Just popping in real quick to post my journal for today and wish everyone a wonderful weekend ... am very tired and going to bed but will post tomorrow when I am more alert!

Love, CJ

Hi guys,
How is everyone doing this weekend? So far I am doing pretty good on my program and even drinking all my water. So did everyone here join in with Peggy/Swee tooth's challenge on drinking your water? If you haven't go to the weekly challenge site and join us. Thanks Peggy for starting that. Yes. that is the spirit about it being a new day. Don't worry about one day, tomorrow is another day I always say. You may do better than you think so just keep that optimism going and you will not fail.

Jo-Good for you and that old treadmill, I know you were dying for your hot shower, but I am sure that is what kept you going on the tread mill. Kind of like dangeling a carrot in front of a bunny. LOL I'll know that was one shower you deserved after all that hard work. So were you a good little girl and stayed right there at your desk while the birthday people were celebrating? Come on Jo, FESS UP! LOL Don't worry you will soon be out of the UP CLUB like I got out. Just keep on doing what you are doing cause I see you are really trying to get somewhere this time. You are like me, I can't keep on going like I am going, up and down and up and down. I want to be at or near my goal in the coming year and I know you do too. Kudo's to you Jo, you are doing a great job on your weight. Hey congratulations for getting your maiden name back. A BIG YAAAAAAHOOOOO TO YOU GIRLFRIEND. I know you are floating on air with that great gift.

Tricia/Motivated Kitten-Actually you did really good just having the spaghetti with just the tomato sauce. I know it is the meat that does us in. You got the right idea and I like the motivation in you.Good luck on your 149 you are shooting for. Here are some good vibes headed your way for Wednesday!
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((VIBES))))))))))) )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

CJ-Hey Carol, how is it going for you? I have faith in you that you will drop your weight and get out of the UP CLUB. You are doing so good in your water, journaling and I know exercise is you weak point, like journaling is mine, but you probaly are walking in the woods around your cabin and even going to your mailbox and back counts too. No I haven't gotten that blue bottle from Monica's Dad, Ron cause he still hasn't opened the wine up yet. But Monica says as soon as he empty's it than I can have it. How do your 2 blue bottles look with their little pewter angel winelight's look? Did you set them up and put that lamp oil in it? My rose winelight really burns nice and I have it on top of my mantle just waiting for Ron to finish that $50 bottle of wine so I can have a set. LOL Don't worry I will get that wine bottle yet, cause you know me and I am NOT going to go out and buy a $50 bottle of wine. No way, I think $10 is my limit for good old White Zifeldel. LOL Oh well it is better than if I drank Ripple or Strawberry Hill, remember those wines? HA HA HA Talk about cheap thrills. HA HA HA

I think since I have been such a good girl and exercising everyday I will go and start a new exercise thread. How about that? Any one want to join me? I know we have some exercise people here. I know Jello and sweet tooth get on the tread mill and some people even take their dog on with them. LOL Dreamer even goes to her gym to work out and I know CJ tries to walk when she can too. So I would love some company so come on and join in.

See you there guys, Love ya, Sharon

Just got back from the infamous WI. At least I still lost weight, considering the number of over points days that I had last week. I dropped another 1.25 pounds. This, in fact, brings me to another of my mini-goals. Yahoo! I have now, officially, lost 40 pounds.

My next mini-goal comes after losing another 3.5 pounds. This I MUST reach by Christmas. That one is the bet that I have with my youngest son. He was away for most of the summer on military training (if you call playing in a band at the military base training LOL), and when he returned, he noticed that I had started to lose weight. By that time, I had lost about 12 pounds. He bet me that he could gain 30 pounds (he's 6'2" and weighs 125 pounds) and would wager that against me losing 30 pounds by Christmas. I'm always up for one of those, so took him on. He teased me incessantly about not being able to reach that goal. Shortly after that, he moved away, so I have not seen him since mid-September. This one, I just must reach, so that when we visit him in a couple of weeks, he will be in for a big pay-off.

