So that I don't get chastised for starting a new thread and not posting, here's my post.

@Terri and her "post". Thanks for starting the new one.

Gosh..... I don't think I even have the words to tell you guys how GREAT it is to see all these lovely old faces. I'm just sitting her with this big toothy grin on my face as I scan the posts and see all you lovelies!!

AND.... thanks so much for all the compliments. I think, for the first time in my life.. I am really working the program. I have finally taken my motto "progress, not perfection" to heart.

For the longest time, everything was always either black or white for me. I was either OP or I wasn't, you know? I mean, I looked at every single food out there as "good" or "bad". If I ate one of the "bad" foods.. then I was bad. I never allowed myself to be normal. I never allowed myself to have that occasional day or moment to have what I wanted without beating myself up over it. Also, weighing in every two weeks has just been KEY for me. I am usually the first one to tell others to not let the scale rule you. I am one of the first to preach that you should not judge yourself by a number. But, the plain and simple truth is, we do judge ourselves by a number. Yes, we are working to get healthier, to live longer, to be stronger, to basically "fit" in society, but in the grand scheme of things, when we stand on that scale and it doesn't reflect all the work we've put in, we forget that we're wearing clothes we've not worn in years. We forget how much better we feel and how we can walk in stores without sweating. It all seems to go out the window because that scale says we gained .4 instead of seeing that 1 or 2 lb. loss we wanted to see. BUT.... so far, I've found that no matter what my body decides to do and even if I have a rough day every now and again, almost always I have seen some type of loss on the scale every two weeks and that always keeps me going. I know it may just be a mental thing, but it's really working for me.

J-ann: How fast the time does fly, huh? I really don't know what I'm going to do with my non-football time. Who knows? After school starts, he may change his mind.. but I doubt it. I'm sure, however that he'll find some way to keep me busy. Did you get your hummingbirds more sugar water? I just love them.

BarbPA: I still not sure how I feel about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We had to decide what to see today and we went with "Herbie" since Trey has a crush on Lindsay Lohan. I do have to say though that it was a really cute movie and you know, of course I had to see it too with the whole "NASCAR" factor. I hope I didn't embarass Trey too much when I actually clapped when the scene with Tony came on!

Michelle: MY Michelle!! I was so happy to see your post!! I have missed you so much. AND... how far are you from Charlotte? We are coming to the night race in October and I would definitely like to see you!!

Thin: Sounds like your weather hasn't really been all that bad. It has been miserable here in Tennessee. The temps have been upwards of 95 degrees, but the humidity makes it feel *so* much hotter. Good luck on the GYN appt.... aren't those things great?

Terri: Thanks so much for what you said, I really appreciate it. Once again, I just want to say how great it is that you started this thread!! I really hope to keep posting away because I really and *TRULY* have missed you guys. Great job on staying OP!!

Lilion: First off... congrats on losing 54 lbs!! That's awesome! The funny thing is, about my "before" picture is that I really didn't intend for it to be my before picture. We had went on a trip to Gatlinburg and my brother insisted on taking a picture of me and my dh and I was scrolling through my pics the other day and saw it and was like... "Woah!" Sometimes, it really helps to actually *see* the difference, you know. And good for you and dh, it does help when you have someone there with you every day, going through it with you, doesn't it?

DoxieMom: Great to meet you too!! Great job on the food and getting in your exercise. It sounds like you are really motivated. I can't wait to get to know you better.

Well ladies, I am officially out of here for the night. I am soooo tired. Dh took a vacation day today, Brian had the day off from work and so did I, so all four of us got up early this morning, ate breakfast & went to Chattanooga to Lake Winnepesaukah. (yeah, probably spelled that wrong) Anyways, it's an amusement park and I got in plenty of walking and lots of sun and I am pooped. After we left the park, we went out for lunch and then went shopping for school clothes and then went to see "Herbie"... so as you can see, it's been a LOOOONG day and I am ready for it to be over.

I hope you all have a lovely night and I'll check in tomorrow!!

'Evening, ladies!

I hope everyone enjoyed their day. I loved the sunshine :sun: without the high temps. I had the windows in the house open all day long. It was a beeeuteeful day!

Had my GYN appointment this morning. My blood pressure was 114/72!!! WooHoo! That's the best it's been in a looooong time. But I guess it shows me just how much my blood pressure fluxuates and/or how much the meds work as last Friday at the other Dr.'s office it was 140/80.

I went from there out to my mom's Dr. and presented them with a request to have all of her records transferred to MY Dr.'s office. It will be soooo much closer and easier for all of us to get to. I think I mentioned that my mom is 84 and it's incredible how independent she is but geez, driving 20 miles to the Dr. is just nutts. She's been reluctant to change, I think she didn't want to hurt the guy's feelings. So basically I took care of it for her.

