Hello everyone - thanks for your thoughts and prayers! I called my mom to tell her about my nephew and leukemia - she told me that she just had a biopsy that day and was waiting to hear back about ovarian cancer. YIKES! Just all kinds of crazy things going on over here.

DH and I have been baby sitting the 7 year old and 1.5 year old. I changed my first diaper this weekend. We are getting a taste of what it's like never to have any private time - but the kids go with their grandmother after she's off of work at night.

My body is achy, and I'm just too young! I turn 27 in December and it's time to get some of this weight off. I'm figuring my fall workout plan, and my father called me this weekend to tell me that he entered me into a weight loss contest LOL. Well, he asked me if I would do it. It's kind of like the Biggest Loser, it's local (and no TV cameras). So my dad and his wife and a couple other family members are in it. The first weigh in is Friday, then once every month until January. That means 5 weigh ins. I can do this! I'm kind of excited and can't wait to start. January 6th's weigh in could be a great start to the new year for me. I would like to lose 40 pounds by then. That is losing an average of 8 pounds a month - not unrealistic at all.

So...the hard part is weighing in on Friday. I know I'm not 231 any longer as my signature says, I'm guessing around 241. So I'm gonna go home and put on workout clothes so I can weigh in with the same clothes every month.

I'm excited! I've got a trip to visit my mom planned in November...and my anniversary is that month too...and then my birthday in december...then New Year. I want it to be a happy new year!

So it starts with me posting more often! I probaby can't every day, but at least a few times a week, I will try.

My new health insurance plan also has a "rewards" program and I can log my workouts online and gain points, etc. So many new things.

Hope all is well everyone. Anyone want to join me for a new start? My weigh in is Friday and I'll update when the verdict comes in. No matter what, it's possible that we can be at or very well on our way to 199 by New Year. A New Year's Challenge, everyone? Please join me!!!!

I miss my stinking elliptical machine! I also miss feeling good about myself!

Girlie

Hi everyone! WOW, am I the biggest slacker on the planet. It's been over a week since I posted. Haven't weighed myself lately, but I'm not sure I want to see the scales right now anyway. Labor Day weekend didn't seem all that bad, but when you start adding up the items - cheeseburger, mac & cheese, brownie, Cherry Coke, crackers & dip (light sour cream, though! ) Plus I had fruit - that's about the only healthy thing on that plate.

The good news is that I've been faithful to water aerobics! Hopefully I can get my food right so all of that will work together.

Had another conversation w/a new individual about bariatric surgery. I am an excellent candidate and am seriously considering it for next year. I know it's drastic, and I keep hearing the risks of staying at my weight far outweigh any risks of the surgery. I'll keep you posted.

Take care, everyone!

Hello,
Just a quick post today. I'm packing and getting ready to leave on our trip for Nashville in the morning.

I got up this morningg adn did the Walk Away the Pounds power mile. Also got a pedicure today and then went wig shooing with my SIL.

I'm feeling very enpowered because I"ve stayed on plan and I'm deterimed to even when I'm on vacation. But I am looking forward to getting back and into a routine again so taht I will stay on track.

I'm at 246 and my next goal is 239 by October 8.

Ill be back on Saturday gals.

Susie

Hello Ladies.........

Sounds likes all is good. Rested, losing, and exercising....congrats to the "losers".

It has been one heck of a few days, dad's surgery was a bit on the scary side. He went into cardiac arrest while in pace maker surgery, they paddled him, brought him back and put a defibulator/pace maker in him. He is finally home and doing well. AMEN! Mom was a mess, but doing better also. My older THREE brothers were no help, and did not even come to the hospital, so Sunday afternoon I got them all together and gave them all a marvelous butt chewing. What good it will do, I don't know, but I feel better anyway.

I had a couple of off eating days, not bad, but not completely on track. Was back at it yesterday and today has been good also. Didn't get to WI on Monday (my normal WW day) as it was a holiday and they were closed, so decided to wait till this next Monday to WI. I hope for a good loss, I feel good about it.

