Keeping It Lit

[Bejewelme]

You know T my BF that died took me, he was Italian, I am so glad he got there before he passed, then we went to England where his Mom was born and he met family he had never met, he was dead a year later, it was the best trip but sorrowful in many ways, I can barely stand to look at the pics anymore! It is worth the trip, someday you will be there!!!

Tony has never been and someday I want to go with him, his family is actually from Northern Italian my BF that died his family was form Naples but I really wanted to go to Venice, so we stayed up North, OMG my Blow dryer and curling iron blew out in Lake Como, you should have seen us asking for a blow dryer, LOL I looked for George Clooney, couldn't find him, LOL

I know the holidays are tough on so many levels, emotionally, physically the diet the exercise, go get all pampered and you will feel better to face the the next day, just chill!!

I get my hair cut tomorrow night and nails on Fri, I cant wait!

[inatic]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

Ileen I was all ready for Biggest Loser and caught his special, I love his voice,!!! It was a very nice special we enjoyed it!

Biggest Loser last night was probably the most inspiring episode ever!! They ran the marathon, 26.2 miles, the two people in their 60's finished the race together, took them 10 hours but they did it, I cried a river!!!! Can you belive that someone can lose 178 pounds in 12 weeks, that is just crazy, crazy crazy, I cant imagine the workouts to lose that much, the people look amazing and the level of fitness they can bring in 3 months, that show really gets to me, I love that Dolvett the new trainer, he is so inspiring with that big smile, I want him to train me, LOL

I caught some of that show too. Impressive and definitely tear jerky. While i dont approve of their method, im thilled that many do regain their health.

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Ileen, you know what, you'd think that being a jazz fan I'd like Michael Buble, but I actually don't like him. Go figure. I know a lot of people who do, but for some reason he doesn't do it for me. So we agree on that.

But I do love a good holiday music/program. Sounds like I missed a good one. I spent the evening decorating the tree with family instead...Christmas jazz playing in the background, of course! Lots of bold red this year...makes me smile.

Hope your headache is better. I've had a nasty sore throat the past couple of days which plagues me also. It hurts to swallow, and that's interfering with my usual water consumption. Can't have THAT!

Cold, rainy, dreary here today...so that doesn't help any. Hoping you have a good evening and feel like yourself again soon.

Headache is much better. My Chiro?A.R.T release doc fixed it/pressure and did some other adjustments. That was the extent of my pampering lol.

Im sorry you've been sick.. Sore throats like that are aweful! Sure you dont have strep?

[inatic]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Today has been a better day for me.

Emotions this time of year do me in. Enough said.

Today is much better, and that's what I'm focusing on.

Headed to have my hair trimmed in a few minutes. Maybe a pedicure or some pampering would help lift my spirits. Pretty bold/deep red ... that should do it for a Christmas touch----toes, of course. Not the hair.

Im glad you are pampering yourself.

[kmcentire]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Today has been a better day for me.

Emotions this time of year do me in. Enough said.

Today is much better, and that's what I'm focusing on.

Headed to have my hair trimmed in a few minutes. Maybe a pedicure or some pampering would help lift my spirits. Pretty bold/deep red ... that should do it for a Christmas touch----toes, of course. Not the hair.

So glad your day got better... hope that today is even better. With a new hair do and new nails maybe that helped! My DH does not do well at all during the holidays. He has already hit his holiday slump and I don't know what to do to help other than just pray and talk with him if he decides he wants to....

Some friends of ours daughter is moving to Italy with her DH who is stationed in Italy and guess what..... we will hopely get to go next year or at least before he gets transferred somewhere else! I can't wait.

Hope your sore throat is better.

And Illeen, glad your headache is better.

Both sore throats and headaches are the worst!!!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by kmcentire

Some friends of ours daughter is moving to Italy with her DH who is stationed in Italy and guess what..... we will hopely get to go next year or at least before he gets transferred somewhere else! I can't wait.

Hope your sore throat is better.

Suhweet.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

"...while visions of Frye boots danced in her head..."

Spice?

Sand?

Hmmmm......

[Bejewelme]

Have a good weekend T!!! Christmas is coming!!!

Tony turns 50 today, so big party tonight, gotta be careful, this keto thing is working, 203 today! Maybe tonight is considered the refeed? Its been a week, I dont want to mess this up!

