20 to go!! I need some saucy, supportive, soul-sisters!!

I'd like to start an intimate group with people who have a GREAT sense of humor, can be honest without being snide, don't mind divulging their ups and downs, and have some inspiring words of wisdom and support to share.  I am looking for a few online accountablility pals to help me get over this last 20 pound hump!!  I have lost 38 pounds.  I know I am going to make it, it's just nice having some "slimming sisters" who have "been there" and are "going through that" to share the journey with.  What do you say...are you up for the challenge??? 

You lucky dog-#100 post.  You can get to Realkass by clicking on my cows and checking out my friends list.  It will get you to where you are trying to go.  I like looking at Duncan's picture when I'm writing immediately after you.  I've never had the occasion to go to a reading.  These were student, right?  Any up and coming names we should be on the lookout for?  Might your writings be available if I went to the college bookstore and not Barne's & Noble, or others?

I made a turkey-taco enchilada pie today.  I'm really hoping for success there.  I stacked the tortillas instead of rolling them up and only used 2 instead of 10. so that cut Way back on the cals per serving.  Somewhere around 268.  I also made some slaw, using the FF Italian dressing that I get at Walmart-(10 cals per Tablespoon).  I have never been fond of cole slaw because of the dressing-something too sweet in there.  I know how Mom made hers, so I know it's Salad Dressing, sugar, and vinegar.

There's a website called Eat this, Not that.  Essentially it's a Man's website.  I don't know how I came across it to begin with.  It's full of interesting facts on chosing "this" item instead of "that" one.  Cookies, candies, chips, fast food restaurants and fast food as well. 

The name of the actress that played in "Back to School" was Sally Kellerman.  You probably all knew that, and so did I but when it was trying to remember what it was it wouldn't come to me.  I was sitting there in church paying attention to the sermon and the Pastor made a reference to his wife "Sally."  I almost stood up with a halajuia, but caught myself in the nick of time.  Now I can move on  . 

Queenie, you're going to make it to your birthday.  You're determined.  Now if only your scale would cooperate!  Minx and Moochie better show their faces pretty damn soon or I'm going to make up some great big lie about them. (as per your suggestion, my Queen!)  ~Pussycat

I’M BACK OH WONDEROUS WICKED WOMEN OF WEIGHTLOSS!!!

I had a ball camping but am glad to be back home!  I drank FAR too much and ate a few naughty things   so I am not looking forward to weighing in tomorrow morning (I did think about taking the scales with me camping but thought I may have been developing a disorder)

Well my friend Karen and I went canoeing which was an experience.  Ariel had had enough so we dropped her back to shore and set off again for another round (thought the exercise would do me good ) however we thought we had better go back in fairly quick as we ran into a BOAT  Well the boats motor actually…. We casually rowed back to shore and got the hell outta there before anyone came to blast us!  There was no damage…. Really… just a slight nudge  (cough cough)

There was a lot of wildlife which was fantastic…. A kangaroo, possum and goanna all graced our camp with their presence.  The goanna was a little scarry tho as I decided (in my infinite wisdom) to feed it the left over chicken (hay… I’m an animal lover )  Well the goanna loved it that much that it kept following me after more chicken…. They are not friendly mind you.  They have rather large claws that can cause some nice damage if they so please.   Anyway I handed the container of chicken to one of the kids and ran.... so I was fine in the end

Queenie – Congrats on the 12’s!!!  I am in a size 12 now and just can’t for the life on me get into a 10… it feels like it is taking AGES .  Maybe we could have a race   I know what you mean about the mirror thing…. I am now slightly lighter then when I first lost the weight at the beginning of the year…. Back then I thought I looked terrific and was SOOOOO happy with myself… now I feel like a fat lard arse yet I am a pound or so lighter?  Go figure… this can happen from day to day as well… one day I feel great about myself then the next I hate what I see glaring back at me.  Aughhh… will we ever be happy with our bodies???  I am guessing I will never be 100% happy.

Pussycat – TMI????  TMI indeed.  My god woman – I was EATING whilst reading that… almost vomited!  Especially when I have a very vivid mental image of what Norm looks like (and it ain’t pretty) .  Consider it done – I will send Realkass a message to join…. The more the merrier I say!

