Hi everyone...

Just briefly checking in to say hello and let everyone know I am still alive - maybe one eye open and one eye closed but still have a beating heart. I have tomorrow off and I am looking forward to reading all the posts, catching up and getting a decent workout in. I came home a bit earlier last night and had a nice healthy dinner and tried to read a new book but I didn't last long. As soon as that adrenaline stops - I'm out like a light. Canada is whipping everyone 10-2, 7-2 etc - crazy stuff. But after some games I have to ask what the score is because I was so busy I never knew. I just hear the goal horn and that's about it I have probably lost a few inches just by running around but I did have a bag of mini donuts (I shared it though so I didn't feel so bad) and the snacks are less tempting now - so it's all good.

I hope everyone is doing good!!! Can't wait to read your posts tomorrow and catch up with everyone! I miss coming on here everyday - can't wait for my life to return to some type of normal on Tuesday!

Staccie - great to see you here! What book are you (trying to) read? I could use a good recommendation...

Maddiesmom - woooohooooo on your loss! Boy do you deserve it, chica, with all the hard workouts you've been putting in! Way to go!!!

Hey everyone. So.. the plan today... run a few errands, go to the gym (20 minutes treadmill, 20 minutes elliptical, 20-30 minutes weights)... then i may play pool or go to see a movie with my dad. These weeks are going by so fast. I can't believe its thursday! I'll check in later to let you know if I did my exercise like I said I would. Bye!

Neesy - that ticker just keeps on dropping - onederland is so yours! Let me know if the movie is any good as we were thinking about going to the movies this weekend - just not sure what to see.

What's everyone up to over labor day weekend? I'm throwing a bridal shower for my buddy on Saturday morning (must resist the chocolate cupcake temptation) and we'll go for a hike on Sunday but not sure what else.

Hey girls-

Maddiesmom, your gym routine blows me away these days. You are doing awesome. I was thinking about picking up a medicine ball for sit ups at home, I see all the trainers use them. How are you doing with your eating as far as having a trainer and working out more? Are you more hungry? CONGRATULATIONS on your 2 pds...thats freakin awesome! Every week, your getting slimmer and slimmer...grrrr....that means you just may win the challenge, lol. Thats ok though, Im rooting all you girls along.

Stacie - glad to hear things are going well for you and you were able to check in. Im sure you are burning calories like crazy with all the running around, cant wait to hear about your weight loss on Sunday...Im SURE it will be there.

Dance- yeah, I totally see a HUGE difference in my muscle definition. Especially my shoulder! Which is a sore spot for me, especially living in Florida because it is tank top season 9 out of 12 months a year, lol. Also, not to brag but I really LOVE my legs lately. I mean, they are big, but once I lose the weight, I really think Im going to have smokin hot legs, lol. In fact, I was wearing heels and a skirt the other day at work and one of the girls came to me and said "this may sound weird and Im not hitting on you but you have really nice legs, you can tell you run", lol...I thanked her, then followed with a AWKWARD scurry, lol...j/k. It was nice to hear, even if it was from another woman. Haha. As far as Labor Day, no plans here...thank god! Ill still be on my cleanse and the last thing I need in my face is some ribs, hotdogs and hamburgers, lol. I usually have a big Sunday meal with my family on Sundays and Im trying to talk my gf into going to the beach that day, so I wont be tempted during my cleanse. I am doing the silliest things to avoid temptation, lol.

Anyway...I still have a ton to do and my day is almost over. Feeling good today---tons of energy and Im happy as a pig in mud, lol.

Splashes - Love your garden! I wish we lived closer, as I would be able to sneak over and grab some goodies......lol. Burgund also has a yummy garden. Ohhhh how I envy the both of you. Its doesn't get any better than fresh veggies.

Dance - Your running is fantastic - gosh I wish I could do that. Hopefully when I am somewhat lighter I will be able too. It sounds like you really are on target for 169 on Sunday! Hooyah!

Lindy - You sound really motivated and on target with your cleanse. What day is it now? I think you said for 21 days. I am so glad you are still feeling healthy and strong. Are the headaches gone?

Today has been busy, but good. I did get my workout in, however didn't get that last mile done. It was later in the morning and hot, so I decided not to go any further. My food has been alright, and so has my husbands. He still feeling a little better each day - yeah!

I am in a mess right now unpacking a desk to sell, so I will check back in later.

Hello Ladies! I got my new computer today. Sold my old one also. I am headed to Wyoming tonight but I will have internet Friday- Sunday in the motel. I had to get a hotel room so that I have my own space away from food and gluttony. Miss you girls. I will be back in the game for real on Monday. I am trying very hard as of now.

Lindy- Just a little note to let you know that we can't wait to see your smokin' legs!!

Lindy: I would totally get a medicine ball if I were you. I have one at home (bought before I started working out), but it's great for sit-ups and toning your arms. My trainer had me holding a 10 lb medicine ball while laying on my back, legs crossed in the air and I had to do sit ups - raising the medicine ball to my feet. 3x30 reps, you feel it. It's also great for toning arms, shoulders, obliques, etc. etc.

As far as my eating while working with the trainer, it's not bad at all. I notice that some days I'm ravenous (very few and far between), but I've gotten my body used to having fewer calories, so I'm not feeling deprived. I snack on "filling foods" i.e. fruits and veggies all day, so that keeps me pretty full. Also, since I work out at night, I have to have a lighter dinner or else I'm not motivated to go to the gym. You don't want to be on an eliptical machine for 45 minutes with a ton of food sloshing around in your stomach. Since I'm on WW, I don't really count calories, I count points, but I'm sure I'm at 1500 or less per day.

Staccie: Hope everything is going well at work...I think with all the hours you put in you need a VACATION!! LOL I'm sure your running around is burning major calories.

No workout tonight, it's my night off. Will be going the next 3-4 days in a row, but I'm getting used to it. I don't have any plans for the Labor Day weekend, so I'll be spending it at the gym and with my family.

Lindy - you are too funny! No girl has ever said anything like that to me or any of my friends! You are an attention magnet, girlfriend. Ditto to what AJ said - we can't wait to see pictures!

AJ - best of luck on your travels - come and post if you need some support!

maddiesmom - I'm sensing the makings of a workout addict : ) Sounds like you have a super healthy weekend planned - WTG!

mygrits - good for you for getting in the exercise and hope you and your hubby keep up the good food choices - you are doing great!

Am almost too worn out to eat (almost but not entirely) after an errand running frenzy to costco, target, etc. pre-bridal shower. I'm doing everything in hot pink and mango orange and have tons of paper lanterns to hang on the porch - should be pretty. Sorry - having a martha stewart moment will be back to normal soon... Am planning on chicken, brown rice, salad and fruit for dinner, then bubble bath then to bed with a mystery - yep it's another swinging from the chandeliers wild night over here

Ok so I didn't go to the gym. I spent some quality time with my dad and my aunt. But I will do my tae bo video tonight. I woke up late today.. so I'll be up for a while. These dogs of mine definitely give me some exercise. I walk them forever. I'll check in tomorrow.

Llindy - Yes, I agree that you should get a medicine ball and a workout ball (larger ones). I have both and love them. I would rather use my workout ball and medicine weight ball, than machines or hand weights. I don't know why, but just enjoy my workouts more.

AJ - I am so proud of you making attempts to keep yourself in-check with the new computer and hotel room. Awesome. Let us know how we can help you.

Neesy - I agree with the dog walking.....lol. My German Shephard will give anyone a 'run' if a squirrel, cat, bicycle, motocycle, person, or cat' move in any way! Our walks are workouts for mom! LOL...........

Maddiesmom - Your my hero! LOL..........You are going to blow us out of the water with getting in shape, and staying on track. Your meals, workouts, and Mr. Hott absolutely impress me. Keep it going!

Hope all have a good night!

Dance-I did the same thing today, walked the stairs at the motel, no gym. Hope the night time munchies dont get you again tonight. Good job on the hour since you didnt want to go. I just know the scale will be at 170 by sunday

Lindy-yuck about the headache and glad today was better.

Neesy-your paycheck will be nice with the OT. Good job keeping it

Mygrits-sounds like you are having fun with your daughter and her friends. When is the wedding??

Hotsplashes-thats a lot of water that early. I need to get up and start drinking water right away instead of waiting til later in the day to start. I love my garden and all the goodies I get out of it.

Maddiesmom-yay for being down 2.2 lbs. I have been thinking about doing WW. I am looking into it.

Staccie-glad you are doing ok and got a little break last night.

AJ-I am so glad to hear you will be back in the game totally on Monday. we dont want to lose you in this.

We are in a motel tonight, we went to dinner and went to play frisbee golf. I had never played before. I was fun, a lot of walking which was fine with me. Then I walked the stairs for a while here at the motel. I will get my real workout in tomorrow. Gonna hang out with Chris' cousins tomorrow before we head to Kroger for some healthy stuff. Hope everyone is having a great night.

Mygrits - yep, headache was a one day thing, thank god....or so Im hoping. That day was HORRIBLE but now, I feel awesome. How the heck one can survive on lemonade and not feeling like they are dying is beyond me but hey...they said it would happen and it is...it is happening. I am feeling like a champion. As far as the medicine ball...Im going to pick one up this weekend. I have to get new running shoes and cleats for Gab, so I might as well as that into the mix. I also want an exercise ball and they are so cheap at Ross, like 5 bucks.

AJ - your funny, yep...I look forward to showing off my before and after pics also. Has your eating gotten better with the trip? Are you able to incorporate any exercise or is that not available to you?

Maddiesmom - right now, you are totally my inspiration. I did WW once before and was really successful, the only thing is, once I stopped the program, I gained it all back, so...I didnt want to go that route again. I know...of all programs WW is supposed to be the lifestyle program but for me, I just turned to healthy eating and it seems to be working just the same. Anyway--your my exercise princess for the week, lol...****, I might visit you just to get some sessions with Mr. Hott, lol.

Dance - LMAO...your Martha Stewart and swinging from the chandliers comment had me giggling. Please take some pics before the party, I would love to see it. It sounds nice.

Neesy - girl...you best start squeezing in some gym time. Even if its 30 minutes. This your "accountability" speaking, lol. Your doing awesome, lets see another drop of the scale this week.

Burgundy - ahhhhh...stairs! Good for you. I know you guys hear me complain about stairs all the time, lol. How is the food consumption going while your there?

OK...DAY 5- I am on Day 5 of my cleanse. Im dreading Labor Day weekend bc of all the yummy BBQs that will be marinating in the air of my suburban neighborhood, lol...but...I CAN DO THIS. Im past the point where I ever feel hungry, Im interested to see if doing this is going to cause my stomach to shrink drastically? You would think so, no? Idk...and I dont say shrink as in weight, its shrink as in how much I can consume. Anyway...did bodyworks this morning, god I love that class. You work every part of your body, its like Jillians DVD but more, instead of 20 minutes, I do 45. On a separate note, my Gabadoo is sick. I have to watch now, because we have soooo many cases of swine flu in our schools, so...I may be bringing her to the doctor later if her fever doesnt go down. Anyway, the morning will be busy but the afternoon--is a bit lighter, Ill check in later. Gotta go post to my blog.

GoodMorning Chickies!!!

Staccie: Good job on sharing the Donuts! And I want to know what book you are reading also. I just finished reading "THe Concise Chinese:English Dictionary for Lovers". Great read.. the author writes it from the view of the main character as she learns english in London.

Neesy: What kind of dogs do you have? I have a geriatric Dobie 12 and a middle aged JRT 11. The JRT's Great Uncle will be 21 this xmas. My dogs still love going for their walks.. even though we do it a bit slower!

AJowens: Have fun on your trip! What kind of COmputer did you get? I am looking at adding a Netbook to my system. Just for school. Dr. BF wants me to get a Mac. I think I will stick systems I know!lol

Dancer: The color Scheme sounds awesome.. like Sorbet colors! Yummm. And it's going to be outside! I just got a new rice cooker and will be trying brown rice. I made a veggie stirfry last nite with everything out of my garden. I added some Tandoori sauce and yogurt.. it was great!

Mygrits: Do you find you get a better range of motion with the balls as opposed to using machines? I am thinking of getting an exercise ball for home.

Burgundy: What is Frisbee Golf? It sounds like fun!! And YAYYY for taking the Stairs!!!

Lindy: Stick With It, Girlie!! It's a war everyday for me in my neighborhood! I have an Indian Restaurant one block from me, a Chinese Restaurant right across the street, a Thai food at the other end of teh block! Every day smells Soooooooooooooo good... but I'm learning to just ignore the smells.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Long Weekend. I am in meetings all day to day and tomorrow with publisher, agent and marketing guys. But...I DO get to go sailing on SUnday on my friend's new boat! We are going all the way up the Niagara River until the rapids. We will go across to the USA side and stop at the riverside restaurant. I hope the weather holds!!

I will try to get on before meetings and sailing this weekend. IF I don't.. Happy Labor Day everyone!!!

Lindy- You're right! I'm slacking. I'm so close to being under 200. I need to kick it in high gear! haha. thanks

Hotsplashes- I have two chihuahuas. They can walk forever! I get up at 5 am for work. I end up having to walk them 30-45 minutes just so they will use the bathroom. Because I'm gone 13hrs. Otherwise they'll poop in their cage. So.. i do get a lot of walking in. But I hate waking up that early=( Your weekend sounds so amazing! Have fun!