Sunday, October 31, 2010
Yeah Auburn!
Watched the game on tv last nite!! Yeah Auburn!! cant wait for this to be over. My wt has not significantly changed but I have no regrets participating!!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Rollin' - Rollin' - Rollin'
I rode my bike 55 miles today (burned 4354 calories). Feels GREAT right now - but it didn't while I was doing it... At about mile-p0st 40 I turned into the wind and wondered if I was going to be able to make it back. It was mostly mental. Reminded me of our little contest.
Someone should go back through all the blog posts and count how many times someone has said how good they feel after their monumental effort to exercise and or eat well. No one ever said they love this contest because it is easy. It's the lasting effect it has on us when we are able to overcome the physical and (mostly for me) the psychological inertia that tries to drag us back to who we used to be. Look at how far we have come! Even further than 55 miles.
Someone should go back through all the blog posts and count how many times someone has said how good they feel after their monumental effort to exercise and or eat well. No one ever said they love this contest because it is easy. It's the lasting effect it has on us when we are able to overcome the physical and (mostly for me) the psychological inertia that tries to drag us back to who we used to be. Look at how far we have come! Even further than 55 miles.
STAY STRONG!
Say no to the SNICKERS!!!
We can do it!!!
Lyss-- ETTE-- so true! Way to dust yourself off and get back up! Proud of you!
ETTE
Endure to the end. Wow, yesterday I thought I'd have a relaxed day- well I lost a bit of control and ate a lot of sugar. It was delicious... for the moment. But I didnt feel that great yesterday. So I am glad to get back on the wagon. I know there is only one week left of this contest, but I want to keep going personally with eating and exercising.
Lets Endure To The End. :-)
Lets Endure To The End. :-)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Late score post
I didn't even fill out a score sheet this week. LAUREEN I get a "U"(Piano Lingo) for not filling out my practice sheet. I tryed to go back and remember each day. It's all a blur so I feel pretty safe with a 580 this week. Things are looking up. I'm hoping to finish strong. Funeral is over. Life should calm down this week. Knock on wood :)
Thanks you guys!!
Tearing up reading the supportive blogs!! (I would never admit that in person - amazing how writing opens oneself up!) It has been a better day. Unfortunately, I went up this week (probably because of yesterday). But my points are 685....
The Home Stretch
My score for this penultimate week is 720.
I feel like Lyss (grateful) and how much influence you all and this contest has had on me. Lyss' story is totally awesome. I going to finish strong just by riding her fantastic example.
I feel like Lyss (grateful) and how much influence you all and this contest has had on me. Lyss' story is totally awesome. I going to finish strong just by riding her fantastic example.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
hardest decision ever!
So I was asked to babysit for my friend tonight and they thought they would be gone about 2 and a half hours. Well, turned out to be 4 hours long! So when they came, they had wendy's food for me!! A frosty and a jr bacon cheeseburger... I took it and said thanks and went home. Oh man! I was really tempted. I didnt have that big of a dinner and it was 5 hours before that time I had the Wendy's food. I wanted to eat some really bad.. but decided against it. I thought of you guys and how it would be lame if I gave in. I gave my cheeseburger to my roommate and saved my frosty in the freezer.
VICTORY!!
VICTORY!!
score 698
Better week, yeah!
I am posting my score early cause
I work all day tomorrow & have no internet.
Boy Jennifer isn't that true. That is my BIGGEST
battle, having healthy food in my house to just
grab. I buy it thinking I have enough for myself,
and within hours, it's gone. I guess I need to make sure
I buy triple the amount!
Thanks everyone for all the inspiring blogs :)
I hope everyone's week was good, and
that we can pat ourselves on the back.
If not, remember there's always next week!
I am posting my score early cause
I work all day tomorrow & have no internet.
Boy Jennifer isn't that true. That is my BIGGEST
battle, having healthy food in my house to just
grab. I buy it thinking I have enough for myself,
and within hours, it's gone. I guess I need to make sure
I buy triple the amount!
Thanks everyone for all the inspiring blogs :)
I hope everyone's week was good, and
that we can pat ourselves on the back.
If not, remember there's always next week!
To Sarah
That happens to the best of us, right?
Now you have 2 choices: beat yourself up about it and possibly spiral downward
or
Accept that it happend.
Ask yourself about it and if it was worth it.
Determine what to do next time.
Pick yourself up and dust off and just keep going.
Try, try, try.
You can do it.
ugh!
bad eating day. guess I can count it as my free day. weird how I just want to eat and eat - and not even hungry. Right now I hate Halloween. I am a party pooper....sorry so down. Old habits were resurrected today. Tomorrow will be better??
I'm low in more ways than one
You guys are the best! I have a lot to say but I don't have time. Thank you for your honesty, for your examples & for your inspiration. I've lost 13 pounds so far. I am SO excited! However, life has just kicked me in the teeth really hard, life altering hard. BUT (picture me in my garden pulling out my radishes- very Sarlett O'Hara like)" as God as my witness," I will go through this emotional long term pain WITHOUT numbing it with food!!! You are all my witnesses. I AM THE MASTER OF MY FATE! I AM THE CAPTAIN OF MY SHIP!
Not Supposed to Win
Did you notice that the Giants won the 1st game of the World Series, even though they weren't supposed to? If you listened to what all the "experts" predicted, the Giants had no chance. But the Giants believed and didn't listen to those outside voices.
Kind of like what we're experiencing with our quest to beat the blobs. If you listen to some of those outside voices (e.g. Satan, toxic friends, negative self-talk) you have no chance to win. You might as well give up now and just become a blob. The old adage: "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" works well here. We are the way we are, right? NOT! Over the past several weeks we have experienced both wins and losses. We all know that we can win if we put our minds and hearts into it. It's called believe and the more we practice it, the more wins we garner. I'm imagining a size 12 World Series Ring on my right ring finger even as we speak...
Kind of like what we're experiencing with our quest to beat the blobs. If you listen to some of those outside voices (e.g. Satan, toxic friends, negative self-talk) you have no chance to win. You might as well give up now and just become a blob. The old adage: "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" works well here. We are the way we are, right? NOT! Over the past several weeks we have experienced both wins and losses. We all know that we can win if we put our minds and hearts into it. It's called believe and the more we practice it, the more wins we garner. I'm imagining a size 12 World Series Ring on my right ring finger even as we speak...
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Way to go
Way to go.
Baby steps. Baby steps.
Had my first night of cooking class tonight.
Had bites and tastes......not full servings. Victory for me.
Jane, way to blog about your feelings and cravings. I admire your honesty and your not giving in. I admire your inclination to go to the blog for help. Thank you for your example.
Busy day!!
I love reading all the blogs!!! Crush is dead on in the binging deal! It is not worth it!! Dan with his field trips! How cool! I used to have to inspect Geneva Steel's coking process! So I can relate! It is amazing!! I have been getting used to the salads for dinner! And loving it! I buy the salad stuff from Costco, and I am so frugal that I cant let it go to waste! So I end up eating alot of salads!!! Whatever works right!?!
lead me, guide me, walk beside me
Kristin, I am so sorry to hear about your grandma.
You're right, attitude is everything. It makes you
really stop and think when you see or talk with
someone who is struggling or might have a
serious hardship, and then hear or feel such
a great strong positive attitude.
It really does help me to be more grateful
and happy for what I have.
"All life is a journey; which paths we take,
what we look back on, and what we look
forward to is up to us. We determine our
destination, what kind of road we will take
to get there, and how happy we are when we
get there."
I love this quote!
You're right, attitude is everything. It makes you
really stop and think when you see or talk with
someone who is struggling or might have a
serious hardship, and then hear or feel such
a great strong positive attitude.
It really does help me to be more grateful
and happy for what I have.
"All life is a journey; which paths we take,
what we look back on, and what we look
forward to is up to us. We determine our
destination, what kind of road we will take
to get there, and how happy we are when we
get there."
I love this quote!
Field Trip
I feel like a 5th grader whose class gets to go on a field trip. As you know, I am a structural engineer and we build stuff out of steel. Today we're going to a steel mill to see how a piece of dirt can turn into a piece of steel. Cool.
Now my challenge is to get my 100 oz. of water in and eat healthy. I had downed 48 oz. of water before I left the house at 6:00 a.m., so I'm hoping I can sneak a bottle of water or two in during the day. I hope there is a bathroom or two I can dart into during our tour (Ooooh, I just thought of that).
CRUSH is full of wisdom in her post. Thinking and thinking ahead (because of what I've learned in the contest) is the only way to beat our old habits. And I bet RealtorJane figured out a way to outsmart the sweet voice that was calling to her. That voice can be sooooo enticing, unless we outsmart it like RJ did - by blogging about it. Awesome.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kristin and her family.
Now my challenge is to get my 100 oz. of water in and eat healthy. I had downed 48 oz. of water before I left the house at 6:00 a.m., so I'm hoping I can sneak a bottle of water or two in during the day. I hope there is a bathroom or two I can dart into during our tour (Ooooh, I just thought of that).
CRUSH is full of wisdom in her post. Thinking and thinking ahead (because of what I've learned in the contest) is the only way to beat our old habits. And I bet RealtorJane figured out a way to outsmart the sweet voice that was calling to her. That voice can be sooooo enticing, unless we outsmart it like RJ did - by blogging about it. Awesome.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kristin and her family.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
AMAZING POSTS EVERYONE
Wonderful posts! I have had a harder day today. The sweets have been calling me. I have not been bad but I hate this anxious feeling. I want my sweet fix. I will feel my feelings, however, and get through it. The day is almost over.
The power of the mind.
We've all heard the quote:
"Whether you think you can or you think you cannot, you are right."
So, how do we change our thinking? How do we change, like "The Tree" said, "Most people really don't ever achieve real, lasting change without continuous follow up."
Well, one thing I have learned is this:
When the consequences of what I do finally get through my stubborn mind I realize:
This behavior isn't worth the consequences I KNOW will come.
So, then I decide, "It's not worth it."
We know the consequences of bingeing: feeling good (during the eating), feeling bad immediately afterwards, beating self up, (this may or may not involve treating those in our family bad because of our bad mood), not giving of ourselves fully because of our bad mood, not wanting to go out in public because of our bad mood, and then just thinking, "Well, I've already messed up, I might as well eat more." Then a horrible cycle begins! Does that sound familiar to anyone?
So, lets remember the consequences of our actions the next time we're tempted and remember that:
IT'S NOT WORTH IT! :)
Checkin it
Hey- How is everyone? I am doing great. Today it was snowing!! :-) I love eating healthy! YAY!
good and bad!
Went up to Logan for some inspections....here's the bad. I stopped off at Pepridge (sp?) Farm and bought cookies by the bulk (they are seconds!). The good is that I have not pigged out on them. And now I plan on bagging up some of them to share with friends!! I would have never in the past had done that. I would have eaten them all!!! Maybe I am slowly changing my habits......!
What a day yesterday
We got a call about noon or so yesterday that my husbands Grandma had hours to live. She is 97 so we have been anticipating this call. She has been in a care center in Bountiful for about a month. She lived alone previous to this. She had her mind totally about her so she was very aware of every thing she couldn't do because her body was wearing out. She couldn't hear in large groups. She couldn't see to read or watch T.V. she couldn't walk more that 10-15 steps with out feeling winded. But even 2 weeks ago she taught me a lesson. We went to visit her and she had just found out she didn't get to go home. She was just as pleasant as ever and she said to me" I have so much to be grateful for. My family is so good to me and every where I go I meet good people who are kind to me. That's something to be happy for." It brought me to tears for someone with a horrible quality of life she could still find something to be grateful for and to be happy about. We went to visit her yesterday as soon as our kids got home from school. It was so hard to see her struggling to breath. She looked so small and frail. We all gave her a kiss and she passed away 20 minutes after we left. I am changing my attitude TODAY!
