andI will!!!

"Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." -Joshua J. Marine

jasonslea ~ It does move quickly, but hey at least your still posting. I hope you slept well.

Lookingtobehealthy ~ Those are some great motivators.

jacqui ~ Yeah, doing well, but I think I'm retaining a little water. I should be down more than what I am but this morning I woke up and my hands were swollen. Too much sodium yesterday and not enough water. I really think I need to go back to drinking loads of water. I am making sure I am getting those calories in and keeping on track with these nifty todo lists everyday, I even wrote the one for today last night. How have you been doing?

FSA ~ You go girl! Gettin' all romantic and stuff on the beach. Come on, you can tell us the truth, you guys weren't walking were you? I think we know what you guys were doing on the beach...at night...had to take a shower to get the sand off when ya got home didn't you? Just joshing, but yeah, sounds like you guys had a great time, I hope that will become a habit for you guys. I envy you. I haven't seen a "real" beach since I was a child.

NSM ~ That's awesome about the size 12's. Way to go chicky!

gatorgirl ~ Good for you! Sounds like you are doing everything right. Keep it up!

lumifan4ever ~ Have fun at six flags!

Urockmom ~ I hope you guys had a god time yesterday.

Lene ~ I hope you get to feeling better dear.

crazymomma ~ How did the rest of your evening go yesterday?

I did wake up to a one pound drop, but barely. I woke up with these huge swollen hands. Dang spagetti I guess. Too much salt. I think I was doing better when I was drinking more than 96oz. My face is hot, I almost feel like I have a sunburn..WTF? It's been raining on and off for the past few days and I haven't even been outside. Not sure what's going on, but I still feel alright. Today is the treadmill and strength training, so hopefully I can replenish my body with a little more water today. Please let it be TOM around the corner. I feel a little blah and those mini cramps have been on and off...so I'm crossin' my fingers that it is TOM and I can go ahead and get it over with.

At any rate, you ladies have a great day and enjoy your Friday! Don't forget to drink you WATER and remember those smiles!

Good morning ladies! Well, I have good news! I dropped another 1 lb which takes me to 30 lbs lost overall!! Woohoo on the panties!! I even got to add another cheerleader smiley to my signature! Honestly, I could not have come this far without 3FC, these monthly threads, and you ladies!! It's been at least 2 years since I've been this low in weight and if I hit the 170s by the end of the month...I mean, *when* I hit the 170s by the end of the month, I haven't been that weight since at least 5 years ago! It's so exciting to think about! So far, this month, I don't know but I have not enjoyed exercising, probably not one time, but yesterday, I felt stronger, and it reminded me that the more I build muscle, the more calories I will burn (Delphi, what were the exact numbers? I remember they were astonishing!) and the more calories I burn, the more weight I lose! And then I get to have this thrilled feeling! Since March 12th, less than 3 months, I have lost 30 lbs!! By the end of the summer, I could be "normal" weight!! SO exciting!!

Delphi, I always retain water after eating spaghetti. It's yummy and I love it, but I just have to keep in mind that it's going to get me the next day, at least temporarily. I use whole grain noodles and don't add any extra salt to the sauce, but there's just something about spaghetti that causes water retention. But you are still down a lb?! Congrats!! The way the lbs drop off you is just incredible!! Look at those thin, pretty little shoulders in your avatar pic! And your beautiful face! Look at those sculpted cheekbones and chin! So don't let that little bit of water retention bother you. You are just doing amazingly!

Joci, I can't wait to hear that story, lol!

Good Morning!
Delphi, Newshinyme & Jacqui D-
Thanks for the personals - they are appreciated. Hope I didn't miss anyone.
This thread is so hard core I have a hard time keeping up.

I've have really been feeling the effects of my program so I thought I'd step on the scale a couple of days early.
I'm down 4lbs so far this week!
Sunday is my usual weigh-in day and I don't think I'll lose too much more this week.

Hope you all have a wonderful day

Jacqui ~ Yeah, I doubt I will be eating anymore spaghetti. I use ragu for my sauce and whole wheat noodles and I use meat balls instead of meat that way I can better track the meat calories. But man it makes me so bloated after I eat it and then I feel sluggish the rest of the day. I'll be john brown It's the only meal, I can actually cook and it taste freakin' AWESOME and now I can't even eat it.

on that pound and what a milestone for you ! Thirty pounds is a whole heap of weight and just imagine you are not carrying that around anymore. You keep going Jacqui! You build those muscles and keep and keep your focus. I do hope you get your enjoyment for the exercise back. That really helps! I'm so proud of you for getting this far.

