Tearose: Yes, Jeff is my personal trainer. We've been working together for almost a year (minus the 2 mos I was out due to steroid injections and back injuries). He's great, and focuses on everything - eating and workouts, so that helps me.

Dance: Yes, I got Maddie a toddler bed - so sad! :( I don't want to think of my little baby growing up just yet. We were cuddling on the couch last night and she passed out on me, which she hasn't done in a long time. I miss those little cuddly days. We also got her a cute toddler bed set with butterflies and flowers, very cute and girly.

Allison: Get back on track hon! No more popcorn! :) Is it possible to stop at a grocery store (might take a little more time than a quickie mart) and perhaps pick up some nuts or fresh fruits/veggies? Not as satisfying, I know, but does that food taste better than slim feels? This is my new mantra, LOL, and I'm hoping I can trick myself into staying POP.

Food last night was good, had some pork roast that I cooked in the crock pot and had it with Green giant veggies and barley. It's one of those steamer bags and actually tasted pretty good. I still haven't seen a loss on the scale, but my body is sore today so I'm sure that my muscles are holding on to that water. Hoping to see a loss again soon! I'm at 204 still, so I'm glad I didn't change my ticker before Memorial Day.

So I realized that I have 3 months to drop 2 sizes in time for my SIL's wedding (it's in October but I'm thinking it will take me awhile to find something that I like). So, I need to kick it into high gear to drop this weight.

maddiesmom - at the rate your zooming across your ticker, girl, you are going to be able to wear ANYTHING your little heart desires to that wedding and totally rock it! :) October's a good time of year too - the dresses aren't as skimpy as the summer ones since you mentioned liking more sleeves than less. Have you ever looked at the dresses at igigi.com? I haven't bought anything there but their dresses have always looked yummy to me. Their smallest size is a 12 I think so they may end up being too big for you soon. They show their dresses on real people with real curves and I think sometimes even have short videos showing what the clothes look like when you move around. Anyway, I know you're a ways out from the dress purchase - just thought you might enjoy some virtual window shopping ;)

Off to Lowe's for some exciting lunchtime errands. Oh- and my ac is supposed to be installed tomorrow. We'll see what happens...

Dance-the drive has been nice, we have taken our time. Its been great just being the 2 of us. We've stopped for the night again, in TN. Maybe 3 or 4 hours away but we wanted some "us" time. TOM is gone for me, thank goodness. I have eaten ok today.

Vicky-I brought oranges, apples(and PB), grapes, kiwi and peaches to snack on. Plus I got some Special K whole grain crackers, they are only 90 calories in 17 crackers. I like those veggies in the steam bags too. I'm gonna have to look at that site Dance suggested.

Its been a nice night of relaxing. Took a long shower. Probably gonna get up early and get on down there tomorrow morning.

I forgot I was supposed to have jury duty on the 10th. I sent in a letter saying I would be out of the state. I was gonna call Friday and forgot all about it. I called today and the judge was out so I have to remember to call back tomorrow afternoon.

Not sure when I will be able to check in after today. Have a great week everyone.

burgundy - you are such a cutie for checking in from the road! So glad you did and that the drive is going well so far. And woohoo for healthy snacks in the car! That can make such a difference!

I didn't exercise at all yesterday (except for endless errand running) but I'm heading out for a run this morning before it gets crazy ridiculous hot out there. Then (supposedly) the AC guy comes and while he's here, I need to crank out the rest of this report I've been working on for ages. My bf's coming over for dinner - I think we'll do fish and veggies and maybe brown rice with ff sour cream and green chiles. Lunch will be chicken and leftover veggies and breakfast - hmmm, grapefruit and two soft-boiled eggs I think. What's everyone else eating today?

Dance: I hope the A/C guy shows up today!! It's cooler here today, in the low 60's with rain. But, we'll be up to the 90's by the weekend.

Allison: Glad you are eating healthy on the trip - take your time getting down there, it's important to spend time with just the hubby..especially since you will be so busy once you get down there.