[kmcentire]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

"...while visions of Frye boots danced in her head..."

Spice?

Sand?

Hmmmm......

Go for it!! You have been GOOD all year long!!!!

-Santa Claus

[Bejewelme]

Nancy Sinatra comes to mind, LOL

I love Dean Martin, I have listened to his Christmas CD for 5 hours over and over, My Gram loved him and I remember her playing his records all the time, he is making me feel good today!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by kmcentire

Go for it!! You have been GOOD all year long!!!!

-Santa Claus

Awwwww, shucks, Santa!

You're the BEST!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

Have a good weekend T!!! Christmas is coming!!!

Tony turns 50 today, so big party tonight, gotta be careful, this keto thing is working, 203 today! Maybe tonight is considered the refeed? Its been a week, I dont want to mess this up!

Congrats on the 203, Amber....stay vigilant ... even at his party...you'll have no regrets.

(I say this as I sip YUMMY Ergo and lick the bowl while making chocolate chip cookies....)

Cheers to all...and to all a good night!

NSN!

[Bejewelme]

I was so bad T, but I am counting that as my refeed, LOL Up 4 pounds of pure bloat and too much wine, LOL!!!! But Oh my we had fun, he got lots of funny gag gifts, and I gotta say my honey is one hunky 50 year old, LOL

I love the Santa!!!!

I am running today, I am going to try out the darn knee and do it, I need it after last night, I missed spinning class, so running it is, sending Tony to Costco so I don't have to walk by the sample ladies, LOL He is returning with the 7 pound chocolate cake for his daughters B-day tomorrow, so I must resist that cake! That cake is evil!!!!

[kmcentire]

Hey T. Just wondering where you were and making sure you are ok. I figure you are still super busy. I have been going to the gym and doing weights. I am following the Body for Life book and will incorporate the New Rules of Lifting for Women book when I get it.

Also, Illeen, hope you are fine.

[inatic]

Kristi

im doing great! Thank you for asking!

how do you like the bfl program?

Hi T and Amber!

[Bejewelme]

Hi Ileen, I am doing OK, busy as you know that time of year, looking forward to NYC this weekend, I am a crazy canal street shopper, LOL I love me some knock offs, LOL

Hope you are enjoying and getting ready!!!

Hi Kristi!!!!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by kmcentire

Hey T. Just wondering where you were and making sure you are ok. I figure you are still super busy. I have been going to the gym and doing weights. I am following the Body for Life book and will incorporate the New Rules of Lifting for Women book when I get it.

Also, Illeen, hope you are fine.

Hey, Kristi. Thanks for checking up on me. Glad to hear you're workin' it, girl! The BFL should be a good program for you.

Your time, hard work, commitment will be worth it....You're gonna love your new body!

[kmcentire]

Originally Posted by inatic

Kristi

im doing great! Thank you for asking!

how do you like the bfl program?

Hi T and Amber!

I am liking it. I have not been following the eating plan like a should....but I am doing the exercise plan to the best of my understanding. I searched for more clarification on the exercise plan, but was unsuccessful. But I usually do about 3-4 sets using the free weights and increase the weight with each set. I am doing a few machines as well. I am feeling good that I am actually doing the free weights at the gym. I am so self conscious about doing the exercises wrong, but I hope that I am not. I see people looking at me and I think they are probably laughing inside because I am doing it so wrong.... but I still continue on. I think I want definition, I want to be solid...not a marshmallow or a skinny run way model, so I try not to worry about the other people around me! I hope to get the book that T was telling me about in the near future. I wonder if the library would have it????

[kmcentire]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

Hey, Kristi. Thanks for checking up on me. Glad to hear you're workin' it, girl! The BFL should be a good program for you.

Your time, hard work, commitment will be worth it....You're gonna love your new body!

Where did you get a picture of my arm.......

[Bejewelme]

Oh Kristi silly that is my arm, LOL Man dont I wish!!!!!

Dont worry what others think, just do your thing! Maybe they think you look hot!!!! One thing I just dont care I make a spectacle of myself and just dont care, LOL

T- have a good weekend, we are off to NYC I cant wait this week was lousy at work and I am so looking forward to it, it will be insane the weekend before CHristmas, I ama country girl so I can take the city in small doses but Bobby loves it and the train ride up there, so I am looking forward to being with him!

