I tried on the swim suit tonight. It fits. It scared me half to death to see myself in it. It is a size 16 and it fits~~~I start my aqua class in the morning. I am excited. I can't wait to get going. I want to see if they have a yoga class as well. I also need to hit the treadmill there. I am ready to work hard for the 170's. Wish me luck tomorrow!! Catch ya after class. Pat

Good morning girls! I'm feeling good today! The scale moved in the right direction this morning - which always puts a smile on my face! Also - I hit the 1/2 mark! I've officially lost #55.6, and have #55.4 more to go! I'm proud! Now I just have to keep it up - and NOT slack off!!! :santa: is coming faster then I'd like to think - and I DESPERATELY want to say - "hey I need new jeans" because mine are all falling off my butt!!! :)

Originally Posted by Enygirl:
Good morning girls! I'm feeling good today! The scale moved in the right direction this morning - which always puts a smile on my face! Also - I hit the 1/2 mark! I've officially lost #55.6, and have #55.4 more to go! I'm proud! Now I just have to keep it up - and NOT slack off!!! :santa: is coming faster then I'd like to think - and I DESPERATELY want to say - "hey I need new jeans" because mine are all falling off my butt!!! :)

Wow Eny! Congrats to you! :hat: That's awesome! I can't wait till I can say "I lost over 50 pounds!" ... ah, but that is so far into the future! Hey, I just saw your avatar in another thread and didn't even realize it was yours. LOL cute!

I am back from my aqua arthritis class and aqua arobics class. Can we say AWESOME!!!!!! There was no loud back ground music. Everyone goes at their own pace or limitations. The only thing that struck me as odd is some one brought Buck Eyes (sweet goodies) for after class treats. After a short time I felt comfortable in the water. I was able to do pretty much every exercise. The group was small and very friendly. The water really helped me do things I couldn't do on land. I was able to skip in the water!!!! This amazed me because the impact of my weight on the ground with every skip hop would just absolutely kill my left hip. Walking backwards in water is a real challenge for me. I did 4 laps-2 up and 2 back on the short end of the pool. Then I was invited to stay for the aqua arobics class immediately after the first class. It was more fast paced with less instruction on how to do each move. I "faked" it, did what I thought everyone else was doing. If I couldn't get the jist I walked up and down the short end of the pool doing my own arm movements. Worked for me, honestly I don't think anyone else noticed one way or the other. Bottom line I had a great time, met some really nice ladies, got a solid hour of exercise in the pool. When you are done you leave. No one questions you. Body limitations don't matter. Do what you can do then come back for the next class... The arthritis instructor strongly advised that no matter how sore or stiff I felt tomorrow come back for class. Do what I can do. She said that would help the stiffness. Okay everyone I am going back tomorrow.~~As I was climbing the latter to get out of the pool I could feel gravity kicking in. My butt felt like it weighed a ton!! I couldn't believe how my legs had to struggle to hold me up!! It took a good 10-15 minutes for my legs to make the adjustment!! I am okay now. I feel a little tired. I am so happy to report 1 hour pool exercise for today. Catch ya all later! Pat

Sounds great Pat, glad you had a good time!

Pat - that's AWESOME! Finding something that you like is a HUGE thing in the exercise world! :congrat:

