Burgundy - just saw your post - yep, I'm home and pretty happy about it! woohoo on getting in your workout!

My sleep schedule is so off right now. Which hasn't affected my diet luckilly.. but I've been staying up all night and sleeping most of the daytime. which makes me feel soo lazy. I have to be at work at 7am.. hopefully I'll be able to go back to sleep. I just woke up a couple hours ago! OMG!

Dance- I wish I could go exercise with you. I'm getting my exercise in at work.. all weekend. haha

Rayne- I'm really thinking about getting 30ds. Especially since I hate driving to the gym lately. You like it?

Hi ladies,

Wow, I've had a steaming busy day but thought I needed to take a brief break. It's real quiet in our pod on Friday!!! Looking forward to working out - well not really but I keep telling myself that.

Dance - I will be your workout buddy this weekend, I have to work out both days because of the effects of the alcohol binge on Monday. And they won't be workouts for the weak limbed...I'm going to crank it hard!!! I am thinking about doing the gruelling hike up 2,800 stairs on Sunday to punish myself too!! Glad you are home and the crisp, fall day sounds awesome. It's actually about 25 above here, more like summer but I think the rain is coming soon....ewww!

Burgandy - I never cheated today! Woo hah - well it isn't over but I am sure I can hold out. Ok, I had a gummie thing but that was it. No chocolate and it's been sitting right behind me all day! Enjoy your day tomorrow!

Neesy - adjusting to that time is tough...and you're right I imagine you do quite a few laps at your job!!! I am curious about this DVD too now....

Lindy - sorry to hear you are feeling poopy today. It's called a food hangover!! But you sound like you are on track and I bet when that sodium finds it way out of your body you will see a pound or both drop off. Just eat clean and drink a ton of water. Telling you the things that you already know!

Well I am hopeful that I lost some pounds this week. I should have, even without much exercise. I have to do better next week - no drinking!!!! It totally makes me go off course!!!

Hope everyone has a good Friday night!! Will be thinking of you as I am working the inches off my junker tonight :)

Neesy - how are the doggies?

Staccie - ok, the weekend exercise challenge is so on! ;) I have a feeling you're going to kick my *arse* though!

Dance-I will be doing 30ds this weekend and hopefully getting a walk or run in if I dont have to work too late. Gotta work the next 4 days.

Neesy-I like 30ds, its only about 20 minutes, but you are moving the entire time. Plus I walk and run and hardly sit down during the day. I recommend it.

Staccie-bravo for not cheating today. Did you have a good workout?

I thought I would take a minute to check in before I leave. Got a fun day planned tomorrow, the 6 yr old has a soccer game in the morning, then off to a big flea market to find some good bargains, my SIL will probably want to go for pizza, I will control myself. Then bring the boys home, come home for a few hours and then back to their house to do it all over again Sunday. Gotta think of something fun to do on Sun and Mon. I will have them tuesday too, but not until bedtime so dont have to think of anything for then. I will just get a good movie and relax. Its nice to get paid to watch a movie. I need to get up and pack an overnight bag. Have a great night ladies.

Hi Chicks,

Thanks for all the nice woo hoo's on my weightloss. It does feel good to know what I am doing is working, and I have not desire to binge on anything. I guess the natural smoothies (no syrups & crap) are helping that. Oh, and my black eye soooo much worse. It ran, meaning with the blood flow and it is now all the way around my eye with red and black colors. No Staccie no yellow yet, but yuck that will suck when it looks like that. I am putting so mucy makeup on it to hide it. The swelling isn't too bad, so you have to really look to notice it......LOL.

Lindy, sorry about the weight gain, but atleast your back on track. We all have 'those' days, but it is behind you and on FB I am happy to see today is all about YOU!

Dance and Staccie, wow it sounds like the workout competition is on! HOOYAH! I miss working out, but like Neesy it is walk, walk, walk and sometimes run at work.

Burgund, I am trying to get you, but if you lose this week you will once again be the front runner! Today was 214.4, so I still have 1.4 to catch up to your last week weigh-in. Hopefully by tomorrows weigh-in I will be down more ;-)

Maddiesmom, hope your doing well with your workouts and Mr Hott........well, not to well......;-) You are so great with you consistency and determination. You just may very well fly past all of us!!!!!!

Neesy, your work schedule sounds like mine. Hope your sleeping gets on track and the next few days aren't too difficult.

Has anyone heard from BacktoBasics or Tiff? I miss them.

Have a great day ladies, need to get ready for work. Its going to be a loooong one.

mygrits - so sorry about the eye - such a bummer! Hope it doesn't hurt too much. It's so great that you're so busy moving around at work - I think you're going to have a whoosh week every week at this rate!