Oh and thanks for the compliments! I see it, I do. I think I'm carrying 50lbs alone in my belly. The more weight I lose, the more I look like I'm pregnant The weight is coming off, but I don't think much of it is coming from my buddha belly. Though I can tell it's coming to a head..meaning that my sides seem to be slimming down and under my breasts it's quite flat..well yeah, just like you look when your pregnant. . I think perhaps next month one of my exercise goals will be to implement some kind of ab program. After four c-sections, I'm sure gonna need it.

That's another thing that's weird. I don't know if it's because I'm losing weight near or around my scar, but it's starting to itch a bit. That roll of fat is now a mini roll, but that scar is itching like crazy. Perhaps tightening up? Anyone else experience that?

Well I had a great work out and hopefully I start to get my mojo back to day. I think the past few days of eating spagetti have really drained my energy levels. I don't know why or if that's it at all..it may be TOM fast approaching...dunno, but I keep on keeping on, that's for sure. I'm not gonna let me feeling blah stand in my way!

Susiemartin ~ Wow! on the four pounds chicky. That is amazing!

Susie!!! 4 lbs!!! That's incredible!! 's That almost half your June goal in just one week!! Keep going, girl!!

Delphi, oh I wouldn't give up the spaghetti altogether if I were you. I haven't! I use ragu or prego sauce too, and although I might retain water for a day, made with whole grain wheat noodles like we use, it's a healthy meal. I just make sure I eat a large salad and some steamed veggies (in one of those Ziploc Steam 'n' Zip bags), and just a small portion of spaghetti now. It's more of a side dish now. Oh my, I used to have two heaping dinner plates full! Now I don't eat anything on dinner plates. All my meals fit on a salad plate now, and they don't "heap," lol! As for increasing your water, I'm starting that today too. Talking about water yesterday made me realize I have probably cut it back just a little short. If at my weight, I should be getting 93 oz a day, well I had cut back to 72 oz a day, so I'll add another 24 oz bottle back to the mix. About your C-section scar, I had two c-sections myself, but the last one was 20 years ago, so it hasn't itched in forever! Yours is just a few years old. I know that when I was taking meds 10 years ago and put on 50 lbs in 6 months, I itched like crazy all over from gaining weight. Probably my skin stretching, so maybe the itching is a good thing. Maybe it's the elasticity in your skin around your scar shrinking again. Of course, I'm just guessing, but it does seem to be weight related. You should ask your gyn the next time you see him/her.

Oh NSM, I almost forgot!! on the size 12 capris!!!! I can't wait until I can get into 14's, so 12's would put me over the moon!! Great job, chickie!!

Jacqui and Delphi-Just wanted to comment on the spaghetti conversation. Now, I use the whole wheat spaghetti and I make homemade sauce, but I ALWAYS see a loss afterwards. Red sauces LOVE me! Plus I obviously choose carefully what goes in my sauce, but it's pretty easy...my 9 y/o son can almost make it himself (he likes to cook). I'm guessing it was the meatballs that did you in, Delphi...but maybe not. Anyway, I also had to laugh at your Budda belly comment. That's SO me. I had all my kids vaginally, but my belly is where I wear my weight. My butt looks "normal", my chest looks "normal", but my belly is out there!! It's SO not cool! LOL

Susie~ WOW! and then WOW WEEE!!!! and then WOW!!! again. 4 pounds in less than one week!!!!

Jacqui~ for that pound gone along with its 29 other miserable friends!!!! Those milestone weights are just huge mental boosts and it couldn't happen to a nicer girl. Way to go you!!!

Delphi~ Congratulations on that pound! Don't worry about the bloat. More water, more water, more water.. you know the drill! Oh my gosh, I just scrolled back, way back to get to last night....You cleaned their rooms!!!! I virtually do not allow myself to go into my DDs rooms as I believe that there is nuclear waste in there that will attack at any time. You are a brave, brave chick!

Lea~ Don't worry, we all have times that we can't keep up with this thread. It just keeps movin' and running away from us! I feel like this guy:

FSA~ Glad you enjoyed the walk on the beach! It is supposed to be a really nice weekend so I hope you get out there!

Lene~ Sooo sorry you are not feeling well. Keep peeing orange and you'll be better in no time.

looking~ I would just add one-imho-very important reward: that you will get to do all of those rewards for a long time. I was running one day and a lady that I see all the time stopped me and asked if I was training for a race. I said, "No. I am training for the rest of my life!" So you just keep lookingtobehealthy because that is the best reward of all!!!!

