Need a motivating buddy to lose 50 pounds with by April 2007

[cardenas5usa]

Nighty night girls, I had the kiddos all bathed and in bed, and Luke just requested another PB&J sandwich so here I am waiting for him to finish up. Sleep well and see ya in the AM. Ash XOXO

[cardenas5usa]

I thought the same thing about Freedomland, I just didn't think it flowed well for me. The movie I couldn't think of the name was 'Notes on a Scandal.' About a teacher who has an affair with one of her students and then another teacher trying to become her best friend, another movie that was like two totally different shows in one. A

[cardenas5usa]

Good morning, got Maya off and now I am going to go to the gym. The night felt so short, like I just closed my eyes, hate that. Yeah but it is TGIF!!! Talk to ya girls later, Ash

[carbjunkie]

Hi girls..sorry I didn't post but I was so sick yesterday..still feel bad but not like yesterday. I was just falling asleep right now and M called and I told R (with my hands to shoo the phone away) but he said M said it was important but of course it wasn't..so I'm up now grumpy bcuz I was finally getting some sleep.

Anyway, can you believe I actually weighed myself this morning? How could I dare even think about that right? Well..4 lbs down but that doesn't mean anything to me. I ate pretty good yesterday I had a sm hamburger that R brought me home at lunch and then a quesadilla n tortilla soup for dinner.

Don't be so hard on yourself Jina..the weight will start to fall off. Thank you both for the well wishes. Talk to you soon.

Lots of love,
T.

[cardenas5usa]

Checking in before lunch, I am taking to kids to play. T 4 pounds down that is pretty good, but probably not worth being so sick, glad you feel a little better today. I didn't even bother weighing myself today. Since I am at my original goal I am just going to wait another week or two, get some good eating under my belt before I weigh again. I felt so good after going to the gym this morning! I actually came out of there feeling like I had missed exercising. It give me a good feeling since I am starting on the last 20 pounds I want to lose.

BBL, Ash

[cardenas5usa]

Quiet today, Just finished semi cleaning the playroom, at least now you can walk around in it, before we left we had just dumped a ton of stuff in there and all you could do was open the door and look in.

Getting ready to BBQ some salmon and a bacon wrapped filet mignon, we'll see how my solo bbq skills are after a long rainy winter,lol.....I may be eating charcol for dinner, haha.

Catch ya girls sometime tomarrow, have a good Friday night, Ash

[carbjunkie]

Hello A & J..I'm just peeking in..no good news..still pretty sick. J is coming to keep me company today so that will be nice. It's a cool day here in L.A. only gonna be around 75 so that's good.

I didn't eat very much yesterday but I did stay on track..had my eggwhites and fish for dinner..was actually feeling a little better but again this morning feeling crappy again

Ok..off to the couch (what a waste)

XOXO
T.

[Stelakate]

Kinda lonely in here Ash? Sorry. T was sick, I was busy and well, just busy. I am starting to get the picture here which raises so many more questions in my mind. I realize the eating is just about 10% of this battle, mentally it's really the other 90%. It takes so little to sustain us, even you two with bigger stomachs It's all about habit. What a fool I have been.

Last night we went to the park to watch a movie on a huge blow up screen (it rained so we left before the movie), they had kids activities and it was a cool night so we had fun. 5000 people turned out. I was on the freakin news at 10pm last night!!! How embarrassing, the guy picked out me and Stela (others were off doing face painting) and I was the one they showed. SO freakin embarrassed!!! Must have been the new hair do We have been out and about for eating and it's going ok. I am trying to stay busy, still taking time to rest, yesterday we were at the salon for almost 4 hours, so that was our break from Stela. Tonight we are having people over for a very low key night. It might be a challenge. I am totally going to want the chips, artichoke and spinich dip and bbq'd smoked sausage but that's ok. I will always want it.
I have been bending the rules to suit my sanity and as long as the 'pouch' cooperates, we're good. A tiny bite of this or that. I pay a lot of attention to labels now with a wider variety of foods...like I never knew yogurt had so much protein, so I like that a lot....granola bites and other things I can 'taste' have been good. I stick to soups and it's just about 1/4 cup over the meal time. That seems to do it and then I am totally fine. Don't get me wrong, I totally want to devour the sandwich Kate is eating or smelling brownies cooking is a battle but it's going to be ok.
When did we start restricting ourselves because we can't just have a little bit of something? I mean honestly should there really be any forbidden foods??? Just too limiting - seriously.
I am down the weight I was holding since surgery. Said 261 this morning which is what I was morning of surgery. Kate actually weighs 239 pounds, which is just......too much, but it's awesome and she looks great.
My stomach feels weird but it's getting better, I am trying to keep fiber on the list and tons of water sips through the day.
One thing I hope not to return to is drinking junk. If it's not an occasional alcoholic beverage than it's water. I feel better that way, for now at least.
Enough of that.
I'm sad you're still UTW T but it wont be long. Ashley, you are such a gourmet. I would love to pop in at your place around supper, I can just smell your house. Yummm. Good job on the workout, I am so glad it felt great! T-good job on the sicky loss, hope it stays down. As for me, I will go change my avatar---gonna start keeping track of these supposed dropping pounds.

