NON WW & WW NEWBIES, OUR NEW LIFE, THE START OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL

Hello ladies, yes I am back, my trip to the US was sooooo good, DH and I reconnected, and loved the US for being so multi-faceted. The west coast is so different from the east coast, would’ve loved to stay a bit longer but happy to be back home as I was missing my babies

@trooworld How are you, hope your depression is under control, and hope your ear feels better soon. I did like LA, got a vibe which is similar to mumbai but surprisingly found the people inNew York to be much friendlier (don’t kill me for that). But San Francisco was the best, it’s so beautiful oh my god, I would absolutely love there if I had a chance. Please take care of yourself, my hubby always says “this too shall pass”, so don’t worry too much

@TeresaW1020 wow just a few lbs more and you will reach your goal that’s truly inspirational. I didn’t shop much for clothes in the US but found old navy to be a great brand not too expensive and nice stuff. Wish we had consignment stores in India, we don’t, so I give away most of my clothes to my niece who is very big or my nanny

@theslightedgeforever hey how are you, I missed your daily dose of philosophy, ok Vegas was a shock for me as everyone was obese there, and what’s with the portion sizes in the US ? After our first meal my DH and I started to order just one meal between the 2 of us, cos we couldn’t never finish individual portions, I am taking a break from the gym, jet lag is still weighing me down but tomorrow I return to the gym and clean eating

@cbabie hey how are you, I shopped at carters for my girls and got coupons via email from them, and we don’t have carters in India, so I don’t know who to give them to, please send me your email address, may be you can go shop there for your great grand baby and get good discounts, lovely stuff for new borns

@TrishasTime hey how are you, I have been missing on the board since I have been traveling but good to hear from you, very inspiring to see you making changes to your lifestyle and I agree with you when you say age is just a number 😊

Ok guys lots of errands to run, hope everyone has a great week ahead and a good weekend, love to be back on the board

Trishastime

Here's a link: https://msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodnews/9-foods-americans-eat-that-most-australians-find-strange/ss-BBNDpwD?ocid=spartanntp#image=1

@cbabie I think we all have things we wished we would have done. I know I wished I would have done things differently too.

@TeresaW1020 Thanks, the things you chose to make sounds really good too, and healthy! Italian is always good. The Weekly is now a half page postcard??? Oh no! That stinks. I like the meaty Weekly lol. But oh well! I heard the new bling is pretty. Congrats on being so close to 50 lbs! I'm sorry the consignment store didn't take more of your clothes. I'm sure you have nice clothes that someone will want.

@TrishasTime The painkiller (which is actually just Naproxen, it is an anti-inflammatory) did the trick. Ah...I'm glad you were "chuffed" and I'm chuffed I learned a new word! It is my husband's brother. Difficult for my husband? Yes. Illness might be long-term...not to get too much into it but his brother has a developmental disability so there was already a need to visit more frequently than a regular sibling. Thanks for your support. You've never heard of bacon??? You have not lived, my friend!

@krupalip Welcome back! Thank you, the depression is a bit better. I don't blame you, I don't live in LA and wouldn't want to lol. I can't believe NYers were nicer though lol. I live south of LA. I've never been to San Fran but would love to go. Thank you for your support. The portion sizes in the US: that's why so many in the US are obese...that and convenience foods and lack of exercise.

@theslightedgeforever I used to lift weights in the gym, I know how to do it I just don't have the interest. I'm a very black or white person: I'm either bringing a detailed workout journal with a 45 minute thought out plan and tracking every set or I'm doing nothing. I might just have to start doing yoga.

Hi all. To add to my stress, the new apartment manager is coming to inspect all the units on Thursday so we have to do a spring cleaning and I have to take off work to be here with the dog on Thursday to make sure there are no shananigans. I expect my ear pain will come back today. ugh.

Hello everyone!! I wrote this long post this morning and I must have forgotten to hit reply because it's not here! Let's try it again!!

