Chicks up for a Challenge - W.O.W. BOO! Halloween Challenge~~INVITATION and WEEK 1

BOO~ Welcome to the W.O.W. Halloween Challenge! Anybody who wants a 8 weeks of a challenge come and join our wonderfull little group.

For any newbies, the traditional copy and paste:

Women on... WHAT??

Okay, let me explain that "Women on WEED" is not what you might be thinking. During previous challenges, a group of us formed a great bond, and we've been challenge buddies ever since. We use the word "WEED" as a mnemonic device to set daily goals, an easy and very specific way to remind yourself during your day to take care of your body, and to nurture your Mind, Mouth and Muscles... it really does help. After all, we are all taking this a day at a time, right?

If you join this challenge, you will see it often - and you are encouraged to give it a try. Here's what it stands for:

W - Water intake. Set a daily goal for how much water you're going to drink. Although there is conflicting research as to how much to actually consume in a day, we all agree it is important to drink lots to stay healthy. So make it a goal!

E - Exercise. Efficient, healthy weight loss isn't going to happen unless you incorporate some kind of physical activity in your life. Everyone does it differently; some go to the gym, some work out at home, and some find ways to sneak in little bits of exercise all throughout the day. Set yourself a goal, even if it's small. Little bits done often WILL add up over time!

E - Eats. Being that we all have different eating plans and weight loss philosophies, this is sort of a wild card. Whatever plan you're on, set yourself a plan-appropriate daily eating goal for the day. Don't forget to make it specific!

D - Daily goal/Daily affirmation. This is another wild card. It doesn't even have to be weight-loss related! This is the spot where you list something you want to get accomplished. Or, you can use "D" for a a daily affirmation - it's an opportunity to say something good and positive about yourself. Sometimes, when we fall short - and we ALL do sometime - we are tempted to berate ourselves. Although it's good to recognize when we don't reach our goals, it's also good to remind ourselves of the awesome parts of ourselves. So go ahead and remind yourself of that in the "D" part of WEED.


Well here it is! Jump right in, tell us about yourselves, your goals, your home lives, your healthy plan, etc. We LOVE newbies! And we LOVE our regulars! Welcome back!

Good Morning everyone.

My name is Jeni, I have two kids and one DH. I work an odd schedule but I do 12 hour shifts so I get atleast 3 workouts in a week.

Well I closed last week off by hitting my lowest weight, 142. So then as my weekend happened, and my gym being closed and terrible weather, I had absolutely no ambition to do anything except for eat terribly. UGG Why oh WHY did I do it? Not only did I eat terribly but I had two sodas. So officially the scale said 148 :o Since I know there is no way I consumed 21000 calories over the past 3 days I am going to blame the weight gain on no water and a ton of sodium. But I have to take responsibility for my actions.

Week 1: 148

My goal weight for this challenge will be 138.

I will get to my weight by:

W~drinking 80-100 oz of water a day
E~I will do 45 minutes of cardio on all my days off plus 20 minutes of weights then 15 minutes of abs and stretching.
E~I will eat `1200 calories CLEAN ones. fruit veggies and lean meats. I will also eat no or little carbs in the evening.
D~my daily goals will be to keep moving on my days off

Hi girls and Happy Labor Day! Hope we all have fab holidays. Nothing like kicking off a new challenge to get the motivation going. Especially in the midst of a full on junk food binge. I thought I'd be doing so much better with the kids back in school, but I'm doing so much WORSE! Well let's break it down.

I am Michelle, age 33. Mom of Robert, 9 and Rachel, 5. (4th grade and kindergarten), Wife of Mike. I'm a nurse, currently on sabbatical (ha ha), leave to work on some issues with addiction and depression. (BTW! I went to Columbus Friday to meet with the board of nursing and they said I can get my license back in NOVEMBER! If I continue doing well! WOW!)

W- Water is always the easy one for me, I drink LOTS of water. I broke a pepsi habit a few years ago, and today, I'm just not a pop person anymore. Not to say that I don't drink it while I'm on binge mode, like NOW, but I really just DON'T LIKE IT! I do a little Crystal lite, iced tea and G2 gatorade but none of them as much. So I aim for 3 Liters a day.

E- I tend to be a gym person, though I haven't been there in months. Literally months. But I have been walking on the nature trails around here since the weather has been nice. I figure even if I was going to the gym, I'd be only doing cardio anyhow so I might as well be doing it outside while I can. The gym offers 9:30am classes though, so I could make those. That will be my goal this challenge, maybe one class a week. So my goal will be 4 days/week either walking or gym.

E- I try to keep it clean. Lean meats, white meat (wish I liked fish more but I don't) fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, no white sugar, flour, bread. In fact I love my breakfasts, usually Fiber one and a fruit or Eggbeaters/veggies and a fruit, Lunch is usually soup/sandwich (lots of subway, or grilled chicken salads from McD's if I'm out, or Arbys turkey/no dressing) but I get stuck over dinner. Feeding a family with two fussy kids and a husband who wants to lose weight but *****es about the food is a challenge in itself. One week, I planned a menu, actually prepared everything I could that Sunday, and had lovely meals every day that week. It was a great idea, saved us money on groceries, and helped not to eat so much fast food on a busy schedule.

D- KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID! (KISS) I also try to live by the Serenity prayer. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I am very focused on my recovery and am getting in touch with my spiritual side, going to church and feeling better. But I must be missing some piece of the puzzle, because I think my disease (addiction) is still slipping in through the cracks and telling me that the binging is okay. Like if I give into the overeating, maybe I'll have a drink....and if I'm drinking, it should be okay to have a PILL....you know where this would go, right? I just have a really visual picture of the disease, trying to be sneaking, cunning and get back into my life. So I think I'll try out a local Overeaters Anonymous meeting. Tuesdays at 7pm. I already know some about OA through the principles of NA/AA. And I tend to feel better when I'm working my program, going to lots of meetings, reading the literature, DOING the work, going to church. So I need to make that a priority!!!! If I'm sitting around at home, playing on the computer or whatever, I am not out there working my program. So I need to make a schedule and stick to it. Even if it means going to exercise then showing up at a meeting all stinky and sweaty before I get cleaned up.

Okay, I'm out there on a tangent. But I love you girls, love these challenges and love the friendships I've made here. Oh and I am going to hold myself to my fitday blog....I'll plut it in my profile. Check it for me once in awhile and call me out on it if I slack off too much on it. ;) Plus I think I'll put the week to week in my siggy, and make a cute halloween tracker. Okay off to work. See you all soon. I'll link Amy (HolyT) to this and tell her to get over here. xoxox Michelle

Alrighty now! The new challenge. Thank you LORD! I'm ready to battle. :carrot: Good Luck everyone!

Jen... the weight will come off again. You are a superhero. You can do this!

I'm motived to shed my pounds because the talk of wedding bells is in the air (although I STILL haven't had an official proposal ~ I hope it comes soon). So I have 1 BF, 1 DS (20), and 3 step kids (9, 7, 4). I work full time, and co-own a business with BF which I end up working on non kid weekends. Life is busy, but we all have the same 24 hours a day ~ the difference is what we choose to do with them! Starting today, at least 1 hour per day will be just mine!

SW: 209.6 (CRAP!... I ate too much fun barbeque stuff yesterday)
GW: 193.4 (1% a week, 8 weeks)

WEED: This week
W: 64 today... I have slacked hard!
E: Walk with the dog tonight & Fitness Mag Work out
E: Mindful. Don't have all the right stuff, but can chose wisely
D: Get a new pair of tennis shoes purchased today.

Okay, off to start my day. Happy Labor Day every one!

Hi ladies!

I'm Julie. I've never done the whole WEED thing.. but it looks like something that will really help me stay motivated.

I'm 29 and a vegetarian with a very supportive, meat eating boyfriend. :) I work in public relations and I love being outside and also working hard in the gym. Over the past few years my weight has gone up and down. I tend to lose a fair amount then fail to maintain.

Three weeks ago I decided it was time to get back in shape. I started at 144 pounds and have since lost three pounds. I've also been tracking my measurements which have been much more friendly than the scale. :) I'm really concerned about feeling healthy and in shape as I enter the 30 zone. :dizzy: I also want to set a good example for my family and friends to encourage them to pursue healthy lifestyles.

So here we go! I vow to be spooktacular. (muahaha!) :badbat:

Week 1: 141
Goal: 131

W: Drink four glasses before any other beverage.
E: I will exercise an hour a day for five days of the week, mixing cardio and weights.
E: I will maintain 1500 calories, incorporating fruit and vegetables whenever possible.
D: I am stronger than yesterday!

There! I'm done playing for now. Happy to see you Jeni, Kris and Julie on board! Start the smack talk, I think it might motivate me more too. I'll pop back on later tonight or tomorrow for sure, hope to see some newbies and my old regs. Love you all, let's do this! xoxox Michelle

Hi everyone! I'm so happy to have found a Halloween challenge YAY! I'd like to join in if that's ok?

So here goes, I'm a 27 year old newbie vegan (July) living in NJ. I just finished a labor day challenge over on the veggie board and weigh in was today. As of today I weigh 193 and my goal for the end of this challenge will be 178. I know it sounds like a strange number to shoot for but the first time I lost most of my weight was in 2003 and that's the smallest I've ever been as an adult so it's like a mini goal for me! I'm not on a specific diet just trying to eat healthy and I've been running and doing yoga classes. I'm just now starting weights.

