Pam stuck this on the other thread so I'm bringing it over here:
Greetings

Took that walk, it's hot/humid! I live in the South. Athens Alabama to be exact..about 1 1/2 hrs north of Birmingham, and about 15 mins from the Tn. State line. 45 mins from Huntsville...anyone close??

My heighest weight on June 5th was 356lbs. On June 24th I weighed 348.8 and yesterday (July 3rd) I am at 347!! 9 lbs down! looking to reward myself with every 10lbs and take pictures to chart my progress. Also writing in a food diary every day, in addition started monitoring exercise/activity levels, and will also make a note on my emotions, to keep it in check. Any other helpful suggestions?

You can write me at pjkdreamer43@aol, or I will look for your reply on here

Thanks for listening! Stay strong. We can all do it! And we all DESERVE IT!!

Pam

Hello, ladies!

Happy Fourth of July!

I hope you all have some wonderful plans for today. We are going to my in-laws. It's a "family tradition"! (can you hear Hank Jr. ?) Anyway, she has a wonderful pie shaped backyard that backs up on a city park and it's a great place for shooting off fireworks. The ariel ones are illegal here in MI, but someone in the family always drives down to Indiana or Ohio to get some boot-legged ones!

I'm taking my own burger so that I can eat more of the other stuff that people bring. I'm making a bowl of Syn's Apple Salad to take and I made 4 pies last night too. 2 of the Strawberry Pies and 2 of the Snickers Pies. I tasted the "batter" for the Snickers Pie and YUM! I hope everyone likes their WW treats, that's all I can say.

Amanda: Ok, girlfriend, I thought I could get away with starting a thread and not posting just this once. Figured maybe no one was watching. Guess that's not the case, eh???

Mary: I'm here. Hope you're having a wonderful day. I'm sure the library is closed today. Are you doing something fun?

Lucky: I didn't run, just been busy. Tell us about your new job. What are you actually doing? You stopped posting just after you got it, so I don't think you said, or I don't remember anyway. I bet you're busy this time of year with all the summer work around the farm. Just remember to take time to smell the roses....or coffee for that matter. BTW, I noticed your stats. One more smidge and you'll be in Onederland! WooHoo for you!!!!!

Deb: Oh glorious day, having the house to yourself! I had mine to myself on Father's Day. I just slept late, enjoyed some reading and then went SHOPPING!!! I had a wonderful day.....much better than Mother's Day!!!

2cute: Glad you're back safe and your mom is holding her own. * What a rude awakening you had....discovering we have to actually WORK at getting this weight off! Oh My!!! I'm game to join in the 10 pound goal for July! I was down 5 in June without really trying so I'll WORK on it with you!!!

Michelle: I'm sorry to here about John's dad. Please give him my condolences. It sounds like he had a wonderful, dedicated life. It's so sad when such an active person has to go that way. It must have really gotten him down to be so handicapped for the last years of his life. [[[hugs]]]

Pam: Hi, sweetie, welcome to our humble corner. I hope you'll decide to stick around and post often. It is really helpful to your efforts and besides, all the girls here are a real inspiration and full of motivation. In no time you'll be "navigating" just like the rest of us.

Barb, Terri, Connie, Tina: Where are you guys??? Out having a good time on this wonderful holiday.....I hope!

I'm gonna run. I have color on my hair and it's long overdue for getting washed out. Hope my hair doesn't fall out now that the color's been on so long! Have a great day, my lovelies. I will see you all later.

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one." - Elbert Hubbard

Ok....this will be short because I am working today and the phone lines are ringing off the wall! I mean, my God...it's the frappin 4th of July. Get out....have fun. Have a cookout, spend time with your family! STOP CALLING ME AND ASKING ME STUPID QUESTIONS! (Sorry...notice I was "venting" here)

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday today and please ignore the yelling above, I just felt like I needed to get in a good scream.

Also, a thank you to a special someone here who sent me the lovely card "10 reasons to know you're a Nascar Redneck". Sad part is, they all apply to me. In fact Thin, here is #6: (carboard cutout of favorite driver)



And in response to #4, is there any other way to Talladega other than the back way?

