Natalie- thats really cool that you get along so well with your stepsister. MY stepsister actually friggin made out with my last boyfriend... Oh, I was pissed. So, he was a goner, and she and I don't really talk other than family functions now... hm. lol... ANyways, congrats on the two pounds!! Thats awesome. I think that, uh, I mighta gained two pounds last week,. Help me!! I'm so jealous of the resolve you have to do this.. give me some tips hun!
BUT I went walking after a while. Realized I can't let this go, can't let a little slip up or EVEN big one take me down for the count. So I walked ... 

That's awesome Natalie Jo!!! Walking in black ice and working up a sweat for 32 minutes!!!!!!! That is fantastic.
You know, I haven't put a number on how much I need to lose, but I have instead based my journey on fitting into a certain pair of jeans in my wardrobe. They are hot, and I don't think I could get them over a knee at the minute, so they are my motivation. I haven't put a number on my weight loss goal because I am bad at numbers and from that I mean I would get depressed if I didn't get to that number, so the jeans, well they are here, and I know they are bloody small (well, alot smaller than me) so if I can fit them , I mean WHEN I can fit them, well, that will be awesome.
I too am not close to my family - am not well liked. It is sad for me around christmas. My brother lives within walking distance from me but we don't see each other. My family really consists of friends who have become like family. But this time of year is always tough for me. Since I was 13 I spent christmas with other peoples families, and as soon as I was working and financially independent, I used to spend christmas somewhere new and travelled, always on my own. Only when I met my husband who is extremely close to his family, did I start spending christmas with his family. That has been a very difficult adjustment for me as when you are not used to a 'family christmas' you can feel very stressed and out of place. I still suffer from panic attacks about it, but just have to breathe, and get on with it.
So am thinking of you,
Frankie
thats probably the best thing to reward myself with ...a tea bag ...water and one packet of pink sweet n low ...lol 
Congrats on your brisk walk. Walking really rejuvenates the mind and uplifts the spirit. It's wonderful, isn't it??
Be careful going out alone in the dark! Stick to the day time walking, girl.
. thanks hun .. I figured that walking was good for the spirit ...the mind of course is always nice ...rejuvinating is definitely something I would like to do ..and lose of course as well ... 




That's fantastic Natalie Jo - 37 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!
You go girl!!
Frankie


Good job! Have fun buying socks. Haha. I think socks are the best things ever.

Hi Natalie Jo
I am pleased that you are back into the swing of going out to do regular walks. And the plan to do a one and a half to two hours walk is absolutely brilliant.
I always think that I have two ways to make a day a good weight loss day.
The first is by being food with my food.
The second is by doing a long walk.
No matter how bad I am with my food - I never think of it as having been a bad day if I have been good with my walk. Obviously if I am good with both I get very pleased with myself - since this is obviously best.
It is great that you have such a nice step-family. We all enjoy loving others and being loved. Families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes - the important thing is not the traditional relationship titles - but the fact that people love and care for each other.
Take care
Love
Margaret

Hi Natalie Jo
The cream sounds good.
Are you taking any vitamins and supplements for your skin?
I take a multivitamin that includes zinc (which I understand is good for the skin) plus omega 3 and starflower oil.
I addition my skin benefits because I drink my water (2 litres). Do you manage to get through 2 litres or 64 fl ounces of water?
I hope that you get out for your walk. I have done over 12 miles now today (a real glutton for punishment).
Take care
Love
Margaret
Hi NJ
Wow, skating and karaoke! Sounds like a marvelous time, indeed! You are fortunate to have a sis who is so much fun. I am not close to mine at all, but my Mom generally fills the gap! Er...not that we have ever gone to karaoke together! LOL Wish I could join you! DH is revamping our MySpace page with some of our music on it. If you ever want to have a listen, you can find us at Skyrocket99 on MySpace. I never go there, so I confess I don't even know what state it is in ! LOL
Good on ya for your walking, and the skating definitely gives a great workout...
cheers
janice


I have NEVER learned to skate. Or ski, or snowboard, lol. I live in Montana for crying out loud! You'd think I would know this stuff... *sigh*
ANyways, hope you ended up having a good nightwalk!



Hi Natalie Jo
Hope you manage to get out for that walk.
In all honesty any time that you use the cream is better that not using it at all.
I tend to use it not long before bed.
That way I have got any sweaty exercise well out of the way and also any subsequent bathing done. I kind of take the attitude that the longer it gets to soak into the skin the better.
Take care
Love
Margaret
