A CHALLENGE TO SELF-NURTURE

**reesemom** · April 18th, 2009, 08:52 PM

elemteach5 I hope your neck gets feeling better I know you can get on track Im sure it has been nice having your grandson. I hope everyone is doing well,

**DoNiSe2009** · April 18th, 2009, 09:31 PM

i was off track for about 5 days * went to the beach for easter/spring break * yikes it was not good weight wise lol
I am now back on track and hoping to lose 4lbs by the end of the month * WISH ME LUCK *
this is SO hard for me but I know I can do it

**anadingding** · April 19th, 2009, 02:36 PM

Hi everyone. I'm gad everyone is still checking in, and even though sometimes life throws unexpected events, we are strong and we will still fight the battle!
up
Friday I was able to take my son to Monster Jam he was so excited!

Saturday My son was sick I think it was something he ate. And I got the scare of my life when in the afternoon they call me to tell me that my mom had got in a cat accident. Thankfully she is okay, but very shaken up. She works too much she has been working 16-17 hours a day for 6 days a week. And her body was finally given out when she fell asleep behind the wheel.

I'm sad to say that it takes moments like this to realize how important is and how much sacrifice my mother has endured for her kids. I appreciate her and my dad. I wouldn't be the person that I am today without them. The only thing that y parents wanted their kids to do is to have a good career so we wouldn't have to work in the fields and in packing houses like they did.

And I'm so happy that next Saturday she will see me receive my Bachelors a little late, but what matters is that I am. My older brother received his about three years ago from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and my baby brother is finishing up his first year at the University of San Francisco.

Well enough about that. Again been doing good with my food but I just cant seem to start exercising!

**hat-lady** · April 20th, 2009, 11:02 AM

Good Morning!
Ana Glad your mom will be ok. What a near miss.
Elemteach Gosh, neck problems... not fun... Hang in there.
Val, How is your leg doing? I hope its not as painful and you are getting it taken care of. Prayers for you.
Donise, good to hear from you. keep pushing forward. you are making progress.
LZ I'll bet you had a great week-end!
reesemom. don't drop out now, your just getting started.
Angie, how is it going? I know you are working toward your goal.
msteacher, is your plan working for you? Let us know.

I weighed in this morning lost 1 lb.
chipping a way at it.. slowly.
Hope to hear from all of you.

**CDCreations** · April 20th, 2009, 11:26 AM

Good morning! Thrilled to report that I lost 2 pounds, so I'm at 226, yes!! I did eat a couple of things not on the diet this weekend, trying to pacify this pain in my ankle. I go back to see my surgeon on Tuesday and am pretty sure that I will be getting the laser surgery treatment, hopefully sometime this week so that this pain will go away! I've restarted the Fat Smash this morning, went to the store yesterday and got the veggies and fruits that I wanted, so my meals/snacks are all ready for this week. Elemteacher, so sorry to hear about your neck problems; I'll definitely keep you in prayer. And Anadingding, I'm so glad to hear that your mom will be okay, and I smiled as I read your comments about what us moms look for in our children in life, you expressed our thoughts perfectly! Hope everyone else is having a great day, and I'll TTYL!

LZ · April 20th, 2009, 11:56 AM

Had a great weekend. The BBQ was lots of fun. I ate too much, but weighed Saturday before I got going. Still 145--seem to be at a plateau. Hopefully, the shock of fat calories I gave my body this weekend will help move the scale down.

Getting ready to go do some fence work as already been chasing cows this morning.

CD, great job on the 2 pound loss. I hope you get that surgery done ASAP.

Ana, am thankful your Mom is OK.

I went to CATS at Cal Poly SLP last year with Mom & Sis. My step mom lives in Pismo Beach. What a beautiful campus. Tell me again where you will receive your Bachelor's from. Congrats!

DoNiSe & Elementeach, you can do it!

OK, better get back out to the cows.

Have a skinny day!

**hat-lady** · April 20th, 2009, 12:01 PM

Val! 2 lbs!! woohoo!! I'm thrilled for you!!
LZ Glad you have a fun week end!

