Yeah I know, I came back and disappeared again, but I have a valid excuse this time; my internet is down right now.

Well, that and I went off on a much needed vacation. A friend and I drove from WI to CA to visit my grandma, check out Disneyland, and some other fun stuff. I might post some pics once my computer's fully working again. It was really a last minute thing; we only had a couple of days to get ready but it was so much fun. I really needed to see my mom's family and have a break from everything.

Anyway, I bought a brand new scale when I went shopping the other day. I hadn't actually weighed myself in ages, but this time around I wasn't really afraid to get on. I figured I had gained some, but I knew I could deal with it. To my surprise, I had actually lost 7 pounds. I was like, "Woah!!!" It was supposed to be a good scale, but I wondered if it was off. So the next time I went to the YMCA, I checked their doctor's scale, and yep, it's accurate. Woo-hoo! Yay, I can change my signature now!

So that means I'm down to 308. It's been a while since I've been below 300, and I'm really looking forward to it.

I'm gonna try to visit here daily like I used to once I get my internet back. I'm doing my best to have a good, positive outlook. I've been stressed out about a lot of things and I'm actually ok with that. I just don't want to be stressed out about my weight anymore, and I think I've actually been doing pretty good with that lately.

Karen
That is an awesome weight loss!! Keep those pounds coming down!! Seems like you have a great attitude too now. Hope you get your internet back soon!! I look forward to hearing from you and your continued progress!
PJ

I walked my stairs at work to day didnt touch the elevator button...was a little tempted. but set a goal.. This is the first time I have felt serious about doing this..
I am not giving up .. drank all my water today too.. Patting myself on the back..
Nice to see other people in my same position makes it a easier to work at it. knowing your not alone and to see everyone doing so well.. Hats off to everyone.. your all doing a great job. .and your great jobs are whats keeping me going...

Hello Everyone…

SicknTired – I’m going to school for my second degree. Working towards a teaching degree with a concentration in math.

Ammi – James and I thought thought about doing one of those “mock” weddings in vegas. Only because I can’t afford to get married just yet. I’ll loose my grant for college as well. But it will all be worth it when it finally comes. I too hope to be thinner when that time comes.

Okie… this morning I sucked up my pride and stepped on the scale. I gained 2lbs back. But ya know, I let out a sigh of relief because I thought it was going to be worse. I honestly feel ok about this. It’s a gain, but it could have been worse right?

I’ll be doing a lot of house work over the next week. I have a BBQ to prepare for on Friday, and a birthday party to prepare for a week after that. Plus I’ve started work again so that’s gonna be added exercise. It was actually a very non-hectic first day back. Usually the first day back all the students are in rampant hysteria where’s this class, where’s this teacher, why do I have this class?? I think I am actually looking forward to this years school year.

Hope everyone is doing well…

Sorry such a short post… been rather busy.

Take care!
Sue…

Hola, chickies! Everyone seems to be doing so well here--I haven't been posting a lot, but I have definitely been reading, and I am not only seeing lots of success (and yes, SueMarie, I would consider only gaining 2 pounds as a success considering your recent stress and business!), but also lots of inspiration and motivation--what a great group!

As for me, the scale gods seem to be on my side this week. I will find out for sure when I have my official weigh-in at my TOPS meeting tomorrow night. I can't wait to be below 280--a whole new decade! 250 is totally within reach...I can't wait! I haven't weighed less than 250 since before I started college, I don't think...

I am insanely tired. These 2 jobs are killin' me--hopefully when Jeff and I move in together in October, I'll be able to quit Ruby Tuesdays or at least only work when I really want to. Then I will have more time for the luxuries I can't afford now--like sleep!! I got home around 11 the past 2 nights (and I have to work again tonight), and man, when that alarm goes off at 4:30am, I am not a happy camper! But hey, at least I'm getting the bills paid. Time to start thinking about buying a condo or townhouse (though with prices around here, I might as well just buy a tent and find a nice parking lot somewhere ). I'd like to OWN a place (or at least be paying a mortgage instead of rent) by the time I'm 25 (I'm 23 right now). I just hate paying rent and knowing that I will never have anything to show for all that $$ I'm shelling out, ya know?

