Hi all. I haven't been in a social mood at all. Things have been bad which I explain next-and before hand...I'm sorry for the 'dumping' of issues that I am about to do.

The past week my mom has been getting 'goofy' again because of pain meds. Long story short, yesterday she was seeing things that weren't there. I went to her house bout 8pm at her request to pick up 'needles or staples that were all over the floor'. We argued when I told her there was nothing there. Then at 1:30 in the morning she called in tears cause "the snake that was in the basement came upstairs and got into the birdseed and spread it all over the floors. Come get me and the cat now, I don't care if you believe me or not, just come get me out of this house please!" So I totally freaked out crying and all, called my aunt, called my best friend, then realized what time it was, and freaked cause of that. We all went to mom's and Ryan convinced her that snakes wouldn't want to be in a house with people around, that the 'birdseed' she saw was 'cat litter' and that pain meds will make you believe what isn't there. He also 'searched' the house. She listened to him and calmed down while talking about me like a dog while I was in the other room crying. note-earlier that day her nurse called the doc and they agreed that mom should cut her pain meds to once a day, not twice, because she was seeing children in the room. I KNOW it's a build up from the pain meds, cause this happened before in the hospital when they had her 'doped up'. So I got to bed about 4 in the morning today. I called in to work before I went to bed and got up at noon.

So I've been eating poorly this week and didn't weigh in. I totally feel my weight going up and really don't want to see what it is right now. I'll get back on track, but I may have to take a hiatus from here for a week or two. I have to get myself together so I don't break emotionally and make sure my mom is OK. That's also why I'm not on here much. I've been reading when I can and it looks like everyone is doing well, even with slip ups here and there. That is fantastic! I just need some time so I can regroup and actually work at this and contribute to the forum.

I did eat good today, though! I had a salad with cranberries, pecans, boiled egg, little bit of hard cheese mix and regular dressing. Then tonight I grilled out to thank Ryan for last night. We had steak with onions and mushrooms (eeewww-that was for him) and diced sweet potatoes with butter and brown sugar. The steaks were huge and I only ate half of it and half of the sweet potatoes. That's it. No snacks, no picking at anything else. That's an accomplishment considering how I've been eating.

I'll still keep reading when I can so I can keep up with what's going on with everyone, but I have to hit the 'pause button', if you will, for a bit. But I fully intend on coming back and losing it with the rest of you! :)

Hey ladies.

Dancer-down 2 lbs, awesome. I will keep everyone posted on my week. I need to kick it up. I hope you dont hit a plateau either.

Staccie-Glad things went well at the dr. Sounds like you are making good decisions and getting back on track with everything going on in your life. You and me both hope to be under 220 next Sunday. Hairspraying food, hmm, might have to try that if cravings ever get bad.

Maddiesmom-Sorry to hear about your torn muscle. Hope you have a fast recovery and can get back into the gym.

Lindy-you are doing great. 188, I cant wait to get there. Sounds like you had fun with your friends and getting hit on!!!! Hopefully your binge wont be too bad on your body. Just exercise and get lots of water in.

Kelly-I have been wondering where you have been. Sorry to hear about all that is going on with your mom right now and I really hope it gets better for both of you soon. I think we all understand that you need to take a break. Come back when you can.

As for me, I am up for the challenge. My plan:
Count calories this week(try to stay around 1400)
Exercise 5 days a week at least 30 minutes.
Drink lots of water.

I actually got out the WII fit tonight, I havent been on it in, I think it said, 53 days. Thats a long time. It can be fun so I need to use it. I havent started back doing the 30DS, but I will. I so ready for Saturday to be here, my mom, sister and niece will be here!! YAY!! Hopefully, my sister will be up for some evening walks. I have to stay on plan while they are here, dont want to end up gaining more. Gotta get my house clean, so that will be a workout. Oh and the yard, yikes, my grass is so long, hopefully the hubs will do most of that. Well, its one in the morning so I am gonna try to sleep. Have a nice night everyone.

Sandy-I know you miss your daughter, but keep yourself busy and keep losing and it will be time to see her again before you realize it.

Neesy-good to see you, 2 lbs is amazing.

