LA Weight Loss - LAWL Losers and Friends - December 2006

Morning all!! I will be in and out but I will at least try to catch up. We are at the folks and the first night (Weds) I got sicker than a dog! Seriously sicker than I have ever been!! I think it was food poisoning but luckily it was shortlived. I have never (TMI warning) had it coming out both ends in my life!! Anyway--this AM I seem ok--sore from puking and laying on the heating pad--ugh. Ok--enough whining--I will survive after all. I refuse to weigh while I am here but yesterday couldn't have been too bad--gatorade and a Luna bar all day. My middle sis comes today and the oldest tomorrow so we will have a full house--YEAH!!!!

Happy Birthday Joni!

No personals--but know I love and miss you all! Merry Christ-mas to you and yours!

:gift: :woo: :balloons:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JONI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:hb: Joni!!

:getwell: Lee Ann!!

Okay, so...the Biggest Loser Challenge...I want in, but I can't figure out how/where to sign up. Do we just post a profile, and that's it? Or do we have to connect with a certain individual who'll take our names? Help! 'Cause I want to lose!! :D

Hello all!

I won't even attempt to read all that has gone on here for the month of December. My life from the time we went to Mexico at the beginning of Nov to now has been a whirlwind.

My LAWL program has suffered but I am happy to report that I am maintaining and I gained about 3 pounds in Mexico but by 4 days back in Canada drinking water instead of tequila I was down to my pre Mexico weight.

Ian and I did get engaged in Mexico. He proposed to me on my 30th birthday (Nov 16). My ring is amazing and turning 30 with a diamond was so easy! When we got back on Nov 25 we sold my townhouse and that confirmed the possession of our new home for Dec 15. So the mad dash of packing began at the same time I started a drilling rig at work and what usually is a very easy job for me - a few phone calls during the day with the field consultant went sideways in all possible aspects. So between the stress of moving and work I haven't had time to stop by here or go in to a centre. I am planning to go in to a new centre next week. Seeing as we leave in North Calgary now I am going to have my file moved from the south centre to one of the north centre.

We have set a wedding date of Sept 29, 2007 so I have some work ahead of me!

I look forward to being back with all of you in full strength starting in Jan!

Wow, Shannon! Many happy congratulations! (and seriously WTG on not falling off the wagon with everything going on!!)

Woohoo!!

Shannon! Welcome back! I am very excited to see you on this site as I too am getting married this year (October 13th). We will have a lot to discuss and we can work on our goals together!!
I will be at my dad's house for Christmas and he doesn't have internet (he doesn't even know how to turn on a computer!), so I will have to catch up when I get back! I have weigh-in today, and it won't be pretty. I have been having some very stressful health issues and I learned that I eat when I am stressed!! At least the medication I am on keeps me from drinking! (But it will be done by New Year's, thank goodness!)
I plan to get back on plan in a major way after the New Year and to try to maintain through the holidays. I wish you all the best!

Well...I haven't posted for a few days, so I thought I should before Christmas. I've realized that being home is a really big challenge for my weight loss because there are so many temptions. In my dorm room, I keep no sweets, potato chips, soda, etc. but at home, we have all of this. My mom made peppermint fudge and I made sugar and chocolate chip cookies for my sister's class. I couldn't help but have a few sugar cookies because they are my fav!

I am excited that my mom is making Christmas brunch and everything she is making comes from here or the LAWL ckbk. We only have 2 dinners to go to as opposed to the usual 3 and my mom and I are collaborating to make fruit salad, salad, and some desserts. My birthday is Dec. 30, but I don't think it will be a HUGE challenge because we usually go out to eat (i can always find something that is op). I do love cake, but I'm thinking about asking my mom not to buy/make one and make something from the ckbk instead.

I have also been babysitting for the past 3 days and the parents don't cook...they eat out all the time (crazy? I think so). I did good though, I brought my lunch one day and the other 2 days I had a grilled chicken sandwich from McDonalds with 1/2 a bun and a Subway turkey sandwich. The biggest challenge was the humongous candy bowl they have in the kitchen. I did allow myself a twix, I just couldn't resist.

Merry Christmas and good luck to everyone! I hope to see some big losses after the holidays and new year!!

I've come to really appreciate my begging puppy lately...I take one bite of a cookie, and the rest goes to the dog! ;)

Another 2007 wedding here! I am getting married in May....

I will still be around but I wanted to put this out there for the people who are not going to be here in the next few days.......

Happy Holidays to EVERYONE! I am so blessed to call you all friends!
:clause: :hohoho: :wreath: :xcheer: :ginger: :snowglo:

Day 1 half way down for T/O surprisingly I am not hungry yet.

I realized that Ham is not on the list for proteins (after T/O I am talking) and I called and she told me to have a little bit and increase water intake by 2 glasses. We are only having Ham on Christmas Eve so I had to figure it out. I am hoping that I will go into Christmas with a good new start after the T/O. I am starting to feel better finally I went through most of today not coughing!

Have a great day today! I will be back to check in later!

Hello everyone,

Just had a chance to check in. I have been running around all morning and I just finished wrapping my last presents. I have a little something for all of those that I love and know that I will see.

I got some great exercise I am sure. I was moving pretty fast.

Not a lot going on now, I am just looking forward to to the week of rest. I will get back into my regular exercise routine, because it has suffered this week.

Have a great day everyone.

Megan - to join TBL Challange, you have to sign up by December 26 (looks like you found the link -- I saw your name there).
Here's the link for others that may be interested:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=184

Shannon - CONGRATULATIONS!! I can hear the excitement in your words!

Lea Ann - Hope you're feeling better. Guess you haven't been the life of the party yet!!

Got my LAWL cookbook I ordered from ebay today!! I am excited to look through it and decide what to make after the holidays.

Hiya Chickies,
Wow, I've missed alot around here this week!! Love the Carols.:dizzy:
I don't have much time, but wanted to wish Joni a :woo: :hb: Happy Birthday.
Congrats to all the losers here - and in case I don't see you before Christmas.. Merry Christmas,:rudolph: and many blessings in 2007!:newyear:

Happy Birthday Joni!!

Good morning and Happy Holidays! I have been MIA for the past few days and it took me nearly all day yesterday to catch up on posts!! You gals and Dan (welcome!!!) sure have been busy. I laughed out loud when reading the newly revised Xmas Carols... he he he.

I have been off plan for about 2 weeks now but seem to be maintaining my weight. I was really starting to get down about it but after reading all of your posts I had a serious talk with myself....("Self....") and am not going to beat myself up about it but just try hard to maintain and then kick serious booty after Xmas. My family will go back home on the 27th and I will be back to my normal routine so boot camp it is!!! My New Years resolution is to plan ALL my meals and to develop a regular exercise routine.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday....and Happy Belated B-day Joni!!!!!!

Hugs~
Debbie/Nashville

I'm determined to do well this weekend...I snacked more than allowed last night, due to a bit of stress that came from having to take D...B?(boyfriend/we live together but not -yet- engaged) to the ER for stitches. :o He'd been chasing the dog around the backyard and fell on some brick edging, cutting his arm pretty badly. And of course the remedy for that was ice cream, right? Heh. Well, hopefully it's out of my system now, and I'll make this weekend a POP one! ('Cause technically Christmas isn't until AFTER the weekend, hee.)

Be good, everyone! We can do this!!

Oh, and thanks for the link, Joni...I swear I'd been over there several other times and never saw that thread! :p

Day 2 of T/O. I am doing ok so far. I weighed myself this morning and I am down 2 pounds. I hope it continues.

Today I am baking :chef: .... not for me or family but for my dog and my FMIL's dog and my FBIL's dog for Chirstmas presents for them. I bought some cookie cutters in the shape of dogs and bones and I found a recipe a while back that my dog LOVES. He seems to know when I am making them......

I hope everyone has a great day. I am sure the board will be slow. I will talk to you all later

Now I am playing with my new digital camera. Phil gave it to me early so I can have it tomorrow for Christmas Eve. He wanted to make sure that I had the battery charged and I knew how to use it :) :) :)

Hi all - I got up at 6 and made a double batch of DARK chocolate fudge to go with the double batches of chocolate, rocky road, white chocolate/macadamia/coconut, and peanut butter fudge, coconut macaroons, sugar cookies, and a gorgeous (if I do say so myself) triple chocolate cheesecake! Whew! I think I'm done except for the "real" food... I'm sending the bulk of the fudge and cookies with the group going to Kansas City on Wed. so that will clear out most of it... of course, I'll leave some here because this is our cheat week.
DH is really struggling - up 2.5 pounds today from Wed... and all his counselor says is he's not eating enough variety! He's definitely ready for a break! I told him this week may be just the "shock" his system needs to get back to losing. We did discuss the FACT that he stopped losing when he went on blue from red and at the same time started hitting the treadmill everyday! I still think he's not eating enough and definitely not getting enough sleep!
I've gotta go figure out why my ticker suddenly stopped updating with tickerfactory.com decided to "update" their process and supposedly made it so you don't have to update it here after you update their site...
Okay, just checking in...
Blessings,
Merry Christmas!

PS

Lea Ann - I hope you're feeling kick butt better!!! Good grief!

PurplePirate - I still want to know how you broke your foot in 3 places! What did you do - break it at the first place, limp to the second place, break it again there and... :rofl:

Hello ladies........

Well, we made it to my mama's house late last night. All is well, and the weather cooperated. I went to WI here in Kenosha, and I was up a half a pound, but I don't know if it is the difference in the scales, or if it is simply because I have been a little bit off plan. I haven't had any major splurges, but I certainly have not been getting all of my foods in each day. Even water has been a struggle for me, and I don't mind drinking my water. I am going to try REALLY hard to concentrate and get it together. I am planning a cheat or two over the next week or so, but the other days, I don't want to lose sight of what I really want.

I hope everyone has a great weekend, and a very merry and yummy Christmas!!!
XOXO

hi there....just wanted to check in to let you all know I am thinking about you and all your struggles and issues...I sure have mine..sooo happy about the 32 lost and know that on Jan 1 ..I am rallying up to lost 20 more...I am pretty much pop but really need to pay more attention soon. I am sorta thinking about maintenance till Jan 1....Have a wonderful and family Christmas.....I love you all and think alot about what we are doing and dealing with every day...nance.

Merry Christmas Everyone

Thought I would check in before the chaos begins.....gotta love it though!! Tis the season.

Barb-It is funny you were making doggy treats today, as I was looking for a good dog treat recipe. Would you mind sharing yours with me? It looks like we will have a white christmas after all.

Joni-Happy belated Birthday!

To everyone else Season's Greeting and :cheers: (my fruit for the week, he he) to another year on our LAWL journey!

Merry Christmas Eve to all!!! :hohoho:

I know most of you are already off and into holiday mode however I wanted to hop on for a quick shout out.

Megan, I'm sorry to hear about your BF. Of course that crisis would totally call for ice cream in my book. :D

Barb, :congrat: on the 2lbs (or 4 sticks of butter!!!). Baking doggie treats, now that is a good way to back but NOT eat it!!! You're dog is a lucky pooch.

Pearl, I would sooooooooooo be off the wagon if I were at your house. Fugde, coconut macaroons, sugar cookies ?!?!?!? All my very favorites!! You and DH deserve a cheat week and I hope you enjoy every moment of it. I know you will still have a watchful eye on what you eat and besides we will all be on boot camp after the holidays. :coach:

Nicole, Glad you made it to mama's safe and sound. You are doing so well this holiday, if I know you - you'll probably be the one who loses during holidays!! I hope this is true but if not, we will all be back on track after Xmas.

Nance, I second the motion!! I know we will rally after 1/1- You've lost 32lbs this year and will lose the remainder in '07!! Exciting stuff huh?? :cheer2:

KL, I have not officially welcomed you to the board so WELCOME! :welcome3: Happy Holidays to you!! And I am with you on the fruit...he he he .

To all- Happy Holidays!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you travel and as we face our food challenges. :cheers:

Debbie

Krystal: I got the recipe from allrecipes.com I will post the link
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Dog-Treats-I/Detail.aspx I did add 1/4 cup of Peanut butter to them. My dog and my FMIL's dog LOVES these!!!
....... I am happy we have a white Christmas it is about time we had some snow..

Merry Christmas to you all!!!!!!!! :present: :wreath: :xcheer: :tree: :snowglo: :candy:

I am Thankful for you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weighed in at home this morning and I weighed 146. that is 5 pounds I lost from T/O. While this is not my offical weigh in that doesnt happen until Wednesday I was pretty happy. Hopefully I can keep most of that off by Wednesday!

Way to go on the T/O Barb!!! (i'm envious of your white Christmas)

I just wanted to stop in with a Merry Christmas to everyone, and Like Debbie, offer prayers for safe travels to all who are travelling this season. Enjoy your time with family and friends!
Take care,
Rhonda

Megan - hope DBF (dear best friend??) is doing better. Hope he heals nicely.
Barb - I'm definitely going to try that recipe for my dogs.....thanks for sharing. (I, too, will have to add the Peanut Butter....my boxers love PB).
Pearl - I'm with Kim - all those goodies in the house would not be good for me; I have zero willpower. I can also relate to DH as the scale just shot up the day after my birthday (gee...I wonder why??)...but, I'll be back in full swing on January 1, and actually, I'm doing much better here at my sister's house than I normally would. I even had a salad and morningstar chicken nuggest for lunch!!
Tata.........gotta go find some SF cookies to put out for Santa!

MERRY CHRISTmas everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just wanted to wish the greatest group of people a very Merry Christmas! Please remember what is most important at this time. I hope that you all have a wonderful time with your families.