Girls, I'm so psyched - weighed myself this morning and 168 - that's thirty pounds since May!! According to my all powerful weekly weight loss schedule, I need to lose two pounds this coming week so I'm going to try to crank it up a notch. I'm kind of headachy and not really feeling like exercising but I'm going to do it anyway to try to keep the dial moving... I'm still shooting for 160 by 11/1. How's everyone else doing on their 11/1 goals? Mygrits - do you still have the list somewhere of where we all started? Maybe we could compare our weigh-ins tomorrow against our 8/1 starting weights, just to give us some added motivation as it seems everyone's doing really well right now.

Anyone got any suggestions for new songs from itunes? I need some new stuff to run to. I like hip hop and pop stuff with a good beat (lady gaga, beyonce, shakira). Okay, enough procrastinating - I'm heading out for my run...

Dance - :woohoo: about your weight loss - that is so awesome!!!

Where is Lindy...hope you are doing ok and on track my friend!

I did not work out yesterday :( excuses aside - I was bloated due to not using the washroom much - yuck sorry TMI - but does anyone else have that problem? Anyway, I managed to get through it and now it's 3PM and I have done nothing all day - I had some cerel, eggs and strawberries but that is all. I actually hopped on here so I could read and get motivated to get my arse to the gym. I don't know what my problem is!! I felt so awesome last week, why can't my brain just figure that out!!!

Anyway, I will come back on after the gym as I don't want to walk the aisle of shame for not working out for 6 days! I feel like I have undone all the hard work last week and even though my food has been reasonable, it's still not good enough. I'm scared to weigh in tomorrow :( I hope I lost at least a pound.

Anyway enough procrastinating - I'm going to the gym right now and going to work out my arse hard!!

Staccie - It's a good thing you're going to the gym, otherwise I might wimp out on getting in any more exercise today! I can't totally cop out on our exercise challenge, right?? I ran for an hour this morning and am shooting for an hour walk tonight after dinner. On the other issue you brought up, how are you doing for fiber in your diet? It's such a bummer when that happens, sorry!

Shooting for 1200-1300 cal today - trying to get off to a good start this week. You guys probably have tried these before but if not the fiber one oats and chocolate (and oats and caramel) bars are ridiculously good at 140cals and tons o fiber.

Hope everyone's doing well and out having crazy fun (instead of sitting inside typing away...).

Happy Saturday!

Well, I wished you all lived closer because Hott trainer is giving free fitness assessments next week! You'd be able to check him out for yourselves!

Had my workout with him last night, and it was actually fun (well, not the working out part). HE makes it fun (well, as fun as it can be) and makes me laugh. He said that he's glad that I'm able to laugh and joke during my workouts. We did some more circuits and I told him my goal to be under 200 pounds by 1/1/10. He said no problem, he would start emailing workouts to me to help me during the week so I can meet my goal. Such a great guy...

Also, I did some basic fitness assessments and found that I'm down 3% in body fat and brought my BMI down 5%, which he said is huge, so I'm happy (sore, but happy).

Did well food-wise yesterday: omlette with veggies for breakfast, soup and salad for lunch, and then a turkey burger for dinner. I saw some old co-workers for lunch yesterday and they said they could totally tell I've lost weight. They said my face definitely looked slimmer and could tell the weight was coming off. One person even said I was her inspiration to go and get a trainer as well.

Saw my old boss yesterday as well. He's such a super nice guy and was really upset when I was laid off from the company last year. He basically said that he was thinking that they were going to hire an assistant for him early next year and wanted me back. I loved working for this guy, but I'm not sure if I want to leave the steady job I have for a job that laid me off a year ago. But...I loved working for this guy and we had a great working relationship. And...looking in his office yesterday I could tell he was in deperate need. There's nothing wrong with the company I'm at, but the VP of HR (my boss' boss) is a total witch who makes everyone uncomfortable...including me. She just gives everyone dirty looks when we talk and converse (whether work related or not), so it's just not fun when she's around. She's even been through 5 assistants in the last 5 years if that gives you an idea. I just don't know...What would you ladies do?!?

Anyways, sorry to be all "me, me, me" but I had a really good day! I'll be back to weigh in tomorrow!

Mygrits-really hoping your black eye goes away soon. Glad you are doing a lot of walking and running around at work. You are still losing so the smoothies must be helping. Weigh in tomorrow so we will see where we both are then.

Dance-30 lbs!!! You need to celebrate!!! Buy a new workout outfit or get a new purse. Thats great. Those fiber one bars are yummy. I have some in the cupboard now.

Staccie-did you work out today?? We cant let you slip and skip a week!!!

Maddiesmom- I wish we lived closer too, I would get a free assessment from your trainer. I would love to work with a trainer. Glad you had such a great day. Not sure what to tell you with the work situation. Where would you get higher wages and which job do you see being more dependable? You will have to go with what you feel is right for you and your family.

I am so tired. Those boys kept me going from 7 this morning to about 6 tonight. Dont have to keep them tomorrow, their dad will be home. May have to keep them monday unless their mom gets the day off.

