Fabulous and Fit

Sleight of Hand.....

2009-06-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been over a month since I have blogged. You know I'm rule breaker; break taker! So, my weight is about the same....yeah, yeah, blah, blah.

This week I have consumed myself with utter nonsense to take my mind off the fact that my "baby" is graduating preschool on Friday. I have been in denial even though I thought I didn't DO denial. I have succeeded in annoying 272 of my nearest and dearest friends with Spam. OK, so maybe they were actually some friends, some family, some aquaintances, some friends of friends, some home improvement people, some nursery school parents, some elementary school parents, some professional colleagues, some human resources people, some Avon Walk for Breast Cancer people, some theater tickets people, some weight loss website people, some people that I intentionally lost touch with, and one all-too-quick to respond ex-boyfriend. It was nice to know that the plumbing supply lady, the painter I never hired, and, of course, the ex-boyfriend were lured in my invitation to view photos. I can't blame them since I was suckered too, which is how the whole mess started. My apologies to all.

The silly situation actually put me into some state of panic. On the surface, I'm the outgoing, talkative, laugh when I'm a little nervous type. However, one false slip of the hand on my keyboard made me realize that I'm actually in hiding, in a way. I felt my pressure rise when I thought that all these people might have mistaken an online hoax for me attempting to reach out and resurface in their lives. I really flipped out a little bit. On some level I believe that catching up equals pain. There goes my "I'm too cool for social networking websites" cover. Oh well. Must be eating my way through my unresloved issues. Psycho-babble cliches in the movies have taught me that I may not be able to lose the weight until I unburden myself of the "weight of the world" on my shoulders. In this case, what am I hiding from? I'm not reinventing the wheel here but perhaps I will explore this some more. I also REALLY need to clean up my computer. Once again, I'm any psychologist's wet dream.

"Sleight of hand and twist of fate, on a bed of nails she makes me wait."
-U2

Shred

2009-05-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

I have shredded 1.8 pounds this week. I started doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD and would recommend it for those of you who are looking for a whole body, high intensity workout that is done with in 20 minutes. I highly advise, not to attempt quad stretches in the shower as you will most definitely fall flat on your naked ass like I did and sport a purple welt on the right cheek.

I am "ickified" by eating meat this week. I periodically go through these phases. It happened at age 10 on Thanksgiving when my mother was preparing the turkey. I cried my eyes out and protested eating it that one year. Now, it's just listening to my body more than the animal lover motivation (all though I almost cried about the pig slaughter in Egypt last week too). So, this week I'm trying out a semi-vegetarian lifestyle. Do not call me a hypocrite if you see me downing a hot dog at a summer BBQ, I'm just making an effort to cut back on eating animal flesh. If anyone has great meat-free recipes that they love, please share.

"I think I was immediately fed, so food became a very important part of my life."
-Dom DeLuise

blah blah blah

2009-04-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

It's been a few weeks since I've written anything. My weight is up 2.8 pounds. My head is a bit of a mess. I have lacked focus and discipline since Passover in the beginning of the month. Worse yet, I have been bingeing today. I'm sabbatoging myself, again! I deliberately went out of my way to eat the wrong things today instead of going about my usual business. I struggle with the belief that people can change; while I want to believe that it is possible, deep down-I don't.

I watched BL last night and it really does help rev up my motivation. I'm not sure then, why I had such a disastrous morning today. Kirstie Alley is on Oprah today. I think I'll tape it. She's big again. For me, it's like staring at a car wreck, I just can't help it.

"We decide the course of our tomorrows by the choices we make today. If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice."
-unknown random indecisive dieter.

Skids

2009-04-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

This week I choose to "PASS OVER" this topic!

In 8 and a half years of Molly ownership, this is a first. My dog used my lap as Charmin! Just like the trick on that dumb carpet cleaning commercial when the dog drags it's dirty butt across the living room carpet. I just had to run up and change my skid marked clothing. It sums up the kind of week it's been!

"Look Mom, look at Toby's new trick!"
-dumb kid from dumb commercial

Tom Foolery

2009-04-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

This week I gained 6 pounds......April Fool's!!! I am really down .6 pounds.

I love this holiday, always have, and my eldest son has followed suit. He woke up this morning with a pretend injury, a joke involving a fake turd, and used costumes, glasses, and funny accents to try to "trick" us. I was not as sweet.

First, I rigged the shower head to the right angle that would hit B in the face when he got in. I also set the water temperature to the coldest possible temp. I got him. This, however, was not completely original since he has used this one on me on April 1st, 2002-2005 and got me each time. I suppose the prank that would get him the most would be if I offered to make him a nutritious, yet delicious, completely balanced dinner. But, I don't think I could ever say that to him with a straight face.... so....nah! I had to think of something else of my own. So, I stole his car. I parked his jeep down the street adjacent to mine behind a large landscaping vehicle, out of eye shot. With that, I changed his radio station from the Sirius Howard Stern station to the Sirius Gay station (I couldn't find Oprah and Friends) at full volume. Finally, I left a note on the dashboard that read April Fool's and then I left to take the little one to school. I then waited for the phone call. It took a while and I wondered why. Did he call the police? Crap. Eventually, the call-- he told me that I got him for a second and then he figured it was me. The panic button on his remote helped him locate the car. Then came the warning....he went back home to take care of something. I was told to "watch your back, payback's a bitch." So far, I came home and as I opened the door with groceries in hand, at least a dozen paper towel rolls came crashing down on me. But the day is still young and I be a little scared!

"Maybe I was absent the day they taught the fruits and vegetables, but you clearly missed an entire semester of Home Ec!"
-B

Best In Show

2009-03-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

This week, I have gotten rid of 1.6 pounds. Feeling good and appreciative of the comment about my jeans looking "at least one size too big". Thank you friend, you know who you are. It makes me happy considering that they were in the too tight to wear category very shortly after I purchased them. Although, I'm still a long way from slim, I am feeling less round these days.

Many of you may not know that I have grown to love the Westminster Dog Show that is televised each year in February. I enjoy naming all the breeds and being a part of all the pomp and circumstance of the dog show traditions as a spectator from the sofa. It didn't take long for me to realize that dog handlers tend to, for the mostpart, have a certain type of physique. That is of the very overweight variety. I started believing that I may fit in well with this crowd as my size continued to balloon, until I figured out that these people are absolutely insane (OK, maybe I would still fit in). But, since I can't properly train or handle my own dog, then maybe I would be ill-equipped at this too. One of my favorite "light and funny" movies is Best in Show. You can watch this film 30 times and catch something new and hilarious about the dog show world each time. Maybe it's only for those that enjoy the humor of Christopher Guest. Anyway, check it out if you wanna laugh and if you're a Dog Show geek, like me. If the weight loss keeps going in the right direction, I may not threaten myself with the dog handler career any more. Here's a quote from Best in Show:

"Look at Scott! He is prancing along with the dog! Man, I tell you something, if you live in my neighborhood and you're dressed like that, you'd better be a hotel doorman."
-Buck Laughlin

Just the Facts

2009-03-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

This week I am down 1.8 pounds. I am experiencing some writer's block and can't seem to think of any entertaining topics or amusing stories to share. So, for now, it's just the facts ma'am, just the facts!

Happy 60th mom, I really miss you! I hope you'll enjoy Carvel cake somewhere and it better be calorie-free where you are.

"The remembrance of a beloved mother becomes a shadow to all our actions; it precedes or follows them."
-Unknown

Skinny Fake Out

2009-03-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

I read an article about skinny fake outs motivating you. For instance, looking 5 pounds thinner by wearing Spanx will help you ACTUALLY lose 5 pounds. I just wore my Spanx to a Bat Mitzvah Saturday night. Believe me, I was asking a whole lot from my undergarments that evening and I'm not sure how people wear those contraptions daily. My family had a good laugh when I said that out loud. Note to self: Filter, Filter! The high waisted variety limits displacing the roll to a new location, but you still do feel like a sausage and sausage does not equate to skinny in my mind. I also never have the best aim when utilizing the crotch opening that is provided for your convenience. It always leaves me with an inconvenient feeling. I will have to think up some other skinny fake outs to help me keep moving forward.

This week I have chosen NOT to weigh in. I decided this right now. This morning I was running late again and skipped the scale to get ready, thinking I'll just do it tomorrow. I changed my mind. This is not because I am hiding from "bad behavior". In fact, just the opposite. I am feeling better in my clothing these days and have gotten a couple of compliments from the husband regarding my less full appearance. This gives me the motivation to continue on. I don't want a number on the scale to take that feeling away from me this week. It has never been my friend, just like with Mandi on the Biggest Loser last night.

An 8 pound reward will be claimed tomorrow-Yay!

Untitled

2009-03-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

This week, I have shed .2 pounds...essentially I stayed the same. As I learned from BL, it is difficult to keep losing larger numbers after doing it for a couple weeks in a row. I won't get frustrated just yet. I feel successful in that I have not regained all of the weight lost due to the illness. I feel successful in that I didn't "go to town" despite being stuck here during Monday's snowstorm.

I am looking forward to the change in weather so I could be active outdoors again. Please remember, once the weather gets to be about 50 degrees or more, I am open to walking/ biking invitations and will gladly accept if I am asked. Sometimes it's easier to go through all of this with a friend.

"A friend is the one who knows us, but loves us anyway."
-Walter Winchell

Cashing In

2009-02-25T09:07:00.000-08:00

This week I have shed 4 more pounds. This was not the result of any herculean effort but rather some divine intervention. Someone awarded me a 36 hour violent stomach bug following a week of consuming a very low calorie diet, following an entire month of illness in my family. Other than a few whole wheat crackers (thanks Kim) and some sips of chicken noodle soup (thanks Marni) I have not eaten any food since Sunday evening. It is Wednesday and I still don't have an appetite which is far more rare than an eclipse is. I wasn't even hungry at the supermarket...I know, insane!!!

I know I'm feeling better because I already have growing concerns about stomach virus weight loss being IMPOSSIBLE to maintain. In any event, it is off of my body for now and I will happily cash in my next rewards. It didn't feel like this day would come:

8- Ilona pottery activity-(scheduling in progress)
9- Lauren babysitting
10-Shani 10 Gerbera daisies hand delivered by her
11-Rachel movie of my choice
12-Aunt Michelle spa treatment with babysitting

"No way Jose!"
-Gabe, age 3, said to Latino male supermarket cashier at Fairway

In the Game

2009-02-18T05:40:00.000-08:00

As our family is slowly approaching wellness again, my mood is slowly lifting, and thankfully, some weight is dropping. This week I have gotten rid of 4.2 pounds. I say "gotten rid of" instead of "lost" for fear that some kind soul out there will find those pounds and return them to me, knowing that they were lost. Obviously, I do not want them back.

After calculating, and re-calculating, it is my belief that after all the ups, downs, and stay-the-sames, my total prior to this was 4.4 pounds off. Therefore, my new total is 8.6 pounds. This FINALLY puts me back in "the game". I am eligible to claim my 8 pound reward from Ilona. I hope this happens quickly before any bloat sets in! This reward involves pottery. I will keep you posted.

"Complaining about dieting and exercise burns off extra calories"
-Daniel L. Worone

Sick part II

2009-02-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hi there. I did weigh in yesterday and gained two pounds. I walked a little yesterday outside and that was my first exercise in quite a while. It knocked me out in such a big way, though, and I thought I was really out of shape again. I had to get back in bed for the afternoon. By evening, I had a fever. This morning, my little guy also had a fever and after taking him back to the dr......, he has the "official flu".

This next week will be all about re-working my program here and shifting gears yet again, because what I have been doing since August is obviously not working. Again, I thank you all for the continued support and encouragement....I REALLY do appreciate it.

"Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts."
-Einstein

Lather the Fat

2009-02-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up pretty late; late enough to leave the house with sopping wet hair in twenty degree temperature; late enough to not even think about getting on the scale-its good that I'm not obsessed, I guess. By the time I returned home it was two in the afternoon; late enough to not get on the scale. "Whew, I was saved", I thought. "I'll just weigh in tomorrow morning" like I have done lots of times over the past months.

When I finally returned home again with the kids after 6 and with no real dinner plan (Big Red Flag for me), I started grazing, picking, shoveling in anything I could get my hands on. Husband, aka the Food Nazi, wasn't home. Uh oh, I needed to use a lifeline, so I chose Phone A Friend. The friend, after knowing me for a lifetime, immediately detected my unsettled tone in between munches. She rapidly fired the questions: Where is B? Not home. Where are the boys? Upstairs getting changed. Where are you? Downstairs. Then came the instructions/advice: "OK, immediately go upstairs and brush your teeth. Chewing that Extra sugar free gum doesn't help." (She must have somehow forgotten that as part of my complex neuroses that I DO NOT chew gum....PERIOD! This is a result of years of recurrent nightmares involving gum getting stuck to my fillings and me never being able to pull the gum free from my big mouth. Ultimately, I choke. Shivers run up and down my spine when I see some of the preschool moms chewing like cows and making those loud gum smacking sounds. This however, could be a topic for a separate posting, I suppose.)

She continued..."brush your teeth immediately, get upstairs then brush your teeth then go do something different like taking a warm shower." I said: "taking a shower is NOT something DIFFERENT for me, I do it every day!" (again, dear friend was a bit off tonight and must have forgotten that I am now a rehabilitated OVERSHOWERER and EXCESSIVEHAIRWASHER. Many of you old timers know that I had a showering several times a day year round problem. Despite what it sounds like....I assure you I do not have OCD.) She said "I know, but go take a shower and lather up....feel your soapy hands running up and down the fat, lather the fat!" "OK, I don't want to feel the fat", I yelled. "Exactly" she said. "It will motivate you" she continued. I answered "The Biggest Loser motivates me and I didn't get to see it last night, so I'm gonna let the boys watch TV in my room and start watching it now" She told me that a contestant reminded her of me. She went home for 30 days and only lost 2 pounds! We then ended our conversation and she once again reminded me to go lather my fat. I was so enraged and disgusted by the suggestion of "lather your fat" that I couldn't concentrate on watching my show. Instead I got pissed off and ran to the computer to start this rant of a blog. So, I stopped snacking and am away from the kitchen but I won't lather the fat. Thanks dear friend, thanks a lot. I'm not weighing in tomorrow.

"Someone saved my life tonight. So save your strength and run the field you play alone."
-Elton John

Gung Hay Fat Choy

2009-01-28T07:32:00.000-08:00

So, this week I lost .2 lbs. There was no dieting, there was no exercising. I'm still not feeling very well yet and much to my surprise my appetite is not as insatiable as usual. Also, got my friend (foe) today again. Definitely, this contributed to my feelings of yuck and "thickness" these past few days. My accomplishment this week was that I avoided General Tso at the Chinese New Year Party and opted for the brown rice and some other chicken and broccoli offering. Instead of heavy deserts, I shoved a couple of clementines in my face. This was all fine and didn't take much effort.

Now that I was successful at avoiding General Tso, I suppose I need to buck up and contact Mr. Tso-a long lost friend who has been desperately Facebooking in search of......me. This friend and me never had a falling out, we simply just lost touch. He has given some of you messages with his contact information to pass along to me and has tried to solicit mine. Although I am not on Facebook myself, I am still somehow affected by all that the gossip and information that I'm told.

Lastly, I like this season of The Biggest Loser better than the last, so far. I look forward to it re-motivating me each week. I kinda miss exercising and feeling good after I do it. Hope I can get back to it this week.

"Gung Hay Fat Choy"
-said on the Chinese New Year, translation: May prosperity be with you

Sick

2009-01-21T06:27:00.000-08:00

Hi. Lost 1 pound....not for exceptionally good behavior....but because I had a fever yesterday and sweated it out in the middle of the night. Also, because it was an extremely rare occasion and I got in bed at 6:30 last night and emerged at 7:15 this morning, so.....I never ate dinner. Going back to bed now.

"Never eat more than you can lift."
-Miss Piggy

Diet History

2009-01-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

Do Diets Work? Thought I'd share my history in close to accurate chronological order starting in 1984 (25 years ago)! In 1984, I had my most successful weight loss of 22 pounds during the summer between seventh and eighth grades. I remember my first day of school outfit: an acid washed, two toned designer denim disaster in a size 3/4. I probably wore the same outfit to go see Purple Rain with my BFFs, at the time. I remained a size 3/4 until the second week of that same school year.

If I repeat something that simply means I tried it more than once. This does not include countless diet plans that filled the pages of health magazines, rag magazines, and newspapers:

Ideal Weight, Weight Watchers, Scarsdale Diet, Grapefruit Diet, Marajuana Diet (thought fewer calories than beer but didn't account for the munchies), Weight Watchers, SlimFast, Cabbage Soup Diet, Atkins, Hollywood Diet (chased by bees while drinking this nectar-like substance), Jenny Craig, Metabolife, Metabolift (resulted in embarrassing ER visit), Cabbage Soup Diet, Atkins, Weight Watchers, other people's Nutritionist's diets, Shani's "Eat only When Hungry" diet, Health Store brand liquid diet, Scarsdale Diet, Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet, cutting out dairy on my own diet, Health Store Detoxification Diet, NutriSystem (swelled to a balloon from excessive amounts of sodium), Curves Diet Plan, Special K challenge, Cabbage Soup Diet (the final time- B refused to flush the entire vat of soup down the toilet for me EVER AGAIN),Weight Watchers, Jared's Subway diet (lasted five days), my own Nutritionist's Diet Plan, Zone Diet, colon cleansing diet, "I'm gonna be a vegetarian for three days diet", Acupuncturist's Diet Plan (another abandonment of dairy), Bikini Fit Detoxification and Diet Plan, South Beach Diet, Flat Belly Diet, DineWise home food delivery diet, Sparkpeople.com diet plan, "I'm not gonna diet and just shut my mouth diet".......and counting.

This week I lost .2 lbs. I hope to claim an eight pound reward soon.

"Mmm, this is good, I think that we like it because it's cold."
-Stacey Goldstein on Jandelle's frozen yogurt

Wii Fit

2009-01-07T05:37:00.000-08:00

On January 1st I decided to open my brand new Wii Fit that Lauren gave me for Hanukkah. If you already have a Wii console set up, it's quite easy to get started. After inserting batteries and such you just follow the prompts on screen using your Wii remote. My family already has Mii characters created that are "cartoon" figures that resemble us. You start by selecting your "Mii", you stand on the balance board and you undergo a series of tests that analyze your BMI, your Biological Age, your weight, etc. You are required to enter your height and birthdate. I began this task in front of my immediate family as spectators from the sofa. Luckily, the Wii asks if you would like to create a secret password so that others can't view your stats. Of course, I created one. Being my first time at it, I was fearful that my weight would be glaring across the screen for all to see. My husband has NEVER known my weight and if I suddenly were to go missing, I would be sure that the police could never find me because my husband could not provide them with this information. I think he knows my eye color....I think. The guys were constantly asked to leave the room each time I thought the weight would appear. I soon found out that you have to select a "Weight" tab to view the numbers so it never actually sneaks up to shock you. I went back later that evening to view those results privately. What it does reveal to all, however, is your BMI and the category that you fit in. All of a sudden, a little electronic voice announced OVERWEIGHT as I stood on the scale-like device and worse yet, my Mii character widened and became rather fat. My entire family engaged in a knee-slapping laugh at my expense. What else is new?

Next, B set up his Mii and was also analyzed. Much to my delight, his BMI was about the same as mine and his Mii grew just as round as mine did. His biological age was 50, as opposed to mine which was 35. I believe that the balance portion is what skewed his score as our BMI and "overweight" status was similar. After I laughed back with revenge and a "HA" we explored the fitness options. You can select from Yoga, Aerobics, Strength Training, and Balance catergories. Each category has about 3 or 4 activities or exercises to start. You accumulate fitness points and minutes the more you use it and then additional activities become accessible. I enjoyed yoga, hula hooping and running through a virtual park, as well as good old fashioned sit ups and lunges. B did some skiing, ski jumping, soccer, and walking the tightrope. The kids enjoyed some of the activities too. All in all a fun time.

I have used it every day since, except for 1/2, as we had company, but that day we were still showing our guests how it worked without "logging" in as ourselves. B used it only one time. On 1/4, I decided to repeat my Body Test for tracking and progress. This time, I was completely alone and was able to hit the "Weight" tab. Hmmm, I lost 1.8 pounds. I immediately ran upstairs, still partially disrobed and hopped on my own scale for confirmation-Same!!! The Wii then complements you with motivational jargon like "Good job" and "Keep it up"! The system recommended a 6 pound weight loss for the both of us to be achieved by 1/31. This was a good start even though it was only 3 days and mostly water weight. Instead of calling him at work to gloat, I waited for B to come home and encouraged him to change to lighter clothing and repeat HIS body test to help his motivation. And that.... is when it happened! My memory is a little foggy, and mind you, I'm paraphrasing here, but these are the events as I recall them in my memory: He got his Mii logged on, stepped on the balance board/scale and then the screen read ALERT, ALERT, you have exceeded your weight loss goal, you must reset your goal, YOU HAVE LOST 6.2 pounds! Then his Mii proceeded to do one of the pompous dances that you often see linebackers doing following a touchdown. "You fucker", I thought and "YOU FUCKER" is what I said. "I've been doing this everyday and going to the gym, I know you haven't, so what have you been doing to lose 6.2lbs?" After his smug smile, he retreated quickly with, "well, my clothing is lighter than 3 days ago". My response was, "the machine accounts for that". He then told me that on Friday, two days earlier, he opted for a salad for lunch instead of Chinese take-out and when he took the boys to the diner for lunch on Sunday, he took off one half of his cheeseburger bun! Again, I thought, "YOU FUCKER." I know he felt badly even though he still had the smug look.

The next day, back on the saddle or balance board again! I bucked up and began my Wii workout (and went to the gym). B was at work and the kids, finally back at school. I decided to wait a few days til Wednesday to repeat the body test again. My Wii fit greeted with me with a "Good morning, glad to see you working out." Just as I thought this machine could be rather pleasant, it happened again! The g_d damn machine said: "Did you see B today, doesn't he look good?". "Please select one of the following: Does B look a)lighter, b)toner, c)heavier, d)wider." What? I thought. I'm logged on with my Mii, right? Then it said, it would be a nice if I told B how well he is doing and how good he is looking" What??? You godda be kidding me! I could not proceed with my workout just yet. I phoned him at work and said "Listen, fucker" told him the story and hung up on the fucker.

Last night, he decided to repeat his body test. He lost another two pounds. I think this machine is gonna hold a parade in his honor. Although, I did my workout, I didn't repeat the body test for 3 reasons: a) he could not see my weight, b) it was the evening-never weigh in at night and c) i needed to wait til Wednesday morning, my usual. Still, he had lost 8.2 pounds since New Year's Day-Fucker!!!!!!!!!! This morning I woke up, went to the bathroom, put on leggings and a tank (the lightest I could find) ran downstairs, turned on the TV, turned on the Wii, repeated my body test and guess what, my Mii looked happy and was doing a double fist pump. It said that I lost another 3.2 pounds. I double and triple checked then ran up to the scale which indicated I lost another 3.0 pounds. I'm taking liberty here and am glady accepting the Wii's results for a 5 pound weight loss. So what if a lot of it was just bloat, I'm taking it!

"My goal isn't to be thin. My goal is for my body to be the weight it can hold-to be strong and healthy and fit, to be itself."
-Oprah

Hope for the New Year

2008-12-31T08:08:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the last day of 2008, an end of another journey. The human condition is fascinating as our species is unique because we have hope. New Year's eve is a time for all of us to reflect but also to make promises for the future. We all know that resolutions seldom stick....it doesn't always mean that we're lazy or weak. You may assume what my resolution for this year will be, based on the continuing theme of this blog. Although it has been to lose weight many times before, it is not this year (and I believe for the last two it has been to floss more consistently). I would like to work on the other aspects of me this year and will resolve to come up with a plan to do so.

As for the weight, well it is up again this week. I don't feel like sharing numbers even though I know what they are. My double chin has met up again with her gold old friends face and big cheeks and the fact that I will only wear sweat pants every day for almost two straight weeks means.....well, you know. I have not exercised...period! I still have lots of hope.

I wish you all A Happy, Healthy and Hopeful 2009!

"I have fat person thoughts, fat person hopes, fat person dreams, and fat person schemes."
-Phil Knight

Break

2008-12-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

Hello. This week was filled with up-ing my fiber intake, eating latkes, decorating cookies, trying pieces of homemade chocolate babka, exercising very little, rejoicing in my now normal cholesterol levels (finally-thanks Lipitor), and running, running, running around like a lunatic! I have lost .4 pounds this week. I have decided to give myself the "week off". Time off from the routine, the limo driving, the refereeing, the chaperoning, the carpooling, and the "dieting".

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas.

"The more and more I get to know people, the more and more I love my dog."
-Regina R. and others before her

Speechless, for once!

2008-12-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

This week there is 1.8 pounds of weight....gained. I don't have much to say so I will refer you to the words of others:

"People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas.
-Unknown

"I've been on a diet for two weeks and all I've lost is fourteen days."
-Totie Fields

"Gluttony is an emotional escape, a sign something is eating us."
-Peter DeVries

"The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat are good friends."
-Unknown

"If hunger is not the problem, then eating is not the solution."
-Unknown

"You can't lose weight by talking about it. You have to keep your mouth shut."
-Unknown

"One definition of insanity is: Doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result."
-Unknown

Sybil

2008-12-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

When I embarked on this newest adventure, I had indicated that this blog was intended for my women peeps. Much to my delight and surprise, I have learned that husbands and significant other males have been reading my entries each Wednesday (and Thursday) as well. I have been told by some of these males that they "look forward" to it and find it "enjoyable". I have learned that the blog is being followed by readers in Florida, CT, and PA as well as those of you in the tristate area. While I thank you for the support and dedication, I am devoted to being as honest as I can about my struggles and a large part of those struggles comes from being a woman. Sorry about the monthly cycle crap, but boy, am I affected. So you loyal male fans out there, here it goes...

This week I have gained .4 pounds again. Surprisingly I'm not down about it. Just got it today....again! My friend and I who swap stories about who is more "hormonal", decided that we're only "normal" for half the month and agree how unfair this is to our family and friends. The more I thought about it, I realized that I'm only the "me" that I believe I truly am for only one week out of the month. Who's the other me, you may ask? The other me snaps at my children, rips my snug fitting clothing off the moment I enter the mudroom door. Goes to the supermarket and buys a jar of kosher dill spears and finishes them in two days (despite my low sodium regimen and tendancy for puffiness), and buys herself a big fat dark chocolate square filled with caramel and marshmallow--for the antioxidants, of course! Oh yeah, did I mention the crying that came along with the commercial for the Charlie Brown Christmas special? Folks, this was only yesterday!!!!!!

Oprah made a fatty confession yesterday! Yes, she's fat again, shocking! On the January cover of "O" she so bravely poses in her present state alongside her former svelte 2005 self. Each one of us....man, woman, or Oprah have more than one "me". Oprah says she's "embarrassed" despite being one of the most accomplished and wealthiest women in the world. She never seemed to lack self-confidence before? What's up? Oh yeah, she's human too. Can't me and Oprah shake this monkey off our backs?

"Status: Formerly married, currently involved, always hungry."
-Valerie Bertinelli

Spin

2008-12-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Hope your holiday was good and yummy too. My update today is a wash, I have remained the same weight as I was last week. Amazing, I went to the gym four times this week. This amount of sweat and enthusiasm proved to negate the gluttony of Thanksgiving. This time staying the same was a success.

Although, I have not claimed any new rewards lately, I would like to talk about a special treat. I have overcome a fear of mine....I went to my very first spin class on Sunday. Thank you, Ilona, for schlepping out this way to join and encourage me. Ilona's expertise came in handy with my selecting my spin bike, adjusting my seat height, and distance, teaching me first through third positions (not to be confused with those I knew for twelve years of ballet), telling me to place my towel over the handlebars so as not to become infested with everyone else's grime, and warning me...really warning me that my bottom and inner thighs would hurt...really hurt and gave me a rather descriptive example of what it might feel like...but I won't share that.

Ilona made me promise her that she would get mentioned in the blog in more than just "one measly paragraph"...so there's more. She told me that I don't have to listen to the instructor when she said to turn up the resistance. She told me how to buckle my sneaker into the "thingamajig" and then "wiggle" out of it if I needed to get loose. She also looked at me and with compassion and sensitiviy, pointed at my butt, and shook her head when my form was a bit off. With all this special guidance, I am proud to say that I completed my first spin class without any major mishap and sweated A LOT! Sorry, Ilona, I couldn't post the pictures. It was too technically advanced for this blogger.

Another reliable friend is resting on my foot and licking my ankle as I am writing this. I must have some cheese hiding in my sock or something.

"Why couldn't you have written Molly and Me and made millions?"
-Shani

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

Again, one day late. This time I simply forgot that yesterday was Wednesday. Not until late in the afternoon when Shani called concerned about the absence of the blog, did I realize I didn't weigh in. This, I view as a positive sign, that I am not completely obsessed by the scale. I was simply too busy preparing for the holiday. It was way too late to weigh in during the late afternoon, so I waited til this morning. I lost 1.2 pounds this week and went to the gym only once!

Today, I am thankful for my health, my family, my good fortune, thus far, and my unbelievable relationships-this includes all of you. Thank you for the votes of confidence, the love, the laughter, the mighty shoulders, and the never-ending support, and the phone calls. Ryan says I need to see the phone doctor because I could never get off. Heck, I'm even thankful for this body I've been given that has served me oh so well. I will resume basting my turkey and will spare you all of any self-loathing and useless commentary today. I am truly thankful.

"It's a HOLI D-A-Y, not a HOLI W-E-E-K"
-another ancient Weight Watchers adage

Liar Liar

2008-11-19T12:16:00.000-08:00

I am breaking "the rules" in my fourth month of my little game here. I said I would weigh-in NO MATTER WHAT. Well, it's WHAT, yes, donkeys are flying and hell is freezing over (or at least if feels like it outside). Although, my state of mind is a bit better, it is "my time" again and I could not bear another week of defeat and hopelessness on the scale.

I dragged myself to the gym kicking and screaming (in my head, of course) but I managed to sweat it out today. All my great work this morning was followed by pick, pick, picking on whatever carbs I could find hanging around the kitchen this afternoon. This occurred only after seeing the jewelry making lady this afternoon, who has been a bit chubby too for as long as I've known her....yes, it makes me feel good! Well, this lady just lost 15 pounds and looks awesome. She told me she stays low on the carbs and refined sugars. Why did I just indulge in those carby treats then, just don't know! After I felt completely sickened by what I just did and undid, my smiling, freckly, seven year old rang the doorbell with a "Hi Mom, this is for you" and handed me a paperback copy of "Skinny Bitch". I want to thank my dear friend for driving my boy home and for having him deliver the book to borrow, as promised. Timing, however, is everything! At least, I'm smiling. I will take it with me to my son's appt. and begin to read in the waiting room. I hope I get motivated. I am flailing in the wind here!

"Elizabeth Taylor has more chins than the Chinese telephone directory"
-Joan Rivers

New England

2008-11-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

My update is not the best. I have gained 2.2 pounds this week. I know why.

Back in my college days, during times of heartache and heartbreak I turned to two sources of comfort: food and Barry......Manilow. While everyone else would enjoy moshing to Nirvana or getting stoned to Pearl Jam, I would free fall into the depths of despair under my covers blasting Weekend in New England, only after downing spoonfuls of Cocoa Krispies drenched in Fluff in my walk in pantry. Admittedly, both behaviors were quite embarrassing and I longed for my solitude so that I would not be found out. Ironically, I was never really alone in this. Hundreds of thousands of college women (and men of a certain persuasion) also eased their pain by closet eating and by crying it out to Barry Manilow too...the guiltiest of all pleasures.

Nowadays, I have pretty much broken my dependence on the Copacabana guy and instead I turn to another Barry in my times of need. I'm lucky for that. I have not yet learned why I can not break the other behavior despite knowing much better and knowing how much worse I will feel later on.

"Time in New England took me away, To long rocky beaches and you, by the bay"
-Barry Manilow

Feeling Patriotic

2008-11-06T06:09:00.000-08:00

Hello, and once again I'm a day late in writing this installment, however, I did weigh in yesterday. I'm down another .8lbs. Must be "my number". This, I believe, brings me back to 7.2. This makes me feel less guilty about redeeming my walk to the coffee place with Janet this morning.

On Sunday, me and Melissa had a wonderful time at Woodbury Commons. I made it til 5pm which is really long for me. Many of you know that I am not a good shopper and lose patience and frustrate quickly--kinda like going to the beach for me!

We have a new President Elect which is extremely exciting. My hope, along with millions of others, is that we could put our differences aside and put our focus back into appreciating what is well and good in our country. I feel patriotic and inspired.

"We never repent of having eaten too little."
-Thomas Jefferson

Easy Up, Difficult Down

2008-10-29T05:43:00.001-07:00

Morning everyone, this week I lost .8lbs. Although I have not fully caught up with last week's gain, I feel that I was able to re-group a bit. This has been a challenging week for so many people I know, in many ways.

On a positive note, we celebrated Ryan's 7th birthday on Saturday. Can't believe we have a seven year old! Whoa!

I treadmilled to BL last night. Definitely NOT my favorite season of the show, but I still find it inspirational and entertaining. I will not be claiming any NEW rewards this week but I am scheduled for the big trip up to Woodbury Commons with Melissa on Sunday. Looking forward to walking; she...shopping!

Happy Halloween all and Happy Halloween Birthday to Lori!

"Fall seven times. Stand up eight."
-Japanese Proverb

!&$FU!?@#$#&#%&@&f%&%F!#SH!!!

2008-10-22T06:10:00.000-07:00

Sigh.......I have gained 1.4lbs. this week. Can't say that I didn't expect it. No excuses, but I woke with the female factor today, felt it since Sunday night. Feeling particularly puffy the last few days. I didn't have the typical weight gain last month, so I'm sure the lack of exercise all last week and Gabe birthday pizza contributed.

I went back to the gym Monday and Tuesday and plan on going again tonight. Ughhh! (and I don't mean the cozy boots)!

"No soup for you!"
-Soup Nazi

I can see the light!

2008-10-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

Good evening. One day late on the blog and weigh in. Figured I would wait til this morning's physical since they force me onto the scale each time even though I pray they'll forget. According to their scale, I'm one pound less than last week. Didn't weigh in at home yesterday, as I felt I partook in some "comfort foods" on the day of my LASIK. Was worried about the outcome even though I don't think I went hog wild! I hope you don't consider this one pound on someone else's scale cheating, but, I'm counting it, any bit counts!

LASIK went great. I'm officially seeing 20/20 and feeling better each day. Thanks for all the well wishes. The physical went so..so... Doc was happy with the loss of lbs. and some other stuff. Other things did not improve, so I'm one of many millions of Americans who will be on Lipitor. My sugar has improved a bit...I've been downgraded from Syndrome X to Syndrome W, I guess.

Janet, I will be claiming my back tickling from Hannah (she pimped out her own daughter!) and our walk all the way to Starbucks. Name the day!

Can't believe I'm saying this, but I need to get back to the old exercise routine next week again. It's a slippery slope!

"I've decided that perhaps I'm bulimic and just keep forgetting to purge."
-Paula Poundstone

To Look Good

2008-10-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Happy New Year and have an easy fast if you are trying to. This week was a bit challenging again as I could not get in as many workouts as usual. Aside from the holiday dinners, my eating has been pretty under control this week. I am liking Arnold Sandwich Thins Multigrain variety as an alternative to bread, pita, or bun. I have been told that it is only 1 WW point (thank you Marni). This week, I lost another .4 lbs.

Thank you Janet, for walking with me this week, even though you really didn't want to. Kim G., I wish you a speedy recovery. Melissa, I'm looking forward to our Woodbury Commons outlets date on 11/2. Kim D., I thank you for the fun and relaxing pedicure. You are all very supportive with your kind words and gestures and I want you to know how much it helps.

Finally, on another "me" note: I am scheduled for my Lasik this Monday 10/13. My pre-op appt. went well yesterday. Soon I will really "look good" or, at least, see better. I also have my annual physical next Thursday, 10/16. Last shot at avoiding cholesterol meds. Today I went for my fasting blood work and for the first time, EVER, the phlebotomist found my vein in my arm on the first try and the vein didn't give out! Oh, the things that make us happy!

"It is better to look good than to feel good."
-Billy Crystal as Fernando Llamas

By the Grace of G_d.......

2008-10-01T05:10:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year to all of you! Hope your holiday was great. We are still in the midst of it here and having company again today. Only got to watch the weigh-in portion of BL yesterday and will watch the missed DVRd portion at some point this week.

Somehow, via miracle, I have lost 1.2 pounds this week. Not quite sure how this happened. Thought for sure that the dinner last night ALONE and picking at all the desserts would have done me in. I also exercised far less than my personal quota for this week due to plain old extremely busy schedule. Over the weekend I enjoyed a fun dinner out with friends both Friday and Saturday (but I only had one cocktail on Saturday only). Finally, monthly friend came very early this month so I must've gotten the major bloat out of the way over the weekend.

So, like a rap artist receiving a grammy award, I want to thank G_d for getting me to this point. It must've been the hours spent in synagogue yesterday during this High Holy holiday. I assure you, I prayed.....but not for weight loss. However, thank you for the divine intervention-any little bit helps!

I have now lost a total of six pounds. So, Kim D., you're up for the pedicure. Melissa, you're also up, and now we could schedule our journey to Woodbury Commons outlets. Yipee! Let's schedule.

