A CHALLENGE TO SELF-NURTURE

**hat-lady** · June 4th, 2009, 09:27 PM

Hello everyone!!
Today was ok untill I packed the DB's lunch........... I ate 3 fig newtons before I even realized what i was doing.
Oh well......
everyone keeping to their plans?

LZ · June 5th, 2009, 12:38 PM

...well almost.

I am getting the bathroom re-done. been doing so-so with my men gone. I am enjoying the peace.

145 this week. I so need to make progress! This weekend I will do good!

Come on gals-let's go!

**hat-lady** · June 5th, 2009, 09:00 PM

LZ you keep hanging in there. good for you. Bathroom redone? I'm jealous! I need to update SO bad. Yes maybe the men being gone will be helpful. I know I do better if I am not in that kitchen.
Val, how is it going? I am also jealous... going to Jamacia!! you dog!
You will look great!
Angie, How are you doing? I know you are hanging in there.
Wanna b, Are you keeping up with your plan? you are doing great!!
You all are doing so good hanging in there until the end!
I am doing so much better. I have gotten those munchies under control.
Drinking my water. I will weigh Monday. We will see...
We have a week from Monday to the finish. I think one of you should start another challenge. We need to keep together, there is strength in numbers!! and I need all the strength I can get!! I still have a long way to go, another 30 lb at least.
One pound at a time!!
Push onward!!

**shaynsethsmom** · June 7th, 2009, 12:58 PM

hi guys , I am still here . lol. I have been cleaning and staining my deck this week , so I have been outside everyday ... I have started exercising in my pool now ! so glad it is warm enough ! I hope everyone else is doing great , I will check in tomorrow with my weight ! xoxoxoxo

**hat-lady** · June 8th, 2009, 10:21 AM

Happy Monday!!
How was everyones week-end? Good to hear from you Angie!
I am making my list for today and the week. It is going to be busy!
I faced the scale this morning. back to 184. better, but still more than I was

I have gotten in a little more walking in outside.
I am not giving in, I have got to get this weight off. I am getting rid of my big clothes as I go. I have a few things in smaller sizes that I am wearing . I haven't been able to get in to them in so long my friends think their new.
LZ how is it going? Did you get some time for you while the gang was gone?
Project bath going as planned?
Val, I bet you are beside yourself in anticipation for the wedding!!
I hope it is a beautiful and happy day.
moving on.....

**shaynsethsmom** · June 8th, 2009, 01:15 PM

hi guys ... I am down one pound 184 ! whoo hooo !!!! i am losing slowly, but i am losing ! hope everyone else is doing great ...

**CDCreations** · June 8th, 2009, 05:03 PM

Hi everyone!! Haven't been posting lately; there is so much that has to get done, and I'm loving every minute of it!! I have been swamped with everything from ordering clothes to wear in Jamaica to keeping a list of what I need to do, when and where (getting my hair done, pedicure, suitcases), it has just been a whirlwind of activity!! So having this surgery done before going may have slowed down my weight loss, but my excitement at going is at an all-time high!! Gotta go, busy at work today, have a great drinking-water day today and I'll TTYL!!

**CDCreations** · June 10th, 2009, 09:55 AM

Where is everyone???

**hat-lady** · June 10th, 2009, 10:13 PM

Val, I got here late today. busy week for me too. But not as much fun as you are having. So exciting!! Mother of the bride stuff!!! When do you leave? Are we gonna be able to see pictures? I am not good at loading that stuff. OH you are going to have a wonderful time! We will want details!!
How is everyone else doing? I am plugging along. Eating lots of fruit. Work was better this week. (sales better) I hope it is an indication things will be turning soon
.
So whats going on? We all have to hang in there. No quiting allowed. Even when we reach out goals, we will have to pay attention, and not waiver from our plans, and keep working toward and maintain a healthy life style.

