Wagon Jumpers - December 7 - 13th, 2008 (Closed, Waiting List Available)
Welcome
(We are currently transitioning to 20 members (from 30). If you are interested in being on the waiting list, knowing that it will be a longer than usual list, please read below and e-mail me.)
Welcome to the Wagon Jumpers weekly thread. We are a group of CC members who have identified that one of our main challenges with achieving our weight loss, maintenance or general health goals is consistency.
This thread is designed to encourage long term commitment to our goals by publicly declaring them and asking the other members of this thread to hold us accountable. The primary focus of wagon jumpers is not how much weight you have lost, or need to loose, but what you need to do on a daily basis to meet your long term goals.
There are two rules for Wagon Jumpers:
1. All members must post once per week between Sunday and Friday.
2. All members must check the thread for members who have not posted by Saturday (a short list is posted on Thursday) or are on the MIA list on Sunday and send them a polite and positive message to stay involved in the group and on track with their goals.
If you would like to be a member of this thread please see the guidelines below and send me a PM if you are still interested (there may be a waiting list).
Medium Size Group = Some Time Commitment
The original idea of Wagon Jumpers was to create a close community where participants could get to know each other and hopefully form virtual-life and perhaps even physical-life bonds to create a support network as they attempted long term weight loss.
We quickly discovered that this was impossible with an 'always open' group as there were too many people coming and going. For this reason the group is capped at 30 participants.
A medium sized group means that we have an active thread that produces between 40 - 60 posts per week. Members do not need to read / respond to every post every week. I do notice that those who respond regularly do tend to keep their goals top of mind, and have a better chance to achieve them. I estimate the average time spent by an active member on Wagon Jumpers to be between 1-2 hours per week.
If you are looking for an always open group on CC there are several that operate by different weight criteria, similar motivational patterns etc... There are also many small groups that cap their numbers between 4-10 people to keep the group more intimate, and easier for members to keep up with.
Interested in Joining?
General Guidelines for Joining
1. Are you a wagon jumper?
Do you know how to loose weight, you often have success but then you find yourself loosing interest in your plan, or sabotaging your plan. It's not the "how" to loose weight that is the problem, it's the "how" to stay motivated.
2. Do you have a long way to go?
This group is designed so that members can get to know each other and support each other. Ideally you are planning to be a CC member and part of this forum for at least 6 months or more to achieve your goals and hopefully stay in motivation for a further 6 months or more.
Yes. This is, a long term plan.
3. Do you have the time?
This is a medium sized group, the thread does move fairly quickly each week. If you do not have regular internet access this is likely not the group for you.
Still interested?
Send Supersized a PM. (Please do not reply on the thread)
An overview will be sent to you, you will have a chance to ask questions and an invitation will be sent to you once a spot is open.
Wagon Jumpers Participants
Week 31 Riders:
Supersized (myself)
Week 28 Riders - Congratulations on 7 Months!:
Week 27 Riders:
Week 24 Riders - Congratulations on 6 Months!:
Week 23 Riders:
Week 21 Riders:
Week 18 Riders:
Week 16 Riders - Congratulations on 4 Months!:
Week 15 Riders:
Week 14 Riders:
Week 13 Riders:
Week 11 Riders:
Week 10 Riders:
Week 7 Riders:
Week 6 Riders:
Week 5 Riders:
Week 4 Riders - Congratulations on 1 Month:
Week 3 Riders:
Week 2 Riders:
Carryonandon - Vacation Dec 15 - Jan 8
Week 1 Riders:
Missing In Action:
Missing In Action - 1 Week:
Missing In Action - 2 Weeks:
Current Membership: 30
Current Waiting List: 1
Outstanding Wait List Invites: 0
12 Week CONSISTENCY GOALS
(as set w/o October 19th, 2008)
By January 11th, I will be...
At least 8 weeks successful on my 12-week consistency plan. That is 8 weeks at an average of 1500 cal/day (weekly avg) and gym 4x/week 2 hrs/session.
Working out 5x week. I will be eating 1500-2000 calories a day dependng on exercise.
