Good Morning Girls!!!
Brrrrrrrrrrr! It's chilly this morning!

Mystical~ aww, you just sound so happy and full of pep!! I LOVE it!!! Congrats on the loss girlie! I'm sure you'll keep it off until Wed, no problem! Hmm...Thanksgiving...well, as you know, I'm not one to pass up special foods on special occasions (Ahem, my fil's cakes on Birthdays ) so I see no reason to skip special foods on Thanksgiving. I think the key will be, portion control. I, thankfully, am not in charge of any sweets (although Christmas is another story) but there will be some there. I intend on eating normal portions of each and every yummy food that'll be there and then indulging in a small bit of sweets. After all, it's only one day out of the whole month. If you're in charge of making sweets and goodies, and would feel bad not making them, go ahead and make them! However, since you were in charge of making them, you'll also get to be in charge of sending any leftovers of said sweets and goodies home with your guests--and don't take no for an answer! That would be my plan.

Tummy~ oh I was beyond beat by 7:00! But, I toughed it out and went to bed at 10:00 (I needed to watch CSI Miami ). Ya know, I thought I had decided to return the P90X to that guy and buy it from beachbodies, but then I decided that I didn't want to lop down that much money right now and then I got bummed. However, after seeing your pics, I might just keep the one I got and maybe get the guides in PDF form. I can't believe the difference in your arms in just one month!!!! That's amazing!! So, whaddya think? What would you do? Hmm? Has TOM made up his mind about showing up? Is there any reason you should be, um, worried that might not? Hmm?

Jessica~ man alive, kick TOM out--tell him he is no longer welcome!!! Geez, what is he thinking? I'm having a wonky month with him too--more hit and miss than usual, which isn't awful, but I hate not knowing if he's gone or not, kwim? Anyway, congrats on the loss!!! That rocks!!! Now hopefully TOM will hit the road and you can get back to normal!!

Mom~ ooooh, you're close to that new decade!!! How'd it go yesterday? Were all the Uncles there (minus R & MA of course)? Awww, 88, he's still so spry! It gives me hope! Congrats on that NSV!!! Nothing better than being able to tuck in a shirt and go out and show it off!! I'll have you know it's not supposed to be over 70 here all week...can't you come tomorrow instead of next month? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?!

Bigmid~ aww, sorry the scale is being evil to you. Hang in there hun, you still did an AWESOME job this month!!! Just keep your eyes on the prize and keep moving forward!!!

MsP~ ahh, your weekend sounds like mine was! And yes, this morning came far too soon. Hope you had a great run this morning!!

Nello~ yeeouch! I hope that it's nothing serious hun! Ya know, between you and Tummy, I'm starting to rethink returning the P90X...

Molly~ yeah, quitting soda (or coffee) can be tough when it comes to caffeine. Try to stay away from the chocolate for now--and good call on the grapes! Hope your 2nd week isn't as stressful as your first!!!

Shasha~ ask and you shall receive!!! and one more for good measure Glad to hear you had a good time in Seattle!!! And good luck with the South Beach stuff!!

Imdedicated~ once again!

SG~ awww, I'm so sorry you're feeling miserable hun! That's rotten! But on the plus side, what a motivator to stick to healthy eating huh? I hope you feel better soon, is there any way you can run home really quick on your lunch break or something? Hang in there hun!!

Well, I'm supposed to be showering and getting ready to head to a friend's house for a play date, but I'm slacking. I've been fighting a mild headache all weekend and it's still hanging on. Grrr.

TOM was gone most of yesterday and has shown back up--what's his deal? I dunno...but I'm actually glad because I haven't had any post TOM swoosh and I was thinking I wasn't going to--so maybe there's still a chance.

137.2 today and I expect it'll be the same tomorrow as well. I seem to be kind of idling, but that's okay.

Found a low cal recipe for -- are you ready for it? Apple Fritters!!! I have the Hungry Girl 200 under 200 and it's in there. Hubby love, love, loves apple fritters so I'm going to try to bake some up today--if I have time.