**CDCreations** · June 11th, 2009, 11:45 AM

Hey Hat Lady and hello to everyone!! We leave next Friday on a very early flight (it leaves at 7 am, and we have to be there 2 hours beforehand). I told the family that we will all be too excited to sleep, so wondering if we should even go to bed!! So much to do, and so little time to do it in, whew!! My shoes came in the mail yesterday; I had gone to several stores, but the heel was either too high, the style to gaudy, or a strap was pinching a toe, so I crossed my fingers, said a prayer, and ordered what looked like a comfortable pair online, and they fit perfectly!! All I need to do now is find a cheap clutch purse, and I'll be all set. This is such a wonderful and exciting time, and even though there's still a lot to do before we go, I am enjoying every moment of it!! I'm not very good on how to post pictures so I'll need to get my daughter to help me with that!

I was so busy at work that I did a lot of walking so I counted that as my exercise for the day; we had severe storms yesterday evening, and they're calling for more of the same today, and we still have to go pick up hubby's attire (white linen shirt, white linen pants, and beige shoes), but there is a store nearby that we know has these items, so it's just a thing of going to get them. I was surprised to find out that Dr. Ian Smith, the author of the Fat Smash Diet, is going to be at my church Saturday morning, so I plan to go and hear him. I think my church is going to sign up for a church wide weight loss plan through his book, so I want to sign up for that. Also, there is a nearby outdoor pool that has water aerobics during the summertime, usually around the end of June, so I'm definitely going to attend those. Along with Curves, I should be able to get these pounds off. I'm also eating fruits, salads, and healthy snacks and meals during the day, and doing okay with the water, I just need to push and drink more of it.

Have a great day everyone; enjoy the bounty of God's earth -- veggies, fruits and all the healthy things we need to give our bodies to make them strong and look good; we still have time to work off some pounds before the hot, summer days of July and August, and I know that we can do it, so no more excuses!!!

LZ · June 12th, 2009, 02:58 PM

Hey Gang--busy week for me too. No loss, but I am hanging in there and still trying.

I was exhausted after last weekend. Stayed up until 3am Saturday night trying to get the bathroom finished. It looks good.

Can't believe it is the weekend again.

Val, hope all goes well!

More later!

**CDCreations** · June 16th, 2009, 03:12 PM

Hello all! I had a quick moment to spare (cleaning up stuff at the office), but knew I couldn't go to Jamaica without saying goodbye to my phrends!! Thanks to you all for your wonderful words of encouragement and support in this challenge. I believe that when I return, this challenge will be over - I'm glad to have been a part, and hope that everyone continues to stay focused and on target with your goals - luv you all!! Val

**hat-lady** · June 17th, 2009, 11:31 PM

Val says she will check in with us when she returns. Lets hope it is a perfect wedding for her daughter.
LZ... how are you doing? I know you are keeping busy as the lady rancher. Or should that be Rancher Lady? Remember to be good to your self!
Angie... are you still hanging on? I am sure you are also busy with all the summertime activities of a young family.
The challenge was supposed to end Monday, I am still here. I did not meet my goal other than I am not giving up. I intend to keep counting those weight watcher points. and drinking water.
I did lose 5.5 lbs. I am pleased because I have not weighed this in 6 years. I am so close to breaking 180. For me this is big. I am trying to get the courage to post before and after pictures. ( and the computer savy)
I kept telling my self I would post pictures at the 30 mark... I don't know if I have the guts!

Today I had lunch with some friends. We all met at a place of business owned by one of the girls. My closest friend was there, and she was sitting next to me. I had ordered a ww friendly veggie pita, and a side of fruit. I don't know how to explain it but it was like she was ticked off at me because I didn't order what everyone else
did. They all had large servings of stuff that was loaded with mayo, and pasta.
Not all but she and one other had ordered desserts. ( Yes, it is the speciality of the house) All the other girls were chit chatty, not her. Then someone asked how much I had lost. I think she was really resentful.. I hate it because she is such a wonderful friend, we have so many things in common. I would have thought she would be happy and encouraging for me. It is something I have never had to deal with. Am I going to lose a friend because I am committed to losing this weight?
Thats a heck of note!
I hope all of you will continue here and keep up the fat fight with me. HL

LZ · June 18th, 2009, 05:49 PM

Hey Hat-Lady--I'm hanging in there.

I know how you feel--it's like they cannot enjoy your success. Just jelousy. Hopefully, she realize that she should be happy for you.

