Congrats Laura, you have managed to get everyone back on the blog. Maybe because we felt bad about you having to talk with yourself. Although it was very entertaining. In fact I liked it alot. Lee you are doing terrific. Yes we will all watch ourselves during the holidays. Are you all going to be here for Thanksgiving. Heard you might go to Colorado.Okay it's 5pm and I didn't walk today. Have alot of excuses --PAIN--, but after reading everyone's efforts I will go do a little walking.Have watched the food today. Charlie went to get breakfast tacos ( what a temptation) but I said no and ate a Lean Quisine Quesadilla,220 cals. Have not idea calories in a breakfast taco, bean and cheese.Called the gym and the pool is finally fixed. Plan to be there tomorrow morning to exercise. Lot of plans, well I better go do the walking.Leah I know its a lot of work but some of your studies really sound interesting. Of course I don't have to think about a grade.
Just got interrupted by a call from Charlie's doc. He had a caediogram done yeaterday and doc said it was fine. Measures heart performance. Told him the last one done measured heart only functioning at 20%. He said it now 38%. Measure to 75. That is good news. Charlie wasn't around to get the call because I think he is out riding his bike -WOW- how does that make me feel. Really need to go walk.

Leah Speaking

Hey yall,
Okay I'm going to be completely honest. My new routine is starvation during the week because quite frankly I can't afford being all grown up. Between vet bills, Water bill, Utility bill, Rent, and Gas my 3 nights a week of waiting tables isn't cutting it and groceries are the last thing I think about. I count on county line food to feed me on the weekends and it's simply horrible for my figure. I would work out more but I have new federalist papers, constitutional law cases, book upon book upon book to read. (and not just text books but actual NOVELS that I have to write book reports on) and then I have to remember to cut out time for Computer science which seems to slip my mind alot because I'm so busy with all the other reading materials. So I'll admit that I have NOT been thinking about the blog AT ALL.
Mom I'm sorry you've been having to talk to yourself but I haven't even had time to do that. My brain has just been none stop. I don't know if college is my thing. I'm not that big of a multi-tasker.
But...so I won't sound like a complete negative nancy I have managed to lose some weight. Prolly not in the healthiest way possible, but hey I'll take it. I do go on a 30 min run with Charlie every day but it's not what I used to be able to do. The good thing is I like most of my classes and I'm managing okay for now. I look forward to the 5k and I look forward to the next break!
Everyone keep up the good work!
Leah

Thanks Everyone!

Tonight with the sounds of rain coming down and Steve snoring away next to me, I just wanted to curl up on the couch all night. Then I decided I would update my blog only to discover Whitney and Lee's blogs. Whitney, that frustrated angry baby face had me rolling on the floor laughing and Lee's fantastic success changed my mood from lethargic to energetic.



So I was motivated to wog for 50 minutes tonight on the treadmill. By the way Lee, a treadmill is a terrific investment especially for these rainy nights and soon to be cold nights. Mine was pretty inexpensive. It's not a Cadillac model for sure but it gets my heart rate up. I bought it almost 8 or more years ago and it's still rolling.
AND congratulations on the weight loss and inches - Great feeling when others notice! Steve said that my butt was smaller - hmmm, oooo kkkk, I'll take whatever compliments I can get.

Whitney - JUST DO IT - you have a wedding dress to try on in less than 40 days. Hows that for motivation.









I'll update everyone on Mom's success since she seems to be "time" challenged - seems she's busier now that she's retired than when she was working. She has lost 14 lbs, I repeat 14 lbs and thats including the DC trip. She also had a good doctors visit.

Leah reported last weekend that she is not losing but she hasn't gone over her weight cap; that's the weight where she kicks her butt in gear and goes for it. When Leah is over the midterm hurdles, then she'll join us again. Right now she spends her free time "arguing with idiots" on facebook regarding Obamacare and his attack on FOX news.