We are going to help serve meals and pass out gifts to the less fortunate at 1:30pm, we feel it's a good lesson for our 13 y/o daughter. Considering the state of our economy, except for the grace of God we would be there too. So I feel the urge to go and just help out. They didn't have enough people to fill in and we heard about it so we want to be there!

Everyone had a great day!

Ulanda: what a great thing to do for people! My mother is homeless, battered woman and she told me today she went to a place that served them food (as she finds everyday) and she said that there were lots of families there to serve the food what a nice way to spend the holiday........

I was good today. Last night I probably had to much ham but I drank more water yesterday and I had lots of water with lemon today. I want some of this 5 pounds to stick from T/O......... I WI on Wednesday. I hope that everyone had a great Christmas day with family and friends.

Love to you all!

*hangs head*

So much for my POP weekend, and yesterday? Yeah, not even gonna TRY to remember what all I ate. But, I'm back on the plan now, and trying hard not to focus on the 3.5 pound gain my at home scale showed...it's got to be water, right? From eating ham and green bean casserole? I swear I didn't gorge....just ate many things that aren't on the plan, including several samples of desserts...*sigh*

I'm going to go WI today, just 'cause I need to make myself do it, but am dreading the official weight going back up. :( At least we don't have anything special planned for New Years, so I *should* be able to get back OP today and stay that way.

Argh. I KNEW better!

Good morning on the day after........LOL.

I truly enjoyed the holiday festivities for the last two days. It was so weird......I ate when I was not even hungry. Now I feel kind of ICK. I did go to WI here in Wisconsin on the 23rd. I am almost thinking of popping in there again. I really feel like I need a boost. I cannot go this whole week off plan. That would be too much for me. It's almost like I need to get back OP for a few days, before my family's New Year's Eve party. That is when we do our gift exchange and such. I just don't think I will get back OP if I wait a whole week. I know some of you talked about a TO on the 26th and 27th (at least I think so), and I wish I would have bought the stuff to do so. Maybe I will pop in at the grocery store today and buy some supplies. I may go to COD too, and I know I will see a gain, but I think I need the accountablility.

Nashville Deb........so sweet of you. I don't think I will see a loss over the holiday, but I am going to put forth effort a few of the days :)

Joni..........So tell me about these veggies burgers and sodium. I did try them last week, and they were absolutely wonderful!!! I have to admit, I don't really follow the sodium rules, but the day before WI, I usually try to limit my intake a bit. NOt always though. I have kind of a bad attitude when it comes to the sodium story. I just feel like I can't give up EVERYTHING!!! I have no vices.....I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't eat sweets anymore (not OP anyway, unless fruit and sf jello are considered sweets.....I think NOT), and sodium too. I guess I'm just ready to be THAT healthy. I will be better about it soon, but I have to take things one at a time.

Ulanda.....aren't you giving up caffeine soon? I just know I spelled that wrong, but I dont really care this am. Oh, who am I kidding, I care.........hold on, I have to check dictionary.com. Hooray, I spelled it right :) I am so proud. I should NOT have tried to open another window though, my parents computer is from 1985, I swear!!! If you did start, please keep us informed.........I am considering laying off the coffee soon..........I think it might help not be so edgy someitmes.

Barb.....WTG on your TO, and congratulations to you for staying so strong through the holidays. While you will be reading about a lot of us who cheated over the holidays; do not give yourself a permission slip to cheat if you are on a roll. I am not saying not to enjoy yourself a bit, but don't, and I repeat DON'T give iin when you are doing so well. The TO can really boost you back up, and sometimes you will see a gain a day or two or three after, but do not get discouraged. You can do this. I am really excited for you. It is sooooo nice when things begin to move in the right direction. You should be very proud of yourself.

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I hope to see everyone posting soon.......I miss you all!!!

Megan.......it is definitely water........I have gained as much as 5 pounds after eating a high sodium meal the day before. It WILL be ok. Go the the COD, and get back OP........and keep going and going and going. :)

Rhonda.......thank you for the warm wishes.......how is everything going???

K, have to go......boys are beginning to wrestle.......LOL

Megan: It is water. Drink some water with lemons. that is what I did this weekend. It does help. Just remember that today is a new day. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back on the horse. It is a day to day thing. This is an hour by hour thing for me. You can do this!!!!!!!!

Nicole: Going to the center today will be good. It is accountability for you. You know to what you need to do and you will do it. Just try to have a good time and know to get back on track asap!!!!!!!!


Well, I went to the center today. Offical WI I guess. I am not sure. I had my progress review also. They measured me. I am down 10 pounds and 10 inches. OMG I was floored... I kept off 4.5 pounds from T/O. How? I have no idea. I ate ham (maybe a little to much but I drank lemon water to compensate).... I hope that this downward trend continues. I am averaging 1.5 pounds a week! I feel so good right now, so much better then I have in weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh wow, Barb!! That's FABULOUS!!! *dances* You go girl!!!

And yes indeedy...am on my third lemon water so far today! ;)

I went to WI before lunch...up 1.6 pounds, bleh. Must...Drink...More...LEMONS!!!

Megan: Thanks. I am happy so far. I have grown to like Lemon Water ;)

Hi all, looks like the boards have been really slow. We have had a ton of internet drama, and I just finally got it all fixed. I got a new digital camera for Christmas, so I am finally able to put a better pic up. My avatar is me with my 5 year old DD. Also, if you visit my profile you can see a pic of my kids opening their gifts. Have a great day everyone!

Katie - you look like a kid yourself in the picture. Cute PJs on all your little ones. They are probably at the great age -- still believing in Santa and all that fun stuff. Yes, the boards are really slow.....I'm in CT at my sister's house. Her kids are grown, there's no snow, and I miss being in my own house. But, I'm trying to relax and enjoy my down time vs saying I'm bored! But, I'm so bored, I'm actually going to go to the gym tomorrow and I also noticed there is an LAWL center in town, but I think I'll spare myself that agony. My plan is to weigh on Friday and start TBL Challenge on 12/31 at 11:59 PM! Hope you are feeling better.

Barb and Megan - you two are doing great. I haven't hit the lemon water yet, although I should!

Thanks Joni, they were really cute about Christmas this year. Today they are driving me crazy!

Hello ladies,

I am sure everyone is still in Christmas mode, that is why it's slow.

I hope that you all had a great Christmas, I surely did. It was great to be able to help out with serving meals. We had the opportunity to sing as well. It was a real blessing.

Nicole, Yes..the coffee and diet soda are going bye-bye. I don't know what the next couple of days will be like, but I am willing to give it a try. My goal is get as healthy as I possibly can. I have put it off long enough.

Barb, that is great the success you have had so far. Especially keeping off your T/O weight. Keep up the good work.

Everyone have a great night!

ok you great friends.....I am still here, of course....had lots of company and a sit down for 24 on CHristmas eve.....pretty much pop throughout the holiday..tried to eat little and drink a little also...love those fruits....I think about you all often and know the strugles we are dealing with...I hope all went well these last couple of days..I hope you all got great feedback, as I did, but want to rally up for more lbs lost...I will read personals and get back on track here...thanks..love ya..nance

katie,,,you are a little dol...so young!!!! I will so a new pic soon.


OH OH OH I have to share something funny...I am fine about laughing about myself....well my mom had not seen me in awhile and thought I looked great. We saw a pic of our granddaughter doing hula and I was in the background...about four or five months ago....I couldnt believe the pic...Thought pics put on 20 lbs but they did not on mt granddaughter....opps..well anyway wewere kinda laughing and mom said nicely..it looks like you were blown up!!!! Inflato gransma...I had to laugh...she felt bad and I said no worries and we still are laughing about it...sure feel better...My size 14 jeans are loose.....thanks for listening..Talapia tonite

Katie I meant a little DOLL///////I would be deadly if I could type

Hey everyone,

Well, xmas is over and this year I can safely say I am very glad it is. New years was never a big deal so for me the worst is over!! Went to COD this am as I figured I may as well face the demon head on and I was down 0.8 lb. I am very glad about that. I went into xmas wanting to maintain and if I did gain, no more than 1 lb. But I lost so at least I did something right. I never went overboard really. Just ate lightly aorund xmas day and then let myself have what I wanted on that one day.

Back at work now, although I did some OT yesterday for a few hours so for me this is day 2 of the work week. Will likely be nuts here today as for some reason after a long weekend it always is.

I hope everyone had a great xmas and you enjoyed your time off, your families and your friends!!!

Alannah

Merry Christmas Everyone (a little late I know),

I am sure I gained over the holidays, but too scared to get on the scale...bleh. Dumb scale....

Well I am back OP today, and hope to remain that way.

Hope everyone is well, and just wanted to check in.

My goodness. I'm not even going to try to catch up with everyone, but I do hope everyone that celebrates the holiday had a very Merry Christmas and had fun with families. :present:

I for one was not a good LAWLer this week. Too much family, too many big meals to avoid. Much of my family is Cuban (by marriage), and they're big on food and big family gatherings, so it was hard to resist. I gave up on trying to journal. But according to my home scale, I maintained at 208.4 (which, by the time I get to the COD in the afternoons is around 211). We'll see this afternoon!

Oh, and I know I never got back to you all on Joni's challenge, but on the 16th, I believe my home weight was 208.5ish...and I started at 213. I should be able to figure this out, but what's the equation for figuring out weight lost percentage? For some reason, I'm getting crazy numbers!

I'm doing TO this weekend if anyone would like to join me. I find it easier on the weekend, as I'm busier and sleep later, so I just don't think about food as much.

Well...everyone, welcome back. Let's all give each other a swift kick (because I know I need it!) :kickbutt: And WTG anyone who lost ANYTHING over the holiday! That's tough!

Good morning ladies! Looks like the boards are picking up a little. Glad they were slow because I have to go back and catch up.

Happy belated birthday Joni! I was away from the boards after my initial post Friday and I missed it.

I will go pay the piper today at noon. I'm on day 2 of TO, so I will update my ticker with the final bad news today. It was fun, but my body is begging for fruits and veggies at this point.

I will catch up and post personals later.

Hello to everyone! I hope you are all having a good day. To all who are not, remember that Christmas comes once a year and today is a new day!!!!!!!!!!!! You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!

I am doing ok. I was not OP last night (to many drinks and cookies, I think I got complacent (sp) after WI but I am back on track this morning.)
Have a good day everyone!

Just saw that the TBL Challenge teams are posted...so many from our LAWL group are on the blue team together...alas, I'm on the red. Wahh! I wanna all be together! Hah! (But we'll all do great, no matter which team they put us on!)

Hi friends!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday, whichever holiday you celebrate! I for one, had a good weekend and am now back on track. I haven't gone to WI, but I know that I am up a few pounds, but it is probably water gain, I feel a little bloaty. Yuk.

So, now we are on to a new year, and I know that many of us are going to seriously commit to this plan, and I am with you! My Christmas goal went PHFFFT... but I am starting a new goal for Valentines Day - we leave for Jamaica that day and I WILL be below 200 for that!!!!!

Good Morning all! I have been out here everyday-just not posting after I posted my "Twas the night before Christmas".
We decided to take this week off from LAWL and give ourselves a break. One of dh's customers gave us an amazing smoked ham (he's a meat processor) so needless to say, we were up 5 pounds just from the ham on Christmas Eve! Of course, we've had some of my fudge, the Christmas cookie recipe was HORRIBLE!!! (that was a blessing!) So in the trash they went! The cheesecake is amazing but we're eating it in tiny pieces and my 13 yr old DS loves it so he's enjoying himself too!
16 yr old DS left for Kansas City, Missouri (Nicole, did I spell that right? :lol:) this morning at 8. We went to church last night for our "Wed. night" svc and he spent the night with one of the families going so I didn't have to drive the hour back this morning to drop him off. I missed him as soon as I pulled out the parking lot last night!!! This is going to be a BIG week for him spiritually speaking! Several friends came up to me and said the same thing. Our Assoc. Pastor called him to the altar last night and several people prayed over him pretty much saying the same thing. This weekend will bring clarity to him for ihs future! WOW! I told him to call me every night so I can hear what's been happening! I wish I could have gone, but I think I'm here so he can get what he needs there.
I'm also looking forward to spending some quality time with 13 yr old DS, since he's the man of the house when DH is at work now that big brother is away!
We're taking down "the tree" today and tomorrow because it is just too big and in the way! I think we're pretty much over it too.
I got an NSV for Christmas - I got a new bra, 2 sizes smaller (alas, not in the cup and as I continue to lose, I may be rolling up the twins to keep them from hitting my knees anyway! :yikes:) :rofl:
Okay, gotta go. I'm not weighing until next Monday... and then it's a new year in the New Year!
P.S. - Walgreens has their 48 hour juice (also known as hollywood juice) on sale - BOGO! We'll be stocking up while it's on sale!
Hugs,
Blessings,
Happy New Year!

OK… getting caught up here…

Joni – Hope the birthday was fantastic!

Lea Ann – Hope you’re feeling better.

Martha – Thank you for the kind words. Hope your holidays are going well. You girls give me so much more than you could ever know. When I cheer you on, I am also cheering for myself.

Shannon – Congrats on the engagement, and the move. You have plenty of wedding planning company here.

Debbie – Maintaining during this time of year is an accomplishment in itself. Hang in there and get back on the wagon. Look forward to seeing more of you around these parts.

Megan – Hope DB is doing ok. Don’t worry about the scale. You enjoyed the holiday. I am sure a lot is water. And you have a lot of LAWL girls on TBL Red Team. I saw Deb there, and I think Ulanda, and Lara.

Nicole – See comment to Megan above. You will be just fine. I was POOP from about Wednesday through Monday. TO yesterday and today. Sometimes you need a break.

