Hi all,

Well I am back at work today...and I didn't get up to go work out this morning - but I am leaving early now so I can get a good one in tonight. Until I start sleeping a bit better getting up early is just too hard. But Dance - I promised and I am going to write back right after!! Lindy - definitely go - I didn't go because I was in a bad place and heavier than I wanted to be and I really regretted it! As Dance said, show off that gorgeous hair, smile and know that you look better than you did a few months ago. People will be much more likely to notice your confidence and smile than anything else. And for that do notice, well they are probably not the people you want to be around anyway - and are probably just jealous!

Dance - good to hear that you did your run - I am doing mine for you! I am actually looking forward to working out today - I felt that once I got back into work I might feel that way - shake off some negative energy.

Well I did ok today, I did have a tuna sub and some cookies at Subway. However, I didn't eat a 12 inch, only a 6 inch (I usually order the big one) and I had a few sips of Coke Zero and it tasted gross (yeah!). But I will have a healthy dinner and my calories will still be under. I hope I sleep tonight - I really need it!


Sandy - I had a horrible food hangover from a binefest last week and it was HORRIBLE. That was enough to get me back on the wagon for sure. And everytime I think of it, I still get grossed out. But every once in awhile I guess we need it, as long as it doesn't last two weeks like mine did!!!

I am thinking about going on Weight Watchers - has anyone had any experience with this? I don't really like that kind of stuff, but I am thinking it may help me to eat more realistically (let's face it, I am NOT going to never put a bad thing into my mouth - even for a few days at a time). I dont want to see food as the enemy. I want to enjoy food but just manage my portions and calories better. So if I decide to eat that frigin cupcake, I will but I am going to starve that night (obviously this would not happen often).

Well I am off to the gym...I am not taking my computer home I just decided - but I will report in first thing tomorrow!!!

Staccie: I've been on Weight Watchers for 5 weeks now. It's not too bad, what makes it work is that you have to go weekly and you are held accountable for your weigh ins each week. They give you self help type packets for 10 weeks, and an e-tools where it helps you compute your number of points. It's very similar to calorie counting, but they give you a book with general foods and their point values. I've lost 10 pounds since I started 5 weeks ago, but it's not just the WW helping...it's this forum, having the help from other WW attendees, and me kicking myself to go to the gym. I think it would help you to get started, definitely look into it. My company pays half the fee, so I joined.

Well, went to the gym again tonight...that's 3 in a row! And Missy kicked my a$$ once again. She wasn't kidding when she said she was going to step it up a notch. My hair was soaked when I left after our hour. She had me working my trouble areas (what isn't a trouble area?!?). She's relying on me to do my own cardio (keeping the heart rate I need to) and she's showing me different toning exercises. I worked muscles tonight I didn't know I had. My legs feel like mush and it's hard to walk. At least I know I'm getting my money's worth. Definitely worth the money I spent. She's really nice and down to earth, has a sense of humor so the hour goes by fast. I did squats, lunges, but she incorporated arm exercises to put me in double the amount of pain! LOL

Lindy: I would definitely go to the reunion if I were you. You are so much more confident, and it all has to do with how you carry yourself. You've been doin so great, show it off!! Also, forgot to add, if you are up for a challenge, so am I! (And I'll stick with it this time and not drop off the radar!)

Sandy: Good to hear from you again. Hope you are enjoying the extra time with your daughter. I know how important that time is.

Dancer: Great job on the run!

Anyways, according to WW, I lost 2.6 pounds since last Thursday, so I'm a happy camper. Just have to keep the momentum going.

Talk to you soon!

Dance - I did 10K walk around the seawall - it was just too nice to go to the gym. After 2 1/2 hours I was pretty beat but the sound and smell of the ocean is so amazing....I feel great. I am not a runner but thinking I might try it - you move a little faster that way - I get impatient

Vicky - thanks for the WW info, I am going to try and find a time/location that works for me and give it a go. And awesome news about the trainer - I loved having one and will consider it again when I hit a plateau with my own training - once I get back into it again that is. But I like spending time outside when it's nice out - and as long as I am doing something that should count

Well I am off to bed, no - actually off to shower - I smell like 'sea'

Goodnight everyone!

