"Watching paint dry" LOL!

Hey Sweeby, still here. My weight loss has stalled a bit. Only 2 pounds lost this month. Probably has to do with menopause finally making it's appearance. My diet program was allowing lots of calories earlier this month, but now it's cut me back to under 1400 a day. When the weight loss kicks in again, I'm sure I'll get to eat more. In the meantime, still watching my diet, still biking. I feel thinner at least.

Well, my weight is down to a 20 year low. Only cause I've had a GI bug for the last 4 days. This spring has been my body's time to be ill - I went decades taking only a couple sick days. Never got sick. First respiratory thing last month, now this. Sheesh. Enough already.

Meals continue to be at the table. Yay. Almost 2 weeks now. And DH is finally "getting it" - said something last night about it feeling better this way.

Gibby and Sweeby - your reconnecting with friends is a good thing. This morning's paper cited a recent Duke study that most people have no one to confide in...we are getting too isolated and withdrawn. Excellent MoJo theme to buck that trend. I will commit to at least one reach out this week. Anybody else in?

Ahh, voices in the wilderness... :-), sweeby.

Celticmoon, hope you feel better soon. I saw that article, too and was saddened. With all the new communications tools people feel more alone. I see people on their cells, talking with people they already know and not interacting with the people around them- I wonder if this contributed to the change?

I'm certainly in for reaching out more. Gibby, I hear you about friends being busy with family. The sort of natural interactions through, school, extracurricular events. etc aren't there when you don't have children. I just have to work harder... Sigh.

News, I'm at a new low weight this morning. The gym is paying off in stress reduction and losing inches. I need to take in some clothes- hot weather arrived with a vengeance and all my stuff from last summer is too big. (That is not a complaint!)

I'm going away for part of the long 4th of July weekend. I am not taking anything work related with me. A many year first.

Good to hear from everybody.
Naya

Hi everyone,

Nothing much is going on with me - I'm pretty much in the groove with my exercise routine. I'm getting a new tennis racket so I can add that to my exercise options. Today I went for another one hour kayak trip - paddling hard so I can count it as my exercise for the day. It was awesome. Also went sailing today - not a whole lot of exercise involved in that but it was sure fun. Had some fun inlaws over for dinner at our lake cabin on Saturday. DH grew up going to the lake in the summer with aunts/uncles/cousins. Now several of us all have places on this same lake where his family has been since the 30's. It's quite fun - and a great means to get friends and family together when you otherwise wouldn't think to do that.

Naya - you sure sound alot like me. I usually take several days off around th 4th of July - rarely a whole week though. I'm taking Mon-Wed off - thought I may not be able to take Weds but I'm going to. One of the gentlemen who came over for dinner was kind of joking about what it was like when he retired. He thought someone would call and ask him about things at the office after he left and nothing - no one called about a thing. It was a great message - we think we're so important at work that they can't get along without us - but they can. That clinched it for me - I'm taking Weds off!!

Glad to hear from you all awm, celtic, sweeby.....

Hi everybody! I've lost a few more pounds, for the worst of reasons: I've had a foot infection, and the illness and medications made me lose my appetite. After a week of bed rest at home, I was hospitalized for a few days of IV antibiotics. Now I'm back home, still on bed rest, so I can't sit at the computer for very long. I miss you guys!!

Fortunately, I wasn't in too much pain. It really wasn't so bad to have a long bed rest, complete with meals, TV, flowers, books, and sponge baths! The nurses were wonderfully kind, patient, and helpful. My roommate was a very sweet woman with medical problems that were far more serious than mine, so that put my own problems into perspective. I gave her some emotional support when she had to decide whether to undergo an emergency operation, and we became good friends. If it wasn't for the needles and the interrupted sleep, I would have called it a great experience!

I've just skimmed through the last few entries on this thread. It sounds like some of you are making amazing progress! Inside every sedentary overweight person is an athlete trying to get out! :-)

Celticmoon, I hope you're feeling much better by now.

For those of us who are going through trying times and setbacks: hang in there! Treading water is better than sinking!

Sue

Oh Sue, that sounds awful. Not MRSA, I hope. How long before they let you up and around?

Me, I'm good now. GI bug finally left after 5 days. I feel much better. Tackling stripping and restaining our deck. That's new for me. Big job. Big deck (650 sf). I've decided it counts as exercise. Ow.

Still eating at the table. Well, except once when I was so tired from the bug I sent DH for Chinese and we ate on the couch. He ate. I picked.

Did touch base with two friends. I confess they called me, but that counts, right? I will call another. I think I tend to be too isolated.

Naya, have a good weekend. Gibby, once around the lake for us. How are the rest of you?

Is the group dwindling - or is everyone off working on their mojo? claire, fly, mariposa, pirula, robin, neverdone, namabafo??? What are you all up to?

