Welcome butternut! I have had such a busy week too this week. I've been working on this monster, huge wedding cake this week http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1272309.html and I really haven't given a thought to what I'm eating or exercise. I know everyone has these kinds of weeks and I know that I will have more of them, but it's kind of discouraging. However, I learned so much doing this cake and I have to be thankful for that. Sometimes you just can't do it all, but I'm back on track as of yesterday afternoon! Go Chunky Monkeys!!
Hello Ladies!
Please bear with me - and correct me when necessary - as I am a forum virgin.
I am SO thrilled to have found this site and this forum! It is truly a double blessing for me.
I am 37 (for another month anyway), married for 13 years, and SAH mom to twins 2 yr olds. I have been overweight to some degree most all of my life. Particularly frustrating when you have a sister whose fat pants are a size 2!
I took the Wilton courses a few years ago and did a cake here and there while working part time at a women's fitness facility - yep, you read it right. Working there kept my weight relatively stable - still overweight but not gaining more - and I was at least exercising relatively regularly so I had some muscle. Then, about 18 months ago, my hubby and I adopted the twins, who had health issues and were lagging in development, and I quit work and decorating to stay at home with them.
The kids are doing well now and I'm back to decorating. I forgot how much I love it! What I don't love is the extra weight I've put on and the muscle tone I've lost.
So, after a bad mirror experience a few weeks ago, I started a new eating plan October 1st. I need to ditch 60-70 pounds.
If you will allow me the honor of joining you, I would LOVE to be a part of this phenomenal group and enjoy making the journey with you.
Thank you for "listening" and forgive me if I was too long-winded.
nanikins aka Stacy
Thank you for the welcome, butternut.
I have been reading threads since I found and registered on the site while looking for info on using cake dummies. I can tell that this is a community full of love - for the craft and fellow crafters. That's what inspired me to post!
I have "lost" weight in the past. I guess I've been treating it like losing my keys - I didn't really do it on (or with) purpose and I eventually end up finding it again - and then some. So I am going to try some new words this time.
Here are a couple of my faves so far:
expunge
eradicate
Any more ideas?
Thanks so much Mencked for the nice welcome. I so appreciate that!! Hey got a question for anyone who may know the answer. I had spaghetti for dinner tonight. I just took it out of the box and boiled it as usual. Then I looked on the box to see how many calories was in a serving. Well, it said that the serving size is 2 ounces which is 180 calories. Well, I weighed out 2 ounces of my cooked pasta and thought, there's no way this is an adult serving. My 1 year old grandson would eat more than that!! I ended up eating 6 ounces of the cooked spaghetti and was feeling really guilty but then something dawned on me. The cooked spaghetti would weigh more than the dry uncooked spaghetti, right? So now I'm thinking (hoping) that there wasn't as many calories as I had first feared it was in those 6 ounces of cooked spaghetti. Next time I'm going to weigh out 2 ounces of dry and cook that and see how much it weighs when it is cooked. But meantime I was wondering if anyone knows the calories in 2 ounces of dry compared to 2 ounces of cooked spaghetti noodles. Thanks guys.... I'm sooooo confused 
Welcome Butternut and Nanikins! If you haven't gotten a chance I would go back and read through this thread (maybe a page a day) because there are all kinds of information mixed with in it. And never be afraid to ask anything or offer advice or suggestions.
Butternut, I'm where you are. I lost some weight, have gained some back and I truely feel this is my time to really ditch it for good. 
As for your skettie question, pasta confuses me since the numbers don't always seem to match. I looked on a package we had here and it said Serving size 2oz Dry. So next time try measuring it when it is dry.
Just remember though, that what we are suppose to eat is not what most of us have been programed to eat. It's amazing when you look at 500 calories on your plate and realize how little food it looks like. Of course 500 calories of the right food can leave you full and satified. Probably more so than 500+ calories of the wrong food.
Nanikins, me and the mirror don't get along either. I'm hoping there is a day when I can look into it and not be so critical about my body. Funny thing is that in my house I only have one mirror that is actually full lenght. Everything else is shoulders up. What does that say about me?
Being a stay at home mom takes alot of time away from yourself, especially when you have children that have special needs. Make sure you take some time and focus on you as well.