Well, hope everyone continues to be motivated and successful--the weekend is right around the corner (the most difficult time of wek for many), so start planning now to keep yourself on track! Have a happy hump day, all!

Ammi,
Thanks for the words of encouragement. You are probably right about the whole not being able to weigh thing. I am starting to feel better. I really think that this time may just work. I sure hope so because my body just hurts all the time anymore and I am only 33. I havn't heard anything more out of the ex and I hope I don't.You guys have a great day and keep thinking thin.
Mamagumba

Hello Karen - nice to meet you and well done on losing that 7 lbs. It must be awesome to be certain you have gained, only to see that you have lost so much. You must have been elated.

JustPeachie - woohoo, well done on sticking to your mini goal and not using that elevator. Think of the calories/points you will have worked off walking up and down the stairs.

Sue Marie - Jill is right, ONLY gaining 2 lbs is definitely still an achievement, much better than gaining 7!! You know that you can have traditional weddings in Vegas too don't you? Daren and I got married traditionally, and to be honest, thin or not I would have wanted it like that. It's the fun renewal of vows that I need to be thin for. Daren is a Trekkie, and there's no way I am going to dress up in uhura's dress until I have the figure for it

Jill - I too can't get over what an inspiring group of people are here, I think that being in the same boat as each other and knowing how each other feels really does help. It's ok for family to be supportive, but they don't know how we feel about ourselves, about our dieting efforts before, and about how hard it is to get the weight off and keep it off. I feel that with everybody here to support me, and me in turn supporting them it should see us all get to our goals. Good luck with your weigh in!

Mamagumba - I am glad you are starting to feel better, and that you aren't too worried about the weighing thing. It sounds like you have found the ON switch that you needed to press, the trigger to starting a diet and knowing you are going to succeed at it. I think I have found my switch too, so we ARE going to get to goal this time.

Hi to PJ and Blissful and anybody else that comes along today. I love this group, thank you all for coming here often to post. Oh and I think a new thread starts every time one hits 30 posts. Take care all,

Hugs,

Ammi

Hi Ammi! How are you doing today?? I think you are 6 or 7 hours ahead of me so that makes it eveningish there so your day hopefully is winding down!

My kids are napping now, thankfully so it is my time on the computer! I shoudl be doing house work, but that can wait! I need my motivation to keep going! Thanks Ladies for keeping it real!! I need you all!!

{{HUGS}}
PJ

Hi Jill!

I agree with you about the support and motivation! This group is fantastic!!

Good luck at TOPS and your weigh in!! Here is to the 270s for ya!
The 250s will be right around the corner!!

What is your other job besides Ruby Tuesdays? You are really working hard so I am sure you will be able to afford to purchase your own place soon! Here is to October when you and Jeff are living together. That will be easier I suppose sicne you will have 2 incomes and it won't be all on you. Hang in there!! {{HUGS}}

PJ

My full-time job is as an editor/proofreader/writer of technical documents for two government contracts for a big, evil corporation. I have convinced myself that it's okay to work for this big, evil corporation because I work on an EPA contract, so while I'm adding to the stresses of corporate America, I am also helping (in my own insignificant way) to clean up hazardous polluted sites across the country

It will be a little cheaper with Jeff and me living together, but not too much of a difference since the place we are moving into is over $300 per month more than my current apartment Yup--not only am I moving from a 1-bedroom to a 2-bedroom, but we're also moving much closer to the city (DC), so cost of living takes a flying leap to the even higher end of the spectrum. Right now, I pay $870 a month alone (rent only, electricity and cable/internet not included), but the place we're moving into is $1206 a month (plus water and cable/internet). I figure that for my half, I'll be paying about $700-$725 per month when all is said and done. Of course, my car insurance is going to skyrocket also since we're moving closer to the city. I'll also be paying more for gas (right now, it's about 12 miles one way from my place to work, but it'll be 33 miles from the new place). I can't wait to move away from this area for good (but we've got at least 3-4 more years before that's even a consideration).