Sticking with the NROL nutrition (40%-30%-30%) and working out 3x/week. This should have me almost complete with stage 4 of the program.
Consistently drinking 4 500 ml bottles of water per day and working out 3 times a week, this can include running, weights, etc...
Maintaining walking 10,000 - 12,000 steps a day and adding both Wii Fit exercise 2-3 times per week, while achieving a calorie deficit of 500 cal/day.
Exercising 5 days/week (cardio + strength) and eating 1500 calories on exercise days and 1200 on rest days.
Be eating 1450 cal/day, except on non-exercise days (1300) and exercising 6 days/week on a stationary bike, increasing the distance each week by 1/2 mile with a goal to reach 10 miles/session by the end of 12 weeks.
Journaling my food on CC everyday, and getting 30 min of exercise 2-3 times per week.
Adding interval training - Fartleks - to my running to reach a goal of running a 5K at 6 min/km. While maintaining a 600 cal/day deficit.
Eating 5-6 fruits and vegetables a day, and working out 5 days a week.
Eating at an average deficit of 500 cal/day 6-7 days/week, and exercising 5 times/week for at least 20 min/session.
Eat an average of 1700 cal/day and exercise 4x per week, according to my plan
Eating at 1600 cal/day and walking for 1 hour 3 days/week.
Drinking 2 mugs and 1 glass of water per day and logging my food everyday.
Exercising two times a week for 60 minutes at the gym or at home, and logging all of my food.
Maintaining a complete food log on the CC website daily to remain on track. Exercising 2x a week for minimum of 45 minutes.
Going to the gym 4 times per week (maintenance). Drinking ATLEAST 2 litres of water per day.
Exercising at least 30 min every day. Logging my calories on CC every day.
Previous Threads:
Wagon Jumpers - November 30 - December 6th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 23 - 29th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 15 - 22nd, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 9 - 15th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - November 2 - 8th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 26 - November 1st, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 19 - 25th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 12 - 18th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - October 5 - 11th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - September 28 - October 4th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers - September 21 - 27th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers September 14-20th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers September 7-13th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 31 - September 6th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 24 - 30th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 17 - 23rd, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 10 - 16th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers August 2 - 9th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers July 27 - August 2nd, 2008
Wagon Jumpers July 20 - 26th, 2008
Wagon Jumpers July 6 - July 21st, 2008 (another, two week special!)
Wagon Jumpers June 22 - July 5th, 2008 (two week special!)
Wagon Jumpers June 15-21, 2008
Wagon Jumpers May 25 - 31, 2008
Wagon Jumpers May 18 - 24, 2008
As always all members are encouraged to tag this thread so that it is easy to find.
THIS WEEK'S TOPIC
Okay, I admit it, I am low on ideas this morning.... sooooo
What Would You Like To See More Of?
- Consistency Themes
- How To Measure Success
- Getting To Know You
- Recipe Exchanges
- Exercise Tips
- Or, Anything Else?
Hi All!
In my never so humble opinion, I loved the getting to know you exercise, but I would also like to see more recipe exchanges and exercise tips. We all have issues with consistancy or we wouldn't be wagon jumpers.
I am trying to hang on to my humor at this point. I am 6 weeks post surgery and even though I feel great, the docs won't release me to do much of anything. Starting to get a bit of cabin fever. Another issue messing with my mindset is the amount of medication that one has to live with post transplant. I have no issue swallowing all of them, its the side effects that are a downer. I have been taking steroids.....thus I look quite like a blowfish and the scales keep moving up no matter what I do!
I have an appointment with the transplant dietician on Monday and I have been logging every morsel that passes my lips so hopefully she can give me some advice.
One day at a time....I tell myself....its a TRANSPLANT!! Thank the lord that someone saw fit to donate after a loss to improve the lives of SIX people like myself.
Hi,
I would like to see more exercise tips, recipes or maybe how to stay motivated since for some of us the deep freeze of winter makes me at least want to hibernate and add some insulation to the bod!
