Hi everyone
Just a note to widsh you all a happy 4th!

I have an article to share with you all! I think it is very powerful and if only I would memorize it!

NTEREST vs COMMITMENT

Loss Minute By Linda Spangle, RN, MA
Author: 100 Days of Weight Loss
www.WeightLossJoy.com


It sounds great to say 'I really want to lose weight' but making
this happen takes effort. If you tend to routinely fall off your
diet plan, you may want to look at the difference between being
interested and being committed.

When you're 'interested' in losing weight, you say all the right
words, but it doesn't take much to get you off track. A hard
day, another disappointment, and you're back to food being your
best friend.

In contrast, when you're 'committed' to your weight-loss plan, you
stick with it no matter what. You don't blame circumstances or
other people for your slip ups. On days when you get worn down
or don't "feel" like dieting, you stay on the plan anyway.

Here's a summary of the two directions.

If you're "interested" in losing weight...

* You stick with it only until something better comes along
(such as doughnuts)
* How you feel determines your outcome. If you don't 'feel like
it,' you stop your efforts.
* You need to see results. When the scale doesn't move, you lose
your motivation.
* You blame everything else (people, travel, circumstances) for
your struggles with staying on your diet.
* Whenever you face challenges in life, you give up and plan
you'll start your diet again tomorrow.

If you're "committed" to losing weight...

* Nothing stops your efforts. You stick with your diet, "no
matter what."
* Emotions don't control your actions. You stay on track even
when you don't feel like it.
* Your motivation isn't linked to the scale. You assume that if
you stay motivated and work hard, you'll eventually see results.
* You don't depend on other people for your success. You know
it's up to you, not them.
* A bad day or a lot of challenges don't affect your efforts.
You keep going in spite of it.

THIS IS HOW TO GET YOUR GROOVE BACK, TURN THE SWITCH ON, GET YOUR FOCUS BACK!!! awesome!
___________
Have a great holiday!
___________

Good article Sandi. I need to make a copy and read it every morning.
Thanks ........Marie

Good Evening to All,

We are home. YIPPEE !

We left Oliver, BC (I think that might be near where Ellen lives) this morning at 5:30 and somewhere in the mountains we decided that we wanted to come home and skip the weekend in Lynden, Washington, so we reprogrammed the GPS and headed for home. It was almost a 400 mile trip with a beautiful ferry ride near the end. We had to wait in line for two hours but with the motorhome we had our own washroom and were able to create a good lunch of hummus, Wasa crackers, and an apple., I walked for 20 minutes in the passenger cabin on the ferry and then for another twenty minutes at the dog park so the girls could have a run. Then I spent thirty minutes on the stationery bike while watching TV.

Sandi, your son is so blessed to have you to help him with his wedding. It will be fun and you’ll be glad that you worked so much to make it happen. We traveled with our scale and wrote down everything we ate and it made a big difference. I loved what you shared about being committed to weight loss.

Gayla, I’m glad to hear that there were no ill effects from the storm. Your upcoming cruise sounds wonderful except maybe for the part about a political uprising. What good news about Neil’s new medicine. I hope things keep getting better for him. It’s good to hear that you have been able to do some exercise.

Beth, it’s great to hear from you. Keep up the good work. You have such a happy attitude about challenges (like waiting in line for the shower)

Marie, take it easy in the hot weather. It can be dangerous as well as uncomfortable. I hope you’ll be able to get on your bike soon. We’ve all been waiting right along with you for that bike to get a workout.

Elli, can you remind us again about where to find the blog about your house? I want to see the progress. It sounds so great.

Sandy, thank you for the kind words. Jake and I have been committed to this weight loss program. We consider it a matter of life or death. Because we had so much weight to lose, it came off faster than for someone closer to their goal. I think it may slow down soon but I’ll stick with the plan. You may be already gone on your trip. I hope it’s great. I’ll be thinking of you. Packing is hard for me too. We always take too much but then we never have to worry about not having the right stuff with us. I can’t wait to hear more about Daisy Mae and see pictures of her.

Barb, you are such a great friend and a great doggie mom. Jake made popcorn tonight and our doggies went into orbit. We’ll be staying home with our dogs so they don’t great freaked out by the fireworks. Fireworks aren’t allowed in our neighborhood but we can hear them from blocks away.

Chowhound, we were sorry to leave the Kootenays. Jake already looked to see if there was an RV park in Nelson, but the closest one he found was in Castlegar. We really hope we can come back next summer.

