AJ - wow! Not much more to say than that - but wow!

Heading to bed, I am exhausted had such a long, long day.

Check in first thing tomorrow before heading to the gym

AJ- WOW...WOW...WOW!!! The difference is incredible and Im totally lovin your tats! Im a tattoo girl myself. You have such a smokin bod already, just wait till you get to goal, it will be incredible. Keep you head up and kudos to you for staying away from the pizza!

Neesy- I did the same thing with my clothes last weekend. Isnt it an amazing feeling. My issue is -- now Im wearing the same things over and over. I have to wait till after the holidays to go on a shopping spree. On the positive, my bday is in January, so that will give me an excuse to go out.

Burgundy-- thanks for the details on the grapefruit diet, I might try that down the road. I LOVE grapefruit, although, I probably wont after the diet, lol...as those are my feelings about lemonade now, since my cleanse, lol.

Tiff- Ahhhh...the Master Cleanse. Definately not for the faint at heart. My recommendation is to start it on like 3 day weekend. Start it on a Thursday and take off Fri, Sat. and Sun because seriously, those days suck really bad. You cant function like you normally wood and you are cranky as all ****.

Dance AND EVERYONE- OMG---you are so sweet! Thank you! I feel the same way about you. Seriously girls, 160 is something to be proud of for sure, but Dance is so petite looking, I would have guessed she was more around 145 and oh my god, she has the most gorgeous hair I have ever seen (I forgot to tell you that Dance, lol). We had such a great time, it was like we have been friends for year, you would never think that we just met for the first time, thats for sure. And shes right, we talked about all of you and how exciting it will be when we finally get to meet each other. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed every second. Gab didnt go, she ended up hanging out with her friends, so it was just us, but it was good, it gave us time to take our time and get lost (literally-lol, we never did find the organic place).

So, today is a good day. I didnt do the gym today because I got home really late last night (hung out with a friend after meeting up with Dance), did get my walk in but only a mile because it started pouring and I had my dog with me and he and rain dont go well together, lol. Im starving this morning but trying to stay on track and be good, really I just want to ravage the snack machine but Im feeling pretty strong today, so Im in good shape.

AJ - holy cow! You look PHENOMENAL! What amazing progress and what a smokin' bod! I especially love how your upper arms look SOOO toned. Are you finding that all your clothes fit totally differently? Have you had to get rid of a bunch of stuff for being too big?

lindy - So great to see you last night! glad you got to meet up with your friend but you need to stay far far away from those packets of cheezits! If you don't, remember I'm in the neighborhood and could come by and cause a great big scene!

Anyone in for four miles today? I'm going to fit mine in after my morning meetings. Keep it skinny out there....

OMG AJ - HOT HOT HOT, WOW you look phenominal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should be so proud of how you are reshaping your body!

Lindy & Dance, I am so glad you both got to meet up last night and yes, jealous, as I wish I could have been there.

Burgund, I love your new photo. You look so pretty and yes, slimmer ;-)

This will be quick, as I need to get ready for work, but I wanted to peek in and say hello. Tom is here, so hopefully today won't be too bad ;-( I am going to try to atleast get some workout time in, if I can. I will check in after work. Bye for now.

Can't wait to one day meet you girls - you are the best!

What a crazy morning - just now catching up on everything so I hope I don't miss all the stuff I wanted to say.

AJ - Holy Smokes your transformation is amazing. And kudos to you girl for being brave enough to take pictures of your cellulite. I have had it my whole post-pubescent life, even when I was thin, so I have no desire to document it with a picture. I love animation too. One time did the Disney Workout - walking my way on the treadmill through each Disney picture in the order they were released in the Theater. It was an incentive to walk every day.

Staccie - if I thought rubbing a picture of myself on my arse would help then I would try it. I'm a little more traditional like Dancer too. Thanks for the laugh. It helps keep us sane in this crazy diet world.

