WEEK THREE - 11/10/03

[Tamara Marble]

8-)Greetings Agents!

Do you realize how well you've been doing? How you're able to understand the craftiness of the enemies out there, and how you have control and power to fight evil?

I can see your senses are up there, that you have your water fully loaded and ready at hand.

That your minds are alert with your mission and goal, observing what is before you and how you are going to control the traps that we all find ourselves pacing to be sure we are the ones with the upper hand.

Look at the wonderful new recipes we've gained from our talented scouts and insight that we have gained from knowing each other.

Though we find ourselves challenged by some things we can't control, we know these walls, our sanctuary holds the truth that we can and will succeed in our mission and our goals.

Yes, weekends we find a trial, but try to focus on other things you can do inspite of it.

If you find yourself needing to have a different focal point then your own home, get out to the bookstores, find a book and relax. Who knows, you might find it enjoyable enough to purchase.

The same goes for the library. If you wish, look into audio books that you can relax with soft lighting in your room after a nice walk. It is amazing what you can find at the library.

Whether or not you finish through the tape, it matters not. For a few hours, you are able to lose yourself in something other then the moment of quiet space.

If you still find yourself with energy, grab yourself a stick of doublemint gum [appetite surpressant] and take even a walk outside. Whatever grabs your fancy.

Some even might be coaxed into candles, soft music, and maybe either a soak or shower? It matters not. Just pamper yourself in something you enjoy doing.

As for me. Monday is a new week...

My goal is:

1. drink more water
2. eat more veggies
3. eat more raw fruit
4. get cardio in
5. read a book
6. think of something positive about myself and repeat it to myself in the mirror 3 times.

Silly small things I know, but it is my way to saying to myself..Hey..don't sweat the small stuff.

Tamara..signing off for now

[Ivana Highbeams]

Good Evening Agents, I have re-engaged the enemy. Why is it that the second the day began I started to crave everything that I really don't need? I did okay today but I had a few crackers that were not on the menu (I love the Carr's Table Water Crackers) but I've been craving foods that I typically don't really even eat! Argh. But at least I got some exercise in for the first time in over 2 weeks and I did manage to not go out and buy any of those evil things (which shall remain unnamed) so hopefully it'll get better tomorrow since I won't be sitting at home thinking about everything I'm not suppose to eat!

Ivana - back on active status and fighting the good fight.

[Tamara Marble]

Ivana -
I hear you there! Glad to see you're recovering too. I slowly am as well. My sons are home for today to make sure they aren't relapsing into that flu bug again.

My husband FINALLY got up to get ready for work. Only reason why he's tired is because he stays up late playing online.

I am finding as I get older, that I can't handle those late hours anymore. Anyone else? *sighs* Puts a crimp in my time with my husband.

I was hoping to go check on a job today, but because the children home, and my husband not riding into work with his mom, I have to wait until tomorrow to check into work.

I've decided if I have to go this route of being forced in a way to wait until evening to have the van, that I'll let them know I can work evenings too. Though I didn't want to.

One way or another I'll get us out of debt. *sighs*
I dread the holidays.

As for the enemy, it seeks to drain my energy even before the day has started. It tries to set upon me like a gloom of depression where I just want to go back to bed and sleep.

I am fighting it though, and not going to allow it to have power over me.

I think some of my enemy is my fears and some of it is my subconscious. Those are the ones you love to hate the most.

I need to get batteries for this cassette player I bought at the Salvation Army for $2

How is everyone else making out for this new week?
Well this morning started off wrong. Of course, lately I am finding there is NEVER a good time to talk to my husband. He's in his own little world. *sighs*

He only wants to listen when he wants to listen. He doesn't want to hear my fears or my dreams unless it doesn't distract him from his own time. *sighs*

Today has to get better I guess. Hope everyone else is doing better.

Tamara signing out. Don't let the enemy catch you unaware.

[Skinny Camper]

Hi Everybody! Skinny Camper here. Sorry it's been
days since I've been on, but I got a cold and it took
me forever to get things done. By the time I finished
what I had to do, I had no energy left to get on the
computer. I'm better now, but still fighting the sore
throat thing. I am also PMS, so that's why I didn't
step on the scale this morning. I gained two pounds
over the weekend and I'm hoping it's from the monthly
thing. Although I did cheat and had Chineese food
for dinner last night. But, I fought off the enemy today
and I'm back on the plan 100%. One of my friends is
also on the plan and we are having an 18 pound race.
The loser has to take the winner out to dinner! It's
fun to have a deal like that while on the program. It
makes you want to stay true to the plan.
You all sound like you are doing a great job. I can tell
that you all are feeling better about yourselves too.
Keep up the good work agents. We can do this.
Got to run and have my morning snack. Stay strong
agents. Just think of how nice we all will look by
Christmas.

Skinny Camper, over and out.

[Sasha Whetmore]

Afternoon Agents!