I just read the weekly weight loss stats. Sharon, you have done remarkably well. Good goin'. You're the big loser again this week. Doesn't that title "BIG LOSER" make you feel good? I really admire you for your exercise. I really struggle with the exercise. I think it may be from my past...I spent so much time at the swimming pool working out when I was a teen (swam competitively), that I don't like to commit to specific things called "exercise," Especially if it entails freezing cold water at 5 am. LOL

Now Carol. What will we do with you? I have been watching your food journals and you are doing very well there. Keep drinking that water, keep journalling and add some exercise. It will only be a matter of time before you are down where you want to be. Keep it up. The first few days of the journal have been good. Way to go.

Motivated Kitten - How is your weight loss going this week? Here's best wishes for losing that 2 pounds. I know what you mean about the evening snacking. It was always a real problem for me. That's when I get the strong cravings for proteins and sweets. I discovered that if I drink a bottle of seltzer when I am feeling that way, it seems to take the need to snack away. I am not always good at doing that, but when I do take my own advice, I seem to lose much faster. This past couple of weeks I have not struggled with evening eating, but with eating at special functions. Jo mentioned last week that they were have the monthly birthday cake at her work and she was not going to go. I need to do more of the same, because when I am with people, and food that I am not planning will be on the menu, I can't seem to stop myself from tasting. The taste often turns into "just one more bite." Then, I have eaten waaaay more than I intended. I trying to be better, but it is hard.

I'm wishing everyone the best for WIs this week. By the way, keep drinking that water...

Luv,

OK, I just have to share something that happened a few minutes ago. As you all know, I have lost 40 pounds since July. While I was away in September, my boss, who is a huge man, started a weight loss program also. His son is getting married at the end of the year in San Fran. and he wants to lose some weight before he goes to the wedding.

When I came back from holidays, he made a comment about my weight and shared that he was on a diet, also. He has done very well with the weight loss, but has trouble with drinking water. He sees me with a bottle of seltzer on my desk ALL the time, but hasn't said anything...until today.

Just a few minutes ago, he came into my office looking for something, opened my filing cabinet and about 50 empty seltzer bottles fell on his head. The look on his face was something that you wouldn't believe. BUT, he started asking me about drinking these things. I had a few different kinds in the fridge, so he was sampling all the different kinds and has decided to buy them for the office. Yahoo! I don't even have to buy my own anymore.

Bye for now!

Hi all. Took yesterday off to run some errands and shop. (Who me? ) Got a quick story for you, not weight-related but please forgive me.

Yesterday morning, went to find the local Social Security office to submit my name change forms. Found the street, parked the car and fed the meter only to find out I was in the 700 block and the building I wanted was in the 100 block. Decided to walk the 7 blocks. BAD section of town but I walked fast!

Anyway, got to the office at 10:03 (had to sign in) and took a number (#93). Sat and waited. And waited. And waited. There were about 30 people in a room made for 10 or so! Finally after almost an hour, the woman across from me said something about hoping they'd call her number soon. She was number 81!!! Another woman said, "No, they have to call my number first. I'm number 80." I'd sat there with my number 93 for an hour!!!! I asked how long they'd been waiting and they said they were waiting when the office opened at 9:00. Two hours!?!?!? I said "I don't think so", got up, gave my number back to the guard and walked out.

I didn't want to mail the forms because they needed to see the original certified, notarized court document and claim they'll return it to me. Guess I'll have to take my chances that it'll get back to me before too long. I'll need it for other things.

Anyway, I was fuming and muttering to myself so much, I wasn't worried about walking alone in that section of town back to my car. No one in his right mind would have come near me!

I spent the rest of the day shopping!! Have to admit that I heard a commercial for KFC's popcorn chicken and became obsessed with it. Couldn't rest until I'd tried it. So I did. I shared it with Watson and to tell you the truth, I don't think I'll order it again. I mean, it was OK but I don't even want to think about how many points and calories, etc. And it really wasn't worth it.

So now I have a question for you guys. Friday is the company Christmas luncheon and party. It's a buffet this year and the menu is amazing! (Meaning "lots of food" ) Now my question: do I weigh in on Friday morning and throw caution to the wind at the party or do I wait and weigh in as usual on Saturday and hope that I can stay in line during the party?

You know what? Just typing that question, I think I already know what the answer should be. But I'll ask you guys anyway. What do you think?

Taking my car in for inspection on Thursday. Know what that means? Taking it over on Wed. night and then walking up that huge steep hill to get home! Hope the weather holds out. I'm actually looking forward to it!