Pearl – I think DH needs to go back on red too. Sneak him some more protein when you make his meals! J

Barb – The TO was really successful. You are so close now!

Ulanda – What a wonderful thing you and your family did. Very rewarding, I’m sure.

Rhonda – Hope everything is going well.

Katie – You look like you’re about 12! How great to have such a young looking face. Santa brought DS the V-smile thing too. Hope you’re enjoying your time at home and that you’re taking care of yourself. Remember, if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!

Nance – “Inflato Grandma” made me laugh. Too funny. Glad you had a good holiday.

Alannah – WTG on the loss!

Nisha – When are you going to the COD? C’mon girl, you know you’ve gotta face the music. It’s better to just get it over with. Kinda like a shot from the doctor. Quick, and a little painful, but better for you in the long run.

Meagain – Doing TO yesterday and today. Love the Cuban pork at Christmas! I can see how it could be hard to resist. I just love Cuban food, and the black beans and rice don’t exactly work OP since I would eat WAY too much.

Kim – The Christmas goal didn’t go “phhht”, you still made progress! Hang in there and focus. Throw in a few TOs and you could meet your Jamaica goal.

Pearl - "Rolling up the twins" had me laughing and snorting at my desk. Thanks for the laugh!

Oh yeah, and I took this extra time (I had yesterday off) and planned my meals for the rest of this week (only 2 days since I'm doing TO) and next (my week ends on Friday), and I went through my closet and am donating five bags of clothes ranging from 20-24. I actually fit into my 16's yesterday. That was a BIG surprise. But the 18's are still comfy so I will keep those until the next round of donations.

So... since some of you have some extra time this week, you could start planning your meals for the coming week to keep you OP. Just a suggestion. Might make those first few days back OP a little easier if you have a menu planned that you look forward to. (Thanks to Dan's suggestion, I am making the creamy chicken casserole from the cookbook.)

Pearl - Rolling up the twins!!!!! :rofl: :lol3:

Cassi - Thanks for the reinforcement. Actually I was planning my TO's in my new calendar as I was reading! Better buy a lot of Knudsens!

Alannah- Wow, girl! You are amazing! Way to lose over Christmas!

Cassie- Good luck at WI, I hope you get better news than you are expecting!

Pearl- I hope that DS has a wonderful trip. We had ham, too, and my shoes felt tight the next day. As for your nsv, that is wonderful!

We got a new computer for Christmas, and it is so nice! I sat down last night and used a combination of Saving Dinner.com recipes and recipes from the threads to put together a whole week of menus. I made a shopping list and got up this morning really early to shop before the kids got up. The menu and recipes are on the fridge, and I have had my scheduled, OP breakfast. I'm back baby!

Woo Hoo Katie. WTG!

Hi all-

Just got done reading up on all the posts since we left last Thursday. Christmas back home was very nice. Could have been longer, but I will take what I can get. We were worried that we wouldn't be able to make it home with the snowstorm and all, but it wasn't too bad. It took us 4 hours to get through Denver. The roads were actually in pretty good shape, it was all the people obviously in a hurry to get somewhere and not paying attention that was causing all kinds of accidents and slowing traffic to a crawl. The trip back to Montana was smooth sailing, clean roads and good weather, just missing the second storm that is supposed to hit Denver today and tomorrow. Pearl, thanks for your your prayers, you were our guardian angel!!!:angel:

I hadn't seen my parents since last Christmas and DH's family since June, so they were all amazed at my transformation, the compliments made my head swell up to twice it's size. We are going to go back at the end of June for sure for a wedding party and I should be at goal by then. I want to just blow their minds!!

My DM and I went shopping to buy each other presents that way we got to pick out what we wanted. I got a pair of designer jeans in a size 14!! They are stretch jeans, but hey I will take it, I can't remember the last time I wore 14's.

I was up to 183 when I stepped on the scale this morning, but I am not too concerned. With the 14 hour road trip, not nearly enough water and snacking off plan, it was bound to happen. Today and tomorrow is TO to get back in the groove and then TBL challenge on the the 1st and back to COD on the 2nd. Now I have to go hide the baggies of fudge, peanut brittle and cookies that MIL sent home with DH. Got to be strong, got to be strong!!!!!

Shannon- Congrats on getting engaged. Your wedding date is the same as mine and DH's, and we have been married for 16 wonderful years, so it's got to be a good date!!!

Joni- Belated happy birthday!!:hb:

I'm glad to hear that everybody had a good, safe Christmas, here is to a happy safe New Year's eve and then to a wonderful thinner 2007 for all of us, it's gonna be a great year, I just know it. :cheers: Every single one of you are awesome people and I am so glad that I have all of you to share in this journey of mine. I don't know if I could have made it this far without each and every one of you. THANK YOU!!!!:hug:

Wow~
I was totally off plan all weekend and I gained 4 POUNDS! That's insane. I just did TO last week, so I don't want to do it again for awhile. I am going to try to stay POP as much as possible over this weekend (other than drinks! It's New Years!) but I am very dissappointed! I want to just quit, but I am not going to be a quitter this time! I am not! Tonight I am going to get on my elliptical and drink my all waters and more and suck down as much lemon water as my wee little bladder can handle!! My engagement ring is still loose so that's a motivator!
Sorry for the rant, and thanks for listening!
Congrats to anyone who lost over the weekend! I can't imagine!!
And go red team on TBL challenge!!
Happy New Year!

Lara,
Don't give up over 4 lbs. It is probably mostly water weight. Do you really think that you consumed over 14,000 calories over the weekend?? If you did, I would be amazed. Do what you said you were doing and drinking extra water and the lemon water and you will be just fine. Life happens, don't let the scale rule it for you!!!

Hang in there, Lara! I'm with you...gained over the holiday and this morning's scale still hadn't yet budged. *sigh* We can do this, chica....we can!!! :D

Hey Deb, glad to see you home safe and sound. That is wonderful about all of the compliments. You truly deserve them.

Megan and Laura- Just stay OP and get plenty of water. Those holiday lbs won't stand a chance!

Well, I am setting a new goal. Another Vegas goal, actually. My little sis has announced that is expecting a baby in August, so she and her DF have moved up their June wedding to a Feb wedding, in Vegas! I am so excited. I want to be looking awesome by then, and with you wonderful ladies and the BL challenge, I know I can do it!!!

Deb - Love the new avatar. Your transformation is just amazing. Size 14s. Wow!

As for me, I am .2 less than my last WI, which was last Wednesday. I have been totally POOP since last Wednesday, and then did TO yesterday and today. To be back where I was is a Christmas miracle in itself! One last treat planned before the New Year as DH and I are going to dinner and a movie Saturday. I will pre-plan to fit dinner OP, but if I have a few nibbles, I won't fret over it. We have been wanting some "us" time, and his parents offered to babysit, and we have a gift certificate to a local restaurant we need to use. I figured it's better to go this week rather than after the 1st when I'll be hitting the plan hard.

Great job Cassie. You are the queen of LAWL!

Katie you are too sweet. I think you and Deb are the "Queens". I am merely a lady in waiting. (oh, and Joni is still King)

Hey girlfriends!
Glad you enjoyed the joke about the twins... but it wasn't a joke! Good grief -these girls are gonna look like a couple of window shades! :rofl: I can see it now... "Woman runs up a flight a stairs and blinds herself in both eyes"!

Okay - enough nonsense... taking a quick break - I really need to get a life! Got the tree and decorations down, the LR looks so much better w/out the tree in the way!

Katie - Congrats on the new 'puter!!! I'm gonna try that recipe site - I've never heard of it before... I'm expecting great things from you by February!!! We can do it!

Cassi - You are such a gem! I've mentioned some of you so much, that my boys all know you by name! No description necessary! (I really need to get a life!)

I got some (hopefully) good news! I saw a TL Gazelle Freestyle listed locally before Christmas but didn't have peace about sacrificing the money for it right at Christmas time. ($50.00 for it and the videos) I really felt led to send the person an email letting them know if it wasn't sold after Christmas - to let me know and ta dah! She emailed and said she still had it! Now I've just got to scrape up the $50.00. (of course, right after Christmas isn't any better but I really want one!) DH told me to count up his change in his bank and buy it! (what a guy!) So I'm thinking about it!
Well, gotta go. Unfortunately, I've got keying to do due Sunday... I thought I was gonna have this week off! :( Oh well.
Hugs,
Happy New Year!

Glad to see everyone back after Christmas! I have been off plan ever since my weigh in last Thursday with Christmas parties and dinners, etc. This morning I decided to go in and face the scale at the COD. I was actually down .2 pounds!!! I know it isn't much but I'll take it. My counselor got all excited that I lost over the holiday and started ringing the bell and Woohooing like crazy. It made me feel good anyway! Now to get back OP and keep losing!

Hi Ladies --

Its been a LONG time since I've posted (October/November) ... The holiday season was good, but wayyy too busy! I havnt visited my center since November and will go in this Saturday for TO and hopefully be back on track. I'm debating LA vs. WW; its soo hard; I find LA very restrictive, but thats the point right?, but its probably both mind over matter -- so I am going to go back to LA for now and see how good I do for the first month.

I've been working out 2x a week still (weights) and still feel fairly good, although cardio has been nil to none (other than running from store to store shopping).

Hope to see everyone come back and see the scale moving downwards; overall from last year to this year (I joined last 12/31) I still believe I have lost alot of fat -- maybe only 25lbs, but I feel leaner and healthier -- I have gone down a pants size and all my shirts are very loose -- which is a good thing.

Happy Healthy 2007!

Good evening!

It's nice to see everyone getting back in the groove. I am now officially on the plan and in serious boot camp mode. I have not made it in to the COD but plan on doing so Fri or Sat.

Pearl - I laughed so hard at "the twins" comment...of course my "girls" are the first thing to get a makeover when I meet my goal.

Katie- LOVED the pictures of the kids....super cute.

I am running and gunning as usual...miss you guys and am sending lots and lots of will power to you all!

Here's to a Skinny New Year!

Hugs

Glad to see my friends all coming out of hiding...I've missed y'all. I can just feel the energy building up.

Great article in Ladies Home Journal that talks about how tough it is to stick to New Year's goals. So, instead of giving yourself a bunch of guilt ridden new year's resolutions", they suggest starting the new year with a "celebration inventory" to validate the successes of the past year. Honor all those times you went to the gym; congratulate yourself for how well you did something (a 5K, finishing a class, etc.). After you acknowledge what you have accomplished, you can go back and put together your New Year's INTENTIONS, which emphasize the postiive. Rather than saying "I must lose 10 lbs," try "I would love to choose food that gives me the energy I deserve,". Appreciating yourself will help you be your own best ally in working toward success!! SOOOOOOO, on my plane ride home tomorrow, I'm going to pull together my 2006 Celebration Inventory and New Year's intentions and post them on New Year's Eve....I'll start a thread. Be thinking about this and hopefully, you'll all add on!

Hugs to all.....gotta run to my last hurrah vacation dinner!

What a great idea Joni! I will be watching for that thread. Have fun at dinner!!

Pearl- I just viewed your snapfish photos. Wow, I can really see a difference in your face. You rock girl!

I added a link to my weight loss journey, if anyone is interested in seeing my progress.

Wheeehoo! I don't know how I managed it, but I was DOWN a pound yesterday at WI!!! After my Christmas disaster! :) :) :)

Still doing TO this weekend to avoid any late gains. YAY! :)

Good morning everyone,

How is everyone. I am great. I decided that I would TO today and tomorrow since I am participating in TBL challenge. It should be a great 12 weeks and hopefully what I need to get me to goal. It's great to see so many of you ladies in on that challenge as well. Looks like we are almost all on the same team too.

Pearl, Glad to see that you and DH are kind of taking a break. You have both done so well.

Cassi, we thought going and serving meals was a great experience as well. Especially for my 13 y/o daughter. She needed to see that normal everyday people sometimes end up needing a hot meal. I was near tears several times especially when little kids came through the line.

Well, I have to get busy getting some things done before I have to start running errands again.

Have a great day ladies and Dan!!:)

Stephanie - Good to see you back here. WTG on the loss during this tough time.

Sue - Good to see you back, too. Glad to hear you've kept up with the strength training.

Debbie - I'm back in the groove too. Good luck at your COD WI.

Joni - I will be looking for that thread also. For those of us that have been OP for awhile, the Celebration Inventory is a really great idea. We have all made some serious changes in the past year.

Katie - WOW! 65lbs really is a lot isn't it? You look fantastic. (And if that was your youngest you were holding in the first picture, he was absolutely adorable.)

Meagain - WOO HOO on your loss. Hang in there, only one more challenge night before it's back to normal.

Ulanda - I just finished TO (Woo Hoo there). Looking forward to the TBL challenge also.

Evette - How's that scale doing? I'm so excited for you to reach your goal, but I don't want you to because I don't want you to leave us.

Deb - I'll bet you're happy to be home. Any more yummy recipes to post?

Lea Ann, Nicole and Michelle - Check in from mama's house!

Pearl - Did DS make it to MO ok?

To all my other chickies, have a POP day and I hope to see you post more soon.

Welcome Back, Sue!

Katie: What great photos!! :D You look fabulous!

As for me, my BN weight this morning was back down to my pre-Christmas-bloat number, so I'm heading to WI officially today and hope to be able to move my ticker back down. Guzzling the lemon water this morning, though, just in case. ;)

Megan,
My homes scale also said that I was almost down to where I started...but not quite. .6 pounds over. Oh well. I will work on that today!
I think that I will go weigh in at lunch.
Two more days this week chickies! Tomorrow I go dress shopping, even though I didn't meet my goal. I had plans. Dangit!