Thanks everyone for your blogs. Oh yes, and you too Laura ;-)) It's comforting to know that I'm not alone.

Hmm, I'm feeling a little weak right now so I'm going to eat an orange, shower and sleep.

Somebody Stop Me!

What is the matter with me?

What is different this time than last time?

Why can't I control myself?

It is WAY too easy to pig out. I snacked out again on Monday's leftovers when Taylor and Serena came over. I did NOT take a nap, go for a run or get a notebook. So frustrating. I walked home, snuggled on the couch with my fiance and went on a date. It was lovely but now the pain of self regret is kicking in. I could have squeezed in a work out and could have chosen something different to eat. Why didn't I?

Take 5 million, here I go again. I will work out tonight. I had grapes for breakfast and I'll have a small dinner, swear.

And ladies, way to work at it. It really does help me to be accountable to the blog. It's just so tempting to lie to the blog. Honestly, not proud of myself compared to how well y'all are doing.

Oh and to make matters worse, there is a surprise Power family gathering on Saturday. I'm so not prepared. Gotta do great for the next few days and find that confidence I had last year.

I'm back!!

Yeah!!! I had lost the log in so I couldn't post anything but I'm back. I have officially lost 21.2 pounds.....SUCH a slow process but I'm good. I've lost 11 inches on my waist and hips. My clothes show it!! My jeans are sagging and my shirts I wore last winter DO NOT fit. I have to go shopping. I tried last wekend and couldn't find anything I really liked. I want to find Lee Rider jeans.

I had a really good experience yesterday. A man came into school to register his son. He recognized me from year when I was having issues with my chest. He reminded me that he was the one who came with EMS to do my blood pressure. Well, he complimented me on the weight loss, was glad that I'm doing it a slow but safe way and said I looked ten years younger!! WEE HAA!!!!!! How nice was that. So, I keep plodding away at this.

Stacy and I are still walking daily, 2 1/2 miles each, but he's been having some back issues. I hope it's nothing serious.

Laura, I really liked your post. You're quite ingenius. I can't wait to see you at Thanksgiving!! 55 pounds is quite an accomplishment!!! I saw an ad for turkey sausage to make the pigs in a blanket! Thought I might try that and see what it tastes like and what the calorie count is for it. Who knows! Are y'all going to be there for Thanksgiving or just for Christmas?

You know, these are the musings that I think about. I know y'all all are big Jillian fans and I'm a little wary. I sometimes wonder if I don't push myself really hard like on the show, will I ever really lose all the weight? Am I going to get to a place where I really can't lose it all because I don't have access to a gym with all the equipment, etc. I have me and my desire to walk daily. When it rains, i have to opt to stay inside and workout to a video. Not my favorite activity at all. It makes me feel fat and stupid and not good. The walking has been really good for my mind. I can actually see my feet now!!!

Hope you all keep up the fight, don't get lazy and go for it!!

See you later,
Lee

Split Personality

Laura, you two are so funny. What a great support system you provide one another. I wish I had that. I wish I could re-locate my other half.

It has been such a strugle lately eating well. And I too am just getting over a little cold so it's rough finding energy. But, Captain and I went for about a two mile run last night in the neighborhood. I love running in our neighborhood so much. I always get a little lost because it is so huge but Cap and I end up on a major road that takes us home each time. It's like a little adventure.

I'm dressing as Princess Aurora for Halloween so I have new motivation to be skinny. I never run out of motivation, just will power. Nobody likes a fat princess.

Last night we had Crystal and Nick over for dinner and cooked a new amazing recipe, spicy tortilla soup and empanadas. B and I are becoming quite the chefs. I can only get him to eat things that are meaty, have sustinance and sound like they're a little bad for you. It's tricky. The soup was probably not so bad, lots of veggies and spices. The empanada could have been healthier but hey, they were not fried at least. I only ate one empanada and a small bowl of soup. Where did I go wrong? In the tortilla chips and dip we set out before dinner. I decided taht the key to solving this problem will be to plan our menus the weekend before so that we are not starving come Monday evening and have to nibble while we cook. If we get started on our cooking earlier, we will have food on the table in time for dinner.

Tonight, I'll need a nap because I'm so stopped up and drowsy that it's hard to hold my head up at work. I'll nap, run and see if I can muster up some energy for a weight lifting video. Gotta get back into weight training because for me it made all the difference. And tonight I'll stop at the store and get a little notebook to start writing down each bite I take. That also makes a world of difference.

I'm proud Laura (s), that you are sticking with it and motivating yourself when others are eating chips and dip that they don't need. So the goal is to run the entire 5K? You can do it! I'm excited for the run. It's so fun to people watch and feel like you're a part of something HUGE. And Susan G Komen - enormous. Everyone at Seton is doing it.

Keep up the self talk. And keep reminding me to blog. You are NOT alone.

Hi Laura, It's me again, Laura

Well since I seem to be the only one on our MotherDaughterDietJournal blog I decided to talk to my only audience, ME and support, well, hmm, ME.

Laura, how are you doing on your journey?

Well, it's hard to keep motivated. I seem to fall back into old habits more often, especially since I've been fighting this cold.


Laura, I know it's hard, but remember our mantra, Perseverance. We are the turtle that will eventually cross that finish line. It may take a long long time, filled with ups and downs, successes and failures but we will persevere.

Awww, thanks Laura for those words of encouragement. As a matter of fact, I wogged for 2 1/2 miles tonight. Thought I was going to die afterwords; could hardly take a full breath.

Well, don't push it. You don't want to lower your body defenses and have the cold turn into something worse. Remember, you have a 5k to run in two weeks.

I know, thanks Laura for reminding me. That's why I had to wog tonight. I really want to be able to run the entire 5k this time but this cold has set me back on my training schedule. I am reminded of Jillian's creed - and I was not fainting, puking or dieing so I pushed myself. Not to mention, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT.

Ok, so now, take a warm shower, some cough medicine and go to bed.

Thank you again, Laura for your support. I really appreciate you taking the time to encourage me. It's a rough road alone. It helps having someone share positive words of encouragement. Keep it up!

I WILL, and you TOO. Good Night and Hang in there.

I Need An Easier Way to Lose

Just when the scale was tipping in my favor - BAM! back up. This is such a mental game. Sometimes I just can't find the energy to play anymore. According to my food journal, I've been adding more starches in my diet - don't know why. Maybe it's psychological; cold and rainy equals winter equals eat more rich foods. Plus, I'm just TIRED of jogging.

Whitney motivated me again to jog tonight. I had a soar throat all day and was determined to come home have some homemade "starchy" chicken noodle soup (more like stew by the time I got home) and then go to bed. Instead, I still ate the starchy soup but got on that treadmill thinking I would put in the obligatory 20 minutes. WELL 50 minutes, 3 miles and 400 calories later I jumped off with renewed energy.



This is such a struggle - NO don't eat that, YES get off that couch and move, NO you can not have a Margarita and Cheese bites. Never ending battle of the bulge.




This is the easiest goal yet - blogging!

Now I'm going to crash because I'm feeling a little weak; hope I didn't overdo it tonight. I can't afford getting sick - besides I have to stay healthy for the Race for the Cure in a couple weeks.


Whitney and Leah - are you ready to run the 5K?

Lee, I hope your doing good; staying motivated. Seriously, this Christmas (or Thanksgiving or whenever we get together again) we need to support each other. As much as I love your pigs-in-a-blanket, I am going to eat only ONE this year. Ha - now that's a Goal.

<- My Mascot

Great Week

Shed my birthday, anniversary, vacation pounds and whatever other excuses I used to eat bad. I'm back down 56 lbs and only 4 more to my next milestone (one of many still to reach). Tonight we're going to the movies. What is it about movies and popcorn? I just have to have some. Instead of eating my own medium size, I''l split a small with Steve - 250 calories. We won't think about the fat calories.