In August I had a dare for the Chunky Monkeys. Since we have new Sisters I figured we could revisit this. For those that have just joined up take some time to think about the following question then answer it. For those that have already done it, remind yourself what you said. (Pages 6 & 7)
"I dare you (hehe) to post your goals for weight loss that have nothing to do with numbers on the scale. What do you hope to get out of losing weight, besides the actual weight. Maybe writting those things out can help those that are struggling (like me) find our motivation and remind us that this isn't just about a certain number."
I have another dare for everyone, and will post it soon. Until then here is a question for everyone...
Who here is not only keeping track of the scale but also so their measurements? Anyone taking pictures along the way?
If you haven't taken your measurements, why not? You can be dropping inches even when the scale is moving slowly.
Okay so I said I'd post another dare for everyone. Here it is. Do it if you wish to, but don't feel like you have to. This is just something I am doing for myself, but figured I would share...
While looking through different threads and sites on weight loss I have come across the Mayo Clinic's SMART goals for weight loss management. We all make goals while on this journey. SMART goals give you important things to consider when you make your goals.
The below is from the Mayo Clinics website: http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2005-mchi/3149.html
Set SMART Goals for Weight Management
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
ROCHESTER, Minn. âSet a goal to lose weight â20, 30, 40 pounds âand get busy.
It seems straightforward, but goal setting for weight loss isn't as simple as it may sound. If you set goals too high, you'll set yourself up for disappointment. If you don't identify goals, chances are nothing much will happen.
The November issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter outlines a goal-setting approach that supports successful weight management. It's called SMART âSpecific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Trackable.
Specific: âState exactly what you want to achieve, how you're going to do it and the time frame in which you want to achieve it. It's helpful to plan a series of small goals that build on each other instead of one big all-encompassing goal. A small goal might be to have at least one serving of fruit each day.
Measurable: âBe sure you can tell whether you've achieved a goal. If your goal is to walk 30 minutes a day, wear a watch while you walk to track the time.
Attainable: âAsk yourself whether the goal is reasonable. Are you allowing sufficient time and resources? Start slowly and work your way to larger goals. Better to succeed at one small change this week than try for too much, fail and quit.
Realistic: âSet goals within your capabilities, and consider your limitations. Is it realistic to plan to exercise two hours every day if you've never exercised that much before?
Trackable: âLook for ways to record your progress, such as a food journal or exercise log. Tracking your efforts helps keep you motivated.
Finally, focus on making performance goals rather than outcome goals. Performance goals âsuch as increasing your vegetable intake or walking a specific number of miles each week âhelp you achieve a healthy weight. Success is measured by your mastery of each activity. Outcome goals such as losing a specific amount of weight each week can lead to frustration and disappointment.
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If you want a little different take or maybe it's just a more detailed take on the Mayo Clinics SMART goals check out this blog. She posted each letter on different days so I'll link each of them.
http://blog.nutritiondata.com/dieting_weight_loss_blog/2008/01/smart-goals---1.html
http://blog.nutritiondata.com/dieting_weight_loss_blog/2008/01/smart-goals-2.html
http://blog.nutritiondata.com/dieting_weight_loss_blog/2008/01/smart-goals---3.html (not sure what happened to this one)
http://blog.nutritiondata.com/dieting_weight_loss_blog/2008/01/smart-goals-4.html
http://blog.nutritiondata.com/dieting_weight_loss_blog/2008/01/smart-goals---5.html
http://blog.nutritiondata.com/dieting_weight_loss_blog/2008/01/performance-goa.html
----- ----- ----- -----
Because the definitions they give for Measurable and Trackable felt the same to me, I decided to look at one of them slightly differently. This would be the same reason the blog above had Timeline instead of trackable because it was basically saying the same as measurable. When I used these to set my goal I used measurable ways to actually measure my weight loss, such as the scale and measurements. I am using trackable as ways to keep track of what I am doing, such as a work out journal. The 'timeline' seems to fit under Specific to me as well.
I'm in the process of typing mine up, and thought that maybe others would benefit from it. Something I have l realized is unless I put a clear plan in place I am not going to get anywhere. So I see doing the SMART goals as a part of my clear plan.
