Morphy's Accountability Thread - 2014

Do you have a habit you wish to start/quit?

I posted this on Saturday:

"I'm having trouble with my weight and with getting things done. I asked MrMorphy to be my accountability partner and he's failing miserably. Situation normal, he's just not into that type of thing. So I was thinking that maybe I could get one of my LT friends via PM or perhaps a few of you via my thread to help out. All it would involve is making sure I report my calories for the day (just the number, no more than that) and my three goals for the next day around 7pm-ish. Or it could be in the early AM for the previous day. I want to make sure I'm journaling my food (no matter what) and setting goals for the day.

I don't need specific help or advice though a little nudge if I'm over my calorie budget for a few days or not getting any of my goals accomplished would be appropriate. I'd be happy to reciprocate and be an accountability buddy for any of your goals in return.

I would want this to be every day. It shouldn't take more than a couple minutes.

Anyone willing?"

By the next day I had three plus volunteers and since the more the merrier, I decided to start a separate thread rather than keeping it private. Everybody is welcome to join in - either keeping me accountable or asking to be kept accountable.

This thread is NOT for advice (unless specifically asked for), criticism (constructive or not), or shaming.

This thread is FOR support, encouragement and gentle nudges when you've missed posting more than a day or two without prior notice.

Let's get going!

Goals for Monday:

1. Update Rider Summary report
2. Clean up emails
3. Update To Do list
4. Call eye doctor for appointment

*5. Call MetroMobility
*6. Clean off couch
*7. Clean laptop
*8. Start new LT thread

* Added when first ones completed. Two will take just a few minutes.

Found and starred! Have a great Monday!

Good morning! Good to see you're already crossing stuff off your morning list, Morphy! Makes me feel like I should do something productive.

You've been more productive than I so far today!

Wow, you're doing great on your Monday to-do list. So far, I've got 6 items on my notepad, and have only accomplished one of them. The other 5 keep staring at me and ... I'm logged in on LT, so what does that tell you about my motivation to accomplish those 5 items in the next hour or so? *sigh* Definitely suffering from the Monday blues.

>6 cameling: That's why I only list three tasks per day (well, four today - phone call is quick). If I get those done, then I can add more. I couldn't start with six. It seems too overwhelming. Now, I have a "master" to do list (one of the items on today's to do list is to work on that) but I pick three as a max per day.

I love the idea of this thread!

Great job getting your first four goals accomplished. And listing only a few at a time is really smart. I always have really ambitious ideas of everything I'd like to accomplish in the day, and then I feel discouraged when I don't even get around to half of it. I'll try to learn from your example.

>2 Morphidae: - great job on completing all items on your to-do list, Morphy!

Eight items! That is getting off to a great start!

Thanks for all the fabulous support, everyone!

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Monday: 1973

Goals for Tuesday:

1. Clean up craft table area
2. Pay WeCab drivers reimbursement
3. Write checks for WeCab

Number 2 & 3 are complete as far as I can get until MrMorphy prints the checks tonight.

4. Research broiler pan
5. Clean Maia's Ears/Brush Maia
6. Call new dispatcher

Good Morning, Morphy! Have a productive day!

>11 Morphidae: - You did great with your Monday calories, Morphy!

Good work, Morphy. You inspired me yesterday--I also crossed 5 things off my to-do list that had been hovering for way too long.

Another clean sweep of all task on you to-do list, I see, Morphy! Researching a broiler pan would challenge me a bit. How did that go?

>12 SylviaC: I did, I did!

>13 lkernagh: Now if I can just keep it up for the next, oh, five years! :D

>14 ronincats: Glad I could be of inspiration. Jump on in if you want accountability help, too.

>15 lkernagh: Oh, it was mostly done already. We searched in Amazon then MrMorphy did additional Google searching. We were specifically looking for a small, not-non-stick broiler. He found one on a site called Kitchenworks but I had never heard of it. What I was doing today was looking into the company to be sure it was kosher. I was also looking for product reviews but didn't have any luck there.

The broiler has been ordered along with a slotted spoon with a straight edge. It's MrMorphy's preferred utensil. The old one got rusty. I got him a new one but #1 it's too floppy and #2 a corner of it melted recently. So, we'll try this one. At less than $4, can't beat it!

>16 Morphidae: - Nice! I also love my slotted spoon when cooking. ;-)

I managed to brush my dog a bit today, too. It's one of those never-ending jobs. It makes a huge difference since we had her coat clipped in June, though. She was more cooperative today, because it was too hot for her to run around.

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Monday: 2122

Goals for Wednesday:

1. Eye Doctor appt
2. Finished adding read books to database
3. Post books in LT

The last two most likely won't be completed today but I can get a start. Between the doctor appointment that will take up half the day (*grumble MetroMobility grumble*) and the size of the project because I'm SO behind (June 1st!), they will probably take more than one day.

***

>17 lkernagh: I never would have thought MrMorphy would get so attached to a kitchen utensil. :D

>18 SylviaC: Thankfully, Maia is very cooperative. We have a routine we've been doing since she was a young puppy and she moves around just how I need her to. The funny part is when she lays on one side to have her belly and one leg brushed, then I grab both sets of legs and flip her to get the other side of the belly and the other leg. She just stays limp.

Right in the sweet spot for calories, Morphy! Hope the eye appointment goes well. I had mine last month, and had to get new progressives. I chose red frames :)

>20 SylviaC: I'm sure the appointment will go well. Or at least I hope they'll find something to help my poor itching, burning eyes.

The aggravating part is MetroMobility. While I appreciate that they allow me to get out, the ride times suck. I wanted to be there by 1:50pm. My pick up is 12:00pm for a 30 minute ride so I'll be there an hour early. I asked for a 3:30pm return and got a 4:30pm return. Ugh. I canceled the return ride and MrMorphy will pick me up at 4:00pm after he gets off of work. It isn't 3:30pm but still better than 4:30pm.

Itching burning eyes are no fun. ;-(

I see you continue to do well with your daily calorie intake. Good Job!

>22 lkernagh: Thanks! Ends up I have something called blepharitis. It's a staph infection of the eye lids. Easily treated but it never entirely goes away once you have it. Bleh.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Wednesday: 2096

Goals for Thursday:

1. Finished adding read books to database
2. Post books in LT
3. Clean up craft table area (multi-day task)

Right on target for the calories again!

I'm glad that at least the eye infection is easily treated. Hope that brought you some relief.

Another good day on the calorie range!

Yuck on the bletharitis. You are managing the calories nicely!

You're doing great, Morphy! My eyes itch like mad when I'm having an allergy attack and I hate that. But I don't hate it enough to consider allergy medication. Haha.. I'm afraid of the side effects being more annoying or scary than the actual allergy attack itself.

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Thursday: 2128

I'm not going to meet my calorie range today. I forgot to pack a lunch for my volunteer job which means I'll be eating take out. Tonight is pizza with friends.

Goals for Friday:

Events:

1. Church Reception Desk from 9:00 to 12:30 (bus picking me up at 7:38am and 12:57pm)
2. WeCab Dispatch from 2pm to 4pm
2. Friends, Movie, Pizza from 4m to ?

Don't know if I'll get to any to do's today

1. Finished adding read books to database (multi-day task)
2. Post books in LT (dependant on #1)

>24 SylviaC: >25 ronincats: >26 lkernagh: Thanks for the support. It really helped today. I did NOT feel like doing my food journal this morning. But I knew you all would be expecting it!

>27 cameling: I kind of wish it had been allergies. Then I could have just taken some pills. Instead it's going to add about 30 minutes to my day's tasks - at least for a few weeks. Blech.

Stayed on course with your calories again yesterday! As long as you're staying in range most days, there's a bit of wiggle room for the odd day when external circumstances throw you off.

Sounds like a busy day today. Have fun!

A "planned" day off is not the same thing as a binge. Tomorrow you will be back on course. Enjoy the pizza, movie and friends!

Poking my nose in and agree with >30 SylviaC: and >31 ronincats:. You are doing well with your calories and one day won't break the bank. Besides, you can't have such a busy day and not eat lunch!

You are doing SO great, Morphy!!! I love that you've added a "to do" list too. I have tons of lists circulating around, but I think the sheer number of tasks I list makes me just ignore the entire blasted thing!

