Nothing to say at the moment. Playing on my friend's new iPhone.....squealing with excitement! I soooooo gotta get me one of these. :)

I finally made my soup tonight (while we at drive-thru, ugh!). work was bad. 3 more people let go Friday while I was off. it's really scary.when I heard that along with more stuff, my stomach started turning. I am starting to feel all of this stress pysically.

but hey, I am playing on an iPhone and that makes me feel good right now...haha!

Lindy - hang in there with gabriella. I'm sure there are going to be many ups and downs.

Well this phone is fun but kinda a pain to use in a forum. I'll stick to my computer in the future...LOL! I will check in a comment more later when I can type quicker

Just a quick check in before bed. I got on the scale this morning. I was pretty happy. When I got back from vacation I was at 222.8, today I was at 220.6. So I am getting back to where I was before vacay.

Lindy-yay for losing what was gained on vacation, right. Hope things get better for Gabriella and you and John.

Kelly-good job for being down 2 lbs. $213 is not bad for your car, at least it wasnt something too major.

Koshi-wow, 180 you are doing great. I want to be down there with you.

Maddiesmom-congrats on being at your lowest weight in 7 years. Glad WW is working for you.

mygirts-I was out in the garden today and the deer left some for me. I cant wait to eat it. I have to catch up to you if you are at 211.

Dancer-1 lb a week is still good. I need to kick it into gear again and start losing more. At least I have lost a few that I gained.

Good night everyone

Lindy - totally understand on the needing a break to focus on your priorities and to get him to appreciate you. My bf has some mood issues (basically depression that comes and goes) and for the last month or so we haven't been spending much time together while he was in a not so good place. It actually made it much easier to focus on eating on plan and sticking to my exercise routine. Keep us posted on how you're doing with the separation and how your daughter is. And thanks for the calorie cycling idea - I've been doing that a little but not really intentionally - I'll give it a shot.

Burgundyrayne - nice progress!

Heading out for another run - hoping that helps me lose a bit this week : )

Ahhhh...one of the downfalls to vacation...catching up at work!!! God, I didnt think it was possible to get so many emails and worst off-none of it is spam!!! So far so good today, I am about to update my ticker because I already lost all my vaca weight and I really didnt even do much, just got back on track with healthy eating. Today was my first day back in the gym and Im pretty sure I am going to be suffering tomorrow. Although I did keep up on time as far as walking goes, so thats good. Its always hard to get back into the routine.

Glad to hear everyone is doing well.

Kelly - fingers crossed, your job is not in jeopardy. I know a lot of companies are doing layoffs but just keep in mind, they do need to keep some people to keep this business operational. Just keep yourself busy and outshine the others. :)

Burgundy - yay for the drop!!! Thanks for your support. How is your sister doing anyway? You may have briefed us but it is so hard to play catch up.

Dance - good luck with the change in routine, hopefully you see good results. It must be so nice to live in Denver. I have always said that if I ever visit there, I may not come back. Everything I see on the travel channels and just researching the cities, it looks like such a quaint place to live with gorgeous (and cold) weather.

Ill try to catch up later.

Later chickas!

Hi Ladies,

Lindy - The heat!! Oh my gosh the pool is even too warm! What the heck! I mean how the heck to you even cool off around here anymore? Sorry about Gabriella, I know it is hard, but she will adjust in time. Congrates on being 2 lbs away from where you were, that is great and you should be there in no time.

Burgund - Congrates to you to being close to where you were before vacation. You should drop those couple of pounds fast. Oh, yes, and glad the dear left you some yummies! LOL.....

Well, this heat in Florida has totally screwed up my workouts. I mean I can't even go out at 6am and breathe it is so humid and hot you can cut it with a knife! Sooooo, I guess I need to change up my routine (again). More workouts inside, maybe swimming laps and I don't know - I will figure it out I suppose.

Have a great day everyone!

Now i can talk to everyone on my computer....lol!

Koshinogi - yay on the 1 lb! glad you like the allrecipes site.

Vicki - 3 lbs?!?! sweet! great that you could eat your cake without worries. keep doing what you're doing.

Nicole - happy that your weight was water. wow, you are so close!

Burgundy - sounds like you have water like Nicole. vacation food is easy, yummy and salty! you should be back to your ticker in no time.

Sandy - it's not just florida that's humid...ugh! today isn't so bad, but it's not perfect. i have to try and cut the lawn tonight. my friend, ryan (i'm gonna start using his name-it's easier) tried to cut if sunday, but the mower wouldn't stay running (insert sarcastic yipee here) - so we'll see. the wedding i went to friday, OMG, it was sooo sticky outside, i mean nasty humidity. i hope we don't have many days like that this summer. and now that it's officially summer, the days will start to get shorter again. :(

Well, I'm starving. Had a couple pretzel sticks to keep the hunger at bay, but it's back. Today I had: oatmeal-breakfast, LF cheese stick-snack, soup-lunch, banana-snack, 1 serving pretzel sticks when I got home. I could almost eat anything really. If I can just control myself for 1 night!