I am a little closer to being done with my gift shopping for the holidays....went to the local 24hr Walmart and it was so pleasant to shop without being jammed from behind by a cart driven by a 80+ old lady that I can't retaliate against! The store was a wasteland at 6:am So that is one stress point that is over with. I love to wrap gifts ( I used to wrap for my sister and parents when I lived nearer) so that is next. I tried to do something different this year and bought just little things that would fit in a stocking, I had bought some nice ones from the disney store for my daughter and son when they were little, and they seemed to like diving for the stockings better than under the tree...so now that they are married I have copied the size of the originals and made 2 new ones for my son in law and daughter in law....I really have the urge to bake cookies/sweet rolls but am going to hold off for now or try to .. there is no sense baking unless I can sample the goods!! lol
Exercising is going status quo...getting my 6.5 miles...I might try to go again later this afternoon and see if I can add to that.
Wenchie: so glad to hear you are getting better to be itching to do things!! Good luck when you go see your dietician she should be able to give you great pointers.
Sara: I have visited Toronto a couple of times with my sis..we went to see Phantom and Beauty and the Beast...Is the Pantages Theatre still open? I remember being so astounded by the total opposites of the ugly outside to most glamorous inside I have ever seen ANYWHERE!!! My jaw dropped looking at the candleabras and cherubs Absolutely loved it!! and I was so disappointed that the Phantom stopped playing there, I wanted to take my son and daughter back up to have them see Phantom where it should be seen...we saw Beauty at the Princess of Wales theatre...it was nice but not as glam as that 1st visit to see Phantom.
I hope everyone has a great day.
robin
Good morning! I agree with the others b/c I would like to see some recipes and excercise advice(but especially the recipes). I have a hard time finding new ideas and getting motivated in both of these areas.
This week was def. a slump. I felt very unmotivated and ate horribly but in the end it only made me feel more tired and bad/guilty for doing it. The fast food I ate actually didnt taste good to me. I hope I've learned my lesson. I did manage to go to the gym once but again it just made me feel guilty for not going the other days.
Everyone send me good vibes of motivation so I can get back on track to success!
Rpete144057-I also love to wrap gifts! For me though its not that I'm particularly good at the wrapping part but I like to add little accessories and make the display under the tree look fab! I cant wait till I get paid again so I can go buy more gifts and play.
Hi there! All your ideas sound great, but my favorites are getting to know you, winter motivation and the recipe exchanges.
I haven't been married very long, and am only a novice cook hoping to get more experience. Also, I have this problem of wanting to eat whatever my husband is eating - matching him bite for bite sometimes. Anyway, a lot of that has been curbed just from logging my food and being aware of what I'm putting in my body, but more ideas for food that is filling yet creative would be great.
Currently my diet consists of pretty simple things like corn flakes, skim milk, soup, pasta with tomato sauce... Really, its not a horrible menu, but I get bored. When I go out to eat, I like a lot of the same things, but I'm a cheese fiend! Anything creamy or cheesy - yeah! (ummm, I mean, no....).
There's this italian place we always go to that makes the *best* alfredo, chicken marsala and pizzas, but so far I haven't had the courage to figure out how many calories is in that stuff. So, I'm avoiding it for now. Also, I love Indian and Thai food - even the stuff without the coconut milk. Other cuisines are on my radar too - Mexican, Chinese, Korean, Mediterranean.... I like it all. My current coping tactic is to just avoid it so that it will be a well-deserved treat when we do go out for it.
