me for many years....there were times I thought I might kill her she could be so trying but now that she is gone I miss her. I guess I'm the grown up now . |
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Hi, Spice Kitten and Spice Lion, Fran, I am sorry to hear about your mom. She lived with you - that is a huge deal. We almost lost my mom a couple months ago and I learned that I was not prepared. I guess you never really can be prepared so I understand completely that you miss her. Having a parent gone - the people who have been there your whole life - is really unsettling. And Bert, I am very glad to hear about your wife and her new job! It is great that she enjoys her office mates and I wish her well! I was pretty careful today. I did go out to lunch but ordered the guiltless chicken sandwich at 480 calories. And nothing much for dinner - too tired. Time to go unpack! Anne |
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Good morning Spicers. Anne, glad you're home safe and sound, I'm sorry your reunion took a bad turn at the end with your mom getting sick. Food wise it sounds like you are really making some great choices even when faced with challenges. Good going! Bert, I don't know how I missed your post about your wife getting a new job. That is great, she is so lucky to have found something so fast and to work with people you like, as I'm sure she knows from that last job, makes all the difference in the world. Unless you work at home you spend a lot of time with your co workers and if they're unpleasant it can be miserable. It is poring here today but I will get at least a 2 mile walk in...I won't melt. I have raincoats for my 3 dogs but they had such a bad night last night I think I will let them sleep. Poor babies, up all night with the thunder storms....now that I think of it I was up all night with them. That's okay, they're worth it. Have a good day and onward and downward. Last edited on 24 July 2008 11:41 am by Hiker |
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Hello Spice goddesses, Anne, I love Spice Lion. I could get into that! I had to fight to get up this am to work out. I did it though. An hour on the bike. I was dripping wet but I'm glad I did it. I have my Friday morning breakfast with my men's group tomorrow and I'm trying to decide if I want to get a little extra shut-eye or get up and hit it again. For some reason it's been tougher this week to get up. I'm eating well though and that's good. Around 1700 -1800 but no more than 1900. Still below what I'd have to consume to maintain where I am now weight wise. I'm hoping to see a loss on Monday but it's getting tougher as I'm closer to my goal. When I get to my goal, I'll probably lose another 10-15 but I'm not sure. I think I'll stop at a 34 waiste. This will be fine for me. Whatever weight I'm at, at that point, I'll put out the anchor. I have a BBQ to go to this weekend at a buddy's house so I have to try and be strong. My wife is making her famous Ho-Ho cake and I can't even be in the same room with that. It's pure evil. I hope this job takes for my wife. She's been in the industry for 20 years and I have to tell you that I've never come across a stranger more neurotic bunch of people (the dentists) in my life. There's no telling what they'll do next and they change office policy on a whim. Have a great day, ladies and keep me in your prayers. I'm so close yet so far. Love, Spice Lion |
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Greetings, my favorite losers! Fran, I can't believe you have raincoats for your doggies! That is so cute! What kind are they? You may have said at some time but I can't remember. Bert, I hope you make your goal and I get back to my goal the same day! We can be impatient together! I was down a little today, but not enough. I am 3.2 above my goal and 3.6 above where I was when I left. Darn, darn, darn. I really hate that!I know what you mean about exercise sometimes being hard, Bert. Have you noticed that the sun is coming up noticably later? That may have something to do with it. I know I have a very tough time convincing myself to get up when it is dark. Well, just keep plugging - exercise is a job we gotta do! Beginning on Monday, we are having visitors for about 10 days. Ray's daughter and son-in-law are coming with the two grandkids. The adults will be staying until Friday I think and then the grandkids are staying for another 5 days. Should be lots of fun but unfortunately I have to work the first five days since they decided to come on Monday instead of over the weekend. Anyway, the food will be a challenge. I can make healthy things without any problem, but the main thing is that I am not used to cooking for 6 people - or even having that much food in the house! My husband is not much help in the cooking department and if I leave it up to him, we will either go out to eat every day or have prepared (high calorie, high sodium) food. So, I guess I have a lot to do to get ready. Fran, how is your remodel job looking? If you can, I think you should spend the money on the floor you love if you are planning to stay in the house long term. I am not a spendthrift by any means but over time, the little extra you would pay now is not that much. Ha, I think I may be justifying my own choice of flooring! We found a stone that we like alot but it is definitely pricier than we were hoping. It goes in the whole house so the total bill for material is probably in the range of $25K. But we don't have to pay for labor to install so that helps. I guess we better love it! I ate 4 dried apricots this morning (I have not had breakfast yet). I wish I had not done that - it's about 80 calories I think and although they are good, I don't think they are worth that much. I need to be really, really good to get this weight off! Good luck you two! Anne |
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You guys are both so close, I am so glad I will be with you when you reach your goals, it's exciting! I have 2 cairn terriers and a schnoodle (poodle/schnauzer mix). My cairns used to be fine in the rain, their coats were pretty good but then one got a skin allergy and she has to be cut short, the schnoodle has a terrible coat that I also have to keep short so...I am not going to put two in raincoats and let the other get wet so they all wear them . Bert. I think it is true what you say about dentist, my dentist, who recently retired, was the greatest dentist in the world, I absolutley loved him and he treated his patients with such respect and was so kind and caring but to his office staff . I used to say as much as I loved him I wouldn't work for him for 2 minutes, he was horrible.Your right about the flooring, I plan to stay in this house, hopefully forever so I will probably go with them ore expensive one but first I want to be sure there isn't something out there I can be just as happy with for less. I think exercises is a real challenge and you two guys have it down. I think it's just easier to get a few more minutes of sleep....but you won't . |
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I don't really notice if the sun is up or not. I don't have my eyes open for at least a half hour into my exercise. Fran, in the long term view, Anne is right about the floor. Approach it this way; Let's say the less expensive floor is $2000 and the floor you really want is $3500. The real decision is the additional $1500. You've already made the decision to spend the $2000. If the floor you really love will make you happier and you're not going to break the bank, go for it. Life is too short! We did that with our kitchen counters last year. We had regular formica tops for 20 years and we decided they needed to be replaced. We looked at several options and decided to go with granite. Yes, they were more expensive than some of the others but the difference was worth it and it really makes a difference in the value. We really enjoy them. Good luck with the company, Anne. If you have a choice between processed food and going out, go out. You can make better choices and bring what you don't eat home. Let's be strong for each other and all show a loss for next week!!!!! Bert |
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Anne, if you do go out one thing that has worked for me is I ask that they bring the take out container with the meal. That way I put half of it away before I even begin them I'm not tempted to overeat because I am busy talking and enjoying myself and forget to stop1/2 way. Also if what I ordered was probably not the wisest decision I "forget" to take my doggy bag home and then it's done and I refuse to bring it home for anyone else becuase I am the one that will be tempted. |
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This is funny. I went out to lunch on Monday with an old friend from high school. I ordered a greek salad - nothing bad in it, dressing on the side. They brought it and it looked so huge so I asked for a doggie bag right away. But then I ended up eating the whole thing! It was tasty and although I looked like a pig, I didn't feel guilty because I knew the calories were low! |
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HI Fellow Spicers...we made it to Friday!! I've had a decent week food and exercises wise so far but this week end will be a challenge. I am going to a country music festival, basically it starts in the parking lot at noon and goes until midnight. Great performers, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, LeaAnn Rimes and a bunch of others. It's a great time but diet wise it will be a real challenge. No outside food is allowed and believe me, they check every bag and get patted down before you go in . That would be okay but once your in there is not a single piece of health food. I figure I will have a hard boiled egg in the parking lot and since I am old and they don't "frisk" me to carefully I think I might try to put a protein bar in my pocket but that is still not going to do it for 12 hours. Oh well, it is what it is. One good thing is I will get plenty of exercises....basically your on your feet for 12 hours dancing in your seat. It's a blast! Sunday is better but still a challenge, my nieces and their two boys ages 2 and 4 are coming for a cookout. I adore those two little ones so there is always junk around for them....believe that is my issue, their moms would be fine if I didn't have any treats for them, but hey that's what I do . I can get through Sunday by having stuff for me, probably cook a buffalo burger for myself and have it on a tortilla with a salad. Saturday is the tougher of the two.Sorry so much about me. I know you are both also having challenging weekends. Anne enjoy your company and just make the best choices you can. I bet if you have some local, health food around they would appreciate it too. Bert, enjoy your buddies cook out and watch out for the HOHO cake....what is that anyway? Don't worry, I wont' be making any kind of cake....that's why God invented bakeries. |
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Hi, Spices, No, the devil invented bakeries!! And all deserts in general! Oh, and chips too! Well, I did well yesterday until dinner... My husband had the inspection on insulation yesterday and passed with flying colors; that is the very last step before drywall. It was the culmination of about 2 years of work on plumbing, electrical, gas lines, AVC, etc. So I really felt he needed a celebration and asked him what he wanted to do - he said he wanted to go out to dinner. I also still owe him a Sunday brunch from his birthday in May - I have really been procrastinating on that - but I think this Sunday may be the day. Eeek! Anyway, I didn't gain any weight from dinner but I didn't lose any either. I find it amazing how progress with my weight affects my mood so much. Do you guys find that to be true? When I am doing well, I feel upbeat and strong. When I am not doing well, I have this sort of self loathing thing going on. It's hard for me to admit that, but it really does seem to be true. Even though I know I should cut myself some slack every once in awhile, I am my very worst critic for sure. Fran, the music festival sounds like fun. I didn't used to like country music so well but I find that I like that and bluegrass alot more than I used to! Keith Urban and LeAnn Rimes - wow! Have a good time! Have a great weekend you two! Anne |
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Hello Spicy ladies, Fran, Ho-Ho cake is to die for. It starts with a large cookie sheet full of chocolate cake. The next layer is a white cream like the kind you see in RingDings or Hostess Cupcakes. My wife makes this from scratch and it's basically Crisco, sugar and vanilla. She literally beats this for 15 minutes until it's really smooth and creamy. She let's this set up and them makes a chocolate fudge frosting from scratch and while it's still hot in the pot, pours it over the top of the cake and quickly and lightly, spreads it over the entire top. The cake goes back in the fridge for the chocolate frosting to set up. A big 'ol piece of this with a tall glass of cold milk and you are in cake heaven. It's the devil's spawn!! You'll have a blast at the festival. Try to get a hard aerobic workout in before you go to minimize the damage. Stuff a few protien bars in your shorts. No one will ever pat you down that closley. They'll be nice and warm too when you get in.Anne, I know what you mean by feeling blue when I gain. I wouldn't go so far as to call it self loathing though. I get more resolved. I say "OK, I went off and it's my fault! I'm gonna lose what I gained and then some! Time to kick #%@&! and take names!" Don't beat yourself up. It's the self loathing that hurts us and makes us throw up our hands and say "what's the use?" We're better than that and we're winning every day! Have a great weekend, ladies and pray I don't take a detour to Ho-Ho #%@&!. Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, that cake sounds like it is to die for....just keep thinking....it's full of lard...not Crisco, think of it as lard. Maybe that will deter you some or maybe just plan one small piece, if you can do that. Mabe as a reward for staying away from the other bad stuff? I was kind of hoping I would get a thorough "frisking" from a cute 20 something security guard (male of course) . Oh well, I think you're right I can get a couple of protein bars in . |
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You are toooo funny!! I like the way you think, Tiny Spice. You should wear a T-shirt that says "I'm a thoroughly dangerous woman! Frisk Me!" B |
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OK, this may not be the place for sharing cake recipes .... But my sister makes this cake called "Better than Sex Cake" - truly! Generally, I am not a big cake or pie fan but this is really something. I have only made it once myself; do you want the recipe? Or are you AFRAID??? I am totally with you on the frisking, Fran. It can be a good thing! Stud muffins! This isn't frisking, but it came to my mind when I read your post. A long time ago, I was in a nice restaurant with my husband waiting for a table. There were a number of people in the lobby area and my gynocologist walked in with his wife; I had only seen him a few days before and he had been my doctor for a long time. I said hello to him and he obviously did not recognize me - it was a little awkward. I tried to make light of the situation and when he apologized for not knowing who I was at first, I said "oh, that's OK, I'm sure you just didn't recognize me with my clothes on." I will never forget the looks on people's faces - priceless! Anne |
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You two are cracking me up here!!! Two things; One, I'm not afraid of sex so I won't be afraid to get the recipe. I'm sure if I enjoy one, the other will be good too. Two, are Stud Muffins fattening? I've never had one. Anne, I'm sure if you were standing on your head your doctor would have recognized you. B |
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You guys are in rare form today. I love it. Stud muffins are definatley not fattening but they are for woman only... well usually Anne, your story is too funny, I wish I could have seen those faces.I should tell you guys probably my biggest weakness is cake, chocolate of course and you are killing me today. This better than sex cake...is it chocolate too? We'll just have to have cake at our goal reaching celebration, I bring one from a really good bakery |
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I will probably get arrested for giving this recipe on a weight loss site. Remember, only make this when you have enought people to consume the whole thing so there are no leftovers! Better than sex cake: German chocolate cake mix Sweetened condensed milk Mrs Richards butterscotch fudge sauce (or another caramel sauce) Cool Whip 3 Heath Bars (or heath bar bits) Bake cake as directed in 13X9 pan; allow to cool. Poke holes all over the cake with the end of a wooden spoon. Pour the condensed milk over the cake. Then heat the caramel sauce and pour that on top. Let the cake sit in the frig overnight. Frost with cool whip and sprinkle with crushed heath bars. Cake is actually better the second day. |
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Anne, you're killing me between that and Bert's HoHo cake I think I gained 2lbs just reading about them . The caramel on the chocolate sound like it's to die for. OK, I will now go and have my blueberry yogurt...yum? |
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Hi, Spices, Hope you are having a great weekend and are doing well with weekend challenges! The weather is overcast here. I wanted to go hiking today but chances are high for rain, especially in the mountains. Well, I really have too much to do anyway. Paperwork buries me!! My weight is down a little bit - still 2.4 lbs to go! Bye for now Anne |
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Good morning Spicers! Hope you both had nice week ends. Bert, dying to hear if you how you made out at the cook out. Anne, you are so close you will be there soon! My week end went alright, Saturday I had a 1450 calories and 1500 on Sunday so both days a little over my 1300 but it could have been so much worse. At the concert I actually found a place that had Cesar salad and since I had snuck (or is ist sneaked?) in a fat free dressing I felt pretty good about that choice. Now the 3 hot dogs on Sunday, not such a good choice and I also had chips so even though the calories were not too bad the salt was through the roof. I do love a good hot dog--sick huh? Well, it's Monday so as we say...onward and downward! |
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Good morning, Spicenators. Well, in a word, I succemed; that's the bad news. The good news is that I'm still down a pound on the week. 96 down and 4 to go!! I worked out on Saturday morning before we went to sit for our grandson and even brought my snacks and lunch to my son's house. I was great until I arrived at my buddies home and had a shot of tequila, 3 beers and I even ate the Ho-Ho for desert. Woe is me!! To compensate, I worked my butt off on the bike Sunday and watched the calorie intake. I'm glad for the pound.Anne, that cake sounds wonderful. I'll definitely make it one of these days. I know what you mean about the leftovers. My wife left the rest of the cake at the party so we wouldn't be tempted the next day or all this week. We're finally getting the hang of this. We enjoyed the cake for a treat on Saturday and that was it. Back on the horse. .I'm really looking forward to this week as we don't have anything special coming up this weekend and I shouldn't be tempted by things. It sounds like we're doing well and working together. Let's make it a great day!! L&K, Bert |
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Hi, Bert and Fran, Very impressive, you two! Fran, what a smart idea to take low fat dressing into the concert - I'm sure that made a big difference! And I like hot dogs too - good ones - cooked over the fire especially. When I want a dog, I have taken to getting Healthy Ones turkey smoked sausage and cutting each long link in two. It is quite satisfying and 170 calories - 280 with the bun. OK, so the sodium is another story! And Shrinking Spice - beers, ho ho cake and a pound lost - very nice! I know it's hard to leave that cake behind but some things just cannot be resisted! You guys are doing GREAT!!! Hey, I got my reunion weight off and another .4 lbs as well so I'm down 35.8 lbs (do you think I could round to 36?).  I'm very happy about that because yesterday we went to brunch at noon and I pretty much ate what I wanted. I did not eat for the rest of the day except for 1/2 orange and I drank lots of water. I don't know how many calories I got, but I certainly got them in one big chunk. Oh, I was pretty light on desserts too. I was more interested in the seafood rissoto (heavily weighted to seafood) and the crabcakes!Our company arrives later today... I did mega grocery shopping yesterday and the frig is full of good things. Last year when they were here, I cooked very healthy meals and later they said they really appreciated that so I am doing pretty much the same. Although I have planned some beef which I don't do that often due to the higher calories. I'll just have to eat a little less! I did buy some treats for the grandkids but those are tucked away in the garage! I'd love to do the Better than Sex cake, but I think I better stay away from that for now. Have a wonderful day, Spicers! Anne |
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Anne, That's great. This is the key for us; when we have a special occasion, enjoy it and get right back on the horse. As long as we make the special occasions 5% instead of 95% and we plan for them with low cal intake and exercise, we should be fine. Way to go!! Have fun with the company and especially the grandkids! Bert |
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Anne, great job at getting the reunion weight off so fast. I think it's great you got mostly health food in for your company, we are so trained into thinking 'special" meals mean high calorie but they don't have to be and I think most people appreciate it because let's face it, either they eat health all the time anyway so they are thin or they are like us, trying to loose. OK, there a few exceptions but most will appreciate it. What a great group I belong to. |
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Anne, great job at getting the reunion weight off so fast. I think it's great you got mostly health food in for your company, we are so trained into thinking 'special" meals mean high calorie but they don't have to be and I think most people appreciate it because let's face it, either they eat health all the time anyway so they are thin or they are like us, trying to loose. OK, there a few exceptions but most will appreciate it. What a great group I belong to. |
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sorry, I hit enter twice Last edited on 28 July 2008 02:57 pm by Hiker |
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HI Spicers! Today is my official weigh in and I am down 1.1 lbs! Of course I was hoping for a little more but I'll take it, it's a lot better than up 1.1. I just get a little down if I don't hit the 1.5 goal for the week. Oh well, I'll live. My husband, who as I think I've mentioned has a ton of medical problems now has an infection in his leg so my biking buddy is down and honestly biking alone is not much fun so my exercise is down. I am still getting my 2 miles a day in but not the extra 10 mile bike ride. I am sure that is part of it. Anne, hope you are having fun with your company, especially the grand kids. How old are they? Looks like you too are going to be in a nose to nose race for the finish line. I cheering for a tie. You guys....keep going....you're both doing great! Last edited on 29 July 2008 12:00 pm by Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Fran, You are doing great too!!! When you lose a pound a week that's terrific! I know how you feel, believe me, but put it in perspective and glory in the fact that you've lost the lb and the trend is downward. Try this; go to the super market and pick up a lb of meat and hold it in your hand. That's what you've lost! It's significant. I'm sorry your hubby is down. I didn't know he had some health issues. I'll pray for him. What's his name? Anne, don't stop hugging those grandkids. Enjoy every second with them. Hang tough, ladies. We are warriors! Bert |
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You're right Bert, a pound is significant and if it was you or Anne I would be thinking it was a great week. Just human nature to be harder on ourselves. My husband's name is Frank....I know cute, Fran and Frank, believe me it has created some confulstion . |
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Greetings Spice Cadets! Yes, a pound is wonderful, Fran!! Since you are over 50, you know how fast a year goes by - it's like 2 seconds. Good grief, this is 2008, you know - remember the turn of the millennium 2 days ago? Well, if you lose a pound a week, just think how FAST you will reach your goal - amazing!! You go, girl! I didn't realize your husband - Frank - had health issues either. Is he OK? The grandkids are 8 and 5 - very perfect ages. They arrived today instead of yesterday because they were both running mild fevers but everyone seems to be fine now. Unfortunately, I have to work this week and so they are out playing without me. But just wait until 5:00! Speaking of significant, Bert, have you tried to lift what you have lost?? OH MY! You Shrinking Spice, you! Have a good and light day! Anne |
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Hi Anne, Actually I haven't tried. I'll wait until I hit 100 lbs gone and see what I can find. Only 2 more hours 'til 5:00 here. Bert |
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Anne, enjoy every minute with those little ones, you are right they are perfect ages. Sorry you have to work but at least you get to love them all night. I though I had mentioned Frank's issues but probably not. He has very high blood pressure which he has had for 10 years and they can't seem to get it under control, he has diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney issues and glaucoma. If that isn't bad enough the diabetes complicates everything, he took a very minor fall when we were walking in the wood, just tripped over a root and got a little scrape but then his legs both swelled, and the little scrape wouldn't heel and then an infection set in. It's pretty much par for the course. He would be so much better off if he could loose 70 or 80 pounds but that is a decision only he can make. I make healthy meals and i try and get him to walk with me but beyond that it is really up to him. Bert, I'm not sure what you can use, maybe a 4- 25 pounds bags of rice? You could always donate it afterwards to a shelter. If you can find something try putting it into a back pack and try carrying it around for a few minutes--you will see a what you used to carry 24/7 and I bet you'll be amazed. Last edited on 30 July 2008 11:48 am by Hiker |
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Oh, boy, Fran, I can see that you are dealing with some tough health issues. Health is such a huge deal but like you say, you can't make the decisions for someone else. Often times, lack of health does not correlate with lifestyle but in Frank's case, it sounds like there are some things he could do to make it better. That must be frustrating for you. I guess the only thing you can do is be a good example and you are doing a great job of that. Anne |
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Hey did you guys notice we have one of the highest number of replies? I guess that means we talk too much . |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi ladies, Fran, I'm really sorry about Frank and as I said, I'll keep the both of you in my prayers. Yeah, I seem to remember seeing we had a large number of views and replies. We do communicate a lot but isn't that what support buddies are supposed to do? I like it. It wouldn't be the same now without you two. I loves 'ya!!! I'm really glad we communicate the way we do. Let's keep it up. When CPH goes bye-bye, we will still stay in touch. Talk with you later (but you knew that, didn't you. )Bert |
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Hey, I agree! I love that we talk alot - it's fun! And who ever said that losing weight couldn't be fun??   Seriously, I think this buddy system has been a huge factor for me. It really helps to keep the focus on and motivation up. I look forward to an in person meeting one of these days!! The grandkiddies are here and we are having a great time! They were so tired last night that they asked to go to bed! Oh, I may have forgotten to mention that their parents are here too - at least for the first few days. I cooked a big dinner last night and it went over very well with all but the very pickiest eater (the 8 year old). Poor thing, he lives on macaroni and cheese and hot dogs! Ray showed some slides last night from when they were here last year. It was strange to see the pictures of myself - I looked awful! In the past, when I have been confronted with pictures that show how heavy I looked, it has been depressing. I felt a feeling of relief yesterday that I have finally gotten on the right track. Have a great day! Onward and downward! Anne |
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That's the spirit, Anne. I'm saving my fat pic and pants as a constant reminder of where I was, never to return. Enjoy the day!! B |
