Anyone Want to Start a New Group?

[MizzElizabeth]

Quick drive by this afternoon.....

Last night was super enjoyable...was fun catching up and hopefully we can keep it a somewhat normal thing!

Teri hope that your dl is doing well enough to go home today, will try to catch up with you while farmin this evening..LOL

Cindy, was fun to catch up! And yes I agree with you, I didn't miss this and I'd be perfectly content to see it go again for another 7..LOL. Called the dr this morning and he agreed with Teri that this is probably due to diet change but he doesn't think I should get to excited that it's back as a normal routine.

Rene, hope you got enough sleep girl. Was fun to catch up. Hope you have a good week, I know you will be busy busy with company coming but find time to enjoy it as well.

Have a wonderful day everyone!!

[MizzElizabeth]

Ok gals, I spent some time this morning reading in the main lobby and one of the posts was called "big to small: the psychological impact" and WOW did it get me to thinking!!! So yep your going to get my thoughts on this one and I'd love some feedback, especially from Cindy and Rene who are the two in our little group who've made goal (or gosh darn close).

It's amazing to me how it's so true that we do allow things to happen in life based on outside influences and what society deems as "the norm". So much of what I read in those posts described all the things that I have gone through and the experiences that I've had at one level or another. What is it that makes us base who we are, how we look and how we'd react to others and ourselves as well as our lives?? What I mean is why is it that we act and behave one way when we are in shape and at goal and another when we are over weight and in needs of a healthier body and lifestyle?? I use to be the one who would always get up in the morning and before starting my day would shower, fix my hair and my face and pick out something flattering to wear, whether I was at ultimate weight goal or packing around a few extra pounds it was really important for me to take care and pride in myself. I don't know exactly when it happened but at some point I woke and discovered that I was pulling my hair up in a tail, dusting on a little powder and toss on something "simple and comfy" which translates into "frumpy and baggy", and I realized that something very bad had happened......I'd lost who I was at heart and opted for what I at one time (like everyone else) had despised and commented on...the frumpy fat lady who doesn't take care of herself.

First it was so upsetting for me to realize that at one time I'd been one of those people who had classed and grouped people according to weight and clothing, who was I to judge? Then I find myself in that class that I had so casually thrown out there, and am angry because others as well as myself had put me there with out having a clue as to who I truly was inside...I hadn't changed at the core, just on the shell. LIGHT BULB MOMENT!!!! That's the point in life when I truly believed in karma...it came back to bite me HARD. But what it made me see very clearly is that we need to love ourselves no matter what size, body shape, clothing, etc. and that's easily said but hard to accomplish and hold fast too when everyone else around you in the world are still judgemental. So how does one maintain positivity and optimism about making healthy changes in your lifestyle, and keep yourself on track with a strong zest and desire for the end goal?????

I don't know if this is making any sense but in my mind at the moment it is..lol. I'm 41, married and about to be a grandma again, I desire to be healthy, fit and enjoying all the things that come with that for myself and so that I can be here for my kids and grandkids to come...this I know is for all the right reasons. BUT how does one maintain that big picture when as your losing and coming out of your shell everyone around you is changing their behaviors and actions towards you??? I don't want to spend any more of my life hiding behind the wall of fat for a comfort blanket .... but what I need to know is how to have that security as it all changes more??

Slips my soap box away for now..lol.

Have a great day everyone!!

[Momlady]

WOWEE - you sure do think hard! I gotta think that over myself for a bit....

This is one reason I love you guys - you find and post these questions that make my brain hurt - but in a good way!

[Momlady]

Well......I still don't know what to say to Beth's soapbox stuff...it sure it though provoking though!

I do know that as I have lost weight, I have gotten better at dressing better, mostly cuz it's nice to be able to get things that are cute, and fit well. I also remember feeling like 'why bother?' when I was so much bigger - since all the clothes that fit then were the frumpy, baggy yucky unstylish things. I do think that as I continue losing weight, I am gonna have to keep a sharp eye on myself - don't want to look like a loose hoochie mamma!