JHo – Sure thing, you can call me anything you want (hmmm… maybe I shouldn’t have said that )  How do you find the time to teach and write?  I have always wanted to write a book.  At school (grade 4 or 5 – can’t remember) my teacher got the class to write a book and submit it for the Childrens Writing Award (Can't remember the name of it but it was throughout Australia and the book chosen got published)  well I set out and wrote my story (granny fell down the plug hole) and my mum typed it out on the pc all nice and professional, but then decided she should put in a spelling mistake or two so it looked like I had typed it and not her….. I found out after judging that my book was selected as the winner however due to the spelling and gramatical errors in the final piece it was knocked back… HUH!  I was sooooo bummed!  I must gloat tho (well maybe not) but I have had a short story published.  I can’t believe I am gonna tell you this but anyhoot…. It was for a womans magazine called Australian Womens Forum that use to circulate about 12 years ago. (kinda a sex mag for women – not porn tho - really)  So they have a “send us your short shories” comp and they would select some to be published in a special short story issue – the genre…… adult stories hehehe  Yep mine was chosen and published.  And before you ask NO I will not type it out for you all to read as it is WAY too embarrassing. 

My daughter has a flat tyre too…. Been tring to fix it but have resolved myself to the fact that I will just have to wait for hubby to get home! (only 1 week to go)  Congrats on the scale…. You are a skinny little so ‘n’ so aren’t you…. Maybe I should buy your brand of scales….

Minx - Where are you????  I'm getting worried!

Hey ladies...I'm back! Nothing exciting has been happening around these parts so I haven't had much to talk about. I love how I actually am missed when I dont show up on the thread for a while...makes me feel good about myself...hehe.

Take care and have a GREAT week!!!

P.S. Let's try to lose some weight while we're at it!

Well, well; there you both (Moochie & Minx).  Queenie has been kind of tough on me boo-hoo.  Thankx my Aussie friend for the invitation to Realkass.  I already snooped looked and she hasn't checked in yet for the day.  I hope this motivates her to join us here.  I'm hoping we'll need a new group picture because we would need 6 cows.  JHo, you're not out of fire of being pictured in the group either.  No one is safe here!  Since I'm going to visit my friends for Thanksgiving I'm sure I'll have ample opportunities to get a new shot. 

Moochie-It sounds like you had a lot of fun.  What is a goanna?  What ever it is, sounds like it wouldn't make a good playmate for a child.  You mentioned having a kangaroo at your camp.   That is just very hard to picture for me.  That's probably an every day occurance in your country.  I wouldn't be surprised to see a bear, wolf or cougar here.  I'd be terrified, but not surprised!  Another published author amongst our group!  You sly one you!  Sorry tho that your childhood story about Granny and a plug hole was nixed.  The imagination was running rampant even at that very young age! 

Minx-it's so good to see your beautiful smiling face.  Don't want to think that anyone would jump ship here.  That would make me feel that everyone (-certainally not me! ) isn't interesting enough to bother with!.  It also might upset the Queen. 

Speaking of her, where is she this morning?  Sitting on her royal throne? Ahem!  Maybe she's still recovering from her self-inflicted head wound of Saturday nights wrestling match with a vodka bottle.  I have been my usual saintly self and abstained from the booze.  I'm saving up for Thanksgiving, but since my friends are respectable people, probably no booze will be served then.

I better find something to eat.  I am such a breakfast person.  I'd probably eat breakfast all three meals.  My most favorite breakfast item is a Chorizo burrito.  There's this little mexican deli that I used to haunt years ago.  No less than a bazillion calories in this bad-boy burrito!  I could only eat half of one then, and would be stuffing my face at that.  That just made for leftovers for lunch or dinner.   I think though, having the contents of 1 burrito was upwards of 2000 calories, so they're not too good for weight loss purposes, or your arteries.  I found a restaurant here that sold a "healthy version" of chorizo and eggs.  That's an oxymoron.  When I think of healthy, chorizo doesn't come to mind.   I tried it though and was throughly disappointed, because they had drained so much fat from it, there was no flavor.  Never had that there again.  Well, I'm really hungry now, somehow Oatmeal doesn't seem too exciting after talking about chorizo!  ~Pussycat

Well, I weighed in.... Humph... 0.4lbs up from last Monday and a whopping 1.8 lbs up from the lightest I got to in that week!  I am really p*ssed off I couldn't just exercise some control... or just exercise!

Pussycat - check out this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goanna

Okay all - well I am gonna go and sulk for the rest of the day.