Listen to this
I'm reading a new book entitiled "MOJO: How to get it, How to keep it, How to get it back if you lose it" (Marshall Goldsmith). It's pretty good so far. A paragraph really caught my eye, especially since we've been talking about it here in the blog. They surveyed 250,000 people with this question: "Does anyone ever really change?" The conclusion is unequivocal. "Very few people achieve positive, lasting change without ongoing follow-up."
For me this contest and our blogosphere have been great resources to encourage and challenge. Each of us needs to figure out a way to be accountable outside of ourselves, at least until the change has become permanent.
For me this contest and our blogosphere have been great resources to encourage and challenge. Each of us needs to figure out a way to be accountable outside of ourselves, at least until the change has become permanent.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Great posts!
Laureen, thank you for your analogy comparing the contest to getting good grades in school. I could get A's all day in school and I did, because I played the game. I feel like I have very little to show for it now. It really is thought-provoking to ask myself, "Is that how I'm playing the game? What am I learning, here?"
Thank you for getting that going in my head.
I am grateful for Monday's and a new week. Last week was a hard week, but I'm ready to begin again.
Thanks for all your comments!
Fun night
I just got home from taking my family to the Ogden I fly and Flowrider and Rockclimbing. It was hilarious watching my son and husband simulate sky diving and learning how to surf the water.
checking in..
5 points
Can I tell you all how heavenly an indoor swimming pool
is on a cold snowy day like today, after working all day!!
I went to my fibro swim class, and it felt awesome!!
It didn't help the pain too much, but to get my heart
rate up, stretch my achey muscles, and visit with my
friends really relaxed me.. I really enjoyed it.
Can I tell you all how heavenly an indoor swimming pool
is on a cold snowy day like today, after working all day!!
I went to my fibro swim class, and it felt awesome!!
It didn't help the pain too much, but to get my heart
rate up, stretch my achey muscles, and visit with my
friends really relaxed me.. I really enjoyed it.
Snowed in!!
Ended up going to Cedar City due to the snow! At least got something done! Packed a lunch and drove home and had grilled salmon! Good eating day! Not so good water day. Trying to make up for it now!!! Maybe I will put my sleeping bag in the bathroom!! lol!
Cheking In
Busy week I'm starting a seasonal job to earn money for Christmas. Bah Hum-bug! Who took the Christ out of Christmas and turned it into a reason to spend money you don't have for things you don't need. I'll never understand ,but I refuse to go into debt over it. I have 3 options go into debt for Christmas, don't have Christmas, or get a job to pay for Christmas. Next year I pledge to plan ahead so I'm not in this boat again.
Dilbert
Boss: "What happened while I was in jail?
Secretary: "Morale skyrocketed, profits soared, and for the first time, life had meaning."
Boss: "It's just my luck that I'd miss those two days..."
Back in the saddle. Welcome to Monday.
A special welcome back to Grandma Kelly. We missed you. Hope your back is better.
Secretary: "Morale skyrocketed, profits soared, and for the first time, life had meaning."
Boss: "It's just my luck that I'd miss those two days..."
Back in the saddle. Welcome to Monday.
A special welcome back to Grandma Kelly. We missed you. Hope your back is better.
last weeks score was 607
We are doing some remodeling, finishing a room for my son Connor in the basement. My garage is filled with stuff and I am getting paint, bedding and drapes. All the mess is shifting my focus. I think staying healthy is a mind game more than any thing. I hope I can do better this week!
I GOT NOTHIN TO SAY
Yesterday was my free day from blogging (because I turned on my computer for the exact purpose of blogging & ended up doing something completely different). I need Alzhiemer's testing.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
WOW what a week!
First of all, sorry lori for not posting my score till now..
it is 645 ;(
Sorry Jane, I haven't been such a great partner for you.
This past 4 months have been hard for me.
I have really appreciated all of your
blogs these past few days. It makes me feel like I am in the same boat
as you all. We all have our strengths and our weaknesses.
The important thing for me with doing this contest is that with
the frustration of being in constant pain, this contest has helped
me to stay on track (obviously not even 90%) to get my activity up,
eat better, get my sleep and all do the best I can each day to think
about myself to be better and healthier. And I actually think it
has helped my back pain a little!
I feel that it would benefit me to change it up a little, and focus on
weigh- in's with each other. Because I still need to lose a lot of pounds!
I have been in this to be healthier and to lose weight,
so this would help me too.
In my past attempts over the years to lose weight, it helped to
weight in weekly. So next round, lets do it!
We are all worth it to do the best we can,
be honest with ourselves, and keep making
the best choices we can. ;)
LOVE YOU GUYS!
it is 645 ;(
Sorry Jane, I haven't been such a great partner for you.
This past 4 months have been hard for me.
I have really appreciated all of your
blogs these past few days. It makes me feel like I am in the same boat
as you all. We all have our strengths and our weaknesses.
The important thing for me with doing this contest is that with
the frustration of being in constant pain, this contest has helped
me to stay on track (obviously not even 90%) to get my activity up,
eat better, get my sleep and all do the best I can each day to think
about myself to be better and healthier. And I actually think it
has helped my back pain a little!
I feel that it would benefit me to change it up a little, and focus on
weigh- in's with each other. Because I still need to lose a lot of pounds!
I have been in this to be healthier and to lose weight,
so this would help me too.
In my past attempts over the years to lose weight, it helped to
weight in weekly. So next round, lets do it!
We are all worth it to do the best we can,
be honest with ourselves, and keep making
the best choices we can. ;)
LOVE YOU GUYS!
back home
Went to Antelope Island last nite camping. And this morning went for a wet hike!! We had a blast!
Heading off to Ticaboo tomorrow! To a uranium mine. Hopefully can drive over Soldier Summit.
Heading off to Ticaboo tomorrow! To a uranium mine. Hopefully can drive over Soldier Summit.
I marvel at the miracle
I love this poem! Words by John V. Pearson
I marvel at the miracle
Of God's great love for me.
I try but cannot comprehend
And ask how this could be.
For I had left behind my God
And lost my way through sin.
Still God loved me and sent His Son
To lead me back to Him.
I wearied of my weaknesses
And trials filled my days.
I cried out, Lord, my burden's hard:
Is there no other way?
He said, I give men weaknesses
And if they come to me
I give them strength to overcome
And I will make them free.
I pled with God to shed his grace
And take away my sin.
He did and, yet, I turned away
And stumbled once again.
At last I knelt before His throne
And offered Him my soul.
He wept, then gave it back to me
Renewed, and washed, and whole.
I wonder at the grace divine
And power to redeem;
That Christ alone could overcome
And change eternity.
My thanks cannot sufficient be.
My praise is incomplete.
For all I pay, my debt remains
For God's great gift to me.
I marvel at the miracle
Of God's great love for me.
I try but cannot comprehend
And ask how this could be.
For I had left behind my God
And lost my way through sin.
Still God loved me and sent His Son
To lead me back to Him.
I wearied of my weaknesses
And trials filled my days.
I cried out, Lord, my burden's hard:
Is there no other way?
He said, I give men weaknesses
And if they come to me
I give them strength to overcome
And I will make them free.
I pled with God to shed his grace
And take away my sin.
He did and, yet, I turned away
And stumbled once again.
At last I knelt before His throne
And offered Him my soul.
He wept, then gave it back to me
Renewed, and washed, and whole.
I wonder at the grace divine
And power to redeem;
That Christ alone could overcome
And change eternity.
My thanks cannot sufficient be.
My praise is incomplete.
For all I pay, my debt remains
For God's great gift to me.
The Elusive number on the scale
Laureen you are not alone there. I have been in the same 15lb range for the last 3 contests also. I think we are all in the same boat there. I've decided there is no way I'm going to reach my goal physically untill I change mentally. All of my eating problems stem from emotions. I eat to celebrate, I eat when I'm sad, angry, stressed, discouraged, bored. I rationalize that if I'm going out with friends or eating with family. It might" hurt there feeling" if I don't eat what they are eating. All holidays are centered around food. No wonder we are all sick! When I have gotten down to my goal weight it usually happens when I have a big trip planned, a wedding or the last 3 times I've lost a significant amount of weight it was because "I can't get pregnant again when I'm this fat". I need to address my emotions before I'll ever lose weight and keep it off! I love that we are all getting real in our blogs! Thanks everyone;)
1 Nephi 1:20
"...the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom He hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
Yes, we can!
Yes, we can!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Cleaning up your messes
So. This week. Good times. C.S. Lewis talks about having extreme circumstances bring out the ugliest stuff in us, and saying that the extreme circumstances were the reason we ______ (threw a plate, burst into tears, snapped at someone, punched a jeep, etc.). Lewis contends that this ugly stuff in us was there all along. He compares it to having rats in our cellar. When we go downstairs, and hear the rats scurry when we turn on the lights, it's not the fact that we turned on the lights that caused the rats to be there! They were there all along; the light simply revealed them. He said the extreme circumstances are like that - they simply reveal what has been growing inside all along, that we haven't finished refining and culling.
So here's this week's rats that I've found. Without boring you with all of them, it pretty much comes down to this: I was carefully raised to think that mistakes of any kind were not an option, because my worth was connected to my performance. I've actually thought I'd made some progress in this area, until three completely unrelated incidents this week. All of them triggered that latent, unconscious notion that if I made a mistake, I was a mistake. Since it's the demon I run from all the time, to have this message three times, from three completely unrelated sources, was something akin to torture. I can't believe I made it out of bed this week.
Again, without going into too much gory detail, Jodi: I owe you a profound apology. Your blog, actually, was Incident #3. I have been beating myself up so much over the fact that I can't get past a certain weight, in spite of getting good scores and really doing a good job at good habits (except on free days), that all I could see was rats, scurrying around my feet, in spite of all my diligent fumigating!
When I was in school, it was vital that I got A's. Sometimes, I got the A by "playing the game," and without learning anything in the class. I realized, thanks to not just the three trigger incidents, but also the emotional tailspin caused by them, that I have been playing this game the way I got good grades in school. I have been focusing on the score, and not the results, just like I did in school.
Well, this is so stupidly ridiculous (did I mention I have not-so-great self-talk?), that to realize I had done this was humiliating! If I hadn't had a busy, culminating kind of weekend, I probably really would not have made it out of bed for a few days; I'd be there now, sobbing, wiping chocolate off my face, and chewing on my hair.
I love what Stacy said in her blog, and I agree. It is the antithesis of everything this contest is trying to teach us to have the kind of free days I've been having. And I am grateful that even though I have "played" wrong, I have not played in vain. I may be tap dancing around in a 5-pound range for the past 4 months, but I haven't gained! Given my unbelievably upbeat self-talk (wish there were a sarcasm font there, K?), and my all-or-nothing thinking, this is a victory nearly akin to the weight loss itself.
So. Jodi. If you read frustration or anger, or any negative emotions in my "letter of resignation" (which was retracted, thanks to my supportive partner-in-crime) - please know it was all directed at me. The minute I "quit," an unbelievable wave of love and support flowed toward me that I didn't even know was there. I love you guys - I can't tell you what it meant to me to have so many of you rush - we are talking rush - to my side and pull my head back above water. I am so grateful for you.
Someone asked me this week (this would be Incident #1, by the way) what I was using my excess weight to protect me from. That was when the eating started. So apparently, it has been a huge shield, and I still don't know the answer. Apparently, I don't like the answer. :) But I look forward to getting a fresh score sheet out every Friday, blogging about what I'm learning, and figuring it out. I suspect now that the lights have been turned on and the rats have been revealed, my scores may not be what they've been. I have not cheated, but I have not played well, because I have not played for the right reason. As of today, I am playing for the right reason.
Gotta post this before midnight, cause I need these dang 5 points! Happy Sabbath to my little Game On Family. I love your guts.
If eating gets connected to our emotional issues, we are in for quite a ride, eh?
So here's this week's rats that I've found. Without boring you with all of them, it pretty much comes down to this: I was carefully raised to think that mistakes of any kind were not an option, because my worth was connected to my performance. I've actually thought I'd made some progress in this area, until three completely unrelated incidents this week. All of them triggered that latent, unconscious notion that if I made a mistake, I was a mistake. Since it's the demon I run from all the time, to have this message three times, from three completely unrelated sources, was something akin to torture. I can't believe I made it out of bed this week.