[Stelakate]

Kate weighs 139 pounds. You two knew that!

[cardenas5usa]

That is so funny...I read '239' like 5 times to make sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me,lol, I thought damn, she looks good for 239, but I knew you ment 139, a number I can only dream about. To be in the 130's seems insane huh? That is how I felt about the 170's always, like it would be untouchable. Good for her though.

I hear ya about the 90% mental thing, we will always want, I think, that is who we are, but we can also be the people to overcome those wants to make better decisions, I hope. We are in it for the long haul of life, but agreed, no food should be off limits, bites, tastes, small portions, that's where it's at. Anyway, just rambling, loving that you are still hanging with us 'big pouched' people,lol, just kidding ;P

Just got back from the grocery store, while shopping I realized I was starving 3pm, and hadn't eaten since 10:30, so I broke down and bought one of those LC bars, which wasn't really that LC afterall, 26 carbs, only 1 fiber and like 13 sugar alcohols, but it filled the spot, better than chowing on pizza or something. Now I am putting down some serious water. Yesterday learned some facts about water. By the time we are thirsty, we are already down 1-2% of our total body water. And, 80% of our bodily water is in our head, no wonder ya get a serious headache when hungover, our brain probably looks like a raisin from loss of water. LOL.

Speaking of, I didn't finish typing up my journal of our trip yet, and I left off telling you guys about the party. Which as I said was good, and after our commitment of getting all the food cooked and out to the guests was done, we let loose. On each table, they had a bottle of tequila, so you know I had rep for us Gringas to show them that we too know how to drink!! LOL, I put down about 6-7 shots with E's younger brother and cousin (they were impressed) and then we hit the dance floor. We ripped it up dancing Salsa. All of E's family wanted to know how I learned to dance like a Chilango (people from Mex City.) Then at 2am we got back to his house and stayed up drinking till 6, big fat Coronas and tequilas with Squirt. I outlasted E's cousin but when I went to the bathroom sometime after going to bed, I passed out after standing up from the john, E heard me fall and came to wake me up,lol, I was so lucky I didn't hit my head on the corner of the shower wall. Oh what fun, and believe me, that morning we were NOISY, hehehe.

Okay, now I am off to go do some laundry, check back later tonight. Ash

[cardenas5usa]

Just checking in before bedtime. The kids and I were playing Wii, and I looked at the clock and couldn't believe it was almost 9 already, the days just go by too fast. For dinner I bbq'd burgers, had mine on lettuce, with all the fixin's. See ya girls in the morn, Ash toodles

[cardenas5usa]

Good morning! I love that it's Sunday and we still have another day off to come. Any plans for tomarrow? We are going to have a big bbq and have friends over. I am making dry rub ribs with diet Dr. Pepper bbq sauce and some juicy dry rub chicken thighs. Bought up a bunch of corn on the cob and am going to make salsa. Looking forward to kicking back with all them and some music.

Jina, anytime you want to drop by and eat, you are more than welcome, you too T, wouldn't that be fun if you did just ring the bell one day. I am glad you like reading about the food I make, but I just had a thought, maybe it is annoying for you to read about food right now since you are still doing mostly liquids. So how is it going today with the soups? When do you get to graduate to more solid food?

T how are you feeling today? I really hope by now you are much better!! How was your visit with J? I bet it made being sick more fun, if there is such a thing ;-D

Have a good day, I'll check in later. Ash

[Stelakate]

How's it going? Ashley, the tequila- so funny. Back in the day I could really tear em up, now it's like, one would do me in, and that's pre-pouch I am talking about. HEY, at least I have the smallest something in here-lol even if it is my stomach, which btw (thanks for asking) is going well. We shopped in Illinois today it's nice here, I was drooling over all the plants at Lowe's and cant wait to get started. Saw a Hibiscus tree I want to get (know I f'ed the spelling up) really pretty pink blooms with a rope like topiary trunk. Their flowers and plants and sod look fantastic. We have a few places that need sod. We have a blackberry patch and cherry tomatoes too in the back, Kate was looking more into that. It was nice, we went to Garfields a restaurant in the mall...it was ok. We shared the sampler platter mostly because I wanted to suck on a casadilla, LOL and it was weird spitting it into my napkin, not to mention gross but the protein shakes are just not cutting it anymore.