Well, Honey and I had dinner out tonight which is really nice, just the two of us, because we can talk. So in the middle of dinner I told him I had a challenge for him. I challenged him to lose 10 pounds by Labor Day. I told him I was tired of just being stalled and that the only way that I can lose is if I see that everyone is doing it. I told him there was a prize if he does it. If he does it, we're going to stay a night at the local hotel with the jacuzzi. If I do it, we're going to stay a night at the local hotel with the jacuzzi. Looks like a Win Win situation to me.

Lillion: I like a "fun guy" as much as the next person. Just not the type that grow from the ground on little stalks. The chocolate pie sounds great. Nice alternative to the cake. I'm glad your DH was able to ditch his headache and have a nice evening.

Kim: I'm sorry to hear your son came home sick. Summer colds and stuff are just the pitts. We've had alot of allergy issues here. I think it's the humidity.

Terri: Glad you had a nice ride last night even though Tanya didn't want to completely cooperate. It's only going to be in the 80's this whole weekend (well, according to the weathermen, for what it's worth...NOTHING! ) You can keep the REALLY hot weather out by you, thankyouverymuch!!! *"Chastised"???? I saw your post at the bottom of the old thread, I wouldn't have hollered.

Tina: Ok, girl, I saw your little flame on so I know you're here. You must be writing one lllllloooooonnnnnnggggggg post. Can't wait to read it.

Alrighty, my dears, I'm heading for nana land. Love ya bunches.

"There's always a rainbow to grab hold of when you keep your heart and eyes opened, holding your head up. You can't see the world's smiles when looking down, now can you?"

Morning!

Its Friday. I get to wear jean capris today. Maybe the boss will leave early. She's gone next week. We'll all be dancing the witch is dead and having a good time.

Last night we went out to work the horses. I did the yearlings in a round pen so they got more exercise than I did but it was movement. I think tonight we're going to relax on the boat. We were on the boat so much there for awhile and haven't been in a couple of weeks. We'll even take the dog tonight. Just the three of us for a change. First I have to do the weedeating.

Tina - Great post. So true about all the NSV's that we forget about in our angst about the scale. I've vowed to stay off the scale until weigh in days.

Thin - about your BP! Good idea on the challenge. I have to have DH on board with me too in order for me to have focus. He's not completely there but at least he's willing to make lots of veggies and is almost willing to pay attention to portion sizes.

Kim - Sucks about the cold! Hope you're feeling better soon.

Lilion - Did you make it to Y? Good job on splitting the Taco Bell. That's the beauty of WW; you can have those kinds of foods in moderation.

BarbPA - How's the momentum going? I've still got to get the exercise thing going full steam again. Half steam would be an improvement at this point. Maybe I'll set an exercise goal or challenge for myself?

J-Ann - That shrimp sounded really good. Its low in points so we like to do that too. I'll have to try the bed of wild rice. We did pasta last night.

Catherine - That is awesome that you have met someone that you are so ga-ga about!!! I met my DH through the personals. My theory has been that just because you meet someone online or through an ad, doesn't make them any more nutcase potential than if you meet them in the store. They can still be nutjobs or perfect matches either way. So, you go girl!

Barb.G - Too bad about the AH doc. Ignore him as best you can.

I better get moving. I could use a nap and its only 7:07 am.

Good Morning! WooHoo! TGIF!!


Question for those using countdown tickers....Do you have to start over each time to update it? That's the only way I've found to do so, just wondering if there is an easier way.

Tina - I'm so happy that you're making it work for you!!! You are such an inspiration! Sounds like you all had a wonderful family day!

Thin - Yay on the blood pressure! I think the challenge with hubby sounds great! I'm going to suggest something like that to my DH.

Terri - Momentum is slowly increasing here. In my head I have such good intentions each day but I'm having a difficult time getting my body to listen. I nearly did nothing yesterday, but then about 9:00 I got out the exercise mat and did about 20 minutes of crunches and pilates type stuff. Better than nothing! Enjoy the boat - sounds like fun!

Michelle, Mary, Barbg, Lillion, Doxie, J-ann, Iwillbe, Leanne, Catherine --- Hey Gals!!! What's happening? It's so great to be back with all the old chicks! Not that I don't love all the new chicks too, it's just a comfortable place for me!


I'm gonna run for now. I'm still sitting here in my jammies. Yes, I should be working, but it's Friday and things are slow so I am being a lil bit of a bum. I have an exercise bike and hand weights in the room with me. I'm thinking every hour I'll stop for 5-10 minutes of biking, stretching, etc. That should add up to something!

Chow for now!
Barb

Mornin' Ladies,

I'm off to Conn. today for a dog show tomorrow. Home tomorrow night then off early Sunday AM to visit a friend that lives up where Lake Ontaro feeds into the St. Lawrence River. Lots of car time this weekend. I'm feeling pretty good about getting OP. I do well when I travel as long as I remember that Fast Food joints are only good for iced tea at the drive thru NOT food. I've put fat free pretzels and those 1 pt packs of Oreos in the car and will put fruit in the cooler before I leave.

You gals have a fantastic weekend!

Good morning!

I slept in 10:45 Arghhhh! It felt good but I've got things to do today.

