Hi@Julie_9! I am sort of starting today, also, since I am back from a family get-together, Covid and limited exercise all month.



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I actually seem to have lost a little bit this month even though I started out eating way too many cookies. I weighed on two different scales just to be sure but it's still hard to believe.

Back to yoga today. Every class after today is at 5:30 in the morning so I will have no excuses to start my day right. I'm alternating between beginner weights/cross training and hot yoga. When I get home my plan is to give the dogs a walk.

Hello friends! Welcome @Julie_9 - we are all in the same boat - or I should say all on the same struggle bus! It’s hard. I really feel like it’s harder to lose less weight - if that makes sense? Well you are in good company here!

@CeeBeeSlim thank you for sharing and for your empathy. I’m feeling better since I got home - clearly because I can eat better. Unfortunately back on the road tomorrow but just for one day - and one dinner out. It is so hard when a small group and a work dinner but I am determined to stick to my better habits.

@zenobia9777 totally agree about age and not moving. It’s like you really need to throw away ever you know and that worked when you hit your 50’s and start over. Trying!

I hear you @SparkSpringtime69 - those 5lbs…very challenging.

Well I hope everyone is having a good weekend and here’s to a great/successful week!

@zenobia9777 cookies are my biggest weakness!! I can never have just one! I use to workout in the morning many years ago and now I’m struggling to even get out of bed these days. Something has to change. I took some progress pics the other day and I’m really focused to track my food and increase my steps and workouts.
I know having connections and accountability will help me a lot.

@CeeBeeSlim I would love to have more Fitbit Friends. This week is the first time I’m doing challenges on the app.
My emails is juliemiller1981@hotmail.com if you’d like to add me.

@litstuesday I agree the less you have to lose is much harder.

Got a verbal offer from my previous company last night, but it was 5K below my current wages, so countered with what I'm making right now, so today got a verbal offer matching my current salary with the bonus, plus a reassessment once I complete the next level certification.

Regardless, same wages will equal about a $400+/month pay bump in my pockets since this will be mostly remote (right now spending $100/week on gas - I'll still need some gas, but a tank should last me at least 2-3 weeks if not longer), plus they cover the health insurance premium. PLUS, what I'll be doing is far more applicable to my future plans, both as an employee and with my own business, unlike where I'm at right now which is just a disaster.

Still radio silence from the position I really wanted, and it's been a week now since I sent my follow up (which had no response), so not holding my breath there (but may follow up if I am ready to sign on the line with my previous company just in case).

Eating and exercise is going as planned for the moment, will be more exercise once I have a more remote position though!

@HoneyBadger302 impressive negotiating!!! I have a friend who has been fighting for a better position for months and finally got there.

@CeeBeeSlim I never mastered the hula hoop. Sounds fun, though!

I love DC and want to go next year with our crew. Good luck! I think we were in a museum full of day care trips...

Yesterday I did not do well in the evening. Today is a rest day since my arms are a little sore. Shows progress made.

Hi all! Having a good week - on track and back down a few lbs. Helps that work trip was cancelled and no meals out this week. Huge help! No wine, no dessert…

The insane heat has made walking not so fun but I have been trying to get out early or late just to get steps in. That always helps my day too.

Have a great week all. Almost at the weekend.

@Julie_9 I used to work out first thing in the morning too. Since I was laid off I've been trying to set up a new routine for myself, but have been struggling to get one that sticks. We very recently moved to South Carolina and I've found the heat and humidity, even early in the AM, to be too much for exercise.
@CeeBeeSlim I'm also looking for a treadmill, and also a spot in my new house to park it LOL
@k8richer good job on the "no fries" (pizza and beer are always the hardest to resist, aren't they?)
@CeeBeeSlim sorry to chime in so late on your covid question, but here's my 2 cents: my mom is 90 (going to be 91 in Sept) and I worry any time she's around ANYONE! She's been vaccinated and had two boosters, so I probably should be less worried, but I guess that we worry about our parents the same as they worried about us when we were kids - better to be overly cautious than to make a terrible mistake. But, on a more practical side, can you just ask your nieces and nephews to test right before they come to visit so it will ease your (and their) minds? Also, and probably most importantly, how do your parents feel about the visit?
@zenobia9777 Glad to hear your family had mostly mild reactions to the virus. Your hot yoga class sounds interesting - how long have you been doing it?
@HoneyBadger302, I'm impressed, salary negotiation was always very difficult for me. I do hope you hear from about the job you really want before you have to make a decision.
@litstuesday I've been living with insane heat too, hope you can work around it.
Sorry this is such a long post, I missed a couple of days but wanted to catch up with everyone