Again, without going into too much gory detail, Jodi: I owe you a profound apology. Your blog, actually, was Incident #3. I have been beating myself up so much over the fact that I can't get past a certain weight, in spite of getting good scores and really doing a good job at good habits (except on free days), that all I could see was rats, scurrying around my feet, in spite of all my diligent fumigating!
When I was in school, it was vital that I got A's. Sometimes, I got the A by "playing the game," and without learning anything in the class. I realized, thanks to not just the three trigger incidents, but also the emotional tailspin caused by them, that I have been playing this game the way I got good grades in school. I have been focusing on the score, and not the results, just like I did in school.
Well, this is so stupidly ridiculous (did I mention I have not-so-great self-talk?), that to realize I had done this was humiliating! If I hadn't had a busy, culminating kind of weekend, I probably really would not have made it out of bed for a few days; I'd be there now, sobbing, wiping chocolate off my face, and chewing on my hair.
I love what Stacy said in her blog, and I agree. It is the antithesis of everything this contest is trying to teach us to have the kind of free days I've been having. And I am grateful that even though I have "played" wrong, I have not played in vain. I may be tap dancing around in a 5-pound range for the past 4 months, but I haven't gained! Given my unbelievably upbeat self-talk (wish there were a sarcasm font there, K?), and my all-or-nothing thinking, this is a victory nearly akin to the weight loss itself.
So. Jodi. If you read frustration or anger, or any negative emotions in my "letter of resignation" (which was retracted, thanks to my supportive partner-in-crime) - please know it was all directed at me. The minute I "quit," an unbelievable wave of love and support flowed toward me that I didn't even know was there. I love you guys - I can't tell you what it meant to me to have so many of you rush - we are talking rush - to my side and pull my head back above water. I am so grateful for you.
Someone asked me this week (this would be Incident #1, by the way) what I was using my excess weight to protect me from. That was when the eating started. So apparently, it has been a huge shield, and I still don't know the answer. Apparently, I don't like the answer. :) But I look forward to getting a fresh score sheet out every Friday, blogging about what I'm learning, and figuring it out. I suspect now that the lights have been turned on and the rats have been revealed, my scores may not be what they've been. I have not cheated, but I have not played well, because I have not played for the right reason. As of today, I am playing for the right reason.
Gotta post this before midnight, cause I need these dang 5 points! Happy Sabbath to my little Game On Family. I love your guts.
If eating gets connected to our emotional issues, we are in for quite a ride, eh?
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG W/ NEEDING A CONTEST
KRISTIN- thanks for your brave words in both of your last blogs. I appreciate your honesty. CRUSH- thank you for that amazing quote. NO ONE IS PATHETIC for saying how they feel & what they need or don't need! It is NOT wrong to need a contest. I have struggled with food issues since I was 13 & most of that time I have not been over-weight. Whether I have been thin or heavy my head has been sick in regard to food. I have come from the brink of balemia in the dance world to now, where it is amazing that I have let myself get this over-weight & not committed suicide. Actually being over-weight is a victory for me & I mean that honestly. I am proud that I have been able to handle being over-weight mentally. Is that pathetic? Only to people who haven't walked in my shoes. Now I want to just be a healthy weight & I don't care what I have to use to motivate me. I used my mother's approaching death to motivate me to loose weight for her funeral. Is that pathetic? I don't think so. I am now using this contest & my sons upcoming wedding to motivate me. We are all at different places in our hearts & our heads & it doesn't matter where we are as long as we are honest with ourselves. You use any motivation you want (as long as it's moral & healthy) and I will be cheering you on. I love everyone's honesty. That's the start of ALL health. GO! FIGHT! WIN! Everybody!
relaxed day
So, I decided that instead of having a free day today, I am having a relaxed day, where I still try and have healthy meals, but if I want something, I will try it. Tonight my roommates are having dinner and I am going to join them- but I am going to be in control of what and how much I eat.
Glad we're all still here.....
I'm glad my dad is a bully, too.
This would not be the same without you, Laureen!!
Kristin, I appreciate your open-ness. I think we can ALL relate to some or all of your post.
It is pathetic that a contest is needed for us to be in control.
I'm scared of myself when this contest is over. What then?
The good thing about this contest is that it forces us to change our lifestyles. It forces us to be emotionally and mentally 'there' when we eat. Then we recognize how good we feel and the weight that is lost. Hopefully, we create some new habits, in the process.
Read this quote from Thomas Jefferson:
Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson
off to play tennis!
Last game of fall league! Thank goodness for bubbles otherwise we'd be rained out! Then believe it or not we are going camping to Antelope Island! Keep trying to convince my husband it will be pretty in the rain!!! Have a good soggy day!!! No one rains on my parade!!!
For Heaven's Sake
I hope you all have a great weekend. Really. Here's my suggestion: find someone (you know who I'm talking about) and just out-of-the-blue go up to them and tell them you love them - and mean it. Enjoy the reaction. Then feel love from Heavenly Father back at'cha. For a moment all of your cares will be melted. Now go forth...
To Clarify
I am horrible with words. I know winning isn't everything and it is definatly not all about the money. I can't even to begin to describe the weeknesses that run my life. How sad is it that I need to compete to make myself commit to something. How sad is it that I want to win to help me feel validated. I apologize if what I said yesterday hurt anyone's feelings. I need all of your positive to offset my negative attitude. I am grateful for things this game has brought to my life. I'm not drinking soda anymore. I am more aware of everything I put in my body. Sad as it is I need an incentive to force myself to be good. I just get really discouraged easily and instead of having a bad day and getting over it. I beat myself up and give up. I have grown to love all of you and am grateful for your powerful example's. Please forgive my weaknesses.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The game
I think that we should finish this round how we have set the rules. We only have two weeks left- come on guys we can do it. If we have fallen, lets try again. If we know we wont "win" then let's set some personal goals to push ourselves- so we all win. Do you guys understand what I am saying? Then next round- we can change it up.
I HAVE TOO MUCH TO SAY
Because blogging is too hard for me I am late. My score is 705 for the week. I have lost 11 pounds so far! I am thrilled & I too came into the game knowing I would probably not win money. Winning money was not my goal- losing weight was & is my goal.
I have too much to say. I would like to meet too- when? where?
Thank you Dan for kicking Laureen's butt. If you hadn't I would have had to. It would have been my priveledge to kick Laureen's butt since I have been so grateful for the times she has kicked mine.
I have too much to say. I would like to meet too- when? where?
Thank you Dan for kicking Laureen's butt. If you hadn't I would have had to. It would have been my priveledge to kick Laureen's butt since I have been so grateful for the times she has kicked mine.
Hello
Let me introduce myself again. I am Jodi and Lori's sister-in-law, Stacy and yes, I have been playing this game (several times, in fact).
My two cents;
This game is quite revealing as far as our strengths and weaknesses. For some exercise is hard, for some (me) it is hard to drink the water. For all, it is hard to consistently eat the way we are supposed to eat to have optimal health. So I love the light it shines on each of us and our struggles and our strengths. As much as it is a team effort, I value the lessons I have learned about myself. I have never won in this game, as far as the money goes, but I have gained SO MUCH knowledge and I have acquired new habits which have made me feel like I have changed my life in a lasting and important way. I knew going in to this round that I was not really in to the contest, but I wanted to support Jodi and Lori and so I paid the $25 dollars knowing I would never see it again, but wanting to make the effort anyway. We are each struggling in our own way, everyone is so busy and stressed and life is difficult at times. I hate to see this game, which is so great at elevating us to a better life, become a negative in people's lives.
I definitely feel that there needs to be changes in the game, if people are bingeing on their free day. That is completely counter-productive to healthy lifestyle and weight loss. If any of you have read the Game On diet book, you know that in the original diet, she did not support binge eating on the free day-it was just a more relaxed day where you didn't have to count points. I think somewhere we have lost the way from the original game and that free day, as great as it is, is becoming an obstacle to our goals (weight loss and healthier habits).
So, I think you all should come to a consensus about how you would like the game to go down. Most of you have played the game enough times to recognize inherent flaws and I think Jodi's suggestion is a good one. I, however, will not be playing again until I can fully commit to myself and partner and do it for the right reasons...
I am not mentally in this game, but because of this game I feel I have a very healthy lifestyle and I am grateful for the weeks that I have played it. I encourage you all to encourage each other, but keep it real!! If your day sucks, it is helpful for others to know that everyone struggles and you can overcome!
Score and thoughts
Guys,
This contest is so much bigger than who wins. I entered this contest knowing my team would not win.
First of all, I know my dad. :)
Secondly, my partner, Lyss-my beautiful, lovely sister-- is in college. I think she's got it harder than anyone else in this contest as far as surroundings go. Who ever got 7 hours of sleep in college? I could probably count on one hand the number of times I did.
So, we knew, going in this together, that every week week our scores would not be super high. We knew that. We paid our dues knowing that.
But it has been worth it.
I feel better.
I look better.
No, I will not win the money.
But, things are better. I've learned about myself. I've made mistakes. I've questioned my habits and asked "WHY?" so many times. I've come out of this a winner-- just like Lyss said. I'm not winning any money, but I've won.
Being accountable to a group has saved me from myself a number of times.
I have won.
I think we've all won.
Nobody is perfect, it's not meant to be that way.
I love this quote:
What are stumbling blocks and defeat before you, can be stepping stones to victory, if you remain determined.
Come on guys, don't give up now! Thanks to you all for all your great posts and inspiration.
My score this week- 650. Bad score, but I learned a lot about myself this week! So, I count that as a WIN!
Dan's a bully...
... and won' let me quit. We pinkie-swore each other (dang) that we'd see each other over the finish line - the FINAL finish line, of reaching our goal weights. Apparently, it's going to take ME the rest of my life. But I am not quitting. The biggest victory for me has been that in the yuckiest stuff, while I may be losing the same 4 pounds forty-eight times, I haven't gained weight back. That is actually unbelievable.
So, I crashed on my bob-sled - this week has just been such a last straw in my life, on sooo many fronts. And darling Dan came over and yelled at me and made me pick it up, and now we're carrying it over the finish line.
Is that a great friend, or what?
P.S. If you haven't seen Cool Runnings, none of that makes sense. :)
So, I crashed on my bob-sled - this week has just been such a last straw in my life, on sooo many fronts. And darling Dan came over and yelled at me and made me pick it up, and now we're carrying it over the finish line.
Is that a great friend, or what?
P.S. If you haven't seen Cool Runnings, none of that makes sense. :)
Laureen
I had a really hard time reading your blog because.....
1. I am not wanting to change the rules mid game and not let you and Dan win. Your scores clearly outshined all of us. READ CLOSELY.... you both already won the game and were going to collect the winnings.
2. This is the first time i hear about your personal struggles in this game. You always have such positive blogs. Being honest to your struggles would have probably helped all of us knowing you were not so perfect.
3. You do not seem like the type to throw in the towel when times get rough or someone calls you out on not losing weight. Losing weight was not a big part of this contest rules. Making healthier choices in life have been worth it. Right???? Most of us struggle with our weight because sometimes it's hard to admit that we have a weakness. BUT THAT'S OK!!!! Are any of us truly honest with ourselves and say we are overweight because we have not perfected our eating? Maybe a few, but I find it's easier to blame other issues so we don't look so weak.
I don't want you to be mad at my blogs but being honest with ourselves is the first key to success. We are all going to make mistakes in life but again, THAT'S OK!
1. I am not wanting to change the rules mid game and not let you and Dan win. Your scores clearly outshined all of us. READ CLOSELY.... you both already won the game and were going to collect the winnings.
2. This is the first time i hear about your personal struggles in this game. You always have such positive blogs. Being honest to your struggles would have probably helped all of us knowing you were not so perfect.