Does anyone have a better tactic than avoidance? Do you know any recipes for making some of these things at home (adapted for fewer calories, of course)?
wenchie - It's really inspiring to read about your recovery. Hang in there on the weight issue - sounds like that's common post-transplant? It's great that you have a professional to help you tweak your diet to the right nutritional level.
rpete - I almost *never* bake, but I'm making these amazing cookies this year that the recipe analyzer said came in at only 130 calories or so apiece: Oatmeal cranberry orange zest cookies with dark chocolate drizzle. Some friends and i made them earlier this year as part of a class project, and they are *wonderful* - and this is coming from someone who doesn't really like oatmeal cookies usually. If you (or anyone) wants the recipe, let me know and I'll post it. They're pretty easy to make.
jessicaann - :-/ sorry to hear about the slump, but it's a new day, right? I hear ya on the fast food. After awhile of eating less greasy, more natural things, it can quite disappointing when you indulge a fast food craving and it's not as satisfying as you remember. On the other hand, it's also encouraging! The two fast food items I don't think I'll get over liking, though, are McNuggets and Taco Bell's Crunchwrap Supreme (which is everything bad about TB all wrapped up together). Avoidance is my strategy here, but it's hard when you're on the run.
Carryon: I was just reading the posts and would like to have your recipe for the cranberry oatmeal cookies, did you get the recipe on this website? I think cooking is pretty much the same as any other pasttime....It takes practice and time..I tried to teach my daughter when she was growing up but she had no interest and when she 1st was living on her own all the questions she had...she always wanted to "hurry" the cooking process along...everything was baked/broiled/fried/boiled on high...and ended up mostly like rubber or burnt. I finally gave her a couple simpler recipes and actually made her make her favorite dinner at my house while I told her what to do and when...she found out it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be and there is a reason for the med and low setting on the knobs LOL I am proud to say she is a very good cook now..in fact she tries more cuisines than I do..I have never had Thai or Indian but have heard they are great.
Jessicaann: You are not alone in what you described..I think we all go through those feelings...but remember you are worth every effort that you make for yourself!! The rewards you will reap will so overshadow the bad vibes that may be trying to bring you down. Carryon is right today is a new day, a fresh slate, and I wish with all my heart I could learn to hate pizza and ice cream but I will have to keep on this new journey...not saying goodbye for ever to them but within moderate, healthy amounts.
rpete I think I posted the recipe to Calorie Count recipes not too long ago, but just in case, here it is. I can't wait to make them later this week!
It's adapted from this recipe.
Oatmeal Cranberry Orange Zest w/ Dark Chocolate Drizzle
2/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1-2 teaspoons orange zest (or orange extract)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 - 1 1/2 dark chocolate bars (we used Hershey's Special Dark)
1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and orange zest. Combine oats, flour, salt and baking soda; stir into butter mixture one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in dried cranberries. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown, in preheated oven. Cool on wire racks. (10 minutes was long enough).
4. Melt dark chocolate and drizzle onto cookies. Allow chocolate to harden. (The method we used to melt the chocolate was to boil water in a small pot and to place the chocolate in a metal mixing bowl that fit on top of the pot. Use a spoon or spatula to drizzle the chocolate.)
Yields 30 cookies.
Hello!!
Hmm... I've only just started, but I think I could do well with consistency themes, recipes and measuring success.
This week I've been pretty good (I'm sure having just started the group had a lot to do with it!), but didn't quite make my goal. Exercised 4 days, 3 of cardio one of pilates. I've discovered that if I'm watching a DVD while on the treadmill I don't even notice the minutes go by - great strategy!! Logged calories everyday, and feeling good about that. Didn't quite make my calorie targets, but at least logging them gives me something to work with so I can figure out what I should tweak in the future.
Wenchie - I admire your motivation, way to go! I'm a lazy-bones at the best of times. Sounds like the adjustment to post-surgery is a rough patch, but with your attitude I'm sure you'll hit the ground running (hehe) as soon as they let you.
Jessicaann - I hear you about fast food tasting bad!! I've decided that if I'm going to jack up my calorie count for something, it's gotta be goooood. So instead of eating junk food or regular grocery store baked stuff, I'll tell myself that if I resist I can go get a really good cupcake at a bakery in town or something. Seeing as I get to the nice places less often, I can plan my day's count around them and when I pull it off it's not as disastrous as the spontaneous weaknesses and I enjoy them more. That said, I did pick up brandied chocolates at Trader Joe's on Friday (avoid! avoid!!). Maybe now I'll learn to never go shopping hungry.
