LOL Judy, let me tell you, your dirty little secrets don't hold a candle to mine

Donna, I've never had kids (the step-DD's don't really count since I was so minimally involved)....So I can only imagine both the joys and the heartbreaks by listening to the stories of friends. I can't say there's a single Mom among them who doesn't agonized over some aspect, some incident, some decision, some outcome on a regular basis. I say, bless all of you. And on another subject, since you are eating right, just hang in there and don't panic, ok? About the shawl, perhaps a few rows of single crochet around the opening? You could make some decreases in every row, too, to tighten up the neck hole, perhaps.

You what, Peg! Wow, you must have been visit by the Power Switch Fairy!!! :great: Woohoo! I need me some o' that, for sure.... Oh Peg, you would have to clone yourself to make all the kids happy during your visit. Sheesh!

Teel, it sounds so lovely, spring in California! I actually am glad that some of you are seeing signs. There is hope for Peg, LadyB and I.

LadyB, weighing once a week sounds like a plan if daily weighing makes you crazy.

Dad called from Arkansas. My Uncle Nen, Dad's only sib alive, has finally officially been diagnosed with dementia and will be moving to a nursing home. Dad needed to sign some papers allowing Nen's DIL to have healthcare gaurdianship. She's been looking after him down there for years. It's so very sad; he was absolutely the sweetest, most gentle man I ever knew. I think it's also rather sobering for Dad, frankly.

I don't think I've accomplished much today, but something funny did happen. DH and I had a spat yesterday, and today I was still feeling rather grumpy at him. So what does he come home with to make up? Not flowers, not candy (heaven forbid!). He drove way out of his way to Harbor Freight and bought me a set of center punches. Truly, this man knows that tools are the way to my heart :great:

Have a good one!

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Well, h*ll........ Yesterday I managed to keep the calories down around 1300. That's a good thing. Today, I was back in the 2000 range. That's not a good thing. I'm not going to get down to 135 if I keep doing that.

__________________
Judy
highest = 180, goal = 140
Every single time I put food in my mouth, it matters. No more fooling myself!

Dang, Judy! Frustrating as heck, isn't it. Ok, I know you've analyzed the data. Now you'll do better tomorrow

I didn't have a stellar day, myself. Not bad, but not the most optimal choices. Dratted headache.

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Power weight loss member reporting!! I weighed 180.8 this morning! That's almost 5 lbs in three days! Dang! Am I sore from exercising. I took today off to give my muscles a rest. I am going to have tighter arm muscles if it kills me! And, boy howdy, it may! Also, my pecs.....OW! I've been eating clean. Didn't have time to bring my lunch today, so I am hoping that my will power holds out for a salad at the grocery store salad bar. I'm drinking 24 ozs of water before bkfst, then on to another 75 before bed. It's hard! But, I am finding my thirst again. Funny how three days of exercise can make me much more conscious of my posture. I'm standing straighter and at least able to feel the muscles in my poochy tummy if I pull them in. It's times like this that I like being tall. I'm wearing my high heeled boots this morning which put me to 6 feet. Feelin' good! Yay!

On the not so nice side! It is now 16 degrees out. It's 9:30 am. We had 6 inches of snow last night. My windows in the car are frozen shut (not open, thank goodness!) There is ice under the snow and the snow is white once again. DH drove home last night for 2 hours (usually a 45 min drive) in a whiteout. Oh God, I am SO GLAD WE'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE THIS WINTER AGAIN!

Oh, honey...........I could tell you stories! My DD has withheld both my gkds and herself from me for as long as two years in the past! SO PAINFUL! But, I've now learned not to give ANY advice unless asked, and then to be positive. There have been periods when I have actually thought of suing for custody of my gkids. but, I've only thought about it. That's all.

Judy. You and Brenda have no idea what dirty little secrets are! HA!

Gotta go and teach Bible Study. I'll check in later.
Peace, Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
64-3/4 years young

So, I'm not the only one that has kids that use their kids as bargaining tools. Interesting. I would never have done that when I was younger, but then I think we had more respect for our elders than the generations do now.

BC: Adding some single crochet to the neck opening is easier than it sounds...at least to me. I sat there with that poncho in my lap and tried to figure out how to add those extra rows and after trying about 15 times and then seeing how I had stretched that first chain, I decided I had better rethink this. I'm going to crochet a little collar and then sew it on. Just went blank.

Judy: If I could get Atkins bars for .25 I would buy a truckload. Especially chocolate peanut butter. I always have one in my purse and it's come in so handy when I'm shopping or just don't have time to stop to eat. I have one in my desk drawer too in case breakky doesn't hold me over until lunch time. I know it's said they can stall you, but I don't have a problem with them. I just don't go overboard. By the way, I have to pay almost $3.00 for them here so you got a real bargain.

I can't wait until tomorrow. I'm having my first ever massage. My shoulders and neck are always so sore from sitting in front of the computer for 8 hours a day. So, I decided it sure couldn't hurt to have a massage. It helps my friend anyway. Should be interesting. I just know, that I never would have had it done if I hadn't lost all the weight. No one, would be touching me with all the rolls I had.

__________________
Donna
238.5/166.4/150
I will see my goal weight again!

Though I did not lose weight during my no sweets/nuts challenge, I think that helped to get my mindset in a place that works with induction-style eating. 141 today, in ketosis, and eating clean (thank you Switch Fairy and "George"!).

Today, I explicitly asked for help with healthy, weight loss eating from my subconscious ("George").

I know that sounds silly, but it's a technique I learned at a self-empowerment seminar years ago. I'd forgotten all about it; but I'm going to start using that technique more often. The conscious mind, powerful as it is, cannot do it alone - it often needs help from the subconscious mind. There's so much power in the subconscious mind, which works very differently from our conscious mind. Because the subconsicous is emotional, it responds well to kindness and love.

So, the idea is ask your subconscious mind for help with a problem, give it time to work, and express appreciation and approval when it works.

For example, if I cannot remember where I put something, I've started asking "George" to lead me to it. Soon, in my wanderings, I happen upon the looked-for item. Then I say, "Thanks, "George" - you're the best!".

If you wonder why I use the name "George" for my subconscious mind, it's just "because". That was the example name used in the seminar (ala, "let George do it"). The lecturer, an elderly woman of amazing talent and vitality, said we could use any name; she used "George". Well, I tried to find a different name, but "George" just stuck!

BC, I think your DH is a pretty special guy, and no doubt about it. It was so sweet and intuitive of him to buy you some punches to make up for the little tiff!

Judy... some people here reported losing weight better by mixing things up - some low carb/cal days and some higher carb/cal days. Maybe your higher cal day yesterday will work in your favor? As for the 25c candy - my frugal gene would have impelled me to jump on that bargain, too. Sticking them is the freezer is a good idea (although, when desperate, I've been known to gnaw furiously on a frozen treat! ).

Donna, I hope your massage helps - sounds lovely! I, alas, lost track of the one really good massuesse I knew (she broke up with BF and didn't leave a forwarding address). I'm picky about massages, and I don't enjoy it much if the masseusse doesn't put the "right" kind of energy into the strokes. When it's done right, there's nothing better!

Donna, I hope you will take a picture of your poncho and post it for us - it sounds really cute!

Peg - hey, WOMAN! Good on you for sticking with the exercise routine and losing 5 lbs!!! Excellent!!

Laydybug, you are doing very, very well yourself! Congratulations on the 2-lb weight loss and for "sticking", too.

__________________
~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.

TB, fascinating idea, naming one's subconscious. I like it!! When I'm in a better groove I work some with affirmations; I think it would be interesting to combine the two. Wonder what my subconscious would like to be called? Must sleep on that one Unfortunately, I can't use "George" since that's what we've always called TOM around my house, LOL!

TB, I doubt if I will lose this week, either. Since I didn't weigh it's a moot point. However, like you, the Switch Fairy and my change in attitude is a splendid result.

Donna, a little crocheted collar sounds cute! I'd love to see a picture, too. Oh, do enjoy that massage. I've only had a few, but a good massuesse works magic.

Peg, I imagine as a counsellor and pastor you have heard plendy of little dirty secrets that would make our eyes pop. I think the tendency is to think our own LDS's are the worst, though.Major congrats on your week, and especially your exercise!!! You GO!

Had a second chiro appointment today and got a few more things hopefully worked out, but will need another go in two weeks. Interestingly, since he works with accupuncture meridians, applied kinesiology and other modalities as well as chiro, after checking me with a few different diagnotics techniques, he said he's getting indications that my back pain is being referred from an ovary, which I guess makes since somehow in Chinese medicine. We'll see what today's adjustment brings and then see what shows up next week. Hey, anything to visit a good lookin' guy, eh?

Peg, your weather s***s so much worse than even ours. We're supposed to get snow tomorrow, but only an inch. Hope this front disappears before it reaches you--and glad your DH made it home ok.

TB, I have also been known to gnaw on things I'd frozen "for my own good." Oh, we are a bunch, aren't we?

Night!

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

First things first ..........Peg, I agree with BC, Your weather S**KS! I heard the report this morning and really felt for you. We have trees starting to pop out and bulbs coming up. One thing about it, by the end of this season you won't have to wonder if you made the right choice about where you winter from now on. BTW -- Congrats on your very successful power loss!

Chiropractor --never been to one
Massuesse -- last time I went to one I had a splitting headache later in the day. I think all the tension in the shoulders moved on to the brain. Ok, that's not exactly true, but I do think the pressure on some of the places in my neck and head did leave the headache as after results.

Donna -- even better than a pic of the pancho, get a pic of DGD with it on.

Teel, I like the idea of naming the subconscious and asking it for help. I don't think George fits mine, and like BC, I may have to sleep on it. The first name that came to mind was my grandmother's name. I don't think she would do much for me though in the diet arena. She was about 5'2 and 180. She looked like a story book fat grandma and was always going on a diet on Monday. I think since it works well to be nice to the subconscious that I should give it a name that it can be really proud of --- something that makes you think of a good looking competent person. :bellydanc I want HER to come out to help me when I ask. Hummm, this may be as important as naming a new child.

__________________
Judy
highest = 180, goal = 140
Every single time I put food in my mouth, it matters. No more fooling myself!

Hi Gang!

Well, only a .8 lb loss today, but I'll take it. We had dinner out at a church last night and the only choice for entree was chili. I had about a cup of it. They had a big green salad, thank goodness. I passed on the bread and the dessert. Good girl, Peg. One of the ways that I have succeeded this time is that I keep telling myself that it is only for a week. so far (only four days, to be sure!) that has worked. Yesterday I foolishly didn't take lunch, but did go to get a salad at the local grocery salad bar. But, I got hungry before I got home. I bought a can of California almonds and probably ate more than I should have. There is this little voice in me that says, "Oh **** it Peg, have a donut!" So far I've been able to ignore doing what it asks! I did exercise again this morning. My muscles have been SO sore. I knew that I needed to get back to the gym and work them in order to get rid of the soreness. I rested them yesterday.

Today I'm home with a terrible cold. Sore throat, really painful cough, headache that must be coming from somewhere, but I can't figure it out. I'm going to go to bed to sleep pretty soon.

Yeah. I want to see a pic of the poncho too! You two are doing so well with your knitting. I can't believe Brenda that you are talking about increasing and decreasing! I'm still working on this prayer shawl. I haven't really picked it up at all this week. I'm just too tired.

Brenda: Sounds like you have a pretty cool DH. Mine does little things like that too. Though, I have to admit that he wouldn't think of getting something practical. He gets flowers and cards. I'm not complaining. I LOVE flowers.

TB: What a cool idea, "naming your subconscious." I've long believed that its important to be gentle with oneself. Self-talk can be so damaging if we constantly belittle and demand things of ourselves. Don't you think that "positive talk" has something to do with "turning on the switch?" I do. It's that positive talk that I do with myself about getting through induction two years into my pledging myself to this WOL. Love the name. I named mine a long time ago, but can't remember the name. I'll have to think about it again. Great idea!!!!!

About "dirty little secrets," I was referring to MY dirty little secrets . Yeah, I hear a lot, but don't hold onto it for very long. I would be a basket case if I did. (Of course, some would argue that that has happened to me years ago)

Thanks so much for the sympathy about the weather. It helps. Right now it is 16 degrees. There is very dangerous ice everywhere (not the roads). We are having snow again tomorrow night and all day Saturday. Today the sun is shining. That's good. but, it is not warm at all, except in the house. And that is good!

Peace, Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
64-3/4 years young

Another gorgous, sunny, warm day in paradise. We are supposed to set record highs here today. Around 20 celcius which I think is about 70 F. I went home from work last night and washed my car. No better feeling than a clean car. (well, almost).

TB: I don't think I could call my subconcious George. lol That's my husband's name. He would think I'm nuts. I do talk to myself though. That's how I remember things. If I say it out loud I seem to remember better.

I don't know about a picture of the poncho. I haven't figured out how to post pictures yet. Just call me rookie!

I got out the Atkins book last night and did a little re-reading. Surprising how much I had forgotten. I hadn't added any fruit or berries back into my diet, and I've been stressing about the up and down weight gains. The book tells me that's normal and don't panic until you hit a 5 pound gain. So, last night I have a half cut of partially frozen strawberries. They were soooo cold and delicious. I had lots of veggies for dinner along with a chicken breast and salad. And....this morning I was back down to 151.5 from 154. Whew! What a relief.

Yesterday was a bad day. I got in a whopping fight with my boss. He's younger than me and a woman basher. He loves to run people down, especially women. I took enough of that from my brother when I was younger and then from my ex-husband and I'm not doing it anymore. Took me too long to get my self esteem back. So, we had a real screaming match. He'd never admit that I won my point, but he was pretty quiet the rest of the day and stayed away from me. I could have warned him.....don't argue with a woman in menopause. lol

__________________
Donna
238.5/166.4/150
I will see my goal weight again!

I thought it over, and have given my subconscious a name......... She's Valerie. I think subconsciously she wanted to pick that name because it's so similar to the word validate. Whatever.......... she did a good job today helping me eat right, drink my water, and go to exercise. Thanks Teel for the suggestion to personalize the thoughts.

Tia and Peg --- good job this week. You have both been real losers!

Peg, I hope it warms up soon. It's got to be real downer for the snow and ice to just keep coming and coming.

Ok Brenda...... no more playing with the new toys, think up a name for your subconscious. I'm sorry for your dad having to deal with his brother's problems. It's hard to face our own mortality.

__________________
Judy
highest = 180, goal = 140
Every single time I put food in my mouth, it matters. No more fooling myself!

Evening, vet buddies. Oy vay, our 1' turned into an all day sleetfest with about 3 inches accumulation. Not a lot, not horrible, but soooo not fair. Peg, good luck! Donna, 70 degrees? NO FAIR!

Judy, I was never a great believer in chiropracters, and really I'm still not a fan of most of them. I feel extremely fortunate to have found an exceptional healer.

Judy, question. How do you like Curves? Positives? Negatives? I learned today there will be one literally 3 blocks from my house. I could walk, ride my bike, practically roll there. I belong to a full service health club now that has everything, however, it's a bit of a ride, and I've used that as an excuse this winter to do nada.

Donna, I don't think I've ever had it out that way with any boss. Wow. I hope it all works out ok for you, but I'd be rather concerned that no matter how inappropriate he may have been, he'd hold an outburst against me at some point.

Peg, I'd bet I could best you in the little dirty secret department any time, but I think I'd have to be on sodium penathol... You are doing so great, girl! Only .8 pounds today??? LOL! And that voice is not your friend you know. Don't those voices come from the reptilian brain (actually the nucleus accumbens) --really, the most primitive part of us. Hmmmmm...LOL, you know it just occurred to me--reptilian brain/impulse control/snake/garden of eden. LOL! OK, I'm going to stop thinking now....

OK, on the topic of our subconscious friend and helper.... Gang, meet PJ! Teelbee, I am enjoying this concept immensely and already feel as though PJ has been my friend forever. Thanks!

You guys, I don't believe it. After knitting class today I signed up for a sweater class in June. Actually it's a sleeveless shell we'll be knitting on circular needles. The instructor showed us a sample and she said I'd be ready! Already picked out the yarn--a luscious lightweight cotton with just a little nylon in it for sheen, in a varigated pastel of periwinkle, lavender, pinky/mauve, with a bit of lime. Oh, here, the color is "Secret Garden." Less lime in person than in this picture, just yummy like sherbet

http://www.berroco.com/shade_cards/c...colors_sh.html

Off to bed. See ya tomorrow!

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Judy, I missed your post. Valerie! I love it! As you can see, mine is named, but you can ask me what it means

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

PJ?....................let's see..................PJ?................hmmmmm.... ............Nope. I can't guess.

Still feeling rotten. Sore throat and headache. Didn't lose at all yesterday. Didn't eat much either. Doesn't seem fair.
Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
64-3/4 years young

Aw, Peg ((((hugs)))) Didn't realize you were still so sick! Hang in there.

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108