Well, the just isn't stopping around here. On top of Dh's losing his job,child #2 suffering through bullying,child #1 threatening to run away, there has now been a LARGE SCALE blow up involving my father. I am truly ready to just leave. I'm sure life is not meant to be this hard; at least, not all at once.
So I went out and worked today, then came home and hit the mill. It was relaxing not to have to think about anything, just rhythmically stepping and sweating... I wonder if I am too old to run away myself?

Hanging in there,
ABBA

Aww hun, that's terrible. I hope your struggles start getting better. Your poor child going through bullying. I truly feel for your entire family, and really hope you can get back on your feet and onto the better side of things soon. Don't give up! you can do it!

Aww Jan, you have one of those moments when everything goes wrong!!! I think you can give yourself a little escape. Being calm, relaxed and happy parent (even if it means a bit selfish) is the best you can do about your children. I speak again from the point of view of a child but I really think all that children need is emotionally stable parents before anything else. But don't get my words too seriously. I don't know what I am speaking about. I fear parenting - too complicated.

Hi, gals. Thanks so much for encouraging me in my family struggles. I am generally quite a positive person, but sometimes life just gets hard - for everyone.

I met with my daughter's principal and teacher today regarding the bullying, and think it went well. At least I do not feel the immediate pressure to haul her out and homeschool her for the last couple of months of school. I homeschooled our eldest daughter for several years, and have no problem with it - but it would make my life more complicated at this point. So we will continue on with our plans to transfer the girls to their new school in Sept.

My eldest seems more calm and less angry today. We are trying our best to be firm and steady, yet very loving and patient with her, allowing her some space as she adjusts to the fact that she is not getting her own way in this important instance. We have started reading an EXCELLENT parenting book called Hold On To Your Kids, which looks in depth at the state of our culture today with regard to peer attachment disorders, etc.

Hubby started his new job, this one just down the street! he still hates his work, but at least now he doesn't have to deal with traffic, etc. and can come home for lunch.

So, my dear, friends, I believe that the worst of our storm has passed - for now, at least. With kids, there seems to always be one brewing...

I did my usual hour on the 'mill today. I am not seeing any loss reflected on the scale so far this week, but truly I feel that I can cut myself some slack after the week I have had

Cheers
ABBA

Hi Abba, sorry to hear of your family stresses.

Just think, with your husband being so close to home, maybe you can have an afternoon delight and maybe the stress might go away!?

Keep on the mill, you are a true motivator!

I'm glad things are a little better for you! If that were me I'd have been on the couch with every one of my favorite goodies. Good for you for doing any exercise at all! Way to go!

ELDAWEESDA:
hhhhhhhhaaaahaaahaahhaaaahaaahaaa about the afternoon delight

Low Fat Milk: mmmmm....goodies...mmmmmmmmmmm


ABBA

I am sooooooooo tired. Worked a full shift last night 3 to 11, then did my full workout from 8am to 9am, off to WW to get weighed (and find out my weight is EXACTLY what it was last week ), then straight to my other job for 3 hours. Finally I am back home with just a few minutes to myself before my girls get home. I NEED A NAP! Tomorrow I work from 8am to 4pm, then have to make nice with DH's bro who is visiting for the day.

*phew!* can't wait to take a breather some time soon...

Hello Sunshine!! YEPPER DOO I know all to well what your going through as a parent, because I have twin 18 year old boys don't forget, and it was NEVER easy. Granted they were great kids, but one hated school with a passion and just didn't want to be there! The other just the opposite, but I tell you what, my boys and I are very close, and we were happy with each other until they turned around age 15, then I would have to say I didn't like them very much for about 2 years!! yeah, they just drove me nuts! We argued constantly, it was like my two wonderful boys turned on me, and it was like a switch girlfriend. But, it too passed and well now we are close again and they are back to their normal sweet selves. Give it time, we ALL go through the TERRIBLE TEENAGER Attitude and peer pressure stages, ALL of us, and it's up and down for several years. UGGG! But, it's good to see things are getting much better for you, and just take it a day at a time!! Keep your chin up and NEVER GIVE UP! it will work itself out, I promise you!
Have a good weekend! Take care of yourself, as your Number 1 ALWAYS!
Hugs
Kim

Hi Ladybug! Thanks very much for the encouragement. I am feeling much better this week, hoping that everything will work out just as it is supposed to. I took my eldest for coffee with my friend and her teenage daughter who attends the school my girls will be entering (it goes from K-12). My girl obviously thought it was pretty cool that an older gal wanted to chat with her, and I think I sense a slight attitude shift. Let's hope so!