*update - the grass is cut and tomorrow i will do the trimming. ugh! hot and humid - even IN THE SHADE! made wheat spaghetti with low sugar/LF sauce and ground sirloin. but the sirloin smelled kinda weird when i cooked it. it tasted ok, kinda. so i ate a little bit cause i cooked it before going out so it was ready when i came in. if i had ate before cutting, i wouldn't have done it. then i threw the rest of it out. money down the drain. hope i don't get sick, but too drained to cook anything else. night all!

Lindy: Sorry things are a little rough at home right now. You are doing the right thing if it feels right. At least you and your husband are making your daughter a priority and making her adjustment a little easier. These things are never easy, but my parents "stayed together for the kids" and by the age of 10, I was wondering why they were still together. If you are happier in the long run, that's what is important.

Congrats to Lindy and Rayne for getting back to their "pre vacation" weight. I'm thinking of getting away for a few days with the family. I just need a change of scenery. We're thinking of going up to Madison (WI) for a few days, stay at a hotel, swim in the pool, etc. They have a free zoo there, so we're thinking of taking Madeline.

Still no luck on the hubby's job. He heard of an opportunity through an agency that sounded perfect for him, and the best part? The company is less than 2 miles from our home. The company is a major pharaceutical company, but working on budgeting, so no decisions or interviews have taken place.

I got off my butt and joined the gym...I have a personal trainer appointment on Thursday, so we'll see how that goes. So far, all the weight I've lost is due to changing my diet, so I feel stupid for not doing this sooner. Oh well, what can you do? I'm back to weighing myself every day, which I don't know is a good or bad thing. I was down to 250 this morning and it's TOM! I'm hoping I'll be even lower as soon as that's gone. I'm not sure if it's the WW helping me, or if I'm just determined again. Who cares as long as I'm losing?!?

Completely unrelated to weight loss, I had some pics taken of my little one by a friend who is starting a home business. Take a look!

Vicky - so cute!!! I love the garden pic, she is gorgeous! Good job on joining the gym. In the beginning its hard to stick with a routine but after about a month it gets easy and you start to see and feel the results of your hard work - good luck. If the money was there, I would have definately kept up with the trainer, I mean I learned so much from them. The funniest thing of all is that I learned the most effective exercises that made you see major results were all thing that I do on my own with no equipment, lol - how weird is that.

Kelly - if I consumed what you consumed, I would be starving. How the heck do you do it? If Im guesstimating (is that a word - lol), Id say you fell in the 1200 range with the spaghetti - right? Mmmmm...spaghetti sounds so yummy right now. Ugh...lawn work and my ugh primarily comes from how hot it is! In Florida, we have to do our lawn every 6-7 days, anything past that and its like a forest! I find yard work relaxing for the most part, except my Ipod broke and I feel lost without it and the time goes by SO MUCH SLOWER.

Anyway, Im still catching up from vaca. My desk is piled high but I did get through all my emails finally. I am so tired today for some reason and its only 9 a.m.! Ill check in later.


Anyway,

takeabreath - wow, you sure don't eat much!
maddiesmom - tell us how it goes with the personal trainer - I'm curious to hear what you think. And congrats on the downward slide - nicely done!
lindy - good luck getting caught up at work - that's the toughest thing about vacations : (

I'm down another pound and pretty happy about it. Hope everyone has a good day!

Dance - awesome - another pound! I swear, this forum is just rocking and rolling with weigh loss. Everytime I log on, someone else is down.

Now that I am back at 190, my pre-vacation weight, I promised myself that I would not go back to weighing myself daily. Instead I will only weigh in on Saturday morning. That being said...I had the WORST lunch ever!!! I better go running tonight because seriously...I will probably gain a pound for sure. I started out the day good...1 glass of light vanilla soy milk..yum...yum, I have really grown to love this stuff. Then I had a bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon and honey, mid morning was pineapple and THEN...duh..duh..duh..duuuuuhhhh...the dreaded rice and beans! Yupper, I had spanish style lunch with yellow rice, red beans, shredded pork and plantain AND I ATE IT ALL!!! Ahhhhhh!!! This just goes to show, I cannot run errands on my lunch break. Everytime I do, I cheat. I just need to go straight home and do errands after work, wait...after dinner too, lol!