Moochie--Those are horrible looking!  I thougt it might be something cuddly-looking like a koala bear!  Thanks for the info.  Don't be too pissed at yourself for your gain.  Having fun has it's price.  New Day--yadda, yadda, and all that crap.  For all it's worth, I think you did fine for all the booze and food.  At least it wasn't 5 lbs or something like that!  It will probably be gone in the morning!  ~Pussycat

Moochie~I agree with Tonnie, dont beat yourself up. 0.4 lbs is not the end of the world. I have been working out and eating right but the scale hasnt really moved for over a week. I'm just praying it will get better with time. I'm secretly blaming mine on the fact that I started back weight training (prob not a good enough excuse but who cares). I think I am going to start measuring inches  and get one of those "body fat caliper thingys." Some of my clothes are fitting better but the fact that the scale is not budging is making me nauseous (added on top of the fact that I am still disgusted with the way I look naked...was that TMI?!?!?) I am only 24 but I never remember being able to wear a swim suit, and gosh darnit if I can wear one this summer for my 25th bday I will surely have a quarter-life crisis.

Ok, I think I'm done venting now!

Minx--Probably the weight training IS causing your body to sabotage your weight.  It will come off!  I like the techinal talk about caliper "thingy's".  Thats language I understand!  I looked at my naked body this morning.  When I got done laughing, I see that it looks better.  I haven't worn a swim suit since the 7th grade.  With the prices of them tho, I'm not so sure I ever will!  We've got the winter to get through and will emerge in the spring as beautious vixens, alluring, yet poised!  Enough of that crap!  I want the weight off NOW, not in six months!

I am almost back down to the weight I was when this thread started.  I had been stuck in a plateau since October 4th.  That was frustrating!  I weighed 156.4 at that time.  Over the next month I've done a lot of adjusting my foods, taking supplements (Omega-3), more fish, flax oil, cabbage, fiber, exercise, switching meals, upping my calories.  Then it happened.  The scale moved.  Up.  .  Not the results I was looking for.  Does it count when you're tracking a plateau if the scale finally moves, but up?  I won't dwell on it, since it's heading south again.    2.8 lbs to get back to where I was on October 4th. :>/.

I suppose that's it for now.  I hope everyone checks in today.   I was really hoping to see something from Realkass.  She's a busy person (Realator) but always seemed to find the time to write in her journal.   BU's ready to eat now and I must not keep her waiting.  Besides, with her on my lap she tries to help, so I'm getting no where fast.  ~Pussycat 

Well yesterday was great !  I sulked all day and ate way to much and managed to go up another 0.4lbs today.... ahhhh... well positive thing is I know sulking doesn't help weight loss

So today I am back on board...   I decided to quit my whinging and get back to what I know I gotta do!  I did 30minutes of weight lifting (that's all I can manage so far as I feel like I am gonna throw up) and 1hr walking.  Eating healthy and in my calorie range.  Lets hope the scale moves south tomorrow!!!

I can sympathise with the naked thing... my legs are horrid!  I have my mother to thank for the lovely saddlebags... Don't even get me started on the cellulite  (oops... am I whinging again?)

I have decided I am gonna tell all you lovely ladies my weight at the start of the week and my weight at the start of the next week so I can be a little more accountable... your going to have to deal with the monotony sorry

So this week it is a whopping 136lbs fingers crossed I can get that a little lower by Monday!  Hope you all have a terrific day....

Moochie--Now we know that sulking doesn't work for weight loss!  I hope you are doing better today!  Cellulite!  Let's not go there.  Tight stretch pants looked like they are packed with cottage cheese!I think there's a Norm story brewing in my kitchen this morning.  He made eggsalad last night and it's still sitting on the counter, and a package of chicken breasts left on the counter  all night as well.  I'm glad I'm getting out of here for a couple of hours today since it's his day off.  I had left the kitchen clean when I went to bed last night , and now, after the eggsalad escapade I could probably spend a good 10 minutes cleaning up.  I spent a lot of time cooking for this week, so the only thing I have to do is pull something from the freezer for dinner and microwave and add a salad.  

I'm reading a great book right now.  It's called The Shack.  Riviting!  I guess it's what you would call a page turner.  I had been on the waiting list for it at the library only making it to #35 out of 48 waiting.  Then I saw it for sale at Walmart and bought it!  This one will be a keeper in my library.

Apparently, I was not awake when I attemped to make my coffee and oatmeal for breakfast.  I use instant coffee.  I had the water for the coffee ready, and the the oats were simmering.  I dumped in a full scoop of instant coffee into the oatmeal.  After calling my self every name I could think of, I went ahead and made the oatmeal with coffee in it.  I could have thrown it out and started over, but that would be a waste of 12 cents worth of oatmeal and instant coffee.  As it turns out, it wasn't too bad.    I'm going to have me an oatmeal buzz in just a bit.  I should call ahead to Walmart and give warning that there is a woman coming that has OD'd on oatmeal!  I'm such a Chatty-Cathy on a caffeine high.  God help the first Walmart employee that gives me flack this morning. ~your Pussycat (meow)

Checking in...still on a plateau...still exercising & strength training...eating properly...but nothing changes!