Carryonandon - When I first moved in with my husband, I did the same thing. Which was terrible for me, because he was so excited to be lord of his own domain that he wanted to subsist on meat and meat and potatoes only. Doh. We take turns cooking, so after I figured out the effect his eating and my emulating were having on the scale, I started to try to balance out his ribs/steak meal choices with my own - more rice, veggies/vegetarian meals, poultry, that kind of thing. To counter the matching instinct, I used to put my food out first, so I took the amount I would normally take, then he'd do his thing. Now I'm much better at being able to gauge the difference between his food needs and my own. Good luck, it can be hard! Also, if your partner has a sweet tooth (mine can't pass up anything that contains eggs and sugar and goes into an oven), try to pay attention to how often you eat stuff like that with him. It helps me to banish things from the house after one meal's grace period. He takes 'em to the office where he can enjoy them far away from me.
:) Have a good week folks!
Ooh - and on the eating out question - it helps me to look up menu items before I go out. So I'll compare a few foods I know are on the menu, and decide in advance what I'm going to have. Some restaurants even post menus online, which is a big help. I've learned a lot that way! Vegetarian Indian & Thai curries (not the creamy ones so much, but sometimes you get a pleasant surprise when you look them up) aren't all terrible, and marinara sauces at italian places are a better alternative. Seafood, depending on where you live, can be a great savior and really yummy - never the breaded versions, those are a no-no obviously, but things that come in citrus sauces or tomato sauces are delish and good for the count. Avoid hollondaise sauce like the plague.
The advanced look-up also helps me keep my carb consumption at a sensible level when I'm at dinner, because that bread/naan basket can be a killer! Knowing what the beverages and pre-dinner snacks will do to my calorie count helps me avoid the unnecessary extra cals that usually come with a meal out. Hope that helps!
Wenchie,
Taking one day at a time and counting your blessings is how my stepmother managed it. She passed away many years ago, but she was one of the first kidney transplant recipients in the USA. They only gave her a few years to live, but she outfoxed all of the doctors. Eventually, she had three more transplants. I learned a lot about appreciating life from her. My dad was wonderful, too.
I'm sure the medications leave you blown up, but it isn't from overeating. One day at a time... seems like a good mantra until you get back to a more normal lifestyle. You really are blessed, and the other six people who were recipients.
At least your body is not emancipated and having little energy to draw on. Hang in there. One of these days, your consistent efforts to get back to good health will pay off big. Take care and do something that brings you joy today.
Weekly Check-in Two points
- I have been with the Wagon Jumpers group for four months now. I can hardly believe I have been dieting for longer than that... * I have had ups and downs but writing out my goals and sticking them on my computer below the screen has helped me stay focused. I actually reached one of my goals. I have four more mini goals to reach. The going is definitely slow, but I feel I am in this for the long term. * I treated myself to some facial products when I reached my first mini goal. I think giving myself treats at the points where I reach my goals is pretty motivating.* I appreciate the words of kindness and encouragement that I have gotten here. If not for them, there have been times when I might have given up. My husband is a pessimist, so he's not supporting at all.
- In regards to this week's topic, I am interested in exercise ideas and recipes. But, I would like to have recipe ideas in January as I am too busy to contribute much until then.
Hi everyone,
I, too, would like to hear more about "staying motivated" especially over winter months and how one feels so far about their losses and accomplishments.
I have 12 lbs. to go to reach my first goal but will need support and extra motivation to get me to my ideal goal which I'm hoping to reach by spring of 2009.
I have increased my exercise regime and am more careful of what I put into my mouth so.......I'm staying on the right track and the fact that I haven't binged since I started CC is my #1 accomplishment thus far.
Wishing everyone a successful week and keep the ideas coming!
Cheers,
Maureen
Hi all,
Well, last week was great exercise wise but as predicted a disaster eating wise. It's hard to go to a conference at a top hotel and be really really good. I was semi good. I at least did have restraint and ate less at lunch so I could eat at other times.
I ran along the California coast line 2X - 6 miles each time. It was glorious!
So, I guess I really don't cook complicated meals. I prefer food that is not too fussy.