Originally Posted by Dixiemae:
I am back from my aqua arthritis class and aqua arobics class. Can we say AWESOME!!!!!! There was no loud back ground music. Everyone goes at their own pace or limitations. The only thing that struck me as odd is some one brought Buck Eyes (sweet goodies) for after class treats. After a short time I felt comfortable in the water. I was able to do pretty much every exercise. The group was small and very friendly. The water really helped me do things I couldn't do on land. I was able to skip in the water!!!! This amazed me because the impact of my weight on the ground with every skip hop would just absolutely kill my left hip. Walking backwards in water is a real challenge for me. I did 4 laps-2 up and 2 back on the short end of the pool. Then I was invited to stay for the aqua arobics class immediately after the first class. It was more fast paced with less instruction on how to do each move. I "faked" it, did what I thought everyone else was doing. If I couldn't get the jist I walked up and down the short end of the pool doing my own arm movements. Worked for me, honestly I don't think anyone else noticed one way or the other. Bottom line I had a great time, met some really nice ladies, got a solid hour of exercise in the pool. When you are done you leave. No one questions you. Body limitations don't matter. Do what you can do then come back for the next class... The arthritis instructor strongly advised that no matter how sore or stiff I felt tomorrow come back for class. Do what I can do. She said that would help the stiffness. Okay everyone I am going back tomorrow.~~As I was climbing the latter to get out of the pool I could feel gravity kicking in. My butt felt like it weighed a ton!! I couldn't believe how my legs had to struggle to hold me up!! It took a good 10-15 minutes for my legs to make the adjustment!! I am okay now. I feel a little tired. I am so happy to report 1 hour pool exercise for today. Catch ya all later! Pat

Very awesome Pat! :carrot: My mom teaches water aerobics (I fell really far from that tree!) but she says all the time the great success people have in that class. Keep it up and you should see huge improvements. I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

Had a rough couple days. Emotionally and eating. Today is a little better. Still sticking to my plan. Got some walking in today and I felt better.

Eny-Congrats. :carrot:

Pat- The class sounds great. I've always wanted to take a water aerobics class.

Lady- Congrats to you too. :carrot:

Stephi- Hope you feel better!

barbarajean---:hug: Glad to see you are still determined to slog on....

lady--WTG on the weight loss!! I am hoping for a little more myself, feeling skinnier anyway after my swim tonight.....

dixiemae--I love going to the pool now! I have really come to enjoy that maybe b/c I am getting better at it. I started this summer about once/week, but recently have been going 2-3 times--I am starting to see good cardio results! I am doing "adult fitness swim" and a couple of the coaches there are terrific--improving my technique, giving us drills to do, encouraging us on. I recently bought the fins, OH MAN do my legs feel like they are getting a work-out now!

eny--:congrat: on the HALF WAY MARK!! :whoo: Here's hoping you don't stay there long (like I have been--I swear I've been there at least two weeks now....) Like Blue says, I can't wait until I'e lost more than 50 pounds! You are really doing awesome, actually, we all are! :carrot:

:carrot: to Eny for half way and to Pat for loving your new class! (& to anyone I've missed while life is hectic!!)

I have been not online much, too much going on with work and kids and all.

Now I know that I need to find time for me, but easier said than done. I only have 5 minutes or so this am if I am going to get a bit of exercise in, then won't be home til close to 11 tonight, so, there's that. All that aside though, if I am to lose weight, I have to eat right and exercise, bottom line, there it is.

Today is Day 1 (again), completely OP. I am completely OP til Thanksgiving Day. Today I weighed 151, I want to get back to the 130's. In 28 days completely OP, I should get most of the way there!!

MM~So very good to hear from you!! I have missed you very much. I am also missing Earthshaker. Where are you Shaker!!

Everyone~Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement on the aqua classes. To any one that is thinking about trying it. Just jump in and give it a try. You will not be sorry. I heard a story today about a lady in class that was scared to death of water, didn't want to get in the water when she got there. Our instructor helped her take it very slow. After a few months of doing the exercises with the class on the area by the pool. She was ready to try the water, sitting on the side of the pool dangling her feet in the water. After a period of time she got into the water. Now almost a year later she is doing sooooooo great. The benefits are countless. I feel like a different person in the water. I can do many things I can not do on dry land. Like jumping jacks, skipping in the water, I can bounce up and down. It doesn't cause any problems with my hips or knees. I was not sore, stiff, or achey this morning. I braved it out to the 4 foot level and was fine with it. This class was much smaller than yesterdays class. We did different exercises. I love the figure eights with the legs. I couldn't do them on land, balance is too iffy. In the water I can do them!! I got what they call a noodle, sat on it for floatation and doggy paddled 3 short length of the pool. IN my super woman state of mind in the water I don't want to over do it and be sore tomorrow. I do have a headache, I am going to eat some veggie soup and take pain relievers. I will catch ya all later~~~~ I almost forgot to tell ya wi this morning 180.2 headed in the right direction!! Pat

:cheer: to dixie!