Moochie, congratulations on your publishing!

Pussikins, my books are most easily found on the internet. Unfortunately, Barnes & Noble doesn't stock a lot of poetry, nor does Borders, and my books come from small presses they don't usually favor. If you do a search, be aware that I am not Janet Holmes the sociolinguist from New Zealand -- she has a lot more books out than I, though they aren't poetry!

Another thread hereabouts on basal metabolic rate suggests I should up my calories for a little bit -- my BMR is below 1200, so apparently my metabolism is pretty much the same as a dead person's! Has anyone had success with eating MORE than was recommended?

Work has been extra busy -- we are hiring and every day we have interviews to conduct (I'm on the hiring committee) so that eats up a crazy amount of time. I'm off this a.m. but am going in to catch up on a bunch of things (riding my bike!) before this afternoon's interview, & another meeting, & class...

JHo

Jho - Thanks for that.... don't really think it evens remotely compares to your  publishings... don't even think I really have the right to call it a publishing LOL

Pussycat - Nice one... I usually do stupid things like that too... like the time I  grabbed the cordial bottle and went to shake it up before pouring a glass only to find that the lid wasn't even on the bottle...  It was a laugh or cry moment.... I have green cordial from A'hole to breakfast all over the kitchen... I choose to laugh (hey... what can ya do).

Queenie - Where are you?  The planets in my universe simply aren't alligned when your not here!!!

Well ladies I am happy to report I am 0.7lbs lighter this morning...  must be water weight from the lifting but hey... I'm TAKING IT!!!!  Today I start the C5k program so it's 30 minutes of alternating walking and running and 1.5hrs of yoga (my mental saviour).

Have a good one girls....

Pussykins, is it now, eh JHo?  That's okay.  I answer to anything most of the time I checked on the BMR thread a while back when my plateau first really starting irritating me.  I had been eating 1200 +/-  cals, and it told me I should be eating 1417.  So I upped them.  I can't say that it helped me, in fact I still weigh 2 lbs more than when the plateau first started.  I have read many a post from people that swear by it (raising the cals), I, however am swearing at it!  Don't listen to what I've said, since I obviously don't know squat about metabolism!

Moochie!  Glad to hear your're weight is down!  Hurray for at least one of us!  I don't know where Minx or Queenie are.  You are right about the universe not being right with out her (them). 

I think I caught Pee Wee Herman in the playhouse watching the boob tube again.   I did some early morning shopping and came home rather early, using the back door.  As soon as I shut it, I could hear the chimes of the computer shutting down.   I've probably ruined his game plan by being home today.  Too bad for Norm. 

It's drizzly and cold today.  Glad to be back home where it's warm.  I heard we are expecting snow by tomorrow.  As long as it stays on the mountain I'll be happy.  I don't want to ruin the ski season by wishing for no snow!  That's what keeps our berg employed during the winter.   In the 16 years I've lived here, I've never been to Mr.Bachelor.  I don't ski, and I have no desire to learn.  That's expensive!  Now, if some good (average will do) looking well to do person of the male pursuasion  were to ask me to accompany him I might reconsider!  That's all for now~~Pussycat

So what was I saying about me doing STUPID things.....  I started the C5k thingo today and nearly killed myself!    Not only from the running, but I took the dog (he goes on all my walks so I figured he should come for a run too - I like to exercise the little critter )  Anyhoot.... here I am jogging down the path on the esplanade and I full tilt tripped over the hairy mutt!  I flaieled (however you spell that) my arms and took 5 gigantic steps trying to correct the force that was pushing my head to the ground then realised I was getting awfully close to the edge of the cliff.... I then realised I was on the grass anyway so gave in to gravity and did a death roll .  At least the dog didn't run away...   I wanted to quit and limp back to the car but I didn't... I gathered up the little amount of humility I had left and the dog, and jogged off with my head held high !  I came out with a minor scrap on my leg ... not bad considering.  I was super amazed tho at the amount of thoughts that can run through your head in such a short space of time!!!

Anyway, thats all I got to report on my idiot self... got to go pick up my cherub from school and take her to the community hall for the end of year school concert practise!

