Hey Dance, Oh my you look sooo stunning in that picture. Beautiful hair, smile and just glowing. I love the pooch too. He is definitely 'awe struck' by you and wants a smooch . LOL........ On Tuesday, big bummer, yes with work, and I won't be able to make it to O'ville. I am sorry, and would have loved to have met up and had some girl fun.

AJ, you are doing great and should be so proud of your commitment on here and realizing the changes that you are making everyday to be healthier. You WILL lose that 5 lbs by Thanksgiving and hey, maybe you and Dance can have a contest for that!

Staccie, I am so happy you are in this challenge and I think the date is January 11th. I believe it was decided 11/1/09 to 1/11/10. You CAN lose 20 pounds by then, just with healthier food choices and working out atleast 3 to 4 days per week. Even just walking, or some cardio would do it. I understand how starting over can be exausting, but sometimes change is good and this April will be 'new beginnings' for career, health and going forward ;-)

Today I did my walk and otherwise was lazy. I decided to just relax for a day after my walk. I am watching Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I love this movie and wish so bad they would have made another one together. They just 'click' on screen. Well, I hope Lindy, Neesy, Tiff's and whoever (too many to remember now...LOL) will check in today for their weigh-in.

I will peek in later.

Just got home from work. I was running late for work this morning and didn't get to weigh myself. I will weigh tomorrow morning. I only weigh myself in the mornings as soon as I wake up.. it's more conistent that way. So.. I'll check i tomorrow. Goodnight! Congrats on all the losses and maintainers!

Hi Ladies,

Well, I maintained, which for me is good after the long and stressful week I've had. Luckily, the 30 country managers are gone, so I can get my head on straight and can get my "normal" work done. It's going to be busy until the end of the year so I have to find a way to work on the stress factor and eating.

Friday was my wedding anniversary so I went out with the hubby for dinner. We had a "tower" chocolate cake as it is called and it was huge! We ended up taking most of it home and sharing it with Maddie yesterday. Then went out to eat yesterday as we lost track of time doing errands and Maddie was starving. Didn't do too badly. Then went out again today to dinner with my best friend from college. Did not do well eating wise, but will improve.

Worked out with Mr. Hott yesterday and wow am I feeling it today. More circuits with pull ups, push ups and sit ups. In the course of an hour I did over 200 sit ups, 100 push ups, and who knows how many pull ups. All the muscles hurt, but in the end, it will be worth it. I'm losing 2% of body fat a month which is good according to the trainer.

I'm totally exhausted so excuse the short "me me me" post. Congrats to everyone on their weight losses and maintaining. I hope to be around more since work has lightened up a bit.

End of the day is here...sigh. Back to work tomorrow and back to my routine. I made all my healthy meals until Wednesday and did very well today. I am feeling tired and a bit under the weather today...I spent a majority of day in or above the toilet (sorry TMI). I sure hope I get better. So I drank tons of water and ate well.

AJ - I saw your pictures on facebook, you are looking so good. When I come visit you this spring we are going to hunt for scorps in our bikini's (well you a bikini and me a suck er all in bathing suit lol. I will definitely be coming to Vegas/Arizona/Mexico in April so I hope we can meet up I know that some of the weight is because of the reasons you said so I expect to see some positive changes this week. The way my clothes fit hasn't really changed.

Sandy - thanks for the support and I want to start the next phase of my life and that's really how I see it as a healthier and stronger person. This phase of my life is just as important, but I really want to go back to work and my family and friends as the person I know I can be. I love Mr and Mrs Smith - talk about a beautiful couple and the chemistry in that movie - wow. I think she is so gorgeous but she kind of looks like skeletor lately - she looks so much better with some meat on her! Her outfit in that movie is my target outfit (no not the leather one with the whip - although.....).

Vicky - sounds like a good workout with the trainer. I am seriously considering getting one again to just get me going in the right direction or keep me there, particularly when the Olympics ramp up, but I might save the money for weekly massages Glad things are getting a bit slower for you at work...