**msteacher** · April 20th, 2009, 07:32 PM

Well I weighed in this morning and I am down 8 lbs.

I decided not to do the 4-day diet. I am just lowering my calories and my carbs. I eat mainly fruits, veggies, pork, chicken, and I will probably try some fish tomorrow. Trying to stay away from red meat!!

I have increased my water intake to 7-8 16 oz bottles per day. I got a tip to add lemon juice to my water. It helps!! I went to the store the other day and bought deer park water, which I normally do not drink. It tasted horrible!!! Any how, this week has been pretty easy since I was on spring break. I had freedom to research the site, and learn lots of things. I also had the opportunity to use my elliptical machine more.

The challenge lies ahead. I am back at work today and because I am a teacher, I cannot make restroom runs like I want to. So today, I had to adjust my water in take. I had one bottle before work, 2 at work, and I am trying to make up for the other 5 bottles now.

I am excited about getting this weight off after 2 years. Thanks for all of your support.

**shaynsethsmom** · April 21st, 2009, 01:36 AM

HI guys , i know you have been wondering where i have been ... My 17 yr. old niece is 35 weeks pregnate with a little boy. She was engaged to this wonderful boy who could not have loved her more his name is Chris .... Chris is 18 and worked for the City, Friday he was directing traffic , when a man was speeding and hit him in to the oncoming traffic. Chris died three hours later !! Ny niece Nikki is going to be raising little Zakkari without his dad ..... I have been with her Since Saturday , the viewing was tonight , and the funeral is in the morning , my biggest fear is that she is going to go in to labor when they put him in the ground....the baby would be ok , its the stress on her i am worried about ... my heart is breaking for her .. and i have no words to say because its not fair !!!!! he wanted him so much , and loved them both more than most people ever dream of ..... This kinda thing should not have to happen .. i see no reason .... i just can not see how everything happens for a reason this time !!!!!!!!!!!!! i will be back on as soon as i can .. please pray for us all ... his full name was Christopher Alton Wilson ... much love ... Ang

**Mommy2Belle** · April 21st, 2009, 11:42 AM

omg how horrible! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. It will be a difficult road for your niece but she has the love of her son to keep Chris alive. She will get through it. Sadly this happends more then we think. I was reading online how Construction workers are often killed by reckless drivers and its crazy and needs to change.

**anadingding** · April 21st, 2009, 11:46 AM

Hi everyone its about 7:30 am here in Ca. sorry I didnt weigh in yesterday. I weighed in today though. I lost 1.4 lbs since the challenge. though its AF is her so it might be a little less! LOL Yey!

Thank you for all your support

CD Creations awesome job on your 2lbs lost.

LZ thank you, I will receive my degree from University of Phoenix ( one of their campus here in Visalia CA) I loved it because they offer night classes. I just fear the loan repayments LOL

hat-lady thank you for keeping us motivated and congrats on your 1lb weight loss

msteacher WOW CONGRATS 8lbs that's AWESOME! Question for you. If you don't mind. How do you like being a teacher? Was is what you expected?

shaynsethsmom--- I am so sorry about your nieces loss. I cant imagine what she is going through. You are a good Aunt staying by her side, because she she should know that she still has a lot of people that love her by her side and i am sure will be helping with the new blessing coming soon. Take care of her and you. I will be praying.

5'3
203.4 April 1st
201.2 lbs start of this challenge
199.8 week one weigh In

**CDCreations** · April 21st, 2009, 12:45 PM

Sheansethsmom, my Lord ... I remember you sharing about your niece being pregnant in another challenge, I'm feeling like family in this tragedy, so wrong, so unfair ... One of the hardest things about living in this world is that we have to experience trials, and tragedies, and pains, and hurts. I'm a witness, know that it is a very slow process in that our hearts do heal, but there will always be a scar left that covers the wound, and the scar will never go away, it just helps us to continue on in our journey of living. Tell her that your phen family loves her and will be praying the strength of the Lord for her, and that we send many, many hugs her way.

**CDCreations** · April 21st, 2009, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by msteacher

Well I weighed in this morning and I am down 8 lbs.

