I've been posting my weights, but have been bad about posting in these threads. It seems like you guys all know each other well, and I feel weird popping in and posting!

I'm finally back on track. I had a huge mess up 4th of july weekend, and went up like 8 lbs. I know most of it was bloating and water, but still. And then it didn't help that when I got home, I wasn't into eating good again, and then had my period etc.

I'm finally back down, and actually losing NEW weight, as opposed to the weight I had gained back over the 4th. I'm 232.8. I haven't been out of the 230's in like 6 or 7 years, I think. I'm excited, and have had a really good week. I've been around 1800 cals each day and rode 12 miles yesterday, and ran 1 mile, and walked another. And I was very proud of the fact that for dinner last night we had pizza, my HUGE weakness, and I had 2 slices, and that was it. And was around 2000 calories for the day, and lost weight I love having good weeks like this, it helps keep me motivated.

QOTD Once you reach your goal how do you see your life being different than before you started your weight loss journey?

I think just that I'm more active. I ride my bike, I run, I walk. I still have my lazy days, but overall, I'm more active, and I love it. I love mt biking, and running.

One thing I'm worried about is, I leave for vacation next weekend, and I will not have internet access. I used my 2 freebies for the first 2 weeks, as I completely forgot about it, and had internet issues. So I may end up being kicked out next week anyway!

Hi All,

Nice to see some people's lives are moving in the right direction...

II've ad some huge stresses going on, who knows what the scale will tell me on Monday, I have a feeling it will not be kind. There are those people who lose weiht when they are stressed... I am NOT one of them!!!

Have a great Sunday, all! It's back to work for me tomorrow...

Yeah, I know EXACTLY how much paperwork it is. I'm also a government employee. For those of you who don't know....in the private sector they tell you to limit your resume to no more than 2 pages, right? Whenever I apply for a federal job, the resume I submit is more like 22 pages! Plus any other forms that may be required.

I know what you mean about not making enough money to get essentials. Before I went back to school and got my degree in accounting and information systems, I was making about half of what I am now (also in a government position) and it was not enough to support myself. That's sad when you can work full time and it's still not a living wage. Even though I've got student loans out the wazoo, going back to school was the best decision I ever made.

Good luck with the job you're applying for!

You can do it, RangerChic! What do you have planned for your vacation? We're leaving for Vegas Wednesday...trusty laptop in tow, so it'll be like I was never gone. LOL! Have to do something to keep me out of the casinos during the day, right? Otherwise I could go broke

Sorry to hear you're not feeling good. Ice cream is one of my comfort foods, too, and I can relate to wanting to curl up with a nice cold bowl. I have the same problem you do with taking the pill....it's so bad that I can't even stand myself when I take them! Agree it's great to be able to come here and see how everyone is doing. This is a very supportive and welcoming forum.

Don't feel weird about popping in and posting - like I said, this is a very supportive forum. I do understand how it feels, there are some places I can post and some of the long time members will act like I don't even exist....weird feeling....like I'm not even worthy of saying hello to. (Personally, I think that's just plain rude!)

Glad to hear you are getting back on track! It would be a shame to lose you this far into the challenge....is there any way you can access a computer while you're on vacation? Hotel? Library? Anywhere?

I'm a stress eater too, and I'm envious as all get out of people who don't eat when they're stressed! Hope things get better for you soon. I hear exercise helps to reduce stress levels....personally, I just get more stressed out if for some reason I have to miss a workout....so maybe a little more exercise would help?

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope you're enjoying some sun and some fun!!

Oh no. We're staying at my Dad's cabin in a tiny city in Michigan. Like its a post office and a few resturants, and thats it. He doesnt have cable or a phone there. Kind of 'rustic' in that way - no computer, tv, phone.

I might be ok, if I post my weigh in next friday, and then when I get back, depending on when we get back.

Miriam - I understand, I'm a stress eater too, and I'm not one of those people who lose weight when stressed.

Ha, thanks! I'm going up to New York to visit family and what have you. I am going to work my butt off to lose what I can in the next 3 weeks... Vegas would be cool, but I'm not a gambler. Good for you in keeping out of the casinos!