You made my day girl..... You're the best!

Everyone else have a wonderful time and stay safe!

Hi Gals!
I'm here!!! Finally getting a chance to pop in. When DH is hope I don't get much time on the Internet. Probably not a bad thing because I seem to keep myself moving a little more....which attributed to the 4.6 pounds I lost this week!!! I am so happy to have a good week! It will hopefully give me the motivation for many more good weeks!!!!

We just got back from the movies. We saw Legally Blonde 2 - very cute. I did indulge in a small popcorn, small soda and some mild duds. I enjoyed them but now it's onto better choices --- that was lunch - healthy huh? Dinner will be some grilled chix and veggies! Much better! We want to get a new grill today - we may head out to Home Depot later on.

I'm please to say the monster of a dining room project I've been working on is almost done. I just need to pick out a new light fixture and some other accessories. Once it's completely done I'll share a picture! Speaking of decorating --- Tina, LOVE the #20 room!!!

Amanda - I hope you are feeling better today.

Lucky - I don't drink coffee - love the smell, hate the taste - but I usually have a cup of green tea in the morning. Hopefully that will have the same effect.

Deb - I know what you mean. I love having the house to myself once and a while.

2Cute - you are right on!! We all have to WORK at this! Set those goals - a little at a time adds up!

Michelle - I am sorry to hear about John's dad, but it sounds like it was peaceful and he was ready to go. Sending my thoughts and prayers your way.

Pam - HI! Welcome to our neck of the woods. I hope you will enjoy it here. This is the BEST bunch of ladies around! Congratulations on the 9 pound loss!

Kat - I do very much like Lucky mentioned - a little at a time. I usually start tanning about 3 weeks before any vacation we take - that way I don't get myself burned on vacation - learned that the hard way. I go to the stand up booths so they are much shorter times. The most you go in is 10 minutes. I usually start at 5 and work my way to 8. It gives me a good base after about 5-6 visits.

Thin - Sounds like you are going to have a FUN day - ENJOY!!! We are just hanging around the house. I asked hubby if he wanted to watch fireworks tonight --- His response "Sure, what channel?" What a ding-dong I married!

Tina - Hoping your day is improving!

Mary - Hi There Gal - I'm around, just not as much on weekends!

Anyone else?? Sorry if I missed anyone!!!
I'll try to check in later today!
Barb


HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!!

Thanks for the tanning info, oh knowledgable ones!

You would think that the person there (Malibu Barbie) would have shared some basic tips with me...I was in there for 12 minutes. The rest of me is okay...it's just the soft, white underbelly that's tender!

Gonna cut the grass now, then I think my son and I are off to the pool club...it's HOT out there!

First things first-
Happy 4th of July!!!

I'm sorry I didn't post a longer one yesterday, I was just moody and out of sorts. I think I imagined I was getting a cold, either that or I got rid of it yesterday. Anyway food hasn't been that good the last couple of days. It hasn't been aweful either, but it could stand improvement. I think I will join in on 2Cute's 10lb July challenge. Let's all work our butts off, literally.

We don't have any real plans today. We have a couple of fireworks to set off, that will probably be about all. My hubby is working today with a friend, then he has a ton of lawns to mow this weekend. He starts his new job on Monday. It isn't the best pay, but it has benefits, it's steady, and he can still work his business while doing it.

Now to replies-

Lucky-Thanks for that coffee info. I think maybe I'll try that. I've never been a big coffee drinker, but I like that Gevalia coffee so maybe if I do that. Thanks for the quote on goal weights.

2Cute-Thanks for telling us about your dad staying active-it was very inspirational. What a wonderful memory to have! He is still teaching you even though he is gone.

Michelle-Sorry about John's dad. You and he are in my prayers.

Pam-Welcome!!! This is the best group of ladies you'll ever meet. Soon you won't know what you did without them. Don't worry about being new to the boards, we all were at some time.

Kat- Hopefully this post made up for my lack of a long post yesterday???

Thin- I was on when you started the new thread and waited a reasonable length of time before the posting police came out. Hope your hair didn't fall out. Sounds like you have a fun day planned.