I decided not to do the 4-day diet. I am just lowering my calories and my carbs. I eat mainly fruits, veggies, pork, chicken, and I will probably try some fish tomorrow. Trying to stay away from red meat!!

I have increased my water intake to 7-8 16 oz bottles per day. I got a tip to add lemon juice to my water. It helps!! I went to the store the other day and bought deer park water, which I normally do not drink. It tasted horrible!!! Any how, this week has been pretty easy since I was on spring break. I had freedom to research the site, and learn lots of things. I also had the opportunity to use my elliptical machine more.

The challenge lies ahead. I am back at work today and because I am a teacher, I cannot make restroom runs like I want to. So today, I had to adjust my water in take. I had one bottle before work, 2 at work, and I am trying to make up for the other 5 bottles now.

I am excited about getting this weight off after 2 years. Thanks for all of your support.

WOOOHOOO, huge congrats on losing 8 pounds; wow!! After reading your post, I have made up my mind that I am going to big-time increase my water intake, starting right now!! I've always heard that when you add lots of water to a good diet and exercise, that the water give an extra boost to the loss, so I know what I gotta do. Keep us posted on your progress!

**msteacher** · April 21st, 2009, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by anadingding

Hi everyone its about 7:30 am here in Ca. sorry I didnt weigh in yesterday. I weighed in today though. I lost 1.4 lbs since the challenge. though its AF is her so it might be a little less! LOL Yey!

Thank you for all your support

CD Creations awesome job on your 2lbs lost.

LZ thank you, I will receive my degree from University of Phoenix ( one of their campus here in Visalia CA) I loved it because they offer night classes. I just fear the loan repayments LOL

hat-lady thank you for keeping us motivated and congrats on your 1lb weight loss

msteacher WOW CONGRATS 8lbs that's AWESOME! Question for you. If you don't mind. How do you like being a teacher? Was is what you expected?

shaynsethsmom--- I am so sorry about your nieces loss. I cant imagine what she is going through. You are a good Aunt staying by her side, because she she should know that she still has a lot of people that love her by her side and i am sure will be helping with the new blessing coming soon. Take care of her and you. I will be praying.

5'3
203.4 April 1st
201.2 lbs start of this challenge
199.8 week one weigh In

Thanks for the encouragement. And to answer your question. I absolutely love my job!!! This is my third year teaching, and It is what I expected.
It is hard though. You really have to be up for the challenge. I have a 2 year old at home, so I can not really bring too much work home, so I have to really organized.

I was actually chosen by my colleagues as Teacher of the Year. This was a huge surprise. I was extremely surprised.

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. I am working on another 8lbs or more this week. I read some where that it gets harder after the first week to lose, but I am up for it.

**hat-lady** · April 21st, 2009, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by shaynsethsmom

HI guys , i know you have been wondering where i have been ... My 17 yr. old niece is 35 weeks pregnate with a little boy. She was engaged to this wonderful boy who could not have loved her more his name is Chris .... Chris is 18 and worked for the City, Friday he was directing traffic , when a man was speeding and hit him in to the oncoming traffic. Chris died three hours later !! Ny niece Nikki is going to be raising little Zakkari without his dad ..... I have been with her Since Saturday , the viewing was tonight , and the funeral is in the morning , my biggest fear is that she is going to go in to labor when they put him in the ground....the baby would be ok , its the stress on her i am worried about ... my heart is breaking for her .. and i have no words to say because its not fair !!!!! he wanted him so much , and loved them both more than most people ever dream of ..... This kinda thing should not have to happen .. i see no reason .... i just can not see how everything happens for a reason this time !!!!!!!!!!!!! i will be back on as soon as i can .. please pray for us all ... his full name was Christopher Alton Wilson ... much love ... Ang

Angie, we are all thinking of you and your niece. It is so terrible. Please know we are with you in prayer.

