Dance: You are going to be gorgeous in that dress, without a doubt! You have totally been rocking it with your hikes and jogging. Can't wait to see the pics!

Lindy: I love, love, love Red Lobster! I was at the gym last week and saw a commercial for the all you can eat shrimp (my absolute downfall). I think they had to mop up my drool from the elliptical machine! I've stayed away from that stuff, so I don't want to slip up now. Did you end up going?

To answer Lindy's question, my workouts have been going well. I went last Friday, walked a ton on Saturday, then the gym again on Sunday and Monday. Did my strength training on Sunday which included lots of lunges and squats and abs work. Then Monday was all cardio and I left the gym sweating like a pig. Burned over 300 calories, so I'm not doing too bad. Took yesterday off since I have the Hott trainer tonight at 8:00. Then back to the gym on Friday, Sat and Sunday. I try to go at least 3-4 times per week, and it seems to be working. I'm losing 2-3 pounds a week, so I can't complain.

Here's the food today (I think it's great that everyone shares, gives us new ideas for food!):
Breakfast: Sweet and salty bar
Snack: lite yogurt with blueberries
Lunch: Healthy choice mushroom & spinach pasta with a cup of minestrone soup
Dinner: Another lean cuisine or similar...lite food since I have to go to the gym shortly after dinner.

Hope you are all doing well! Have a great afternoon!

AJ- I'm so sorry to hear that. I know it can be frustrating. I always try and give my families the honest truth.. no matter how much they may not want to hear it. You have to be honest in my opinion... But then again.. you never really can predict what can happen being in the ICU. You can't give false hope or doubts for that matter. We take it one day at a time in the ICU. People are constantly asking me.. how much longer does he/she have. I'm not god.. nor are the doctors. We have to take it slow and take it one day at a time. I'm sorry you are going through this.

So.. I weiged 201.0 even. We're getting closer! YAY. So.. I'm about to make my hair appointment.. Because I know I will get under 200. HAHA..
I only have 6 more weeks as of today... until I see my husband! I have to be 190 by the time I see him. That's my goal. I can do it! I'm about to go to the post office so I can send him more letters. It's kind of romantic in a way. That's an upside. haha. Talk to you girls later!

maddiesmom - you are doing so great with your eating plan and workouts! What's your big inspiration? I can't remember if you've talked at all about why you're on this weight loss journey right now.

Neesy - wow - one pound away! woohoo! I think you can definitely get to 190 in six weeks with how disciplined you've been. It sounds sweet to exchange real letters :)

How about the rest of you? What's inspiring you to do this, for real, for good and most of all right now? I find I get all pumped and encouraged reading other people's stories and I could use a little extra uumph this week :)

I had the minor goal of not embarrassing myself at this wedding but the more important one of getting healthy and fit again. Since I turned 40 last fall, I've realized I have some choices about how I want the second half of my life to be and chubby is not one of the more attractive or healthful options. What really got me going this spring was my bf going through a really moody period which in the past has been an excuse for emotional eating but this time I decided to focus on me and channel that energy in a different way. Ok - enough procrastinating - back to work for me...

Dancer- SHUT UP! you aren't a day over 22. No way. I don't believe it. You are one beautiful lady.

Neesy- Way to go. You really are plowing through this! And thank you. I know we don't have a prognosis but we get a different story every time a new nurse comes in and its hard. I hate this.

Maddiesmom- You are really great with the workouts. I wish I had your dedication to it. And your food sounds great.

Lindy- Thanks again. I have been pretty beat up lately but I really am okay. Not sure why I am okay but I am. We move in 2 weeks!!

I am still sitting here in the silence and bubbling of the chest tube bubble machine thingy. (very technical, I know!) I am past tired and now bored so hunger has struck. I am having my friend sleep in my lap so I don't get up and wander. 3 more hours and we will know so much more!!!!

AJ - we'll keep you guys in our thoughts. All the best!

Good morning girls--

Neesy - OMG---cant you just taste the victory?! Your 190 goal is so attainable and so close, good for you girly. Whats been going on with the exercise? Are you still making it to the gym?

