Hey chicks!

I'm at work, and it's completely empty around here, so I'm checking up on everyone. Went out to lunch with the hubby today, first time in a long time that it was just the two of us (Maddie was a daycare). Went to Portillos (and if you've never been, you have to go, amazing food, known for Chicago style hotdogs). Had a caesar salad, dressing on the side, 1/2 serving of bread....and a Chicagostyle hotdog. Now, I haven't had a hotdog in a really long time, and it was so good! Totally worth the hour I'm going to be on the eliptical tonight. LOL

Breakfast was a sweet and salty bar, then some lite yogurt and blueberries. Dinner is grilled chicked with veggies.

How is everyone else doing today?

Hi ladies...

Last day before a long weekend for most of us North Americans! Wish I could say that I had the weekend off but nope...I will be stuck in the arena for our semi and medal games. Oh well - I am looking forward to it but also looking forward to getting some type of routine back in my life. I've developed some not great habits lately. These would include, skipping breakfast, not drinking enough water, skipping lunch, skipping eating all together until the afternoon and then eating something inappropriate...silly how I can't take care of myself sometimes...I'm like I am wired wrong

I am reading the Time Traveller's Wife and it's not bad. I am a big James Patterson fan but I can read one of his books in about 3 hours, I have a few ready to go but it will be awhile before I read them!

Lindy - I caught up on some notes about your cleanse. I've always wondered about those...I wonder how it would feel to be 'clean' - and I don't mean by just having a shower! And woo hoo about the legs. If anything I take compliments by women much more than men because women are less likely to complement another women for the most part. We just look in jealous envy lol. I have big legs and always have but wish I had shapely calves...I am a pear with two big weiners stuck in the bottom!!

Dance - hope you have a great weekend. Like the Martha Stewart comment, I have plenty of those moments. I make balloon animals for the people at work that need a laugh or a recognition for something good. It's amazing how adults love that stuff. You have been doing so good...I am envious - but more importantly, I am proud for you and look forward to continuing to use you, as many others in here as a sense of motivation!

Neesy - you are so close to onederland...it will feel so amazing to see that 2 disappear...I hope you tell us as soon as it happens!!!

Burgandy - good for the motel stairs...stairs are the best kind of cardio for anyone but tough too...I hate 'em!

Vicky- I love my hotdogs...even the cheap ones that are made with lips and arse...(as my sister says) - but over a campfire - nothing like them!

Sandy - I missed reading your posts and seeing your pretty face on the avatar!!

I hope I didn't miss anyone...I hate being on the last page and then I can't remember everything I read! I'm needing to do many housework things and I am half in and out of bed today...completely unmotivated. I hope I get a spurt soon!

I look forward to getting back on board with all of you on Monday...I really missed all of you and the push to be healthy - with so many workaholics around me, I can't seem to find any good role models live in person around here!

Have a great weekend!

PS - The USA beat Canada last night - very unusual...

Lindy- Sorry about Gab! I hope she rebounds fast. Thanks for the support. I am eating okay//// and I am walking a lot. Thats what you have out here in the country!! Long roads to walk =)

Hotsplashes- Thanks. I got a new mac. I love mac. I went from a 17 inch pro to a 13 inch. its easier to take with me. Get what you love!

Nothing diet related...

so... i took my dogs to the vet today and the bill came to 450$$$ just for vaccinations! I couldn't believe it. So.. i complained. and they knocked 200 off. Which still sucks. I have never had to spend that much just for just shots. This was my first time going to petsmart. Never again. Just had to vent.

