Hello everyone. I popped onto the board yesterday and saw that there had been no new posts since my last one prior to leaving for NC. I was so glad to see your message today, Lois. Yes the "band wagon" awaits. My last weigh-in (December 17) was 143.0, and today it's a full 2 pounds heavier, i.e., 145.0. That's the heaviest I have been in about 4 years. So despite knowing that January-March are going to be killer months at work and that I'll be trapped in this chair more than 8 hours a day, I still have to find a way to get headed in the right direction.

Tonight we are going out for an early dinner with another couple and coming back here to watch a movie. I plan to make good food choices, remember that this is NOT my last meal (or at least I hope not!) and that I can eat part of something and enjoy it and not eat it all. That's an important thing for me when eating out. Portions are so large now.

May you all have a safe, enjoyable New Year's eve.

SarahM

Happy New Year, everyone. There's something about the prospect of a fresh start that gives me energy and hope. We saw the New Year in in a perfect way. We had dinner at local restaurant with another couple who have become good friends over the past couple of years. It was a place we had not tried before, and the food was great and there were lots of healthy choices. I also managed to say no to all but two bites of hubby's huge, luscious-looking dessert. We then drove through a charming neighborhood that is modeled after Williamsburg to enjoy the last night of Christmas lights, dropped by our friend's house to see a new art station (she is a talented painter) in her basement, and then made the 3 minute drive home to catch the ball drop in Times Square.

Today, we are waiting to hear from a great nephew who is visiting friends in a town about 20 miles away. On Christmas Eve he was all gung-ho about coming up to visit us with his newest love! But I know how things go with a 25 year old--especially the day after a big party night--so I won't be surprised if we're stood up. :-)

I haven't checked yet to see if the mall is open. It's freezing cold here in the Maryland 'burbs, so that's my best avenue for exercise. If the mall is not open, I'm going to either bundle up and brave the elements or push myself onto that poor, under-used treadmill.

Anyway, I'm thinking of you all and hoping that you enjoy this first day of a New Year, and I'm looking forward to us all making and meeting our goals this year.

Hi All,

It's my first post on these boards! The year ended and the new one is starting off pretty difficult for me. As I already mentioned to a couple of you on Facebook, I am currently in the process of ending my relationship, so I'm gonna need all the support I can get. As I'm sure some of you have experienced, it's very difficult to end a relationship when the love is so strong, but the need to end the relationship is there because it's just not "right". I know we need to do this because we're not meant for each other, but it still doesn't make it any easier. I'm very sad, but I will make it through this eventually. I'm going to focus on me and the way I deserve to feel. So, I started up with my FitBit again yesterday and did not too bad with my steps considering it's minus a bazillion outside. All those stairs at the Winnipeg Jets game paid off So... to start this off, my starting weight is 160 and my goal weight is 130. I can't wait to start feeling better about myself and where I want to go.

Thanks for being there for me ladies. I really appreciate it.

Kelly

It truly is nice to see the posting I'm sorry that posting is often such a challenge for me, especially when I come and read. I appreciate those of you who continue to continue (thinking Sarah and Lois in particular who keep things going over here.. thanks!) It will get easier as work eases up when I am able to get some walks in at lunch time but right now I get home about 2 hrs before bed and that is spent eating, exercising and the final logging. Anyways...

It's good to see everyone popping in again. Still missing Sheesh but YAHOO at having Kelly back!! (waves excitedly at Kelly!!) I'm sorry for all you are going thru and hope that you will be able to focus on what you need for your own personal health thru all of this. This is going to be a hard year but one of good personal growth. I'm heading into a tough year, too, as my son has decided to move his family out of state... far out of state...across the country ... which means I will essentially be delegated to being a Skype Nana as it is too far to visit. Maybe I can get out there once every year or two but it's going to be extremely tough for me to deal with. It's like I'm losing not just my grandsons but all the dreams I had for my future as well. I have between now and July to get used to it but this will most likely be my last Nana Summer Camp with them and then they will be gone. Sigh... I shall miss the feel of their hugs and little boy kisses.

