Hi Reda! thanks for asking about the boots - we've been following the tracking, and they really should have arrived today. Oh well. I still have oh, about 47 days before I really REALLY need 'em

We have beautiful blinding sun today, but it's still cold. I should get a current pic of what we still have here, in the way of deep snow.

I'm down another pound and feeling really good, really in-control. I don't even care that tomorrow's Easter, so far I am not feeling left out that I won't be eating any candy. I want to lose much more than I want to have chocolate, for once!

I'll be at work tomorrow, from 11:00 am to ? because my rat of a boss just says 'we'll play it by ear'. Jerk. He has NO consideration for his employees. He'll see me standing, quickly eating my lunch (brought from home) and he won't suggest that I sit for even 5 minutes. Ya know, eating standing up is not very good for the tummy!

okay, I'll be out of that joint at the end of April, I can deal until then

Everyone have a great Saturday!

Down a pound that is awesome, I wish I could get that motivated again. But I am going to get motivated because like you said not to many days left before riding season starts full force. Yeah
Where is it that you work? I also stand and eat alot of the time as well. I supervise 10 convience stores so I travel everyday but I do get home every night for supper. I hope you get your boots soon because I am curious about the size thing because I need to order some as well, I found some on that web site that I really like as well they are ones that come up over the calf which is great because once in a while I do wear shorts while riding in town but like to wear over the calf boots because the pipes do get hot.
Well have a great Easter and don't work to hard tomorrow

My boots came this afternoon!!

Oh, they are so nice...so deep black and brand new, that leather smell wafting up...they are HEAVY DUTY!! they are heavy!! tomorrow I'll weight myself, then weigh myself with the boots, but they feel like they're at least four pounds each But I wanted something like that.

I put 'em on and drove to town to do errands, and to start the breaking in process. But I don't think they'll need breaking in. I mean they're stiff, but firm-stiff. I think once I'm on the bike, with the regular flexing of the ankle when I shift, they'll loosen up a bit.

Size - wise, they are exactly what I'd expect. I wear an 8 1/2 in a sneaker (I mean athletic shoe ) but have always asked for a 9 when I get a boot, to allow for a thicker sock; and I always put in a pair of cushiony insole things like Dr. Scholls. They of course, add cushioning but also add insulation for warmth. With all the chilly riding I do, my feet are rarely too warm.

So these are a 9, and maybe with a thin sock they would feel a teensy bit loose; but with a regular sock they are fine, and I know they'll be fine with my thicker wool socks.

So I would say these Extreme X boots are true to size.

I'm taller with them, and having some heavy-duty bike boots on me always gives me that biker swagger

Had another on-track day today. Tomorrow will be the end of the first two-week South Beach Phase 1. Now I get to slowly and carefully introduce some of the previous off-the-list foods, such as fresh fruit, and whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, etc. I'm almost afraid to, I'm feeling so good with just the lean proteins, eggbeaters, tons of veggies, lowfat dairy, and nuts as a treat.

I would love to do a challenge and see just .... how... long...I can go without sugar, such as a cookie or whatever.

I think there is less flab around my tummy/hips...that is so cool. And I feel strength from the exercising. Just have to lose some more fat, and keep working on the muscles.

just wanted to let you know about the boots!

oops - forgot to answer you where I work. ****! it feels like it

It's a small deli/bakery/convenience store, and it used to be that my biggest pain was the rude customers; but now it's the boss. Very stingy, very inconsiderate. I really, really should look for another job come next winter!

BUT my May to October job is a peach, for me. It's a private fly-fishing club tucked away in the woods 3 miles from a paved road. We serve 3 meals a day/7 days a week during the season. It's just open to members and their invited guests. There is lodging for about 80 ppl, tops.

It's a 100+ years old building (recently a cool million spent on renovations) set on the shore of Lake Mansfield, which is stocked with trout for the members to try to catch (fly fishing only, and each catch is recorded and paid)

My job is to provide the baked yummies for each meal. Muffins, homemade granola, for breakfast; a dessert for lunch and a dessert for dinner. I also fill in for the breakfast/lunch person by cooking breakfast for his two mornings off a week. And once in a while I'll be a hero and volunteer to do lunch, also. And I've filled in as dishdog (dishwasher) when needed.

I can make whatever I want for those desserts. I'ts mostly cookies or bars for lunch, and cake or pie for dinner, but I am free to do whatever! Rice pudding, eclairs, turnovers, creme caramel, custard with fresh fruit, whatever!