I am taking the smallest bites of dangerous things and, so far, so good. I know that might be bad but it's literally one tiny bite and then I am full. I can only seem to hold lots of liquid so the water just goes down great. I hate those LC bars, did you like it? Bought a box of Pria bars today, will tell you if they are good, Breanne says she likes them.

Kids were having fun at my Mom and Dad's today they were giving them rides in the wagon, they are all three getting so big.
SO, last night was a good time, we played Trivia Pursuit Pop Culture the DVD game....my team won (what else is new? LOL-J/k....Ok not really!!!)
The food and drinking was weird not to delve into but I did take a bite of spinich artichoke dip on a cracker that was the size of my thumb nail total....it was good, and that was good enough. I had water on the rocks w/ a slice of lemon in a fancy glass all night to make myself believe it was a fun cocktail....sigh. Big sigh.
On an up note the scale said 259 so that's coming down steadily and I will continue to be a psycho and look in the mornings. In a weird way, it keeps me going. Now I am on the downward slide. It makes me so empathize (SP?) w/ Kate so much more and has brought us closer in, that she went through so many hard times w/ food everyday to get where she is. LOL Ash about the #. It's the hardest change I have ever made but less than a week out I am already thinking I am glad I did it. Pretty good head on my shoulders, considering the loss of my BFF (FOOD!).
Alright, gotta go, T- you must have lounged all day w/ J. Hope you're 100% and enjoying a great holiday. Ashley, we are doing the cookout thing tomorrow too, your's sounds great as usual. YUM.
Talk later chicas.

[carbjunkie]

Hi girls..thanks for thinking of me..I was feeling sick yesterday but J came over and she got me off the couch. We sat in the spa tub for 2 hrs and had a glass of wine (got the poisons out) so I felt a little better. We stayed up late laughing and playing some music in my room. This morning I still feel utw as Jina put it..so I am still not ok. J had to go on the walk without me this morning cuz I couldn't do it. We just finished lunch..2 chicken tacos w/salsa.

J your body is adjusting..you know to give it some time. Ash..I know I'd eat great at your house..and low cal too

love u girls
talk to you in a while
T.

[cardenas5usa]

Hey hey hey, so glad to see that you are feeling better today T! And Jina, that is awesome that the scale is down, I so know how when yo see a smaller number it gives you the BIGGGGGGGEST boost to keep going. LOL about your fake fancy cocktail, but hey, it worked, and it won't be long till you can have a real one, once in awhile, wink wink. I am so amazed by the fact that you can take a bite of something and be full, that must such a strange/interesting/exciting thing.

I am bored today, nothing to do it seems. I BBL, Ash

[carbjunkie]

I just woke from a nap..J went to dinner with another friend around here and she'll be back in the morning. How are you girls doing?..having too much fun to be in here I see.

I ate a bowl of watermelon for dinner..was really good. I feel like some ice cream but am afraid it will bother my stomach so I won't.

It was a mellow day here..the weekend is flying by.

How are you feeling Jina?

[Stelakate]

The weekend is leaving too quickly which means I go back to work very soon, oh how busy we'll be that next day after a holiday - I hope I am up for it, feel more like taking a few more days off - just cuz. That won't happen. Hung some new patio lights up tonight they are round balls bought from, where else, Target. Very cute. I love those strands of lights in Olive Garden, reminds me of that....

The night was good, got rid of the old mulch and other debris in the front, preparing for the new plants and landscaping. It's expensive but it needs to be done.

SO glad to see you T. R too. Cute pic. Glad you feel much better.
I am realizing I never even took Tylenol today for any hint of pain or headache. That's the way (uh-huh, uh-huh) I like it (uh-huh, uh-huh)! The kids made smores in our little fire pit and Breanne and Kristy took a walk in the neighborhood. Just a normal day, realizing I don't have any graduation parties to go to this year thank GAWD!
Well tootsie rolls, I should jump in the shower, it's been a while (not for the shower) since Kate and I were able to...clearing my throat....you know.
Love and hugs and MWAH kisses.

*Iowa Girl.