**hat-lady** · April 21st, 2009, 07:56 PM

Hello everyone!
I sort of relapsed yesterday with this infection, and made a return trip to doctor this morning. I came home and crawled into bed. Slept all day.

msteacher... wow!!! great job. your commitment paid off!!
Ana progress!! its a good thing!
maybe tomorrow I will be able to post something helpful, but for now, I'm gonna crawl back into my hole.
Thanks for checking in people , HL

**reesemom** · April 21st, 2009, 10:50 PM

Sorry I didn't check in yesturday but I did weigh in and i gained a pound

it's dissapointing but it's a new week. Great job for all of you who have lost weight keep it up. Im so sorry to hear about your niece Angie I'll keep her in my prayers. Everyone keep it up Im going to try harder.

**anadingding** · April 22nd, 2009, 01:37 AM

MSTeacher ------------- Thank you for replying. I'm really looking into becoming a teacher, my degree is in Human Services, but I'm not happy with that. Maybe I'll get my Masters in Education. Congrats on your Award! Its rewarding when you get recognized for the hard work you are doing. It sounds like your an awesome teacher and because you love your job it makes you even better. I want to do something that I love too, I just dont want to go to work because its my job, but my career. Congrats!

reesemom----------- We still have 4 more weeks to go so you will make a comeback next week!

hat-lady-------------- I hope you feel better.

Well I just got home from class we got out early. Keep up the good wok ladies.

**CDCreations** · April 22nd, 2009, 11:31 AM

Hello all!! Sorry to hear you're not feeling well, Hat Lady -- feel better soon; listen to your body, rest when it says rest, eat when it says eat, and be sure to push the fluids and meds, and you'll be better in no time!! Well, I went to the doctor's yesterday; trying not to get frustrated, but it seems like a lot of visits and testing, and I want to just get the surgery already so that this pain will go away! 3 visits and I'm still waiting for them to schedule me for the surgery, good grief! I called the office, and was told that the "scheduling person" will be in in the afternoon -- the doctor only comes into the office on Tuesdays, sonograms are only done Fridays, scheduler for surgery only there in the afternoon ... Once this procedure done, if there is anything further I need to have done, I'll go elsewhere!

Have a great day everyone, and let us continue to keep in prayer those who are in need ...

**hat-lady** · April 22nd, 2009, 01:03 PM

Val, I would be frustrated too.. Hope they get on the ball. Thank you for your encouragement.

Yes, as reesemom says its a new week!
And we will take our week one day at a time.
Feeling as crummy as I do I would really like to wish the day away.
I am going to try to use it to rest and read, and nap.

**reesemom** · April 22nd, 2009, 03:30 PM

Hope everyone is having a great day. Thanks anadingding for the encouragement. I really appreciate all of your comments I really do. Going to clean today and take care of my baby.

LZ · April 22nd, 2009, 07:31 PM

Hey all.

Ang, so sorry to hear of your families loss.

Hat Lady-Hope you are feeling better.

CD, don't blame you. It is like they don't know what pain is.

Hi to everyone. My prayers are with you all.

I was up 1.2 at TOPS today. I should be back down by Saturday. I have got to get some lbs. gone. TTYS

**CDCreations** · April 23rd, 2009, 11:48 AM

Reesemom and LZ, the frustrating thing about our bodies is that the scales fluctuate go up and down, not necessarily meaning that we've gained; it could easily be waterweight, retaining fluids for those few days, all of that, and that could definitely be the reason for the numbers on the scale. Not to worry, we've got this weight loss thing down - as for me, I've got to start drinking the Ballerina Tea again to get my system back on course; constipation is making me feel miserable, and I think a lot of the unbalance is my worrying and concern about this pain and getting the surgery. The "afternoon scheduler" called me yesterday afternoon, and has me scheduled for Thursday of next week (yes, another week I have to endure this pain!), good grief ... So I asked if it could be scheduled sooner, and she said no, that Thursday was the "only day" that he does laser surgery - what is with these people???? If I weren't so far in with this office in getting the surgery, I would "high-tail" it somewhere else!!! Like you said LZ, they act like they don't know what it is like to be in pain ...

So I'm leaving the office at 2 pm today to get an EKG and bloodwork done, gotta hobble over there - and this weekend, I'm gonna do a little bit of housework, but mostly just take it easy. Hello to everyone; let's do some good water drinking and some good healthy eating today, and I'll TTYL!