Pearl - you're killing me! Window shades.... geez. I laughingly tell my husband that my 'fun bags' are getting saggy. He cracks up. Love the weight loss album - seeing your progress is a great motivator. I hope the Gazelle purchase works out.

Steph and Meagain - Wowie, nice post Christmas weigh ins, girls!

Lara and Megan - good job getting back at it!

Katie - Love the new avatar - and your journey album is great! You keep looking younger and younger(and thinner and thinner of course) in each pic! By the time you're at goal you will look like a teenager!

Ulanda - I think that it is wonderful that your family served meals. I'm sure that your daughter has been brought up to be a thoughtful and giving child.

Deb - I am glad that you made the trip OK. All through last week I was worried about you travelling. And, WOO HOO - you wear those 14's with pride, chickie - who cares if they are stretch???

Joni - Before you leave CT, you wanna swing over to NY and say hi to me??? I'd love a visit from the King.

Debbie, Sue, Cassi - OK, I'm raring to go too, but couldn't do a TO yet (next week). New motivation feels great, doesn't it? Let's make it last for a while!

All of my other losing chicks - a great big hi to all of you. Hope all of you get home safe.

I'm at work this week, which I love because it is so quiet while school is on break. I do have a lot of lingering stress about a federal audit that I have to deal with that starts next Wed. on our breakfast/ lunch program. I don't think that there is anything bad, I just hate having someone looking at stuff with the intent to find something wrong... grrr. So, trying not to give in to my usual stress eating - I have thrown out all of the food in the building! It's just me and my LAWL lunch and snacks!

Hello ladies....

Before I say anything........I just have to say.......Katie......I LOVE your new avatar!!! You and your little one look sooo adorable!!! WTG!!!

Ok, I am comming out of hiding. I actually haven't been hiding......I have been reading every day.......just running out of time each day. It has been difficult to stay OP. I have been off plan 3 out of the 6 days we have been here. I guess that is not too bad, but it sure could be better. I am thinking of doing a TO today and tomorrow. We have our huge family gathering on Saturday night, so I am planning a cheat that day..........and possibly the next day too, as it is a Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears football day! I haven't watched much football this season, and like Kristen, I am a huge Green Bay Packers fan. Plus, when we lived here in Wisconsin, we always came over and watched football with my dad and brothers, and it was a good time. So, that will most likely be a cheat day also.

Speaking of Kristen...........where are you deal girl??? And Lea Ann, too. Are you also getting sucked into your mama's transe???

I just may pop in to the COD here. They were awfully nice last week when I stopped in, so it may do me some good. My cousin just called and invited us over for pizza tonight, so it may not be such a great idea to do a TO. I just don't know. I guess I could start it, and see how strong I am feeling by the time we go over there. Maybe that is what I will do.

To all of you who maintained or lost CONGRATULATIONS, WTG, WHOOHOO, and all of that!!! You really all should be proud, it is not easy at this time of ther year.

I am a little homesick. I love being here with my family.....but I really like being home too. My 4 yo DS has been asking for the last two days to go home to St. Louis. I know how he feels.

Well, I need to get me and the boys dressed......I will check back in soon!!!

Cassi - I totally understand the need for "us" time! We plan on having some "us" time one weekend in January - we probably won't go anywhere, but we'll skip church and take a family road trip for the day! ODS (oldest DS) didn't call last night, so I don't know where they stopped en route. They decided they weren't going to drive the 18 hrs straight, but would do a layover somewhere. We gave him instructions on how to use our phone call to call home but alas, dh told him to dial a "1" before our number and now he realizes that is incorrect so if ODS got some kind of message, he wouldn't know what to do. I'm sure he'll use someone's cell to call me today. YDS (youngest DS) stayed with a friend last night, so it sure was quiet here!
If Katie and Deb are Queens and you are a Lady in Waiting and Joni is still King - I suppose I'm the Joker's mother!?! :lol3:

Katie - Thanks! I decided to bite the bullet post my pics. I'll add to them each month or so... At least my family can see the transition as we go along! I looked at your album too! WOW!! What a difference! You should be sooooo proud of your accomplishment thus far! I know this will be your year of meeting your goal!

Stephanie - A loss is a loss! With all the hooplah of the holiday - rejoice in a -0.2!!! :whoo:

Sue - I can relate to the "it's so hard!" because it's what I tell just about all my friends when they compliment me! I constantly try to remind them that it just doesn't get easier as you get older so the longer you wait, the harder it is!!! But it is so worth it!!! Once you get back in the swing of things with planning your meals, that scale will start moving down again, and you'll be motivated and out here with the rest of us Losers!

Deb - I gotta tell ya - they can swing to my ankles but I seriously doubt I'll do anything! I'm such a coward when it comes to any type of surgery!!! But I'll be here routing you on!!!

Joni - I love the new thread idea! Count me in! I've never been one to make resolutions anyway because you just end up breaking the majority of them and then you're not true to your word or to yourself! :)

Meagan - Way to go girlfriend! When are we going to see a new picture of our Meagan?!? Hint...Hint...

Megan - Good luck on the WI - remember... it's only a number! The real success is what you are accomplishing in your attitude, in your body, and in every good choice you make! (of course, that number is going to come down with all that goin on!!!)

Okay - gotta go. Keying for a while and then going into town to get the milage off ODS's car and getting the title transferred and new plates on it! We've got to have it towed soon... one thing after another...
Hugs,
Happy New Year!

Nicole - If it were me, I'd wait on TO until al the cheats were behind me because you don't want to do one too soon and it really does help with the cravings!! Just mho...
Kim - I'm sure the Federal Audit feels like you're opening your lingerie drawer to strangers but they really just have to be accountable for their monies, so try and look at it this way, they want to protect YOU by doing the audit! Here in my county in the last couple of years, there have been two occasions where audits were done on sports associations and embezzlement was found, charges filed, and unfortunately, sentences being served! So this is for your protection!!!
Okay - noticed a couple of you posted while I was typing so I didn't want to leave anyone out!
Hugs,
Happy New Year!
Go Red Team
Go Blue Team
Go Losers!
Go Key :(

Good morning all!!

Megan- Whooo! Great loss!!

Ulanda- The Christmas charity work is very cool. I fear that if our children do not grow up with more empathy for others than the world knows now, we are all in for big trouble. Great job making your daughter a great part of our future!

Megan- Thanks, and good luck at WI!

Miss Hawthorne- Have fun dress shopping, and don't worry too much about the goal. This is what alterations are for!!!

Kim- Oh, I hate those audits. I have been using the CACFP for about 7 years now for daycare, and I still start shaking when they show up to check the paper work. In hindsight though, I have never actually had a problem with them. I am sure you will do great!

Nicole- It is so hard for kids to be away from what they know, isn't it? My 4 year old woke up this morning crying for her preschool teacher. She just can't see why we HAVE to stay home this week!

Pearl- Joker's mother? No, I think that you are more like the wizard, always whipping up these magically wonderful dishes and songs and poems.

I just had a wonderful, OP breakfast. I made the ricotta pancakes of Deb's from the recipe thread. I pour hot berries over them and topped with FF cool whip. Yummy! I am planning another POP day. I want to kick myself in the butt at this very moment, however. I got brave enough to get on the scales this morning, and I am up an insane 10 lbs. I have got to get busy here! I am gonna keep OP, really watch the sodium, and hit the lemon water hard. Last time I did TO I have some really bad blood sugar lows, so TO is out. Any other suggestions?

Katie - Just keep on keepin' on and it will come off. A lot of it is sodium, and you already know that, so just stay focused and you will do great. You know the light foods to stick to. Do you want to do a few Slim Fasts (which are great with a string cheese to make them comparable to Slim Downs - Thanks, Lea Ann)? Eat light choices and chug the lemon water and I'm sure you will jump down. Remember before Thanksgiving when you lost an insane amount of weight in a week? I'll bet this will be like that time. There is no way you have ingested 35,000 calories over and above what your body requires. Be patient and be strong, and you will get the results you deserve!

Thanks Cassie, you are right, of course. I am hoping that I can blast most of these lbs off this week. I will have to change my ticker when the BL challenge starts. I do not want to add a whole bunch to it!

Morning all!! I have missed each and every one of you!

No personals til I get home--tomorrow night if I can beat the snow.

Christmas has been wonderful with family. I ate everything I wanted but can honestly say in moderation--but still everything. Mom and I are doing TO (yesterday and today)--had a BIG chinese meal Tuesday night so it probably contributed to the scales on Weds. Anyway--started TO at 166.6 and this AM was 163.8--I was thrilled since it's pretty much where I was last Weds. I am still on GO for getting totally serious about hitting my goal.

Love the "journeys", it's AMAZING to see the difference and really helps when you think "it's just a few pounds" when you realize the physical difference a few pounds can make.

Congrats to everyone here--just by being here and checking in shows your (OUR) committment to ourselves!!! YEAH US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK--off to the shower--going to the movies--already packed my Luna--I refuse to blow my day 1 losses.

I think I will take your advice, Pearl.........I will start TO next week. I think I will stay OP except for my 2 planned cheat days, and then get back to business :) Thanks for telling me it's ok :) Perfection is sometimes my downfall.

We are all going to do so well on the new year!! I'm getting really inspired by this morning's posts. :) Oh, and Pearl...yeah, DEFINITELY the Wizard! :wizard:

:cheer: Yippee!!! Woohoo!!! Yay!!! :cheer:

Hello everyone! I am happy to see everyone this morning. I am trying to maintain the loss I had earlier this week but I doubt it is going to happen b/c I had McDonalds last night. I did not have a hamburger I got my double cheeseburger and fries. I did opt for the small fries. To compensate today I am drinking LOTS of water and I will excerise tonight when I get home.

I go to the COD tomorrow.

Talk to you all later when I get home from work and I will do personals then

Have a good day everyone!

FYI: not that it matters to me, but to distinguish me from the other Megan (whoohoo...nice name! Though I'd argue you spell it wrong ;) ), I spell my name with an "A", so it's Meagan.

Thought it might help.

~Meagan

Pearl's got it!! :)

Hi All
Merry Post Holidays! What is POP.. I've forgotten!
Back on track today! Will catch up more later but missed you all!

Hello my chickies!! PurpleSunshine is back and smiling.

Well, Yes, I did the unthinkable and I started TO today....why? you ask? Well, I always want to start a new venture before the new year - you know me....just to be different. I love being different. Plus it worked for me last year. I started LAWL last december 29 and lost about 6 lbs on TO - I have my journal from last year and I'm following the same ideas!!! I was tired of the christmas sweets and just wanted to get rid of the cravings. I'm still trying to get better from being so sick and the next two days I can't go to the gym, so I decided those were the best two days for TO!! Wish me luck!!!

Wow to all the oldies - everyone is doing so great.

Katie - Debbie - Pearl - Wow what wonderful picture journeys you have - I'm going to start mine too.....soon.

I've been so busy with my new job and just trying to stay well.

Pearl - well you ask a while back - how I broke the foot in three places - well, it is embarassing, but I did it. I was coming down my stairs and at the very bottom, my stairs turn. Well, I turned and I was focused in the den and somehow missed the last two steps. When I did - I fell and all of my toes rolled up under my feet as my entire body landed on the ground - OMG - I haven't ever hurt that bad!!! AFter two weeks, I finally went to get x-rays and they found that the bone running up to my big toe had been fractured in 3 different places - it was sooo soo painful. I had to wear an orthopedic boot for 3.5 weeks, but it is doing better - not healed completely yet and it happened on Oct 1.........

I've noticed so many new faces!!! Glad you found these chickies!!! This is such a wonderful board and I've missed it. I did WW for a while and I just wasn't in the right frame of mind. I'm back to the gym now and working out hard as ever - trying not to be so obsessed with it though.....I'm going to do TO and follow LA for a while and see how things go - I need CHANGE, CHANGE.....I need my willpower back - but I think I'm set now - I've got new clothes, new job and a new outlook and I want to be lookin' good in my bathing suit this summer!!!!

So to all of you that I don't know - Hello!!
To all of you I know and love - Wow, I'm glad to be back and I missed you!

any of you old chickies that are out there lurking - comeon' and join me - let's get the new year started right!!!

FYI: not that it matters to me, but to distinguish me from the other Megan (whoohoo...nice name! Though I'd argue you spell it wrong ;) ), I spell my name with an "A", so it's Meagan.

Thought it might help.

~Meagan

:flow2: Hah! It IS a nice name!! :D Do you pronounce yours M-egg-an, or May-gan? I get both, depending on who's talking to me, and one lady even insisted pronouncing it Meee-gan, much to the entertainment of my coworkers, heh. I, personally, stick with the M-egg-an option, but am legally Margaret, so over the years I've learned to answer to just about everything. :^:

Oh! And I almost forgot...at WI today, I'd lost the 1.6 I'd gained with the Christmas bloat, PLUS another .4. :woohoo:

Hey ladies, back OP and feelin good!! Woooo Hoooo *yea I have to keep myself motivated". How is everyone? Doing good I hope, I did not get on here in time to get in on the challenge, but I will be rooting for all of you that are signed up :cheer: . Your guys are gonna be HOT STUFF!!!! :flame: .

Went to WI today down .8 :jig: "me dancing a jig", after the goods that I ate on Christmas I am schocked...lol.

Well I just wanted to check in and say HEY to everyone, and good luck on the challenge for those of you who are on it.

Hey Heather, great to see you! I was also wondering why you are at another new job?

I just made Sommer's turkey melt for lunch. That is wonderful! Huge, filling, yummy. Definitely a keeper! Well, I am off to take the kids swimming and get a little exercise myself.