**hat-lady** · June 18th, 2009, 09:32 PM

I was with one of the girls to day and she noticed it too. She asked me what was TT so cranked about. Since she has never had a weight problem she would not reconize what TT was doing. Yes, LZ you are right... jealous. I had asked TT to join WW with me back in January. She laughed and said " oh I can do it on my own, I will watch and learn from you." We all know you can not do this without some kind of plan and support. TT's birthday is next week. That means another lunch with the girls. What should be a fun time I am dreading. I will order healthy and probably eat half. I won't be able to take it if she is picking at me again.
I am going to try to talk to her over the week-end. Not sure what I will say. but this is so unlike her to be a sniping "w"itch.
I have had a good day today, yesterday as well. I have stuck to my plan.
I still have a lot to lose. but I am trying to think in small increments. I must be patient.

My husband mentioned to me that I need a new wardrobe. I have been wearing old stuff that I had years ago ( when it fit) He must be sick of looking at these tired old things because he told me to go shopping this week-end at his expense. WHOO HOO!!
What a guy! He also knows how upset I am about my friend. I think he is trying to soothe me. ( or make her more pissed off when I have a bunch of new clothes!!!)
I hope you all are hanging on. Thanks for your input LZ. It was a revelation to me.
I never thought. about it but you are right.
Angie, talk to us girl. we miss you.
Looking forward to Vals adventure report from Jamacia.
keep on going girls...

**hat-lady** · June 20th, 2009, 12:14 AM

HOT here today. Heat index over 100.
Too hot to do anything outside.
did ok today. I am eating lots of fruit. did get some exercise.
Everyone have a good week-end. and happy Fathers Day to all the Dads.

**hat-lady** · June 22nd, 2009, 11:06 PM

A new week folks! I had an ok day today.
I did over do some this evening, but not horrible.
Lunch with girls again for birthday. TT seemed better ( well it was her birthday.) I bought her drinks, someone else bought her lunch. . I did talk to her over the week end. But not about the way she acted last week. Every think seemed ok. HUMM...

So... what is eveyone doing? I figure I will keep posting incase anyone wants to converse. I am trying to get a mind set that I will actually lose this weight and get to my goal. I have not been under 180 in a long, long time.
I have been getting rid of my larger clothes because I really do not want to go back there. Since most of my friends do not have a weight problem, and the ones that do are not trying to lose, I kinda feel like I'm the odd ball in the bunch.
Thank heaven for you people!

Is it as hot where you are as it is here? The heat index is 103 here. Good greif! you can not breathe outside!
Our pool temp is 96 degrees. Feels like bath water. I swam for my exercise today.
I put a clock on the fence so I could keep up with how long I was in. Yikes!! . I found I can not swim for very long. I am so very out of shape!
Hope everyone is doing OK. Looking forward to hearing whats going on. HL

**shaynsethsmom** · June 25th, 2009, 02:27 PM

hi guys i am still on this journey as well ... summer is here and life is busy , having both of my kids home all day is great , but i have no time for myself , we have been keeping busy , HL , it is as hot here !!! I am in Alabama our heat index has been 103 and higher .... our pool also feels like bathwater , i am ready to put ice in it . lol... i am down 2..... 181 ... so i am still losing , just slowly ... i will try to check in more . we can all do this ... love you guys xoxoxoxoxoxo

**hat-lady** · June 25th, 2009, 09:35 PM

Angie, good to hear from you. My husband and son-in law are putting together some sort of contraption to cool the pool down. It is hysterical to watch.-2 mad scientists at work. They have cooled it down 6 degrees in the the last hour. So it must be working!
I have been swimming and I think this has helped with my loss. down to 178.5!!
Today was a hungry day... not good. trying to hang on!!
Hope to hear from you all soon. HL

**anadingding** · June 27th, 2009, 02:40 PM

Sorry I've been MIA for awhile, been busy with school. I have exactly 17 days till I'm done with my Bachelors. YEY But wil be starting my Masters in August!
I started this challenge with you ladies at 203.4 now I am 185.4. 18 lbs. Hope to get better results soon. I'm glad we are still here after challenge ended.