Well ladies, I better get going. I do need to get up and get ready to get out of here! Going to have lentil soup at her house for lunch--I have no idea how high in calories it'll be, but I can't imagine it'll be too bad--and if I like it, I'll ask her for the recipe, that way maybe I can do something with the lentils in my pantry!

Okay, I'm really going now...have a great day and be sure to...

Drink Your Water and Take Your Vitamins!!!

Good Morning! Thanks for the welcome!

Hi ladies!

I know I haven't been around much this month. My computer was hijacked by some nasty nasty spyware and it was in the shop. In addition, we found out at the beginning of the month that we are being audited and so every computer moment has been spent running down numbers for the tax man! AND

Anyway, I am off to the accountant's office this morning but wanted to check in to report that I made my goal for the month on Saturday!!! 5 pounds gone!!! Today, of course, TOM has arrived so things have bounced back up but I know that's just water and will disappear over the next few days.

Hope everyone is rockin' it!!!!

Morning Ladies,

Bigmid - Hang in there, I don't think I've ever heard of a new scale ever weighing lighter, I think those things are rigged a bit. At least you made Septmeber goal and now you have tons of time for October's once this rough spot evens out a bit

Susie - Ain't that the truth! You know that was exactly what crossed my mind after she told me, that any man who would do that to his family wasn't worth having anyway but that was an inside thought that day and you know what, when she's over the shear pain of it all I'm sure she'll believe the same thing, she's already mentioned such things but more in a rage filled painful kind of way. I think that's funny about the gender differences, when I left an 8 year relationship, he assumed it was for someone else but it was totally b/c I was fed up, lol, he couldn't imagine me being happier alone that with him, fooled him!

Jessicado - that's a month, August 27 was the before and the after was September 27, it shocked me to pieces yesterday cuz I don't really walk around flexing like that so I hadn't realized how much the old arms had changed. I eat along the idea of the nutrition plan: whole foods, mainly fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts and healthy fats. (minus the lean animal protien of course) and I recently found out that Tony Horton is a vegitarian too, interesting. I usually hit at the lowest b/w 1500-1600 calories and at the high end around 1800 depending on how hungry I am and what my workout schedule is for the day. It has slowly been increasing since I started the program but it listed me as needing to eat in calorie level two which was 2400cal I think. It seems this is pretty common too, I've been checking out the forums at the p90x site and a lot of ppl eat less than recommended if they are trying to lose some.

MsP - Glad to hear the weekend went well and you're finishing up strong! I was with you in spirt this morning freezing and running in the dark, hope your run went good too!

Nello - You totally have to take pictures, I'm so glad I did b/c I didn't think the difference was that huge b/c once again I'm not flexing around my house like that all the time, maybe I will be now, lol. You're still on your recovery week right? At least you'll have it easier until Tuesday so I hope that helps your heal. I too would have some issues if I couldn't keep going and it was beyond my control. Here's to month number 2!

Miss Mallee - Glad you're working hard at school that is the main thing and you're staying away from the soda but I would definitely work on packing some super healthy snacks for sure. Healthy granola bars, dry cereal, anything to stay away from the stuff and preserve all your hard work. You can do it and you are a maverick at planning so I know you'll figure it out.

Shasha - Good to hear that your weekend went well and here's a big old for today. And it's true too, one off day can erase a weeks worth of hard work so we need to get you firmly on track here. I've never done SB myself but I've heard ppl have great success with it so good luck and here's to rocking it out in October, you can totally do this!

Imdedicated - It's always nice to have another gorgeous lady around. Check in often, post as much as you like and we look forward to getting to know you and helping anyway we can. Congrats on the 29lbs lost so far as well, that's fantastic!

