The BDG Game

I heard a Pink interview where she talked about a dinner party game she plays called BDG's ... Brag, Desires, and Gratitudes.  Each person shares at least one of each - helps us to remember that there are so many good htings in life even when things seem tough

Who would like to share a BDG?

BRAG - I ate SO balanced and light yesterday all day that I was able to have real oil popped popcorn last night as a snack .... without going over calories or carb counts for the day!  It was AWESOME!

DESIRE - that by the time I need to buy a new wet suit, I will not have to custom order it because of my size

GRATITUDE - Even tough I am technically overweight, I am fit and healthy, I am adventurous nad I am DONE having my weight stop me from doing things I want to do!  Like scuba dive!

Hi:):) 

LOLOL --- I have not seen my sister and her husband in about 15 years and never seen their children - 2 girls and 1 boy... who are now teens and pre-teen.  Pictures taken of me during this time period usually have been head shots:).  I will probably look much the same as the last time she saw me ...just older.

My other sisters I have seen much more recently and told me I seem the same - sometimes a bit more plumper, other times slimmer.  No one has seen me as I am now - in size 8's - I have not been this size since grade school. Generally I have flitted between the rare size 10's and the usual 16 - 1x and in between.

EDIT:  I SHOULD SAY WE COMMUNICATE VIA E-MAIL SO IT IS NOT AS IF WE ARE STRANGERS.... JUST THE VISUAL CONTACT HAS NOT BEEN MUCH DURING THE YEARS.

What is the main change for me now is that I am wearing color and also pants and tops.  Usually I was always in black and/or darker colors and in long skirts or dresses... rarely in pants.

I glanced at the Fitness boards and will be giving them a more detailed look a bit later.  I did some lunges before my morning walk/run this morning:):)

Congratulations and also how wonderful of Cam to go with the change in menu:)  That is just great to have that kind of support and also such a nice evening:):)

Brag - I DID my morning walk/run this morning:):)  Before I used to do the 5 miles in 90 mins.  I am now doing this route in 80 mins.  Somehow I am getting 10 mins of running in there!! or maybe I am just walking faster when I stop running.  I am just GLAD it is taking a shorter time period:)

Desire - stage 3 of house cleaning - that is goes smoothly today:)

Gratitude - that it is a nice pleasant day -- it is cloudy so I am hoping this means it will not be too hot... a good day for all this activity:)

Wishing you all a wonderful and happy day:):)

@nancybehrend: It's definately one of the greatest feelings ever. Even if I can't see the changes, it helps to know that the last 2 weeks havn't been wasted. :) And thanks. ^^

@itislucia: Thanks. I've actually reached into my desk multiple times without thinking about it to get a cookie or two. I'm gonna get healthy, whether my body wants to or not. >.<

Good luck to both of you in your healthy endevors. ^_^

Brag: I got a letter in the mail yesturday... I made Dean's List for spring quarter. ^_^ Not exactly a weight loss thing, but confidence perks are always nice. ^_^

Desire: To do well on my midterm tonight. And to get over some of these junk food cravings that are driving me crazy. >.<

Gratitude: My mom! She's being really supportive of my weight loss. She's even decided to make low calorie dinners on Tuesday and Thursday nights (the nights I'm not at school or with my boyfriend) for the family. Now I'm not on my own at home when trying to eat better. :)

Hey foffles - yay for Mom cooking low cal dinners for you and the rest of hte family!  what time should I be there tomorrow night for dinner?  :)  Hoping that your mom finds out that you don't ahve to go hog wild with bean sprouts nad tofu to cook healthy nad low calorie!  It's all about balance.  And by the way, BDG's can be about anything!  Not restricted to weight loss or health or fitness!

lucia - you crack me up with your cleaning stages!  i need you at my house to clean.  I am thrilled to hear about your progress with your walks/runs.  your bosy is getting stronger with each day that passes!  Isn't it amazing to feel changes and then to slip into those size 8's????  I am really proud of you.

BRAG - I bought a little sundress at Target a couple weeks ago nad was brave enough to pull it out for work today.  I think its cute!  And I normally wear longer skirts nad dresses and this one is right above my knee and I really do not feel self conscious nad when I look at my profile in the mirror, I do not see my stomach bulging out like normal.