Gibby, I'm here. I haven't been checking in since my progress hasn't been very good. I'm back on the treadmill (last night) after a hiatus (20 days). I know this because I keep a journal and know how long it's been... My weight is creeping back up; not by much but it isn't going the other direction!

I'm finally ready to move off the plateau. I wasn't, but now I am. I've been having some hip pain, thinking I was giving it a rest, but am thinking now that I'm having it because I haven't been exercising. I've also noticed my resting heart rate is faster than it was, and that absolutely needs to change. I've been feeling like a total blob, and need endorphins!

Heading to the kitchen now to make a platter of healthy foods with protein for grazing on, and will jump on the treadmill after that. I really didn't want to post again until I'd finally made some progress, but I guess the progress is to begin again. One good thing I noticed last night during my ''walk'' is that I really like my exercise room and was glad to get ''reacquainted''. At least that's positive!

I keep wondering why it is, that when you seem to be doing well, the effort doesn't always sustain itself? The small, continual weight loss was satisfying, but when I got stuck I lost interest. Am I sabotaging myself so I can see a big difference for a big rush when I begin again?

I'm here too, just a bit embarrassed by having written so much earlier so I'm trying to keep a lower profile.

Still here too. Has anybody done step aerobics? Thinking about getting a step bench just for a change in routine. Also, the Tour de France starts Saturday, & watching the riders burn off 6000 cals a day while I'm sitting on my butt makes me feel guilty! So I thought step aerobics would be nice to do while watching. My elliptical trainer is in the basement with the crummy TV, & it's too cumbersome to bring upstairs by the good TV. How hard on the knees are step work-outs?

How hard on the knees are step work-outs?

yikes...awm, as one who always has to take precautions, especially when stepping down, that would just completely freak me out. If you think it would work for you though, why not? I just had a hissy fit last week about there being too many things parked on the edges of our garage steps, so it would get cleaned up. I really want a hand rail, but have been using the door's handle instead. I have a big fear about tumbling down those brick steps and breaking something while DH is out of town. I wish my knees would hold me up better.

flyleft, I'm always happy to hear from you, verbose or not. Lift that profile please!

CdL, it's only a 4 inch step. Anything higher than that would affect the aging knees for sure!

The boys have some hand weights too. Hmmm, this is sounding better & better. Wish the car weren't in the shop today. Why is it I only get the urge to shop when I can't get out?

Gee fly - if quantity of writing warrants embarassment it is certainly some of the rest of us who should be hanging our heads in shame - not you!! Good to hear from you!

Well o.k., then, I'll raise my profile just a little to tell you it's getting slimmer :)

I've officially joined the baggy pants club! In fact this week I just bought my first pair of thinner capris because my pants were *insufferably* baggy! :) I think I've actually lost more than what it says now, because it's been hot and I've been holding onto every drop of water I consume, so when the heat breaks (it's started to already), I'll be in even better shape.

And ready for some "awwww" news: my DH has decided, and I can't stop him, to stop drinking Starbucks at work so that I can join the health club at his workplace that has the chlorine-free pool and swim whenever I want...he's not going to join because swimming isn't his thing, so he arranged with them to let me be the "primary member" so I can join at the lower rate and swim to my hearts content, without chlorine or public pool kids' accidents or anything. He says that seeing me get to swim makes him happy, esp. because since I've become a SAHM, I just can't get out to do exercise like he gets to every day, and like he knows I used to love to do. I'm SO excited--they also have a great whirlpool, sauna, and steam room (I use the whirlpool and sauna mostly).

So there's a mojo-workin' update :)

Oh, Good for You flyleft! (And good for him too.) Looks like you might be havin' some fun while you're at it...

I'm wearing my baggiest pants today. I wish the darn things would fall off...but not in a public place.

Hi ladies!

I have not fallen off the face off the earth. But instead of the "baggy pants club", I am more like the "losing slower than molasses club!" I am down about 8-9 pounds, but have not been religiously watching my intake. Love all the fresh fruits & veggies, but along with summer also comes potato salad, pasta salad,....eeeeek!

I have been checking in here every few days, and you ladies are truly inpirational. I guess I have felt a little intimidated because don't have great results to report.... I do have you all to thank for keeping me conscious of my eating. I feel like I am staying in control, but do not have the ambition to buckle down right now. Does that make any sense??

Sue - so sorry to hear about your hospitalization. I'm sending hugs for a speedy recuperation :)

Keep up the great work everyone! Tomorrow I am off to our cottage til Wednesday for the holiday. I love this time of year because I am a firework freak!! I will be checking in when I come back. Have a safe & happy 4th everyone!

i'm back!

haven't been on the computer much, as we've had some sunny days and we've been in the pool!