Katie - to make a long story short - the first one turned out to be nothing of what I had been told or expected. I'm a software developer and when I got there - I wasn't really developing anything. They had me doing analyst work, Plus I wasn't too comfortable with the security of the company - they have had problems in the past, but they said they were back on track - I just wasn't convinced and couldn't take the chance of not having a job in 6 months either. I had actually applied for this job before ever taking the other one, just so happened - the timing was slow, but this is definitely what I was looking for - sometimes you just don't know what you're getting yourself into - I just got saved that the company I work for now - called. It was a blessing from God and a huge sign to me!!!

Hello fellow chickies,

How is everyone this evening? I am doing pretty good. I had to postpone my TO because it hasn't been 4 weeks since the last one and I have to do the FF without the lites, so I think it's going to be Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. I had planned on trying this one with oranges, just to see what my level of success would be, that's the way it was done when I did it 4years ago.

Saturday morning is WI for me, last week, I was up and couldn't really explain why other than the fact, I missed some of my meals.

Ladies, I am really in a hard place right now with the program. I know that it works, we all know that, but I am truly not having the same success as I did the very first time I did it. I have a hard time believing that my metabolism has come to a screeching halt in 4 years. I don't have my previous information because we moved and it was thrown out. They keep trying to tell me that it's the exercise and has changed my plan, but I don't think so. I exercised very close to same amount before. It's just very frustrating. Sorry for the rant!

What does everyone have planned for New Year's Eve?? We always ring in the New Year at church and on New Year's Day we sit down with DD and have a family meeting, to established the things that we will be working towards as a family for the new year.

Well, I need to exercise because I have been pretty lazy this week.

Have a wonderful evening.

Knock - Knock!!

Been browsing for the past couple days and would love to join in! I am a BUSY mother of 3 on LAWL since the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Crazy to join in the middle of the holidays but I knew it was time and I have done pretty well in spite of the holidays and a week long trip to the beach..... Just looking for a little support along my journey to a happier, healthier and thinner me!

Not as familiar with all the acronyms as most but I think I can catch on....

Christine

I am making my 1st LAWL meal from the cookbook I bought from ebay tonight. I will let you know how it is. Chicken Okra Gumbo....

Just wanted to hop in and say hi.....things are good here...sit down dinner here for 24 on Christmas eve...12 more here on News Years Eve..but I love it all...WI yesterday and down 1.4 from last week.....Tried to eat less and still have a little wine..I am not tempted by desserts just cheese and salty stuff...
Still trying to get exercise as much as possible..I really want to rally up for losing more after the holiday.....REALLY GET SERIOUS.....i love hearing from everyone and will readmwhat all have said...thanks..nance

welcome Christine>>>>>this is a great place for support and friendship..enjoy the journey with all of us....nance

Hi all
Glad that you had a great holiday. I spent some time with family. Needless to say that for the past 2 weeks LA has not been high on my list of priorities. Anyway weighed in yesterday and was up 5 pounds. Started TO yesterday and am going to weigh in tomorrow. I didn't want to go weigh in because I knew that I would be up, but I knew if I didn't then the eating off plan would continue so I went in. Now I need to plan what to eat for tomorrow. If I don't get a chance
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!!!

Welcome Christina!

Morning All
Well I was up as expected about 2lbs but like Pearl and her DH honey sugar lovin bear my hubby and I decided to just enjoy the holidays. For me that mainly meant having a few cocktails and not using a measuring spoon or cup for every item that went in my mouth. I still made good food choices and realize that in years past I likely would have put on about 7lbs and none of it would have been water weight!!

Will check in more today but off to COD to get myself some TO juice for January 2/3....anyone want to join torture with me???

Kristen - I'm thinking I'll do T/O after the new year, too, but won't be able to get the juice till the 2nd. But it's on for the 3rd and 4th, so I'll be right behind you! :)

Christine - Welcome!!! :D

Nance - WTG on losing over the holiday! I dunno how you girls do it!!

Barb - Yes, please let us know how the gumbo came out. I made the Adobo chicken last night, and while my DB and DS liked it, my DD and I didn't. I did make the chicken cheesesteak recipe last week, though, and added mushrooms and jalapenos to it...it was DELISH!!

Everyone else...be good this weekend! Stay safe and ring in the new year with a kiss!

:dance:

I'll be there with you, Kristen!

Still haven't gone for the official COD WI this week, and I don't think I will get there. Today my SIL gets into town for our Christmas with her and her family and my in-laws, then tomorrow I have to go to a funeral for the mother of one of my closest childhood friends, and tomorrow night is my BIL's 50th birthday party. I'm busier this weekend than last weekend.

At home scale has me down a little from my post Christmas WI, but still over ticker. TO will get things back to normal.

I'm busy at work this AM, so I'll just say HI to everyone - veterans, newbies and everyone in between!

Happy Almost new year Megan!
I am moving my TO to Jan 2 and 3rd as we are staying over at family's house on the night of the 31st so I think trying to get up and find a way to measure my 3ozs of chicken might be tough! Will be entering the dark side of Takeoff on Tuesday and Wednesday so we'll have a day of suffering together!
I'm a glutton for punishment after getting near my mom's homemade cheeseball!
We are out for dinner tonight but going to have seafood and a VERY light lunch.

I've made about 1/3 of the recipes out of the cookbook and they have all been a hit. Salisbury Steak, Spanish Turkey Burgers and Pasta Fagioli soup were all a hit even with my 3yr old and 2 yr old!

Have a super day everyone. Look forward to catching up with all of you!

Ooh, thanks for the tips on the cookbook recipes. I'm always flipping through there trying to figure out which ones I think the family would eat...I'll try the ones you mentioned soon!

Good Morning everyone! Hope one and all had a wonderful Christmas like we did here. Though we did not get any snow this year, Santa made it here on his motorcycle... It was weird though, I lived here for like 12 years, and this is the first Christmas that wasn't white. The snow all went to Denver...

Christmas brought me a mini crockpot-- I'm absolutely delighted! DH don't eat chicken nor turkey, so with the mini crockpot I can fix my dinner ahead of time, and will only have to worry about his and DS dinner. I also got a small toaster oven. So I can fix my "mini" meals. The portion look so small in that big oven that I feel I'm wasting a lot of gas/engery to bake a 4 oz salmon for 15 minutes...

So now, all there is left is flipping a page, leave the couple of pounds that I've picked up well behind me. But wanted to be sure to do it after ALL the celebrations are over. So, I will go in COD today to be officially weighted in, and pick up a bottle of juice. I'll be doing the wonderful TO on Jan 2 & 3. Get the year started right.

I'm so excited about the new year! Let's all turn the fat pages over, and start a new heathly, happy and definatly skinnier 2007!!

hugs,

Good Morning Sunshine(s)!!!

You all are so awesome! I honestly look forward to waking up in the a.m. and getting to the 'puter with my cup of coffee and "seeing" you! (I know, I know. I need to get a life!)

Well, ODS FINALLY called me at 1:10a.m. He couldn't get our calling card to work so he used one of our friends cell phone-so we didn't talk long. They got to KC around 5p.m. on Thur. They stopped at the arch and walked through so he got his "Grandma" a spoon for her collection. Then they detoured to the neighborhood where our Assoc. Pastors lived to show their two oldest where they were born. He's having a great time. Services were Thur. night. Said he got sick to his stomach Wed. nite probably from something at Applebees?!? So Thur. he had 1/2 sli toast and 1/2 whopper later. Said he still wasn't feeling to good! :( Services are off and off all day today and I'll hear from him again tonight. I miss him soooo much! He said he also got his Grandma a spoon that says Kansas City on it - so in his words, "I'll have spoon credits the next time she gets mad at me!" :rofl:

Katie - You are on the right track! Like Cassi said, keep up what you're doing. You know what to do and you do it right! As for wizard... coming from a charismatic background where someone would drag me to an altar if they though I had anything to do with wizardry, that was pretty funny!! I remember Sommer's turkey melt, but I haven't tried it. I'll put that on for next week after TO!

Lea Ann - It's so good to see that beautiful face again! We've all missed you! Praying for your safe return home... it's been in the 60's here - no Christmasy feeling at all! (blah!)

Nicole - I can understand the perfection problem... when you're perfect, there's no where to go but down! :lol3: Of course, I can't relate because me striving for perfection is a longer haul than getting to my weightloss goal!!! (good grief!)

Megan - (yes, I spelled it correctly!) you are such a cutie!!! Gosh, I could just squeeeeeeze you!! By the way, I've NEVER heard it pronouned M-egg-an, so I'm glad I can spell it because I sure haven't pronounced it correctly! :)

Barb - the last time I tried one of my ds's fries they were AWFUL!! I've had no desire for more... me, the queen of salt, thought they were too salty!?!? Hang in there, it's not the new year yet - you've got time to get it all out of your system, literally and figuratively! :)

Meagan - Thanks for noticing! I try spell everyone's name as they spell it. Of course, that doesn't help all my other spelling mistakes! ;o I can't tell you how many times I've been addressed as PAUL, Pearle, Paula, Pear, Peerl, and so on... Of course, some of my friends started calling me Pearla (after Paula Deen on the Food Network) because of personality and love for cooking and joking around...

Hey... maybe instead of Wizard... I'm Pearla - the :dust: angel! (now that's a laugh!)

Krispie - You're a hottie!!! (that is you isn't it?!? Not your 13 yr old daughter??) Good grief! Why haven't you "revealed" yourself sooner?!? Didn't want to show me up or something?!? :whoo: DH and I are doing TO 1/2 and 3 too - so I'm in! Ulanda too! Kim and Nancy too! Hey! Which cookbook are you using? I've got the LA LITE Cookbook Simple Recipes to spice up your program... I didn't see the recipes you mentioned! HELP!!!

PurpleSunshine - I am soooo happy to see you back!! You know I LOVE your smile! Gosh, the accident sounds horrible! I understand the healing time... it took 8 months for my knee to heal from a severe sprain! And the pain, like you said, was unbelievable! Of course, I was bowling and when I heard it blow out... YUK! I didn't think it would ever get better... I'm still waiting on the other one I sprained in June to be 100%! Glad about your job! God answers... it's just usually in him time! So, now that He answered right when you needed Him to... you appreciate it even MORE!!! Isn't God amazing?!

Nisha - Great to see you back! I didn't get in on the the challenge either - not my cup of lemon water... but you and I can be cheerleaders! And by the way...you're gonna be HOT STUFF too!
;)

Ulanda - DH and I are doing TO Tues. and Wed. - so I'm with you! We'll do it together! I bought 6 jugs of 48 hour juice yesterday, BOGO, so I got two for $15. I'm okay with that! So far, we've got enough for 3 TO's for the both of us! DH is going to check on more at another location near one of his plants.

Christine - One of my dearest friends is named Christine. LOOK EVERYONE - SHE'S FROM VIRGINIA TOO!!! :whoo: What part of Virginia? I'm in a very rural part between Richmond and Buckingham... Welcome! You'll love it here! If you need help with acronyms, ask! We're here for ya girlfriend!

Nance - You're doing great! Love that you enjoy entertaining! How's the pottery coming? I'm still interested! Have you had time over the holidays to do any?

Tweeteach - Kristie, you did the right thing by going to WI! It keeps you accountable! Good job girlfriend! Keep up the great work! Okay, now tell us about the pooch in your avatar!

Nancy - What wonderful, thoughful gifts for your new way of eating/cooking! I have a double oven, one smaller at the top that I use soooo much! I wish I had the counter space for a small convection/toaster oven! So much faster! As you can see, there's a bunch of us doing TO Tue. and Wed. The more the.... merrier?....grumpier?....THINNER!....HEALTHIER!... . :whoo:

Okay, gotta go. Want to fix dh's breakfast and pack his stuff for the day.
So, from the "angel" of dust...
:dust: :dust:

Hey Pearl! You are such a sweetie pie, uh, no, I mean, sweetie carrot. Glad you finally heard from your son. Here's hoping that he feells better today.

We started our first batch of huckleberry wine last night. Very exciting. I also got off of my butt and walked across the street to my parents house and did 30 minutes on their bike this morning. It felt so good to exercise. I am so torn between a gym membership and just working out over there. I could get in on World Gym right now for $20 a month. Then I would have access to a lot more equipment and also classes. I really want to be true to this BL challenge, and I think that I have got to get back to exercising in order to do so. Also, I will need to purchase a new dress for my sister's wedding in the end of Feb, and I really want something HOT! Oh, decisions!

Hi Ladies
Well I have my cookbook in front of me for those that want to know what are the hits in it. The one I use the most is the current LA Lite Cookbook, Simple Recipes Simply Delicious. But I also ordered Eating Smart, the blue coil bound book and the old binder style from Ebay and they are virtually all the same.
For great family dinners that even 2/3 year olds will eat we have made the following:
Apple Pancakes, Greek Omelets
Pasta Fagioli(great make ahead and freezes and reheats incredibly well)
Stir Fry Chicken Salad and Oriental Style Salad (taste like restaurant dinner salads, easy and superb)
Cheesy Taco Salad if you are craving junk food.. you even top it with the LA Cheese Curls so it's a real treat. Took me a little while to get used to ground turkey over beef but now I find it is so much more flavorful.
Italian Style Burgers, Beef and Broccoli and Meatloaf are all staples around here.
Lemon Chicken is better than any take out you will ever have, and the Curry Chicken is a great match for takeout food too. I plan these kinds of meals on a Friday night so I feel like I'm having a treat night.

I'll post more favorites soon but that should give some of you a head start.

Pearl that is my latest "During" picture in my avatar. I finally felt good enough to have DH snap a photo of me to post. I added it to my webshots album as well where you will also find a photo of my doing karaoke on my MIL birthday last week! It had been 5 years since I sang and it felt so different to get up in front a crowd and not feel so intimidated about my appearance.