I can't say that I've ever had the attitude toward overweight people that some have had - I have been surrounded all my life by very overweight family members. I wish now that a lot of them had learned about how carbs affect a person's body and maybe, I would still have some of them in my life. I am trying to live the example for my kids and my siblings, and hope they see and learn for themselves how much healthier they could be.

OK its been AWFULLY QUIET here for a while - do we need to get the confessional out? All will be forgiven, of course.....

Crazy GF is still around, and DS has been throwing a lot of attitude lately. I had to threaten him with loss of phone privileges to get him in the shower yesterday. "I want to live my life" he said! Told him that he could do that just as soon as he had a job and could pay for living his own life - till then his life is mine....but he seems to be better today, thank goodness.

I am making 2 dinners tonight - DS24 called yesterday to apologize for his behavior the other day, and to request some chicken and dumplings for dinner - so that is cooking, and I have beef ribs baking in the oven for me. Next time we chat I'll tell you all about his issues - they are not pretty.

TTFN!

[MizzElizabeth]

Slips sheepishly into the confessional box....:blush::blush:

OK OK with the pressure already...I not only had one day but I had 4 DAYS...yes count them 1, 2, 3, 4 of falling off the wagon!! I guess it was a combo of "Toms" very unexpected and undesired visit and the stress of DH leaving for his 21 days. I didn't pig out on junk or anything, just ate way to large of portions and tossed in a couple extra meals!

But on the way home from the airport today I made the commitment that I'm not only jumping back on the wagon pronto but I'm doing so with a passion and dilligence that will keep me on track when he comes home for his off time. It will be so easy to get back on track now that I don't have to cook for him, and won't be distracted in any way so by the time he's home again on break I'll be good to go.

So yeah it was a bump in the road but I'm not going to flip out too bad, I'm forgiving myself and moving forward.

Now....WHERE'S EVERYONE AT??? Cindy and I can't hold things up solo..lol. Looking forward to hearing the whole scoop Cindy on the kiddo's, not that it's a bad thing it's just nice to be able to be there when others need an ear instead of feeling like I'm the one who always needs the ears..

Have a great week ladies...chat soon???

[rene50]

Here I am! It has been crazy. So, I picked up my uncle's daughters and grandaugher from the airport on Thurs. and they were suppose to spend the night with me, and then we were going to his house for a surprise birthday party on Fri., but the weather did not cooperate. Ice, sleet and snow were forcasted for Fri., so we went directly to my aunt and uncle's when I picked them up and it is a good thing we did because, for once, the weatherman was right and we ended up with ice, sleet and 9 inches of snow. We had the party anyway with just family that made it up there Thurs., and a few neighbors who could walk to their house. It was still fun, and I think my uncle enjoyed it more than he would have if all 50 people invited had been able to come. I couldn't drive home until Sun. I had a few family members at my house last night, but they are flying out today, so things should be back to normal.

I did horrible with my eating for the 4 days we were snowed in! I ate everthing in sight, and I do mean everythig. I can tell that my uniform pants are tighter, but I am back on plan today.

Cindy, sorry crazy GF is still causing havok in your lives. You are such a wonderful mom, and I know it must be difficult for you to see him manipulated by her. Hmmm....DS24? Well, will wait for chat to hear what is going on.

Teri, what's up?

Deb, Lucki, missing ya'll too!

Beth, thank you for the thought provoking post. I'm going to post again with my thoughts.

[MizzElizabeth]

First I want to say thanks to Teri and Cindy for a GREAT thought provoking chat last night...sure gave me a lot to think about and absorb!

Started today out on a GREAT note, took the time to have some quiet meditation and a little chat with the man upstairs, which always makes my day start off on the right foot...glad we talked about that last night as well because it got me back on the right track..hope you girls did it as well?? I'm back on track, had a good clean breakfast this morning, took all my vitamins and got a nice jump on the day.