DESIRE - that we figure out how to keep Happy calm/quiet.  She felt bad last night but htis morning seemed to be a lot more back to her normal self ..... my Cam works from home so I checked in on her and thank goodness he said she is just laying around today in the kitchen/office  with him.  Whew.  Maybe hte pain pills knock her out a bit.

GRATITUDE - that my dear friend delivered a happy healthy and BIG baby girl yesterday, which was also her 2nd wedding anniversary!  Please join with me in celebrating hte birth of Simani Joi, 9 lb 3 ounce nad 23 inches!  My friend and her husband went through a terrible ordeal with a miscarriage last year so this baby is a true blessing and miracle for them!  thank goodness for all the wonderful doctors nad nurses that got my friend safely through this pregnancy!

Tonight - friends coming over and we're going out for dinner to where?  the BBQ joint we love ... I think I will stick with smokes turkey breast with side salad and collard greens.

Oh yeah - didn't get much of a chance to post pix here last night, but please feel free to find me on Facebook!  I *think* my direct link is www.facebook.com/nbehrend

BRAG - http://caloriecount.about.com/users/sokkamum Just read my journal & you'll see!!!

DESIRE - just to be a better me. I have a birthday coming up and I'm determined to have a better perception of things. This last year I wasted too much time moping about things I haven't done or whatever. It changes now! :)

GRATITUDE - to live another day. Without life, one cannot live.

Yeah!!! for happy posts:):) 

foffles --- AWESOME!!!!  Making the Dean's list!!!  Congratulations!!!!  It is wonderful to know that your life is not centered on just your weight but on YOU!!! AND I think it is GREAT that your mom is cooking with you in mind:):)  How thoughtful and I am sure it will be delicious:):)  I am thinking positive thoughts for you tonight as you take your midterm:):)

Nancy - thank you for your good wishes and.....  my size 8's,  I am happy to say,  feel loose:):)  I will have to weigh myself soon and hope that scale reflects what I feel:):)

AND how wonderful that you felt comfortable in your sundress - which I am sure fitted you beautifully:):)  I am also GLAD to hear that Happy is quiet AND it is VERY NICE to hear about children that are wanted and loved:):) AND how cool that she was born on their wedding anniversary!!!  THAT will be some celebration in the years to come:)  I wish you an enjoyable evening with friends staying within your caloric parameters:):)  It is so wonderful to be able to eat a wonderful variety:)

sokkamum - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  on your smaller measurements:):)!!!!  THAT is just SO COOL!!!!  AND Yeah!!!  YOU are living your life on a positive note:):)

Brag - I did my afternoon walk -- just the straight walk.  I am tired from this morning's walk/run and wanted to just walk.

Brag 2 - I have finished stage 3 of my intensive cleaning:)

Desire - that everything continues to go smoothly:):)  stage 4 is tomorrow :)

Gratitude -- that everything is coming together so well:):) 

AND I wish everyone an excellent and happy evening and a GREAT tomorrow:):)

Thank you all for posting -- I get such good vibes and energy from the happy reading:):) 

Brag: I have been at it(that too) for 6 days. IDK my number yet but I am bragging about self confidence.

Desire: Bathing suit

Graditude: I am greatful for strenth.

Welcome betsybz:):)  Self confidence is SO important:):)  I wish you continued success!!!!

Brag - I did my morning walk -- just the walk - I will probably do just the walk this afternoon and then go for the walk/run tomorrow morning.  I think it is funny that I now have these 5 miles labeled ...just the walk and walk/run when before it was... can I EVEN do this:):)

Desire - that stage 4 of housecleaning goes just as smoothly as the others:) 

Gratitude - The weather is comfortable - hot and humid but at tolerable levels, my parents are in good spirits and I feel well and think positively:)

Wishing everyone a very wonderful and happy day!!!

@nancybehrend: Lol, I'll save you a plate. >.< She's actually pretty good about making good meals. Tuesday was grilled chicken, a big bowl of mixed vegitables, and a small helping of cheesy mashed potatoes. It was really yummy and under 500 calories. ^_^ And congrats on havng the confidence to wear yuor sudress to work. I'm sure you looked great. :) And I hope you have fun at the BBQ joint.