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I agree, keeping a few fat pictures around really does help I think. I am still not ready to look at them, I haven't made nearly the progress that you two have but some day. This site has definitely helped me, it's fun to chat and hopefully we can give each other the motivation that is so important. I think one of the things I like about this as opposed to when I did WW is that at WW after a few months the talks and issues are all the same with the same answers. Here we are all moving along together, although we are at different stages we are progressing....onward and downward... together and we don't just talk about our food issues, but all of the life issues that get in the way and sometimes we talk about things that have nothing to do with weight loss. I feel like I have tow new friends and you never have too many friends. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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You're right, Fran. Losing weight is tough enough but it's easier with friends and I feel the three of us are definitley friends. Getting through the trials of life, particularly the things that can cause is to eat, is tough and it's much better when you have people you can count on and who understand exactly what you're going through. The forums aren't all that private but that's ok. Just being able to talk is great. You mentioned that you're not as far along as we are. Without having to go through the posts, how much have you lost and how much do you want to lose? I don't remember. Shame on me. Anne, I agree with you; it would be nice if we can all meet one of these days. It's tough to arrange a trip when we all come from different areas of the country but who knows? One of these days we may be able to do it. I'd like to meet Ray and Frank and I know you'll love Mary Ellen. Dang! Almost 11:30. I'm starving. Bert |
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I love to travel so you guys are not safe from me stopping by some day! And I still like the reunion idea. I will offer our house when it's ready! Ray and I left work when I was in my mid 30's and traveled non stop for about 5 years; then we continued traveling, but not full time, for another few years after that. I remember the Europe trip, I think it was in 1994 - I refer to it as the "eating my way across Europe trip" - gained 20 lbs in 6 months!!! We were backpacking - only in a car - I know it doesn't make sense - and I took alot of easy care clothes, aka elastic waist pants. Never again will I do that!! Wine, cheese, pate, Italian food, French pastery, German beer - you get the idea. Let's face it, food is a big part of culture and I really wanted to immerse myself in the culture! Anyway, as soon as this house is further along, I am ready to get on the road again! So beware!!!  Anne |
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Anne, Let us know if you're headed to NC. Our culture allows for bar-b-que, grits, greens with fatback, moon pies, peanuts in Coke, etc. If you get to Savannah, GA, stop in at Paula Dean's restaurant, The Lady and Sons. That's real southern cookin'. We;ve been there a couple of times and it's part of the reason I was so heavy. B |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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The doors are always open in MA, no home cooked food but good company and I have a folder full of take out menus. My highest weight was 190, then I lost 20 pounds and kept that off for alittle over year always intending to get back on track and loss another 30 but instead over the holidays last year I put on weight so I was up to 185 in January. I was able to loose 10 lbs in feb/mar but then I stared my old bad ways again. When I found you guys I was really at my wits end and I was 174 and gaining. Thank god I found this site. So long story short my highest weight was 190, my goal was 140 but since I found you my goal is 135, something I didn't think I would ever even try for but I feel so confident this time, it's different. Sorry, so much about me. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Fran, That's good to know and I appreciate you sharing. You and my wife are about the same. She started around 180 and has lost 40. She'd like to lose a few more but she won't exercise and I'm jealous. I have to do it!! I just walked 3 miles. I went to the other building on our campus and went upstairs to where all the classrooms are. No one was around except one of the IT guys, working in a lab, so I had the entire second floor to myself. I've been doing 10 minute miles so I just started and looked at my time. A half hour later I finished. It's so hot outside I would have melted. I did that yesterday and the day before and started to sweat big time. I'm going to try and do it each day this week in addition to my morning workouts. Did I mention I'm kicking it in high gear to get to my freakin' goal???? We'll see what Monday morning shows. If I hit it I'm going to send something to each of you on the other emails. I'll let you know. Bert |
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A TEN MINUTE MILE!!!! That is a jog, not a run. I struggle to try and do a 15 minute mile, I can't seem to break a 17 minutre mile, 3.5 mph. On tread mill I can do a 15 minute mile but that's a lot easier. No way could I do a 10 minute mile. You are amazing. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Well, let me say that it was really a walk. I've been told and the college website shows the campus area map and they say it's one mile. I did it in 10 minutes so I'm guessing it's a 10 min. mile, assuming they're correct in their measurement. I looked at the activity calculators on this site and they show walking up to 5mph. Assuming the measurement is correct, and if I did it in 10 min., that would put me at 6 mph. I wasn't jogging though. If you still want to think of me as amazing though, feel free. Bert |
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Good morning guys. How goes the weight loss battle? Bert, I think your school should get some of the engineering students out there to remeasure, I think you're being cheated . Do you bike ride at all? Being a college area I would think you have some great bike paths? Where I live in central MA it is really hilly so I mainly stick to bike paths which for us are old railroad beds that have been converted....they are nice and flat. I tell Frank that for me #%@&! is going to be 90 degrees and humid and I will be forced to ride a bike up hill and just as I crest one hill, yup...there will be another one and on and on. Now that is incentive for me to be a better person .Anne, how's it going with those grandchildren? Pretty soon you'll be rid of the parents and then you can really spoil those little one! Have a great day. |
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Mornin' Fran, here's a link showing our campus. No bike trails at our campus though. Being a community college, we don't have the sprawling campuses that the university does. We have 6 campuses around the county but smaller space for each on. I don't have a bike anyway, other than the stationary bike in the house. My kids left thier bikes in our shed and I'm thinking of getting them refurbished and keeping them for Mary Ellen and myself. The link shows the overall campus and the measured trail. I may take a drive around myself to see. Http://www1.cpcc.edu/bewell/Walking/Harris Anne, spoil those kids as much as you can and then give them back. Weight loss is looking good for the week so far but I'll wait until Monday to let you know. I still have 4 days until then to work on it. Have a great day, spicey ones. Bert |
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Bert, it looks like a nice campus, it's nice to have a more intimate campus if you ask me, especially when you're 18 or 19, I use my car odometer to measure my walks all the time, it gives me a sense of security. It really doesn't matter but I like to know what I walk. Actaully today I was ambitious and I walked 1.5 miles and jogged for a half mile. I spread the half mile out in tenth of a mile increments and spread them through out the walk. It didn't make a lot of difference time wise, I probably walked slower trying to catch my breath but it was good to get the HR up . |
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Hey, Any activity is good. It doesn't matter how you spread it out. Good for you!! I did 10 min. on the bike today to warm up and then did strenght training. If I can get the time later, I'll walk again. I have a meeting at one of the other campuses at 11:00 so I have to get going. Later, Spicer. B |
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Greetings Spice Cadets, Sorry it's so late - Grandchildren, you know! Bert, I can't wait till you reach your goal either! You two are talking alot about exercise. I used to be a big runner - 7 minute miles - but I can definitely say that a 10 minute mile is a jog - or possibly really good speed walking for a very tall person. For me at 5'8", it is certainly a jog! You go, Bert! I have been doing well on the exercise end. Mostly cross trainer as usual but I have been pushing myself. Today I was not able to do it though as we left early in the am for a day trip and when we got back I had to start in on making dinner. Eating has not been bad, but not perfect either. I have not been writing everything down which does not work as well for me. Tomorrow the parents are leaving and I think we may be left with just our grandson. Our granddaughter, who is 5, is having second thoughts about Mommy and Daddy leaving without her and I can understand that. Anyway, I think I should have a bit more time to spend on the weight loss stuff. Time for bed! Anne |
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Good morning Spicey Ones, don't you just love our name, you can play with it so much. Thanks Bert. If a 10 minute mile is a jog for you at 5'8" imagine me w/ my short little legs at 5'3" . I guess I'll stick w/ my 17 minute mile and once in awhile go for a 15 minute mile. Anne, either way you are going to have a nice time next week. It would be nice to have them both but it would also be nice to have some alone time with your grandson. With my 2 nephews, ages 2 and 4 sometimes I have them both, sometimes just the oldest. I'm not sure Ben, the younger one will ever want alone time, it's different for second children...they never had alone time so they don't seem to enjoy it as much. Anyway, it will be nice either way. For me this week end is a Bruce Springstein concert and a PawSox/SWB Yankee game. Those are AAA teams for the Red Sox/Yankees. It is the game those of us who can't get tickets to Red Sox games have to settle for. It is a good time and is almost as big a rivalry as the "big guys". We are staying overnight in RI so it will be a week end trip which will present food challenges but I think I will be alright, the baseball game may be a challenge but I'll take my protein bars with me .Have a good week end guys. |
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Hi ladies, I'm going to have to drive the area they say is a mile. I'm 5'9" but I'm not jogging. I am walking at a very fast pace though and taking strides that are longer than a stroll. I'll see and get back with you. Also, I have that recipe I told you about, the crustless tomato-ricotta pie. I'll get it to you later today. It's pretty good and very easy (Fran )Have a great weekend! Bert |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hey gals, Me again. Here's that recipe. Crustless Tomatoe-Ricotta-Pie (Good Housekeeping August '08) 1 Container (15 oz.) part skim ricotta cheese 4 large eggs 1/4 cp. freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese 1/2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp coarse black pepper 1/4 cp. low-fat (1%) milk (we used skim) 1 Tbsp cornstarch 1/2 cp. loolsely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped. 1/2 cp. loosely packed mint leaves, chopped. (Not a big fan so we omitted. Used more basil) 1 lb ripe tomatoes (3 med.) thinly sliced 1. preheat oven to 375 F. In large bowl, whisk ricotta, eggs, romano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, until blended. 2. In measuring cup, stir milk, and cornstarch until smooth; whisk into cheese mixture, stit in basil and mint. 3. Pour mixture into nonstick 10" skillet with oven safe handle. Arrange tomatoes on top, overlapping slices if necessary. Bake 35-40 min or until lightly browned and set around edge and center is puffed. Let stand 5 min before serving. Each serving (makes 6): about 190 calories, 15 grms protein, 10 g carbs, 10g total fat (5 sat.) 2 g fiber, 165 mg cholesterol, 380 mg sodium. That's all it is. Enjoy! Bert |
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Hello, Spicey ones! Your tomato ricotta pie sounds good, Bert. I was all excited until I got to almost the end and it said "puff". Puff? Have you ever tried cooking at altitude?? I laugh when I see those boxes with alternate directions for altitude and then say 2500 feet. What about 8000 feet? Don't we count? Oh well, I am used to eating things that should puff but don't - it still tastes good! I agree that mint sounds a little weird in this recipe - although I don't have anything against it in general. Well, we have the two grandkids with us. The five year old decided that she wanted to stay after all and has done really well being away from Mom & Dad. I love being with these kids; at the same time, I wonder how parents do it 24 hours a day, every day. I am amazed! I do not get anything else done at all (they are in bed now). And how a single parent would manage is totally beyond my comprehension. Fran, it sounds like you have another big weekend planned! Have a great time! Anne |
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Good morning Spice Cadets. Hope everyone had a good week end.?. I did better than I thought over the week end, actually I did better than if I had been at home. I think I was so concerned with going overboard I went underboard(?), I only had 900 calories on Saturday and 1100 on Sunday. The Springstein concert was great, delayed an hour and a half because of rain but great once it got started. The PawSox game was also a lot of fun, they lost but we had a good time. As far as food goes I was amazed at what I didn't eat! Usually at those things I would have a sausage sandwich when I got there and then later maybe some nachos with cheese and if I got bored maybe an ice cream. Instead I didn't have anything at the concert, I ate first and at the game I "indulged" in a frozen lemonade and treated myself to half a quesadilla when I got home. The amazing thing is I really wasn't hungry...OK, when the girl sitting next to me was eating a hot dog it really was tempting but I resisted. Having a couple of protein bars in my bag helped, I didn't eat them but I knew if I was really hungry I had something. Bert--This is for Anne--you can read it if you want but don't blame me. If you ever want to sneak food into anywhere I have found if you put it in the zippered part of your pocket book or bag and put a few Tampax on top....the checkers, who are usually male will not look beyond seeing Tampax--they are terrified of them . Really, it's like poison the them for some reason. I don't have any of them around anymore but I got a couple from a younger friend and it worked like a charm!Ok Bert you can safely read again. So we're off to another week and I hope it's a great one for you both, you are SO close. If you wouldn't mind could you either do it this week or wait until the week after next so I can be here when you do? What, you think that is asking too much ??Onward and downward Spicers! |
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Hello Spice goddesses, Fran, you crack me up. There yet, is another advantage women have over men. What a great idea. #%@&!, I may get a few from my daughter and put them in my fanny pack the next time I'm at an event. If you think guys are horrified when they see you with them, wait until they get a load of me. Fran, you did very well over the weekend. I'm very proud of you. Way to go!! Where are you next week? You may have mentioned it but I forgot. I had a good weekend over all. I was down more weight than I expected on Sunday morning but we went out to eat Sunday evening and I think the water hung on. I didn't have any alcohol, water only. I didn't have any of the bread and olive oil but asked if they could steam some asparagus and zuchinni a put some marinara sauce on it. It was great but I suspect more salt than I would have used. I also had a big salad with grilled scallops and shrimp. The salt shaker they had was one of those sea salt ones you have to grind. Quite a bit comes out. Long story short, I'm down 2 lbs. on the week for a weigh in of 192, 2 lbs from the goal!!! I'll try to hit it this week. Anne, we were too busy being parents to remember how tough it was. We've been on "vacation" from kids for a while and I think that's why it's so tough. The good news is that we can stand back and have the fun now. Let's stay tough this week and stay strong. Maybe I need to move to the hight altitudes so I won't puff up again. Later, spicemeisters Bert Last edited on 4 August 2008 01:43 pm by pbf4326e |
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Bert, you did fantastic eating out and sticking to your diet! I swear when I go out to eat I now think...what would Bert order? I am so here cheering you on for those last 2.2 lbs! You had me ROFL with your response. You are right, see if you daughter will give you a couple , or then again...I wonder if condoms would have the same effect? It wouldn't be as funny though, can you imagine the looks?.Anne, the reason God gives children to 20 and 30 year olds is that they have the energy, we don't. My nephews wear me out in a two days so I am sure you are getting ready for a nice quiet evening on the couch with a good book. Did your granddaughter end up staying or just your grandson? |
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HEY!! That's only 2 lbs., not 2.2. Please don't add to my fat butt. Bert |
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I am so sorry....what a horrible thing to do , I am so ashamed, I should be thrashed with a wet noodle. Remember, those fat butt days are behind you (pun intended). |
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LOL! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi again, I've got a quesion for the both of you. With all the communications we've had over the past months, I don't know when your "Ah HA!" moment was. I told you about my back last summer and that I realized I couldn't protect my wife. That was mine. I also saw this today and the gal in the video also had an "AhHA! Moment. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26010406#26010406 Let me know. Thanks, Bert |
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Good evening, Spicers, It sounds like you both had a good weekend - congratulations! Oh, Bert, only 2 more lbs - wow! As of today, I am still down a little over 35 lbs. My birthday is this coming weekend - 51 - and once that is over, I will set another goal. If the weather is good, we will go jeeping for the weekend - one of my favorite things to do! I don't know if I had an ah-ha moment. I think I had more of a surrender moment. I desperately wanted to lose the weight and didn't seem to be making any headway - for years. I finally admitted that I could not do it via my own strength and asked God to give me what I needed to be successful. It was kind of the alcoholics anonymous approach to food. Yes, both of the grandkids ended up staying. I never had any children so these come from my husband's first marriage. Therefore, I do not have the "hands on" experience that you two do. I think I do pretty well for a rookie, though. It's late again and I'm going to try to get to bed so we can be up for a hike in the morning. Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning Spicettes. I'm like Ann, I didn't really have that one big ah ha moment. For me it was a lot of things, my size 16's getting too snug was huge, for me somehow size 18 is really bad, I've been there and was so depressed about my weight I didn't think I could get out but I was lucky and I did. Ann had God, Bert had his wife and I guess for me it was my grandmother, when I feel weak I remind myself " I am Adelaide's' granddaughter". she was an incredibly strong women, especially for her time and I was her baby, she adored me but.... she never let me slack....it was simple...I was a "Perry girl" (her family name) and we did not surrender, we did not quit...if we got knocked down we got back up fighting. I like to believe I have her spirit in me, I think I do and I am really glad. Of course it doesn't work out so well for those around us sometimes , we can be a little hard to take at times. Today was my official weigh in day and I was down 2.2 lbs! I am really glad I was a little over my 1.5 weekly goal since I will be on vacation next week. We are going to Bar Harbor, ME. IF Frank's leg is okay we will get a lot of hiking in but right now it does not look good and we will of course not be eating as well as we should. I have some plans in place I think will help me. I usually get a homemade blueberry pie the day we arrive and have a piece every day, this year I will pick one day and have a nice big piece at a restaurant. I am still going to go our favorite place for BBQ but I will make it only one day and I will TRY to watch my portions and of course there has to be a lobster day but my plan there is to use spray butter instead of dipping each piece in real butter. I think those are some compromises I can live with, if you have any other suggestions I would love to hear them. We will eat our breakfast at the cottage so that is easy, lunches may be a little harder. At home I eat 5 times a day, small "meals" such as a hard boiled egg, a chicken thigh or a yogurt. I try to avoid carbs, not entirely but I really like to keep them low, it seems to help me stay satisfied longer. Sorry to go on about me so much |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Good morning, Spiceanators! It was fluid retention. Check your personal emails!!!!!! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, I sent you an email but I wanted to post here too.....Unbelievable what you have done. I think we should declare this Bert day on the Spice post! Congratulations! You are my inspiration. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Thanks, Fran!!!! I really appreciate it. (this is the three of us smiling!) Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning guys. Bert, you must still be on a high after reachng that 100lb mark yesterday. I still can't believe it, what a huge accomplishment. Not much going on for me today. Something weird happened though, I mentioned I had checked the box to get notifications when a post was put on this thread but I never received any. Last night I got 3 email notification all at 10:28, note there were no posts at 10:28. No big deal just sort of weird . Maybe I will start to get notification now.Have a good day. Anne when are the little guys leaving? I bet you're getting ready for adult time? |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Fran and Anne, I got on the scale this morning, like I do everyday, and I was still down 100. I'm so glad because I tend to fluctuate a lot. I'm hoping to get down 1 or 2 this week to give me that pad and then move toward getting that 34 waiste I want. When I hit that, whatever weight I'm at, that will be it and I'll start a maintenance program then. That's when the real, long term stuff starts. I'll report regularly on my weight anyway just so you gals will keep me accountable.I gotta tell you, I feel great! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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You can count on us....you start going up and we're going to be all over you! Just kidding, anyone who has worked this hard isn't going to throw it away. As you know there are fluctuations and then there are true gains. How often do you weigh yourself? |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I weigh in daily. I have to because of the fluctuation and to make sure I'm not on the climb again. I could think of worse things than the two of you all over me though. I know; I'm bad Bert |
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Hi, Spice Babies, Good morning. Bert, I'll bet you do feel great!! 100 lbs!! Wow!! And Fran, good for you too - down 2.2 lbs just before your vacation! When do you leave? It sounds like fun - especially the lobster part! I don't think dipping it in butter is that horrible as long as you don't dunk the whole thing! I find that just a little bit goes a long way with crab and lobster - so rich! Of course, Bert wants to roll himself in the butter - I remember that! The grandkids just left 30 minutes ago. I am going to go back to work today but I really want to get the house cleaned back up too. I made the strategic decision just to sweep the floor (vs. wash it) before they came. It was a wise move - but now the washing definitely needs to take place. My weight is still holding at just over 35 lbs lost. I am 1/2 lbs above the very lowest point but I don't think that is too bad considering over a week of not being strict with my diet. So Bert, we are at our goals together!! Speaking of goals, after this weekend, I am going to start on the next 15 lbs and I think that will be it. After I read that you were going for a 34 inch waist, Bert, I wondered if I am focusing too much on a scale number. Some people have asked why a size 8 is not good enough. I guess it is, but I still want to lose more in my upper body. Unfortunately, I cannot target where it is going to come off and 15 lbs will also affect my lower body. I think we should talk about some of the benefits of losing weight to keep us motivated - I think there are a bunch of them. One of the nice things for me is that there have been several instances lately when people have been surprised about my age. One was a 27 year old guy who was doing some work for us. We were talking about gas prices and I mentioned what they were when I started driving 34 years ago. He acted surprised and wanted to know how old I was. I told him and he said he would have guessed late 30's. Then later Ray told me that he also mentioned it to him later - that he could not believe I was 50 - and then teased him about robbing the cradle. Of course, I only wish it were true but sun exposure wrinkles tell the real story! Still, it is nice to hear! How about you guys - some benefits? Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Morning, Anne, I guess for me, the 34 waist is my best measurement at this point in that my belly was the biggest part of me. The scale is a great measurement but there are many other factors. Continuing to lose will affect the waist more so and 34 is a good size for me. I'll lose more fat elsewhere but this will be the key. Any other body change will come from exercise at that point. I'd like to build my arms up more and sculp by thighs a bit too. No telling what my weight will be when I'm where I want to be there as muscle is heavier than fat. Abs are tough and if I still have some fat, it's gonna stay there as I don't want to go below a 34. I'll do what I can to firm those up but at 56 1/2, I know I won't have the bod I had in college. Waist size, yes. Deffinition, no. Time takes it's toll. There are a bunch of benefits to this weight loss. I have a lot more energy for sure. My back hasn't given me any problems since I hurt it last summer. The real benefits are those you can't see. Let me share some numbers with you. These are my numbers from April 2007 and April 2008 when I had my annual physical. Was Now Cholesterol 219 188 (should be below 200) HDL (good) 55 55 (should be over 35) LDL (bad) 145 115 (should be below 130) Sugar 99 81 Blood Press. I haven’t hadn't my meds since Easter as I ran out. BP is 126/84. The doctor took me off the meds. My resting pulse is down from 72-75/min to 60/min. My heart doesn't have to work as hard. In April I was down 80 lbs so this is an additional 20. I suspect these numbers look even better. I think I also have a greater confidence. I enjoy shopping for clothes more than I ever did (not that I really enjoy it) but I look better and there's more to choose from. My wife looks at me differently too. Not that she ever looked at me badly but there's, I don't know, a greater look of admiration maybe, at what I've accomplished. I'm very proud of her too. She's down 44 and only 6 to go for 50. No one's tried to pick me up yet though. That would be the ultimate. LOL!!! Have either of you been checking your other stats besides weight loss? B |
