Well, think I'll try the journaling again, this has always been my favorite place, so time to get back in.

at this point, I am doing WW with a friend. we have been going for like 9 weeks, but I've only been really 'into it' for the last 3. Something finally seemed to click with it.

One morning, I went for a short walk up the blcok, the next day I had an 'accidental' 2 miles because I got someplace I thought would be a 'round' walk and had to come all the way back. But I did it, and it felt good, so have been doing a 2 mile walk about every other day. We are in the new home since November, and there are some nice walking areas. Heck, I can even walk back to my old home (daughter lives there).

as far as the plan, still was having major problems with tracking and water intake. beginning of last week, I thought I would check out the on-line WW. OMG. I love it. I am on the computer all the time, and it is so easy to track with their site. I have been very good every day with the tracking and I love seeing the little smile faces when I put in my milk, liquids, vitamins, fruit and veggies. I'm a sucker for it. and I've been doing good.

so, 9 weeks, down 10 lbs, but 6 of those in the last couple of weeks. and I am WALKING!! wow.
And I'm sitting here on my 'core' ball working. Kinda fun. Beats the 'office chair'. It keeps me in small constant movements, and every so often, I do a few tummy crunches.

For the first time in a LONG time, I am feeeling like I can get back into a good lifestyle plan. I still avoid breads and grains more than they suggest - as I feel better when I do. But I'm also enjoying fruits and veggies again - rather than sugar and candy.

I had tried WW before, but it really helps when you have a friend to go with. I needed that too.

so, will keep checking in and updating my status as it goes.

__________________
Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

The plan (WW) is going well. Last night was the first meeting since I really got serious about this all - and was down 4 lbs. at home I am under 220, just .5 over there - but I consider myself breaking into a new decade.
This morning I walked 2.5 miles, pushed past that 2 mile mark. The weather is gorgeous and I think I'll try to do every day if possible. I still have the WATP dvd and CORE dvd's for inclement weather.
I'm feeling MUCH better about my eating, and am not craving the sweets either. I have a 33 oz bottle of water (lightly flavored, that I am managing to drink twice a day.
so, water - check, tracking - check, exercise - check

I'm feeling so much better and ready to continue with this now. Yeah, only took 10 weeks to get to this point - but the next 10 will be solid gold.

__________________
Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

Just not a good journalist, am I?
But I am doing well with WW. down 15 lbs at this point, started doing the Sansone WATP dvds and did the 2 mile this morning.
Tracking and water are going great. So is exercise. No big losses, but pretty steady.

Happy times. DD is planning a wedding for June 2010, I'm involved with that, and she asked me to make her wedding dress and the 2 girls in the wedding party tops. Its pretty informal and we have an idea of what we want. But DD is working on losing weight (I am so happy about that) with her future DH. Her best friend is also losing weight - and the other girl is really quite large.
So I have time to do some practice sewing - I'm making the top for myself that we plan on for the girls, and DD dress in a more casual material to get a feel for sewing again.

I'll try to check in more often- but things are going well.

__________________
Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

MK!!!!!

I'm SO happy you've found a plan that works for you!!!! Your recent weight loss is so thrilling! Congratulations!

__________________

well, as usual, the scale is as slow as ever - but I am sticking with it.
walked 3 miles this morning (I usually walk at least 2 - 5 times a week. So, I am definitely gettng more exercise in.

Clothes are much better fitting (even getting rid of some of them) - and my breathing is in pretty good shape - not even using the inhaler on my walks.

Not craving, not wanting treates. I have been really good about taking my vitatmins and had the first manicure I can remember. I never have had nails - either constantly breaking, or biting. They are STRONG!!!

so, I'm happy with this WW plan. Yeah, it goes slow - but I am going in the right direction and my lifestyle has definitely improved. I have been going for 16 weeks, although the first 5 I didn't really get into it. So, 18 lb in 10-11 weeks - I can live with that.

Ordered a new swimsuit - we are going to Daytona Beach in September - so working on a goal for that. and long term - a nice dress for DD wedding in a year.

