Hey ladies - well it's lunch - probably almost dinner for some of you

Lindy - yeah about the trip - that gives you yet another incentive to get into your bikini and do some serious "arse" checking on the boat!!!

Dance - thanks for the compliment - I guess that I am - and that is my favorite picture because I was so healthy then so it's kind of motivational as well!

Burgandy - even with the arsehole Tom around you are still rockin, that's so awesome. Even though it's an unfortunate situation why you are meeting with family, I hope it goes well.

Well my day at work has been pretty stressful so far. The coke machine is glaring at me directly and for the first time, I am having a really bad craving for a coke zero. I wonder if I should just give in - it doesn't seem worth to fight it all the time and as long as I don't drink too much - NOPE - I am not giving in. Because then it's just the next thing - and the next thing etc. But it really sucks having it stare at me and hearing the plop of one everytime someone buys it - seriously - grrrrrr!

I am really hoping that I can continue to balance this work, life thing. Last time my work suffered and my body was like yahoo, then my body suffered and work was yahoo - I can't seem to find a way to balance both positively. It's always been my number one problem. All I can think about now is getting to the gym tonight to finish the second part of my workout, I don't want to be here. Any advice?

Well I hope everyone is having a nice Monday!!

Okay - hope this doesn't sound obnoxious or anything but I'm kind of excited because on my run today I did 3 miles in 30 minutes - I usually run 12 min/miles these days (but started the summer with 13-14 min/miles) so this is exciting stuff for the slowpoke.

Burgundy - sorry about your family situation. Thanks for mentioning your motivation last week. You are doing so well - I bet you'll be just where you need to be to accomplish your goals very soon! What are you doing for exercise today? I'm going to try to add in another 30min of rowing tonight to make up for my cheeseburger (bows head in shame) yesterday..

Staccie - I'm not sure what you're allowing yourself to drink other than water right now but bring in a big giant plastic drinking glass from home (or snag one in a fun color at walmart/kmart) and keep it at your desk filled with iced green tea (or crystal lite, or sparkling water with a twist of lime, or whatever fits in your detox). That really helps me fight the soda temptation at work. Your posts always impress me because of your commitment to being healthy - you don't seem as caught up in the more surface 'do I look hot' type stuff (like I do). The spray tan ended up being a hoot - I haven't ever had a tan tummy or arse, to use a staccie-ism, so I didn't look like myself in the mirror but I'd definitely recommend it before a winter beach vacation or even where you're showing more skin than usual at a time of year when you aren't tan. Thanks for the comments on district 7 - I think we're going to give it a try this weekend. I'm like you - a super fast reader and I reread books a lot, usually with a year or two break in between readings. I like British mysteries the best - you? What's your favorite genre?

Lindy - will you help push me this week? I need to get off of this plateau (well, semi-plateau since half of the time I thought I was 170, I really wasn't). I'm in a class Weds-Fri and I've already looked up healthy eating choices for my lunch breaks and am going to load up on veggies tonight at the grocery store.

maddiesmom - hope the hubby's interview goes super well!

neesy - congrats on your continued residence in Onederland! Great job!

Have a great day, chickies!

Dance - heck to the yeah I will, my favorite thing to do is push you guys, lol. So...healthy eating for the week. The first thing I think you should do is maybe get a rotisserie chicken and divide it up into portions, you pretty much have your fruits and veggies under control so just stick with the program. Now...exercise, how will we incorporate exercise....hmmm, well...first, kudos on the job this morning, that is definately something you should be proud of - OWN IT - you deserve it. Since you have a busy schedule, what are your thoughts on waking up a little earlier to MAKE SURE you get your exercise in. Oh, and where you at with calories this week? Can you push yourself to go on the lower end to trick you body and get past your plateau? You know the deal girl!

Stacie- work and life is so hard sometimes. Ya know what I think you need, is a different form of exercise, I really think some yoga or pilates will help you balance the two. We need to start seeing the scale (or ticker should I say, lol), moving for you. So lets evaluate how we can get you there. With your line of work, you will always be busy, I worked in your field, so trust me- i know, but its about planning accordingly and I know you can do it girly, your a smart cookie with dedication.

Ok, so--for whatever reason I had the worst day ever with drinks. I have the PMS from **** and cant stand it. Cramps, back aches, mood swings, Im seriously reconsidering my birth control after the past few months of this bs. I drank 3--yes 3 16 oz. bottles of pepsi, god almighty, that surely isnt going to get me ready for the cruise, not at all. Ill refocus from this point on, I had the will power for 15 days, no sense in screwing with it now.

Ill check in later.

Dance- I snorted out loud at my desk when you said the tan on your arse...I haven't either - now I am wondering if it will look better with one - that that anyone would ever see it anyway - maybe that's a good thing to have as a goal later - I look like nepolitian ice cream cone with all my tan marks! And yeah I am going to have to drink something other than just water - going to buy some of those crystal light things on the way home tonight. And thanks for the compliment, I want to look good too and stand up straight with my boobs out better than I do now and that comes with confidence But I am so worried about diabetes, heart disease and stuff too - maybe because my family has it bad - I appreciate the comment - it means alot! As for books, I read crime stories mostly - although I am also starting to read some biographies as well but I get bored easily sometimes. And I love the twilight saga - admittedly - I have read them all at least 3-4 times. My friends make fun of me but I don't care - I just love them

Lindy - thanks for you advice and vote of confidence...I have just been so good and then fall off so bad that I go back to what I was before I was even good - I am NOT going to do that again. At least if I make a boo boo, it won't be a week long one. I promised myself. And I am going to spin class and yoga this week to try something new...I better see my results move a bit! I was beginning to think I had a thyroid issue or something but really it's been because my efforts are thwarted by a week of being really super bad. I am looking forward to spin class again and getting arse callouses!!

Oh no Lindy about the drinks - that TOM what an arsehole!!! But glad you refocused - maybe drink extra water to cleanse out your system?

Well I'm going home and it is 430PM - that is a first. I have a lot of work to do but I am tired and want to get my second part of my workout in so I thought I would bring it with me - compromise!! My first step...woo hoo! And I'm not taking my computer...holy moly someone get me a hot fireman I have a fire to put out...woo hoo!!!

Lindy-170, you are rockin and rollin. 50 lbs, that is amazing. I cant wait to get there. I need your dedication. 3 pepsis, well at least you are back on track!!

Staccie-see you can do, you didnt give in to that darn coke machine. How did the 2nd half of your workout go?

Dance-this week I have added running into my walks. I got my wii fit out after not using it for 68 days and I love my golds gym cardio workout.

Went to my SILs for our walk. Her and the twins walked the whole way. Me and one of the pups ran some but not as much as I wanted to. Didnt want to get too far ahead of them. Thats the only workout I did today. I have been busy busy doing some end of summer cleaning. Getting rid of clothes that are too big too. Which is nice to put something on and it just look horrible cos it is too BIG not too small. Tomorrow will probably be a long day. Dont know if I will be able to check in. Viewing starts at 10, funeral at 2. Then they are having a dinner for all the family and friends. After that I have to watch the boys in the evening and maybe all night. Not sure how long yet.

Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow. I will try to check in.

Good morning-

Stacie - you are a regular stand up comedian, such a funny girl! Some of your posts have me literally cracking up out loud in my office (neopolitan ice cream-haha). So...the big question is....how did the exercise go? I will help you here girly, I want you to stick your boobs out and be proud and confident, lol. You CAN do it. So accountability all the way. How did you do on food? Oh...and the Crystal Light packets, great idea. I LOVE the raspberry lemonade, thats my absolute fav.!

Burgundy - Im sorry, I most have missed somewhere along the way that you had a death close to you? Ill have to go back and re-read. I hate when I miss something important. Well, you got a run in yesterday, that is awesome. I bring Gabriella with me every morning on my morning runs now but she cant keep up just yet, so I think I am going to have to do an afternoon run to keep my mojo up. I find that I enjoy running more when Im by myself anyway.

OH - how could I forget to tell you girls. Now, I am steering clear of men these days to stay on track with my killer weight loss, can you believe I am past my halfway point?! Only 40 pounds to go! Ok..back to my story. So, this weekend I went out to the beach with friends. It was AMAZING. First off, a super sexy surfer boy asked for my number on Saturday, I didnt give it to him bc well, hes too far and Im not even putting myself in that situation again but dang, was it a confidence booster. Especially being in my bikini with no makeup on. What?! Can I get a heck to the yeah on that one, lol. THEN--Saturday night I went out Downtown with some friends and got hit on left and right. Everytime I truned around, another guy was asking to buy me a drink. It was soooo exciting. It has NEVER been like this, I felt so pretty. It was my moment of glory for sure. It just proved all the sacrifices and discipline has paid off for sure. Sorry, I dont mean to brag it was just a really good weekend for my confidence -- ya know.

Man...where is Mygrits and Tiff these days. I know others drop off here and there, but those are two of the "founding members", lol, Ill have to touch base with both of them through Facebook.

Well I hope everyone has a skinny day, Ill check in later.

Morning, girls!

Staccie - so is your goal to get the tan or to have someone see it? Crystal light is seriously the best and it even tastes good quite diluted if you want to gradually switch to water or something. I get the generic kind at the grocery store since they have decaf iced tea which I love love love. I liked Lindy's suggestion about Yoga - that might work really well for your crazy busy life. What are you eating today? Let's get you some killer results for Sunday!

burgundy - good job on the exercise! Isn't cleaning out clothes that are too big the absolute best?!? Such a motivator too....

Lindy - thanks for the extra push! I didn't snack after dinner last night so I'm feeling good about being back on plan. And will pick up a rotisserie chicken at the store today. Girl - you are a man magnet!!! Glad you were getting such positive attention - imagine what will happen when you're actually looking for it!

Off for a run, chickadees. Hope mygrits turns up soon! I know Tiff comes and goes - maybe she'll be back this week...

Lindy - just saw the pics on facebook (looking for mygrits) with your darker hair - love love love the way it makes your eyes pop!

Dance --- awww, thanks! Yeah, I do love my hair now and I have gotten a ton of compliments on it, so its looks like it is a keeper for now, lol.

Ok, so check...you got the run in. Check..your picking up the rotisserie chicken. Once going to be your "EXTRA PUSH" this week to make it into the 160's, all of those are good, but we want to push through this. I will be updating my 3FC profile with the same pic soon, just being lazy. When I get home, I dont usually log onto this forum and at home is where I have all my pics. Ill get on it.

Im doing sushi for lunch today, but within reason. I cant stay away from my sushi, that is one thing I am not willing to sacrifice, maybe Ill just go for a killer jog tonight, I mean really pushing myself.

Lindy - I used to bike alongside my mom when she was running when I was about Gabby's age and my mom went on long runs. Would that work for you guys for the times you want to go longer?

Good morning chickadees!

Well, I didn't finish my workout last night, I was dog tired, so dog tired that I was asleep by 7PM. Anyway, I got up this morning and did a wicked spin class. Holy poop!!! I seriously thought I was going to pass out, the instructor was hard core and I sweat so much there was a freaking river underneath my bike - but it was awesome. My bum is sore but it will get used to it - especially when it gets smaller Tonight I have Yoga and I since I got lots of sleep I should be fine to go. My eating was good yesterday although I didn't have much dinner cause I was in bed so early!! I have not cheated at all in 5 days, nothing has touched my lips that isn't allowed and no coke zero. The stupid machine is staring at me but I bought some Crystal light - thanks for the idea!!!! I feel pretty awesome today and I am down 1 pound since Sunday - woo hoo!

Burgandy - I can't wait to get rid of the big clothes...good for you!! Feels awesome doesn't it! I hope your dad went ok today....

Lindy - that is so awesome about the attention...I am so happy for you! You deserve it and it's going to keep on coming so lap it up!!! PS - you are not bragging and should never apologize for talking about this to us...you deserve it and it gives me something to work towards and feel good about. People treat you different when you are healthier. It's sad but true. When I lost all that weight a few years ago, I got much more attention - both professionally and personally - and more respect. I noticed it so much that it made me really self conscious. And I hate to admit it but it's true. One of the reasons I want and need to lose weight other than the obvious ones is that I need to look for a job in a few months and appearance does matter - I've seen and experienced it. But you know what else, it's the confidence too. When you feel good, you walk better, smile more, make more eye contact and people love to be around confidence.

Dance - I had egg whites, salsa and whole wheat toast for breakfast, a shake prior to that and for lunch I have cajun chicken, potato and tomato, snack is berries and cottage cheese and not sure for dinner yet. I am eating very clean - it's awesome. And as for the tan - well I hope that someone else would see it as I really don't like looking at my own arse in the mirror but I might in a few months!!

Well I better get to work - I hope I don't get stuck in a yoga pose tonight!! Hee hee. Will check in later.

PS - I'm on facebook too would love to connect that way, what's the easiest way to do that

Staccie - wow on the spin class! With your crazy life, does it work to exercise twice a day? A weight loss friend of mine and I were talking about the mind games you have to play with yourself on this journey and we both thought that setting the bar at a reasonable, achievable level (say exercise 5x/wk for 30min) and then exceeding expections worked better for our psychologies then something like 2hrs in the gym a day and if not you've failed and may as well give up (and eat a bag of doritos....). I'm just worried about you trying to keep up a loaded workout schedule alongside such long days at the office. Whatever works for you though - and very impressive with the spin class, I've never been one for biking. Nice food choices too.

Okay, so far today - 60min jog, breakfast - lf yogurt, snack -lf string cheese, lunch - rotisserie chicken and broccoli, and plan for dinner is tillapia, sauteed spinach and avocado-tomato salad with balsamic. Nectarines for dessert if I'm still hungry. Hoping for a whoosh week to take me past this plateau!!

How's everyone doing on their 11/1 challenge goals? I'm down 8 since 8/1 but I know Lindy's down a kajillion. Neesy's kicking b***, Maddiesmom is on a losing streak and is a major workout queen, Burgundy's kicking it up a notch this week with exercise and Staccie's all set for a whoosh week. AJ? Mygrits?

Keep it skinny....

Dance - I agree on the exercise twice a day - I'm not sure I can do it tonight now lol - my aspirations were quite high this morning! I really want to do Yoga though, so I thought maybe take tomorrow off. I thought taking Wednesday and Sunday off is good. I think I should just start out slow - I am so bad at going like a freaking maniac and then burning out quicker - I am the hare definitely not the turtle and the turtle always wins!!! Maybe that's why I fall off the wagon so hard is because I push myself so hard - that makes logical sense!! I appreciate your advice a lot - it helps put things into perspective. Your daily food intake sounds yummy too! I am really trying to eat more fruit - but I only like berries and grapes - I am sooo picky

Where is everyone!!!

Staccie: Way to go on the spin class! Holy cow! I think my butt is still too big for those seats! You are so motivated and GREAT JOB with eating healthy. You'll be one hot mama by the new year!

Lindy: It's totally not bragging! You deserve the extra attention, you have worked really hard. I too like the dark hair on you, looks great!

Dance: Way to go on the running! I really wish that I could run, but I find that my chest is too big and tends to move a little too much. Once I'm in better shape, I hope to run a 5K. That's my goal by next fall I think. Once my knees, etc are in better shape. I think the weight loss will definitely help with that.

Well, as for me, TOM is being a royal pain the the butt. I have no motivation (even though I am eating fine and still working out). I just feel totally drained. Didn't work out last night, it was my day off, so when I am through here, it's off to the gym. I'm going tonight, tomorrow night and Friday night. Hope to get there on Sunday as well. I have the trainer Friday night, so we'll see how sore I am this weekend!

Here is food today:
Breakfast: sweet and salty bar
Snack: lf yogurt with granola
Lunch: Lean cuisine flatbread sandwich, baked lays, and carrots
Snack: banana and string cheese
Dinner: chicken breast on Arnold flatbread with cheese, tomato and lettuce. Cooked asparagus and mushrooms on the side

And, I emptied my closet over the weekend. I got a bunch of suits when I started my job back in March, and now they are all WAY to big. So, now my closet is empty! Went to Penney's today and got some new shirts...and they are an XL, which is great, considering I was in a 3X a few months ago. It definitely felt good.

Have a great night ladies. Hope everyone checks in soon! I know AJ is moving and Hotsplashes is in school, but we miss you guys!!!

maddiesmom - wooohooo for going from 3x to xl - you rock!!!