@krupalip, welcome home!! I'm so happy that you had a good time in the USA! I've lived in 11 states and they are all different. Born in California and I agree that the San Franciso area is beautiful. But so expensive to live there. You look so beautiful in your black dress in your profile pic. Good thing you and hubby shared meals. Our portion sizes are ridiculous!!

@TrishasTime, That list was funny! I can't believe you don't love Starbucks. Starbucks is LIFE!! I worked there for 3 years as a barista on the morning shift. I ran the bar. I was super fast because I would shoot shots of espresso. I miss those days!

@trooworld, bummer you have to take off work and clean your apartment. I always hated when management would come in. At least you can now have your place cleaned up before the holidays. I sure hope your ear gets better! ((hugs))

@theslightedgeforever and @cbabie, I'm jealous that you have a close relationship and get to share your lives on this board. I used to be so close to my sister but some crazy stuff got in the way and we were very broken for a long time. We talk now but it's never been the same. Cherish what you have!

Well, I'm sitting at home with the news on and watching this terrible hurricane about to slam into Florida. I just can't believe that people are trying to ride it out. Even some in boats! We are keeping a close eye on it because it's moving straight up into Georiga and we could see a lot of rain and some serious wind. Praying that I don't lose power!!

I'm off to do a workout and get some housework done. I'm having my staff and their spouses over this Sunday for a pastor appreciation dinner. There will be 12 of us, so should be fun!

@cbabie Thank you, dear friend! My BIL has had a rough go, hopefully, things improve sometime in the future.

@TeresaW1020 I know, right? I hate that I have to take off work...it's mostly just so my dog isn't here when they are...he's a bit aggressive and I don't want them to see that. :O I'm so stressed about it that the pain actually graduated from my ear to a pain in my neck instead! But I took some Naproxen and it feels better. Just another reason to pay off bills to buy a condo! I hope you are safe and don't experience the power outage that you are afraid of. Wow, 12 people over, good luck that does sound like fun!!!

@TrishasTime Congrats, way to go!!! That's fabulous, or should I say "fabuless"??? Thank you, yes, there is quite a bit of pressure on us both, on the family as a whole. Somedays, I don't know how we are going to get through.

Hi all! 4 hours until the management gets here and I'm sitting here drinking coffee. Everything is pretty much done though. Oops, I just remembered I didn't clean out the freezer. I don't know if they are going to go that micro but just in case! I guess I'll do that next. I can't wait until we can afford our own condo/house so that we don't have to go through this kind of thing.

Morning everyone

@trooworld - Do they really go down to that degree with inspections in US? That would not be allowed here. The freezer is your domain, for me it would be like go through someone's undies drawer.

@cbabie - Woohoo $10,000 steps - does your shoot firebolts too? I did not quite achieve 10K yesterday.

@Teresaw1020 - Please check in if you can and let us know you got through okay.

@theslightedgeforever - How are you going?

Yesterday was a very "sit" day at work - I did not get up much as I was involved in a complex spreadsheet. When I got Home I took my dog for a walk and added another 5000 steps. I say my dog as DH has taken the other dog to debut in her very first sheep trial. Today is also a very much sitting and driving day as I take grand daughter to the country for her …….wait for it …….. 6th attempt to pass her license. The closest one open is 2 hours away (total of 4 hours travel) with a stop for 30 min for her test. All city licensing are booked until Jan. I just need to use my feet during her test run.

Well that it my day - hope your is good

Trish and Jess

Good morning ladies!!

I survived the hurricane with zero issues! Thank God!! We just had some rain through the night and it was a little breezy. I've been watching the coverage of the areas hit the worse in Florida and it's just so sad and devastating. I really pray for those people who are now without a home.

@trooworld, how did the inspection go? I lived a lot of my life in apartments so I feel your pain! I hope you can get your new home soon. It's the best!! I'm sorry you felt so alone at the book signing. I hate going places all by myself for that very reason of feeling left out. Years ago I had to go to this conference by myself and I knew no one! That was before the days of cellphones so I just sat there trying not to look pathetic.