Maddiesmom - I find exercise has a really positive influence on my eating habits too. I've never really understood it but it seems like the more I exercise, the more I treat my body like a machine that needs the best kind of fuel and my interest in junk food or anything bad drops a lot. So, yeah, I totally relate but have no idea why it happens. Maybe that's how skinny active people stay skinny? So sorry to hear about your pulled muscle - that's such a bummer! Just my two cents on the being sore everywhere stuff - some people like to alternate body parts on different days when they do weights - you may find that that's easier to handle as far as not having everything sore at once. The first couple weeks are the worst though, whenever you tackle anything new. Good job on the food choices for yesterday!

Takeadeepbreath - Hang in there, kiddo! Sounds like a very hard time - we're here when you want to blow off steam.

Burgundy - Good for you for doing your WII fit! Sounds like you have a fun weekend in store!

So, yesterday's info for our challenge:
Eating: 1407 (although I really had the munchies and wanted to eat more, I knew I had to come tell you guys about it : ) )
Exercise: 1.5 hr walk

Let's keep it going!

Hi girls!

Oh, I was so excited to hop on this morning and see that everyone was busy posting. Awesome! I am really proud of myself for yesterday, despite an early morning binge at McDonalds, I still feel within my calorie range for the day, at exactly 1600 calories, today is going to be a lower day of 1200. I was super tired this morning and wanted to sleep in but I pushed through it and had a killer workout. I also decided to jog this morning, instead of walking and was able to job 1 whole mile straight with no stopping! Woo-hoo!

So, let me dive in to everyone elses posts:

Vicky - uh, that totally stinks about your torn muscle, bummer..sorry to hear that. Here's hoping you have a quick recovery. Dont try to push yourself until your ready. My neighbor did that and ended up being out of commission from the gym for over 2 months and had to do physical therapy. Anyway, yeah - I agree with the crappy eatig theory and exercising. I didnt notice that that applied to me though until my recent vacation to Connecticut. When I first started doing the gym and weight I was so sore all the time, in fact my toothbrush felt like I was lifting a 10 pound weight, lol. It will subside, trust me...and when it does, you will really start to feel good. Right now its hard though because your probably sore all over and it hurts to even walk.

Stacie - do you have a Wii Fit? Since you are so busy with work and dont always have time to go to the gym and are battling your depression, you really may enjoy that. Its an expense that not everyone can fork up but let me tell you, it works! My moms best friend started doing Wii Fit like 8 months ago, hasnt changed her eating habits and is in her late 40's and has lost 40 pounds. Its so much fun too and it has Yoga. Just a thought. Anyway, your plan for the week sounds good...keep up the good work.

Kelly - god sweetie, my heart breaks when I read your post sometimes. I would be an absolute mess if I was dealing with what your dealing with, I am SO SORRY. I can only imagine how stressful things are. In general, maybe you should step away from the diet thing all together to get that worked out. Eat in moderation so you dont binge and gain but focus on getting your personal like in order, then all the other pieces will fall together. If you ever want to hop on and just vent, please feel free to do so without a guilty conscious. Take care hun.

Burgundy - its funny, I hopped on my Wii Fit last night too and guess how many days it was for me 167! Now, I dont exactly feel guilty because I do the gym 5 times a week but I was thinking about something. Me and Gab love playing the Wii Fit together and its fun. SO instead of sitting down and watching a movie sometimes, why not just do the Wii Fit? Right? Because its related to exercise, I automatically put in my mind, "I dont need to do this because I already went to the gym this morning", but why not, if I enjoy it - what difference does it make.

Oh - speaking of the Wii Fit, has anyone seen the advertisements for the new Wii Active? My roomate works for EA Sports, the maker of the product and she was able to get it cheap for my mom, so my mom has been using it for about 3 weeks now and has already lost inches. Just an FYI.

Ill check in later. Good luck with everyone's goals today.

Lindy - Good for you for running a mile! WTG!! And great job on the calorie front! I find that if I goof up one day, it's harder to stay within limits the next day so that's extra impressive.

Heading out for a run shortly before work....