Halloween is my favorite time of the year and I can't wait to pick out my costume! Good luck everyone!

sw: 193
gw: 178

W: drink at least 64oz. of water or herbal tea everyday.

E: Run 4 days a week, yoga 2-3 days a week, weights 3 days a week, and at least 10,000 steps on none running days.

E: Watch portion sizes and don't eat when I'm bored.

D: Meditate at least 10 minutes everyday (keeps me calm at work).

Hi All! I'm back from the land of self sabatoge. I'm trying to get the eating back in control and started the C25K program again. I was a lost soul during our summer challenge and got to get back to healhy living. My starting weight is 173 and want to see 165 by the end of this challenge; plus I'm going to take measurements.

Welcome Newbies!

:welcome: Julie and Gypsy! Happy to have you join our challenge!

Grazer :hug: I'm glad you are back. Keep on coming, we miss you.

Michelle :hug: I am so glad you get your license back soon :) I am heading over to the fresh fruit stand and grabbing some good stuff to eat and I am incorporating fish into our lives twice a week. DH wants to loose too so I am going to help him, or at least try.

Kris~ :hug: I am so excited I cant wait for your official proposal! Now we are going to get you to your goal by June!!!

Heading to clean up so kids can have friends over!

Hey all, I am also going to get back on the wagon!!
I am Mavis, 43, married, and 2 kids in college, still drowning in tears about that, but trying to get better as I know they need to be there. I have a super stressful job and am taking some night classes as well

I have been off the wagon for the summer but am trying to get back on.
Schedule should help. I was down to the 140's in April when we went on vacation but have climbed ever since!!

W 100 oz, every day, need to get that down, was awesome with it once, now not so much
E Something everyday, minimum 45 minutes. Today I spent over an hour stacking wood. That counts darn it!
E Plan and stick to it
D One step at a time, really struggle with depression. Trying not to medicate. Long story but need to stick with what works for me.

Welcome Newbies and glad to see my old friends too! Let's rock this.
Off to crunch while I watch the Yankees!!

Thought I would start right out with this even befor I read the first few posts.


WEEK 1: the week of the Bat: 256.5
WEEK 2: the week of the Ghost:
WEEK 3: the week of the Vampire:
WEEK 4: the week of the Jack-o-Lantern:
WEEK 5: the week of Frankenstein:
WEEK 6: the week of the black cat:
WEEK 7: the week of the zombie:
WEEK 8: the week of witch:
WEIGH OUT, Saturday, October 31st...TRICK? OR TREAT?


I have to go do my workout before dark. I will be back later with my official results from last challenge and new goals for this one.

Just did an hour of Wii Fit. it felt good to do something, but I miss my treadmill. :)

Okay!! that was fun. I have strained a muscle in my thigh and it is making me take things slower than I want.

Anyway!! I started the last challenge at 185 and today I finish with 181. So only 4 pounds. Not that great, but I'll take it. At least I have seen 179 this month and aim to again. Those of you who know me understand my slow losing and my ups and downs. Girls, it's true. It gets harder after 40.

Yep, I am 49 and mom to 2 young adults. DD is 24 and DS is 21. I teach elementary school and this year I am in 4th grade. Tomorrow we start with children. I have been back for about 2 weeks though getting ready. For those of you who don't know me, you will learn that Icount calories and workout almost everyday.

I was thinking about my slow losing the other day and realized it is probably a blessing in disguise. i am staying pretty firm as I lose. Some people who lose so quickly just end up a bag of flab. I am hoping that doesn't happen to me.

8 weeks, huh?? Knowing how slow i lose I think I will set my goal at 174. That is 7 pounds. 3.5 per month. That is doable. Well ladies, let's rock it. I wanna be a sexy, skinny witch for Halloween.

Just back from the dog walking! I did it!

Welcome Julie and Gypsy! :hug: to my little Grazer! Wipe you tears away my Mavie.... and Tiggie and Jen I lay myself at your mercy.. make me a blushing bride. Nchellie... gonna do it again! Woot! I'm more pumped up than my exercise ball ladies!

Got BF to walk with me tonight. Was a quick one, but enough for my overly grown arse to sweat up a storm. Was nice (below 90) for once today and was perffect fro a pre dinner stroll.
:carrot: 1st exercise I have done in 2months I bet.

Got my new shoes, they work BOOtifully.... Borrowing Mindy's hallorific breakdown for weightdown! Wait... Mindy got it from... Nchellies sig... so I'm stealing from you both! Oh and I am reissuing my new and higher starting weight. Poopers!

WEEK 1: the week of the Bat: 209.6
WEEK 2: the week of the Ghost:
WEEK 3: the week of the Vampire:
WEEK 4: the week of the Jack-o-Lantern:
WEEK 5: the week of Frankenstein:
WEEK 6: the week of the black cat:
WEEK 7: the week of the zombie:
WEEK 8: the week of witch:
WEIGH OUT, Saturday, October 31st...TRICK? OR TREAT?

Morning my friends. Yay its Tuesday! Ok not a real YAY but it is tuesday. So I work today. I will have no problem with cals today :) If I can muster up some energy I will go to the gym for a nice run after work. But chances are I will have to wait until tomorrow for a good workout.

Mak starts school tomorrow. 45 minutes to meet the teacher and find out what bus she will be taking and stuff. Then afterwards I will babysit my nephew for a few hours. I plan on getting in a 5-7 workout tomorrow morning (I am going to take my class!) then after my sister picks up my nephew I will head back and take my kiddos to busy town for another round.

W 80 oz
E not much
E 1200 clean planned cals
D go to the gym even if it is only for 30 minutes


:o So can I tell you gals somethng? This really is terrible to admit, but one of my goals since I started was to be smaller than my sister. She has always been smaller, cuter, more outgoing. . . .you know how it is. Remember that fiasco trip to AZ? Anyway I was looking at pics then and thought Hmmm I think I may be smaller, but she was in a smaller pants size and weighed less, according to her. So when I was up visiting her over the weekend, I realized I am much smaller than she is. I mean, I may weigh more (I don't think so though, I would never ask) but physically I am smaller I guess all the running pays off in more ways than one.

WooHoo Jeni!! :carrot: Sing out loud , "I am the skinny one!"

Got to move, too much computer and not enough moving makes Mavis butt get wider and wider.

W 100 get it all in today!!
E Going to do crunches and elliptical right now, was hoping to run but too foggy to be safe (no sidewalks in my neck of the boonies) Maybe a walk at lunch and can I get back into the stairs at work???
E OP, make a plan, only eat what I bring to work with me, stay away from the vending machine...
D He's led me to it, He will lead me through it!

Morning girls!!!! Hope you all had a safe, relaxing and ON PLAN holiday! I did so well ALL day....until dinner of course! I knew we were going over to the inlaws' for a cookout. Big ol Tbone steaks, french fries, grilled veggies, baked beans, even indulged in brownie (s) <---yea I know. But I did log it all into FitDay, but I will admit, I'm sure my steak was much bigger than the 10 oz I logged in. So I under-exaggerated it a bit, but who am I really hurting? Yea, yea, I know. LOL No exercise yesterday but i cleaned the house vigorously! Water I did drink my goal 3 liters.

Today:
W-3-4 liters, keep it cold, keep it filled, keep it near me.
E- Gym today! It is raining out, but honestly I felt like going to the gym yesterday, even if it was nice out, I wanted to go back to my nice air conditioned, cardio-in-front-of-the-tv world. LOL Cardio and abs today. Aiming for one hour cardio, add on 15 min for MMunches.
E- breakfast in the can, Fiber One cereal and blueberries...around 300 calories, lunch will be (breakfast again I think...) a low carb whole wheat wrap with EggBeaters, peppers/onions and spinach. (cheese? salsa?) snack will be one of these nice Honeycrisp apples, if I need a snack. Dinner looks like ribs or pork chops(?) on the grill, zucchini/mushrooms on the grill, hmmm something else for the family but I'll probably stop with the protein and veggies. snack at night....???I'll think of something.
D-Trying out my first OA meeting tonight at 7...unless something else comes up, I really want to check it out. Have AA today at noon, gotta get Rachel's shot records, get some papers sent from IMPACT to the board, see my CHANCE counsellor and probation officer, call IMPACT billing person, visit vegetable stand, get the laundry finished up. BUSY DAY! How did I do all this AND work full time before? I thought my schedule was supposed to lighten up when the kids went back to school, graduated from IMPACT, CHANCE lessens up. Oh yea and I have to pop into court at 3:45. Ugh. I was going to promise personals later, but it doesn't look like I'll be back online anytime soon. LOL

Hope your days all go well. LOVE YOU ALL! xoxoxoo michelle

I'm here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will post later today. Right now I'm running late for work!!

*hugs* to my vets and *wavies* to the rooks :)

Hi all! Yesterday I started late in the day so I'm not counting that lol! Today's starting off good though, I always feel more on track on days at work. I bring my gym clothes with me so I'm not tempted my the couch when I get home. Weekends are tougher for me because I get to be lazy. So far so good though and I'll post again later to update on how I did with my W.E.E.D goals. :)

Mornin' chicklettes!

Glad to see soo much spunk here!!!! Personals later, but stopped in to say I did my workout last night (after my walk) and it felt good. I forget how uncoordinated you get when you are away from it for any length of time! I am bombarded at work, and ready for a nap already.... FOOEY.... but I gotta keep the ojos open. So off for another round of coffee.