Had a rough weekend...I succumbed to the enemies...but am 100% today. I lost 6lbs last week bringing me up to 8lbs. WooHoo. I would be so amazed if I could get under 200. Only 32 more lbs to go!!! UGH! And then even more after that. I hate that I caved over the weekend. I stayed on plan yesterday until after the afternoon snack. Geesh. I ate some junk and had a Coke! And now I feel bloated today.

This weekend my husband will be gone on his hunting trip to Canada, so I must be extra strong. I will home much more. The plus side to that is I am throwing out stuff that he will never miss, but if I tried to do it with him around, it would never happen!!!! Can't wait for that!!!! I started my menu today at noon...it will be another late one at work until 3am...then off tomorrow and 3am on Wednesday. That will give me all the hours I need and after my week off I can start coming home from work at the normal 1am.

Sasha...signing out for now...conquer the enemies today agents!

[Tinkerbell]

Hi everyone!

I had planned to start the plan in full force last week when it arrived on Wednesday, but it just didn't work out that way. The more I read in the book, the more I realized that I had a lot more options with food than I thought, and that I was really prepared. I tried to follow the plan for the most part, but I spent the weekend getting groceries and preparing recipes for this week. So I decided that today is really my day 1 of week 1. I weighed and measured & wrote everything down, and so far today I have stuck straight to the plan, and have already drank my water for the day. It's only 1:00! My demons come out at night when my kids are with their dad, and I crave pizza. I think it's more out of boredom than anything. But I have laundry to do and a movie to watch, so tonight I'm determined to make it through the evening without snacking.

I was wondering where everyone is posting their results? I'd love to see how everyone's doing!

Tinkerbell, signing off for now.

[Raven Whetmore]

Agents... Raven reporting in.

I somehow (unbelievable) managed to lose 5 pounds last week, I'm not sure how it happened because I certainly caved to pressure and initimidation... food has a way of staring you down, making you weak.. Okay,that doesn't work for broccoli but a slice of pizza...whew! that's a tough one. I gave in a couple of times to things like pizza and chips and I'm still weaning myself off of soda. BUT I feel pretty good about all of the good things I've been doing for myself like drinking more water, making better food choice and learning to eat realistic food portions! This week I'm determined to add in that last holdout, exercise!

To everyone that has posted so far... CONGRATULATIONS! I can't believe we've gone from pre-week one together - and here we are at Week THREE! Still together ... keep it up! I ordered some cd's today as my first reward and changed my avatar on Provida. Felt good!

My sister is now calling this the pig diet - because I tell her that I'm eating like one - I feel like I'm eating all the time.

Tinkerbell - Tamara has set up a thread for posting our weight loss - From Bond with Love.... to post last week's weightloss, click in Week Two.

Love you all!
Raven .... out

[Tamara Marble]

Raven -
Actually I locked Week Two and opened a thread for Week Three there. *smiles*

Having a rough morning but hanging in there. I called the sleep center and some how they can't find my record? OY.

I am trying to get better and do things around the house when I have the energy. Today is one of those days that I have nervous energy. Why? Because I was upset this morning and snapped at everyone, then I wrote my husband email on my fears and he basically told me he could care less. *sighs*

I swear I feel like the enemy, but with any relationship it works both ways, you know? So, to pass the time I work around the house with the boys home, and hope he will call and talk. He does a couple times then he hangs up.

Basically I know alot of this stems from all of us taking turns at being sick and our financial crunch due to medical bills that have cut into normal bills.

I've never been good at words, and we never make time to talk unless he decides to explode and then writes me email with the word DUCK in it.

Is it too much for me to ask for balance and teamwork in a relationship? I don't want to be both the good and bad guy dealing with the children. I really feel all alone in this.

I wish I could make him enjoy his job better, I wish I could find me a job that could help with bills while the kids were in school. I wish we could be well all the time and that we had time alone with one another.

I am basically emailing him and voice mailing him at work without getting anything back from him. Which makes me feel even more alone. Its as if he gets extreme pleasure hurting me. But if I speak up he gets upset and tries to blame me for everything. I am just telling him we're both at fault and we need to do something to make things better.

I want us to be a good role model for our children. I want us to be happy with each others company away from the games online but with each other.

This week has to get better, but at least I am too upset to comfort eat. I did have a balony sandwich for lunch, with veggie cheese. But I was brave and didn't have any side junk food with it. So I think I did pretty good that way.

Keep me in your prayers.
Tamara signing off for now.

[Tamara Marble]

Hello Angels..er..Agents *smiles*
Doing a bit better. Finally talked to my husband. Hoping to make a bit of quiet time with him watching a movie perhaps this evening. He said that he's doing better now and that he's fighting a sore throat.

This month has definiately been a month for illness and colds. Talk about cabin fever!

I am taking a small break to write and update and to try and call in one of my bills to pay before continuing on upstairs for chores. The rest of the house looks livable finally. I just want to get the orange couch out to the garage and the kitchen table and chairs back inside for eating, homework, and games/puzzles.

Still waiting to hear back from the sleep center. And have been doing good with keeping fluids down. Just need to get in more water.

Hope all of you are doing well. I am so proud of all of you. Keep up the great work!