Sandye - I was just wondering about her on my run this morning too, she's been gone awhile I say we wait until the Tuesday (30th) and if she's not back then we'll have to go ahead and she can pick it back up when she gets back. I would probably keep that one and get the discount b/c he was a cow and lied but I'm so immediate gratification so that's what would rule my decision. If you can get the guides PDF then you're golden. The only thing you really need is the video rotation schedule for the program you want to do and the workout sheets you have to get online anyway, they aren't even in the books anywho. So if you want to go bookless I can help you out with whatever you need from them. And thanks, it was really crazy hence the posting pics, I was shocked and event though this is totally unsexy I can actually flex my pec muscles, like a guy, it's nuts but I ain't showing anybody! So ya about TOM, not here yet, I'm day 33 and normally I'm a 27-29 day cycle. It's not crazy late yet but I've never late more than a day. And if I happen to be, you know, then it's a failure of birth control. So i'm still holding out hope that it'll show up and dh is hoping it won't, lol. The real reason I'm stressing is b/c I don't have my appt with my reproductive dr until Nov. 4 and I haven't been able to maintain a pregnancy since dd was born and I would like to find out what's wrong b/f getting pregnant again and going through all that heartache for the third time, kwim?
Go have fun with your friend! And all the lentil soups I've made and have recipes for are below 300cal and so much fiber you won't know what to do with yourself! Have a blast!

SG - Oh yuck, that's brutal and is going to make for one loooonnnnng day at school. Cheese is the Hope you feel better and don't scare the students

Urockmon - on making goal, on booohiss on being audited.

Alrightly ladies, I was wondering what everybody thought about starting the new threads until FSA comes back to us, do you want to wait until Tuesday and give her as much time as possible to show? Or put them up today? Who wants to maintain it and keep the list, you know be FSA for a bit, lol?

Ok outside of that, running is done for today, out at 5:30 and dark, I hadn't realized that when you live in the country it's not just dark, it's black, there's no streetlights or house lights, except mine so I couldn't see a dang thing other than black road and blacker ditch, which is an improtant distinction though so that helped a bit. it was a bit scary trying to not step in a hole or something but I managed and maybe next time I should be my outside lights on and I might get a little help.

Down another chunk today, 0.4lbs to 163.8, oh ya that's 60 big old pounds that have been burnt off, flushed down and exorcised! "insert happy dance" Have an awesome day ladies, only 3 days left to rock out those goals!!

urockmom-Congrats on making GOAL!!! That's awesome in the face of all that you have going on. Good luck at your accountant's and with the whole audit thing. Must be lots of fun...or NOT! Hope your computer is all better now so you can be with us for the October Challenge.

Sandye-Lentil soup sounds pretty harmless. I think only healthy people eat it! HeeHee Seriously, I don't think I've ever heard a super-unhealthy person ever mention eating lentil soup. Anyway, I too was missing FSA and wondering about her whereabouts. If we don't hear from her today, maybe I'll start our October threads so we can get those moving. What do ya think?

Imdedicated-Glad to have you on board! The October threads (one for Weight Loss and one for Exercise) should be up today or tomorrow so everyone can start posting their goals and chatting about the upcoming month. It can be pretty chatty at first, but then settles down some, so don't get overwhelmed!

SG-Oh that sounds awful! So sorry to hear your not feeling well. I guess it does show that not all calories are the same. You've been eating so well, your body wants you to KEEP IT UP! I hope you can get relief soon!!

Tummy-Nice pipes, girl! Glad to see the P90X is doing it for ya! That's so great. I have to admit, I've been admiring my arms a lot lately in mirrors around the house. There's just so much more definition in my shoulders and arms and I LOVE IT!!!! Looking fit ROCKS! Oh, you posted at the same time as me, so I gave my 2 cents, which is to start the trhead later today and FSA will certainly hop on board when she's back. I hope she's doing alright!)

Molly-Good luck on your break up...with Chocolate, that is. I just can't leave him, so I just try not to indulge too often and ideally with dark chocolate. Hope school gets better. College really is an adjustment, so keep up the work and you'll get in the groove. Have you tried any of your freezer meals yet?

Shasha-It's so easy to let one day turn into another and another and let things slide. Just remind yourself that it's for your long-term health and you'll feel SO much better once you've had a few good OP days. Good luck with South Beach! I've done it before (with DH even) and had some success. I was NEVER hungry, that's for sure. I think urockmom and FSA do SB, maybe they can give ya some tips when they're handy.

