Well I didn't know if we wanted a new thread or if the invite thread would be okay, but lets do this! WOW how exciting!!! So many new friends to help us! Please come forward and tell us a bit more about yourselves, your family? your job? your lifestyle-weight-loss choices?

Grammpaula, I am terribly sorry to hear about your dad...is he going to be okay? Will they be taking him off the vent soon? Hopefully he'll make a full recovery! Please, keep us posted on his condition.

I found out that MIL grows her vegetables in POTS in her backyard, she said its so much easier, no weeding and you can buy the pots with the sprouts already halfway bloomed. Plus you can place them around the patio and its decorative and lower maintenance! Why, oh why, haven't I heard of doing it this way before?!?! So I'll be off to Walmart or Lowes or somewhere to find all kinds of fun veggies! Any advice Paula?

SIGH my ankle! Of course I have these great ideas about planting a garden and I can barely walk around! I see the ortho doc this morning at 11:15 am so I'll be back with an update after then. Oh I just want to go to the gym! Robert and Rachel are having fun playing swords with my crutches (or my "armpit thingys" as Robert calls them)

How was all your mother's days? Mine was pretty low-key, I got to sleep in, which was all I really needed, MIL just wanted a gift certificate to anywhere so I told DH I just wanted the same, since I didn't really need much anyway. So he got me GC to Best Buy and an iTunes music card so I can download tunes onto the iPod. Rachel and Robert made me pictures and cards which any mother just loves.

Brandi---have you been out on your bicycle?!? How have you been feeling? I've been a bit worried about you !

Shelby! Welcome back! Can't wait to catch up with you! Sounds like you had a nice mother's day. You and are so much alike, if we'd just DO it the weight would just melt off, its a matter of DOING it.

Shari, hows the pup!? Did you get a little mommy's day treat? Can you post pics of the furbaby?

Jeni- what does your scedule look like this week? 12s? I'm supposed to work Thurs/Friday night, but of course it depends on what the ortho doc says today. Have you been to the Y?

Suz-how ya been baby! Can't wait to hear all the details of the VACATION, pics, something to live vicariously by!

Robin~my hero, my mentor, sensei! I love your before and after pics! It's funny how I have a little mental image of what each of you look like, and it's never anything like the reality! No offense intended, it's just funny what you come up with in your mind! It seems like not that long ago we were racing to beat each other out of the 220s! Did you have your girls home this weekend? Oh and I totally get that your're not making yourself anymore goals, you're so close to where you want to be anyways, and your plate is full with all that moderating but don't forget us! Come back and let us know what's up now and then.

Lovemacon, I bet you had a nice weekend! Pop in and say hi!

HolyTeror, you ARE coming back right!?! How's that home gym of yours? Did you put your fitness survival kits together~and how did they go? What did you end up putting in each of them? Remember I was curious, because of our contest at the gym, and I'm partnered up with a gal I have never meant, so I wanted to make her something similar....well now that I went and broke my ankle I feel like I let her down! I was way up there in points for working out and now, one month left in the contest, I'm pretty much done for. So we probably won't win!! I'm sure she'll understand, but now I want to make her that little basket to let her know I'm sorry I didn't finish the contest. Not to mention this cast weighs at least 6 pounds, so I am NOT happy with the scale's numbers these days! LOL

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that we're getting all these new gals!! I wish I could remember you each individually, but pop in and tell us more about yourselves, YOU WILL LOVE IT HERE, I love this group of WONDERFUL gals.

This is the part that I hate, I'm worried I left SOMEONE out. Probably someone wildly important to me too! I'm not inconsiderate, just blame it on the Vicodin pain pills I'm on. Time to catch the bus. xoxoxoxo Michelle

Ummm, Michelle, you're not getting rid of me quite that quickly. I also want to wish you a speedy recovery. I hope you mend quickly and fully and that while you are recovering you have an easy go of it. *hugs* *kisses* *best wishes*

I really don't want to set up any timeframe for my last 20 pounds are so. I just think it won't benefit me. I am surely going to keep plugging away, that much I can tell you. I am absolutely DETERMINED to get to the 130's. When, well that's another story. We'll see what this old body allows me to do. All I can do is feed it well and exercise it. I'll just state for the record that the start of the new challenge, I weigh in at 155 lbs. Come July 4, I would like to be very close to my target weight. I would like to continue eating healthy foods in healthy sized portions and exercise daily. And that's that. I don't know how often I will be around, but I know I really like starting out my week by popping in here, if you'll have me.

Good luck to everyone. And please remain healthy and safe.

Morning all! I hope you all had a kickass Mother's Day!