Burgandy - did I miss you today? I think you have company though right.

Well I off to bed, it's only 830 but I get up at 430 to work out and getting 8 hours of sleep is really important. I have a work BBQ tomorrow night - I wish I could find a way out of it. But I can't I can't run from temptations forever!

See you all tomorrow!

Staccie-I think I have been grinding my teeth at night too, sometimes I wake up and my jaws hurt. Ouch. Hope the guard works for you. It sucks to be sick, but at least you are drinking plenty of water and still eating right. Hope you get a good nights sleep and good luck at the BBQ tomorrow.

Popcorn-splitting the 4 miles like that was good for me. I can take my dogs for 2 miles and go 2 miles by myself with out being pulled if they hear a noise or a car goes by. Hows the raking going, that is a great workout. 6 1/2 lbs is amazing, is that in a week??

Alyssa-2 lbs is great. Once TOM is gone you will probably see even more. Congrats. I really wish my husband would walk with me. Trying to talk him into it.

Simple-.4 is way better than .0 right.

Dance-did you go for your run and break in those new shoes. Good job maintaining, I know you want a loss but glad there was no gain.

Mygrits-4 lbs!!! WOOHOOO!!! I love Mr and Mrs Smith too. You deserve to relax being on your feet all the time, I know. I worked at Kmart for 7 years, your feet get a beating standing all day.

AJ-great attitude, cant get down about not losing. I would rather maintain anyday than gain. I have never heard of someone eating a big mac without the meat.

Neesy-cant wait to see your weigh in. Are you gonna kick our butts again??

Vicky-I was eating out a lot a few weeks ago and finally told my husband we have to stop and eat at home. We have plenty of food here. Thats one heck of a workout, you are gonna be smokin!! Happy Anniversary a couple days late.

I(like some others today) maintained at 204. I dont like plateaus. I did way better with eating today and went for a walk. Started decorating for Christmas today. No tree this year though.

Gonna do some christmas shopping tomorrow for my nieces and nephews. I'll get up early and do that so I can get home and get my walk in. Our yard is like a big field and there is an old circle drive through it that grew over so we mowed it and if I walk it 10 times its a mile. So now tomorrow to walk at least 20 laps, hopefully more.

Good morning girls!

I really have no good excuse for being MIA this weekend because I was lazy as all ****, lol...sigh...I guess I was just in a mood. That being said...my weigh in reflected 168!!!!!!!! AAHHHHHHHHH---thats a 3 lb. weight gain. Now, I dont think that is entirely realistic to gain that much in a week, especially because I was good all up until Friday. Then it went down hill. I hate dating, lol...well, not really but I ate just crap..crap...crap. Every single day this weekend I had a date that involved food and I did not turn down temptation. And then yes...AJ and Mygrits caught me on FB raving about pumpkin pie, lol...that dang pumpkin pie, I ate 2 every single day this week, bad! Im staying away from there until after the holidays, lol. Now, on the guy front and all these dates, haha--play on playa, thats what my gf's keep saying to me, lol...nope, no one special, no one I want to rant and rave about, maybe in time but Im just enjoying the free meals. I really dont date as much as it sounds, its just when Gab is away (she was with her dad this weekend), I have to cram as much in as possible because I dont want her to see me MIA when shes around, this is extremely important to me. Exercise is ok, not great...not bad. Now, diving right in to you ladies:

Stacie- sorry you hit a small funk coming back from vaca, it happens. But hey-I want to tell you girl, I am so flippin proud of you! You are doing it! You are balancing your work and healthy lifestyle, look at you--blocking out your calendar for 3FC, making sure you get your exercises in...kudos. Oh, and congratulations on having a job lined up back home, awesome! That must be such a compliment when a company creates a position for you. That means you have your shiz together and are top of things.

Pammy- WELCOME!!! You and I are so on the same wave length. When something crumby happens to me, like a break-up for someone discourages me, thats when I go in full force with a plan. Im sorry to hear about how your relationship ended but hey...look what came of it, I svelt body and a great new bf, way to turn it around.