OK, so for me, the B-day went very well. Thanks for the wishes. He is just such a great guy and this b-day was a little tough for him (45!) so I wanted him to have a nice day. Fortunately everyone else was chowing down on the pie so I was free and clear of that and the rest of the menu was made from my collection of healthy foods so all good. I think I am going to follow FSA and move my weigh-in day from Friday to Monday to try and keep me on track for the weekends. I was down 2 pounds yesterday then back up 1.5 pounds this morning. Those pounds!

Have to get out of here this morning as I am off to play some tennis. Hope you ladies have a fabulous day and **** Yeah!

Ms_P, I use meat sauce too, so the meat may be the culprit, but I don't know, I'm thinking it may be the sauce. I may have to look into recipes to make my own, although I'm really not a cook!

Urock, aww, that's such a sweet thing to say! Thank you! I'm glad you had a good time yesterday, and have fun playing tennis today!

Delphi - Is your birthday July 15th? Because mine is July 16th! Haha! And it’s been rainy here too. It really puts a damper on my walking. But I have to walk anyways. I live in the city and don’t own a car! I have noticed when I lose weight, after a bit (I guess my body is catching up??) my stretch marks itch like crazy! I guess it’s the same idea, since stretch marks are scars, too?

gatorgirl6 – I think that’s more than enough water! It also has other great effects on your skin, too!

lene1974 – Feel better!

Glutio – I love my scale. I got it from BJ’s for $30. It’s a weight watchers. My old one was a much cheaper (cheap looking too!) WW one that always gave me inconsistent readings.

lumifan4ever – WTG on getting in the exercise.

Newshinyme – Size 12! How exciting!

Lookingtobehealthy – You’ll be out of the 250s in no time, girl!

Ms Perception – Do you have a simple & easy recipe for homemade sauce? I use ragu. I don’t usually see a gain though. I just eat 2oz whole wheat pasta with ½ cup of the sauce. I’ll throw in veggies or turkey sausage/homemade meatballs and it’s a meal!

Urockmom – Happy belated birthday! I’m glad you had a great one!

As for me....I weighed 199.4 this morning! I am so friggin' excited!

Good morning and Happy Fantflippin'tastic Friday to you all! Are we ready for another amazing day? I know I am! I see that you girls were chatting away yesterday, it's gunna take me forever to catch up! I best get a move on huh?

Delphi~ yeah, I've got my Flickr all set up so no one can right click them and I'm most f&f anyway (except for my flower and bug pics) but still, you'd be amazed at what people do. Screen shots, etc. watermarked or not--they don't care. Thankfully I also upload at smaller resolutions so there's not much anyone can do with my pics besides having them on their computer, kwim? Yeah, anxiety sucks, I wish that I didn't have issues like that, but I'll count myself lucky that I live in a time where meds are available. I come from a long line of women (and men, but most women) with depression/anxiety issues and as a result they did a lot of self medicating with alchol, etc. So yeah, it sucks, but at least there's something I can do about it. Thanks again for the inspiaration yesterday! My boys room is HUGE, it's suppoed to be a second family room, and they have an insane amount of stuff (that's what having 4 sets of doting Grandparents will get ya )! It's still not done, I still have the dresser to go through and organize (Winter stuff needs to be taken out) and the desk to help them with that'll be easy peasy! Their room is so nice looking now!

URockMom~ WTG on your workouts yesterday! How was hubby's birthday? Did you avoid the pie? Aren't birthdays tough? I can't wait until I feel like I'm in a place where I can enjoy a piece of cake without a fear of having 2 or 3!

dollypie~ Great job on working out! You're right, soon it'll be easier for you--but that'll be when you need to amp it up and make it hard again! Mmmm, your dinner sounds like it was yummy! I love my crockpot, but seldom use it...I really should look into more recipes!

Lauren~ congrats on the 2 lb loss!!

Tummy~ Woo hoo! 3 lbs in the middle of TOM?! That's great! Thanks for the kind words! I love your last line! "Gotta go sweat on purpose" love it!!!

MsP~ Oh girl I better never hear you say you can't do anything!!! You CAN and you WILL make all your goals! You are a strong woman who can do whatever she puts her mind to! Congrats on the loss! Keep up the awesome work!!

