Hey Chicks! I never meant to be away for so long. I had full intentions on checking on on Monday after my BBQ weekend (so you all wouldn't forget about me! ) but then I was sick on Monday and playing catch up all day yesterday at work. I worked until 11PM to get caught up! I will admit, though, that I went home to make dinner (Grilled jerked mahi mahi with couscous and grilled zucchini) and watch ****'s Kitchen. I'm hooked on Gordon Ramsay.

*breathe*

My grill weekend was great! I invited some friends over on Saturday for some Sangria (made with Splenda instead of sugar) and burgers on the grill. I also made a German potato salad. Both the burger recipe and potato salad recipe came from one of my WW cookbooks so I felt good about that. We hung out for awhile, talking and laughing and polishing off the massive vat of Sangria I made.

On Sunday, my boyfriend and I went to the gym and then lazed around the pool in the sun at our apartment complex. We later played Bocce with some friends who live in the building. It's nice to do stuff like that because I know that last summer I would not have (a) laid outside with my arms and legs exposed for others to see or (b) agreed to a game. I grilled again on Sunday night. This time it was grilled garlic and rosemary chicken with a warm roasted red pepper sauce.

Aaaaaaaaaaaand I have a lot of backreading to do.

Jamie - Thanks for explaining wogging. I think I do that from time to time. I am not in good enough shape to jog. I do my best with the ellipical and weight circuit machines. I literally laughed out loud at my desk when you mentioned buying a HPT and then getting TOM the next day. I am exactly the same way. I am on a fairly fool-proof method of BC (NuvaRing) but I convince myself that something went wrong, I fell into the 1% group and then I make my boyfriend go buy a HPT because I'm too out of gear to actually purchase it myself. He said he's going to buy stock in the First Response company.

Oh, one last thing. You live in the city where one of my favourite bands was formed. I'm sure you've heard of them.

Manick - Thanks! I love love love pugs! You might say I have an unhealthy obsession with them. The dog is not mine but I absolutely can't wait to get a pug. I keep the pug as my avatar/screen symbol (here and elsewhere) because it reminds me of my reward when I reach my goal. Some people might treat themselves with new clothes, a vacation, etc. I'm going to treat myself by finally getting a dog. A dog I can play with and chase around at that!

Rachel - That adobe soup you described sounds delicious. I may try to recreate that. I'm a foodie by nature, a chef by practice and a desk monkey by study. I love to make new things. Good for you for getting some fitness videos. I purchased a Wii online yesterday (I caved) along with Wii Fit. I'm really looking forward to turning working out into a game. I will still go to the gym with my unbelievably supportive boyfriend but we decided we will play the Wii Fit for boxing, balance and friendly competition.

Modkittn - I love TJ's until I remember that they have dark chocolate covered blueberries. I have two weaknesses in life--dark chocolate and blueberries. I incorporate both into my day, every day. However, when they come in a pair like that... haha I just have no self control. Congrats on your weight loss and good luck with your weekend of unknown food.

Chey - Hi, I'm LeeAnne. I was heartbroken to read your post about the floods in your area. It's been hard to watch it on TV so I can't imagine what it's like actually living through it. I'm glad you're not getting discouraged because my first impression of you from reading that post is that you're a strong, kick-a$$ woman! Go you!! Also, you're right. Slow and steady wins the race. We are not dieters, we are healthy lifestyle marathon runners! Winners don't start a marathon by sprinting.

I think that's enough from me for now. I hope you are all having a great day. I'm going outside now for a 20 minute lunch time walk and then coming back for a turkey wrap.

Okay, okay, I get it there should be a post here when a new chat thread is started. 11 is over with, 12 is here: http://3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144004

Continue all the wonderful chatter in our new home!