@itislucia: Thank you so much for all of the possitive feedback. :) My exam went pretty well last night, at least I answered everything somewhat confidently. ^^ It's awesome that you're doing well with your 5 miles. I'm hoping I'll get to that point eventually, but right now I'm having trouble getting my butt up long enough for my DDR. >.< And good luck with cleaning. :)

Brag: Even if I still can't see the changed in weight, I'm proud of the fact that I feel healthier and that I'm lossing at a rate I think I can keep up with. ^_^

Desire: To do DDR tonight! I've never been big on exercising, but lately, I'm hooked on it. I want to pick up another game so I have more songs, but that gets to wait til after I get my car fixed. : /

Gratitude: My boyfriend is as amazing as ever. :) He's been so supporive lately, and I've never felt luckier or more loved. <3  I can't wait to see him Friday night. ^_^

BRAG: I've lost another pound this week. I'm down to 150, which puts me in my healthy weight BMI and this is the first time I've been this weight in almost 4 years!

DESIRE: To keep this momentum and energy to lose my last 10 pounds

GRATITUDE: Thankful that I have the opportunity every day to keep making this choice for myself and my family.

I think you are all amazing nad I am so glad this thread is picking up some new friends!  Welcome one and all .....

So - I feel unfocused.

It may be a combination of: stressful at work, not knowing if any of us will have jobs in a couple months, stressful at home trying to keep Happy calm and still having time to love on the other 2 dogs and Cameron, stressed about not enough time in the day - I seem to go go go from the moment I wake up till about 10 PM and life happens and you have to deal with it as it comes, but sometimes I wonder how much more I can pile on myself.  I slept through my Miguel training this morning     found out a close friends dad died and the visitation is tonight, thought i would work out after work but now am going across town for the visitation at hte funeral home.  I am debating whether to go to the service tomorrow - it will be beautiful as he is being put to rest at hte National Cemetery with military honors.  And i want to be there for my friend who I love and adore and feel like she is a sister to me.  And in the meanwhile since I will not be home tonight till like 9 PM, I am abandoning Cameron to deal with all the dogs which is a huge struggle.  We took Happy to the vet to be boarded this morning becuase hte cleaning lady comes today and that is way too much excitement for a dog trying to recover from heartworms.  And it doesn't stop - since I missed Miguel this morning I am goign to see him tomorrow after work, Saturday morning I need to be at a volunteer gig for hte Breast Cancer 3 Day at 9:30 AM till about 3, then meeting friends at 6 PM for dinner/drinks before goign to see the prchestra playng at their outdoor summer home at a really nice amphitheater near our home.

I'm exhausted.

And being unfocused nad unbalanced makes it very easy to mess up nutritionally.

I Tivo's and have watched part of Prrah from Monday in which she talks about her weight struggles - about how not having balance in your life where you put your own needs first before the needs of others will help you succeed, feel good about yourself, etc.  I try and try to do this and sometimes I do great  at putting myself first .... but in those times I also have this sense of being selfish.  But when i try to do everything, and keep everyone happy I end up "buzzing" my way around nad not feeling fully engaged in anything I am actually doing - its like goign through motions becuase I HAVE to fit this all in.

Rough week.

and as a result, July is not goign as well as June went regarding daily calorie deficits.

I am disappointed that I ate more last night at dinner than I had planned.

BRAG - I don't have one today   

DESIRE - to get centered quiet focused and balanced

GRATITUDE - I still am getting a pay check every two weeks

I hope all of you are doing well today nad htat you are able to share some positive energy with me .... I am just getting run down and overwhelmed

Hi:):)

foffles - I am GLAD you have confidence in the way your midterm went and I am GLAD your boyfriend is so wonderful:):)  Makes life so sweet:):)  AND keep thinking positively on the exercising.  THAT is one of my weaknesses .. and if you just keep on plodding, it REALLY does get better.  When I first started walking I was barely able to do 3 miles and then stayed at 4 miles for the longest time AND when I tried 5, I was SURE I would never be able to get the hang of it.  Our bodies are amazing and DO adjust .. it just takes time and perseverance and positive thoughts:):)  I KNOW you will be able to do it:):) 

sokkamum -- CONGRATULATIONS!!!! on your achievement due to your consistency and determination!!!  YEAH!!! for YOU!!!!!  and I wish you continued success:):)