I stayed the same at WI today so it was a 1.8lb gain over the holidays. Despite the fact I hate the scale going up I am proud of keeping myself in check as much as I could but most importantly not allowing my holidays to be regulated by measurements and food. It should be about family and not calories and I know my TO will go well next week.

I am THRILLED to know so many of us will be doing TO on Jan 2/3. I start back teaching that morning and it will be such a relief to know I can jump on with my other hungry friends and find the willpower to get through the two days.

Have a lovely day all my ladies and here is my daily quote for you:

It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not.
-Unknown

Hi,
I went to weigh in today and am glad that I survived TO because I lost 5lbs. Those of you starting TO on the 2 and3rd good luck with it. I usually end up having an extra bar to help with headaches but I made it through.
KrispieD- Thanks for the recommendations from the cookbook. I look through it and am not sure which things to try because I don't want to waste time and food on something that is yucky.
Pearl- That is my dog spot. We got her last year for Christmas when she was just a pup. She is part chocolate lab and part German Wirehair pointer, mostly German Wirehair. When we first got her they told us she was part pointer. So when she started to grow a beard, we were a little surprised. When the we took her to the vet he said that she looked like a pure bred German Wirehair. Looked it up on line and sure enough they have beards. Our dogs beard isn't as long as most though. She is a loving dog, but has way too much energy. If I could only bottle it, I would be a kazillionaire.

We should all check out the new People magazine that came out today. It has a big article in it called "Half their size" and features some women who have lost a ton of weight. One of them did it with LAWL.

Katie - it's so fun seeing you posting again and I love your enthusiasm. Other than some of the 3FC founders and moderators, I believe you are one of our most active LAWL posters! Your transformation is a true testimony! As for the gym membership, do it only if (a) it's close to the house and (b) you can cancel anytime and (c) you don't have to pay a huge joining fee. $20 a month sounds cheap to me and well worth it. But if they hit you up for a $500 membership fee, well, that's a different story. I have a membership to a gym that is 4 miles from my house. They open at 5 AM and when I'm good, I get there at 5:30 AM and work out early in the day. They don't offer classes early in the day and it gets so busy at night, I don't really like to go then.

Angel Pearl - I saw the word "arch" and thought ODS got his grandmother a spoon at McDonald's....and you think YOU need to get a life!
I, too, plan to join the TO team on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Cassi - so, we drop a Peach here in Georgia for New Year's; what do you guys do in Florida - drop a coconut? or a Margarita??

Nancy - I think it's odd that so many of us did not see a White Christmas. Lea Ann (or was it Nicole that had snow) will have to send pictures! Love the mini crock pot idea. I may have to pick one up with the Bed, Bath & Beyond gift certificate I got for Christmas. I'm also going to pick up a salad spinner. My sister had one at her house and I loved it (I had never used one before!). With all the outbreaks happening in produce lately, I need to be more diligent about washing my pre-packaged lettuce and veggies and this spinner does a great job of getting the excess water out (and it's actually sort of fun to do too).

Karoke Kristin - great new picture you posted! All this talk about the recipes, cookbook, etc., are really motivating. Thanks for sharing your favorites AND for pointing out that there is little difference between the books. Cold weather is expected here next week, so soup is definitely something I want to make. Don't feel too badly about your mini gain. You'll shake it off in no time. Like you, I haven't been good (drank, didn't measure, etc.), but I'll have you know that every day I had a salad or two and didn't eat half the stuff I would have pre-LAWL. Hey, did you ever get your ornament???

Kim - oops sorry I missed you while up north. Another time, okay? I see you have another busy weekend ...are you doing anything "cruel" for your BIL's 50th birthday? I'm actually going to plan my own 50th birthday bash, 50 days before my 50th birthday. The party dates will be Nov 2-3, 2007. I'm going to rent a big cabin in the Blue Ridge area of Georgia (think beautiful fall colors). You are all invited....LOL!! Oh, I plan to be at goal by then!

Megan - Although quite a few of us are on the Blue Team, you have a great bunch of LAWLers on the Red Team as well. If you don't feel like your being challenged enough, just speak up here and I'll put together another LAWL only challenge! I had fun (and great success) when I did the last one.

Hi Meagan

Ulanda - just hang in there and don't obsess about the number on the scale. When the scale doesn't move, and you are being true to the program, try to find comfort in knowing how good you are being to yourself and your body. Continue to exercise because as we age, exercise is even more important. Also, continue to challenge your COD if your weight is not moving but don't let them use the exercise as an out. They should review your menus and provide guidance to you. That's what you paid them for. Good luck. BTW, how old are you? As we age our metabolism does slow down...all the more reason we have to exercise more.

Nance - you're doing great. Cannot believe the large crowds you have for the holidays. What fun, though. Did you get any "fruit" baskets for hostess gifts...LOL!

Heather - great to see your smiling face again. See what negative things can happen when you avoid this place? If you are wise, you'll not wander away again any time soon! Happy 1-year LAWL anniversary. I'm sure I'll be around on my anniversary in June 2007. Hopefully, I'll be at goal (fingers crossed as she types!), but there's no telling

Miss Hawthorne - like Katie said - alterations!! Hope the dress shopping went well.

Christine - welcome and the acronymns are pretty easy to catch on. Juliemarie (hey, where are you??) and Lori put a few on the the Newbie Thread including:
COD=center of doom
TOM=time of month
TO=takeoff
POP=perfect on plan
DH=dear husband (can also be DF (fiance) and various other family members)
NSV=non-scale victory
WI=weigh in

For folks doing TBL challenge, I PM'd Chellez to clarify what we put in as our start weight. When she originally asked for start weights (I gave her mine back on 12/15), she clearly stated that this was not going to be the start weight for the contest, but then she changed her tune and has said that would be our start weight. I made the comment that the holidays hadn't been exceptionally kind to me and I wanted to use my weight on 12/31/06 as my official start weight and she said I could do that. So......just an FYI in case anyone was curious. It's not like I plan to pig out over the next few days, but I am up 4 lbs from the holiday and I want to use a current weight when I start the challenge.

To anyone I missed, hello and happy planning!

Good afternoon girls! I am home from work today because I somehow sprained my back. It’s been bothering me for a week, but has gotten progressively worse over the last few days, and then last night I sat up on the couch all night because I couldn’t lay down. Doctor gave me some flexeril and vicodin, though, so I should be loopy real soon.

Kristen – Love the new avatar! You look beautiful. I just did TO earlier this week, but I will be here cheering you on. Looks like you will have some company, though. I think Joni will be joining you. Isn’t is amazing what a little weight loss will do for your confidence?

Heather – Good luck w/TO. Glad to see you back in these parts.

Megan and Donisha – WTG on the losses!

Ulanda – Sorry to see you having trouble. What program are you on now? And how much are you exercising? Maybe some of the ladies here will have some suggestions.

Christine – Welcome to our little corner of the internet!

Kristie – WTG getting back on plan. It is hard to go to the COD when you know there will be a gain, but I really think it helps to put an end to the off plan days. You did the right thing by going in. Great loss on TO!

Nancy – Glad to see you back here. Sounds like your Christmas gifts will definitely help you stay OP.

Katie – Thanks for reminding me of the turkey melt. That will definitely have to get put in the rotation.

Dust Angel Pearla (hee hee) – Sorry ODS is feeling sick. “Spoon credits” was funny. As was the wizard thing. Never thought about the church correlation. Boy would you be in trouble if anyone checks out this board. J

Barb, Nance, Lea Ann, Evette, Deb, Debbie, Kim, Joni, and all my other chickies… Hope you are all enjoying your day and the last few days of celebrations.

Boy, lots of posts after I posted.......Hi Kristie - I love Spot! Funny about his breed mix up. Maybe we can take Spot's energy and my boxer Emma's energy and be double kazillionaires! And congrats on 5 lbs. I never lose that amount during a Take off (but one can hope!)

Katie - I'll have to check out the People magazine....thanks!

Cassi - ouch....sorry about the back; how did you manage that? (if the story is personal, no details required!) "so I should be loopy real soon" - sorry to have to tell you this, but did you really need the vicodin to be loopy??? haha LOL!

Joni- Thanks so much for your kind words. Thanks also for the BL challenge info. I had wondered about that as well. The gym membership is actually taking over my mom's contract since she has only gone a few times. I would have to commit until May. It is only a mile or so from my house, so I guess it does sound pretty good, huh?

Oh, Cassie, that sucks about your back! Hope you get feeling better soon!

Joni - Down in Key West they drop a conch shell! There are miscellaneous coconuts and regular ball drops too.

Do we PM Chellez our revised starting weight? Is that how you're doing it?

Katie and Joni, thanks for the kind words. As for how it happened, I really have no idea. But, DH did say the following:

"That's it. The trapeze in the bedroom is coming down. I don't care what you say. So is the swing. But the rack stays. I like the rack."

He's so funny!

Cassi - DH is quite funny indeed.....(of course, I have no idea what a "rack" is or does, but you've got my curiousity peaked!).

Here is the msg I sent to Chellez and her reply. I just plan to put my starting weight in with whatever my home scale says on Dec 31.

Quote:
Originally Posted by LottaMe2MiniMe
When I originally signed up for the challenge, your private message said:

"Reply to this message with your current weight whether or not you feel that it may change before December 31st. This weight is going to be used to create the teams. No one else will see this weight but myself. Scouts honor. "

Now, it sounds like we have to use/insert that weight as our start weight, which is sort of yucky since the holidays have not been kind to me. I truly thought our start weight was going to be our weight on 12/31/06 vs the number I gave you back on December 15th or so? Did the rules change? Did I mis-interpret something? Finally, if this is the number I need to put in as my start weight, I'll need you to PM me the number as I don't recall what I used. Thanks, though, for tracking all this.

Reply from Chellez:

What you read was correct. The reason I have decided to use the number that you first gave me is because I want there to be 12 full weeks of competition. People have already waited quite a while to start this challenge and have made progress from the number that they first gave. I want them to be able to see that.

If you don't feel comfortable using the number you gave the first time its not a big deal. Just use your weight from 12/31 as your starting weight then weigh in again for week 1.

Katie - I say go with the membership IF you will use it faithfully! Otherwise, it's a waste (waist) :lol: of money!

Kristen - I'm gonna check my book again but I might want you to post the pasta fagioli soup and a couple of others... Hmmm, you could call it exercise! I know what you mean about singing in front of people too. As the Music Minister, I've passed the leadership of our PraiseTeam band and singers several times but it keeps coming back to me. Of course, that means putting on makeup, wearing nicer clothes, and not being as comfortable as I enjoy... and it means being in front of the congregation! This last time of taking it back over, I decide this time, to just be myself and do it the way I praise and worship at home! So I just put everyone else out of my mind except my band and my singers and do my thing! So, good going! By the way, the more you lose, the better you breath while singing! ;)

Joni- welcome aboard the New Year TO!!! (You're sooo adorable!)

Cassi - Vicodin will be your best friend shortly!!! Sorry to hear about your back, but God has a way of slowing us down sometimes! I'm believing for a speedy recovery! Incidently, if you decide to fill Joni in on the "rack" do a PM! I'm not old enough to know what it is!!!! :rofl:

Cassi - Sending quick healing vibes out to you. Rest up! Back pain is yucky, vicodin is :dizzy: .

Joni - BIL's b-day party is low key, just family. Us and DH's siblings are all going to NYC in January to celebrate, which will be fun.

Happy New Year everyone!:newyear:

(((sending healing vibes Cassi's way!!)))

And thanks, Joni, for posting the TBL info. I'd told her I was "around 195", so I guess that'll be my official starting weight.

Pearl(a)...you crack me up! Sprinkle more of that dust this-a-way...we've got a long weekend coming up! :D

Wow what a takeoff team we have built! It's nice to know that so many will be gnawing on their one cup of broccoli with me!! Can you even imagine how good our first bite of real POP food will taste on Thursday. I will post the Pasta Fagioli soup for those of that are without the book. I'll also post the Taco Salad as that may be a real treat for those of you on the torture bandwagon with me to make for your lunch or dinner on Thursday.
Pearl thank you for the compliments on the photo. I don't look quite so fresh today after surviving Xmas with a 3 year old and 2 year old. They are one day shy of 16 months apart and when I learned I was expecting #2 a woman with two the same age told me the toughest part will be when they hit the terrible two and threes at the same time. We began that magnificent journey last night as the youngest one has decided to kick it up a notch as Emeril would say! We are very firm with them and insistent on manners and being kind to us and each other so we have a bit of boot camp ahead but hopefully the result will be some kids that grow up like Pearl's, Lea Ann's, Nicole's etc.
Let me see if I can get those recipes in there for you while I have a 10 minute reprieve whilst wee ones are napping. Check the recipe posts!

As for the karaoke I'll start brushing up so when I do my roadtrip to the states next year to visit all of you I can pull up in front of your homes singing a show tune in an RV :)

Cassi I must be part of the Xmas Censored club with you..on Xmas eve I did something to my shoulder and have been completely out of whack for about 5days. DH bought me a massager and some lotion for my stocking but I don't think his idea of using it involved me lying on the floor face down while he rubbed A535 on me, had me yelling OUCH at him and then wincing every time he touched my shoulder... for those that remember needless to say "Every time a bell rings.. Krispie will not be knocked up this year!"

*stops ringing her bell and sadly puts it away*

;)

I am eating Pearl's Fruity Tuna Pitas from the recipe thread, just wanted to say that they are amazing, and my kids are devouring them. Even my littlest, who hates tuna, is wolfing them down. Thanks Pearl!!