Barb- Good job on the 4.6lbs. Sounds like the dining room project has been fun.

If I didn't reply to you I'm sorry!!! You didn't post on this thread yet. Hi to everyone who is awol. Hope your 4th is going well, hope to see you soon.

Happy 4th of July!!

Hello ladies!

Its nice to be off today. DH and I slept in - 8 am! That's late when you have to get up at 5:30 during the week. We made a trip to the grocery so DH can smoke some ribs in his new smoker. I sweated off a few pounds (it had to be 5 at least) giving the shrubs a haircut and weedeating the yard. its hot. It sure did turn July awfully darn fast. The dog and I have been laid up down in the rec room enjoying the cool and naps this afternoon.

I need to get busy cleaning the house. Mom and sis will be here tomorrow for the day. All of us siblings (four) and our spouses will be gathering tomorrow night for our annual summer get-together. We'll be going to a local restaurant - the Marina Grog & Galley - and then back to our house for dessert. It will be fun.

Just time for a few replies:
2cute: That is hard about your mom. Especially when she's not close. My mom is 2 hours away and its been hard not being able to be there enough to help her adjust to dad being gone. Now DH's mom is alone too but she is at least closer and thankfully, wanted to live in an independent living high-rise. I'm with you on the 10 pound challenge. I want to get into the low 240's by 8/1. And it will take lots of hard work.

Barb - Congrats on your wonderful loss!! Yes, all the work on projects does burn the extra calories. Keep it up!

Pam - Welcome to the group. for your loss as well.

Thin - The desserts sound great. Have fun with the in-laws. I think we're pulling up lawn chairs in the front yard and watching the local stuff. Too much effort for DH to actually get out and go somewhere.

Amanda - I'm glad to see that things are looking somewhat up for you. Hope you're feeling better.

Michelle - Sorry to hear about John's dad. Even though it was trully a blessing and what he wanted, it will be hard. for you and your family.

I must get moving now. Tina, Deb, Lucky, Kat, everyone else I might have missed......Have a great and safe 4th!

Happy 4th chicks
1st Michelle sorry about John's Dad

2nd Welcome Pam you'll love it here I live in Mississippi

3rd Thanks Thin for the card

I think that I pinched a nerve in my arm when I fell the 1st of June, it feels numb most of the time.
I think Peter is going through MENopause
he sure is grouchy lately.

Yes I am off today but have to work in the morning then I think we are going to a movie and out to eat.

Peter is smoking a pork roast on the grill with baked potatoes, slaw and baked beans. I bought a watermelon and have it in the cooler with some ice.

Starting Monday I am going to start over with my new way of life I know therte is no use trying to start now. I have picked up a couple of pounds lately and I can feel it.

Thanks to all of you for being here.

Hi guys... I am hiding out from my daughter.
We are working HARD outside getting ready for a garage sale tomorrow.
Tina... I agree with you ... I should be out having FUN !!!!
My daughter banned me from the computer. LOL
She said no one would be posting today ... boy was she wrong.

Michelle... I am sorry about Johns dad. I am at peace with my dad's death because I knew he was MORE than ready to go. My dad LOVED living .... but he did not love existing in that nursing home. I can just picture him sitting right on Wriggleys Field watching his beloved Cubs play baseball again now.

It is HOT here too. Temp near 100 but heat index 107-110.
Not fit for working outside getting ready for a garage sale. I don't expect many shoppers being a holiday weekend... but I have to start somewhere... we close on our new house in2 weeks!!! I still can't believe I am moving. I have lived in this house for 23 years. And boy does the CRAP I have show it.
OH OH !!!! She found me.
I told her you NEEDED me. LOL

Okay.. sorry I have to run. I hope the rest of you are having FUN!!!

Hi Chickies!

Hmmmm, where to start? Loving having the house to myself today. Reading trashy novels, going in the pool, and doing WHATEVER I want. Guess it just me. Growing up in a large family the only place I could get privacy was in the bathroom....and even that wasn't always the case. LOL...guess the was TMI.