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Those are impressive improvements, Bert! Health is certainly THE most important thing and it looks like you have avoided some real problems - that is fantastic! I am especially interested in the blood pressure improvements. My husband takes blood pressure medication and I'd love for him to get off of it. He is not overweight though - well, maybe he could lose 10 lbs without getting too thin - but it is certainly not an issue for him. His mother also has had high blood pressure for years and she is a teeny tiny thing. I wish there was something he could do to get off the meds! The reason I have not focused on these measurements for myself is because the doctor has proclaimed me incredibly healthy - even before I lost the weight. I should have the results from my last blood tests but I can't put my finger on them right now. I know my total cholesterol was about 135 with HDL around 70, my blood pressure is usually around 120 / 70. I don't really recall my resting heart rate but I am pretty aerobically fit. I am not saying at all that these are not important for me - they are - I just have been blessed not to have to worry about anything in particular so far. But believe me, when health starts to slip, it very quickly would jump to #1 on the list. I have seen that happen so many times to people. You think other things are important until you lose your health. My grandmother died at 103 and never spent a day in the hospital; my dad is 90 and is very healthy as well (he never spent a day in the hospital either except to be with my mom). My parents, both 90, still live in the house I grew up in. I think I just have good genes! Losing weight really does help with confidence, I agree. I don't feel so embarrassed anymore about how I look. When you feel better overall, confidence is higher. Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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So far I have been lucky, my numbers are usually pretty good. My last blood test my results were: Cholesterol 183--HDL 63, LDL 105 My Hemoglobin A1c test must be different than Berts, my number is 5.9 which I am told his okay. My blood pressure is always good it does go up with my weight but even then it tends to be low, last check it was something over 62--Actaullly sometimes it's too low and I feel faint but I don't worry about that. My heart rate, at rest runs in the 90's--kind of high I know but no one seems to be concerned, I just had a stress test and I did fine on it. Really helath wise my weight hasn't effected me yet, but I do know the higher my wieght went the worse those numbers were. I know by looking at my sister the diretion I could head in. She is 15 years older and she was always like me and laughed off weight issues but now she has high blood pressure, severe diabetes and heart issues. I feel bad but her health issues was really a wake up call for me which doesn't seem fair. I know it's dumb but I feel guilty that I learned by her mistakes. Unfortuanltey she is married to someone who insists on high calorie foods (even though he is at least 100 lbs overweight) and she feels she has to have them for him. Me....I just cook what I want, eat it or don't. See I can be such a B---- sometimes. The best thing about loosing weight--I can cross my legs again without the top leg sliding off ! That might seem like a small thing but when I first discovered I couldn't do it I was devasted. To me that meant I was definatly a "fat girl". |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Well, ladies, based on your numbers, it just proves that women live longer than men. All of the bad numbers were related to my weight. I have relatively good genes too with respect to longevity. Dad was 82 when he died. He had emphysema and died of cancer but he was still 82. I suspect had he not smoked like a chimney for most of his life, he would have lived longer. Mom will be 84 this month and she really doesn't or hasn't taken exceptional care of herself but better than dad did. Grand parents lived into the low 90s. Anne, your genes are size 8 and that's pretty good too I think the biggest factor with respect to my blood pressure going down is the cardio exercise. That has a big bearing on it. Does Ray do a lot of cardio? It could be just a genetic thing with him. Fran, don't feel guilty about learning from someone else's mistakes. Look at it this way; your sister can now learn from you. In general, with respect to health, most people learn from the mistakes of others. Doctors have researched and have learned what hurts people's health and that information is given to us so we won't make the same mistakes. It's just the way it is. If your sister is serious about losing weight, she's just going to have to put her foot down and tell her husband she needs to do this or she'll die. I'm sure he loves her and doesn't want her to suffer health problems she could correct. I don't want to seem insensitive but too often we tend to make excuses for our own bad habits. I guess it's human nature. I gained way too much weight and I have no one to blame but myself. What' a Hemoglobin A1c test? B |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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My sister and her husband definitely enable one another, you are so right there. the A1c number is a test for diabetes, I am sure you're doctor has done one. It is important because it tell you the average blood glucose level over the past 3 months. Normal is 4-6%, as you can see I just made it under the wire so I am really hoping to improve it. Since it was normal they won't check it for another year but I hope it's lower by then. I wouldn't be "sugar" level didn't equate back to this somehow. I'm sure you are right about the cardio and you BP, it probably has helped all of your numbers but BP for sure .I'm like you, at least on the female side....if the woman don't hit 90+ then everyone thinks they died young. Even my aunt who was a 3 pack a day smoker made it to 94 and my mother who had high blood pressure was 93. I don't know about the other side of my family but my father died young...I always say he didn't give me anything and he #%@&! well better not have given me lousy genes ! |
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Fran, I agree with Bert - no need to feel guilty about learning from your sister's mistakes. Sometimes we learn from good examples, sometimes from bad examples - the important thing is to learn! Talk about enabling - studies show that you tend to look like the people you hang out with. If you hang out with overweight people (or people who engage in bad eating behavior), you tend to be overweight; the opposite is also true. So, I'm glad to be "hanging out" with you two who are concerned about your weight and being healthy. I can't tell you how much I value our little "circle" and our continuing communication on these issues - thank you very, very much to both of you! Bert, you asked if Ray did much cardio. In the past, he certainly did; he was a long distance bike rider for many years. Since he started building the house 5 years ago, that has shifted, however. His work on the house can be pretty strenous and he gets pretty darn tired. His usual routine now is to walk a couple of miles in the am and do stretching exercises after that. It really is not aerobic enough but he has talked to his doctor about it and he (the doctor) feels that it is reasonable given everything else. I'm sure that he will increase his exercise once the house activities lighten up a bit - if that ever happens. He can usually push himself when he needs to - like when we ski, he is a speed maniac - but it is not his day to day thing. Have either of you hear anything more about this site going away? Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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HI guys. Funny you should ask about the site, because I was just thinking about that this morning. No I haven't heard anything about it going away since the very first time, what back in June I think we all got emails. Wouldn't it be great if it stayed? I feel like this site has helped me so much and I am so glad that you two are on this journey with me. I see a lot of the threads are no where near as active as ours, some days I really don't have much to say but I think it's important we keep in touch and I love that we share things other than just weight issues. It is probably the best weight loss support I have ever had, thanks for being here. One of my goals is to try and get Frank a little more active again, he really isn't bad about it but things just seem to keep happening. He loves bike riding and we were doing pretty well when he hurt his leg. He is good about walking with me although that is really not one of his favorite activities. In the winter we both love to snowshoe but that is something we can only do on the weekends so it's pretty much walk, or go to the gym and I absolutely hate, and I mean really hate the gym. Frank actually likes the gym but he won't go without me...I have no idea why it's not like we work out together once we're there but...we all have our little quirks. I have really tried to like the gym, I've tried classes, swimming, biking, all of the equipment, both weights and cardio I just can't seem to get into any of it. I think I just like to be outside. Anyway, I guess I'd better work on my attitude towards the gym a little . Now walking, I could do that all day every day, I just love it, but again not at the gym. Bert, you are so good about working out, even when you don't want to, I will have to try and pick up more of your positive attitude. Anne, now that the little ones are gone I hope you are relaxing a little (don't worry the mess will be there) and having some nice quiet grown up time. I think one of the best parts of having no kids is the quietness, some people find that lonely....me I love it. No TV's or stereos blasting, no constant activity....yup, I think I must be getting old and loving it !.Have a great day spicers. Last edited on 7 August 2008 11:27 am by Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi guys, I haven't seen anything more about the site going away either but at least we have each other's email address so if it's gone one morning, we can still stay in contact. I really enjoy our group too. I'm with a couple of others but ours is different. I feel we've made a real connection and it's incredibly important to make the support for each other genuine. I too enjoy the fact that we talk about other stuff besides weight. Our lifestyles, family issues, work, etc, all contribute to how we react to food and exercise in one way or another and being able to have a sounding board and a place to vent is just what the doctor ordered. I feel that we've become very good friends and I hope this continues. Anne, I'm not sure what the BP issues would be for Ray but it may be related to the stress of building the house too. That is a huge undertaking! I'm sure it's going to be beautiful when it's done but it's a lot of work. I get flustered when I have to replace a light fixture or the pump in a toilet tank. A house, no way. There are people who do that stuff for a living and who am I to deprive them of a living. My team at work is taking me out for pizza tomorrow for lunch. It's the best pizza and I haven't had it for a long time. I'll have one piece, a salad and a diet pepsi. Mary Ellen and I are going out for Mexican to celebrate a friends B-day tomorrow night too. I'll have to be careful there. Fajitas is most likely where I'll go and try and watch the chips and beer. Fran, I didn't work out this morning. I didn't sleep all that well and my stomach was bothering me for some reason. I'll get up in the morning though and "Git 'er done." I appreciate your support and encouragement on the exercise but I gotta tell you that I still hate it too. It's the results I like and that's what keeps me going.Have a wonderful day, spicey ones. I loves 'ya! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Sounds like you have a plan Bert, one slice or pizza (or even two) is really not bad and since you are going out for it don't take any home and you're golden. I'm glad you said what you did about excercise because so many people tell me "if you make yourself go to the gym for 3 months it will be a habit and you will like it....well I tried that and at the end of 3 months I hated even more! I laughed about your home repair philosophy, in fact once when Frank was thinking of doing some plumbing repair himself I said " I don't want the plumber teaching our children and I don't want you messing with the pipes", hey we can't all do everything so stick to what you're good at I say. That being said Anne, it is so great Ray can do that, you will get exactly what you both want and the money you will save is phenomenal. It is going to be so worth all you are both going through right now, soon you will have your dream home. Last edited on 7 August 2008 03:30 pm by Hiker |
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Hi, Bert and Fran Exercise?? Definitely necessary - not just or even primarily for losing weight but to maintain quality of life as we get older! I don't "like" to exercise - who wouldn't rather spend an extra hour or so sitting on the deck reading the paper? But I do like that it does make me feel better, stronger, more fit overall. I have been exercising regularly since I was 18 and I am glad that it is part of my lifestyle - that said, it is still a matter of discipline to get it done. I totally relate to the NIKE slogan - JUST DO IT! Have either of you ever read or heard of the book Younger Next Year? It is written for the retirement or pre-retirement crowd about getting fit and staying healthy. In it, they say that you need to treat exercise like your job. We don't always feel like getting up in the morning and going to work - but we do it anyway - because it's not an option if we want to be able to have a place to live and food on the table. Exercise is the same way - it's not an option if we want to maintain our bodies and extend the quality of our lives as long as we can. It may seem like we don't have to worry about this now - but we do. So Fran, maybe you shouldn't expect to like it because I don't think that may people do. And if you do like walking, then that is a huge benefit for the times when you can get out and do that. I like having an exercise buddy. When I worked at an office, I had people who I ran with every day and that was really nice. Now I don't have any buddies and that makes it harder for me. I put a music dvd on and get on my cross trainer for 40-45 minutes daily at a good pace. Then every other day I add some weights. I also walk, hike, bike, ski as I get the free time - but those things I consider recreation with an exercise bonus. Bert, I am surprised that you mentioned stress related to Ray's blood pressure. He is always using that as an excuse and it's hard for me to imagine stress being significant enough to elevate blood pressure into a too high range. Maybe I'm wrong about that. Regardless, any stress that he has is self-imposed because he only has to answer to himself. I have tried to get him to relax about things but he is driven, driven. I guess maybe that's the only way one person gets a house built. He's living his dream, though. He's an engineer with a very creative side - interesting combo - and the house reflects his talents well. Have a great day! Good luck staying on course! Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Anne, thanks for the tip, after I read your post I checked it out on Amazon and I think I will buy it, it sounds like something both Frank and I could benefit from...but exercise 6 days a week....if they don't count walking then I am in trouble.I don't know why it is I will walk miles, no problem and like you I hike and bike but only occasionally but i will be interested in what they have to say. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Fran, maybe you could alternate a little jog in with your walk. Maybe some ankle weights could add to the work out. The book sounds interesting. I'll have to look into this. I'm in the middle of 4 books right now so I ought to finish those first. It drives Mary Ellen nuts that I do that. B |
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Don't worry, Fran - walking is definitely exercise! |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, I only read one at a time but I have about 15 books right now on my talbe that I want to read. Loving to read can be a curse. I am just glad that I have a couple of book swap groups I belong to, saves a lot of money . |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I like to keep a few going, depending on my many moods. B |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hey guys, I just wanted to pop in and say Hi before I take off. I'm not leaving until tomorrow but I have a lot of running around today and then I will be off line until the 17th. Hope you both have a great week and keep each other strong. I'm sure I will have a lot of reading to catch up on when I get back. See you both in a week, well a little more than a week. Onward and downward fellow Spicers! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Fran, Have a great time and be safe. Have a lobster for me!! Bert |
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Sorry I missed you, Fran; have a great time! Well, Bert, I guess it's just you and me for awhile! I am up a couple pounds from my low point - oops! I'm trying to get on it right away! I have done well today but we are visiting friends for dinner so that will be a challenge - but not impossible. I am trying to keep in mind how good you are at events. I'm also wearing a new pair of black jeans and maybe they will help to remind me too. I worked out hard this morning - first I walked a couple miles, half of which was pretty steep up hill - that was a warm up. Then I really cranked on the cross trainer for 35 minutes. I actually got a headache during the workout and it hasn't gone away yet. Then I did weights. So about 1.5 hours overall. I hope it will help. I made a very good dip / spread today that is pretty low in calories. I'll have to write down what I did and post it. Do you like cilantro? I love it! More later, I need to finish getting ready to go. Onward and downward! Anne |
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Hi, Bert, I just thought I'd drop you a quick line. I hope you had a good weekend! Sat was my b-day and I had a really nice day. I struggled with staying on track all weekend - I am a little worried about getting on the scale. Today we had a very busy and exhausting day. By the time we came in for dinner, it was almost 7:30. I was so tired and just didn't feel like cooking much so I snacked which means I just kept going to the frig. Not good. Well, I'm just too tired to think about it right now. I do know that I have to get back on track tomorrow. I already said that last time and here I am. My exerise today was bike riding - I thought of you. It was a grueling ride for me - only about 10 miles but steep uphill climbs that were really tough. I think that set the stage for being tired all day, really. We have dry wallers starting in the house tomorrow (hopefully). I had to move my cross trainer out of the way and cover it so that it won't get ruined with all the dry wall dust. I wrapped it as well as I could in sheets and plastic. Now I won't be able to use it until they are done so that will be tough. I guess I'm going to have to walk mostly. Talk to you tomorrow! I'm off to bed. Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hey Anne, Happy Birthday!!! How many years young? Friday was a wierd day for me. For some reason I wasn't firing on all cylindars. I got up in the morning and worked out for 45 min on the bike and met my mens group for breakfast at 6:45 am. I went to work from there but for some reason, I was having trouble staying focused on things. I was mixing up days/dates, forgot my day planner in the other car, left my keys in the office when I went down to the car. Things like that. My team took me out to lunch for pizza. I had a slice and a side salad with a diet pepsi. It was great. This was my celebration for hitting the 100 lb. mark. I told my boss I was not with it and decided to take a half day vacation and went home after lunch. That evening we met some friends at a Mexican restaurant to celebrate a friends B-day and I was bad. Beer, chips and salsa, fajitas, tortillas, etc. I didn't want to get on the scale Saturday. I met some of the guys in my group on Saturday am and we did a landscaping service project at some homes for the homeless. We were supposed to paint and I was prepared for that but not the landscaping. Needless to say I have broken blisters on my hands and my body ached the next day. I consider that my work out. I hit the bike Sunday for an hour. I hit the scale this morning and I'm up a lb. No biggie. I expected as much. Don't be afraid to get on the scale. Remember that what we're doing is a lifetime thing so if you have a celebration, like a B-day, enjoy yourself and get right back on that horse (in those sexy size 8 black jeans of course). Today is my boss' B-day so we're going out to lunch again. AGHH!! She wants to have Chinese. I'll have to see if I can special order something without a heavey sauce. We'll see. Oh, and by the way, I love cilantro. Have a great day and stay strong. Bert Last edited on 11 August 2008 01:38 pm by pbf4326e |
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Hi, Bert, I'm sorry to hear that your celebration day at work was a day when you weren't feeling your best. I have had those days before - actually more as I get older, unfortunately!! But I hope you had fun. And one lb over the whole weekend, especially with pizza and mexican is quite an accomplishment. That means you are not starving yourself - otherwise you would probably gain fast. What does Mary Beth think of your new self?? I wasn't as bad as I feared this morning. I am up a pound as well, which puts me up 1.8 lbs from my lowest point - 34 lb loss. I think I can deal with that and my goal for this week is to be down below that "low point" by the end of the week. Speaking of goals, I am setting my next goal at 10 more lbs. I was going to do 15 but over the weekend, we saw some friends and I told the woman that I wanted to lose another 15. Her opinion was that I did not need to lose any more weight and that I needed to see a photo of myself. Normally I would blow this off but it did make me think a bit. I never do think I am thin enough and my goal this time was to be healthy, not look like a pile of bones. I don't think 15 is out of line, but to get to 15, you have to get to 10 first anyway. So I don't think there is much harm in setting a goal for 10 and then reevaluating again. I know that the next 10 will be a huge challenge anyway! So, that is really 11 lbs from where I am now. I think I mentioned that my cross trainer is put away while the drywall is being done. Well, the drywallers did not show up as they were supposed to this am - I KNEW that would happen!! I went for a walk instead - about 5 miles. It is good exercise but takes longer and doesn't feel quite as intense. I could have done that bike ride again but I don't know if I'm up for that. I'm going to post the recipe with the cilantro on the recipe part of the site so look for it there if you are interested! Have a great day! We have to try to put Fran eating lobster out of our minds! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi, I don't know if Mary Beth is excited with the new me or not but my wife sure is. My wife's name is Mary Ellen. She's lost 47 lbs since we started a year ago and she's closing in on 50.I can't tell you how many people I know that have said "Oh, you don't have to lose any more weight." Everyone's an expert on how I should look and feel. I'm not one of those folks that looks in a mirror and sees a blob but I am realistic. The "naked test" is the only real one and I say I have to lose a bit more. I'm not going to focus on the weight regarding this though. I'm at a 36 waist and I want to get to a 34. That's my goal. That's what I was in college. Once I hit that I'm going on maintenance regardless. I may fluctuate periodically and that's ok. As long as I maintain my 34 waist the rest should be proportionate. I may even gain a bit if I really hit the strength training hard. That will be fine too. Don't worry about what others say you should do. You know what's right for your body and your health.Subcontractors. Ugh! I feel your pain. I'll check out the recipe. Have a wonderful afternoon and don't worry about the exercise. You'll find something to do. I'd recommend running but there's no air out there. See 'ya, Spicy. Bert |
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Oops, sorry about the Mary Beth!! Well, I hope both of them like the new you! How does someone lose 47 lbs without exercising??? Can you tell I am jealous? Things are pretty stressful right now between work and home; I am still struggling. I need to just quiet my mind and do some praying about this. That seems to be the only thing that works. Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I know what you mean. It drives me nuts that she doesn't exercise. I am concerned though, that she's losing muscle tissue as well as fat. If it continues, she'll have to consume even less calories just to maintain. She knows she has to exercise and I'm hoping she'll start soon. Even 10 min. a day would be a good start. I'm sorry things are so stressful for you, Anne. Life can really throw us curves and for some reason, they seem to come all at once. I don't know if you read the Bible or not but if you do, let me share a couple of verses with you that are favorites of mine. Proverbs 3: 5-6 and Philippians 4: 6-7 These two have meant more to me over the past years than you know. I've relied on these promises so much and I still have to remind myself of them. Prayer is extremely powerful and I will pray for you too. Hang in there, Anne. You're not alone. Bert P.S. I lost what I gained over the weekend. Back to 190 this morning. Last edited on 12 August 2008 01:29 pm by pbf4326e |
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Thanks, Bert. I am going to look up those verses today. I hope they have to do with strength - that is what I am lacking right now! My overriding tendency is to be on the prowl for food. I'm not hungry, it's not time for a meal, I just browse through the frig. Controlling this urge is paramount to losing weight for me and this is what I have prayed for strength to overcome. Like an addiction, I think it is something I will always struggle with, I just have to keep at it. Yesterday, I was on the prowl. When I do this, I feel defeated, embarrassed, weak. I wish I could do a "do over". I have to remember that I am still doing OK - I have not gained 35 lbs back or even 5. I just need to get back on the horse as you say! Ridem cowgirl! Congratulations on getting back to 190! Now you are on your way again! Is there any kind of exercise that Mary Ellen would enjoy? I'm sure you've already racked your brain about that. Has she ever exercised before? Why does she say she does not want to - is it just a matter of making the time? Have a great day, Bert! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I get that urge to prowl the fridge too. I keep Danon Fit and Light yogurt (60 cal.), fruit and berries, bananas, cereal bars (120 -140 cal), 100 cal Orville Redenbacher popcorn, etc., around all the time. I try to anticipate the munchies, whether I'm really hungry or on the prowl and take those calories into consideration for my day. I know when I'm weakest so that's when I take advantage of the "extra calories" so to speak. If I'm really hungry I'll take a piece of whole grain bread, a little organic peanut butter and a glass of skim milk. A cold banana with a little peanut butter is also very satisfying. Getting the munchies, for whatever reason, is something we've had to deal with forever so rather than fight the urge, I've learned to work it into my overall eating plan for the day so the damage is minimal, if at all. I think Mary Ellen's problem with exercise is the time. She's not a morning person so she won't get up early to do it. When we get home at night, we're beat and she wants to sit and read the paper or a book when we finish dinner. I suggested that we go for a walk tonight if it doesn't rain and we'll see how that goes. She and I have found that we like hiking (we've only done it once but it was a good experience) so I'm trying to get her to commit to days we can do that. We both have off the Friday before Labor Day so the nice 4 day weekend will give us time. I've picked a couple of places not too far of a drive from the house and I'll pack water and food in a backpack and off we go. I'm trying to nail down a date with her. If we don't plan and say "this is the day" we won't do it. Those verses really have to do with letting go and letting God do the work for those things you can't. Nothing's impossible for Him. Hang tough and let me know what you think about incorporating the munchies into your overall calorie intake for the day. Bert |
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Hi, Bert You aren't going to believe this - I know I don't. After much deliberation, I decided to weight myself. I was going to skip it today. I am below my lowest point - down 36.2 lbs! Unbelievable. Sometimes God is beyond merciful! I do definitely try to account for snacks in my calorie intake. When I get in munch mode though, it tends to be a bit of this, a spoon of that, a few of these, etc. Even if I make those healthy choices - and I do usually do that - my goal is to eliminate that kind of eating. If I want or need a snack, I want to allow for that and eat it - not just graze. Does that make sense? So, I don't know what happened yesterday. I know I was lucky. Maybe at least in part it was because I made mostly healthy choice and walked those 5 miles. I still think you and Mary Ellen should consider training for the Hardrock 100. Maybe if you threaten her with that, she will willingly do "normal" exercise with you! I am off to walk now! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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WHOO HOO!!! Way to go!!!! And you were worried! Silly girl. I understand about the grazing. That's bad. We tend not to think that those calories add up but they do. Enjoy your walk. I'll have to look at this Hardrock 100. I don't know what that is. B |
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Oh, the Hardrock 100 is that 100 mile race through the mountains that I told you and Fran about a couple of months ago - only for the terminally insane! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Ah yes; I remember now. I must have forced the idea from my mind. |
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Thanks again for the verses, Bert. I just looked them up and they are very familiar - comforting to read. I'm going to go take another walk now. Have a nice evening. |
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Hi, Bert, How is your day going? Or, I guess it's about gone already!! I walked 5 miles this morning - takes alot longer than my cross trainer! We had drywallers start on the house yesterday. It is not going well. Ray told them not to come back; now it is a matter of whether the main guy has other workers. They did a pretty miserable job. I don't know why it is that every time Ray decides to get some help - which is very, very infrequently, it turns into a nightmare. Then it is years before he tries to get any help again. It is unbelievable what sloppy workmanship people will try to get away with and Ray is not about to have all his hard work trashed. I have to go to Colorado Springs this weekend to get my root canals and associated crowns finished up. Yikes, what an expensive deal! I really want to stay here because I really want to go into the mountains so I have totally been procrastinating on getting ready to go - thus this note to you! I have to leave tomorrow right after work so I better get in gear. I should be able to check in over the weekend. Do you have anything special planned? How is your exercise and eating going? Bye for now, Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hey Anne, Root canal, eh? I'm sorry to hear that. I'll be thinking of you. Maybe you won't be able to eat for a day. It may be a blessing. I know what you mean about the lousy workmanship. It seems that no one is taking pride in what they do anymore. It's discouraging at times and at others, infuriating. I don't mind paying someone what they're worth but if they're worth $#i% then that's what they should be paid. I hope it will work out for you guys. I've been doing pretty good on the food and exercise. Yesterday AM I did an hour on the bike and this morning I did a 10 min warm up and then did 3 sets each of leg lifts, hamstring lifts, military push ups, flys, and bicep curls. I don't know what I'll do tomorrow. Most likely the bike again. I'm at the point now that I'm not overly concerned about what the scale shows but rather what my size is. When I get to a 34 waist that's it. Then I'll maintain. If it takes me 6 weeks or 6 months, that's ok. It will just help me to cement my new habits that much more. I'm going to buy some new shirts tomorrow as the ones I have are pretty blousy now. Sunday is my mother's B-day. 84 years old. We're taking her to lunch at a local resort. Other than that, we have nothing planned. It was nice and cool last night so if it gets that way Friday or Sat. night I may make a fire in the little fire pit I have in the back and just sit out there. I won't be on over the weekend so we'll get caught up on Monday. I'm sure Fran will have a bunch to tell us. Have a great weekend if we don't talk later today. Bert |