My weight dropped a tiny bit (.2) to put me exactly 10 pounds from my goal (and 1 pound from my September goal). As I mentioned on another thread, I've been reading that my "ideal" weight range is more like 123-127, but once I get to my present goal, I'll see where I want to end up. I can't wait to get to maintenance!!!! But I guess I'll have to! My run went well, (thanks for asking, Tummy) today, but it was a dark,very windy one...gonna be a cloudy day today, so I had a little trouble convincing myself to get out there, but I'm persistant so eventually I had to give in..LOL

Hi girls......miss you much. Sandye, I fell into a hole, lol. Well it was very busy as I said before but then some family stuff happened and DH and I were beyond upset, it was awful and very hurtful . Tossed me into a bit of a whirlwind and at the rate I was going I was going to make myself sick unless I got it together. We are better now and carrying on but surely we will have to deal with them as they will continue to need DH to sign papers, etc. I'm afraid to say much here (so paranoid ) and plus its his family but it has something to do with one of his sisters basically forcing him (using parents as leverage) to sign over his inheritance or his share of the house. ouch ouch ouch! I cant talk about it. How a family member can do this to one another is beyond me, my DH is so hurt. We just cannot fathom it! Just cannot! OKay, my blood pressure is going up . It's not just what they are doing , it was the approach which was awful more than anything else. I better stop, needless to say we will move on.

My dad and mom caught a cold and i was so worried dad would go into heart failure but guess what?????????? I talked to mom yesterday and he is okay!! That's a wonderful sign and I'm so releived. Tomorrow is the yearly party at the rehab center and daddy really loves to go. Last year (first year) I warned mom there might be some flashbacks which indeed is what happened, she told me she felt sick and almost fainted and good thing I was there , etc. etc. ANyways, I did fine because I was so proud for everyone to see how well my dad is doing and all but I'm not as thrilled about going back there tomorrow but want to be there to support my mom, etc. DH is even taking the day off and we are taking them up. THey are so happy and I'm sure mom will be fine. My DH is wonderful!

There were some layoff's at DH's work this week. As for me....wasn't feeling so good on top of it all but I'm sure the stress didn't help. I am determined to get back and begin taking care of myself again so I will be working on that. Sorry I ve been MIA, I wouldnt let the list go on you gals..(that would kill me).

Enough of my crazy stories. I scanned through the posts and a big congratulationsssssssssss to all of you on the losses, healthy eating, and meeting goals! I saw the progress pics, the tickers, omg! I am so happy for you girls...you look dynamite and are such an inspiration! real sweethearts to boot! Miss and love ya gals....keep up the awesome work OUr October thread is up. I will be back shortly to fix the list in the sep. ex. challenge. Delphi, so glad u found a place hon. o k, chat soon.