Sorry Krispie - my cowbell is staying!! :) Thanks for posting those recipes... I didn't see the taco salad one yet, I'll check back later!
Katie - Okay, I traded you a tilapia recipe for a tuna recipe! Not a bad deal! :)

Krispie - I truly believe that "Terrible" has nothing to do with children! I know I got advice about "terrible twos and threes and teens" from so many and every time I just said, "We aren't going there!" and I honestly can say - we never did! Please, if you hit a "terrible" moment, remember it's only a moment and you'll NEVER have it again!!! Take that from a mom who's watching her oldest develop his own life without her! :(
I'm sorry! I just stuck my nose in your business and "went to meddlin"!

Pearl you are never a meddlin in my life! I count on this board not only for weight loss guidance but for the fact we all counsel each other on life matters! I will get that Taco Salad recipe up as soon as I can, definitely before take off.
My DH and I call this stage with the girls the Trying Two and Threes. The little one is desperate to be independent but then cannot do something she attempts and if we try to help her screams back at us "I DO IT!!!" The biggest thing now that we have had to work on with the older one is being a bit cheeky. We are very big on them using please and thank you and saying sorry to each other when they aren't getting along. The little one will hold out for an hour before she will concede and say sorry or please for something. But we went through it before and all the moms on here with older kids will be saying "Whew, I remember that" and will be glad they have older kids. The ones with teens will be saying "oh i'd be happy to trade back for those days".. all in all they are a full time, but most rewarding job from birth until we leave this planet! How do you think I gained all that weight!!
I never go to bed one night without being thankful I was given them but I do have some mornings where I also believe coffee, chocolate, aspirin and occasionally wine were invented by a woman for a woman.

Thank you Momma Pearl for not being afraid to give some much appreciated advice!

Kristen: What is the recipe for the Pasta Fagioli soup??? I have the cookbook you have also. I will have to try some of those recipes you talked about! I wish I can join you all on the T/O on the 2nd and 3rd. Maybe I can? I just did one on the 22nd and 23rd.. Is it to soon?


Kristie: WTG on WI, I am so glad that it helped u!!!!!!!!! Your dog is cute!


Nancy: that is a good idea with the mini crockpot. I have one and never use it, now I can make meals that I know my fiance wont necessarily eat and just make him something when I get home!!!!!!!!!!

Pearl: Glad you heard from your son. I love reading your posts. You are always so nice and inspirational!

Katie: If you are going to use the gym then I say get the membership. I used to belong to Bally's a few years ago and I LOVED it. I just stopped going because summer came and I couldnt see going to the gym when I can excerise outside. Good for you for getting on the bike! You will be able to get something hot for the wedding! I just bought that People magazine! I cant wait to read it.

Cassi: I hope that you feel better!



Is it to early to do the T/O again with you all on the 2nd and 3rd if I just did it on the 22nd and 23rd? I know it is every 2 weeks that you can do it but it is only a few days early.

I went shopping today with my Gift Certificate to Kohls and bought a set of GOOD knives. I am so excited to use them!

Pearl(a) - I was flipping through the channels on the TV today and I saw the International House of Praise on the satellite. It's out of Kansas City, MO and they had a bunch of young people there. Is this the conference ODS is attending? I thought it was cool that it's being televised, even if its just on satellite.

Hello fellow losers! hope everyone has had a great time this holiday season. I didn't cheat much over Christmas, but I can't imagine NewYears Day without Blackeyed peas and cornbread, so I plan to cheat then. Christmas was quiet and no major temptations (just a little Caramel Bailey's Irish Cream, and a few extra starches). My BNWI this morning was 152--Woohoooooo!!!

Haven't been back to COD in a week. Have gotten several calls trying to entice me to come in a buy all their stuff that is on special. I think I'll wait and WI on Tuesday or Wednesday. That way if I gain this weekend they won't know and I won't get the frowny face :0)

I love to watch football so the next few days are like paradise to me...
Just found out I'm on the Red team with the TBL New Year/New YOu challenge. Look forward to doing this challenge. Got an ipod shuffle for Christmas and plan to start out walking 30 min a day. Slow start, but I haven't exercised at all since I've been on LAWL. So I think walking will be a good boost to my metabolism.

So good to see all you familiar faces posting again!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!:newyear:

Kristen: You have the Eating Smart cookbook? Is it good? I see it on ebay all the time and wondered.

Cassi - THAT WAS IT!! I'm sooo jealous! I wonder if it's on our satelite?!? I'm gonna look and see what I can find. Do you remember how it was titled?

Krispie - Thanks for being so understanding! At least I admit it when I let my nose wonder into someone elses territory! ;o I have lots more faults... just not enough time to mention them all!

Okay gotta go, now I'm gonna start looking on ebay at the cookbooks!

BTW, emailed the lady about the gazelle and it looks like it's the Gazelle Freestyle, which WILL does have a larger weight capacity! :whoo: I know several of you have them, is this a good one? HELP!!!

Hugs, Blessings,
Happy New Year!

Barb- I would say go ahead and do TO this time, but don't do it again for a couple of months.

Pearl- Too cool, your DS is a movie star! I have a gazelle. I really liked it when I started losing. Now it does not do much for my heart rate, but I will bet that it would be gentle on your knees.

Martha- Way to lose over the holiday, you rock!!!

Cassie - sorry to hear about your rack...uh I mean back! hehehe I hope you feel better real soon.

Barb- ooo new knives...I'm jealous! I love kitchen stuff. Santa put a new set of pots and pans under the tree for me this year...I was/am sooooooooooo excited! How was the Chicken Okra Gumbo?

Ulanda- Hang in there sweetie, we are here for you! As they say....This too shall pass. You will be back on track, mentally, in no time!

Christine- Welcome to the board You will find LOTS of support on this board.

Nance- Happy New Year! Congrats on the loss!

Kristie- Congrats on going in to the COD! I have been putting it off but am going to bite the bullet tomorrow morning. WE will make 2007 our weight loss year!

Nancy- sounds like you are really planning ahead with your crockpot and toaster oven ideas. You are brave to start of the year with TO..I want to do TO but am a litte scared. It makes me think we I am going to be really hungry and then cave...does that make sense?

Pearl- I'm happy to hear ODS finally called! I bet you were nervous. Sounds like he is having a blast. I love to hear stories about your kids and DH, they always make me smile.

Katie- mmm Huckleberry wine...sounds yummy. Time to start saving your fruit!

Tweeteach- Spot is cutie! Congrats on surving TO!


Happy New Year to everyone! Joni, Martha, LeAnn, Nicole, Kim and all those I have missed (sorry!). I know that 2007 is going to be our year and I am ready to take it on. I hope you all have a safe and Happy Holiday...BIG GROUP HUG!

Katie: I will think about T/O and doing it with you all. I just know I will not be following the program NYE and tomorrow... (drinks)

Debbie:I LOVE my knives and I love kitchen things too... I went to a kitchen store today also. I got pots and pans last year....

Girls - I am SUCH a kitchen gadget addict!!! OH MY GOSH!!! You have no idea! Of course, since I cater occasionally, I have an excuse, but it's really sad! And my DH loves it too! We even go to the outlet malls together just to shop the kitchen stores! Gotta love a man that will do that AND ENJOY IT!!!
I just love my Honey Love Sugar Babe!!! :whoo:
Speaking of which, he just got home (early!) so I'm getting off here because suddenly, I have a life tonight!
Hugs!

I am gonna have to go to the Outlet store to look at more kitchen stuff. I love kitchen things!

Debbie – I figured that I might as well start the year right! Besides, I’ve signed up on the 12 week TBL New Year/New You challenge. I’d like to see the 2 lbs per week drop like I had the first couple of months. Then Thanksgiving came along, and I basically been “forgetting” to write in the diary, which results in dramatic weight loss slow down.

Martha – I LOVE Bailey’s Irish Cream!! That always brings so many memories of my Dad!! When I was still a kiddo, he would let me have a little cup of coffee of my own,with a teaspoonful of the Bailey’s Irish Cream. It was like having a little bit of heaven… Needless to say to this day, a special treat would be adding a spoonful of the stuff to my coffee…. :coffee:

Barb – Yes, I’m so very excited about my mini crockpot!! And to think it was only $10 at the Kitchen Store Outlet thingy! I could have very much bought that for myself long time ago. Just never thought about that till I was asked what I wanted for Christmas. I already have several meal ideas planned, and will try them out next year (still on vacation at the moment)

Joni – You are right about needing to be sure and clean the produce. I’ve always bought the pre-packaged stuff. Like, when I make Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad, the pre-packed bag is just right. But buying the two things separately, I had to eat them all week long, and now, I get sick of their sight. I’m a terrible cook. So I try to take the easy way out whenever possible. A salad spinner sound like it would do the trick. BTW, you look nothing like you’re in your forties! I thought you was my age, late thirties the most!!

Cassi – Though I log in everyday to catch up on everybody, I seems to have missed the part you’ve hurt your back?? You need to be careful, back pains are horrible to have! I can’t slouch too much, nor too long, or my back will kill me. Because of that I always sit straight up. I do get compliment of my proper “posture”, little do they know that it is because it hurts otherwise… Take care, girl!!

Pearl – Counter space is one thing I don’t have! Do you know where I can get some?? From the basic microwave, coffee make, toaster, the dish drainer thingy, the radio (gotta have the radio on when I cook or mess around the kitchen) the jars with the sugar, flour and such, and now, the mini-crockpot, the little toaster… There is NO counter space left. DH likes to say: the house was too big before you came along… And with you coming along, so came the clutter. But when I ask him if life was better before the clutter and I came along, he’d say, of course not. I think that was sweet. :D

While waiting to be weighted in, all the people that came out have stopped at the counter and left with a bottle of the juice. I was thinking about all the extra money the COD have made these few days between the holidays… Oh BTW, WI itself was not too bad. Only 0.8 up, which make my COD weight 166.8 Could be a lot worse! I was expecting 2-3 lbs gain. So I happily took the 0.8 and grinned at everyone that was waiting in the waiting room, looking worried. This may sound crazy, but I can’t wait till TO day!!

Y’all have a good night, for tomorrow is another day!
Hugs,

Pearl - It was channel 365 which is GTV. At least I think that was it. At noon and 2:00 today they are showing the One Thing Conference (is that it?). Also, I have the Gazelle Freestyle, which was $200 from HSN. I love it! I will be back on it next week after the back heals.

My friend has the Gazelle and loves it.

Morning ladies,

How is everyone today? I am great. I didn't have the best time at the COD today. I was up .8 and was POP everyday except Christmas. Of course they don't have any real reasons and are just experimenting with me. Trying to blame the exercise. I am not going to stop exercising so they better come up with something else.

Debbie367, I am mentally ready to tackle this weightloss journey, but the COD is not really a great source of support and knowledge so that makes it tough.

To date, I have been going there 12 weeks and have only lost 12 lbs. Well 11.8 lbs, but the counselor today rounded it to 12. Currently I am on the Purple plan w/o lites and I exercise approx. 5 hours a week. So I should have better success. I realize that my body could have had some changes in the last 4 years but not that much of a change. It is just really frustrating and I am really looking forward to TBL challenge. Hopefully that will kick start something in the right direction. I only have 8 more weeks that are paid weightloss weeks and if they decide not to comp me more then I will just try it on my own. I am not giving up though.

Have a great day ladies.

Morning all!!

I am another kitchen gadget whore. DH always knows that if it has to do with the kitchen, I am all over it! Yesterday I cleaned out my cupboards and tossed a bunch of stuff that I never use like a fondue pot, parts to an expresso machine that I never could figure out, etc. I also LOVE vintage serving dishes. I have picked up a lot of nice pieces at garage sales. I have sold some on Ebay, and kept some. I just love taking food to someone else's house in a beautiful old dish.

Ulanda- I believe that you are on the wrong plan. You should be on red with no lites. At your current weight and all of the exercise, there is no way you are getting enough food. If I were you I would try red for a month and see what happens.

Good morning chickies!

Just posted my 2007 intentions and I am already getting motivated just by having put it out there!

I have been recording my daily weight since the beginning of this journey (Nov 05) and I have been around the same weight since late August - so I guess I have been maintaining.
What is rather alarming is that my monthly average weight is slowly creeping up - about .3 lb month since Aug.

Soooo - I will be back here with a vengence and am hoping for the occasional kick in the booty.
I would appreciate it;)

Thanks,
-S

Katie--what is the difference in the Red and Purple plan? The reason I ask is I am doing purple without lites and I wonder if I should jump to red when I start exercising.

Cassi - wouldn't you know it?! 125 stations and we don't get the one I need!
BLHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Okay, now I feel better! But I'm still bummed!

Pearl- Call you cable server and see if you can get it. You can always add it for now, then cancel next week.

Martha- One of the biggest reasons I see people on LAWL losing slowly is being on the wrong plan, and usually happens to those who are not using lites. Red is the large protein sizes, and it is 1/2P,P,P,S,S,S,F,F,F,V,V,V,V,D.

Nancy: That is pretty good to only be up .8... I was thinking the same thing when I saw people walking out with the juice the other day when I was at WI. I am going to do T/O but this time with oranges (well clementines since I have so many right now)

Ulanda: I agree I dont think you are on the right plan. I would look into a different plan.

Katie: I just went through my cupboards also and got rid of some things I am not using. My FMIL bought me a smoothie maker a few Christmas's ago and it broke but I kept it. What a waste of space. I couldnt put in the smoothie maker I bought at Goodwill (one of those single serve ones)....