Okay I feel cheesy making a three posts back to back, but I just couldn't wait to share this.
I weighed this morning and I lost 3.5 pounds last week. Can you believe it? 3.5! This brings me to a total of 10.6 lbs lost and only 36 lbs away from my (current) goal weight.
I have 8 weeks until my 30th birthday and I'd love to lose another 10lbs before then placing me at 153. It's possible if I keep going at this rate!
I also got my mom to help me do my measurements again. It is a little less than a month, but I decided to go ahead and do them.
..........9/13..10/6.....In. Lost
Bust....43.....42........1
Waist..38.....36.5......1.5
Flab....39.....37.........2
Hips....48.....46.5......1.5
Thigh..26.....24.........2
Arm....15.....14.........1
In case you are wondering, the flab is the area above my waist. My waist dips quite a bit but I do have a flabby area that is thicker than my waist, above the top of my pants. I wanted to keep track of that part too, since it is one of the places I really hate on my body.
Anyway, I'm off to do my Happy Dance!
Hope everyone has had a good weekend and has a good start to their week. Remember to make some 'you time' for yourself this week, we all need it!
WOW!!! CONGRATULATIONS TexasSugar!!! That's quite a bit to lose in just one week.... I lost 2.4 this past week and thought that was pretty good but geeeez, you really did GREAT!!! Sounds to me like you are really going to reach your goal this time. I can hear the determination and the dedication........ You're gonna do it!!!!!!!
Sorry I'm late to welcoming you both butternut and nanikins! There is, as you know, really good information and lots of support here and beautiful ladies.
TS-how fabulous are you? I'm extremely proud of you and I am doing the "official" chunky monkey dance. Doesn't look too good with all the jiggling but I'm doing it!
butternut-way to go! 2.4 lbs is fantastic and I'm doing a dance for you too sister!
I hope everyone has a wonderful and healthy day!
Butternut, the number was a shock to me! Still not sure I believe it actually. Last week I lost 2.2 so that's 5.7 of the 10.6 in the last two weeks. I was very slow to lose weight in the beginning, so I just think it is catching up now.
Congrats on the 2.4. That is awesome!! We are on our way!
Kathy, thank you! Just remember, no matter how jiggly the happy dance is, it still burns calories. HeHe. 
TexasSugar - Thank you for the advice. I did read through the past pages and found a wealth of information and a whole lot of love. You are all truly wonderful ladies! A huge HURRAAAAAY! (picture jumping and arms waving - wait, you don't get motion sick do you?) for the 3.5 pounds you have officially disowned!! AND 9 inches!?! You are an inspiration (more dancing here)! I wonder if you having more that jiggles means you burn more calories....
Butternut - 2.4 pounds is SUPER (insert more calorie-burning happy dancing here)!
Lady Ellam - Thank you for the welcome! I am blessed to have found y'all.
Now as to TS's dare:
Non-scale related goals... Here are a few that come to mind right away -
1. To be fit/healthy enough to play with my children without chuffing like Thomas the train.
2. To shop in the "regular" sizes.
3. To banish granny panties and industrial bras for something more sexy. (Or at least something that matches. 
)
4. To give my hubby back the happy, frisky girl he married.
5. Most of all to learn to love myself and my life with gusto.
My first weigh in is Wednesday. I hope I can do as well butternut and TS.
Welcome to the new monkies.
As for the measurements. I track my weight. I have only sets of measurements and I try to get pictures ever 25 lbs lost. I haven't posted my 300lb pictures yet. I keep a blog somewhere else (www.obesityhelp.com/member/gamergates) but I don't want to lose the support here. I keep that blog and pictures and stuff mostly for my family that's tracking my progress with me.
I haven't done aerobics in 2 weeks or something ridiculous. I haven't ridden my bike in longer. Needless to say I'm CRAVING starbucks skinny latte. But I refuse to get one unless I ride my bike to get it. I was thinking I'd ride this afternoon, maybe before my class tonight. We'll see how that goes.
I finally got my sample cakes done that I wanted to work on, but now I have to redo the fondant cake since the first one is completely destroyed. And I wasn't that happy with it anyway. I teach the Wilton Fondant and Gumpaste class and the Course 3 class every other month so I'm constantly having to change out that board. But the fondant should go a little easier this time around.