I have been cured of my taste of Italian food by a husband who hates it - so we never have it and honestly I have not missed it.
I would like to see more on motivation and how do each of have challenges and are able to develop strategies to overcome.
I think exercise is also a key item to focus on.
I would like to see how people plan their meals for the day - what is the method of doling out calories, carbs, fats, protein, etc. How do you stick with it?
How do you handle stress? This is one of my biggest weaknesses - I go right for the comfort food when stress hits and I work at a very stressful company - it is known for stressing employees out.
This week I am going to aim to get my eating back on track. I have not been losing as of late but I have not been gaining. I do have to get back to it though..
Take care and have a great week.
Carol
My apologies for the quick check in this week. I'll try to get a more detailed post up later with some proper replies.
I had good karma last week and have three job interviews lined up this week today, tomorrow and wednesday. I am hoping that my good karma extends beyond getting the interviews.
Sara.
Check-in:
Well, I am back on track, starting with my food log. Last week was so difficult being in between two houses. The new house not fully functional with proper foods and all, made it difficult to eat properly. Exercise wise, even though it was not my Aqua Turbo fave...I did do alot of work. shovelling, scrubbing walls, baseboards...and so on. It really weighed heavy on my mind last week, not to mention that my body felt the lack of proper eating too. We officially move this Friday, and I hope to remain on track to the best of my capability, as well as looking so forward to getting back into routine.
As for this week's topic, and the choices listed, I would welcome more on motivation, recipes, exercise tips and getting to know you.
Have a great remainder of the week everyone!
Lee-Anne
Hi everyone!
I agree with the majority so far - I would be interested in recipe exchanges, exercise tips and how to stay motivated!
carryonandon - thanks for the cookie recipe - sounds delicious - looking forward to trying it!
wenchie - so pleased to hear that you are feeling great! Try not to get too frustrated at not being able to do all you want to do, you have come through such a major procedure! Hope you had a good meeting with the transplant dietician today and that she gave some good advice.
jessicaann - sending you good vibes! At least you made it to the gym once, which is more than can be said for me! Just keep thinking about that cruise - that should get you back on track.
constanza - welcome! Looking forward to getting to know you.
sara - good luck with the interviews!
Take care.
Christine
Hi again all!
I met with the dietitian, my food log in hand and she said....EAT MORE! Oh lordy! I am going to be having a test to check metabolism in the next couple of weeks. She says i am taking in about 1200 calories a day and I thought that would be enough since I am quite sedentary at the moment. That and she says that I need more protiens. So I have taken some advice from her and will meet with her again next Monday and see how things go. She also told me to quit stressing over the weight. Tough to do when you have bettled with it your entire life. I am down 52 pounds from my highest wieght and it hurts my feelings terribly to feel out of control of the situation!
Sara: Best of luck with the interviews! May the good karma be with you!
Carol: I hear you about the stress eating, especially at work. I chew gum (my co-workers say I GNAW it). My co-workers tell me they know when to leave me alone by how hard I am chewing!
Carryon: I love to make stir fry at home. It takes some practice to get it to your liking, but then you're in control of all that salty soy. What can be wrong with some lean chicken, onions, pea pods, carrots, celery and broccoli? Frying that all together with a tiny bit of soy is a yummy solution for me! I find that when I avoid something too long I make a complete piggy of myself when I get the chance.
May all of us have a happy and productive week!!
Checking In:
I'm really struggling with the candy at work. There's chocolate pieces everyday and mints too. When I get stressed at work I immediately run for that candy and I end up feeling really sick. I want to control that, anyone have any tips for handling the "right in your face" candy?
I'm going to start logging in tomorrow. I'm making a commitment right now. I also bought lots of fizzy water, and some fizzy diet juice drinks. I used to drink lots of water but I've gone off it. I need to start all over again to build up that taste for water.