3. You do not seem like the type to throw in the towel when times get rough or someone calls you out on not losing weight. Losing weight was not a big part of this contest rules. Making healthier choices in life have been worth it. Right???? Most of us struggle with our weight because sometimes it's hard to admit that we have a weakness. BUT THAT'S OK!!!! Are any of us truly honest with ourselves and say we are overweight because we have not perfected our eating? Maybe a few, but I find it's easier to blame other issues so we don't look so weak.
I don't want you to be mad at my blogs but being honest with ourselves is the first key to success. We are all going to make mistakes in life but again, THAT'S OK!
points
So, I think I win for lowest points!!! :-p! This week was awful points-wise. I had two day ( I think) with 7 hours of sleep (most days were 5-6 hrs... yuck!). and I missed a lot of little things and that adds up. so my score is 599. Sorry Cam. But I am winning in the sense that I am trying to eat healthy. I feel better and I know that slowly, but surely, I am losing weight. But I am winning so much more than that. I am winning good habits and better control. I still battle and slip, but despite my score in this contest... I am winning
685 again
sorry Jennifer!! On the flip side I have stopped swearing and have been taking vitamins. So its not a total loss! I agree with you all. It is hard to keep competing knowing that we wont be winning. I am open to pretty much anything. Lets keep trying to lose weight together! It helps me knowing that I am accountable for what enters my mouth!!
Week 6
This week's score: 642 points
Being a closet addict really caught up with me this week. Since the first round of this contest, I've been able to reign in my compulsive/emotional eating until free days, and then work like crazy to play catch-up the rest of the week. I managed to move forward and still lose weight the first round. But the 2nd contest I ended up losing the same 4 pounds over and over, such was the ferocity of my "binging" on the free day. Well, that's what's happening this go-round too, but worse. The emotional pain I'm experiencing is so acute AND chronic, that I can barely breathe some days. This week, it's been so bad that I couldn't even wait until free day to anesthetize with food.
I remember feeling like the contest rules were stacked against me the first time around. To lost 1% of my beginning weight every single week was a very tall order, since I am so significantly overweight. And I only lost the 1% 3 of the 8 weeks, which is why I lost - fairly, because of the set-up of the rules. The second round, when there was no weight rules, only points for habits, I worked hard because I knew I could control that. But, because of the "no weight loss" addition, I was more undisciplined on my free days, causing me to be continually playing catch-up every single week.
So that's happening this time, too. Up until this week, I have been able to control my habits sufficiently to get a great score, but I have taken advantage of my free days to the same level, and I'm still only down about 1 pound from my starting weight.
I'd rather have the weight loss than the money. I think it's an excellent idea to change the rules to include weight loss. But I think it's wrong to change the rules mid-game; it should be next time. I wanted to say something in the middle of Round 1, but I felt like it would be whiney and weak to say "No Fair!" to the rules the way they were established at that time. It made me think of a baseball league my brothers were in years ago. They had some great hitters, and ended up getting several homeruns every game. So the league actually made a rule that you could only hit so many homeruns per game!
If you think I'm saying this because Dan and I are in the lead, I'll quit right now. I don't give a crap about the money. I'd rather have lost another 15 pounds. But my emotional battles are so fierce right now, I don't give a crap about this contest either. I did, and worked hard in spite of my pain, until this week. Now, to think everybody's saying it's not fair that Dan and I will win because there's no weight loss goal involved (since Laureen is obviously not losing weight) - I've just got so much bigger things to worry about.
So I'm out. Good luck. Sorry Dan.
Being a closet addict really caught up with me this week. Since the first round of this contest, I've been able to reign in my compulsive/emotional eating until free days, and then work like crazy to play catch-up the rest of the week. I managed to move forward and still lose weight the first round. But the 2nd contest I ended up losing the same 4 pounds over and over, such was the ferocity of my "binging" on the free day. Well, that's what's happening this go-round too, but worse. The emotional pain I'm experiencing is so acute AND chronic, that I can barely breathe some days. This week, it's been so bad that I couldn't even wait until free day to anesthetize with food.
I remember feeling like the contest rules were stacked against me the first time around. To lost 1% of my beginning weight every single week was a very tall order, since I am so significantly overweight. And I only lost the 1% 3 of the 8 weeks, which is why I lost - fairly, because of the set-up of the rules. The second round, when there was no weight rules, only points for habits, I worked hard because I knew I could control that. But, because of the "no weight loss" addition, I was more undisciplined on my free days, causing me to be continually playing catch-up every single week.
So that's happening this time, too. Up until this week, I have been able to control my habits sufficiently to get a great score, but I have taken advantage of my free days to the same level, and I'm still only down about 1 pound from my starting weight.
I'd rather have the weight loss than the money. I think it's an excellent idea to change the rules to include weight loss. But I think it's wrong to change the rules mid-game; it should be next time. I wanted to say something in the middle of Round 1, but I felt like it would be whiney and weak to say "No Fair!" to the rules the way they were established at that time. It made me think of a baseball league my brothers were in years ago. They had some great hitters, and ended up getting several homeruns every game. So the league actually made a rule that you could only hit so many homeruns per game!
If you think I'm saying this because Dan and I are in the lead, I'll quit right now. I don't give a crap about the money. I'd rather have lost another 15 pounds. But my emotional battles are so fierce right now, I don't give a crap about this contest either. I did, and worked hard in spite of my pain, until this week. Now, to think everybody's saying it's not fair that Dan and I will win because there's no weight loss goal involved (since Laureen is obviously not losing weight) - I've just got so much bigger things to worry about.
So I'm out. Good luck. Sorry Dan.
Thanks Jodi
First - let me report my (less than perfect) score: 700 (missed my water one day and missed my new habit one day).
Now, for the important. Jodi has hit the nail on the head. I'm not sure if she is a MD or not, but she has shown a light on all of us. We all are fighting a battle with not only food, but our emotions too. For many years I have been an emotional eater and it took it's toll. For some special reason this contest resonated with me and came into my life at the right time and place. Thanks Laureen. Laureen happens to be my wife's best friend and I didn't want to embarrass her or let her down - so I got into it. Point being, something highly motivated me. Plus, someday, if you want, I am willing to share my (very) personal journey with gaining a much deeper testimony of the blessings of the Atonement (it's not just about forgiveness)...
This is a little bitter/sweet, but on the one hand I am a competitor and like to win, but on the other hand I don't necessarily like beating you, my friends. And I especially don't like winning to the point that others ratchet down their efforts. So to Jodi's suggestion, I think we should meet and plan a better contest. I know Laureen will hate me for this, but I am willing to partner up with someone else (my daughter for instance) to spread my exuberance. Then Laureen's exuberance can support another team likewise. I like Jodi's suggestions also on scoring modifications - ala "Biggest Loser." Let's keep the ball rolling and come up with some new scoring that will motivate us all.
I look forward to everyone chiming in their 2 cents.
Now, for the important. Jodi has hit the nail on the head. I'm not sure if she is a MD or not, but she has shown a light on all of us. We all are fighting a battle with not only food, but our emotions too. For many years I have been an emotional eater and it took it's toll. For some special reason this contest resonated with me and came into my life at the right time and place. Thanks Laureen. Laureen happens to be my wife's best friend and I didn't want to embarrass her or let her down - so I got into it. Point being, something highly motivated me. Plus, someday, if you want, I am willing to share my (very) personal journey with gaining a much deeper testimony of the blessings of the Atonement (it's not just about forgiveness)...
This is a little bitter/sweet, but on the one hand I am a competitor and like to win, but on the other hand I don't necessarily like beating you, my friends. And I especially don't like winning to the point that others ratchet down their efforts. So to Jodi's suggestion, I think we should meet and plan a better contest. I know Laureen will hate me for this, but I am willing to partner up with someone else (my daughter for instance) to spread my exuberance. Then Laureen's exuberance can support another team likewise. I like Jodi's suggestions also on scoring modifications - ala "Biggest Loser." Let's keep the ball rolling and come up with some new scoring that will motivate us all.
I look forward to everyone chiming in their 2 cents.
In response to Jodi
I agree with your blog. The competition is what keeps me going. I got a really good start this game and was feeling really good. Then as always my emotions kicked in and I had one really bad week and it totally took our team out of competing range. This is such a bad way to think ,but as good as all the blogs are. The insentive for me is winning. I know some will say you can still have a personal victory. Unfortunately that does nothing for me. I think I would be better at having a competition with myself. Maybe give myself insentive's like a weekend away at a spa. Or put some money aside that I get to spend on new clothes when I reach my goal weight. When we got put out of winning range my attitude got really negative and honestly it is really discouraging. I know that is my own problem but it is what it is. So I think your idea about having a weigh in before and after would be fantastic. I do have strengths I have no problem with excersise. I love it! Food is the enemy ,but if there was a chance for extra points with weight loss at the end. That might keep up the motivation.
On a lighter note. I was reading a book last night called Austenland by Shannon Hale and there was a paragraph that described me perfectly
"she was just a touch obsessive -compulsive, thank you very much, and if she didn't follow her compulsion to excersise hard, her body freaked out on her and demand she eat enough sugar to choke her pancreas." This is the story of my life. If I don't get up early and excersise first thing and hard! I am a sugar craving mess!
Score this week 645
On a lighter note. I was reading a book last night called Austenland by Shannon Hale and there was a paragraph that described me perfectly
"she was just a touch obsessive -compulsive, thank you very much, and if she didn't follow her compulsion to excersise hard, her body freaked out on her and demand she eat enough sugar to choke her pancreas." This is the story of my life. If I don't get up early and excersise first thing and hard! I am a sugar craving mess!
Score this week 645
Thursday, October 21, 2010
I'm noticing a theme.....
Sounds like a lot of us are struggling.
I'm right there with you all.
Why do we do what we do, when we know what we know?
We know how good we feel when we eat healthy, get good rest, and exercise. So, why do we chose to go against that sometimes? It doesn't make sense.
But the most important thing is to not give up. Make the u-turn. It's in the past. Let it go and keep going.
You are all amazing and inspiring.
Are we going to do another contest after this one is over?
Please?
I think it's time we have a chat!
How do you all feel about meeting again soon? (like this week) There are many people in this contest that are having great success with their scores, and.... there are some of us that have given up because the contest has already ended because there is no way for any of the other teams to catch up to Dan and Laureen. So...... the question to everybody is " who does better on the contest when there is a chance of winning?" I know that there are at least 3 of us that need that challenge to help us stick to the plan. I've been thinking how we can make this contest more successful for all of us, but that would mean starting over. My thoughts are to give Dan and Laureen the winnings for this round right now and to change up the game for the next round. For those of us who have been in the contest with Dan and Laureen know that the only way to win is to be perfect every week. (this makes it hard for some of us to want to keep losing to such amazing perfectionist, which, by the way, I am totally jealous of) On the other hand, not competing with them would be less interesting because of their great blogging.
MY PLAN......
Now remember.... I have not met some of you and I have no idea how much weight has been lost by all of you. But, I know that many of us are attempting to lose weight. My guess is that Laureen has lost many pounds by doing this several times (unless Laureen, you are like me and you gain it back when the contest ends) But, i am just going to be real. Perfect scores should equal good weight loss. So, my thought is to keep the scoring going as it has been, but at thebeginning and end of the 8 weeks having a weigh in day (like biggest loser or thintervention) and giving out certain points for the biggest percentage of weight loss for the top 3 losers. (ie 100 pts for top loser, 75 pts for 2nd loser and 50 pts. for 3rd loser or whatever numbers we decide.
This, I think would keep the weekly numbers not so much of a downer for those of us that have problems with giving up once we know we have been beat.
A meeting would allow me to explain better and to check up on all of our progress and see how we can make this contest a little more exciting and make it work better for all of us.
Please respond to my blog and give me thoughts. (good and bad) I will not be offended.
MY PLAN......