I do know it is time to get weight/resistance work into my daily schedule. I'm on the verge of a new 'decade' and would really like to be into Onederland by vacation time (Sept 30) - but as long as I am below where I am now - I will be happy.

Nice to see you again Barb!!

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Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

Hey! I sure hope you find success with your new plan! Have you ever seen "You Are What You Eat" on the BBC channel on cable? It's hosted by a British tyrant named Jillian McKeith. She's like a drill sergeant, swoops in, cracks the whip and gets her "recruits" to lose weight. She piles all the food they've eaten in a week onto a table. And guess what they eat mostly..........carbs. Yep, good ole carbs. There's nary a veggie in sight, they all suffer from some sort of health issue and of course are obese. Then if that's not enough, she gets them to give her a stool and blood sample, which she has analyzed. It's all pretty gross, but she gets good results. I have it programmed in so I don't miss an episode. It REALLY makes you think about food consumption and how much we need to vary our diets with lots and lots of veggie. She's also a proponent of beans (to get the bowels moving.) I've been keeping a list of veggies I want to buy, largely motivated by watching the show. I wonder if she has a website with sample menus. Some of the stuff sounds atrocious, but some of the people actually say it tastes "nice." It quite an amusing show........if you have a strong stomach. (I'm gonna post this in my own journal.)

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from the old journal (this is my current one)

I am firmly entrenched in WW (weight watchers) now. I started last March, and got serious about it in May. At this point I am down 24 lbs and on the threshold of getting back into Onderland. I go with a girlfriend - been a long time since I really had friends. - and we go religiously every Tuesday evening. I do feel like I have made a lot of improvement in my 'choices'. I do follow the point system, but what makes up those points is my choice - and having been LC for many years I have found that my health is best served avoiding the high carb even in a low calorie plan. So my plan is pretty much a mix. Breads and sweets are an occasional treat, but I can have them in moderation now.
I have been much more active lately than I have in years. Another friend across the street and I go to the local rec center. I have been doing a 'body conditioning' class with her but it is too hard on my joints so I am going to go back to walking the inside track while she does the class.

I just had knee surgery so I will be easing back into the walking as soon as possible. I was also taking an aqua jogging session but will have to give that up for several weeks. Next session, I plan to resign up for that along with the water aerobics they have. I am learning my limitations and although I can't do what others can, there are plenty of healty alternatives available. What is sad is I have lived in this area for 25 years and had not made 'friends' or used the local rec center. The move to the condo has done wonders for getting me out of my shell. Living right next door to family all those years, and working from home the last 8 have made it too easy to keep my world close and exclude outside people.

But I'm back on track - and plan to continue with WW through maintenance. its one evening a week, and I certaintly can commit to that. Plus, again, it is a 'social' outlet that I need.

So, for now, back to icing the knee, 'toes over nose' , and eating the good foods. I actaully have a couple neighbors who are dropping off food. Just something nice I haven't had before. I love this condo living and am so glad we did this before retirement. And it has worked out well at the old 'homestead' - which was basically a double. One side is now rented to my daughter and her fiance. Wedding is next June. The other side is rented to a co-worker of DH. Yeah. we had to pay out quite a bit up front to improve the places, but It will be more sellable when the time comes - meanwhile the rents make the payment and we can hope the market will be high when we are ready.

So, all in all, we are doing well - and I hope to be able to enjoy being on the back of DH motorcycle again - that is what has brought me to the knee surgery. I haven't been able to tolerate more than 15 minutes of the vibration before pain set in - so I've been left home a lot. Although now he is working from home also , so I don't mind so much when he takes off on a longer ride

Hang in there all - it is a long journey to get to a healthy weight, but I'm in for the ride. Hugs.

__________________
Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

Today is Tuesday, day 3 from the surgery and I'm doing fine. Less pain in the knee than before the surgery, and I am getting around on one crutch already.

I do the leg stretch exercise - the only one I'm allowed at this point - and I'll start knee movements Thursday, although I feel ready now. But not going to push - that can cause problems. I have been using the resistance band for arm / upper body exercising - and plan to start the abdominal rowing with it this afternoon.

I'm using only one crutch now and getting around well. Still wearing the brace/ice pack thing - which I credit with the good progress so far.

I even get to go to WW tonight (I have to wear the brace but can take it off for weigh in). GF will drive, but hubby actually said to go. He does understand that it is as much social as weighing in.
My scale here said 203 - I'm excited about breaking that awful 2!!, but also am not clean on my WW this week. Hubby and neighbors have been feeding me - so items are not quite as low cal/low carb as I like - but I'm not overdoing any treats either.

I just got a shipment of WW shakes (OMG - they have a white chocolate/peppermint that is just decadent!!!), and WW oatmeal. I try not to go crazy buying their food - but the shakes are a staple. 1 point and they are filling and a good mid afternoon treat.

I guess I should do some work. Thankfully(?) it is a little slow right now - I do hope it picks up soon, but I'm enjoying the break also.

__________________
Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

Hello journal.
Back again. Still hovering around the 200 mark. I can't do walking or the water stuff until I get the okay from the dr - who I see tomorrow. I start PT in the morning and see him in the evening. Then we'll see how it goes. I see now what he meant about the surgical strips 'peeling' off - but only one of the incisions is exposed yet.

well, big news. I have decided to go back to school. I really thought about an online degree (U of Phoenix), but my family and friend talked me out of it. I'm glad. I'm going to do it right. I may not be able to attend full time, but I am going to go to the business school of our local state college (Wright State University). They have a gorgeous business section/building and an excellent reputation. I can plan my classes there and in conjunction with the local community college (they have special agreements) so I can also do some classes online and closer to home.

I'm excited about this. Sometimes I think I am too old (54!), but my business (consulting/programming from home) is starting to wind down and I may only have 2-3 more years where it will support me. So, I'm going back to get my BA in Accounting. I started out in accounting back in the 70's and have an associate degree - but that is really outdated. I also have an associate in Computer Science, which did include several Accounting course.

so, planning for something that can take me through retirement and beyond, and I'm quite excited about it. I should actually start classes in January. The department director is going to help me work out a plan to pick what I can do from both schools.

Both of my children went/ are going to this college too.
so, quite a big change coming up.

__________________
Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!

I have made it to ONE-derland!!! and I plan to stay there!
I start classes in January - but my thoughts, which were also suggested by the higher college business director - go back to the community college (very good one) to get an updated associates degree in accounting. All the classes but one will transfer right into the BA program. I get my Gen Ed classes out of the way with a college more suited to working people. Evening and online classes are available all over the place.
I'm staring with an English Composition (on line), Intermediate Algebra (classroom setting, but held at my local HS so only 5 minutes travel time) and Chemistry (online). the ALgebra is the only one that concerns me, so I am better off in a class.
Chemistry - I have pretty good access to an outstanding TA/pre-professor in Chemistry. That would be my son (working on his PhD) and he owes me - big time. My daughter is also in the chemistry program. I think I can get help if I need it.

Was on liquids yeaterday and today. I think I have an infected taste bud, but it is going on 2 weeks and has gotten so bad that I cannot eat solids. I see the dr this morning. Hoping to get some relief.

Knee is doing great!! I'm going to try to start some walking - maybe just around the neighborhood today - but get started.

Thanksgiving - DS is coming home for the weekend, and DD/FSIL will be here Saturday. Going to have the basics, but my eating is really under control. Even told DH that I would not be partaking in his noodles/gravy/mashed potatoes this year. They are a throwback to his mom, and everyone else in the family is crazy about them. I always felt I had to have it also, even if it wasn't my favorite. But I don't. I can have my favorites (with little adjustments) and not feel like I have to have it all.
One of our big things is mashed sweet potatoes. with brown sugar and butter. I'm going to take a couple 'servings' before that is in and use my Splenda brown sugar and light Smart Balance - and that will be my treats. Turkey - no problems. I'm not a sandwich person anyhow, and would rather just dip it in low fat mayo or plain.
I'm going to have my piece (or two) of pumpkin pie, but with splenda whipped topping.

I'm feeling good about the end of this year and what will be a good year in 2010!

__________________
Mary Kay
2009 WW - 228 / 199

I want a Christmas Onederland!!