@TrishasTime, Wow, 6 times!! It only took me 3 times! Your Border Collie is gorgeous! That is my husband's favorite dog but no way could we handle the amount of energy it requires to own one. Our neighbors have a Border Collie and we love to watch as it's owner teaches her to do all kinds of tricks. I spend a lot of time at my desk so I know how hard it is to get steps in. Today will be one of those days for sure!

@Cbabie, good for you for hitting 10,000 steps! Most days I'm lucky to get between 7000 and 8000 and that is only if I walk on the treadmill.


Well, today will be busy! I'm about to head off to work and get a bunch of stuff done. We have this big after church meeting about our renovation project and I'm in charge of making a ton of packets for everyone. Then I have to go shopping and finish up the gift we are presenting to our sweet pastor's wife on Sunday for pastor appreciation. We thought it would be cool to honor her this year. Then I gotta clean my house!! The leaves are starting to fall and my dog keeps dragging crap in every time she comes in from outside. Yesterday I threatened to shave her!

Her name is Maggie Mae and she is a diva!

Morning everyone

It never worries me about going somewhere alone, or sitting by myself. I think I developed into that as my husband was a police officer before he retired and I am used to being alone, coping with emergencies, dealing with kids all on my own as he was always at work. I have even had Christmas on my own with the kids when has worked. That being said, my heart goes out to you because if you are not comfortable in any situation, it dampens the whole thing.

@trooworld - good for you for sticking it out and getting a photo with the author

@cbabie - I am with you- I absolutely hate going to a "girls day". I much rather stay home and read a book. It is not that I do not like people, it is now that even though I wear hearing aids, I find groups of people hard to listen to. It was so much easier when I was younger and could have 2 conversations going at once.

@TeresaW1020 - Glad you did not have any issues with the hurricane. I love Maggie Maw eyes, such a beautiful girl.

Ok UPDATE - Massive fail on grand daughters behalf. She did not even last 10 min, She did a reverse park and nearly hit and tree. Funny thing, we only had just done one before taking her up to the test and she did it perfectly. Number 7 is next month - sigh

Going to get my hair done today, so my puppy will not get a walk until latter

Trish

@TeresaW1020 I'm so glad you didn't have problems from the hurricane. The inspection was fine, I think. I wasn't here, I took the dog and went for a walk! YEEESSS...that's exactly how I felt hahaha I'm sorry you have experienced that feeling too. Awwww, little Maggie Mae, I can see why she is a diva, she's cute!

@cbabie lol...I can't believe you aren't an animal lover, as sensitive and kind as you are! I'm usually ok going places by myself, I do it so much, but sometimes it gets to me...times when people are cliqued together having fun and I'm not lol. I hope you enjoy your talk!

@TrishasTime That must have been very stressful with your husband being a police officer. Yes, I was going to meet her and have a photo taken, despite my anxiety!!! Your poor granddaughter. I hope #7 is the magic number.

Hi all. I have to take my car to the dealership today to get the brakes repaired. I just hope I haven't damaged the rotors yet. I only have a set amount of money for this repair. It rained last night and is supposed to be really cold today, possibly more rain. I like this weather. I'm making homemade ramen soup (the real Japanese version, not the hard dried brick from a plastic package) today. Here's what else is on the menu this week (I'm kind of regretting this menu, I didn't figure out the points before I decided on it and I think some of the things the points are going to be high. I'm going to have to tinker with the recipes):

Quick Shoyu Ramen (but I'm making homemade broth and using fresh egg noodles)
Pim’s Pad Thai
Instant Pot® Mississippi Roast + Sauteed Cabbage
Paleo Italian Pot Roast (Well Fed) + Moroccan Spiced Sweet Potatoes
Instant Pot Braised Curry Beef
Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Some of my tricks to lighten things up are:

• If a recipe calls for half and half or heavy whipping cream, I use fat free evaporated milk or fat free half and half.
• I use light butter and less of it.
• If a recipe calls for sauteeing in oil, I will instead spray the pan with cooking spray and not put oil in the pan (unless absolutely necessary).
• I use 96/4 ground beef or 99% fat free ground turkey instead of regular ground beef *OR* I use Morningstar Burger Crumbles which isn't meat at all.
• I use fat free cheddar cheese in some recipes (Kraft melts pretty well and I don't mind the taste...it's come a long way!).