I am taking a bunch of jewelry to hock so I hope I can home loaded, LOL

Have a good weekend girls!

[Linda1960]

Hi Everyone - I haven't posted on here in a while, but I lurk all the time, and read the posts, (which are always soooo inspiring!

I have been staying on plan, and following the diet very well! I have taken all of your suggestions, and continue to work out (HIIT cardio and heavy weights) and incorporate the activities as suggested by many of you. I just wanted to say thank you, because it seems to be working.

I got down into Onederland a few weeks ago , and have been holding steady. I was stuck at 198.6 for several weeks, but started noticing that I was shrinking in inches. So I tried on a pair of my Size 10 and Size 12 Jeans on, (that I have been trying to put on for months now), and they finally fit! I was so excited! The size 12's, which I couldn't even pull up over my hips....(they would get stuck at my thighs..........too tight to pull up), are actually fitting me comfortably, (no muffin top), and are almost too loose! That is soooo cool! Two weeks ago, at .6 of a pound lighter, those same jeans were not able to be zipped.........so it is DEFINITELY possible to lose NO WEIGHT, but still LOSE INCHES! My size 10's fit, and can be closed and zipped, but they are a little tight, showing too much muffin top for comfort. So I have a little more work before i can comfortably wear my size 10's.........but I'm still thrilled!

Unfortunately, I have not been working out the past couple of weeks as much as I was, (with all the holiday rushing around), but I have been on plan, and still try to get to the gym 3-4 times a week, minimum, (as opposed to 5-6 times a week). And it still shows that it works. After several weeks of staying at 198.6, I finally dropped 2 pounds, down to 196.6 this week...., so I am expecting my "shrinking" to stop, and the weight to start moving again. That seems to be how my body works.....I lose pounds, and then stall while my body catches up by shrinking in inches.......then the shrinking stops and the pounds start dropping again. Kinda crazy.....but THAT's MY BODY! I may be slow in the weight loss department, but at least I'm going in the right direction, in the long run!

Well, I just wanted to share that with you, and to say thank you to those of you who have been so helpful to me. I log on here constantly and lurk, (as I don't have much knowledge or inspiration to share with everyone usually ), but I figured this warranted a post and an expression of gratitude.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season; Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to all of you!

[inatic]

Linda!!!!!!!!!!
Totally awesome news!

you can lose FAT and the scale stay the same and you're a perfect example!! My coach always says, do you want a look or a scale wt..

[Bejewelme]

Linda- I am so glad you posted that!! I am hovering between 203-208 for months now due to bad eating, but can wear 12's now, I am eating here and there, drinking, cookies are disappearing, LOL But the working out has proved you can lose inches and maintain weight if the exercise is there, it is so liberating I have been bad until New Years then I am kicking it all up again, but let me tell you from a lifetime of struggling with weight, it is so liberating to think I can have a glass of wine or a cookie and not gain 10 pounds-- I blow up but it comes right back off, and I get right back on track not a free for all of eating--it is the best feeling in the world, I am heavier then when I left for Vegas, and couldn't squeeze into my 14's, a girl on here sent me 12's, and they fit, that is crazy but exercise is the answer!!!!
Dont be a lurker, join the party!!!!

Hi Ileen, hi T!!!!!!

I guess you girls are busy too!!!

Came home with $5500 from my jewels, that is my stomach surgery fund, now if the house doesn't sell by Spring I can still get it I am so happy!!!! Still not enough to get the sandbags, I mean boobs fixed but they can wait, LOL VS does a good job with them, the stomach just needs to go!! I can see line in my obliques, amazing!!!!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Linda1960

Hi Everyone - I haven't posted on here in a while, but I lurk all the time, and read the posts, (which are always soooo inspiring!

I have been staying on plan, and following the diet very well! I have taken all of your suggestions, and continue to work out (HIIT cardio and heavy weights) and incorporate the activities as suggested by many of you. I just wanted to say thank you, because it seems to be working.

