Annie I'm glad you had a good week-end. It's good to be alive & having such lovely husbands makes it even better! Catching up with you & Lauren later in the year sounds like a fun thing to do. Perhaps a shopping trip together maybe.
What a day! I'm exhausted! Alex & I shopped until we dropped. I've just put him to bed after deciding he could stay the night. He always jumps at the chance, which is delightful. He is such a sweety. He cuddles up on my lap & wants a back scratch. I had 2 dogs & Alex all curled up on & around me tonight on my recliner.
I scored a size 14 wool/cashmere, fully lined, mid-calf black coat for $5 in an op shop today so I'm not going to worry about trying to have my old coat adjusted. I'll get it dry-cleaned to spruce it up & it's in really good nick. It's the same quality as my old, size 22 one which cost me $200 & was thigh-length only. I couldn't believe my luck. I think I might get used to this op-shopping. I'm ok if the shop doesn't smell old & musty.
I bought thermal undies from Mountain Design, a great back-pack which will be useful for travel & for going bush-walking with the "Wacky Walkers" & a water bladder that fits into it. I also bought a Ray Charles CD, A "War sucks" badge, shoes for Alex, tried on some long, black Colorado boots which were a little bit small & they are going to order me some in (nice), dark chocolate for my husband, Alex's birthday present (it's in July), groceries......and left a bag behind in a shop.
When I got home my husband was on the phone as the shop owner had rung to ask me if I left a silk bag behind. I didn't even know that I had. Luckily I had joined a club to get discounts with them & they had my phone number (but didn't get my mobile #). From the contents they had worked out it was probably mine. Otherwise I would have been ringing almost every shop in Dev't trying to find where I had left it (when I realised I was missing it!) Phew!
Then I had to try to think how the heck I was going to get the bag in the next couple of days without making an 80 km trip. A neighbour rang about an hour ago to ask if I want free-range eggs off her this week. I remembered she often goes to Dev't as she has a daughter that lives there so I asked her if she was going in the next couple of days. Wouldn't you know she is going there first thing in the morning & will pick the bag up for me. If I was a religious person I would say I am blessed.
I called in at work this morning & it was so good. I was given a birthday present & card from my team which they must have written on about the time of my birthday. The reception I got was just lovely- lots of hugs & kisses & what seemed to be genuine feelings of regret that I was leaving. I exchanged phone numbers with the ones I really wanted to keep in touch with & didn't feel over-whelmed or uncomfortable. The boss of the company was there as well & she came up to me & said she hardly recognised me & said some lovely things. I have always got on very well with her. A lot of the staff seem frightened of her but I never have been. I think we are all equal. My immediate boss was also very nice & gave me a big hug & a kiss. I came away knowing I had done the right thing by everyone including myself. It was good to leave on such a positive note.
This morning I weighed myself [b]AGAIN[b] to get my 4 week weight & I was-
76kgs Hoo bloody ray!! I'm not weighing again until next week.
I'll up-date my ticker tomorrow I think as I don't know if my tired old brain would manage it tonight.
My present from work was lovely. I got a clock on a wrought iron stand, that has an antique French look about it. There is a very smart looking woman sitting down drinking a Martini. I really do like it. I also got a nice woollen scarf. I gathered that there was another present coming soon as well. My team are having a night out at the end of the month & want me to go along so I will. They are all really nice people & I will miss them. I won't miss the job, just them.
I bumped into an old friend today who used to work with my husband in Melbourne. I got them both their jobs there as I used to work in an employment agency. We arranged to go out together (with our respective spouses) in a couple of months after I finish re-feed. His wife is lovely.
Good night from me for today folks, xo Cate.

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Lost 36kgs 2007(Cohen's),now maintaining.
"Nothing tastes as good as slim feels".Mmm?No!Not even French Champagne!!

Cate, it sounds like you had a great day, (we won't go into Annie's weekend ) and you have obviously made the right choice about work. Kick back and relax, take the time to care for #1 and everything tends to fall into place.

AND it sounds like a date folks, spring shopping for some lovely summer clothes .

