Well, I finally jumped on that treadmill and walked for 12 minutes (1/2 mile). Normally before I would have viewed this as a huge failure, but thanks to eveyone's advice and support here, I feel great about it! You may remember I having such a hard time "Finding time" to work out. I feel like 1/4 of my battle has just been won! I felt good working out and really felt like I was taking some control back!! Thanks everyone!

Excellent work, Martzerica. Every little bit helps, not only your weight loss, but your body in general. It has taken awhile, but I am finally able to walk 1.5 miles without stopping to rest my back.

I've had a stressful week, with preparing for classes (the kids come back tomorrow!) and helping a dear friend move. I'm really sad about her moving...I've lost my closest friend here. As such, I haven't been motivated to exercise or eat right, though I don't think I've completely bombed this week. Tomorrow is weigh-in day, so I guess I'll see then.

By the way, I had a small NSV today. I had to go to the book closet (across the school) multiple times today to move over 90 (huge) history books. I didn't get tired once, nor did my back bother me. I had trouble in June moving them over there, so it is amazing what can be accomplished in a relatively short amount of time (even if it feels like forever).

Jill, before I forget, I've been meaning to mention this to you for at least a week now. You mentioned that you dislike eating veggies plain and need a dressing. I can completely relate, though I have found that plain lemon juice on salads (especially on raw spinach) is really, really good and I don't need anything else. Just thought I'd throw that out to you, in case you wanted to give it a try.

Hope everyone is well. Must go prepare for the kiddos.

Hello ladies, boy am I TIRED. I did ok on my first exam of the semester. I got a 88. So now I need to study for another test for Wednesday. Oh the joys of nursing school Anyway Hello to all the new people here and congrats to everyone who has lost weight and stayed OP.

Hello all- I have to make this really quick as I still haven't logged on to my online classes for today- and I need to get to bed, as I work at 5:30 (it's 9p now)

I did pretty good today- was really busy- so i didn't eat every few hours like i'm supposed to- i had breakfast at 7:15a, lunch at 12:30 and dinner just now 8:45p (too late I know-I got to work on that one) I also didn't get all my foods in- I'm short one 2 fruits and 8 oz dairy... I think it could be worse, plus I did really great on my water today, and I avoided a huge temptation. We have a group in at the hotel doing cash sales- so dominos is on property-I didn't think anything of it until one of my coworkers said she wanted to buy the brownie bites they have (brownie with fudge inside, and fudge to dip in) sounded great- and she talked me into agreeing to eat one- as they have 10 in a package, so she wanted to share with a bunch of people. Well, when everyone was grabbing them I said I wanted to eat my meal first. Then someone grabbed mine- and I didn't even miss it!! So I was going to mess up, but between will power and dumb luck, I got away!!!

Well gonna run- don't have time for personals, but everyone is doing really well. Nancy- good for you on waiting to do your hair ony if you want to! Kate- I think you've made the perfect start- finding why you've failed in the past and making prep for it!! Your sure to succeed this time!!!

Good night ladies!

You gals are all doing so well with exercise!! I'm doing terrible with it! Last week I quite frankly didn't feel like it. It was TOM (or really TOQ since I only get it every 3 months) and I just didn't do anything. Tonight we got new cell phones so we were at Circuit City for the better part of the night. YAY! And tomorrow I'm having dinner with a friend. Looks like Wednesday for pulling that exercise bike out of the spare room.

Oh and I'm down 5 lbs this week!!! Did I say that already? Probably. I'm excited. That's 8 lbs total!

<------ well this is me, see what i mean about the highlights, there arn't many colors that my hair isn't lol. hubby was taking fat pics of me in my fav cocktail dress, which obviously still fits,(its really streachy lol) but it shows every lump and bump !

we had a fun night, abby discovered a baby mouse in the pumkin patch, and decided that it couldn't survive alone, so she routed round the basement till she found an old birds cage, and now she has a pet baby mouse .... ugh is there anything that girl won't bring home ?????? its staying in the garage, no way am i having a mouse in the house !!!! and shes so not allowed to touch it !!

i had another light bulb moment today, had the urge for another one of those krispy cremes lol, so i had one, but stopped at three bites, and found it satisfied me just as much as eating a whole one.

Well, helloooooo ladies! I’ve been on the road and I’m so very hard behind, but I’ll make an effort to catch up. First of all, a HUGE WELCOME to all the new members I’ve noticed. It’s great to have you here! I know how hard it is keep up, but just coming back is such a boost for me, that I hope you keep coming back and enjoy that extra boost as well!

MISTI, I’m so excited for you, fitting in those pants & things! I LOVE that feeling!!

KINNEY – WELCOME! On the question of a trainer, I’d jump at the chance! People have mentioned them in the past and it seems like a good thing. I suppose it depends on the trainer, but all the people I’ve met in the health/exercise field seem to be such positive people and are great sources of encouragement and enthusiasm. In my experience with exercise class leader, I not only learned better ways to take care of myself, but she’s a genuine cheer leader too. My weight and health simple are what they are. The mission is to change and improve it, and I don’t personally feel offended by anything she or the ‘Curves’ coaches have ever said.

KATE – WELCOME also to you. Don’t worry about feeling comfortable @ Curves. I’ve seen Many ladies in our weight range there, and I’ve been to many different ones around the country. I like the privacy of the women only deal, and while I’ve found that each one is a little different, they’re a very positive, encouraging environment! Other chicks here have mentioned Bali’s, but I haven’t been comfortable in the one of those I was in. It was pretty much a skinny mini’s meat market. But I don’t believe they’re all like that.

SUE – My sis & dad both have those machines for apnea, and both said it made a huge difference in how they felt. Sis said the humidifier on it is an absolute must. Good luck!

AYANNA (I LOVE your name!) WELCOME!! I know what you mean about too much of a good thing. For me, ‘healthy’ starches like whole grains, spinach pasta, etc, are STILL starches. They make me crazy and I tend to stuff my face afterwards. Of course, I haven’t stuck to just healthy foods. I’ve been a full blown junk food addict as well, but I do understand what you mean and have watched my sister gain tons of weight by spells, just on health food.

ZELMA, I’m still holding my breath to hear your contest results. I lose track of time – you don’t hear until mid-September or something?

AMMI – WooHOO! Congrats on the 3 down! Hope you’re having fun in London!

JILLY – Glad that ALMOST everything is going well, but wish you well on getting those girlie problems taken care of asap!

DOGPAL - ARE U OUT THERE??? I know it had to be impossible to keep up with the thread while you were moving... are you done moving yet?? Miss you!

Things with me are in a jumble lately - eating has been... not good, and exercise... not in the last week. BUT! This is my last week on the truck. Told DH I quit as of Labor Day. He didn't even try to talk me out of it. Didn't say anything about it at all. SO, as bad as it's going right now, I'm looking forward to really kicking this into gear as soon as I get home, and knowing that, I've actually not done badly today (or technically yesterday now that I look at the clock.

Well, it's time to drive on over to Atlanta now. We're currently in Columbia, SC, not far from where I picked Simon (dachsie) up last February. Take care everyone!