I got down into Onederland a few weeks ago , and have been holding steady. I was stuck at 198.6 for several weeks, but started noticing that I was shrinking in inches. So I tried on a pair of my Size 10 and Size 12 Jeans on, (that I have been trying to put on for months now), and they finally fit! I was so excited! The size 12's, which I couldn't even pull up over my hips....(they would get stuck at my thighs..........too tight to pull up), are actually fitting me comfortably, (no muffin top), and are almost too loose! That is soooo cool! Two weeks ago, at .6 of a pound lighter, those same jeans were not able to be zipped.........so it is DEFINITELY possible to lose NO WEIGHT, but still LOSE INCHES! My size 10's fit, and can be closed and zipped, but they are a little tight, showing too much muffin top for comfort. So I have a little more work before i can comfortably wear my size 10's.........but I'm still thrilled!

Unfortunately, I have not been working out the past couple of weeks as much as I was, (with all the holiday rushing around), but I have been on plan, and still try to get to the gym 3-4 times a week, minimum, (as opposed to 5-6 times a week). And it still shows that it works. After several weeks of staying at 198.6, I finally dropped 2 pounds, down to 196.6 this week...., so I am expecting my "shrinking" to stop, and the weight to start moving again. That seems to be how my body works.....I lose pounds, and then stall while my body catches up by shrinking in inches.......then the shrinking stops and the pounds start dropping again. Kinda crazy.....but THAT's MY BODY! I may be slow in the weight loss department, but at least I'm going in the right direction, in the long run!

Well, I just wanted to share that with you, and to say thank you to those of you who have been so helpful to me. I log on here constantly and lurk, (as I don't have much knowledge or inspiration to share with everyone usually ), but I figured this warranted a post and an expression of gratitude.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season; Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to all of you!

Hi, Linda! Wow. I'm so very proud of you, and I know that doesn't BEGIN to touch the pride and confidence you must feel inside for your hard work and progress. Beautiful success story. You are definitely working your program, and now you know what sacrifices in time, effort and making the right choices can have on our ability to realize our dreams. It changes EVERYTHING. And what a WONDERFUL feeling, no? Wish I could give you a hug and a high five in person!

I've bolded the most IMPORTANT tips that you've shared with us, because it's so easy to lose sight of the finish line and get frustrated if we focus too much on a scale. This is further proof that scales are deceiving!

Holidays are difficult, but you're hanging in there...YOU GO, GIRL! It's fine to lurk, but please stop by often to give progress reports. I love reading about them, and the success of others can be the inspiration for for more people than you'll ever know.

Merry Christmas to you, Dear Friend.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

Linda- I am so glad you posted that!! I am hovering between 203-208 for months now due to bad eating, but can wear 12's now, I am eating here and there, drinking, cookies are disappearing, LOL But the working out has proved you can lose inches and maintain weight if the exercise is there, it is so liberating I have been bad until New Years then I am kicking it all up again, but let me tell you from a lifetime of struggling with weight, it is so liberating to think I can have a glass of wine or a cookie and not gain 10 pounds-- I blow up but it comes right back off, and I get right back on track not a free for all of eating--it is the best feeling in the world, I am heavier then when I left for Vegas, and couldn't squeeze into my 14's, a girl on here sent me 12's, and they fit, that is crazy but exercise is the answer!!!!
Dont be a lurker, join the party!!!
girls are busy too!!!

Came home with $5500 from my jewels, that is my stomach surgery fund, now if the house doesn't sell by Spring I can still get it I am so happy!!!! Still not enough to get the sandbags, I mean boobs fixed but they can wait, LOL VS does a good job with them, the stomach just needs to go!! I can see line in my obliques, amazing!!!!

Amber, I've been a bit AWOL, apologies. So glad to hear that you scored with your jewels adventure. Hoping that $ will serve you well later in the spring; I know how much this means to you.

I have to congratulate you on your discipline to regain control after a cheat, rather than throwing in the towel and STAYING off plan.

I'm way behind in reading your journal. I'll need to do better.

Hope you're enjoying the season.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

I'll need to catch up in my journal later this morning when I have more time.

I desperately need cardio this morning. It does wonders for the SOUL, the SPIRIT, the SENSES.

Until later...

[Bejewelme]

Things are crazy I am sure T, I am calm, my work stress was resolved yesterday I am counting the days til Fri, then off 10 days I am giddy!!!! LOL

I am sure you will be back on, but Merry Christmas!!!