Lauren

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Started Sept 4th 2006 Completed refeed May 2nd 2007

Great! You can head me in the right direction shopping-wise. Mind you I don't want to dress too young for my age (hate that) but I have never been to any of the DFO's & don't know if they are worth all the trudging around(assuming that you have to shop all day). I will be led by you two, Lauren & Annie! I will need bathers before summer. That is scary! A simple black one-piece I think. I HATE my legs. Perhaps the old head to toe might come back into fashion before summer (only kidding!)
I am pleased to report that my new look is starting to happen. The black boots, hopefully will complete the look. Smart black pants; black polo (or striped red/black/white polo); red, fitted jumper; long black wool/cashmere coat & black boots. I think the boots will be under the pants but may wear a dress or skirt occasionally (with warm tights) It's sort of the Emma Peel look. (once again only kidding!) I like the idea of simple but smart plain well-fitting clothes. I love the way French women of all ages can look so smart.
Meanwhile I'm getting around the house today in a bright pink humungous-sized polo jumper, with a black trim; black trackie dackies, Explorer socks & my ex-brother-in-laws blue slippers. Not a great look. It's an at-home day & it's absolutely freezing. I so much feel the cold these days. My eldest son came to pick up A & he was in a t-shirt. Brrrr. He just doesn't feel the cold at all, just like my husband. I wish!!
I thought I would pass on my measurements for anyone who is interested so will put them in a separate post so you can ignore easily if you wish. I had better get some wood in soon as my hubby did that yesterday as I was really exhausted from our shopping trip. He also cooked my dinner for me. That was after spending 8 hours at work. I don't want him trading me in on a new model!
Cheers for now, I might come back tonight briefly, (if that's at all possible for me) Cate

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Lost 36kgs 2007(Cohen's),now maintaining.
"Nothing tastes as good as slim feels".Mmm?No!Not even French Champagne!!

Started Cohen's 22/01/07. Weight 105kg.
Cohen's goal weight range 66-69kg. (36kg minimum! )
Measurements- these measurements are top of arm x2(A's), bust(B), waist(W), hips(H)(looking in mirror & choosing biggest spot), top of each thigh x2(T's) (with a freckle as my marker.) All in centimetres.
22/01/07 A's 80(40x2), B 117, W 115, H 133, T's 152(76x2) Total 597.
1st wk lost 18cm (6cm from Bust- )
2nd wk lost 13cm
3rd wk lost 8cm
4th wk lost 6cm(total cm lost 45)Weight 95kg(loss of 10kg )
A 76(38x2), B 107, W 106, H 125,T's 138(69x2)
5th wk lost 5cm
6th wk lost 3cm
7th wk lost 5cm
8th wk lost 8cm (-21cm, -66cm total).Weight 91kg(-4kg,-14kg total)
A's 72 (36x2), B 105, W 102, H 120, T's 132(66x2).
9th wk lost 3cm
10th wk lost 2cm
11th wk lost 4cm
12th wk lost 3cm (-12, -78 total) Weight 86(-5,-19 total)
A 72 (36x2), B 104, W 100, H 117, T's 126 (63x2).
13th wk lost 2cm
14th wk lost 13 cm!! Lots from W & T's!
15th wk lost 2cm
16th wk lost 1cm only(-18, total-96) but weight 81kg (-5, total -24!)
A 70 (35x2), B 101, W 96, H 114, T's 120(60 x2)
17th wk lost 3cm
18th wk lost 5cm
19th wk lost 3cm
20th wk lost 2cm (-13, total -109) Weight 76!(-5 again, total -29! )
A's 67.5 (33.75x2),B 101, W 94.5, H 110, T's 116(58x2)
I have probably made some mistakes along the way with my arithmetic & I won't have any more .5 measurements as that's ridiculous.I actually added .5 to my arm measurements just to even it out.
I have always been much bigger in the hips & legs, even when a fit, active teenager. I think when I first started out measuring I used to pull the tape measure really tight as it was too horrendous & now I loosen it up because it doesn't matter as much.
From now on I will give a weekly measurement & weight. I know I shouldn't weigh weekly but will anyway. I'm far from perfect & am getting just a little impatient! If anyone spots any mistakes please let me know & I'll correct them. Cheers Cate.

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Lost 36kgs 2007(Cohen's),now maintaining.
"Nothing tastes as good as slim feels".Mmm?No!Not even French Champagne!!

