Hi everyone! I should be doing so much else, but alas, here I am....again!

To be honest, I saw the pjk and thought: "Whoa, gotta write right away".

pjk, honey, how are you??? I got the letter you sent last Spring (as a matter of fact it is sitting in a pile right here beside my computer) and have tried to reach you by email several times with no luck (returned). I do apologize that I didn't write "snail mail" back or phone, but I just didn't....time seems to get away from me. I've been so bad lately....well for a long while....about getting stuff done. If I don't make a list, I don't do it. If I make a list, I don't do it either. * Anyway, I hope you don't hate me for not being a better friend. I'm glad you're back.

Joyce: Good to see you too. I noticed we hadn't heard from you since your Christmas Card and I was wondering what happened to you. Hope all is well. Sorry you won't be able to make it to Fling. I'm sure your BIL will enjoy all the company for his birthday.

Mary: I sure hope your headache is gone. Mine lasted all day yesterday.

SueMarie: I can't help you with your Mother Nature issues. I've never had a problem, no matter what I've weighed. I've been like clockwork, no cramps, no problems all my life. I have to say though that now that I'm 50, SHE is being a bit of a pain in the butt! Terrible PMS with mood swings, backaches and sore boobs. Sorry if that's TMI, but you asked.

JazzGurl: I don't have a Gazelle, but I have an Airwalker. Sorta the same thing, same premis anyway. My hips are too wide to fit between the upright bars now, but that's probably because I've never really used it for much more than a clothes hanger! Even when I used to get on it tho', I couldn't do it for very long. It's not much better on the knees than walking is.

Judy: If I could get down into or back out of a tub, I might try it. The only ones that I will relax in are the big jacuzzi tubs when Honey and I go away. Then I could sit in it all night. Nothing more relaxing, IMHO. The only trouble I have is getting back out of even those. My knees die trying to get out, or down in, for that matter.

GizmoV: I'm so glad you decided to bite the bullet and come post with us. Before you know it you'll be right at home here. We've all been where you are, being new, being heavy and needing someone to understand. WELCOME!

Terri: Oh, that's great that it's the February issue. Now I know I can find it. * I totally missed the conversation about Ginger. Wonder why she keeps getting the absesses? Must be prone to them or something. That would be very noble for you to give her up because it's in HER best interests. A typical "mom" thing to do. [[[hugs]]] My friend that has the horse, I know I've spoke of her before, anyway Big Shot is going to college this year. The daughter is a college freshman and they knew that during the school year she would not be riding. And even though my friend is FAR THINNER than I, she thinks she's too fat to ride herself. So they found a college equestrian program and Big Shot went to college. The only thing they have to pay is the vet bills, if there are any. Room and board is all covered by the college because they are using the horse in the program. I guess he's very happy and getting along up there famously.

Marcie: I started out having nothing to say too but look what's happened. Hope you made it through your hunger attack.

Teflon: I think the protein thing is right on no matter what eating plan you may be on. I try to have a little protein throughout the day in order to not have the hungries hit.

Hilta: I loved your desciption of "Diamond Dust". That's exactly what it looks like. Unfortuneately, the flurries we've had here have been coming on grey days.

Jamie/Daise: Welcome to our little corner. AND congratulations on your 18 pounds gone and the good habits that you are forming. It's amazing how each baby step develops into that new way of living that we are all searching for. Hope you'll post often.

2cute: It sounds like you've outdone yourself again. I can't comment personally because I haven't seen your new creation yet, but I'm ready to really DO this one! 'Bout dang time, you say??? I can hear you!!!!

Well, I think I'm caught up again. If I missed you it was NOT intentional.

For Thankful Thursday, I'm thankful that when I took my pills this morning I noticed that my blood pressure pill was not in the bin and now surmise that that's probably why I felt so lousy yesterday. I forgot to put the BP pills in the little bins for this week so I haven't had one since last Saturday. Needless to say, I'm feeling better today. Guess it would be a good idea to double check those things, eh?

Gotta run. Honey's on his way home. I want to vaccuum the family room before he gets here. I still have Christmas Tree needles all over the carpet and a guy is coming tomorrow to replace the leather cover on one of the cushions of my sofa.

I was also hoping to mop the floor by the front door before anyone came in from work (too late, the "baby's already home). It's is a mess from everyone coming in with wet shoes and leaving them there. All a bunch of dried puddles. I really don't like my house. You come in the front door and in from the garage all in the same place and so there's no "back door" to park all the shoes at. One more thing for my list of what my next house needs to have.

Ok, you all, I'm really out of here now. See you later. Love ya bunches!

Hi everyone! Seems like I come back in here everytime and there's 2 or 3 new people! Welcome everyone! I love that I can pop in and out at will and everyone is still so wonderful here. Work is HE^^ this week, but not as bad as some weeks. Found out my billing is due on the first instead of the 4th! So I hopefully can get a lot done tomorrow and not have to go in this weekend. Hate it when I have to do that!