Doing well, yesterday was my day off for workouts. I'm going to Jeff's class tonight, I hope. Not sure now because the hubby is sick and on his way to the doctor. I know it's bad when he's actually offering to go to the doc, and he's never sick, so it's like he's dying. If he can't be around Maddie, I'll have to stay home and watch her. But, I'm hoping I can get out of the house for the class at least.

Here's meals today:
B: Protein shake with fresh strawberries/banana
L: Salad
Snack: walnuts / wasa cracker with laughing cow cheese
D: Roasted chicken and veggies

Wow, quiet board.

Hubby went to the doctor and found that he has some virus and since it's in the early stages, they can't give him anything for it. So, I'm hoping that Madeline and I don't get it either. The doctor said something is going around and that it may be contagious since he got it from someone, obviously. I'm really hoping that I can still go to the gym tonight. Even though I may have to take a canoe at this point with all the rain we've gotten today.

Still on plan for the day. I'm feeling pretty tired, so I just had 1/2 a cup of coffee. I'm totally buzzing now since I rarely have caffeine. Had my walnuts for a snack and my salad for lunch.

How is everyone else doing today? On plan?? Who else is going to work out with me tonight?? My goal is another 500 calories...minimum.

On plan so far! and I got my run in first thing so I will join you in situps and pushups at least later today.

A/C installation is underway and it's a total pain and more disruptive than I imagined - AND won't finish until tomorrow! I'm getting a new furnace at the same time so I guess it's not that surprising that it's a big job but it makes me wonder if I really am up for having the main bathroom remodeled this summer. Sometimes I love this stuff - other times it makes me cranky. But maybe that's just TOM talking, it's hard to tell sometimes ;)

Sorry about your hubby being so sick. I really hope you and your daughter don't catch it. Is it the flu or something else entirely?

Dance: sorry about the a/c and furnace, but just think how nice it will be once it's done and over with! Glad you did so well on plan today - one day at a time.

Don't think it's the flu - it's just a strange virus - no fever, just a severely sore throat and nothing you can do about it. He was so sick, he's been sleeping nonstop, so I couldn't go to class. It's a mommy/maddie night, so I'm not sure when I'll get a workout in tonight. I hope to go to class tomorrow night.

Anyways, still on plan for eating, so I'm doing well. Hoping to see a loss on the scale this weekend. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'm so close to onderland!

Hi Ladies,

Vicky sorry about your husband being sick. I too hope your and Maddie don't get it. Take extra Vitamin C and even some Echinacea if you have it. I double up on both and usually always keep sickness away if someone in the family brings it home. Bravo on your foods and getting back into your workouts!

Dance I hope the AC is going well. I with you on sometimes new enhancements around the house are fun and then at times its just a pain in the a** and makes me cranky. LOL........ You foods always sound so delicious. You really should start a recipe book for us!

Burgund are you here yet? That totally amazes me about the Earthquake a few years ago! I live just south of there and didn't know that. I mean I didn't know we got them! LOL.......I do remember something happening around Tennessee years back - was that the same one? Anyway, I am so glad you and Chris got some 'us' time and have taking an enjoyable trip. Let us know when you arrive. ;-) Hey and stay off the junk!

Well the last few days have been tuff and yes I think we are all on the same TOM time.......very funny! I have over eaten for days and I know it's due to me starting TOM. UGH. I have gotten some workouts in, but skipped Sunday and Monday. Yesterday was another bike ride - just enough to do something. I am up on the scale, but feel sure it is TOM and sodium, so I am not upset....................yet. Anway, I am going to try hard to stay on track today and see if I can get my mental momentum back even though TOM is lurking around the corner. I hate him.

Food this morning Dance has so far been two Eggo Whole Grain Waffles toasted with a tble of Cream Cheese and a dab of Rasberry Jelly. Yum.

Bye for now, getting back to computer work.

Hey girls! HVAC project continues to drag on and looks like some of the electrical work won't be done until tomorrow :( Sorry to bore you guys with this unexciting stuff - such is my life at the moment. Not doing great foodwise - TOM has me all out of whack, apparently. Luckily I only deal with this 4x a year (I take the pill back to back which totally rocks) so I shouldn't complain too much.