I've decided to wait until my regular appointment with the surgeon to talk to him about my eating challenges. It sucks that 70% of the meals I eat I have issues with. If I take even one bite that is too big or not chewed well enough I can't eat anymore of the meal. I'm quite concerned about it because I've learned I can easily eat icing as empty calories but it's absolutely no nutrition benefit. My husband is annoyed because we have beans almost every meal and he's very very gassy. But beans, chili, etc are easy to chew, high in fiber, some protein and lower in carbs than mashed potatos or oatmeal.
Ok, that's enough babbling for now. Love you ladies and GOOO monkies.
Oh yes, I forgot to post my non scale related goals. First and foremost I would have to say
1. to be healthy which also means to reduce my risk of diabetes and to try to lower my bad cholesterol
2. to prove to myself that I can do this and I can MAINTAIN my weight once I reach my goal (you notice that I said WHEN I reach my goal, not IF I reach my goal.)
3. To be able to look at myself in the mirror and be happy with what I see instead of being disappointed in myself for allowing myself to gain so much weight.
I have always been the type of person who works hard to achieve the goals that I set for myself and I can't think of a time that I didn't achieve those goals with the exception of losing weight and keeping it off. I have let myself down on this. That stops here and now. There are so many things in life that I have no control over and those things I have to accept and deal with the best that I can. However, I do have control over my weight and I'm taking responsibility for that right now. No one else can lose this weight for me. I have to want to make this life style change and love myself enough to see it through. I'm tired of being disappointed in myself for letting something that I can control get out of hand like this. It is up to me, no one else can do it for me. It's time to take responsibility and get this done!!!!!!!!!
Sorry guys, once I get started it's hard to quit
Nanikins, I love this tread for the love and support it gives. Also the encouragement and accountablity. I'll tell ya'll a secret, this is the first thread I look for when I get online to see if anyone else has added anything. And sometimes it may be the only post I really read and reply to while on here. 
I so feel you on matching underwear. I want to be able to find a cute, sexy bra that doesn't look huge! And to have some cute, sexy undies that don't have buldges sticking out from the sides.
Deb, how long until you go back to the DR? I hate that you are having trouble eating still. Can you eat yogurt and scrambled eggs? They have proteins and don't require alot of chewing. Tell hubby if he doesn't like beans he can cook himself something different, or to get some Beano!
I hate making displays for the store because they always gets ruined, and sadly very fast. So annoying that people feel the need to trash things that don't even belong to them.
Butternut, I feel like you do. Its time I finish this once and for all and live the rest of my life with my healthy changes. I'm afraid if I don't do it now I never will and I will just keep gaining.
It sounds like you are in the best mind frame for doing it and keeping it off. It will take us time and will be something that we will always have to deal with in a way. I am so hoping my new eating habits become second nature so I don't have to stop and think about them as much as I do now.
You guys are so inspiring--I'm really struggling lately--and when this has happened to me in the past for some reason or another I tend to just revert to bad habits--you guys are helping me at least want to get back on track--I just need to get back to exercising but I've got another crazy busy week--of course I could be walking instead of typing, but I'm also cooking stuff for a breakfast and lunch I'm doing tomorrow and I'd hate to ruin that by forgetting about it and burning something!! Oh well--I'll do better, you guys are doing great!! Go Chunky Monkeys!!
Don't give up! Life happens. My last few weeks have been crazy and I have not walked near as much as I should have. I know it, and it is like tonight I sit here instead of getting out on the treadmill. Of course I'm so tired right now that I'd yawn the whole time. It has been a long day after little sleep last night.
I think what has really helped me is really adjusting my eating habits. That is the biggest change I have made in the last two weeks, and apparently it is paying off.
Just remember, when you get off track, you just have to jump back on.
I was telling a guy last night, it is so much easier to just eat and not think about what you should and shouldn't eat and how it will affect your body. It's much easier to be over weight. So at times it feels like it is an all up hill battle and you know what, we can do it.
This may not be your time and you may have to wait until life calms down. Or maybe you just have to find the time to do it. And I do understand when it feels like there are days that just don't have enough hours in them. Sit down and have a talk with yourself. Figure out what things are realistic things you can be doing right now and what things you may have to wait on to work on.