Got home around 730, had dinner with some cousins. She is a vegetarian so I had a veggie dog on a whole wheat bun with cut up bell pepper. It was actually good, not usually a fan of the meatless dogs or burgers. Came home got day 5 30ds done. Gonna spend a day at home tomorrow, cleaning and rearranging my living room. I get bored with it the same way all the time. I change things around at least once a month. Gonna get a run in tomorrow. I am gonna lay here and relax. Talk to my sisters for a bit and go to bed. Talk to you chicks tomorrow.

Howdy....

I did make it to the gym - I worked out for about an hour 1/2 but my energy level was really low. I ran/walked on an incline on the TM for 30 min, biked for 30 min and then did some weights. I feel better now - but still very tired. Wondering if I am coming down with something :( Anyway, I made it and I am glad I did - going again in the morning. The scale said I went up but my body doesn't look like it so I am attributing it to either me getting sick or this other issue I am dealing with.

Dance - thanks about the reminder of those fiber bars, I forgot about them - I had one awhile ago and they were very yummy. I am going to put more fiber stuff in my diet as this is horrible :( Did you go for your walk tonight?

Maddiesmom - sounds like you got an awesome trainer - that is great! There are so many out there that are not. He is a true professional!!! Interesting situation about the old job - it's always great to work for someone that you get a long with and respects you - sounds like your new boss isn't quite that way. Do you feel that if you went back, it would be secure? Maybe they realized how awesome you were and obviously want you back?

Burgandy - your dinner sounded awesome! I hear you on the meatless stuff, it's touch and go for me. I was a vegetarian for about a year but struggled with it and started slowly incorporating stuff back into my diet. I rarely eat red meat but I was going nuts on all the seeds and stuff!! Glad you are getting those workouts in!!! And I am like you, I like to change stuff around too but lately just keeping it clean is too much to handle!

Mygrits - I hope you had a good day today - and everyone else too.

Well my plan for tomorrow is work out early, get in the hottub, maybe a quick nap and then work - yuck!! I want to really do well this week. Weigh in tomorrow...ummm I'm scared. I might not do it until Wednesday when my body gets back into it's routine. That damn scale can really make me angry.

Morning, girls!

My bf woke up at 4:30 this morning so I got up too - am a little sleepy still despite lots of coffee.

Staccie - my exercise total yesterday is one hour run and one hour walk. Plan for today is another hour run and 30min rowing, the rowing part I keep planning but not doing so today I'm going to try to stick to it. If your system isn't cooperating, I totally understand wanting to postpone your weigh-in.

Maddiesmom - interesting job situation - I guess it depends on your appetite for risk but if your hubby's all set with a job and you can handle a bit of uncertainty, I think it makes such a difference to your quality of life to love the people you work with and to have a strong connection so I'd be inclined to go back to the old boss. Sounds like you're doing great on eating and congrats on your achievements! Glad you've got Hott on board with your end of year goals - that's great to have someone helping guide you in the right direction! With the way you're going, I think your end of year goal is totally doable - you must be excited to have that within reach!

burgundy - just think of all the exercise you're getting running around after the kiddos!! And yeah, I think I'm going to order some new running shoes and smaller running shorts to celebrate the 30lb mark.

Ok, is it just me or do you guys find you're much more motivated to work out and stay on plan on the days you see a drop on the scale? It seems like it should work the opposite way but for some reason seeing a loss will make me exercise like nothing else will and a gain will put me in a non-exercising funk. Weird, huh?

Forgot to add for weigh-in purposes that I'm still at 168 with a little hovering of the needle so hoping that will drop further by tomorrow (that makes 10lbs down for me since the beginning of our challenge if I remember correctly. I know a bunch of you are totally blowing my socks off!)

I love the running/exercise shorts on the below link - I haven't seen them in Target stores but they're available through amazon. I wore an XL when I was in the 190s and am now ordering mediums if that helps at all as far as sizes. They're seamless so no chafing when you run but they may be a little on the thin side for working out in a gym with lots of people around. You guys are probably all set with gear but thought I'd share just in case as I had been looking for something like this for ages before I found them.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...XB528&v=glance

Hi Chicks,

I have a few minutes, literally, and wanted to peak in. I do apologize if I only address the ones on this page, as I don't have time to read back farther....

Maddiesmom I DO wish we lived closer for an exercise assessment ;-) Besides looking gorgeous, he does seem like a really great trainer if there is humor, but serious workouts during that time. It is hard to find a good trainer, so I am happy you were able to accomplish that. In regards to your work, that is a difficult call, but I am one for a comfortable environment and some happiness too! It sounds like your heart is pulling you back to your old boss......... I worked for a fantastic, fun boss years ago. I loved it there and have always said if he ever needed me again, I would leave where I was and work for him. Incidentally, it says alot for YOU that he wants you back!!
Congratulations to on the old co-workers noticing your thinning body!! ;-)

Dance congratulatios on your weight loss to date - 10 lbs!!! Woo Hoo! The fact that you are at 168 and hoovering is tremendous. It will drop -
guaranteed!!!