Anyway, hope everyone is beating the heat and having a great day. :)

Hey you guys. Long time no see! I need to come on here more, because when I don't.. I gain!!!! I can feel my clothes getting tighter. wrong direction!!!! So anyway, I will make a point to come on here everyday. I have been trying to get under 200 since march. Well.. I have WANTED to rather than trying. I weighed in at 211.4 today (thats up 4lbs in a month.. and up 9lbs from my lowest point). I'm back on my diet hard core starting today. no more excuses!

Hi Ladies,

Vicky - Sooo precious. I love the pictures of your daughter. How cute! I am sorry your husband hasn't found a job yet. It is tough out there. Good for you and a personal trainer. Let me know how it goes and if they are tough like Jillian on Biggest Loser! LOL......

Danceindenver - Congratulations on another pound gone. That is fantastic. You will be in your goal in no time!

Lindy - Yummy on the Spanish lunch! I love Spanish food! You will bounce back, maybe it is just stress eating because of your work load???

Well, today has been good. I got my workout in, cleaned my bedroom carpet, vacuumed and moped the rest of the house. Yes, I am pooped..LOL. My eating has been good and I am hoping I will be down another couple of pounds this week - atleast that is my goal! We will see! LOL...

Take care all.

Lindy - I'm sure you'll get right back on plan with a calorie friendly dinner tonight and a good run. Can you seriously run outside in the FL summer heat? I could barely walk from the parking lot to the buildings when I was there last week.
Neesy - I love the way you differentiate between trying and wanting - I've spent a LOT of time wanting but not doing a whole lot about it so when you put it that way it really made me smile! Glad you're back on track!
mygrits - way to combine cleaning AND exercise - what a workout and your house probably sparkles now! You are doing great!

I just have to say...you ladies really helped me today. I've been procrastinating about going to the gym (didn't go yesterday which I kinda felt bad about). Anyways, I told myself this morning, I'm going to go tonight. Well, today was a long day at work (5 hrs of training) and then I had dinner and played with Madeline. I put her down for the night at 7:30 and then I pooped out and decided I wasn't going to go. So, I came on here and read your comments and thought to myself...I just need to do it. The first couple of times will be the hardest, but I can do this...so THANK YOU!!

I did cardio for about 45 minutes and since I'm working with the personal trainer tomorrow, I called it a night. I tend to overdo it the first few times and then I don't go...does that happen to anyone else?

I'm weighing myself everyday now, which I'm not sure is a good or bad thing. It said I was down another pound...to 250...which would be great. Ideally, I would like to be under 250 by this weekend. If I continue to eat better and exercise, it's possible, right?

Thank you ladies again, it's great to be back I have to tell you. Sandy, what is the name of the new Jillian book you're reading? I'm thinking I'll have to take a look.

Sandy - your goal looks very reachable. I swear, cleaning the house is one of the best forms of exercise for me. I ALWAYS work up a sweat and my legs are usually sore the next day from all the bending and lifting, etc.... I look forward to logging on this weekend and seeing everyones weight loss results because I am SURE there will be some form of weight loss, it seems like everyone is doing an excellent job.

Dance - you fit right in with the original girls of this forum! Your encouragement and dedication is so inspiring and you always know the right things to say to get as all back on track with out occasional slip ups - thank you!

Vicky - I am SO PROUD OF YOU!!! Good job on getting to the gym. Yes, I can totally relate with you and pushing yourself too hard in the beginning. Take baby steps. Once you enjoy going to the gym, you'll feel the need to push yourself harder, now is not the time. Ill bet money that your not enjoying going to the gym, which is TOTALLY normal, but YOU WILL and when you do, THEN you can push yourself a little further. Last month I tried to push myself with 45 minutes of the gym 6 days a week, as well as walking 1.5 miles 5 days a week and THEN added the Jillian video in the evening, after 5 days of that I gave up and realized that it was too much and I was getting burnt out. As far as seeing the scale drop this weekend, yeah...probably...you will see some sort of loss, HOWEVER...when I first started working with the trainer, my muscles were retaining water and I ended up gaining a couple of pounds. Do not get this miscontrude with muscle weighs more than fat...total myth! Your trainer will give you some good tips though...good luck.

Anyway, I redeemed myself last night with a VERY small dinner, lets hope that works in my favor. I skipped the gym this morning due to oversleeping, Im still not in my normal routine just yet, almost...but I am still staying up a little later, which makes me more tired in the morning. 3 more days till I weigh in. I cant wait!

Have a great day girls!

Have you guys noticed that Tifftiff hasn't posted in a few weeks? Was she going on vacation and I missed it? I hope that's it.

Lindy - : ) Thanks for letting me be part of your group!

maddiesmom - way to go on the workout!! I totally agree with Lindy that it's better to work up to things slowly and not set unrealistically demanding workout goals right away.