Phoebe, glad you’re home safe. Take care of your back

We probably won't do much for Independence Day. I'll wear my USA t shirt and we always fly our flag. We couldn't stay up late enough on Wednesday to watch Canada Day fireworks so I doubt that we'll be able to stay up for fireworks tomorrow. maybe the fireworks from New York or Washington, DC will be on TV early enough for us to watch

hugs to all
Barbie

Hi all,

I see my bride beat me to it tonight. Well we are home and we're glad to be. I gotta tell you though this was the best of all our trips so far and we've been blessed to go on a lot of fantastic ones. I grew up in Northeast Ohio east of Cleveland I've lived and ranched in the Southwest and have spent time in central California as well as spent sixteen years in Eureka, California. I've traveled most of our incredible country including parts of Alaska, I'm used to beautiful countryside and incredible views.but I don't recall anything being so incredibly amazing as what we saw around every corner we traveled in Southern British Columbia. Another thing, everywhere we go Barb and I always seem to meet such amazing people, you Canadians though are just plain good. We love the Olympic Peninsula, but I could live in Canada. So I guess this is for you that live above the 49th parallel. Thanks for a great time and for having such an incredible home for us to visit we'll be back. Happy Canada Day a little late.

Jake

Viva Las Vegas!!! What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. See you next week good friends.!!

Sandy

Its great to have our great motivevators back home What is your goal for this month Barbie? Is Jake having any problems maintaing his goal.? Or is he still losing.

:
Marie

Checking in with the Golden Seniors.
Stayed in Golden BC night before last, less than 6 hrs. from here and a gorgeous trip through the Roger's Pass yesterday.
Barbie & Jake, glad you enjoyed BC, or Beautiful BC as we call it. Yes, we live just up the same valley about 2-3 hours, at the north end of OK Lake, which is about 80miles long. Actually Vernon has 3 lakes.
And we have just arrived home in time to enjoy cherry season. 33 degrees here, will have to check to see what that is in F degrees, somewhere between 90 and 95 I guess. I think 40 is just above 100. And yes, we do have a/c, thank the Lord.
Edmonton was a series of Grand events, that is, events with the GRANDkids, 8 out of the 10. Loads of school and family celebrations including one high school grad. Wonderful to see them all growing and progressing. These are all my husband's family but I get to share them. My 2 are in California. May get to see them again later this month.
Wishing you all a great 4th of July Weekend.
Ellen
ps No place like home, right?
pps Thanks for the article, Sandi, very helpful and thought provoking.

I wanted to get on and wish a Happy 4th to all of my American friends on mfp. Hope you are enjoying your special day.
So glad Jake and Barbie enjoyed their Canadian excursion. BC is very beautiful indeed.
ellen, sounds like a great time in Alberta. We plan to head to Edmonton in a few weeks. Neil loves to go there each summer for a few days. I did my nurses training at the RAH in Edmonton.
Sandy -- enjoy Las Vegas, never been but would like to.
Marie and Phoebe -- Have a good day old friends.
Dinner is ready so better go.

I forget where you are from. I took RN training at the Calgary General [ which is no more, of course].

ellen -- I am a born and raised Saskatchewan girl. After a few years in Alberta we found our way home and have stayed in Saskatchewan since. Very good friends of mine moved to the Koots after they retired and are loving it there. They are much more active than I am and do a lot of hiking and mountain climbing. It is a very good fit for them. Each time I go to BC I am in awe of the mountains but when I come back to the prairies and see this flat land I know in my soul that I am home.
Gayla

Yes, I know what you mean about the prairies, Gayla. I don't have that problem [needing the flat lands] but my husband does. He was from Sask. Now I think it just applies for him in the summer.

Hi Ellen and Gayla. Very interesting to hear you too talk of Canada. A country I know very little about except it is north of us and cold and Gayla has Bilizzards. But a lot of the same resturants amd lots of the same stores As We do. From reading Gayla post thru out the years. But way too cold for me.

Gayla What is your chef name for Zarr's I didn't keep it But I will this time. I am beginning to get around on it some now.

Phoebe, Wondering how you are doing on your Will and Gayla too. I don't think I want one. Sandy seems to love hers.

Hope this fine all the rest of the bunch safe and sound. Love Marie

HI all,
Well it's a little cooler today in Sequim. We went for a great walk this morning and then spent some time in the yard. Barb took the girls to the dog park and I washed the red car then her car when she got back. I'm always amazed at how much gets done when I just show up and do it. It really is good to be home. I'll try to do better with the writing from now on. Be safe all and remember water is your friend.
Jake

I made a start of one of my goals today, the one about finding the local walking trail and actually walking on it. We got up early this morning and after dog walking, breakfast, and showers we drove to one of the parking areas along the trail and took off for a walk that lasted about 50 minutes. It was already pretty warm this morning so I'm glad we went early. The part of the trail we walked starts over the old railroad bridge over the river and goes through farmland. When I put on my walking shoes the dogs thought I was going to take them to the dog park. I did that after lunch when it was very warm so we only stayed for 35 minutes.