Mygrits- sometimes things are meant to happen and sometimes not so much, Bubba will get his restaurant in time, and let me tell you, with all the ranting and raving about his BBQ, you better invite me to your next BBQ at your house, lol..it makes me hungry thinking about it. And a 4 POUND LOSS?! WHAT?! That is amazing, wow...my jaw dropped to the ground when I read that, did you change anything up to get there?

Neesy- glad to hear the hubby is making it home for the holidays. You are looking like one hot mama in your new clothes. Your so tall, everything you wear looks awesome. Have you bought anything with your winnings yet?

Burgundy-woot-woot, go on with your bad self, you and your 4 miles, am and pm walks! Good job. BTW-when your done with your holiday shopping, you can head this way and do mine, lol.

Simple- do you like your step class? I did step class one time at the gym and I absolutely hated, maybe because I have the coordination of 6 month old new born, but whatever..lol. Do you do any other classes? Oh and congrats on your .4 loss, those little bits add up to huge amounts.

Dance- one more day till we finally get to meet! Cant wait! Sorry about the BF thing, I can relate with the not wanting to take depression meds. At one time I suffered from depression and as bad as my life was without taking them and as miserable as I made everyone else around me, I just didnt want to do it, I felt embarassed that a medicine had to control my brain, I know..its dumb reflecting back on it, but at the time, that was my reasoning. Anyway, I hope he starts to get out of his funk soon. Does he exercise? That is actually why I dont have to take meds anymore (or at least I think so), is because I started exercising and just felt better over all.

AJ- BLAH to cleaning days. I need to do one for my house and I just keep putting it off. And as far as your goal, 5 pounds...totally do-able! Just stay away from the Big Macs, lol. Lets make a deal, I stear clear of pumpkin pies and you Big Macs, sound good?

Popcorn- what a great idea! Raking vs. blowing! Thats what I need to do. I have an acorn tree in my yard that I absolutely HATE, it drops so many flippin acorns every week that I usually just put it off until after the holidays because its a waste, but maybe Ill clean them up every week for exercise? Hmmmm. OH and a 6.5 pound loss, really?! What the heck are you doing? Is that in one week time? That is insane (in a good way, lol)-great job!

Allyssa- Congratulations on your 2 lb. loss and welcome to the group. I think you'll fit right in.

Maddie- yay for your anniversary- congratulations! 2% body fat each month..wow, thats what I need to do, measure my body fat. You are doing so well!

Ok, can you tell I took notes this time? At least I was able to cover everything, haha. Ill check in later.

Good morning.

I was gone all day yesterday and then when I got home late last night the computer was down.

Lots of catching up to do with everyone.

Simple - any weight loss is better than nothing or a gain. You WILL do better this week. Harry is a 67 lb. Old English Sheepdog. He is training in agility - with a few issues for being overly excited in the trial ring. I look forward to taking this weight off again so running in the ring gets easier.

Alyssa - it is hard to find time to do a lot of things when you have kids keeping you busy. 2 lbs is really great especially if you have a birthday party in the week - birthday cake YUM! I don't know where you live in St. Louis but maybe we could meet for a 3 mile walk since we both like that form of exercise and we both live in the same city.

Dancer - the fact that you are even moving with a bum knee is admirable. I love getting new shoes, hopefully yours will help with the pain.

Grits - Good job on the 4lb lost. I am looking forward to my clothes not cutting off my circulation too.

AJ - holding steady in my mind is still a positive. I think you will definitely lose your 5 lb. goal by Thanksgiving. BTW - gross on the Big Mac without the meat and the sauce. You took off the best parts. LOL No skeet shooting yesterday so Harry had a much better day at the clicker seminar.

Staccie - I think that being gone for 2 weeks and having the disruption in your routine definitely can explain your weight gain. But you will get back into the swing despite going from a "dried out leather handbag" to a "stuffed rain poncho" (hilarious) and we will all be here to help.

