Free and Fit February - Week 4

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Ooooo, I love the name March Magic too! Rhonda Byrne, creator of the book and movie, The Secret (I really embrassed this way of life by the way) just came out with a new book called The Magic. I am dying to get it. Anyway, I am all over March Magic if that's the name we choose but I also love all of the other names so whatever you guys decide, I'm in!

Only 2 more days to go in Feb counting today. LEAP year and we sure are LEAPING ahead together in droves, aren't we Fabbers!

Have a super day!

[Lavande]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Good morning Fit Ones!

Loving the sun & mild temps
Chilly rain on the way for the next few days, oh well.

Shelley, your skiing adventure was quite an adventure......good for you & glad you are OK

Sooty, glad to see you. I thought maybe you had walked too close to a cliff :H

Dill, I think wanting to numb pain, be it physical or emotional is a normal response.
What I had to do (what we all have to do) is teach ourselves not to use a substance for relief but use our own minds. Learning a bit about meditation, focused mindful breathing has saved my sorry ass for the past three years! Of course smudging out the negativity left here by certain individuals has helped as well
I understand about the powerful strings our kids hold! Hang in there sister :l

Cyn, my daughter's SIL, Michelle just bought that store last year. The previous owner apparently left some major problems behind but it looks like she's going to do OK. Michelle is also a photographer so she has poster sized pictures of all the kids in the family hanging in the windows (including Lily). They all look like models :H

Greetings to Blondie, Rusty, rustop, the vacationing Star & everyone.
Have a great AF Tuesday!

Lav

[ladybirdheart]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Good Morning. I am finally seeing familiar things on my computer screen and thank each and every one of you for your words of encouragement. I don?t know if I welcomed you FlyAway but I am really glad you are here and that you are back Blondie, it is so hard getting out of this alcohol business alone. Not to dwell on my computer other than to say going back to the box on a busy five year old computer is difficult?the first day alone I had 196 updates. It is a creepy feeling to be so dependent on something that I don?t remotely understand at the level of mind or heart, my degree of panic actually reminds me of when I was a young child and completely dependent upon a person who was mentally ill and an alcoholic. I can tell a lot about how I am doing in my more spiritual efforts by how I overreact when things go wrong and Sunday I was also in the emergency clinic with my tiny dog who had swallowed a bone that I, distracted, did not notice she had held on to, and it seems I completely shift between the past and future, guilt and fear, the sweet present and all brains be gone. Now the dear dog survived albeit at a financial spanking for the bad mommy of 1500, the computer virus did not cause my bank accounts to appear on a cheap movie theater screen in India, and I am not going to get rid of everything including my house, husband, and pets and ?go back to the land?. But the point is I do need more stability when things get upended, I was really close to drinking again, I am still close, it is what I do when I panic. My dear Dill, you and I drank every night when we came here no matter what was happening. As you know I drank after my dog died last year and my heart goes out to you in this time of deep loss. It takes some time to build other skills and we already have done so in that we don?t go back and stay there. We know that when we have an intolerable emotion we can increasingly move away from it, no longer just ?below? it with alcohol but above it with spirit. It just doesn?t work every time yet for us but there are folks here for whom it does and it certainly works better for us than it did when we started. I adore you as you know. Again thank you all so much for still being in your corners of the world, working through what ails, pleases, or enchants you. I shall think of you in my garden today, Dew, there are tiny violets somehow sheltered below a fierce wind. I have also seen those same clouds chasing a train Cyn, I loved your description and shall always think of you. Love, Ladybird.

[Lavande]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Hey Friends,
Just wanted to share a little something with you. This is a small $$ purchase but could help any of us to develop the new skills we need for a happier life

Hypnsois for Happiness MP3 Download | Giovanni Lordi

I will be getting this for myself - how about you??

[papmom3]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

I might think about this Lav when I get my new IPOD touch (which hopefully is tomorrow nite if my friend remembers to bring it with her AND we don't get cancelled due to snow-yep a whopping 6-8 inches predicted!!). It looks very interesting and I suppose not too pricey comparitively speaking.

LBH and Dill-absolutely you and few others here have definitely come a long ways babies in terms of your decreasing use of AL when faced with situations that result in fear, depression or sadness. You should be commended for that. At the same time my wish for you all is to be able to finally and at last NOT turn to AL to deal with things. I know you will get there. It really is magical, I promise!!

Sneaking in during work again!! Thanks Cyn for the explanation about Hubby. Sounds devine!! A conductor! very cool! Safe travels.

Sooty-so glad you are back!!

Hey Fly, Rusty, Rustop. Chill-how are you hon? Miss you!