What are some of your tricks?

Hello everyone!!

@trooworld, Awwwww Louie is adorable! How old is he? Your menu this week looks good! I haven't planned mine yet. Whatever I do it will be super light considering I'm having this big Italian dinner party tomorrow night and next weekend we are on our anniversary trip. Probably stick with a lot of baked chicken, ground turkey, and veggies. Glad the inspection went OK. You would have heard if it didn't.

@TrishasTime, what is up with your granddaughter? Does she get nervous and choke during the exam? After I had failed mine twice my dad took me out to a closed mall parking lot on a Sunday (this was in Texas when business was closed on Sundays) and we stayed there for hours until he felt I could pass the test. I remember being so nervous during the test and then towards the end, a person walked right in front of my car and I slammed on my breaks (super hard and fast just like my dad taught me) the instructor told me to go ahead and park and that I had passed my test. Victory!!

@cbabie, taking things one day at a time is really all we can do. I have this little quote on my computer that says, "Sucess isn't about outcome; it's about obedience" I try to focus on that thought every day but it's not always easy. Yesterday, I had a handful of candy that was from an open bag we have at home. It's supposed to be for the Trick-or-Treaters. NOT for my mouth!

OK, so today is deep cleaning day. I told my hubby that we need to have a dinner party at least once a month so our house will get a good cleaning! I have all the rooms done but the kitchen. Saving the best for last! Ya'll have a good day!

Sorry to be away but I have had social engagements everyday since Tuesday. I’m totally out of my routine. Although food was relatively good. Exercise wasnt.

Krupalip. Welcome back. Glad to hear your trip was a success. Hard to believe NYers were nicer than Californians. Although I do remember a while back that the mayor did a niceness campaign to change the reputation of NYers. It must have worked.

Trooworld. I’m so glad the Naproxen worked for you. Do you have a co-worker or old friend you could call on the phone? For the next author event you could call one of them while you are waiting so you can talk to someone too. I’d be sitting there catching up on my reading probably lol. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I am not the animal lover in my family. Just something else I would have to take care of. The Moroccan sweet potatoes sound good. I really don’t have any tricks. I cook a recipe as written so I know it will taste good. I’ve tried substituting before and the food was okay. I want yummy vs okay if I’m doing all that work. I’ll take the higher calories and then reduce in other meals and snacks just to offset it if it’s really high I’ll just eat half a serving. Now Louie is cute. He doesnt look aggressive lol

Cbabie time to get back to the exercise. Go walk around your pool Funny you mention about mom not being a host but we always had people staying with us. She said and they kept coming back much to her dismay. Lol. You are an animal lover you just won’t admit it. Lol. Put pics up of the demon dogs.

Teresaw1020. Maybe you can rekindle the relationship between you and your sister. How was the dinner? Maggie Mae is cute. Maybe that’s why I haven’t been successful. Always have had a problem with the obedience thing. Lol

Trishastime. Woohoo on your weight loss. This plan is working for you. Jess is cute. I can do alone or with groups. It depends on my mood. In groups where I don’t know people I have a rule. I have to say at least something to the person on my right or left. My daughter puts her headphones in her ears so no one will talk to her 🙄 she has her dad’s genes. Sorry on granddaughters test. Thanks for having cbabie send the hounds


Thank goodness all done with that

Hello!

@TrishasTime, I've been married for 7 years next Saturday. We met on the internet, fell in love and then 10 months later on my 40th birthday he came and picked me up in Florida to come to live with him in Georgia. He was from Massachusetts. Until the day he picked me up, we had never met face to face. There's more to the story but those are the highlights. He is the love of my life. Oh yeah, he is also 23 years older than me. You said we should reveal things about ourselves!

