Whoa Red!! How are you going to keep track of all that stuff!!!? Shoot, that's probably what I need to do too. Details.
My new challenges, which start tomorrow are:
1: Stick to a reasonable diet
2: 30 min daily exercise
Now that its Sept I have to start the pound a week deal in order to lose 12 or so pounds by January.(Hawaii trip!) Actually, I'd really like to lose 20, but 12 will be great.
Gosh, my belly just keeps expanding. I almost look pregnant. And none of my clothes fit. it's a bad scene. Time to get serious.

Well, back again! I'm starting over once again too. I have had a house full of sick people here, then, of course, I had to catch it too. I will start fresh challenges tomorrow as I still don't feel great.

Red - WOW! What a list of challenges! I do agree with Apple though, I should do the same and get with it again!

Apple - Hawaii is a great motivator! I lost a good portion of my weight before a trip to Hawaii! Wish I could do that again!

Hope to see you back soon Pink!

Well, I don't know what's up with the scale, but I broke through 70 kg for the first time in months. I really don't understand it because I'd been up about 5 lbs, then just started losing what must have been a lot of bloat. Well, I'm not going to complain too much. Maybe the extra muscle I put on is helping me burn calories.

I have been doing well for the past few days with all my new challenges and a new mindset. Well, it's not new, it's more like I finally just took to heart what it means to do the things I want to do and, more importantly, NOT do the things that lead me to feel awful about myself. For the past few weeks I'd been snacking on junk and other unmentionables at work. I'd go home and have little sugar binges under way and again at home. I was starting to go out for pints with the coworkers again. And, oddly enough, I was NOT feeling good about myself. Ah, duh?!?! Before, when I was really watching things AND watching the belly disappear, no matter what kind of stress life threw me, I could always allow my thoughts to settle on my feeling proud of myself for putting in the effort. Without that, there was nowhere nice for my thoughts to go. So, I started making that place for myself again. Let's see if I can stick with it.

**************

dj -- Good to see you! Sorry to hear you're not feeling well. I am the same, chest congested, can't breathe at night. Had to stay home from the horse today, or stay home from work, and we have big things going on today, so I had to let that take priority. Ughh!! Looking forward to seeing your new challenges. Take care!

OHHHhhh I am livid right now!!!
I just received an e-mail from my gym. They have closed!!! I am sad, because i liked the owner and all, but I paid in full for a year and she made no mention of refunding anyone. I guess a lot of people go month to month and she has stopped those charges, but i'd better get my money back or
There's a good: I toppped out the weights. I can lift the most possible on their machines, so it may have been time to move on.
There's a bad: She let me bring my 3 yr. old. He could watch movies while I worked out. I don't think I'll be able to find that anywhere else.
Even though I haven't lost any weight by going there, I have built up quite a bit of muscle and I don't want to lose it. Under all the flab, there's some bulk!
Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions and there is a check in the mail, but she left no phone #, only an e-mail. GRRRRRRR

Ok, I'm feeling well enough to get going on challenges again!

Practice portion control at dinner - level 3
Exercise everyday - level 3
Minimum of 64 oz water - level 3

Apple - Sure hope you can get a refund! I'd be furious too! Good job on all that new muscle though! It's nice to know we are firm under that extra padding.

Red - Congrats on the scale! Having that muscle burn those calories sure is nice! Sometimes that's been the only thing keeping me from gaining I think. Hope your feeling better!

Have a great day!

Hello. I am still steaming about the gym. I'm not so sure that I'll join another one. There is one I might check out. They usually have one month free to try it, so I might. My little one is in preschool now (makes me sad) so I have a tiny bit of time to myself. I was planning to use that time for jogging, since I'm not fond of jogging with the stroller. Oh I don't know!!
I am adding no beer to my challenges, and today is day one for everything. start fresh. I weighed in this morning and I'm still 160, so the damage isn't as bad as I thought.
Great job with your list of STUFF, Red. It's great to have you so excited. Go for it babe!
Hi DJ!

Apple -- DO join another gym! Don't let this blow knock you down for the count! You've got the right attitude. Get back in the ring!! And, adding no beer to your challenges will surely make you a winner. I can't believe how the belly fat came off when I went off the booze for two months and how, after just a few nights out again, it came back. There is something about alcohol that just settles around the middle. If you cut it out, you will see the difference! And, thanks for the encouragement!
Here's a little poem for you. Fight!!!

I been scared and battered.
My hopes the wind done scattered.
Snow has friz me,
Sun has baked me,

Looks like between 'em they done
Tried to make me

Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'--
But I don't care!
I'm still here!
(Still Here, by Langston Hughes)

dj -- Glad to hear you're feeling better. Best of luck on your new challenges!!

Hey hey, I'm here. I can't seem to get off the ground here. Well, I took a walk, so that would be day 1 exercise.
There is another women's gym in town, so I hope to check it out soon. I don't think I'll be able to go more than twice a week, but that will at least keep me from losing the muscle I've built up.
Hi Red, thanks for the poetry. Hey, day 5, you're off to a good start!

Day 1 & 2 - good - Practice portion control at dinner - level 3
Day 1 & 2 - good - Exercise everyday - level 3
Day 1 & 2 - good - Minimum of 64 oz water - level 3

Off and running!

Good job Red!
And Apple, whatever you do, keep that muscle!

Gotta run! Busy day ahead.

Day 2 exercise is done. I've only been walking though. Better than nothing but probably not enough. TOM has arrived, which explains why I've had a difficult time combating cravings. Things (hormones) will settle down and next week will be better. I'm already a week behind for my goal of 1 pound a week. Grrr. Must apply myself.....