BE GOOD!

Hello Everyone. Newbie here! Really never done a challenge, but this one seems like fun. I hope I am not too late in joining and hope I doo the W.E.E.D correctly.

OK here I go!
SW 297
GW 282

W: Increase water intake to equal a liter
E: This one is the tough one for me, but I will try and go swimming today or doing my cardio workout
E: I am starting phase 1 of Fat Smash Diet today.
D: I gained my pds lost but that is not going to stop me from reaching my goals. Today is the day! Phil 4:13

Hi everyone!
Thanks for the warm welcome. :)

Oooh what a day it was getting back to work after a long weekend.
Bleh! For some reason I was STARVING all day today. All I could think about was food!

My TOM is next week.. could that be a factor? I'm also wondering if it was because of a major mountain bike ride I took with my dear boyfriend yesterday. 20 km trail of rocks, roots and hills! It was amazing. I love a challenge and this one really had both of us on our toes.. er.. pedals. :) In addition to that I did a BodyPump class at the gym yesterday morning.

Anyway I'm hoping today was just a result of a need for energy or my brain not wanting to get back into the swing of work because I can't get through the week like this! Thankfully I packed healthy snacks for work but I know I ate too much.


Here's today's info.
W: Stuck to the 4 cups before any other beverage today. so far that's all I've had but it's much more than I've been drinking lately, so hooray!
E: Took today off as I was extremely active with canoeing, walking, mountain biking and the gym this weekend and my body needed a rest. Back at it tomorrow.
E: Ate too much, however it was all healthy. Must stay positive.
D: "Your goals minus your doubts equal your reality" - Ralph Marston


Hope you're all doing well and kicking butt! :carrot: :broc:

AMY!!!! :hug: I missed you last challenge!

:welcome: suga!

I'll do personals in a little while, I think I am going to head to the gym for a bit!

MM~Thanks for not thinking I am absolutely HORRIBLE. But DH pointed it out to me a LOT! You sound like you are getting back on track~AWSOME!

Michelle~:hug: you have a lot to do dont you. Hows Rachel liking Kindergarten? Hows Robert Liking this year? (fourth?) I'm glad you are getting back on track too!

Amy~Hows your Mary Kay stuff going? are you still doing it?

Gypsy~I totally understand what you mean. I rarely work out on days I work though (I am on a weird schedule, 12 hours and stuff) But Days I work I am absolutely spot on for calories and eating.

Kris~~HURRAY FOR YOUR WORKOUT!

Suga~WEED is great! Its really a good way to bring an all around focus to what helps us lose weight.

Julie~All that exercise make sure you get enough good calories you don't want to start burning muscle!


Well I made up 40 minutes of my NO GYM weekend I only have um 200 minutes left to make up in um 2 days? well I doubt I will do that but I plan on getting in at least 2 hours tomorrow before I take Mak to school maybe I will get in two hours on thursday too. Going was SO hard because I feel guilty about leaving Tommy in the daycare room after spending all day at daycare, but he asked to go so I said ok.

Gotta be quick here since it's late. School has started and I am not inot routine yet. Good news- I was 180 today, not under (DANG) but right at. TOM is passing through so hopefully I can lose some this week.

Jeni- I was laughing my A** off reading about your sister. I have the exact same situation. I just saw a picture of us together and thought.... I think i look skinnier. It was like deja vue. The pic is on my facebook and when I get a spare minute I will try to post it here to see what you all think. Have I become vain or what???

I GOT A PROPOSAL!!!!! ITS FOR REAL SISTAHS.... I GOTTA WORK OUT NON-STOP FOR THE NEXT 9 MONTHS!!!! YIKES.

LOVE YA ALL... PERSONALS TOMORROW I PROMISE... GOING TO STARE AT MY NEW PLATNUM AND DIAMOND RING!!!! WOOT! :carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot: I'LL GET A PICTURE AS SOON AS I CAN!!!!!!

BE GOOD!

yay for proposals and hi to everyone :) I've been pretty useless since Captain.....I need to get in gear and get into routine again.

Yes I *am* still selling Mary Kay!! If you *don't* have a consultant and would like to see what we have to offer, please send me a personal message! I have a huge sale going on this weekend and it ends Sunday night so let me know!

Ok enough of the promo.....I adopted 2 Goldens (well ok ones a golden mix) and they are super dogs...but I miss Captain still. They're both insano dogs LOL....George and Buttercup!

I will walk across the stage this weekend in SAcramento for graduation. I got my ring last week....it's really pretty :)

But I am in desperate need of a routine.....i have a big birthday coming up....well big for me...and I really want to be healthier by then :)

I'm still catching up, so give me a bit :)

i want to join as well. fridays will be my weigh-in days.

i am a mom to a 2yo daughter. i am recently single and not sure where my life is headed or what i'm gonna do next. i'm in the process of making a plan.

sw: 177
goal weight: 161

W: 64 oz. at least
E: 5 out of 7 days; 45 min. on treadmill; crunches and arm weights afterwards
E: lots of fruits and veggies; chicken or fish; whole wheat bread; NO JUNK
D: i've done it before so I know i can do it again!

week 1:
week 2:
week 3:
week 4:
week 5:
week 6:
week 7:
week 8:

:welcome: onestar!

KRIS: :congrat: HURRAY WOOOHOOOO! I cant wait to see the pic of that Ring!!!

Amy :hug: Congrats on the new furbabies. I am so glad to see you.

Mindy I know I have become vain. DH loves it :) Life wil fall back to a routine, give it a couple of weeks.

I'm off to the gym. My plan: 20 minutes cardio/60 minute class. Then come home and get ready for meeting Maks teacher. Then, babysit my nephew. after sis gets my nephew tonight, head back for another workout!

Alrighty workout is done! I am totally pumped up for the day! I will probably spend some time doing my own ab work here at home later this morning the ab workout was very short and easy today. We did do some good new stuff in the class, but it seemed to be very light (although the instructor was breathing hard). I wasn't the only person who had a tough weekend without the gym. Most of the class (including the instructor) wa complaining about no workout and over eating. It must've been the weather.

Welcome aboard Onestar!

Jen... nice productive day you're having! I am going to walk the dog tonight, and do my little work out again. Also going to do W1D1 of C25K. Anyone else with me? Grazer?

I am useless today at work. Going to force myself to get through my inbox though. I'll check back in later. Come on 4 o'clock!

:wave: girls!

:welcome: to all our newbies!

My name is Shari and I'm the baby of the group. :D

W: 96 oz.
E: 1630 cals.
E: 30 mins.
D: No more bull, no more excuses.

Welcome back Amy!

Nix, FINALLY! Congratulations!

Edit: Forgot to post my goal for this challenge. Playing it safe and shooting for 8 lbs.

Howdy ho all. What a day!!!

Got up at 7, got kids up and off to school. Went to my program 9am-11:30am and went STRAIGHT to the gym!!! Did abs and an hour cardio. Thinking about putting upper/lower body stuff in there too, I feel better when I'm lifting but part of me thinks I need cardio to get all this fat off BEFORE I sculpt it. (opinions?) Then went to drugstore to buy bottle of water and other little do dads (deodorant, etc) went and paid off our car!!!! WOOHOO it's ours officially now! No more car payments on either car! (Of course now we both want new cars, eyeroll), swong into the McD's drive through for grilled chicken ceasar salad with Italian low fat dsg and coffee, went to my dad's house (I am feeding his cockatoo <---think that'll be bleeped? It's a BIRD...while he is in Florida fishing), ate my lunch, ran to IMPACT to get some records to fax to board of nursing, ran to rachel's pediatrician for her shot records for kindergarten.

And here I am, sitting on my porch with my laptop waiting for the kiddies to come home. Still need to clean up a bit, shower (yes I am still a gym dirtball) make dinner, do homework, and make a 7:30pm NA meeting. And DH calls me and says he thinks he might be coming down with something. LOL

And I thought I was busy when I was working full time! ;) Keeping busy is for me staying OP. Tomorrow I am seeing My Sister's Keeper with some old friends from my old work. (yay dollar movies!) so I'm looking foreward to that.

Need to drink more water. Need to buy some fruit. Just thinking out loud. Love you all. Glad to see this thread gettin some action. Personals later but I am happy to see we're all out in full force!!!

xoxoxooxoMichelle

Hey all!!

Amy, welcome back!

Kris, RING PICTURES!! Congratulations on making it official!!

Onestar, Welcome, looking forward to getting to know you!!

Michelle, no more car payments :carrot: I need a new car but I have been payment free for 9 years. Really hate the thought!!

Jen, rocking it and no, I think you validated me. I love to stand next to girls at work that used to be smaller than me. That was THE BEST part of my class reunion!!

Mindy, soon you will be back in your routine!!

I did OK today. Not great but definitely OK. One step at a time!!

Okay, so last night I had this big post nearly completely when my computer shut down. I was ticked because I had personals done and everything. Hopefully, the scale gods will give me credit for trying!

Nix- Can't wait to see that ring! I'm about to complete week 2 of C25k and I'd love some company!

MTig- WTG on the weight!

HolyT- welcome back!

JCat- Your story last night really brought it home for me that I shouldn't focus so much on the scale. Those darn inches count too!