Rene, wow sounds like you really have had a busy weekend! We got a lot of snow with that storm that came through but we didn't get the ice and sleet thank goodness. How nice that your uncle still got his b-day party, and you know sometimes it's nice to just have a close family event to have some quality time. Glad to hear that your back on track this morning as well...glad I wasn't the only one who was off balance with plan...lol, is that bad?? But I know that you will get right back to it, your so good at that!

Ok well ladies I am off here to get out the sandpaper and hit my kitchen cabinets. I was wanting to just get new ones installed but I think I'm sending DH into shock on that one, so I've opted to just lightly sand and re-stain for the time being. Maybe a b-day gift to me? Actually they aren't really that bad, just need a face lift with some fresh stain and new hardware, I was just being greedy and wanting more of them..LOL. But show me a woman who loves to cook and bake that doesn't want more cabinetry?? lol

I'll try and get some pics taken and emailed this weekend.

Have a wonderful day!!

[rene50]

Beth, I know for sure that people react diffently to me when I am heavy. I don't know if we give off a different "vibe" when we are heavy because we don't feel good about ourselves, or if it is really all about appearance. It may be a little of both.

My first reaction to judging people was "no way I would ever judge someone based on appearance!" However, after further thought, I realize that I am indeed guilty. My first emotion when I see a really heavy woman is one of sympathy because I know she must feel awful, but then, I have also had some unkind thoughts and I do think they are judgmental. I have thought "she could at least wash her hair," or when a big woman is wearing something like a midriff shirt with fat rolls hanging out I think, "you have no business wearing that; cover it up sister!"

On the other side of the spectrum, I see heavy women who do take pride in their appearance and wear size-appropriate clothes, and think "she looks nice even though she is big." This line of thinking is also judgemental and I am ashamed.

I know that it is what is on the inside that counts and my mom always told me "pretty is as pretty does," but that doesn't change the fact that for most women our self-esteem is greatly affected by our appearance. It sucks, but it is a fact.

Anyway, thanks for making me think. I will try to be more conscious about my thoughts. As the little song goes, God's still working on me.....

[Momlady]

Good morning!
I did have a good day yesterday - I think the best thing was that I decided to have a NAP after DS7 went to school...I am getting too old to stay up so late.... But the conversation Monday night was so worth it!

Hubby is leaving for Chicago today for a few days - so if we get into chat I won't be 'interrupted'....or have a 'shoulder-sitter'

Rene, I am glad that you had a good weekend with your family - even with the ice and all that yucky stuff! As for eating everything in sight- well........but since you got back on track - I'll hold off....

Everyone have a great day!

[MizzElizabeth]

Rene...dontcha hate it when someone brings up something that makes you really think deep and then you find some little skeleton that you never let your subconscious see? You expressed so very well exactly what I was talking about, those little thoughts that creep in that we would like to think we'd never have.

I've been taking more time to be a little more conscious of that myself, I'm DEFINATELY a work in progress as well, and some days I think I give him a real run for his money.

I'm happy to report that yesterday was a good clean day, made it all the way through with out error Today has started out well also, it's definately much easier with out DH here to get back on firm track, it's what I needed.

Cindy, sometimes the nap thing is a definate necessity..lol. Glad to hear you will be able to chat. With DH out of town I leave it on all the time so when ever anyone wants to chat just pop me a message, if I'm home I will surely hear it. Which with the house remodeling I'm almost always here..

Well I'm off here, going to run to the post office and get a few errands done and pick up some more paint so I can get back here and get a roller in hand.

Love ya'll, have a great day!!

[luckiangel]

Originally Posted by Momlady

Lovebug.....Lucki.......where are you two? What's going on?

