The gown is done! Yeah!! I finished the bottom hem last night, put the hook at the top of the zipper, and tried it on. I had to then take it up an inch in the front bodice, and 2 inches in the back. I just knew that was going to happen. It is a little big from the bust down also, but that doesn't really show too much. The practice gown I made at first was so tight in the middle, I was afraid to sit down in it. I may not have lost much weight lately, but something has been getting rearranged. It's going in my carryon. I'm not taking any chances with it ending up in Europe or something. Thanks to everyone who has been cheering me on. I'm a horrible perfectionist when it comes to my sewing. It is just some old "mother" stuff. If something doesn't come out the way I expect or want it to, there is much trouble. I am so relieved.

I bet that is such a relief to get the dress done and most of your stuff sorted out at the P.O. Catherine, I hope everything else goes well for you, when is the BIG DAY?
Thanks for the kind words no life w/o horses, it was my friend I was mad about, the way the leader pooh poohed her husband dying that got me.
I am still feeling ill, the pain is almost unbearable, the doctor's receptionist said I have to ring at 2pm to see if the doc can see me!!! if the pain gets any worse I feel like my head will explode, I am so fed up with the doctors too, they act like you want to waste their time, who wants to sit in a room full of germs for an hour to be given some tablets? I want to know WHY I am in pain and what to do to stop it happening, not to be eating painkillers like sweets.
I will exercise in a few minutes, I hope you are all feeling well and getting back into normal life, healthy food and exercise.

xxsharon

Catherine ~ I'm so happy for you that you got your gown done. I bet it's beautiful. I don't blame you for taking it in your carry-on. And, a Roman fantasy room sounds like a dream. How romantic!!!

I understand about packing up your things. It's hard to do. And it can be hard to live somewhere else for the first year or so too (you miss stupid things about home ~ things you never thought you'd miss). But who knows where life will take you? You could come back someday with the Mr. Or you may end up really liking it there (just think ~ terrorists don't attack Canada ~ LOL). And you can always stay in contact with those of us on 3FC who are in the U.S. We'll remind you what it is like here. (I'm curious to find out what your taxes will be like in Canada. LOL) Go with the flow and let it take you to wonderful new places and experiences!

Kayley ~ Don't say it's "only" 25 pounds. You worked very hard to get those pounds off girl! CELEBRATE!

Catherine - I am so happy for you. I can't wait to see a picture of this famous gown.

I have been doing bad these last few days and attacking any food I eat. And now I'm paying for it....I gained five pounds but praying it's mostly water weight. I'm back on track though. I have stepped away from the eggnog and into my exercise sneakers.

Hi, Ladies!

I don't know if any of you remember me, but I'm back! I've been lurking out the last month or so. I was here this time last year trying to get on the ball. Have had a lot happen in the past year that really pulled me away from my goals, but I'm back and tough and ready to do this for REAL-- regardless of what tries to get in the way.

I lost 40 pounds last year in about 4 months by going to Curves and eating more healthy, cutting out sodas and the great majority of fattening foods, but I have been a terrible backslider, and I've gained all but 5 of it back!

I'm getting an exercise bike to put in my bedroom this weekend and either some weights or joining a gym for weight training/ strengthening to make fat-burning greater. I can't wait to get into this journey and make this the best year of all for my health.

I am READY.

~Kerri

Oh Kerri!!! no! no! no! I'm so sorry you backslide! I'm really glad you're back and ready to go for it again - and you DO have a headstart on last time. I've just got my first 40 pounds off too, and I know how hard you worked for it. But you'll do it again, and be even more successful this time! I just joined Curves 2 months ago. I love it. Are you still a member? ...and I almost forgot - WELCOME BACK!!!

Teahoney - Don't worry, some of it must be water weight! The eggnog isn't a temptation for me, but the boston cream pie really blind-sided me the other day. Here we go again! Back at it!!

Catherine - BRAVO on finishing the dress! The carryon is a very good idea.

Voodoo - I certainly hope you feel better soon. Doctor's are something - can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. I hope they're able to get you some help. and I still hope the Slim Witch has her day! Definately an insensative person!

All you other ladies, have a great OP day and good luck on your disappearing acts! ...Valerie

ONE MORE DAY!! ONE MORE DAY!!! ONE MORE DAY!!! ONE MORE DAY!!! ONE MORE DAY!!!!

I'LL POST WHEN THE WILD ONES GO BACK TO SCHOOL TOMORROW!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

Kerri - good to see you back. You lost the weight once so I know you can do it again. We are here to support you. You can do this!!!

mom2five- You have me cracking up over here. I only have one so I can only imagine all those five put you through.

Teahoney and Nolifewithout horses-- thanks for the welcome, ladies. I really need it! I missed you all and all the new ones!

Mom25sweeties-- I hear ya! I am soooooo glad school's back in session tomorrow! Not that I don't love my kiddo-- but yeesh!! Let's just suffice to say-- IT'S TIME!

I just wanted to say that all of you are very inspiring. I have been very depressed today and just seeing that number on the scale bums me out even more. I would really like to be under 300 by the end of January. It's about 15 pounds away, and I plan on working very hard. It's so nice to hear everyone here.

Hello everyone. New to 3FatChicks and this forum, but hardly new to dieting (are any of us? LOL)

Cliffs Notes - Joanne, 28, married 6 years, 2 yr old son, Garland (Dallas), TX, anything else - just ask

I just joined WW again, after a month's stint early last year. I got hooked on it then, but then I graduated from college and I couldn't find a way to get into town (30 miles away) at the same time and day every week WITH a baby in tow (now a toddler). But we moved to Dallas (and in with the in-laws *sigh) this past September and I was waiting for a registration deal (excuses, excuses).

The good: I know the plan, I maintained my weight loss exactly over the past 8 months even with being REALLY bad this December, chasing a toddler is good exercise.

The bad: Getting back into the swing of things will be an adjustment, especially since my in-laws bring all manner of junk food into the house.

The ugly: I haven't been able to shake a cold (or it could be wicked allergies - still investigating) for 2 months which makes exercise some days difficult, currently struggling with depression.

Catherine: So glad everything is going so well for you. All my best wishes for a wonderful future.

Kerri: Aren't you the one who had a hubby in the service? If so, and my memory isn't nutts, how is it going? Glad to see you back.

Wow! So many new people! Welcome!!! (Suz, I live in Maryland.)

Welcome, also, to everyone who has come back. I came back a couple of months ago and I'm so glad I did. Everyone here is SO supportive. You will be glad you returned!!!

Woohoo, my cold is finally going away! I think I have slept more in the past 2 days than I normally do in a week, so I'm sure that has contributed to my increasing health some I've also been eating much healthier (the past month has basically been nothing but food porn for me). I'm on a modified plan--I still coundt calories, but I'm now trying to count exchanges also (6-12 whole grains, 3+ veggies, 3+ fruits, 2-3 dairy, 2-3 meat/protein, and 30% or less calories from fat). Yesterday was a success, and today is looking great so far, too

Catherine--I hope everyone at your wedding has a camera, because I want to see TONS of pictures!!!

Morning Everyone!!

How is everyone today?? I am sick again! Starting to wonder if it will end! I thought I just needed a sick day at home to catch up on some sleep. Turns out I have been feeling so crappy because I was catching the flu again. I slept most of the day so far. Thought I had better get up, jumped on the scales and glory be! Down 5 lbs!!! Yippee!!! Not my official weigh time though but I will still update my ticker. Just felt good to know that not all that weight I gained was pure fat!

Back to eating a proper breakfast today. I stuffed it in even though I did not feel like eating. I have to get back on track!!! and it was just an eggwhite omelett so no harm done

I wonder sometimes why certain things happen... this morning I decided that I didn't care how much chocolate was left in the house, I am not going to touch it.... then the mail man comes and drops off a package of coupons. Within these coupons, there is one for a "free" box of turtle chocolates. You have got to be kidding !!! Talk about testing me!!!

Well poochie needs out to pee and I am going to switch the laundry and head back to bed for a bit.

Brenda