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Friday : 2868 (not as bad as I thought it would be)

Goals for Friday:

Events:

1. LT Book Club to discuss Liesl & Po and Cain's Blood
2. Target shopping for necessities

1. Finished adding read books to database (multi-day task)
2. Post books in LT (dependent on #1)

>30 SylviaC: >31 ronincats: >32 lkernagh: I know and I'm a bit of a perfectionist. Part of the disorder! I get stressed. I find it hard to let go when I'm "bad."

>33 TinaV95: I have a huge to do list, too. It's why I wasn't getting anything done. It was all too much so I did nothing. This way I pick a couple with higher priority for the day.

Hope you had a good time with your friends last night. Enjoy Book Club. You're living in a social whirl!

Good work, Morphy!

Coincidentally, Liesl & Po is a Kindle special today.

>36 SylviaC: I did enjoy book club. We laughed a lot!

>37 ronincats: Thanks for letting me know!

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Saturday: 2033

Goals for Sunday:

Events:

1. Finished adding read books to database (multi-day task)
2. Post books in LT (dependent on #1)

WHOO HOO!

I WILL get this done today! I'm going to start doing a hour of goal work then an hour of computer stuff starting at 9am then switch off.

Good morning, Morphy! Good job on the calories again!
Hope you manage to finish those goals, so you can start fresh on Monday.

I need to work on thoroughly cleaning the bathtub, and dealing with some mildew.

Your to-do lists have motivated me to tackle some chores of my own this weekend. I have organized my sewing kit and my loose bead collection.

You continue to do great with your calories! Happy Sunday, Morphy!

Good work getting back on track with the calories!

>39 SylviaC: I did! I did! And about time! How did you do on the bathtub?

>40 lkernagh: Yay! I like being a motivation.

>41 ronincats: Thanks! I blew it again yesterday though. Not so much because I overate. I was surprised when I counted them up. But then I realized I ate too many "calorie dense" foods. Gotta watch those processed foods!

***

Last Week's Weight (7/21): 466
Current Weight (7/28): 462
Loss: 4

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Sunday: 2523

Goals for Monday:

Activities:

1. Visit with Vocational Rehab liaison at home

To Do:

1. Clean up emails
2. Review 101 goals in 1001 days binder
3. Spend one hour on WeCab dispatch procedures

Oops with the calories, but you're must be on track overall, because you lost 4 pounds. That seems pretty good to me. How much weight loss per week is ideal?

I didn't get to the tub at all, though I did do some smaller jobs. The trouble is I didn't learn to clean stuff properly when I was a kid, so now routine cleaning jobs turn into a big deal for me. But I'm going to go and sweep the kitchen floor right now, before I do any more computer stuff or reading!

Edit: That's reading, not regarding.

Swept the kitchen floor, cleaned the tub, took the shower doors apart and cleaned the bottom track, scraped all the old sealant from around the tub. Also took the dog to the vet for her annual checkup. A very productive day, but I don't think my body appreciates it.

Tomorrow I have to put the new sealant around the tub, and clean and reassemble the shower doors.

>42 Morphidae: - I hear you on the 'calorie dense' processed foods. It is amazing what they sneak into those packages! 4 pounds lost sounds like last week was a good week on the calorie consumption front.

>44 SylviaC: - Wow on the bathroom cleaning! I wouldn't even know how to take apart the shower doors. Good thing I just have to deal with shower curtains. ;-)

>45 lkernagh: I'm good at figuring out how to take things apart. Sometimes they go back together right...

>46 SylviaC: and occasionally I don't have parts left over...

>47 drneutron: Occasionally...

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Monday: 2405 (sigh, processed food again)

Goals for Tuesday:

Activities:

1. WeCab Dispatch, 8am to 12pm

To Do:

1. Spend one hour on WeCab dispatch procedures
2. Phone calls (doctor, bank, PNMC)
3. Catch up on journal

Have a plan--that unplanned eating will mess you up big time!

>43 SylviaC: One to two pounds for "normal-sized" people but for those of us who are larger we can go up to 1% of our weight, so 4 pounds is fine for me.

Oh, I was trained from an early age how to clean properly. Really had no choice!

>44 SylviaC: You got a lot done, indeed! Hope you took some ibuprofen or a warm bath for the soreness.

>45 lkernagh: I wouldn't know how to take apart the doors either! I wouldn't even think about it to try. Yay, shower curtains!

>46 SylviaC: >47 drneutron: >48 SylviaC: Ha!

>50 ronincats: You are right. I need to plan ahead rather than being surprised I went over afterward.

Hope today goes better for the calories.

I couldn't take a bath—the tub needs to be caulked! Then there's the matter of the shower doors cluttering up the bathroom. Good thing we have two bathrooms, though the second one has no tub. I'll be finishing up that job right after I finish my morning internet check.

Checking in and will join you in booing processed foods. They just add an extra challenge to calorie management. Roni's suggestion is a good one. I know there are days when I don't want to make the effort but for the days I do, those are good feeling days and make the effort worth the extra work.

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Tuesday: 2163 (yay for planning!)

Goals for Wednesday:

Activities:

1. WeCab Committee Meeting, 8:30am to 10:00am

To Do:

1. WeCab checks*
2. WeCab filing*
3. WeCab dispatch procedures (1 hour)

*Spent three hours between 1 & 2. Number 2 isn't done. It included a lot of finding and printing back up plus making more to file (deposits.) I'm done for the day. Tomorrow I'll staple back up to the checks and then get everything (checks, deposits, etc.) filed.

***

>52 SylviaC: Tub all caulked? How long before you can take a bath?

>53 lkernagh: I'm also dependent on MrMorphy cooking for me and he's a somewhat reluctant cook. I don't like to press him too much.

Perfect calories!

Looks like you're having a WeCab Wednesday. Hope it's a productive day!

The tub should be usable at 10:00 tonight. It said to wait 36 hours. We do have a shower in the other bathroom, but there's nothing like a nice, long soak.

>55 SylviaC: I sure did. And about 5:00pm, I said enough is enough and put it all away! I hope you get one of those nice, long baths tonight.

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Wednesday: 2107

Goals for Wednesday:

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. WeCab filing
2. WeCab dispatch procedures (1 hour)
3. Enter books into db and post to LT (worked on didn't finish)

Calories right on again! Keep it up!

Good work on the calories, Morphy!

You are doing awesome staying on top of those calories, Morphy!

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Thursday: 2017

Goals for Friday:

Activities:

1. Church Receptionist - AM Shift

To Do:

1. WeCab dispatch procedures (1 hour)
2. Enter books into db and post to LT
3. Clean Maia's ears/Brush Maia

I don't know how much I'll get done today. The half day at the desk usually wipes me for the rest of the day. But I'll put them on deck and see what I can get accomplished.

Still on track!

So are you writing a manual of WeCab dispatch procedures? I gather it's a fairly long term project.

Another good day!

>61 SylviaC: It's not that it's that long. It's that I've only worked one hour on it when it's a several hour project. I've had other things bump up on priority. I do need to get back to it though because the meeting will be mid-August!

>63 Morphidae: Yes, indeed!

Okay, I said to hell with it and made yesterday a "no accountability day." I had my weekend a day early!

Goals for Saturday:

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. WeCab dispatch procedures (1 hour)*
2. Enter books into db and post to LT
3. Clean Maia's ears/Brush Maia

I should get other goals done, too. We'll see.

*Whooo hooo! Finally got a second hour in. Had to hand over my Nook to MrMorphy though, "I don't get this back until dinner!"

I like the idea of an occasional "no accountability day"!

>65 lkernagh: Yes, I'm pretty much planning on one weekend day being a "no accountability day." It just so happened that it fell on Friday this week. :D

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Thursday: 2261 (wee bit over, but I'm okay with it - dinner was SOOO good I had to have seconds!)

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. WeCab dispatch procedures (1 hour)
2. Clean Maia's ears/Brush Maia
3. Clean up Today document

I don't know what happened but the day just got away from me. I think I need to work from my to do list FIRST then do my computer stuff.

Good on the calories and now I want to know what your dinner was! ;-)

>68 lkernagh: Easy Cheeseburger Pie!

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/impossibly-easy-cheeseburger-pie/8c78aa78-c3...

Only differences are we used 85% meat and skim milk.