Hello just was browsing around when i caught this.....sorry i have been MIA. We moved in January. A few days later went to see my mom in Arkansas while i had time off and now i am in albuquerque training for my new job. I've been on the go and am just now starting to slow down. We had a snowstorm here today and had to leave early...took 3 hours to go 30miles...i am exhausted. i can't believe how impatient people are who are not used to driving in snow on a mountain going downhill. ME? I took my dang time!!!

hope you all have been well......catch ya later.

[rene50]

Hi Girls!

Lucki: Good to hear from you! Glad you are settled. I live in Arkansas. Where does your mom live?

Sorry I pooped out last night. I didn't get off work until 9PM and I was exhausted. A co-worker has a loved one who is terminally ill and a few of us are splitting up her shifts so she can be at the hospital. I just had to work the last 3 hours of her shift.

I've done well with my eating the last few days, but I haven't made up for the 4 days of pigging out. Seriously, Cindy, I deserve to be clobbered good! Why in the hell do I do that?

Sounds like you are doing great, Beth!

I'm off the next 3 days and I plan to rest tomorrow and have a "me day." Then, I have to get with it and get caught up on laundry and other househould chores that have gone undone because I was only home from Rapid City a few days before I went to my aunt and uncle's. It sounds silly, but it makes me really nervous when I get behind. I truely don't know how you ladies with kids do it! I barely keep my houselhold running with just the two of us.

Ok, since I can sleep in tomorrow, I'm going to go pour a big glass of wine for myself and unwind.

Miss you Teri!

Love ya'll!

[rene50]

Oh my, I am really a lazy girl today! It is after 11am and I'm still in my pj's. I just finished a nice, long phone call with a friend. Maybe I'll get dressed in an hour or so, or maybe not.

[Momlady]

I LOVE PAJAMA DAYS! you stay in them - ya hear?

Hubby got called to go to Chicago and left Wed. afternoon. And actually was able to get done what he needed to do, and is coming home today - although he was prepared to stay longer if necessary. Sometimes things just don't go the way he wants.

Nothing much really going on here - I've agreed to help another friend make some cross stitch bookmarks for a wedding shower she is planning - so I've put my stuff on 'hold' for a bit. She always has these awesome ideas and plans and always tries to squeeze too much into her parties - and we love her for it. She gets so excited about stuff and just goes overboard - and we help her! LOL

Wanted to chat last night, but DS20 had taken over the 'puter to do his taxes - and that was more important. How bout tonight - y'all up for that?

See you all later!

[rene50]

Originally Posted by Momlady

I've agreed to help another friend make some cross stitch bookmarks for a wedding shower she is planning - so I've put my stuff on 'hold' for a bit. She always has these awesome ideas and plans and always tries to squeeze too much into her parties - and we love her for it. She gets so excited about stuff and just goes overboard - and we help her! LOL

You are such a good friend! I did finally get dressed and now I am enjoying a glass of apple cinnamon iced tea made with splenda and a wedge of fresh lime. Yummy!

[MizzElizabeth]

Good afternoon ladies,

Teri and Cindy, was enjoyable to chat as always last night even if we all couldn't stay up late on a friday night..LOL.

Teri .... Congrats on having a great week and loss, I knew you could get back on track and stick to it when you set your mind at it!!

Rene .... I just read your posts about having a nice jammie morning and I must have had the same idea because I have had a nice chat with DH this morning before he went to work, I couldn't fall back asleep so I got up and made some coffee and have had a nice quiet morning and am still sitting here in my jammies at 12:35! And I don't know that I will put forth the effort to get dressed or not. I haven't had a "true" jammie day in months I think one's long over due. I should be getting at the bathroom project but it will wait one more day!

I too had a good week, I've been great with eating clean and really being conscious of portion controls! So I think my reward will be to curl up with a good book and a nice hot coffee and watch the snow continue to flurry and just enjoy the day!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and as always I'll have yahoo on this evening if anyone wants to chat.