Just got in from Curves...they added a new step machine in there and it is KILLER. I went from doing 3 laps without much trouble to 2 1/2 when I really push myself! Wow, that's scary... but what I DO love is that I feel it working my butt and hips and thighs. A few of those machines don't feel like they do much, but that one is definite! YeeeOWWW! I think my sweat factor just collected another 1/2 gallon.

Thankful Thursday: So glad that I'm making progress. I'm so easily discouraged when it comes to losing weight, that I MUST see progress, at least here and there to keep my butt in the gym. But I FEEL 100,000 times better than before I started. I've fallen off the wagon (back on the wagon? That one always confuses me) and had a few fries here and there, but I'm still eating healthy for my busy lifestyle... so much better than 3 months ago, and I'm very thankful for that.

Thin--I know whatcha mean about wanting things in the "next house"... I am constantly planning and lurking on HGTV and buying decorating mags to see what I wanna do to THIS house. I definitely will have a home with 10 times the storage of this one... tired of lugging stuff back and forth to my mom's garage!

Hi Daise! It is easy to get discouraged... I was a few weeks ago, right after New Year's, but I've decided that even when I get discouraged or even overeat or miss the gym here and there, I won't let it be my breaking point. I'll just keep going like it never happened... it's GOING to happen, so I don't see why I need to punish myself for it... it's real life. And if it were something else, losing a job, getting a divorce, etc etc, you have to keep going... so why not with our health?

gmalil--I wish our Curves did some nutrition classes here! I live in a little bohick town, and really quite pleased there's even a Curves! It's the only fitness place in town.

PJK-- I love it here too! Soooo easy to just slide right back in here. Glad you've decided to pull out of your "bottom" and keep going!! Makes you feel better even when it gets Soooo hard!

I gotta finish supper before Sweetie gets home! Have a good night all! Hope your weather is better than ours with cold rain and dreary skies... blehh!

Headache is gone. pjk welcome back. I left for awhile too but I am back.

I did Curves when I was in St. Louis and the machine I HATED was the squat one with the big thingy that sits on your shoulders. That thing KILLED me!

Hi all
I am new here. I post in places then forget where I was..Silly girl.
I have been on hols, and gained a pound when away. Now I am home I can get back OP.
I would like to try this low carb diet thingie. Sounds effective. Having a stressed time right now. people are At me from all sides.

Just thoght I would rant on a little...HI all!

Jazzgurl, I just wanted to say that I am listening to your clips right now, and you have a BEAUTIFUL voice! Don't give up on a singing career. They made a bad choice of letting you slip through their fingers at AI!

I love the low carb thing. I don't know if I will hit a plateau where the weight loss stops, but the thing is, if I look around a bit, there is plenty to eat and stay on plan.

As for the Curves workout, I don't mind the squat thing with pads on my shoulders. I hate the one that works your waste, where you rotate from side to side.

Hello Everyone!

Judy – Hello, I got into pedometers when McDonalds had their Adult Happy Meals hehehe with those to-go salads. Cept it was cheap and didn’t always count steps, so I eventually went over to Walmart and bought a digital one that keeps track of steps, miles, has a clock and I think calories burned… I’d have to look at it. Hehehe….

2cute – yeah I Liked that saying too “evil twin” … unfortuanly when I decided it was time to loose weight and I compared my weight and what I should way, *sigh* it was basically like loosing a whole other person. BTW I call my evil twin “Stephanie” hehehe not offense to any of the Stephanie’s out there *grin*

Teflonmot – Amen to that! My fiancé has been very supportive of m weightloss/diet as well. It really helps, specially since we were used to eating lots of fast food, he’s learned, along with me, what are the more healthier things on a menu, and what places are good to eat if we do decide to go out.

Pjkagain – Hello and wb Congrats on getting under 300! I can’t wait for the day I get there!

Jamie – Welcome

ThinThinker - no, the TMI was fine. I have to admit tho, as I get older (I’m 28) the cramps are getting worse. I used to always wonder what the chicks in school were complaining about… such whiners I used to think, now I know what they talking about!

Ocean Girl – Hi there… I think we’ve talked before… thought it was this forum, maybe not?? The other forum I am in is the Depression and weight loss one… the daily chats. Perhaps it was there? I know what you mean tho, post in a few places then you forget where yer at heheh… like perfect example, I know we’ve talked before… just can’t remember where heheh…

As I mentioned before… I was going to take my pedometer with me to class. Well today I did it. I took it to work with me and then to class as well… What I did was, I reset it and walked to my class, then wrote down the number in a little log booklet. Then when I was ready to go to my next class, I reset and started again. Well… 4278 steps. If I remember correctly… 2000 steps is approx a mile. So I walked a little over 2 miles on my long days (Tuesday and Thursday) WHEW! Hehehe…

Oh!! Also.. I’m down another pound. So I lost 2lbs in 2 weeks. Although I didn’t join the 2 for 2 thingy you guys have heheh I’m still happy anyways

Alrighty I’m off to do some homework ICK! Take care everyone and talk with you all later!

Sue…

PJK !!!!!!!! WELCOME BACK !!!!!! Of course I remember you !!!
I am soooo happy to see you again. I see you still live in the same city... do you still have the same address ?? I will send you a Feb. Challenge.