>69 Morphidae: That does look tasty, but it's not "impossibly easy" if you still have to brown the ground beef! (Not one of my favourite jobs.)

The calories are still good. That is certainly not a significant deviation, especially if you enjoyed the food.

>69 Morphidae: - That Cheeseburger Pie does look good! I haven't tried making a crust with Bisquick yet but a few months back a work colleague brought in the most amazing quiche slices and the crust was a Bisquick crust so I think I will need to do some experimenting!

Last Week's Weight (7/28): 462
Current Weight (8/4): 456
Loss: 6

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Thursday: 2179

Activities:

Church Rummage Sale Prep (Badge Checker/Door Warden) - 8:00am to 2:00pm

To Do:

1. WeCab dispatch procedures (1 hour)
2. Clean Maia's ears/Brush Maia
3. Clean up Today document

I seriously doubt I'll get any of these done but I'll leave them up. I'll probably be exhausted after getting home.

>70 SylviaC: It says "impossibly easy" not "quick." ;)

>71 lkernagh: It's not really a crust crust, at least for what we had. You mix the Bisquick, egg, and milk then pour it over the ingredients. It holds them all together.

Your weight loss is amazing!

6 pounds!!! Wow!

"Door Warden": so basically you're the rummage sale bouncer, huh? Keeping out the rowdies.
(No, no, don't correct me, I'm enjoying my own image too much.)

You are doing a fantastic job with the weight loss, Morphy!

Ugh, today is going to be a bear to count calories. I was volunteering at the church and it was all buffet style. So, a little bit of this and a little bit of that...

You mean you were able to take time out from controlling the rowdies to eat?

>74 _Zoe_: >76 lkernagh: Thanks!

>75 SylviaC: I wouldn't correct you. In fact, I stole from you! When people asked what I was doing, I said, "Bouncer."

>78 SylviaC: Multi-task!

>74 _Zoe_: Ditto what Zoe said! Amazing!!!!!

>80 Whisper1: Thanks!

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Thursday: 2330 (This is a wild guess. Buffet-style eating is the bane of weight loss.)

Activities:

WeCab dispatch from 8:00am to 4:00pm. It's all from home though!

To Do:

1. WeCab dispatch procedures (1 hour)
2. Clean Maia's ears/Brush Maia
3. Clean up Today document Oof, that took longer than I thought it would.

I'm going to do these BEFORE I get deeply into all my computer stuff.

I agree. Buffet-style eating is murder on calorie accountability. Buffets turn me into an indiscriminate nibbler as I like to try all food items on offer, unless I know it is something I don't like.

Definitely a difficult situation--hard to keep control.

>82 lkernagh: >83 ronincats: I think I did pretty well though, considering!

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Tuesday: 2070

Activities:

Hidden Treasure/Gillespie - social/lunch - 10:00am to 1:00pm

To Do:

1. Clean laptop
2. Clean out email
3. WeCab bookkeeping (at least one hour)

Calories are right on!

Enjoy your mysterious sounding lunch.
And you have a whole new set of goals!

Social lunch sounds like fun and good job on your Tuesday calories!

>85 SylviaC: >86 lkernagh: Hidden Treasures is the second hand shop at the senior center, Gillespie. My late friend, Betty, introduced me to the group down there. Nothing all that mysterious! I spend a couple hours chatting with the ladies (all twenty years or older than I) then we go to lunch (chicken ala king over biscuits, carrot cake yesterday.) Sometimes we do crafts like crocheting/knitting or tasks for the shop like making price tags.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Wednesday: 1897

Activities:

1. WCC Rummage Sale - Reception Desk

Hidden Treasure/Gillespie - social/lunch - 10:00am to 1:00pm

To Do:

1. WeCab bookkeeping (at least one hour)
2. Enter books into db
3. Add Diana Rowland's books to author db

Rummage sale bouncer again?

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Wednesday: no accountability day

Activities:

1. WCC Rummage Sale - Reception Desk

To Do:

1. WeCab bookkeeping (at least one hour)
2. Same (1/2 hour)
3. Same

***

>88 SylviaC: Nope. Reception desk. Like it much better. I don't have to fuss at people at the desk. Just take calls and answer questions!

Wow, so Wednesday was not only a great day for your social lunch, it was a fantastic calorie count day as well! I miss rummage sales / bazaars. Where I live those have been replaced with advertised 'garage sales' - even if there is no garage involved and it is actually a community/organization driven event - and charity/ consignment shops.

There's a big rummage sale at a church in town tomorrow. I've found some good books there in the past. Don't know if I'll get there this year. Life is putting it pretty low on my list of priorities now.

Oh, I CANNOT resist carrot cake, and it is something like 17 weight watcher points a slice!

>90 lkernagh: >91 SylviaC: It's a HUGE deal at the church. Thousands of people, hundreds of volunteers and a six figure take. This is the 93rd year of the rummage sale.

>92 ronincats: I'm surprised I stayed within my range despite it!

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Friday: 2129

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. WeCab bookkeeping (at least one hour)
2. Same
3. Same

Calories still great!

That is a BIG sale. I did make it to the one near here, and bought five lovely books for $4.50.

That is my kind of rummage sale!

Happy to see indulgences like the carrot cake - I love carrot cake - still kept you within your daily calorie range!

>94 SylviaC: I wish I could have gotten to the books. Unfortunately, the aisles are far too narrow for my wide chair.

>95 lkernagh: Yes, I do that because I'm a binge eater. If I deny myself foods, it can precipitate a binge. I allow myself to indulge in reasonable portions. Usually when I have lunch there, I take only a couple of bites of dessert... but carrot cake.

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Saturday : 2134

Activities:

1. In-laws for dinner

To Do:

1. WeCab bookkeeping - MUST finish monthly statements to mail tomorrow, will take a few hours (Did 1.5 hours, didn't quite finish)

Still on track!

What will you have for supper with your in-laws? We seldom have guests for meals.

I will be taking the kids travelling for the next week, so my attendance here may be sporadic. My poor husband has to stay home with the chickens.

>97 SylviaC: We're going to the in-laws for dinner, so I don't know. But it's usually burgers, steaks, or ribs with a starch, vegetables and a dessert. You know - Midwestern fare.

ETA: MrMorphy said he was told steak. See? So it will probably be baked potates, a salad, and chocolate cake.

Last Week's Weight (8/4): 456
Current Weight (8/11): 455
Loss: 1

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Friday: 2182

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Get WeCab monthly statements in the mail (must be postmarked today)
2. Make grocery list (for MrMorphy to go grocery shopping this morning)
3. Finish entering books into db (for MrMorphy to drop off after grocery shopping).
4. Prep for We-Cab in-service training meeting tomorrow (I'm leading. ACK!)
5. Medical phone calls (Mayo for MrMorphy's eye yearly exam, Hageness to reschedule)

Yikes!

You are doing a great job with your daily calories, Morphy and your weight loss continues. 11 pounds over just three weeks is awesome!

You sure got a lot done today!

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Monday: 2280*

*Over a little because dinner was late and I had to have a more substantial snack to get me through.

Activities:

1. Dispatch In-Service Training (presenter)

To Do:

1. Run around like a chicken with its head cut off Prep for the meeting

It went really well (got applause) but if I drank, I would be having a stiff one now.

Hope the meeting (training) went well today. I'm sure you pulled it all together for it.

Just coming over from your main thread and join Roni in hoping that the meeting went well today.

>103 ronincats: >104 lkernagh: Remember the bane of my existence? "(Morphy) did an excellent job. I would never have done it that well!" So, yes, it went well!

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Monday: 2186

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Clean up hot spot (bookcase next to me/couch)
2. Clean up email
3. Update to do list

>105 Morphidae: Now that's a compliment!

Good job on the calories, too!

The hotel wifi is pretty spotty, so I'm having some trouble keeping up to date. I'm going to have a whole lot of catching up to do when I get home.

Congratulations!!! That is a great compliment.

Glad to see the presentation went well, and with an unexpected, well deserved compliment!

You are doing really well with your calories, Morphy!

>106 SylviaC: Where are you vacationing?

>107 ronincats: >108 lkernagh: Thanks! It's a relief that a) it's over and b) other people thought it went well. I've had four emailed compliments so far.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Wednesday: 2376

Yesterday was just a sh*t day. I was deep in a depression, crying a lot plus had carb cravings from TOM. I'm glad I controlled it to under 2500. That's sort of my "drop dead" calorie amount. It's a "maintain" day rather than a weight loss day.