Burgund I too am tired. I am sooo glad you get a day off to relax and well rearrange furniture. I guess that isn't relaxing, but hey, your at home!! lol You really sound like you are doing well on the 30ds, and probably kicking my butt on toning!

Staccie you are really doing awesome with workouts!! Totally kicking arse! LOL......I love that word......Anyway, I am glad you too are getting some relaxation in. I hope tomorrow goes well for you! My day at work yesterday was good, just very tired now, as it has been 4 days in a row and I go until Thursday. Thanks for asking though. Hope today is good for you in the weigh in!!

Ok, I weighed in and it read 213.4 WOO HOO HOO WOO!!!!! I am excited!! I am not getting my workouts in, which I really do miss, but atleast my weight is dropping. ;-) So that is 3.2 pounds for me this week. I will change my ticker when I get off of here. So I am almost caught up with Burgund, but she will probably soar ahead today!!

Have a good day ladies, need to get ready for work............

Hey ladies.

Staccie-at least you made it to the gym. Just keep it up and I am sure you will start feeling better.

Dance-I think we see the drop and are all happy about it going down and that motvates us to keep it going. When the scale doesnt move you just feel blah and are like oh well.

Mygrits-3.2 lbs this week is amazing, you are doing something right.

Nice cool relaxing day at home so far. Havent gotten my workout in yet, but I will. I made some stir fried veggies for lunch, cooked in cooking spray with light soy sauce. It was yummy. I have tons of veggies from the farm market so I will be eating good this week.

For the weigh in.......I am down to 211!!!!!!!!!!! Thats 2 lbs this week. Yay, Finally more than 1 lbs. AND I got to add another sun to my signature. I am so happy today

Where is everyone else?? Hope Lindy is feeling better.

Hello Ladies!

Sandy and Burgundy: CONGRATULATIONS!! You are both doing so great! I bet with Sandy's running around at work and Burgundy running after those boys, you both got workouts.

Dance: You are rocking the 160's, you do so well on your runs, I hope to be there some day with you!

Sandy, you are right. I went back and read my post and I think I'm really leaning toward working for my old boss. It's not that I'm not happy where I am, but the VP of HR (boss's boss) is probably going to make it very uncomfortable for me to work there when the time comes for me to have another baby. She basically thinks everyone is there to work and personal lives should not take time away from work. So, I think I'll tell Bill that if a position opens up, keep me in mind and hopefully they will pay me what I'm making now. We'll have to see.

Official weigh in...230! Yep, down 2 more pounds, which makes it a total of 17 pounds since our challenge started. I'll take it, I've been working really hard.

Anyways, Maddie is crying downstairs with the hubby, so we'll see what's going on. Hope everyone else sees a loss! :)

YAY for maddiesmom. 44 lbs, you are almost to the halfway mark, about 5 more lbs to go. Sounds like you have a plan with the job, good luck when the time comes.

I noticed everyone is posting how much they have lost since the start of our challenge. I have lost 11 lbs since 8/1. Hope to lose 1 more by the end of the month. Thats 3 days, I can do it.

Wow, guys - woohoo on the losing streak!
mygrits - you are doing great!
maddiesmom - omg, 17 since the beginning of the challenge - you go, girl!
burgundy - wow 2lbs this week - that's just what you were shooting for, wtg!
Like an idiot, I waited until it got too hot to run so now I'm waiting until it starts to cool down a bit this afternoon. Silly, I know but I think getting up so early has me a bit off... Hope the good news keeps on rolling in!

Hi all,

Well I am down nada...umph. I'm disappointed but I also weigh 2 pounds less than yesterday so that means my system might be getting back up to speed. I certaintly feel like I've lost inches. On Sept 30th it will be 21 days and I take another photo - sometimes it's easier to see there because I my view of myself is somewhat off lol. Regardless, I had an excellent workout and I am going for a long walk to the farmers market to pick up some fresh fruit and veggies for the week. I have a great deal of energy today so that is awesome.

Congrats to everyone that is down - you all deserve it!! :celebrate: I'm very proud of everyone!!!! Interesting how I don't know any of you personally, but I feel like I do - I couldn't wait to get home today from the gym and log in to see how everyone is doing!!!