Dance - I was just as shocked when you said you were 40. Ive even seen your pics on Facebook and would have never guess that. You look amazing! You should be so proud of yourself with how much you have lost. Slow and steady wins the race.

Maddiesmom- you had me cracking up about the drooling on the treadmill, lol...too funny. I managed to stay away from Red Lobster, which is amazing. Maybe I did pick a good time to do a cleanse because by the time Im done with this, all you can eat shrimp and the never ending pasta bowl at Olive Garden might be almost over. Those are definately 2 HUGE downfalls for me.

AJ- um, it sucks the circumstances that your in but darnit if you are the smartest chick I know right now, lol. Having your friend sleep in your lap is a great idea. That is definately something I would do, much like my episode last week with paying extra money to go to the dog supply store so I wouldnt be tempted to eat human food, lol.

Anyway -- well, my beach weekend is almost here, yay me. Too bad TOM is making more bloated than I have ever felt in my life. I can deal with the pain, but it really sucks when your bloated beyond belief. Grrr....Im not so confident about my bikini wearing this week. I might have to get some midol. OH - also, I detoured on my cleanse today. I didnt indulge in food, but I desperately needed a Pepsi and there was no talking me out of it. It can really hinder your results by incorporating something so small, but I know I am much more healthy that I was, so Ill take that risk. Thats it for today though. Last night Gabriella wanted McDonalds so I took her because she has been such a good girl. I always let her choose McDonalds because I HATE McDonalds, I dont like much of anything on there evening menu, so its easy for me not to lose focus. Now--Taco Bell, Checkers or Burger King...all another story. I try to steer clear, lol. In fact, last week she asked for tacos from Taco Bell and I told her no. Im so mean. I just couldnt do it. Even more so, after being on a cleanse and not eating.

Well...I will talk to you chicks later. Hope everyone has a skinny day.

Hey chickies! Got in my run and am still huffing and puffing.
Lindy - good choice in resisting MCD - that could be scary on such an empty stomach. How much longer are you going to do the cleanse? I still worry about you - can't help it! ;)

GUESSSSSSSSSS WHATTTTTT?!!!!!?!?!?!

I finally made it! YAY! 199.8 today. I never thought I would be so happy to be 199lbs in all my life... but I am. haha. I'm soooo excited. Now on to my next goal, the 180s! Thank you all so much for the support. I couldn't have gotten this far without you girls. honestly, when I feel like giving up, you girls pull me back in. Thanks so much.

I was so excited I had to document this point in history. haha. I'm goofy.

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/u...t%2009/me2.jpg

Lindy-I have only been going to the gym twice a week. Most of the time I will do exercises while I'm watching tv.. and plus I walk the dogs a ton. I think the most important thing for me was having my diet on point. I get a lot of protein and fiber.. which helps. Hopefully one day I will be a skinny chick like you! I'm jealous=) haha

Neesy -:bravo: :bravo: :bravo: That's great news! Good for you!! Your hubby will be so impressed! Love the pedicure too ;)

Beesy-this calls for a smiley parade...your finally in onederland! :carrot::D:bravo::cb::cp::hat::dance::dancer::high ::queen::woohoo::cheer3::cheer2::congrat::broc::ch eer::goodscale:strong::trampo:

HAHA!!! But in all seriousness, CONGRATULATIONS girly, Im SOOOOOOO proud of you! And thanks for the compliment too, Im not a skinny minnie yet, but Im definately trucking along.

Dance - I am on Day 13 of my cleanse, its only 7 more days, so Im good. Seriously, my skin glows, my hair looks so incredibly healthy (even before the sye job, lol), I feel great, very energetic and I just think this was one of the best things I could have done. I love ya so much for being so thoughtful and concerned, its really sweet. I look forward to the day I can meet all you girls, watch out cruise...here we come! Heehee.

Ill check in later.

haha. thanks guys! That made me laugh =)

Neesy: CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is sooooo great! I also noticed your are more than half way to your goal! Good for you! I'm definitely jealous...and your husband is going to flip when he sees his hot wife again.

