HaHa! It's me starting this week's thread! And my friends, I will be here because I need and love you all!

I'll be back in an hour or so after I get DH off to work.

Today is THE day!

dip

"I'm going to love cardio at 5:30am because Meg said I will. I'm going to love cardio at 5:30am because Meg said I will. I'm going to love cardio at 5:30am because Meg said I will..."

Yep. Repeated that to myself from 5am when the alarm went off to 5:30am when the gym opened to 6:15am when I stumbled off the treadmill. Actually it was fine once I got through the first mile and woke up. DH wonders why I'm dragging myself over there when I have this huge beast of a treadmill sitting in my living room. Simple...there are no sofas in the gym. Plus I won't always do the treadmill...I intend to conquer the elliptical trainer, and the pool is open at 5:30, too. Going back tonight to do some weights.

Time to head to the salt mine...have a great Monday everyone!

AAAAHHHHHHHHHH It's DIPSTER!!!!! Hey lady, it was so GREAT to see that YOU are on here, starting the thread no less. Meg, Mel and Ilene are gonna FLIP when they see your post. Okay, get hubby out the door and hit us back.

Hi Wildfire - I have spoken that same mantra to myself many an early morning (with 02 degrees to boot) and it works itself out.

Jack, at one of our Bally shops, one of the employees comes in at 4:30AM to open the place up for the early birds. We all LOVE her.

Hi rest of the gang. I have my annual check up today with the doc that I can't understand. We will see how it goes.

Tiki.

OK, I'm back!

First off, let me say hello to Wildfire, MichelleRae and L2L! Always good to see newbies so enthusiastic - I need some of that, so keep sending those positive vibes! Looking forward to get to know you too.

HI TIKI! We were posting at the same time. I missed you sweetie and that sense of humor of yours. Hope you and the shorties are doing well!!

Weather here has been stormy off and on for 2 days. I'm hoping we get a break so the grass will be dry enough to mow, otherwise I have big trouble on my hands.

Finger is still healing and I can't completely bend it yet, but did pick up a 10# handweight this morning to see if I could. I have an appt with a hand specialist this morning and I'm wondering if it will be a waste of time because I don't know if the nerve damage can be repaired and/or if I really want to have the surgery to do it. We'll see. I just want him to say it's OK to start lifting again.

This must be the month for hand injuries in my family. Don't know if I mentioned that DS is a bouncer (He's a biggun) part-time on Friday and Saturday nights. Saturday night we went to the movies (Harry Potter) and we were going to go for a karaoke at that bar afterward but were too tired. We got home about 10:35PM, and the phone rang a few minutes later. It was DIL2B saying she got a call from the bar. There was trouble, police and ambulances called, and she was on her way. Of course being the Mom I wanted to go over there, but waited. 3 bouncers down, DS broke his hand, one broke his foot, and the 3rd had a serious head injury - all from one guy who was still fighting the police even after being maced. DS has been doing this for a year now and this was the first and hopefully the last time he's been hurt. And he is considering giving it up.

Vacation was absolutely glorious. I only wish I could sleep as well at home as I do on the boat. I know the difference is having the poodles in bed with us, but I don't have the heart to make them sleep in their room. Just wish they would cuddle around DH instead of me.

Cindy - Wow, I'm so happy you've found a fella's company to enjoy. Have fun on your trip! You deserve every happiness life has to offer!

Meg and Mel - You've probably heard me say it before, but I love being 50(+)! Don't know how I'll feel about it at 55, but this side of it is great. 50 is like being awarded the Red Badge of Courage, and being and looking healthy at 50 is like you're walking 3 feet above your peers who are not. Younger women too for that matter.

Hi Jack, Ilene my jelly bean cardio queen, JC, Tidey, Robin, Silverbirch - AND all you lurkers.

Jack - Yeppers on Deadwood! I loved last night's episode and tried to watch the repeat later, but fell asleep (and dreamt about Bullock. I guess that part of this old gal is still working.)

Colleen - I owe you a PM and will write today.

Where *IS* Karen?

Today I will do 50 minutes of cardio, and I will go down to the basement to see what I can do with my other equipment. If nothing else, I can row and work the lat bar, and of course, crunches.