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Started 21/5/07 Goal 1: 99.9kg
Goal 2:79.9kg Goal 3:72kg G4:62kg

Hi Cate,
just logged on to read other fellow Cohen's people and Im glad I did as I am in need of motivation at the moment.
Lost 7kgs so far but my husband and I love to socialise and this past long weekend I ate and drank a few things not permitted and the yuckky thing is I need to go for my second blood test this Friday...Help!!!!
Oh well today is a new day. I find I need a real sugar fix in the afternoon.
How are you going?
C u Brendac

Kath- You're welcome. You made me laugh! Exciting! I thought putting my measurements like that would bore the pants off everyone! I think it's easier if you break it up into little bits. I found it quite daunting at the start because of the amount I had to lose but mentally celebrated each milestone. Just being able to see myself shrinking or feeling clothes getting baggier & baggier helps along the way. Really try not to weigh too often but make sure you measure every week because that's where you see the difference, especially at the start.
Brendac- I think it's harder to find motivation if you deviate. I have read hundreds of posts & see that as a common reason for falling off the program or having lots of cravings. I made a decision from the start that I would not intentionally deviate. I really have not had cravings since the first few weeks. I read somewhere in the forum that the Blackmores Weight-loss support, Sugar Balance tablets can "help reduce cravings for sweet foods that may develop due to dieting or low blood sugar." (I'm quoting from the bottle) I bought some just in case but haven't needed them so far. I bought them at Woolworths but can't remember how much they were. Might be worth a try. I usually have an orange mid afternoon.
It was so cold this morning & the frost was thick. I had my hubby to cuddle up to though as he didn't have to start work until 10am.
I took my mother-in-law shopping & stocked up on delicious looking vegies. I might have to change my personal menu as I tend to eat the same thing every day at the moment. 1 egg omelette for breakfast, chicken soup for lunch & minced steak with onion, mushroom, cabbage, curry powder, ginger, cumin powder, ground coriander, salt, pepper & a dash of balsamic. I love it! I am finding that this combination of food works for me appetite wise and I also don't feel much like experimenting with my food. Hopefully re-feed won't be too far away & I will have to change then anyway.
Everywhere I go now I have people come up to me in the street commenting on how I look. Today someone asked me to go into a shop & introduce myself as the woman in the shop is considering going on the program. I'll do it next time I go into town I think. It will take a while & I had my hands full today (with my MIL).
I think I had better go & get some wood in now & maybe come back later as I think it's going to be even colder tonight. I'm glad it doesn't get as cold here as it does in the US. My sister used to live in Baltimore & one year I was there in Feb. I think & OMG was I cold. The wind could have frozen your face. The ground was so sludgy & slippery you could barely walk on the footpath (sidewalk). I hope my body adjusts to the cold. I have bought thermals so they should help.
I haven't told my hubby about buying my back pack yet. I have this funny little habit of putting things away & then bringing them out when I think the time is right. I did pay for it from my work money but I still have this funny thing about spending when I am no longer earning. I hope I get used to that as well. I am going to learn how to sell on ebay soon. My sister, Jen, used to use it all the time. She was addicted to it I think. I have bought 2 things on ebay just for fun & to get an idea about it.
A lovely girl from work (ex-work) sells a lot & she has given me her email address so that I can ask her questions about it. She also gave me some tips the other day when I called in. I will make sure that I keep in touch with some of the women I worked with because there are some that I really like.
My back is really killing me at the moment so I will go now & make that appointment!!
Cheers, Cate

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Lost 36kgs 2007(Cohen's),now maintaining.
"Nothing tastes as good as slim feels".Mmm?No!Not even French Champagne!!

Cate,
You are doing so great! You are so close and truly deserve all of the good that comes your way. Nice to see how well everything is going now.
much love

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Lori (start date April 23, 2007)

Lori Thank you. You are doing well yourself!
I feel a little miserable this evening & have been a bit anxious during the day. I wished I hadn't bought that back-pack as it's just not right. My husband hates shopping & often bags women who are compulsive shoppers. (It's not directed at me) I'll have to tell him as he will be with me when I want to take it back on Monday as we are travelling up the coast together.
I hate it when I make a bad choice or rely on sales assistants too much. I feel like I need a minder at the moment. I know I'm not 100% still as this has caused me a lot of anxiety today. Anxiety is not something that I am used to & I certainly don't like it.
I had a massage today & I'm aching badly. I needed a fairly hard massage as my vertebrae were out in my spine. I will have that relaxing massage in about 1 months time.
The hijacking once again of our "support thread" by negativity & arrogance has really upset me tonight. I had a look in earlier today & it put me off posting. I can see Mr Muscle isn't going to go away in a hurry so will have to try to ignore him. Interesting that Mr Deviation should stick his head back in again as well. He seems to love a stoush. I know I don't!
They have put me off for today so I think I will say good-night to everyone.
I'll be back tomorrow & will come straight to my diary,xo Cate

__________________
Lost 36kgs 2007(Cohen's),now maintaining.
"Nothing tastes as good as slim feels".Mmm?No!Not even French Champagne!!