@theslightedgeforever, I don't like when I get out of my routine but it's necessary sometimes. You will get back in your grove. Who is the older sister? You or cbabie? I would love to rekindle my relationship with my sister and I've tried. I won't give up!

@trooworld, carbs and lots of sodium are always bad for me on the scale. I think it is best for you just to skip this week and flush that sodium out of your system. Lots of water!!

So, my dinner party was canceled for tonight. My pastor's wife woke up this morning with a terrible sore throat and stomach pains. There is this thing going around right now and she has it. So, we decided to cancel and try again another time. Maybe a Christmas party. It's not easy to get 12 people all together at once, especially when three of the couples have very small children. We do have a staff thing plan for November 3rd, so crossing fingers we will all be able to do that. The good news is that my house is spotless, I had a great workout, and I won't be overeating tonight.

Hey everyone,

@cbabie how are you, haven’t received any message in my inbox about your email, please send it quickly, I get so many coupons from carters and they are just going waste. I am sorry you are having a. Tough time but hang in there not only for yourself but all of us on this board

@theslightedgeforever I don’t know why but New Yorkers helped us out with directions and just information we needed, especially in coffee shops, actually no one was down right rude to us in the US and we didn’t face any problems, it’s an amazing country, and we would like to get our kids there soon

@trooworld your menu is beyond awesome, hope you are doing good, next time at a book event just read and try to get lost in the story, as a tourist I used to sit around in coffee shops and just imagine people around me having back stories, imagine how their life would be, that kept me entertained and didn’t get bored at all

@TrishasTime congratulations on your weight loss, way to go, I think my next trip with my family should be Australia, I am an avid watcher of master chef Australia and I have learned so much about your food and culture from that show...

Now that I have achieved my goals for my trip to the US, I am feeling so lost about what my next goal should be. I am rejoining my gym today after a three week hiatus, just need to make new goals and I figured being goal oriented worked for me, any ideas ladies ??

Gotta run have a great day and week ahead

Teresaw1020. What a neat story about your husband. I have good internet friends. I’m the younger sister by 7 years. Sometimes I love when plans get cancelled. Some free me time I wasn’t counting on.

Trishastime that’s great you got in a walk. The gym will be back to working condition soon

Krupalip. When we were in NY this spring, a nice lady helped my husband on the subway. He couldn’t get through the turnstile. Her husband kept saying just leave them we are going to miss our train. While my daughter was yelling were going to miss our train. Dad hurry😂. I kept saying we’ll get the next be we can’t just leave him in NY. Nobody missed the train Goals: you could set a mileage goal for running. One of my goals is to complete the Couch to 5K program (C25K) someday. I’ve tried 4 times
You could walk 3 miles and try and do it in less time overall so you are walking faster. Start lifting weights and increase how much you lift over time. I’ll send an email to cbabie about Carters

Trooworld sorry to hear about the depression. The easiest thing is to just sit and do nothing but it doesn’t help anything. What’s your favorite “happy” songs? Could you make a playlist and put them on and go outside and just walk around. Not exercise just walk. A change of environment is good. You dont have to do it for a long time just get up and go out and listen to one song if that’s all you can do. I just rediscovered one of my happy songs I hadn’t heard in probably 20 years. I’m glad DH will do the cooking for you

Afternoon everyone

@krupalip - If it is gym related - could be the time on the machines, or the weight you lift. I find it is always good to have a plan to follow otherwise I find myself drifting along

@trooworld - Sorry to hear that the train has stopped again. Are you tracking what happens just before it? I am glad DH is stepping up for you. Mine cooked sausages last night - he left the food label but does not understand that we could use calories / points in a better way

@theslightedgeforever - Woohoo your rock!!! - 1 pound down - I remember the giffy you sometimes put up. Now - I thought you were the older sister. (grin)

So the gym was open today and I went for a 20 min treadmill. I feel that I will need to extend to other machines soon. There was a lot of chatter on the connect last night about "serves and free food". An LTM put this up and said the program works if you follow the portions that WW have as serves. I found it a timely reminder - so have included it for you as well


Catchya