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Clean up hot spot (bookcase next to me/couch)
2. Clean up email
3. Update to do list

I refused to do much in the way of computer stuff until I got those three things done from yesterday. That's why I'm posting so late today.

4. Half an hour of little stuff (phone calls, pay a bill, etc.)
5. Research and fix volume on phone*
6. Finish entering books into db

*A few days ago SOMEHOW I turned the voice volume *way* up and it was painfully loud and I could not figure out how to fix it. I spent 15 minutes with the handset trying to figure out what I did. No luck. Tried to load an instruction manual, crashed Firefox twice.

Today I Googled a different instruction manual, looked up how to fix the volume and it was so bleeping obvious in hindsight. (Get a dial tone, use the up and down buttons.)

Good for you to keep the calories to a reasonable level, even on a bad day. And you caught up well on your to do list.

We're in Montreal. A brand new experience. We rarely do a real vacation like this, and I hate having to leave my husband home, but I decided that if I didn't do it now, there might not be another chance with the kids growing up fast. We've been having a wonderful time, but my feet hurt from all the walking.

GOOD work, to keep a sh*t day under 2500. You kept the calorie count from exploding; now to get back on track, buoyed by the good feedback you've been getting about your presentation.

I'm so sorry that you had a crappy day, Morphy. Sending better-day-today wishes your way...

Don't know when I'll get my calories/to do list entered/posted. Headed off to urgent care soon with my first migraine. Or whatever is causing my headache that four Ibruprofen barely touches, sensitivity to light, nausea, and stiff neck.

Oh, no!!! Feel better soon, Morphy!

Sorry to see you are feeling poorly, Morphy. Joining everyone else in saying that you did a great job controlling your calorie intake on a bad day with carbohydrate cravings. Sending {{{hugs}}} your way that you are feeling better soon and are able to great the day by rising above the depression you are feeling.

Being admitted for observation. Won't be posting for a bit.

Already posted about the migraine on your other thread, Morphy. Hope you get out of ER soon.

With any luck, today.

Checking in to see how you are doing, Morphy.

Should be heading home in the next hour or two, yay!

Hurrah!

I hope you're home now, and feeling better.

>110 SylviaC: I hope you had a good vacation with your kids. What did you do there?

>111 ronincats: Calories were mostly in range, I think, in the hospital, but I didn't track. I'll track today and start posting again tomorrow. I needed a couple days of re-entry after I got home. Now, even though my head still hurts, I want to get back at it. I'll just keep it easy. The calories shouldn't be a problem with the nausea.

>112 scaifea: Nope. More crappy days. LOL.

>114 SylviaC: Thank you. I appreciate your support every day. I know I can come here and there will be a post from you cheering me on. I can't tell you how much that means to me.

>115 lkernagh: As with #114 above, same to you! You give me consistent support and it is greatly appreciated.

>117 ronincats: Was in ER for TWELVE HOURS. It was ridiculous. If patient reps were there over the weekend, they would have gotten an earful. As it is, I don't know if I have the desire to complain now.

>121 _Zoe_: >122 SylviaC: It is good to be home. More restful and I have my own "stuff."

***

Will start posting my daily calorie count and to do list again tomorrow.

I'm glad you're feeling up to posting again. I hope you feel all better soon. And that it never happens again.

We did lots of sightseeing. A boat ride, a horse and carriage ride, science centre, zoo, art galleries, etc., and lots and lots of walking. Considering that my son and I both tend to be pretty sedentary, we did very well. Then visited relatives for a couple of days. A very good time was had by all, but my son says he'll never leave home again. Daughter is game for anything. I might post a few pictures on Facebook when I get a chance.

>124 SylviaC: I'm glad you had a busy and fun time. Your son makes me laugh.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Tuesday: 2062

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Catch up on computer stuff Didn't finish, too ambitious
2. Review to do list
3. Finish book entry in db

Good job on the calories. I hope your head is getting better.

Congrats on keeping the calories under control during your recent turmoil, Morphy!

Glad to see you are now back home, hopefully feeling better and amazed that you have jumped back in to tracking your daily calories after your migraine! Good for you!

Not posting today. Too much pain.

Ouch, poor Morphy! I'm sending you all the gentle hugs and positive thoughts you can handle.

Dr. told me viral meningitis not migraines. Good news. Just need to wait it out. Got a different pain killer.

Well, it's too bad you have it at all, but at least you don't have to worry about a recurrence. Hope it doesn't last much longer.

Walgreen's pharmacy's computer system is down (seems state if not nationwide) so couldn't get the new prescription filled. Probably will get it this afternoon. Disappointment. Norco helps, hoping Tramadol helps more. Did research and found out this could last weeks to months. Not happy.

Sorry to see that you have viral meningitis! OMG! Take care of yourself and here is hoping your new prescription will be filled soon. At least you do not have to worry about being a migraine sufferer and having to battle those demons again and again.

Please see the post below for the newest update. Give me another day or two to gather myself together and I'll start my regular posts again. My to do list will most likely be less ambitious until I'm better.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/178111#4819946

>126 SylviaC: Nope, still the same. It might take a few weeks.

>127 ronincats: >130 SylviaC: Thanks!

>128 lkernagh: Not there yet. But my life can't stop just because I'm in pain. I've started counting my calories again today and will post tomorrow.

>132 SylviaC: At least a few weeks of it. :(

>134 lkernagh: I'm very grateful for that. I got my prescriptions filled yesterday afternoon. We'll see how effective they are.

Because 1) I'm on my 10 day of pain and I need a break, physically and mentally and 2) I have items on my to do list back from January due to too much time on the computer, I'm going to take an Internet break for up to a week except for where it pertains to a to do item from 2).

Nothing to do with you all, I'm just tired and worn out. If you need to get in touch with me, send me a PM. I'll still be checking emails. Thanks everyone for your continual support and love. *hugs*

Hi, Morphy; I didn't sign up to be a supporter, because I'm just not on LT regularly enough, but I've been lurking over here.

Hope you feel better soon, and come over to the weight loss thread when you're back. I've been lurking there, too, but haven't posted for a while. Anyway, my weight's been see-sawing, but heading upwards gradually. You'd be an inspiration.

OK - I shall now be brave and head out for the first exercise I've done / will have done in months ...

I'll be back on tomorrow morning. I'm not completely better but close!

>139 Morphidae: Good news!

Glad to see you are feeling better!

>138 humouress: I know about the see-sawing. I've been doing a lot of that this year as well. I'm determined that it's going to stop TODAY.

>140 SylviaC: >141 lkernagh: Glad to see you are still checking in with me! I'm about 80 - 90% better. Still on pain meds but don't feel like I want to curl up and die anymore. I have my sparkle back!

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Sunday: not recorded

Activities:

To in-laws for supper

To Do:

1. Write WeCab checks
2. Post August books to LT
3. Groom Maia

I'm glad you're sparkly again!

I groomed Caramel yesterday, or at least as much of her as I could get. Last winter's undercoat is finally releasing, just in time to grow back in for this winter.

Have a nice supper.

Woo-woo for sparkle.

I confess I never left the house this morning for that vaunted exercise. Hmm; there are a couple of classes I've been thinking of signing up for - then I'll have to go, no ifs and buts about it.

So glad that you are feeling so much better, Morphy!

Sparkle is good. Enjoy supper with your in-laws!

>143 SylviaC: Maia is easy to groom if I do it regularly. She has silky hair so if I don't groom she gets mats.

>144 humouress: What type of classes?

>145 ronincats: I learned, however, why doctors say to rest! I felt so good I was pretty active and had a raging headache that evening. So I took it easy physically the next day and felt better again. I have to take it easy ramping back up my activity levels!

>146 lkernagh: We did! Cheeseburgers on the grill, some delicious corn on the cob, and apple pie with vanilla ice cream!

***

I was so busy doing stuff (on the couch) yesterday I forgot to post! I got a ton done though.

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Monday: 1,853
Tuesday: 2,015

Activities:

Gillespie Center for socializing and lunch

To Do:

1. Phone calls (WeCab drivers for mileage, rider about statement, dr. about appt.)
2. Get number for Mike M. and enter Joel's mileage (bookkeeping things)
3. Read some of Agatha Christie and Collapse.