MM- I am with you about depression. I know that I feel better when I eat clean and exercise.

Nursie- hugs to you!

Welcome again newbies and hugs to any regulars I missed!

I'm not doing great eating this week but I am doing okay with exercise. I need to committ to water and I need to eat mindfully if I feel that I'm burned out from points and cal counting. I figure weigh in this week will help me out of burnout!

Gotta run before this thing switches off again!

Hey ladies... ring pic, personals, and dancing carrots tomorrow...

I walked the dog (30 min brisk), cooked dinner, ate, and did my little workout. Food was so/so. Water - bout 1/3 of what I should have, and stayed up with the exercise (except I was supposed to start c25k - FIANCE got home early - screws up my treadmill mojo). I am ready for a shower and some shut eye. Cant wait to catch up tomorrow.... nighters all!

Hi Grazer! Hi everyone.

So I made it for my second workout today. 50 minutes done this evening. DH thinks I am on the crazy wagon, but seriously Not working out over the weekend and eating poorly and the scale being up 6 pounds is driving me crazy. I cant blame it on TOM either because its over gone and done. UGGG. So now I want to do two workouts tomorrow, one at 5 and one at 830 (we'll see about the 5 one, I may do a spin class).

So a big reason for the rush? Tommy's b-day is coming up next month and we are thinking about trying a weekend trip to D-land. Call me crazy (I am on the crazy wagon) Leaving after work on Thursday and driving all night I figure we should be able to get their by2pm on Friday. Playing hard and fast on friday and saturday, then until about 5 on sunday. Then we will drive home through sunday night and Monday. Sounds like fun Huh. Its going to be a suprise for my boy. ofcourse DH needs to be in on the plan too :)

OK gotta get the kiddos in the bed time mood.

did good with food today. drank enough water, just didnt get to my ecersize. i had to unexpectedly go to my moms house so that threw off the whole evening. they ordered pizza. i had 2 slices. there was one last one that was calling my name but i didn't eat it. i even sat next to it for like 20 min. it's not much, but it's a start. day two of my breakup with my ex and kind of hard. but not as hard as i thought. he left for wisconsin. he's gone for good. he told me so, and i believe him; he's an emotional runner. always has been. so, tomrrow is a new day and i think things are going to start looking up for me in more ways than one. ;)

Good morning all. How's it goin? I did GREAT yesterday! Got all my water in, ate PPPPPOP finished in just under 1300 calories, which is on the low side for me. (I didn't mind my 1800 calorie Labor Day too much)

Today I am putting the kids on the school bus, relaxing awhile (I see where this is when I should go to the gym but I don't have time to get cleaned up for the rest of the day, bad excuse, I know it) then 11 am AA meeting (Ladies meeting, I love it) and then I am meeting my old friends to see My Sister's Keeper (any reviews on that movie? We all read the book and it was really good) <--I even already have my movie snacks packed in my bag so no popcorn for me. Then I have a window until the kids get off the bus (so if it time enough, I MIGHT, might, might go to the gym. Yea, I probably will) Kids off bus, homework, dinner then 6pm IMPACT aftercare, which is a nice way for grads to keep in touch, stay connected, participate in group setting. So excited for that. After that, I'll come home, help with baths, bedtime and have a time for me and hubby. Another busy day. whew!

Kris!!!! Can't wait to see the ring and hear the real engagement story! A couple friends of ours just got married, kind of similar, they had been together FOREVER, his second marriage, her first, he had a daughter by the first marriage, ANYhoo, they set the date (on the beach!), bought the rings, did all the rigamorole but she told him that she wouldn't go through with it unless he did an official proposal and she accepted. She said she wouldn't even wear the ring until he did. Well it turned out to be a big deal, he seemed to think he didn't need to do it and ended up doing some half assed thing but the important thing was she loved it (personally, I thought she deserved better, but I guess it doens't matter what I think) How did I get so off topic? Oh yeah, I can't wait to hear the actual proposal story. Hope it was exactly what you wanted. So you are going to start the c25k...maybe I'll join you. I always say I'm going to, but always end up walking the rest after the first jog/run. Like I need a c2-c25k KWIM? :dizzy:

Hi Jeni!!! Rachel is LOVIN kindergarten. But she is a BEAR to wake up in the morning, OMG. We try to put her to bed early enough, but she never wants to fall asleep, stays up too late then turns into, well, ME, when I try to get her up in the mornin. Frustrating for me, but I KNOW that's how I was when I was growing up (heck, that's how I am now, that's why I worked so many midnights!) Robert is doing well too, (YES FOURTH grade, I can't believe it either! I think I've been hanging with you girls since I was telling the potty training woes with him, I could be wrong tho) OOOOHHH I hope you do pull together the Disney trip. What a nice suprise, for all of you! You are cracking me up about the fretting over not working out. Don't we just become so obsessive (no offense, I do too) that if ANYthing goes bunky in our routine, we freak out and get all discombobulated??? I am the same way. Not judgin, just sayin'. ;) You'll pull it back together (sounds like you already have in fact) Which reminds me, actually, I know my weigh in said like 256.5 but I peeked today and saw 253, which I KNOW I didn't lose 3 pounds in three days so those high numbers are sometimes just fluke numbers, trying to get our attention. Or being on "borrowed time" as I like to say.

Mindy, how is the school routine? Did you get the new teachers in yet, and has it helped lighten your load? How is your running going? Are you doing a race this fall? There is a HUGE difference between vanity and confidence, don't you worry about it. Isn't it funny how we can beat ourselves up so much one minute and feel so vain another? Hope you are well babes! Is your thigh muscle better now? Your skinny witch comment reminded me, remember the year we posted our fantasy costumes, and I was going to be the sexy nurse type? LOL

Shari, yes you are the baby of the group!!! Also the one of us whose guardian angel is totally exhausted following YOU around. My poor girl, whose life is always in such drama and turmoil. I just want you to be so happy! And you are working so hard to get ahead. How many times have you moved in the past couple of years? Did you go back to school this fall? Have you been able to get your dog at your new place yet? Still doing WW? I'm sorry to say this too, (PLEASE don't take offense!) But I LOVE having you in challenge with me, since we are close to the same size. I feel especially competetive with you and usually feel like the big girl in this group of ONEderlanders. How many jobs are you workin these days? I think one time I remember you had at least two. Oh and I think of you when I see previews for Gerard's new movie. I didn't even know who he was all this time until this latest one. He is a hottie!!!!

Amy (HolyT) so here you are....where are ya??? Glad to see your Mary Kay is really taking off. I'm sure you have to really be proactive to get those kind of businesses really going. But you're so motivated!!! Keep up the hard work and you'll be out of that crappy old j.o.b. in no time. I love seeing pics and hearing about the new pups. I'm sure you are still mourning the loss of captain, but how nice to have TWO rambunctious babies in the house now. How is that husband of yours treating you???? I get all maternal towards you about that! He should WORSHIP you for the goddess you are! That's all about that for now. Are you still crafting? How is the dancing going?

HI MMavis!!!! Still doing your MMunches? <----to the newbies, MM used to always challenge us to do X number of crunches/ab stuff and we called it doing our MMunches (MotherMavis crunches) I thought it sounded so cute. Oh and I hear ya about being happy about no car payments, but still wanting a new car. I've had my car paid off for about four years now and have that ambivalence about it too. But wouldn't complain to be driving something newer, bigger, like a minivan or something the like. How are you coping without the boys? When will they be home to visit next? I didn't realize you were back in school, what are you studying again? Seriously though, I just can't cope with you being a Yankees fan. ;)

Grazer MY GIRL! I definitely appreciate the reminder, I have done COUNTLESS pages of loooong personals (like this one!) only to have it all wiped out before getting the chance to "submit reply"....ugh feeling the frustration. So for this post I've been highlighting the whole page, and right click copy. So if it happens I can just paste it all back. ugh. And yea, I should measure inches too.....I wonder why I don't? So looks like its you, me and Kris (who else!?) starting up the c25k.

Onestar!!! HEY! Welcome aboard!!!! I see you are going through all kinds of changes lately. Stress can impede your loss, so try not to worry too much about that. I'm sure raising your youngun by yourself, work and whatever else, is keeping you busy these days. Tell us more about that baby!!! Boy/girl? <----oops I see its a girl....lol, name? what does she like to do? does she love Dora? Um wooow. I didn't realize til just now that this breakup is so fresh. Are you doing okay? Was this his decision or yours? (Is it too personal to ask? Sorry) But holy crap, I don't know how you didn't eat that other slice of pizza, when it comes to greasy, cheesy goodness I have no filter. Especially as I am an emotional eater. Nice to see you say you are an emotional runner. I definitely envy that!!!