I haven't lost a pound since I got on the train...maybe even gained...but I am in the best phsyical shape I've been in in years...

I had another competition last Sat and pulled off 4 more PRs...some only by inches, but one by over 2 feet (throwing the 14lb weight for distance)...

My eating habits are getting worse rather than better...I try to wait for dh to come home before having supper, but he generally doesn't get home until 7 and that is too late for the kids, and me! So we are starving at 5 and grab some quick snacks like crackers...so I fill up and then still eat a full meal when dh gets home..

SOmetimes I wonder if my digestion has changed completely since I was younger...it feels so sluggish sometimes...

I'm really sick of food. and always coming up with meals for everyone, when they are really picky...my 13 yo is driving me crazy. In an attempt to get him to eat more foods, I've involved him in shopping--he says he'll try X so we buy it and then he decides he doesn't want it when I make it...or he eats X and *loves* it and then never will eat it again...

We've stocked up on fish (TJs flash frozen) but dd would eat it every night if I let her...she's 5 and shouldn't eat much of the fish she loves--tuna, etc...due to the heavy metals...

ok, enough whining!

I have one more competiton on July 15 before I leave for Scotland on the 19th. This is the first time leaving the kids for more than 1 or 2 nights...eek. I am busy getting everything ready and thinking of *every* contingency....and back up plans for the kids...we'll be out of the country for 8 days! Looking forward to some serious reconnection with dh--our 15th anniversary is in Nov, and we'll have been together for 20 years in Jan.

I'm glad to hear of all your successes--flyleft, claire...

Sue sorry to hear about your foot--heal quick!

Sue, how on earth did your foot get infected? Are you on crutches now or can you walk on it? Hope you are feeling a lot better today.

Thanks, everyone, for your concern and good wishes! The infection was Staph, but not MRSA, thank goodness! (MRSA is the kind that is resistant to most antibiotics.) I don't know exactly how the abscess got started, but I've had these infections a couple times in the past (the last one was 10 years ago), usually as a huge blister between my toes. I have venous stasis disease, so poor circulation is probably a major factor.

Anyway, my foot is still swollen, but less so than before. I can now wear a slipper. I'm supposed to keep my foot elevated, and the antibiotics make me sleepy, so I spend a lot of time in bed with my foot propped up on a sofa pillow. I'm a lady of leisure! I even have a box of "bonbons," which were sent to me at the hospital---soooo tempting, but I'm trying not to give in.

My DD, who lives across the country from me, is coming to my city on business next weekend, so she's going to stay with us on Thursday and Sunday nights, and my DS will join us for dinner, too. Normally, I would already be cooking and cleaning by now, but this time, I just need to take it easy and let the chips fall where they may. My kids already know (all too well!) that their mom is not the perfect housekeeper and cook. I'll keep it simple--maybe Chinese takeout one night.

On the bright side, although I'm not really qualified to join the Baggy Pants Club yet, some of my clothes that were too tight 3 months ago are fitting me now! If I can only shrink the spare tire around my middle, my clothes will look so much better.

Funny thing: I can't WAIT to get back to my daily walks!

Have a great Fourth, everyone!

Sue

mtnester/Sue, I'm so glad to hear it's getting better. It's amazing how those infections can just come alive. They don't need an exterior cause like a cut, sometimes :(. I discovered I have some strange fragile-woodland-flower-type of circulation-related ailment too--discovered them because I got infected blood blisters on my feet this winter. YUCK! (TMI, possibly, we're all friends here, right?)

Are you doing anything like those compressive hose or even compressive inflating wraps around your leg? To get the blood flowing again? Or is that *not* recommended?

And can you (if you want :)) maybe do some arm exercises or tummy exercises, just to minimize the loss of muscle tone from the bed restriction...?

Hoping you'll be back and walking asap (look into that wonderful Leslie Sansone for an easy introduction back into it :))

Flyleft, yes, that's the strange thing: it just seems to pop up out of nowhere! I didn't have any cuts or broken skin, that I know of---it just started feeling swollen one day, and my foot was hot and red. One of the hospital docs advised me to see a vascular specialist when this thing subsides. I did see one, 10 years ago, and he advised Jobst stockings, but I couldn't tolerate them. However, I wore the kind of support hose you can buy in the supermarket until...come to think of it...I retired last fall, and didn't need to wear skirts, so I stopped. Maybe I should start wearing the support hose under my pants, though. Fortunately, I didn't need compressive wraps in the hospital.

I've been doing my PT exercises for my back and ab muscles. Will check into Leslie Sansone--thanks for the recommendation!

awm, I forgot to answer you: I'm not on crutches. I've been limping/hobbling around, and now I can walk more or less normally, except that my foot won't fit into a shoe. Ah, someday, life will return to "normal." I just hope I'll appreciate all those normal things, like walking outdoors, that I used to take for granted!