I don't know about you guys but sometimes I have to play mind games with myself when I don't feel like exercising - like 'I just have to put on my gear and walk to where I usually start my run, then if I can always turn around and walk home' and 'okay - I'll just run for 5 min and then if I want to I can stop there' etc but usually once I start I can keep going. Does anyone else do this kind of silliness? As long as it gets me out there moving, I guess : )Just made myself go for a run but didn't feel like it - at least that's over with.

I'll be away from tomorrow until Monday night so I'll talk to you all in a few days!

Dance - Tiff is crazy busy with her personal life (from what she has shared). She also toggles with being borderline obsessive with her weight loss (this is her words) so sometimes she has to take a break from the forum. She very well be on vacation too but this is why she has dropped off in the past few months. Its ok though, we totally understand where she is coming from and when she's ready, she'll post again. Tiff - we love ya! :hug: Hmmm...I do kinda do the mind game thing, not necessarily with exercise but more so with food. If I dont feel like exercising, I almost always just do it but then take it easy, i.e.: if I go to the gym and just dont feel like killing myself with a workout, I do the bike for 30 minutes. Good for you any which way, your driven and I love that.

Ok, I have never had food poisoning but Im pretty sure that I may have it. I feel horribly nauseated, borderline vomitting, I am sweating and my stomach hurts so bad. I took pepto bismol and it has not done anything for me. Worst off, I am trying to get through the day because I am slammed and cannot take any more time off. I doubt Ill check in anymore today because when I fgo home, I am going to lay down in my bed. Blah....:(

Have a good day ladies.

Well, I went to the gym today to have my first appt with the trainer. Didn't realize it was just an overview and all I got was measured (depressing...but lower than I was when I first measured in January) and she found my "fatigue zone." So, I go back tomorrow to get my customized work out plan. I have 5 meetings with the trainer, so we should hopefully see some results.

Weighed in at WW today and found that I lost 3.2 pounds from last week. Not too shabby. The only thing that I don't like about WW is that I weigh in at 11:30 am, in my business clothes (I have to wear a suit) I take my suit jacket off, but by 11:30, I've already had breakfast, water, etc. etc. so I don't feel that it's a true measure of my weight. I'll keep using my scale at home since it's the one I've used since January.

Anyways, that's my 2 cents. Have a great night ladies!

Woo-hoo Vickie! Kudos to 3 pounds, wow! That time of day would bother me to but you have to look at it this way. If you weigh in everytime in the same "type" of clothes at the same time, its accurate in regards to how much you lost. It may not be your accurate weight but at least its consistent. When I weigh in, I try very hard to consume a lot of water the day before and almost always avoid sodium, I also try to consume a light dinner so when I weigh in Saturday morning, I am not bloated. This is going to sound extremely vain but I also like the fact that I strip down to my undergarments and see my belly **kinda** flat in the mirror.

Anyway, I am feeling better than yesterday, thank god. When I got home I had 2 bowls of cereal and I was done for the night. Well, I got a busy weekend ahead of me. Today, Im super busy at work, tomorrow we are having a garage sale, tomorrow afternoon we are going to start moving John's stuff and Sunday, the last of his items are moved. :( I would be lying if I said I wasnt upset but I am interested to see what happens. Even if there is the possibility of getting back together down the road (Im not saying there is, Im saying if he changes for the better), it will not be for at least 3 months. He needs time to think about it. My issues with John are that he got lazy and relied on me for EVERYTHING, physically, mentally, financially - yet did not support me in my endeavors, so maybe absence makes the heart grow fonder and he'll be more appreciative once he's on his own and fending for himself. Idk. Sorry for babbling, just sayin. Ill try to check in later.

IDEA - I know everyone has their weigh in days and some of us weigh in daily but do you think we can designate one certain day for everyone to post their weight? I know we see it in the posts and the tickers but I think having one day where I can really acknowledge everyone would be great. Thoughts on this?

Dancer-thank your for your encouragement and jumping right in with everyone. you fit right in.

Lindy-my sister is doing just fine. She feels so much better, the doctor told her if she waited another month to have the surgery, her gall bladder probably would have ruptured and she would have died. So we are thankful she had it done when she did. Glad to hear you are back at 190. I am still trying to get down to where I was. Glad you are feeling better.

Mygrits-The heat is bad here in MI, I dont think I could take FL, even though I grew up in AL.

Kelly-The spaghetti sounded yummy, too bad you had to throw it out. I need to get out and cut the grass. The backyard looks like a jungle. I started on it but ran out of gas.

Maddiesmom-Maddie is adorable. Such a cute little face. Good job with the gym and talking your self into going. I need to get back to exerecising more. I have been neglecting Jillian. WOOHOO on being down 3 more lbs. You are doing fantastic

Neesy-I am with you with getting back on track. I have been slacking since vacation, but if we really want this we have to do it. Only we can make it happen, gotta get off our butts!!!


