Good Morning-- Its raining here in Wisconsin, but the Brandi Boxer (Jillian, my personal trainer) didn't care one bit and had me out walking. ugh!! But she is an answer to a prayer, I don't 'skip' a walk anymore. haha. I've been using a couple of forms that Shannon sent to me (I'd share them , but don't know how to)and they are working great. It's a weekly food chart and a form that labeled Focus on Progress not Perfection: it has a workout, meals and mind&soul section. It's compact(everything in one place) so I'll follow thru with my challenge(another first). I'm working on my package, kids think just because I'm on vacation, I have FREE TIME. So I've been babysitting ALOT. The NO word doesn't come easy for me(Well I'm learning I can say it to a salesman now)
Meals
M1 eggbeater burritto with salsa canceled haha oats and soymilk
M2 shake
M3cottage cheese and fruit
M4shake
M5 salad with chix or spagetti squash
M6 shake or cottage cheese==MY NEW FAVORITE
DON"T FORGET TONITE @ 8 pm central CHAT NITE
TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS
Kathi

Kathi - I will be there tonight at 8pm CST!

Pat - I think you never give yourself enough credit. You are working out TWICE today, sticking to the EFL food plan, and in general you do a good job with the challenge. I don't know how to motivate you, but for some reason you keep plowing on like a Terminator. You're awesome lady!

My meals today include the following:
m1 - ground beef and rice... for breakfast
m2 - Myoplex Lite bar
m3 - whole wheat tortilla, lean beef, sweet potato chips, salsa
m4 - RTD Myoplex Lite vanilla shake
m5 - grilled protein from the fridge, steamed veggies
m6 - Right Light shake with a banana for taste and to equalize carbs

I workout with Austin tonight, the goofy trainer. We will do upper body! We're still working on what to do with this round's workouts. I have to say the BFL plan was great! I'm very tempted to keep it, but fear if I don't change it will just stagnate me a bit.

Good Morning Groupies...(Pat, that's too funny)ha/

Sorry I was MIA yesterday...had a killer migraine and didn't get out of bed except to go to the clinic to get a shot.....I have always had them as long as I can remember and they just take me out. It is the first one I have had in several months. I still struggle with what the triggers are, but haven't really figured much out. Needless to say, I did not get in any exercise yesterday or eat on plan. After the shot of Demerol and Phenegran, I was pretty much unconscious. Still a little loopy headed but am MUCH better. Does anyone else suffer from migraines?

I will be there on chat at 8! That sounds so awesome...if it all works out maybe we can make it a weekly thing!

Haven't worked out my meal plan for today yet....but will work on that and get it posted shortly. I am scheduled to do LBWO and Abs today. LBWO is my favorite! I am going to go and read thread from yesterday too!

Kathi, I struggle with the NO word also. I can't tell you how many times I have been roped into doing something I really didn't want to do because I have trouble verbalizing what I really want. That is something I need to work on....saying what I want and what I don't want!!! NO, NO, NO, NO....see I am practicing! ha/

Patty, sorry you had a hard day yesterday....I agree with Brett, you are an awesome lady and you do not give yourself enough credit. I always love the way you are totally honest about the struggles and the good times that you are having. I read blogs and posts of people on here that always are so upbeat and positive, and I am like "are you always on?" because that has not been my experience at all. Some days I struggle and just feel like I am treading water to keep from going under. I appreciate your truthfulness and am proud of you that regardless of how you "feel", you keep moving forward and that is being successful.

Brett, hey there! I was impressed to see that you are an actor and deejay! How cool is that! I have gone to acting class with Heath from time to time and it is like therapy. I love it too! Unlike Heath, I have never been in any commercials or films....I was in a few plays in high school or college, but I would like to be. Are you doing a production now?

Heath, Have you heard from KIm? I don't know if she can get online where she is, but I will send her an email later and text her. I am so proud of you! Thanks for encouraging me and checking in on me yesterday....I think I like you a little bit!!!! ha/

Well be back shortly with my menu plan and exercise plans for today.....

tim

p.s. Can someone tell me how to post images or pics to the thread??