Namabafo, are you competing in the Highland Games in Scotland, or just going there for a vacation? Sorry if I missed this earlier. I'm in awe of your strength! Imagine! You can throw tree trunks around, and I have trouble carrying my laundry basket!

Neverdone, please don't ever be intimidated to come back and post to this thread! Nobody here is judgmental, and in case you haven't noticed, we've all had our occasional episodes of backsliding and temptations. Life happens. The great thing about this group is that it motivates us to "get back on the horse" and renew our commitment and efforts. And, as a Mom, I can't help advising you to be careful with those fireworks!

Sue

Oooh, the step aerobics are going to be a great supplement. After 15 minutes I'm sweating & huffing & puffing.

Down to 164.5 lbs. today after having stalled in June in the 169-167 range. When I get down to 164, my BMI will be in the normal range. It's mind boggling, considering it was in the obese range last January. Starting to feel lithe...

Happy 4th everyone!

awm--way to go!

flyleft--yay on the the skinny capris!

sue--glad to hear the foot is healing up--

and yes, I *am* competing in Scotland at the Inverness Highland Games. They are host to the Masters World Championships this year--first time they have been held outside of the US. In Scotland, it is almost exclusively young guys that compete--I don't even think women compete much at all. I guess a few old Scottish guys are dusting off their cleats and joining us. I am one of 5 women, all from the US, ranging in age from 40-61. (I'm 42) There are at least 70 men competing, too. I'll link to some pictures below of my last competition.

first pic is of 28lb weight over bar. I am :: this close to getting 11 feet, but have only cleared 10 so far.

second 2 are caber--this one is about 14' long and 45 lbs--I haven't turned one yet, but I am getting better at picking them up and not dropping them all the time...

4th is 16lb Scottish hammer

5th is all the women competing that day. I only beat the 17 year old (and not by that much!) I'm on the far right. The woman just next to me is the #1, the woman in bright blus shirt is #2 masters woman in the US. They throw things at least twice as far as I do...

sorry, don't mean to go on so, but I just love this sport and can't stop talking about it!!

Ohhh what cool pix! Thanks for sharing those, namabafo. You know, that does look like a fun way to do strength training. (And you get to wear those cute skirts at the same time!) You look so fit & healthy in your pictures. I'm so glad you shared the pix -- now I'm excited about your trip to Scotland. What an accomplishment! But I understand about leaving the kids.

Well, 4th of July was a 3100 calorie day for me (2 slices of great double crust blueberry pie on top of all the other cookout goodies). So I've got some work to do over the next week. Boy, that pie was good though!

Well, I've just been treading water for the past few weeks -- better than sinking, I guess, but NOT impressive... You guys have been great!

Namabafo - Those pictures are wonderful, and yes, it does look like fun! What a cool way to work out. Makes me want to throw a hammer...

And AWM - I'm with you on those summer goodies. It's that parties that have been getting me. Lots of wine (my favorite), and yesterday, some incredible green salsa (salsa's good, it's just the chips.) and blueberry cheesecake... But congratulations on breaking through your plateau.

Hope your foot's all better MTNester. It's tough staying fit whne it's your foot that's acting up!

And Fly - It's nice to hear from you again. Glad you're still with us! So how's that bathroom?

I'm back from my long weekend and happy to report I did very well with my eating. My biggest downfall was probably too many cocktails! I'm not normally much of a drinker, but sitting out on the patio in the beautiful weather called for cocktails!! We had lots of company, but I really had a good balance of activity and R&R.

namabafo - loved the pics! I am so envious that you are going to Scotland...be sure to share your pics. I can really relate to your problem with cooking with picky eaters. I like to cook, but hate coming up with what to make and shoppping for ingredients. DD has allergy issues with dairy products and DS will not eat any seafood (and isn't big on meat). Nothing can aggravate me faster than spending hours making a nice meal, only to have the kids turn up their noses at it....grrrr! Thankfully (and smartly), DH will happily eat anything I make!

Sue - Glad to hear your healing is going well. Enjoy your time with your kids! Did you say your DD is in Seattle? Also, just to let you know...we were not doing the fireworks. We have them in our city and can watch the show from our yard. It was great as usual. It was really cute, because my friend's son insisted that none of the mothers in the group were allowed to use the word "pretty" to describe the fireworks. It was funny listening to us trying to come up with alternate words because your natural reaction is to say "ooooh, that one was pretty!"

awm - Congrats on your great success. Lithe is a great way to feel!

Sweeby - You are entitled to tread water...you have done so well and should definitely be proud of yourself! I also have to say I am cracking up visualizing you out in your backyard throwing a hammer..LOL!! Just be sure you don't take down the neighbor's dog!!