FullSteamAhead: lose 6-7 lbs, champ. 2x/wk max WK1, WK2, WK3, WK4
juliast27: reach 175's
nellonello: to see 195
Aclai4067: No more than 2 sodas per wk, survive b'day w/a loss, + be 250 lbs. by Sep. 30
sasha: lose approx. 10 lbs. to be 240
Delphi: lose 10 lbs. + reach a normal BMI--MET GOAL!!
AngelD: have breakfast every other day + start + stick with C25K
Nella: lose 10 lbs., do level 2 or 3 on 30DS w/no 5 second breaks, + fit into one of my old pair of jeans.
iDream: Lose 5 lbs, Lose more inches, Keep trying new recipes, +Keep trying new veggies.
wamama: 08/29: 281 lbs, Goal : 270 lbs by my birthday late Sept.
dcapulet: lose 4-6 lbs, Daily water goal: 64 oz 5 out of 7 days, Keep going with couch to 5 k, Yoga 4 days a week, + Good, clean, op eating most days.
Shrinking Girl: Lose 8 lbs--MET GOAL!!
jellofer2: to be 249 by Sep. 30.
Tummy Girl: Lose 10 lbs. to hit 166.
Bootsie: Lose 10 lbs.
Late To The Game: Lose 7-10 lbs.
susiemartin: Lose 10 lbs. to hit 227.
MyOwnSabateur: I am right now 184.8, My goal for Sept is to be in 179.
Mystical: Lose 10 lbs.
hugmequick: Lose 6 lbs. to reach 258.
Miss Mallee: Loose 10 pounds, Stop drinking soda (even diet).
ruth135: pending
mustbedreaming: My goal is to lose 10 pounds & walk 2 miles on the treadmill (8-10%incline) 3x per week!
matilda: drop 10lbs, + workout 5hr./wk.
ruth135: lose 4-6 lbs., + start Strength training regularly.
MsPerception: ge to 144, multi-vitamin most days, + get back to meal-planning.
Bigmid: Lose 6 lbs--MET GOAL!!
pucedaisy: Lose 5 lbs. to reach my goal of 140! I'll need to keep my new and improved eating habits and STEP UP the exercise!
Sotypical: Lose at least 2 pounds.
c laura: lose 15lbs this month and/or drop six inches.
misschloe: i want to stay on the wagon all month, which means no cheating, lots of veggies, lean protein.
Synesthetes: lose 2lbs.
Lewisempire: keep PLANNING my meals ahead and lose 5 pounds.
Wifey: lose at least 5lbs, no pop drinking for 30 days and focus on drinking more water, especially when I'm at work!
HeatherEljohari: Septembers weight goal= 167lbs. do light excerise 3x a week. 30 minutes cardio, 20 situps (unsure on this one but will try). Also 80fl oz water everyday.
econ nerd: lose 10 pounds or get below 223 (starting weight is 233)
ButterflyDiva: drink 8 glasses of water every day, eat healthy... no junk food, no fast food or take out, 5 to lose anywhere between 5 and 10lbs by Oct 1st.
Jacque999: Stay within 4 lbs of 125, Make healthy meals for myself and my son, Continue working out 6 days a week.
KimL1214: CW: 270, GW: 260,Comfortably fit into a size 20 pair of pants.
urockmom: lose 5 pounds--MET GOAL!!
dandk0204: lose 10lbs.
Newshinyme: journal my food intake for every meal.
HealthyBunny: My SW is 160 lbs, my goal for the month is to lose 6 lbs.
MeowMix: My goal is to lose 8 pounds by September 30th!
Jessicado22: to get into the 250s--MET GOAL!! and to fit into those smallest of small size 20 pants I have in storage and be able to wear them in public--MET GOAL!! added goal, get into the 240s.
mizzmizzy: lose 9 lbs. to get to 161.
Hotsplashes: My goal is to be in the 7's. And as close to 175 as I can possibly get.
aprilcp12344: currently sit at 171 and hope to be at 165 by the end of the month
Bessie Mary Alice : Goal: Reach 150lbs, Walk or bike the new trail just opened down the street at least every Saturday/Sunday.
misspiggy408: Get out of the 140's (FINALLY!!) , Weight/Resistance bands, workout 2-3x / week, Cardio 5x / week.
CanadianCutie: lose 10 pounds by September 30th.
layddi: I'd like to see 190 by the end of September, that would be 11 pounds.
slimmerCindy: I am shooting for onderland in September! (that's like 10 pounds).
inthemidst: get to 178, eat OP, and not let school freak me out!
cheri1957: starting in at 238 my goal is to lose 100 pounds...
IgetfitNStrongforme: lose 8 lbs.
saraht: lose 3lbs. to be 155.
sylv: lose 10 lbs.
Matilda08: to get below 235.

If I am missing anyone from the list or missed a goal met, please inform me girls. CONGRATULATIONSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS once again :cheer 2:

WOW, so many posts already on this Monday, wish I had time for personals. Just wanted to check in and tell everyone to have a wonderful day. I am not feeling great today a little sick at my tummy hopefully I 'm not coming down with anything. You ladies have a great day I'll check in later.

Sorry about the late post. Worked a ton this weekend and have a very sick DH. But.........with only 3 days left in the month I might just make my goal.
Weighed in this am at 251.8!!!!! So, If I stay on perfect plan Wednesday maybe a day to celebrate!!! It is awesome to read all of your personals. I am so proud to say that I am a member of this site. I talk about it all the time.

Have a great day everyone.