Guess I'd better go. Boss is running around about some proposal that has to go out this week and he's trying to rush it so it won't interfere with the Christmas party on Friday. Not like he's never made me miss the party or at least part of it in the past. Sheesh.

Hope you all have a good one.
Much love, Jo.

Almost forgot!!! Weighed in on Saturday with a 2.6 lb. loss!!! Almost back to where I was before the big disaster a couple weeks ago.

You know, it's interesting that I actually forgot to tell you what number the scale said. Could there be some deep hidden psychological meaning to that??

Or am I just really forgetful?

Jo, it's great to hear about your success with the cake from the birthday parties. Also the weight loss - 2.6 pounds is phenomenal. Way to go!

You also know what my answer would be for Friday's lunch. I have a dinner Friday evening and am contemplating how I will deal with it. Fortunately, I know the menu in advance, so can plan what I will eat and what I won't. Also, I started to bank points yesterday so that I can have a few extra to indulge on Friday. When I do that, it actually boosts my metabolism a bit and I see greater weight loss afterwards. I just can't do that more than once per week, or I see weight gain. LOL. The greater loss may not be on Saturday, though. You may need to wait an extra week for that, but it would be worth it.

Good luck on managing for Friday and keep up the great work on your weight loss.

Luv,

Hi ya'll,

Well, I was doing wonderful on the water challenge until the weekend. I just don't have anything I carry around with me to drink all my water. At work, I bring the big 33 ounce Seltzer water bottles, drink them and then drink water for the rest of the day. On the weekend, I am constantly searching for a cup in this house that will do the same for me--we don't have any!!! LOL. Ack.

Jo--I know what you mean about standing in line. I HATE IT, can't do it, just can't. I would have done the same as you!

Peggy---I think the whole seltzer water thing is wonderful. I know mine keep me from getting a coke out of the machine (or two or three). I don't even really use it as my water, but as a way to have a sweet cheat without cheating. It seems to work! As far as my weight loss, well, I'm down another 1/2 a pound, which is BEAUTIFUL, but that's it. I don't think I'll lose a pound and a half between today and tomorrow. Eh, but maybe a half a pound? LOL

I have noticed that with the way I'm doing things, I'm losing constantly, but really slowly. I guess it's because although I've cut out a lot of my junking, like the snack machine and constant sodas, I still have my weak points that I need to work on soon. Like yesterday, I refused a free soda, a piece of chocolate cake, and then succumbed to a piece of tropical fruit cake. My excuse was there was fruit on it (kiwi and strawberries) Bad me. But I can't complain about the constant weight loss even if it is real slow. I also went to the gym yesterday, burnt off 611 calories according to the machine. I love seeing those kinda numbers, I aim for 500 and then, whatever I can get extra before I need to shower and get to work.

Sassy---way to go with the excercising!!! I admit, I try to flake out more then I want to admit. But I get there twice a week, still working at the motivation to get up at 6:30 for Fridays on my early days.

Well, hope to hear from all of you soon!

Hi guys,
Some good news, I was so happy when I got weighed at my Weight Watchers class yesterday. I lost another 1.2 lbs and that makes with last weeks 6.4 lb loss my loss for the last 2 weeks 7.6 lbs and now I have lost a total of 35.4 lbs and I am over half way there and just have to lose another 33.8 more to get to my goal weight. I have really been working hard on this because after my Thanksgiving gain I decided that I didn't want to let the holidays ruin my weight loss as it has every single year I have been on Weight Watchers, than when Jan 2nd rolls around there I am up once again. I am so tired of doing that that I really want to either stay the same or even have a small loss so that is my goal for the holidays. I just can't keep sliding backwards all the time. I hope I can do it and I will really try to do it.

I have been exercising still every day with my Walk Aerobics Leslie Sansone tapes and I think that really helps me because I don't want to blow it after working out so hard.

Jo-I too think you know the answer to that question about whether to go to your meeting Saturday or not. You know you have to go. Because if you don't and decide to throw caution to the wind that you may undo some of what you have worked so hard for. I mean I think if you plan on going to your meeting and facing that scale that you will eat far less than if you decide to say the heck with it. So come on and be accountable and whatever happens happens. Even if you do have a gain you will be able to get right back on the bandwagon the very next day. So please go to your meeting and weigh in, you will be glad you did in the long run.