I have committed to eating better and exercising, finally. I joined myfitnesspal.com at lav's suggestion and love it!! A much cleaner interface than Sparkpeople so it is easier to use. One of the things I learned on this site so far is that Applecider Vinegar (with the Mother) and organic extra virgin coconut oil (thanks also to Blonde and Det) can be tools in weight loss so I did purchase both at Wegman's last nite.
I put 1 tsp of vinegar in a glass of water this morning and actually was able to drink it. Probably being totally congested helped . I also ate 1 tbsp of coconut oil (didn't know you were supposed to liquefy it first LOL!!) and will take 1 more tbsp tonite. I really haven't been as hungry today. Hmmm. My friend and I took a 1/2 mile walk at lunch so that earned me 53 extra calories. I will still go over my limit today but not by much and I'm hoping the EVCO will make my cravings for cookies before bed go away. I'm going to have it in a cup of tea.

probably should get off now and do some more work!!

[Lavande]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Glad you're liking myfitnesspal.com papmom
It is easy to use & I'm not totally bored with it yet :H
Are you using apple cider vinegar for a diuretic effect? Just wondering beacuse that really is more of an old wives tale than anything I think. Good old fashioned cutting calories & increasing exercise works

No snow predicted down this way ~ just rain & I'm OK with that!

Have a good night one & all!

[papmom3]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

The apple cider vinegar is suppose to be an overall good thing to drink and at 1 teaspoon in water twice a day it can't hurt. Most of what I've read says it can make heartburn disappear and if that's true I'm on board!! We'll see!

Quilting class tonite. After 3 weeks I have 1/4 of a tote bag done. I won't win any speed awards that's for sure but I love it anyway.

see you all tomorrow!

[FlyAway]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

So very tired. That damn Sleep Fairy better make a stop at my house tonight. Good night everyone. :h

[sdlovespackers]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Hey All!!

Quick check in...back at my house just in time for the big blizzard!! No school tomorrow--we are suppose to get 12-16 inches of snow and lots of high winds!!

Dill--I'm so sorry to hear about your dogs...what a hard week you've had. I hope things get better soon.:l:l

Pap3--You go girl!! Turn that resume in...I have a good feeling about it...maybe there will be 3 new job changes on this thread in the month of March!!!:yay:

Lav--just have to say--I just LOVE Lily's blue eyes!!! Wow!!! Gorgeous!!!

Sped--Awesome ski story!!

Rusty--Test right around the corner right?? Fingers and toes are crossed for ya! (even tho I know you won't need it!) Are you going to get any of this weather??

Ok...like I said, it was going to be quick...gotta go tuck my son in!! Talk to you al tomorrow on my DAY OFF!!!
SD

[Stargazerlily]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Good morning to all...

It is Leap Day? Anyway, Feb 29, so let's make it special. I had a pretty good trip to Florida, the weather of course was warm and wonderful, lots of drama making it to the airport, snow, ice, fog, rain, sleet, you name it, it took twice as long. Ate too much, walked alot, swam, and just relaxed. It was so warm and wonderful, I am having a hard time with the winter weather now. I have ached since I arrived home, actually shaking last night, so went to sleep. I am very happy I had the opportunity to go, I am blessed and grateful for the break. Back to work and real life today.

Papmom, good for you applying for the job. I looked for two years off and on, it just takes the right time and the right job, you are right, if you don't try, nothing will happen. As far as weight goes, Lav is right, bottom line is calories and exercise. However, having said that, I am again juice fasting for 48 hours after my gluttonous five days in Florida. I find that staying away from sugar and bad whites (bread, pasta, etc.) eliminates my cravings for them. I swelled up on my trip, so know that I have food allergies of some type. I wonder if you do too? I have heard of apple cider vinegar added to water, let us know how it goes. With spring coming, it is a great time to start walking.

Dill, wow, both dogs in one week? I am so sorry for your loss. Yes, your daughter in law sounds like a drama person, hopefully there will be a friend of the court or something to minimize her game playing. You are wonderful for coming right back here and never giving up. I have done the same so many times, but feel progress as I keep up the fight. I cannot imagine going back to almost daily drinking, I would die, physically and emotionally. But it is scary, the hold it has on a person,and after a brief lapse, the fear of drinking again. I know that you can get through all this with MWO and the skills you have learned. Hope you can go somewhere on spring break.

Dew, if you weren't so darn good at what you do, there would be no calls. I feel that the stress of that job is not good for you, I hope you can retire and get into something else. The time you have had to recuperate has been so positive.

SD, have fun in Florida, it was so warm and relaxing. Just what you and your son will love. My Dad was a crab, he really irritated me but since I did not stay with him, I was able to minimize the emotional abuse. Make sure to protect yourself as much as possible.