Pam: Welcome to the group! Good place to hang out, let loose, and usually have a good laugh. Loved that bathing suit post from the last thread...should go read it. Was pretty funny.

Michelle: So sorry to hear about John's dad. I pray not for the person that died, I know they're in a better place, but for those left behind...losing a parent is a shock. My prayers are with you.

Lucky: LOVE THAT LINE! Good way to stop feeling sorry for myself. Before I left grad school I went to the health clinic to get my file (I'd gone there for undergrad too). Saw my beginning weight nine years prior and it gave me a shock. It was about 90lbs less than I weigh now....and I remember, how at 18, I thought I was such a cow. Heck, if I weighed that now I'd do my lucky me dance naked! Think it's about loving yourself NOW, not looking ahead or beating yourself up about what was, what's the point of that?

2Cute: Feel like I should hum the theme to Mission Impossible while you hide out from you daughter. LOL. Hope you stay cool during your garage sale.

Barb: Great job on the loss!!!!!!

Having the rumblings of a full fledged panic attack. Got the invitation to my brother's fiancée's bridal shower. I'm supposed to do a reading at the wedding and right now I'd like to avoid it all together. You know the main problem........What am I going to wear?????? I know that it's going to be a pretty upscale wedding and I have no clue where I'll find a decent outfit. And yeah, having a full fledged....WWF Smackdown on my ego for not getting my butt in gear. Really hating myself right now.

Yesterday, while walking into a store I got a full view of myself. The camo clothes aren't working. At 6'2 I carry my weigh pretty well....if there is such a thing, but I saw myself and thought "yuck". If I really think about it...I admit I'm really embarrassed and I know that I've started "hiding" at home. What kind of life is that?

Okay, sorry to be such a downer on the 4th. I'm going to join 2Cute in her July challenge and start on Monday with Grannie. Heck, maybe I'll start right now. And you know how people set goals with there weight? Well, I'm not much for marathons but my dream is that once I hit a size 14 or 12 I'm going into NYC (I live close by) and going to a plus sized modeling agency. I'll never be a size 8 but I'd be over the moon as a 12.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend and stays cool. I'm going to print off a new weight chart and do a cut in paste of all the inspirational/motivational lines I can find....going to keep it next to that chart. I might not be my ideal weight in October but I'll be damned if I'll be the weight I am now.

Deb
321.6 new start weight.....aka the line in the sand

I just had a really satisfying lunch that made me realize almost any food can be reduxed to be really low in fat. Every now and again I feel like having grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Today, I was in that mood. So I made my grilled cheese sandwich with 2t. lowfat margarine, a slice of 2% milk american cheese, and a little sliced tomatoe. I made it on a grainy sunflower millet bread. My whole sandwich plus 1 c. Campbell's tomatoe soup made with fat free milk came to about 270 cals, and 8 g. of fat. I feel very full and pleased that I managed to satisfy my craving without going off program.

Hi Again -
Just stopped back in for a minute to say hello! We just finished grilling out on our new grill - chicken, corn and veggies. Yummy. We bought a little coconut cake for dessert. So, today I fell off of my healthy routine, but first thing tomorrow it's back to it!! I also gave myself today off from exercising, but I'm back to that tomorrow as well!!!

I think I am going to veg out on the couch and watch some tv. I finished up Harry Potter today, so now I have to find another good book to read.

Have a super evening! Catch you tomorrow!

Barb

Quote:"I am at peace with my dad's death because I knew he was MORE than ready to go.

My maternal grandmother died at 92 and was the same way. In fact, she kept SAYING she was ready to die for about 10 years prior to her death. That's when I want to die - when I am MORE than ready.

Tell your daughter to come in here and see !!! We do need you. She can at least give you a couple 15 minute breaks so you can say Hi!!!!!

Deb, Quote:and I remember, how at 18, I thought I was such a cow.

That statement sure hits home with me. I thought I was a "cow"/"pig", too big to be loved and I weighed 125lbs....I wore an 8....I look at pictures now and what was I thinking?

The really sad thing is I always saw myself as I am now.

That's the story of my life...