Peggy-Yippee for you, good job on another loss of 1.2 lb, that is so great WOW! 40 lbs now, how wonderful. I am proud of you for keeping on it. I'm sure you will lose those 3.5 lbs by Christmas the way you are going. Also that is great that your boss is supplying your seltzer water for your office. I know you are happy about that arn't you? Thanks for calling me a "Big Loser" I sure do love to hear that. LOL

Tricia-Good for you on doing well on the water challenge, but maybe for the home you can get another big water bottle or another jug of some type that holds alot so you can do good on the weekend too. Wow you sure do burn off the calories when you work out don't you. I know all that calorie burning will pay in the end.

CJ-Hey lady, nice talking to you on MSN Messenger this morning. We don't get to do that too much. I had fun, but still am wondering why we suddenly became disconnected. Keep on drinking that water and journaling and everything else you are doing. Don't worry Carol, you will get that weight off just keep on going and don't give up.

Kolika-Where are you? Please post and let us know how things are going. We miss you girlfriend. Come on back with us.

Carolyn-Hey you too, post again, we want to hear from you. You haven't been gone too long, but you are really missed. How are things going for you? Hope great!

Gail-Hope you are out there somewhere. I miss you so much too and hope you can post sometime with us and let everyone know how you are doing. I sent you an email and hope you got it.

Chrissy-Hey sis in law, hope you are out there too and will come back and post with us. Got your email too and will reply soon, I promise. Miss you and love you too.

To anyone else missing, Sandi, Joanna, Julie, Kelster, angel eyes, Zoe, Judy, Trish, Sherry, Vicki, DebbieA, KimV, Kerri/Brite, Carolyn H, and Katie.

I know that during the holidays are hard to post but please if you can just post and let us know how things are going for all of you's, but if you can't post till after the holidays than we will welcome you back with open arms.

Take care and love you all, Sassy Sharon

Hi Ladies!!!!

I have missed you all!!!!! (((((THIN GROUP))))!!!!!

Just a quick note for now (on my way to work) and I will post more later.

Took my finals yesterday. Glad that it over with. Know that I got an "A" in my computer class. I am sure that I got an "A" in my business class too. I really do like going to school again. Keeps me busy. I did decide to attend full time next semester also. What the **** eh?? LOL What do I have to loose.

It will be one year January 1st that I quit smoking and now it's time to loose some of that weight that I gained. I did gain 32 pounds when I quit. If I could loose at least 20 of that I will be happy. I have lost 5 pounds already. Just the stress of finals, I think that helped me loose the five!!!! But anyways.....still craving those darn cigs......but it's much better and would like to shed some of those pounds.

I will post later and address everyone. I need some motivation to loose this weight and this is the place to go.!!!! Leaving for New York City this Sunday. Meeting my sister there. My daughter Ellen is going too. We are doing the New York thing!!!

Love you all!!!! And missed you.......

Chrissy

Good morning! Good morning! Wow! A long post from Ms. Sassy and then a post from Chrissy! What a great way to start my day!

Know what I did last night? Got on the treadmill for 45+ minutes. I know I said I'd go faster than the usual 3MPH but I started doing 3.2MPH and just couldn't do it. So I dropped it to 2.7MPH and did a little over 2 miles. That's the good news.

The bad news: I threw out my back again. Don't know how, whether it was all the walking or what, but I got up this morning and can barely move. Oh, it's going to be a long day. Already took some Doan's back pills and am hoping they kick in soon. Not sure if I have any of my prescription pills left.

But here's Jo trying to look at the bright side -- if I'm on pain killers and muscle relaxants, I'll have an excuse not to drink anything at the Christmas party on Friday. Just club soda for me thanks!

Still planning to drop off the car and take the hike up the hill tonight. Supposed to rain but, hey, I'm water-proof. As long as it doesn't get too cold, I can handle getting a little wet.

Well, I've been interrupted about 5 times since I started this. The maintenance man is above me on a ladder changing light bulbs, muttering to himself. Just in case he's reading over my shoulder ... Hey You!!! Get Lost!!!!