For Independence Day we went to a giant barbecue at the home of friends. We fixed and ate our regular midday meal before we went and brought a bottle of water to drink. We just said no to the tons of food and sugary, caffeine filled beverages that were everywhere. We stayed long enough to talk to all of the people that we knew and then came home and took a nap.

I've enjoyed the discussion about where people like to live. My father was in the U.S. Coast Guard so I grew up near the ocean. So for me, I always want to return to the ocean or bay or sound or someplace attached to the ocean. I love lakes and rivers but the coast is the place for me. I like cooler weather and have never been comfortable wearing sleeveless shirts or shorts.

Marie, my father grew up in Texas so we visited his family in Texas when I was a child.

I think we should all have the goal of tracking our food and exercise every day and keeping in touch on this thread.
Hugs to all, and drink more water
Barbie

Hi everyone! We did get some cloud today but no rain and we could really use it. I weeded my raised gardens and thinned the carrots and beets. My son planted them and he doesn't seed thinly. They should be fine now and give us some nice veg by the fall. We will be enjoying garden lettuce this week and my tomatoes have some flowers on them. I gave them all a good drink and I think I heard them say thank you. I asked my physiotherapist if I could start on the Wii Active. She said yes, but carefully. She is confident that I know the rules and I know that I will not do anything to exacerbate this injury. Unfortunately after my latest physio exercise it has really got my knee worked up!!! I iced it a couple of times yesterday and took Tylenol before going to bed. Today it is much quieter. I will get Neil to show me how to use the Wii before he goes to bed and I will try a couple of exercises.

ellen -- I hear you about only missing the praire in the summer!! I have been finding winter very long the last few years.

Marie -- My Zaar name is GaylaV. What is your name there? I used to post my week's menu each week and it really helped with groceries and also helped me stick to a plan. I haven't been posting the menu for a couple of months and I think it is time to get back on track. It was so easy for grocery shopping as it would develop a grocery list for the recipes and then I just added in other things I might need. I do believe we spend less when we shop with a list.

Jake -- good for you making your cars shine. I love driving a clean car.

Barbie -- It sounds like a wonderful trail, you will enjoy that. You two continually amaze me at your ability to avoid food that is not on your plan. I doubt I will ever be that strong.
My maternal grandmother grew up in Iowa and grandfather was born in Canada. My paternal grandfather emigrated from Wales to South America as a young child. My grandmother was born in South America to Welsh parents and then much of the group that came from Wales immigrated to Canada. It must have been quite a jolt climate wise.
I would think that the ocean would have a big draw to someone growing up near it. I love sailing but I always like to think that I could swim to shore if I had to, we shall see how I do on the ocean!

Take care and keep smiling. Gayla

Is it easy to use the website Zaar? I just checked it out but I think it would take me ages to figure out how to plan a weekly menu.
It is so hot here that when 6:00 rolls around, I have no idea what to make for supper and make some fairly bad choices these days. I long for a bit cooler weather. A weekly menu with a list of ingredients would be wonderful.
Hope everyone is having a nice summer.

Gayla, I got your zarr's name in my bookmark now. I went there and look at aome of your recipes. I think I will make the Spnish Rice as soon as I get everything together It really sounds good. I love Mexican food.

Chowhound, How are you my friend, I really been playing that Drop a word, Add a word alot it funny what 2 word can lead too. I got it started on Our Family web site. And they seem to like it alot too.Actually it is Alice and Bruce my kids family but they invited me to join them. There Dad side of the family. He passed away years ago at the age of 38. Now all of his brother and sister
s are gone all 9 of them. Their is only one SIL left beside me. So we are the oldest. their is one cousin that is 80 so he is the oldest of the family now. Him and his wife has always been dear friends of mine.

Barbie, so glad you are back home and posting so we can get imspired by you. Glad you enjoy your trips, Ar you two home for a while?

Sandy, catch up with you next week.

Barb---Did you get the fridge clean out yet. I need to do the same.

Love to all of you

Marie

Elli----August is getting close. Still moving back in?\

Big G I sent a pm to you but no reply yet. I have your home address so will get a note off to you soon.

Phoebe---How is the exercise going?

Jeffrey,What went on for the 4th of July?

Jake good to hear from you. How are you maintaining?

Sandi---- I guess you are foo to the wedding?

Ellen---Glad to have you back home and posting regular now.