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Hi, Bert, Well, with the modern advances in dentistry, I find that I can eat just fine after a root canal! In fact, the whole process makes me feel like I deserve a treat! Uh-oh! I really like your comment about cementing good habits - that is really what I need to be focusing on too!! If I just think about keeping the good habits going - and how healthy they are for me - the rest should follow. Thanks! Have fun looking for the shirts. Your mom better not say that you need to hang on to your "big clothes" again! Just send them over to the goodwill. That way, the next guy who is also losing weight and is looking for a way to stay in fashion on his way down will have more to choose from! Maybe you should even slip a note into one of the pockets about what you achieved. If someone buys it, they may be inspired by your story! The incredible shrinking spice! I think I forgot to tell you the other day my new age - 51. On the internet this am, they say that 50 is the new fabulous. I told my husband that 50 + 35lbs lost is the new super-fabulous! Ha! It is great being at the end of the baby boomer generation. Everyone it seems is getting older but now it's cool. I'm looking forward to hearing what Fran has to report as well. Anne |
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Well, that means I'm wwwwwaaaaayyyyyyy cool. I like that idea about leaving a note in the pocket. That's a great idea. I'm seeing mom on Sunday and I'm going to bring a pair of slacks from the beginning. I'll be interested to see what she says when I hold them up. She's really ticked my wife off with her comments. Have a great one, Anne (Root canal that is). Sorry; I couldn't resist. B |
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Hi Anne, How are the teeth doing? It's Friday afternoon and it's been a bear of a day. The semester begins tomorrow and I've been burried. I hope it slows for a bit for the last hour. With any luck I'll get out of here early. Have a wonderful weekend. We get to hear about Fran's vacation next week and all the lobster she ate. I haven't had a lobster in over a year. Man, that sounds sooo good! I just may have to splurge and get one at the market and stick that bad boy into a big pot. MMMM!Take care! Bert |
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Hi, Bert, Here's looking at you, Spice! The teeth are fine, thanks. I was in the chair from 10am to 1pm. I hate to admit it, but I must have gone to sleep. With my mouth propped open, I probably snored. I'm sure they talk around the water cooler about snoring patients. Lobster is not bad for a diet - you should indulge once in awhile. Maybe it is the butter that keeps you away. Remember, if you roll in it, there are no calories. Ah yes, back to school time! I can imagine things are busy. Do you take any classes yourself since you are so close to it? I would like to take a few classes for fun - Spanish and French would be top on my list - but there isn't a place close by. Drywall seems to be going better for now. A new crew started yesterday and they are much, much, much better. So let's keep our fingers crossed. I got up and went to the gym before my dentist appt. I didn't get much of a workout in, though. People who know me from before want to talk and I can't get my workout in as I would like. I like talking to them too but I wish they would meet me at the cross trainer or something. I guess I just haven't figured out how to do it yet. I think I need to get on a piece of equipment before anyone sees me instead of leaving myself so open. Hmm. Have a good weekend! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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anned wrote:
Could have been worse. You could have drooled too. Have a great one! B |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hi guys...I'm back. Maine was great and I had a 1.5 lb lobster--yup I ate it all. Weight wise I am pretty happy this mornigin, I am down 1 lb from where I was when I left. That is not my "official" weight because I do an average for that number...we'll see Tuesday moringing how it pans out. Nevertheless to come back 1 lb lighter than when I left is an accomplishiment for me so I am very happy. I really didn't sacrifice a kitbut I did try and keep in mnd that vacation was not all about the food and I tried to watch my portions more than anything else. Of course walking 6-8 miles a day didn't hurt either I'm sure. So enough about me...it sounds like you two have done well, I read the posts and it looks like you are both doing well. Anne, you have certainly been under some extra stress...another root canal !! Hey was last Saturday, August 9th your actual birthday? Mine was August 9th too? Do we acatully have the same date? Of course I was a little older, 57 but still. I totally agree with you about being a baby boomer....basically we are such a large group someone is always trying to get our money so they really cater to us....and I love it! Bert, did you ever get to measure your walk? You are so good about excercising, I'm afraid I am more like Mary Ellen, maybe a little better but not much and she lost 50 lbs so she is doing somehting right. You are one disciplined guy. Keep it up, it works! Well, I loved vacation but I did miss you guys and the support. I did find every day a little harder and I honestly think it was becuase I was on my own. BTW--I saw you guys talked about having the munchies...I found a great treat when you crave something sweet and it's only about 100-150 calories. I cut up a ripe banana, spinkled a little cinnimon sugar on it and topped it with a tablespoon of coolwhip. It was actaully very good. Bet you two never thought I would be contributing a "recipe" . Have a good week Spice-ettes. |
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Good evening fellow Spices, Welcome back, Fran! It is fantastic that you came back a pound lighter - wow! Yes, I'm sure that walking really helped! Were you able to go walking together? I'm glad you had a good time - better than that lobster did, I bet! Yes, my birthday is August 9 - what a coincidence! Do you think we were cosmically brought together by some pull of the moon on venus when jupiter was in the second house or something like that? Just kidding but happy birthday!! So, Bert, what do you think about foruming with birthday twins? I have been in Colorado Springs all weekend. I have not had any exercise! It has been raining here for three days - highly, highly unusual. I guess July was the dryest since 1924 or something like that - then we get this rain. I don't think I have ever seen this much rain here. Anyway, I didn't get outside and I am anxious to get back. My weight has been kind of stuck. I have a wedding to go to in a couple months so that should get me going. I went shopping for a dress today. I have not bought a dress in years - not much need for those where I live - and I didn't find anything. I don't like the styles much. I think alot of the dresses look too young. Not that I feel old, but I think it looks bad when a 50 year old tries to look like a 30 year old by dressing like a 20 year old. I think classy is a better look - and actually can make you look younger than just trying too hard. So anyway, I am not wearing a halter dress, I am not wearing a too-short dress, etc. I did buy some very sexy shoes. I am not a shopper. So many women are but it bores me out of my gourd. Nighty night Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Anne, we must be linked cosmically or something. I know I sure feel you pain trying to find a dress. I'm with you, I prefer classic lines and so much of the stuff out there is terrible. If you are looking for a dressy dress I would suggest trying a bridal shop, at least most of our bridal shops carrier quite a few "regular" dresses, leaning towards the dressy side but appropriate for anyone. I not only hate looking for a dress but can I complain about low cut jeans and tight shirts. I swear, I wear a size 14---not miniture but seriously .... an extra large women's top is too small? And my opinion is that low cut jeans make your butt look bigger, a look I am not going for. I also have to second your statement about dressing like a 30 year old when you're 50, you don't have to dress like an old fuddy-dud but trying to be something you're not is never a good idea. I have a great dress for weddings, actually I have it in 3 sizes . I got it at JC Penny's, the first one about 6 years ago anyway, it is a classic a-line, slightly fitted at the waist, round neck (not low cut) and it falls just below my knee. It has short sleeves so in the winter I just put a jacket over it. It has gotten me through a lot of situations. Mine is black and I know a lot of people don't do black for weddings but it doesn'tbother me, I just put a bright scarf or belt with it. Anyway, good luck on your shopping, at least you're starting early . |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Good morning Spiceys, Fran, welcome home. I'm glad you had a great time. We missed you. I'm going to try that recipe. I'll get the light coolwhip and maybe some Splenda. It sounds very good. I bought a couple of dress shirts over the weekend. Down from an 18 neck to a 16. Mens shirts come in 1/2 sizes so that's pretty good. I never was one for shopping but now that I can wear nice clothes, I'm kinda excited about it. Money is another issue. You're right about the classic look. It's the only way to go. Women always look better and sexier. Save the trendy and dare I say, sleazy, stuff for the boudoir. We guys are very appreciative of that. Mmmm. B-day twins. Twins are every guys fantasy. I'll type at you later. Bert Last edited on 18 August 2008 01:54 pm by pbf4326e |
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Hi ladies, I just read this. I'm glad we're doing this the right way. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26076054/ Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, very interesting article. I know three woman who had the surgery, for two it worked great, they had the surgery over 3 years ago and they have both maintained their new lifestyles and they both look great. But the other woman, she had hers about 4 years ago and has been in and out the hospital numerous times, she has one complication after another and feels sick almost all the time. I don't know her well, she is a friend of a friend but my understanding is she is soo sorry she ever did it and it does not look like things will improve for her and she is only 43 years old. I guess for some that is the only way to go but I would never do it or recommend it. I'm with you Bert, eat less/exercises more that is the way to loose weight. We all know it, we just need to do it. |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, you can tell your friends you had a 3way with twins . You don't need to mention it was a 3 way conversation. Ok, sorry...I'm bad today. Last edited on 18 August 2008 08:08 pm by Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Vacation will do that to a person. If I tell them that and the fact that one is in Mass. and the other in Colo., they'll just think I'm bragging again. I think I'm going to change your name to naughty spice. Yeah, I like that. Bert |
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Hi, Guys Darn, how could I miss out on this conversation? Naughty spices!! I could not get on to the site this am. I was worried that the thing had gone away and decided to wait until after work; now I see I can get on! That's good. I third the surgery deal. Bert, is that something you ever considered earlier on before you got food religion? I am staying one more night in Colorado Springs I am pretty anxious to get back but I had too much to do today which meant I would be leaving late, driving a further distance in the dark and I have an early meeting tomorrow. So I will get things together tonight and hopefully leave by 4pm tomorrow.Speaking of which, I better get some things done now... Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hi guys, today was my official weigh in and I am down 3.2 from my last official weigh in which was 2 weeks ago. I am really so happy with my results, I don't think I ever went on vacation and lost weight and like I said I really didn't feel like I was sacrificing a lot. That being said I may have to rethink my goal date, my plan had been to be at 135 by early December but to reach that goal I would need to loose 1.5 pounds a week. Right now I am doing that but as I get closer I know it will be harder and the 1.5 may not be doable. It could work either way...it could encourage me to try harder to reach that goal or knowing me...it might cause me to give up because I can't do it. What a quandary . You guys are much more experienced than me, what do you think? Do you think it is realistic to leave it at 1.5 lbs a week? I don't mind a challenge but I don't want to set myself up for failure but then again I don't want to make it too easy. See....how indecisive I am? Anne, you really do have to travel a lot, it must get tiring for you and it must make weight loss/maintaining quite a bit harder. I know when I'm tired I eat badly, of course when I'm happy I eat, when I'm sad I eat, when I'm bored I eat.... Guess that's why I'm here. Onward and downward. Fran |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Good morning, my spicey pals, Anne, no, I never considered the surgery. We had a friend (who I think lives in Colo. Springs now) who did it and she had all sorts of problems. Not as bad as were in the article but everytime she ate something, she had to run to the bathroom. That's no way to live. Fran, keep your goal as is. Here's why. When my kids were in school I always told them to shoot for the A. If they didn't hit it, they might get a B but that was ok. If they set their sights on a B they just might get a C or worse. The point is, just go for the gold. You may hit it or you may not but it will mean you're giving it everything you have. Remember that we're not just involved for the short term gain (loss actually) but rather a change in lifestyle and habits. If you hit your goal in the time you've set, terrific. If not, you'll most likely be closer to it than you would have if you lowered the bar. Don't lower the bar! If you don't make it by your goal date, so what? You'll hit it the next week, week after or later. It doesn't matter. What matters is how hard you work toward that. 1.5 lbs a week is a great and doable goal. If you shoot for that and only lose a pound a week, great!! There, that's off my chest. Enough preaching for one day. I'll weigh in tomorrow. As I mentioned, I'm not necessarily looking for the scale to move quickly at this point but rather my size to go down one more. When I hit that, the real, long, long term work starts. I didn't work out Monday morning and decided to give myself a rest day. I did hit the bike today for a half hour and then did 3 sets of pushups and 3 sets of bicep curls. I'm beginning to see more definition on my arms and the first set of pushups I did 34. Can you imagine??? A year ago I couldn't do two. Have a great day, naughty spices! I really like that! Bert Last edited on 19 August 2008 01:24 pm by pbf4326e |
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Thanks Bert, that was the kick in the pants I needed....that's why this buddy thing works so well ! |
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And much smaller pants, I might add. B |
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Good morning, Spices of my life, Fran, I agree with Bert that your goal is doable. I think the most important part is the 135, not necessarily the date. Keep your goal in mind, work your daily plan of eating and exercise and you will get there - maybe earlier than Dec, maybe later, but you will get there! Congratulations on losing weight while away - that is so huge! I remember once I went to Australia / New Zealand for 3 months and when I got back, I had not gained any weight - that was such a good feeling - so I know how you must feel now - even better. Yes!! By the way, what is your total loss so far? Bert, thanks for the poem. I knew it was sincere because it says that you don't want to be around me when I'm sick. ditto! I can just imagine your waist wasting away (pun intended) as you pump iron and do push ups. I can only do the modified girly push ups, not the real ones. Speaking of push ups. My sister called me yesterday to report that I was a classic mesamorph (sp?) body type. She had this book on exercise for different body types and as she was reading it, she said she was amazed at how well I fit this category - thus I might be interested in seeing some of the exercises. She also told me that the examplel that the book gave of a mesamorph was Demi Moore. Now, I would not mind looking like Demi Moore but all I could think of was two things: A. That movie GI Jane where she is in such amazing shape - doing push ups with one arm - and how I can just do a girly push up. and B. The movie where she plays a stripper and one of the opening things is of her pole dancing - nice abs, nice moves. Hmm, I wonder which one I should work toward? Anne |
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Definitely go for the pole exercise. Those are the pics you can send. I can't do one armed pushups either. God gave me two good arms and He expects me to use them. I have no idea what a mesamorph is but I'd love to know the title and author of that book. My wife may be interested in that. Let me know, Mesaspice. B |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Demi Moore--not a bad role model. Of course you will have to tell Ray he is about to be traded in for a 25 year old. OK, maybe Ashner Kutner (sorry can't spell it) is a little more than 25 but not much. Thanks guys, I will leave my goal alone. As for my total weight loss, it kind of depends I have had so many ups and downs but I am kind of considering my begining weight 184 which is where I was in Feb of this year because that is when I got serious (sort of) about the weight loss. So from 184 I am now at 156.6, down 27.4 total. Boy, I hadn't really looked a the total for awhile, that 27 looks good to me. |
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Dang right it looks good. You go and get one of those poles too. Bert |
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Oh my gosh! 27 lbs!! Yes, you do need to focus on that a bit, Fran - duh! Huge congratulations! You are going to leave me in the dust! Bert, I'll ask my sister for the name of the book. |
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Anne, you've done great...your almost at goal. What is your overall loss? And don't worry, I think we are going to have to adopt the Marine motto--or Army who ever it is who says..."No man left behind". What was that movie with Mel Gibson about the early years of the Vietnam war, it was great movie, actually has stayed with me for a lot of years, I just don't remember the name... anyway, Bert is over the goal, you're close and I am working on it...we will all get there...together! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I believe the movie was "We Were Soldiers." It was a terrific movie. I also think, and I could be wrong and don't want to slight any branch of our armed forces (I absolutely love those guys and gals), that the no man left behind motto is the Navy SEALS. Absolutely the elite!!!. If you want to read a great book, pick up "Lone Survivor" by Marcus Lutrell. You know, when you hit your goal, we have a lifetime of maintaining to do. I hope our string of posts won't end with reaching goals. I intend to set up a distribution list entitled "spices" even if CPH goes away. We're really gonna need each other to maintain, especially when life happens. Bert |
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Good morning Spicettes. Boy last night I had to eat late, about an hour before bedtime and did I ever pay with indigestion but the good news is it reminded me I use to have indigestion almost every night, now I never get it unless like last night I eat too late. . Just another benefit of eating right . And to think I was seriously thinking of going on meds for indigestion and all it was was overeating--boy sometimes we miss the picture entirely .Well hope you both have great days. Talk to you later. |
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You know, now that you mention it, my heart burn is gone too. I never really thought about it but I used to get it all the time. I can't remember the last time I had it. I just forgot about it. Another benefit!!! Excuse me while I apply my nose to the grindstone. Later spicey ones. Bert |
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Hi, Spicers, I have a meeting in a minute but I just had to write a quick note and let you know that I did reach my goal - about a month ago - 35 lbs lost. Sorry, thought you knew. I have been maintaining since then. I'd like to lose a few extra but I think Bert had a good idea to just focus on eating right and not worry so much about the scale - unless things start going up. I am feeling good and that matters alot. What is heartburn? I think I had it once and did not recognize the symptoms. I can eat and go to bed 2 seconds later - although I try not to because this is not the best for weight loss! Drives my hubby crazy; he needs HOURS before he can go to bed. He'd never make it in Europe. Spice |
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Anne, Hmmmm, can't really explain heartburn except when you get it you go "aha, that's what it is" When I get it there is a pain probably at the upper part of my esophagus, at least that's where I think it is. I'm like your husband, I need at least 2 hours before I lay down, 3 is better and since I go to bed at 9:00 that means early suppers. Hey, at least I'm at the restaurant in time for the old folk specials . Sorry, for some reason I didn't know you reached your goal, I knew you were very close but maybe you told us and I forgot although shame on me if I did...that's HUGE. Congratulations, so I'm here with 2 maintainer---boy am I lucky, 2 people who obviously know how to do this. |
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Anne, Hmmmm, can't really explain heartburn except when you get it you go "aha, that's what it is" When I get it there is a pain probably at the upper part of my esophagus, at least that's where I think it is. I'm like your husband, I need at least 2 hours before I lay down, 3 is better and since I go to bed at 9:00 that means early suppers. Hey, at least I'm at the restaurant in time for the old folk specials . Sorry, for some reason I didn't know you reached your goal, I knew you were very close but maybe you told us and I forgot although shame on me if I did...that's HUGE. Congratulations, so I'm here with 2 maintainer---boy am I lucky, 2 people who obviously know how to do this. |
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I think heart burn is when there is too much in the stomach and all the other organs are pressing down as well and the acid in the stomach leaks back up the esophagus. Fran is right. You'll know it when you get it. It almost feels like it's just below your throat. Fran, I see you're being redundant today, you're repeating yourself, you're doing the same thing over and over again. Bert |
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Actually I just thought my comments were so earth shattering everyone would want to read them twice !! I have no idea how I managed that one . |
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My earth, shattered. How 'bout yours, Anne? B |
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Well, Fran gets her comments posted twice and mine don't get posted at all! I checked in earlier today but it's not here - oh well. I was a naughty spice tonight... We went to a local pizza place and had a calzone - split it - then had an ice cream cone - didn't split that. It was really bad, I know. I must have had 2000 calories today. But I haven't had one of these in at least 9 months and I am not going back tomorrow!!! Plus, no beer! Back on the horse again; onward and downward, etc.  Naughty Spice |
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Like Anne I have to give myself a for yesterday too. I did eat 2000 calories, first Frank ended up coming home for lunch unexpectedly yesterday and he brought a pizza, I had already eaten but of course I had to have one slice. That might have been okay but we had dinner plans with my brother and sister-in-law, we went to Olive Garden and I didn't go crazy but I still ate too much and then for dessert we went to Cold Stone Creamery and had ice cream cake...oh yeah and I had a glass of wine with supper. so maybe I should give myself My only good thing was I skipped the bread sticks, big deal huh? Anyway I am up about 1.5lbs today, I am really hoping at least some of that is water retention from all of the salt yesterday, it kills me to think one day could do that much damage. I plan to get in an extra 2 mile walk today so hopefully that will help too. The left over ice cream cake is going into the garbage disposal, it tempts me, Frank might have a piece in a week or two me I will eat it every day until it's gone...so this morning, it's gone. Bert, I hope you at least held up our group reputation while Anne and I were overindulging? Well today's a new day and like Anne said, back on the . |
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Shame on you, you naughty spices! I held our honor yesterday!!! Worked out an hour on the bike, had one egg, a slice of whole grain bread, two chicken sausages, a peach, a chef's salad for lunch, a yogurt, a banana, 100 calorie pop-corn, whole grain pasta with turkey meatballs and marinara sauce and a salad! I also parked down in the lot at work and walked up the stairs to my office!!! All this said, I'm jealous and feel left out. I think a DQ Blizzard with Reese's peanut butter cups will make me feel better. Maybe over the weekend unless I come to my senses. You know, I saw one of the shows on the Food Network and the gal doing the show is a chef in a restaurant. She was cooking and really putting the salt in. She said that the reason restaurant food tastes so good is because they really season it and salt is the main one. Ergo, the fluid retention. A good hour of cardio should take care of that. Never give up!!! Never surrender!! Death before dishonor!! Remember the Maine!! Remember the Alamo!!! A chicken in every pot (and don't forget the mashed potatoes)! Bert |
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I could argue..."Give me Liberty or give me death" implies I should be able to do any darn thing I want. That's what liberty means doesn't it?? |
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AMEN, sister!!!! I'm right there with you!!! B |
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Or - why hold off for tomorrow that which you can eat today?? Oh, geez, gotta get the munchies out of my mind! Well, it's early here so no big damage at this point! Fran is going to die when I say this, but I relate diet success alot to cooking. I mean, when I cook my own food, I can do pretty well. When I eat out or even when I eat prepared things, it is tough. I have not had much time for cooking lately and it's harder that way. I gained about the same as you did yesterday, Fran. But that meatball calzone (1/2) was really tasty! I think one about every 6 months will do it and then I can enjoy it without feeling too guilty. We are going jeeping this weekend - yeah!! I have been waiting since my birthday! I really think the flowers will be gone by now which is really too bad but the weather should be nice. We leave tomorrow bright and early. I guess I need to think about picnic food! Have a great weekend, you guys. And let's not leave the upholding honor bit just to Bert! Anne |
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Jeeping sounds like fun. How about some hard boiled eggs and chicken (without skin of course) in that cooler...just squeeze it in with the beer ! Have a good time, how did you get Ray away from his house building? In high school I read some book about the future...it was actually pretty good but in any case one of the things about the futrure was everyone ate in a restruant, it was more efficient. I was really looking forward to that but it hasn't happened yet....I am still hopeful though. |
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AH! Beer and hard boiled eggs. That ought to solve the energy crisis. If the flowers aren't dead they sure will be. Have a great time and be safe! B |
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Oh, no, no, no, Bert! We don't DRIVE on the flowers!! I won't even pick a flower and when I walk, I am so careful of where I step - although I have to say, you can't avoid them all. There are alot of old mining roads around here that go through spectacular mountain country. They are four wheel drive roads but are actually designated as county roads. That is so you can rent a jeep and have it covered by your normal car insurance. Fran, can you pack us a picnic? No beer - you wouldn't drink either if you saw the drop offs on some of these roads - or maybe you would need to! Anne |
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Be glad to, I know where I can get everything pre made ! |
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Good morning guys. Anne, thanks for the chicken recipe...I think I can make that one. It would be pretty cool to watch . Well this morning when I went to put on a polo shirt it was too big! That is definitely a good feeling. Of course that being said, most of my polo shirts are LL Bean and the size Lg are now too big which made me feel pretty good but I have a few other brands and the one I am wearing right now is a different brand and it is a size XL and it fits just fine GRRRRR. Frank never has this problem, his size is his size. Bert, you don't know how lucky you are; us women have to know the brand or try it on . Right now I am wearing a med, lg, or XL top depending on the manufacturer, now how can that be? Well, have a good day Spicers and stay strong! |