I love going outside to the brook and picking fresh mint to use as garnish, or puree' it with some hot heavy cream to make an infusion to flavor a brownie frosting. I love having the guests knock at the kitchen entrance, asking if they can compliment the pastry chef or ask for a recipe, ,please.
I love fixing nice platters for the staff meals (they always groan, but always hoover it down! )

I sent in a recipe to Taste of Home for one of their contests, and won! and got printed in both the magazine, and one of their hard-bound collections. My mom was so proud.

besides absolutely loving the job, and super people, it's my commute on my bike that is also such a bonus!!! 25 miles each way through Vermont countryside.

I hate my winter job so much, but they take me back each winter knowing that as of April 30th, I'm outta there! and I don't return til the Club closes for the season.

OK I've blabbed enough

Way to go with staying OP again today. Thanks for the info on the boots now I can look again and then place my order especially since it did not take very long to get them... I do also carry all my extra weight in the tummy and boob area and for me that is th hardest place to loose it at as well
Well with Easter tomorrow I will probably be alittle off plan but come Monday it will be back OP full force. I need to loose about 10 more pounds then I am going to see a specialist about having a mammaplasty I have been considering it for several years but have always chickened out and wanted to loose some weight first now I am down to the last ten pounds then I am going. Well anyways enough about me you keep enjoying those boots and I would keep doing like you and wearing them alittle at a time to break them in
Again HAPPY EASTER

Wow didn't see the next message but it does sound like you do have an awesome summer job, that would be great and people are there on vacation to have fun which makes your job even better. I would love to have a job like that but don't see that in the near future or as long as we want all the toys and taking the vacations that we take. And to have a commute where you get to rideI do miss that about 4 years ago I also had a 30 mile commute one way which I would ride my cycle, boy did that $save alot on gas and I got a ride in. I still couldn't be around pastries all day if I was I would probably have alot more weight to loose then I do now. Have a good evening

Happy Easter everyone!

I just finished Spring Break...so I'm trying to psych myself up for work tomorrow...uck! It's amazing how fast vacations go!!

Lately, I've been doing really good staying OP and losing. Having the time off work kind of threw my schedule, though, so that will be 1 good thing about going back.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend!

Hi there! This is my first post ever, but this seems the appropriate place to be. I ride an 83 yamaha 650 maxim, just got it last summer. I can't believe I waited so many years to get a bike. Now more than ever I hate winter, and in Cleveland it just won't seem to end. The itch to ride is so strong, it's unbelievable. Anyways, I weighed 310 on Feb 10, now 286, goal 155. I snapped because my husband and some friends are planning a trip to Dollywood this year, and I don't want to go. Why? I probably won't fit on some of the rides. So it's time to do something about it. I had been going to the gym, and loved? the elliptical, until I hurt my foot because I do nothing in moderation. (like eating, riding the motorcycle, or pounding the elliptical until I get plantar fascitis) I'm starting by taking a diet suppressant, and dieting 4 days on, one day off to keep the metabolism up. So far I'm doing well. Hopefully losing some of the weight will allow the foot to heal, then I'll discontinue the suppressant and replace it with exercise again. Well, Happy belated Easter to all!

WELCOME msjul!!! sorry to hear of your foot injury - and congrats on your weight loss so far!!!

HI REBEL!!!so good to hear from you! and congrats to YOU on your losing!

-msjul - we have cyber friends in Ohio, and they tell us of the pounding winter they've been having - almost as bad as Vermont, LOL! in fact an Ohio friend just took the MSF course YESTERDAY - on Easter Sunday - in 17 degree temp and they had half a foot of snow the day before! :shock but she passed!!!

GOOD MONDAY MORNING EVERYONE!!!
Welcome aboard msjul riding is the best experience anyone could have besides having the beloved children....Hope everyones day goes well but from the last hour for me it is for sure a Monday....

Hiya,
I'm not new to dieting but I did just get back to it. I have been wrestling with how I want to get down to the girl that's inside me- and I decided to do a protein power plan started on March 24th.
I took the MSF class in the summer of 2006, but haven't practiced all that much. I have a rebel 450 that I call my baby bike. I rode behind my husband until he got a custom chopper in 2006, but fortunately for him, I had already decided I wanted to learn how to ride. I do miss riding behind him still though.
I do want to have a new pic on my bike with a new body and that is part of my motivation as well.
I lost 38 lbs about 9 yrs ago doing the protein power plan which includes strength training, so I'm giving it a week to see if it will work again this time, although it will likely go slower.
My highest non pregnancy weight hovers around 200. I am currently 190 and would like to get to 135. although if I like how I'm feeling at 145 that's fine too.
It's cool to have a place to combine bikes and goals at the same time.