Maybe

4. Update old journal
5. Move tasks from Wunderlist to Evernote
6. Review goals
7. Read Hearts in Atlantis

Good work on the calories this week, Morphy!

You're doing well with your calories!

I'm way behind on Collapse. Haven't been able to sit down with anything that actually requires concentration.

I love cheeseburgers from the BBQ grill! How sweet was the corn? I have to admit that my weakness for sweet corn on the cob is to lather it in butter and salt. Not overly healthy but soooo good.

Great job on the calories!

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Wednesday: 2,401*

*It's not my fault! Someone put an open box of donuts in front of me. Not in the middle of the table but RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. "Want a donut?" At least I had only one. Right? That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :D

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Move tasks from Wunderlist, hot spot (my bookcase), spreadsheet to Evernote
2. Review goals
3. Brush Maia

Also:

4. Read some of Hearts in Atlantis, Agatha Christie autobiography, Collapse

>144 humouress: >147 Morphidae: I've signed up for an aqua spin class. It's supposed to be this morning, but I haven't had a confirming e-mail yet.

*sigh* I hear you re the doughnuts. My sister is here this week, and she likes to have ice cream for dessert. So I'm tempted to join her. And then by the time she leaves, it's become a habit ...

I also fall victim when donuts are present so I think your slight calorie climb is completely understandable. ;-)

Darned doughnuts! What flavour was it? (That makes a difference.)

My husband bought a box of Krispy Kremes when we were out the other day--I had two.

Ooooh, donuts! *sigh*

You've likely answered this before, but I forget (sorry!): Do you use a calorie-tracking website or app? I've recently jumped onto the MY Fitness Pal wagon, and it really helps me stay within my calorie goal. Shames me to do so, really, since, when I reach for a cookie or other such treat, I think, "Oh, wait, I'll have to log this in..." and I stop myself.

>152 humouress: >153 lkernagh: >154 SylviaC: >155 ronincats: Thanks for all the donut understanding. I don't feel so bad about it now! It was one of my favorites - raised chocolate glazed/frosted (I say glazed, MrMorphy says frosted. We're always fussing about it.)

>156 scaifea: Yep, I use a tracker and, yep, I've been asked before. Can't remember if it was you are not though. Heh. I use SparkPeople.com and have for years.

Darn it. Did I forget to post again? I'll have to add it to my Daily Task list.

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Thursday: 2,069
Friday: 2,154

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Start work on WeCab statements
2. Transfer tasks from CARROT to Evernote
3. Update resume and send to Liz

Right on track with the calories!

Good calories both days!

Right! Now I remember you talking about SparkPeople! Sorry for making you repeat yourself.

>158 lkernagh: >159 SylviaC: Thanks!

>160 scaifea: It's not like I ever repeat *myself*.

>160 scaifea: It's not like I ever repeat *myself*.

***
Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Sunday: 1,948

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Continue work on WeCab statements
2. Fill in surveys from Park Nicollet
3. Start reading and meditating on Essential Spirituality

And the streak continues! (Well, just the tiniest bit low, but not enough to matter.)

Have a productive day!

Good job, Morphy!

>162 SylviaC: I'm SO not worried about being low unless it's under 1200 or something like that when I'm not sick. LOL.

>163 lkernagh: Thanks!

***
Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Saturday: 2,162

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Continue work on WeCab statements
2. Delete Wunderlist and ManicTime from computer
3. Clean up WeCab folder

Also, need to finish reading The Dragon and the George so I can get it back to the library in time - today. Ha!

Have I told you about HabitRPG?

Right on again! ... Hold on ... You had two Saturdays? Trying to make the weekend last longer?

HabitRPG, huh. Let's see. I have some vague recollection of you mentioning it. I think. 😜

>165 SylviaC: That was a general "you." :D

Two Saturdays? No idea what you are talking about. *cough*

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Monday: 2,522

Overage was due to poor planning and a memory lapse. I had a higher calorie lunch and lower calorie dinner planned. Around 3:30pm we realized we forgot to put our dinner in the crockpot at 1:00pm. Whoopsie. Our only choice was a higher calorie dinner I had planned for today when I had a lower calorie lunch planned. Ah well.

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Finish WeCab monthly statements to mail tomorrow
2. Email WeCab dispatcher hint
3. Review Happiness class (free online audit)

Oops. Your good run for the last few days should balance that out. And it certainly wasn't a very big overrun. Honestly, I don't know how you manage to keep track of your calories, and keep within such a narrow range as regularly as you do. I'm always impressed when I think about what you've accomplished so far.

You've reminded me, I should get out the crockpot. I want to try to use it more, because it is such a convenient way to cook, but it just keeps getting shuffled to the back of the cupboard.

Two Saturdays? No idea what you are talking about. *cough*

LOL! As someone who is about to go back to a *gasp!* a two-day weekend after a summer of long weekends I say you grab any and all two Saturdays you can! ;-)

Your overage is something that just happens. I don't own a crock pot - never have - and have been meaning to get one, especially now that we are heading into the colder fall/winter months. I like the idea of being able to put all the ingredients in the pot and have it cook on a low setting while I am at work. It is either that or another winter of homemade soups and other easy to fix comfort foods.

Question: My mom only used crockpots for making things like chili or baked beans. Are there a lot of recipes out there for crock pots? Do you have any favorites that the Morphy household makes in a crock pot?

>167 SylviaC: I've been doing this for years. I can pre-estimate pretty accurately. Unless I have a new food/meal, I can guess within a couple hundred calories what I have in a day. Then my favorites and groups in my SparkPeople calorie counter are well filled in. For instance, for a cheeseburger at home, rather than having to enter the bread and the cheese and the burger, etc., I can enter the "group" cheeseburger and it adds all three items for me.

>168 lkernagh: Oh sure. The other night we had BBQ meatballs. Just drop in frozen meatballs and a bottle of BBQ sauce. We love Baby Ray's Sweet Vidalia Onion. Put on low for 4 hours. That yellow (saffron rice) and pea pods made a delightful meal. Normally it's not a high calorie dinner for us as we use turkey meatballs (Target has good ones.) However, I recently sent in a complaint about Simek's lasagna and they sent free coupons for their meatballs. We don't like their turkey meatballs so got the regular ones instead. Very tasty but OH the calories.

We also do a couple "mushroom" dishes. Either a few pork chops or chicken breasts, Campbell's Healthy something mushroom soup (2 cans), and a package of Lipton onion soup mix. 8 hours on low. Dish over rice.

Split pea soup which is divine. Let me know if you want the recipe.

Those are our main ones. I'm sure we'll add more as time goes by.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Tuesday: 2,098

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Prep for WCC Book Club tomorrow (Research book/author - Moloka'i by Alan Brennert)
2. Finish reading Moloka'i (Ha! Actually a re-read. I recommended it.) (Almost done.)
3. Write to Michael

My other half loves a good spit pea soup. Recipe, please! Looks like I am going shopping for a crock pot. ;-)

See, your lower calorie count for Tuesday is a nice counter balance to Monday. Dieting is just like canoeing, in my books. A series of minor corrections keeps you safely in the boat.... drastic corrections can capsize the canoe and get you all wet!

>170 lkernagh: Sure!

1 (16 oz.) pkg. dried green split peas, rinsed
1 meaty hambone, 2 ham hocks, or 2 cups diced ham (We do the 2 cups diced.)
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 ribs of celery plus leaves, chopped (Our celery never has leaves.)
1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, or 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1 tbsp. seasoned salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp. fresh pepper
1 1/2 qts. hot water
Preparation:
Layer ingredients in slow cooker in the order given; pour in water. Do not stir ingredients. Cover and cook on HIGH 4 to 5 hours or on low 8 to 10 hours until peas are very soft and ham falls off bone. Remove bones and bay leaf. Mash peas to thicken more, if desired. (We always mash.) Serve garnished with croutons. Freezes well.
Serves 8.

We always make this the day BEFORE we eat it. It's ten times better the next day reheated.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Wenesday: 2,146

Activities:

WCC Book Club - Moloka'i by Alan Brennert (my recommendation so I lead)

To Do:

1. Transfer written notes to Evernote
2. Catch up with media db (worked on it)
3. Brush Maia

>170 lkernagh: Is that how you shell the peas?