Wow, Staccie - good for you on the superlong walk! I love the idea of smelling like sea - unfortunately I'm 1000s of miles from the shore. Smelling like mountains just isn't as interesting : ) I definitely recommend trying a little running - I find it addictive because of the endorphins. Many runners (myself included) think that the endorphin rush you get from running specifically is stronger than that from any other kind of exercise. Lifting weights is supposed to be good for that too and since you like that.... If you haven't done much running before, make sure you have good running shoes and start out even slower than you think. Most people start out way too fast and wear themselves out in a big hurry.

Maddiesmom - woohoo on the loss - you are doing so well! How sore are you after your workouts?

So yesterday I was fine food-wise until later in the evening and then started getting cravings and had more cheese and crackers than I should have. I've been doing pretty well with the cravings situation and that's the first time I've fallen off the wagon in a while. I think maybe I didn't have quite enough protein for dinner - I'll try to watch that going forward.

Hope everyone has a good day!

Hey ladies...it look slike everyone is doing great. I want to remind everyone that SUNDAY IS WEIGHT IN DAY. I just realized...we picked the the day after 4th of July (think BBQ's!) to implement this...nice. LOL. Oh well, everyone MUST weight in. I cant wait to see how everyone is doing.

Stacie- it sounds like you have been having a better couple of days, you seem more interactive, which is good, Im glad to see. I did weight watchers and was extremely successful, the only reason I dont go back to that program is because it was a lot of work breaking down portions, eating the meals, etc. and I just dont feel like that program is for me...this time.

Vicky - cool...its one like donkey kong, lol. Lets just start today.

SO - FOR THE RECORD...I am at 189 as of today (yup, I lost those 3 pds. I complained about) and Vicky is at 249. We will weigh in on the last day of July and see who lost the most. Yippee.


By the way - thanks for everyones encouragement on going to meet up with my high school friends, as of right now, I have not decided what Im going to do, its tonight at 9, we'll see how I feel later in the day.
Im off today and am a little sleepy. I think I am going to take a nap. Have a good day ladies.

I'm procrastinating at work that is. Trying not to get frustrated. It's weird that I can't balance between the two (improving my personal life) and keeping my professional one in good standing. I seem to be favoring the personal one right now - which is the right way to go I know, but it's hard to let go a bit of my professional one - even just a little - hard habit to break.

I'm sore from my walk yesterday! I want to walk again tonight but my poor feet are yelling no! So I think I will go to the beach, relax and get in a good workout tomorrow. I see the doctor in a few hours and even though I know I feel better - I have to do it

Dancer: To answer your question, my first workout with the trainer wasn't too bad, I was a little sore the next day. Last night, she worked me really hard, so today I am feeling it. She really worked my legs and arms/shoulders, so I am really really sore. I actually just put icy hot on to dull the pain! LOL I can't believe I paid someone to do this to me!

I know this will all be worth it when I'm done, but I know that these muscles are hurting because of the lack of use they've had over the past few years. I just need to keep going/moving. My next session is next Friday, so I am supposed to work out 4 times before then (2 times cardio, and 2 times strength training...doing one of the workouts from last week and one of the workouts from last night). Don't know how I'll manage that being how sore I am. Today there's no way I can move, so I'm hoping to do cardio tomorrow, depending on how I feel.

Last night we did a lot of work with a medicine ball, doing continuous movements to tone my arms and shoulders. It must be effective because it hurts to lift my arms above my head! It didn't hurt when I was doing it, but like I said, I hope to be ok tomorrow.

Lindy: Oh, it is so on....you're gonna eat my dust this time! LOL I love that we're so competitive. Hope you decide to go to your reunion tonight. Let us know how it goes.

Staccie: Glad you were able to get out and get some exercise; it sounds like the walk helped! Hopefully you can get into a routine that will help.

Well, I'm off to rest my poor muscles. Have a great Friday.

Wow.. It is so hard to diet in the summer! Thanks for remembering me Lindy. I know it's been a while since I came on. It's so easy to not be accountable. All i have to do is just not log in. I use to log in no matter what.. everyday! But.. I've been avoiding the computer all together just so I don't have to face what a failure I've been!

Ok.. enough of that! I will weigh in on sunday with you guys. I'm going to atleast be on track for the next couple days. It's a big incentive! I work sunday morning.. so it may not be until the night if I wake up late.. which I've been doing lately. I have been working a lot.. and then on my off days I've just been sleeping and doing stuff with the hubby. It's getting so close! I'm nervous, but happy.