Hi and welcome beautypursuer!! The 'first time around' that I lost weight (in 2002, went from 172 to 145) the thought of motorcycling was my big motivator also. Let's face it, a woman on a bike is hot, but a hot woman on a bike is WOW

I very rarely ride behind my husband, like only when we have to, but I still enjoy it also.

What is your protein plan like? I can do the exercise fine, it's eating that is my challenge.

well, glad you joined us!

Welcome beautypursuer!
Good Morning Vermontmom and anyone else coming into this thread!

Vermontmom how are your boots still feeling have you been able to wear them at all again? Is your last days coming up soon with your winter job?
I did get to ride the motorcycle on Tuesday afternoon for a bit but then yesterday we were back down to 30 degrees and this morning we got about 3 + inches of snow again...WILL IT EVER JUST QUIT!!!!

beautypursuer what is the protein power plan all about?
Everyone have a great day!

I first got the book called "Protein Power" by Dr. Eades 10ish years ago. It is similar to Atkins but has different parameters. I have the book on hold at the library so I can refresh my memory on the phases. They also recommend resistance training because your feeding your muscles by consuming enough protein and then train the muscle to be strong. the more strong muscle you have the more fat you burn. Depending on how much you have to lose you start in phase 1 or 2. Phase 1 requires that you eat enough protein to support you Lean Body Mass (they tell you how much that is) and limit your carbs to under 30g a day. In the end when you are maintaining you beautiful body you still eat the right amount of protein, increase to a healthy carb count which means you'll eat whole grain products and fruit for your carbs and when you do find you've gotten off track a bit, you can cut your carbs for a few days and get it under control. Eating low carb is the easiest for me because you don't have to worry about the fat content without the carbs to store it as fat, you can have food that tastes good. Basically I eat eggs, meat, salads, vegs. You can type in Protein Power Eades and find their website. I can give you more details if you want after I refresh myself with the books.
I forgot to mention who we ride with before. We used to ride with a great organization called Bikers Against Child Abuse. We stepped down from our membership in that group because of time commitments and family issues we were having. Now hubby rides in "The Messengers MC". They are a Christian group that minister to other Motorcycle Clubs.
Looking forward to sharing our bike stories. My first goal is to get practicing on my bike and take a trip on the freeway (havent' done that yet).

Thanks for that info on your plan, bp! (okay if I use that as a handle? )

hi reda, WOW I am happy for you that you got a ride in!! and stinks about the continuing winter for you. But at least you got a little 'fix'. You must have had a HUGE grin on your face!! and lifted your spirits.

We had a nice amound of melting happen yesterday, we can see one third of the gravel of the driveway now. But the rest of the drive is packed ice and snow. The roads are no where near good for riding; there is SO much sand, gravel, and grit everywhere. We really have to wait for the spring rains to wash some of that crud off before we can hit the roads.

bp - how many lanes are there on a California freeway? I've had it lucky, I learned in the relative calm and peace of country roads, then onto a simple two lane state interstate; then some slightly scarier traveling on road trips. But each time would bolster my confidence.

I'm going to try to do some time on the elliptical each night, in addition to my morning work-out. I find the elliptical SO boring, even with it in front of the tv, but it's worth it if I can burn some more calories and build some more muscle.

reda - I really should be wearing my boots around the house...thanks for the reminder! and my crappy winter job is over April 30th...that translates to count of 24 actual work days (that's just counting 5 work days a week) or it translates to 34 days to pass. See I've got it all figured out

AND 44 days until we leave on the bikes for Myrtle Beach!

I had a great day with eating today, I've been lucky I've only had the slightly offplan Easter; and a cookie yesterday but I don't think that's too bad. Today was my usual, which I might eventually get sick of, but I haven't for like two weeks;
I saute in 1 TB olive oil; fresh broccoli, onion, red pepper, sometimes green beans, and fresh spinach; then dump in the Eggbeaters. I make a big skillet, cause I have half for breakfast and pack the other half for lunch. For afternoon snack I have a cup of yogurt; and / or a cheese stick. Tonight's dinner was a burger patty with cheese. I should have had salad but didn't want it. Other nights it's usually chicken breast with salad.

Have a great night everyone