nightprowler: what is ideal protein? Why'd you stop? I had that same feeling with my doctor the last time I was on weight loss. He kept telling me I was too heavy, overweight, and this was probably the reason for my high blood pressure. So when I finally dropped all the weight he told me one day as I was leaving the office, "by the way, you look really good. keep it up." It was like confirmation! But no, my weight wasn't contributing to my high blood pressure.

ballerina: sorry for not giving the backstory earlier! But yeah, I told him he was being immature and he got all defensive. Ugh. I'm kind of just going to ignore that for now and focus on my cat issue.

val: she did have a collar. But she has this tendency to take them off. I don't know how she does it, but she manages. HAHA, you're too funny with your hershey's kiss. I was cleaning the office lounge last week and there was a TON of cake! When I threw the box away I got frosting on my finger and automatically went to lick it and went, "OOOOH NOOOOOO!!!!" and literally RAN to wash my hands. Haha, my coworker thought I was crazy.

atarimae: it's all about balance, my dear. As long as you're not going to let him distract you, you'll be fine. Or as long as he knows that you want to focus on school, at least. Is he in school? Or what does he do? I've always wondered about asian food and starches!!! It's like the food of our people!! And yet, most of them are historically so damn skinny!!! It drives me kind of crazy. I'm just going to go with, those of us asians that gain from starch came from the wealthier families that ate meat and little starch. Haha, my viewpoint is skewed, I know.

SoMuch: Some people are emotional eaters, I'm a non-eater. When I get stressed or upset, I don't eat. Which is almost like eating, because it's still terrible for you. *sigh* glad you're back though!

So, day 3 and still no kitty I'm wondering if she's going to come back. I've been going to bed early to avoid thinking about it. Hopefully soon.

*BLEGH* okay so I bought the wrong almond milk last time (I bought the original) so I bought the right one last night (unsweetened original or unsweetened vanilla). I'm currently having it with cereal and it's NASTY. UGH. I might cheat and switch back to the regular. I don't think it affected my weight loss too much because I still lost last week. But I bought two boxes!! AGH. First-world problems. Seriously. *sigh*.

Anyway, nothing too exciting going on around here. The bf issue is on-going. With so much negativity, I hope things start to swing upwards.

Hey everyone! Not much time today, so I'll have to catch up on personals another time. I've read all the posts, though!

Thanksgiving was ~ successful. I stayed within my maintenance calories (even had a mini slice of pumpkin pie without the crust), but I'm a bit afraid of the scale. I've been considering a new approach as far as monitoring my weight: going by measurements and only weighing once a month to break my scale-ationship, but we'll see how long that lasts.

Long weekends mess with my internal schedule.. I keep thinking it's Monday today. Hope everyone's having a happy Tuesday!

*Peaks in* Hello! I'm Cake! I used to hang around here non-stop a couple years ago and then I thought I keep the weight off without support...but I am not doing a good job of that since I gained back 24 of the 50lbs I lost. I hope you ladies make for me in the daily chat...i desperately need 3FC back in my life...........along with WWs...which I start back to today.

jmko – So sorry to hear about your cat. I hope she turns up soon. Keep your chin up and things will turn around

Nightprowler – It seems like with IP people end up losing large amounts really quickly, I guess because it is so low calorie and low on carbs, too. Maybe your body needs to catch up a little after switching plans. Is your new plan a lot different than IP?

Quiet Ballerina – I was interested in that event, but there are always so many things going on in this area that it’s hard to do everything!

Valalltogether – Way to stick to it!

Atarimae – Yay for whooshes! I loved your story about your dad-how sweet to have his support.

SoMuchFattitude – I was kind of stunned so I just said okay. I knew it was coming eventually, but I didn’t expect it that night, especially since we had already finished dinner and exchanged cards. I thought we were done with anniversary stuff and then he pulled out the ring.

Pinksparkles – Great job on sticking to your plan for Thanksgiving! If the measurement s thing works for you and helps you stop worrying about the number on the scale, go for it! It sounds like a great way to keep yourself accountable without having to worry about daily fluctuations from water, etc.