To post images or pics just copy and paste! It's simple, and that works fine.

There are definitely some people on here that only show you the "good stuff". I have one friend I know personally as well as on the site, and she does this thing where she presents herself in a certain light every time she posts. She will not say anything she considers negative on the site. She will actually ask me to call her rather than write out anything even in a private message or email. She's convinced someone reads all of it! I know they have the power to, but would anybody care that much? I certainly will tell it like it is no matter where I am. It has gotten me in trouble sometimes, but I feel it is part of the process.

We all have bad days! We all have motivation that ebbs and flows. I love Pat for being so honest! I struggle too, but I think I don't show it as often. Yet I remember telling people and the reaction was always very supportive even when I wrote a negative feeling or when I freaked out and ate tortilla chips with cottage cheese on them (somehow that made sense to me at 11pm one night!).

I guess my point is there are so few of us here now, no need to censor a thing. :-) Be honest, be frustrated, be yourself. No point in doing anything else.

Just a big good morning hug...love and miss you all!!!!!!!!!

Pat...>>>>>>>>KICK!!!!!!!<<<<<<<<< lol (love what you tell your gymnasts...said the girl who could NEVER do a stem rise on the bars without help!!!!! Weenie arms.)

Thanks for coming by yesterday, Brettster!!!

Kick some booty now, Six of Seven!!!!!!

Yesterday I asked you all to take a good look at where you are right now....focus on Acceptance/Responsibility/Forgiveness and Gratitude. Its important to know where you are to know where it is you want to go! Think about this and share if you don't mind, your thoughts and feelings! Once this is done it opens the path to develop a bright, meaningful, focused vision of your future!

If you did this then you should be ready to say the following (from Bill’s assignment #18)

T1: Know Thyself, Where Thy Stand and Where Thy is Going

I am a person who knows where I stand. I’ve taken an honest look at myself, inside and out. I’m not in denial about how I look on the outside, nor how I feel on the inside. I’m aware of a need for improvement and have courageously accepted responsibility for my own condition.

I also have a vision – I know where I’m going. I utilize words and imagination to paint a picture of a future version of me, who is physically healthy, emotionally strong, mentally focused, and spiritually awake.

I remind myself where I started, and where I’m going, each day

Hey groupies
I slept in this morning. I'm transitioning between clinics so I didn't have alot to do today. I went last night and got my full body workout in and damn I'm sore today. At the time I felt disappointed in the intensity of the workout but apparently I was wrong. I started out with full body workouts but will probably switch to the regular BFL upper lower workouts next week. What are you guys opinions on that.

Kathi - Your meals look good. I'm sure Goober (my boston terrier) would love to be my personal trainer but he would have me up on people's porches and visitiing all the neighbors. He has a little ADD going on.

Patty - It's those days like yesterday that build us more than the easy days. You got through it and come out shining on the other side. GOOOD JOB!

Brett - I havn't heard about your goofy trainer???

Timberly - I am glad you are back. I was really worrid about you. I was texting Alex during the day and he was tell ing me what was going on.
Kim just got internet connection last night and I know she got on the board and read everyone's post late last night. Definately text her and give her encouragement.

Reagan (mylife2live) shared this in group #2 and I would like to share it with all of you!

Take a moment to look at the circumstances of your world. Is it what you want to see? What could you do differently to take one step closer to your ideal vision? We're all dealt different hands in life. That's how things are. To change things, you have to first accept that fact, then figure out where to go from here. We should all be able to count on each other for help, but in the end, we can't expect anyone to change our lives except ourselves. Nor should we want it that way. It's natural to feel powerless and give up in the face of hardships, but complaining and blaming do nothing except prevent action. Without positive action, you're giving up your power and asking for more of the same--a world you did not create. Where you start may not be your fault, but the course you run is still your choosing.