Rusty, good luck on your upcoming test, I know you will do well, you have surely put in the hours. As far as the four pounds, at our age it could just be hormonal, right?

Rustop, lovely meal and so good to wake up the next day feeling 100%.

Welcome to Fly and Blonde, it is great to have new people sharing this journey.

Fly, speaking of a reiki practioner, I agree you have to be very careful with people in that field and this is why. They are unregulated and unlicensed by the state. Taking a course is all they have to do, and if they are messed up or incompetent you get ripped off. I guess I am a little cynical as I work in the same block with supposed intuitive readers, reiki practioners, spiritual guides, etc. I have found them to be phony, yes, and I feel angry about it. I do believe there are people who truly have gifts, but how you find them, I do not know. So, beware. If it does not feel right, it is not right.

Chill, I am happy to see you are back on, taking it ODAT. I do not know what to say to you except we are all here for you as much as we can be. It is always darkest before the dawn, that is for sure. I encourage you in your reiki learning process as I know you are one of the honest seekers. You are true to yourself and are so helpful to all of us, I appreciate you and send you loving energy.

Whoever gets up earliest tomorrow gets to decide the March name, right? To all, have a great day and hello to Lav, Cyn, SD, Sooty, Raven, and everyone.

[dill]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Just a quick pop-in to say hello and wish everyone an af Leap Day. It's hard getting back on track, as you all know, but I'm hanging in there and I hope you all are too!:h

[Lavande]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Good morning everyone on this Leap Day

Dark & damp here this morning but it's only rain.
Geez SD, sorry to hear about your snow.....too much!

FlyAway, hope you got some sleep!

Star, glad to see you back! Hard getting back into the old routine & back to work after vacation.
I sure could use a change of scenery for a few days but don't see that happening anytime soon

Dill, we're here for you sister - just keep trying:l

OK, time to get my mid-week sluggish self to Curves. Wishing everyone a very happy AF humpday!

Lav

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Happy Leap Day Fit and Fab Febbers! Well, this is it! Last day of the Month till we're on to the March thread. Glad I decided to jump in at month's end and continue the journey with you all. This time last week I came back to MWO and boy and I ever so happy that I did. Now, 8 days later I have sobriety going for me again and the sunny outlook I once had the last time I quit drinking for a few days. I have created some new short term goals for myself (thanks Nelz for the idea on that) and will make it easier for me to track my sober days.

LBH, you are lovely and a have a wonderful way with words. Sorry to hear about your wee doggie and the bone incident and the COST...wow. Glad doggie fared OK and also that your computer seems to be up and running. Bless you for not caving in over the stressful week and sharing with us your successes!

Dill, keep your chin up. Yes, I know about how hard it is to get back on track...since I came here in January of 2011, this is my 4th attempt at getting sober. Each time I fall off, it seems harder to make it a daily habit NOT to drink. But here I go again and it's worth the effort to do it, isn't it? Glad you are back on track! We can do it!

PapMom, finally some snow in the forecast, eh? Hope you don't get it too bad out here. We usually don't do too badly here in Glosta. Was sorta dreaming we would get through this "wintah" unscathed but we're supposed to get something starting tonight. Hubs teaches at NS Community College tonight and I'm hoping they will cut classes due to the weather as I don't want him on the roads. Stay safe and warm. Hey, have you done any nautical themed quilts???

Well, I guess since this is the last day of the fitness thread, I'll chime in on the ACV and Coconut Oil debate as well as what diet really works for me and maybe it will help others who are having trouble with the sugar blues and loosing a few pounds...

PapMom, Vinegar & Coconut Oil: You are wise to start drinking the Apple Cider Vinegar. Did you get the Braggs (you probably did cause that's the only one with the "mother" strain in it). Don't you just love to say that? "It has THE MOTHER"...lol. Shake it up real good so THE MOTHER gets mixed in, K? Then, like you said, mix in some water and drink up. If you really love vinegar like Blondie does, drink a few swigs straight from the bottle like, well, you guys know. It is hardcore that way but gets right into your stomach (the vinegar!). Vinegar does a slew of great things for you...although you may think it is acidic, it is actually alkaline, and since it is, it has an alkalizing affect on your body. Disease does not live in an alklaline environment, so everyone, get on Pap's bandwagon and drink your vinegar. In addition to that wonderful aspect of vinegar (and yes, you have to drink the brown cloudy stuff, not the clear stuff), it will cleanse your insides, relieve headaches, help draw out nutrients in other foods, kill parasites, kill infections, help fill you up, help flush out fat. On the outside, it can kill nail fungus if applied every day to the inside and top of the nail, can be used as a skin and facial tonic to bring your skin to the right level of PH (smell dissapates in a few minutes so you won't go around smelling of pickles), and works wonders for your hair. For an instant clarifying shampoo, simply mix a spoonful of vinegar with your regular shampoo and use as normal. For a shine rinse, mix half cup of vinegar with half cup of warm water and pour over your hair as a final rinse after you use shampoo and conditioner. Remember to shut eyes or they will sting...take it from BlondeAF! Ok, that's my rant on ACV. Everyone run, don't walk, to your nearest, locally owned and operated health food store and GET SOME.

