We are a group of individuals who weigh or have weighed 300+, or near there. This group was formed to provide a place for others like us to find support and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

We want to invite everyone to join us in our journey.
We share laughter and tears.
We share what works for us and what doesn't.
We often use a "Topic of the Day" for discussion.

Motivational Monday
Tuesday Tips
Wednesday Wish List .. and What you are doing to obtain it.
Thankful Thursday
FUN Friday ... don't wait until you lose your weight.
Sit-up Saturdays - any physical activity
Share your Success Sunday

These are not required topics ...just ideas to share. We often find them very helpful. We also share heartaches and fears ... joys and celebrations.

We have several extra threads going on simutaneously such as Monthly Challenges, Weekly Weigh-ins, Recipes, Bios, and more. Please feel free to check them all out.

We have a bi-weekly 2x2 Challenge.
Our goal is to lose 2 lbs in 2 weeks.
We have a long term goal of losing 300+ lbs within our 300+ group in 2005.

We have found this thread to be more than just a support group...
we have found it to become a home. We invite you to join us.

WELCOME!

I know you'll all agree that we are really thankful for the free services here at 3FC. The sisters offer all of this support and information with no charges to us. There are a couple of ways though that we can help out.

If you are thinking about buying anything at Amazon, why not help out 3FC at the same time? You can do this by clicking on the button for Amazon on any page in the forum, or by clicking on the button on the main 3FC page at www.3fatchicks.com . A portion of your purchase price will be given to 3FC by Amazon. It doesn't increase your price at all, but it does help out 3FC. You can use any of the Amazon.com links that you see on the site in order to help contribute to the site.

Also, BTW, in case you didn't know it, you can view the message boards "ad free" for a minimal charge. I think it's like $15 for 6 months. A very small investment to be rid of the annoying ads and make your pages load quicker.

Hey gang... quick replies first:

Joyce: Sorry to hear about the ex-SIL…. hope the grandkid will at least be fun to have around.

2Cute: Hope all’s okay…. thinking and worrying about you.

Catherine: Thinking of you too….

Lilion: Congrats on the loss!!!!

theotherjen: I missed meeting you…. welcome!

Thin: Yeah, the letters all got out… and I ended up taking 2 ½ “mental health” days afterwards, lol.

BarbG: Sorry to rip off your coffee cups on the thread-started message, I just thought they were TOOO COOOL.

Okay, gang, 2Cute asked if we would get together a March challenge... so I did. You'll find it in its own "March Challenge" thread. I'm not nearly as organized as 2Cute, so this is (1) a do-it-yourself challenge (you'll have to assemble the materials yourself) and (2) a complete rip-off of the February challenge. I hope you'll consider joining, though. If you weren't in the Feb. challenge, you might find it helpful to look through that thread, but if you have questions, go ahead and post them in the March challenge thread.

I did the weigh-in for the March challenge as this Sunday, since you didn't have any warning it was starting. If you want to weigh earlier or later, that should still work, but I figured we needed to pick a day to start recording, so that those of us who enjoy the competition part could feel like the race was fair.

Hey all,

Life has been absolutely insane for me lately, so I haven't had much time to do more than read! I'm tired all the time, but things are slowly getting better. I haven't exercised as much as I have been doing, but I haven't been eating badly either so it will be interesting to see what the scales say on Monday.
But today I had the -best- day and remembered why I enjoy uni teaching so much. It was just one of those days where you see what you are saying "click" in quite a few faces, and one where the students came up and gave me a lot of positive feedback. Feeling pretty good!

Leanne

Ugh insomnia strikes again.

Thanks Ruby and SueMarie for the ideas. I've checked at makingitbigonline and have one option there, but it's not really dressy so I dunno. I also checked out The Avenue and FAshion Bug but the sizes don't go up large enough. I don't know why it's so hard to find something to fit. I have a friend who's 306 lbs and is simply amazed that I wear such a larger size than her (she's in a 26-28 top). I guess it's just where the fat is proportioned? I am REALLY big chested (ugh I hate it) lol. I have a big belly and arms and unfortunately have a large middle AND a buffalo hump. Jesus that sounds depressing to say that. hehe. But you know how it is; I don't mind telling you guys.

