March 20 , 2007 -  My Journey continues.  I've pretty much maintained the last couple of weeks, which included a trip to the Oregon Coast last week for four days. My head is in a good place and I've been mindful of my eating, while allowing myself a few 'treats' while away.

I am managing 7-8 hours a night of sleep.  I had one bad night last night but did manage to finally fall asleep.  So, I think my sleep pattern is getting a bit better (making it to bed by about midnight most nights). 

Exercise has been good and bad.  I've done quite a bit of moving things around and organizing here at the house the last couple of days.  In fact, I've gotten so sore it hurt just to lay down. Ouch!  While at the coast Al and I got some walking and shopping in and were on our feet quite a bit.  Al and I are planning to try to walk Multnomah Falls one day a week so that should be a nice change of pace.

I'm still getting my water in most days and feel great about that.  I just feel better all around when I drink lots of water during the day. 

The one area of my Journey that I need to work on is organizing my time better so that I have time to do some of the things I enjoy away from the computer like scrapbooking.  Al and I worked all weekend getting our third bedroom fixed up for just that - my scrapbooking room.  I am going to "schedule in" time to scrapbook and it will be so nice not having to get the stuff all out and then put it away after each session. 

My Weight Watcher program, Dr. Roberta's Enjoying Weight Loss Hypnosis CDs and all my friends on our Message Board help keep me keeping on the Journey. These three things are an integral part of my continued success on Program. 

Thank you everyone for your continued support during my Journey. It means the world to me.  Thank you also for believing in me and letting me know I can do this! 

Always remember, "If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got."

How would I rate my weeks since last update?  Good.  I'm staying positive about
my Journey and keeping hydrated.
How would I rate my confidence level?  My confidence level is good.

I cannot relive yesterday and tomorrow isn't here yet,
so I will just deal with today.

February 5, 2007 - Program is going well and I am hanging in there. I'm coming off an extremely busy month on DWLZ. We've had over 1.1 million visitors to DWLZ in January. I've managed to lose another pound and a half - down 43.5 lbs.   I'm so thrilled to see so many getting started on their healthy, new lifestyle.  The key is to always WANT this healthy lifestyle and to keep on keeping on.

I'm pleased to report I'm just about off all my meds except my Requip for my RSL (restless leg syndrome).  I've been dealing with RSL since I was a teenage and there is nothing worse than your "restless" legs keeping you awake and uncomfortable.  I'm finally off my Ambien completely and have not missed it.  I'm falling sleep okay now too.  I've also been weaning myself off of another med that can cause insomnia and irritability.  I can certainly see the results.  I'm feeling better than I have in a very long time.  My next goal is to try and get myself on a sleeping schedule at night when everyone else sleeps!  For now though, I'm happy to be sleeping without the Ambien.

As I said above, my sleep schedule is still off but it's pretty regular so that's a good thing.  I am trying to get at least 6 hours sleep as I know a lack of regular sleep for 6-7 hours a night can hurt your weight loss efforts.  Plus, we feel better when we are well-rested. I'm working from about 8 pm to 6-8 am and then hitting the sack until around 2 pm.  I've decided to listen to a good friend of mine who said she works when she can and sleeps when she can sleep; no worries.  She is recovering from cancer and is doing very well.  This has worked well for me while in this transition of getting off my meds.

The bad thing about this schedue is I don't know when to eat!  I get up and have my "breakfast" but then I'm at a loss as to when to eat and most times I'm not hungry until it's time to go to sleep.  It's been quite the struggle getting the right foods and meals in.  I've tried to keep my focus on getting lots of water in and keeping under my Point allowance for the day (not much of a problem there!). 

I've been wearing my Merrill Slip-Ons with my inserts while I'm in the house - all the time and it's made quite a difference in my pain level.  I don't go barefoot at all anymore and that's quite an accomplishment for me.  I want to say Thank You to all of you who've sent me emails of concern.  I've loved having everyone's advice in this area.  You just never know when one of the ideas works for you.  THANK YOU!

As for my exercise and activity level I am slowly working on that.  I tried my new Nordic Track Strength machine and loved it.  I've only used it once but I'm hoping to get on some kind of schedule.  This is going to be a challenge for me as I'm a cardio person through and through.  I love my Elliptical and don't mind using the treadmill.  I feel the Elliptical gives you a better workout.  Using weight machines have always been a challenge.  We'll see.  I'll take it One Day at a Time like I do with most things.  Al and I also like to walk a couple miles outside (I prefer it NOT to be raining which is hardly ever happens here in Vancouver, WA) so we've been trying to do that too.  I do 2 miles pretty easily with no pain (of course it helps when we walk a mile, stop at Starbucks, have a coffee and read a bit, then head back for the last mile). 

I have no excuse not to exercise! I tried my new Nordic Track Strength Machine (leaning on it in pic to the left) and liked it. Now I need to use it on a regular basis. I prefer the Elliptical over the Treadmill but will do both.

Below are a few photos of our grandbaby Hunter.  He is getting so big.  He has not been feeling well.  He has RSV and it's not been a picnic for him. Being the trooper he is though a smile is not far away.  Isn't he just the cutest baby?  I know, I'm a bit prejudiced.  :)

Our Precious Grandson, Hunter He is growing up too fast!

Yes, I do know of a good website now that you asked.

