Happy hump day ladies. I went to renew my driver's license today, partly because it's due next month, but mostly because I actually put make-up on and wore a blouse that I feel pretty in . I don't love the picture I took, but I don't hate it either. The last time I had to renew I was 8 mos pregnant and it showed . Anywho, how's everyone's day turning out?

Angie, you are so on top of things I hate you ...just kidding. Everytime I say I'm going shopping for Xmas gifts I come back w/something for me or Michael. It's terrible. I guess starting a list for others would help. Do you think that now your kids are older they are more sneaky and covert about snooping for their presents? How do you know they don't know where your hiding places are? I am mortified everytime I think of Michael growing up and doing things that Rick or I used to do when we were teenages Hmmm,I don't know if our local Wendy's has that chicken sandwich, it sounds yummy.

Julie, do you guys have a system where you visit a set of parents/inlaws for Thanksgiving and then the other for Xmas? I know how difficult it can be with so many sets of parents and people to please--Rick's got a stepmom too. Try not to stress too much about it and if you need to vent it out, go right ahead. PM me if you like. I bet you'll be amazed at how grown up your ds will look in his first official school portrait

Kempy, enjoying your day off? I was wondering, if Joe bags a deer, do you smoke it/dry it/cook it? or prepare it or does he do all of that? Hunting's not so big a sport out here unless you live on the other islands where there's actually forest land to do it in, and here it's mostly wild pig or some kind of deer. Rick's too much of a workaholic to go hunting but I'm sure if he had someone to go with he'd go in a heartbeat. I was just thinking about a cooking show I saw a year ago. On Molokai (one of the smaller islands out here) there's a ritzy hotel out there and because there's an overpopulation of deer, they pay people to hunt them and then the hotel restaurant has a special "gourmet" menu with venison.

Cherie, I hope the rain lets up over there. Your chili sounds like a great comfort food. Did you and your girls get to go for kolaches this weekend? I still want to try some.

Well, I guess I should get some work done--it's almost 11 . Hi to Cal and Summer. I'll try to pop in later.

Julie I think I will cook some red beans. Our friend really likes those and they are easy. With all of this talk of chili I think I will have to make that too.

Angie I am hoping to finish up my shopping this weekend. I am going to a big show in the convention center in New Orleans. It is supposed to have eveything under the sun there. It is really for people with a business but I am taggint along with a friend. It is like going to market for area businesses. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can finish up. I want to mail eveything off too.

Noelle if Joe does get a deer we can bring it to a processing plant. Sounds gross huh? They will do whatever we want to it. I really like deer sausage so I think that is what I will tell him to do with it. They pay people down here to hunt nuetria rat. They are eveywhere and they are eating up the swamp. They actually pay $4 an animal. You would not beleive how many of them there are. Some explorere brought one over as a pet when New Orleans was still just getting started. They have been a pain in our butts since then.

Cherie did it stop rainign yet? They thought we were going to get all of that rain tomorrow but I think it is going to head north of here.

I need to go work on my luandry. I'll check back in a bit.

Kempy, Have you had any clients to work on yet? Do you have a name for your business yet? I still think it is so cool that you went ahead and moved to get what you wanted. Does Joe have good luck with getting a deer? My Dad has the worst luck ever buit his friend could kill 10 a year if he wanted.

Julie, I think I will be starting right off. I crave sex right before and Jay gets headaches so I am sure it will be soon. I just realized how bad that looks. haha

Noelle, The sad thing is that finding gifts for you guys was easy. I still have no idea what to get my family or Jays. I used to stick a peice of paper on top of my closet door so I would be able to tell if they peeked. They knew it was there so they never did peek. haha

I went to Spencers Gift today and they had a little lamp there of a naked guy and you had to flick his peepee to turn it on. I may get it for my sister.

I found a little pillow today thag goes on your doorknob and it says Oh No The Brats Awake. I HAD to get it for Brittany because she is so miserable in the morning. haha

Angie you are so naughty...I'm sure we'd get along just fine . I'm not sure what happened but my TOM has been a week before y'all. Remember when we were all pretty much in sync? Isn't that weird? BTW I get kinda right before mine too . Why is that? Is that nature's way of saying 'last chance'?

Kempy, so if people hunt the Nutria rat for sport, I can't imagine anyone wanting to eat one .

Man I am soooo tired right now. I watched the 10 pm news last night, then I started watching 'Something's Gotta Give' (with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton), the movie didn't end til after 12:30 a.m. That was so hilarious to watch-- plus Keanu Reeves was in it (I like him even though I always feel like I want to wash and cut his hair )

Good Morning All! :-) It's Thursday... and it's NOT raining, however, everything is still wet, it's cloudy and there are chances of rain today, tonight and tomorrow with it coming back in full force this weekend.

I have a very busy day.. full of meeting so I will have to make this short. I didn't do the treadmill yesterday, however, I did my weekend cleaning last night... dishes, vacuuming, laundry, mopping the floors cleaning the bathrooms, getting the girls to clean their rooms etc. I was busy from the time I got home making dinner at 5:30 to the time I crawled into bed at 10:30... so I think I got some sort of workout. :-) Julie, I did manage to see the Ladies tell All.... and it's was pretty interesting. I can't wait for next week... going to be a good one. And Jay looked pretty hot last night. Wow... I bet he would have made a good bachelor too!