Now remember.... I have not met some of you and I have no idea how much weight has been lost by all of you. But, I know that many of us are attempting to lose weight. My guess is that Laureen has lost many pounds by doing this several times (unless Laureen, you are like me and you gain it back when the contest ends) But, i am just going to be real. Perfect scores should equal good weight loss. So, my thought is to keep the scoring going as it has been, but at thebeginning and end of the 8 weeks having a weigh in day (like biggest loser or thintervention) and giving out certain points for the biggest percentage of weight loss for the top 3 losers. (ie 100 pts for top loser, 75 pts for 2nd loser and 50 pts. for 3rd loser or whatever numbers we decide.
This, I think would keep the weekly numbers not so much of a downer for those of us that have problems with giving up once we know we have been beat.
A meeting would allow me to explain better and to check up on all of our progress and see how we can make this contest a little more exciting and make it work better for all of us.
Please respond to my blog and give me thoughts. (good and bad) I will not be offended.
C-H-O-C-O-L-A-T-E is Evil
I need to be checked into Food-aholics anon. I know exactly what I need to do. Why am I resisting? 99% of my eating is emotional. I recognize this and am slowly changing! Emphasis on SLOWLY. I've made at least one change no Diet Coke for almost 6 weeks. Miracles can happen! You all inspire me so much it is a comfort to know that we are not alone in our struggle.
struggling
I read thru your blogs and I guess Im not the only one! It is so hard to change my binging eating habits. I look around work and see people lose weight only to gain it back. There are about 3 folks in 120 that have kept the weight off. And during office parties I notice that they take small healthy portions, maybe one dessert if any. This really is a lifetime change. Trying to wrap my mind around that. Good luck everyone! PS - Is it really about winning the pot of money?? If we focus on changing eating habits, we will win that pot of money in not paying for hospital bills and pills!
glad I am eating healthy foods
well, this week will not be perfect for me... far from it (I haven't had 7 hours of sleep this whole week!), but I am glad I am eating good food. It helps me to feel good, even though I am stressed about school. I am just trying to do my best. I know I cant win the contest, but I can win in my inner game.
struggling!
I know this same attitude applies to a few of us on this contest because I have discussed it with some of you. I have a hard time being perfect now because I know there is no way to win. What a loser thing to think I know but that is how my mentality works. I need to fix that. I need to win for me and still strive to be perfect even if I can't win, but that is my struggle! the end!
Better git goin'
I've been staring at this screen for so long and nothing has happened. My brain must be taking a free day...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Love tennis!
Just got done with a tennis lesson!! I wish I didn't have to work and could play tennis all the time! Oh well....
The salads for dinner seem to be working. Lets see how long I can keep it up! We are going to Antelope Island for Halloween, so not going to purchase any candy - good old avoidance technique!
The salads for dinner seem to be working. Lets see how long I can keep it up! We are going to Antelope Island for Halloween, so not going to purchase any candy - good old avoidance technique!
free day thoughts
Well, I am glad that a lot of us are thinking about free day. I am still going to have no free day for the rest of the contest- just to do it and finish strong. I just want to get away from sugar and really bad food for a couple weeks.
In the future I will still be having free days, that is for sure! I am grateful for everyone's thoughts and desires to eat more healthy, and especially your hard work! Keep it up!
In the future I will still be having free days, that is for sure! I am grateful for everyone's thoughts and desires to eat more healthy, and especially your hard work! Keep it up!
NEW PLAN FOR ME
I think starting this next Friday I will start the 2 free meals per week program with NO free food day... because as Jack Nickolson said "I CAN'T HANDLE THE FREE DAY!"
To the Future
I am very blessed by having you all as friends. Just keeping up with your thoughts and musings has been an inspiration to me. Adlai Stevenson once said: "We can chart our future clearly and wisely only when we know the path which has led to the present." We all seem to be examining our inner-selves as we recognize and admit our weaknesses (especially for food), which will only lead to a long-term victory over ourselves. As we persist, it will become easier. This is not just a one-time contest. I know for me, I'm only part way there. I want to be like Kristin's sister-in-law who is not a slave to her taste buds... You, and our contest have helped me make much-needed progress. Thanks guys.
Free Day Thoughts
Amen to Jane. Amen to Kristin. I had TWO free days this week, because of an emotional pot getting stirred, and stupid all-or-nothing thinking about it afterwards (sooo sorry Dan). And as I went to bed, feeling gross, the thought occurred to me that 45 pounds ago, I used to feel this way aaaall the time. Feeling this way even once a week is starting to be not-so-great, but feeling this way twice this week? YUCK.
Actually, Kristin, I learned something years ago at Weight Watchers about the 10th one tasting like the first. It really kind of doesn't. They said the first and second bite of dessert is absolutely heaven. As is the one you THINK is going to be the last. Which is why we slap people when they take it. :) So, theoretically, three bites should make you very happy. When I actually do that, I gotta tell you - three bites really is enough!
The thing that is so great about this contest is that it forces us, in our lives that are so chaotic, to do some of these unconscious things more intentionally. Gang, I submit to you that we may not even be living intentionally, much less eating intentionally. We just go through so many motions because of the pace! Didn't we hear somebody, really wise, and darling, and German, recently try to compare slowing down to flying an airlplane, or something? I'm probably mixing it up, but I swear I heard somebody tell me, in a darling German accent, to SLOW DOWN. I believe that has to do with living more intentionally. We are agents of our own lives, we are creatures to act, not to be acted upon, which means we are not just drifting in this river filled with rapids - we have a paddle! This contest is helping us to do something intentionally that we have not been paying attention to for a very, very long time.
So, we do it wrong. We drift along, then we remember we have a paddle, and since we haven't been using it, we are complete spazzes and still paddle over a waterfall! We try again. We get it wrong. We do it again. We write it down. We do it wrong. We do it again. We get it right! We get it wrong. We do it again. WE KEEP ON.
We can do this! Not perfectly. It's that stinkin' up the place thing. I stunk up the place yesterday. I knew I had to teach students from 2:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. yesterday, and since I got a late start, I KNEW I was no way going to get 5 meals in. I knew I would have to deduct at least 6 points, possibly 12, because of my poor planning. What did I do? Instead of getting my butt in gear and adjusting, and losing only 6 points, I ended up losing THIRTY-TWO points, because I just threw in the towel and lost my transformation points! All-or-nothing thinking STINKS ON ICE!
So, this morning, hungover and ashamed, what do I do? Maybe best line ever in a movie, Batman Begins: "Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up again." Purpose of life, my friends. Purpose of life. Back to the treadmill. Back to the carrots. Repenting is starting over. Over, and over, and over again.
I haven't succumbed to all-or-nothing thinking like yesterday in a very, very long time. And I'm writing about it this morning so I can look at it for the stinkin' thinkin' that it is. Sorry to always bring it around to religion, but really, people. This is one of Satan's best tools. He has this silver, satin tongue, that croons to us as we walk gullibly, or march willfully, into one of his traps. Then, once the trap has sprung, his voice becomes deadly, toxic, fatal: "Well, now you've done it. You'll never change. blah, blah, blah, ______ (fill in your own favorite self-loathing speech)."
This contest is helping me change. Not as fast as I'd like. We can never DO as good as we KNOW. That's why we have to keep PRACTICING. Dan, I'm back. I'm sorry about the points penalty, but progress, not perfection, right?
Actually, Kristin, I learned something years ago at Weight Watchers about the 10th one tasting like the first. It really kind of doesn't. They said the first and second bite of dessert is absolutely heaven. As is the one you THINK is going to be the last. Which is why we slap people when they take it. :) So, theoretically, three bites should make you very happy. When I actually do that, I gotta tell you - three bites really is enough!
The thing that is so great about this contest is that it forces us, in our lives that are so chaotic, to do some of these unconscious things more intentionally. Gang, I submit to you that we may not even be living intentionally, much less eating intentionally. We just go through so many motions because of the pace! Didn't we hear somebody, really wise, and darling, and German, recently try to compare slowing down to flying an airlplane, or something? I'm probably mixing it up, but I swear I heard somebody tell me, in a darling German accent, to SLOW DOWN. I believe that has to do with living more intentionally. We are agents of our own lives, we are creatures to act, not to be acted upon, which means we are not just drifting in this river filled with rapids - we have a paddle! This contest is helping us to do something intentionally that we have not been paying attention to for a very, very long time.
So, we do it wrong. We drift along, then we remember we have a paddle, and since we haven't been using it, we are complete spazzes and still paddle over a waterfall! We try again. We get it wrong. We do it again. We write it down. We do it wrong. We do it again. We get it right! We get it wrong. We do it again. WE KEEP ON.
We can do this! Not perfectly. It's that stinkin' up the place thing. I stunk up the place yesterday. I knew I had to teach students from 2:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. yesterday, and since I got a late start, I KNEW I was no way going to get 5 meals in. I knew I would have to deduct at least 6 points, possibly 12, because of my poor planning. What did I do? Instead of getting my butt in gear and adjusting, and losing only 6 points, I ended up losing THIRTY-TWO points, because I just threw in the towel and lost my transformation points! All-or-nothing thinking STINKS ON ICE!
So, this morning, hungover and ashamed, what do I do? Maybe best line ever in a movie, Batman Begins: "Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up again." Purpose of life, my friends. Purpose of life. Back to the treadmill. Back to the carrots. Repenting is starting over. Over, and over, and over again.
I haven't succumbed to all-or-nothing thinking like yesterday in a very, very long time. And I'm writing about it this morning so I can look at it for the stinkin' thinkin' that it is. Sorry to always bring it around to religion, but really, people. This is one of Satan's best tools. He has this silver, satin tongue, that croons to us as we walk gullibly, or march willfully, into one of his traps. Then, once the trap has sprung, his voice becomes deadly, toxic, fatal: "Well, now you've done it. You'll never change. blah, blah, blah, ______ (fill in your own favorite self-loathing speech)."
This contest is helping me change. Not as fast as I'd like. We can never DO as good as we KNOW. That's why we have to keep PRACTICING. Dan, I'm back. I'm sorry about the points penalty, but progress, not perfection, right?
Good Thoughts Jane
I totally agree. I think I can handle one free meal. It's when I have a whole day off of eating that things get scary. Sometimes I eat thing's just because I can. Or I try to squeeze all my favorite junk into that one day. I like your thoughts on still having a day off everything else. Thats what I did the first three weeks. It was just the food that I didn't have a day off. It's all about control for me. Why can't I eat just a couple mini Reese's instead of the whole bag. I have a sister in law who rarely puts anything bad in her body. She eats right, excersises like a mad woman and she has the body to show for it. When we have sunday dinner dessert is always invovlved. She never takes a whole dessert. Normally she just takes a bite or two off her husbands plate. I want that kind of control! Because the 10th Reese's tastes exactly the same as the 1st.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
FREE DAY THOUGHTS
This is what I think might work for me with the "to have a free day or not have a free day" discussion. I think what I will do is just have 2 free meals a week instead of 1 & a free day. I can't handle the whole day being free, it triggers all my addict issues. However, I still want one whole day (or spread out during the week) of no exercise, no good & bad habits etc. Am I making any sense? I think this will give me the feeling that I am not "on a diet" & I will have to practice keeping myself to 1 meal & dessert 2 times during the week. Other ideas anyone?
Hi to my friends...
All is well..
Temptation of the Halloween
candy brought into work is tough!!
You would think I could resist, or
even stop with just one? No..
So minus points for snacking :(
Funny quote of the day..
"Food is an important part of a
balanced diet."
Temptation of the Halloween
candy brought into work is tough!!
You would think I could resist, or
even stop with just one? No..
So minus points for snacking :(
Funny quote of the day..
"Food is an important part of a
balanced diet."
Discussion
Hey Friends,
We need to have a serious discussion. We all have the same problem, right? Control of what we eat.
I have read the posts about giving up free day and I have honestly thought about that, as well. Because as one smart person wrote, "Free day isn't free." (Was that you, Jane? or Sarah?) Anyway, you are right. It comes with a price.
Free day is a good thing in some ways-- it lets us have what we've said no to all week. In other ways, it's a bad thing.
It gives us the 'license' (or ok) to binge.
Isn't that what we're all trying to change in ourselves?
If we could all just have 1 cookie after dinner, we wouldn't be here, right? I know that is my problem.