I AM currently browsing Catherine's though (You're right Sue it IS expensive... but just this once I'm not worrying about that too much). Hope you are all sleeping soundly and catching some winks for me!

Good morning ladies,

I don't know what I could have been thinking! I scheduled all of the Dr. appts. I needed to do for the year as close together as I could. like 2 a week! I have sat on my big rump for hours waiting to be seen. Everything moves in slow motion. I think it is true that we want instant gratification, altough I don't think of a trip to the Dr. as gratifying . Anyhoo, I didn't post yesterday. I was sitting on my bigA most of the morning waiting , by the time I got home I was exhausted!

I am OP, and I think I may have made it back to the weight I was at the end of the last challenge. Now to get busy on those next two lbs Ah me, I do things the hard way.

I am going to try to read all of the post and see how you guys are doing. Catch up with you later. Iwillbe

Good morning!

So, I went to my first TOPS meeting here last night. I ended up being late (because the people at Toys R Us don't know how to do their job, but that's another story), but it was just election night, so I didn't miss much. The group seems sooo nice...very friendly and welcoming. Not that I expected them to be mean or anything, but some groups are more like cliques and take a while to accept outsiders--but not this one! I will hopefully be joining next week. all depends on how the part-time job front is looking...

Yeah, I'm looking for a second job. However, I only get to see my boyriend on weekends (Friday afternooon-Sunday night), so I reeeeeally don't want to give up any of my Jill+Jeff time. Since I have worked at Ruby Tuesday in the past, I am going to try to get a job as a hostess there for Monday-Thursday nights. So, I'll have to see if that's going to happen before I officially join TOPS and end up not being able to go to any of the weigh-ins or meetings!

Tomorrow, my sister's fiance's daughter (so, I guess my soon-to-be step-neice?) turns 5. I decided to buy her a doll house, since I refuse to buy her Barbies, and she's got practically every other toy known to man already. I figured a dollhouse would be something she could do with minimal supervision and could do independently and would inspire some creativity. Who thought it would be SO difficult to find a dollhouse?? I checked Wal-Mart, Target, Kay-Bee Toys, and Toys R Us. Toys R Us was the only one with a real dollhouse--something with more than 2 rooms and dolls larger than a Polly Pocket. I had talked to a friend at work, and she said when she bought a dollhouse similar to the one I bought for her daughters (who are now in high school), it was about $39. So I figured maybe 50 bucks by today, right? OH no...$79.99. That dollhouse better last her the rest of her life and her daughter's life! Of course, I spent the $$ anyway cuz I love to spoil her--can't wait till my sister has a baby!!! But that won't be until at least 9 months after their March 2006 wedding...

Okay, enough babbling about me...

hippygoddess: isn't it amazing how other people's reactions can TOTALLY make or break your day? I was ready to quit my current job until one day when my boss sat down with me and spent a good hour telling me how wonderful I was

Loki's: willing to share some of that big chest??? That happens to be my most disproportionate area (I weigh over 300 pounds and am only a B cup!). Clothing manufacturers seem to think I must have a large chest if I wear such a large size shirt, so things that fit around my tummy sometimes sag around my chest. So, I'm sure the other end of the spectrum is just as annoying. If only we could all just have our own private clothing designers!

Iwillbe: ahh, don't we all do things the hard way? Even things that should be so simple...my favorite saying that has stuck with me from college: "Everything's a project!"
Alright, enough for now! to everyone. Have a great FRIDAY!!

Good Friday morning!

This has certainly been a busy week. But its been a good week too.

BIL #1 is back at rehab. The physical therapist at the hospital somehow managed to crack one of his ribs. Geez. But, it looks like the artery cleaning is going to help. Looking better for him going home soon for outpatient rehab.

BIL #2 lucked out with a warning wake up call to quit smoking and change his habits. Now, having seen what his two older brothers have gone through, will he be smart or dumba$$?