My dad, who had the lap band in February, is losing weight like crazy. He is an inspiration for me too. I need to get down to 160 so that we can retake our wedding photos. That will be so neat. Hopefully, by the end of the year. That would be crazy. I have to kick it into gear. I think I can still reach my goal for August if I kick my butt starting NOW.

Sorry I have been gone ladies. I really have missed all of you though. I'm sure once my husband leaves, I will be on here TOO much and you will all be sick of me. Well.. talk to you later! I promise!

Hey girls, I havent checked in in a few days, sounds like everyone is staying on track.

Lindy-my mom told me she could tell I had lost, but not really anyone else. Its kinda discouraging but I didnt let it get me down. I will be smaller next time I go down and make sure more people can tell. I hope Gabriella is doing better with her dad being gone, sounds like you are keeping her busy and having fun. My high school reunion was Saturday in AL, since I just got back from there I wasnt able to go but wish I could have. SoI hope you went and had fun and relaxed for the evening.

Dancer-Good job on not gaining on vacay. I gained 6 while away and I am still struggling to lose some of it because I have been lazy. Yay for being overweight instead of obese. (That sounds funny)

Maddiesmom-WOW, I dont think I would have had as much willpower as you with the cake. My birthday is coming up in a week and my husband ordered my cake today. He is getting me a Boston Terrier cake. I will take pics for everyone when we get it. Sounds like the gym is going good for you. How did it go with your trainer? ok after reading your post, your trainer really worked you out. And 10 lbs is a month is great.

Staccie-Hope your Dr. is able to help with your depression and things get better for you soon. The gum is a good idea, I usually try to keep at least one pack in my purse. Good thinking not taking any money to work and good luck staying away from the coke machine, but with no money it should be no problem. Good job on getting your workout in after work. Let us know how if you join weight watchers and how it goes for you. Your long walk sounds nice, too bad you are so sore though.

Sandy-glad you are back. Sounds like your business is doing well, congrats on that. Sounds like you had a house full. Glad you got to see your daughter again. Sugar coma, glad you are over that.

Neesy-glad you are back too. Enjoy your time with your hubby. Glad you are sticking with us and gonna weigh in on Sunday. I know I wont be at 216 like my ticker says but I am still gonna weigh. Cant wait to see the remakes of your wedding pics when you have them done.

I have been going for my walks late in the evenings, dont go until 830 or 9. Much cooler then. I know I still need to do more, but I have been doing some yardwork and sweating up a storm doing that. We are gonna have a bbq tomorrow, but its gonna be at my house so I can make some healthy options. Its only gonna be a few of us, 6 I think, so we wont have to have tons of food like usual. Might go see some fireworks, hopefully it will be a relaxing day. I am gonna try to check in here more often. I get so inspired reading how well everyone is doing. Have a great night everyone.

Burgundy - Good strategy on the walking when it's cooler - that makes things so much easier And I'm right there with you on wanting to have people come to my house instead of going to theirs (or a restaurant) - it helps me control the food options which makes a huge difference.

Neesy - Good to hear from you again. I totally agree that these boards hold us accountable. There have been a number of nights when I was tempted to start eating stuff I didn't need but could face having to increase my ticker and/or tell you guys! : ) We'll hit it hard with you once your husband leaves - until then, glad you're enjoying your time together.

Staccie - Hope things went well with the doctor! And that you've recovered from your major expedition : )

Maddiesmom - I hope the sore muscles are healing. I find hot baths help, although it's not exactly the time of year for it. Maybe with the A/C on high?

We just got back from a nice hike and are meeting up with friends later. I'm bringing dinner since they have a new baby and have their hands full. Should be good. Hope you all are having fun...

Hi Ladies - happy 4th of July! We celebrated and still are - Canada Day on July 1st (in the middle of the fringin week!).

Vicky - as I mentionned before I had a trainer and did a lot of weight training - and the soreness it never goes away but it gets better. Rather than becoming where you can't move, it just flirts with your muscles and it feels awesome. I found that I used muscles that I didn't regularly use and it woke them up from the dead - and I was a zombie for the first month Having a trainer is awesome because you learn good form. I see people in the gym using poor form and want to help them - it defeats the workout and causes injuries. So keep it up and glad you got a good trainer.

Good to see you again Neesy and congrats for your dad. He must feel amazing!

Burgandy - have fun at the BBQ and good job on the sweating it up. I always love reading your posts.

Dance - I went to the gym today! It felt awesome to be back there. I just had to get my a$$ into the door. I walked again last night about 4 miles and I was pretty exhausted.

The doctor went well and it was very encouraging. Things have improved a lot this week with focusing on eating better and getting some exercise in. Sleeping is better off and on, but I found that putting on a little black eye patch thing really works - it smells like lavender too and that is supposed to help one sleep. I'm not doing much today, was in the sun for a few hours, going to get a good book. I'm not really in the mood to socialize and that's ok. I don't have a free weekend now until September (OMG) so I soaking it up!

Tomorrow is weigh in day but I had to weigh in today because I am hiking tomorrow and won't be going to the gym (I only use their scale). I am....221.0. Now I was here about a month ago but then I completely fell off the wagon so I am sure I lost a few this past week during my cleansing! I don't depend a lot on the scale because TOM is peeking around the corner but I wasn't surprised, I expected more but hoped for less - so it's all good. Aiming to be under 220 next Sunday!

Well I better head out - hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

S

Well, I am still completely sore...more so today then yesterday. It's not so bad when I'm sitting, or I am standing, it's the transition from sitting to standing or standing to sitting that hurts. I did manage to walk around the store today, but here and there my legs would give out a little. I'm going to have to tell the trainer to take it easier on me next time...I think it was too much too fast. My workout last week was perfect, but I think the combo of squats and lunges with the weights, then the squats with the medicine ball was too much for my out of shape body. I'm hoping to be better tomorrow since I've got to get my house ready for a bbq with some friends next weekend. I want to touch up the paint, clean, etc. etc. and I can't do that when my whole body hurts.

I felt like crap most of the day and I find when I do that, I eat what I shouldn't. I didn't go overboard, but more than I usually do. I need to accept that I can have sweets, etc from time to time without it ruining my day and have me fall off the wagon for a week. I shared a piece of bday cake with my daughter and I had mashed potatoes with dinner. That's it, but I still feel like I shouldn't have had it. Before, I would have cake for breakfast with no regrets. I think that with the pain I'm in, I feel even more guilty for indulging, since I can't work out to work it off.

No family bbq or anything tonight, just a quiet night with my hubby and daughter. We grilled pork chops, so I had that with mashed potatoes and some spinach. Not too bad. Lunch was a Lean Cuisine. No snacks other than the cake.

Neesy: Good to hear from you. I know you're enjoying the time with your hubby, which is understandable. We'll be here when you need support.

Staccie: Any other tips for dealing with sore muscles? I've done the advil and icy/hot, but I'm still in quite a bit of pain. I am fighting through, stretching throughout the day and walking to ease the pain, but it's not subsiding. Glad you were on your walk and the doctor's appt went well.

Lindy: So did you go? I was wondering all day, you'll have to let us know.

Anyways, I'm going to bed, I can't feel pain when I'm asleep!

HI GIRLS!!!

Thanks for talking me into it, I ended up going! It wasnt an official high school reunion, it was just me meeting up with some friends from high school. All in all, it was fun and sure enough - none of us look like we were from high school. Since we went to the local bowling alley and then a bar (but not a club like bar, a live band like bar) and I got hit on SO MUCH! It was crazy. This was my first time out in years and I could not believe it. Even at the bowling alley, where everyone wasnt intoxicated, lol. Anyway, Im glad I went so thank you again!

Ok - here it goes. My OFFICIAL WEIGHT IN IS: 188. I lost 1 pound and Ill take it. Lets see where everyone else is today.

So......Vicky - where you at? Lol.

Ill check in later to see where everyone else is at.

OK, I am so disappointed but my weigh in is 221. I have got to eat better and get back to eating 5 or 6 times a day and not just waiting for dinner and binging. I also have to blow the dust off of Jillian and start doing that workout again. Well, I am too mad at myself right now, so I am gonna get back on the wagon RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!! I will try to check in later. I have to work tonight.

I'm finally starting to feel back to normal, but still sore in lots of places. It sucks because I wanted to go and do cardio today...that's not going to happen. Oh well, what can you do?

Lindy: What a boost you must have had going out with your friends and getting hit on. I think your confidence is starting to come out. Also...my official weigh in... 248. I lost a pound as well! It probably would have been more, but I think with the sore muscles and everything, I'm retaining more water than I should be.

Well, I am off to the store. I will check by later.