Of course I stopped here first before going to do the two reports I need to type. That's NOT good, but I like it!

Glad you guys liked the idea of the challenge. BTW, if neither of us reach the 10 pound goal, Honey says we'll have to pitch a tent and sleep in the yard. ........ I think that would be a WIN situation too, wouldn't it? I can't do this without him. I told him I would take care of food at home and it was up to him to watch himself when we weren't together. Sounded fair to me. YUP!

Terri: The evening on the boat, just the 3 of you, sounds like some re-coup time that you and DH need. There's been alot of stress in your lives this past week with the barn situation and I'm sure you'll be happy to just sit and float your troubles away.

BarbPA: The easiest way to change your tracker is to go to "User CP" in the upper left hand corner. Choose "Edit Signature" from the left menu. Then the signature codes will come up in a window. Just kinda weed through the code and you'll see where your numbers are. Just change the numbers. If you have trouble, let me know and I'll try to help you out.

Judy: Have a WONDERFUL trip. Sounds like alot of fun. I hope the weather holds out for you and you have a safe trip and enjoyable time. Luck to the pups in whatever class you're showing them in.

Well girls, the paperwork awaits and time it is a waisting. I've got to go and be a "showgirl" this afternoon. Actually, I was supposed to be out of here by now. I have trailers for Stealth and Must Have Dogs. I was hoping to get time to actually SEE Must Have Dogs. See you later. Love ya bunches.

Hey ladies, remember me? I have a ways to go before I hit 40, but after seeing some familiar names I had to pop in. It's great to see so much of the old group come back. I too missed the family type feel we had going(no offense to any newbies)Tina- you are doing awesome girl. I really missed having you around. I can't stay for long right now, I'm getting ready to go to Atlantic City for the night, but I'll try to pop in over the weekend and post a little more.
Steph

Geri - AHHH - I see the numbers in the code now. That is much easier! Thank you!!! I want to see Must have Dogs also. I hope it's as good at the previews look.

Judy - Have a wonderful weekend roadtrip to the dog show!

Steph - Welcome back!! It's great to see you. I wonder who else we can lure out of hiding!

Barb

Good Morning Ladies!

And a Good Morning it is! Still nice here in Mid-MO - what a wonderful break from the horrible hot weather we had before!

Just got back from WI with good news! Lost 3 lbs, down officially to 271 - on the nose! I had been worried, but after not moving last week, it was a really, really pleasant surprise.

Went to the Y last night. I went alone, since DH had SCA fighter practice. I have to admit, I felt a LOT more self-conscious without him. I was definately the fattest person there! But tried not to think about that and work on NOT being the fattest person there forever. While I did my 10 min on the treadmill before and after the weights, I watched ESPN, which was showing -of all things- the Alka Seltzer Open! An eating contest of all things. How does that rank as a real sport? It was amazing that these skinny, fit people would eat like that! Only one guy was fat. One of the favorites was this tiny little asian woman who couldn't have weighed 110 lbs. They also showed a hot dog eating contest - won by a little japanese man. 49 hot dogs! Certainly curbed my appetite!

Thin: I keep trying to figure out exactly what it is you do for a living. I know your business card says "customer service consultant", but it seems like such a cool job! Unless, of course, you don't like eating out and going to the movies? I just find your little hints of what you do tantalizing and keep wondering about it.

J-Ann: Have fun! Packing a cooler is definately the way to go on long car trips - and pay at the pump so you don't see the candy at the gas station check-out!

Well ladies, must get to work. Probably going to Outback Steakhouse for dinner tonight! Have to remember to eat a VERY SMALL LUNCH - Think I'll go get a salad!

Onward and Downward Ladies!

Ok, as you'll see by the time stamp on this, I haven't gotten outta here yet, 2 hours later. Oye........

But now that some of the "old" girls are back, I can't seem to stay away. I keep tuning in to see who else the chicks have dragged in.

Lilion: I'm a mystery shopper and I do some merchandising once in awhile. I love it. I'm my own boss. This Fall I will have been doing it for 12 years. It is the only second income that we have. Basically my "business" pays for any and all entertainment that we do around here. Whether it's movies, dinner out or Honey and my mini vacations, the "business" foots the bill. It doesn't sound like much, but that lives Honey's check for living expenses and we certainly do alot more entertainment type things than most people do because for the most part, it's paid for.

BarbPA: You're more than welcome! It is much easier to just change a number or two than to re-create the whole thing over and over again.

Steph, honey!: Good to see you! I'm so glad you stopped in and I hope you'll get back in the habit of posting with us again. Fill us in, catch us up. What's going on?

Judy: The noon news just reported a HUGE accident in Connecticutt this morning. I sure hope you weren't there. Now I'm worried. I hope you'll stop in as soon as you get home. [[[hugs]]]

Ok, girls, this time I really do have to run. See ya later.

Hey Tina glad to see Tonys face back on here. He has been doing awsome lately. How have you been . Hello all you other chicks.

I forgot to say DH has an interview today keep your fingers and toes crossed