Morning everyone...

Hit the -40 and 1/4 there and -3 this week this morning. Took some photos last night but the difference isn't that major. I'm hoping to see more of a difference next time. It feels good though to almost be back where I was when I was losing last summer. For those of you who don't know I went from like 301 to 258 last summer/fall and the my Grandmother died and I veered off track for awhile. I totally went on a 7-month gain it all back +1lb lull. It took me until I SURPASSED my last high weight to slap myself in the face and do all that hard work over again. So I'm nearly where I was... I think last time I was a bit smaller though because I was weight training more. I plan on starting that again soon when the weather cools down.

My excitement this weekend: Spent the day Saturday trying to get a shelter to take a newborn kitten we found. They were all full but luckily since there was just the one I found one of the nokill shelters to take it. The head lady was going to take it home until one of the "Nursing Mothers" became available. I couldnt keep the kitten because I have 3 cats one who has major health issues (IBD,Pancrititus etc)

Hope everyone had a good weigh in and week. Sorry I pop in and out so much sometime the socializing thing freaks me out a bit.

-muse

gggood to hear from you ANNie best wishes on your surgery!!

ANNIE! How long until they let you go home? We'll miss you, and I for one am dying to hear from you as soon as you feel up to writing us again!! I'm so excited for you. Just let me know when to saddle up the horses... Heck, go saddle your own!

SHARON - How're your tootsies doing? (Do they call toes 'tootsies' in the UK?)

WHERE IN THE WORLD HAS ZELMA GONE??? (OK, last I knew she was "Down Under", but helloooooo?)

Well, today is day 5. I walked with a friend at lunch time. I don't think I've made it past day 5 since before last Christmas, but so far, so good. It took a trip back to the doc for a bit of medicinal help, but that support is getting me through and back on the right road. He gave me enough for 3 per day, but I've been doing OK on 2. This way, even after I stop going to him, I'll have a stash to fall back on if I hit a tough spell - Not that the holidays and their temptations are coming or anything.

I hope everyone is doing well!

VAL -- You're exercising again! Come and join us on the exercise thread! Pretty please!!

YES MAAM! I'm there! It's good to be doing something on purpose for a change. I did put in a bit of treadmill time earlier this week and put it on the thread, but I need to keep it up and do some more. Thursday night is my big TV night, so you can count on some minutes by Friday morning.

Hey, look at that! I've been here for over 1000 posts! Who'da thunk it?

YAY Val! You GO girl!

Luv,
Rat

Valerie - G'day mate!!!!! I am usually kicking around here, checking in on you all pretty much every day, but I find that by the time I catch up on the latest posts, I don't have time to actually write anything. It takes a reminder (like the call from you - THANK YOU!) for me to actually remember that I only need to jump on here quickly now and then to let you all know that I am alive and kicking.

The latest news with me is that I am hoping to join a choir. I have wanted to do this for SO many years now and it is simply my latest 'challenge' since I have gained the freedom to not feel self-conscious or whatever it was that was holding me back. The choir is a barbershop style, with the 4-part harmony. They are members of the Sweet Adelines (sp?), which is an international group. There are almost 100 members of this choir and they sound simply INCREDIBLE! I went to a rehearsal last week and did some of the voice warmups and choreography, but just watched the rest of the time. They want new 'recruits' to see that it is extremely hard work, just in case they think it will be an easy ride. I go again tomorrow (Wed) night to be voice tested to see which part I would fit into. I have my fingers crossed that I actually have a good enough voice to join them. The process for joining is rigorous, but I think it will be worth it. This group is the only group like it in Perth and they are the Australian champions. They head off to Hawaii next year to represent Australia in the world championships. I have NO idea if I will be part of the group at that stage, but you never know. The rehearsals go from 7:30pm to 10pm, with a meeting afterwards, then there is some socialising, which I want to join with as much as I can, to get to know the ladies. This means that I get home VERY late, after a half hour or so drive home. I am NOT a night person, so we will have to see how I go with this. I am adjusting my exercise regime around this evening, so I don't get too tired. The workout at the actual rehearsal is pretty hard, so I think that will be OK anyway.

Well, I had better race off and get ready for work.

Take care everyone,

Zelma

Zelma -- I love to hear people pursuing their dreams!! Keep us posted! We love hearing from you!

We love hearing from everyone! If you've been lurking and not posting, just drop a line!

I had my lovely manicure and pedicure today, but I ruined the polish on my two big toes! I had to go to the bym a mere HOUR after the tootsies were done and the socks just killed the polish. This happened last time too... so I've bought some polish for touch ups. So, hopefully it won't be bad!

On my way to the gym, I had a neat moment. I had my left arm positioned in the "noon" position on the steering wheel and suddenly I noticed a new muscle on the top of my arm. One of my deltoids I think!

Hello ladies (and possibly gents!),

I've been lurking around here for months now, waiting for the right time to pop in and introduce myself. Honestly, I've been too nervous to post because I didn't think I could keep up with all of the personals. It's funny that I decide to join you all now that I'm almost out of the 300s (for good!).