JulieBee, hope you're still with us!!! So you are a vegetarian...I know I would NEVER be successful, but I am curious about your eating, like...what is your FAVORITE vegetarian dinner? I love black beans, and tend to eat alot of black bean dishes. I'm not a fan of tofu though, are you? You're so smart to measure as well as weigh, I was just saying (above) that I should do that, but I think I'd do something silly like really pull the tape measure tighter to get the numbers I want to see. LOL <eyeroll> Your career sounds interesting, public relations, can you tell us more about what kinds of things you do? Your boyfriend sounds wonderful too!!! Know what else? I've been on this site for at least four or five years and I had never seen that smiley that turns into a bat, how cool is that! :badbat: Oh and HOLY JOCK batman, you are out there doing the coolest things!!! Rocky mountain biking? Bodypump classes?! No wonder you are starving, you are a workout machine! (or the TOM like you said)

Gypsy, your chicken avatar cracks me up...lol!!!! So you are a vegan! So interesting, so I'll ask you too, what is your favorite vegan dish??? And a runner, again I'm terribly jealous of runners!!!! Now that you are lifting weights you should notice a lot of cool changes. I love a woman's body with all that sculpted definition. And yoga sounds nice, my gym doesn't offer yoga but there is pilates (big difference? or close to the same?) so maybe I'll check that out. It always looks so nubile, graceful, stretchy/bendy. All those things I am not. LOL But WOW your stats!!!! You've lost a TON of weight! You really give me hope! Stick around, would ya!?

Suga....I love this name OH SO FLY....that is what I want to be too! I know you just made a brief post, but I can't wait to meet you! Number one, a girl close to my size!!! and I'm so curious about the fat smash diet, I remember that doctor...what is his name??? He was on Celeb fit club, which was a cheesy show but I know a little about the diet, lots of fruit and veg for the first phase, right? Not that you asked, but my advice to you is to up your water more than one liter, I try to aim for 3-4 liters but I think it is recommended to go at least 2. But hey, I know its hard for non-water drinkers. Crystal Light has been my BFF. I even think one whole packet can be a bit strong for even a liter bottle of water. Anyhoo, what kind of work are you in? What kind of exercise do you do? I see you are a swimmer! I gotta tell you all (LOL) I never really learned how to swim. I could survive by paddling or backstroke but never really did the face in the water turn your head and breathe thing. I'd like to learn about water aerobics though.

WOW. I can't believe I just did all that. It took me nearly an hour to type it all!!! LOL So if you posted in the last hour, I didn't see it. So I'm off to get prettied up for my day (see waaaay above.) I think you gals are going to teach me alot this challenge, about vegan, vegetarian, yoga, measuring inches, fat smash, c25k....let's go!!!! xoxoxo michelle

Michelle, WOW that was a long POST! I'm glad the kids are liking school. I'm especially glad that makenna has no problem getting up in the morning. She has always been an early to bed early to rise kind of a girl. Today is her first full day of school. I hope you have a great day today! I never get a girls day. I used to once in a while, but now I have way to many activities with the kids.

Onestar~you will be okay. Take care of yourself and your little girl. Congrats on not eating that pizza, I would have definately eaten it.

Kris, Good job on getting the dog out. I hate it when DH messes up my workout! I dont usually do my home workout with him here :) I am excited to hear your proposal story!

Mindy~I hope your day went okay yesterday!

So I did NOT go to the gym at 5, my calves are so sore that I decided one workout would be sufficient today. I am going with DH who called in sick because it is his birthday :) Then onto costco for some good fruits and veggies. Time for Me to get Maks lunch ready!

W 80 oz
E 45 minute cardio 20 minutes weights
E 1200 clean calories
D get some fish so I can have it for dinner tonight!

yay! i have a job interview tomorrow! had to tell somebody.......:woohoo:

Hi, yes, it's me again....LOL What an emotional day!!! So I went to my ladies AA meeting this morning and it can either be a lot of fun, kind of boring or really emotional. Today was so emotional, and so sad. But in that group therapy kind of way, sad but cathartic? Anyways, yes. I feel bad for you normal people, I am having some really good experiences in recovery. It really helps. But so I take my sensitive self to see my old friends, who I miss so terribly, and watch an incredibly sad movie and HOLY CRAP. I've been pretty much crying all day, no particular reason, in fact, for me, things are going really darn good! But I've been this sensitive crybaby lately! Must be payback for all those years of complete *****ery.

So much cleaning to do. Love to all and Onestar GOOD LUCK at your interview! That was fast! In this economy, it must be your guardian angel lookin out for you...tell us more about it! Oh and Jeni, thanks for reminding me, if I don't get to the store tonight, my kids won't have lunch tomorrow either....LOL since then it's the weekend and I wish I could have waited to shop Sunday, but oh well. xo Talk to you all later. Michelle

Good day today. I ate clean and completed week 2 of C25K.

JCat- Another trip to D-Land? How cool is that! You go girl!

Nursie- I am a fan of AA. Glad to see your recovery is also a path of self discovery.

Onestar- Great job on the self control and the job interview. Break ups suck- I've been there.


Happy Friday!

Hi everyone Hi gypsy!! i went to the wrong halloween challenge! i didnt follow your link lol so now i guess im in two??? anyways im Danielle, i am 19 newly married. I work in a bakery and im vegan, two years down. When i first started losing weight i was 246 that was about 2 years ago, i got down to 187 my lowest weight ever! and then i got married dooomdooom! and i gained about 20 some pounds in 3 months! i was 205 and i did not want to get back up to were i was so i decided i am still young i need to do this now before i get comfortable. So that is what i am doing, so for the weed... so
water intake. id like to keep it more then the 8 8oz glasses
exercise: for the first few weeks at least 5 days a week for at least an hour a day
eats: being vegan it is hard to go out and eat and it takes so long to cook food that isnt super processed so id like to cook more for myself more veggies! and keep my calories under 1500
D.... when i figure it out ill let you know.
well thats it ill be back later.
o sw. yesterday i was 194.5
gw 184 or less heheheh

Oh Michelle, I had a Dodge Caravan when the boys were young. Tis absolutely the bomb when your kids are little and hauling friends every where you go. Loved that car for that time in my life....if you are gonna get back in a payment, I vote for the mommy wagon.

Oh my gosh!! I feel like I have no time lately. I know it's the first week back to school so things are crazy, but man!! I will try to catch up. Don't be offended if I miss you. I'm going to hit the higlights.

Yes we have new teacher, but she is grumpy, unhappy, not trying very hard and bit**y. Sounds like fun, huh. I was relieved (after several discussions) of some of my 12 SPec. Ed. kids. I don't know what they were thinking. After pulling teeth I am down to 6. That new teacher got 1 and just about had a hissy fit. Go figure.

TOM has passed through and I was 181 today. Not what I was hoping for. I had better darn well start losing something here real soon or you will all hear me go off, even those far, far away.

NIX- YAY!!!:smug::) I am so happy for you. Please tell us all about it.

Michelle- I love those posts of yours. Wish I could find an hour in my day for anything at this point. I think I need to go to AA. I need to get in touch with my emotions. Weird things happened to me this summer (can't really speak about them) but I have put my whole life under a microcscope. I don't have a clue what I'm doing or where i want to head or how to get there. I know this is vague but, I got a lot going on in my head. Gotta get it straight. It all has to do with old relationships, new ones and what I deserve out of life.

So Saturday I am doing a 5k. I went ahead and signed up for it, since my leg has been feeling better. I can't seem to run more than .5/mile at a stretch these days. What gives? I'll give it my best.

I will try to be thorough this weekend sometime.

:welcome: Danielle! Same thing happened to me when I got married. But I went from about 155 to 199 over 2 years.

Michelle :hug: you are bound to have an emotional day after everything you have been doing.

Mindy, Wow. Well I am glad you have a few less kids, but wow!

Grazer, congrats on being OP today! No unfortunately I dont get to go to Disneyland again next month because DH cant take a vacation day because it is the first week of Hunting season :(

So my workout today really sucked. I got 5 minutes into it and my legs started to cramp and my foot started to ache. I tried to keep going for 10 more minutes but gave up. I got on the bike for another 15 minutes. Then I did my weights. OK I gotta go to sleep now.

Oh Maks first real day went well. two pages of homework, plus one book to read.

so tired tonight. i'm gonna sleep good for the first time in 3 days. last night my new reality hit me pretty hard and didn't really go to sleep until 3:30am. woke up at 8 with gabrielle and have been super busy all day. i ate OP and got my ecersize in. only got 32 oz water today but i also had some coffe and watered down juice (juice is so sugary). plus i cleaned the garage (more like reorganized) and moved the living room furniture around a little. so i'm gonna get a good nights rest then off to my interview at 8.

so i have a question. what is "personals"? i've seen a couple of you mention it but have no idea what ya'll are talking about.

Hi gals!!!
Glad to see everyone is doing well. :)

I'm still around.. things are just picking up speed with September in full swing!

I seem to be stuck in a bit of a weight rut. :/ I've been at it for almost four weeks and I've only lost three pounds. I've lost a little measurement-wise.. but it seems like I'm doing something wrong. I could just be impatient, but my weight has never come off this slow. I can't really figure it out! I'm working out five days a week for one hour each day and eating 1500 calories per day. (I weight 141 pounds and I'm 5'2ish). Could it be that I'm not eating enough/eating too much?? I'm really trying to maintain focus and ignore the numbers but OOOH MY it's frustrating because I've been working really hard at this.



onestar: Good luck with your job interview! Kick some butt!!!

nixmom: CONGRATS on your engagement!! how exciting! :)

Grazer: Oh gosh I hate when the computer conks out after a huge message!!! So frustrating. Props to you for re-typing it... I don't think I would have had the patience!