Yep, we are heading into a year of challenge... and one of personal growth, and a focus on how to be healthy physically and mentally. I am with you Kelly... (((hugs)))

(((hugs))) Kelly. One day at a time.
I think it would be especially tough to still be living in the same house. If the relationship is not to be, then I hope this living arrangement is not for long. This may be a very long week if it is... and it's not like you can just go take a walk and stay out of the house. Hmmm... maybe you could ... get out to a store, take a cart and push it up and down each aisle until you get your steps up and then go park the cart and go home Gets you a chance to exercise, clear your head and not be face to face with what's not working. Just a thought.
I think I'm going to stop and do some store walking on the way home tonight myself... and I'll think of you as I am putting in some steps.

Just popping in to read. Thanks for the warning about the "private message" Lois.

Kelley, we're glad to have you on the board. Probably all of us have been through a break-up, and they are difficult. I will tell you from experience that looking back someday, you may realize that leaving a nice, good man can be the best decision you ever made if he's just not right for you. The leaving allows you to be open to people and experiences that are right for you.

Just when I was going to complain about the -10F wind chill, I read Kelly's post. Oh my gosh. We got only 5 inches of snow yesterday, but since there's a lot of people in this area who come from other places where it never snows, driving is an adventure! :-) We have trouble with people who drive so slowly that they then can't make it up a hill. I did get the mall last night to walk, however, and I plan to leave here soon to get in a quick walk before I go do volunteer work.

I have been trying hard to keep my calories around 1300/day this week, and I'm fighting the hunger. I think the holiday eating just got my appetite back up. I know from experience that it will get better if I just stick to it. We were invited to join some friends for an early dinner tonight at a Mexican restaurant. I sent hubby on his own so I can walk and also so I can avoid temptation. This place makes great tortilla chips.

Work was a little crazier today, and I know that the real crunch is going to start next week, so I'll need everyone's support to do what I have to do in that realm, but still focus on eating right and getting some activity.

I hope everything is going okay with Sheesh. She's kind of our missing team member now.

Kelly, I'm glad to hear that you're doing okay. I have sent some positive energy your way this week. :-)

Sorry to hear that you're it feeling well! Catch up on some zzz's, drinks lots of fluids and get some TV watching in. Take care of yourself first and don't worry about others for now.

Hello, everyone,

I popped in after logging food and was glad to see everyone's post. Still wondering about Sheesh. I may send her an e-mail tomorrow just to make sure that she and her family are okay.

The hunger is getting better. I started today with two boiled eggs and toast with some unsalted butter and half an orange to make sure I got protein and carbs and a little fat, too. That really seemed to help both with hunger and energy.

With the weather being bleak, I've allowed myself the luxury of reading this weekend, when normally I would be doing household chores. I'm sure it affected my burn and steps a little, but every now and then, it's such a delicious indulgence to wrap up in afghan with a cup of tea and read something for pleasure. I read a lot of scientific articles for my work, but really!!

Lois, doggone it. You deserve to stay well for awhile. Those stomach bugs can be just the worst. When I get them I tend to get dehydrated and my blood pressure bottoms out, so I end up at the ER. Glad to hear that you seem to be coming out of it okay. Be sure to get as much fluid into you as you can.

Kelly and Light, I hope you both have a good week. My plan for this week is to continue trying to stay within 1300 calories and to spread that out through the day. I read something interesting in the Washington Post today. It said that willpower can only go so far, and that since people rarely overeat healthy foods, to choose healthy foods and allow yourself to eat how much you want. It makes sense in a way (I've never gorged on apples!), although I do think that moderation is important regardless of what is on the plate. But I'm going to try to focus more on healthy food rather than smaller portions of less healthy food e.g., a big bowl of berries versus one cookie.