Yesterday I didn't get to work out, as I worked all day then we had to rush out for dinner with DH's bro who was visiting. We got back late, etc. So this morning I made sure to get in my FULL workout before church! *phew* I definitely prefer to workout AFTER 9 am! It's hard to muster up adequate energy earlier! And I really need it in order to work out as hard as I need to.

The scale has been stuck for the last week or so, and I need to really buckle down in order to keep losing. DH says I look good enough (so do my folks, of course) and that I should just be satisfied with where I am. BUT I AM NOT SATISFIED, AND THEREFORE I WILL NOT STOP UNTIL I REACH MY GOAL! I appreciate their support and encouragement, but it is most important that I feel good.

Here's to a better week!

ABBA

Hi Janice

I'm sorry that there hasnt been a great deal of improvement in the stresses of family life since I last popped into your diary. I'm sure that things will settle down soon. Maybe some stress will ease away as your hubby gets more settled into his new job.

We all have weeks when no weight comes off. Mine is actually up (couldnt even face changing the ticker) so these things happen. You do know from the horror story experience of that damned plateau that you had - that you can have a time when the scale does not show a benefit but things are changing just the same. Remember that no weight loss is not the same as no fat loss. Muscle can be being built and big and positive changes can have happened.

Keep up the exercise when you can. It will not only help your weightloss but help you deal with all that family stress.

Take care
Love
Margaret

Hi Margaret! Thanks for stopping by and reminding me that I certainly can hang on and BUST THRU if I am on another plateau.

today is my day off, so I have enjoyed just lazing about. I started with a "skinny, sugar free" latte at Starbuck's (shared with my Mom, of course!), and then came home and hopped on the mill for nearly 1.5 hours. Now THAT felt good! Then a luxurious bubble bath for 45 minutes, lunch with DH, and some quick housecleaning. I may even have a catnap before the girls get home from school! So I do feel quite spoiled.

Today I figured out my WW points again, how many I need to be eating in order to keep losing. It is important to readjust as my weight goes down. This week I am committed to writing down all my food, which will hopefully help me out of my current WL rut. I do feel exceedingly pleased with my losses so far!

Cheers
ABBA

Worked. Then worked out. Now making salmon (Omega's no-fail fat loss trick!). Hoping for good results on the scale this week, but...

Cheers
ABBA

Sore throat and plugged ears today. I will stay home from work but maybe go this evening if I feel up to it. I am very tired, but will try and get on the mill later.

ABBA

Hi again! I did too get on that blasted infernal machine for the whole hour, followed by all of my requisite sit-ups, juice jug lifts, and for good measure, I tried a new exercise using our coffee table whereby I lower and raise myself. Mind you, after only doing 6 of these, my arms burned like they were going to fall off. Perhaps tomorrow I will be able to do 7.

I figured sweating out toxins could only help get rid of my sore throat, sore ears, and slightly swollen glands. In addition, I am regularly gargling with salt water and drinking enough regular water to drown any germs within my (beautiful) body!

While the scale does appear to be somewhat stuck, I was delightfully surprised when I tried on my ultratight pants that I have been trying on for several months. At first I could pull them up, but not even get near to doing them up. Then eventually I could do them up, but they looked quite obscene. Today, they look virtually loose! Good enough, in fact, to wear to work tonight for a short 4 hr shift. I was stunned to see that they fit loosely, being so fixated on that dang number on the scale refusing to budge!

It was just the little boost I needed. I shall persevere...

Cheers
ABBA