Maddie - maintainig is good especially with that yummy sounding "tower" chocolate cake. WOW on the workout - that is an amazing number of sit-ups and push-ups. I hate push ups.

Neesy - I weigh myself in the mornings too.

Burgundy - good job on the maintenance. I didn't get a chance to rake at all yesterday since I exercised and then groomed Harry then was gone the rest of the day but it is still on my list of things to do. Believe me the leaves are not going anywhere they are just piling up. I like walking my street it is a semi circle and so when I walk the "loop" as I call it I have walked .9 miles. I like the easiness of keeping track.


Several of you asked about my wieght loss. So here is the story.

I weighed in on Monday morning and my weigh in day is actually Saturday. That works for me so I will stick with it and report it on Sunday mornings.

So yes that is 6.5 lbs. for just five days.

I have a few theories on the loss though.

My son was in from California last weekend so after a whole weekend of eating out with him and gorging on Halloween candy of course my weight was up.

Honestly my eating has been out of control - my stretched out jeans were so uncomfortable - even before he arrived in town. I vowed not to buy larger sizes after my last weight loss two years ago and I did stick with that. But now I am like Wilma Flintstone with practically just one outfit that fits me.

With my new resolve to stick to an eating plan by writing it down and upping the activity (significantly) and water intake, plus green tea 2-3 times a day, was like a jump start to my body.

But now for the big theory.

I discovered an article about six years ago (can't find it now -grrrr) about hormones broken down into the 4 week cycle. I found a lot of stuff in it to be true - like brain function being sluggish in week 4 (TOM).

But the interesting thing is that week 3 your metabolism is at its height and that is why so many people eat like crazy the week before TOM. I really have to be careful not to succumb to that.

While I had a hysterectomy five years ago, I still have my ovaries and therefore a cycle. I still have indications of when TOM would be. And when I was losing weight two years ago I noticed a spike in weight loss every 3-4 weeks (cylces get shorter as you get older) and they corresponded with that week 3 thing.

Friday morning I noticed a blemish that is always an indicator of week 3 for me.

I think that explains the high weight loss in just 5 days. Next week will be a reality check I am sure.

On the good side - Hubby commented on the weight loss this morning when I was getting ready for work. Because he was out of town when I weighed in and we have been passing like ships in the night the rest of the weekend he did not know how much I had lost. So it must be showing

The stretched out clothes are fitting better but most of my stuff is way too tight - so now I have 2 outfits instead of 1.

Sorry about the length of this post. I just wanted to explain my weight loss.

Hello Chicks,

Well, I am home this morning catching up, then working out, then off to work until 9pm tonight. Ugh. I do enjoy working there now, and have adjusted (except my feet), but there are days when I miss the retirement lifestyle ;-) Well, my food is still good, and I feel focused and on a solid schedule. Lindy, the only changes I have made is a steady routine. My workouts are back when I have mornings off, and I am eating healthy once again and staying away from processed high sodium foods and sugars. Thanks for the congrates.

Lindy you deserve dates and being lavished by others. Being a single working mom is hard, so when Gab is gone with Dad or your Mom, you deserve to go out and eat wonderful meals and have fun! You will get that 3lbs off quickly, don't even worry about it. You are so close to your goal now - it will happen.

Dance you may be inflight, and I am so sorry I won't get to see you tomorrow. I hope you and Lindy have fun meeting. Please take pics!

Burgund, wow Christmas shopping! It is amazing to me that it is already November! Good grief, this year flew by! Thanks for understanding my 'feet'. LOL....I worked in offices for over 30 years, so standing - walking - squatting - standing, is a new experience for me. Did you manage to get your walk in around the circle today? I hope so!

Maddie maintaining is huge and you too (just like Lindy) deserve luxuries with going out and wonderful meals. I am so glad you had time with your friend and then a wonderful evening out with your husband. That chocolate desert sounds awesome! I love chocolate. It sounds like Mr. Hott really gave you a huge workout...wow! It obviously is working, just for the fact you have the percentage of fat loss, plus maintained while eating. Good for you!