OK.. I just have time for a potty break before my first teleconference. :-) Talk to you later!

Good Morning Girls

Angie you are so funny you crack me up. I think I am like Jay before....not even craving anything like that at all . You are so on the ball for shopping. This weekend I would like to get St. Nick stuff for their stockings. No CANDY!! Seems like we still have a ton of Halloween stuff.

Cherie, last night was interesting. They were pretty aggressive, huh? I agree with you hon, Byron looked so great. Rugged, handsome and nervous to be there though. They said there is a surprise twist a the last show, do you think Mary is pregnant or they either one of the ladies whoever won are all ready married to him since the taping?

Noelle love the new pic of Michael. Also love the one of you and Michael. You are so darn pretty. Your hubby better appreciate he has a beautiful wife! I hope you got some sleep. You and I sound like late nighters. But last night I managed to get to bed at 11:15. Haha....I do remember when we all had TOM at the same time. I can't wait until Sunday. But not really because hus has to go back to work!

Hi Kempy, I think chili sounds good tonight. Whats everyone making? I hope you have fun this weekend with your friend.

Well guys I should eat some breakfast. Well it would be like almost lunch! I have to go pick ds at school in about an hour. Try to check back.

Btw Noelle I can't wait to see my ds's first actual school pics. I bet he does look so grown up. His hair was a little long, he was a few weeks shy of needing a trim. but I think I got it combed just right. Unless he messed it up! Haha....Not to brag him up or anything but he knows his shapes, colors, counts to 100, writes his name, and knows his phone number and is zipping his own coat. Oh what can I say....I am so proud of him. He is my little best friend. I don't know what I'll do when he goes full day next year! Well dd says she has a tummy ache, gotta go, I think she has been drinking her juice way to fast. Check back later. Julie

Julie, Remember when we were little and we would have school pics taken? The damn photographer ALWAYS parted my hair and messed it up. I hate every single school pics. In my 1st grade one they parted my hair just like my Dads. You can definately tell he is my Dad. haha

Cherie, Dont work to hard today.

Noelle, I love the pic of Michael too. He is such a little cutie.

I have to get to work but I wanted to say hi. Gennel is going to be checking in today. So HI GENNEL!!!! We missed you!!!!

Hi everyone
I dont know how many of you remember me? I was on the old 3fc from 2002-2003 . My name is Gen and I used to do a lot of 4 week challenges. I reached my goal weight and then moved into a new house. No gyms around here ,opened up a store. Well the weight started creeping on.I lost 70 lbs total and gained 35 lbs back! I started walking again 1 hr a day 6 days a week.My first week I lost 5 lbs and this is my second week and I've lost 0. I didnt panic lol. My body was used to getting fed junk every 2 hrs lol. And now my body is freaking out and thinking I'm starving. So I added some fat and exercised less starting this week. Once it sees that Im not starving it will start burning calories for fuel and weightloss will resume.
I really do hate my clothes now and I miss my 5/6 and 7/8 jeans that are hanging in my closet! I'm not huge but I do feel tired much easier than I did when I was thin. My hubby also gained along with me about the same ! So I am helping him to slowly get into eating healthier.Now I have my stepson living with us and he is skinny and wants to gain weight. So I am helping him gain by cooking large portions of baked ziti and lasagna and eating chicken breast & baked potato for me! It sucks lol
Thank you Angie for emailing me ,you have no idea how you made my day

Gen

I see some familiar names.Even though those of you who have stuck around have gained or stayed the same. It says a lot about you for staying here.You are stronger than you think and I dont doubt that you will reach a comfortable weight and learn to accept that we have a problem with eating the "bad" stuff. I havent posted in so long because of work and house etc....
I realized something. A lot of friends and family really looked up to me for support in losing weight. I always told everyone that I was human just like them and I had moments of weakness when I would just go through a Mcdonald's drivethru and order a meal. Anyone can lose weight. The really hard part is the lifelong commitment to keep it off.When you eat right you can maintain your goal weight and that is not a diet.I want to do a challenge for 4 weeks. Remember the absolute most important thing is this challenge is really about one person (YOU) the challenge is a list of ladies who post how many pounds they will shoot for in a month and the real challenge is the challenge you do for yourself.
I need you guys . Because you supported me more than you thought.
I personally feel like I'm alive when I was at my goal weight.I had all this energy.I felt more confident with myself. If any of you would like to see my before and after pictures I have a link :
http://www.getting2goal.com/success/gen.php

Would any of you like to challenge yourself for 4weeks? The challenge could be 1/2 lb a week . Or even to maintain for 4 weeks. I think being accountable once a week to report of any loss is the main reason why I tried so hard.I didnt want to let myself down or my group either. Make any sense?
Gen

Hey ladies I got into bed at a more decent hour last night, but I did get to watch a DVD Y Tu Mama Tambien (Summer I know you saw this one). I plan on watching Cold Mountain later on, has anyone seen it? I went and bought one of those unlimited rental movie passes from Blockbuster so I'm taking advantage of it (I even sneak a movie at work every now and then )

Gen, welcome back! I remember you, I even joined in a couple of your 4-week challenges 'back in the day' . How are you liking your house? I bet you are all nicely settled in. I remember you said you had a brother or brother in law stationed in Hawaii at one time. Is he still here? It's great to have you back and see that you're doing well. I think a challenge would be good for us. I would be willing to join in, God knows I need a push to get some weight off again. I have totally been complacent and reverted back to the old ways of eating. It's so easy to slip into that, and you're right--maintaining the healthy lifestyle change is much harder to do than lose the weight in the first place.