(So sorry; couldn't resist.)

Right on track with your calories, Morphy!

>171 Morphidae: - Many thanks! My other half was quite happy when I read the ingredients to him, so both of us thank you for sharing the recipe!

Nice calorie count!

>172 humouress: - LOL! It took me a minute to figure out my typo. I won't bother to fix my post.... it is more fun with the typo and your comment!

>172 humouress: I resisted. I did. But you couldn't, could you? LOL

>173 SylviaC: Thanks!

>174 lkernagh: You want the calorie count, too? LOL. Just be sure, as I said, to make it the day before. The day of, it's too soupy. The next day it thickens up into "real" pea soup.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Wenesday: 2,132

Activities:

WCC Reception Desk

To Do:

1. Talk to LuAnn about community ad
2. Remove people from Facebook
3. Go through ideas for Evernote note

FYI, I'm taking a no accountability day tomorrow. That means no to do list posted tomorrow and no calorie count posted on Sunday.

>174 lkernagh: >175 Morphidae:


(Daisy, courtesy of Rhian's thread)

>175 Morphidae: - No, I was referring to your Wednesday calories. ;-)

>176 humouress: - Awe, look at that adorable face!

>177 lkernagh: I meant did you want the calorie count of the split pea soup!

>178 Morphidae: - Can you tell I am a bit brain dead? ;-)

No, you don't need to provide the calorie count for the soup, but thanks for asking!

>178 Morphidae: It happens to all of us. Some more than others... *coughmecough*

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Friday: 2,747

I had a "hungry day" yesterday. I had a PM snack almost the size of a meal.

By the way, when I comment on why I have an overage, it's not an excuse, it's a reason. And it's more aimed at my Beast (binge eating disorder) than you all. I have to explain to it that it's NORMAL to have days that go over. That NORMAL eating doesn't include black and white thinking ("Oh! I blew it! Might as well eat whatever I want!) That, in fact, a higher calorie day (within reason - 2500 to 2750 max,) isn't "blowing it" at all. It just means it's a maintain day instead of a weight loss day. If I can convince the Beast that this is all normal, I won't go back to binge eating (hopefully.)

That's why I'm not going to do my no accountability day today. "Normal" eaters, after two high calorie days in a week, watch it for a bit. So, I'll put it off until next week.

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Create budget for WeCab
2. Finish entering info into media db
3. Update TIOLI Challenge db (worked on it)

How's the little HabitRPG avatar guy doing? I've kept mine alive now since 9/6. I hope to get him level 4 later today - he and his little wooden sword and shield took a lot of hits yesterday as life battled back.

I'm level 12 and have had 11 Perfect Days. *ahem*

I'm just a little compulsive.

Very impressive! Just don't tell my guy or he'll be sitting on your doorstep wanting to be adopted.

>183 streamsong: I have a girl. Maybe they can get married and she can nag him. "Have you taken the trash out yet?"

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Friday: 2,190

Tomorrow is my "Do Nothing But Read Day" and "No Accountability Day" - so I'll post again on Tuesday!

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Add read books to db and LT
2. Review goals
3. Make yearly plan for 8th Thingaversary reading

Enjoy your "Do Nothing But Read Day"!

There is something quite appealing about a day of doing nothing but read, with no accountability. It sounds much more fun than a "Take People to Doctors" day, which is what I'll be having.

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Sunday: 2,168

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Correct in-kind hours for May & June by September 15th (check other months?)
2. Create WeCab treasurer reports (can't do them without a report I don't have)
3. Pay RideScheduler for WeCab

***

I'm sooooo glad I didn't count yesterday. *burp*

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Tuesday: 2,046

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Create WeCab treasurer reports (when I get the report I need) (worked on it some)
2. Pay RideScheduler for WeCab
3. Wash hair

***

Busy busy today. I need to get those treasurer reports for the board meeting on Friday but can't do it without the bank statement or deposit slips. I have to wait for the admin to bring them to me today. *taps foot*

Two great days and I love how the calorie count is identical for Sunday and Tuesday! Makes me smile, just like having my grocery shopping totaling an even dollar amount, which doesn't happen very often. ;-)

>189 lkernagh: Whoops, corrected.

Still looks good! ;-)

Good morning, Morphy! Nice work on the calories.

Isn't it frustrating when you are all ready to do a job, but you have to wait for someone else to do their part.

Washing my hair is one of my least favourite jobs. It is very thick, and hard to rinse out, and takes forever to dry. And it's not something that I can keep putting off. But on the plus side, it stays clean longer than thinner hair would.

>191 lkernagh: :D

>192 SylviaC: It's even more frustrating when you finally get to work on it and your Internet goes kerpluey!

I feel the same about washing my hair. It has to be separate from my regular shower as I can either bathe or wash my hair, not both. So that means I'm in the shower TWICE - once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Wednesday: 2,011

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Finish Treasurer Reports
2. Pay RideScheduler/bills for WeCab
3. Enter books into db (not full entry, just enough so can return to library)

Congrats on a completed to-do list and a nice calorie count!

Well, that was a productive day, despite your internet issues!

>194 lkernagh: >195 SylviaC: Thanks!

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Thursday: 1,872

Activities:

WeCab Board Meeting (speaker phone)

To Do:

1. Determine which book we'll be reading for WCC book club in October (worked on)
2. Wash hair
3. Update TIOLI Challenge db (worked on)

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Friday: 2,280

A little over but considering how low I was yesterday, I'm not going to work about it.

Activities:

-none-

To Do:

1. Speak to vet about Maia's ear
2. Update TIOLI Challenge db (worked on it)
3. Talk with WCC Book Club members about status

Good job with the calories! I hope Maia's ear is okay.

>184 Morphidae: Very funny! Somehow I missed that possibility. A little poking at the site, and my avatar's inner warrior princess has emerged. :-) She's still alive, but looking a bit puny today as she's down to about half her life hearts. If I'm good today, I can level her up and all will be forgiven.

>198 SylviaC: Yeah. Didn't even need to go in. Just had to get some cleaner/medicine to put in her ears twice a day. Should clear it up quickly.

>199 streamsong: Yay! Girlz Rokzor!

***

Started this streak the 6th. If I can get through the 27th, that will be 21 days - and a habit is born! By then I think I'll have myself well in hand, thanks to you all and I'll be able to "close" the thread. I might still do the calories, we'll see.

Another reason is that I had hoped that other people would team up with me to share their accountabilities, too! This feels too "me" focused.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Saturday: 2,211

To Do:

1. Wash hair (dang it! I'm getting this done today!)
2. Add read books to database and LT
3, Send email for WeCab shifts

other people would team up with me to share their accountabilities

Not me; I'm quite bad at living up to mine, and I haven't got around to lighting that fire under me that makes me want to actively change. Until I do that, no amount of lists / sharing etc will help, I've found in the past.

But I'll pop in to support you, as long as you run this thread.

I get back from our trip Monday, and plan to develop 'accountabilities' then, which I'll share here, Murphy.

Hooray for streaks! — Oh yes, they call her the Streak! — (or maybe not...)

Since the main goal I'm working on involves doing more cooking, and trying out recipes, this thread didn't seem like the right place to record it.

>201 humouress: True. Change won't come until someone wants to change!

>202 ronincats: That would be fabulous!

>203 SylviaC: I would love for you to share your goal and progress here. Reading about food and recipes doesn't bother me. In fact, I love reading them because it gives me ideas on new things to try. We are stuck in a rut. Plus, if you are that much of a cook you probably use items that this picky eater wouldn't like anyway. Please post!

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Sunday: 2,175

To Do:

1. Check out menu on WeCab's new phone system and update dispatch procedures
2. Call WCC Book Club members about status
3. Update TIOLI Challenge db (Almost done!)

Believe me, I'm not that much of a cook! That's why I need to try to cook more. The trouble is, all four of us are picky eaters, each in our own different way. So suppers have pretty much devolved to such delicacies as wiener fried rice. I have a big collection of cookbooks and recipe clippings, but I only really use them for the one week every August when my friend visits and we experiment with zucchini.

The kids are old enough to be more self sufficient, so I've decided that I will try to cook at least one new recipe every week, and everyone who doesn't like it can just look after themselves.