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I know what you mean about sizes. My wife can wear two different sizes easily. By and large, she's an 8 but she has a pair of shorts that are marked 6. She loves those. Anne, thanks for the recipe. I haven't read it yet. I'm not in the office today. My wife lost her new job and is having some very serious self esteem issues right now. The environment she was in was toxic but she was sticking with it with the idea that things will get better. They didn't. I feel so badly for her. She is the most generous, caring woman I've ever known and to see her go through this is awful. Please keep her in your prayers. Have a great weekend. Bert |
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Bert, I am so sorry to hear about Mary Ellen loosing her job, it is so difficult to find that job you fit just right with but I believe she will. It is so much better to leave if the atmosphere is not right. I did that for many years and I am so sorry I did, she will find the right fit but in the meantime I know it does raise havoc with your self esteem and although I am sure you are very supportive it just doesn't help a lot...we expect our spouses to support us which is a good thing but when it comes to helping our self esteem it doesn't do a lot unfortunately, at least that is what I found, you need confirmation from others outside of those who love you. All you can do is be there for her as you are. My thoughts are with you both, I wish we could ease your burdens, I guess just be sure you vent to us when you need to. |
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Bert, I am sorry to hear about Mary Ellen as well. What does she do exactly? It sounds like she has been working in an office; have these been similar jobs? I am fortunate to have been blessed with good jobs, working with good people my entire career. I know that many do not have that and I can only imagine how difficult it must be, especially given that work takes up so much time. The only thing I can offer is the thought that your job does not define who you are. I know that is easier said than done but really, if the situation is bad, it just means that she has not found the right thing yet. It does not mean that she is an unworthy person. I hope she will focus on those areas that do define her more personally - like a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, etc and realize how much more important those are. Ray and I had a great time jeeping. My goodness, it is so incredibly beautiful around here. If there is a heaven on earth, I think this must be it! We did miss the flowers - just hit the tail end - now I have to wait another year! But even the tail end is quite spectacular. We went to one basin as an example - keep in mind this is many miles in area - and every square inch of the floor was absolutely covered with amazing wildflowers. I truly cannot describe the beauty on such a grand scale, nor do pictures do it justice. Even though pictures are beautiful they do not capture the shocking majesty. I just wonder how something like this could be and how am I so lucky to see it! I just hope we are healthy for many, many years so we can keep going into the mountains. It does take a fair amount of endurance just to take the bouncing and I would never want to drive it - luckily Ray does the hard work there. My weight is unchanged - at least it was this morning. I was good all day today until this evening and I ate a bit too much. Hopefully since I was working all day, it won't do damage. Let me know how that chicken recipe turns out, Fran. Anne |
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I forgot - one more thing - I got the name of that exercise book from my sister. 101 Ways to Work Out with Weights by Cindy Whitmarsh |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good Monday morning fellow Spicettes. Anne, it sounds like you had a great week end, it sounds like it must be absolutley spectacular, maybe some day I will see it. I know what you mean about feeling like you get to live in heaven on earth, I feel that way about New England, when people ask where I plan to retire to I look at them like they have two head and say..." Right where I am" . I guess we're lucky to be where we want to be. Not that I don't love seeing the rest of the country but I always want to come back here and it sounds like you feel the same way. There is so much to see in this country I just can't wait until we have the time to see more of it. I really don't have a desire to visit any other countries although we will have to to keep Frank's passport current. Proibably just a quick trip to Canada and that almost doesn't count as another country . Glad you had a good week end food wise as well, what did you end up doing about food? I did alright too, I got some good walking in, 4 miles on Saturday and 5 on Sunday. My dogs are still tired, poor babies .Well, another week, and off we go...think positive if you can and when you can't write to us for help! |
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Hi Spicey pals, Tough weekend. I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers and your comments too. It helps more than you know. My wife is absolutely terrific and it kills me to see her going through this. Anne, she's got 20 years in the dental industry on the admin side. She's just had a run of bad luck with very unethical people. I know she'll land well eventually. I did ok until yesterday on the food but with things the way they are at home, I've been working out a lot and I'm sore as #%@&! today, especially my thighs! Man do they hurt. I missed Friday in the office and I'm burried. I'll weigh in tomorrow to see what damage I did, if any. Love you! Bert |
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Hello, Spice Dude and Dudette, Just a quick note to reaffirm my plan today - I need to do this for myself. I looked in my food diary and I have not strictly counted calories for almost two weeks so TODAY I began again. I had a small slip up this afternoon when I got the peanut butter out - oops! But I put it away quickly and counted the calories. So I am at 700 calories going into dinner time - 600 left to spend. I'm having tilapia with broccoli, a salad and some small treat. Heck, I might even come in a little short! I know this is boring but like I say, I'm trying to re-establish some accountability. I walked for 75 minutes this morning so that is at least 4 miles. Wish I had time for more but this darn work keeps getting in my way. Bert, I have a question for you. What - if anything - can a wife do to encourage more participation in the housework from her husband? Or Fran, maybe you have discovered something! How is Mary Ellen doing today? Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hi guys, hope all is well. Anne, your food info is not boring, I love to hear what you and Bert are doing to stay on track. I try to keep my calories at around 1300 although on week ends I am okay with 1500. It's doable most day, even if we go out to eat, I have gotten really good at ordering children portions if there good or only eating 1/2 portions if I don't like the kids menu. We have fish 2 or 3 nights a week, I think that helps. Now that's it's getting colder in the morning I find I am looking for something different than my cup of cottage cheese. I might try oatmeal but I really try to watch the carbs so I'm not sure, we'll see. I lost 2 lbs last week, one of my better weeks I must say. I think I was really motivated by Nir's challenge, it was big in keeping me motivated over the summer. I think he is running another one for the fall and I'll sign on again, the short term goals help me keep focused. Bert, you've been very quiet, I know it is a hard time right now but know that we are here and if you just want to vent feel free. Have a good day guys.  Last edited on 26 August 2008 01:42 pm by |
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Hi gals, I'm sorry I've been AWOL. Work is unbelieveable right now. It's always like this at the beginning of a semester. I haven't had much time for anything. I've been bad but I've been able to maintain. Yesterday was so bad I went to the store and got some bourbon and had a couple. I didn't work out yesterday as I was so sore and didn't get much sleep Sunday night and I didn't sleep well last night and had a bit of a headache this morning. I gotta get focused.I'm still at 190 so at least I'm hanging on but I have to get back on the band waggon. By the time I get home for dinner I'll have had just over 700 calories and can have a good dinner. Since I didn't work out I should be at 1400-1500 on the day by the time I'm done. I may include peanut butter too. Anne, I'm not sure how to answer your question about housework. We've never approached things as his or her job but rather things that have to get done. I learned how to do laundry, iron, cook, etc., when I was young. Not really because I wanted to but I had to as my mother got really angry with me when I was younger and refused to do any of that stuff for me so I had to learn quickly to do it myself. Dad took pity on me and took me out to dinner one night and incurred mom's wrath for that too but he was fine with it. I guess just ask him for help. Just let him know you really need it and be specific about what you need. It's easier to ask and explain why rather than say something like "Why don't you help me?" If you can keep in non-accusatory that is a big plus. He won't get so defensive. Maybe you could ask him during the "afterglow" if you get my drift. I'm much more maliable then. Let me know how you make out. Bert |
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Hey Bert, it sounds like you are doing fairly well under the circumstances, nothing wrong with maintaining. Frank is a teacher also (high school math) so I know what you mean about the beginning of the semester. He is also department head and responsible for the scheduling of the entire school so he get a little crazy right about now. Anne, I forgot to answer your question about housework...Frank is my second husband so I was a lot smarter the second time around and made it very clear from the start that I expected half of all housework and cooking to be done by him. My only concession is I do all the laundry but he does all of the home repairs so I figure that is a fair trade off. To me it only makes sense, if you both work you both need to share the other responsibilities . Everyone is different but I would agree with Bert, you need to talk it out and explain how you feel....I know guys, in general, don't like talk about feelings but you can approach it as a problem that needs fixing....guys love to fix problems . Sorry Bert, I am only speaking in general terms here. I know with Frank when I tell him something and I just want him to listen he often thinks I am asking him to solve the problem when in fact I just want him to listen, the Mars/Venus thing I guess. |
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Fran, You are right on regarding fixing problems. We do that. I'm glad we have women around to help us with that too. Without you gals we wouldn't have any problems to fix. They'd all be taken care of. Bert |
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Hi, Guys, I know what you mean about getting refocused, Bert. After I reached my goal, I kind of lost it. I didn't go crazy, just didn't have the same level of intensity. I actually decided that was OK - kind of like a little break after an accomplishment. So I hope you feel the same way and move on from here. Congratulations on your 2 lbs, Fran - so the total is now 29?? You know, 29 lbs on 5'1" is alot more than 35 lbs on 5'8"! For the wedding coming up in October, I am thinking about getting one of my dresses altered so I can wear it. It is a really nice dress - black chiffony thing with a gold lace overtop (is that a word?). I looked for a new one but didn't find anything I liked nearly as well. The dress is too big but if I can find someone to take it in, it will work well I think. I also bought some very sexy black suede sandals - now if I could only pretend to be comfortable in spike heels!! Thanks for the advice on the help issues. I was also married before at a young age and my ex and I never had this issue. As you say, Bert, there was no division of labor, just things to be done and we both participated. One thing that I think helps make this work is a similar view on what needs to be done. If one person thinks the bathroom needs to be cleaned once a week and the other thinks once a year is fine, guess who is going to do most of the bathroom cleaning? I think this is a big part of our problem. Ray is not a lazy guy by any stretch of the imagination but he does not seem to feel very obligated to share in the housework, cooking or "records management". This annoys me tremendously, I must say. I have tried talking to him about it every which way I can think of for 20 years - nothing seems to help. Some people just say get a housekeeper and remove the issue; that is not really my style but maybe that is the only way. Plus that still leaves all the cooking and bookkeeping!! I hate to complain because I know things could be so much worse - like he could be sick or something. We are expecting more company for labor day and things are getting a little crazy. Lots of things to do to get ready, limited time, I work all day, etc. When we don't have these extra things going on, I can do better but right now I really do need some help. Anne |
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Hi Anne, I liked what you said about "One thing that I think helps make this work is a similar view on what needs to be done. " Maybe it would help to reinforce those things. You've most likely been doing them so long that he may not be actively concious that they have to be done. They're getting done and it's not an issue. It's not in the forefront of his thinking. If you share with him, as Fran suggested, about how you feel and that you really need the help, I'm sure he'll step up. He sounds like a great guy and a reasonable one. Ladies, when are you sending pics? Anne, you've hit your goal so you should have a before and after. Fran, Anne is right; 29 lbs. on 5'1" would have greater appearance impact. I remember when I lost 29 lbs and it hardly looked like I lost anything. I'm sure it's different for you. I just spoke with Mary Ellen. She had an interview today (no moss under this gal) and she said she felt it went well. She'll find out Thursday if they want to bring her in for a second. It's in God's hands. Have a wonderful day, ladies. Bert |
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Bert, I'll show you mine if you show me yours - pictures of course!! Actually, I don't really have good pictures; I avoided the camera when I was at my heaviest. I'll see what I can find. I am in the market for a new digital camera right now so when I get that, I could send a current photo. Do you know if that can be done on this site or do we just use e-mail? Good news on Mary Ellen! I hope she interviewed THEM to figure out if it would be a reasonable place. Anne |
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I'm not sure how to do the pics on this site. Yes, Mary Ellen did interview them. You're right about it being a two way street. Thanks, Anne. B |
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Hey you two....I am a statuesque 5'3"---don't dney me my extra 2". |
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I was only following Anne's lead. Honest! Statuesque! I like it, statuesque spice. B |
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Hey, who knows, I probaby said 5'1", I'n short, just not that short |
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Hi guys, I am off to a busy morning so I will keep this short. Yesterday was not a great day, not terrible but not great either. I went over about 100 calories, no big deal but I also didn't get a chance to do my walk which burns about 150-200 calories so all in all I was over about250-300 for the day. Just got too busy for my walk and should have skipped the mayo on my sandwhich but I didn't. That's the trouble, when I get busy I tend to let excercise be the first thing to go and I know I really shouldn't, I need to work on that more. Well have a good day and stay strong. |
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Don't beat yourself up about it, Fran. It happens and we just get up again and hit it. It's a lifetime thing so one or two days won't make that much of a difference in the long run. I was good yesterday and I got up and did my hour on the bike this morning. It was tough but I managed. I'm glad I did. It will help be to be strong tomorrow. I just got in the office. We had 7 inches of rain last night due to the past hurricane and we lost a tree in the yard. Fortunately it didn't hit the house. A lot of flooding in low lying areas and some apartment complexes have water up to the car windows. Not good. The sun is out now though and we're hoping things will subside quickly. Gotta go too and get to work. I'm glad to have work, I just don't want to do it today.Bert |
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Bert, that weather sounds terrible. Is it from hurricane Fay still? I hope you are in a higher area? 7" overnight, that's an incredible amount of rain. |
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yeah, it's Fay, alright. It's sunny here now but it was tough last night. I don't know what the official rain count was but we heard this morning that there were several areas that got that amount. I don't think we had more than 3" in our area but we'll know more later tonight. B |
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Hi, Spicers, Yes, that is an amazing amount of rain - I think that is about our annual average!! That must take green to the next level! Fran, so sorry about the two inches! That is the story of my 51 year old life - can't keep a darn thing straight! Luckily there has not been any alzheimers or dimentia in my family on either side or I'd be even more worried! Some days I really think there is something wrong with my brain!! The other potential explanation is that I was hoping to steal the 2" and add it to mine. Now, that would be great. I was good eating yesterday but did not get my exercise in - very, very busy. But today I got up and walked. This weekend will be a challenge with the company coming. They want to go out to eat. Plus I am going to make the better than sex cake one day when we have some others over for a bar-b-que. I will just have to watch portions and be as good as I can these next coulple days. The dry wall job is still going. I don't think it is half done yet. I miss my cross trainer! Fran, is your remodel job totally done and if so, how did everything turn out? I know, if I looked back, you have probably already said!! Bert, how far are you from the Charlotte airport? Anne |
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You know I don't think I ever did say. Yes, the work if finished, we still have some area rugs to purchase and some furniture for our den but no rush on that, I have to be in the mood to shop and it hasn't hit me yet. The floors are all beautiful, they came out just as I had hoped. Of course now my upstairs floors look bad...it never ends does it ! But I am very happy with the way it all came together, my interior decorating skills are very limited so I am always a little hesitant to remodel. I want to be in control but then I pick badly some times...just can't win...but I did this time...lucky I guess! |
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I always wanted to be 6'2". Don't think I'm gonna make it. Anne, my campus is just across the street from the airport. Do you have a layover in Charlotte coming up soon? Bert |
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Hi guys, how goes the battle? On Nir's summer challenge I made my goal...just under the wire I might add. Bert, now that you've reached your goal do you find the challenges help you stay on track? I had another good day yesterday, kept my calories down and got my walking in. If I have time today I am going to try and get a 5 mile walk in, we'll see. I'll get 2 in anyway. It would be cool if you two got to meet, acutally it would be cooler if all of us did, but 2 out of 3 aint bad. So what are everyone's plans for Labor Day week end? I have none really maybe a hike with Frank depending on how he feels, if he's not up to it I will get a long walk in. No BBQ's or parties this year so at least the food thing won't be too challenging for me. Have a good day. Last edited on 28 August 2008 11:37 am by Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi guys, The battle rages on! I was pretty good yesterday although I went to visit my mother and ate a bunch of pretzles. I didn't have a bourbon though. I made her a scotch. I got up this morning and did an hour on the bike. I'm debating if I want to get up to work out tomorrow though. I need a rest. I have to meet my men's group at 6:45 am for breakfast (ususal Friday) and may sleep a bit. I can hit it hard over the weekend. We don't have any plans for the weekend. I was going to take a vacation day tomorrow but since I took last Friday to be with Mary Ellen, and since she's not working we don't want to spend any money, I'll go to work. Maybe we'll get out early. I think the challenges will help me stay on track but I don't have that much more to lose. My real focus now is getting to that 34 waist. When I get there I have to maintain. The challenges so far have been about losing and I'll just want to maintain. I may start a string for maintanence. We'll see. I'll definitely still be with you two though. You'll keep me straight. Yeah, it would be cool if the three of us could meet. If Anne is coming to Charlotte I'd really like to meet her. Hopefully it will be a day I'll be around. 2 out of 3 ain't bad. Mmmm. Meatloaf. I'm hungry. Bert Last edited on 28 August 2008 02:04 pm by pbf4326e |
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Good moring guys. Not much going on for me right now. I am fighting temtation right now....I really want to have BBQ ribs some time this week end but I am trying to reist. We are having absolutley beautifu weather for the past few days and it's suppose to continue for the whole week end, in the mid to upeer 70's and LOW HUMIDITY! I hope to get some good walks or hikes in other than that no real plans. Hope you both have a nice long, restful weekends. Bert....has that horrible rain stopped? If not then I suggest a nice thick book, a soft blanket and keep a kettle on for tea (or fat free hot chocolate). With what your wife has been through these past couple weeks, she could probably use a week end like that. Anne, hope you get out and enjoy all of that beauty you live in. |
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Hi guys, Looks like a mild weekend weather wise. We may get some rain but not much. There's a annual festival in our little town called "Mattews Alive." They hold it every Labor Day weekend. I'll most likely go one afternoon. Other than that, nothing planned which suits me. Have a great weekend and Fran, if you want to have some ribs, go ahead and have a few. Just don't eat a whole slab. That's what I would do but you don't have to do that. Maybe get an order and let Frank have most of it? Enjoy the weekend. Anne, if you're planning on a layover in Charlotte, let me know. Bert |
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Thanks Bert, I might have a few but I won't give my left overs to Frank. That is a bad habit I have had to learn to break... he has his own issues and for me to tempt him like that isn't really fair at all so I have a no offering left overs to Frank policy. |
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Hi, Guys Sorry I was AWOL for a couple of days there. I have been SO busy this week - work has been busy plus I had tons to do to get ready for guests over the weekend. I didn't get everything done but most of what really had to be done by 8pm on Thursday night. They arrived at 8:30! I was exhausted! Yesterday we went jeeping - another beautiful day - and out to dinner. I was really good and had a salad and some lettuce wraps. That may sound like alot, but portions were tiny. Later I had a couple cookies that my friend Louise made, however. I have not weighed yet to assess damages. Bert, there is a possibility that we may have a layover in Charlotte on our way to Florida in October. If it is in the evening, I was wondering if you and Mary Ellen might like to meet us at the airport for dinner or drinks. I can tell you when I know more. I don't have time to finalize the schedule right now with company here but probably early next week. I agree it would be more fun if Fran was there too - but we will get to get together someday!! This just came up pretty unexpectedly. I was flying through Tampa but United has changed their schedules and Charlotte is one of the options I think. Fran, I was grocery shopping the other night before the company came and I also wanted ribs. Safeway always has them for sale around labor day and sure enough, they did. I was very tempted to get them but I finally decided against it. The reason is that with some things, and ribs are one, it is very hard for me not to overeat. I figured that one of two things would happen: 1. I would eat a small amount but be tortured by wanting more or 2. I would eat too many and then would feel bad about not controlling myself. So this time anyway, I just decided to not put myself in the temptation path. Of course, I hope you don't have these same issues and can manage better! We have lots going on this weekend as you can imagine. Bar-b-que with more friends over tonight, rodeo tomorrow, going out to dinner (maybe), Monday is a parade, more rodeo and TWO bar-b-ques. It'll all be over by about 10pm on Monday. Talk about challenges!! Keep me in your thoughts - I need strength! Good luck to both of you! Anne |
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Anne, count on me....I will be sending strengh inducig vibes your way. I also decided no ribs...for the same reason you did. a couple is just not going to do it and I did have ribs only a couple of weeks ago on vacation so I am going to wait. Instead we decided to treat ourselves to lobsters for Monday, they're on sale at 4.99 a pound, at that price we can enjoy them, even if I do have to cook them .Enjoy your week end, it sounds busy but fun. |
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Good morning Spice Buddies. Hope everyone had a good weekend. Mine was great, restful but I got a lot of walking in, just a couple miles on Saturday, but Sunday I got 5 in and Monday 8, I had planned 9 but my foot starting acting up a bit so I cut it short. It's fine today but because of some past issues, I don't take any chances. I did not give into the rib temptation, I did opt for a buffalo burger with blue cheese, even with that on Sunday I stayed under my 1300 calories. Monday, we had lobster, they were on sale at $5.00 a pound, who could resist? I skip the butter so they are actually a low cal choice for me. Anne, I want to thank you for recommending that book, Younger Next Year. I read it in like 2 days and it has really motivated me to get moving a little more....I don't know about 6 days a week but more. I was so impressed with it I even decided to spend the money my in-laws gave me for my birthday on a heart monitor, I won't tell them, they'll think I'm nuts but that's what I decided I wanted. I think it will push me to do a little more in the exercises area. I have passed the book onto Frank and he is actually reading it. Actually it was very timely, when we walked in the woods on Sunday he took another fall, he just trips on a root or rock and when he does he can't catch himself and he ends up taking some nasty falls. I hope the book motivates him as much as it did me. I plan to pass it on to my brother next. I think it is a really useful book, the science part is what intrigues me, it makes sense. Well, I'll "talk" to you guys later. Have a good day. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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H guys, Well, it was the lost weekend. No two ways about it. We had a big festival in town this weekend and Mary Ellen wanted to get a funnel cake. It's her annual funnel cake so I went with her and had a soft serve ice cream cone. I ate some of her cake too. Mary Ellen also made turtle brownies with Trader Joes' peanut butter cups. I think I had a peanut butter sandwich at one point over the weekend too. I did work out though. I hit it Saturday and Sunday and on Monday, we went to Crowder Mountain State Park. http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/crmo/main.php We had a great and strenuous hike and ate well on the trail. Trail mix bars, fruit, etc. We rewarded ourselves with a pizza from our favorite place and a bottle of wine. We finished the brownies last night. Net gain 2 lbs but I'm sure I'll see that gone no later than Thurs. I'm weak spice. Anne, I'm heading to AZ on October 16th and will be coming home late on the 20th. If you're traveling other than that we may have a chance to meet. Just let me know. Have a great day, ladies. I'm proud of you! Bert |
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Greetings, Spicers Glad to hear that you both had a good weekend. Sounds like you got some good exercise! Fran, I am so glad that you liked the book. It is pretty common sense stuff and I really do hope that it will motive Frank to take responsibility for his health and make some changes so that he can enjoy a high quality life for many years! I had a challenging weekend with company, bar-b-ques and stuff. It felt like the weekend of deprivation though - things I didn't have. I didn't have any wine (our friends are big wine drinkers and brought a case of very fine wines), I didn't have a piece of the better than sex cake, I didn't have any second helpings. What I did have was one beer, one very small brat, some homemade baked beans, some trail mix (that stuff is ridiculous in calories and totally not worth it), a small scoop of ice cream and a cookie three days in a row. I was really trying to maintain but I did feel kind of bloated, like I was gaining. On the scale this morning, I was up 2.6 lbs!! I really hate to see what would happen if I totally let my food desires take over. So see, Bert, you did OK! Oh, well, it was still a very fun weekend. Yesterday we went to the rodeo and it was great! I have no idea what possesses someone to become a bull rider or a bronc rider. Last night we went to a big party and I took the better than sex cake. It was a huge hit and a number of people commented on it. One guy was telling me about the cake and how wonderful it was. When I told him I made it, he looked me straight in the eye and said "I kneel down to you, Baby". Ha - my mother always used to tell me that there were two ways to a man's heart and food was one of them! Bert, my trip to Florida will be Oct 9 or 10 and I'll let you know about the plans when I figure it all out! My goal is to lose 8 lbs by October 1 - 2 lbs per week. That is when I go to my 30th reunion from University of Michigan. Have a great day, you two! Anne |