Burgundy - your new picture is beautiful. Yay for the straight on photo - hold your head up proudly you look great!

Dancer and Lindy - that is so cool that you guys got to meet each other. Hey Dancer how is the knee doing?

Neesy - it really is cathartic cleaning out the closet. I got rid of a few things that I had never worn or I wore it once when I lost weight two years ago just to say I fit into it. It was hard getting rid of some of my favorite things too but it was best in the long run. Just think of all the room you will have in your closet now for some new small clothes.

Pammy - that is so nice that you are helping your sister with her bathroom. Don't forget to make time for yourself - you deserve it!

Grits - I am not a fan of the vedalia onion thing but blueberries in the oatmeal sounds really good. I will have to try that this weekend. Usually I eat Cream of Wheat with a teaspoon of honey in it on one day of the weekend.

Tiff - please don't stay away from here when you are struggling. Those are the best days to check in. We all care about you and want to see you do well. I find that everday someone on this board says something to help me. And remember it is baby steps. Do not beat yourself up.


Thanks for all the inspiration girls.

Another random exercise thought.

Yesterday due to time constraints I chose to do the Denise Austin Power Zone - The Ultimate Metabolism Boosting Workout DVD. I bought this five years ago because it got a good write up in a fitness magazine. It comes with a resistance band. It is about a 20 minute workout that combines strength & resistance training with cardio. I find it works pretty well for me.

Has anyone ever tried it?

But when I first got it I couldn't figure out who Denise Austin reminded me of on this video because she was annoyingly PERKY. Then it hit me -

she could have been the twin of SNL's Cheri Oteri's Spartan Cheerleader -Ariana. The only thing missing is Will Ferrill's Craig.

At one particular point I just want to yell out their cheer from the swim meet skit:

"Taco! Burrito! What's coming out of your Speedo?"

I always look forward to that point of the exercise tape.


I have not noticed it as much with two other Denise Austin DVDs that I got since then.

Hey Friends,

Sorry to have gone awol yesterday but I wasn't able to get back to my computer.

Grits: Great tip with the calendar progress chart! I have also done that in the past and it seems to work well for me also. I'am even thinking I should start one up again...

Stacee- Lol...you are hilarious

Burgundy-Love you new picture! It also looks like your face has slimmed down some =-)

AJ- Sorry you were in a funk...You'll make friends I'm sure! Are you involved in any commnity activities? Co-rec sports leaugues, clubs etc are great ways to connect with people. BTW-Your transformation pics were very inspiring...your hard work is definitely showing!

Dance: I'll do four miles today...but it might be on a machine...does that count?

Tiff: Great to have you back! Would it be helpful for you to post at the same time everyday? Then even if you were not doing well you might go on and post just out of habit.

Alright, sorry if I missed anyone but I have to head out for work...I'll update you all about my stuff when I get home this evening.

and remember to make good choices everyone! (oozing with sarcasm)

Thanks to everyone for all the comments on my new pic.

Tiff-we all know what its like to fall off the wagon. Dont feel like you cant come to us and talk about it. It happens to everyone, we are only human. Maybe we can even help you to stay away from the bad stuff.

AJ-you look stunning, love your tattoos. What is the goddess booty dvd?

Dance and Lindy-glad you had a great time and hope we all seem like old friends when we meet.

Lindy-I can still tolerate grapefruit juice, but I love grapefruit. I mainly do the juice on the diet though. I can just down it.

Dance-I am gonna try to get a walk in today, not sure I can do 4 miles, but we'll see.

Mygrits-have a good day at work and get that workout in!!!

Popcorn-I am a fan of workout dvds too when time is limited. I have never done any of Denise Austins though.

Just got home a little while ago, but gonna have one of the boys in a few hours again. Grapefruit diet is going good. I did very well yesterday and already down a lb. I am still up from 204 but I will be back there soon. I need to get up and clean my house a little. I have been neglecting it. Have a great day everyone.