I agree with Jane; we need to find a balance between becoming the junkie on free day and not having one at all. I think it is healthy and good to have a free day, but not to be the addict who cannot stop or say no.
How do we do this?
Thoughts?
Salads for dinner!
I have decided to eat salads for dinner and nothing else. They are hearty salads but need to change something! My weight has been stable so I need to work harder and eat a whole lot less.
Just curious if everyone elses font is super small when they blog? I can barely read what I write...
Just curious if everyone elses font is super small when they blog? I can barely read what I write...
first test
We had our first test in training today. It totally wiped me out. It took about 4 hours. Hopefully I did good. Man I am hungry this week, could be all the stress.....
Allergies and Blah
How weird to get a GREAT night sleep and be slogging around this morning. Seriously, I'm not sure if I even moved during the night. Blissful, blissful sleep. I feel so grateful.
Now, in spite of that, I'm feeling like I can't get my motor going this morning - kinda dizzy like I just want to put my head back down. USUALLY - not always, but usually, mind you - the cure for this is.... (wait for it)....
You guessed it. Exercise. I may have to blog for the full "before and after" effect.
Now, in spite of that, I'm feeling like I can't get my motor going this morning - kinda dizzy like I just want to put my head back down. USUALLY - not always, but usually, mind you - the cure for this is.... (wait for it)....
You guessed it. Exercise. I may have to blog for the full "before and after" effect.
losin weight
HEY! So I weighed myself this morning and it is the lowest I have weighed since coming home from my mission! I am still not at what I weighed before my mission, but I am getting there! Wahoo! I am glad I am doing this belly bustin, even though I don't hit perfect every week, I am trying and that is what counts! Thanks every one for your examples.
T-Shirts
I wish I could wear T-Shirts to work. The other day (not a "go-to-the-office" day) I wore my "The Fourth Stooge" T-Shirt and it made everyone smile. They couldn't help it. I mean, who looks more like Curly than I do? Nyuk-Nyuk-Nyuk.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Signing in
I'm tired...
Nyquil is finally kicking in,
and I can breathe!!
Is having no appetite a good thing?
I can't taste anything, anyway.
Hope this cold is on its way out!!
Thanks for making me smile with your
blogs. Let's all keep up the great work.
Nyquil is finally kicking in,
and I can breathe!!
Is having no appetite a good thing?
I can't taste anything, anyway.
Hope this cold is on its way out!!
Thanks for making me smile with your
blogs. Let's all keep up the great work.
NO FREE DAY?
No free day? It sounds good. Here is my personal concern- I would like to hope that I could find some balance on Free Day. I would like to think that I don't have to become the junkie every Free Day. Maybe I'm expecting too much of myself & it would be easier to not have a free day. I would probably loose more weight. I am going to give it some serious thought.
685 for the week!
I sent Jennifer and Laureen a text with my points on Friday. Maybe they didn't receive it and pass it on. We went to Snow Canyon and didn't have coverage....
Went over all of your blogs!!! Wish I was doing as well as all of you. I really need to focus on not eating so much. Why is it so hard??? Can I get my jaw wired shut.
Went over all of your blogs!!! Wish I was doing as well as all of you. I really need to focus on not eating so much. Why is it so hard??? Can I get my jaw wired shut.
Monday, Monday
Just walked over 3 miles. Sweating. Feels good. Free day OVER. Also feels good. Chocolate IS overrated. Really. The best thing I ate all day yesterday? The healthiest meal: grilled flank steak, steamed potatoes, roasted parmesan vegetables. Okay, I DID have one too many orange rolls. Free day, remember?
"It is not work that kills men, it is worry. Work is healthy; you can hardly put more on a man than he can bear. But worry is rust upon the blade. It is not movement that destroys the machinery, but friction." -Henry Ward Beecher
Let's go - game on!
"It is not work that kills men, it is worry. Work is healthy; you can hardly put more on a man than he can bear. But worry is rust upon the blade. It is not movement that destroys the machinery, but friction." -Henry Ward Beecher
Let's go - game on!
U-turn
I'm with Alyssa. I'm going to make a legal U-turn (to use a Dr. Oz euphemism) and finish out the contest without taking a free day. Great idea - because I don't feel so great either (although I do have to say that the funnel cakes were really fun - at the time). Thanks Lyss.
p.s. I'd like to welcome Kristin back from the brink. That was a close one...
p.s. I'd like to welcome Kristin back from the brink. That was a close one...
Goal for the rest of the contest
Ok- Goal is to have no free days and to only have sugar (natural sugar in fruits and what not...) in the morning. Here comes a great couple of weeks!
I'm with ya Lyss
I can not be trusted with free days. The first three weeks of this contest I didn't take one and I felt great. I lost almost 10 lbs in three weeks. The concept of free day sounds amazing , but I would have to agree with Jane's description of being an addict. I go so overboard that I make myself sick or the next day I'm craving sugar so bad I want to scream. I just need to find a balance. Moderation is key. I feel like an 18 month old trying to figure out how to use a fork!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
FREE DAY AIN'T FREE
Thanks for your lovely thoughts everyone.
I think Free Day is crap & certainly not free, since I have to pay for it by the rotten way I feel after it for at least 24 hours. I have been OK with some of my free days but other days I act like a drug addict. I watch myself eating stuff I don't even want just because it's "Free Day" & "oh no I won't get a fix for 6 more days." (Picture shaking & slurd speech & panting breathing). I love what it's teaching me, however. I am having a hard time finding the balance for free day. Oh well.... stand up, brush off, move on...
I think Free Day is crap & certainly not free, since I have to pay for it by the rotten way I feel after it for at least 24 hours. I have been OK with some of my free days but other days I act like a drug addict. I watch myself eating stuff I don't even want just because it's "Free Day" & "oh no I won't get a fix for 6 more days." (Picture shaking & slurd speech & panting breathing). I love what it's teaching me, however. I am having a hard time finding the balance for free day. Oh well.... stand up, brush off, move on...
I am inspired
I love all your blogs. I need all the inspiration I can get! I am in a major rut. I need someone to smack me around and knock some sense into me. I appreciate all of your quotes and your wonderful thoughts. Keep them coming. I'm in major need!
Happy Sunday
Thanks, Jane, for the great post. Great to remember. It reminds me of Norman Vincent Peale. I heard a speech of his, years ago, where he said that when things were going very smoothly and trial-free, he would actually pray, "God, don't You trust me anymore?"
Yeah.
I found two quotes this morning that were very good for me today:
"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." - Harriet Beecher Stowe
"We are responsible for the duration and intensity of our temptation." - Neal A. Maxwell
I'm thinking that the duration and intensity of a temptation has to do with which way we are facing. If we look down, the pull of gravity, natural man, and old habits, will make the temptation seem too great. But if we can look up, towards where we want to be, we will keep pushing.
LOOK UP! The tide is turning as we do this contest! We can do this - we can change! As we consistently start over and live correct principles of health, the Lord's grace will begin to change us, transforming us into people who prefer healthy habits.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
Yeah.
I found two quotes this morning that were very good for me today:
"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." - Harriet Beecher Stowe
"We are responsible for the duration and intensity of our temptation." - Neal A. Maxwell
I'm thinking that the duration and intensity of a temptation has to do with which way we are facing. If we look down, the pull of gravity, natural man, and old habits, will make the temptation seem too great. But if we can look up, towards where we want to be, we will keep pushing.
LOOK UP! The tide is turning as we do this contest! We can do this - we can change! As we consistently start over and live correct principles of health, the Lord's grace will begin to change us, transforming us into people who prefer healthy habits.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Looking forward to a new week
I am going to have a much better week and hopefully a much better attitude.
hey sarah!
Just wondering if I could get your score for last week. I know you were heading to st. george for the weekend so maybe you didn't have internet service. Hope you had a great time. I had a great saturday spending it with my daughter for her birthday. she turns 17 tomorrow so we celebrated today. We went and got out hair done (great job jodi!) and waxed eyebrows (ouch) then went to red mango (her favorite place in the whole world) for pumpkin spice yogurt with graham cracker crumbs, and double serving of mochi! then we went to cafe rio for her favorite pork tacos, then off to the mall for some shopping. what a great day! I love my girls and spending time with them.
Almost Forgot
Late Saturday night (yes, 9:00 is late for me...) and I almost forgot to blog. We've been going strong since early this morning. We went and watched our 5 year old grandson play in a soccer game. Talk about a hoot. Our son described it as watching someone trying to herd chickens. We got to the temple and then went on a date with our youngest son and his adorable new wife. We ate dinner at the Blue Lemon; a new avant-guarde bistro kind of establishment, which serves really healthy dishes (like the salmon I had). They have sweet potato "fries" that are baked (not fried) and are so good you'll never want regular fries again. It was a good day.
Excellent post from Jane - very profound and inspiring. We all could quietly reflect on that knowledge as we worship tomorrow and be very "up" for the coming week. Thanks Jane. Thanks to all for their heart-felt posts. It is very rewarding for me to feel close to you all.
Excellent post from Jane - very profound and inspiring. We all could quietly reflect on that knowledge as we worship tomorrow and be very "up" for the coming week. Thanks Jane. Thanks to all for their heart-felt posts. It is very rewarding for me to feel close to you all.
Thanks for the tests.
I am blogging on my free day because apparently blogging is the hardest part of this contest for me and I need the practice.
I am seeing some really, really, REALLY hard things happen to some of my loved ones so this is what's rattling around in my brain. Maybe when we have several hard things happen to those we love & to ourselves; instead of thinking "somehow this is my fault. If I was only more perfect or loving or what did I do wrong to deserve this." Maybe we should look at it from God's perspective (which I am probably not qualified to do). But if I were God & I had to send a child to a family, a child I knew was going to have disabilities, mental illness or just be extra difficult; I would send that child to the people I knew could do it (we will not be tested above what we can handle). So instead of beating ourselves up, maybe we should feel some comfort & confidence in knowing that God believes in us enough to give us the hard situation; that He believes we are up to the challenge to do the best we can. Maybe we should thank him for trusting us & for having faith in us. Maybe we should thank Him for the tests.
We all seem to be doing well at the healthy lifestyle challenge; that should gives us some confidence and help to handle other challenges. It sure is helping me.
I am seeing some really, really, REALLY hard things happen to some of my loved ones so this is what's rattling around in my brain. Maybe when we have several hard things happen to those we love & to ourselves; instead of thinking "somehow this is my fault. If I was only more perfect or loving or what did I do wrong to deserve this." Maybe we should look at it from God's perspective (which I am probably not qualified to do). But if I were God & I had to send a child to a family, a child I knew was going to have disabilities, mental illness or just be extra difficult; I would send that child to the people I knew could do it (we will not be tested above what we can handle). So instead of beating ourselves up, maybe we should feel some comfort & confidence in knowing that God believes in us enough to give us the hard situation; that He believes we are up to the challenge to do the best we can. Maybe we should thank him for trusting us & for having faith in us. Maybe we should thank Him for the tests.
We all seem to be doing well at the healthy lifestyle challenge; that should gives us some confidence and help to handle other challenges. It sure is helping me.
Good Vacation Week
It was so great to read y'all's blogs last night - just got back from a week at my friend's cabin. You are amazing people, and I love reading your insights into what you're learning about yourself doing this contest. It's pretty amazing, and I feel some synergy, or comraderie, or something so different from the other 2 times I've done this contest. We CAN change! I love what Kristin said - starting over is one of my best things! You just can't ever - EVER stop....starting over.
I ran across a great quote several weeks ago - it's hanging on my fridge:
"Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Half effort does not produce half results, it produces no results. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last." -Hamilton Holt
Let's go! Love to you all.
I ran across a great quote several weeks ago - it's hanging on my fridge:
"Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Half effort does not produce half results, it produces no results. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last." -Hamilton Holt
Let's go! Love to you all.