Lindy: You impress me with the whole cleanse thing. I would never be able to pull it off. I'm not a fan of McD's either. Had a french fry in my mouth to see if it was cool enough for Maddie and all I tasted was oil and salt. After that, it completely turned me off and I stopped giving them to her as well. How do you handle the diet at home with Gab? Is she eating healthier as well?

Dancer: You asked for my motivation. I was just sick of being fat. After having my Madeline almost 2 years ago and turning 30 last year, I realized that I was happy with everything in my life except my body. So, for once I was going to focus on me, so I can be a good example for my daughter and do things that I have never done before because I was overweight. I didn't want to be the chubby mommy on the sidelines while my daughter was missing out. I'm doing this for my family, but more importantly, for myself.

Hott trainer killed me last night. Lots of arm and leg work, so today they kinda feel like Jell-o. He said I was going to hate him today, he pushed me really hard. He's such a nice guy though and I really enjoy working with him, so I can't complain. Plus, I was down another 2.4 pounds at WW today, so I'm losing. He said he was going to work me to get results fast, so he's changing the workouts a lot so my body doesn't get used to it. So far, it's worked!

How is everyone else doing today?

Hi ladies! TOM crosschecked me right to the floor - I actually went home yesterday after 2 hours of work and I stayed home today. I know part of it is just being exhausted. I am feeling a bit more normal today with no bad cravings but still very tired. I allowed myself to give in yesterday. No I take that back, I didn't allow myself, I just couldn't be bothered to find the motivation...it's so frustrating. I haven't worked out for three weeks? I think? I may have been walking around a lot but I don't consider that working out.

However...Neesy after seeing your picture on here - I am so happy for you and it reminded me of how awesome I felt when I saw the 1 on the scale. I want to get there again so thanks so much for motivating me!!! I am very happy for you!!! :woohoo:

Lindy - I hear you on the Red Lobster - I can't find one here in Vancouver that is close to me and that's a good thing :) and WOW - good on you for not giving in with how yummy it is, your craving and TOM! You have some awesome motivation girl!! Again - providing motivation for me! You will feel all that much better at the beach this weekend even though TOM is around being a pesk!! And as for the Pepsi, well look at this way - you did not go nuts on everything else. As long as you keep that in mind you'll be good. Again, good control for you - if I indulge in one thing it often means I eat everything else I like and feel sick the next day.

Vicky - sounds like an excellent trainer...I miss having one. Maybe I should suck up the cost and have someone get me back on track...good for you for working hard and the loss!

AJ - so sorry for you...boy things are just not going too well for you - isn't that just the way it happens though...bug hugs for you!!!!!

Burgandy - thanks for your kind words...I think you are way ahead of me now...I bet I have put on everything I lost and then some from just not eating right whether it be not eating or eating gross stuff. And not exercising. I gain weight easier than anyone I know. I will weigh myself on Sunday when TOM is gone and the impurities of my body are spewed out. But I am doing good today and I have to learn from my previous errors not sulk over them (at least I am trying to do that anyway).

Dance - I agree you do NOT look your age even from just the avatar on here. And you are also going to look smoking in that dress. Are you going to post pictures, either that or I will have to creep you on facebook :)

Well I am off to eat lunch - I am having mexicana mix with egg whites, chicken, onions and salsa. Then I have to clean, check my emails and get some exercise in today. It's beautiful out so I should go for a walk down by the ocean.

Cheers to everyone for a good day!

maddiesmom - you are on such a great losing streak! Way to go! And what an incredibly good reason to be motivated as far as weight loss - it's great that you're focusing on yourself in such a healthy way.

So, I did the spray tan this morning - what a weird experience! You walk into this booth and it sprays mist on you while you are in four different positions (one is 'walk like an egyptian' oddly enough) and then it blows you dry. Afterwards you feel a bit sticky and you have to wait 6hrs or so to take a shower. So far (after 2-3 hrs) I look like I have a light natural tan. Fairly subtle actually. Anyway - just wanted to let you guys know in case you were interested.

Staccie - enjoy your sea walk - wish I was there to keep you company! Not a lot of ocean views out here in the middle of the Rockies ;)