COCONUT OIL: This is seriously magic stuff. I have been doing lots of research on this as a weight loss aid and in addition to giving up the wine and eating low carb plus lots of exercise at the gym each night, I have added 2 TBSP of coconut oil to my diet everyday and I think it is helping to shed some lbs as I am at my lowest weight in 5 years and it is also PMS week, so I am stratching my head but hugging myself at the same time. Although many steer away from CO becuase it is high in saturated fat, it is actually a good fat because by the time it reaches your intestines, the type of chain of fatty acid that it is is very short, so it is used up quickly. We can get into techical details of MCT's on this but the fact remains that A: It is freakin' yummy (if you like the tast of coconut. Me, like it? Schmear it all over me please...it smells like a vacation at the beach and tastes just as delightful), B: It will make your skin glow, especially if you have dry winter skin right now. C: It may help shed pounds if you substitute it for the other fats (like don't cook with butter or other oil, saute with coconut oil or spread coconut oil on toast for example). I spread it on low carb snack bars as a yummy, satisfying topping when I use the bars as a meal replacement (usually lunch or a snack). D: You can use it directly on your skin or melt it and use it has a hot oil hair treatment. E: Did I mention that it is freakin' yummy? There is another coconut product on the market that is Coconut flesh in a jar...it's solid and has both the oil and the flesh in the jar. Most of the bottle is the flesh but there is pure oil which settles on the top. I keep a jar around and have a chunk/spoonful of that everyday also, in addition to the pure extra virgin Coconut Oil. It's like an unsweetened macaroon but does have some natural sweetness to it. One that I am using right now is called CoconutManna. High fiber and low carb too! So, good for you PapMom and I know Det is already on the Coconut bandwagon and obviously so am I. The other important thing that has worked for me in maintaining my weight and helping stave off AL cravings is a low carb diet...no bread, no pasta, no crackers, cookies or any wheat products basically. No rice, very little fruit or starchy vegetables. Mostly green veggies (lots of them), good fats (CO, flaxseed oil, fish oil, olive oil), eggs, lean meats and fish, nuts, ground flax seed. Many of us can't tolerate wheat (Star, do you think you are allergic after eating breads etc. on your vacation?) and I notice when I do eat it, I feel yucky and bloated, so I just remove it from my diet. I know my diet may sound strict but I have never felt better, and it allows me to eat as much as I want of any of the foods I listed. I agree with Lav, cutting down and exercising is key, but if you are still eating lots of carbs, it will be harder to loose weight than choosing lean proteins, smart carbs and veggies. Oh and girlscout cookies, a big NO NO! Sorry! Have a big spoonful of coconut oil instead!

[FlyAway]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Blonde I am with you with the coconut oil. I mentioned somewhere how healthy I have been since using it while everyone around me has had the flu, pneumonia, and stomach viruses. Any time I feel a tickle in my throat I'll add some coconut oil to a cup of tea and drink it down. The next day I feel perfectly healthy. A friend also sent me this link to a video about a woman whose husband has Alzheimer's disease and how coconut oil has improved his neurological testing and his general disposition. Coconut Oil Touted as Alzheimer's Remedy - CBN TV - Video It truly is amazing stuff and something that I will use in my diet for the rest of my life.

Lav yes, the Sleep Fairy managed to stop by my house last night. :H

Stargazer, thanks for the info about Reiki practitioners. From the link Lav posted yesterday about self-hypnosis I managed to find a woman near me who is a licensed counselor. She is also a certified hypnotist, Reiki practitioner, EFT therapist, Theta healer (not sure what that is), and does Biofeedback. I was thinking about having a consultation with her.

Got a great workout in today and now I have to get ready for work. Stay strong and happy and AF today! :h

[rustop59]

Free and Fit February - Week 4

Hi everyone

Just a quick check in. My daughter is at home writing essays and is hogging the office so I cannot get near the computer.

Dill - so, so sorry about your doggies. Hang in there and stick close to the boards.

Star - glad you had a nice few days in Florida.

Cyn - bon voyage, enjoy your travels.

Lots of interesting stuff, need to catch up tomorrow. Happy hump day everyone.

Rustop