Tamara signing out for now!

[SkyLaRue]

Hi Everyone.

Sky here...

Talk about a bad weekend. I don't even know where to start. There was so much drama. Everywhere and it is weighing me down still. I can't explain it all, it would take up way too much space. Needless to say I had an ultimate shame on me weekend. I ate, I drank, and now here I am on Monday again. Didn't cook or plan this weekend at all. So today's meal goals will be to keep portions to a minimum and drink water!

Thank you everyone for the encrouaging words from last week. You have no idea how much it helped to hear from all of you. I'm still posting so that says something right?! You are all such great people! Thanks for being there or here I guess.

Miracle of all miracles, I still lost another 2lbs. Not sure if that's crazy or not. Yeah it's crazy.

I'm so proud of all of you for sticking to it and staying on track. I find you all inspiring and amazing. Keep it up! You can do it!

I will try to post a much better message tomorrow. Hoping that sometimes soon I will emerge out of this funk that seems to plague my existence.

Sky - out

[Ivana Highbeams]

Hello Agents,

It seems like we're all having a rather rough week but at least we're sharing the misery instead of secretly hiding and stuffing our faces! (That *is* something to be proud of, yes? It's been another up and down day, I managed to stick to the meal plan but I think I overdid it a bit with the exercise yesterday 'cause I'm so sore today! There's no need to hope tomorrow will be better 'cause I KNOW it will be better for all of us 'cause we're all strong individuals who are even stronger since we're together! ;D

Ivana - stepping off the pep talk platform now

[ImRubyScheetz]

[glow=red,2,300]Agent Ruby Scheetz requesting new mission assignment[/glow]

Wow! You are all doing FANTASTIC! I was out of commission for a while, but I am ready to join forces with you again on Monday. The enemy looks like it is at bay, thanks to you girls..... although it is still lurking in my neck of the woods. I'm planning a secret attack for Friday, when I'll be gathering necessary ammunition at the grocery store, and mentally preparing myself for battle. Come Monday, I will be serving shoulder to shoulder with the [glow=red,2,300]BOND GIRLS[/glow] in the front lines! ;D
Keep up the GREAT WORK girls!
--Agent Ruby Scheetz signing out--

[Raven Whetmore]

Yay! Ruby's back! We missed you!

[SkyLaRue]

Hi Ladies.

I had hoped today would be a better day. Boy was I mistaken. Still hanging in here. Still alive. Still sad.

But I did want to say that I am super proud of all of you! You’re doing so great!

Tamara – Hang in there, in no time you’ll be feeling better and I have faith that things will all get better! For us all

Ivana – I’m going to have to say I’m with you. Lately my days have all kinds of ups and downs. But you’re right at least we’re still here right? I’m back to my exercise routine today. Take it easy, especially when you overdo it, stay consistent but listen to your body when it says rest! Or it will rebel!!

Here’s a little tip for everyone….if you are craving something bad…chew gum…like a minty kind. I was totally cheating and having a diet soda (sodium packed) and someone gave me some gum and after that the soda tasted GROSS!! I know we talked about this before somewhere but I thought I would bring it up again to help anyone that needs it!!

Skinny – Good idea about the race! Go girl go!!

Sasha – Congrats on the lbs gone! I’m so proud of you that you’re still losing even after you were off plan! That gives me hope!

Tinkerbell – I’ve been posting my results here on Mondays. Cuz by the time I log on last weeks weigh is locked. This week I just logged into this weeks and posted my stuff there.

Raven – Believe me I know what you mean about food staring you down and making you weak! Evil demons!!

Ruby – Welcome back!

Everyone else, sorry if I missed you! Congrats to everyone who lost more lbs. That is so awesome! Keep up the good work!!

Still not 100% myself yet but I’m working on it! Hopefully I’ll be feeling better soon!

YOU’RE ALL AWESOME!!

Sky - out

[Sasha Whetmore]

Afternoon Agents!

I have been conquering demons all day long. My daughters fruit loops smelled so yummy this morning. who would have thought? LOL. Welcome back ruby and thanks for the encouragement sky.

Today I am adding an eye steak to my plan...having 2oz for dinner with potato and green beans. I have to take a run to the grocery store after hubby gets home and pick up the proper ammunition. It seems to be getting easier but there are evil enemies around every corner. I am trying to do better with the water. I am having trouble getting past 64oz. But that is better than none...I want to get up to 96oz-100oz every day. I am going to throw chicken in the crock pot tonight with some potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and broth and cook overnight...see how that turns out. I will learn how to cook better if it kills me! What really gets me are recipes with a ton of ingredients...I don't even read those!!!! I did make homemade salsa this weekend and it is pretty good. I cooked it up with some chicken and rice but really didn't care for that combo too much. I found I don't really like salsa on potatoes either!!!! I thought about making up some of the chips on the recipe boards but figure it might just make me go for the real ones.

I am sooo proud of everyone here for doing their best and for being honest with themselves. Keep up the great work everyone.....signing out for now...

Kelly...aka Sasha ;D