Hey ladies, I'm starting to plateau as well . I am praying for a miracle when I step on that scale tomorrow. I have heard (not so sure how true this is) that every couple of days you need to up your caloric intake (for the day only) in order to avoid routine plateaus. I am averaging between 1200-1400 on most days but lately I have noticed that some days I am struggling to make it to 1200 and on other days I am worrying myself sick over the possibility of going over 1400. What I am trying to say is that I love this couting calories and portion control thing but I fear that I maybe getting a little OCD with it. Why cant I ever seem to find the happy medium???

-Minx

What!  Still no Queenie!  I guess she'll make an appearance when she damn well pleases!

Moochie--such grace!  I often wondered the smartness of taking a Jack Russell for a walk on a leash; and now I see that it's no wiser to take it on a run.  They tend to get tangled under your feet all the time, don't they?  "Dancing with Dogs"; ought to be a movie or something.  I see people all the time taking their dog for a run.  They are on a bicycle and the dog seems to be pulling them on a leash.  That just looks like disaster in the making to me.

Minx--I've heard of people zig-zagging their calories.  I've read mixed reviews about that here.  I tried it once for a week.  My problem was I "zigged" but forgot the "zagging" part.  I did read that someone averaged her calorie intake for a week and as long as it came to whatever her daily intake should be, then she was happy.  If she was over her limit, on day 6 she would eat accordingly to make that calorie intake right.  I'd be afraid that by day 6 I would have no calories to eat at all for day 7!!  So here goes the standard speil about "keep it up", "you'll get through it".  "Don't get discouraged".  --Those are hard words to read when you keep telling yourself that already.  I won't bother repeating them!

Take a look at how many people joined this thread when Queenie started it.  How many of us are left?  We are the ones that are going to make it ladies.  This thread is a "tool" that I look forward to reading and writing in.  I know now that there are others not so graceful (Moochie), just like me.  And we all seem to get through obsticals and challenges such as overeating or drinking, but, by gosh, we're learning, don't ya think?  I am so very proud to be able to tell my other friends about this thread.   No one jumps in and says"You Must do this", or "That Is Wrong".  No one is afraid to report a faux pas (didn't know I spoke French, oui, oui!)  Well, I don't.  I'm lucky to speak English sometimes!  I'm out of words momentarily.  Hard to believe ain't it?   Just waiting for the Queen to make an appearance here.... ~Pussycat

Can I join? Is it too late to join?

I need around 30 lb to go. Need motivation big time...

Absolutely you can join--Welcome!  I need the Queen's permission to say that for sure but I'm sure she (and everyone else will agree).  I'm glad none of our conversaions scared you off!  If you read some previous posts you'll learn who the Queen (or Queenie as we affectionately call her) is. 

We all seem to have different lives here; but share the same goal; to lose those last 20 or so pounds.  Feel free so ask questions; I see you just joined CC today.  I hope you'll be glad you did.  I've been unofficially introduced as the Court Jester, but I think she was probably just being polite and would rather call me a blabber-mouth.   Congratulations to you for having the courage to join this group of wonderful women (most of us , you know who you are)  ~Pussycat

I know pussycat.... most dropped out... hmm what is that telling me???   I know there is a snide remark there waiting to pop out hehehe  I love this thread also... I have never been a thread poster but there was something different with this one.  I knew you were all worth the typing LOL  Nah, this thread helps me in this journey... don't know why but it does... accountability, being able to have a laugh instead of making weight loss serious and intense and... dare I say BORING

Skinny bum - WELCOME!  If you haven't been scared off yet then please do join... share.... take the p*ss...

I am happy to report that I am down another 0.4lbs today and 0.4% body fat (lets hope thats coming off my thighs )  Today is weights and a 4km walk (thats about 2.5 miles for you backwards folk)  HEY! while I'm talking about this... you should all apreciate the efforts I go to to convert all my weights ect into lbs... Geez I'm considerate (oh hang on..... maybe I should shut up... there is more of you then me huh).

Anyways, I am going to get my cherub ready for school (yes I still do most things for her)  actually she was really sick last night and asked to go to bed at 5.30pm which she just NEVER does... she slept right up until 5.30am poor little bugger.  She was running a high temp too, but this morning she seems to be fine.  Fingers crossed it was a 24hr thing.

Have a fantabulous day ladies...

Oh Moochie!  Me, say something snide?  Rude maybe, TMI occasionally, but dearest friend, never snide.   Believe me, your Aussieness, I do appreciate the weight conversion.  Does your scale weigh in km's or tons?  Oh, oh, I'm gonna die for that one.  hiss, hiss ~Pussycat   No, just get hosed.