CakeBatter – Welcome back! How was your first day doing the WW thing?

This week is going pretty well for me so far. I am caught up at work, so I'm not having to stay insanely late to get things done. That gives me a chance to make it to the gym (something I really haven't done since school started up again). Last night I hit up BodyCombat and this afternoon I did my version of running (which included lots of walking since I haven't run in ages). Hopefully I can keep my momentum through an after school meeting tomorrow and Back to School Night on Thursday. Eek!

Here's a picture of my ring for those who were curious. Sorry it's a little blurry.

Ahhh, it looks like so much has been going on the past couple of weeks! Life has finally settled down, so hopefully I'll have time to read over the month of October soon!

Happy Hump Day, everyone!

Audri your ring is beautiful! Congratulations. My first day went pretty smooth. I have high hopes!

gracie I feel the same way. Between moving and school I got all out of wack! This is our month

jmko Ideal is a high protein, low cal low carb diet. No starch, no sugar, no carbs, no fruit. It came in prepackaged shakes, and other kinds of food that youd normally eat but instead very high amounts of protein and only 1-3 carbs per package. It worked great, very expensive. I lost 20lbs in one month and only used it to jump start me. Now im jump started and not going anywhere and slowly gaining back.

audri8301 I'm hoping my body is trying to adjust. My new plan isn't really a "plan" at all. I have taken many things I've learnt from doing IP and incorporated them into my day. But I do allow for carbs and I do allow for fruit etc... Obviously all in moderation. Just eating as healthy as possible very vegetable, protein and fruit heavy. I've never known what sorts of "plans" to follow and quite frankly do get very overwhelmed with eating healthy and what to eat and how to do what I want most and LOSE. Also, CONGRATS.


----

Back on the wagon today. I was quite upset today when I stepped on the scale and I was 4-5lbs heavier than earlier this week. And I know I know, it's impossible to gain that much in a week and would require eating like x50 the amount that I do in a week, and it's probably just water retention but its not a good feeling to see that number. Especially after Thanksgiving and last night I had a junk food total binge with my friend, definately guilt stricken. But can only go up (or down rather :P ) from here!!

Trying to set mini-goals for myself. Right now, get back down to 224

jmko - Glad to be back! Yes, almond milk is terrible when you buy it unsweetened - but the sugar is so high in the regular content that I can't do it. lol. Besides, I'd chug the whole d*mn carton of the regular chocolate almond milk....mmm... Do you and bf live together?

pinksparkles - Congrats for staying OP during the Holidays - it's always so trying.

CakeBatter - Welcome back! Good luck!

audri8301 - EEEE! How beautiful and exciting!

graciegoose13 - Welcome back!

nightprowler - Hang in there. Mini goals are great!

----------

I'm definitely feeling like I've getting my groove back. DH has an interview with a company that recruited him today. I'm so excited for him. He is ready to leave his current company. Plus - he'd wear more business attire at this place and let me tell you - my husband all dressed up in boxer briefs, slacks, a button up and tie - oh dear god - makes my panties twitch like nobodies business. Hot d*mn! He's just not sure they'll offer him enough to make it worth his while to leave his current place. We shall see! Fingers crossed!

The scale is definitely moving in the right direction and we're running/lifting tonight.

Have a great day!

Hey everyone. erg! I want to do personals so bad but I opted for an extra 15 minutes of sleep. And Wednesday is my sucky long 12 hour day. Note to self. Never ever do this again!

I went to the doctor yesterday and she gave me prilosec and an order to have an ultrasound done of my abdomen to make sure it's not my gallbladder.

I have a confession though. In the last 3 weeks. I have had more McDonalds than I have had in the last 6 months. The monopoly game gets me every time! But I have decided my health is more important that a game piece so no more! Hopefully this will help things too. I really need to get back on to routine, I think that would make me feel better.

JMKO- he's my boyfriend now. lol. he's pretty cool. I still have a problem with him replacing have with got every freaking time. But he's funny, and I can be real with him. And he has time for me and he tells me I'm beautiful. And the best part is that we have a friendship. That's really nice.

Ok. well, I am off to have the longest day of my week.

everyone should google " Gumption and Guts by Bella Ruse " Amazing band!Always takes the suckiness from the day.

pinksparkles: I know what you mean about holiday weekends. I get all screwed up. Even when on vacation I have no idea what day it is.

cake: welcome back!

audri: LOVE your ring! What do you do for a living?

gracie: glad to see you back!

nightprowler: Ideal Protein sounds a lot like medifast. It looks like you have to sign up with a clinic though? If medifast wasn't so convenient, I think I'd try IP.

SoMuch: Yeah, the bf and I live together. He kind of started staying over a while ago and then never really left. He kept bringing clothes and stuff over and never really took anything home. Then when he renewed his driver's license he put my address down there. It kind of just happened...eh...Hope your hubby gets his job!

bea: BF?? Yay! I'm a little confused about what you have a problem with (maybe it's just me but that sentence didn't make sense...?) but it's great that you can be yourself with him and he tells you you're beautiful. I'm happy for you!

Okay, so, after a long, arduous fight, the bf finally apologized. UGH. 3 hours later and a missed theatre show that I spent $160 on...but I guess I shouldn't be complaining. He also told me he was the one that let my cat out on Saturday night (I knew that already, since it wasn't me...) and he's all wracked with guilt now. *sigh* I'm a little torn. I know I shouldn't blame him about my cat, but I can't help but think that I wouldn't have let her out. But, I love him, so in time it'll hopefully pass.

In the weight-loss world, I'm TERRIFIED to weigh. Hahaha, I have a love/hate relationship with my scale. I love it when it gives me low numbers, but I hate getting on the thing. I really don't want to be disappointed to see no loss, but worse, to see a gain. Especially because I haven't been getting all 6 of my meals in the last few days because of my cat trauma. AGH. I need to just grow a pair and do it! Tomorrow!!! If I don't panty out, haha! Is it friday yet?

SoMuch Good to see you back! Sorry for the funk though.
Hahaha oh man. Hearing you talk about your man absolutely cracks me up. And makes me very jealous. Does he have any friends you can send my way?

jmko You silly girl! You don't have to apologize. I just understand things better now. Your poor kitty....glad you and the bf talked things out.

Cake Welcome back! Yeah....been in those shoes of yours before. I lost 30 pounds...and gained back most of it when I disappeared from here. Sigh.

audri very pretty ring!

beahawkins I know what you mean with the have/got switch. I cringe a little every time someone writes "your" when they mean "you're"....but it's only because of all of the grammar that has been drilled into my head lately. Think of it this way: it's much better to notice flaws and accept them. If you turned a blind eye to every 'flaw' he has, that could be bad; right?

Sigh. I have been roommate/apartment hunting for about a month and a half now. It is so, so frustrating. I found a girl, E, and she and I were looking at places...then she wanted her friend to live with us and I said sure...I sent her tons of links...then E flaked. Said she found a better place where she could live by herself. (and I really didn't know much of anything about the friend, so I didn't want to try and live with her).
So I went back to square one and met J. J seemed great and mentioned she was interested in a possible group house. Then for about a week I didn't hear from her...and so I emailed and J tells me she has also changed her mind.
I met up with two guys to 'interview' with them, but I don't think either will work out....meanwhile the days just keep ticking past and I really need a roommate.
I'm constantly searching craigslist and it's exhausting. Send good vibes my way, please? Wish I could live by myself but it's too darn expensive...

*sneaks in and hides under a rock*

Hey everybody. As you can see, I'm super embarrassed tonight. I was talking to a guy I have a crush on, and he asked exactly the wrong question at exactly the wrong, emotionally fragile, time (do guys have a manual for this?!) and I lost it. *sigh* At least my mascara stayed put. Well, so much for that one! And then after driving home, absolutely exhausted, I turned a short nap into an "I missed my class" snooze fest.

Ughh. Can I get a do-over? And maybe a crystal ball to see when something will go right for me?

Good Morning Good Morning!

beahawkins - Congrats on making him your bf! Hope your 12 hour day went by quickly!

jmko - Haha at how he slowly moved in. So sorry about the kitty. I have two myself and would fall apart.

Quiet Ballerina - Haha! Next month will be 8 years and I still find him absurdly hot....and then mix that with dress clothes and it's game over. I asked him to send me a pic of him yesterday all dressed up before he left for his interview and he said he wasn't providing me with porn. LOL! Bummer on the whole roommate situation. Definitely sending good thoughts!

penmage Hope you have a better day today!

----------

Well, my keurig coffee maker died and they're sending me a new one. The good news - a new Keurig and a new warranty; the bad news - I have to wait 3-7 days for it to arrive. I have realized how much I hate everyone else's coffee now.

The Wellbutrin I'm taking has been giving me really weird dreams. Last night I dreamt we did a triathlon and the transition area was in a stadium/theatre and I couldn't find my things. I was running the stairs and panicking over my time.

I totally bailed on running/weights yesterday. My office decided to throw an impromptu brunch event today and I ended up baking chocolate pumpkin muffins instead. So - we run tonight and do weights.

My sodium was up yesterday and so was my weight today. Let's hope tomorrow is kinder.

JMKO- I hope you find your cat. I had a cat run away a few years ago. After years of trying to run away she actually did it. I'm sure she's out there still, she was a beast. My cats now though, they're too prissy. If they go outside they want in a few minutes later.

The sentence probably didn't make much sense. I was blessed : / with the ability to talk in circles.

In a sentence like " I have 7 pairs of socks." he says " I got 7 pairs of socks." Without me pointing it out, he realizes that he sounds like a hick. And though he has been improving other speech habits, this one, the one that really gets me, hasn't been changed lol. And I won't point it out, because I don't want to seem like a b++++.



Ballerina: Yeah accepting them is big because God knows I have my flaws too. Hope you find a good roommate. Last year I had 3 and at first I thought they were fine. I don speak with 1 at all, 2 is too good to talk to me any more because she lives with her theater friends now and 3 is stuck up her new husbands butt. Newlyweds. sigh.

Fattitude: 12 hours went forever yesterday but I finally made a friend at school and she got there early for late lunch/studying so that helped break up the hours. those muffin's sound amazing. Do you have a recipe? The boy loves pumpkin everything. How do you like your Kuerig? I've been thinking of getting one.
-------------------
I'm worried about my cat, Rome. There has been kitty poo on my sheets this morning and yesterday morning where he sleeps at the foot of my bed. (SO MUCH LAUNDRY AHHH!) and he has never done this before. His allergies have started getting crazy too. erg. And he hasn't been talking much. (This cat moans when he wants your attention. He stays in my basement bedroom and I can hear him on the next floor up in the kitchen.)

I have given up all carbonated beverages, and I am quitting the monopoly game. It's not worth it and I most likely won't win anything anyways. It's just so much fun?? I don't know why.

I am re-starting my workout today. And then I have several hours of studying. AND I have lost my phentermine. Which is bad it was like 3 months worth. Lots of wasted money. It's probably whereever my brand new foundation, my debit card, and favorite pair of socks are.... the black hole I call my car.

Alright, I'm going to admit I suck at keeping up with this, lol. Time to start over and I will participate better now!

I've decided I'm going to try to get stricter with my weight loss; things have been slowing down and doing a lot of stalling and I don't like it. I lowered my calories down to 1370 from 1500 because I usually eat that much anyway, and I'm going to try to throw in an extra workout when I can. I usually go twice a week for 45min to an hour, and I do half cardio/half lifting for each workout, but I think I would do well with an extra cardio workout. I'm ready for things to start moving along again!

Things are getting better at my job; the hours are starting to get more consistent and my schedule for next week is maxed-out; no more call-ins! I'm happy about that, and hopefully I can get them to bump me up to full-time status so I'll be guaranteed those hours, haha. The only thing is I'd wish I'd have every other day off so I can plan my workouts better but we can't have everything we want, so I have to make due, lol. Is it a bad idea to do lifting two days in a row?