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Hi Anne, Glad you had a nice weekend. As I was stuffing my face with Luigi's pizza last night I was telling my wife that she really needs to make your cake one of these days. I'm out of control!! The 9th or 10th might be doable. Just let me know when you get in. I can't speak for my bride at this point though as her job situation is up in the air. She had a call from a guy today and she said he sounded very nice and they'll meet the latter part of the week. He's on vacation now and called her from vacation. That was nice. We'll see. We're both kinda gun shy right now. I've never been to a rodeo. I'd love to go to one some day. They hold them here occasionally. Maybe I'll take my grandson when he gets a little older. That would be fun. You know, you talk about why someone would want to ride a bull, etc. I know people who wonder why we want to go into the woods, hike up a mountain, get all achy and sweaty, etc. Everyone has their passion I guess. I used to fly small airplanes and someone asked me about skydiving. I said "Why would I want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane?" Maybe some day now that I'm lighter. I wouldn't want to hit the ground too hard. Remeber; it's not the fall that kills you. It's the sudden stop at the end! Bert |
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Sounds like you guys both had fun week ends. So maybe you went a little over on your calories, no big deal. You're both here and I know you will be back on track before you know it. Anne, actually riding a bull kind of sounds like fun to me...I'd be too chicken to do it but I can see the attraction. Hey, I am saving all of my American Express points to do a thing where you get to actually drive a race car around a race track. It's like 100's of thousands of points but what the heck...I'd do it in a minute. So when Bert jumps out of that plane I can drive like a maniac to get him to the hospital....see it all works out . |
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I hope you have a big spatula to get me off the ground. I actually had an opportunity to drive a car around Rockingham Race Track back in 1995. I was selling cars at the time and the dealership had us all go out there for a product info session with Pontiac. They had some Bonnevilles and Dodges (can't remember the model) and wanted us to see what they were like with respect to handling, etc. We got to go around a track as fast as we dared with a professional driver next to us to grab the wheel if he thought we were going to go off. Let me tell you, when you go around on the flats, it's fine, but when you're on the ramp, the G force is incredible and I was only doign 95. That was plenty fast for me. I can't imagine doing 200 MPH for 500 miles. Talk about a way to lose weight. B |
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Hi guys, just checking in hope you were both able to get back on track yesterday. You are both so good about doing that. I'm lucky to have two successful weight loss buddies I really am learning some good tricks....like it's okay if you fall off just get right back on . Tonight I am going out to dinner with a friend and we are going to this place that is suppose to have fantastic burgers, fries etc. Anyway I think I will be fine, I feel in control and will just have the burger, maybe not the best choice but it could be a lot worse. No fries, no bacon, maybe some cheese on the burger and veggies so I think that will keep me fairly on track. I will keep my calories low for the first part of the day. Last week I lost another 1.6 and my some of my size 14's are getting too big , unfortunately some of my size 12's are too small so my wardrobe is limited right now. Okay, here is a confession---I am meeting my friend as I said and I tried on all of my jeans so I could wear the ones that make me look the thinnest....and I am doing it to show off (okay and maybe even to make her a little jealous) ....I know not nice but hey....she's been my best friend for 50 years...she can deal with it. I'll just owe her one.Have a great and successful day and remember to measure success not just in weight loss but in life style changes too. |
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Enjoy your skinny jeans. You just may be an inspritation to your friend. Enjoy the burger too. You may skip the bread, have a slice of cheese, lettuce, tomatoe and a big salad. You'll be fine. Day is starting out lousy. I'll talk with you gals later. Bert |
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Hi, Bert and Fran Race car driving, huh? Just don't try doing that on the jeeping roads - cars get very messy when they go over the side! Thanks for checking on us getting back on track, Fran. That keeps me accountable! I did pretty well yesterday and was down .8 lbs this am. The good news is I am feeling stronger today. I am going to really watch my calories, write everything down and exercise. Walking is a little more difficult during the week only because it is darker now and I like to get up and hit it first thing. I am going to experiment today by taking some time in the middle of the day. I can do that with my job - it's just that I get wrapped up in things and tend not to break away. Yesterday I went in the am and again in the evening. Congratulations, Fran on downsizing - weight and waist!! You are really doing well. I need to know that total number though - you must be really close to 30 lbs!! The drywall is going very SLOWLY. I can't wait until it is all done! Ray is a bag of nerves when other people are working on his house. Bert, I know your day is going to get better because we are thinking of you and sending good wishes your way! Anne |
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I love you gals.  B |
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Anne, I walk during the day, usually around 10am, it's really a nice time to be outside this time of year. I found, that like you got busy and forgot so now I set an alarm, when it goes off, if I can't go right then I hit the snooze button and it reminds me again in 9 minutes . I tell myself I should take a break anyway and so it is rare that I miss my walk...the work is still here when I get back ! Bert, you get your walks in during the day too don't you? How do you keep from letting the work take priorty? I am down either 23 or 33 depenidng if you take my all time high in Feburary or when I started getting really serious in May--about the time I found you guys!. Have a great day |
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I never let work be the priority. I'm here to make a living but it's not my life. I believe in the difference between a standard of living and the quality of life. B |
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HI guys, not much to say this morning but I thought I'd check in. I did have that hamburg, with blue cheese and it had onion rings and bacon ! It was delicious and I am glad I had it, now I will need to get some extra excercise in. Have a great day. |
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Hi ladies, I had a bad day yesterday at work. Had a couple of bourbons when I got home. I didn't work out this morning either. I stayed up way past my bed time to listen to Sarah Palin's speach. She's pretty cool!Gotta go. I'll be interviewing with my team for a new member all day. Have a great one! Bert |
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Morning, Spicers! Just a quick note before I head out for my am walk... Went out for dinner last night to a Mexican restaurant - uh, oh! But I just had a plain green salad and just a few chips with salsa. Managed to lose another 1.4 lbs yesterday so I am almost back to where I started before labor day weekend. 6 lbs to go for my Oct 1 goal! You know, I am too cheap. It really bugs me to spend $10 on a salad that I know I can make better myself and for way, way, way less. But sometimes you just have to do what is best for the bigger goal! How do you get around this, Fran? Since you don't cook, you must run into the salad gouging conspiracy fairly often. Keep plugging on - remember, onward and downward! Anne |
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Hi, again I'm back from my walk - about 6 miles today. I forgot a couple things earlier: Fran, I definitely think you should keep track of your weight loss from your high point! 33 lbs!! You go, girl! Bert, it looks like we will have a lay over in Charlotte on 10-9 between 6:15 and 10pm. Let me know if you want to try to get together and if so, I will send you details via e-mail. When you get a breath, Bert, let us know what is going on with you at work. Other than hiring someone, sounds like you're going crazy. Hang in there! Anne |
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Good Friday morning Spice Buddies. Anne, nice job on that walk yesterday, sounds like you got it all under control. As far as spending money on food at restaurants first, I suggest you don't get a salad for a meal, get something you will really enjoy, trying to use some good judgement and then just eat half of it. I just tell myself when I leave half my food behind it's a waste but it's just a bigger waste if I put fuel in my body that it does not need and cannot use, either way it's a waste but if I don't eat it it's just a waste of food, if I do eat it it's a waste and it is detrimental to my body. So throwing half away is the better choice. Oh yeah, I find a lot of restaurants will let you order from the kids menu, some won't but at least around here most do. Some restaurants have awful choices for the the kids menu but many have the same food just smaller portions. So anyway for me at restaurants it's all about portion control and if I can choose something better and be just has happy then I do but I suggest when you're paying good money you need to be satisfied. All that said Mexican is tough, I try to go somewhere where I can get a protein and 2 veggies on the side but that's not always an option I know. Bert, hope you week comes to an end soon and that next week is a little easier for you, stress is so detrimental to our health. I know it can't be avoided but it's nice when it's gone. I will hope for that to be very soon for you. I have my nephew Jonathan, he is 5 for the week end and we are getting the remnants of Hanna so a 5 year old housebound for the week end...Sounds interesting. I think I will go on the Internet now and see if I can find some good activities. Have a great week end guys and keep strong... We are the Mid Life Spicers! |
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Hello Sexy Spices, Well, it's Friday! Yeah! I know it was a short week but dang, if it wasn't a tough one. For some reason the week after a 3 day weekend is always a bear. I'm glad we're closing this one down. Next week my new grandaughter will be here and we can't wait. Mary Ellen has a job interview this morning at 9:30 so please keep her in your prayers too. I haven't been good this week. I exercised at the minimum and while I ate reasonably well, I was off my routine. I'm still where I was weight wise, a week ago. All things considered I guess it's ok. I have to hit it this weekend and work my butt off. Anne, Mary Ellen and I would love to meet you and Ray at the airport on the 9th. You have my other email so send me the info when you can. Please include your cell # and I'll get you mine. This way we'll be able to find each other. Have a wonderful weekend, ladies. Bert |
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Hey Bert, don't be so hard on yourself. You got some exercise in and you ate reasonably, maybe you weren't perfect but none of us are. It sounds to me like you did a good job in a stressful situation. Instead of beating yourself up, pat yourself on the back...it was a tough week and still you stayed reasonably on track . |
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Thanks, Fran. I appreciate you. You too, Anne. B |
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Hi, Spicers I know you may not be checking in this weekend but I thought I'd say hi. Sorry I was AWOL yesterday. I had a shopping day in the BIG city - ha - left here at 8:45am and got back at 10:15 pm! Geez, I hate days like that. But I had alot of errands and things to do. I have been looking for a new camera - mine is broken and I want one for our vacation and the wedding next month. That took alot of time and I bought 2 to compare. I also bought a new TV. That may sound crazy, but we haven't had a TV, even to watch movies on, for about a year. I want my netflix back! Both Ray and I are horrible about shopping. When we "need" something, it can go that way forever because neither one of us wants to look. We also need a new car and we are having a standoff as to who needs to take responsibility for getting that - I really hope Ray will do it. We will get another Subaru - our current one is 11 years old and having some issues so we have decided to replace it before winter. So it's not doing alot of research, just making the move to get one! We are so bad. Speaking of electronic purchases, do you guys find that things just don't last anymore? I take really good care of things and am a light user of electronics. Like, our TV was just over a year old when it bit the dust and we only used it once a week for watching movies. And my camera was just over a year old too. I also have a dvd player that does not seem to be working right. So what is going on? I never used to have all these issues. My personal opinion is that manufacturing quality in China sucks. Here we have lost all mfg capability in this country and the place we have sent it to can't do it reliably! Yesterday when I bought all this stuff, I also purchased extended warranties - first time in my life I have ever done that. I always thought they were a waste of money but my recent experience has been so bad that I decided to do it! Oh well, enough of that. I did really well eating yesterday but skipped dinner so when I got home (late), I ate. It wasn't the best stuff and although I didn't have much, the end result was that my weight did not go down like I thought it would have given the light food day overall. Well, so far this week, I'm down a little more than 2 lbs but still 6 lbs away from what I would like to lose this month. It sounds like you are both doing well. Bert, even though you may be the same so far this week, you are watching it and that is so important in maintenance; not to let things go too far astray. It's kind of a different mindset from losing to maintaining but I think you should give yourself a pat on the back. Even if you didn't lose the couple of pounds you gained, you did not gain any more and you are still going to lose them! onward and downward, Anne |
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Good morning Spicettes. Hope you both had good week ends. I had a great time with my nephews but I hate a few too many sweets. Nothing terrible but more than I should have. Anne, I'm like you about shopping for most things, I have needed a new laptop for like a year but I haven't gotten around to it. And don't even mention the time it took me over a year to buy a vacuum cleaner. Oh yeah....and the floors we did in July....still not area rugs. Haven't even looked . The one thing I am different than you is buying cars... I love the haggling! I'm not satisfied until the car salesperson is crying . Once my son, who is not made of the same stuff actually said "Jeez Mom, the have to eat too you know". Of course my response was "maybe so but not on my money". I don't know what it is about buying cars....I love the whole process.Well I'm off to a busy week so I may not talk as much as usual, what a relief for you guys . Onward and downward! |
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Good morning my spicey pals, Good weekend over all. We celebrated 34 years of marraige and didn't go way off on the eating. I worked out Saturday and Sunday too; an hour on the bike each day. I'll weigh in tomorrow. Anne, I don't shop. I buy. If I go into a place and don't see what I want in the first 10 minutes, I'm outta there. I do my research before I go into the store. I can't say I've had bad luck with electronics though. I have a Sony single CD player that I've had over 10 years and I bought it from one of my son's friends for $50. We don't have a digital camera but we'll have one by Christmas and we're getting a Canon. I've found that it's worth it to spend a bit more and get a good brand. I drive my cars until they have about 165M miles. My guitars are high end, and my TV I've had for at least 5 years. I do have an issue with my computer at home though. I have a Dell and it's been great but lately its gotten really slow. I think there's a way to make it faster but I'm not knowledgeable about those things so I'll have to get a hold of some of our IT folks at work. I think it has something to do with cookies and we all know how those cans screw up your life. Fran, when I'm ready to buy a car will you please come down here as my agent? You can stay with us and we'll treat you like royalty! This should be a great week. Work is leveling off a bit now and our grandaughter is due on Wednesday. My daughter in law will be induced Wednesday PM so we'll stay with the little guy while they're at the hospital. Have a great day!! Bert |
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Wish I could. I do the car buying for my family and friends. I don't know what it is about it that I like so much....I guess just feeling like I won. Of course sometimes people aren't pateint....you really got to let those sales people think you couldn't care less about thier cars. . Too bad I couldn't make a living doing that. Congratulations on 34 years! |
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So, it's Fran "Let's Make a Deal" Spicette! I have never actually negotiated on a car. I have always purchased cars through someone who works in the auto industry at employee price (I grew up in Detroit and have family members in that business). On a new car, that is typically dealer cost. On a demo car, it is a price established by the company. Either way, there is no haggling - it's just take it or leave it. I have heard stories about people getting cars below dealer cost - I'm not sure if they do or not. I know that dealers tend to have all those add ons and by the time you get to the end, I don't know if it would be a better deal or not. Bert, my car has 160,000 miles on it. I was really hoping we could get at least 200K but it looks like we won't make it. On the shopping, I kind of know what you mean about shopping vs. buying but to me, shopping includes all the time spent online doing research and that can take forever. I was in a buying mode last Friday but I had spent hours on line before that point! I am somewhat skeptical about consumer reviews because most of those are done within days of buying the product. Very few people update the review if they end up having a problem after 6 months, for example. My camera that went dead after 14 months was a Konica Minolta - very nice camera. Sony ended up acquiring Konica Minolta and so I had to go through Sony for service. They wanted $180 just to LOOK at the camera - they called it their "minimum repair charge". I was outraged. So now, I do not buy Sony even though I know many people think they are great. I figure sometimes you have to vote with your pocketbook! Congratulations on 34 years of marriage!! How many kids do you have? It is very exciting to get a new grandbaby - do you know if it is a boy or girl? I am always amazed when I see a brand new baby how small they are. I tend to forget that in between times when I don't see one for awhile. I am jealous; I would love to have another grandchild but two is all I am going to get. That's OK though - I really couldn't ask for more! I hope you really enjoy the new baby. One of the most exciting moments of my life was when my granddaughter was born and we went to see her in the hospital on the second day (it took that long to get there). My grandson was 3 at the time and we were told that he wasn't warming up to the new baby at all. He had not called her by name; had not wanted to hold her, etc. When we got to the hospital, the family was all there. The new baby was totally wrapped up in blankets and you could only see her little face. I sat down with her in a chair so that she was at my grandson's eye level (vs. being on the bed). Then I started unwrapping her blanket to look at her little hands and feet - he had never seen these before and I think this was his first thought that she actually a little person. He became interested in looking at her and came over to the chair where I pointed out all her little tiny baby parts. Then I showed him how she wanted to hold his finger because she loved her big brother so much. Soon he was in the chair with us, wanting to hold her and kiss her and he was announcing to every person who walked by in the hall that he had a new baby sister. It was really an amazing experience to see that. Recently I met a woman who told me that she had NEVER held a baby - she was about my age. She didn't seem in the slightest bit concerned by this. Personally, I think baby holding is something everyone should experience. Oh well, I could go on and on about babies but we are really here to lose weight, right!! I almost forgot! I hope you both have a great and low calorie day! Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Feet! I love baby feet. They're the cutest things in the world. I have two kids. My son is 31 and my daughter is closing in on 28. He's the one with the grandson and our granddaughter to be. Our grandson is 3 so your story is timely. I passed it on to him just in case the little guy is resentful. Fran, you could do that for a living. People hate to buy cars. That's why Carmax came into existence. B |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Yeah, CarMax is okay but you can do better. As for deals below dealer cots--I'm not a big believer in getting that good a deal but if someone can, I say go for it. Actaully prices are pretty low right now so it's tougher to get a good deal but good luck and I am sure you will do fine. The easist method, just play one dealer agains antoher and if they don't want to play that game go somewhere else! I'm with you guys, nothing like a baby, hey let's face it the literally are our future. Of course my favorite age in the world is 4, it just seems to me at that age they are still all love and trust but able to express themselves and be a little independant. I think that is why I love dogs--I tell people it's like having a 4 year old for 20 years! Bert, enjoy your newest, as you know they grow all too quickly., |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Hi Spicey Ones. It's 6:45 and I have already started my dinner--in the crock pot of course. I'm trying something new, it's suppose to be an Indian type dish, it's kidney bean stew. I am trying to have one day a week when the main course is beans which I actually like but then I have to find something to go with them. I figured I'd get some naan bread to have with this one. I don't think, as breads go, it is too bad calories wise but I'll check it out first. I did something to my tendon(?) yesterday when I was doing my morning stretches and I couldn't walk yesterday and it doesn't look too good for today. I just got a watch style heart monitor and I'm dying to try it out but it probably won't be for at least a few days. I was doing some stretches and I heard two loud snaps, it did not sound good and it really hurt for a few minutes. Now it's just a dull ache, especially if I walk so I guess I'm down for a few days. Now the challenge is not to eat instead of exercising .Have a good day guys. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Fran, Give yourself some time to heal whatever you did to yourself. A sports injury can compound itself and you may make matters worse if you hit the exercise hard too soon. Please be careful. Have a good day, my pals. Bert |
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Hello Spice Banditos, Fran, that snapping doesn't sound good. I think we all agree you need to give that a rest and maybe get yourself to a doctor if you don't notice any improvement. I can empathize with your frustration. Here you are on an roll and even have a new heart rate monitor (got that with your b-day money, right?) and now you have to mend. Very annoying indeed! Bert, only one more day before baby time. Oh boy - or girl in this case! I did pretty well yesterday. Actually, I have been doing pretty well in general but on Sunday I gained two pounds - I hope it was just water retention or something like that. Anyway, I need to really string these good days together so I can get to my new goal by the end of the month!! I have a huge amout of traveling planned for October and November. I don't like to travel for work - days are very long and of course, you are totally out of your routine. It seems that no matter how hard I try, I always come back with extra weight. Just what was hoping for before the holidays!! Anyway, I have three personal trips (school reunion, vacation and a wedding) and five business trips in that time period (LA, San Fran, NYC, DC, Chicago). Oh, then I am also stringing a couple of those trips into weekends where I will visit family / friends and I didn't count those. I am going to be very grumpy! I guess I will just have to accept that travel WILL be my routine for those couple months and I have to live with that. Onward and downward! Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Thanks for the support guys, as always, you've helped me put it in perspective. Anne, sounds like a rough couple of months, I totally agree with you on traveling for work. You just can't control when and what you eat the same way you can at home. You wouldn't be were you are today if you hadn't learned some good techniques to deal with these issues though so just keep doing what you've been doing and remember Bert and I are here for moral support...and maybe an idea or two. Bert, enjoy your little sweetheart. |
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anned Distinguished Member
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Well, good morning! Just a quick note to say hi. It is cold and drizzly here today - I just couldn't seem to make myself get out for my morning walk. I can't wait till the drywallers are out of here and I get my cross trainer back! It snowed in the mountains overnight. I can see it through the clouds but once it clears, it will be beautiful. This is nearing the end of hiking season already. No weight loss yesterday. Oh well. How is that tendon feeling, Fran? Bert, are you going to be out for awile on baby duty? Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning guys, actually I think it's just you and me Anne for a few days. I think Bert is off enjoying that baby. Boy, snow in the mountains already, you do get it early. We probably won't get any snow, even in the mountains for a few more weeks. I know what you're saying about getting motivated on a drizzly day...it is so hard. I have been struggling to get out of bed, now that's it's a little cooler and dark I just want to snuggle in for another hour or two. Time to get those crock pots fired up! My computers where down yesterday..what a day, but I am up and running today and my computer is running better than ever.My tendon seems to be healing but from what I've heard it will be very slow. I have walked a mile and it hurts a little but it really doesn't seem to make it any worse. Today I am going to do 2 miles and see how it works out. Oh, I know you deal with a lot of dental issues so I have to tell you. I had to change dentists (mine retired after I was with him for 30 years ) anyway this is my second attempt at finding a new one and this one I think may be a keeper. He uses laser to drill, maybe that's common but I had never had it done. It is fantastic, no Novocain, no pain whatsoever! I don't get a lot of cavities but I do have a lot of really old filings and sometimes they have to be replaced so I was thrilled to discover this technique. Well have a good day and if those clouds are gone, get out and enjoy the beauty of those snow capped mountains! I am so jealous. |