My goofy trainer is what he sounds like. I joined my gym 2 or 3 years ago, and I wanted a trainer to help me set up a program. They had a new guy they had hired so they offered me a low low rate to work with him. He's bald, has a goatee, and HUGE. He's a white guy who likes to breakdance without warning, and he has a hearty laugh. He's always putting his foot in his mouth in all the wrong ways. Once he looked at my progress pictures and asked me "Which one is before and which is after?" (not the finals, it was just the couple of weeks in ones). He also told me one time that he admires how I spend "85 hours in the gym every week" and then pointed out someone with better results who was in there "twenty minutes". LOL! He's sweet but sometimes says the wrong things. But he has been super supportive in his own way! And a realist to boot.

The other good thing about Austin is he refuses to do steroids. In our gym that is super rare. Even most of the members are on them for bodybuilding, cosmetics, or medical reasons. Yet Austin is a recovering alcoholic, so he shuns the idea of abusing another drug. All the other trainers though in my gym use them, and so I can't work with them. It would be quite demotivating to me.

Mellie and the rest of the gang!
I feel like my vision of my future self is evolving. What I struggle with now is this... I have gone through the 18 weeks, and achieved those early goals. But now where do I go? I have the knowledge that I can and will achieve things I set out to do. I know I can follow a plan. I also know the BFL stuff works for me. But how do I get it to the next level? I need to meditate more on some of this to honestly tell you and the rest of the team where I truly am.

Heath -
I would do the BFL style training strictly for this Challenge. The thing is this... it works. It has worked for millions of people no matter what their goal was. If you do a modified version you are cheating yourself out of the knowledge that comes from going "by the book". Do the food and the workouts as written and suggested. Be strict with yourself about it! Upper Body then lower body, HIT cardio, and six meals a day with a free day in there.

Why do this? Because it is organized and makes sense. You don't have to overthink. It's proven. It's also adaptable to any level or purpose. Why else would you be here? You joined a Bill Phillips site, agreed to do his challenge, and you're looking to him and people who follow his program for advice. Aren't you curious to see how well it works for you? If you know a better routine with better results why would you be here?

Brett sounds like my kind of guy.

Hey Gang....

Meals for Today:

1 - Cottage Cheese and Sliced Tomatoes
2 - RL Shake with 1/2 Banana
3 - Turkey Breast Sandwich with Mustard and Veggies
4 - RL Shake with 1/2 Banana
5 - Chicken Stirfry and Rice
6 - String Cheese and Plum

Exercise for Today:

Walk/Jog (C to 5K)
LBWO and Abs

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Brett, thank you so much for the info! I agree with you that the ups and the downs are an important part of the process. I think the posts and blogs I have read that have inspired me the most are the ones that are struggling and overcoming those struggles one day at a time. I am so glad we can be honest with each other and know that our teammies will not put us down, but lift us up and help us to move past our trials....this group #6 is awesome! and 66 is my favorite number...so I double like to be in this group! hee/

Jami, I am so glad you stopped by....you are such a sweetie!!!

Heath, thank you for checking in on me yesterday....you are such a nice brother! I did text Kim....I know that you are missing her already! Alex told me he talked to you last night...he didn't leave my side very much....I would wake up and there he was sitting on the bed with me, with earplugs in playing his PSP.....he has such a kind heart.

Mellie, have I told you today how much I appreciate you! Well I do!!!

T1: Know Thyself, Where Thy Stand and Where Thy Is Going
Today, I stand on the threshold of hope. I have taken that long, hard look at myself and what a sobering experience that was for me. I know more now of who I am. Denial is no longer my middle name, keeping me company and nurturing me foolishly. I am aware of where I need to improve and am working diligently towards being a better me.


I have a vision of myself succeeding. I have a renewed hope for the first time in as long as I can remember. I have made a goal book that I look at on a daily basis and I am always adding to it. It includes my goals for transformation in my weight, health and every area of my life.
I remind myself and give thanks that I am NO longer where I started, stagnant, depressed and just letting the days pass me by. I am going forward, living, loving and finding laughter in everyday life.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++

Ok, got to get busy doing something productive....will be back later!!!! I am excited about chat tonight!

hugs timberly

Quote:

Originally Posted by patpayne22 Good Morning, All! (are we groupies now?) I want to thank you all for your support yesterday during my little fit. I have all the knowledge of what I SHOULD do, I just don't have the MOTIVATION to actually DO it. I tell my gymnasts all the time that cheating on their strength training only affects themselves - it doesn't hurt me a bit. I know the same applies to me! I just needed a 3-D kick in the tush to get started again. So, this morning, I dragged myself out of bed at the first alarm, and the telephone rang shortly after that. My friend called to make sure I got my butt up and moving. I got in my LBWO, and I am off to work soon. Will take a 3 mile walk this afternoon with another friend, and a LOT of stretching because it is my week off from gymnastics, and I can tell!! M1 EFL Egg casserole M2 Oatmeal and scrambled eggs M3 Vanilla Right Light M4 Cottage cheese and fruit M5 Turkey meatloaf and carrots M6 Right Light Chocolate Have a Great Day!! "See" you in Chat tonight! ~Patty

Thats a great idea!!! Have a friend help you get out of bed!!! Enjoy your walk! Your meals look great!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrettC Mellie and the rest of the gang! I feel like my vision of my future self is evolving. What I struggle with now is this... I have gone through the 18 weeks, and achieved those early goals. But now where do I go? I have the knowledge that I can and will achieve things I set out to do. I know I can follow a plan. I also know the BFL stuff works for me. But how do I get it to the next level? I need to meditate more on some of this to honestly tell you and the rest of the team where I truly am.

I think you answered this yourself. You need to meditate on this and find the answers within you! This is not something any of us can answer for you! Where would you like to see yourself after this next 18 weeks? If you are satisfied where you are at physically then your goal could be to maintain. Mentally and spiritually there is always room for growth and learning.

I look forward to your insight on this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by timberly66 I have a vision of myself succeeding. I have a renewed hope for the first time in as long as I can remember. I have made a goal book that I look at on a daily basis and I am always adding to it. It includes my goals for transformation in my weight, health and every area of my life. I remind myself and give thanks that I am NO longer where I started, stagnant, depressed and just letting the days pass me by. I am going forward, living, loving and finding laughter in everyday life.

Beautiful Timberly!

Yeah, Timberly! That was AMAZING! Can you write my packet?

today is probably NOT the day for me to answer those questions--Man I'm having family issues and I"M NOT HAPPY. But I've been eating clean, not like the old days when I would have RUN to FOOD to make myself numb and comatose. Instead I'm angry and trying to work out the problems. Take Care and God Bless. Kathi

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrettC Mellie and the rest of the gang! I feel like my vision of my future self is evolving. What I struggle with now is this... I have gone through the 18 weeks, and achieved those early goals. But now where do I go? I have the knowledge that I can and will achieve things I set out to do. I know I can follow a plan. I also know the BFL stuff works for me. But how do I get it to the next level? I need to meditate more on some of this to honestly tell you and the rest of the team where I truly am. Heath - I would do the BFL style training strictly for this Challenge. The thing is this... it works. It has worked for millions of people no matter what their goal was. If you do a modified version you are cheating yourself out of the knowledge that comes from going "by the book". Do the food and the workouts as written and suggested. Be strict with yourself about it! Upper Body then lower body, HIT cardio, and six meals a day with a free day in there. Why do this? Because it is organized and makes sense. You don't have to overthink. It's proven. It's also adaptable to any level or purpose. Why else would you be here? You joined a Bill Phillips site, agreed to do his challenge, and you're looking to him and people who follow his program for advice. Aren't you curious to see how well it works for you? If you know a better routine with better results why would you be here?

I tried doing Weight Watchers food (old habit but good) and this too--doesn't work. Next 18 weeks is ALL BILL"S. K

Brett - the reason we were doing full body workouts the first couple weeks was because of what BIll said in Assignment 2 about doing only 2 weight workouts to begin with. I had always planned to switch to the regular format.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEMAWMIELKE today is probably NOT the day for me to answer those questions--Man I'm having family issues and I"M NOT HAPPY. But I've been eating clean, not like the old days when I would have RUN to FOOD to make myself numb and comatose. Instead I'm angry and trying to work out the problems. Take Care and God Bless. Kathi

Today might be a great day to step back and do some internal reflection and remove yourself from a negative energy source.......just a thought