Hope all is well with the rest of you. I'm going to be outside swimming today...LOVE this weather!

Hi everyone - I was gone for a few days over the 4th - holiday and a couple days of vacation. It was really nice to get away. But it's nice to be back and hear what everyone is up to!!

Congrats Fly on the thinner pants - that is a great feeling isn't it?

Sue - that infection thing sounds a bit scary!! Seems like it is a good idea to see the vascular specialist if that would help prevent this. YIKES!

namabafo - your feats are just amazing and I can't believe you're going to Scotland to compete - how cool is that!

neverdone - good to hear from you. Don't give up even though progress is slow - any efforts you are making are good for your overall health and well being.

sweeby - treading water is okay - sometimes I think you have to do that to stick with a lifestyle change long term.

Man, there are alot of temptations at this time of year aren't there? We went to our lake cabin over the 4th and there is all kinds of eating, drinking and socializing going on. I don't drink alcohol anymore so I spared myself all those calories but I drank way too much diet soda - in my opinion too much of that stuff is not exactly good for you. And I managed to continue to abstain from tortilla chips - though they were plentiful. I did gorge myself on some kind of fattening dip with pita chips - and I'm not sure how much better they are but they were definitely lower salt than other kinds of chips.

And then there were brownies, pie, ice cream.......I did manage to keep up with my exercise routine and I guess that's what prevented me from gaining any weight. I was really amazed as in the past I would have come home from a long holiday weekend like this with an extra five pounds.

I've been exercise biking, walking and kayaking. Haven't yet gotten my new tennis racket in action but hopefully this weekend. This coming weekend I am getting together with a former coworker - staying in touch with friends is my other mojo project along with living a healthier lifestyle.

Hope everyone had a great 4th and have a nice weekend coming up!

I am joining the baggy brigade! ((((YEAH ME)))))

I have lost lost lost heaps... but now my weight sits sits sits. Grrrrrrr!

I thought if I post my efforts it might motivate me.
I am on school break here, so I am resolved to walk twice a day instead of once a day. My plan is to shift my wide load into gear. I find that if the weight actually goes down (even an itty bitty bit) that motivates me enough to stay away from those sweet beckoning treats.

Today (so far): 1hr brisk walk, salad for lunch.

Em

Go Em... I did my second walk! (Just my 'standard' walk) which takes about 50 minutes.

Mid afternoon- small tub of unsweetened peaches.
Dinner- lean roast beef, pumpkin, carrots, heaps and heaps of broccoli and a handful of peas. Dessert was pears and small amount of low fat icecream (yes, I know- still high sugar!)

Welcome aboard Em! Two walks a day -- wow, that will really rev up your fitness. Good for you. How much weight have you lost?

How do you serve the pumpkin? I only know it as a pie filling, but as it's loaded with vitamin A, sounds like it would be a good veggie to add to the menu.

Low fat ice cream: not much of a calorie savings there, but every little bit helps. My husband thought he was doing me a favor by buying low fat pistachio ice cream -- something I can't resist. I managed to work a daily cup of it into my calorie budget, but it meant sacrificing healthier fare. Sugar free ice cream, on the other hand, is easier on the diet: 80 cals a 1/2 cup, & tastes great. Plus 3 grams of fiber (that's suspicious -- what's in it that you can't digest?) Flavor variety is limited.

I just found this thread today even though I've been lurking on THS for months. Thank goodness!

I'm working to improve in many areas. I *used to be* athletic, energetic, and much more organized. It took several years and two life-changing events to bring me down to a new level, and thankfully I began emerging from that low about a year ago after some therapy and a reconciliation with my DH. I am currently ~80 pounds above my "comfortable" weight where I used to feel healthy and happy with myself. There were several attempts to lose weight via WW over the past year, but I just hate counting points and meetings. I took good care of myself before on my own, and I'm trying to do it again.

I began a lifestyle change last Wednesday and so tomorrow will be 1 week. I've been on many, many diets in the past and I'm throwing them out the window. I am going to track my progress, but instead of it just being a weight tracker, I want to track other things like clothing size, BF measurement, and energy level in terms of my physical health. I also want to track progress in areas like relatinships, organizing, work, and taking care of my home. My goal is to get out of the danger zone in terms of my health and strive to improve areas of my life where I don't feel satisfied with my own efforts (work, organizing, parenting, marriage).

Forgot to mention I'm down to 164 now. My BMI is no longer in the Overweight range!!! At the beginning of the year, it was in the Obese range. This is so hard for me to believe...

67 minutes of lah-de-dah biking today: to the post office, the bank, the garden center, a loop around the lake, a loop around the neighborhood just to see what everybody's doing with their homes & gardens.