Hey girls...well today has turned into a pretty crumby day, not food wise, just in a funk. Im kinda not feeling so hot. A little is allergies and a little was my dumb decision to walk in the rain last night with my friend (after Dance and I went walking). So, I just want to go home and curl up under my blankets and sleep.

Dance - lol, cheezits! Ive steared clear of them today, thank god. Ugh, you are in Orlando when we are having the worst weather ever. Too bad you couldnt be around this weekend, its supposed to be gorgeous.

Popcorn- ahhhhh, those darn perky fitness instructors. The girl that does my bodyworks class at my gym, her name is Michelle and she insanely perky, then she says last week, ok girls, I had 5 m&m's (not packets, like...3 individual M&M's, lol) last night, so we have to workout extra hard this morning for me doing so bad with my eating. GRRRRRRRR....I love her but at that moment, I wanted to kill the B, lol. I mean seriously, I would say that if I consumed 5 packets of m&m's, as this has, ahem...happened (well, maybe not 5 but you get my point).

Burgundy- Im excited to see your results from the grapefruit diet, it seems relatively simple, although, Im sure I would be starving by the end of the day but I sure do love grapefruit so its a possibility I might try it.

simply - miles on a machine definitely count! Mine will be on a treadmill too unless I decide to be adventurous and get out and explore a local park. Probably the treadmill though!

aj - I met some great girls in denver through a belly dance class - any chance there's one of those nearby that you could try?

Hi chicks,

I'm just about to lace up my runners to go to the gym, need to get there today. I am officially old. I am waking up 5 min prior to my alarm going off, all week long - that's never happened to me before. But alas, today I went back to sleep - and slept way too long. Oh well, guess I needed it. Sometimes I like to stay in bed I am convinced because I feel skinnier and in my dreams I am always at least 50 pounds smaller. LOL. I wonder what will happen when I am 50 pounds smaller in my dreams. We have a holiday day today but after the gym I have to work, I have a ton to do.

AJ - I saw on FB that you are having a hard time with your back...hope you are ok!

Sandy - give TOM a good kick in the arse...and have a good day at work!

Popcorn - LOL about your speedo comment. I've never done an exercise video, unless you count Cindy Crawford back in the early 1990's. Needless to say I never did get her body, but I did fake out her mole for awhile I prefer going to the gym but it does give great thought about time constraints. I might have to invest in some for the Olympics

Simple - have a good day at work!

Burgandy - your grapefruit thing sounds like it's going well for you. I hate grapefruit, I get old lady pucker lips when I try and eat it. I can't wait for you to get under 200....live through others until I get there. It's just something about not seeing that 2 anymore....

Lindy - good on you for steering away from the cheese things...but sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Hopefully it disappears soon!!! And so happy to hear about you and Dance meeting up...and I so agree about the hair - beautiful. Dance how long does it take you to do it?

Hey, I have a question. Does anyone have a little hump on the back of their neck (top of their spine). I've really noticed mine lately and it's bothering me. I had it before when I was heavier and it got smaller as I did. My posture is an issue, I have to work on that!

Lindy- Sorry about your funk. I get it. I am right there with you. I have more problems than... well a lot. I hope you feel better. eat well today no matter what!

Staccie- I am having back problems. Advil helped. I still have precocet if I need it but I slept wrong. I know I did two nights in a row. But I will still work out and stretch. A LOT! Thanks love! And I have that bump too. Its just the shape of the spine. It is suppose to be there. If it hurts you can see a chiropractor but I think it is just you noticing differences. When you lean your head back a bit it should not be as apparent. Your spine is like an s from the side and that is the curvature on the top of the s. =) Look at the attachment.

Dance- I haven't tried that. I would love to. I will look into it!.

Rayne- Someone else here told me about goddess booty. Its a ballet/yoga core work out that really works on your whole body but your butt is the main feature. =) My husband is a butt person. Back in the day I was 145 and I lost 4 lbs and he freaked cause he thought I was losing my butt. lol. Wonder what he will do at 130. hahaha. Gotta keep it.
Thanks every one for the kind compliments. It felt good to see!