Nope, guess he wasn't reading over my shoulder.
Gotta run!
Love, Jo

Checking in real quick here. Have lots to do to get stuff ready to go home today. Our cabin is nice and cozy but "there's no place like home for the holidays". We'll be coming up for a couple weeks again after christmas.

Chrissy: Glad to hear from you and to hear you are doing so well in school. Sounds like you are an A student! Hope you will be posting with us again ... we've missed you. It's a wonderful thing to quit smoking, but .... it's terrible on the weight! That is where my "extra lbs" came from, but I didn't do anything about it until now! I never had a problem with weight until I quit smoking and my metabolism took a drastic change! A few excess lbs after my pregnancies but they didn't stay for long. If you want to get in on the updates, you know what to do, right? Let me know.

Sharon: It was fun talking to you yesterday on IM but I too don't know what happened. But shortly after we actually did have a power outage for about 1 hour (happens quite a bit up here I have noticed). We'll do it again soon tho. And good job on your wt loss - and thanks for the encouragement, I needed it! I know I will get thru this slump!

Peggy and Tricia: What is selzer water? Is it the same as the flavored water, or something different? Just curious, may want to try it.

Jo: Good job on the wt loss! It will be posted on the updates Friday! And way to go on throwing that piece of birthday cake away! Awesome!

Peggy: What a laugh about the empty selzer bottles falling on your bosses head! I’m curious tho – I have some carbonated flavored water – is that the same thing? You are doing so well on your wt loss … I know I’ll get there too some day … just taking me longer. Got your stats – thank you. I don’t see a problem with you not being able to loose those 3 ½ lbs by christmas – not the way you have been doing. Good luck!

OK … once again, I have done some updating on our website, so if you get a chance please check it out and for goodness sake, if you have anything you want to add just send it to me and I will take care of it. I have updated our updates on there also – could use a few new bios (ahem, Peggy and Tricia – hint hint)….

Well, I’m off to pack things up and clean the cabin up so it will be nice and brite when we come back! Lots of dust flying from working in the bathroom putting up drywall! Cough cough cough.

Later ….
Love, CJ

Hey - where is everyone??? We've been home from the cabin since 5:30 .... andI just got out of soaking in a nice long bath for the last 2 hours! Now I am ready for beddy bye. Thought I would check in first tho ... here's a cute little song for ya all ... it's in the tune of "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" ...

Oh, the snacks around are frightful
But the veggies are so delightful
How many points in the cookie dough?
I don't know, I don't know, I don't know!

The scales don't show signs of stopping
Oh I wish I'd brought corn for popping
How much before I say whoa!?
I don't know, I don't know, I don't know!

When my pants start to get tight
And the seat of my jeans is worn
I will put up a big fight
If the scales tell me I weigh more!

So now I am still crying
Inside I feel like dying
How far up will my weight go??
I don't know, I don't know, I don't know!


OK ... on that "note" I will say good nite!

Until tomorrow,
CJ

Listen up girls, cuz I just discovered something that will help us in
reading all the posts without going to the 2nd page! We can control the number of posts that appear on a page! You need to go to 'profile' at the top of the page. Then choose 'edit options'. Then scroll down towards the bottom where it says 'default posts per threads' and in the drop down box at the right you can choose how many posts you would like to view - it gives you many choices. And - it works! I set mine to 30 and even tho our thread says 2 pages - I can see everyone's on one view! We have been starting a new thread after 29 because in the past the 30th started on a new page ... but now, with this option we can go to 30 or even back to 40 on one thread if we wish. (40 is the max) So let's take a vote - 30? or 40?

Can't sleep tonite - insomnia! I never have that problem! I thought my nice hot bath and peppermint tea would put me right to sleep ... but here it is, 2:00 in the morning and I am still awake! So I clicked on my good ole buddy here, the computer, and came across this neat little tidbid about the length of the posts!

Well, I just made myself another hot cup of peppermint tea - let's see if that helps. I'll let ya know if I learn any other great things about this forum upgrade! LOL

Later ...
Love, CJ

Isn't it amazing what one little person can do in the middle of the night when everyone is sleeping??? Gee, this is the 29th post --- that means we start a new thread ... at least, until our vote for 30 or 40 posts is done (see new thread for that) ... So.........

STOP!!!!!!!!! GO TO #69! NOW! hee hee hee

Love, CJ