I like Lindys Idea for everyone posting their weight on a set day each week. I know it will hold me more accountable. If I dont like where I am now, I just dont post my weight, but having a day that we all do it might just help me get back in the swing of things.

I'm good for having a weigh in day. I'm doing it every day (again) which I don't know is good or bad. What can ya do? But, just let me know what day is decided, and I'm there. Sat or Sun would be best for me.

Went to the trainer tonight and she kicked my a$$. She really is going in depth with everything (Lindy, not sure if you had the same experience). She created a resistance training routine for me, as well as giving me "homework" of workouts to do on my own since I have an eliptical machine at home. My body is feeling it already, and I know I'm going to be sore tomorrow. But, I have homework...somehow I have to manage to be on my eliptical machine for 45 minutes tomorrow. She did say that it's better to do cardio in the morning because it raises your heartrate and you burn more calories during the day. So, I think I'm going to try that and do resistance training at night. But, here's the schedule she gave me:

Tonight: Worked resistance on arms, legs, butt, basically all over.
Saturday: 45 min on eliptical
Sunday: off
Monday: either cardio for 45 min or resistance training for 60
Tuesday: whichever I didn't do Monday, I do today
Wed: off
Thursday: Meet with trainer again where she will "increase the workout" to get me burning some fat. She said she was going to make me sweat...but I was sweating tonight!! LOL

So, I will be quite busy. As I get tips from her, I'll be sure to pass it on. She is going to work with me as far as what I'm eating as well, so in the end, I think the money I'm spending is worth it. I have to think of it as a good investment in myself. I have noticed since eating better that my clothes are getting looser, so at least I see a difference that way.

Lindy: Glad you're feeling better...I've had food poisoning, not fun at all. Luckily it tends to pass rather quickly. Sorry for the rough patch you are goin though, but sometimes, you have to do what you feel is right, and if he's not supporting you, there's something wrong with him.

Have a good night all!

Wow...this is a first, I'm on here but haven't heard from anyone today. Hope you are all doing well.

I'm excited, I wanted to weigh under 250 today and I woke up and weighed myself and I was 250.6. I was disappointed but I decided to get over it and do the cardio that my trainer gave me for "homework." I weighed myself after, and I was 249.2!! That's right, I met my goal. Now I am super excited (and a bit sore from yesterday) and I'm rearing to keep this going. I can't believe I'm under 250 now.

Thank you all for your support over these past few months...it has really helped me!!!! :)

Hi everyone - I haven't logged in for a long time. I haven't done much for a long time. If anyone here has ever hit rock bottom - you will know what I feel like right now. It's related more to my career but the effects of it are disastrious on my body, mind and everything else. I took some time off work to help me calm down and work through things. Not sleeping, not eating, not taking care of anything. It's been pretty bad few weeks. I cried lots these past few days and know that if I don't make some immediate changes, I am going to lose everything. So, I am trying to do that. I wish that I could find the strength I know I have somewhere in there...I hope everyone is well.

Quick post from my friend's house in Vermont - Hey girls! I'll be back in the swing of things again after tomorrow but wanted to say hi. Apologies if I miss anyone.
Lindy - weigh-in day would be good - you pick the day.
Maddiesmom - way to go on the workout! That's great! Major congrats for the new milestone - you are on a roll!!
Staccie - So sorry times are tough - work and financial stress are so hard to deal with. Take the time you need to get your head clear and things sorted out as much as possible, then you can jump back into your plan later. Keep us posted on how things are going - we're all rooting for you!

I'm sticking as closely to plan as I can, exercising daily (5hr hike today!! I'm seriously worn out...) and hoping the scale doesn't go up when I get back home tomorrow night.

Take care, all!

I really need some accountability. I think a weigh in day for all of us would be great. If we can all decide on a day, then come on here to put our weights.
It will be like our own weight watchers program=)

Hey girls! Yay, Im so excited that everyone is game on a weigh in day. Even if someone is busy, just log on for 2 seconds on SUNDAY to record your weight, wether you gain or lose!!!

WEIGHT IN DAY IS SUNDAY!!! So starting next Sunday, you MUST weigh in and if you are a daily weigher...dont post till Sunday. I want to make sure everyone gets the proper kudos they deserve or a swift butt kicking for any gainers. ;)

That being said...I am down to 189, which means I lost 4 pounds from last week week when I weighed in. I have a feeling that I might see some big weight loss because John moved out this weekend and there are a lot of tears and stress going with it. I have NO appetite, my stomach is in knots. Oh well, it will pass in time...I know this.