Blondie~ water aerobics sounds like fun! I wish we had a pool...or that I belonged to a gym that had a pool. Lewis~ hun I'm sorry you've been feeling so icky! I'm glad that it happened after your trip though! I bet that has something to do with it too--like cruise lag maybe? Hang in there girlie and take care of yourself! We need you back to 100% so you can be here with us!

bahecasmart~ Great job getting your workouts in! I have 30 Day Shred too and I know what you mean, that Jillian really kicks your heiny! I've actually stopped doing it as it was a little too rough on my knees. I have a bum knee that can't take all those squats and lunges just yet. I hope to pick it back up once I regain some strength in my knees though.

FSA~ Oh it sounds like you had a wonderful talk with your mom! Congrats on getting some haddock! I've never tried it, but maybe you'll inspire me to go out and get some! I don't journal--but maybe when I finish some more stuff around here I'll start. I do have a blog that I started eons ago...Yeah, we women can be insanely tough on ourselves can't we? Geez, we need to give ourselves a break already! Hey, now you mentioned your mom noticed all the changes in your body--not to beat a dead horse or anything, but have you taken your measurements yet? (sorry, I can't remember ) That would be the perfect way to prove to yourself that you ARE changing--despite what darth scale (as Delphi calls it ) has to say.

Gatorgirl~ woo hoo! Congrats on the loss girl! Are you all done with your tests now? Regarding the water--they say to get at least 64oz in daily. I need more than that--like double--or I retain like a camel!

Jacqui~ yeah, aren't mental problems fun? I've been on a few meds over the years and had some work and some not. Welbutrin was awful for me, but I've heard it works wonders for others. I'd love to have a couple of therapy sessions, I think it would be great to learn better coping skills, but as it is, there's not a lot of time I can devote to that. Plus, my anxiety attacks had gotten out of hand a few months ago. I also think I have PMDD as well which doesn't make being around me fun. I could write a novel on all my issues and how they've held me back. The person you know here is definitely not the person I was before meds. This is the REAL me, and it's nice to be back. Hey, enough about me--have you eaten breakfast this morning? Congrats on the loss!! 30 lbs!!! That's freakin' awesome! You are kickin' some serious boo-tay girlie! I'm so proud of you!!!

Abielle~ Congrats on the loss girlie! Keep up the great work!

NSM~ thanks for posting all the silliness about the panties! Woo hoo on the size 12's!!! That's so freakin' cool!!! I can't wait until I can get there! Wow, I'm so proud of you!!

Glutia~ thanks so much! Congrats on the loss! I'm with ya on feeling bloated and having irregularity issues (a point I'll bring up later)--which supplements are you taking that help?

Dandk~ Welcome and good luck! You won't find a nicer group of girls anywhere! I used to live in LA a couple of years ago--I love it there, the people were amazing and the food--OMGosh!! But the weather...that was too much for me. We lived there 18 mos and had a tornado hit our house and had to evacuate for Katrina (and make more repairs...) so we decided to hit the road. I miss it though and can't wait to go back for a visit!

Atlgirl~ oooh I'm not looking forward to my girls getting older. I mean, I am, but the thought of having 2 preteen girls in the house scares the life out of me! You stay strong and congrats on the loss--you should be excited!!! You're doing a great job!

100%~ A belated to you! Don't worry about that one pound--lots of things can cause fluctuations. If you're staying OP, exercising--it'll come off! Nice to have you aboard!

Shari~ yeah, this thread is crazy fast! I am spending way too much time on the computer these days just trying to keep up! Congrats on the loss! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that it's not a fluke!

tamikazie~ Good luck on your goal! You're going to love these girls!

SuzyQ~ sorry you're feeling out of it lately. I don't have any real advice other than keep eating right and exercising. I go through bouts of insomnia and unmotivation. Not much a I can do about the sleep, but when I'm not feeling motivated--I come here! It whips me right back into shape and puts me back on the right path. Hang in there!

Susie~ woo hoo! Good for you avoiding cookie temptation! You're my hero!! I'm sure you'll get that bp down in no time flat! Keep up the great work! And wow! 4 lbs already! See, that's what being strong enough to avoid cookies will get you! WTG girl!!!

WormwoodDoll~ congrats on the loss! Keeping my fingers crossed like mad for your scale to be kind and show you Onederland!!! Keep up the great work!

Lene~ oh man, sorry about the UTI!! I hope it clears up ASAP! Is it cranberry juice that helps that or is it bladder infections? I can't wait to see some pics of you!