Nancy -- I read your post and feel OVERWHELMED!!! by all that is happening with you!!!  I can understand the sleeping though the exercise - I have done it several times and I believe when it does happen the body needs more sleep than exercise.  You are putting in long, stressful days and hopefully you will be able to stop and just take a breather and rest before the next thing comes along -- you know there will always be a next thing ...these things happen in waves ...

Not all days are the same, consequently not all months are the same.  The key here is to put our strategies to work so that we don't give in.  Having conquered the snack monster and planning for meals, this too will develop a winning strategy.

AND as you once told me:

And you know what?  There is ALWAYS something to brag about ..... if you are ever in doubt, brag that you are on the cc site, logging food and checking message boards ....some dys that's a huge accomplishment!

AND I really think today is one of those days:)

Brag -- I did do another 5 mile just walk ... and that is OK -- I actually felt much better and did not twinge or feel tired. I am thinking tomorrow I will do the walk/run

Desire - tomorrow morning I do the walk/run

Gratitude -- Mom and Dad said - NO MORE INTENSIVE HOUSECLEANING!!!  The place is fine just the way it is:):)  so now all I have to do is just vacuum and daily upkeep which is wonderfully minimal:)  Yeah!!!!!

AND I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL evening and a delightful tomorrow and Nancy I will especially think super positive thoughts for your busy days:):)

Lots of hugs and happiness:):)

and so we start the weekend:)  Friday!!

did not do my morning walk -- woke up last night at 1am and could not get back to sleep until much later -- consequently 5:30am came and went.  I shall try for this afternoon's walk:)

It is a bright, sunny and hot and humid day:)  Perfect for going shopping -- to buy non perishables for my sister's visit ... like shampoo, conditioners, sun block etc.  The milk, bread, fruits, etc will be bought Tuesday morning.  This is the last stage of the preparation - stocking their villa so they do not have to go shopping when they get here.  It is a fun thing to do since I can take my time in an air conditioned store:):)

AND I hope all is going well with everyone and that this Friday will be a great start to the weekend for all:):)

ps.  Happy Birthday sokkamum!!  Wishing you many more happy and healthy years :):)

@Nancybehrend: Sorry to hear your weeks been rough. I hope that you make it through it in one piece. And have fun with your friends at the orchestra. :)Sounds like a good opportunity to try and relax.

@itislucia: Thank you for the vote of confidence. It's nice to know you believe I can do it. :) My family and boyfriend are supportive as ever, but at the same time, they don't know as much about what I'm going through as far as trying to get healthy. It's nice to talk to someone who does. ^^ And congrats on making it through your intensive cleaning! I havn't even made it through spring cleaning yet. >.<

Brag: I made it through 40 minutes of DDR on medium last night, and even got a B on a song. By the end, I was sweating up a storm, but I felt really good afterwards. :)

Desire: To have a little more motivation to be awake in the morning. I've been 5-10 minutes late to work every day this week, and feel aweful about it. I should definately try to get more than 5-6 hours of sleep a night...

Gratitude: It's nice to still have a job. Especially being 21 and a college student. I know a lot of people are going without one right now and it's wonderful to be working, especially with such a nice boss and coworkers.

Hi everyone,

thank you both SO much for the shoulder to cry on!  For the listening ear and for the kind nad supportive words and encouragement.

I am still feeling overwhelmed today but I feel that the end of it is near - on Sunday my only obligation is to go to see my "gym husband" miguel at noon ... and since I missed my training yesterday morning, I rescheduled with him for this afternoon after work so I am hoping a good intense work out with lots of heavy breathing and sweating will get me to a better mental place.  It normally helps a lot.  They have a beautiful outdoor pool at hte gym, I think Sunday after working out with Miguel I will change into my swim suit nad hang out at hte pool for a while.  The only bad thing is the gazillion telling kids who will be there!  Will have to take MP3 player ....