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Hi, Fran, I don't know why Bert would think that a new baby is more fun that our forum! I have never experienced laser drilling! No novacaine sounds great! I'll have to ask about it. I thought I was in a high tech office because they have online x-rays but I can see I'm missing much more. The weather cleared yesterday and so I did get out for a walk in the evening; then I went again this am. It is harder though when it does not get light until 7am. And it's dark again by 8pm! I am finally back down to where I was before the labor day weekend - but that is going on two weeks! Man, this can be tough sometimes. My new food scale is not working either - it does not register any weight. So I can put a big steak on there, key in the code for beef and it comes up with zero calories. Now, maybe that's a scale I should hold on to! Glad to hear you are able to get back to a little exercise. Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning Anne. Yeah, some people (like Bert) are weird...they would rather snuggle with a baby than spend time on a weight loss forum. Go figure huh .Congratulations on getting back to where you want to be with your weight ! I think the fact that it is such a struggle just goes to show us how important it is to stay on top of this which is exactly what you did. You saw it right away and addressed it so in two weeks your golden again. I know in the old days I would just have ignored a small gain until it was something more and then I would be overwhelmed. Have you gotten a dress for the wedding yet? How about the reunion...now there's the place you can make a lot of those girls you didn't like anyway really jealous. Unless you liked everyone in high school or is it a college reunion. Now that just put a funny thought in my head, there were so many girls I didn't like in high school but not college...hmmm, I guess that is where you learn to ignore those who are unimportant to you. I knew it happened but until just now I didn't realized when. Boy the things you learn here. So far this week my weight has held or gone up a little although I have been sticking to my calories. Guess I'll have to be vigilant this week end. Of course my son who works at Olive Garden brought home two huge steaks, apparently someone ordered them and then there felt ill and left before they were even cooked. My son is a vegetarian so he brought them home for the dogs....I don't think so, they are like $15.00 steaks. I guess I'll have a 1/2 and save the other half for later, or maybe the dogs can get that half. Well have a good week end I plan to go down to AAA and see if I can plan a week end trip to Canada for Columbus day week end. This will sound weird but we need to use our passports before they expire, Frank was born in Japan so if he looses his it is a nightmare to get back. I think we get our passport stamped now when you go into Canada, I hope so otherwise I guess it's Mexico which for us is a long trip. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Good morning, honorary Spice Nanas, Wow! What a past couple of days. First things first! Little Evelyn Clair made the scene on 9/11 at 12:38 am. Coming in at 8 lbs 11 oz and 19 3/4 inches, she's no shrimp but what a cutie. Looks just like her brother only with fuller cheeks. Mom, baby, dad and big brother are doing fine. Nana and grandpa are pooped!Also, Mary Ellen got a job and starts Monday! Praise God for all things. This week, as well as the past several, have been an emotional roller coaster. Naturally, we didn't do very well with the eats. Had our favorite pizza Wednesday night and chips last night. I did get back on the bike this morning though and hit it for an hour. Sauteed salmon tonight with a big salad ! Fran, please let that foot heal. It's really easy to let yourself think it's ok when it's still weak. Please be careful. Anne, I'm looking forward to seeing you in the next couple of weeks. It will be great! Gotta go. Take a day and a half off and you have 64 emails. I love you spicers. Grandpa Spice. |
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anned Distinguished Member
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Ah, well, glad to hear that the new baby and family are doing well! I know they come smaller than 8 lbs 11 oz, but that is still so tiny! All the cute little clothes!! Maybe it won't take as long for her to start sleeping through the night. How is her big brother doing? Do you get to hold her much, Bert? I know that sometimes grandmas don't share very well. I feel really sorry for my brother in law; I don't think he ever gets to hold his granddaughter because my sister is really bad. Tell us about Mary Ellen's job. It must be a little scary to go into a new office after two bad experiences. Does she know much about this one? I hope it really works out well for her! Fran, I wish I was your dog. Cuddling on the couch, long walks, steak dinners. Yep, I could get used to it, alright! I am really good at fetching the paper! I don't understand the passport thing. A US passport expires in 10 years regardless of whether you use it. Are you just trying to get a trip in before you have to renew? I do like the Maritime provinces of Canada and Newfoundland - very quaint. Do you know where you are going? I did "get" a dress for the wedding. Actually, it is about 10 years old but I like it and I didn't find anything else I liked nearly as well. So, I took it to be altered about a week ago. She is going to take it in and change the sleeves. It is a black dress with a flowy skirt and spaghetti straps and then it has a gold and black long sleeve lace top that is over the dress and drops down just below the waist. Have a great weekend! Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Anne, how great you "found" a dress and it has to be taken in. Nothing better than treasures in your own closet unless it's finding treasures in your closet that are too big ! Yeah, about the passport thing...Frank was confused he heard if you didn't use it within 5 years it would expire and you would have to apply for a whole new one. A little research on the computer told me that was not right. but anyway, we were in the travel mode and we are now going to Cancun for 3 days in October, we're going to do one of those all inclusive deals. I've never tried one before but I'm hoping it works out. And I am going to have to get a new bathing suit. I am down to a size 12 and my size 12 bathing is 12 years old and really out of style so I guess I will just have to sacrifice and get a new one .My dogs are spoiled but as much as I spoil them they are pretty well behaved because I hate poorly behaved dogs, I know of one woman whose dog would actaully bite her if she didn't give him what he wanted! I will assure you that isn't going on in my house. I will admit mine do jump on people and I have tried everything every book and/or dog trainer has ever recommended but they still do it. I think it is because when I try to correct them people always say...oh, that's all right. For the most part because they are small people think it's cute, makes training much harder. Otherwise they toe the line most of the time, I do love having them. Bert, it must be great to have that new little girl, girls and grandpa's are a great combination. Go ahead and spoil her all you want, she will remember it the rest of her life. That's what Grandparents do. She is certainly sounds like a good healthy little girl, what more could you ask for. Have a great weekend Spicettes! |
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Fran, how exciting to go to Cancun! I have never been there so you'll have to tell us what it's like! I really like shopping for bathing suits! The place where I have been successful in the past is Newport News - they have alot of different styles and they are not overly expensive. My big problem is that I like a one piece and it is hard to find them long enough but you should be OK. If you spend $100 or more on bathing suit, it may be higher quality but I never find that they last all that long anyway. I can easily make a $30 bathing suit last two seasons and I can't make a $100 bathing suit last 5 or 6 years! Bert, you are probably wondering if you want to come back with all the dress and bathing suit talk! But you MUST! We are the three Spices! Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Anne (and Bert if you can bear anymore bathing suit talk ) I found a great bathing suit at Lands End which is usually pricey but being the end of the year I got a great deal. You are right about a $30.00 suit lasting long enough. Like I think I mentioned, I had mine from 10 years ago and they are still fine but so out of style it's sad. I ended up getting a tankini....I have no idea how I am going to like that but I thought it would work out well, the coverge of a one piece, the comfort of a two piece. Or so I am told, we'll see. Thanks for the help. OK Bert, it's safe to come back. |
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nifty55 New Member
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Hi Hiker, I was just reading through this group's member postings. Would it be okay if I invite myself to join your group? I'm a 55 year old female, have let my weight creep up over the years. I'm very short (only 5 ft even) and have a small frame. What this means is that if I am 10 lbs over weight it looks and feels like I am 20 lbs over weight. Right now I am 28 lbs over weight (feels and looks like 56 lbs over weight). My doctor really came down on me about my high cholestrol and high blood pressure so I'm now following the DASH diet per his advice. I started a walking program and I walk 5 miles per day 5 days per week. I went on my first long hike yesterday (11 miles in 3.5 hours) and I really enjoyed it! I'm anxious to do it again and would like to start out by doing it twice monthly. I have a dream-goal of running one of these days. I came accross a video clip on the AARP website of an 85 year old marathon runner and she became my new hero! I also quit smoking not quite a year ago and of course, this is the main reason for my weight gain. I was 33 lbs over weight but lost 6 lbs right away and then gained back 1 lb. I have been stuck at this weight for a while so last week I added an all natural herbal dietary supplement called Herbal Lite on the advice of a co-worker that lost 85 lbs. Let's see what else can I tell you?...I recently relocated to Arizona, moving from Montana and my husband and I still own a home there in Montana. We have 4 adult children, 5 grandchildren (1 set of 13 year old twin girls, and one special needs granddaughter). We currently have 1 older mixed breed dog, 1 cat, 1 African Grey Parrot, 1 mule and 1 horse in our family. I used to ride quite a bit but haven't ridden much lately. Hope you decide to allow me to join your group. I've certainly enjoyed reading your group's postings. Thanks and hope to chat soon, Nifty55 |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Spicey ones, Back at it today. What a weekend. Got to see our little princess. I sent photos.You two really spoil dogs. I give them food, water and take them out. They have air conditioning, stay inside and comfortable all day. The beagle had diarreha all weekend and left deposits all over the dining room carpet. What gratitude!!OK, ladies, I want to see all these photos of you in your new bathing suits. You've been talking about them so much, I must!! I have a new Speedo thong and I'll send you shots of that OK, now that you've lost breakfast, I'll stop.Cancun, eh? Fran, I'm not sure you're gonna like it. There's nothing to do there but lay around, eat, drink, soak up the sun, shop,swim, go out dancing at night, sleep late and do it all over again the next day. It took us three trips there to finally learn that's all it had to offer. You'll have a ball. If you need some key Spanish phrases let me know and I'll get them to you. Mary Ellen begins today at her new job. She's gun shy as you might imagine, but her new boss seems like a pretty good guy. He called her on Sunday just to tell her that he's looking forward to her beginning and wanted to know if there was anything he could do for her. That's encouraging. Time will tell. Please keep her in your prayers. She is nervous, as you might expect. Anne, I'm glad you found clothes to wear. I'm out. Mary Ellen and I went through all my stuff on Saturday and it was a good feeling to get rid of all those fat clothes. We're giving them to a veterans organization. I did keep some pants though just as a reminder of where I was and where I don't want to return. Mary Ellen started laughing at one point and said that when they pick them up, the guy will most likely think "Oh, this poor woman must have just lost her husband and is clearing out his closet." She only lost 100 lbs of him Have a great day, ladies!!! I love 'ya! Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Weclome Nifty, you will find we are a fun bunch I think although we do get off diet talk sometimes, that what keep us coming back I think. Bert, sounds like your dogs have a good life too, take that beagle along on your next bike ride, he will love it and my theory is a "a tired dog is a good dog" and we all want good dogs. As for the issue this week end...eeewww, that is one of the bad things about owing a dog or cat or even a bird. I got though another birthday this week end...I think I have mentioned my weakness for cake and ice cream but I was really good, I had a very small piece of cake and I skipped the ice cream but before you think I was too good...I skipped the ice cream so I could have it today instead! Bert, margaritta is the same in Spanish as English? If so I think I know all the Spanish I am going to need. Acutally I am glad to know there is a lot too do, I like the beach but enough is enough now dancing sounds like fun. Around here there is no place (except weddings) to dance, so they actaully still dance in the clubs there? I can't dance and neither can Frank but we still love to try! Anne, when is the wedding? I think you and I may be missing in action the same week end, I am gone Oct 10th -13th, isn't that the same timeframe you are meeting up with Bert on your way to the wedding? Talk to you later. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi Nifty, Welcome. We talk about food and weight but it's not our whole life as you can see. It's only a part of it and as such, we are learning to make it a small part and put it in its place. For us, and many others on the forums, food really took over and was the mojor focus in life. No more!! There's much more to life than food. Where in AZ do you live? I have a long time friend in Sierra Vista. I'm going to visit him in October. I love AZ. We might dub you Sandy Spice. Bert |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Fran, Cake and ice cream on your B-day is great!!! Do you remember the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland? The Mad Hatter and company always celebrated the "Un-birthday." Their logic was that we only have one B-day but we all have 364 Un-Birthdays. The problem lies in eating cake and ice cream on all the Un-Birthdays. I hope you had a great one!B |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Actaully it wasn't my birthday, it was my sons, I guess I wasn't clear, anyway, it was an "unbirthday" so no cake and ice cream . I love it, unbirthdays...great idea. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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And a very merry un-birthday to you!!! Bert |
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Hi, guys! Just so you know, I don't have any dogs - or animals - I just want to be Fran's dog. I figure you can't be totally free in life unless you have no job, no house, no plants and no animals! Gee, I hate to reveal that about myself but my happiest days were traveling around the world with nothing to tie me down! Bert, tell Mary Ellen that we are wishing her best of luck in her new job! I think it is a good sign that the dentist called. The head of the office always sets the tone for things. Nifty, I see that Bert suggested the nickname of Sandy Spice for you. I like it but then I also thought of Prickly Spice (after the AZ cactus). I guess you will have to choose! Bert, I'm not sure I can remember our nicknames - although I do remember that you are Shrinking Spice. Oh, I remember now Tiny Spice and Svelte Spice! Well, I never did think that Svelte described me well (oh how I wish it did) and now we have Nifty who is shorter than Fran. Hmm... BTW, in October I will be gone much of the time - basically 10-1 to 10-21 with only a few days that I am home. I will still try to stay online but it will be a little more sporadic. I also have alot of trips in November. Bye for now, Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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I thought of Prickly Spice too but I don't know Nifty well enough yet. We could also go with: Desert Rose Spice, Dry Heat Spice, Diamondback Spice, Tucson Spice ( like that but I don't know where you are), and my personal favorite, Chili Pepper Spice! B |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Anne, I can see the advantage to no dog but I couldn't be happy, I tried, after my Lasha apso died, at the age of 15 I swore no more dogs....that lasted all of 3 months. Actaully it was kind of nice, it was my only real time without a dog and then I knew...I will never be happy without one, no matter how much work or inconvience and they can be a lot of both I just love having them. I did tell Frank you wanted to be one of our dogs and why... he got a kick out of that. Nifty, looks like you are going to have to choose a nickname. Last edited on 15 September 2008 07:15 pm by Hiker |
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nifty55 New Member
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Hi Bert, Sandy Spice, eh...I like it! I live in Prescott Valley, AZ. Fran has already warned me that she is not someone to get recipes from. :) As for me, I go through periods -- like around the holidays -- when I love to cook and then I got through periods where cooking is just a chore for me. I think it's seasonal, from living in Montana where cooking in the winter is great but cooking in the summer is not so great. :) Chat with you all later, Sandy Spice (aka Nifty55) |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Ah, you're really in God's country. Very close to Sedona. My wife and I were in AZ two years ago and did the Grand Canyon, Colo. River, Sedona, Tombstone, etc. I've been going out there on and off since the early 80's on business and pleasure. It's a great state. I've never been to Montana but would like to go one day. Why'd you guys move? Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning Svelte, Shrinking and Sandy Spice! Today was my official weigh in day and there is good news and bad news. The bad news (always like that first) is I only lost .4 last week, I'm currently at 150.7. But if you remember I do my weekly weight as an average so those numbers reflect the average loss. The good news is this morning for the first time in more than a decade the second number on the scale was a 4! I haven't been in the 140's since 1995 so even though my loss wasn't great this week just seeing that number this morning put me in a more positive mood. Yesterday I used my heart rate monitor and something is weird, Frank tried it too so I know it's not the monitor but when I am just walking my usual walk I am up in the 65-70% range, this is where I should be for a 45 minute session but at that range I am not even breathing hard AT ALL. It is like nothing, it is the range I can walk for 20 miles in. Now I also did a walk/jog earlier and got as high as 170 which is over 100%, at that I was breathing hard and sweating some but I was fine and could keep going. So anyway now I am confused if I should kick it up or not. Maybe a call to my cardiologist...although how receptive he would be is another question. So how is everyone else doing. Anne, I know you are back where you want to be and Bert, you're at goal--how is maintainance going? Bert, did Mary Ellen start her new job yet? Nifty, 5 miles every day?? I'm impressed. Is it fairly flat where you are? Sorry I am geographically challenged. I only ask because I hike the White Mountains and it takes me 6-7 hours to hike 7 miles so 11 in 3.5 is amazing to me. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi ladies, Fran, outstanding on the loss. I think it's good to do the bad news first. Get it out of the way and all you have ahead of you is positive stuff. I'm doing fine on maintenance. I've been up, down and all around but as of this morning I'm at 189 lbs. That's 101 lbs gone!!! I'll have my official weigh in tomorrow and report on the challenge. So far so good. I'm wondering about your heart rate. As I sit here at my desk, my pulse is at 66. I don't think that's bad. I just got in the office and have been to the breakroom for water and back. When I got in, I parked at the bottom of the lot, walked to the building and up the large flight of stairs. All things considered, not too bad. When I'm home lying on the couch I'm at 60. When I'm on the stationary bike and kicking it, I can be at 150/min. I don't know what 100% is or what it's supposed to be but I don't worry about it. I like to push myself a bit and l don't think I'm doing any harm. If I get really winded or feel bad I just back off. So far so good. Fran, you may want to consider a stress test but unless you've had any heart issues, you're most likely fine. I'm no doctor though. I've figured my calories for the day, up until I leave the office and I'll be at 916. That leaves plenty of room for whole grain pasta, sauce and turkey sausage for dinner. I may have a salad too. Have a great spicey ones. I love 'yas! Bert P.S. Now that I've calmed a bit, I'm back to 60 beats per min. Life is good. Last edited on 16 September 2008 01:10 pm by pbf4326e |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Bert, I did have a stress test and I htink I am probably fine....I must just have a fast heart rate, I even did the check first thing in the morining, before I even got out of bed and I was at 70 bpm, during the day I am in the mid to upper 80's for the most part. I guess I'm just not as calm as you . |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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What a great opportunity then to have Frank do a few more things for you around the house. B |
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Hello Spice Warriors, Congrats to you both, Fran and Bert! You both moved into the next bracket down! I hope to be able to join in the fun some day! I really have not been doing very well. I am maintaining my loss but my goal has been to lose another 8 lbs and I have only lost 2 so far. I am struggling and doing the nibbling thing. That is constantly an issue for me - I really need strength from God! As an example, yesterday I was pretty unsettled by the financial markets. I don't usually get overly concerned about a bear market - I have seen a number of them and things have always come back so being a long term investor, I don't worry about that. But this is the first time in my life where the fundamentals of the global financial system are crumbling and I am very, very concerned. So I started the grazing thing. I don't know why - the stock market does not improve because I eat. I don't feel better because I eat. It is just a "reaction". Given that I recognize it, you would think I could just stop but unfortunately, it does not seem that easy. I think the only reason my weight has not gone up is because I'm not eating that much junk (a little) but it is still extra calories. If I was chunking down chips, I'd be in trouble. Only two more weeks before I leave to go to the reunion. I don't think I'll make the 6 lbs. Fran, I used a heart rate monitor for awhile. The intention was to find the "fat burn" zone. Like you, I found that to be way too easy and although they say that is a good zone to be in, I decided to wait on that until I'm 80 or so. So I crank it up to get the heart rate going. Anne |
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nifty55 New Member
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Why did we move from Montana...now that is a good question. Actually, my husband has been bugging me for a long time to leave those harsh winters behind. He was born and raised there, but we lived outside Montana during his time in the service. Then back to Montana. Our friends needed help with their business in Arizona, and so I gave in and here we are in Arizona. We do have some mountains around us, but not like back home. I have been to Sedonna and just love that area. That would be a dream retirement place! My 5 mile morning walk is not that challenging (yet), but considering just how out of shape I am it is right where I need to be for now. The longer hike from Saturday was really great though and I plan to try to repeat it this coming Saturday. My weigh in this week was disappointing (no loss/no gain), so I've been thinking about adding an evening walk to see if this will help get my stubborn metabolism going. What is this about Fran heading for Mexico? I have not been to Cancun but I have been to some of the border towns a long, long time ago. Enjoy your trip. I hear it's a great place. |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good morning Spicettes. Yesterday was a pretty good day for me in that it was a very stressful day and I didn't reach for food, the part that is really good is I didn't even think about it which for me is huge. Since I've been watching I have been pretty strong at fighting the urges but just this morning I realized that as bad a day as it was I didn't really have the urge to grab something to eat. Giant step for me. Anne, thanks for the info on the market, I haven't played it yet but I listen to NPR all the time (I spend a lot of the time in the car) and I usually like there reporting, it seems to be fair handed and informative. I suppose it may be a little on the liberal side...but hey, I'm from Massachusetts, .Nifty, Montana sounds like a place I would love to visit someday, I think it's all those old cowboy movies (which I still watch) that has made it intriguing.There you go....how about Montana for our weight loss reunion? It would be convenient for no one! Looks like we're all in a little mini slump, Bert is up and down (which is good on maintenance, Anne you want to loose a little more quickly, Nifty had a even week and I only lost .4. Guess that means we (or at least the 3 girls) need to kick it up a notch this week! Let's go Spicers! |
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Good morning Spicenators, I hope you all slept well. I slept pretty well last night and got up and did an hour on the bike. Yeah!!! I did have whole wheat pasta and turkey Italian sausage for dinner though. Oh, and a bourbon. Anne, I'll look at what you sent later today. As for your worries, check the Good Book for Matthew 6:25-34. I'm not preaching but it may give you some comfort. Fran, are there liberals in Massachusettes????? Ladies, I'll meet anywhere for a meeting out west. Give me room, lotsa room, under stary skies above. Don't fence me in. Stay stong today, Spice goddesses. I love 'yas!! Bert |
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Yup, we've been known to have one or two. |
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OK, but just so you know, this NPR thing on the financial markets does not have a liberal stance, or a conservative one. It is just a pretty clear picture of what happened. I am a finance person and I find the subject very complicated beyond the high level stuff. This program covered it in a very understandable way, I thought. A new day, a new opportunity to lose weight! I have not exercised yet today due to early am meetings but I will get out. Ray told me yesterday that the walk from the road up to our house - which is a mile and 300 ft vertical - burns 600 calories for a guy his size (180 lbs). I find that hard to believe so I'm going to have to check it out. I was also pressed for time yesterday but did the walk twice - once in the am, once after dinner for a total of 4 miles. Not great, but better than nothing. I do go pretty fast which is a good workout on the uphill side. onward and downward! Anne |
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Anne, Ray could be right, my driveway is like 250' almost straight up and I know my heartrate goes up 20 bpm just from the bottom to the top. BTW, I didn't mean the thing you sent us was liberal, sorry it might have come out wrong. Actaully I think NPT is pretty fair. |
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No problem, I don't think liberal is a dirty word anyway!! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Not a 4 letter one anyway. B |
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Good morning guys, hope everyone had a good day yesterday. Here in MA the weather has been so beautiful, temps in the 60-70 and dry. I really do love fall. Last night for supper I Frank grilled some chicken breast and I threw some peach salsa on it....it was really good and the salsa is really low in calories. See I do have recipes...as long as it is pour something from a jar I can handle it .Exercise wise I've been doing pretty good. not as good as Bert & Nifty but good for me. I am getting out in the morning for a 2 miles walk/jog, and again in the afternoon for a 3 mile walk so I am getting in 5 miles a day. Unfortunately I will have to start going to the gym at night in a few weeks because it will be too dark to walk but I will still walk in the day, after all still need their walks. Anne, it sounds like you are squeezing in the exercise to, it really is hard to find the time sometimes. Sounds like your set up is similar to mine, having a huge hill for a driveway is a blessing sometimes (although not in a snow storm) but really if I am very pressed for time I can go out and do my driveway 4 or 5 times and it is a workout...boring but a work out.Have a great day and keep and remember you only loose the fight when you stop getting back up! |
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Hi ladies, Well, I got up at 4:45 to work out. I did another hour on the bike but I'll tell you, my left hamstring really started to stiffen and hurt after 45 min. I really had to focus and work through the pain. I stretched after that and I feel pretty good now. Hang in there spicey ones. B |
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Good morning, Spices Hope you are all doing well. I agree with Fran - fall is wonderful! It has also been in the low 70's here during the day, clear and crisp. The sky is blue, the mountains have a dusting of snow and the leaves are just starting to turn. I wish we had fall for at least 6 months! Of course, then this place would be overrun with people! I am very thankful that I maintained my weight yesterday We went out to dinner last night to hear a couple of our favorite local artists play guitars and sing. I was glad to see that they seemed to bring in a good crowd - even though that meant that it was noisier and harder to hear them well. But it is a good thing for them and a good thing for the restaurant. In a small town, you get to know who all these people are and it's a very tough place to make a decent living so often times going out is alot about supporting the locals. Anyway, I had a dinner salad and a portebello mushroom appetizer. Sounds pretty good but there was a fair amount of bread involved and I worried about it. So that is why I am so thankful! And I am feeling stronger today - like I really can do this! We are headed to Colorado Springs after work today and will be there through Monday. I will have some access to the internet, but it may be a little sporadic. I hope you all have a great weekend! Anne |
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Stretching is good, Bert. Do you do that alot? I must admit that I am bad but I do KNOW that it is something we should all be doing to maintain our youth! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Actually I don't stretch as much as I should. I'm getting better at it though. Mary Ellen and I are headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway Saturday morning. We'll hike in the morning and head out to our favorite B&B in western NC. Our daughter gave us a night for our anniversary. Here's the link. Check it out. We've been going there for years. http://www.riverlodge-bb.com/ Enjoy your weekend, Anne. B |