Staccie I am sooooo proud of you getting your foods ready for the next several days. This will make a huge difference to how you feel, your stress and even energy. I hope you get a workout or walk in today.

I will check in shortly before work.

Popcorn- thanks for the detail on your loss, makes sense. Jililans Michaels book focuses on how hormonse help or hinder weight loss, which coincides with what you were saying. 6 pounds is still awesome, any which way you look at it---good job!

Mygrits- did you get your schedule for this week yet? Me and Dance are meeting tomorrow night for dinner, then a walk around Lake Eola; gosh, I would LOVE if you could make it.

Dance- ok, I know this is silly, but---what were you going to wear to meet? I was debating on bringing my running pants and tank top since we were going to walk Lake Eola and the place that I was thinking about eating is super casual (like deli style). Idk...thoughts? Lol--Im such a girl.

Morning, girls! Okay, the pity party (mine, I mean) is now OVER! No idea why but I woke up back to myself again instead of the wimpy ball of mush I was over the weekend. Make that, the non-exercising wimpy ball of mush. So, no, I didn't even get in my short run yesterday so I'll try the new shoes this morning. I was thinking about stuff this morning and realized that it was at this point in late may (a week or two into the bf's spring bad mood) that I decided to focus all my energy on improving myself and not on worrying about him. And then I found you guys! 38lbs (and 100s of running miles) later I'm back in a similar spot and am really in a much better place. If he gets his act together, great, but if not, I feel like I could get back out there and meet someone else, something I didn't think when my BMI was obese. Not that women of all shapes and sizes can't find the right guy (quite obviously they can!) but that I didn't feel good enough about myself to do it. Anyway, sorry for the lifetime-movie of the week type saga but wanted to thank you guys for helping me work on myself.

mygrits - I'm so happy to see you totally back on track and am thrilled for your 4lb loss - you must be feeling great! A few more weeks like that, and wow, you'll be wearing a totally different size! Sorry we'll miss you tomorrow but totally understand about work.

lindy - too funny - as I was packing this morning I was thinking - hmmm... how can I fit walking clothes into this tiny suitcase along with the stuff for the gym and work clothes so I'll probably be wearing casual work stuff (capris and a top) and will put on my running shoes for our walk (such a not cute look but oh well ) So whatever you feel like is great! Bummer about the repeated pie incidents this weekend but I'm sure you'll be back on track this week.

popcorn - love the wilma flintstone comparison! And woohoo for having two outfits! Just think - pretty soon everything will start being too big! Can't wait to see you posting about that! Seriously - closet cleaning out during weight loss is the FUNNEST thing ever. I know, I know - others might say vacation, shopping, etc. is better but no, it's closet cleaning out all the way for me!

burgundy - hope the shopping goes well and that you get in a chance to do your walk!

staccie - sorry you weren't feeling so hot - hope you caught up on sleep and got in your work out okay. Have you checked out the chicks in control thread? I've only browsed but it seems like there's a lot of wisdom out there on controlling binge type stuff - I really really really want to see you celebrating your 20lbs (or whatever) lost at Christmas so I was trying to think of what else might help. So glad you're back - just seeing your smile and amazing dimples on your avatar brightens my day!

aj - today I'm shooting for a 3 mile jog - you in? I've been following your suggestion of eggs for breakfast for the last few days and I think you're on to something. I like them soft-boiled - not sure I can get them that way in the hotel I'll be staying at but I'll try.

Will check in later - hope you are all doing great!

Popcorn: Yea! 6.5lbs!!! Very interesting about the hormone cycles. Does Harry do well in agility? It seems strange to me that such a large dog would be very agile. I had my brother's Jack Russell/Aus Shep mix stay with me the year before last and we did agility classes. He was only 15 lbs and super speedy, but also had anxiety issues in a class setting.

Sandy: Awesome loss this week! Now aren't you glad you stayed home instead of traveling =-)
AJ: Yeah I think we are pretty much at the same point in our weightloss which means we really have to be on our game! I definitely believe you can still lose 5lbs by Thanksgiving...You're so close!