My new step aerobics DVD should come in the mail today.

Welcome Em and learn_as_I_go!

I had a wonderful 4th of July weekend at Asilomar (on the Pacific Coast just south of Monterey, California). I really love that place; so beautiful, gorgeous sunsets, it made walking such a pleasure. It was also conducive to talking with new people at the common breakfast table and at the 4th of July BBQ. I have to make time to go there more often.

I also went out to lunch with some of the members of my quilt guild on Saturday, so I'm doing OK on the social front.

I know I overdid it but not five pounds worth, I didn't think. Hmm, BBQ, lunch out... If I hadn't been walking, who knows what the scale would read. I'm very frustrated. Sigh.

Naya

Thanks awm!!!!
I have lost slightly more than 110lbs, and am finding the last 8 lbs really slow. In my dream laa laa land I would loose another 18lbs.

My goal for the school holidays- 4.5 lbs! Maybe unrealistic but I am aiming high.

Pumpkin is an absolute staple for me- heaps of Aussies eat it as a savoury food. Down under we peel it and chop it about 1/2 a potato size and roast it exactly like a potato. You can also boil it or microwave it (cut the same size as above). I don't eat potato, but if you do it is great mashed with potato.
I LOVE shepherds pie, so I boil 1/2 sweet potato (I think you call them yams?) and pumpkin- then mash (no butter) with a little salt and pepper and use instead of potato- YUMMY!
Small roast pumpkin is yummy in salad made with rocket and balsamic dressing. Chunks of cooked pumpkin can be added to a quiche dish. BTW- I went to my dads birthday and had a piece of pumpkin pie for the very first time ever! Yummy, but there won't be an encore any time soon- pastry is not my friend!

TODAY:
My standard walk x 2
Second walk begged me to make an excuse as it started raining- but I grabbed my rainbird and went anyway.

Food diary
Vegetmite and low fat cheese toast x2
apple (YUMMY! sweet and crisp)
small salad roll- lots of salad
fish with warm zucchini and spinach salad (sort of like a stir fry almost)
unsweetened stewed apple
trim low joule custard

Resisted: choc chip biscuits, licorice pieces, pikelets

I had a reasonable day Wednesday...
Only one 'standard' walk as I was catering a dinner for the inlaws and simply ran out of time. 2 hrs a day of walking is a big chunk of time!

Big resist of the day: MIL brought chocolate jaffa cake and I said "That looks so yummy, I'll save a piece for tomorrow, I am so full after dinner." (needless to say I won't eat it).

Today:
Keeping on healthy diet.
Have done a walk to local shops for some fruit and veg shopping- 45 minutes.
Weigh in: have lost 3lbs! (But I know how my weight goes, just as likely to magically reappear again tomorrow- but sure is a motivator!)

Help! I've fallen and I can't get up...
OK, I guess I can, but my determination is flagging, and the junk food is looking awfully good. (Despite having a kitchen full of fresh peaches, cherries and rasberries, my favorite fruits, all at the height of perfection.)

Em - Wow! What a perfect solution to your MIL's food-pushing -- a lovely way to accept-yet-refuse.

My new motto -- You can have potato chips or weight loss -- Pick ONE.

Oh yes you can get up, sweeby!

Is there something in the air? something that's weakening determination? Or perhaps there's something like "the Five Stages of Mo' Mojo"? Enthusiasm, Treading Water, Relapse, Rededication, Long Term Success!

I'm happy -- well, that's too strong-- relieved that three of the "5 of July" pounds have gone back from wherever they came from. I've been hitting the gym something fierce; my calf muscles are screaming at me even as I sit here. Luckily tomorrow is massage day.

Hey, where is everybody?

Naya

Hi Naya - I'm still here. Not much is going on. I'm still doing my 5x per week exercise but I've been slacking on my ball routine and I can tell the difference in how fit/trim I feel and look. I'm not sure I have been quite as good about not eating things that are bad for me but still pretty good - no junky, salty stuff and not as much chocolate as before but I had a cinnamon roll this morning at work. We have food to welcome new employees and I skipped breakfast in order to partake. I decided this didn't look too much worse than a bagel and maybe better than a deep fried donut.

Oh Sweeby - I'm so sorry to hear your mojo is draggin'. Do you allow yourself a small treat once in a while? I don't feel like I could stick to a generally healthy lifestyle unless I let myself indulge in a few unhealthy things once in a while. Does the hot weather have anything to do with your outlook? I know you were so active in the spring and it's gotta be beastly hot now - maybe that doesn't bother you like it does me. It's in the mid-90s here now and humid - yuck! I can't stand it and no walks for me until it cools off. The thing I tell myself to stick to my "program" is that I want to be healthy and able to do things as I get older. That is what is most important to me - not what I look like or what size I wear. I remind myself that I don't want to end up incapacitated due to poor health at an age when my mind still wants to do things. So when I want to grab a handfull of salty, high fat tortilla chips I ask myself: are those chips more important to you than being able to go for a walk when you're older? Nope - though I gotta say my mouth literally waters looking at a basket of chips. It's bizarre. I have to admit I have had about five chips since January 25 - just to see how they taste. One at a time though - that was it - too salty. Is there anything we can do to help you get 'er goin' again?