Friday, October 15, 2010
score
well, this is better than last week's score, but still, I know that I can do better. I got 605 ( and I would have gotten 615!! But I forgot to blog my points before noon!!) Oh well, try harder right! :-)
Score 715
Good job everyone. I love that quote, Alyssa. We have to keep trying, even though we stumble and stumble and stumble.
my score
my score is 705 this week . I am OK with this score , I forgot to blog one time this week and I had some french fries at lunch one day this week. I did not enjoy the fries as much as I thought I would,, so next time I will pass on the fries.
715 SCORE
I forgot to blog one day this week but I lost weight again! I am almost down 10 pounds baby & they are real pounds not just water or something. Wow, it feels good!
score 694
Ran out of time to exercise one day and forgot a snack one day. I was really excited to make my weight loss this week though. Have a great day!
Friday Check-In
The hotel that I'm staying in has a horrible Wi-Fi system, so I had to connect through my cell phone (thank goodness I had a fall back position...). So I'd better make this short-n-sweet: My score for the week is 720 pts.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
sign in and total points for week
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress."
I love this quote because some days are really hard,
and I feel when I am struggling to eat right and take care of myself,
and it is a hard day, then by the end of the day I truly feel like
I have had progress.
Change for most is hard, but change is good. We are all doing great on
this contest, and I think we should all pat ourselves on the back and say
"good job!"
Let's all hang in there and not be too critical of ourselves.
I love reading all your inspirational words. Thank you.
My score: 695
I love this quote because some days are really hard,
and I feel when I am struggling to eat right and take care of myself,
and it is a hard day, then by the end of the day I truly feel like
I have had progress.
Change for most is hard, but change is good. We are all doing great on
this contest, and I think we should all pat ourselves on the back and say
"good job!"
Let's all hang in there and not be too critical of ourselves.
I love reading all your inspirational words. Thank you.
My score: 695
free lunch tomorrow
We are having a dept luncheon tomorrow with tacos, spanish rice, fruit, and desserts. I will have to take a free meal but will control the portion sizes and fill up on the fruit and hopefully veggies. if i must have dessert i will only have a 100 calorie bite!! Hope everyone had a great week. Can't wait to see the amazing scores :)
Awesome Quote
I have a teacher at school who sent me this quote. I had just played in a recital and I felt I did not do very well. He sent this quote to me and it helped me out a lot with piano and I think it applies here as well- We must keep trying no matter if we stumble and stumble again.
"Man in the arena"
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."
"Man in the arena"
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."
Heading out to St. George!
This weekend we are in charge of salad and Sunday breakfast. Plan on eating lots of salads and small portions! Also bringing my camelback!! Another good reason to have a camelback is that when you go on a cruise! You ensure that you have fresh clean water, and tons of it!! I remember walking around Mayan ruins with my camelback and loving it!! No revenge for me!! LOL.
Wish I was losing more. Think I need to watch my portion sizes like I mentioned earlier! And cant remember who apologized, but really....you are awesome! Keep it up - I need the encouragement.
Wish I was losing more. Think I need to watch my portion sizes like I mentioned earlier! And cant remember who apologized, but really....you are awesome! Keep it up - I need the encouragement.
Apologize
Hey Guys,
I feel like I need to apologize for something. Last night I was thinking that most of my blog posts have been about how good I feel or how my clothes are fitting. I have been super excited about the progress I've seen and so happy about how I feel.
But, I do realize that it may be just a little bit (or a lot bit) annoying.
Sorry!
I haven't meant to 'brag' but have just been so pleased with the contest.
So, I am going to make more meaningful posts that will benefit us all.
Sorry.
Thanks to you all!
Not an Easy Crowd
My old philosopher friend Jim Rohn once said: "Tree, don't join an easy crowd - you won't grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high." Thanks to each of you for your encouragement and competitive spirit. I think we can all feel each others' support even though we are technically competing with each other. In the big picture we are all fighting life's battle against good (Spiritual Nature) vs. evil (Human Nature). I think we are all winning. I can tell by reading the great blogs. It's a good fight.
TRYING ON CLOTHES
I went to the store & tried on some clothes, a usually depressing activity for me & one that I have avoided in past years. I am starting to be able to tell that I've lost some more weight! MORE important is that I have quite a ways to go & I didn't get all depressed about the imperfections I saw in the mirror (& run to Baskin Robbins). I have this program that is giving me control over myself & I know if I just keep at it I will get where I want to be. This program is unlike anything else I have tried. It gives me room to eat what I want but just not go crazy about it. Thanks everyone for letting me into your group.
I have a confession
I totally gave up on myself this week! I need to apologize to Lori in advance for my score tommorrow. This has been my hardest week of the game yet. This is my third game. I promise I will get back on track for next week. My mental state got the best of me and I gave up. I just didn't have the will power to care. Thank heaven for repentance. The upside I'm really good at starting over!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Just say NO!
Hey Lori,
GREAT job on saying no to donuts! Seriously. That is a hard thing, but you're not "giving up" that food, you're just making a healthier choice, right? You know that donut is full of yuck and it's not worth it to lose those points.
You can totally do it! Just remember how good it feels to be healthy and in control. And, heck, if you really want a donut, buy one on (or for) free day!!! When you know you can say no during the week, but can say ok on free day, that just mentally saves you!! I know it does for me.
Tomorrow is the last day before Friday points/weigh in. Let's really give it our all to get the most points we can!
I agree with Sarah-- it is so incredible to see those miners come out of that hole!!! I bet they will live their lives so differently. Let's not make it be a tragedy that helps us live life to the fullest! We can now with the choices we make!
Thanks to you all!!! I wore shorts (that I wore comfortably all summer) to mow my lawn and wash the car and they were falling off me-- for reals! So happy about that! :o)
donuts, donuts, donuts!!!!
In my training, everytime someones phone goes off because they forgot to put it on silent, they have to bring donuts for the whole gang the next morning. We have had 4 days of fresh, hot donuts brought in. I have not caved yet, I sure hope I can resist for the next 6 weeks!!!! I don't even go up and look at them and I have a piece of fruit handy to shove in my mouth instead. wish me luck!
off to painting class
I am looking forward to today. No work in the salon I get to be out in the sunshine!! first I am going to painting class from 10 to 12 then I am walking the dog for my exercise today and then Bri (my 15year old daughter) are headed to the mall. I am going to remember my goals as I pass that Mrs. Fields place with the peanut butter Brownies!!!
water bottle
So, I have discovered an AWESOME water bottle. I drink water so much more quickly and more often. It is a camelbak better bottle- oh my awesome-ness! it is a 24 oz water bottle and it just seems more enjoyable to drink water. So if you are struggling getting your water in, consider buying one.
Resurfacing!!!
The miners are finally being rescued and so far I believe 2 of them are back up!!! Bet they will live better lives and change bad habits for good ones!! Glad we have Bellybustin to help us instead! So glad (I even cried when I read the paper!) that they are finally resurfacing!!!! Hope everything goes as planned!!
OK so this whole week I've been so tired. Funny how the old habits resurface (there is that word again!) when you are tired. Tried to remember what Jennifer said during my hair appt." why would you want 9 almonds if you just ate 8!?" That is a skinny person talking and I too need to think like that (even when I am tired!) Have a good 8 almond day!!
OK so this whole week I've been so tired. Funny how the old habits resurface (there is that word again!) when you are tired. Tried to remember what Jennifer said during my hair appt." why would you want 9 almonds if you just ate 8!?" That is a skinny person talking and I too need to think like that (even when I am tired!) Have a good 8 almond day!!
Dinner Success
I done good my first day bach-in' it. Kept my calories under 2000 and cooked a good dinner: salmon (pre-marinated from Costco - yum!) + steamed broccoli + yams. Turned out pretty good.
I can empathize with Jodi on getting bored easily at the gym. I totally felt like that until my daughter got me on a bicycle. No more boredom. On our ride yesterday I burned more than 3000 calories. And it was really fun.
I can empathize with Jodi on getting bored easily at the gym. I totally felt like that until my daughter got me on a bicycle. No more boredom. On our ride yesterday I burned more than 3000 calories. And it was really fun.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
hey Jen!
When you post your score on Friday morning it needs to be done as a post. Don't put it up where the team scores are, sorry, maybe you misunderstood. It is too confusing when people put it in the score area so I will update that. Thanks so much! Hope you are doing great!
I'm needing a change
I have worked out in the early morning for many many years, have tried almost every type of exercise, and faced many fears of trying new things. How in the heck can I get bored so easily????
This week to change things up, I am staying up late and sleeping in past my usual 5 am. Working out before bed should be fun to try.
This week to change things up, I am staying up late and sleeping in past my usual 5 am. Working out before bed should be fun to try.
Another day of exhaustion!
I am so tired!!! Wondering if I am coming down with something. Went to bed last nite at 8:20! and fell right to sleep!! Hope to stay up at least to 8:30 tonite!! LOL
TOMATOES- ANYONE?
My husband had to plant 7 tomato plants in the garden this summer- even though we have never been able to use the tomatoes we got from the 2 we usually plant. So- I have a large bucket of tomatoes everyday to get rid of. If any of you want some, please come get them. I live quite a ways from Laureen but you are welcome to come get some. On the up side- I love garden tomatoes & have been making and drinking fresh salsa- hardly any calories & YUM!
Interesting...
Someone asked me the other day what I did daily to nurture myself. Do you want to know the very first thing that popped into my head? We're talking THE very first.
Exercise.
It's a miracle. Bigger than the REd Sea. Bigger than water to wine. Why? Because unlike the water, which had to obey the command of its Creator, my heart has a will of its own, and does not. My heart must learn to choose, and want for itself, the high more than the low.
Is it possible that my little Stay-Puffed Marshmallow Heart is changing?
I'll be in the act of grand larceny this week - the wife stealing Dan spoke of :). Here's the good thing: I'll be returning her, better than new, and with any luck, a stack of finished projects in tow. Since there will be no computer at the cabin, I'll text Lori and Dan for communication points. Portions, portions, portions. And one free day, saved for my friend Renee's buttermilk pancakes with syrup made with coconut milk and butter? How can this be bad? Oh right. If I ate that way every day still. The rest of the time, it's oatmeal, hummus, wasa crackers, V-8.
LOVE this contest. Happy day, y'all!
Exercise.
It's a miracle. Bigger than the REd Sea. Bigger than water to wine. Why? Because unlike the water, which had to obey the command of its Creator, my heart has a will of its own, and does not. My heart must learn to choose, and want for itself, the high more than the low.
Is it possible that my little Stay-Puffed Marshmallow Heart is changing?
I'll be in the act of grand larceny this week - the wife stealing Dan spoke of :). Here's the good thing: I'll be returning her, better than new, and with any luck, a stack of finished projects in tow. Since there will be no computer at the cabin, I'll text Lori and Dan for communication points. Portions, portions, portions. And one free day, saved for my friend Renee's buttermilk pancakes with syrup made with coconut milk and butter? How can this be bad? Oh right. If I ate that way every day still. The rest of the time, it's oatmeal, hummus, wasa crackers, V-8.
LOVE this contest. Happy day, y'all!
Wife Stealing
Laureen is stealing my wife for the rest of the week (of all things) to go quilting up at a friend's cabin. I know they'll have fun and they deserve a much-needed break. It's scary though to be left all alone to feed myself (I'm sorry - I know how that sounds...). I have a tendency to be "un-regulated" at dinnertime, coming home from work pretty famished. And since I like to cook, I can go overboard. So this is going to be a real test. One thing I am thankful for is that we de-junked our pantry some time ago and at least the bad-for-you stuff is no longer there calling out to me. Here's to small(er) portions. I did good yesterday, keeping my total calorie intake to under 2000. Thanks Contest!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Good night!
I got a few compliments at church on Sunday.
People are beginning to notice. :o)
Who's in?
Kristin- I totally know what you mean about being released from a calling. When you put so much of your heart and life and mind into something, there is a mourning period and a sense of loss. Really, it's true. But, like someone once said, "Don't be sad because it's over; smile because it happened."