"I even sent her a Christmas card!"
-me

Hello

2008-09-24T04:07:00.000-07:00

At an old WW meeting, the lecturer talked about climbing and camping. Sometimes our bodies can lose weight in response to what we do and we keep on "climbing" up that hill. At other times, our bodies slow way down and we need to stop and "camp" a little while OR stay the same.
This week I have lost .4 pounds. I must be the best at pitching a tent and tying a slip knot! I'm a camper extraordinaire! I am at a total of 4.8 pounds and was dreaming of getting to that 5 pound goal already. It is still a loss in the right direction and is certainly better than gaining or even staying exactly the same as last week.
I recognize a few places where I may have slipped up with eating and drinking a bit too much. I hate feeling like I can't be "social" with friends and still be on my mark. This has always been a problem for me and once I build my confidence even a little bit, I start to slip up thinking: "I can have this tonight because I will work it off tomorrow at the gym." A .4 weight loss each week would be fine if I had a total of 10 pounds to lose. The reality is 1-2 pounds each week would be a more appropriate goal for myself.
I will keep at it and hope for a better outcome next time. I'm worried about the onset of the holidays next week and the mindless nibbling associated with it. My toes are dying for that pedicure and I'm too stubborn to go get one on my own since I'm only .2 lbs away from my pedicure reward.

"Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels."
-Ancient Weight Watchers proverb

2008-09-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

Hello. I watched the premiere of BL last night and I'm so glad it's back. It was very motivating, once again. Hope you enjoyed it and if not, please give it a second try next week.
My first Wednesday weigh-in was today and I'm still at 4.4 pounds. I keep thinking of the good old tortoise and the hare-take a guess at who I am! Nevertheless, I did my morning cardio routine and ALSO a Yogalates class for an hour that kicked my butt. The show pumped me up. My next "goal" is to try a spin class since I'm extremely intimidated by how it looks. The problem is that the times haven't been good for me and I may have to wait til the kids are off from school to get there earlier.
Lastly, I enjoyed my 4 pound reward dining with Adelle yesterday. I loved my grilled Veggie Egg White Fritatta with side salad, light dressing on the side with Lemon water-Yummy! She had the same minus the egg whites. It was a short get together but fun! Looking forward to number 5, my relaxing pedicure sponsored by Kim D. Nite.

Bicycle Reward

2008-09-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that today I went on my bike ride with Francie which was my reward for losing 3 pounds. We only went for about 35 minutes but it was lots of fun and a little sweaty too. We vowed to go again soon, before the weather gets too gloomy.

Also, some non-weight related news: I will be having LASIK vision correction surgery on October 13th (Colombus Day). I am both excited and nervous about it but am looking forward to it (pun intended). I will need lots of support that week because I will be unable to exercise for one week following the procedure. If you told me I couldn't exercise for a week six months ago, I would've done a jig, but now a one week lapse in physical movement worries me a bit. Again, I will need your support and appreciate it in advance. Have a great weekend everyone.

The Biggest Loser premiere is this coming Tuesday. Don't miss this show!!!

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
-Confucius

Busy times

2008-09-09T04:54:00.001-07:00

Back to September means back to school for those of you who work in one and for your children who attend one. It's a busy and stressful time for many and those of you who know me, know that I'm really affected by this time of year.

I have lost 4.4 lbs and will be claiming my healthy lunch and shopping reward from Adelle. I am excited because Francie and I will be going on our bike riding adventure this Friday, 9/12. I have been to the gym every day except for two in this past month. I noticed a big difference in my energy level (lower) on the two days I didn't go.

Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedules on Thursday to think about and reflect upon 9/11. Each year I try to go back to my old workplace and spend some time with my former co-workers, since that's where I was on that day. Let's call it an early Thanksgiving.

Here's a quote from me:

"Enough of this second grade bullsh_t"

2008-08-27T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hi SSMs. Sorry it's been a little while. Want to send our deepest condolences to our brother in law, Dave, who lost his father to cancer on Friday. Lauren and Dave are in California now with Dave's family.

It has taken some time to lose 3.4 pounds! Haven't missed a day at the gym and the beautiful weather has enabled me to remain very active outside the gym too! Looking forward to my reward: a big bike ride with Francie. Here's a quote of my life:

"If you were my girlfriend, you wouldn't be home alone on a Saturday night."

-David W.

2008-08-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm officially down 2 lbs. I'll be claiming pounds 1 and 2 prizes sponsored by Barry. Looking forward to my pound 3 reward (bike ride with Francie) by the end of this week! I'm off to the gym!

Happy first anniversary to Lauren and Dave!

"Wait a minute, you went to the ER in your bathing suit!"
-Shani

2008-08-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

Happy weekend. Just wanted it stated for the record: I've been to the gym for seven consecutive days!! Yippee for me. Also, I joined an awesome website called Sparkpeople.com. Thanks so much to Kim G. for that one! Will keep you posted if there's news to share.

"Mommy, you're the best, I just like you."
-Ryan, today

2008-08-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Just a few announcements:

First, we will be going with Shawne's Sugar Mamas as our group name.
Shawne's Splenda Mamas is probably more appropriate but it doesn't roll off the tongue quite as easily.

Second, I've lost a total of .8 pounds. See the decimal point before the 8? That's right...less than one pound! I guess it's .8 less bulk than I used to have... if I have to look at the glass half full. Although, I could use glass half full of wine right about now!

Third, thank you Lauren for the great tech support and tough love...booooo!

Please check back to monitor my progress but I will e-mail you when it's time to claim some rewards. I will leave you with a "quote of my life"

"This essay is filler and lard Miss Rosenberg.....F-I-L-L-E-R
A-N-D L-A-R-D!!!!"
-Dr. Cole, Philosophy Professor

2008-08-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

This is Shawne's blog created for her to keep everyone up to date with her weight loss success. Shawne is already fabulous but soon she will be fabulous AND fit.
-submitted by Lauren