Al and I enjoyed the snow we got in January as you can tell by the pic on the left. I snapped this pic of Al and Carole (aka Burtrude on our Message Boards) at a lunch at Sweet Tomatoes. Don't they look happy? And wonderful?

My Journey continues to be one that I must always stay on top of.  There are so many temptations thrown in our face and unless we are "strong" and "focused" on our Program we will give in to them.  My Enjoying Weight Loss Hypnosis CDs with Dr. Roberta Temes are one of my best "tools" on this Journey to help me stay strong and focused on my Program.  They are always available when I need them most.  They are also great to listen to even when I'm doing great on Program.  Who doesn't want to hear positive words?  Who doesn't want to hear, "You can do this!"? 

If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Roberta’s Enjoying Weight Loss Hypnosis CDs you can read our review at http://www.dwlz.com/hypnosisreview.html. They really are an invaluable tool on my Journey which I continue to use often.

The Hypnosis Network has extended it's New Year's resolution special ~ Enjoying Weight Loss is only $97, a savings of $22 off the regular price.

Click Here to order the Enjoying Weight Loss CD's directly from Hypnosis Network and read more about them!

THANK YOU all for your wonderful support. It's always so nice to know we are travelling this road together; that we are never truly alone on this Journey; that there are always helping hands to get us over the hurdle; that a HUG will be waiting when needed and most of all, that we have each other - ALWAYS!  I know I repeat this often but it's so true and I like to always remember that I could never do this Journey alone.  You all are a big key to my continued success and perseverence on Program.

How would I rate my weeks since last update?  Good.  I've gotten in plenty of water
and weined myself off several of my meds. I feel wonderful!
How would I rate my confidence level?  My confidence level continues
to be high. I WANT GOAL and I KNOW I am going all the way, no matter
how long it takes me - that is not important!

I cannot relive yesterday and tomorrow isn't here yet,
so I will just deal with today.

January 7, 2007 - Program is going well.  I am down a pound (42 lbs down) from where I was on Christmas so I'm a happy camper. My mantra is to "Never give up wanting this Journey".  We spent the Christmas Holidays with Als Mom, Betty.  We had a wonderful visit.

Over the Christmas Holidays I fell out of a "routine" on my eating but I stayed pretty close to Program most of the time. I did not get as much water in as I would have liked but I was happy to get the minimum in on most days. My exercise suffered greatly even though I had a treadmill available to me.  What was that all about?  I did get some exercise walking the mall and shopping at the various stores which had those after-Christmas sales going on.  Hey, I was moving so that counts for something!

I have ordered a new NordicTrack E500 Strength System which I hope to start using shortly after it arrives.  I have all the equipment ~ Dr. Roberta's Exercise Track on my "Enjoying Weight Loss" Hypnosis CD's, treadmill, elliptical and now this system ~ so I have no excuses. 

As far as listening to my "Enjoying Weight Loss" Hypnosis CD's by Dr. Roberta Temes , I only did it a couple of times while at Moms and when I did, I managed to stay right on track with my Program. Dr. Roberta Temes really is a big help to me on my Journey.  She always manages to provide me with a positive attitude and the self-confidence to know I can follow my Program and stay on course.

I had my podiatrist appointment on Jan 4th and yes, I do have plantar fascitis.  No fun as many of you know.  I invested in another pair of good shoes; this time running shoes, and also two more sets of the great insoles I bought previously.  My special, supportive slippers should be arriving shortly which I'm going to love as I HATE wearing shoes in the house all day long. I've always been a barefoot kind of lady but I guess that has to end.  So sad.  :(  I was put on an anti-inflammatory and told to take it.  I didn't with the last one I was given; I hate the side effects.  Oh well. 

Along the lines of health, I am slowly coming off my sleep meds and reducing my other meds.  This has helped me tremendously in the sleep area.  Let's hope it continues, saying with fingers crossed.  I am working on a plan to get a more regular schedule going which will include a good sleeping pattern. 

I am so lucky with the tools I have to help me continue to be successful on my Journey.  My wonderful husband Al, all of my wonderful friends on our Message Board, a wonderful Weight Watcher program and my Enjoying Weight Loss Hypnosis CDs with Dr. Roberta Temes are always available when I need that extra support on my Journey.  Believe me, these tools are the key to my continued success and perseverance on Program.

If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Roberta’s Enjoying Weight Loss Hypnosis CDs you can read our review at http://www.dwlz.com/hypnosisreview.html. They really are an invaluable tool on my Journey which I continue to use often.

The Hypnosis Network is offering a New Year's resolution special. Until January 16, 2007, Enjoying Weight Loss is only $97, a savings of $22 off the regular price. We want to support your efforts to make 2007 your best year yet.

Click Here to order the Enjoying Weight Loss CD's directly from Hypnosis Network and read more about them!

THANK YOU all for your wonderful support. It's always so nice to know we are travelling this road together; that we are never truly alone on this Journey; that there are always helping hands to get us over the hurdle; that a HUG will be waiting when needed and most of all, that we have each other - ALWAYS!

How would I rate my weeks since last update?  Better.  Did much better staying OP
and felt good about Program. Feel more in control of things.
How would I rate my confidence level?  My confidence level continues
to be high. I WANT GOAL and I KNOW I am going all the way!

I cannot relive yesterday and tomorrow isn't here yet,
so I will just deal with today.