And welcome koala em and learn as I go. Koala - 110 lbs - holy cow!! You are quite an inspiration! Learn as I go - it sounds like you are undertaking many changes in your life. How are things going this week?

My diary:
Yesterday I managed the second walk- and boy was it a power walk as I was trying to keep up with DD13 on her skateboard! LOL!!! Still keeping junk free!

(((Sweeby))) keep strong! I hope this will help you motivate and get perspective:
One thing that has kept me going through my weight loss and new healthy lifestyle is that I think of weight loss like a long car journey.
Yes, the 'quickest' way to travel is to get in the car and zoom from A to B. BUT, you soon get fatigued, bored and tired- especially if it is a long journey. Everyone else in your car (the family) get sick of it and complain too.
Instead, sometimes when you pass through a town (an 'event' like the 4th of July, Christmas etc) you take a 'detour' through the town: it is part of the journey, you stop and look at a few of the local sites, get out and stretch your legs, you take a break.
YES, it takes longer to get from A to B, but it refreshes you, gives you a break and some fun! The important part is knowing when to stop the sightseeing (event/ temptation eating) and get back in the car (your diet) and keep driving (workouts) until the next town (event)! Some towns (events) have more sightseeing (eating temptations) than others- some towns you can drive right through, others (like Christmas) you might stay a night or two!
But remember, this town is not your destination, you still need to get back on the road to complete the A to B journey.
Destination: a healthy happy YOU!
So Sweeby, buy that last postcard, take the last snapshot and get back on your road!

Gibby: thanks, it was hard work. When I look back at (the minimal number) of old photos I am amazed at myself even. This is a good week, as I am on school holidays and can do more walks...
You use a fit ball? Do you find it tones well? I want to do something with my pathetic abs!

koala - yes fitness ball/balance ball/stability ball - whatever you want to call it. It is very, very good for the abs and the rest of the core/torso. I've never done anything previously that was so effective for this part of the body. I'm just having a hard time doing 40 mins of walking or stationary bike PLUS 40 minute ball routine after I get home from work - plus grocery shopping and whatever other errands and chores need to get done. I could do better on the weekends though.....

What a fabulous analogy Em! (And yours is truly an inspiring story.)

Well, yesterday, I ate only healthy foods. Fresh peaches, cherries, tomatos, a few nuts, fish and veggies. And it was good -- really good. DH bought a bag or chocolates and I hid it in his office, far from my pantry snack zone... I haven't walked in a while, but the rains have stopped for a bit, so I need to get back out there...

Sweeby - congratulations on your good day yesterday. WAY TO GO!!

And I second that on the analogy Em - that is very good!

Sweeby, see, you are already back on track.

Em, a belated welcome! Great analogy.

I've been reading but not posting. I've been unwell, and writing about that is tiresome. I think am finally in range of normal (but I said that a month ago). Very strange to have been so sick lately. I've always been healthy as a horse. Well, a horse with bad skin and teeth. LOL.

My new MoJo adventure is a figure drawing class I started last night. It's been over 30 years since I did any artwork. Wow, time flies....

Hope everyone is having a good summer.

Thanks celtic, sorry to hear you have been sick. Art class? That sounds so awesome. I love art. I have tried folkart painting and ceramics over recent years, but am currently hobbyless (according to DD13 kitchens are my hobby- perhaps she is right LOL!)

Sweeby- your on the road! You rock!!!!! Good for you!

My last day: 2 x 'standard' walk. Tried to pick up pace a bit and powerwalk/jog bits.
Food: On target
Weigh in: hovering lower (+ or - .2 of a kg)

Sat: (today)
Karate day: had an absolute muscle workout. At end of session DS14 flipped me onto the ground (no mat) and now my back is sore. But will still go walking.
The big excuse maker is the weather: it is POURING like a shower out there. In Australia it's winter so it's cold, wet and generally miserable day. But I will don my rainbord and go.

DIET: I will have to be careful this afternoon as a friend I haven't seen for ages has invited me for a catch up for AFTERNOON TEA!!! DANGER TIME!!! CAKE AND SWEETS ALERT!!! My plan is to refuse food and claim I had a late lunch and am too full. If really pushed I will choose one item (whatever looks healthiest) then cut it in half and eat it very very slowly, leaving some if possible.