[Stelakate]

Tomorrow I will take a pic of the new hair, I do love it! AND, I seriously hope that song is stuck in your heads too. Winky Winky....

[carbjunkie]

Good morning girls..still not feeling so well but I am up and around bcuz I have to. We are gonna hang out today and do what we do best..bbq and have a couple drinks..well, if I'm up to it but anyway..

It seems too early for you to go back to work..bummer. I'm glad to see you are doing ok J..makes me feel good.

Where are you busy Ash?

T.

[Stelakate]

Ladies. How you doin? I am feeling great! Went to the office and cleaned, well, Kate did the dirty work-but it was weird being back...all too familiar that tomorrow is going to get on my nerves just by the patients I see coming in. Rolling eyes. Rebecca was over at the party on Saturday and said my patient's were 'jockin' me already and wondering why I would have taken "ANOTHER VACATION, ALREADY??" UGH.
Little do they know, right? Yah, little is the key word, they won't! We shopped after that. Pier One had a great sale, spent too much but it was fun. My landscaping.....hmmm...what about that? I need to do it. It's been so freakin rainy all weekend on and off then it get's totally muggggggy after the sun comes out.

On a very exciting up note, I weighed in at work because I had a feeling even w/ a new battery my retarded scale was not working (or so I hoped!)! I weighed 253. HOW fun, right? Yep I said FUN! From now on the scale will be known as my BFF. Wink.
I am happy to know the water, walking and super mini meals are the key to kicking ass through those dreaded 50's. I seem to get stuck in them forever.
Well, I have some downloads to put on my Mp3 so I will be seeing ya.
What 5 CD's could you listen to over and over, or, what are your top fave songs??!?!??!
I'll think on it and get back to you.

BTW!!! Very exciting. There is a show starting tonight called Big Medicine. It's about these Dr.s and their Gastric Bypass patients. SOOO psyched to watch. It's on at 9 here. Check it out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yah T, back to work. Sucky but it needs to be done.
Ash, hope your having a great day.
Happy BBQ's to you both. Speaking of BBQ's last night at Midnight Kate and I were laying in bed watching the Food Network stars in South Beach. Paula Deen, Bobby Flay and others were tearing it UP w/ some grillin. I was DYING, we were laughing so hard at ourselves, two gastric bypassers laying in bed watching FOOD NETWORK. Man, they grilled a pineapple length wise over the grill and made this pork tenderloin w/ coconut milk and lime and cilantro and ginger....OMG, talk about MOUTH WATERING!
We'll chat later lovelies.

[carbjunkie]

I love 4 in the morning by Gwen..no other track is taking my heart right now...we have been sitting by the pool listening to music..nice day in L.A. hangin with good friend..notice not plural

We're ordering Pizza Hut..yep..only 2 slices each but that's what's on the din menu.

Ok..will peek in one more time before bedtime.

Lots and lots of love,

T.

[cardenas5usa]

Helllo my ladies, just a quick note since I haven't checked in all day, it was so busy and so much fun today! We went to the park with a bunch of girlfriends and kids and had an impromptu (f'ed that up fo sure :-) bbq, so much fun to girl talk, had been way too long, all were wanting the recipe for weight loss, still can't believe there are people saying that. Then got home to have bbq'd ribs, chicken, carne asada, corn on the cob, tortillas (didn't have any, they don't compare to Mex) and 2 whole beers and a tequila, I am a little buzzed, so please excuse the typos. Hope you girls had an awesome holiday! It was perfect weathere today, 75 and blue, a little cool n the morning though.

Hey Jina, did you call today and leave a message, I played my messages when I got home but couldn't hear cause people were talking, and then somhoe all of them got erased, I thought I heard your voice, but not sure. Anyway, much love to you both, talk tomarrow, xoxoxoxoxoxoxox Ash

[cardenas5usa]

Ok just read your post Jina, that is so funny about you 2 watching food net, sounds like good food though they showed! I am so pysched that the scale was down to 253 already,wow!!! Yipee!!! Skippy!!! do a little dance for ya, you are going to be in the 40's next time you weigh!! I'll thin on the songs and get back to ya! Ash

[cardenas5usa]

Morning! Couldn't sleep past 5 this morning, so I went to the gym to get it out of the way. Have lots to do today. Duh, I forgot to tell you, my BIL arrived yesterday!! Big surprise, we knew he was going to come soon, but had no idea that he would be here this soon, we thought it would be drawn out since coming back is so scary and difficult. Anyway, I am cleaning the house quietly while everyone sleeps, and then am going to read a little. Ash :-)