Dance - I so hear you about the scale, if there is no movement, I feel discouraged. Yesterday, that happened - I was like what?!?!? And I just about went home, but I didn't. Today when I saw the number was down I was like yahoo - not great, but at least not more and I had more energy. I'm driven by rewards in mostly everything that I do. And seeing a change on the scale, in a picture or in clothes is a definite reward. I'm like one of those terrier dogs...relentless :)

Dance - thanks for the recommendation of shorts...when my legs get less hideous I might think of that :) Lululemon is huge up here. Expensive as **** but I tell ya they don't hug in the right places and they last forever. It is about $100.00 for a pair of pants but I have four pair and I could seriously live in them. In fact, when I hit my first goal I am allowed to buy something there - plus I have lots of stuff that fit me before that I can't wait to get into again. I LOVE wearing cute outfits to the gym - not to attract people but just so I feel good. But I don't wear make-up - I draw the line at that. I saw a girl there this morning with full make-up and hair done - maybe that's how she feels good but I can't imagine how much I sweat - talk about clogging up my pores!

Mygrits you are hauling arse!!! :woohoo: - that is so awesome - just think once you get more settled and throw a bit of exercise in there - you are going to be belly dancing by Christmas!!!

Vicky - that sounds like a plan - crossing my fingers for you - working in a more positive atmosphere can make a huge difference!!!

Well I have to get ready for my farmers market visit. It's about 2 miles there and 2 miles back along the seawall. It's gorgeous today - breezing and beautiful - my favorite time of year. I'm not sure that I want to move anymore when the Olympics are over. But I am trying not to think too much of that right now because it really stresses me out. I have decided however that I will not be going to London - I want a permanent job wherever it might be. I have about six months to go...yikes!!!

Check in later - everyone have a happy Sunday and keep going into the mirror and giving yourself a wink, high five and a twirl for how awesome you are looking. I can't wait until I don't have to close my eyes when I look at myself in the mirror at the gym anymore!!!

Hi Chickies!

Ohhh to my feet hurt......:( I hope I get used to all this standing and walking and standing and walking and standing.......:running:........Ugh. I have three more 8 to 9 hour days......I can't even imagine how I will feel then.

Well on another note CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :balloons: You girls are kicking arse! Dang! Maddiesmom 17 pounds?? Wow, I would say your in the lead! LOL..... :congrat: Dance in the 160's.....I am sooo envious....and I know you look and feel good! :belly: Burgund..I knew it....you zoomed ahead and I need to catch up again! Staccie, you too are doing fantastic. Your two pounds yesterday does count and with your workouts I know you will drop even more this week! :cheer: Keep it up! You girls deserve it and I hope all of you are enjoying your Sunday.

I was pooped today when I got home and had a wonderful surprise with my daughter-in-law making dinner. Yes, I pigged out, but it's OK as I know I will take it off tomorrow walking and standing and walking again.

Oh Dance, I am in agreement. If I don't lose it like I feel blah and whats the use with the workouts and eating healthy. If I lose then I feel I can conquer anything. This week I feel good

Any news from Lindy, Basics, Tiff or Neesy? I hope they are doing well.

Well, didn't make it to the gym tonight. My hubby and I went out and celebrated his new job at this upscale steakhouse in Lincolnshire. I didn't eat all of my steak (only ate half) had some potatoes, and a side salad to start. Not a drinker, but since it was a celebration I had a raspberry martini, that was so unbelievably good. Then, hubby and I split a 1/2 piece of chocolate cake. I didn't gorge myself like I used to do, and since we have something to celebrate...I didn't feel guilty.

I wanted to make it to the gym, but I'm still too full to even attempt to go. So, i'm going to go tomorrow. With the hubby now working, I will have to go to the gym after Maddie goes down for the night because I now have to drop her off and pick her up from daycare (Matt used to be able to pick her up, but now works in the opposite direction of daycare). Plus, my personal training sessions are now on Saturday. I've been keeping track of my gym attendance, and I'm actually going 4 times a week. NOt too shabby.

Hope Lindy, Neesy, Tiff and Basics are ok. I also hope things are going well for AJ's move. Hope to hear from them soon!

Sandy: It will take some time to get used to being on your feet all day, but you're getting a workout by doing that! I used to wait tables and it does take a lot out of you. Hope you are doing well with the new job.

Have a great night ladies!

hey girlies! I'm 2lbs down from last week. I'll take it! Which puts me at 194. I'm so exhausted from work. I'll check in tomorrow. Goodnight!

Sandy - I hope someone is giving you some good feet massages or if not, soaking them in some epson salts - your poor footsies!!!

Neesy - woo hoo for your 2 pounds - hope you get caught up on your rest tonight - I imagine you had a busy weekend...you're already at 194!!! That's so awesome!

Vicky - well the dinner sounded very nice and you didn't go nuts - great control and you're right to not feel guilty for celebrating - we can't look at food as the enemy for the rest of our lives

Well I went for a long walk to the Farmers market, picked up some awesome fresh veggies and fruit and then had a nap, now I have to work for a few hours. Excited about going to the gym in the morning - glad that came back so fast! Everyone is back from holidays tomorrow so I assume I will have a busy day. I am on holiday in about three weeks...for two whole weeks and I can't wait!!!

Night girls - see ya tomorrow!

Morning girls! Up crazy early again - weird for me as I'm usually more of a night owl.