Em

OK. I never come to conversations. I only check in at Kitchens to see if anyone needs comments on sink colors or faucet size. I may even chip in a bit with granite talk. I've missed all the Mojo. But I think I have a little bit of a clue with this thread. So, you guys can all see me through your computer screens right??? Do you really think the 40lbs I've put on in the last 10 years are unhealthful??? What about my heel problem? (plantar faciscia) If I really can't walk too far, should I still exercise? Do you think my arm flab hangs down too far, or is 3-4 inches still the norm? I get on a plane at the end of August to go visit my mom in Georgia. She already made an email weight comment after a photo I e'd her. (She is just like that, she's 85, and fortunately, I am not a particularly sensitive person.......) So I was wondering, do you think that I could get Mojo, Lose Mojo, re-acquire Mojo, or find a new recipe for Mojo, in 6 weeks? Should I??? Throw me a low-fat bone here.

p.s. I have also pulled (I don't bite) all my fingernails off down to the point where they barely exist. Is there a cure for that??? I used to have nice strong nails, and if they are not rough and short, I don't fool with them. I never see anything about this problem (addiction/anal/compulsive disorder/phenomonen/problem/etc) in anything written or on the net. Pharmacy has nothing for me. So........Mojo THAT if you can............

Red

Red,
I am a 'newbie' on this thread. But not to reclaiming my mojo! I hope you feel welcomed and reclaim RED!

((((((GO! GO! RED MOJO!!!!!!)))))

How do YOU feel about the weight you have gained? IS it compromising your health? Attempting to reclaim that healthy gal inside is only something you can do for YOU, and only when you are really ready.

If this is a path you want to explore, then #1 is see your GP first, they will be a great guide as to how and what changes will reignite your RED MOJO!

With pain problems walking can seem like a real chore- have you ever tried water based workouts- aerobics/ swimming? They may help as there is not the pressure and impact.

Oh... and on the arm flab thing... don't talk to me about that!! Whaaaaaaaa! : ( Mine are like empty PJ bags, or wings or some such. NO amount of muscle will fix them (well maybe Arnold Swarz size arms... but not sure if that's a good look on a short lady! hee hee hee)

As an ex nail biter and picker, I think it is definately a habit. Each time you catch yourself at your nails choose to stop, do something else to occupy your hands- I made a habit of painting nail strengthener each day. While I can grow may nails long (eg if I have an upcoming event) I choose to keep them a practical length-just past the tip of my finger. They annoy me less that length too.

I think a great MOJO activation method is a new hairstyle and a set of clothes- you can get off that plane and see your mum feeling good about yourself. There is more to being a great person than what you weigh and how long your nails are. Oh and to your mum- if she comments on your weight, say 'It's amazing how genetics play such a part in your chance for weight gain' and smile sweetly :)

Em

Ah, Red. Only a matter of time before our collective drew you in.

You are so MoJo! Totally spunky.

This thread is all about stretching that in whatever direction *you* want to go. Welcome!

PS: Lee press-on nails? Do they still exist?

Hey Celticmoon...
I loved the link you put on the "Italian man" thread. The wabi sabi concept.
I keep thinking about it... and how it contrasts with commercialism and the western push for artifical perfection.
Thanks for that link, I really appreciated it.

Em

hey mojo-gang!

welcome to em and redbazel.

celtic--glad you are feeling better...did you find out what it was? I am playing wait and see if I have Lyme disease as I pulled a deer tick off me 3 weeks ago. I've had the sweats since, but it could be this heat (or peri-menopause?) and some joint pain, but I've been working out so it could just be normal pain...

Had my last competition yesterday before I leave for Scotland on Wed...and I hurt my back!!!! I have no idea what I did--probably didn't stretch enough but it should be better by this weekend...funny thing is, it hurts when I sit too long, but didn't hurt at all while I was competing in my events!! I did manage to pull off 2 more PRs picking up a foot or so in the 13.8 lb stone and 3 feet in the heavy hammer (16 lb)

keep the mojo going and I'll "see" you all when I get back...

Well, this thread's about to top out, and we're still out here making progress. To use Em's analogy, I suspect many of us are getting a bit bored and antsy with the length of the ride. But hey - some of us have a long journey...

I'd like to lose another 17 pounds (well, 22 would be even better...) and improve my business management skills. I'd also like to take the initiative to call up a few friends with whom I'm in danger of losing touch. That'll be my next Mojo Challenge --

As CelticMoon pointed out -- This thread is not all about diet and exercise. It's about whatever we need it to be about to improve our places on this earth.

As the Mojo thread originator, I'd like to invite Koala-Em, one of our newest members (but HOW INSPIRING!) to start the next chapter. How about it Em? Got any more fabulous inspirational messages for us?