I'm so excited about Christmas! YAHOOTIE!

WOW! Sounds like everyone is doing GREAT! Way to go!!! I have been to BOOT CAMP all 3 times this week, and have been eating on plan. I am hoping for another monumental week when I weigh in (officially) next week. I am craving salt like crazy 'cuz "it's that time", and I hope it doesn't blow it for me!
Hope all can keep it up!!!
My husband and I decided to go out tomorrow night for dinner and a movie so that we don't have to buy candy for "Tricks or Treats". We don't have kids, so it isn't too much of a big deal.
Happy Halloween all!

Less than 8 weeks to go to Christmas. That's scary.

I am doing OK today, got back into Fitday thi s morning to see where all my calories are coming from. Trying to be sure to log every bite/lick/taste of everything. It's those BLT's that are killing my efforts. Also spent 35 minutes on the dreadmill this am with run/walk intervals and went to the Women's Group meeting at church and had only water!! No coffee cake for moi!

Thanks for the warm welcome back Pat and I agree, Earthshaker, where are you??

Good Morning everyone. Here is my week in review. I had 6 days of program eating. One really bad day, Halloween. I logged 6 hours of exercise. Gained 1 pound. Took measurements of waist and hips. Goals for this week:::Eat on program 7 days::::Exercise 5 days. If I choose to do pool time next Saturday I can do so, BUT Sundays are my day of rest from exercise. For the Month of November my goals are:::loose 5 pounds-loose an inch from my waist-loose an inch from my hips-order black Christmas dress one size smaller than size now wearing (14). I don't think size 12 will be realistic. I am ready to kick my butt and get these last few pounds gone.

Had long talk with ex yesterday. He is going to renew my gym membership for Christmas with no strings attached. I am doing the happy dance. He got what he wanted I will get what I need--ticket to a healthier me. I am ready!
Catch ya all later. Pat

That's awesome Dixiemae! You sound like you are in a much better place today, and more upbeat! I am so happy for you!

I did not do much exercise yesterday, for the first time in 11 days. Oh well, my goal was 6 out of 7 and I'm exceeding that. So onward and upward. Getting ready to go to the pool, for my hour of "swimming laps--vigorous effort" (per FitDay!)

Bye all!

Let's go chickies, let's refocus and kick butt! Just over 7 weeks to go!!

Dixie, congrats on renewing your gym membership. That is one of the things I would like, but can't find time or money for

Hey Chicks-
Checking in. Went to boot camp this evening. Managed to completely avoid ANY candy over the holiday. :)
I have my "official weigh in" tomorrow. Wish me luck and think *skinny*!

Wow, no candy for Halloween, you better see a great number, good luck!!!

Me again. I had lost focus with the TBL challenge, I actually am out of it now, I did not want to post a gain for my team so I dropped out. I know that when I spread myself too thin, it works against me. I did well yesterday, one day at a time!!

Where is everyone? I miss you!!

Hi MotherM! I know what you mean about spreading yourself too thin. At first I was disappointed that I didn't join TBL challenge, but I doubt I could have kept up. That thread seems to move so quickly! I do much better with smaller challenges. I'm doing this one, as well as one for Thanksgiving and one fitness challenge. That's enough to keep me motivated!

LadyinFlux, I am soooo impressed that you managed to get by Halloween without any candy. I wish I'd been that strong! I've managed to get right back to it though, so I guess that's not too bad. I seem to be having trouble getting into the exercise groove this week though. I have to work on that!

Have a great night ladies!

Happy election day! Hope everyone voted - it is your right!
Weigh in today was not spectacular, but things are moving in the right direction. Down 1.5 - I guess they can't all be HUGE loss weeks.
Only 9.5 lbs to go to meet my Christmas goal. YIPPIE! 180 is so close I can feel it!!