I'm pretty good at adapting basically healthy recipes and making them even more healthy. I love to make "pizza" with roasted veggies: pieces of onion, red pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. For the base I use a small flour tortilla, baked to a lite brown crisp. Spread with some marinara sauce, top with the roasted veggies (these are good because you can roast with just a light spray of olive oil) and a sprinkle of low fat mozzarella. Yum! Add a green salad and it's a great balanced meal :P
Congratulations to everyone who is staying on the wagon!
Laura
Hello everyone!
I was in Pittsburgh (a 6 hour one-way drive for me) for my BFF's baby shower for the past few days, so I'm sorry for posting this introduction late. I thought it would be better posted here than on last week's thread, so this way everyone will be able to read it. I'd like to introduce you to Sara (aka, supersized).
Like me, Sara is looking for new challenges at work. Right now she's involved in the very interesting (to me!) brewing industry, which has, in an ironic way, allowed her to combine both her seven years of bartending experience and her political science degree (LOL). She is very involved in a small organization (one of only three people!) and has wears many different hats, from marketing, event planning, public (and government) relations, proof reading, grant writing, administration, and finance. She's a bit frustrated because she's been there for five years and doesn't see much more room for advancement. Combine that with a sense that the organization's strategy is moving in a different direction, and, well, its time to move on. She currently has a few irons in the fire, so hopefully one of them will work out (FX for you!!).
When not working, she spends time with her partner of eight years, but due to conflicting work hours, they really only see each other awake on the weekends. They live in the city and don't like to have to go more than five minutes to find something to do; I can completely understand this, as my husband and I don't like to drive for our entertainments--if we can't get there by foot or by transit, its less likely we'll go!
Scheduling weekends is crazy as they have wide circles of friends and the occasional weekend at home with videos is a real treat as they don't get to do it that often (I understand this, too!).
Sara and her partner have a love for stray animals, and have quite a menagerie in their city apartment: 3 cats and 2 dogs. Unlike my snobby kitty, Sylvester, two of Sara's cats are "wild turkey monsters". They were given this name as a result of their greedy consumption of leftover turkey meat at a restaurant where Sara and her partner were working. They would even grab the meat and growl as they ate it. (so cute!!)
Their two dogs are also strays, a nightmarish beagle and a shepard-mix (who they found in a park!). They are both totally loveable and make their house a home!
WEEKLY CHECK IN:
Whew, late this afternoon I got back from a four day weekend in Western PA, where I ate entirely too much. I feel like I've gained five pounds. This sux. I'm going to get up early tomorrow to work out so I can burn off some of the nasty calories. My stomach feels huge.
I cancelled a session with my trainer tonight, as I had so many chores to do when I got home. At least I got them done so I don't have to worry about it tomorrow night; this week is also going to be a disaster: Thursday is my husband's work Christmas party; Friday night we're taking my mother in law to see a show in NYC; Saturday we're getting new (energy efficient!!) appliances then going out for Karaoke in Korea Town in NYC; then Sunday going to Western NJ to pick a Christmas tree to cut down at a farm. All this while my job is changing offices (from NYC to Jersey City--whoo hoo, I'm terribly not excited!). Can I say craziness?
Anyway, I know that this is going to be a challenging week. I hard boiled a dozen eggs for me and husband to eat for breakfasts, I bought instant oatmeal packets for light lunches (to have with cottage cheese or yogurt), have lots of fruit in the crisper for snacking, and have planned the dinners for the week. I should be OK. I just need to do some cardio and drink some water to get the new fat to burn off (I hope!)!
SEVEN MONTHS!
I cannot believe I've been on the wagon for seven months. Wow. I've made it through my perennial challenging season, too: Autumn. I'm so excited about that. My wagon jumping M.O. is to jump on in March or April, start to peter out in August, then to be completely done by mid-October. I think that I've made it through this time, and I'd like to thank each of you on this thread for making me feel accountable and responsible for being here, even if its just for a few minutes a week. My journey in the past few months has not been perfect, but I feel as though I've really accomplished something, which just makes me feel so content!
Is there a safe diet pill for teens?
Orlistat, marketed as Xenical by prescription and over-the-counter Alli, is the only drug approved by the FDA for teens ages 12 to 16... Read more