Hi Everyone,

Wow, I love that the board is active again! I missed yesterday and actually had to go back 5 pages to read after my post! Very cool! I love the new mini-challenge and will definitely join. Calorie range will be 1200 to 1400 per day this week, as I need to kick in my metabolism. I will workout 30 min per day also, alternating cardio and strength training.

Lindy - Had to laugh about the cheetos - too funny. I LOVE cheetos and have had to poor water in the bag, then throw them out otherwise they call my name! LOL.... Hey that is awesome you jogged a mile. I have wanted to do that for so long, but can only put out 1/4 mile and just can't go any further. I don't know if its my leg muscles not being strong enough or lungs. Congrates though!

Burgund - I wish I had a Wii! I have to admit I am envious. I have seen my daughters friends doing that in their home and it looks like fun - and a workout. I am glad your getting back into the schedule - next the 30DS right? LOL.. I know you are looking forward to family again and maybe your sister will want to workout with you on top of walking?

Neesy - Congratulations on the 2lb loss! Woo Hoo! That is awesome and I am wishing I were at the weight you are. I seem stuck, but hey, I WILL catch up! Keep up the good work.

Stacey - Your right about WW, because if you already know what you need to do, and can plan ahead, that is half the battle.

Kelly - I am so sorry for the stress you are under and pray all will ease up soon. It is perfectly understandable to stress and eat under those circumstances - I did it too! However, just remember the better you feel, the more mental and physical energy you will have to handle that stress. You salad today sounded absolutely scrumcious!!!!! Keep it up and you will be right back on track. ;-)

Dancer - Wow, you are doing awesome with food and workouts. You have me motivated again! Thanks for the mini-challenge - I needed it.

Hope everyones day is good! I did get my workout in 40 minutes cardio.

Hey Dance - so how is the weather there anyway? It must be so nice to go running up north in the summer, huh? I would love it take a visit there, I have my heart set on a ski trip eventually.

Well, so far so good.

I had Special K for breakfast
Blackberries for a snack
Tostito chips (24) with mango salsa - 400 calories, not bad
2 slices of american cheese
3 mini reese piece cups

That would put me at about 900 calories and I have 300 for the rest of the day and based on my dinner tonight, which is already made - I will be right where I need to be.

Hey everyone - wow what a busy day. I am putting aside 15 min to chat on here and had lots to read! I hope I can remember everything!

Vicky - definitely can relate - if I work out, I eat better for the most part. I think it's my brain telling me - "hey don't eat that you just ran your a$$ off" - so really more of a state of mind. It's too bad that you are that sore! Did you trainer ensure that you warmed up for a good 10 min first doing cardio and stretching? Maybe to keep your state of mind, do a small, less intense walk or some crunches or something (if you can).

Kelly - my heart goes out to you - and sounds like you are doing pretty well considering the circumstances - HUGS!!!

Burgandy and Lindy - I did the WII fit at my sisters. It was fun, but I just can't get into it. Maybe I like to look at the hot bods too much at the gym lol. And good job on the mile!!

Well my time is just about up :( Work is so busy. I was so proud though I left a bit earlier last night (if you call a 11 hour working day early lol) and went to the gym. I didn't even have to convince myself too much which was awesome!! I had a good 75 min cardio session. Tonight I have Yoga. Food is going really well and cravings have been minimal. Sadly, I have incorporate Coke Zero back into my diet but if that is the only craving I have then I am thankful, I am not drinking as much so I hope to wean off the stronger I get.

Only thing is, sorry for the TMI - I have been having problems going to the bathroom. Like 3-4 days and I am taking something for it. It's very uncomfortable. Any home remedies or thoughts? Sad to say but I think a lot of it is in my head because I am obsessing about it, but physically it's not so good. This only happens when I eat good!!! And I get a ton of fibre and I am even taking natural laxatives and still NOTHING! GRRRR. Hope none of you are eating lunch and reading this - sorry!

Hi Staccie - Sorry I spelled your name wrong earlier. I am so use to calling you Brown Eyed...lol. Anyway, it sounds like your eating is good, and I don't know much about the bathroom thing, but what about castor oil? LOL...don't freak, because I really don't know, but isn't that something they used 'back in the day?' It honestly sounds like your doing everything right, and I really wish I could help more. That happens to me, but when I exercise I seem to be more regular.