NurseMichelle: You know, I hear that A LOT that people don't think they would last as vegetarians but I think you would be surprised! :)
My favorite veggie dinner? Oooh that would have to be corn on the cob with mashed potatoes and asparagus.. yummmmm!!! I love black beans too! Tofu is ok. It's not my favorite but it really helps to fill out dishes while offering up some protein which is always important. It's SO funny that you said I've been doing jock things! I was never the sporty girl but lately I've been into all kinds of different things. I even played roller derby for a season! I've just been challenging myself I guess.. just to remind myself that there are no limits to what I can do. How are your goals going?? I hear you on the 'sensitive crybaby' thing. I cried at a telephone commercial the other day!!!

MsVegan00: Props to you for being vegan! I tried it a few years ago and I lasted about two months until I decided to switch to vegetarian. It's a great lifestyle!

JasonsLea: Your profile pic is TOO CUTE. Haha, I love it!

Ok.. so onto the deets.

Here is my WEED for yesterday:
W: Kept up with the four cups of water before drinking anything else, so I'm happy with that! I think in the future I'll up that to six, but not just yet.
E: Went to the BodyStep class and WORKED IT. Lately with the classes I've been going to I've been focused on giving it everything I've got and it really seems to be upping my endurance. Yay!
E: Ate well all day with no cheats. Even resisted eating dinner out and cooked a healthy dinner full of veggies instead.
D: Daily goal was to make sure I made it to the gym without my gym buddy (she was busy) and I did it.

WEED for today!
W: Accomplished the four cup before any other drink goal!
E: Went to BodyAttack class and OOOH MY did I feel it! I only did that class once, a couple of years ago and I was almost sick to my stomach that time around. I worked super hard today but I kept up so I was pretty proud of myself!
E: One of my lovely co-workers brought licorice around today and another brought small chocolates. :/ I ate both but justified it by walking to my piano lesson (extra 40 mins of exercise). Aside from that, no mishaps.
D: Must keep reminding myself that although the scale isn't moving that I should be proud of my accomplishments so far! I can kick butt when I want to!

Have a great Friday ladies!! I'm excited for a hot date with the man.. dinner and live theatre.. three of my favorite things! :)

Keep kickin' it girls! :carrot: :broc:

Heya ladies!

So much going on here! Once again, it may be later before I get to personals. I’ll have a lot of catching up to do. Just got back from grocery shopping with Fiance-man. HA! Love it. So here’s the not quite Cinderella and not quite Prince Charming… but endearing proposal story.

I got home Tuesday, messed around with the dog for a bit. Found myself covered in dog hair when J arrived home. He brought naughty food (Mexican food). We sat and talked while we ate. I was mowing down a delectable taco when he got up and went in the other room. I thought nothing of it and continued to chow. Just while I was trying to decide whether the last of my taco should be taken in one (too big really) or two (small is no fun) bites, J came and stood RIGHT beside me… hands in pockets. With dog hair on my shirt, and grease from my taco running down my face, and mouth full of food, I looked up and asked “what are you doing?” He knelt down (yes, one knee ladies) and asked, “Will you just marry me forever and ever and ever?”

There I was in all of my glory, and pooch hair, and I said “Are you kidding? OF COURSE I WILL! Can I was my hands first?” I gave him a big greasy kiss (sorry babe) and ran off to wash my hands! Here’s the picture you girls have been asking for….

Can you say PLATNUM! WOOT!

Is it too late to join up? I've been looking for some motivation.

Hi gang, third post today, I know, I'm a dork. Just wanted to say GOODNIGHT! Had an awesome night tonight at aftercare, stayed over and participated in regular group...will tell you all about it tomorrow, but I am just getting so passionate about recovery. I could talk and talk about it. But will spare you all, until tomorrow.

random thoughts....

MoonSafari, we are totally happy to have you on board, and for future reference, future people, it is NEVER too late!!!! I promise! Jump in and say hey, tell us more about yourself! xo

"Personals" just means going back and responding to each person individually, I try to keep up, and make people feel special, since I feel special if someone comments on something I wrote, plus it helps me keep everybody straight. Yea, I did those long personals on page two but holy crap, I NEVER have it in me to do all that with any frequency. Don't feel pressured to do it!

Oh and did you notice in my siggy that we invented a chatroom? Of course, we all live in different time zones, never agree on when to meet there (LOL) but we pop over there sometimes and leave messages. Maybe we will set something up.

See you all in the morning. xo Michelle

onestar, like Michelle said, personals is trying to respond to each person, and don't feel pressured to do it. Good luck with your interview.

Julie, actually at your weight, 3 pounds in 4 weeks is pretty good.

Kris, that story is great actually. The ring is beautiful.

:welcome: moon safari just join right up we love having people join us!

Michelle~ I hope you are getting a good nights rest tonight.

UGG work week is about to start. For you gals who don't know me, I work an odd shift. I do 12 hour shifts 4 am- 4 pm here is my normal schedule: Fri-Mon ON Tues OFF WED-Thurs ON Fri-Mon OFF Tues ON Wed-Thurs ON~ its a 14 day schedule I rarely work out at the gym on days I work. My job has me walking 8-12 miles during the day.

My legs and feet feel better today. If I have the energy I may go to the gym today after work DH will have Tommy and Mak so why not?

W 80 oz
E Try to do extra laps/Try to get to the gym
E 1200 CLEAN cals stick to the good stuff!
D get to the gym for 30 minutes.

Good morning all,
Thought I would get my WEED in early as tonight will be busy!

Jeni: Glad your feet and legs are feeling better! Oh my gosh, 4 am - 4 pm? What a wild shift! I suppose you're used to it though? You think my 3 pounds in 4 weeks is ok? I guess I've just been much more diligent lately so I expected more. Ah well, gotta take what I can get I guess. :) Hope you have a great day.

Ok here is today's WEED.
W: Drink four glasses in the morning
E: Taking a rest day.
E: Going out for dinner tonight so I must account for that today.
D: Eat as healthy at possible at the restaurant!

Have a great day everyone!

Hi all. Would enjoy joining this challenge if OK> I am very new to this site and need motivation -

so, i went to the job interview but i dont think it is going to be a good fit mainly because they do not offer health benefits, but also because there are not a lot of patients and thats why i got laid off from my previous job. there were just not enough patients, or money, to keep me around. so, i think my best bet might be a hospital for 1.)job security and 2.) more likely to offer health benefits.

w: at least 64oz.
e: eat healthy
e: 45 min. on treadmill (get in at least 5 min. of jogging)
d: will order something healthy when i go to dinner tonight for my aunts birthday

sw: 177
gw: 161

week 1: 174.6 good start
week 2:
week 3:
week 4:
week 5:
week 6:
week 7:
week 8:

Hallo all!!!! Just a quick pop in. Gotta, gotta, GOTTA get this house clean. I am rationing out TEN, just TEN minutes to post. LOL Let's see how that works out for me.

Having a FAB day. Went to Chance program 9a-11:30a, feeling good there, but it ran late, didn't get out until about noon (stayed over to borrow the fax, machine, chat, blah blah blah) so I missed my noon AA meeting, no big deal, I've been to at least four meetings already this week. Came home, changed and went to the gym! <---Yay me....Went to McD's got that grilled chicken ceasar salad with Italian dressing (seems to be a staple of mine lately, and pretty calorie friendly, plus I am addicted to that coffee) and took it over to my dads house, still bird-sitting until Sunday. Came home with enough time to CLEAN this house (don't you HATE when your house smells, but you don't know why? I think I have some yucky fruit somewhere, but the house needs cleaned too) When the kids get off the bus at 4:15 we have to go to the bowling alley, because Rachel needs to pre-bowl since she'll miss the start of her league tomorrow morning because of soccer, and she has to pre-bowl before 5 pm. The evening is up in the air, but I hope Mike will want to take the kids and ride our bikes. Did I tell you guys I got a ladies ten speed on freecycle?!?!? Can you believe it!? A free bike! It's a little rusty but it actually looks kind of nice if you ask me. Good karma, I think.

I want to do some personals, but remember, I only took five minutes for the computer but I wanted to hit some highlights.....

Onestar, are you a nurse? I loved working in the hospital. But it was really, really stressful. When I go back to work in November (fingers crossed!) I am planning on going somewhere less stressful and no access to narcotics, don't need any temptation, though I'll be on six month narc restriction anyway. Still. I have some friends in hemodialysis and they seem really excited about that, and renal/diabetic was my focus when I was working so that sounds like a good fit for me. Anyhoo....sorry the interview didn't feel like a good fit. But at least you feel that now, and are listening to your gut feeling.

WaterLilli, I am so happy you are here. Make yourself at home, tell us more about yourself, and COME BACK SOON! xo

Jeni, gearin up for workweek, uggggghhhh. Kris, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the ring, and the proposal was sweet. So YOU. And that ring is somewhere in the middle, isn't it? Not too obnoxiously flashy and so subtle and classy without being too plain. Totally love it.

But I saved you for last Mindy. You were vague in your last post, and that's okay, of course. Just know that I'm behind you no matter what path you choose. It sounds like you are struggling more that we knew all summer, and I'm sorry for that! I am always wishing I knew about AA principles or had something similar withOUT the addiction problem. I guess it's kind of like counselling or group therapy, but really it is so much better. Try researching Emotions Anonymous. I had never heard of such a thing but found it researching these support groups. It sounds like it is for people struggling with really strong feelings about ANYthing. I've been considering OA, and even Gamblers Anonymous, but it really boils down to just being me, just being clean/sober today. Working my program, getting in touch with my Higher Power and working on being a wife and mother for now, and the rest will fall in place. No need to elaborate on your issues until you are ready, no pressure there. But I'd love to talk program with you (or anyone!) if you are interested.