I am on my back today. Going to go down and stretch on the ball for a bit. Pain sucks. I hate to just waste a good day! Oh and I am okay on food. I had jimmy deans new de-lights breakfast. 240 cals w/ turkey bacon. It was eh so/so. What ev. Its food.

Not sure where every one is but I could sure use an arse kicking. I woke up and ate that jimmy dean light thing. Then I ate grapes. Then I made pasta salad and ate 1/2 the noodles plain. Then I had a large serving of pasta salad. Oh yeah... I forgot the fat free hotdog. OMG this is what happens when I start my day with starches. BAD. I have to stop. We are going to paradise cafe for salads tonight. Hopefully I can eat that and nothing more. Yeah right. I might now be "binging" but I feel like I have not stopped eating once today. HELP

AJ - will I can kick your arse and then you can kick mine...not only did I not work out, but I also ate bad - and I am very annoyed, grouchy and negative. What the heck is going on with me, seriously. Deep breath I suppose. It's only 4PM and I still could go work out but I am like why, I ate bad food, what difference will it make? I just need to go, I need to go...I know I will feel better about it after...AJ - why do we do this. I wish I could say the right thing...for you and me both.

Maybe because you are in pain? Just eat the salad and start fresh tomorrow!!

I know we are supposed to have a little bump there, but mine seems more like a hump. I have seen it in other overweight people and I have become fixated on it and don't even like to wear my hair up. Well that should be another incentive to get my crap together.

Is there anyway you could go and get a massage or something AJ?

I'm just babbling now...trying to get out of this seemingly 3 week long funk!

I tend to respond well to a reward...but I can't think of anything right now that will even tempt me to leave the house (other than ice cream).

luckylindy- Thank you! It means alot that "I" can be a motivation to someone. My plan has always just been counting calories, nothing else worked for me. I still want chocolate and cake and cookies and everything else "normal" people eat. So I just make room for it in my day. I started my journey shortly after me and my ex broke up Dec, 28 07. I have been off and on since then. I have struggles all the time, and I try to stay active on the forums as much as possible. It helps me stay sane. I love this place!
Aj- I have always had a problem with the weight and partner issue. Im a very tall girl and I have always weighed more than anyone ALWAYS. Its depressing but I have learned to live with it. Even at my "goal" weight its more than most people. UGH! On a side note you look AMAZING in those pics. You go girl! I cant wait to look like that!
Grits- That vidalia onion salad Dressing sounds delish is that store bought or homemade?
Staccie- Glad your feeling atleast a little bit better. I have never tried yoga, but it just doesnt seem to be enough of a workout. What is your opinion?
burgundy- Painting is a total workout too!! My bf lives in Chicago
Neesy- I love getting rid of stuff. I just ended up giving my sister half of my clothes that are too big and she gave me all her clothes that are too small... IT worked out perfectly! haha
Tif- I know the feeling. I work really hard then seem to have a day and screw it all up. I wish i knew the fix for it
Popcorn- Are you kidding? I do EVERYTHING with my sister. She doesn't go anywhere or do anything without me and the moment she mentioned painting she knew she could drag me along. I love painting anyways and its kind of relaxing in a weird way haha. Seeing my bf in 2 weeks is going to be MY TIME. Were going to Disney and just spending time with him is worth the wait! I use to do Denise Austins daily workouts that use to come on tv every morning. I miss them

Today was good for me. TOM is still here and ugh as usual. I managed to get my morning walking in before the rain, even though we only got a tiny drizzle after all of this talk of 4 inches from the hurricane. I guess I cant complain considering this is the only hurricane this year that we have gotten anything off of. Hurricane season ends on my birthday and yesterday my nephew told me its a gift from mother nature. Kids crack me up sometimes. Hope everyones having a good day.