OMG- I just did a little bit of research. Mr Muscle is into bulking up. Ugh! I read a post where he lists all his gruesome sounding "exercises" & says his weight has increased from 191 to 197. Someone asked him if that was kgs or pounds & he answered "Pounds. I wish it were kilos." What the hell is he doing in our thread in this forum. I wish he'd go back to his own planet!
That's it. I'm never mentioning him or Mr Deviation again. I will ignore!

__________________
Lost 36kgs 2007(Cohen's),now maintaining.
"Nothing tastes as good as slim feels".Mmm?No!Not even French Champagne!!

Cate,
I am sorry that you are having a tough day! I think your husband will be fine about the backpack, as he sounds so supportive and loving. Please try not to worry about that. I have problems with anxiety too (so I know how you feel) just remember for all the “bad choices” we make things almost always turn out fine. I couldn’t begin to tell you about all my bad choices, yet I still ended up with a great husband and three well mannered, kind children. When you feel anxious, think of all your successes, your children, the diet, and the fact you are a truly wonderful women.
As far as the hijacking, I posted a new message and hopefully everything will calm down. I am being optimistic that Tony is just trying to educate himself about different diet plans, if that isn’t true I can’t be bothered worrying about him and you shouldn’t either. We can all continue to support each other despite him. He will move on. We will stay strong, healthy and happy. Stay Well.

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Lori (start date April 23, 2007)

Lori- Thank you. I'm in need of a little bit of TLC at the moment & you have made me cry (but in a good way). I do feel really insecure, & anxious at the moment & kindness is so lovely & reassuring.
My husband knew I was having a bad day before he went to work at 3pm but didn't know why. I then had plenty of time to stew over everything, including Tony's posts & another bad shopping choice. When he got home at 11pm I was tucked up in bed but still awake as I was really aching so didn't talk then.
Today while I was washing dishes & he was cooking, the words just came out before I could change my mind. I started by saying that lately he has been really critical of women who are compulsive shoppers. I then told him about buying the back-pack & that it was the main reason for my anxiety because I had to tell him about it as I want to take it back & he will be with me & I didn't want him making me feel worse about it. I also said that I don't feel I am mentally up to making the correct choices & need him to go shopping with me when I need to purchase something.
He was fine, of course & asked me to get the bag out & we had a good look at it together. He thought it seemed like a really good pack & thinks it's big enough for day walks but I don't. I want to get a bag that will suit the day walks but also will be good for our next O/S trip & he does admit this would not be suitable. We have a small travel bag that he carries over his shoulder when we go anywhere. I always feel guilty about him carrying too much in it so want to get a multi-purpose bag that I can use bush-walking & on O/S trips.
I know that all this was nothing to get upset or anxious about but I just can't help it at the moment. I am also really sensitive to criticism & my self-confidence seems to have flown away on a holiday somewhere. I really hope this stage does not last long. Possibly it's that "M" word that I have refused to acknowledge, that happens to women in their 50's!!
I do have this blank canvas to work with but I don't think that is the issue. My feelings seem out of my control. I am still waiting for the counselling that my doctor requested. I am so stubborn about some things. Hormone Replacement Therapy is one of them. I am not going to have it. Sticking to Cohen's almost religiously is another!
My husband cooked this Chinese red-cooked beef today & the smell was tantalising. He was taking some to work for his work-mates & his "charges".
I never mind him cooking delicious things for himself. In fact I usually encourage him to. Today the smell was almost irresistable. He offered me a miniature taste, which he doesn't normally do & I crossed my fingers & said "no thank you." He laughed & I said that it has to be black & white for me or I would never succeed with the program. He is really proud of me & I must admit I am starting to feel a certain pride too. I have to make sure that I get slim & stay slim as I never, ever, want to be fat again.
I am really looking forward to going bush-walking. I know I'm still not ready to go yet until I have completed re-feed & also feel mentally stronger. My husband also thinks it's a great idea & one that he thinks will suit me. I want to be able to have my own interests & own friends.
He suggested ringing one of our neighbours, who I have discovered also goes walking with the "Wacky Walkers", occasionally, when she is not working & ask her what sort of bag she takes & what sort of stuff she takes when she goes. She lives very close by & I might see if I can visit her or ask her to drop in tomorrow. I have never visited their home or invited them to ours as they live really close. I worry about what might happen if you have a friendship with a neighbour & for some reason, it doesn't work out. I really don't know why I do this. I had better start taking notes for the counsellor. What am I scared of I wonder? ..Getting too close, getting hurt? I honestly don't know. I did this with the people I worked with to a certain extent. Since I left I have had such lovely messages & calls. Most of them didn't even know or notice that I did not like my job. A few seemed genuinely upset that I had left. I must admit I was really surprised at this.
OK. On a more positive note-
My lovely sister-in-law visited us this morning & I gave her my favourite, sized 22 cashmere coat (without offending her.) She adored it & said "are you sure?" & left wearing it, looking very happy. I love her dearly & she has had a rough trot. (I won't go there as it's her business.) I have started trying to talk her into going for a "pamper day" with me. She has never even had a massage so it's going to be a bit of a challenge. She is almost my age & never really treated herself. She has always put everyone else first. Sound familiar?
I am feeling fairly confident that another kg will have gone by Monday as I can usually feel when I have lost weight. It is amazing how attuned I am becoming to my body. Now if only my brain would catch up!
I do love Cohen's. I love my forum friends from all over the world. I love my family, my friends, my home, my little dogs.... I am going to ignore negativity in the "support" forum & by typing all of the above I am now feeling brave enough to go have a look.
If it's still negative I might not post or I might post briefly (yes it is possible!) but not mention any negativity. I will continue to post in here every day, regardless of how I feel, because it is really helping me to stick to the program.
Thank you forum "buddies." Your support is very important to me, xo Cate