Stacie - I am so sorry to hear that things are so stressful for you right now. Is there anyway you can stick with a routine of AT LEAST yoga? No diet or exercise (cardio) 0 just yoga? I think that will at least help you relax. Awww...I wish I could give you a big hug. Keep your head up. If you want to vent, we are here for you, heck - if you want to send me a private message - PLEASE DO!

Ill check in tomorrow girls - I have to take a shower and call it a night.

I like the idea of a weekly weigh in - good accountability. Thanks for the well wishes. I didn't have a great day today but my head is fitting on a bit tighter so the little victories are always good!

Looking forward to a much better week....

Hey ladies - I am SOOOOOO tired today. I dont know why, I went to bed at a reasonable time and got 7 hours of sleep. Last night I slept by myself for the first time, Gab had a sleep over at her cousins house, so it was just me. Needless to say, it was rough. A lot of tears were shed, but Im better today. The one thing that sucks is, I definately dont feel like Im going through depression, I really dont, BUT - Im just not in the mood to talk to anyone, especially my mom. I talk to my mom several times a day but in the past few weeks, everytime she calls, I cut her short or dont answer at all and I really dont have an answer for it. Its weird. Today she confronted me on it and I told her "I really dont know why Im acting like this", of course her answer is that this was my decision and my husband would get back with me in 2 sconds flat if I wanted to so why put myself through it but the thing is...Im not THAT distraught. No, its not easy but I really dont think this whole situation is why I feel like this, I dont know. Coincidental, yes...so confused. Sorry for the rant, no reason to comment, dont bother, I just felt like getting that out.

Anyway, how was everyones weekend? Is anyone concerned with the 4th of July weekend? Im not really because we never do a BBQ or anything special. Ill check in later. So sleepy today.

Chickadees...really? Im the last one to post since this morning...slackers! I know its summer and all and we are all enjoying our time but how else are we going to see the the scale go down?! Come on...we CAN do this.

I have more pep in my step than earlier but still not 100%. When I get home from work, Gab will be there and it is my sole mission to keep her entertained until bed time to keep her mind off the separation, so her's to me being wiped out later today. :)

Have a good night ladies...hopefully Ill see some posts tomorrow.

Staccie, sorry things are rough for you right now. I would see if you can still do some small things for yourself to make you feel better. I'm the last person who really wants to go and work out, but dragging myself out and doing it makes me feel better afterwards.

Lindy: sorry things are tough at home. Things will take time to simmer down and you can concentrate on yourself and your daughter. If you are happier, she will be happier, no matter who she's living with at the time.

Dancer: a 5 mile hike?!? WOW!! There's no way I have the stamina for that! :) Congrats to you on that!

I was supposed to go and work out tonight, but it's my hubby's birthday and I couldn't leave him home on his birthday, but don't fret...I will be going tomorrow and Wednesday, then the trainer on Thursday. So, I took 2 days off in a row instead of spreading them out...I'm sure it will be a mistake I will never make again after Missy (my trainer) works my butt off again on Thursday night.

I am really glad that I am going. I know that I'm losing pounds, but I'm also losing inches. My clothes are feeling looser, and that's a good feeling. I saw a friend yesterday who hasn't seen me in at least 6 months and she noticed as well. It's a good feeling.

I went out for lunch today with a new employee and I was proud of myself. She picked the restaurant (a Greek restaurant) and I had grilled calimari with a spinach/rice mixture (mostly spinach). Plus she ordered flaming cheese, which I didn't want due to my diet, but I did eat a little so she didn't feel akward eating it herself. Then I didn't have a snack after lunch because I was full, and I had a super small dinner. I've been really good today considering.

Breakfast: light yogurt, 1/2 cup blueberries. Midmorning snack: 1/2 cup strawberries. Not too shabby.

Hope you are all doing well. I will try and post daily, but with the evening work outs, I'm not home until 9:30 and I am up at 5:45 every morning. Yikes! They watch internet pretty closely at work so I can't log on during the day.

Good night

Quiet forum today :) Had a good day - I think I suffered a food hangover this morning (if that is possible) and I know this week will be tough with cleaning out all the preservatives and stuff. But I celebrated small successes today - I got out of bed, went for a very long walk, got some fruit, some sun and a new book. I have not consumed anything bad and the thought of bad food makes me feel sick. I am sure that will disappear once the food hangover is over...but my body feels like it's trying to purge

Vicky - good on the clothes I love that feeling and thanks for the well wishes.
Lindy - you look wonderful in your profile pic...love the blond. Sounds like you are pretty well aware of things...and that's half the battle (or so I would think!).

I was actually supposed to go to Vegas these past two days and I decided not to - I need to sort through things. I kind of wish I would have went just to get that hot sun :)

I'm pretty sure I am suffering from depression again. Time to deal with it!

Hi girls, its been a few days since I posted. Thought I would catch up with everyone before bed.

Maddiesmom-Good job sticking with the gym, I am so jealous of all of you that can go to a gym. There isnt one open in this small town I live in this time of year. Congrats for being under 250.

Staccie-hope things start looking up for you. Just take sometime for yourself and get back in the game when you are feeling better.

Dancer-5 hour hike, wow. That would be so much fun.

Neesy-I need the accountability too. I still havent lost the extra pounds from vacation.

Lindy-4 lbs in a week, you rock. I need to up my workouts so i can see better results. I have been lazy this week and I need to get over that.

I have been busy trying to get my house in order and cleaning the yard. My grass is getting so tall, but I cant mow because of the rain. Its gonna rain all week. I want to go on my walks, but I would be soaked by the time I get home. My sister, mom and neice are coming up from Alabama in about a week and a half, so getting the spare bedroom cleaned. I am so excited, I know I just left from there but I love spending time with them. I am trying to convince my husband to move down there sometime in the future. I hope he gives in soon. I am tired of living in a retirement town. I am only 27.

No plans yets for the 4th. I am sure someone will have a BBQ, but with this family its always last minute planning. My birthday is coming up on the 10th, that is when my family is leaving to come up here. They probably wont make it here til the 11th though. But it will be nice to have them here to party. Just wish my twin wasnt half way around the globe.

Ok, I am just rambling now. This post has almost nothing to do with weightloss but oh well. Goodnight girls

Burgundy - lol, thats ok that your post was not about weight loss. Believe it or not, I enjoy reading personal stories too. I completely forgot to ask you, did your family comment on your weight loss when you went there? Mine didnt! I mean, my Uncle who was here in January did but they actually were a little discouraging, oh well - I will have the last laugh this winter when I take another trip there and will be at my goal weight. Ha!

Stacie - I agree. It sounds like you very well may be depressed and I can SO relate. You have a lot of your plate and legitimately so...your going to be stressed and stress does cause depression. Coulda...shoula...woulda...I agree again - you should have gone on your trip but since you didnt, why dont you do a spa day by yourself. Are you still exercising? I noticed that once I was 2 months into my exercise routine, I finally lost all signs of depression, my trainer said it had something to do with my endorphines. Anyway...sorry for babbling, Im just trying to make some suggestions being that I have been there and to an extreme level (I will share with you guys one day). I hope things get better..keep your head up.

Vicky - since you are rocking and rolling...are you up for our challenge again? Starting today and going to the end of July? Im game if you are. Its too hard to make it to the gym every day...besides, your trainer WILL make up for it on Thursday. Anyway, glad to hear things are looking up for you. Also, good job at the greek restaurant. God..I LOVE greek food.....:drooling: I am especially fond of pita bread with hummus, I can eat buckets of that stuff.

Well, Im feeling pretty good today. Today is a good day and thats how I am going to try to look at things. My daughter is REALLY struggling with her dad not being there so I need to keep things on the up and up for her. I am convinced that I am going to be the Mariokart Champ after all is said and done because thats what she wants to do ALL THE TIME, lol. I am buying her a scooter for her birthday so Im hoping she can start coming with me for walks (that will help her keep up). Anyway, Ill check in later.

Howdy, ladies!
Lindy - way to be there for your daughter - sounds like you are really putting her needs first in this tough time. It's tough on you though too - that's probably why you were so exhausted the other day. Emotional stress is really draining - don't know what recharges your batteries but if you can sneak that in occasionally (bubble bath, pedicure, massage?), it might help a little.

Burgundy - I hear you on the rain issues! It rained most of the time this past weekend and my running clothes were soaked to the skin each time when I got back. Makes it a little hard to get motivated : )

Staccie - sounds like you created the best day possible yesterday - when you're feeling low, that's so hard to do. Hope things are moving in the right direction for you. Hugs!!

Maddiesmom - you are just cranking on this new workout plan - that's awesome. And so much progress on your weight loss - you must be feeling great!!

On my front, no gain from my 4 days away at least but no loss either. My legs are still sore from the hiking marathon on Sunday so maybe I'm retaining a little water (fingers crossed). No really exciting plans for the 4th - just another hike and probably grilling in the backyard.

Dance- yay to no weight gain! That really is a challenge, as you can see from my previous post and recent vaca. Anyway - kudos!

Quick update from me...

I did really well food wise. Oatmeal for breakfast, raspberries for snack, cranberry juice, chicken for lunch (with buffalo sauce), cucumbers for snack, fiber one bar for snack and I think fish for dinner. OH - I did have 5 staburst too. :( - oh well, I still did good calorie wise.

Have a good night ladies, Ill talk to you later.