[rene50]

Sweet-Hello

Just taking a break from household chores and thought I'd pop in and say sweet-hello.

About sweet-hello.....My Aunt-Susie used this greeting all the time. She was such a cool Southern Lady, and for some reason, "sweet-hello" popped in my head as I was posting today. She used to call me up and say "Just calling to say 'sweet-hello'." It always made me smile.

I woke up feeling energized and ready to go!
I'm missin' you, Teri!

[Momlady]

Awww Rene - that is so sweet!

Don't think I'll get to chat tonight - DS7 is participating in a concert at church tonight so that's where we will be.

Finally got the wallpaper border up in DD's room - now we get to start moving her in. (After we get all the stuff outta there....LOL) I'm having sis1 make the curtains. I'll get a pic up soon.

Now I gotta go figure something out for dinner!

See you all later!

[luckiangel]

rene my mom lives in a little town called Price Place....it's on the border of MO so her mailing address is actually Pontiac MO. She's on Bulls Shoals Lake. Where are you??

[rene50]

Originally Posted by luckiangel

rene my mom lives in a little town called Price Place....it's on the border of MO so her mailing address is actually Pontiac MO. She's on Bulls Shoals Lake. Where are you??

Ahhh....she's in a beautiful part of the state. I've only been to Bull Shoals Lake once; we went up there a few years ago to look at a boat for sale. I live close to Little Rock, so not near your mom at all.

[luckiangel]

Originally Posted by rene50

Ahhh....she's in a beautiful part of the state. I've only been to Bull Shoals Lake once; we went up there a few years ago to look at a boat for sale. I live close to Little Rock, so not near your mom at all.

not that far either.......they have a boat for sale. it really is beautiful there.

[Momlady]

Hope everyone is having a great day! Yeah I know it's Monday and all - but that shouldn't stop us from having a lovely day, right?

I had bells practice today - we are getting a piece ready for Lent, and have started another one for Easter.

This afternoon is our day at the dentist - I generally make appts for all of us on the same day - it's just easier! Handy too - since our DDS office is just down the street! So when DS17 gets home, he walks himself down there and has the first one.

So whats going on with all you ladies? It's been really great to chat with Teri and Beth, but Rene - we really miss you a LOT! I hope everything is OK in your world... Lucki - it's good to know that you are getting settled in your new job. Hope it all continues to be well there.

See you all later!

[luckiangel]

well getting settled with my training but i haven't been at home in over a week. i spent three days at my new facility and now i am training in albuquerque for microbiology. I won't actually be back at my facility until March 1 at the earliest....so i am getting settled in my training! I actually am enjoying it!

[rene50]

Originally Posted by Momlady

Rene - we really miss you a LOT! I hope everything is OK in your world...

I miss ya'll too! Everything is fine and dandy in my world. It snowed again today, about 5 inches. It was no problem getting to work, but the drive home was pretty scary. It is suppose to re-freeze tonight and snow again, so getting to work in the morning should be interesting. We don't know how to drive in the stuff around here!

Lucki, glad you are enjoying your training.

[MizzElizabeth]

Good morning ladies,

Sorry this will be a short one for the hour it is, but I will get on later with more. Just wanted to say hello and see how everyone was doing. Nice to see you again Lucki, glad to hear that your enjoying your training and that things are settleing down after the move.

Rene....I hear what your saying girl, they don't know how to drive in snow down here either. I just heard we are now in for 3-6" tomorrow (today) with blowing drifting snow, should be fun! Guess I need to get my behind up early and get to the post office to get out valentines before they freak out and shut down all the roads.

Hope everyone has a great day! Love ya'll

[rene50]

Good Morning,

I'm up early and thought I'd say a quick hello before starting the drive to work. There's frozen junk on all the roads, so I'm going to leave extra early and take it very, very slow.