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Lost 36kgs 2007(Cohen's),now maintaining.
"Nothing tastes as good as slim feels".Mmm?No!Not even French Champagne!!

Hiya Cate,
I can't believe you have 7 to go, you skinny minny you, that is so cool.
I am really looking forward to getting together for lunch, coffee and shopping ..yay!! love shopping...well love all 3 really.hehe
Thanks for posting all your measurements, it was good to compare, you have lost way more than me in kg's but cm's we have lost the same..weird huh?
I have slowed down a lot lately with the scales but still losing cm's. Since getting back from UK, i have been picking..there I said it!! I can't help myself, I wish i hadn't started ...i am so grrrrr with myself. It is soooooooo true when they say one deviation can set you back a week in weight loss.
Anyway enough of me.
Good for you ignoring Mr M and Mr D ...sooooo not worth it!

Keep smiling, chat soon
Annie Lusion

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Hi Annie, Glad you're back. What a bloody pain it's been this week!
I have felt really miserable about it all & went over to the New You forum to see what it's like. I posted in there for the first time but then thought....
Why should I let these guys get me down? They are not worth it ..... so I'm actually feeling much better. Tomorrow is another day! Bullies lose interest when they are ignored or when people are nice to them. I'll try the ignore first & see how that goes. Killing with kindness might follow if the former doesn't work.
It's funny about the measurements thing. I think I was really inconsistent when I first measured. I have also always weighed about 10kg more than anyone thought I was. Go figure. I've never been able to work it out but guess it's better that no-one knew how much I weighed. It was bad enough me knowing.
I am getting quite excited about getting to re-feed. After reaching goal will be the testing time. I will be too scared to eat any crap & in fact I don't want to eat crap. Olives, anchovies yes, deep-fried rubbish no. I have almost forgotten what broccoli tastes like. Wrong.... no I haven't. The memory just came back. Baked pumpkin,(in olive oil) carrots,mmm mm. Looking forward to eating more vegetables. A glass of red wine, dinner out..... I think it must be time I went to bed. Trouble is I'm trying to stay awake until 11.15 when hubby gets home. You know I have never called him hubby before t