Neesy - congrats on the two lbs!! you are doing so well!

Mygrits - good luck at work today - I wonder how long it takes before you get used to it, hopefully by next week it will seem normal.

Maddiesmom - Eating out is tricky, isn't it? Sounds like you had a nicely restrained celebration though, well done!

Staccie - what are you going to do with your upcoming (and much-deserved) vacation? Good for you on the long walk. I only ended up doing my run yesterday but am going to try to stay active this week starting with a long walk after work today.

Lindy - hope you were out having a wild and crazy fun weekend - it's unusual for you to skip a Sunday weigh in!

Hey girls...sorry Ive been MIA. My dad made an impromptu visit into town and I just wrapped up with him and prepping for my vaca, which I leave on Saturday. Anyway, Ill have to catch up with everyone elses post later but it looks like you guys are killing it with the weight loss. As for me...none lost but none gained. Considering how many times I fell off the wagon last week, Ill take it!

Ill check in later. Hope everyone is having a skinny day! :)

Lindy - glad you were having fun and not stuck at the office or something! Good job on maintaining your cleanse losses - that's seriously impressive!

So, as continued proof that the weekly weight loss schedule has magic powers, I'm posting the below ;) Am feeling pretty postive about staying on track this week and hitting 166 by next Monday.
Sept 12: 170: 170
Sep 21: 169: 169
Sep 28: 168: 168
Oct 5: 166
Oct 12: 164
Oct 19: 163
Oct 26: 162
Nov 2: 160

Dance - you are killing it with your weight loss goals, I am beyond excited, happy and most of all proud of you! My goal for my cruise is to only gain 3 pounds. I know its silly to estimate a goal of gaining weight, but seriously, I have gained as much as 8 pounds on a cruise. I would eat even when I wasnt hungry. My plan is to exercise everyday for at least an hour, if not more (if I have down time) and to eat sensibly. I am not going to be a healthy nut because frankly, I can get foods on that ship that I cant get in day to day life BUT I have not going to eat just to eat, I am eating to keep myself full. Hers hoping it works. :) So, whats your exercise routine this week?

Staccie-your walk sounds nice. 4 miles is a long way.

Mygrits-hope your feet start feeling better soon.

Maddiesmom-you did great with your celebration meal. Think back to before you started this and what you would have eaten then. There is probably a huge difference.

Neesy-you are just trucking along. Your husband is gonna be so surprised.

Lindy-glad you are feeling better and had a good time with your dad. How long is your cruise?

Dance-your goals look totally doable. That is a good idea to make a chart like that.

I feel so bloated today. The scale said I was up 2 lbs. Its pain like TOM, but I just had it this month so it cant be that. My back is hurting. Maybe just gas(sorry if thats TMI) I didnt drink a lot of water yesterday so I am going to drink a lot today. Gonna wait til a little later to do day 7 30ds.
Hope this pain goes away soon and I can workout. Its raining out today. Maybe it will let up later and I can walk.

I have a nintendo ds and a game called My Weight Loss Coach. It gives me daily challenges to do and one yesterday was to do 15 minutes of push up, situps, crunches, etc., while watching TV instead of just sitting there. Hopefully it keeps giving me challenges like that to get more workouts in.

Gonna do some stretches, maybe that will help with me stomach and back.

Hope everyone is having a great Monday.

Lindy - you are such a sweetie - always making people feel good! That is, unless they need a touch of tough-love Jillian attitude : ) I'm just hoping I can catch up with you eventually, you weight loss queen! I'm such the slow moving turtle at this stuff. Maybe it would help if I actually stuck to plan all the time instead of having wobbles! :) I would think it would be super hard to resist temptations on a cruise - so you're probably being realistic thinking you might go up a bit for a short period but I'm sure you'll get it right off again. Are you working on your tan before you go? Tell us more about the cruise if you know details of where you'll be stopping. Do they have exercise classes on board? My exercise plan this week is to run like crazy as that seems to be the biggest help in speeding up the weight loss process. How about you?

burgundy - bummer that you're not feeling well. Hope the situation improves soon! A walk or other gentle exercise might help a bit. Love the idea of your weight loss coach - how fun!

Off to a healthy lunch at Whole Foods with a buddy...

Hi chicks!

Well I have a few moments to catch up. I am feeling pretty good today. I am working out tonight instead of this morning because I didn't fall asleep until after 1AM - I'm going to some class tonight where you use weights, bands, etc - I have never done that before so I am kinda scared. I'm trying to incorporate some of that stuff into my routine to shock my body a bit. So far today I have had a protein shake and banana for breakfast, chicken and veggie stir-fry (low sodium soya sauce and no rice or noodles) a yogurt and some raspberries. This afternoon I have a Fibre One Bar and cottage cheese.