Paula ~ So sorry about your daddy. I hope he gets better soon.

Michelle ~ I don't have him yet. The lady is nice enough to get the rest of his shots for me before she gives him to me. I can't wait!

Robin ~ WOOOOT three lbs!

New challenge, new challenge!

OK - definitely on board for this one!! Thanks for starting it up, Michelle!

I'm going to ramp up what I've already been doing - with the help of the Beck book, of course! - and my goal weight for July 4 is going to be 155 pounds, with my weigh-in on Mondays. 155 is the exact weight I was when my husband and I began dating two years ago. I remember that summer we went to the 4th of July fireworks, and I wore my size 10 khaki capris... I would love to be able to get back into them for this year's fireworks.

I don't know if it's the Beck book or if it's the weather or what, but I have new resolve to get back into my groooooove with exercising. I've not been terrible about it - I still go 2 - 3 times a week - but I'd really like to get back to 3 - 4 times a week, more if my schedule permits it. Honestly, this book is really reshaping my thinking... it's helping me fine-tune the good habits I've already learned. Very pleased with that.

I also have some new inspiration to lose the remainder of this weight. One of the local theatres is auditioning for Chicago in January, and that is a show I have always dreamed of doing... I figure that if I keep going like I have been, slow and steady, I'll be in good enough shape to go up there and do all that very demanding, Fosse-esque choreography. LOVE that show!! Better bust out my Pilates, too...

Have a wonderful day, girls. I will make every effort to come in here and check in at least once a day. Looking forward to seeing what everyone else's goals are, and I'm especially looking forward to all of us GETTING THERE!

p.s. Michelle, you poor thing... I know how you feel. I tore a hamstring a few years back and I was on crutches forever, couldn't dance and was very frustrated. You already know this (DUH, you're a nurse!!) but listen to your doctors, do your physical therapy when it comes time for that, and do as much movement as you can with the rest of your body. Actually, this is a perfect time to focus on upper-body strength training! There are some great exercises you can do with dumbbells just sitting on a chair! Feel better, hun.

Hey everyone....I'm back from my temporary hiatus, and I look forward to joining this challenge again! I really missed it! I need this accountability every day. I only lost a pound since I dropped out...but it's MUCH better than gaining! I just wish I would have lost more because then I'd be closer to my goal right now. Oh well.

I can't believe the 4th of July is only about a month and a half away! This year has been going by so fast, seriously. This week is finals week...I don't know how much I'll be able to come on here, but I'm going to try as hard as I can. And I don't have to go to classes, so it'll be a little easier. Glad to see mostly everyone is still here, and even some new ones! Anyways, I'll put up my new ticker for this challenge.

I'm going to have the same WEED every day, and just post in *bold* about how well I did. Here's the WEED....

W - at least 4 cups (up a notch from the last challenge...LOL)
E - 1200 calories, lots of fruits and veggies
E - For the next two weeks, I'll be doing Bikini Bootcamp
D - Stay positive and determined...even when I'm feeling like it's not working, keep going, b/c consistency is KEY!

Have a great day everyone!

Can I ask what W.O.W. is? Ya'll look like a fun group...I'm thinking of signing up for your challenge.

Hi ladies! I am one of the newbies to the thread but I really like the way this sets up a little more long term goals than the month to month ones I have been making thus far.

My name is Mary, I am a college student double majoring in Graphic Design and Nursing. I graduate next semester with my Bachelor's degree and I started my first REAL nursing class today woohooo. I started gaining weight my Junior year of highschool (I weighed about 150 then) and haven't stopped till recently. Now I am on a low cal, more excercise plan that has been working just fine so far

I stopped at Arby's on my commute home from school and got a chicken sandwich. Not too bad considering how hungry I was and there were about a million terrible fast food restaraunts close by.

Hey Shari! How are you? We don't ever catch each other on IM anymore

Hi there Suz. I know how you feel about the excercise, but atleast you are still getting a little bit in! That's better than nothing. And good luck with Chicago! That would be so awesome.

Hola LaBonita! I had finals two weeks ago and I thought it was going to destroy my diet LOL..Just be strong and if you make some slip ups just start over the next day.

Hi all! I'm pretty new to this site, but this challenge looked so inviting!!

My name is Tracy. I am 29 year old from New York. I married and have 3 children...Samantha is 10, Will is 8 and Colby has been 6 for one week now! I am a SAHM and I also babysit 3 children part time.
I enjoy scrapbooking, reading, and anything involving my kids. I'm a Girl Scout Leader, and was a cheerleading coach for 3 years. I head up a banking program at the elementary school and I'm my son's room parent. I love being a mom and everything that comes with it!!
I did WW in 2003 and lost 20 pounds relatively quickly. Went off program for a few years, and gained back more. Ugh. This year I decided no more. I was too unhappy with myself and the weight just kept creeping up. I re-joined WW and started going to the gym more often. 15 pounds lost so far, and hopefully more to come!!!
THANKS for this challenge! I hope we all meet our goals, and I can't wait to meet you all too!

Hello all!!!!

Suz - the Beck book is good isn't it? And good luck with Chicago - that would be SO cool!

MIchelle - your injury sounds painful. Hope you heal quickly!

Hello to everyone else.

About me - I am a case manager/service coordinator for people with disabilities - mainly people with developmental disabilities, but I also work with 3 people who have other sorts of disabilities. I'm 43, married, have a 21 year old heading off to Madrid in August to study International Nursing, a soon to be 19 year old heading off to college in Annapolis (St. John's College), and my baby is 14 and he's not going anywhere for a few years yet. I've got a cranky old cat, an ancient Lab and a barky Samoyed. That's about all I can think of for now.

Oh, awesome, look at all these new faces!! Welcome Luja, Tracy, Mary!!

As for W.O.W... well, we're a group of gals that have bonded over a series of challenges and gotten to know each other. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that having this group really has been an important part of this process of changing our lives over the long-term so that we can live healthier and happier in slimmer bodies.

The introductory thread for this challenge is here:

==> http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112454

W.O.W. stands for Women On WEED - and no, we're not talking about that kind! WEED stands for Water, Exercise, Eats, and Daily goal. You can read more about it at the link above.

*~*~*~*~*

Shari - you could SO totally audition for a show if you wanted to... it's such a neat experience, plus the dancing is really good exercise! I was never in better shape than when I was doing shows constantly. Seriously, if theatre's something you'd like to try, you should check it out!

Luja - the Beck book is excellent... are you reading it, too? I'm trying to set up a support group under the "General Diets" forum, if you want to come check it out. I figured since the book is pretty new and people are probably wary about it that it might be fun (and beneficial!) if we had a discussion/support group in place.

Tracy - I think you'll find that with the support you get here, those pounds are just going to fly off in no time.

*~*~*~*~*

Okay, so dummy Suz went and sprained her shoulder. DH is gone for a few days up in G-d-knows-where, New Jersey, and so I'm on my own here for a little bit - which is lonely, but fine. Anyway, I got home yesterday and discovered that the lawn looked like a jungle, so I busted out the lawn mower... for the first time. Normally, this is DH's job - and remember, I'm a first-time homeowner - so I have never, ever, EVER used a lawn mower. I said a quick little prayer to the Lord hoping I wouldn't chop off a toe or lose an eye to a rock flinging out from beneath, and I examined the lawn mower to figure out how it starts. Saw the primer button, saw the rip cord... seemed easy enough. I grabbed the rip cord and yanked with all my might, promptly causing a popping noise in my shoulder, followed by a searing hot pain. Why? Well, dummy Suz forgot to hold down the thingy on the handlebar before pulling the rip cord. It's a "safety feature" that won't let you start the lawn mower unless you engage it, thereby putting a LOT of resistance on the rip cord. Sheesh!! Boy do I feel stupid... and I'm in a lot of pain. I don't think it's more than a sprain, but if the pain doesn't improve any by tomorrow, I'll see the doctor.

Looks like I won't be doing upper body weight training for a little while...

*~*~*~*~*

Well, that's all the news I have for today - I may pop back in over lunch, but I've got a huge brief to file today by 5:00 so I'll be surprised if they even let me take my full lunch hour.

Have a happy, healthy, WEEDy day, girls!

W: 100 ounces
E: 1300 calories
E: 45 mins cardio (no weights - booo sprained shoulder...)
D: Remember my Beck goals for today!!

100 oz. of water in a day??

This is really my weakness... I hardly ever drink at all. I could go a whole day without drinking anything but the 1/2c milk in my cereal. I know it's bad, so I'm trying. I don't like soda so it's always water. Sometimes a diet pepsi- does that count for water intake?

everyone!

Hi Mary! I've been wanting to talk to you but the computer at my mama's is messed up so no internet. I can't wait for the day when I have my own computer. So happy to see you here!

Welcome Tracy! Okay there is something about you that has been bothering me.....you look WAY to young to have kids that old! Seriously. And no, diet pepsi isn't water!

Hello Luja!

Suz ~ I don't know about theatre but when I daydream, sometimes I'm on TV. I don't know if I can handle being a major movie start or something cause I'm a very private person, but maybe soaps? But I can barely speak straight so it's just a dream. Sorry about your shoulder.

OMG Suz! You hurt your shoulder!?!?! You better see your doctor TODAY if the pain is still bad....you might get some good pain pills, I'm embarrassed to say it, but I was FLYING last night! I'm a bit sensitive to even tylenol/advil so this Percocet just dazed me. I don't think I'll be taking any more of those in the daytime, save them for bedtime. But seriously, I hope that shoulder thing isn't more than a sprain or a muscle thing....alternate ice/heat for 20 min, three or four times a day.....ooh boy.

Update on me~ Ortho guy, who BTW is a complete sweetie, we (from our floor) love him anyways, he's a nice guy who is easy to talk to....he said my little fracture is an "easy A" and told me there is A,B,C, and so on, the higher the letter the worse the fracture....I don't even need a cast! WOOHOO, I'll be in a "boot" thingy for 4 weeks. And, booo, I can even go back to work this week, restricted duties though, and I don't need my crutches once I get this boot on. So I went to get the boot, but the shop said I need an appointment, so I go in today at 2 to get fitted/pick it up. And my new(er) boss (she's been there 3 months or so) is so wonderful she is totally willing to work with me, says I can work the desk and take less patients where viable. And those new pain pills, OMG see above!

Mike started his new job yesterday, he says it is great, a little overwhelming but thinks he'll like it once he gets the hang of it. His schedule is pretty cool, 9hr days 7:30a-5p Mon-Thurs, one friday 8hrs 7:30-4 and every other friday off, including THIS friday OFF! Nice!

Suz~ I loved the show Chicago, the music was killer! Would you be looking to play a big part, or one of the smaller roles? I totally admire you for going for it! Unless, of course, that shoulder injury would stop you? I don't know about the "beck" book, is it a diet or just a motivation thing? I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip...oh BTW, you have to squeeze the lawn mower handle when you pull the cord....LOL :::duck and cover::::

Hi, welcom LUJA, your job sounds interesting! And all your kids are growing up and "leaving the nest"! How do you feel about that!? Wow, impressive that your daughter is going to study abroad! International nursing?! That sounds interesting. Nice to meet ya!

Hi Tracy!!! You have a nice family, lucky you, to be so involved! I wish I could do the Girl scout leader/room mother thing! I'm a so-called scrapbooker too, though, I could count on one hand how many pages I've actually completed in the last two years! LOL So you're a gym girl too? I'm a total gym rat, that is, until I hurt my ankle...Glad to have you with us!

Howdy MARY (sockmonkey, LOL cute name!) What interesting double major you have! Not exactly related are they? How did you decide to switch to nursing? (great choice BTW!) Do you have a specialty in mind? I think nursing school was the best and worst times of my life...it is stressful but you become exposed to all kinds of nursing and all walks of life. The testing and the studying is HARD but the clinicals are fun and once you feel like "a real nurse" you'll love it. Oh and don't beat yourself up over the Arbys thing, they do have good choices too. As long as you can pass up the curly fries, LOL.

HI Royalsfan! Is this THE Royalsfan from the 100 lb club?!? I see your posts ALL the time! YES ! Jump in here ! We're glad to have you! Thanks Suz for linking to the original post explaining the WEED thing.

Shari, I hated math and accounting type classes too~I'm feeling your pain. At least you're taking them in the summer, does that make them faster/easier? I bet your mom loved spending the time at home with you! As long as you were together.

Bonita! Welcome back! Do know that if your studies and whatnot get too much for you, we totally understand if you pop in/pop out at will. Don't overwhelm yourself with all your responsibilities! But I am so happy to see you back! How are your grades? Bikini Bootcamp, eh? Sounds interesting! LOL

That should be the question of the day, what DVDs and workout videos do you gals like? I keep hearing about the WATP videos, I swear I'm going to check those out one day. I have a pirated copy of Turbo Jam but thought the intro disc was too tricky for me, though I've heard just skip the learning DVD and hop into one of the other ones, but you know me, I'm not the workout at home type. I also have some boring videos that came with my ball and bands but one skips like crazy and it is so distracting. Then I got Pilates for Dummies and kinda like that one. I'd like to know more about the Firm videos....You know me, I'm a gym rat, not a video girl.

Am I still going on and on? My friend called me during this post so it has taken me about an hour to write it....be back later, gotta get my shower, go get my Depo shot and get my 'boot'...Take it easy xoxoxoxo Michelle

That is so sweet of you! I get that all the time actually, and I love it! Except I have gray hair... all along the sides... I need to go get my hair colored again ASAP. In that pic it was just done. But really, thank you!!!!!