For some reason, I can't seem to get with it on my woe. I'll do fine one day, and then mess up the next. Needless to say, I'm not losing. I have got to get my mind right and get serious again. I think part of it is, I'm just tired of thinking about food and planning. Planning is essential for me and I've been doing a lousy job of it lately. Yesterday, I had nothing prepared to take for lunch, so I just grabbed a can of chicken noodle soup. How stupid was that?

Hope everyone has a good day. I'll try to check back later.

[Momlady]

Hi there! It's been a snowy day here too - and I'm sure it's all part of the same system that's hitting you guys. We are being told that we might get up to 10 inches - although we don't usually get the whole amount here. The kids are hoping desperately for a snow day.... and honestly, I would not mind one either. And even here - where ya might THINK that people should KNOW how to drive in the snow - there are dumb-fool yahoos that act like there's nothing on the road.

Rene, I wish I was able to give you a big hug right now.... (this just isn't the same). I know how you feel - I have been kinda bored with food lately too. But I look at it as fuel - not entertainment. And knowing the kids are the ones who really need to eat - I get in gear and find something!

Beth - for Pete's sake - what on earth were you doing up so late?!?

I'm off till later! Love y'all!

[MizzElizabeth]

Uggghhhhhh, I'm up again!!! I feel like a baby with their days and nights mixed up, this is crazyness! And the sad thing is I'm not one bit tired, I never took a nap today in fact I was running errands and running around the house all afternoon and evening doing little this and that things...what in the world is wrong with me????

Well it's official we are having a full blown snow storm here, the wind is blowing snow like mad, at times I can't see the street in front of the house, which of course has the dogs all scared and fussin. I finally got them quieted down, was laying here flipping channels hoping to get tired and it's not happening. So anyway....I had a wonderful surprise today in the mail......
My girls bought me a Mother's Ring for Valentines day, was such a shock and so sweet! I wasn't expecting that.

Miss Rene, I do know what you mean about finding it hard to get back on a good consistant track, I finally had to go back to good ole "day by day" and Teri is doing it with me and it's working, this is week the second day of week two and it's going good...I'd be tickled to have you hop on board I'll be your cheerleader

Sorry I missed ya tonight Cindy, was trying to put the finishing touches on the bathroom so I can take pics tomorrow to share with ya'll....I finally have a before and after of the kitchen, now will have the bathroom too!!!

Well everyone have a good day, I'm going to give this sleep thing another whirl, maybe I will have success this time! Wish me luck!

[rene50]

Thanks, girls, for the encouragement and for understanding. Beth, I think you are right about day by day. If I can get 3 super-clean days under my belt, I'm usually good to go. Cindy, I wish I could be like you and view food as just fuel. I don't think I view it as entertainment, but I do still enjoy it and that is one thing I love about LC. I am just sick and tired of thinking about what I am going to eat, and shopping, and cooking, blah, blah blah....

I need to snap out of it. I can continue to be lazy about my eating and I'll gain every ounce back, and then some and be miserable. Or, I can get my act together and start eating clean and lose 25 pounds by summer and feel wonderful. It is a simple choice, and I am very frustrated with myself right now. Thanks for listening....

Sounds like everyone is having snow! Ok, gotta run get ready for work.

Love ya'll!

[Momlady]

Well we ended up have a snow day yesterday - YAY - for all of us. The kids all actually got out of bed before I did though - LOL I stayed in there till 9:30! And they wanted to go to the video store so they got outside and cleaned the car and driveway. Then I ended up spending $90 on video games - but I bought them because they were 60% off since the store is closing - and they are used rentals. So....ya think I can convince them that those games are Valentines and Easter all wrapped up???

So today is back to normal, getting errands done - going to go visit my mom and get some shopping done for Sunday school.

Teri, Beth, Rene - I can't tell you just how proud I am of the three of you! You always keep going, even when something messes you up. I know it's frustrating and hard, but you just get back in gear and get it done. You are amazing ladies!

Ok off to get my rear in gear! Catch you all later!