I feel kinda funny about offering like that. I would never try to offend anyone about things like that....people who push beliefs or God/religion on others, you know? And seriously, in my five months of sobriety, I've learned alot but am by NOOOOO means any kind of expert, but being that earliest recovery is so fresh in my mind, I can relate to whatever anyone is struggling with. I see myself being a sponsor someday. I think that helping others recover is becoming a calling for me. Maybe even professionally someday.

Well exceeded the ten minute limit, and still didn't say hi to everyone, but know that I'm thinking of you all, am out here trying my best to stay healthy and wish the same for all of you. Have a safe and happy weekend. XO michelle

Good result this week. Down #3. I realize that it is probabley water weight but I'll take it! Starting C25K week 3 tomorrow and I am returning to my aerobics classes next week. I hope the commitment stays high!

Jcat- hope you have a good work week

MTig- I can relate to what you think you're being vague about. Does what I just typed even make sense? I think that around our mid 30s or so we start trying to make sense of it all. Nostalgic maybe? Feeling that we want to do more with our lives? I've been there for months.

One- WTG on the loss!

Moon and Water- Welcome!

Nix- Love the ring and the story.

Hugs to anyone I missed!

Let me say thanks for caring and I may PM a couple of you. Not something I want broadcast all over you understand. Emotions annonymous??? Never heard of it. Maybe it would help. I have 1 friend I can talk to, which helps some. I'm just very confused.

Grazer- You Do seem to understand. I want more than I've got. Losing weight has made me feel like I deserve AND can now have more also. It's kinda weird.

Nix- Great story. It's how I would want it to be myself. The ring is beautiful. Hang onto that guy. The good ones are few and far between.

My weight is still holding around 181, 180.8 to be exact. I really need that post TOM whoosh. Come on now.

Hi everyone!

I would like to join in this challenge if you don't mind another newcomer!! I have a goal to lose 25 pounds by Halloween (Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year) and although it may seem a bit lofty, I am bound and determined!

A little about me, I live in Vancouver, Canada and have a very stressful and time consuming job. In the last year I gained back about 40 pounds that I lost the previous year. I blame it on moving, stress, whatever but when it comes down to it, I just got kind of lazy and depressed. I've been trying since April hard to get out of my funk, I do for a few weeks and the slide back in. So I decided to make smaller goals for myself and reward myself more often (and not with food).

My Day to Day Weed:

W: I have recently cut out Coke Zero and any type of pop from my diet. I find that it often leads to cravings for other salty, crunchy and fattening things - I am only on day 2. I drink a fair amount of water usually, but I am aiming for 2 litres a day.
E: I love working out (when I manage to get there). I like weights more than cardio so I do my cardio first and so weights as a reward after. I plan to work out no less than 5 days a week and one night of yoga.
E: Right now I have to be very strict with my eating. If I allow a taste of something it often leads to binging. So for the next 21 days I can't eat anything yucky for my body. When I have a bit more control, I will allow myself things once in awhile as food is one of life's pleasures and I don't want to eliminate everything I like forever!
D: Will make time for myself to eat properly and exercise and this needs to come second to work. Work has been my only priority for way too long. WHEN I reach my goal on Halloween, I will be visiting my sister and I will get to buy a brand new outfit!!

I will do a daily WEED - this is fabulous. I look forward to getting to know you all! :ghost:

LOVE the RING!!

Hey chicks. Lots still going on. I dig it!

Mavie, Grazie, Mtig, heck - thanks for the YAYs about the boy and the ring all the way around. I am pretty proud to have Jeff in my life. If I could just ditch the 25lbs his cookin' put on me ;)

Michelle - It is so hard to read your posts and not be smiling all the way through. You are so genuine. You rock!

Hello and :hug: to all the new girls. Please stick around, let us get to know you, and you will find this thread turns into Virtual family. Like Michelle (or was it Jen) said somewhere... personals are nice, not necessary, and whats important is that we are here for success together!

I am about to be surrounded by the step kids. Need to go clear the living room and pad the walls so one gets hurt this weekend. I will be back, checking in, and STILL trying to catch up. (So when I come back and refer to something you wrote 3 pages ago... I apologize in advance!)

Be good to yourselves!

:welcome: waterlilie and stacie!

I made it to the gym ran about 3 miles now at home waiting for DH to cook me a not so carb free dinner but it is chicken/veggies/pasta.

Mindy, You deserve everything! You are totally worth it not to settle with anything.


Michelle, boy busy times coming! soccer and bowling? wow~

onestar, Sorry the job might not be right for you, thats so disappointing.

Julie, slow and steady is the best way to keep the weight off.

OH NO gotta go Tommy fell asleep. NO NO NO its to late for a nap!

Hello Everyone:) I'm new here.Can I still join this challenge?Am I too late?

michelle- i am a medical assistant. just graduated in june of this year.

grazer- u had a pretty good loss too. my head/emotions are pretty jumbled right now too so i know what u mean.

so, i didnt get to my exersize today but ate OP all day.

:hungry: did pretty good at the restaurant. it was italian so lots of carbs. i had a salad, grilled chicken in a roll-up pasta type thing with 3 different kinds of cheese, some bread, 2 glasses water, and a small piece of cake. did not walk out of there feeling miserable (lol) so thats good. satisfied but not stuffed. did not pick at my daughters fries or accept any extra food offered to me. my uncle offered me pizza and my aunt offered me cheesecake. :nono:

tomorrow my mom is taking my daughter overnight so i will get a good break. gotta get out and do something.

:welcome: summer!

onestar~congrats on turning down extra food at the restraunt. Have a nice night alone!

Yawn! I slept like a baby last night. It was so nice. I'm thinking about going to the gym after work again today. I'm packing my stuff so I won't be tempted to come home first. I may get on the bike. I think it is time to mix my cario up again!

W 80 oz
E 30 minutes at the gym
E 1200 good calories
D Hmm have another good day at work. Do NOT tell my supervisor I am smarter than him

jcatron: great idea about bringing your stuff with you, it's hard to go once you get home isn't it? I have to go in the morning during the week because if I don't, I end up working too late and then not going. But since I am not an early morning bird I'm pretty grouchy on the walk to the gym :) I like your weed today - especially the last one - good luck!! :)

onestar: :woohoo: for the restaurant - I envy your self control!!

My WEED FOR TODAY:
W: 2 litres
E: recreational walk and lower body workout at the gym
E: stick to my plan that I made for today
D: not think about work!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far!!!

:wave: girls!

:welcome: to our newbies!

Mtig ~ :hug: Whatever is going on, you know we got your back.

Kris ~ OMG that's so sweet! I loved it! Nice ring.

Michelle ~ I love how active you are with this thread. :hug: It looks like I'm going to have to go back to having two jobs. :( Nothing is working out and I'm too chicken to quit the VA. Too freaking chicken. I feel like I'm going to be trapped in the kitchen forever! And that is so depressing.

Julie ~ Thanks!

Onestar ~ I was thinking of going to school for medical assistanting. I already work at a hospital.

So they cancelled my unemployment claim and now I don't know how I'm going to pay my rent. That's my life.

staccie- thanks

lea- yeah, it's the first thing in my adult life that i actually stuck with and finished. not a lot of luck finding a job where i'm at though. but then again maybe i'm looking in the wrong places. i like it though.

jeni- thanks. i'll find something soon. i've got a few other leads.

i've had a pretty peaceful today so far. hopefully i can find something to do tonight. i dont want to sit at home-i do that every night.
w: at least 64oz.
e: same as always- healthy and no junk
e: 45 min with some jogging (already did)
d: i'm gonna make it

have a good saturday night, ladies!

Onestar ~ Do they have a VA hospital in Houston? Try there.

Congrats Nixmom!!!!

jeni- Thanks!! I know I do and that is the problem. I just don't know how to get it. I would require huge changes in my life and then where would I turn. I don't know.

Staccie- Good luck. We are a great group of girls. Stick around.

Nix- Have fun with all the kids.

Onestar- Eating out is always hard. Hence, I don't do it often.

Shari- I totally relate to being scared to make changes in your life. I am going through something very similar. Sometimes I think we just need to take a leap of faith and pray for the best. Trust me, I know how scary it is.

I did my 5k today and wanted to beat my best time of 38:10. I did it in 36 flat. So 2 min. better. I shaved 10 min. off my first race last year. I'm pretty pleased. I am not pleased with this 181 pounds I'm stuck at. Throw a girl a bone already.

Mindy! Awsome on that 5k!!! Totally and completely awsome!!!!! I am so proud of you!!!!! I hear you on being stuck. After seeing 142 for almost a solid week I went back to 148 after a weekend of the gym being closed (no workout, eating more than I should have but NOT 6 pounds worth) I have been sitting at 146 for the past few days. This is why I am working out on my workdays.

Speaking of working out on my workdays, I got in 32 more minutes today! Not running, I wasn't in the mood but I did 15 on the elliptical and 15 on the bike (oh and 2 minutes of cool down). I also did abs and stretching this morning before work.

Stacie my schedule is so crazy that I rarely workout on days that I work. I do love my morning aerobics class but I have been sleeping in too long lately.

Shari honey I hope things work out for you.

Onestar~I hope you found something to do tonight.



Calories were in the bag, water was awsome and I got in a workout. HURRAY Time for sunday!