**CDCreations** · June 28th, 2009, 06:24 PM

Hello everyone!!! My goodness, what a wonderful time I had!!! The wedding was simply beautiful, the weather was fantastic, and it didn't take much to get a tan from that hot Jamaican sun!! As you all know, this was an all-inclusive resort, which meant that all of the food was included, and all the drinks you could drink were also included, my goodness!!! And everywhere you looked, there was a bar, and in Jamaica, they have delicious frozen drinks like the American Flag and Miami Vice, along with all the delicious dacquris, and everyone enjoyed those -- there was even a bar at one of the swimming pools, you just swim up, sit on one of the bar stools (located in the water), and drink whatever you want!!! I was spoiled rotten with all the Jamaican hospitality, nothing like I've ever seen, just wonderful!! My daughter was beautiful in her wedding dress, and my new son in law was so handsome, I am so proud of both of them!! I'm not sure how to post pictures, so I'll check with my daughter to get their okay, and then I'll figure out how to do it -- the wedding, with the beautiful water in the background, it was so perfect; I'll never forget that day ...

One thing that I think was really good was that in Jamaica, they focus on delicious fresh fruits and veggies, so I really helped myself with that, and it seemed to have gotten me into a mode of wanting to eat more of them, even after coming back to the States. So now when I go to the store, I head right for the fresh fruits aisle, and select those types of foods now. I know I have gained, so I have a lot of work to do -- did go to a water aerobics class at an outdoor pool last Tuesday and got a great workout. Want to ask you girls something, I didn't go last Thursday for the class because that is when my daughter and new hubby flew back, so I went to the airport to get them. But then I heard on the news Friday that a young child drowned in that same pool, my Lord ... Is it strange that I'm having second thoughts about going back to that pool? It's like I know I'll have that precious child in my mind, and I'm feeling funny about going back there ... I'm thinking of checking out the deep-water aerobic classes around town; there is no impact at all when exercising in the deep water, whereas in the regular water aerobics class, you are jumping and running, and your feet are hitting the pool floor, and I had a few problems with some of the routines. I don't know, I'll see -- the important thing is that I continue to do something --

Well, I'm starting Curves back on Monday after work, and I plan to do my stationary bike after I finished this post. I'm so glad to be back, and yes Hat-Lady, that woman was jealous that you have lost weight, and that's why she acted the way she did. Don't even worry about her, she's got to deal with her issues, and yes, it is critical to have support and a plan when losing weight, something she really should have done for herself. So keep on doing your great work, sit somewhere else rather than next to her when you all get together for that second lunch, and smile about the fact that you are doing so well and that it's so noticeable that you have lost weight, and I hope you went out and bought lots of new clothes with your hubby's cash!!!!

Okay, gonna grab my water and do my bike now; it's great to get away, especially for my precious daughter's wedding, but now I've got to get right back on track and get this weight off!!! Luv you all, I'll check back later!!

**hat-lady** · June 28th, 2009, 09:54 PM

Val!! I am so glad you had a wonderful wedding experience for your family. Sounds absolutely fantastic!! I am so happy for your daughter. How perfect to start their road together in such a magical setting. I do hope we can see a couple pics!
About the accident at the pool, you must have been in tune to something. How awful for that family.
Sounds like you mean business about the weight loss!! Lets get moving together!!
I have not heard much from LZ. She PMed me about another friend on here that might run another challenge. I hope so! I need you folks!

So... Our student Ana will not have too much time off! You have made some progress. Thats a good thing! Welcome back.

LZ if your friend isn't able to start a challenge, why don't you?
Angie, Hang in there doll!!
This week end has been stress filled. I find myself gazing in the fridge..........

**hat-lady** · June 30th, 2009, 12:16 AM

Making lists for the week. preparing for July 4th. Going to have lots of people here. I am going to make several fruit and veggie dishes. I dread having people bring in "stuff" I will be so tempted to over do on.
How is everyone doing?
I will weigh wednesday. I am trying to hang on to loss. I have not been taking phen. I need to call Dr to see if I can get a refill. I hope I can slip in her office before Saturday.