Dance - with my vacation I am visiting friends, my old colleagues, my mom, sister and just hanging out. Lots of Halloween stuff planned - I love Halloween and spending it with my sister. I thought about doing something exotic but I really just want to lay around in my sweats and of course get some good workouts in :)

Lindy - hi and glad you spent some time with your dad this weekend, I can't believe you are going on your cruise this weekend, I am so jealous. BTW, I think it's very smart to estimate a weight gain - let's face it, vacation is a time to have fun and not worry about things. At the same time, by allowing yourself 'something' you will keep a limit on it. And that's important.

Burgandy - umm that sounds a lot like something I had last week...are you ah 'backed up' - sorry there is no polite way to say that. That game sounds good, it's sure a productive use of time to do something while watching TV - that is a really smart idea! I say do some stretches and go somewhere to unleash the evil!

Well I better get back to work. I got lots to do - umph. I am looking forward to, although slightly scared of this class tonight with all the skinny people - as long as I find something at the back of the class I should be ok!!!

Check in later and let you know if I survived with my pride!!!

Staccie - knock 'em dead in your class tonight! I like the sound of your vacation - especially the idea of lots of workouts! Will you still be in the Vancouver area or does your family live far away?

Burgundy- that game sounds so cool, its kinda sounds like this Wii Active game that my mom has. It generates special programs to fit your lifestyle, diet, age/weight...etc. Its pretty cool. Anyway, sorry to hear about your back. :( I hope you feel better soon. Maybe its a UTI? That happens to me occasionally, but then again, Im not a doctor.

Dance- Ok cruise details...its a 6 day cruise going to Keys, Jamaica and Grand Cayman. Im excited at the thought of going to the Keys and Jamaica, Grand Cayman...eh, Ive been there twice sooooo. Anyway, I think Im setting a realistic "goal"...haha, in not losing or gaining more than 3. We will see. This week I plan on running my butt of this week, I am going to run every night for 3 miles. In addition to my 1.5 mile walk in the AM. I would like to be 165 before the cruise, just to make it an even number (and add another smiley, lol). The ship does not leave till Sunday, so Im going to layout on Saturday to work on my tan a little more, lol...everyone is making fun of me because they are like...Nicole, your going to get plenty of color on the cruise. Silly me.

Stacie- the class your taking kinda sounds like my body works class. We use weights, bands and steppers and combine them, along with squats and lunges. I absolutely LOVE this class, its like Jillian Michaels 30DS x3, haha. Good luck! I cant wait to hear your feedback on it.

Ok, I have to wrap up my day, Ill check in later.

Lindy - sounds like you'll have a blast!

Ok I got day 7 done. My back still feels funny. Staccie, I am not backed up, thankfully. Dont know what it is. Gonna take some pepto and relax. Hope everyone else is having a good day. I have to keep one of the boys tomorrow, so I am hoping I feel better.

Hey Chicks

Maddiesmom - Congratulations on your husband job!!! I had no idea! Is it something he is looking forward to - meaning is this in his 'career' area? You did awesome on the celebration dinner, and yes, it was a celebration. Good for you and him ;-)

Lindy - Wow, I am excited for you and the upcoming cruise. You are really smart to for trying to exericse 'up' this week and get your metabolism running and then going on the cruise. That will definitely help you through the eating. Enjoy though. A cruise is meant for eating, drinking, relaxing and just having fun!!!!!!!! Hey, and maybe Boston Accents??? LOL........

Dance - Good for you on the looonnnggg walk. I miss my daily walking outside. Your goal list is a really great idea to help stay on track. I may implement one myself.

Neesy - That is so wonderful.....194! Wow! Remember when you wanted to be 199 when your husband got back? LOL........you blew that plan all to he**......LOL...... You go girl!

Burgund - Ok, its a race! LOL...........I was up a pound today, which really bumbed me out, but hey, I ate quite a bit for dinner last night. Hopefully tomorrow it will be back off again.

Staccie - You soooo deserve that vacation and I am so happy you have it coming soon. Two weeks.......can you even imagine the relaxation you will experience? LOL........ I am so proud of you too, as you seem to really have a handle on healthier eating and your workouts. Good for you!

Well, my feet hurt again........but I know I will adapt eventually. I did buy some insole cushions for tomorrow to see if that will help. The work itself has gotten somewhat better, but next week will be the true test. I work two doubles back to back on Tuesday and Wednesday....UGH! Tuesday is a monthly day sale they have, and literally hundreds and hundreds of customer attend. Its a mad house. Now if I survive that, we are good to go! LOL...........