Good luck and big HUGS to you!
Ok so I am 32, married and have two kids. I work two jobs Monday through Friday. I basically don't get off until 6 every night. By the time I get home and get dinner and home work done it is almost 9. I have just joined this weight loss challenge at work and I am hoping for success. I know that i need to cut back on food and work out more. Unlike today i had to come home and clean my carpet and now I am ready for bed. So no time for working out. Is there any way that i can find out about how many calories I need in one day? I would also like to know how to find out about how many calories are in certain food. Like apples or a banana or other stuff?
Cakes21 - Welcome to the thread. www.calorieking.com is an amazing site for calories in foods. You should aim for 1200 calories a day. Cleaning carpets is exercise, don't sell yourself short. Ironing and laying tiles is also exercise. =)
Mencked - Remember just because today wasn't a good day, there's always tomorrow to start fresh. We don't beat ourselves up for every day we fail, instead we look forward to every day we can make better choices.
TS - I have 2 or 3 more weeks to see the surgeon. Eggs are not good lately. Yogurt is awesome and I use yogurt with milk, protein powder and frozen fruit to make my own protein smoothies. They are super yummy, with equal parts of protein to carbs so not a bad choice. Splenda has flavored coffee packets. I use the French Vanilla one to help mask the protein powder flavor. Chili is great, with or without beans, soups are good, crackers and corn chips are good. But any soft carbs (other than cake surprisingly) are a huge no no. Cake is easy to eat, fortunately, cake top doesn't last around here with my husband in the house and I don't make enough actual cake to have to worry about it to much.
I'm like you ladies though, there are lots of days I only check this thread and feel guilty when I don't post anything for a few days. I always read it though and look forward to the encouragement and love you ladies share.
How many calories your body needs:
http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/weight/calsburned.htm
http://weightloss.about.com/cs/nutrition101/l/blcalories.htm
Food Calorie Databases:
http://www.myhomepersonaltrainer.com/resources/Food-Database-Calorie-Counter.asp
http://www.nutritiondata.com/mynd/myrecipes/welcome?returnto=/mynd/myrecipes
Cleaning carpet is a work out in its self so even if you didn't get to do a tradional work out you still got a bit of a work out. Sounds like you need to have a plan in place. You also need to schedule some you time. Can hubby watch kids for 30 mins or help with homework, giving you some time to work out or walk?
Cutting back is great, but make sure while you are doing it you are really looking at what you eat. Those stupid little calories add up fast with some of the littlest things we don't really think about.
You should aim for 1200 calories a day.
I went on a search a few weeks ago, because I was wondering how many calories I was suppose to be getting. Everyone always says don't go below 1200 calories, which is true because it can make your body think you are starving it and it holds on to the fat even harder.
At the weight I would like to be, I can have between 1300-1400 calories depend on how much I exercise. (According to the links I posted above.) If I start eating that now, it will help my body burn off extra calories because your body needs so many a day to function. At my current weight my body would need 1600ish calories just to maintain that weight. Anything over that would cause me to gain weight.
If I was realisticly only eating 1600 calories before I decided to lose weight, then by cutting out 300-400 calories out of my diet a day, it will cause my body to burn some of my stored fat to make up for those 400-500 calories. That is 2100-2800 calories a week that my body burns of stored fat. And remember 3500 calories equal a pound so those numbers will start adding up.
1200 calories is not alot of food. We are talking about 350 calories per meal and then two 75 calorie snacks. Chances are unless anyone is aiming for under 120 pounds you will need more than 1200 calories to substain the body weight you want to be so why not eat for that now?
I'll have to search back a few pages, cause I know I posted some links on this before and they had you factor in your age and other information to help factor how many calories you have. The links I posted above are ones I have saved at the moment.
Edited it to add the links from the previous post...
http://health.discovery.com/to.....basal.html
http://www.preventdisease.com/.....s/bmr.html (this one fiugres in how much exercise you do.)
These are probably better than the two I posted above.
Before I get to the point of this post, let me first say, Welcome Cakes21!