[inatic]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

I'll need to catch up in my journal later this morning when I have more time.

I desperately need cardio this morning. It does wonders for the SOUL, the SPIRIT, the SENSES.

Until later...

You need some downtime!

(just dont over do cardio in your off season, it comes back to bite ya.)

************************************************** ************

I've been off from school since friday and dont work again til the 4th(if subbing, 5th reg teaching day)

[Gulf Coast Girl]

Happy Holiday, Twyla. You're looking amazing as always.

This is wordy but I really wanted to say thanks first and then if you don't mind I do have a question.

I've completed 17 sessions of 10 in 10 and am loving it. I doubt you remember me but I have a ton of health issues and due to severe inflammation had to recently switch to something less stressful on the joints. I had purchased the Callanetics DVD's shortly after joining here in '08 solely because of your endorsement of the program. At the time I never could get into it so they stayed in the closet until last month. I did it one time and actually paid attention to the instructions and form and all that good stuff and to my surprise fell in love with the stretching aspect of it. I would have done it again and again even if it never did anything for my body size/shape.

It really surprised me because I had been doing a lot of yoga and thought I was really stretched out. I was wrong.

I just really wanted to say thanks for being the inspiration for purchasing the DVD's. It took me 3 years to get around to actually using them but I am most definitely adding them to my list of best life purchases ever.

I do have a form type question though. Because of the inflammation and pain in my back/spine I struggle with bending the torso down in the standing leg work. So I was searching through those old really long Callanetics threads for modifications from you/Sandra/Ben/Agnes and came across this post from Sandra in response to your question:

http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/ex...l#post10177089

Now my question - when doing this as you're both describing - where should I be feeling it? (also I am very familiar with the PF stuff because I read through a lot of Sandra's posts before starting and I've been incorporating that into 10 in 10 from the beginning) I think what is confusing me is that when I round down over the legs it definitely feels different in the leg compared to when I don't round down. When rounded over the legs I feel a stretch almost from toes to hip which I don't feel to anywhere near the same degree when not rounding over. I'm using the back of a couch because I don't have a barre. Thanks so much for any insight you can share.

[Linda1960]

T: Thank you so much for the support and the congratulations you so graciously expressed! You're so sweet! I am very grateful to you and the others on these threads. It is such a struggle for me, since I lose weight so slowly, so I get extremely excited if I have one little success, or meet one mini goal... Thanks again!

Ileen: I just want to say thanks to you as well. You are always there to cheer us on, and inspire us as well! We are grateful for your support!

Bejewelme: Congratulations to you for showing such control; it is tough to go off plan, and then find your way back on. The strength and discipline that it takes is sometimes overwhelming! I give you credit for hanging in there and staying focused. Also, congrats on the smaller size you are now enjoying! It is amazing that you can shrink even though the scale won't budge...(or worse yet, seeing the scale go UP!!!!) But exercise REALLY DOES help your body pull in and seem tighter. So even if the scale doesn't budge, I keep going to the gym anyways. By the way, I see you just came home from Vegas.......Welcome Back! My daughter moved out there last June, (as she is a professional dancer and aerialist), and hopes to audition for the Cirque du Soleil Shows on the strip. She is actually in the Cirque Show for New Year's Eve at Mandalay Bay, but is waiting for auditions for the steady shows out there. Fingers crossed; she has a couple of auditions coming up. Did you see any shows while you were out there?

Well, best of luck everyone. Not sure if I will be posting till after Christmas, so in case I am too busy, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy (and hopefully Skinnier) New Year!!!!!!!!!!

[Bejewelme]

That is awesome about your daughter, I will keep my fingers crossed for her!!! I love the Cirque shows they are amazing, what a job that would be!!! You must be very proud, and I see you are in NY, good excuse to get away this winter! I would be nuts in Vegas, I love it there, the wedding was super busy with so many people there so no shows this time, we are planning a trip maybe in the summer with LCF!!!

I have my trainer scheduled 4 times while I am off, I will be kicking it hard, I am really not on any plan right now,and my plan come New Years might just be eat healthy like going forward and see what happens and see if it drops! I want to kick up the exercise a bit, so I like elements of many of the diets, it will be some combo I will track and see what happens!