My parents (who live in CT) have told me that our $1206 per month rent is higher than their mortgage on their house (3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, separate dining room, huge living room, den, mud room, 2-car garage). I don't know how people survive around here long-term!

Okay the GTT is over.... YAY!!! I don't wanna drink that stuff again..... I had to beg for water to drink it with lol Guess the results will be through in a week to 10 days... I've switched off now!

Tomorrow is a new day 1st September, back on track on the diet! and will fit in a trip to the gym tomorrow evening....

Hope everyone is doing okay!

Jilly and AmmiUK – I really really really try to stay positive. I suffer from depression because of my weight, and it’s been AGES since I’ve had a major depression spell since I’ve lost my original 30lbs. I still get the blues, but I’ve been trying to stay positive otherwise I would be a total mess and a jello blob on the floor. I used to cry myself to sleep often and I would tell James he could do so much better than me. It’s taken 2 years, but I’ve gotten a grip on my emotions… somewhat, I still have my downfalls… they just have not been as bad as they used to be.

Jilly – My father is a teach writer with Lockheed Martin. He works on all the hush hush stuff. The stuff where they say “I could tell you… But then I’d have to kill you.” well maybe not that far, but still need clearance heheh…

Ammi – If you do dress up in Uhura’s dress… you MUST post pictures Yes I know I can have the traditional wedding in Vegas… but I’ve picked out the perfect place that I would like to have my wedding at…. Here’s the link…

I hope this is ok to post? http://www.wayfarerschapel.org/

I haven’t done any exercise, but I am going to get some swimming in tonight. I’ve been cleaning house for the BBQ on Friday and the kids birthday in a week.

Work was really nice today… I hope the whole school year goes this well!

My prayers and thoughts with those who have been affected by the Hurricane.

Take care everyone!
Sue…

Hey PJ - I am doing great, yep we do have a fair amount of hours between us. I am writing this at bed time, and I bet when I sign on tomorrow morning I will see loads more posts you have and the others have been writing since I have been sleeping lol. Oh and I am right there with you, much happier here getting support and motivation than doing housework. The housework always takes second place!!

Jill - wow what an impressive sounding job you have, I can proof read stuff simple stuff, but not the technical stuff you mentioned, and of course all the other stuff you do. As for the renting, OUCH, it's shocking how much you have to pay for renting a place. Well at least you will have the fun of sharing it with your fella, so even though your saving isn't a huge one by moving in together, it's still going to be so much nicer for you

Alison - phew, bet you are glad that test is over and done with. Fingers crossed now that the results aren't nasty ones.

Sue Marie - I hear you girl, I have been suffering from depression for about two years now, and before my current meds I spent many a time crying myself to sleep. It's frightening to not be in charge of your emotions isn't it. My depression is reactive, stemming from my surgeries, but gaining weight, and feeling so ugly because of it and having an ostomy, plus having hormonal teenagers and a pig of an ex husband, and it's no wonder I am still depressed. I have started seeing a therapist, so hoping that will help me and that I will be able to come off the meds sooner rather than later. I am going to check out that website you put on your post. As for me dressing up as Uhura, if I have a figure like hers I will be proud to post the photos, even if I will look like a Trekkie lol

Take care all, and bye for now,

Hugs,

Ammi

Ahhhhh the work uniform man is coming tomorrow re my uniform.... I hate wearing a uniform!

To cut a long story..... when I started this job, we where not given a uniform as they where designing a new one! 6 months later I get fitted for mine, this was in May, it arrived in July, too small! even though I was down 15lbs, I still had to peel the trousers on! It was just so awful, I really don't do uniforms....

Anyway bring it back tomorrow this guy is coming back, I don't see the point in getting fitted for another, because when I arrives is it gonna fit... lol....

The shirts are okay, can't I just wear them instead!