Well, today I am going to do more organizing. I went to Target and bought new kitchen rugs (My old ones have grapes on them and while I love the rugs I cant throw them in the washing machine so I had to get some that I can wash)... Then tomorrow I am organizing my closet where my clothes are. We have one SMALL closet in the bedroom so my clothes are in the spare bedroom closet and it is a MESS. Phil saw it and said that's it I am adding another shelf to that closet. Someday we are taking down half of the computer room to make a big walk in closet so we both can have our clothes in the bedroom. I at least have my dresser in the bedroom. Anyway, I bought some of those plastic drawer things at Target today and I will use them on the top shelf of my closet.
We have friends coming over to watch the UFC fight on Pay per view tonight. I know I will be over in my starches (drinks) but I want to have fun tonight.

I am doing T/O with you all except I am doing it with oranges (clementines to be exact b/c I have so many of them right now) I stocked up on food for the T/O today also.

Have a great day everyone I will check back later!


oh yeah, I tried the chicken stuffed with cheese and apple last night from the LAWL cookbook.... YUCK!

Heya girls! (what happened to Dan?)

I really ought to go through my kitchen as well...probably could dump a ton of things. I'm making the Pasta e Fagioli soup tonight...planning to double the recipe and save half of it for another night.

I went shopping this morning and as I was at the store, I was thinking of all of you. It wasn't on my list, but I grabbed the fixings for the 7-layer salad, just 'cause of how some of you have raved about it. ;) Also, I thought this was funny...I was going down the cereal aisle and got to the part where they have all the Malt-o-Meal cereals in bags in those basket things, and just about had to RUN out of the aisle because I felt claustrophobic with all that sugar surrounding me. I'm losing my mind, I think. :fr:

And I realized the other day that baby carrots are actually good. For so many years, I'd viewed them as a necessary diet food...not something I'd ever CHOOSE to eat. But I'd packed some for lunch that day and when I bit into one, my mouth cheered, and declared it Good. :o Who knew???

:carrot:

Megan- You know, I love baby carrots too. I was afraid at first that without blue cheese dressing I would not be able to eat them, but as it turns out, they are great naked.

I made Pearl's Arroz con Pollo from the threads for lunch. Very yummy. My kids loved it. My 4 year old asked me for the recipe, LOL.

Good evening friends!

I finally bit the bullet and went to the COD, after all that fretting I was only up .8! They tried to talk me into TO but I am not ready for that yet. I seriously have a hang up about it....I need TO THERAPY! LOL

Ulanda - I totally understand about your COD. Mine is not terrific, there are a couple of good counselors but for the most part I get my support from the group and then go to the COD for stats (weigh in, measurements, lites etc.). I am happy to hear you are not giving up, that's HUGE!

Katie- I love vintage serving dishes as well. I use fiesta ware and also have a few anchor hocking pieces. I also collect vintage egg plates and LOVE to take them to parties etc.


Barb - Wow! Where did you get all that energy and can I hire you to organize my house???? I wanted to go to Bed Bath and Beyond today because I am dying to get a new toaster oven but I ended up taking my nieces to see Charlotte's Web. I was crying my eyes out!! sheeeeeeeesh!

Hi all,
Wow it's been busy here for a Saturday.

Heather-Sznn- Great to see you chickies again!!!

Christine- Welcome to the group!!

Katie - Pearl- LOVE the picture albums! Such huge differences!! I need to put an update on mine. One of the ladies that goes to my center was asked to interview for that article in People Magazine. She started at 265 and is now at 132, so she has lost 1/2 of herself. She looks so awesome. She lost 65 1/2 inches and the ribbon they gave her is longer than she is tall. She is extremely shy though and wasn't sure she wanted to do the interview.

Cassi- Hope your back gets better. What your DH said sounds like something my DH would say......MEN!!!!

Ulanda- I am with Katie, I would try red out for a while and see if maybe it will work better for you. If you are exercising 5+ hours a week, your body needs more fuel.

Martha-I think I would wait a couple of weeks to see what the exercising does for you before you change your plans. You have been losing extremely well to this point. If with a couple weeks of exercise you stall or slow way down then I would look into going to the red plan.

I finished TO on Thursday, but crashed today when some mini snickers found their way into my mouth and also a piece of fudge that MIL sent home with us. Now I am having a sugar crash. Why oh why do I do this to myself?!?!?!
Oh, BTW, that dude in my avatar is my DH Bill, the love of my life. Not a great picture, but not too many of us together get taken.

Deb, You're probably right. Looking for an excuse to add a starch and more protein!!:burger:

I watched a documentary on MSNBC tonight called "Supersize Me". It really shook me up. I mean I didn't eat at McDs 3 times a day, but I probably used to eat there once a day. :mcd: No wonder I was 204 lbs and felt awful!!! Have any of you guys seen it? It will be on again tomorrow night. Its worth Tivo-ing if you don't want to spend NewYears Eve watching a documentary!:)

Ooh, yeah, I've seen that show. I was shocked when I saw that french fries NEVER went bad. :O And we're eating those???

Morning all!!! Happy New Years Eve!! Everyone have some fun, and please be safe!

Good morning!! And early Happy New Year!.. Liz and I are back from our sojourn to California and I have to say we didn't have a banner "plan" week.. We tried to be good and were for the most part, but circumstances out of our control (11 hours split between two airports being one of them) we didn't have much choice but to go off a bit here and there..

On the plus side, we walked and walked and walked while spending two days at Universal Studios with the kiddos... Our hotel was close enough so that we walked there (up hill) and back most of the time. Also, on our return to Albuquerque, we had a foot of snow (!) on the driveway so I got plenty of exercise shovelling.. Damn are my arms sore!!

So anyway, after partying a bit tonight, we're going to do a take off mostly as damage control before our weigh in on Tuesday...

Hope you all have a safe night!!!!

Happy New Year's Everyone!
Look forward to seeing everyone back next week. I'm going to look up the definition of POP again!!! Will be 100% on track starting tomorrow and venturing to TakeOff on Tues/Wed with my fellow sufferers in this journey. Somewhere I've got to make up for my indulgences this past week!

Safe and fun evening to you all!!

Happy New Year Everyone! My partner and I are off to watch football and ring in the new year with friends. When I reflect back to this year I will think of you all and count my blessings!

Happy New Year! Here's to less of us in 2007!!

Big Hugs!

Happy New Year Chickies!! Can't wait for the page to turn and start my year right!! Will be doing TO on Wed & Thur. Now the Chickies that signed up to do the 12 week TBL Challenge, please remember to go and post your stats! And most of all: have a safe new years eve! Don't drink and drive, find a designated driver, better yet, volunteer to be one! I will be spending the night at home with DH & DS, watching the ball coming down in NY. So:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! WELCOME 2007!! May it be better and healthier!

hugs,

Happy New Year's Eve to everyone!!!

Yesterday was my 19th Birthday!! Whoo Hoo! LOL My aunt and uncle who live in texas came in and we went to dinner at applebees with a bunch of my family. I stayed pretty much op, except for the tiny piece of birthday cake!

I went to wi last thursday feeling very nervous because of the 2 christmas dinners I went to, but I was relieved to find out that I had actually gone down .6! I was so excited that I went shopping and found a pair of pants at Ann Taylor that were on sale AND a size 12!!! I'm really feeling great about my weight loss. The shopping day was just what I needed to boost my attitude. I plan on getting back on my regular excercise routine this week and kicking my weight loss into high gear. I only have 8 weeks left before I reach my goal!!!!

Hello Everyone

I haven't had time to catch up on posts yet. We just got back this AM after being gone for 8 days. I am soooooooo glad to be home. DH and I always make sure we are home New Year's Eve, it seems to be the only Holiday all year where it's just the two of us. That is why it is my favorite! :hug:

The last 8 days haven't been so hot as far as food/water intake goes. And I am just about to have a glass of merlot :D ! DH is making his traditional New Years Eve beef stew, we don't want to waste the rest of the red wine!!

Barb-I did see your dog treat recipe thank you for posting it
Whitney- Happy belated birthday
That is about all I have caught up on yet! I have a lot of reading to do.

I'll join you all on doing TO Tues/Wed as well.

Have a Safe and Great New Year's !

Krystal

Happy New Years!!!!

I pray that you all have a safe and prosperous year!

We are looking forward to the new year and hoping that things continue in a positive direction.

I was on the Red Plan before and was stalling because it was too much food and that was with the same amount of exercise, of course at that time I was doing the Red plan with lites. I don't know what the problem is, but I think I am going to have to try and figure it out without the help of the COD.

I will chat with all of you tomorrow.

Happy New Years Eve Everyone!!!

Heard from ODS this morning at 1:15 and he's soooo excited and pumped up! He's been sleeping on the floor in a different room because his "room mate" came down with strep. and even so, he just doesn't care! He's been in classes (about 5/day) since Thur. night and he's been taking notes to share with me!!! (Okay, did you hear my heart flutter?!?) We talked for almost 30 min. and they left KC this morning around 9a.m., driving until and getting rooms and arriving here tomorrow sometime. This was truly a life changing experience for him and I'm so glad I listed to God and made a way for him to go!
Finally emailed the lady about the Gazelle to make arrangements for pickup. It's a sacrifice right now, but I decided it's on I have to make for ME! DH is behind me all the way!
Speaking of DH, he's napping here in the lazyboy, YDS is napping in his room, and Digger and Rex are napping at my feet! It's nice and quiet (for now!) YDS and I bought some sparkling apple juice yesterday for our 12:01 celebration tonight. (I know, get a life!) At least we'll be celebrating!
I've been taking a really hard look at myself the last couple of days and wondering what happened to me! We've been off plan for the last week, taking a break and when I say off plan - can you say white chocolate macadamia coconut fudge, sausage balls, triple chocolate cheesecake, hot wings, and ham everymorning for breakfast? Well, we haven't been stuffing ourselves like we would have a year ago, but we have pretty much eaten what we wanted when we wanted. So anyway, about Wed. DH and I realized that if we didn't get a salad, we would go stark raving mad!!! All of a sudden, we were craving greens, salad, brocolli, H2O... WHAT THE HECK?!?! So I'm saying to myself, "Self, where is Pearl? What have you done with her?!?"
That's when we realized -- WE DID IT!!! We changed our eating LIFESTYLE!!! It is no longer sweets, desserts, salt, sodas, chips, etc. It's fresh salads and veggies, water, tuna salad, fish, chicken, and turkey! WE DID IT!!! Those things are the NORM for us now and all the other JUNK is the abnorm!!!
:woo:
I know I'm not the only one out here experiencing this! Maybe some of you just haven't gone that far off to realize the change! This is a MAJOR NSV!!!
By the "weigh" only gained 7 pounds over the 10 days and I'm sure much of that is from the ham (did I mention every day?!?)

My New Years Eve prayer for each of us:
I speak blessing in the New Year for love and peace to be bountiful in our homes and on our jobs. I speak prosperity to be in whatever tasks we put our hands to. I speak wisdom and clarity in our decision making, solidity in our relationships full of grace and mercy, and I pray we will be surrounded by those we love and who love us and that none of us will take that for granted!
And of course, I call us healthy and empowered, able to withstand whatever temptations come our way and successful in our weight loss endeavors!

Thanks to each of you for being a part of my life in 2006. I am honored to be a part of this group and blessed to have you for my friends!
Happy New Years Eve!
Hugs,

Afternoon everybody-

I hope that all of you have a safe and wonderful Happy New Year's celebration. We are just staying at home and celebrating here.

Whitney- I hope you had a wonderful birthday. You are such a cutie. And just a baby too!!!

My goal tonight is to plan out my menu for the next 2 weeks so I can go grocery shopping on Tuesday. yay fun.

Pearl- no fair mentioning white chocolate macedamia nut fudge. Wow that sounds just delicious.

Happy New Year to all. May 2007 see less of you.

Happy New Year to everyone! I am going out in a bit to a bar. We are driving there and taking a cab home.... I KNOW I will not be OP this evening but I am doing T/O to get the crap out of me from the last few days.....

:newyear: :woo:

Hi everyone! I'm new to this board....about 2 hours now.....and am SO excited! I can tell that this group is going to be a blessing, and I'll try to be one right back!! Have a fabulous New Year, and I look forward to getting to know everyone!

Julie

HELLO JULIE!
We look forward to posting with you! Have a great New Year

Welcome Julie 6363! Glad to have you here!!

Deb-Your avatar is so cute and your dogs are adorable! I can really tell the loss in your face.
Barb-I just noticed your ticker...you're halfway to your goal!! WTG girl!

Hello Everyone
I am so happy to have found support for LAWL. I was on the program in 2004-2005 lost 40lbs and then was pregnant, I did not get to stabilization. I did learn some good eating habits but used my pregnancy as an excuse to eat. Now at 220lbs, 20lbs heavier than when I started the program the 1st time, I am having a struggle. I started back in October and have been going back and forth from 225 to 220lbs. Now with the support of all of you I believe this will be a new start. I will start Take Off tomorrow.

Welcome Julie and Fastmomma!
I started the January L&F thread - so you'll find us there!

Reminder: we're asking all our LAWL friends to put LAWL in their signature or somewhere so that newbies will know and everyone will know what plan you're on. Of course, everyone is welcome here, it just makes it easier especially for the newbies, to know what plan a suggestion and/or advice is coming from!

Happy New Year and I'll see you all over at the Jan. 2007 thread!

Thanks for the advice. I have added LAWL to my signature. I an new at these forums so I hope it works right.

Hey everyone! Trying to psyche myself up for my WI tomorrow. I have decided with my schedule this semester that I will change to WI on Tues(pm)/Thurs(pm)/Sat(am for my true weight). Not looking forward the offiial WI results but hey the truth will set you free right?

Happy New Year to everyone!

Ok i gotta finish up a few things before bed so i will check in tomorrow!!