Oooh - yummy idea on the buffalo sauce - will have to pick some up!

So last night was the hubby's birthday and we stayed up way too late and I didn't get much sleep because we were watching a movie together (Madeline went to bed on time, so we actuallly had time together...imagine that!). Anyways, I was exhausted all day and when I got home, I didn't want to go to the gym (surprise, surprise). Well...7:30 rolls around and we put Madeline to bed. So, I'm like "screw it" and I went to the gym. I have a meeting with my trainer on Thursday, so in order to let my muscles rest, I HAD to go tonight, and I did.

Funny thing was that my trainer was there and she saw me. She asked what I was going to work on, and I told her that I was going to do the entire checklist that she gave me, and she said way to go. So, I didn't skip out on anything, as much as I wanted to, and I did the whole workout. I was there for over an hour and a half doing this stuff. Now I'm sore, but I'm glad I went. I'm doing cardio tomorrow right after work rather than going home and then back out to the gym. Then I'm with the trainer on Thursday...and by Friday, I'm going to be sore and nonfunctional.

My arms feel like rubber bands right now, but all in all, I did it. I got off my butt and went.

Does anyone have any good low cal recipes to share? I'm looking for ideas...I'm getting sick of salad...

Hi all....I am three hours behind most of you so I don't get a chance to write much during the day...anyway I had an ok day. I've been 'clean' for two days in terms of not eating anything that is not good for me. I had some horrible cravings and went to 7-11 and got five packs of gum. I find that helps, chewing and then my jaw gets sore and I forget I 'think' I'm hungry. I know I wasn't cause I just ate. Umm, don't go to 7-11 when you have a craving...I was literally drooling over everything there, even things I wouldn't normally have. It's like going grocery shopping when you are hungry! I didn't work out today and I wish I would have but I have decided that maybe some of the reasons (other than the depression which I am seeing a doctor for on Friday btw - I've been there before and know it's full blown - unfortunately), is because I overwhelm myself. I get off a binge/whatever you might call it and I sit here and make all these new goals, lists and try to do everything at once. The habits I have are very old, some lifelong in some respects, I have to be patient. So I am giving myself happy thoughts for doing the little things - like finishing my laundry, washing my face at night - it feels silly, but it's also important for me to recognize that doing these things are really hard sometimes. So rather than going all gung ho, I'm trying to do a little at a time. On a scale, my binge eating is the worst issue (other than my medical one) that I need to deal with, so I am putting most of my effort into that. I know how good working out feels and I will get there, hopefully a bit tomorrow. But pushing myself so hard right away is not necessarily a good thing. Wow I'm really rambling :)

Lindy - thanks for the comment and what a great mom :)

Vicky - good for you pushing through the workout - I'm not there right now but have been and I love going to the gym once I get there. Having a trainer is a really good thing - it's worked well for me in the past :)

All of you are wonderful....I have to tend to my sun burn now...:) Good night everyone and thanks for the well wishes.

Vicky - good job on pushing yourself, thats awesome! I almsot crapped out on my workout today but Im taking Friday-Sunday off from the gym so I just said...get your butt up and do it, and now...I feel good that I did. How did you do with eating and your hubbys bday? Did you stay away from cake or anything (not that you should, just asking)? Good job any which way.

Stacie - Im glad to hear your thinking out your issues and going to see a doctor. Its important that you address your depression before moving forward with anything else, including weight loss. I wish you the best of luck in tackling it...I've been there. Oh - and feel free to babble away.

NEESY!!! I have a bone to pick with you. ;) You said in order for you to stay on track you were going to log on everyday, even for a couple of minutes....WELL...... I hope all is going well, I know its getting closer to your hubby's departure.

Ok, little bit on me. Me and Gab had a good night last night. No tears, just quality time and an early night. Gab went to bed at 730 and me 930! Boy, we are just SOOOO exciting, lol. I feel I did good food wise and intend to follow the same pattern today. 2 more days till the long weekend, Im looking forward to it. Well, I dont have too much else to say, Ill check in later.

maddiesmom - way to go on the workout! what discipline! As far as recipes, I may have mentioned this one before but baking chicken breasts covered in salsa (regular, peach/mango, salsa verde, etc) is my current favorite easy way to make chicken seem more exciting.

Staccie - Nicely done on the clean eating! I like your gum strategy - will have to try that. I got some sugar free cinnamon altoids the other week for the same reason. And I think your strategy of setting small goals for getting things done is great. If you can fit the exercise in, do you find it lifts your mood a bit? If I'm in a bad place, exercise can help a lot but it's so hard to get started.

Lindy - so glad you had a nice evening with your daughter. And I'm right there with you on the wild and crazy life - I went to bed early too : )

Heading out for a run...