Angie, remember those awful black man-type combs they used to comb your hair w/at picture time? I remember that ripping though my scalp. When I was in the first grade my mom made me wear this ethnic filipino outfit, with puffy sleeves--AND it was made of orange brocade . Can you imagine? heehee

Julie, your son is a bright boy so go ahead and brag . It's amazing how fast they grow isn't it? *sigh* Thanks for the compliments on the pics--both were taken last year around Christmas time. Michael is still cute but I'm a lot more chunky than that right now

Cherie, I'm w/Angie, don't work too hard. Enjoy your day.

Kempy, Cal, and Summer have a great day!

Hi all!

Welcome back Gen! I remember you - though I started on this board later than some. So in for a challenge- and one I bring on myself - not work, or other drama mamas in my life. Welcome back!

Noelle LOVED Y Tu Mama Tambien...hated Cold Mountain - watch that when you are already sad. Some are just meant to be books and books only. The picture of Michael is adorable btw.

Angie the photog would try to fix my hair and I would mess it up right before he took the shot, then he would come back and fix my hair again and wave the finger at me then I would mess my hair again - there are not many school pictures that my hair was not messy (save Kindergarten and Senior photo)...yeah I am gonna get mine BIG time when I have kids

Julie I had chili yesterday and stuffed shells tonight for my birthday dinner with my family and German Chocolate Pie (made with reduced calorie cool whip) I am salivating right now thinking about it.

Hi Kempy! I found out one of my cousin's kids from here may be moving to Mandeville to start guesss??? BEAUTY SCHOOL. How fun is that! I will pass on the name to my other family down there!

Hi Cal! I hope school is going well!

I have been on the nordi-trac for 15 minutes 5 days a week and walking my big ol'pup Fenway for at least 30 minutes but usually 45 minutes. And running through airports counts, right? Test results tomorrow....doc's office is closed today.

Quote:
The moment of victory is much too short to live for that and nothing else.
-Martina Navratilova

be well. live well.

Summer

Hey everyone!!

Gennel, I hope that someday I can learn to deal with the bad food. Right now I am not doing so good at it. Alright I am not even trying just yet. I admit it. I am waiting until vacation is over and than I intend to buy Jay a snowmobile so he is gone in the mornings and I will crank the stereo and get some exercising done. That is my goal, I will then have a full year with no interuptions(hopefully) to get back to my goal weight for the third time. It is amazing how easily life can get in the way of healthy eating though isnt it? I am so proud of you for sticking with it during the holidays.

Noelle, Watching movies at work? I admit I will sneak inside if I am not busy to catch some soaps once in a while. haha Nope, I havent seen cold Mountain.

Summer, Good luck for tomorrow at the doctors.

Kempy,Cal and Julie, Where are ya today?

Hye, hey Gennel. See, you come back and I already feel like starting the challenge. I think it is just b/c you know how to word it. I love these guys and I think it is great when we are all doing great. I stopped working at the gym almost 2 months ago and now I am working for myself. I do electrolysis and I love it. I am so happy that you are back and you know that I will be on the challenge with ya!

Angie I had 3 clients today. I was making a joke that I am going to be sore tomorrow. I can't believe that I had all 3 people in one day. It really gives me hope for the weeks ahead. I did a young girl today (her lip). I wish you guys could have seen her face when i was done. She was so happy, She is the reason that I am doing this. Kids are starting to make fun of her and now they aren't going to be able too. She mad my whole day worth it.

Summer is your cousin going to the Aveda beauty school? I used to work for that company about 8 years ago. It is a really good company.

Noelle I don't think I used to mess up my hair. I would just have a bike accident right b4 the pics. I have bump markes on almost all of my pics. It is kind of like my battle scars. Unfourtunatly the bike won most of the time.

We are going out to eat toight. It is steak night and the local place so we are going there instead of me cooking. I am going to do the red beans tomorrow. Maybe you guys can all come over. I need to go change out of my work clothes. I'll chech back in later if I can.

Kempy, That is great that you helped the young girl. Kids can be so mean. Enjoy your night off from cooking. I had fat free hot dogs and fries. Not very yummy but at least I didnt have much cooking to do.

Poor Alicia, Corey and Brit have no trouble thinking of gifts but all Ishka wants is a gekko. Not gonna happen!!!! I said you know they have Salmonella? I am not getting it again. No lizards. I am going to try to find her a good art set since she is awesome at drawing and next to gameboy that is her next favorite activity.