You did good, George. God Bless the Child Billie Holiday Them that's got shall get Them that's not shall lose So the Bible said and it still is news Mama may have, Papa may have But God bless the child that's got his own That's got his own Yes, the strong gets more While the weak ones fade Empty pockets don't ever make the grade Mama may have, Papa may have But God bless the child that's got his own That's got his own Money, you've got lots of friends Crowding round the door When you're gone, spending ends They don't come no more Rich relations give Crust of bread and such You can help yourself But don't take too much Mama may have, Papa may have But God bless the child that's got his own That's got his own Mama may have, Papa may have But God bless the child that's got his own That's got his own He just worry 'bout nothin' Cause he's got his own God Bless the Child Project Billie Holiday Jazz Singer

I just wanted to say that it's so inspiring to come here and read about everyone's efforts. We all have our down days but I know it helps me when I have some accountability to someone other than myself. I don't normally share my exercise highs/lows with others IRL (except dh and my exercise partners), and I don't normally "brag" about what I may have accomplished. But having a chance to share it with others here (who don't know me IRL) who are doing the same thing is a way to keep myself encouraged and accountable. And when I'm not feeling especially motivated, it's nice to come read a thread such as this one and see what everyone else is doing and think, gee, just go DO something. Hhireno, thanks for continuing to post these threads - and you are so kind to respond to each and every one with thoughtful words of encouragement and affirmation. Bethpen, I'm sorry that you are feeling so much stress and hope that you can find ways to cope. Baby steps are good, any step is good! If you can't find time to exercise, then do simple things like park as far as possible from where you are going rather than right near the door, take the stairs. And if you can find the time, try to make at least a few make ahead meals that are healthy so you can bring them with you up to NH so that you aren't relying on carb-heavy meals while you are there. I have a couple of good chicken recipes that are fairly easy (one is a Greek marinade that you can quickly make, put the chicken in a ziploc bag and freeze then take with you and then it's already for baking or grilling when it's meal time). If you are interested, I can post it here or email it to you. My friend just emailed me a bunch of recipes from a Bikini boot camp class she took - most are very easy and tasty. (I'm making one for dinner tonight - turkey lasagna with eggplant as the noodles). I'm sure you probably have plenty of healthy recipes...it's just making the time, I know!

I know this is a response to an old thread, but in case anyone else just happens to come across this thread: I don't want to spend money on a gym, where I have to exercise with a bunch of other people around. Not happening. So, I do the following (and has worked for me): * Take 10 minute walks whenever possible -- break time, lunch time, after work -- if the weather is inclement, go to the Mall, CostCo (just don't grab a cart) or Sam's Club. * Do you have stairs in your house? Run up and down the stairs a lot. It helps if you can make an errand, like taking things up and bringing things back down. * Find workouts online, on TV, or buy some DVD's. My favorite on TV is Classical Stretch (PBS) because it's elegant, and you do strengthening and conditioning as well as low-impact aerobics. I'm a school teacher, so one of my other favorite workouts online are with Fresh Start Fitness and Zumba Kids, both done with my students (we all get exercise and have fun doing it). * Every area of the country has trails somewhere. On weekends, find your local trails and hike them, now that the weather is turning nice almost everywhere. * My husband and I took out a membership to our local zoological society. It helps that we live near enough to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Safari Park (formerly Wild Animal Park). Both parks are huge. We walk. And walk. Uphill. Downhill. Then Uphill some more. Last Saturday, we walked 4 miles at the Safari Park. Oh, and we got to see some amazing animals, too. Depending on where you live, you may have a huge zoo or animal park nearby where you will get some walking in. Donna

This is just too good to pass up. Have sent copies to a couple of my friends so we can all commiserate together. Thanks for sharing.