Today so far has been good. I got my workout in and my calories are running around 600 so far. I actually feel full, but it could be because I 'overindulged' last night......LOL...I'm not telling....LOL..

Where is Tiff Tiff? I miss you Tiff and all of your inspiration. I hope all is well.

Stacie - this happens to me often when I am eating healthy, I always am baffled by this considering I up my water intake and eat a lot of high fiber foods. Anyway, what I have found to work is a couple of things:

Coffee
Jalapenos (I love these cooked with some egg whites or chicken)
I also occasionally drink a bottle of this clear liquid, magnesium stuff. Its found in the laxative section and is in a glass bottle and comes in lemon, cherry and grape flavor, all of them taste horrible but it works within 2 hours of drinking it. Its almost like a colon clense for me - I know, TMI.

Sandy - awesome job on the calories. I work a little opposite when I binge. Maybe its because I stretch my stomach but getting back on track the day following a binge, I am starving! Its ridiculus. Is it just me or have we been having a beautiful summer? I mean, yeah its a given that its hot and rainy but it has been SOOOO breezy, especially in the morning and evenings. I genuinely love going out in the morning for my walk because of the nice cross breeze.

I'm so not in the mood to work today : ) I will buckle down and be super productive this afternoon - I promise!

mygrits - if you're seriously interested in increasing your running, do your quarter mile or whatever you can do comfortably then walk until your breathing and legs feel okay then run one more time, doesn't have to be long. Once you're okay with that routine, add another walking then running interval. That's the approach that many people use when they're getting started and it's exactly what I've been doing to increase my mileage. I can't remember how you get your cardio - is it on the treadmill? In any case, sounds like you are totally on plan today - nicely done! But what's this about overindulging last night and not spilling the gory details? : ) No fair - we've all been spilling the beans (or the cheetos, as it were). And with 'confessions' right in your username, too : )

Lindy - It's 95 here today so not that much cooler than the tropical south : ) - just a lot less humid, which honestly is pretty helpful when you're exercising. I just found out I may need to visit the Orlando area this fall - if that happens, we should definitely meet up for a 3FC shopping expedition or something. Sounds like you're doing great sticking to your plan! It doesn't seem like you're getting a lot of protein in what you listed so far today - is that something you try to track at all? I find I get the munchies way way more if I don't get enough protein - curious if others have that issue...

Staccie - wow are you working hard! I feel like such a slacker. I'm right there with you as far as diet sodas - I figure when I've lost the weight then I'll focus on that issue but if a diet root beer brings me joy at the moment, I'm going to enjoy the heck out out of it! As far as your other issue - sorry to hear that you've been uncomfortable. Major changes to your diet, even super healthy ones, can really confuse your system. The good thing is that your system usually adjusts in a week or two. Hope everything is back to normal soon!

Okay - I'm going to focus on earning my paycheck now : )

Staccie: The same thing happens to me when I eat super healthy, it usually takes a few days to pass. I've never had it where I was uncomfortable though. Hope things "clear up" soon, so to speak. I agree with Lindy, coffee usually does it for me. I can't believe your work schedule! But great job on going to the gym!

Kelly: My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. I agree with the others, take your time, and if you need time away, that's ok...you really need to focus on your family. Just know that we are here for you if you need us.

Ok, so here's my eats for the day, I did really well:
Breakfast: Dannon light yogurt, coffee
Lunch: Lean Cuisine Chicken Parmesean, sm. light caesar salad
Snack: grapes and strawberries
Dinner: turkey burger with baked potato (light butter, light sour cream) for veggies, I had a lot of lettuce, tomato, and pickles on the burger...no bun though.
Snack: Nature Valley Sweet & Salty bar (totally good if you like the salty and sweet together. There's peanuts, so it holds you over longer).

So, I'm under my points for the day...go me! LOL

My leg is feeling better, so I am going to go to the gym tomorrow after work. I will work my upper body and do some light cardio...maybe the treadmill to help stretch my leg...nothing too harsh, I don't want to do more harm than good. My first 2 workouts with Missy weren't bad at all, I was a little sore the next day, nothing too drastic. I think I was doing so well, she thought she could step up the workout, but stepped it a little too fast. Oh well, live and learn.