**anadingding** · April 23rd, 2009, 07:20 PM

Hello ladies! I hope everyone is being healthy! I'm dissapointed in myself because I cant seem to get myself to start exercising! I start out the day ready to do it then I keep pocrastanating and I end up watching tv all day. I left my job back in Feb because it was getting too much to handle since I also go to school full time and Im a single mother. But now I just let the days go by! I have no energy I'm doing good with my eating habits and that is showing in my weight loss, but yet I am inactive.

**hat-lady** · April 23rd, 2009, 10:31 PM

Val I'm so sorry they are putting you off like that.. Hang in there, I know the pain must be awful.
Ana thank you for your posts. Yes we are striving to get healthy. I also am not very good about exercise.
LZ you are doing so good! keep it going.
Not been a good day for me here. ugh.
I will check in Monday. Have a good week-end . I do appreciate all of you. Lets keep working toward our goals. HL

LZ · April 24th, 2009, 01:19 AM

Ana, I have had a problem with what I call my "formal" exercise for the past couple of months. So what I have been doing instead the last couple of weeks is making sure I do something that works up a sweat each day. Today was very windy here so i did not want to till or weed in the garden or plant bulbs like I did yesterday so i walked to check on the cows which takes about 10 minutes each way. Today was the least strenuous day I have had all week, but I got some exercise and have been accomplishing chores too. Make yourself a deal to go for a walk before turning on the TV or allow yourself to watch one program, take a break and go for that walk. Just remember, little is better than none.

Hat Lady, hopr your evening was better than your day,

CD, at least you know when it will be now. Put those feet up as much as possible.

Ang, keeping you and your niece and family in my prayers.

Hey to everyone else.

Foodwise I have done better the last two days. Not perfect, but not completely blowing it either. Got smart yesterday and took some of the leftover sweets to my GF's house for her boys to eat. She is taking me out for my birthday lunch tomorrow. i am going to try & steer us someplace healthy.

Have a great Friday!

**CDCreations** · April 24th, 2009, 01:27 PM

LZ, Happy Birthday to you gurl!!! Have a great weekend, and enjoy your day tomorrow to the fullest!!

Ang, lifting you all in prayer; know that the Peace of God will surely surround you in your sorrow ...

Hat Lady, hang in there, go day by day, and it will all come together, enjoy your weekend, and be sure to get rest, it's gonna be all right ...

Anadingding, gurl, being a single mom and going to school, your body is staying busy, so not to worry, just work out and exercise when you can, you're doing just fine!

Well, I'm counting down the days to the ending of my pain - sometimes I just want to cry because it hurts so bad; I may take the time and do that this weekend; crying can make you feel better, a form of release. I'll be preparing my foods too, making sure I have healthy meals and snacks during my recuperation. Have a great weekend all, and I'll be back on Monday with my weigh-in -- TTYL!

LZ · April 26th, 2009, 11:56 AM

Hey Gang!

Having problems with the food program. I have got to get it under control.

CD, thanks for the b-day wishes--only it was the 18th--which has been part of the problem. I received too many sweets that were left at my house. Oreo pie (now gone) and DQ ice cream cake (still a little left) have really sedttled on my hips this week. TOM is here & the scale is up to 147 (not due to TOM). I am due to go back to Doc next week---I must be down to at least 142 on my scale. That should kick my behind into gear.

Oh & eek: I have some little patches of poison ivy which I pray do not explode--because we all know that means prednisone and +5-10 pounds immediately.

CD, hope you are staying off that leg this weekend.

Happy Monday to anyone who gets here before I do!

**anadingding** · April 26th, 2009, 09:34 PM

Hi Ladies LZ and CD thank you so much for the encoragement. I have been trying to limit my tv time. LOL

I had a blast on Saturday for my Grad, kind of fell of the wagon! I just started my HCG Shots so I'll keep you updated!

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...mageID=4459027

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...mageID=4459130

**elemteach5** · April 26th, 2009, 11:41 PM

HatLady~~ I find out my latest test results tomorrow. I hope with the new meds I'll get to feeling better and get back on track. At least I know why I have been feeling so weak and tired. I'm ready to get back on track and get the last 20 pounds off. I know it will take a week or two for me to feel the results of the meds, but I am going to give it all I have until then. I'm hoping for the best!!!