Nellonello~ sorry to hear your sensewear is dead. I hope you get your new one ASAP! Just keep up the great work in the meantime! And if you need some support--we're here for you!

Lumifan~ way to get some exercise in! I bet you'll burn a ton at Six Flaggs today!!! Have fun!

looking~ Oh I love your attitude! What a great idea to make a list of positives! I think sometimes we get so focused on getting to a specific weight or size that we forget all the other benefits of being healthier! Thanks for the reminder!


Okay, holy cow I really need to wake up earlier to get all the personals in or start staying up later! I meant to check back in last night but I ran to the store to get eggs and my AE Sports Active! It's on sale for $50 and hubby said I should get it! I haven't tried it yet, but I'm bustin' into that bad boy tomorrow! I wanted to get my ST'ing in this morning and have more time to go through it before committing to a routine, kwim?

After I got the boys room clean I had a better day anxiety wise. I never did get all the stuff together for the yard sale but that's okay. The garage is still a mess, we have 1/2 yard of dirt (at least) still in the driveway and tons of other things we need to do so it'll have to wait. At least I got all of the stuff out and in boxes though.

Great news this morning! I'm down to 170.2!!! Finally, Darth Scale moved!!! This puts me at 30 lbs lost since my high point in Jan! I can't remember ever losing 30 lbs! I've almost gotten there, but then I always well off the wagon. But that was before. Before I found all of you lovely ladies with your inspiration and support! I love you girls!!! And I know I've said it before, but seriously--I could not have gotten this far without you all!!!!

Okay girls, well, I could go on but I have to get off this computer!! The boys need hair cuts, their room needs to be finished, I need to do the dishes...oh the list goes on and on.

Ack, I almost forgot! I'm having some *ahem* constipation issues I'm getting plenty of water, lots of fiber, exercise, I'm even taking acidopholis...can anyone recommend anything? Ugh...maybe I'm just getting old!

You ladies have a lovely day and be sure to...

Drink Your Water!!

Friday Weigh In - Down another 1lbs! Woot Woot! That's 3lbs for the week!

All this spaghetti talk is making me hungry!

After a week of eating healthy and exercising I feel great! It really makes me want to stick to with this. I have a wedding on Saturday to attend and people staying at my house. I am going to try and have healthy snacks around and avoid eating the bad stuff at the wedding and when we go out. My exercise tomorrow morning is going to hauling sand to fill the sandbox for my daughter so my arms and shoulder will be hurts but that is okay! Everyone have a great friday!

urockmom ~ I'm thrilled you had a great time yesterday. You know your comment to that passerby really struck home for me. Mind if I use that one? That is so true! I tried to jog a bit this morning on the treadmill, but I stopped in fear my knees would be hurting me for weeks. Felt good while it lasted though. Yeah, the boys room was a disaster area. But we had to, to clear the room out so we could put that carpet down. It was definitely a nightmare, but nothing like it was the last time we over-hauled their room.

MsP ~ on your weigh in last night. Two pounds! Bravo!!!! I checked the sodium for the serving size on the meat balls, and it wasn't high at all. I just probably ate too much spaghetti. That on top of the meatballs and the sauce just did me in. I cook a big pot, so eating on it for two days probably, collectively, did me in.

crazymomma ~ See the Death Star will fall and Darth Scale will be crushed. Way to go on the loss and for sticking with it...it definitely pays off in the end..eh? Arg..you got Active huh? Well good for you, every time I get to get out of this house it's too early for Gamestop to be open and Wal-Mart still doesn't have it or they just sold out. Good luck with it, do let me know how you like it. Constipation issues..hmmm...well I had some of my sons stool softner lying around, so I used that, but it didn't work. So I don't know what to tell ya dear. Thirty pounds, WOW, that is amazing. You go girl. I'm so proud of you for sticking with it.

Jacqui ~ Well over a coarse of two days, lunch and dinner the day before and then for lunch yesterday, It was probably overkill for me. I think I kept eating to without listening to my body. I measured out what I had for my fitness pal, but I think I was full, way before I actually finished off the last noodle. Won't do that again.

Wormwood ~ Yes, it sure is. That's pretty cool isn't it? I'll be turning 30 this year though Good thing, I've still got my immaturity and utter goofiness to fall back on. At any rate, I hope the weather gets better up there, so you're not walking in the rain. Although, I quite enjoy that on occasion..especially those summer rains, they feel so refreshing.

dollypie ~ I'm glad you are feeling so good. You can do this and stick with it.

LaurenA ~ on the loss.