howdy, all!

Just got back from a nice evening walk and my shins aren't too bad. I may still shoot for getting in a run tomorrow - I'll have to see how things are looking in the morning.

burgundy - Sounds like you are going to be BUSY on your vacation! What a nice daughter you are. Will you be able to check in occasionally while you are away?

nichole - thanks for the info on your program - sounds like a good one for keeping things in balance.

maddiesmom - so glad you had a good conversation with your hubby - I bet that will make a big difference. And CONGRATS on the great feedback from your friends! That's huge!

Okay, off to have my somewhat belated but healthy dinner. Must must must stick to plan!!!!

Dance-I should be able to check in some while we are there. Not as much as usual but you all know how that is.

Got the twins presents and waiting for them to get here at 230. Gonna take them out to eat, then back to my house for cake, ice cream and presents. I will be good!!!

Hi Ladies,

Vicky - I am so glad you and your husband had that talk. I thought that might be the issue. Your changing, he's not and he is now feeling insecure. You might need to reassure him quite often and for quite awhile. With men, this is with affection. Men are physical - women are more emotional. That's just how it is. Date nights is a really good start, and sometimes how about a 'date night at home.' If Madeline can stay somewhere, surprise him with candles lit, romantic dinner and yes........lingeria. ;-) Sorry to hear about your ankle, and really hope it is better today.

Dance I have always thought your hair is just gorgeous. I love the color and man I wish I had the thickness you do! I haven't had anyone compliment my hair, and could be healthier eating is making more shine!

Burgund thank you. I am so glad you and Chris are getting away. Doesn't your mom live in Alabama? What earthquake? Be careful with the mold. Has she been getting sick from it?

Nicoleg - Snow? OMG, seriously? It is 95 here and HOT! LOL.........do you like to walk? I can be lazy too, but I love being outside and walking. Any chance of you getting a small walk in and then increasing a bit over time? I just prefer being outside to in a gym. In a gym I tend to 'watch the clock' and outside I lose track of time. I remember a few years back when I weighed 270 my sister said to go out the door and walk in one direction for 15 minutes (as quickly as I could) and then turn around and walk back home. I did that and the weight started falling off. Over time I went further and further - faster and faster.

Well, last night I went on a binge. I am not mad at myself at all and know it is partially hormones (TOM coming) and just boredom. I endulged in carrot cake, and then grill cheese sandwhich. I actually felt really sick afterwards. So had a talk with myself afterwards and literally punsihed my self with a double time bike ride this morning. Back on track today, and hopefully no damage done when I weigh in. If I work out tomorrow too, it should be fine.
Suppose to rain all day today, so I will probably stay inside and do some work on the lap top.

Check in later.

aargh - my ac guy didn't show up this morning and when I called him, I found out he won't be able to do the install until next week. Not cool not to let me know. Oh well, I guess it will be a hot weekend

Am heading out for a run in a few minutes to burn off my frustrations and some late night snacking calories. Could NOT fall asleep last night. I'm getting tons of exercise - why am I having sleeping issues!!??!!

mygrits - good for you on the bikeride - you rock! And I didn't mean hair compliments specifically (although you are sweet to say such nice things), just that people don't always quite know what has changed and seem to give random compliments sometimes. Just one of those weird things I guess.

I know burgundy heads south on Sunday - what's everyone else up to for the weekend? My bf and I are grilling lean steaks tonight and I'm going to try to get myself to zumba tomorrow morning. And we're going to sushi with some friends tomorrow. That's about it for me - maybe some furniture shopping, which for some reason I keep putting off.

Dance: Sorry to hear about your a/c. That stinks and it makes it worse that they didn't tell you - you had to follow up with them. Geez. Sounds like you are going to have a very productive weekend. Not sure what's causing your late nights either - are you having anything caffeinated or anything out of the ordinary that would keep you awake?