My DS won his Varisty game last Friday, of course he had more than normal play time, but I was at the hospital with my dad and missed it. I did get to see his JV game last night, they won that one also, and he did well.

My DD is having a meltdown with college starting and adjusting her time and among school/homework/and work. She will gain a better sense for things soon.

Chat at cha all later, have a super Wednesday!

(((Hugs)))

Annie

Welcome to the club Desert Dust B. You will love it here. We have about the same starting points and end goals. How tall are you?

Annie

Hi Annie,
I am 5'7. My first weigh-in after this past initial weigh-in will be on Sunday 11th September. I am hoping to see a loss this first week. I have had excessive edema (swelling) which has thankfully gone down a considerable amount. I was probably packing around 5lbs or more of unneccesary water weight, so hopefully I will see a significant loss this Sunday from the swelling going down. I guess that's when the hard work really comes into play lol.
A little about me.....My name is Lisa. I am 33 years old and have been married nearly 17 years to the same wonderful man, Ed (I got married to him when I was 17 years old) and we have two boys, aged 13 (Nathen) and 9 (Sean) years old. My husband is in the military and is currently deployed for 6-9 months. He has been in the service for nearly 19 years now and will be retiring in february 2007 at the grand old age of 41 lol.
We also have two doggies...a 12 year old collie mix called "CodyBear" (aka. codelypuppie) and a 7 mos. old Blue australian sheperd "BlueBear" (aka. Boo Boo Butt)
My husband is in the military and is currently deployed for 6-9 months.

Good Morning Ladies.........

Just a quick hello, and hope all is well with you. Have a wonderful Thursday!

Lisa..you can do this, stay focused!! I started using sea salt instead of regular table salt, you would not believe the difference in water retention. I have an ankle that broke about 17 years ago, and still swells most days. However, since using sea salt, it has done so much better. Keep up the good work, maybe surprise your DH when he returns!!

Chat at cha all later.

(((Hugs)))

Annie

Good Morning Everyone,
Just as I thought, I am up a couple of pounds this week. I deserve it. My eating has been WAY off for the past several days. I don't know what it is; maybe stress, maybe busy just grab and go, or both, or stress because I am so busy, lol. Today I have decided to just take each meal at a time and not eat in between. I'll be at home today doing a lot of cleaning for my son's 7th birthday party on Sunday so I know it will be easier to stay on track. I had the first of many kidney tests yesterday. I won't know anything for a while.

Lisa- Welcome. You will find a lot of support here.

Annie- Glad to hear all worked out with your Dad. Mine had valve replacement last December and that was very frightening also. It is so hard to sit and wait. I wish him speedy recovery and good health.

Susie- Have a great trip.

Heather- Your weekend menu sounds a lot like mine, lol. I have been off with the eating too. I also did a lot of yard work and have been busy running around quite a bit. I've often thought about the surgery but always go toward the "no" for a multitude of reasons but mostly because I always end up thinking it would be a quick fix, that magic fast weight loss answer. I know that is not the right way to think about the surgery so I nix the idea until I can at least think about the right reasons to do it. My health is definitely being effected by my weight but that doesn't seem to enter my mind right away. I wish you all good things as you make your decision. Keep us posted.

Girlie- I continue to pray that everything works out for you and your family. Boy, when it rains it pours. You are in my thoughts. Yes, children most definitely put a damper on private time, lol. It can be tough sometimes. I love the challenge you are participating in and I am on the fresh start band wagon!

Debbie- Great news about the smaller size jeans. How was weigh in? I need to get back on track too. Let's do it!

Everyone have a great day!
Sue

Hi everyone,

I have been up all night trying to console my children. one of our doggies, BooBoo, passed away yesterday late afternoon. I am still in alot of shock right now and have been crying uncontrolably. I am trying to keep myself together for my childrens sake, especially with daddy not being here.
I never expected my doggie to leave us. We found him laying at the back of the house. There was no evident trama, just some blood from his nose.
Sean, my 9 year old was the one who found him. It looked like he was just sleeping.
I was able to email my husband and he replied early this morning. He is going to call us as soon as he gets into a port.
My 12 year old collie, is looking very sad. this is a picture of him... I think he knows BooBoo is not coming back. I have just been sitting here all night with Cody and the kids.
I never thought I would greive like this over one of our family pets, but it feels like a peice of my heart is gone forever.
I'm sorry for posting this kind of news on here, but I needed to get some of my emotion out and to be honest, I only have one friend, and I didnt want to burden her with my emotions.
Thanks for all of you being here....I will post back when I get myself together...

I'm sorry for my earlier post and I hope I didn't upset anyone by posting it.
They just came and picked up my doggie and well, I guess I will just have to get over this and move on. I am relieved that they came and picked him up while my children are in school.
I called the school and let the teacher's know just in case my boys get upset in school today and over the next few days.
Today, I am going to spend time with my other doggie, Cody....and wait for the kids to come home.
I seriously thought of throwing my whole diet out the window and diving into a bag of dorito's and a can of coke, but I didn't.
I havent had a regular soda in 8 days now, and I just can't let what happened yesterday affect my weightloss goals. ( I hope that doesn't sound bad)
I will post later on in the week and I promise that my post's won't be this way again.

Lisa:
I'm sorry about your dog...that's terrible...and he wasn't "old" and sick, so it was so very unexpected. Are you having an autopsy done, or just burying/cremating him?
Oh and by the way, welcome! Glad you've joined this group.

Suzy:
Thanks for your thoughts. And thanks for jumping on the bandwagon with me. This will be a great, active Fall.

Just wanted to check in. I had a personal pizza from a local pizza place today made with olive oil, spinach, tomatoes and artichoke hearts. I really like artichoke hearts. Anyone have any recipes or ways of preparing fresh artichokes? It getting cooler and that means I'll be able to use my oven/broiler and start cooking again. The local grocery store had a great sale on frozen tilapia, and I can't wait to hook it up!

One think I'd like to try is raddichio. Someone told me the just take it and slice it in half and brush it with olive oil and sprinkle some pepper on it and broil it. Sounds good.

We've got the kids tonite, so it will be a simple meal - I already know I'm having rice and broccoli...maybe chicken?

I really need to figure out how I can get in exercise when I've got the kids. I may just go in the mornings. I know this is silly, but I haven't been there for so long that I'm embarassed to show my face. There are a few women who go every single morning who I took that kickboxing class with in the Spring. I know...silly!

Talk to you all later.

Girlie

Oh Lisa I am so sorry about your doggie. I cried for 3 mos off and on when my doggie got ran over by a car. She was 7 years old and we had her since a puppy. Sending you happy thoughts and good memories!

Big ((((((((HUGSSSSS))))))))

Annie

Lisa, we're here for you. It's hard when you lose a pet. My dog is very old and I know I will need to face that very soon. I suppose this might be an opportunity to help your children understand about dying. At 12 and 9, it's possible they have already experienced the passing of a loved one, but if not, you might be able to help them understand that it's OK to be sad.

I wonder what happened with him. Do you suppose he might've gotten hit by a car and was able to find his way to the back of the house? Or maybe he had a illness you weren't aware of?

I have been wondering for a long time who to call when my pet passes away. Did you call a certain organization or your vet? I want to be fully prepared when that day comes. I'm just so sorry yours came unexpectedly...that makes it even harder.

We'll help you pull through, friend. He was part of your life for this designated length of time, so remember the good things.

Hi Everyone...
This group is perfect for me. My goal is to lose 50 pounds... which will be 194 for me. So once I do hit 199 I'll be 5 pounds away from my goal!
My start weight is 244, I'm down to 241, and I am 6ft tall. I'm 25, and in my last semester of nursing school. I've packed on the pounds in college... the good old excuse "too busy to exercise" has left me a mess. Once I reach my goal of 194 I will then re-evaluate myself. Tonight I plan to exercise for the first time in awhile LOL.

I look forward to getting to know all of you.