Dang Neesy $450.!!!! Thats insane! I can't believe they agreed to knock off $200 too. Shows they know they are way overpriced. We took our German Shephard today too for shots. He got Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella and it totalled $64.00. I was glad, as we decided to switch vets, as our regular vet would have been around $140. for all the shots. Anway, he is good to go for a year ;-)

Staccie - Good to see you on here, and thanks for the compliment........;-) made me smile. I am doing good, just 'stress' but after the last year, whats new...lol.......oh wait, maybe the last 6 years since my kids were teenagers......lol.....oh ****, lets say the last 20 years, since their births....lol......sorry, just joking around. My daughters wedding is Monday and today of all days the church now tells her she can't have the reception there....I mean, what the ****????? Two days before a wedding and on a holiday weekend, what do they expect her to do? Good grief. So, needless to say she is majorly stressed out, because she is working all weekend and can't do much to find a place........God help her and me! I am so glad your event is almost over, and you will have some down, relaxing time. We have missed you being on here, and your humor. It is such a delight reading your posts ;-)

Today was OK, I did swim today, but I also ate more calories than needed. I think I'm at around 1800 or 1900. Too much for sure. I was doing good until I decided to enjoy a piece of country fried steak. Yes, fried........lol. Tomorrow is another day.

Quiet board tonight!

It's 10:45 pm in Chicago and I just got back from the gym. I got there at 8:50 and it's about a 20 minute drive home. Did 25 minutes on the dreaded stairclimber, 35 on the elliptical, and 15 on the treadmill. According to the machines, I burned almost 600 calories tonight, so that makes up for the chicago style hotdog for lunch! Had grapes for an afternoon snack and a Healthy choice meal for dinner. So, I'm exhausted.

Sandy: So sorry to hear about the trouble with the reception site for your daughter's wedding, hope she can find a replacement! I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Good night ladies!

Neesy!! That is a joke. I took my dog there in a pinch one time... they charged me out the behind and I ended up having to go to my real vet two days later. No way I would spend that on shots. I didn't pay that to get both of them fixed! Crazy.

Maddiesmom- Great job with dinner. I hope you get a great night of sleep!!

Lindy- Are you dating Mr. Could be sweet/ could be an *** 16 again?? Just wondering if you gave him another shot =)

Stacie- Sounds like you are working really hard. I am okay with Canada beating the US but 1/2 my family was born in Ontario soooo...

Burgundy- I piggy backed you today and after all of the stress and craziness, I ran up and down the stairs of the motel over and over. It was excersize and it helped me release. Thanks.

Now I need to vent. Not food related at all. I am doing okay surprisingly with food. My husbands family is NUTS! First let me state that I love some of them and I loved his grandma but some.... HATE THEM. This is a HUGE family and they fight like cats and dogs. Someone is always feuding with another. To see grown people disown each others kids, fight over stupid things like little glass angels or a coffee pot and so much more. They all turn on one another and they talk behind each others back. Drives me nuts. A great funny woman just died and they fight like bitter neighbors. And me being the in law, I can not say anything. Grrrrrrrr. I don't want to have kids anymore. Sorry. Thanks for letting me vent. Kisses!

Morning girls -

AJ - god, sounds like you have your hands full. I didnt really get along with my husbands family either. My family is super close and his isnt and he never got it. Furthermore, his mom drove me just as nuts with her backhanded compliments. Anyway...big hug goes out to you. Just see it as you not having to see them on a regular basis, right? Glad to hear your eating healthy--thats a big obstacle. Hmmm...as far as Mr. WHATEVER...lol, he's there as friend, thats pretty much it. I might see him on Friday when I go to visit some friends, but thats pretty much it. Also...his cousins wedding is next weekend and I told him I have no intentions of going with him. Sooo...he kinda withdrew a little. He sent me yellow roses last week and calls everyday but...eh, he just kinda ticked me off. Im a very unforgiven person.

Neesy - are you freakin kidding me?! Ya know what would tick me off more about the vet bill. I mean...its good they adjusted it, but knowing that they adjusted it, would kinda tick me off because that means they KNOWINGLY are taking you through the ringer.

Mygrits - hows your food days going?

Stacie - pear with hot dogs! LMAO!!! You kill me. Is your event over after Monday?

Now for me...ugh, I am holding up ok but am sooo sick of lemonade. This morning was my first really hungry - I need food day. I hate it. I thought by this time, I would get past this. Although, I kinda think my visit to the grocery store made it that way. All the fresh baked goods, cakes, hot dogs outside the grocery store, chips, soda...I can go on and on and on...I think Im going to put myself in a bunker for the whole weekend, lol. Why did I decide to do this BEFORE Labor Day weekend again?! grrrr....slightly ornary. On the good note, my dad is coming to visit me this weekend so Im excited to see him.

Hope everyone is good this weekend...wish me luck.

Good morning girlies,

Well I am off to work soon but wanted to log in and say hello! And Lindy, yup my event is over on Sunday but we move out so I won't get home until about 6AM on Monday so I will probably sleep most of the day! I'm glad it's over, I'm having fun but I need a routine again. I won't have a schedule like that again until January 28th when we move into the venue for the Olympics - then it will be one month of well...worse than this - but I will be in better shape then - both physically and mentally. This event was a good reminder of how important it is that I am healthy when I get to January 28th and to stay healthy no matter what during that time through the Olympics. So if anything, that is an incentive above all else. This is my dream job and I want to rock at it but come out looking nice, not like I aged 10 years!

Anyway, I feel good today, I have my food all packed (going to sneak it in) and ensure I drink at least 3 larger bottles of water and then actually go to the washroom...I hate using public washrooms but holding it all day is not an option either so I guess I have to grin and bear it Sorry TMI

Neesy - can't believe the bill from that ripoff joint! I am glad you complained, you should write a letter too...that sounds like experiences with taking my car in and because I am a girl I get a way bigger bill. So I taught myself the basics of the car and made myself sound knowledgeable..it helped. Either that or they felt sorry for me because I tried to fake it and just gave me a good deal

Vicky - sounds like a good day - did I mention that Chicago is my most favorite city in North America? I love it there...it's the only place I would ever allow myself to eat frog legs...taste like chicken but I can't get the thought out of my mind that they are in fact, frogs!

AJ: Yikes...family - during times like that people can get pretty crazy - been there (not inlaws but just extended family). It's like this switch just turns off and greediness takes place - I refer to it as the greed alien. It's so sad. Hugs for you!!! I am sure you are taking a few advil to get through!

Lindy - there will alway be a reason to start something later, a long weekend, a wedding, a visit from family/friends...you will get through it! Good luck and lots of hugs...just think how your body is cleaning itself...Hope your visit with your dad goes well...I used to get so excited to see my dad...I still miss him everyday!

Well I am off for the day, I probably wont' get a chance to log back in until Monday but I will be thinking of you all on this last long weekend (well nice weather one here anyway). I look forward to getting into a routine with you all again and finally kicking some serious arse!!!!

Lindy-how is the cleanse going over the weekend. Hopefully you are still going strong. Ok, just read another post and hope your weekend goes better than the grocery store visit. But you havent eaten so that is a good sign. Are you gonna go the whole 21 days?

Hotsplashes-frisbee golf is on a course like golf, but instead of using golf clubs and balls you use a frisbee(heavier than a regular frisbee) We had fun doing it, it was a lot of walking. If you do all 18 holes, I think you walk like 4 miles.

Maddiesmom-the hotdog sounds yummy, havent had one in a long time. Looks like you counteracted it with the trip to the gym

Staccie-too bad you dont have the weekend off. I hope your days get easier and you can get to the gym after everything is over.

Neesy-that is a lot for shots. I think I usually pay 60 something at the vet.

Sandy-1800 calories still isnt too bad, it could have been worse. Just keep up the swimming and your other workouts.

AJ-the stairs are a great workout, definitely gets the heart going. Sorry things are rough with the in laws, but running the stairs had to be a good release

Yesterday was good. My calories were around 1200. I am hoping to keep them about the same today. I havent eaten dinner yet, but need to do that before 8. I am really in the habit of drinking just water now. I keep 3 large bottles in the fridge and drink them throughout the day and I dont really crave the sweet drinks like I used to anymore. Just gonna have a healthy choice meal for dinner, and let the hubby fend for himself. I wish he would eat healthier with me, but its like pulling teeth with him. We have a birthday party to go to tomorrow for the little boy I keep, hes turning 3. I wont have any cake. I missed his brothers birthday when I was in NY so I need to get him something too. I havent seen them since i have been back. Not sure if they are having a BBQ too, I hope there are healthy options if they do.

Everyone have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Yep. I usually pay 40-60$ per dog at a local vet. I've gone to several and have never had to pay that much. It still makes me sick to think about it. Plus I was looking at the paperwork and it looks like they didn't give them all. Ugh! Ok. I can't think about it anymore.

In other news, I'm working all weekend. So.. no way to cheat. I've been really good. I'm walking a lot too. I'm so close! I can't wait to weigh in tomorrow. I feel like I've lost a few this week. we'll see...

I would catch up more but i'm sooo tired. I'll talk to you guys later!

Hi Ladies -

Maddiesmom - Thanks, yes yesterday and this morning were chaotic, she was in tears last night because nothing was working out. It was harder because she was working until 7:30pm, and when she is on her 15 hour shift there are no phones calls and stuff. She is on patrol the whole time. This morning we did find a hotel (only one in town with a banquet room - small town) and she is going to reserve it tomorrow morning.......nothing like the last minute! Gosh, weddings are stressful, aren't they? lol........Thank you for your well wishes.

AJ - Wow, sorry about the "Hatfields and McCoys" going on in the family - that sucks, especially after someone wonderful just passed away. Well, atleast she is at peace and not dealing with it. I am soooo proud of you doing the stairs and eating well - Your a winner!!!! How much longer are you up there?

Lindy - God, I would be so sick of lemonade......lol.......are your lips puckering? LOL......Your doing great though! Have you weighed again? How are the workouts going with no food?

Staccie - So good to see you on here and glad this event is almost over so you can get some much needed R & R. It sounds like you have stuck to your plan though. How is your weight doing? Have you been able to workout at all?

Burgund - Wow, your doing fantastic and I like the idea of the bottles prepared in the frig. You are catching up to me girl!!!!! I need to get focused or your going to pass me up and then I will be ticked! LOL........Have fun at the party and enjoy some cake! ;-) (smiling here)

Neesy - Your doing so awesome! Gosh I need to get totally focused like you. I seem to and then stress comes in and I lose it again............ugh. Oh well, I hope this weekend isn't too stressful and I will be cheering you on tomorrow when you weigh!!!!

Ok, today was wedding stressful and it's just beginning. We are leaving tomorrow at 3pm after we take the dog to the kennel, and get my parents. They are 86 and 88, so along with the wedding, we will need to watch them carefully. My dad's health isn't real good. The wedding is Monday at 11am and then the reception, so I should be back later Monday afternoon. I probably won't be on here after tonight, so I hope all of you have an awesome weigh-in!!!!!!!!!1

Today I did get my workout in, and I am going to try to get one more in tomorrow morning. Food was good, but I did have some ice cream tonight - stress motivated ;-) My calories though were at 1300.

Dance where are you? Tiff?????????????????? Basics????????????? You guys are AWOL!!!!

Nite.

So I'm about to leave for work in 2 seconds. But had to stop in. My official weight is 202.4 ... So down 2lbs again this week. I have been steadily losing 2 a week. That's fine with me as long as I get below 200! Maybe next week!

CONGRATULATIONS NEESY on your weightloss!

Mygrits - cant wait to see the wedding pics, Im sooo excited!

Ok, I have company in town so I dont have a ton of time. But all in all, the cleanse is going great. I have every intention of extended this to 21 days because its not hard anymore. I have MORE energy now, than I did before the cleanse, my skin is glowing and any face peeled like a dead layer of skin, which was awesome. THAT BEING SAID>>>>>>>>DRUMROLL PLEASE>>>>>>

I AM DOWN TO 174!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is 11 freakin pounds since I started the cleanse!!!! YES---YES---YES!!! Of course this is not healthy and it is expected that I will gain 6 pounds of the total I lose back (if I stick to a healthy eating and not binge eat of course), but I dont care. I dont feel crappy, I dont feel weak...in fact, Gabriella got sick and soon after she gets sick, Im soon to follow..nope, not at all...I feel awesome. So...I am going to keep on track. This is by far the best thing I ever did.

Well...I have everyone has a great day...make smart decisions! Ill ttyl.

Can I just say...I just looked at my updated ticker and I am officially past the half way point of meeting my goal?! GOD...no one can bust my bubble today, this is amazing. Sorry girls to brag...Im just on cloud 9 and I LOVE IT.