Okay so I posted last night about SMART goals. I have decided to share mine with everyone. I feel better knowing I have a plan in place. Lets just see if I can stick with it and acheive what I need to.
My SMART goals:
Specific:
I want to start by losing 36 more pounds, which will put me at a healthy BMI rate. At 127 I will re-evaluate where I am and how much more I should or could realistic lose.
I would like to be down in the 120's by the end of May. I can do this by losing 1.5lbs a week or about 5-6lbs a month.
I do realize that numbers are just that. As I drop weight and gain muscles some weights may be not be realistic for me to aim for. I want to be/look healthy. My goal is not to be as skinny as I can be. As I get closer to the numbers mentioned above I will make sure am still aiming for healthy, realistic numbers and adjust where I need to.
Eating plan:
Eat a healthy low calorie breakfast EVERY day.
Eat a simple low calorie meal at lunch. Such as soup, salad, and/or a sandwich.
Eat a snack before class. Something high protein, low in calories.
Eat a sensible dinner. Cut back on the bad for me foods and eat more of the good for ya stuff.
I will have a weekly eating plan in place for the meals I have control of.
I will eat more fruits and veggies daily.
I will eat at least two to three low fat dairy servings a day.
I will keep up with drinking at least 4 bottles of water a day.
I will keep looking for new healthy recipes ideas.
I will look for lower calories, higher protein, higher fiber foods to fill my diet with.
I will cut back on high calorie foods that do not do anything good for my body. Such as junk food or fatty, greasy food.
I will add in better for me foods that keep me fuller longer and make me feel better after eating them.
Exercise plan:
I will walk at least 14 miles a week. I will work back up to walking every day again and add to the number of miles as needed.
I will add in strength training. Doing exercises that work my arms, abs, legs and everything in between. I will do these at least 3 times a week building up to at least 5 times or more a week.
Measurable:
I will measure myself monthly to see if I have lost inches.
I will weight myself weekly (Monday Mornings) to keep track of pounds lost.
I will take pictures every so often to keep track of physical progress.
Attainable:
If I eat healthier foods as well as cutting back on how many calories I am taking in every day and I add in exercise, such as walking and strength training, then I will lose what I need to. See eating and exercise plans as well as performance goals.
Realistic:
To lose the weight it will take hard work and dedication. Planning and following through on my part. If I do not exercise or eat better I will not lose the weight. It is up to me and only me, to do this.
I will do the best I can to get to where I need be. If I fall down I will pick myself up and move forward.
Trackable:
I will try to use a food journal when possible. I will consider the calories in what I am eating in any given meal and cut back when possible to keep me at a decent number. I will continue to keep track with my walking and other exercises.
Performance goals:
I will start with the items on my eating plan and check them off as I master them. Tackling a new problem area every week. I will focus on my weekend eating habits as well.
I will take time each week to evaluate what I did and what I need to work on when it comes to food issues. I will add in things to work on when they come up.
I will have better eating habits in place by Thanksgiving so that I can get through the holidays with a consistent weight, if not additional weight loss.
I will make exercise dates with myself, setting aside specific days/times to accomplish what I need to do.
I will walk at least 14 miles a week the next two weeks. By Oct 19 I want to be back up to 21 miles a week or 3 miles a day.
I will do strength training at least 3 times a week. By Nov 2, I will do them at least 5 times a week.
I will have a exercise routine in place by the time I go to New Mexico (end of Dec). I will focus more on strength training rather than walking, but will walk when I can while there. I cannot let my weight loss suffer because of a vacation.
I will keep in mind that what I am doing now are things that I will have to continue to do after I lose weight. I will also need to work on a plan of action for being pro active in keeping my weight in a steady range.
I will review my goals often, changing what needs to be changed, adding what needs to be added.
I am committed to doing the above for myself and only myself. I will only be helping myself by following through my goals. I will also be the only one that will be hurt if I do not follow through with them.
TexasSugar- I love you dearly. But you overwhelm me with your organization. Please don't ever stop, you keep encouraging me even though I don't think I will ever write down half the amount of goals you set for yourself. I admire your "leet skillz".