Stacee: Sorry to here that you aren't feeling well...this time of year no one's safe...I hope you feel better soon though. So great to here that you have done work similar to what I do... What did you do? How long? It is good to have people to talk to who understand the particular stress of this kind of work! Don't feel bad about starting over again... You may think you are at the same place but surely there is something of value that you have gained from you past attempts... Just try to remember those things when you get discouraged or feel like you are waisting your time.

Vicky: Good work maintaining with all those challenges!

Burgundy: I am so jealouse that you are on top of your Christmas shopping... Way to avoid unessesary stress!

Lindy: You sound like a great mom! I commend your not wanting to involve Gaby in your dating life. It can be so hard for children when they get attached to someome and then the relationship ends and they take it as a personal rejection.



A general thanks for all of the encouragement with my slow loss...I definitely need it!

Today is a BLAH day for me... It's pouring outside so I won't be able to ride my bike to work...again... and everything I try on to wear just makes me feel gross... I know it's just my attitude but I am having such a hard time getting motivated... I'm doing my long run tomorrow so hopefully the rain will break at least some point during the day.

On the agenda for today is a regular work day...step class and then busting out chores at home... and all I want to do right now is go back to sleep...

Have a great day girls!

lindy-I haven't bought anything yet. I'm gonna go internet shopping right now! I'll let you know what I get! and Thanks for all the compliments. I'm about 5'6" .. last time i checked. =)

Dance- I'm glad you're feeling new and improved today. I know when I was heavier. I didn't feel as confident either. But now that we're kicking butt.. no one can stop us!

Popcorn- I'm doing the same thing. As I lose weight, I get rid of the bigger clothes. I don't want to grow back into them. And I'm hoping the smaller clothes will be a gauge for my weight. Though.. I still don't trust it. I think I will always weigh myself regularly. I think in the past.. I gained .. and didn't realize how much I was gaining.. so the scale is in my life forever. I'm liking it more nowadays though. haha

So.. my official weigh in for the week... 186.. nothing more lost from a few days ago. But 3lbs down from last sunday. So.. I'm happy.

Dance- I would love to join you in 3 miles today. I have been lazy too so I need a little less today so 3 is great. I feel like a lump. lol. I am so sorry for your funk! I promise that with looks like yours and the strong personality and intelligence you will find someone in no time if you chose to go that direction! Don't you guys live together though?

I am off to a healthy start. Feeling guilty for yesterday. A big mac turned into a big mac and 2 pb&js. bad bad bad. But I am still at 155. I might not have gone over the upper range of my cals. I need to work out today. I need to try to be upbeat and motivated again!! I can do it. lol. *Talking myself into it.* Have a great Monday ladies!

Ok, lunch went belly up, so to speak. Today was the last day for all you can eat shrimp at Red Lobster and a co-worker talked me into it, Im so pathetic, lol. Im ready to focus for the rest of the day and week for that matter.

Dance- maybe Ill go the same route, casual but still comfy and I will bring my walking sneakers as well. PS- kudos on the pity party being over. We all get in our funks, just as long as it doesnt consume us, were good.

Simple- where are you located at? The weather sounds awfully crumby!

Neesy - woo-hoo for another loss, man oh man, I need to get back in the rhythm with you girls, I as doing so well, now Im slacking these days with cheat days here or there.

AJ- way to talk yourself into it! I did an hour at the gym and my 2 mile walk this morning, but Im going to do another 4 miles tonight because of my RL snafu. I dont even want to see what the scale says tomorrow because all the sodium I consumed is going to leave me bloated beyond believe!

Lindy- RL is one of my weaknesses too. I crave it and I can't resist the bread. Its so good!!! And scampi... oh butter. lol. You got snap out of it though. before you know it it will be a month like mine was and so much hard work was a total waste.

I ended up writing that then going ihop. I was goo though. eggs and turkey bacon but man... I could eat ten serving of that stuff!! But I didn't. Not as good as fruit and boiled egg but still okay. Now I wish I could have RL =(