I guess I'll tell you all a little bit about me. My name is Lindsey and I'm a college student in Maryland. My major is International Studies, but I actually want to go to medical school afterwards. A lot of people I come across are shocked to find out that medical schools really don't care what you major in during undergrad, so long as you take the required courses before applying... haha. Anyway, I live in an apartment by myself, well, except for my cat Muffin.

I'm originally from Louisiana, but I've also lived in The Netherlands and Texas. I was supposed to be moving up here with my then boyfriend (who I was with for nearly 2 years), but at the last moment he chickened out... and when I say last moment, I mean a few short days before the moving truck was supposed to come. He's the one in my avatar picture. I'm still best friends with him, and I'm sure the slight bitterness I feel towards him will gradually subside... or at least that's what I like to tell myself.

As you can see by my ticker, I've lost over 70 lbs since January 21st, 2007. I actually just made my 2nd mini goal today, which was a nice way to start off the school year (today was the first day of classes).

If there's anything anyone would like to ask me, I'd be happy to answer it. I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you here, as I know from reading that you're a great group of people.

Welcome, Lindsey!! And CONGRATS!!! I've seen you around on the boards and you are CERTAINLY welcome here. Even when you leave the 300s forever, you will still have to deal with all the same issues we do!

And as for personals... don't worry about them! When I have more time, I do them. Sometimes, I just say something to one person... maybe because I really feel I have something to say TO that person. Sometimes I don't do them at all!

Tell us how you're losing the weight!

Just popping in quickly to say hi!

Thanks Ammi, Annie and Zelma for checking in! I hope Sharon’s toe is better!

Annie - You will be in my prayers tomorrow. I am sure all will go well with your surgery, but

Welcome Lindsey!

The issues raised on the thread on sexuality have been ruminating around and causing weird little changes and responses. I binged last night on the last remaining chocolate item in my house (pudding mix - yeah I didn't even bother making it fully). However, after it happened I sat myself down in front of the mirror and had a really good heart to heart with myself. I know there are wounds and issues all wrapped up in these areas for me, but I will not give up on getting through them! There may be pudding, ice cream, and other things involved in the process, but so be it. The fact that I am uncomfortable lets me know in a way that I am on the right track. I will work through this and find the roots of my anxieties and try to heal them the best I can. If I need to, I will seek professional help, but I will not give up on myself. The alternative is not acceptable.

Nancy -- I'm sorry you're going through an upheaval, but I'm glad you came and said that. I think it helps to share these issues!

i am so proud to say i fought that little ole dont exercise bug on my shoulder and won! i exercised!!
way to go on all the pound losers today!

Nancy-I haven’t like how long this process has taken for me, but I know deep inside that I have needed the time because I had so many issues to deal with. I’ve had to deal with self esteem, self loathing, immaturity, self-centeredness, you name it. It is almost as if plateaus came along when I was struggling with something emotionally. When I was able to face that, the plateaus seemed to blow through. Those who think this is just about losing weight are the ones that are going to fall away. You’ve got a new start in a new home. Use the time that you need. We invest a lot of time and money in our education and training for our careers. It’s worth the time and effort to invest in the rest of our lives.

Toofat-That no exercise bug is a menace. I wonder if raid sells a spray for it?

Debbie-I survived the furniture move with a minimum of damage. The new dresser is solid red oak, and was actually lighter than the Ikea that is sitting in pieces on our patio right now. It literally fell apart coming up the hallway. The new one doesn’t quite hold as much as the other one, so I’ve been forced to go through clothes that no longer fit, and it’s time to get rid of them. That was as hard as the move. When you have to get rid of something that you paid for, it’s hard, but getting rid of stuff you’ve made for yourself has an added dimension.

Zelma-Of all the things that I’ve been able to do since walking again, the singing has brought me the most pleasure. It has a way of just bringing you alive. My range is contralto to mezzo. When I was younger, I could go higher, but not anymore, not unless someone stands on my toes. The workouts in practice will be every bit as exhausting as a full night in the gym. I have found sit-ups help with my stamina, and my ability to hold a note longer.

Ideal-I’m glad you found a home for your kitty. We are dealing with a cat killer up here. There were so many the local police forces had to set up a task force. They don’t know if it is one budding serial killer practicing up until her graduates to people, or if it is some kind of coven. There are missing cat posters on every pole and bus shelter, and the animal services are finding at least a cat a day. It must be pretty bad because the police won’t even release what is being done to them. There are so many new people in town because of the oil boom that they could be from anywhere.

Annie-Still have my fingers crossed for a quick successful surgery.

I’ve got laundry to fold, and then I’m off to finish some sewing. I was asked yesterday to commit to teach RCIA (Catholic Sunday school sort of for people who want to join the church) again this year. I’ll have less time because of my school work, but you can’t say no to a nun. They have powers.