Maddiesmom - how's your hubby feeling today?

mygrits - how has your food been the rest of the day since your yummy breakfast? Sounds like you are being way more disciplined than I am right now!

hey girls. Dont have time to reply to everyone right now but will try to soon. I am at my sisters work.

Been eating a few things I shouldnt, but told Chris, mom and my sister that I have to eat right from now on. I dont want to gain 7 lbs like I did last time we were down here. Even though I took it off fast. Got insulation for my moms house today. Probably gonna get in there and work tomorrow. Cleaned some trimmed branches out of the yard today so that was a workout. Went for a short walk with my niece last night but talked to my aunt too long and it started getting dark on us so we cut it short and turned around.

I'll check in later in the week. have a wornderful week everyone.

Yeah Burgund made it safely to Alabama and Neesy reported on FB she made it safely, with dogs in tow, to Florida. I guess she has moved there (her sisters) until she heads to Korea.

Dance sorry abou the A/C, but atleast it's in progress. What's the temp. there? I can totally understand the TOM situation and food. My last four days have been just ridiculous! Today has been good though - well, we will see how the night goes! LOL

Food good so far, but no workout - I just couldn't bring myself to do it........LOL.

Nite.

Dance: Sorry things are crazy with the a/c unit. Hopefully it will be finished today. Also sorry TOM is being a PITA! LOL It's amazing how much hormones rule our body...men have it so easy. Are you back on plan today?

Allison: Great to hear you made it to AL safe and sound. I have to say, I'm so proud of you for telling everyone that you want to eat healthier while you are down there - that shows your committed when you tell others, as they will help push you to eat right. Sounds like you are in for a vacation full of workouts with fixing up the house. Stay hydrated!

Sandy: Are you in for a workout today? Glad your food is good! If you have any good recipes, pass them along, I'm starting to get bored eating the same thing everyday.

Last night I went to Jeff's class and there were 3 other people there. It was by far the toughest class I've attended, but it was nice to know that the guys were having just as much trouble as the girls. The other girl in my class is a big bragger (saying she's doing a triathlon next month, running miles and miles a day), but you know she's not (Jeff's filled me in). Plus, she says what a great workout she's doing, but if you watch her, you would cringe at her form. I know I'm being a little judgemental, but when you are in a class, you at least have to TRY to do things right. Or keep your mouth shut. Am I being too mean?

So, I burned 750 calories in an hour and hope to go back tonight if Matt is feeling up to it. He's doing better, but not 100%. Food was good yesterday, and I'm staying on plan again today.

Not sure if my TOM is coming as well, but this scale is not budging. I'm eating right, working out and it hasnt' budged from 204. In fact, it was 205 this morning. I'm not having any extra sodium, so I don't know if it's bloating or what, but it's frustrating!!!

Wow, quiet day.

Well, I'm still on plan. Had my protein shake for breakfast, walnuts and an apple for a snack and just went and had a salad with fruit and roasted chicken with poppyseed dressing on the side. It was really good. Not sure what I'm having for dinner yet, probably some more roasted chicken, especially if I'm going to Jeff's class tonight.

What is everyone else doing today?

hey, gals!

maddiesmom - is that the panera salad you're referring to? I thought they had a similar sounding poppyseed one. yummy! I know what you mean on the chicken, chicken and more chicken thing. I get pretty tired of it sometimes. You mentioned looking for recipes - do you ever bake chicken breasts covered in the salsa of your choice (regular red, green, or mango/peach)? That's one of my easy alternatives when I'm boring myself ;)

Pretty decent day so far - good run this morning, and cleaned up the garage and did some heavy lifting yardwork while the electrician was working outside. So that was my upper body workout plus everything's much neater and more organized so extra bonus. HVAC guys are almost done - should be completely done within the hour and I'm heading out to dinner with some of my girlfriends in a bit. We're going to a glorified sports bar kind of place that doesn't have the healthiest of options so I may just get something small and eat something else when I get home, we'll see.

It's too bad our group has shrunk over the last few months - I hope all is well with Staccie, tifftiff, aj and lindy.

Hope you girls are having a skinny thursday!