What are you going to do with your new-found freedom? And still be involved with the girls. I still contact my Laurels all the time and they don't mind one bit. I still go to their 'things' they are involved in. And, I promise, something else will come up for you.
Good job, everyone. Here's to a good week!
Let's go for it
"None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm" (Thoreau). Have a great week everyone!
3 nights...in a row...WOW
While I only stayed asleep 6 hours - stayed in bed one more for points :) - that's a lot of hours! In a row! Three nights of sleeping through the night. You'd think I was 3 months old, wouldn't you?
Here's how I know I'm changing....I woke up at 5:15 and knew I needed to stay in bed at least till 5:50. In the old days, I would have wanted to stay in bed at least till 7:00 - since I'm so far behind on my sleep. But I felt rested! And wanted to work out! WHAT? Who are you, and what have you done with Laureen?
I'm finished with my workout, and to quote my funny son when he was young, "Don't hug me, I'm all sweat." I feel great - God is so smart to give us endorphins! Now I'm off to kick some serious Monday butt.
Here's how I know I'm changing....I woke up at 5:15 and knew I needed to stay in bed at least till 5:50. In the old days, I would have wanted to stay in bed at least till 7:00 - since I'm so far behind on my sleep. But I felt rested! And wanted to work out! WHAT? Who are you, and what have you done with Laureen?
I'm finished with my workout, and to quote my funny son when he was young, "Don't hug me, I'm all sweat." I feel great - God is so smart to give us endorphins! Now I'm off to kick some serious Monday butt.
I'm on overload
I have a tendancy to take on to much and eventually it catches up to me. Then I go into meltdown mode. I completely lost it this weekend! When am I going to learn that I am not wonder woman. I spent all day yesterday beating my self up -10 for me.(no negative self talk). My husband got put in the bishopric a few months ago and I am the young woman president. I have been anticipating a release. The bishop called me in yesterday and I am being released next sunday. I knew it was coming ,but as strange as it sounds. It's like a death in my life. I am in total mourning. Even though I know it's time and it's right. I can't even describe the sense of loss I feel. I'm sure it will relieve some stress. Which I need badly. So I just need to cry it out and move on. It's time's like these I wish I were a man. Emotions stink!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Posting scores
i just posted all the scores i could find. Does anybody know if Jen has a score this week. Maybe i overlooked it on the blogs. I hope she is not too sick. The last blog i read said how sick she was.
home safe and sound
What a glorious weekend in sunny st. george. It was very relaxing and now i am recharged to start another stressful week at work. Hope everyone has a great week!
IT'S 10-10-10 !
At 10:10 PM today let's all yell "we love cheese or something" OK? Picture me saying that last part like I'm an air-headed cheer leader OK? KRISTIN- I am SO jealous of your house cleanse & to get $900 at the same time. WOW! That must feel SO good!
Great Quote - hang it on your fridge!
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
-Marianne Williamson
Happy Sabbath, everyone. Rest. Reflect. Worship.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
-Marianne Williamson
Happy Sabbath, everyone. Rest. Reflect. Worship.
Happy Sunday
Best wishes to all on our (hopefully) day of rest. Gearin' up for another week - and like Kelly and Sarah said - better than last week.
last day of the weekend already??
going to try even harder to eat right this week! Really need to be consistent with healthy choices! Auburn won on the road, maybe I can too! Have a good week - soon we'll all be sleek!
late score entry -10 points
Late again, sorry Jane.
It is very hard to post a score when I work
every friday, and no internet access is allowed!
Pretty good week...
Could and will try hard to improve this next week!!
Score: 675 :(
It is very hard to post a score when I work
every friday, and no internet access is allowed!
Pretty good week...
Could and will try hard to improve this next week!!
Score: 675 :(
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Yard sale is over.
Going to have to use my free day today! Got to busy this morning and didn't eat till 2. Maybe I should go eat something really scary like crown burger. Then free day isn't a total loss! But I made almost $900. Thank heavens! Money has been tight around here! The best part of it all is. I dejunked my whole house. I've gone through every closet, every dresser, garage. When the garage sale was over I didn't bring anything back in my house it all went straight to the D.I. Yeah me!
Girl's Locker Room
I have been tempted this week to throw a little humor at your Mother Nature challenges, but thought I might bring down the rath of Khan. So I'll just continue letting you joke amongst yourselves and be a quiet, innocent bystander. I always thought you girls talked about the same things we boys did in the locker room: how hard the coach is on us; did you see that catch?; are you going for the extra credit on your math homework? Isn't Laureen Naylor really cute? Totally.
Saturday
My computer is haunted. I blogged to say I'd worked out this morning, but it's MIA!?!
I WORKED OUT. I SLEPT. THE WHOLE NIGHT. Write it in your journals.
Jodi - you kill me. KILL. ME. Oh, how I wish we lived in the same neighborhood. Sometimes this blog reminds me of girl locker room talk. Dan, what DO you think of us?
This is the hardest, but most fun contest yet. I just love you guys. I'm sure gonna hate takin' your money.....(NOT!) (note: this is how you can tell I've slept - I get a little sassy - it's a near lethal combinaton of seratonin and endorphins, sigh.....)
I WORKED OUT. I SLEPT. THE WHOLE NIGHT. Write it in your journals.
Jodi - you kill me. KILL. ME. Oh, how I wish we lived in the same neighborhood. Sometimes this blog reminds me of girl locker room talk. Dan, what DO you think of us?
This is the hardest, but most fun contest yet. I just love you guys. I'm sure gonna hate takin' your money.....(NOT!) (note: this is how you can tell I've slept - I get a little sassy - it's a near lethal combinaton of seratonin and endorphins, sigh.....)
Today!
Just tennis match today! Think I am playing doubles! With another new person! Love fall season! Shopping today and plan on buying lots of fruits and veggies!! have a gr-ate! weekend!!
Friday, October 8, 2010
late score
sorry cam, this is a really bad week. Between my trip and homework... it's just bad. But I'm not giving up on the contest. No way. Today I had my free day and it is strict eating hear on out for the week... THANK HEAVENS! Thank you for all your inspirational blogs and your endurance through sickness, sleep deprivation, and all other trials that associate with life. Thanks. So my score is a mere 593 points. I am so sorry cam. I am usually a good player in competitions. I am sorry- this week I am going to be better.
To Report!
Hi Everyone!
Score- 695 (Sorry Alyssa)- I didn't get 7hrs. one night!!!! Blast!!
But, I'm still happy because as of the weigh in this morning, I have lost 10 pounds during this contest!!!!!!
YEA! Happy day!!!
Thanks to all!!!
Just in the nicotine...
Phew! Got busy this morning and lost track of the time!
I only lost .3 lbs. this week - but it feels like 30.
Week 4's total - 720.
I only lost .3 lbs. this week - but it feels like 30.
Week 4's total - 720.
710 YAY! & BOOO
Love the blogs! Laureen- thank you so much for the epistle. I loved it & needed it. I lost 10 points for the stupidest reason on earth- not blogging twice. I drag myself kicking & screaming to the treadmill. I say no to all the fattening food at the business meeting. I keep checking the plumbing (A.K.A. using the restroom) at every house I show. I manage to do ALL the hard things- but somehow remembering to blog is too difficult. And that's probably exactly why I forget, because I think it's the easy part & I am concentrating so much on the hard parts. BUT- I lost 1.5 pounds & am now under my pregnancy weight, which by the way I am NOT pregnant. YES! I love this program SO much even when I don't. Rock On Everybody!
To Kristens blog
What a strange saying that i have never understood. "Health in you navel". Has anybody ever been diagnosed with a unhealthy navel? And..... i have found hidden treasures. More every year in fact. Most of them being found on my rear end. Now i know why when I am "mooning" somebody, I am also showing them my craters.
Damn mother nature!!!!
I think it is quite humorous that Mother Nature has had a busy week with her visits to our Belly Bustin' competitors, including myself. I tried to throw her out when she came to visit and she just called all of her friends to come irritate me also (reading my past blogs should explain some of them). But...... congrats to me on a 1.6 weight gain!!! (IF I WERE CARRYING A GROWING CHILD!!!!!!!!!!!!) But even more on the downside, i am having a loss every week since the game started (OF COURSE NOT IN WEIGHT!!!!!!! THAT WOULD BE MY WEEKLY TOTAL POINTS!!!!!) Could this game get any better for me??????????
My other personality is soooooooo happy for this game, and the love, and the warm fuzzy blogging and today she is making a commitment to make better choices.
675 Yeah for me!!!!
My other personality is soooooooo happy for this game, and the love, and the warm fuzzy blogging and today she is making a commitment to make better choices.
675 Yeah for me!!!!
Strange Week, eh?
I sure enjoyed everyone's posts. Very insightful and inspiring. I especially want to thank Jodi for the visual... I'm still laughing. I have a feeling that with the depth of the introspection exercised this past week, our upcoming week is going to be totally awesome. Everyone is going to lose the weight they hoped they were going to lose PLUS the two lbs. they expect to lose this coming week. Oh yeah!
This week's score = 720
This week's score = 720
690 for the week
food was a struggle this week for me, but I'll try harder next week! Mother Nature is also visiting me and I too am up a pound! Next week I'll be down for sure!!!
Went swimming this week and it was awesome!! Today I am trying out a spin class, then hopefully swim to cool off, then off to Jennifer for hair, then a tennis lesson! Weekend warrior at her best! (its obvious food is my problem!)
Went swimming this week and it was awesome!! Today I am trying out a spin class, then hopefully swim to cool off, then off to Jennifer for hair, then a tennis lesson! Weekend warrior at her best! (its obvious food is my problem!)
score 710
Well Dan and Laureen here is your chance to take the lead! I am very very very very sick and along with the stress of work I did not lose my weight! bummer, i hate that when you have been so good on your food choices all week and you have nothing to show for it. Hopefully it will show next week. I will be at work all day and then straight to St. George for the weekend so i will not be able to update scores until Sunday night. Jodi or Stacy if you have time could you go in and do it? thanks. Hope everyone does awesome this morning! Tah Tah!
Score 700
No weight loss this week :( Thanks mother nature! I'm actually up a pound. And sorry to Lori I took a snacking penalty this week. Something I could have controlled.
D&C 89:18-20
18.And all saints who shall remember to do these sayings(word of wisdom, eating right!), walking in obedience to the commandments, SHALL RECIEVE HEALTH in their navels and marrow in thier bones;
19. And shall find WISDOM and great treasures of KNOWLEDGE, even hidden treasures;
20. And shall run and not be weary and shall walk and not faint.
Enough said!
D&C 89:18-20
18.And all saints who shall remember to do these sayings(word of wisdom, eating right!), walking in obedience to the commandments, SHALL RECIEVE HEALTH in their navels and marrow in thier bones;
19. And shall find WISDOM and great treasures of KNOWLEDGE, even hidden treasures;
20. And shall run and not be weary and shall walk and not faint.
Enough said!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Way to go on blogging!!!
I wish i had time tonight to read everyone's blogs. It looks like there has been a lot of passion and time put in. I will read them tomorrow. Slow down everybody so I can catch up!!! I am like a slow turtle with 2 broken feet and a herniated shell dragging a piece of petrified poo that my sphincter was too weak to finish the job. (Sorry guys.... it's past midnight. I never stay up this late and now you know why i shouldn't)
I heart this contest
Wah-leen (Laureen): Loved your article. I'm going to print it off. I loved the line, "we learned to equate bad self-care with pampering ourselves."
Ummm, light-bulb moment! Thanks for sharing that little caveat.
I loved what Sarah said. And you call yourself a not so religious person. That was incredible spiritual insight. We do need to believe in ourselves and in the very base of our religion. We believe in Christ, but do we BELIEVE Him? Do we believe he can do what he says he can do?
Ummm, light-bulb moment! Thanks for sharing that little caveat.
I loved what Sarah said. And you call yourself a not so religious person. That was incredible spiritual insight. We do need to believe in ourselves and in the very base of our religion. We believe in Christ, but do we BELIEVE Him? Do we believe he can do what he says he can do?
Something to think about.
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