Lady in Flux, 1.5 is awesome!! :carrot: Good for you, and you are right, they CAN"T all be huge loss weeks (darn it) and less than 10 pounds to Christmas, woo hoo!!

RMC, thanks for the support, I have tried the TBL twice, just too big a thread for me I think, anywho, onward we go right?

I just got off the dreadmill, I restarted C25K, just finished Day 3 of Week 2, need to go do my crunches and get my butt to the shower. Have a great day all!

MM~So good to hear from you. Congrats for restarting the run/jog workout. The gym is having a Sleigh Bell Run Dec 6th. I am thinking about registering for it. It sounds like fun. What do you think?

I have 255 minutes of exercise for the month so far. I am headed for the gym this morning for pool class then fitness class. then an appointment at 2. I have a busy day, burning those calories. Catch ya all later. Pat

Is the Sleigh Bell Run a 5k? Is it outside? It sounds like fun! I've done a few 5K's and I always just count myself a winner to finish! Besides, you usually get a tshirt to prove you did it.

If you'd like to do it, go for it!! You can do anything you put your mind to. Just remember to walk if you need to!!

Man it's been a while since I've been over here!

Hope you all are doing well!

Welcome back Stephi, glad to see ya.

We are sticking with it, aren't we ladies. 3 weeks til Turkey day and 7 weeks til Christmas, full steam ahead!!

MM~The Sleigh Bell is a 5k. It cost $12 to Pre register, but yes you get a tee shirt. They are pretty from what I can see. I will ask at the desk today before I leave. It does sound like a lot of fun. I am so excited about being able to go to the gym. The fitness class I took yesterday was a lot of fun. It was doable. She didn't to 100 reps of each exercise. Like bicep curls. 12 regular curls and 12 pulse curls. I feel them this morning, I started with 3# weights. The way she did crunches 12 reg 12 pulses, can feel them this morning after I had my aqua classes. I did some of the aqua arobics class that followed my class. I had to go to the deeper (5 ft) end of the pool. I am 5ft 6in. My feet barely touched bottom. It was hard for me to stay with the arobics class fighting the ripples in the water. I kinda did my own thing trying to keep my chin above water. Still it was fun, I enjoyed my time. For as big as I am I am a 5 pound weakling. I really need to get some strength all over. I did a lot of land walking, but it doesn't have the resistance of the water to help build balance, ripples in the water cause me to loose my balance. I have made friends in both classes. I am happy. BTW my ex said he would renew my membership for a whole year with no strings attached!!!! I gave him the 2007 car with no strings attached, so he felt generous, the renewal is my Christmas present. Can't argue with that!! Catch ya later I have to get ready for class. Pat

I haven't been on for awhile. I was sick and then TOM came and I lost all motivation. I finally got back track on eating, but the exercise hasn't come back. I'm going to do something today. I want to get back on track. Thankfully, I only gained a few ounces and since watching what I ate I lost that and a pound. I don't know if I'm going to make my goal, but it will be close.

Hope everyone is having a good Thursday!

woohoo!!! 147.2lbs this morning!!! I absolutely need to be 137lbs by Christmas!!! Think I can do it??? YES I CAN!!!

MM~I got the pre-registration paper from the Y this morning or was it afternoon? It has the mapped route on it. They give door prizes. Each age group listed the first male and female to finish in their age grouping wins $25. That is an advantage for the runners/joggers. She said I can walk it, and the registration form says you can walk it. So, that said I am officially in trainning to walk the Sleigh Bell 5K!! Yeeeeeehawwwww. MM~You have inspired me to do things I never dreamed of doing a few short months ago. B L E S S~Y O U!!!!!!

Dixie - No, bless you! That will be awesome. I am so happy for you. I'm glad you get a shirt too!! I love to have the shirts to remind me of what I've done. Take your bib number after the race and write your time and the date on the back so you'll have it! I have them all on a wall, fun to see the progress too. I just saw where a lady made a quilt of all her husband's old racing t's, what a neat idea, huh? I know you and Eny are crafty, the only thing I make is a mess!!!