Yesterday turned out to be a not so super food day - I did still end the day with a tiny deficit, but just barely.  I need to be Ok with that nad accept that maintenance days or weeks or months are OK if that's what i need to do to remain sane.  After the funeral home visitation my friend invites us back to her mom's for a get together where of course there was a lot of alcohol and food and while I didn't completely over do it, it is amazing how quickly calories can add up.  I was glad that even when I took some of hte carb crazy foods I was desiring, I didn't load up my plate, I took one spoonful and moved on.  I did not have any desserts.

Thank you ever so much Lucia for hte reminder and by giving me back the advice that I can so seemingly effortlessly give ithers!  I've always been the friend or family member who people come to for advice and support .... someitmes I find it impossible to follow myself what I would tell otehrs.  Very recently when I've been feeling weak in my convinctions, I have asked myself the question - if this situation belonged to a friend, what would I advise them?

BRAG - I AM HERE and logging food nad exercise nad reading posts

DESIRE - for peace balance and serenity ... and to take some time today to reflect on  my progress by reading past BDG's

GRATITUDE -  that work is quiet today and i hope it will give me the time to help focus and center myself

All of this talk makes me think I NEED to get back to yoga ... to find the time for myself to do it because it helps me so much to feel strong nad tall and capable nad emotionally and mentally it makes me feel calm and quiet and serene and gives me the rare opportunity to quiet my brain

@Nancy: I'm glad you're seening a break to all the stress you're going through right now. I hope things calm down alot soon. :) And congrats on not over doing it with all the tasty food temptations! Sometimes, writing a day off as a maintenance day is better than letting yourself feel deprived, especially when stressed. Then again, I'm a stress eater (and functional eater as I found out here, double whammy O.o), so, what do I know? I hope you find some time for yourself to enjoy some yoga. ^^

Brag: When I started on CC 2.5 weeks ago, my BMI was 27.8. As of today, it's 26.8. ^_^ A whole point down and 2 more to go til I'm in the healthy range. :)

Desire: A back rub from my boyfriend. >.< Between stress and exercise this week, my back is killing me, and he gives the best backrubs. <3 (I know, I'm a little obsessed with him. O.o)

Gratitude: It's Friday! It's been a long week and I can't wait to just sit still for a few minutes. Maybe watch a movie with the boyfriend, play D&D with the guys (I'm kinda a nerd...), and sleep. This 5-6 hours a night is wearing me thin. Tonight, I'm getting real sleep! ^_^

thanks foffles - you made me smile  

I like that you are sort of a nerd - I am not one but I am married to one nad most of his friends are too!!!  Well I call them geeks though  .....  they're the best types of people to have around in my opinion!  My computer always works!!!!

I've been meaning to ask you - what is DDR that you said you've been doing?  Some exercise?

I am willing to place bets that your wonderful bf will give you that back rub you desire - my hubby jsut told me on the phone when i asked him his plans for this evening - he said "to give my wife some hugs nad kisses...."

I am hoping we all have restful weekends with plenty of sleep to rejuvenate ....

No Problem. :)

Lol, all my friends (at least the guys) are gamers/geeks/nerds. I love hanging out with them. :) (I'm a computer science major, btw, so my computer always works too. ^_^ If I don't know how to fix it, I have plenty of connections. )

DDR = Dance Dance Revolution. It's the consol game where you step on arrows on a game mat based on what arrow is moving on the screen. It's a fun workout, and even has a workout mode, but that goes way too fast for me. >.<

Lol, if nothing else, I can bribe him into giving me one by giving him a backrub in return. >.< And it's wonderful your husband is planning on giving you hugs and kisses tonight. I don't know of anything more relaxing that time with the person you love. ^_^

Lol, seconded. Rejuvinating sleep is exactly what we all need. :)

BRAG: Instead of sleeping in on my birthday and letting my husband bring me breakfast in bed (like he planned), I got up, told him I really need to run and did, and then let him cook me breakfast when I got back.

DESIRE: To keep this motivation going. I'm so motivated right now and I'm praying it doesn't deflate flat underneath me.

GRATITUDE: That my husband said he was so proud of me for sticking to this attempt to "get fit". I ♥ him!