Sandy: I have a co-worker in Florida right now who said she can't wait to get back to Chicago! Said it's super hot and humid - she's in Tampa. Don't know how you do it. I don't like snow, but I don't think I could live in FL either. I need to have a talk with myself like you did. I had a donut yesterday, which I can usually avoid, but the glazed was calling my name! I went outside and played with Maddie last night and had a very reasonable dinner, so I guess I'm not too bad. Had a salad for lunch with very little dressing, so it is what it is.

Allison: Have fun at the birthday! I know you'll be good. Do you have some healthy snacks planned for your roadtrip? How long are you going to be gone?

Well, my ankle is actually worse today. I think the calf muscle on the lower half of my leg is super tight and my ankle is still swollen. It is actually causing me pain rather than just being uncomfortable. I'm going to have Jeff ARP it tonight and see if it gets better. At least the swelling will go down some.

Food has been good today: protein shake for breakfast, salad for lunch, snacks are fresh veggies. Dinner, not sure yet.

For the weekend, I have Jeff's class tonight and then the ARP, a training session tomorrow morning at 8 and then family time this weekend. Should be fun, as long as I'm not too sore.

Hope everyone is having a great Friday. TGIF!

LOL Dance, it's funny because I knew what you mean about the compliments when I read it and then my brain went mush with thinking and typing. I haven't had any 'random' comments or compliments, just the 'Have you lost weight?' ones. Sorry about the AC guy, that is really unprofessional. Is there anyone else that could come out, they may be more reliable? I swear if that happened here in this heat I would be raising holy h***. Enjoy your run today. This weekend the only plans that are firm are going out to dinner with my son and his wife tomorrow night. Other than that, really working on the computer. Since not going to a 'job' I am trying to stay focused on the marketing with our home business. It hit Worlwide two weeks ago with a campaign and another campaign starts Monday, so I am trying to put out ads, etc... I will be riding the bike though and maybe swim some laps too!

Vicky so sorry about the ankle. That a tough area because you can 'not' use it and let it heal. My daughter has a weak ankle as we say it because she has injured 3 or 4 times in her life. It seems now that because of past injuries when she does do something, it affects that same ankle. Matter of fact, she was jogging and re-injured it two weeks ago. I hope the ARP helps, and I am sure Jeff has many other avenues for cardio and strength to burn those calories too! I hope your family time this weekend is wonderful with lots of hugs and kisses......

Well, food has been good but I am ticked at myself......I ate a Rice Dream Bar and didn't realize it was 320 calories!!! Crap, won't buy those anymore! Sooo, need to watch my intake the rest of the day because of my endulging last night......LOL.

Hey did anyone watch Losing It with Jillian Michaels the other night? Its her new show? If you did, what did you think?

Good morning, girls! Happy weekend! We had a super yummy dinner last night (grilled steak, small baked potato with ff sour cream and a big salad) and I slept amazingly so I am in a good place this morning. I'm heading off to zumba in a little bit and plan on getting lots done today (yardwork, errands, house projects). Then we're going for sushi with some friends. Should be good.

maddiesmom - how's your ankle today? Hope the ARP helped.

mygrits - where are you guys going for dinner tonight? Hope the computer stuff is coming along well.

will check in later...

Morning all

I haven't had much time for anything this week other than school work, then housework, then a bit of relaxation in front of the TV then sleep! My exercise has suffered as a result, only got Monday and Tuesday in this week . I'm going to try make time for myself in the evening before dinner, I want to be able to balance my school work with my exercise. Food hasn't been too bad.

I'm sorry I didn't go through each post to see what you have all been up to I hope everyone is doing well .

Dance your dinner sounds sooooo yummy. Gosh I haven't had a meal like that in way too long. Glad your feeling good this morning and enjoy your day of getting projects done.

TeaRose don't be hard on yourself, you got 2 days of workouts in, thats great. You will balance it, make it your goal for this week!