I have to say, I'm glad we're all more active on here...it's great to read how you are all doing. I have to say, it's great sharing the journey with all of you.

Good night!!!

Helllooooo girls!

I know I have been missing for QUITE a while. I finally closed on my house on June 23rd and have been going nonstop ever since. So, I have been moving in, fixing stuff, unpacking, and planning my wedding for the past few weeks. I only get on the computer every few days so I haven't even been logging in to read too much. I have been maintaining though! Despite not really watching or working out (although all this house stuff definitely qualifies as working out in my mind).

My wedding is in one month and a day, and 10 lbs down would make my dress look that much better. Oh yeah, I bought my dress this weekend! I absolutely loved it until I saw pictures of myself in it. I just think I look sooooo fat. Hopefully those photographers can do a good job and make me look thinner than I am.

Don and I took some pictures today to put in our wedding invitations and I don't think I look horrible, but I am definitely wider than him now :( I think every time we go to the gym between now and the wedding, I am going to concentrate on my arms. That is the part that looks the worst in the pictures we have taken.

Anyways, it is getting late and I still have a few things I want to accomplish before going to bed. I took a very long weekend and tomorrow is my first day back to work since last Thursday. I have a new intern to train! Yay. It's kinda fun, since that is where I started off in the company, as an intern, and now I get to train them. Although, weird story, last night I had a dream (nightmare?) that this girl from high school that I absolutely HATED was my new intern. Eek! Even weirder because she isn't in my profession and is at law school at NYU. So I have NO idea where that dream came from.

One quick shout out: Lindy! You're in the 180's! Awesome..you are quite inspirational as always. I really am in awe that you just keep this thread going and you are super motivational to everyone. Hopefully when things calm down for me, I can go back to being a big part of this board. Until then girl, keep it up. Oh and I can't wait to see those bikini pics you promised a few weeks ago.

Everyone else: keep on truckin! Thanks Sandy and dancer for the concern...I now I am not as present as I was previously...but I know you will probably agree that I have good reason! I will try to post at least once a week until life slows down in August. Especially now that I am getting back on the program tomorrow in order to get 10 more lbs off before my wedding!

Hey girlys - its 10 p.m. at night and usually I am ready to go to bed but tonight...not so much! Ugh! I hope I can get up in the morning for my workout, I am not even close to tired. I went and laid in my bed at 9 p.m. and tossed and turned until just now. Blah. Anyway...

Denver - no, today was an unusually low day for protein, I am actually pro protein most of the time but I was just craving carbs and before I knew it, my calories went up and up and so I would not exceed my 1200 calorie day, I had to stop and ended up not consuming much protein, oh well. That being said...YES - I stayed in my calorie range for one more day. By the way, did you make it to the gym?

Vicky - glad to hear your feeling a little better. I have to agree with you, when the forum is "jumping" it makes all the difference in how well I do, I love it! THANKS GIRLS!!!

Tiff - thanks for the positive feedback. I look forward to the day that you are back with us in full force, just think, tax season - check, house purchase - check, and wedding - check. You'll be able to focus back on your diet in no time. That being said - CONGRATS ON YOUR HOUSE AND WEDDING!!! Wow, a lot happens when your away for a couple of days. Oh - and I will take my bikini pics this weekend and post them. I look forward to seeing your wedding (and pre wedding) pics soon, please do share.

Have a good night girls, I am going to watch some tv and try the sleep thing again.

Howdy girls!

Tifftiff - nice to hear from you! Wow do you have a crazy busy life! Good luck with all of the challenges and exciting adventures ahead!

Maddiesmom - sounds like you did great today - hope the leg heals up fast.

Lindy - Way to be on plan!

So here's my info for today:
Eating: 1427 cal
Exercise: 1 hr jog

My knee's been hurting some lately and I've been icing it a ton. I'm kind of worried it'll get in the way of my new exercise groove but I may just have to mix it up a bit and use the elliptical or maybe borrow my dad's rowing machine for a while. Such a bummer when there's something that for a change you really enjoy in terms of exercise and your body cops out on you : (

Here's to another good day all around tomorrow!