I gained 3# over vacation but I'm back on program, full of P&V this morning. I'm not going to make my "first day of Summer" goal, but I resolve to be down to 165# by Labor Day. There *IT* is - I've committed, and you guys are going to hold me to it, right?

Meg - yep, it's been about a year since I found 3FC and adopted some of you as my mentors. I really thought then that I would have 100# off after a year, but I am definitely *not* disappointed. I started officially lifting Sept. 15 and subsequently that's when my body started to take some shape, so to speak, and the sizes really went down fast, along with the body fat%. I need to do some headwork again, as I've had a set-back in that dept. but that's my own fault. It happened because I took that break, went on vaca and didn't do right by my self, and the result was declining self-esteem. Some anger issues resurfaced but I am going to deal with them by journaling. Lesson learned and back to reality.

Well, I'm off to the shower to get ready for that appt. and then some shopping. Fitday is done for today and posted in the kitchen. I almost wish I could work-out before going out, but that's not going to happen.

Happy Monday to all! and I'll check back later.

Hugs,

dip

Hey, everybody -- following up on yesterday's post....those thighs now SCREAMING at the top of their lungs! I can allllmmmmoooosssst lower myself into my seat, but not quite. It's a good thing.

Yesterday I did HIIT twice, so my conscience is above reproach!

Hey, Michelle Rae -- I read in your post in last week's thread that you are getting the Cross Bow Platinum! YAY, you!! I have been using the Advantage (along with free weights) and I love it! I'm actually thinking of "sizing up," as it were, and replacing the Advantage with the Platinum 800. (Can't afford the mac daddy model that's a buck under a grand.) Also, the only difference is the preacher curl station, and I'm not really invested enough in my biceps to fork up the extra $200.) Let me know how it goes for you -- I'd be happy to be your Cross Bow Buddy!

Hope everyone's well! Now go out there and lift something, why don'tcha??

Hey everyone,
I don't want to bring anyone down, but I will satrt by saying I have had better weeknds. I lost my wedding ring....
Actually my beautiful engagement ring and my wedding ring that were saudered together. I am still sick about it. It is nowhere to be found. A couple days ago I straightened my hair at home. I had a huge mess on the bathroom counter. I went through several pairs of gloves and containers of stuff etc..
I took the whole heap and scaped it into the trash. I was happy with my hair and went about my housekeeping. The next morning I went to put it on and remembered I had laid it on the bathroom counter before doing my hair....
The trash man had come and gone early that morning. I threw my ring away. I am sure of it and it is gone forever. I had my cries. My husband and I are going to be married 10 years in August and he suggested renewing our wedding vows to celebrate the new ring.
I ate pizza and candy and ice cream and just cried. My beautiful custom diamond wedding set that I have worn for almost 10 years is gone for good.
I will get over it in time, I'm sure. I am trying to entertain the idea of renewing our vows. I am blessed with such a wonderful man... God Bless him..
Anyway, It's Monday and I am moving forward. Back to work, back to the gym, back to my Lo-carb yogurt that I have every morning. I'll be fine, I just need to greive a little...
Thanks for listening
XOXO
L2L

P.S. I 'll take it out on the weights tonight.....

Just a real quick pop-in to say hi to everyone a for L2L! I know you're grieving right now, but it's just a symbol. You still have that great man and when the shock wears off, a new ring will look splendid

L2L, I felt so bad for you when I read your post. However, as Mel said, you have the man and that is worth MUCH MUCH more. Glad to see that you put down the junk and got back to healthier eating. Now focus on those vows and keep your chin up.

Tiki.

L2L - sorry for your loss, but agree with Mel and Tiki. Any guy who would suggest renewing your vows is a honey to hold and appreciate. Material things are replacebale in spite of sentiment; good men are very hard to find.

Well, I'll be having repair surgery on Friday, and then back in a splint for 3-4 weeks afterward. And no guaranty it will work. Specialist said if it were the other side of the finger, he wouldn't bother but the front side is important because it's used so much. Also, I could cut it or injure it again and never know it, with which I agree.

Of course no lifting, but there's no reason I can think of not to go to the gym and use the machines. And there's work I can do here at home. No excuses.

Well, I'm going to work-out now, so have a great afternoon and evening, and I'll try to check back later.

dip

You guys are so right. I am no less married nor any less in love. My 5 year old daughter offered to let me choose one from her Barbie jewlery collection. She is such a little angel. So is my 7 year old boy. I have much to be grateful for....
I have been eating clean all day and I am charged to go into the gym and hammer my Bi's and Tri's tonight

Have an awesome day, guys.
XOXO
L2L

Hey y'all...

Still buried - not in horse poo, but in WORK. I asked for more responsibility at my job, and BOY HOWDY did I get it! But it's what I wanted...I DON'T want to be an admin (even a high-level one) for my entire life. So now I'm managing a new project in our department...if I do well, (and I WILL!) then it's promotion time and that means more $$$ which is always good ya know

And yup - I've been at the stables most days after work and most of the weekend...and still working out every early am so I am one busy, busy gal (but very happy to be!). Unfortunately it really puts a crimp in my 'net time, but that'll pass I'm sure.

It's good to see old friends and new ones here. L2L - welcome and your husband sounds GOLDEN if you know what I mean. I'd FREAK if I lost my wedding ring...I feel naked without it!

Jack and Dip - didja catch the season finale of Deadwood last nite? I just gave Jim the bad news - no new episodes until next March. He thought it was only going to be through September! Arrrgh! Right now, besides the news, Deadwood is the only show we really watch.

Speaking of the news, I assume y'all watched the Reagan funeral. I wasn't a huge Reagan fan back in the day, but I really felt badly for Nancy...she held herself with dignity until the end. That was heartbreaking.

I took my little guy (8 YO nephew) to see the new Harry Potter the day it came out - it was GREAT. Best of the three so far, IMO. And no Milk Duds or popcorn for this gal... I'm shooting for a sugar-free month and so far, so good - 14 sugar-free days so far (not counting fruit of course). It was funny - the 7:00pm showing was sold out when I looked on Fandango.com to buy tix, but there were plenty for the 6:15pm. We got there at 5:45 and there was a loooong line outside the theatre, which we assumed was for our showing - it turned out it was people waiting for the 7 PM show! An hour and fifteen minutes early...we just walked in and got our favorite seats (in the very back row of the loge seating) with no problem.

Morning workouts - I've been getting up at 4 am for at least 6 years now. Once you get into the groove, it becomes a habit! Now if I don't work out, then I just don't feel '100%' the rest of the day...

arrghhh. gotta run - I've got my fourth (and last) meeting of the day...and they can't start without their new project manager!

Hello gang!

Dipty doo daa, dipty day!! My, oh my, what a wonderful day! Yep, the Dipster is BAAAACK... Welcome back you ole P&V gal you!! I've missed you tremendously and appologize for not answer your PM... But I have been busy with year end at school ...

Karen -- Glad to see that you're back from the stables! A new position ? Good for you Congrats!! D went to see the new Harry Potter movie too and loved it and now she's finished reading the third bood, that she's had hidden somewhere in her room ... She's now starting book 1 and wants to read book 2 next!! I think the reading bug has finally gotten to her! I just wish sometimes she would read in French, but hey as long as she's reading I'm happy!

It's been so busy that I didn't make it to the gym today, hopefully I will make it tomorrow... I work tomorrow because of the year end at school so I hope I will get out by 12:30 then go to the gym, D has an appointment for her first pedicure and eye brow waxing... My baby is a young lady...... I can't believe it!! DAng she's only 14!!! Her grad is on Wednesday from intermediate school. I do desperately want to go tomorrow because on Wednesday I may not have time between work, being on the committee for grad, hair appointments, and the grad itself, well I"m not sure I"ll have time for the gym untill way too late in the evening...

L2L -- Sorry to hear of your rings , I would be devastated too!

Sarah -- I heard your thighs SCREAMIN' from here... KEWL!!

Wildfire -- Keep the mantra going, like the little engine that could... except I don't like his anymore, he says "I think I can, I think I can... I much prefer "I know I can, I know I can"...once you're into the groove of things, you'll love it... I did it for 4 years too...

Well almost past my bed time here......Hello to everyone else...... TTFN

Good morning, ladies and gents who lift! Hey Wildfire – how was cardio this AM? I just finished a good sweaty session myself and am now ready for some housecleaning cardio and then a lovely shower. Going to get my hair cut later today -- there’s nothing like this humid weather to give curly hair a big ole ‘Fro look, straight out of the ‘70s!

I’m soooooo happy to see the Dipster back and posting but am sorry to hear about you needing surgery on your hand. It sounds like you’re not going to let it slow you down, though. You know that I’ve been through a bit of surgery myself in the past 18 months and have found that clean eating and cardio will take you a long way even if you can’t work out as usual. 165 by Labor Day? Totally doable, even with the surgery, and we’ll be here to hold you to it.

You, my dear, HAVE come a long way in a year and it’s not measured by how many pounds the scale says you’ve lost. You’re a different person than the Dip who started posting here last summer, you know? Go back and read some of your original posts and you’ll see the tremendous strides you’ve made with all the “head stuff”. Love ya, chickie!

Sarah -- sounds like you’re becoming as as the rest of us, loving that pain in the legs. I did legs myself yesterday and know where you’re coming from, sister!

L2L – ahhh, that was so sweet of your DD to offer you her Barbie rings! Glad the eating and the gym are back on track.

And woo hoo for Karen being back! Congrats on being a product manager and we know you’ll do a fantastic job! You’ll be running a division before we know it!

So, Ilene my , are you done working for the summer? Or does your job continue after the kids are out? Hope you’re going to get a break!

Off to clean -- it's cat-shedding season, for sure. Sky's clouding up and it looks like more rain -- I can't remember a summer with so much rain. The weeds are growing like ... weeds!

Morning LWL Unlike you early birds, I have not been to the gym yet, but will spend most of the day there, anyway. Today is cardio only, so I can fit it in between clients.

It's raining, muggy and gray here also. In the brief interlude of dry weather yesterday I spent some time hacking at the jungle that passes for landscaping. When I got ready for bed, I'd acquired a new dark "freckle" on my neck, which turned out to be a deer tick For those of you living in colder climates, these pinhead sized buggers carry Lyme disease. So Now I have to just wait and see if I get a big red bull'seye rash on my neck (LOVELY!). Unfortunately, the rash doesn't apper 100% of the time even if you've been infected, and the disease can mirror the symtoms of fibromyalgia, shich I have, or a mild flu. Guess I'll call my doc's office today, but from past experience, their usual response is "we have an openning in 4 months, would you like that appointment?". I need this like 2 broken legs

Dip: Sorry to hear you need surgery on the hand. As Meg said above, even if you can't lift, clean eating goes a long way. I've also discovered lately that even body weight exercises are pretty effective.

L2L: Hope your spirits are a little better this morning.

Sarah: OOOOOOW! I can hear your thighs screaming. Enjoy

Morning Meg I'm really fighting hard NOT to make some of those cookie recipes in the mysteries you sent me. I have to read AFTER I've eaten. Luckily I don't think there are ingredients in the house to make anything other than oatmeal cookies.

Hi Karen, nice to see you surface

Jack:

Hello to the rest of you! JC, come back!

Hello Hello!!!

How is everyone, I've been lurking lately, sorry. You may remember I had the annoying elbow injury, it's still here but I'm starting therapy today so I'm encouraged and it does feel a little better.

Dip - Its good to see you posting again, it inspired me to get back into the groove. So sorry to hear about that finger, I'll think of you on Friday. And I was noticing your stats, you have done so well over the past 9 months, what a great loss, I mean 75#? That's 75% of your goal, right? It's incredible.

Hi Ilene - Wow, your daughter is entering womanhood, once you wax you can never go back.

Hey Tiki, Mel, Karen & Jack!!

L2L - so sorry about the ring, a few years ago I threw away my great grandfather's diamond that my Mom had reset as a necklace for me - a 1 carat heirloom. I was devastated, but I moved on. I know your wedding ring is even more precious so I can only imagine how you feel, but go pick out some new bling bling and have a fabulous date with your hubby and you'll feel better. I know its not the same though and I'm sorry for you.

Things here are crazy with end of the year at my son's school. Plus, great news, I have 2 job interviews this week at 2 local high schools, I HOPE I get a teaching position for next year, I'll keep you posted. I'm taking a class, too, called technology for teachers and so far its awesome. Learning tons. Eating has been clean and cardio is intense, lifting hasn't been happening due to elbow. Scale is back down to where I like it, so all is good. I just have to stay balanced, focused, level-headed, etc. etc. etc.

Robin, where are you?

Take care everyone,
Anne