What a GREAT weekend. Mack and I went to the park on Saturday and did a 1.5 mile walk around the lake twice. Then we hiked in the mountains on Sunday. My new boots are breaking in nicely and I think will be ready for my trip to Alaska. Mack was laughing at me, one because my new boots match my new winter coat (didn't plan that) and two that I was kicking up the dirt so they wouldn't look new.

Monday mornings are always so difficult when Mack returns to work, especially after his flex Friday three day weekend. I can't wait for him to retire so we are together 24/7. Only 7 years, 7 months, and 7 days.

Well I was down 1.2 lbs. yesterday morning but only .8 this morning for my official WI.

I'm off to workout and will also do bowflex for the first time in three weeks. Decided I would lower my weights by 5 lbs. just to make sure it's "tolerated". Then I need to clean house so I'm sure I'll be checking in from time to time to catch a break.

I'm back! I had a great vacation. Ate like a horse, but then we hiked well over 70 miles, so I imagine it balanced out to some degree. I'm still working on the internet at my new place, but I'll try to get a couple of good pictures up here before this challenge ends.

Still haven't gotten on the scale, but I'm planning on weighing August 1st and making a fresh start for this fall. I would really like to get down to my goal weight by my two year weight loss anniversary (Oct 4). I know that I really should start back immediately, but I have way too much to do this week. I'll be lucky to even fit in sleep!

Happy Monday!!

I am in one of those phases where nothing is happening. I know it is mid-cycle time, but man!! Can this get frustrating. Had someone tell me the other day that I looked great the way I was and shouldn't worry about losing more. They also said though that I needed to do what would make me happy. If I could lose the belly pooch and a little more thigh I would be happy. Is that too much to ask??

Hope everyone has a good week. All I am asking for is at least a teeny loss this week.

Working on cutting down my sodium this week as well. I want to keep at 1500mg a day, but trying to keep under 2000mg. I did well today as I came out having consumed 1595mg. It's not easy to keep sodium levels low!

Also, I drank 85oz of water today which is good. I usually drink about 60oz, so trying to up this intake to help my weight loss continue (well, that's the hope anyway).

MC - Welcome back. Looking forward to the pictures

Mindy - I too have a pooch that I'm not happy with. Spanx are a wonderful thing but I would really like to not have to wear them. At this point I'm thinking goal will be more like 130-137 but will wait until after I get back from my vacation to reevaluate.

RC- sodium reduction and increased water sounds like a good plan.

Good Tuesday morning to you all!!! Just lost one pound last week, which any loss is great. I have been exercising everyday so far I have done the 30 day shred for 9 days, to day is the 10th day and I will move to level 2. My eating this weekend was not great, My MIL was in the hospital and we were there all weekend and you would think a hospital of all places would have healthier options but I was wrong. Anyway I hope to make up for it the rest of this week. I have had trouble for the past week getting my veggies in, so I am concentrating on drinking my water, getting my veggies in and no splurges. Also this weekend was TOM and the chocolate craving was over the top. Well I guess I am just full of excuses...

Ranger- I think you plan is good. I have been trying to decrease my sodium and you are right it it hard. Keep up the good work.

Mindy- you have done so well. I have read that the belly is the hardest place for women to tone up. So good luck to you!! Also the thighs oh my goodness I wish there was a secret to slimming them down.. let me know if you figure it out..

CAT- you also have done so well. Keep up the good work!!! Enjoy your Vacation!! And I have been thinking of investing in some spanx.

CruiseCAT - I thought I saw a post on the Blue thread where you mentioned e-mailing me? I've cleaned out my backlogged emails and I don't see it. Which e-mail did you use? I didn't send this in a PM, in case that was how you sent it, and therefore my PMs are not working.

DIXIED- Nice pic. You look awesome.

Did a 3 mile, hot, muggy, walk/jog tonight. Got home and felt like I just got out of the shower, except stinky. If that doesn't take off a few ounces, I don't know what will.

WOW!! I thought since nobody had posted since me yesterday, that maybe there was new thread started. I don't see one though. Therefor I am posting here.

Today I was down a little bit. 182.4-First time I've seen the 182's in about 2 weeks. I am hoping it is going to be headed in the right direction now. I have this gut feeling I'll be back up tomorrow though. Went out to lunch today and didn't do diddly squat today. I still need to get in a workout tonight. I hope it helps.