I hope everyone has a wonderful, stress-free weekend and stays motivated enough to keep pushing through and logging it all on here! Thank you guys for the awesome support and birthday wishes.

BTW, I'm a borderline nerd/geek too. My husband is one completely! 

Hi:):)

This is SO COOL:):)  reading all these posts:):)  Yeah!!!!  for sharing your lives:):) 

I am so GLAD the upheaval of lives is beginning to calm down and it looks like this weekend will be one of striving toward tranquility:)... and sleep:):).  We all seem to be in the same wave:):)

I think it is GREAT that we are either maintaining for a day or two and/or continuing towards our goals - I am doing a bit of both today -- have the calorie deficit but not as much as I normally do and I am still "just walking". 

Radioshack where I have bought all my electronic wares - computer, printer, ipod and digital camera - are my computer helpers:):)  The persons there know me and when I bought the items set it up for me there so that when I took it home all I had to do was push "on":):)  ... and if I had any problems to bring it back and they would help me out.  Luckily all has worked well:):)..so far:)  Before, it was my son who would set things up for me after suggesting I should get the item:)

Brag - my sneakers deteriorated today as I went to put them on.   Dad , who had an extra pair of  brand new sneakers, gave them to me.  He did not want me to miss my walk:):)  and am happy to say they were comfortable enough to do the walk:):)

The stores here do not carry the brand I wear and I usually order them online - I had discovered a running store near my mother's eye doctor and bought a pair of sneakers which I liked and was going to buy another pair when we went back for her appointment in September.  Unfortunately the sneakers did not last  - so I have ordered my usual brand online which should arrive soon - AND Mom and Dad are insisting I buy another pair when go back for Mom's medical appointment or order another pair online if I do not find what I like.

Desire - that we ALL have an excellent, relaxing and wonderful weekend:):)

Gratitude - that Dad and I are the same size in sneakers:)  Granted his sneakers are bit wider BUT it will work until I get my other pair.  Mom and Dad are very happy with my walks and my health efforts and results and want me to continue onward and forward:):)

AND the shopping - stage 1 - went well:).  The rest of the shopping will be done Tuesday morning (the perishables).  AND now the only thing left is just to maintain the place clean and go over the menu.

I am happy to say Mom and Dad are in good spirits and content - as am I - with the way the preparations have gone.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and happy evening:):)  Yeah!!!!

so today I woke up late - no morning walk -- and thought ... I will be careful with what I eat and will walk this afternoon.  I forgot today is Saturday when Mom usually goes to church and I do not do my walk in the afternoon.

I had morning errands to do and thought might as well get them done early - another mistake -- I left without breakfast.

I passed Dunkin Donut and thought ...hmmmm - one donut with coffee will be OK -- I certainly can afford the calories and will be very careful the rest of the day.

AND I enjoyed it tremendously - eating it slowly and savoring all the flavors I had not had these past weeks.

AND HERE is where I had my decision making pivotal point...

I wanted another donut

- my size 8's are really comfortable - Mom and Dad tell me I look well - I look in the mirror - the Walmart one - and think I look OK and can see the pants are loose ...not baggy yet ...  - I can afford the calories still ....

and then I thought of this thread - how sokkamum has been working so hard to achieve her goal, how foffles is working so hard on her workouts, how betsybz is also working so hard on staying strong to achieve her goal and I thought of you - Nancy - and all your suggestions on how I can stay on the path.

and I thought how when I started this thread size 10's were tight and here I was at loose 8's and that I really wanted size 6 BUT that it was going to get there with continued effort.

I have the positive reinforcements, I CAN SEE that it REALLY does work -- exercise, eating healthy - not starving - really make a difference -- it is not an overnight or even a couple days effort that does it but continuous weeks and then the breakthrough and then the IMPORTANT part which is to KEEP doing it.

So .. a few more minutes -- I got up and left ...without the donut:):)

AND I have bought myself a pair of size 6 capri pants - beige - I can get into them, button and zip them BUT they are SO TIGHT  - definitely can not sit in them:) BUT they will be my goal - for them to be as comfortable as these 8's are now.

As I left the store and headed home I was then thinking of Robert Frost's The Road Less Traveled and the last line

And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference