A fresh start

[muppet]

Yeah, Missy. I think a 'cheat day' will be a great idea, as long as I don't go overboard and turn it into a 'pig out' day.
Sometimes I get envious of you guys without kids and husbands. I make excuses and say it must be so much easier for you, to only have to take care of yourself, and not have others needing so much from you. I know -- what a bunch of crap. Everyone has their own struggles and things to overcome. I'm sure it's nice to not have to worry about what anyone else is eating for supper, but on the other hand, it's always nice to have the support of your loved ones. And, sometimes they keep you so busy you just don't have time to think about it! And, I also don't have to worry about 'looking good'. I mean, I care what I look like and take care of myself. But I know my husband loves me and always thinks I'm beautiful. My kids do too. That's a great boost for your self-esteem.
We're all on the same journey, to the same destination. We're just taking different route, or forms of transportation to get there.
Dang-- my calf still hurts. I didn't think it was swollen, because I have such ginormous calves anyway, but it definitely is. It's feeling better. I still can't straighten my leg without it hurting, but it's getting more bearable.
I am officially off for the summer. Well, till August . I know have have a few meetings I have to go to this summer. But I'm putting all lesson plans away for a few months anyway. Woohoo!!!
I would really like to drop about 20 pounds this summer. It's still a long way from where I should be, but I know it will make a huge difference. I'll feel better, and look better, and hopefully be motivated to keep it up through out the school year. I'm just going to start those good habits, and stick with it.
Fruits -- veggies -- lean chicken breast-- whole grains-- fat free yogurt, and water water water,,, these will be my staples for the summer. I'm seriously going to try and cut back on the sugar. I know I eat way too much, and eating a little just makes me want more.
I can't really exercise now, with my injured leg. But for me, the key really is my diet. I have always been a walker. I've never really been a couch potato. I don't work out really hard or anything, but I've always done something. I know I could step it up a little bit, and it would do me a lot of good. But I won't lose a thing if I don't get my diet under control. So, I'm just going to keep doing what I've been doing for exercise ( once my leg is better), and concentrate on what I'm putting in my mouth.
Have a great day everyone. Boohoo -- no AI tonight!!!

[muppet]

Well, the leg isn't 100% yet, but it's on the way to a full recovery. I tell ya -- I'm never going to neglect properly stretching my calves again! I have had these charley horses before, but it's never taken this long for it to work itself out. I've been icing and wrapping it -- seems to help. I hope I'll be able to get a nice walk in tomorrow. I'm going to do what I can today for exercise. I'll see what hurts and what doesn't.
It's too early for lunch, but I'm starving. I'm eating a weight watchers meal for lunch. I'm going to start drinking a glass of water with each meal -- probably before. I think that will help me get the water I need, and keep my body more evenly hydrated throughout the day. Otherwise I tend to chug a whole bunch at once. I'm sure it's healthier to consume water throughout the day, instead of a big over load in the afternoon.
Anyway, I'm trying to stay busy for the next half hour or so, so I don't think so much about my stomach.
We got a new kitten a week or so ago. They have decided to name her Skittles. She's very cute -- just a little ball of fuzz. She's a lot of fun . And a feisty little thing. She thinks she's pretty tough. She won't just attack or toe, or a finger-- but your whole leg or arm. She also attacks our older cat, who absolutely ignores the kitten. So far --- I'm not sure how much our old cat will take. She is 18, and really isn't interested in some crazy little kitten.
Well, I suppose I should sign off for today. I'm going to make smart choices, and record them either on fit day, or that other site. I have to be aware of everything I eat. It all counts. And if I can keep the calories down consistantly, the weight will come off.
Have a beautiful day!!

[Missy]

Awww, that's so awesome that you got a kitten. I bet you and the kids are loving it. My new kitty is about 3 months old right now..I'm just waiting for her to hit a growth spurt. She likes to follow my older cat around (he's a year old and 7 months old) and bat at his tail..then he gets mad and wrestles with her. It's cute to watch, cuz she has such a loud shrill squeel.

I'm with you on the 20 pound goal for the summer. I'd like to lose 20 pounds by the end of July if I can.

I hope your leg feels better soon.

[muppet]

Well, I stayed with in my calories yesterday, and got an 'A' for my food choices. It really helps to add fresh veggies to your day! I'll get an 'A' today too, as long as I stick to what I've logged on already. I really do think it helps me to do that, rather than trying to remember everything I've eaten, and then be all discouraged when it turns out to be so many more calories than I thought!!!
Have you ever done that -- you're logging on everything you've eaten -- and you're already had way too many calories--- then you remember something else you ate--- --- well, it's just not a very happy place.
So I do better, and think about it more if I plan it out ahead of time. I'm less likely to eat without thinking that way. I was surprised, because yesterday I did eat 1 slice of pizza, and today I'm planning meatloaf and scalloped corn for supper, but I was still well with in my calories. To me, it just shows that there really are no 'bad' foods. But that you have to really watch your portions. Serving size is very important to know.
The leg is getting better. It's still very tight, but feels better after I've walked around on it a bit. I'm gently stretching my calf muscle, and hope I'll be able to walk like a normal person again very soon. I almost look normal now-- except when I first get up after sitting for awhile. It's pretty stiff at first. I think I'll be able to do a Leslie Sansone workout today. I'm sure I can handle that. I really want to go out for a walk though, but I'm not quite ready for that yet.
I downloaded itunes. I had some freebies from some cereal boxes, so I thought I might as well use them. It's really cool. I haven't figured out how to do it yet, but I love that you can buy prepaid cards, and use them to buy your tunes, rather than using a credit card. Now I just need to get to a decent wal mart or target, and pick up an ipod. We have a walmart here, but it's super small. They only had a few mp3's to pick from, and no ipods. I'm excited to be able to have all my favorite songs with me on my walks, and not be stuck with one cd. I did consider other mp3's, that also have an fm tuner, but I had a cd player with a radio for awhile, and I never used the radio, so why bother?
Well, I need to get moving, and get busy cleaning, then doing my workout. Last day of school for my kids today. Oldest is going camping with some friends -- I'm nervous about this. I remember being a kid! I hope he remembers to use some common sense, and stays out of trouble.
I don't think my other 2 have anything special planned. We are going into town tonight, for awhile. Our town always has 'Thursday night on the Square' in the summer. Tonight my daughter is singing with the school kids, to kick it off. I agreed to help herd them. So I imagine we'll hang out there for awhile.
Tomorrow my husband has round 3 with his kidney stones. I'm just hoping and praying everything goes smoothly, and that this takes care of it for him.
TTFN
Carol

[muppet]

I got my Ipod! A white nano. I figure if I get to the point where I want something with more capacity, I can give this one to one of the kids. My son was so mad! He says, he's wanted one for a long time. I told him, the difference is I have saved my money in order to buy it. I put a little aside each week. It really doesn't take that long for it to add up. But he is always out of money, and eagerly awaiting his next paycheck. We can only tell them so many times -- but they have to figure it out for them selves.
I can't wait to take it on a nice long walk, but my leg is not cooperating. It is still swollen, and now bruised. I know I did more damage than I originally thought. It's still not too bad though. It's just taking much longer too heal than I thought it would, or that I want it to.
The weather is beautiful too. I'm sure once it feels completely better, it will be hot and humid again! Oh well -- I'm sure it won't bother me too much . I'll be so appreciative of a working leg!
Husband's kidney stone ordeal went well this morning. It was over and done with pretty quickly, and the Dr. is confident that the problem is taken care of. We just got home, and he hasn't even come inside yet. He is messing around with flower pots. Nothing fazes this guy! I'm going to have to go drag him inside, and make him take it easy for the rest of the day.

[muppet]

I'm so bad! I used my early rising this morning for my husband's procedure, and my sore leg as an excuse to lay around all day.
I honestly don't know what is best for this leg. It's really bruised and discolored now. I know I hurt it much worse than I thought. Ice seems to help a bit, and wrapping it. After I sit, it's always really stiff, but doesn't take too long to loosen a bit. But I still can't walk like a normal person. Ugh-- patience .. patience......
I'm not completely laid up though -- there are lots of exercise I could and should be doing. I think that's what the rest of my evening will consist of.

[muppet]

Golly guys-- I'm kinda sad! It sure seems like there hasn't been much action here lately. I know we are all busy, and this time of year, our activities and schedules usually change. And I hope that's why things have been so quiet. I hope it's not because people are losing focus, or interest in this.
I get so sick of thinking about it, and just want to say 'forget it!". But that attitude will just keep me fat and get me fatter.
I hope everyone remembers that their health is important. It deserves to be top priority. You can't be all you can to your loved ones, or be the best at your job, or whatever, unless you are at your best physically and mentally.
I just hope people are unable to find the time to post, and not putting their health on the back burner. It's summer -- time for fun and relaxation. But it's not time to throw away everything you've worked for, and everything you hope to acheive.
I would love to see this site get some of it's 'oomph' back. Supporting and encouraging each other is the key.
I am happy though, because my leg seems to be getting better. I can almost walk like a normal person again. I was worried for awhile, because it didn't seem to be getting much better. But now I can tell that it is. It still hurts, and I'm sure a nice long walk is a ways away yet, but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel now.
Have a great day everyone!

[mifsit]

I too have noticed a number of people haven't posted for some time. On a journey such as this it is inevitable that some will fall by the wayside no matter how much encouragement you give them. Sad but true unfortunatly

[Missy]

Yea, the boards have definately been slowing down lately. I was wondering if people got put on different work schedules or were just too busy out enjoying the beautiful weather. I always come here to check if someone has updated their journal though, I always read them. I don't post on them all the time, but I definately take the time to read how you're doing

[muppet]

Hello Y'all,
Well, I think I've finally diagnosed my leg problem. I've been searching and googling, trying to figure out exactly what I did, and I finally found it. It's something called 'tennis leg'.
The info I found is 100% what I did, how it felt, and how it's healing. I feel better, knowing that it will get better in time, and how to treat it, but it's also a bit discouraging, because it will take some time. And I have to really ease back into things. It shouldn't be too bad, since what I really love to do is walk. It's not like I have to work back up to jogging or anything.
So, it's RICE for me, for at least the next week. I was on my feet way too long yesterday, and I paid last night.
I'm not going to dwell on what I can't do though. There are plenty of things I can. Hello abs??? Yeah -- I didn't forget about you! Get ready to get busy!!!
Same goes for arms, and legs too. I just have to be careful how I stretch. Gentle stretching is good, but I don't want to re-injure anything.
I was good and bad today -- I ate my usualy breakfast. And had a yummy subway for lunch, but I broke down and ate a cookie! I'm heading for my calorie count site next, so I can see those numbers in front of me, and adjust the rest of my day accordingly.
We ate at Long John Silver's yesterday. I really wanted something else, because there is no healthy alternative there, that I actually like. So I went ahead and ate some chicken planks. They really were good -- and I hadn't eaten much at all that day. I wanted to make them take me somewhere else on the way home, but that would have been such a bad example for the kids. It's tough enough for us to agree on a place to eat! I figured it would be best for me to compromise this time.
Well, I don't have too much to say -- it's going to be a pretty uneventful day around here. That's a good thing! I just get to stay home and do what needs to be done around here.
Hope you all have a great day!
Carol
Oh yeah -- btw-- I think most people are just finding it hard to find the time to post. I don't think people are giving up the fight -- maybe just taking a little break from the battle. It seems like most everyone checks in quite regularly, even if they don't have the time to post.