DH's #2 son has been here for four days and it has been a good visit. Egads, he's a talker though. I told DH last night that as much as they don't want to admit it, they may come from different perspectives, but they are just exactly alike. Opinionated and think that everyone wants to hear it. We went out to eat last night and took MIL so she should could have time with GS too. We had a really good and relaxed time. They were both able and willing to say to the other that they have changed and they are both proud of the men the other has become. I'd say all the old hurts and resentments are let go.

I'm gonna have grandson's to have fun with!!!! Three! I'm gonna be the adventuresome grandma too! I was thinking about giving away all my camping gear but I think I may take little boys camping this year. And teach them to ride horses. And to be playmates for Bear. Maybe camping at the zoo again. Sleeping next to the lions was so much fun when I took my nephew years ago. Yes, I know, the glee will last until one of them has a meltdown.

Now, I have a dilemma. My trip to Spring Fling may be in jeopardy. The kids need money to cover med expenses until he gets new medical coverage and the COBRA coverage is outrageously expensive. And they need a second car since he lost the company car. I hate to do this to you all, but I'm thinking of giving my trip money to them to help them transition up here.

And, I'm not sure how this happened, but I'm now the proud owner of two yearling paint stallions. One will be put up for sale and hopefully profit enough to pay for the other. The other will be for me to learn how to train and then either keep or sell. This may be DH's way of making up for all the family trauma I have suffered because of his family lately. Or else, he's just lost his mind. I'll get pictures posted when I get them to the barn and cleaned up. I did see the most stunning horse I have ever seen when over at this other barn. He's a stallion worth $50,000. FIFTY THOUSAND for a horse. He'd put his head over fence and stick his tongue out for you to pull it. What a scream.

I needed that this week.

Tomorrow, Tanyah and I are participating in a "Saddle Up for St Jude's" ride to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Cancer hospital. Should be fun.

Okay, weight loss and exercise have not been a priority this week. I'm still maintaining since we've eaten out the last three nights. And had a bit of dessert too. And no exercise this week either. Tonight, I have to walk the dog.

I did have a NSV yesterday. One of the IT Project Managers walked up to me yesterday and said, "You're really becoming a bean pole". I turned around and said, a WHAT? Bean pole. Like that has never been used in a sentence to describe me. Ever. And other guys just don't mention that I look like I've lost weight. That made me feel good.

Spring is in the air!! Spring! We had our first thunderstorm yesterday. Lightening and all.

I had replies to make but now can't remember what I was going to say. And I really do have to get out of bed and get dressed.

Have a FUN FUN FUN Friday!

Thin: You forgot to mention the male strippers, the dancing nude on the tables ....seriously everyone, it was a great time, and we plan the same this year. Hope you can join us.

March must be doctor month! Yes I liked my new doctor really well. She didn't harp on my weight either, but I didn't really like everything else she had to say. she's doing some tests and I have to go back in three weeks. I'll let you know the results.

One advantage of owning your own business (I could list forever the disadvantages) is that I get to babysit my grandson today. He's on spring break, but his mother didn't realize it started on Friday and had plan, so she's bringing him by for a few hours. Even though they live here in town, it's on the other side of town and with their schedule (DS works for 2: to 9:00 every night) we don't see him nearly enough.

Angela, feel free to steal any of my graphics, after all I stole them from someone else!!!

Hope everyone has a great day.

This is turning out to be a better day than yesterday. I don't have many days like that anymore, I just don't allow her stuff to affect me if at all possible. I guess my "bubble of calm" had a crack in it. Today it is rock solid. I started the day with a half mile walk with the dog, grabbed an orange off a tree down the block, and read the morning paper sitting on a bench by the beach. It was cold, like 58 degrees, and I was bundled up in a t-shirt, long sleeve golf shirt, and sweat shirt, watching the crazy snow birds in shorts playing bocci on the beach. I just told myself that nothing could be wrong on such a beautiful day.

ageoldie-new doctors were always a horror for me. This time, I called the offices and asked if they could handle an enormously overweight woman who uses a wheelchair. Any hesitation, and I went to the next one on my hmo's list. My current doctor is from Mexico. He is gentle and compassionate. I hope your new doctor will be the same.

SueMarie-"wireless access" in a lecture?! When I was in college (probably before you were born) our only wireless computer communication was throwing old computer punch cards at each other. I guess they don't teach Cobol or Fortran anymore.

Thinthinker-I also take meds for high blood pressure and for angina. I've been able to reduce both doses in half since losing the weight I have thus far. I'm hoping some day to leave them behind entirely. A doctor you can work with is such a blessing. I just had a blood test this week, and will get the results when I go the 21st. It's like watching the oscars, "the envelope please." Thanks for your kind words. Whenever someone says I have a big heart, I assume they mean "enlarged."

Lilion-whenever I complain that fresh salmon costs more than ground beef, I remember my personal debt to myself. To get to 600 pounds, I ate 1.5 million more calories than I burned off. The weight loss stuff is like a full-time moonlighting job I took to pay off a big debt I incurred. So far I've paid myself back 682,500 calories. 3500 calories a pound, that will make your head spin. I briefly considered bypass surgery, but in my mind that seemed like filing bankruptcy. I'd get clear, but felt like I would just be avoiding responsibility again. My first big step was to basically grow-up. I had to start accepting responsibility for where I was, and learn to say no to myself. I had never done that before.

mnemosyne-I miss gardening. We live in an efficiency apartment now surrounded by college kids. There is a patch of ground out back I have had my eye on. I'm thinking about asking the manager if I can plant a vegetable garden. She probably wouldn't mind, it would just be that much less she'd have to mow. I can see us feeding the college kids, they already look on us as frat house mothers. I'm always sewing on a button, or feeding someone's fish.

Loki-I sew, so I don't even know what sizes stuff are anymore. I do have one strange suggestion, you might check some on-line sites used for drag queen clothes. They are always fancy, and bigger. I have large feet, and eventhough my size 13 foot is down to a 12 now, try finding nice women's dress shoes in that size without looking like grandma shoes. Drag queens often need size 13 red leather pumps, so I've gotten to know some who hand me down theirs when they've worn them a couple of times, and "just need new styles, honey." I trade them alterations and such. The strangest barter I ever did was I traded an embrodiered Elvis costume complete with belt and cape to a guy for putting two new toilets in my mother's house. He gained weight between his first and last fitting, and I had to put a gusset crotch in at the last minute to make it fit. Oh my, the cuss words that flew that week.

I'm getting close to an important goal. I haven't had a gyn exam in over ten years. At 600 pounds, the tools aren't made long enough to reach what they need to, and that much weight can change your internal anatomy and push things kind of out of place. I actually went to a specialist about 6 years ago, and she couldn't get a sample. So I'm almost small enough that I think I'm ready to put myself through it again. I go to the doctor in two weeks, and I'm going to find the courage to ask for a referral. Cross your fingers.

Catherine

Morning Ladies,

Well, I got my exercise today, but it wasn't my idea! I needed to get some fasting blood tests done and had time today between meetings, from 9 to 11, and so I ran out after my 8:30 meeting concluded. The Dr. office is only about 6 blocks away, but you go down, then up a big hill to get there so driving is the way to go for now. Hopefully I'll be worked up to hiking it someday. Anyway, went to the Dr., waited 35 minutes for the lab. She only took one tube of blood and I even asked, "Is that all?". Being assured it was I ran back to the office. Now, the "legal" lots for state employees are about 3-4 city blocks, downhill, from my office. Being lazy I often park in visitor-only parking behind the capital building. Kind of like Russian Roulette with the ticket cops, but at least it's relatively flat, although nearly as far as the lots. I get back to my office only to find a note to call my Dr. Seems the lab tech didn't take enough blood! So, back to the car, back to the Dr., another stick, back to parking, hike back to my office AGAIN. All before breakfast! I'm not sure what was worse, being poked twice or hiking to my car twice.

On the up side, it is a BEAUTIFUL day! 60+ degrees! This is my kind of weather! I've got to get home early enough to take a nice, long walk and wear out the dog!

There's too many posts for me to figure out what to say to everyone in the short time I have before my meeing so I hope you all will be satisfied with a

What a GREAT idea for dress shoes! I wear a 12+ now and wore a 10+ in high school (a thousand years ago) and have ALWAYS had problems finding cute, dressy shoes. I'm going to start searching the net....Wonder what DH will think when he notices the drag queen sites in history!

Loki's: The only other suggestion I can give for clothes is to search the net....Roman's roamans.com has gotten to have much better clothing than they used to. Silhouettes silhouettes.com has decent clothes and go up to a 7x in some styles. Both are reputable companies if you worry about ordering on-line. If you want something fancier...try elegantplus.com it has links to specific sites for various types of plus sized cothes. Don't spend too much. After all, you'll be too small for it soon!

Well, my meetings won't wait!
Have a good day Ladies!
Lilion

Hey gang! I went to my Tops meeting this morning and have another

2.75 pounds off. YAHOO Its coming off slow but at least its coming
off. Fun Friday I again went out to lunch with my Tops group.
Stayed OP I had liver and onions. I love them but don't like to
fix them. They were really good and are really good for you.

Angela--Thanks for posting the March challenge. I'm starting state tour
picking up states and capitols. If you have address labels from
AVERY you can put graphics on them for stickers. I copied the cars
from FEB challenge and that's what I'm using.Just an idea for all
the newbies who want to participate. I'm putting 2 cars on each state in
alphabetical order and going to see how far I'll get.

Reading down the posts-I noticed how much alike we all are and
have so many things in common. Blood pressure-back pain-etc.
And when it comes to gardening that's a real passion with me.

I just got home from the TOPS meeting and just wanted to check in.
So I'll just say HI--Goodbye to all. Have a nice OP Day and looking
foward to the weekend. Make it a good one. Off to watch the tellie,
My soaps are on.

Hi all! Don't know what happen. I was in the middle of doing replies and I flopped back to my email account, opened a page and apparently instead of opening a new page, it exchanged it for the page where my replies were. Guess I won't do that again. The new emails can just sit there while I'm writing. Let's see if I can recreate some of it.

Loki: I know the expense of a new "fancy" outfit is a drag, but look at the bright side, maybe there will be some other occasion like a shower, a wedding, or a birthday dinner that you will be all prepared for. Plus is you get something that isn't terribly seasonal, you might be able to just take in a side seam or two when you drop a few more pounds. Whatever you do, don't discourage yourself from going. Even us larger lovelies have to have some fun. [[[hugs]]] *Isn't it funny how all of our bodies are so different. I weigh more than you do, but my problem is my butt is HUGE! I have to buy 30/32 tops so that they will fit over my hips where I could really use like a 24. Guess we have to live with it. *BTW, I meant to thank you for posting your pic. It was great and that sunset is just beautiful!

J-Ann: It is a shame that Jeff had to go from Survivor. He really is strong and that team can use all the help it can get about now. I actually thought maybe they'd kick Kim anyway. Oh well, no such luck. I really like Tom though! YUM! And his fireman training served him well in that grueling immunity challenge. As for Apprentice: OH MY!!! "I'm soooo beautiful and that's why no one likes me." Pullleeeeesssseeee!!!! Good riddance to her!!!

SueMarie: Oops, hope I didn't offend with my analogy! Just couldn't help myself.

Angela: You're supposed to be encouraged to come here for those "mental health days"!

Leanne: Your post sounded so exciting. I'm glad that you're back to lecturing at the University and that you are finding it so rewarding. I've always said "loving your job is 1/2 the battle no matter what it is that you're doing".

Iwillbe: The wait for the doctor can be awful. I did learn a trick loooonnnngggg ago though that seems to work pretty well. I always, whenever possible that is, schedule my appointment to be either the first patient in the morning or the first one after lunch. That way the doctor hasn't had time to get behind before it's MY turn. Works like a charm. No more waiting in the waiting room for me.

Jill: Sounds like you spent the farm on that little step-niece of yours. Hope she appreciates you! I'm sure she'll have many years of enjoyment out of that dollhouse. A friend of mine made one of the kits for me about 8 years ago and we found little Santa Claus stuff (figurines, a little tree, ornaments, elves, etc.) and I only set the house out at Christmas with all of the rooms filled with the stuff that I've collected for Santa's house. It's actually pretty cute, and I'm wwwaaayyyy over the age of 5!!!

Terri: I just can't imagine you with grandkids, you look so young!!! I'm glad that the visit is working out so well. Sounds like someone(s) has decided life is too short for all the whoopla among family members. Glad even MIL behaved! *You're going to have your hands full with 2 more horses AND 3 little boys. OH MY!!! Sounds like fun. Just what you need to take your mind off the evil witch you work for! *Hope there's some way you can salvage a little Fling here. Time just for YOU is important too. I've got my fingers crossed you'll still be able to make it.

Barbg: Shhhhh "You forgot to mention the male strippers, the dancing nude on the tables " There should be some things left for surprise!!! I'm glad you liked the new Dr. Hope the tests show nothing serious!

Catherine: That's really great that you've been able to reduce your meds. That is one thing I like about this Dr. I see, she told me right from the start that with some diet and exercise she did not see me taking this stuff for the rest of my life. She's not a big pill pusher like some doctors I've seen and for me, that's a good thing. I'm not much into taking a bunch of stuff. Even for my back, I've gotta be in horrible pain to take something. I rely mostly on my Chiropractor to keep me going. I can only imagine the courage it would take to see the GYN. I avoided them like the plague myself for 12 years before getting up the courage to spread these flabby legs. I found a female GYN also and I've been able to sorta joke about the flab instead of getting all upset now when I'm going. I do have a suggestion though. If you're comfortable with the doctor your seeing in two weeks, and they're a GP or Internist, why don't you ask if she does PAPs? I know that this doctor I went to yesterday does do them, I just had found my GYN before I found her. If there's a problem, she'd probably send you to a specialist anyway. But it might be worth a shot if you like her. * I did exactly as you did though before finding these doctors. I called offices and said "do you or anyone there have a problem with terribly obese people. If you do, say so now." If there was ANY hesitation, I moved on.

Lilion: I've had the call back from a doctor's office for more blood and basically told them they could stick someone else, I'd see them in 3 months. I suppose that was cutting my nose off to spite my face, but I WAS NOT getting poked again in the same day! uch: It's funny you mentioned this however, because when the lab girl came in to draw blood yesterday I whispered to her "did she give you the full list this time?" Then the lab girl and I went through the list BEFORE she stuck me.

Hilta: Another 2.75 is AWSOME! You go!!! *I try to get out to work between 10 and 2, that way I'm home by the time All My Children gets done taping and I can fast-forward through all the commercials and be done in 45 minutes. I only watch the one now. I used to watch from Ryan's Hope at 12:30 (ok,guess I'm dating myself now) and 4:00 when General Hospital went off. But that was back in the days when the boys were little and I had time on my hands. Now if you get SoapNet on TV you can see all the old ones, including Dallas and Dynasty and all the rest. Oye Vey!

Ruby: Where've you been? Hope it's out having fun somewhere.

Ok, girls, gotta run. There's a shopping company that seems to have alot of business and I haven't worked with them for awhile. They require alot of training and project certifications so I promised myself I would delve into that today. You all have a good one. Love ya bunches.

BTW, there are alot of plus size clothing links on the main home page of 3FCs. And when you buy from a website that you've gotten to through a 3FCs link, the site makes money to survive....administration costs, ya know.

So there I was last night, reading the day's posts and about to reply, when the new Law & Order came on. Of course I turned around to watch...couldn't miss seeing Jerry Orbach on TV one more time. By the time the show as over I had completely forgotten what I was doing, turned off the computer and went to bed. Wow...what a brain fart that was.

So here I am now...freezing in my apartment, but it looks like the sun is peeking through again. It's only rained three times today though, so we shall see what comes next. I took some of my birthday money and bought a few more things to spruce up the kitchen...toaster oven, electric kettle, little gadgets, then hit Trader Joes and came home to clean out my cabinets. Mind you, my kitchen is about 2 feet big and the oven isn't wide enough for a standard cookie sheet, but I figure if I am going ti pay more attention to food and cooking, then I should like my kitchen.

I am starting to smell what I tossed into the crock pot (thanks BF's parents) for dinner...it's sort of like chicken cacciatore I guess...jar of marinara, can of tomatoes with green chiles, package of sliced mushrooms, diced onions and garlic, cut up chicken breasts, basil, oregano, red pepper...I'll serve it over brown rice with broccoli and a salad. Unless of course I burn this one too..and then I guess we'll be going out again...LOL.

Since last week's diappointing weigh-in and my revelations about where I went wrong, I am pleased to say that I have stayed totally OP since then. Mind you there have been temptations but...

Someone who hadn't seen me in a few months commented that my chins were gone.
One of my favorite size 26/28 blouses that was snug last time I wore it fit properly
My size 26 pants are all loose in the waist
BF commented that my bra strap in the back isn't all bunched up any more. (he is a man...sort of dense..doesn't always notice stuff)

And above all I feel good about what I am doing and my choices.

Whaddya know..the girl can learn. Now why couldn't I catch on to this years ago?

I remember my senior year of high school. I was 5'4" and weighed 140. I was convinced I was fat because I was wearing a size 10 and the skinny B*&$%@s in my classes were size 4's and 6's. I found a photo of myself the other day from Junior year at Honor Society inductions. My waist was so freaking tiny and my legs looked great.

Wow...to go back to then. It's scary to think about the ramifications and process of losing the equivalent of an entire person...and even scarier how I gained it all.

So now...at 32...it's time. If I was able to extricate myself from $15,000 of credit card debt, I can extricate myself from an extra 160 lbs of fat...yes? YES!!!!!

OOh that felt good.

Do you feel good?

~My most sincere regrets to the Spring Fling committee and all attendees~
Since I am unable to attend the Grand Soiree this year, I must graciously decline the position of Entertainment Coordinator (aka Julee your Cruise Director), however, as the self-professed funny one I vow to continue to use my wit for good and not for evil and to keep finding ridiculous ways to make you smile, laugh, chuckle, guffaw, get busted for being online at work and in class, and in general find a ray of sunshine on what can often be completely cloudy days.

Happy Friday!!! Dinner smells yummier by the minute..let's pray it tastes as nice.

Hola!

Hippievanlady - I had to LMAO at the mental image of the fancy elvis outfit. I bet that was a sight! I'm hoping one day to learn how to sew, we shall see. I had never thought about drag queen clothes, but I know quite a few guys who might have some ideas in that area so thanks for the tip! They always do look fantabulous don't they?? And let me just tell you how BRAVE you are. I have never been to a gyno and that worries me. I know I will go one day, but I keep putting it off and I know I won't go until I feel somewhat even a little comfy with myself. Yep, I know it's just an excuse and isn't healthy (especially with some of the female probs I have), but it's something I haven't been able to work thru yet. I'm so proud of you for going tho. Kudos to you.

Hilta - congrats on your loss!!! What a great job.

thinthinker - NP @ the pictures. Like I said, I hate showing them to anyone but you all inspired me. heh. I did finally found something that I thought was cute. 2 pieces and $101.00 later (another thing added to my list of growing debts lol), I'm hoping it will work. It never ceases to amaze me how much more the clothes are simply because they're plus size. I mean I know it takes more fabric but SHEESH. Sometimes it just feels like a big rip off. I will definitely wear it again tho if it does indeed fit. That's just too much to spend on 1 wearing! I'll wear it even if I have to make up somewhere to go. heh.

Does anyone on here watch that show "Starting Over"? I try to catch it everyday and right now there's a girl on there who's really having problems with her body image. The things she says I know I've said a thousand times. Just curious if anyone else watches...

And on a more kinda personal note... I have a question for you gals. It's sort of a "TMI" thing, so if you're not into that kind of stuff stop reading now LOL! Anyways, I've noticed lately that my nipples are itching a lot and starting to bug me. I'm not sure if it's just dry skin (Which I do have a lot) or what. Anyone else ever have this problem? Another part of me wonders if it's b/c the bra I wear doesn't really support the boobers and so oftentimes it causes irritation b/c of the skin against skin. (I Just ordered a new bra hallelujah! Note to self: When you have huge boobs, front hook bras do absolutely NOTHING to hold you up. bleah)

Hope you're all doing great today! It was a bad food day for me (2170 calories, which is NOT good for me), but I'm going to make up for it tomorrow and bust my butt. Later!
Julie