Hey girls! So.. I have the best problem in the world. All my clothes are too loose on me. They just hang.. or fall right off. Haha. So.. I had to buy more scrubs for work.. size small pants and medium tops!!! Let me just say wow. I was in XL pants a year ago. I put them on.. and it was amazing to see. I may post pictures. I went shopping today and got some new pants and tops too. I bought size 14 jeans. They fit perfectly. It's so much nicer going into a store and actually finding your size. I was wearing size 18.. pushing 20 at my highest. So... I have to get more clothes. I tried on everything almost in my closet today.. even my jeans that I use to think were small.. are too big now. So, I have to spend more $. Oh the dilemna haha . Oh.. i have yet to find the perfect outfit for grad day. I just don't know. I may just end up wearing jeans and a nice shirt. Who knows. It's going to be too cold for a dress. It was freezing today! Well.. I'll talk to you girls later


Oh. and did i mention.. I can't wear my wedding ring anymore. It falls right off. As soon as I put my hand to my side.. it falls off. I need to get it resized. I may just wait until I get to my goal though.

I don't know if the "buddies" thread is open to anyone but I came across this one and thought... "I could have written this email...almost exactly!!" (except the scrubs and grad stuff LOL)

I had the clothes falling off (or looking rather tent like) thing going on too and I finally had to go shopping last week. In February, I bought several size 22's and the odd 24. Last week I went shopping and bought size 13 jeans...from a non-plus size store!! My bra? Once a 44J now a 40C. Holy smokes!

And I also had to stop wearing my weddings rings for fear of losing them. I bought a little plastic "resizer" but it isn't very comfortable so I only use it when I really want to wear my rings. I was wondering too....how much more will my fingers shrink? Should I resize now or wait until I am at or closer to goal?

Hope it's okay to chime in like this... :)

Ok that class kicked my arse - literally! It was TOUGH!! But I was surprised at how well I did and I wasn't even too self-conscious with all the skinny girls. I do hate being the biggest one in the class though - but at least I am trying to change it. It's a nice cardio workout because I get really bored with just doing the usual things so I may just incorporate a bit more of that into my workouts!! Glad I faced the fear and went in. Now I am beyond exhausted and I have to do some work but I might just say 'to :devil: with it". I have spin class in the am.

Neesy - WOW WEE!!!! :cheer: that is so awesome for you - ensure you get rid of those clothes quick!!! Buy a few outfits that will get you through the next little while. I got goosebumps when I read your post!

Sandy - poor footsies...hopefully the extra support will help and that you have really great shoes (that can make all the difference). But you sure sound like you are doing awesome and adapting well!!! I bet everyone enjoys your awesome smile and so awesome too that the pounds are melting off.

Burgandy - I am happy that you didn't have to purge the evil!!! I hope you are ok after a nice relaxing night! And congrats on day 7!!!! You are rocking hard girl.

Lindy - your cruise sounds DIVINE!!! And imagine how awesome you are going to feel with your new body and attitude. Cabana boys - woo hah!!!! Hey, and I say go for the tan, it makes everyone look healthier and skinnier!! And that way if you get a really good base one, you will bronze nicely on the cruise.

Dance - well I feel kinda dead lol but in a good way, great shock for my body and I sweat a litre of water I felt like! As for my vacation, my friends and family are about 1.5 hours away by plane (just in the next province) you would think I would get home more often!! But I never want to come back! I just can't wait for the Olympics to be over so I can settle into my new life, home, job, etc. I don't like the temporary thing - I've never felt settled since I lived here and I think that contributed to a lot of my depression and binging issues. Now that I know the end is coming I finally get off my arse so I look good and have a lot more confidence when the time comes. Five months for today will be the last game - kind of freaky!!! I've been working on this project for almost two years. But my resume is gonna kick arse!!!!

Well I have to do at least 1/2 hour of work I suppose or I have to get up extra early. I am almost considering that with how tired I am. Will check in tomorrow and hope everyone is dreaming of bikini's, cabana boys and/or whatever else makes you happy :)

Morning girls...its bright and early-545 am to be exact,lol. I was planning on going to the gym but I had an overload of jalapenos in my breakfast burrito, and subway sub yesterday and well, it is not favorable for me to leave my house this morning. So Im wide awake when I could be sleeping and running to the bathroom every 5 minutes, haha...I know TMI, sorry. It sucks because I really wanted to go to the gym but seriously, that would be a BAD idea.

Mygrits- one could only dream for Boston boys on the ship, I will cross my fingers, lol. Getting back into a work routine is brutal and its 10x worst when you have to stand all day...sorry to hear about the feet issues, something tells me that you are going to see some big drops on the scale though. Between moving and grooving so much and the exhaustion (when Im exhuasted I eat less), I think this is going to help with your weight loss in tremendous ways...so you go girl! ;)

Stacie- I saw your jello legs post on FB, I take it the class was beneficial to say the least? Haha.

Neesy - woo-hoo! Isnt it exciting? Ok, so your wearing a size small pants. Do you ever sit there and think of your goal weight and wonder if you shot too low? I am starting to think that because Im in the 160's and already wearing mediums and size 8/10s' and I think....omg, if I get down to 120-130 I might be like a size 2 or something?! I cant even imagine! I am shooting for a size 4, once I get there, I will consider my weight loss journey over.

Ok, well...Ill check in when I get to work.