Today I started day 1 on SB diet. I have a feeling the first couple days won't be very difficult, but then around day 4, I will want to eat the bad stuff. I had a couple hard boiled eggs and grape tomatoes for breakfast. I forgot how filling just eggs on their own can be. Do any of you ladies who have tried this have any advice, suggestion or feedback? Would love to hear it. Also thanks Sandy and Tummy for the buttkicking. I feel good about this week.

YAY!! Our FSA is back! Oh my gosh, hon. So sorry to hear about the bad family situation. People can just be awful sometimes. I don't understand it. How can anyone do things like that and sleep at night? Anyway, you guys take care and try not to let the stress get to you. Glad you're dad is feeling better. It's so funny we were all thinking about you then you magically appeared. I love it!! I've missed you and hope life calms down here next month so you can enjoy it and we can see (read) more of you.

brought tears to my eyes. Ty so much Jess..Luv ya You keep on s hining sweety, ty so much again : ). Chat soon

Welcome Imdedicated! These challenge threads really help me stay motivated to get to my goals so hope they help you alot too! The ladies on here are all really supportive and helpful. Anyways, good luck on getting to your goal next month!

I was just wondering about FSA too....sorry to hear about everything going on . I know you can't go into too many details, but it sounds just horrible! There are such nasty people around it seems these days between your DH's sister, Tummy's friend's ex and Delphi's landlord's daughter! Anyways, hope things are getting better for you and we are able to see a little more of you next month!

Oh and FSA , I made both my Sept goals! I can now fit and wear those pants, and I got into the 250s forever ago.....I made a new Sept goal of getting into the 240s...which I am battling against TOM to make it too....only a little over a pound!

SG Sorry to hear you are feeling so horribly! Isn't it amazing what the food we eat can do to us?

Sandye--what is with all the funky TOMs this month for everyone?!?!!? Hope yours is over soon and you get your swoosh! Mmmm.....low cal apple fritters?!?! Yummy! That ought to cheer DH right up!

urockmom--Sorry to hear about your computer and tax troubles, but congrats on the 5 pounds! Way to stick with it even though you are having a crappy month.

Tummy--Woohoo on 60 pounds! That is awesome! Lol on the black road and ditch....I used to live in the country and know exactly what you mean....it is an important distinction! Well, if you were able to get by with less calories, maybe I'll give the p90X a try then if I can squeeze it in! You look so awesome after just a month I am really intrigued now!

MsPerception---you are so close! I agree to wait until you reach your first goal and see how you feel. You can never really go by those stupid weight catagories anyways. You might decide you feel great at 135 and too skinny at 125 or something, who knows!

Shasha--glad to see you back after fun ol Seattle! I don't think I would be able to stay on plan there either, lol. Too much good food there around every corner! I don't have any tips for you on SB myself, but there is a whole forum dedicated to it on here. Good luck! It is no nice to be doing it with your bf for that extra support too!

Well, TOM is STILL freakin here. I have no idea what is going on. I am kinda starting to get worried. I have been upping my calorie intake the past 4 days or so to see if maybe my body was in shock or something, and I didn't even exercise the past two days except for a few walks....but it is still hanging around. The scale has been dropping the past few days though (and today too---down to 251!), so that usually means it is almost over. Of course I thought that last week when the scale started dropping all the water weight I had gained, and then Tom decided another round might be fun and came back to stay, so now I have no idea what to expect. My milk supply is still fine though, so I guess if I was really stressing my body out too much, my milk supply would probably dry up...so I am going to assume I am just fine right now, but hormones are out of whack or something.

Only 1.1 pound to get to 249.11......comeon body, you can do it!

Thanks Tummy, Ms. Perception and Jessica!

I look forward to posting here...I need the accountability.
I'm 27, a christian, I work at a college here in Brooklyn, I'm also a Grad student (elementary ed). I'm single...haven't found "him" yet....
I lost 80lbs in 2003 when I found low carb...I got skinny....in my world that was a size 10....over the years I gained it back and then some...I ended up gaining about 90lbs. So I've lost some...I'm here now...I'm refocused...I need to be...to lose this weight....that's about it...