I won't be posting smart goals. I'm good to have my NSV (non scale victories) in mind. I have set rewards for when I reach major mile stones. My 275 reward is go to Sea World or Six flags. I don't have a reward set for 250 yet. It will probably be another bra fitting and shopping adventure. I buy a couple of things every 25 lbs, but I try to keep the expense at a reasonable level. My 225 reward is to fly to California to visit family and friends. Depending on my husband's schedule and how close to goal weight I am, I'm hoping to head to Cali in July for my brother in laws retirement from the navy party.
For now it's late and I have to get up and see a Doctor before school tomorrow. So for tonight, Alooooha Monkies.
And just remember, no matter how we look we will never look like this OTHER chunky monkey. Although some of us might feel like we do, I guarantee that you DO NOT share any of ths physicalities.
Deb, I had to sit down and write it all out. It is harder for me to ignore it or put it off if it isn't on paper. I'm am the worst procrastanator so if I didn't make a plan, I'd always be telling myself I'll do that tomorrow or next week.
If it is on paper then it makes it more real to me. Having that list to cross off shows me accomplishment as well as the areas I am lacking and need to work on.
This process isn't a one size fits all. Which is great, because those things don't really fit everyone do they? What works for some doesn't always work for others, and we each have to find what does. I'm glad what I post does help others out there, even if it means just stepping back and thinking about something different. And I'm glad there are others that are sharing what works and doesn't work for them. Hopefully everyone can take the information shared and work out the best plan of action for them.
You are one step up on me because the goals are my hardest thing to do. I had told myself I would pay myself $10 for every pound lost. So far I should have $100 set aside but of course it's one of those times when money is short. I keep telling myself as soon as I get the money I'm putting that aside to use for something good for myself.
I'm really considering getting a new shorter hairstyle for my birthday. I'm hoping to lose another 10 lbs before then, but even if I just lose 5 more, I think the loss of 15 pounds is worth celebrating with a new hair cut. After that, I have no idea what I will do for the rest.
Good morning everyone!
First of all - welcome cake 21!!
TS - I feel a little ashamed after reading your posts. You are so focused and driven and organized and...AMAZING! Thank you for being such a fantastic resource for information and an incredible source of inspiration. I've added to my non-scale goals to be as organized as you!
EtC- That picture is hilarious! If I had a dollar for everytime I felt exactly like that monkey looks, I could afford a personal trainer at the very least! I might have to post it on my fridge.
Mencked - You hang in there. It's so hard to be health conscious when you are super busy, but I know you can get back on track. Know that I'm rooting for you, cheering you on.
Thought I'd let y'all know the results of my official 1st week weigh-in. I have officially obliterated 4.4 pounds. I know most of it is water weight since most of my exercise the past week was running back and forth to the bathroom. At this point, though, I'll take it where I can get it.
Also, my hubby has lost a whopping 12 pounds this week. He is seriously overweight, too, and starting to exhibit some signs of future health risks from it. So, I'm thrilled for him and gritting my teeth a little, too - it's so much faster for men! I adore him for sticking with the program, or this would be a lot tougher for me.
Yesterday I had a panic moment. My ma-in-law called to say they were coming to visit Thursday. (They live in a neighboring state.) They didn't know exactly what time or how long they'd stay, but they were coming, and wasn't that wonderful.
Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, but the last month or so has not been good for me in general and I'm just starting to get back on track. My ma-in-law doesn't cook and my pa-in-law loves me because I'm a born-and-raised traditional Southern cook. They expect a big deal meal when they visit.
Also, they are always making it known, to one of us or one of hubby's siblings, that we don't parent the way they think we should. We're doing this and we shouldn't be or we're not doing that and we should be. I'm a bad mom because I don't put my kids in day care at least 1 day a week and I keep them on a schedule.
I never spent any time around kids/babies until we got the twins. I had never changed a diaper until the day we picked them up. I am always worried that my ignorance is costing them in some way, so their comments always hit me hard.
My children were abandoned by their birth mom. When we got them at 9 months old, my son was on a nebulizer twice a day and couldn't do much but roll himself over, my daughter couldn't even do that. Now they are 2 and they are healthy and meeting all of their milestones. They are so amazing, I cry all the time in awe of them. I guess I'm not too awful, right?