So maybe I'll keep track of my progress here, and if I want to go into more detail, I'll put it in my reading thread. If I don't mention making something new in over a week, somebody here can nudge me.

Glad to see the accountability thread has been helpful towards forming a healthy habit for you! The only accountability that I am working on right now is I am trying to change our eating habits so that less processed foods enter our diets. Making my own bread has been huge step in that direction but I know I can do more. For example, last night I made lazy enchiladas using commercially manufactured salsa. Making my own salsa is now on the to-do list. It is all about being more in control of what ingredients we consume, but it is challenging while working a full time job. Good thing we don't have kids.... I wouldn't have the energy to do everything if we did.

I would be willing to track my successes (and failures) here while I continue this food accountability journey.

>205 SylviaC: - I will nudge you if you will nudge me. Deal? ;-)

>206 lkernagh: Deal!

>205 SylviaC: "wiener fried rice" LOL! Please copy/paste detail here, too. I love reading about food. We will certainly nudge you!

>206 lkernagh: >207 SylviaC: Yay! I will love sharing the accountability thread. Will make me feel less self-conscious.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Sunday: 2,061

To Do:

1. Email dispatch hint and add dispatchers to contacts
2. Add meals to cooking db
3. Finish TIOLI Challenge db update

Staying on track with the calories! You have a cooking database?

This week's new meal will probably be chicken with roasted cauliflower and sweet potatoes. Considering this week's schedule, it will have to be on either Thursday or Sunday.

>208 Morphidae: - You have hit a nice sweet spot with the calories, Morphy. You are doing a great job managing them!

>209 SylviaC: - A cooking database - what a great idea!

I love sweet potatoes (and yams). They are packed with wonderful nutrients too!

-----------------------
I attempted to make pesto for the very first time yesterday and while I won't call it a failure, it wasn't a rip roaring success either. I tried working with this recipe and it wasn't until l I had started prepping the ingredients that I noticed I did not have as much basil as the recipe asks for. 2 and 1/2 cups of packed basil leaves is a lot of basil, more than my poor plant produced, anyways! Overall, I think I added too much Parmesan and not enough basil. It definitely didn't need more oil, and I didn't even add the amount of oil the recipe called for. At least dinner was still edible but I think it is back to the drawing board for me and any further attempts at pesto making. ;-)

>210 lkernagh: I've been on a roll of recipes that haven't turned out quite the way they're supposed to.

>209 SylviaC: It's more of an entrée database. I have columns for meal, type (chicken, beef, batch, take out, etc.) and when we last had it. It's to 1) make sure we aren't eating the same thing over and over (like I've noticed we've had eggs three times in the last 10 days), 2) remember that we have more than a half dozen choices, 3) when a certain meat is on sale, I can figure out a meal to make with it.

>210 lkernagh: Nine days in a row of good calories!

>211 SylviaC: We need to be more adventurous.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Monday: 2,095

To Do:

1. Check iPhone extensions
2. Make second calls to WCC members about book group
3. Add dispatchers to contacts

Okay, so SparkPeople says I need to consume between 1200 to 1550 calories per day to lose weight to meet my goal. (-47.5 pounds). That sounds fair, based on previous experience.

Now I'm looking at the HabitRPG and trying to set up habits versus dailies. I want to establish the habit of keeping a food log, to control my calorie intake, and of course, completing the food log is a daily chore as well. How do you have them assigned?

(Galloping up on my golden lion). OK. I'm here, too.

At weigh in, I was slightly up this week, but had an unexpectedly large loss last week so I'm calling it good.

>211 SylviaC: - Kind of leaves one with the dilemma of 'try, try again' or resorting to take-out, doesn't it? ;-)

>212 Morphidae: - That is awesome! And a clean to-do list as well!

>213 ronincats: and >214 streamsong: - I am looking forward to cheering more people towards their goals!

>212 Morphidae: You are amazingly organized with all your databases!

>215 lkernagh: Yeah, and the family starts rolling their eyes when I say I'm cooking something new.

>213 ronincats: >214 streamsong: Good luck with your goals!

The chicken with cauliflower and sweet potatoes turned out well. It was simple to make, just chopping and roasting the vegetables and cooking the chicken in the frying pan. There was a little bit of a very light sauce to make at the end, but there was hardly anything to that. Kids both loved the chicken, one of them tolerated the vegetables, the other wanted nothing to do with them. Husband didn't say much, but ate the chicken and cauliflower. I loved the vegetables and liked the chicken.

Yay for a successful new dinner! Everyone seems to have enjoyed at least part of the meal and that's a good positive in my books!

>217 lkernagh: ...And very unusual here!

I'm sorry I haven't posted. The headache has been bad the last two days and nothing is helping. I saw the rheumatalogist yesterday and she's referring me on to the neurologist. My appointment isn't for seven (!!!) weeks but they put me on the cancellation wait list and the woman was fairly confident I would get in sooner.

***

>213 ronincats: Well, I would start with putting your calorie goal as a habit and your food journal as a daily. A habit tends to be something you do or don't do more than once a day. I have drink a cup of water, for instance. And do a load of dishes (activity and house cleaning.) Whereas, I have journal my food and exercise as dailies.

Also, I have yes/no items in habits. Did I complain today? If no, I get a plus. I also give myself a plus if I catch myself about to complain but refrain. If yes, I get a minus for each time I complain. So far I haven't given myself more than one negative a day!

>214 streamsong: Trending down is good!

>215 lkernagh: Thanks!

***

That's it for now. Sorry. I'll answer more later.

>219 Morphidae: I was wondering where you were. Yuck to headaches, and yuck to more doctors. Hope you feel better soon.

Headaches are evil. Seven weeks to wait for an appointment is stress-inducing. Take things easy, Morphy and I hope you are feeling better real soon!

I'm worried about you, Morphy. Is this some sort of flare from the encephalitis?

I did a two mile walk today through a wildlife refuge. It was a 2 mile walk/5K run to raise money for the refuge.

I've really been enjoying the BudgetBytes blog. Not all the recipes are diet-friendly, but a lot of them are. My daughter recommended the Curried Chickpeas with Spinach so I will make that tonight, using kale instead of chickpeas http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/12/curried-chickpeas-spinach/. I'm not sure whether I'll add some paneer cheese that I need to use up, or perhaps have some Costco roasted chicken on the side with it.

Yes, I'm having a flare from the meningitis and haven't been posting much. I'm hoping to get back to it soon.

Morphy, I'm sorry that meningitis is still flaring up. Hopefully this time it doesn't last long.

>222 streamsong: Wow, that blog is really nice! I had to leave before I got too carried away—I already have way too many recipes. Did you have good weather for your walk? It has been beautiful here.

>222 streamsong: - Well done! A walk through a wildlife refuge to raise money is a wonderful way to contribute and exercise! I love the BudgetBytes blog site. Kale is a great substitute for Spinach in that recipe. I love spinach but I hate how, when cooked, spinach shrinks down to nothing! At least kale retains it bulk when cooked. ;-)

>223 Morphidae: - Not good. Take things easy. sending getting well wishes your way.

Sorry to hear that the headache is back, Morphy.

I have now been completing my food log for 5 days. My goal from Spark People is to consume between 1200 and 1550 calories per day and I have attained that goal each of the five days, although today was 1547 thanks to a street fair and Sprouts having Alaskan King Crab for $9.99 a pound! (And the second glass of wine)

I just went into level 2 on HabitRPG. I have 50/50 health and the store just opened up, but I have no idea what to buy. I have exercising regular and eating fewer than 1550 calories as habits. Keeping the food log daily, exercising three times a week, cleaning out the refrigerator on Thursday (Friday is trash day), sweeping my new wood kitchen floor daily, disposing of incoming mail, and reading 45 minutes daily are my dailies. Yeah, I know the last one is a gimme but, heh, it was already on there and I can use a few gimmes in my life.

Morphy, I hope you soon fell well enough to join us again. Sending you soothing thoughts.

Either tomorrow or Friday I will cook eggs baked in chicken bacon cups, and balsamic potatoes.

Gosh, I didn't realise meningitis could flare up again. Hope you feel better soon, and kick it for good.

>227 SylviaC: That was supposed to be "feel well", not "fell well". I definitely don't want you to fall!