Not exactly sure where to start .I'm not on any type of a plan yet.So I'm just gonna take things one day at a time for now.I guess I'll just start taking small steps and work on changing habits until I figure out "the plan".Here's my first daily WEED (I will start tomorrow)
W 6-8 glasses
E smaller portions and healthier choices
E walk for at least 15-20 mins
D nothing changes if nothing changes(stole it from a bumper sticker I saw)
Thanks for letting me join in:)

summer- i love that quote you put in for your "d"...so true...sounds like your off to a good start, too.

lea-thanks for the tip; i'll give it a try. i've applied with other hospitals in my city but i feel like i get lost in the crowd b/c of the size of the hospitals. i live in houston btw.

jeni- wish i could run 3 miles. i jog for about 5-7 min on the treadmill but am planning to slowly increase my time. didn't do a lot tonight (went to a friends house for about an hour) but it was SO nice just to have the freedom to do whatever. :cloud9:

just checking in- i'm bored and possibly addicted to the internet. lol!

Summer, I think the best kind of plan is whatever works for you!

Onestar~I started running about a year ago. I got the urge and just ran until I couldn't anymore. Running is just a part of my normal everyday workout now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

I am so tired this morning, UGGG! Every year out town has this festival kindof thingy which ends with a show of logging races (tree falling, long rolling, chainsaw competitions. . . ) which is followed by 20 minutes worth of fireworks. Well the place that it is held is a block from my houes, good when I don't work, BAD when I do.

I am supposed to stop and buy a cake for two birthdays at work today. I really don't want to, I don't really want to stop.

W 80 oz
E extra laps, gym is closes at 5 so no time to get there before I have to work
E 1200 clean cals, need to start logging into fitday find out where hidden cals are
D Do not eat the cake!

Wow, lots of post this weekend. Excellent! Welcome Newbies!

MTig- Congrats on 5k. My goal is to run 5K by my bday in mid-Nov

JCat- I need to learn to mix it up rather than give it up when I get sick of a routine.

Nix-How's the visit with the kiddies? I gained a pile of weight too after I met DH. He loves junk and is an amazing cook.

Cheers to all!

Not a great eating weekend. Too many treats. I started week 3 of c25k this a.m and start aerobics tonight. Can't wait!

Thanks for letting me join in and I am sorry I am so slow in responding. I too am looking for a job and getting nervous since I've been doing this for 3 months and have had 2 interviews. I have never had a problem but this economy is worse than I thought. I moved in May from Cape Cod to Central MA feeling quite comfortable that getting a temp job should be possible. Seems it makes no difference about temp or perm - the jobs are few and the people are many! :( I'm trying to think positive - sometimes it's tough.

I am a newbie to the WEED compitition and am working on a program for myself to follow but for today ......

W - 32 oz of water and 32 oz of other fluids (not a water drinker!)
E - I will walk for 20 minutes today
E - I will follow portioned sizes in what I eat today.
D - I will list 10 things I am grateful for today.

1 - 245.4
2 -

I'm back everyone! I'm so so sorry I havn't been posting this past week. During the last challenge I was in a very small no big deal car accident which was maybe 1 or 2 weeks ago and earlier this week I was just in another one! This one was the worst I was ever in but luckily still not hurt. I was going down a highway in the right lane where the speed limit was 50 and the roads were wet from rain. Some kid pulled out of a gas station on my right. He pulled out through the ENTRANCE instead of the exit and instead of waiting to merge into traffice he pulled directly in front of my car without giving me the chance to slow down! I of course slammed on my breaks and my horn but there wasn't enough time to slow from 50 down to nothing and my whole car slided on the wet road right into the back of his car. Luckily my car did slow down enough not to cause major damage but I was so scared that I was physically shaking and just couldn't talk for a few minutes. The other driver is ok too. This could have been so much worse than it was so I'm very thankful for that.

Because of all this I've just been super stressed out and depressed and just eating none stop. I gained 2 pounds back already and havn't been keeping up with my workouts or any of my goals. I'm not exactly giving up I'm just to stressed out to really think at the moment and I'm hoping I'll feel better in a few days. Any advice to help me snap out of it? Pretty please?

Hi Mrsvegan glad you found the challenge!
Nursemichelle~ I pretty much make the same foods as everyone else does just without the meat, fish, and dairy. The only problem is that since I've been cooking all my favorite foods lately I've also been eating a lot more of it because it just tastes so good!

P.S. What are personals?

Hi all,
It has been a busy weekend so no real time to post. This will probably have to be quick too but I thought I should stop in.

I am having the absolute worst time right now with the scale. I'm not losing and I was so frustrated this morning I felt like I could cry. I've worked extremely hard for more than four weeks now and I'm still at three pounds lost. I haven't lost a thing in about two weeks. I know that's a pretty short amount of time in the grand scheme of things, but it's difficult to work so hard and see zero results. Also, usually when I am on this regimen I lose 2 per week. :( Is it possible that something else is going on and I'll see a drop? Or maybe my calories are out of whack?!? Aarrrgh! I don't even know.

Anyhow, I've been keeping on track this weekend despite going to two restaurants so I'm happy about that. I went to the gym today in hopes of doing two classes and realized when I got there that I had the times wrong and the first class was half over (ARRRGH) so I walked for 20 mins on the treadmill until the second class started.

I don't know what it is about today but it feels like the universe would have preferred that I stay in bed!!! :( I'm sorry to be so negative but I just had to vent.

Hope you are all doing well and sticking with it and having a great weekend!

:wave: girls!

So I woke up this morning, got on the scale, and wondered how in the **** did I gain 2 lbs when I ate pretty well and got in some good exercise this week?! I wasn't expecting a big loss but come on. I got my answer this afternoon.....TOM. :dz: I'm relieved he came this week though since TBL challenge starts next week. Not changing my ticker cause I know it's water weight and I'm going to be good this week so next WI will be good. :yes:

Good afternoon everyone!

Hi juliebee - sorry to hear about the nasty scale...sounds like maybe you have hit a plateau? Have you tried calorie recycling or changing up your workouts? Are you losing inches? I went through a big weight loss about a year ago and had this exact problem and these are some of the things that worked for me. For me, I had a pair of pants that was too tight and I tried them on every Sunday - sometimes they fit different and the scale barely moved. Everyone is different - but I hope you can find a way to see some results :)

Hi gypsylove - oh my - two accidents!! Thankfully you are ok!!! I haven't had a chance to get to know you yet but my advice would be to come on here - it works for me (most times). I just went through a huge event that was very stressful and fell off the wagon bigtime - it took me some time to get back on, but I just tried to do things that eased my stress and it worked. Good luck!!

Hi Waterlilli - good luck with the job search...I will be in those shoes in about six months when my contract ends - but make the best of the time by getting in some extra exercise - it will release some endorphins...:)

jcatron - I envy that you run. I would like to but I just don't like it. I am trying to do interval training on the treadmill to get myself pysched up, because I think I really would like it. I tried to run home from the gym last week and I almost died at about 5 blocks :(

I met my WEED yesterday - :woohoo: - I really like doing that. I've had four awesome days now and I feel great other than some really sore muscles!!! I am going back to work tomorrow after being off for a bit and I am hoping that I can stay on track - I CAN!

WEED for the week!
W: Drink at least 2 litres a day - especially at work when I see the coke machine....ahhh!
E: Stay to my meal plan - 5 small meals all planned out and cooked already!
E: Stick to my workout plan at the gym - take Wednesday off to recover but ensure I go back Thursday!!
D: Don't allow work to consume my efforts!!!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I am looking forward to getting to know you all better!

Julibee- you and I are in the same boat. I am stuck also. I should be losing right now since it is post TOM, but I'm not. I get very depressed myself. I know in my head I will eventually drop, but it gets very frustrating. Just hang in there and keep doing the right things,. It will happen.

I just did a 3 mile walk today. Eating is on track and I'm still searching for those elusive 170's. It's gotta happen soon.

Really quick tonight:

Julie and Mindy~ Im stuck too, Maybe its just September~Lets keep working and NOT get it in our heads that nothing will work NO DEPRESSION! We shouldn't judge our happiness on what the scale says! I mean it. Working out is healthy, it is good for us, WE LOVE IT! WE MUST DO IT THE REST OF OUR LIVES TO STAY HEALTHY!!!! Lets all chant it!

Stacie, I started interval training in July and I lost about 10 pounds or so. I hit a dang plateau again, but I think it is because I just started weight training and it will take a month or two for my body to let go of the weight again.

Today went mostly good, but I had a small sliver of the cake and a very small piece of a danish. I don't know why but I was STARVING when I got home tonight. I think I may be in for a short cycle month, I hate it when that happens, but it is the only thing I can think of.

OK its time for bed!

Hey Weedies,

Today went mostly bad with a splash of horrible on the eating front. I didn't exercise, and I FREAKIN SMOKED LIKE A CHIMNEY! WTF? Quit a year and then fall back in... AAAACK!

Tomorrow is a new day... week.... chance....

I had to get here and say I better see EACH and EVERY ONE OF YOU< NEW AND VETS> on the new thread. I have to loose weight and it will take a village!

Happy Sunday... love to ya chickies.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/chicks-up-challenge/181725-w-o-w-boo-halloween-challenge-week-2-a.html

Okay Ladies, come to this link to post for WEEK 2