Anyway, add to all that other stuff, my house is totally thrashed and the next thing you know I am pacing the kitchen wanting to snack.
I'm proud that I actually recognized what I was doing before I knawed through the cabinet doors like a rabid beaver, but I'm really upset that it threw me so badly. After I calmed down, I figured out what I'd fix for a meal that would keep hubby and I on the plan and still be yummy enough to suit the in-laws...and then they cancelled the trip. UGH again!
Also, I found out yesterday that the baby shower cake that my husband's boss' wife ordered for last Wednesday was so well received that no one at the shower wanted to cut it and they sent the whole thing home with the new mommy. I'm agitated about that, too. Part of me is pleased that they liked it so much. Part of me is screaming, "Take a picture and hack into it already!" Why do I care? She paid me for it. Am I crazy? UGH x3!
Well, I hear the twins stirring. Better suck down that last sip of treasured caffeine and get to it. Apologies for the emotional dump and long-windedness. Thanks for being such a great sounding board, ladies. Thank you to for being your wonderful selves. You inspire me, strengthen me, remind me that I am not alone, and help me believe that I can acheive my goals. I am so grateful.
Hugs and have a terrific day!
Okay this might be bad, but I think my breasts look worse than the monkey's .
Diane, you and I are in the same boat. I'm just in a funky mood and hopefully when we go to SeaWorld and Disneyland with my babies, I will get out of it. I think because we've been so busy (I know--who isn't right?) and then I went shopping for some new clothes, ugh, I just need to get back into my routine. Plus it being that time of the month and craving everything sweet and salty just added fuel to the fire.
TS-you are so organized! I am so jealous, never have been and will never be. I try but I am a truly flawed human being. I am really happy for you and I think you should show off a new haircut!
ETC- I love your goals. I think they are perfect and I have no doubt you will achieve all of them. Can I just say the picture of yourself makes me smile every time I see it?
Nanikins- if your inlaws don't like your house or the new food you are serving then set them up in a hotel. I just had my FIL for a week and I tried to keep the house clean, but I didn't kill myself. I have a 2 year old and a brand new 4year old. Trying to keep a house clean with those two is like trying to shovel snow in a blizzard! My house used to be perfect when we had company over, I used to paint the room and get new rugs. Now, I'm a Mom and my priorities are my babies. They come first, you know that. Look at how well your babies are doing! That just shows how wonderful a mother you are! So what if your house looks dirty. I would rather a home be dirty and filled with love and laughter, than a house spotless and without character or love.
You are all beautiful ladies and I'm happy to call you family. 
Kids are having a nap and it's raining here - yay, we need it - so I sat down to take a peek.
Have to apologize to all after reading my own post. Didn't mean to rant or whine! Don't know where all of that came from. I promise never to post again before the coffee kicks in and the brainfog dissipates.! Hope you'll forgive me.
Ladyellam - I appreciate your kind words more than you know. I literally started crying. Don't know why I'm such an emotional wreck today. I often beat myself up for not getting it all done. Why can't I be Supermom? Oh well...you are right, they need my hugs more than they need "snow" shoveled. Thanks for the reminder. You are a blessing.
By the way, I'm excited. The weather is actually cooling off a bit here in Dixie and that means time to drag out the yarn and start crocheting again. For me, crochet is a winter sport. Something to keep my fingers busy and out of the snack zone. Hurray!
Nanikins - I can totally relate to you!! I have mellowed over the years, but whenever I used to have family come to visit (we lived 21+ hrs. away from family then) I would insist that the house be spotless, perfect meals, perfectly groomed little kids, etc......Now, visitors are often treated to mood lighting so no one can see how dirty the house really is . I get in those gritchy moods where everything makes me mad or I feel slighted and eating is a wonderful soother. I didn't even know I was doing it until I actually thought about it--I'd have a fight or even a slight disagreement with my husband, friend, kids, or even a perfect stranger and there I'd be cruising the cupboards for anything to eat.....and old habits die hard!! Plus having young twins--you are amazing!! I'm so glad you found this thread!!
LadyEllam I'm so looking forward to having you on this thread more often now that crush is over!! You just know how to say the right thing!!! OK--I'm going back to work, although I'd rather stay here . Go Chunky Monkeys!!
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