Who I wanna be. I am there with you. I am planning to hit 135 minimum by Christmas.

Barabra Jean- welcome back! Glad you are feeling better!

Hey girls - sorry that I've been MIA - I've let the leg injury effect me completely! I've been eating like crap, not doing any workouts - and gaining weight back... UGH! I need to STOP RIGHT NOW! Even if I can't do a lot of the lower body stuff, there is a lot I can DO!!! Someone PLEASE COME KICK ME IN THE BUTT! :kickbutt: I get SO discouraged SO easily!!!! I'm so glad I have you girls! One of the great things about hosting challenge threads is that it FORCES me to at least check in everyday - which starts the motivation back.

MM - I am crafty - but don't think for a moment that it doesn't include a HUGE mess! :lol:

Man it's been a while since I've posted here!!

Christmas seems sooner than ever! My neighbours already have their Christmas tree out! :p

Eny, I've missed something, what happened to your leg?

Stephi, A tree already, really?

Morning Ladies! I've been MIA as well. This last week was a busy one - house guests, a business trip, days off my school - all the things that get in the way of my routine! I'm happy that I still managed to drop another 1.5 lbs, but I'm really happy about finally being able to get back to my routine! (And I'm even happier that I'm happy about it!! I never thought that eating healthy and exercising would be something that I like to do. But, I feel sooooo much better when I do!)

Eny, it's so hard when you have the type of injury you have - it seems one little move and EVERYTHING hurts! But, you're right; maybe you can get some upper body work in while you heal. Take care of yourself!

Pat, congrats on attempting the 5K! That's really great. I've been adding a bit more running/jogging to my walk, but my knee is a bit messed up and I'm always paranoid of seriously hurting it. Also, I'm so jealous of your YMCA membership; we don't have a local Y. There's a local gym which I was thinking of joining, but right now my son is sharing my car to get to school and work, so I'm not sure how/if I would get to the gym regularly. I'm doing pretty well with my at-home routine - stationary bike and some DVDs, with some DDR thrown in (I love that!).

Hope everyone has a great day and enjoys there weekend!

MM~What a wonderful Idea!! As Eny said don't think I create messes too!! I was talking about some Christmas decorating with my son this morning> Eny gave me a great site with quit designs for tree skirts. I am going to have at that here in the next week. I want to put my tree up the day after Thanksgiving.

I posted a real rag on another board. I am so stressed I binged yesterday. Have not done that in a long, long time. I have a lot to make up for calorie wise. Today is better food wise, but no exercise as yet. I did buy a new winter coat and gloves. It is so cold here, a jacket just won't do it. I got denied some legal beagle financial stuff. I am calling my lawyer Monday morning. I want to know what is going on. I feel jerked around, like a second class citizen. I don't know weather to cry or puke. Off my rag. I will catch ya all later. Pat

dixie--I hope you can get all that straightened out--you were doing so well there!

I got emotionally derailed this week and didn't exercise much. Made myself go today, and weighed--amazingly down to 185.8. I just didn't feel like eating much. Usually I stress-eat. But occasionally I don't eat when I have certain blue periods.

So, I feel a bit better. Onward and upward for us all.

Happy Sunday ladies. Hope everyone is on the wagon. Every day is a chance to get back on the wagon. I need to go to the gym or for a walk today. I have been hanging on with the eating plan (a little variation yesterday with some home made French Onion soup (minus the bread and minus the port wine)).
Time is coming for the holidays. We are gonna' do it!!!

Hope everyone is doing well. Hugs to all.

MM~Modcat~ Thanks so much for your support!!! I finally came up with a very doable plan B. I don't need to pay a sitter at the Y. They have open swim at night. They don't have a fitness class in the evening, I can do a dvd to get around that problem. I am on my way. The stress is off. I feel better about things now. Catch ya all later. :-))))) Pat