Joyce... glad you got your challenge. I am even more glad it got you back here posting again.

Daise... welcome !!!

Thin... You better double check on those bp pills. Not something you want to forget.
Don't get your expectations up on the challenge. I messed up in several areas of it.

Ocean Girl .. good to have you back again. Where did you go for your holiday ??

Jennifer 3FC ... I feel honored to have you lurking and stopping in. I feel as if Princess Di has stopped in or something. LOL Let me take this opportunity to thank you for everything you do for us here in 3FC.

Sorry I didn't get to everyone. It is just too hard to keep up if I don't do it every hour or two. LOL

Hi ladies!

Wow, a lot to catch up on. And I've been posting regularly this week...or so I thought! I think I'll print out the last couple of threads just to keep everyone straight.

For those who might be interested in the Oprah article, I found it online yesterday. Go to her website and look up her new 12 week challenge. She's doing a boot camp to try to lose the last 10 pounds. And it sounds like a tough boot camp too!

We decided not to go to the hospital yesterday. Nothing we could do for BIL and I think DH really needed the mental break. Instead, I asked him to take me to the farm store so I could get some feed for Ginger and Tanyah and take me out to the barn. I needed to see my girls. The farrier was there working on Ginger (to my surprise). We're putting the metal plate back on her shoe to see if that helps. The surprise was that I just spent $100 on the farrier last week and wasn't asked about paying him again this week. It was nice to get to spend a few minutes with them. I am sooo looking forward to longer days and having a life back from work hopefully soon. It really did both of us good just to do something ordinary like that.

BIL is showing some signs of coming out of wherever he's been since the second stroke. He can fully open one eye now and they got him out of bed last night. That helped us to relax some too. We've both been inwardly terrified that he wouldn't come back. We'll go to the hospital tonight for a quick visit. The puzzling thing is now the girlfriend/wifey isn't calling anyone to let them know what's going on. Not even his mother. Big sigh.

PJK - Welcome back! I remember you too! I'm so glad to see you rejoining us.

Vera - I see that you're in Missouri and just north of Kansas City? If so, we're not that far apart.

And who's in St. Louis? I remember seeing that in a bio or something.

Sue - Just because you didn't add your name to the 2x2 list, doesn't mean that you can't join in at weigh-in or at any time. Keep the two off and report it on Monday!

For all the new folks, our group here made a commitment to lose a collective total of 300 pounds in 2005. This year, its a NET 300 pounds gone because we want it to come off and stay off. We'll use the weigh-in's at the end of each 2x2 to tally up the losses (or gains!).

I've got to get to work. I'll try to get caught up over the weekend. I have read everyone and wish everyone a fantastic day. Make it an OP day because, really, you don't have a good excuse not to!

Good morning Ladies, I missed posting yesterday! I don't know how that happened.

I am still OP and lost that other # I needed to lose for the 2x2 challenge. Now if I can keep it off until Monday yipee! Who said it would be easy to lose two pounds in two weeks, me right? Guess again!

Every time I check in more have joined the thread, now I am totally lost! I would love to post something to each of you, but I think I will have to do it in steps, a few at a time.

I hope your weather is better than ours is predicted to be, icy conditions, rain, sleet and who knows what else? I am trying to get prepared for power outages if they happen. I hate it when that happens.


well, I have goofed up enough times this morning, so I think it is time to say Ta! Iwillbe

PJK... I remember you too, I was a newbie shortly before you left the group. So glad you are back

My life is still in an uproar right now, so i can't stay long, just remember I am reading every day.

Barb

PS today is mine and oleAlvin's 39th wedding anniversary!

WHEEEE!!!! it's minus 16 degrees F. here. Brrrrrrrr. But it's sunny and it's Friday and it's supposed to warm up to almost 20 later in the day. All is not too bad.

Cross you fingers ladies. I have a perfect week going and weigh in for me is Sat. mornings. I think I'm going to make it!

Hey Pam. I just returned too but I remember you. WELCOME BACK.

Work calls .... back later.

Hey everyone Its been a bit of a while and I apologize. I don't quite have the time yet to catch up on everyone but I've been dropping in frequently to browse. I want to say welcome to all our new members, give a hug to those of you who have a loved one hurting right now, and a congratulations to all of you who are staying OP.

I've just been numb lately. I guess all the stress of school and everything has left me feeling pretty out of it. I wanted to post but I didn't know what to say and didn't know if I'd have the energy to catch up on everyone, I'm sorry.

I weighed myself yesterday and thankfull I haven't gained anything - I've lost 7 lbs this month. This is good because .. well I haven't gained and though I haven't really been doing much I still lost. This is bad because I haven't been doing much and I could've done so much more - and lost even more.

I've basically been doing crunches, situps, and walking once in a while. No consistent cardio or anything. Another downfall of me feeling so "spacey".. I get ready to work out then just space out and the time passes by with me staring at the floor or weights or whatever.

But I'm trying! I'm realizing what I need to do, realizing that I've lost so much already and I can't give up. I just need to get my bootie in gear.

I'll try stopping in more frequently I promise

Much love!