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After having surgery and spending 2 years healing I have learned the importance of stretching. As we get older (even though we are very sexy) we really need to take that extra few minutes. I do stretches every morning, nothing big but the one I never miss is to be sure to stetch my archilles tendon (since that was where my problem is)> I find if i just miss a few days I start to have issues again so from my POV---stretch, at least a couple times a day, I know it's boring but it is so worth it. I was thinking of checking out thi chi....I think that is mostly streching. |
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Hi, Spiceinators (you know, I really love the term Spice Goddesses but it really isn't appropriate for Bert) Well, it sounds like we all know the importance of stretching. I definitely don't do it as much as I should - I'll put that on my list for today! I did pretty well yesterday BUT did not get any exercise. I had to leave work early to do the drive to Colorado Springs and so that is what I sacrificed. I figure exercise is not my problem - I am pretty good at getting it done - so if I miss a day every now and then, I allow it. Oh, I did lift a few weights, forgot about that. No aerobics though. Wow, what a wild week with the markets! Do you guys watch this stuff at all? I usually do not because I don't like the media speak getting in the way of a sensible long term plan. But this stuff is historic - not good but historic - and global. I am glad that a plan is being developed but very mad that it is even necessary. There will be very long term implications for us all. I am also SICK of these financial people screwing things up over and over again. Do they never learn? Have they no integrity? I feel somewhat embarrassed by even being associated with the finance profession. All I can say is we are not all a bunch of money grubbing, deal making ponzi artists! Have a great weekend! Anne |
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You can call me Zeus Spice if you feel better. I had a neighbor who was Greek and he used to tell me that when he first got married his wife referred to him as a Greek god. After a few years she referred to him as a G-- D--- Greek. They're no longer married. Anne, I've been looking at this stuff and I agree. We needed to do something but I don't like the direction this is taking us. Politicians and greedy cronies as well as people taking loans they have no business taking is really hurting us. It's a real shame what's happening in our beautiful country. Oh well, what can you do? I did well on the groceries yesterday and did a little strength training this morning. I did 3 sets of push ups (34, 22, 9) and did 3 sets of bicep curls with a 25 lb. bell. I could only do a max of 4 curls on the first set and only 3 on the others. I'm such a girly mahn. Heading to the mountains in the morning for a hike. I'm looking forward to that. Did any of you have a chance to check that site I sent to you? It's really a wonderful B&B. Have a great weekend spicey ones. B |
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Yes, I did check out your B&B yesterday and it looks lovely! You guys should have a great time! A nice book in front of the fire with some tea sounds good after a day of hiking. Are there places nearby to go to eat dinner? And happy anniversary again! |
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Good morning guys. I have to say I try to ignore all this financial stuff...I can't do anything about it and it just stresses me out. If I loose my 401K what can I do. Don't get me wrong it would devastate me but I can not control it so I am just hoping for the best. I do agree the whole thing was caused by greedy banks and irresponsible borrowers and now the rest of us will have to pay. Bert, I did check out the place you're going, it looks fantastic I think you can exercise and chill out there with no problem. Those breaks fast would present me w/ a huge challenge but they sure do look good. Which room did you get, they look very nice. Have a good time and tell us all about it when you get back. We want to know the good, the bad and most importantly the ugly. Have a great Spice goddess and Spice god. |
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There aren't a lot of restaurants around but there is one in the town of Sylva called Lulu's and it has a very eclectic menu. They have a great wine and beer list too. We'll go there. Cathy and Anthony always welcome us with a glass of wine (or two) and we do sit by the fire at night with tea. It's very cathartic. Their breakfasts are terrific! Anthony is the cook. For example, when he makes French Toast he bakes his own bread first. Dang it's good. One thing you may notice on the site are some of the paintings around the rooms. Anthony painted them. Fran, we're staying in the Trout and Creel room. As far as the good, bad and ugly, the good is my bride, the bad is the fact that I have to come home and back to work and the ugly is me coming out of the shower. I'll let you know how the weekend goes. Nifty, haven't heard from you. Hope you're well. B |
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Hey ladies, Check out this article. It's a good one. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26777340/ Bert |
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Hmm, I've heard of quinoa but I've never had it. I eat all the other stuff except one fish I do not care for is salmon. I know everyone loves it but not me. I still eat it on occasion for health value but it is far from a favorite! Gee, no wonder I am such a hard body!! Ha! |
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HI guys, I known no one is probably around today but I thought I'd check in anyway. The week end has gone well so far for me, I got a 5 mile walk in and we took the dogs hiking today for a couple hours so at least excercise wise I am doing pretty good. the food also hasn't been too difficult not a lot of challenges for me this week. I like an easy week every once in a while . I am giving myself a challenge today in that we are having roast beef for supper (yup, I'm going to cook something) beef, especially a roast beef is my favorite food (OK, next to chocolate ) so to just have 4 ounces will be tough. I am trying to save a few extra calories to make that 6 ounces and since I can skip the carbs no problem I should be okay. Hope everyone is having a good week end. Bert, sounds like yours was going to be fun. |
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Hello, Spicers I am still in Colorado Springs and will be driving back tomorrow so I may not be on too much. This was a very busy weekend with parties and bar-b-quest every day. I didn't eat as much as I wanted but I did eat more than usual. Plus I had some margaritas - first time in almost a year. This has made me think very seriously about all my travel coming up. I need to have a strategy to deal with the food. I think I need to be pretty black and white about it. No drinking, no sweets, no bread with dinner. Although I usually allow myself a treat, I am not sure that I can control it very well on the road so I think I should just say no. Then for dinner, I am going to do fish or very lean meat and a veggie. A friend of mine asked me what I did to lose weight this weekend and I told her about the site. Your support has (and continues to be) great. thank you very much! Onward and downward! Anne |
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Good morning Spice-inators. Hope everyone's week end went well. Anne, sounds like you had a nice weekend and it sounds like you did okay under the circumstances, with parties and B-B-Q's every day you had to go off some. Was this your reunion weekend, I didn't think that was until October. Maybe this was just a fun weekend? Anyway, it sounds like you showed restraint but allowed yourself a little leeway, nothing wrong with that. I know what you mean about staying on track when you're traveling. I travelled for work two summers ago for 6 weeks and it was really hard. A couple of things I did that might help, I don't know if you move from hotel to hotel or stay in one place for a week or so? If you stay in one place for a few days (I assume you will have a refrigerator in the room) one thing I did that was helpful is I brought a few plastic spoons with me and as soon as I got to where I was going I found a grocery store and went and bought a few yogurts and cut up individual portions of fruit and had yogurt and fruit every morning instead of going out for breakfast, the hotel cups make good "bowls" for mixing the two in. I also tried to bring a couple of small things for those night time munchies. You might want to check out this site, it has a huge variety of small portion foods as well as other great travel size items. http://www.minimus.biz/default.aspx The shipping can add up but for me it was worth it. Anyway, sounds like you have a good plan just thought I'd give you a couple additional ideas. And for eating in restaurants, which I am pretty good at. ..watch the portion size, let's face it they serve a portion most often based on what a 6" man would eat which for us is too much. I tell everyone about this site, I can't tell you how important this support has been, I am so glad we all found each other. And Bert...when you responded to me I had almost given up because no one was replying...so thank you. Last edited on 22 September 2008 11:27 am by Hiker |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Good morning, Spice goddesses, Wow!! What a great weekend! We were up Sat. morning at 5:30 am, cooked breakfast, made lunch, packed up the cooler and hiking stuff and were on the road by 7:45 am. We got to the Blue Ridge Parkway in 3 hours and started our hike. The hike itself wasn't very long but it was steep and very rocky. I'm glad we had walking sticks and good boots. When we got to the summit (6,400 feet) we found a rocky outcropping and sat down for about 45 minutes for lunch and just enjoyed the 40 mile view. We started back down and ran into several folks that were turning back as the air was pretty thin. I know it's not as thin as what you're used to Anne but for us, it's a challenge. We did some shopping in a the town of Dillsboro, NC and went to our B&B. We took a shower and sat with our friends, the owners, and sat on the porch overlooking the trout stream with a couple of glasses of wine. Anthony makes his own pizza dough and they were having pizza that night for dinner. Cathy brought a couple of pieces for us to try. Fresh heirloom tomatoes, cheese, Italian sausage and a drizzle of olive oil. Outstanding! From there we went to dinner. More wine, lightly beer battered crawfish tails in a spicey remulade sauce for an appetizer and shrimp and grits for dinner. The shrimp were grilled and the grits were creamy smoked gouda cheeze grit with andoullie (sp) sausage. We split a piece of home made carrot cake for dessert. We went back to the inn and sat in front of the fire with our friends until about 11:00 pm. On Sunday morning we had coffee on the porch and breakfast was eggs benedict on a croissant with fresh asparagus and hollindaise. When we left we stopped and an orchard and bought some apples and each ate an apple muffin. Yes, I know. No diet this weekend!!!! Who cares!!!!When we got home we took my in laws to my son's to see the baby and I played with my grandson for about an hour and read to him. What a weekend!!!!! I can't remember when I've had such a good time. I didn't get on the scale this morning but I hit the bike for an hour and worked up a good sweat. I'm back on track with my food this morning and will be good this whole week. I promise. Sorry to be so long winded on this one. Anne, allow your self a treat or two each day and try to get some exercise in to compensate. You can walk each day around the parking lot of your hotel, do exercises in the room, etc. Watch what you eat portion wise and compensate for the treats with exercise. At least shoot for maintenance while you travel. I've found over the last year that completely depriving myself is not the way to go. Have a wonderful day, ladies. I loves 'ya! Bert |
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Bert, what a wonderful week end. I am so glad you had such a nice time, we all need to treat ourselves to this type of thing once in a while, it really rejuvenates us doesn't it? Babies and nature, add a dog or two and you have what be as close as you can come to heaven on earth. |
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Yepper!!! Bert |
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Hi, Bert and Fran Sounds like a wonderful weekend, Bert. Glad you had such a nice time and nice weather! And great company, of course! Our weekend in CS was not for anything in particular - other than getting my permanent crown installed - but we did do quite a bit of visiting. I know I gained some weight but like Bert, this is the week to hit it! I was reading an article this am at the dentist office about a woman from Mass who lost about 65 lbs. One of her "things" is that she does not allow herself more than 3 days before she gets back on her eating plan. That seemed sensible to me. I give myself alot of anxiety worrying about food when I am away from home for a weekend or whatever. Instead, I think I will try to remind myself that I probably won't gain 35 lbs in a weekend and as long as I get right back to it and get those extra few pounds off that I may have gained, life will go on. Now traveling for 2 months - that is another story - way more than 3 days. I appreciate your support and tips! I will make a real effort to check in and report during that time. Anne |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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When we meet on the 9th I'll bring a head of lettuce. That's your dinner. B |
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Yum!! Can I have some gum for dessert? |
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Sugarless, of course. B |
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Hey, I think she could have a glass of water, heck go all out... make it ice water! |
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Fran, you're right! How thoughtless of me. Thoughtless Spice. |
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Hey guys, today was weigh in and I am down 2.4 lbs!! Last week I only lost .4 so I was really glad to see the little extra come off this week. I knew it would but still....when you don't see a loss and you know you're doing it right it gets hard. Have a great day and I'll take to you later. Hey Niffty---you out there? We miss you. Last edited on 23 September 2008 12:05 pm by Hiker |
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Fran, WAYTOGO!!!!!!!!!!!! That's terrific. I didn't weigh in this AM. I met a buddy last night for a couple of brews and some shrimp and thought I'd wait until tomorrow. I did get up this morning though and did some upper body strength training. I'll hit the bike tomorrow. Nifty, are you gone girl? Bert |
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Thanks Bert. I think you're wise to wait a day or two althoug a couple of brews and shirmp isn't too bad. I think you can eat like a million shrimp and not gain...the brews...well gotta have 'em some of the time. |
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Ooops. I forgot to tell you about the onion rings. B |
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Congrats on the 2.4 lbs, Fran! And the total is (drum roll).... must be over 35 now! We made it back last night at 10pm - very long trip! I was tempted to stop at the frozen custard place on the way back but resisted. Had a salad for lunch and a 6" subway for dinner - not too bad. I have a ton of work today so I gotta run! Good luck to you both today! Anne |
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I just broke 35, actully muy total is 35.7. Anne, sounds like really good choices yesterday--subway is really a good choice I think. |
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You gals are making me feel bad about the buffalo shrimp, onion rings and Guiness stout. Nah, not really. B |
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Guiness Stout . That has got to be an acquired taste, I only had it once and I have never had dirty dishwater but I think they pretty much taste the same . |
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It's kinda like me. I'm an aquired taste too. B |
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I have been trying to copy this into this site for weeks. I have no idea how I did it, but I got it now and I am putting it on. I just like it--Guess I'm just visual. |
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Good morning Spicettes. Boy, now that is is a little darker (and cooler) in the mornings I am really struggling to get out of bed, I just want to cuddle down under those covers every morinig. Bert, how do you get up and work out? You are amazing. I swear it takes every bit of will power just to get into a shower...work out first . Fortunatley for me I can usually get out sometime after 8 when I feel a little more motivated. I don't like the heat but I sure do love the sun. Have a great day. |
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Morning all, Fran, it's tough, I know. When I started I was only working out 10 or 15 minutes so I didn't have to get up as early. As I increased my time I increased the time I got up. Now I'm up at 4:40 am, on average, but I'm used to it (some days). It's just a matter of developing a new habit. I also went to bed last night at 9:00 pm. TV stinks anyway. For me, I have to look at the result of what my actions are and that helps to motivate me. Speaking of cold mornings, I have a load of firewood coming on Friday. WHOO HOO! It's fall!!! Had to cut exercise short by 20 min. this morning. We have a gas shortage here and many stations are out. My wife and I are car pooling now until deliveries come back. I was able to get a bit of gas this morning but only 3.7 gallons. That equated to $15.00. Kinda reminds me of 1974 and the long lines. We'll get through this. The younger folks have no idea. This is the first time they've been in something like this. Have a great day, my spicey ones. Bert |
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When I took this job I knew the company car benefit was nice but it just keeps getting better and better as gas goes up. Having the company car that is, not the gas prices. |
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You bet. I used to have one in my traveling job. It's a great perk. B |
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Fran, I hate to complain, but why is it that you are always praising Bert for exercising and TOTALLY ignoring all my efforts? Since we have the same b-day, you know how LEOs hate to be ignored! Here I have been exercising regularly for about 33 years and it has been the one thing in the weight loss struggle that I haven't had to worry too much about because the good habits were already there. Physically, I feel like I am in great shape compared to the average 50 year old - actually, I am in better shape than most 30 year olds (I am talking about stamina, strength and aerobic capacity, not how I look!). So PLEEEEZZZE give me a little credit here or I'm likely to just give up and take up permanent roost on the couch!  There - sorry about that - sometimes you just have to stand up for yourself, you know? By the way, winter darkness does make it more challenging for me too. When I went to the health club it was easier - you just have to drive there in the dark but then it is light inside and everyone is going at it. When it is dark, if I am going outside to exercise, I just have to do it a little later in the day because I don't want to get surprised by a mountain lion. As soon as the drywall is done and I have my cross trainer back, I am good to go in the early am darkness again. The NIKE slogan is perfect I think - Just Do It! Bye for now, Anne |
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Oooo! That really hurts. And for the record, Leo spice, I'm sure you're absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to meet you and give you a hug. I'll shake Ray's hand if that's ok.B |
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Oh boy now I am in trouble. So sorry Anne but like you said you've been doing it for 33 years so what the heck Just kidding, it really is great that you have stuck to it for so long and I know us Leo's---we need a lot of praise--but only because we are so good and deserve it right? The think that impresses me about Bert's exercise routine is doing it in the morning! Now I am a morning person, I get up at 4:45 every day and I love the morning but I love it for peace and quiet, most definitely not to exercises. I will be more attentive to you in the future...I in no way meant to belittle what you do, you are both fantastic, wonderful, beautiful, fun, sincere, caring, thoughtful people . I'm sure there are more superlatives but I can't think of them right now.And anyone who goes to the gym--like EVER has my utmost respect and besides us woman (even Leo's) don't need the constant ego boost men do . Sorry, just had to add that.Last edited on 24 September 2008 05:31 pm by Hiker |
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OK, now I feel better! Thanks! |
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Well, I see you had to edit your note to mention the needed ego boost for men. Let's face it Fran, when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. And you're right, by the way. Deflated Ego Spice |
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Dear Deflated Ego Spice - are you kidding me? 100+ lbs lost - You should be Busting Out With Pride Spice without a doubt!! Yes, the Incredible Shrinking Spice says it all! On a totally separate note, I got some very sad news last night that my dear friend's husband passed away. He was the victim of a very aggressive cancer and died 2 months after the initial diagnosis. We are so fortunate to have our families and our health! Something like this is an important reminder about cherishing those blessings. So Bert, how are those grandkids doing? Anne |
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You're right. I was just giving Fran a hard time. Anne, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's loss. I'd be lost without my gal. We've had cancer take my dad and Mary Ellen's sister when she was only 31. It's very tough. We are blessed. The kids are great but my son and daugther in law aren't getting much sleep. I don't know why I get so much pleasure from that but I do. We saw them Sunday and for some reason, my grandson was more clingy with me than usual. I'm not complaining at all. We read, played with cars, made a tent in his bed, etc. It was great. The little one is opening her eyes now and has changed in just a week. I like to play with her feet. I love baby feet. I hope you and your friend will have the opportunity to spend some time together. Does she live near you? Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Anne, sorry to hear about your friend's husband, I hope you are able to be of some comfort to her. You are so right, thinks can change in a second and we need to cherish our loved ones every minute...even when it is very hard and we all know those days happen to. I can not imagine life without my husband, your friend must be devastated. Bert, that is one of the many wonderful things about grandchildren, you get to watch them torture those kids that kept you up all nigh, Ahh payback can be beautiful. And the best part is is comes wrapped in a package that thins you are just perfect too. Have a good day guys. Last edited on 25 September 2008 11:34 am by Hiker |
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Hi, Bert and Fran, Thanks for your concern about my friend. She does not live close but we talk often. The other day when she called to tell me about her husband, we talked for at least 2 hours. I want to take care of her - I just wish I could make things better. I think of my parents in their 90's - so many of their friends and family members have died. I don't know how they manage - I haven't learned to deal well with loss. I had a better day yesterday food-wise. I am just asking for God's help to stay strong and focused. And Fran, I did exercise today, you will be shocked to hear! I still can't wait to get my cross trainer back! Did I tell you guys that Ray has taken over the dry wall job - at least until it is ready for texture. Oh boy!Have a great day, Anne |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Glad to hear Ray is doing the dry wall job....it does not sound like fun. I can't believe you would miss your cross trainer--it is a torture device as far as I can see > |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Not sure what a cross trainer is but it sounds medieval. B |
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A cross trainer is an eliptical machine with arms. It is as close to running without actually running that I have found. You can get a great workout in 45 minutes! |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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HI guys, just thought I'd check in before the week end. I was not very good last night, I went out and had a egg plant parm sub, wouldn't have been bad but the sub was very large and unfortunately I ate it all. Oh well, I've learned from you guys, we all slip so I just need to get back on the better food train. The week end here looks like a total wash out, it raining now and they expect it to continue through Sunday, can't really complain though, we have had such great weather and a little rain won't hurt. The only bad part is they are talking torrential down pours and I will admit I do not like walking 5 miles in heavy rain. Guess I'll live though. I could go to the gym...nah...rather walk 5 miles in a downpour .Have a great week end, and stay strong. |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi ladies, Well, we made it to Friday. For some reason this week seemed to really drag. I'm glad it's the weekend. We're getting the wind and rain here too, from that storm off the east coast. It's cold and wet. I don't think we're planning on too much this weekend though. We're in a real pickle regarding gasoline here. The majority of stations are out. We were expecting large shipments this weekend but it now seems we won't get as much as we thought and it will be 5 days instead of 2 before we get back to normal. Mary Ellen and I have been car pooling and will do so again Monday. If we don't get relief soon she'll be taking the bus and I'll be working from home. We'll see. My eating plan is to keep it light. I'm still trying to reduce but I'm maintaining. Did pretty well yesterday until my daughter came over. I ate a mini Reese's cup and a couple of handfuls of candy corn that she bought. She's a very bad girl. My firewood gets delivered Saturday so I expect to be in front of a fire Sunday morning. Temps will be in the 50's and that's good enough. We haven't turned on the heat yet and it was 66 in the house when I got up this morning. Have a wonderful weekend ladies and be safe. Bert |
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Hiker Distinguished Member
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Good Monday morning Spicettes. Hope you both had a good weekend. As expected it poured here all weekend so not much fun outside. I did manage to walk 4 miles on Saturday and 3 on Sunday but I usually do a lot better on the week ends. As for eating....don't ask....but I'm going to tell anyway. Saturday was okay, I kept in control but Sunday we went to Trader Joes and I was looking to buy some sweet and spicy trail mix for my son, he loves the stuff and although I like it I can control myself. Well they didn't have any so I decided to pick up some chili spiced dried mangos. When we go out Frank said he was starving and the only place around is a pizza shop, I ordered a small eggplant sub and only ate half, the problem is Frank bought a large bag of chips and I couldn't keep my hand out. When we got home I decided to try a mango slice---do not buy them--they are completely addictive! I don't really know how many slices I had but way too many I can assure you. My supper was health but later I figured I had the chips and mango slices...may just as well have a dish of ice cream...so I did . At least I did stay in control in that I only had one cup of ice cream, I used to think a large bowl was a serving so that part was okay. Anyway, not good and I am sure I will pay for it tomorrow when I weigh in for the week.Do you guys use small dishes? I have found that has really helped me, I have bowls that are 1/2 and 1 cup size and those are what I use for ice cream or desserts, and my dinner plate is actually a large sandwich plate. The smaller dishes seem to really help me and the 1 and 1/2 cup bowls are great, I can really keep a handle on what I put in them. So how goes the battle for you guys? Onward and downward! |
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pbf4326e Distinguished Member
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Hi gals, Tough weekend. My aunt is dying. We're not sure if she'll make it to the end of the week. She hasn't eaten since Wednesday and is living on sips of water and morphine. She's 87 and my two uncles who are taking care of her are 88 and 83. My mom is 84 so I suspect Mary Ellen and I will be doing a number of things until her sons can get in town. We're still in a gas crunch. I was up at 4:30 Sunday AM and finally found some at the 8th station I went to. Had to wait a half hour on line but I filled Mary Ellen's car. I have a half tank and we're still carpooling. This isn't a national issue. The south east gets it's gas from the area that Ike hit the hardest so we're really in a tough spot. Hopefully we'll be back to speed by the weekend. Didn't have time to workout over the weekend and ate on the run. M.E. and I went out Friday. Bad choice (Mexican) but it was great. The alarm went off at 4:30 again today and I'm back on the bike this morning. I"m pretty tired though. Please keep my aunt and uncles in your prayers. Send a couple up to our Lord for M.E. and me too. I'll keep you updated. Bert |
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