We are home for awhile ( except for a weekend east of Seattle in a hotel for the weekend). We are busy cleaning out the motorhome----yes, Barb, that includes the refrigerator. there might be something we want to do later in the summer or early fall bur we have been on the road for two trips that added up to almost seven weeks. We love our home and our friends and are glad to be back.

we eat very simply----grilled or broiled chicken, turkey, or fish, with a steamed or grilled vegetable and a big salad. I buy meat or fish and divide it into 4-6 ounce portions and freeze it individual meal bags. I buy frozen veggies many bags at a time and then we buy fresh fruits and veggies as they run out. Since we eat the same stuff all the time it's easier to keep track of what to buy. Of course, it's just the two of us so that makes it easier than it is for anyone with a family.

chowhound, I remember how hot it was in your part of BC. It is a well kept secret that it isn't always cold in Canada. It was hot here when we got home and then today it got cold and we had a big thunderstorm.

I went back to line dance today and was so glad to see my friends and they were glad to see me. They have learned so many dances while I was gone that my brain got more exercise than my body.

I stopped at the post office and picked up the three weeks of mail. going through it will keep us busy all afternoon.

hugs to all
Barbie

Thanks, Barbie, for sharing about your menu/shopping. Do you get tired of eating the same things or do you get variety by varying the prep? You are sure looking great in your photo.
You may be interested to know it is raining lots here today, but we needed it, very refreshing actually after being so hot. It was still 90 plus at 9pm last night. We went down to the lake just to enjoy the evening and lots of people were still swimming.
Marie, how's the mobility doing? Sounded like you were able to walk more now.
Nice to catch up with everyone.
Ellen

Hi everyone! We have had an overcast today with a little cooler temperature 22C (72F). Again talk of rain this evening but we now have our gorgeous blue sky. We spent most of the day in the city doing errands and shopping for groceries.

Chowhound -- The menu on zaar takes a bit of fiddling to figure it out but it is not terribly hard. They have fixed it a lot over the last year to make it easier. I do like the feature a lot.

Marie -- Just so you are aware with the Spanish Rice, this was something I grew up with and we all loved (I still really like it) but it does not have the spice you might expect so feel free to spice it up!!

Barbie -- Sounds like you had a fun day. Dancing is a great exercise!!

Ellen -- How nice to get out for a swim in the lake.

Hope everyone else is also having a great day. Gayla

Gayla, I would have to spice it up some. I also want to add some fresh lemon juice to my next batch of cole slaw. That sounds like it will really frehing things up. I had just made some for the 4th. and it was good. Jerry and I ate every bite of it. Our brisket was good too along with potatoe salad. and watermelon.

I have 2 appts. today. I had to do a 24 hour urine collections to take to my Kidney doctor and get blood work done. and I go back to my surgeon that did the stents this afternoon. And then back to the kidney doctor next week to see how my kidneys are doing. I think I have an appt. with all of my doctors this month.Eye doctor, foot doctor. my primary doctor.Kidney and heart docter. So a busy month for me.

It happens when you get old. I think we are a good souce of income for them. Oh And I need to make a n appt with my bone doctor. for I have another trigger finger on my left side and also want to check with him about my back.


Every body have a good day.
Marie

I know what you mean about making a good income for the doctors, Marie.. LOL!! you are so right. They had better not hope everyone gets too healthy!!
As far as exercise goes, I am sore all over now, not just in my back.. but it feels good to get moving. We leave late tonight or early in the morning, haven/t decided quite yet.
got some errands to run today, car stuff and groceries and lots - always lots- of things to do at home.
We have great walking trails here, but I haven't explored them all yet. also, I took a drive the other day, discovered they moved our beach to a new location, and it is pretty nice. I'd love to jump in the lake today!!
take care all and have a great week

Hello Phoebe. A quick hello before you get off to work. How is all the cats? Still going to work with you.?
Have a safe trip. Marie:

Ellen, we're fixing our main meal right now. We're having halibut baked with parsley and a sliced zucchini, squash that a friend gave me from her garden in August that I baked and pureed and froze, and a salad with tomatoes, spinach, red pepper, sweet onion, and radishes. We try to stay as close to "clean eating" as we can.

Marie, I saw something in a magazine about hummus with sliced red pepper. Jake tried it and he loved it. Red peppers are crunchy and have very few calories.

Phoebe---have a great trip

Gayla, I hope you're having a great day. It sounds like you're being moderate about your exercise so your body will heal.

Chowhound, I'm thinking of you in your beautiful part of Beautiful British Columbia

hugs to all
Barbie

That halibut sounds good, Barbie. Is it a steak or fillets? Recipe?
Those docs keep you busy, Marie.
Safe journey, Phoebe.
Gayla, we are getting showers too. Very refreshing.
Have a good day all.
Ellen