Another side note~~ my sister's lawyer called and she got approved for her disability without having to go to court. YEAH!! Finally!! She can't even walk so I don't know what the deal was. This is a huge relief for me!!!

**anadingding** · April 27th, 2009, 11:49 AM

Hi ladies I'm very dissapointed in myself. AS I been saying I was going to try the HCG diet and this weekend was my gorging days so I could eat whatever I wanted. Well I gaine 5lbs! Im back where I started!

My first day on VLCD! I woke up weighed in and im terrified have been gorging since Friday and I actually started my loading days on Saturday then I forget to take the shot on Sunday. Thursday I was at 197.2 and now I am back where I started 202.8 thats terrible! This ****s cause I have been working so hard and now with gorging I gained 5lbs. I havent had a BM since thursday hopefully that has something to do with it. I hope I start losing fast though!

I was doing so good!

4/23/09 197.2
4/27/09 202.8 After gorging first day of VLCD!
4/04/09 goal 198 Actual:
04/11/09 goal 190 Actual:
04/18/09 goal 185 Actual: Last day of VLCD!

LZ · April 27th, 2009, 12:55 PM

Good morning! I haven't been doing very well either, but today is a new day.

Ana, I will be interested in seeing how the HCG shots work. Congrats again on your graduation.

Elemteach, I hope you get the meds straightened out. That is good news for your sister.

CD, hope your not in too much pain today.

Hat Lady, are you ready for this new week?

OK, I am really motivated. I did my FIRM DVD and am making my goals for today.

1.Exercise-done
2.Drink one gallon of water
3.< than 1200 calories
4. Clean house
5. Work on library grant work

Have a great day! TTYL

**CDCreations** · April 27th, 2009, 01:02 PM

Sounds like you all were the same like me; I was eating hot dogs (with the buns of course!), along with cashews, chips, oh I was so bad ... And then to make matters worse, I forgot to weigh this morning, so I'll have to give my weigh-in tomorrow. I think a lot of that bad eating was because of my nervousness for my upcoming surgery on my leg. But the strange thing is that although for the last few weeks, the pain was unbelievable. While the pain is still there, it is not as bad, so I'm thankful for that!! Yes LZ, I did stay off of it for a lot of the weekend, floors are still in need of scrubbing, and other things need to be done, but I'll just have to get that other stuff done later on, after the surgery and I'm healed back up --I've got air conditioning, and it's working, so for that, I'm truly thankful (East Coast was like an oven over the weekend) --

Today's a new day to start anew, and I am determined to stay on course this week!!

**CDCreations** · April 28th, 2009, 10:21 AM

Good morning! I weighed this morning, and came up with a 1 -pound loss; for the bad eating I did over the weekend, I'll take it!!! Hat Lady, pls. put my weight down this week as 225; luv it!!

**anadingding** · April 28th, 2009, 11:21 AM

Awesome CD without even trying LOL Keep the good work

I had a hard time sleeping yesterday! Anyone experiencing this? like i was saying yesterday I felt chili all day and it continued while at went to bed. No matter what I did I couldnt keep myself warm and its was a warm day yesterday.. I'm just weird I guess! LOl Well yesterday I did very good on my food and I think mostly because I was trying to finish my ten paper all day. I finally did!

Its going to be another busy day for me today. I have to go to another town and work on my hours for my field experience class this morning. Then come back home and work on a PowerPoint presentation that I havent started yet LOL for class tonight on Advocacy.

I could not believe my eyes this morning. I think most of it has to do that I had a BM< TMI LOL but I hope its the hcg cause remember I kind of made a mess when trying to mix it LOL

I lost 3.2 lbs on my first day. YEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4/23/09 197.2
4/27/09 202.8 After gorging first day of VLCD!
4/28/09 199.6

05/04/09 goal 198 Actual:
05/11/09 goal 190 Actual:
05/18/09 goal 185 Actual: Last day of VLCD!