That sucks, Morphy. Hope you feel better soon!

>224 SylviaC: >225 lkernagh: The walk was nice and the weather OK - overcast and in the 50's. We didn't see any critters, but did see one bird in the falcon family.

I'm glad you enjoyed BudgetBytes - the kale was great in the curry.

>226 ronincats: Roni, I don't really understand the point in the various equipment, either. For now, science geek that I am I'm working on my Halloween costume and just acquired the monster head of science and want the lab coat next.

Weigh in last night was very good. I'm down a total of 8 pounds.

>220 SylviaC: >221 lkernagh: >224 SylviaC: >225 lkernagh: Thanks. I think the worst is over.

>222 streamsong: How'd the roasted chicken and curried kale/spinach turn out?

>226 ronincats: Awesome on the calories. Way to go! I have a couple of gimmes on HabitRPG, too1

>226 ronincats: >230 streamsong: I strongly suggest to not buy any equipment until you get to level 10 and choose your class unless you plan on being a warrior. Mages, Rogues and Healers get different types of equipment at level 10 and your gold will have gone to waste. Costumes are fine. Get them while you can.

>227 SylviaC: Chicken Bacon Cups? Oh.Dear.Lord.Gimme.Gimme.Gimme.

>228 humouress: Well, it's not so much the meningitis that flares up as the ongoing side affects of meningitis. It's just easier to say meningitis. I've had a constant headache since mid-August. The last several days it got pretty bad.

>229 SylviaC: No, no, no falling!

>230 streamsong: Wow, 8 pounds. That's fantastic. Whooo hoooo!

***

Haven't done calories lately. Will report tomorrow.

To Do:

1. Determine WeCab hours for September
2. Set up Barbara LaBelle and Christine Johnson rides
3. Pay staff (and City of Mound?) for September

>226 ronincats: - You have a great plan mapped out that works for you. Gimmes are allowed. Good job with your first week!

>227 SylviaC: - Oh chicken bacon cups.... I must investigate. I love bacon and it is about the only pork product that my other half enjoys.

>230 streamsong: - Congratulations on the weight loss! Makes the goal a feel-good experience and provides a nice positive reinforcement to continue!

>231 Morphidae: - I know! Chicken Bacon cups. WANT. ;-) glad to see you are feeling better and that the worst is over.

--------------

No time to try and work on any of my healthy eating goals until the weekend when I plan on working on a healthy carrot muffin recipe that, if successful, will give me another mid-morning snack option that will deter me from caving and buying those super-sized and mystery ingredient abundant commercially prepared coffee shop baked goods.

>231 Morphidae: I'm so glad you're feeling well enough to join us again! We missed you.

>230 streamsong: Eight pounds is impressive!

>232 lkernagh: There isn't actually any pork involved. The cups are made of chicken bacon, which is chicken made to look like bacon—much, much leaner, but doesn't taste quite the same. The kids don't care though, they love it. So they were very happy with that part of the meal, and have already requested repeats. I didn't even cook any for my husband, because that's just something he wouldn't touch. The potatoes were okay, but nothing special.

AH.... chicken bacon. Got it. Still worth a try. We tend to enjoy turkey breakfast sausages for the leanness of the meat and the lack of grease when eating so these cups are still very appealing! A repeat request = success!

>232 lkernagh: MMMmmmMMM. Lemon Poppyseed. Banana Nut Chococolate Chip. Ha! I've leaving that typo.

Let us know how the carrot muffin works out.

>233 SylviaC: Oh man. I thought it was a "chicken and bacon" cup not a "chicken bacon" cup. Nevermind!

What did your husband eat then?

>234 lkernagh: I'm a regular ol' sausage type of gal. But then I only have it about once a month.

***

Calorie Range: 2000 - 2200
Monday: 2,195 (squeeeeeeak)

To Do:

1. Create dinner plan/grocery list
2. Update WeCab budget
3. Enter Bob's and Joel's mileage

Good job with the calories, Morphy!

My husband barbecued some hamburgers. Chicken bacon is actually pretty good, as long as you don't go in expecting it to be like bacon bacon, and it is much less messy to cook. A local company makes delicious turkey sausage. It is very lightly seasoned, with just a touch of sage. Now I think I need to go buy some...

Well, I've stayed in my calorie range all week, but I'm afraid the fun times are over. All but one of those days were near the top of the range, and I'm going to have to lower it, because that is just maintenance level for me. I have lost 2 pounds, but that is just back to where I was before all the vacation eating. I'm going to try the 1200 to 1350 range for a week, but I fear I'll have to cut back to 1200 to actually lose weight.

Good work on the calories, Morphy!

Okay, so today I went over my calorie range big time, thanks to a cheeseburger and fries at the beach today, and a Krispy Kreme New York Cheesecake doughnut that put me over 2000 calories. :-(

Thanks all for the congrats on the 8 pounds. That's a total for 4 weeks :-) I'm always a bit suspicious of 1-2 pound a week weight loss because it takes nothing for my weight to vary a pound or two up or down. But 8 pounds feels real.

I don't think I said this here on this thread although I did on my own thread.

When I rejoined WW, my leader told me to commit to it for a year and I'd **never** regret it.

Never.

I can't think of anything else that I could say that about after a year. So this is me, my first month into the year.

>236 SylviaC: I've never had chicken bacon, although sometimes I buy turkey bacon. The taste is yummy, but I can't seem to make it crispy without incinerating it.

>238 ronincats: I think it's the little indulgences that make you able to stick with it, though.

>231 Morphidae: Thanks for the tip on what (not) to buy from the store. (Sadly kicks pile of armor and weapons with my toe). I wish I could post the avatar with my monster scalp of science and my zombie wolf here.

Today was the last farmer's market of the season here. Vine ripe tomatos, broccoli, brussel sprouts, a delicata squash (this thing is pretty!), some teeny tiny pears and Italian prunes all came home with me.

ETA: Morphy, I also wanted to say thanks so much! Your stick-to-it-iveness is what has inspired me to do this.

I hope your headache is receding, Morphy. That has to be miserable.

I went over again today, but only by 33 calories, thanks to that last Krispy Kreme donut lingering in the box. At least I only ate 3 of the 12 donuts. But I still am going to have to lower my goal to LOSE weight.

>235 Morphidae: - Well, I am still fine tuning the healthy carrot recipe. Almost there!

Good job with your calories, Morphy!

>238 ronincats: - but think how good that all tasted. Burgers and fries at the beach sounds heavenly to me. I would consider it a nice treat.

>239 streamsong: - a one year commitment sounds like a good way to entrench a healthy eating habit. Good job with your first month on the plan!

>240 ronincats: - You couldn't very well let a perfectly good donut go to waste. If you are close to a good calorie range, would increasing activity help? Just a thought. Tracking calories is not something I am very good at so I have to rely on the increased activity route, but that doesn't work for everyone.

I think I lost this thread for a few days. Happy Monday, everyone, and good luck on all our goals!

I'm not up to answering posts right now.

The Morphy household is down with a particularly nasty cold. Usually one of us gives it to the other so there is some type of delay. That way the healthy one can take care of the sick one - but not this time. We both came down with it yesterday.

I'm going to change up what I'm doing. My to do lists have been fine. And when I don't post because of illness or stress, I'm also going over my calories. I haven't lost any weight. So, instead, I'm going to do a weight accountability.

Weigh In: 472
This Week's Gain/Loss: 0
Accountability Thread Loss: 0
Overall Loss: 200

Much love to Morphy and MrMorphy.

Thank you. We are in a state of shock right now.

>236 SylviaC: I should try chicken bacon or turkey sausage one of these days. I'm just afraid they'll be dry.

>237 ronincats: >238 ronincats: How has the calorie counting been going?

>239 streamsong: You still using HabitRPG? You want to join our group for quests?

>240 ronincats: Donuts are evil. They are one of my great temptations and cannot have them in the house.

>241 lkernagh: With my disability, activity is difficult. Which makes my endurance less, which makes me less likely to do activity, blah blah blah. I need to get back to my chair dancing big time.

>242 SylviaC: I lost it for three weeks!

And speaking of, it's going to be a couple more weeks until I start back here. Until MrMorphy's treatment is over, I'm simply too distracted. I'm trying to take care of myself but I know I'm gaining weight. Stupid comfort eating.