Ok, I just died on the bike. I now appreciate getting rained on yesterday when i was on the bike! Anyway, LiveStrong calculates I burned approximately 410 calories, so hopefully that will help with the gain I have from salt and Tom on his way. The rest of the day is computer work (thanks for the boost Dance) and then dinner with the kids, but it will have to be salad for me.

Bye for now.

Sandy-yea my mom lives in AL. There was a small earthquake there a few years ago and messed my moms house up. She has been getting sick from the mold. She has a headache almost everyday. My niece has been getting sick from it too. She has to get outta there soon. TOM has been here this week so I have eaten more than I needed to so I am with ya with the binge, but just have to move on. I know I am probably up but hopefully its just sodium. I watched Jillians new show. It was ok, I dont know what I was expecting. I'll probably keep watching it, maybe it will grow on me. I like Biggest Loser more.

Dance-no a/c? we decided not to put ours in until we get back from bama. We got hot last week, but its been raining almost all week so its been ok. Your dinner sounds delicious. Did you make it to zumba today?

Vicky-I had cake and ice cream at the birthday but a lot less than I would have a year or two ago. How is your ankle feeling?

Tearose-you probably worked out more than I did this week. Dont know what is with me being so lazy these last couple weeks.

I'm all ready to head out tomorrow, yay. Gonna go to the baby shower and head out. Chris said he is gonna be texting me to hurry up. I've got to get serious again, I have been falling WAY off the wagon this week. TOM is here and I am letting it control my eating, I know I can control it but have just eaten whatever. I walked 2 miles today so I got a little exercise in. Gonna talk to my sisters for a bit and maybe workout on the wii later. Still have a few things to get done tonight and in the morning, dishes, put away a little laundry. What can I do to get some energy back, plus I get sick sometimes when I eat. Chris told me to take a pregnancy test but have had TOM this week so dont think thats it. I would be ecstatic if it was though.

I should be able to check in tomorrow, Chris has to stay in motels with wifi. Have a great night ladies.

Burgundy: Sorry you have been in a funk lately due to TOM. You said you've been eating way more this week - is it more healthy foods? Great job on the bits of cake and ice cream, we all have to indulge now and then. Sounds like you have some busy time ahead of you so I hope you have safe travels!!

Dance: You seriously need to come to Chicago and cook for me! Your meals always sound so good and mine seem so lame - mostly because I keep eating the same thing over and over again. How did your errands go??

Sandy: How was dinner with the kids?? Did you stick to plan? Great job on the bike ride! It's raining here as well, but it's supposed to for the next week. pretty tough when you have a 2 year old begging to go outside.

As for me, I went to the gym last night and instead of a workout, Jeff ARP'd my ankle again and told me not to work out. The swelling is totally gone and it's feeling a ton better - thank you all for asking.

Went to training today at 8 and Jeff kicked my butt with circuits again. Almost 700 calories burned in an hour. We did a lot of talking, since no one else was in the gym and I was telling him that I think I'm too competitive with workouts (when I work out with friends) because I really push myself and I feel like I intimidate the friends I have brought with me. I've brought 2 friends and both of them haven't gone back for a second class. Jeff said that he likes my competitive side - it shows I'm determined and that I care about my workouts. He wouldn't have it any other way. It was nice getting that feedback from him. I guess he has a class on Saturday mornings where the guys are super competitive (in their 40's) and kick each other's butts. I'm thinking that maybe I'll start going to that class as well and use it to amp up my workouts.

Food, not so great today, but I think I made up for it. Had a protein shake for breakfast, then went out to lunch. Had a chicken finger wrap and fries - didn't eat everything but left feeling totally full. That was the bad side. The upside, dinner was fresh veggies (think veggies from a veggie tray) with some steamed veggies and a wasa cracker with laughing cow cheese. That's all I ate and I'm totally full. So, I think the lack of calories at dinner made up for the calories from lunch. I'm still up 1/2 a pound from Memorial day, so now that my ankle is better, I'm working out a lot this coming week.

Heading to the gym tomorrow at 7:00 - going to try and burn 500 calories without Jeff there to kick my butt. Anyone else in for some exercise?!?

Good Morning

I'm awake way too early for a Sunday but couldn't get back to sleep, my mind is already thinking about homework to do today!

I weighed in today and am down another 2lbs, which I am very happy about.

Mygrits: Thanks I was being hard on myself, this week I am going to make it my goal to work exercise into my day.

Maddiesmom: Sounds like you are doing great with the exercise, is Jeff your trainer? I love circuit training, it really kicks my butt.

Burgundy: where in AL are you headed to? I used to work in Huntsville, we live just 30 mins from the AL state line.

Dancer: I always feel great when I get a solid nights sleep. My sleep has been a little off this week I think with it being the first week of school.

I got most of my housework done yesterday and DH worked his butt off in the garden, he's off today for travel for 3 weeks which is going to SUCK . Oh well, we're blessed he has a job in this climate. Plans for today are breakfast with DH then he goes to the airport and I go to the supermarket. Then going to make salmon patties from scratch and taco bake dinner for tonight, then homework. This evening I'm chilling out and watching TV (The Tudors - not always historically accurate but fun nonetheless!) and early to bed.

We had our first test at school on Friday, we get the results tomorrow, eeep!

Wow, quiet board today. Hope everyone is out having fun!

Tearose: Sorry things are so hectic with school, exercise and the hubby leaving. I always hated when mine left me for a longer period of time. He tries to take a weeklong motorcycle trip once a year, which means I'm a single parent - not very easy.

So today I headed to the gym at 8. Worked out so hard I literally had sweat dripping down my face, which rarely happens to me. So, i was proud of myself for going and pushing myself. I was the only one there so I could look like an idiot as much as I wanted without people thinking I'm having a seisure or something!

Food was good: Protein shake for breakfast blended with fresh fruit. Lunch roasted chicken on arnold flatbread with apples and baked lays. I really wanted ice cream this afternoon, but turned it down. Redeeming myself from yesterday. Was just out running errands - got Maddie a toddler bed, geez, when did she grow up?!? Then ran to Target for bedding. I'm heading back out in a few to make some returns.

Hope everyone is having a beautiful Sunday!

Vicky-unfortunately, no, its been bad food. I broke down and bought a back of that hull less cheese popcorn. So good, but not good for you. And now traveling is not gonna help, but I brought a Jillian dvd to do while in AL. Thats a lot of calories burned in an hour. Good job.

Tearose-congrats on another 2 lbs. Are you at 200. Onederland is right there, you"ll be there in the next few days!!!! Im headed to Fort Payne. My cousin lives in Huntsville, usually make a trip over there to see her.

We made it to Findlay OH today after dropping the dogs off. Bandit had a fit when we got there and put them in the kennel. Took me 4 tries to get out of the kennel with out him. It sucks they have to be there 2 weeks, but I know they are in good hands and she said I could call or text her anytime. Lizzy was fine with it, there was another dog right beside them so she was getting to know him. We are probably gonna take our time and stay somewhere again tomorrow night. My niece(shes 6) wants us to hurry up and get there. Didnt think I was gonna be able to get her off the phone tonight so I could take a shower. I thought TOM was gone but its back today, sucks. Cramps are pretty bad.

Hope you all had a nice weekend. Talk to you soon.

burgundy - hope the drive is going well today! And that you're feeling better.

tearose - you are doing great - you are so close to onederland - are you excited?

maddiesmom - did you get some cute stuff for maddie's room? Hope so.

mygrits - sounds like a killer ride.

Funny - sounds like a bunch of us are on the same schedule. I thought that only happened when you lived with other girls? So, yesterday was a washout for me - major cramps and didn't want to do anything but eat stuff I really didn't need to. Luckily there wasn't much for me to get into (as I've stopped buying anything tempting) but I did make up a bunch of ww pasta with lf cheese that I certainly didn't need. I'm hoping I'm over that today and can move on!