Reached an exercise milestone this week. Whitney encouraged me to go to the track Thursday night. It was a great night for breaking records. I wanted to see if I could actually jog 2 miles. Tah Dah - I jogged two miles and then added another 1/2 mile on to it - (Whitney as my witness). The best part is I felt like I could have finished 3 miles but Whit was ready to go. Next time I WILL jog the entire 3 miles. Then Look Out 5k - here I come!

Charlies staying with us this weekend as Leah runs off to play in College Station so I'll have a jogging partner again. Charlies my weekend warrior. Whit...we'll have to sneak the dogs on the track again - maybe Saturday or Sunday night (if you're not working).

Well thats my update - I stayed true to my promise to blog at least twice each week - it keeps me honest.

Would love to hear how everyone else is doing.

Stick with it - we can all brag about our success at Christmas!

Blogging requires dedication to the subject

Alright. I told Serena last night that in order to lose weight you must go cold turkey. I got back up to an indecent weight in the past few months while off the blogosphere. Last I checked it was 143. But then I had nachos for dinner... eh em.

It will be a bit challenging for me this time around because Cap can't go running with me and I have to treadmill or gym membership. Boo. Maybe I'll get hired tomorrow as a full time Sr. Admin and get some sort of a sallary to pay for gym membership. Crystal and Jackie work out at 24 hour fitness and there are a few locations near the new house. I'll also need to start a new food journal. Fresh starts everywhere.

So many incentives to be skinny these days. The nearest and dearest goal is to be thin for our engagement pictures that we plan to pose for in November. I also gotta tone up for Halloween. Everyone knows it's the one day of the year you're allowed to look slutty and not get called a slutt. haha. I have not decided on a costume yet but I know there will be pictures so I must look small no matter the costume. Then comes Christmas and my first wedding dress fitting. Yikes. Then comes February and Valentine's Day. V-Day also happens to be Brad and Bratney's wedding weekend so I guess we'll al get so celebrate our romantic holiday at their wedding. Nice. We'll just have to make the most of it. It should be alright because B and I always have fun at weddings - we're dancing fools. But again, pictures galore and tons of family looking at you all dressed up. Gotta be skinny. Then will come count down to the big day - each minute bringing me closer to the day when my arms must be flawless. Ah!

Strategy: count calories, run my butt off, blog daily, no eating after 7 pm, write down food, stay at 1,000 calories or less per day.


Looking forward to running for breast cancer research on Nov. 1! Get excited!



Mom I'm back with you and I know the blog was my #1 helper. And speaking of Jillian, I saw a weight loss suppliment at Wallgreens with her picture on it! What a sell out!?

Head in the game!

A Month of Ups and Downs

The last few weeks have been packed with excuses to stray from the diet. Now that the Birthdays, Vacations and Anniversaries are behind me, I'm back on track. Watching the scale has been like playing with a yo yo - up and down and up and down. My goal was to be down 63 lbs as of Sunday but instead I'm at 54.

This week I'm planning a quick start - exercising hard every night and staying at or just below my planned 1300 calories a day.

I've also signed up for the Race for the Cure 5 K on Nov. 1.

I'm writing down all my meals and exercises again. And I'm committed to update the blog; at least two times a week.

Tonight I was able to wog 2 miles on the Treadmill in 31 minutes. Best time yet! My goal is to run (wog) the entire 5k but I only have a month to train.

It would be great if I could knock another bowling ball off by Nov. 1.

Looks like a momentum shift has occurred with all my fellow bloggers since I was the last one to blog on Sept. 3.

That's OK - the blog is just another tool. And so is Jillian. I imagine Jillian on my shoulder screaming "you CAN do it" and shaking her head in disgust at my bad choices.


How is everyone doing by the way?

Must stay focused!

In memory of my favorite 5k partner: