Battle of the Bulge #8
 

Here is the new thread...enjoy!

Just a reminder- today is weigh in day.

Also-

Monday- support day and a good day for tips on staying motivated

Tuesday- support day and a good day for reasons why we want to lose- I think that keeps us motivated more than anything when we reexamine why we want to lose..

Wednesday- "what have I been eating all week day" and I want to start trying to get everyone to share quick recipes or tips on cooking that work for them.

Thursday- "what I have done to move my bootie day" and I want to get everyone to start giving us an idea on how they work exercise into their lives and the things they enjoy doing.

Friday- support and influence day- lets make this a day we talk about anything or anyone that influenced our weight loss for the week- things like friends giving bad foods or a partner that supported our efforts.

Saturday- recap day- lets talk about the things we thought worked for us for the week and those that didn't- this might help us see where we strayed and where we stood firm.

Sunday- weigh in day and reaffirm goal day- give us an idea of your goals for the week, month, and long term.

Have a great day everyone!

YaY! New Thread!! AND... I'm first :D

I lost 3 pounds this week!! I'm down to 225 :D So that's 7 pounds total!! I'm so proud of myself!!

Hey everyone..

I wieghed myself this morning and i was 220.5..which is good because on weds when i weighed in a WW i was 222..So i'm happy..

Very tired this morning slept over and my mom's house last night and had to wake up earlier to go to work..blah work on a sunday..

I have a mini goal for myself i want to be at least 210 by feb 14th..

Got to start walking then..The rain has stopped here finally starting to look like southern california again..

Talk to u guys later

Hiya Mich!
Congrats on your loss this week!! I too weigh in twice a week :D Sundays with the girls here and Tuesdays with the girls at work! It's actually real fun to see the difference (although only 2 days between!) We also have a similar goal! I have 10 more pounds to lose before Valentines day!! We can do it :D

Good morning!!
 

Sorry I have been MIA for a couple of days- I think I am adjusting to all the reading and the iPod took some time to set up. I love that thing! If you have the money to spend and want a great device for music and files this is a great choice and is everything they advertise it to be. So- my bf did great and now I am forced to play nice with him. :lol:

Thanks also everyone for the congrats on getting honors for graduation- it was really touching so many people seem to care about what happens in my life. :D
I am going to try to catch up on some posts:

stormy- Should I buy supersize me? Is it the type of movie that you can watch more than once? I haven't seen it but my Target store has it for $10 so I thought about just buying it. I really want to see it. On that line of thought- have you read Fast Food Nation? My brother read it and says it is a historical and sociological look at our need to have fast food. I think I am going to buy it.
How is school going for you? I imagine you have been uber busy too!
The portion size comment you made about your hubby I can relate with. My bf grew up in a family that ALWAYS overeats and his idea of one portion is more in line with a family size portion. I just can't make him understand that it is not the foods he is eating that are making him overweight but the portion size. Drives me crazy to see him eating a plate overflowing with food and shoveling it in like a mad man! :moo:
I also wanted to tell you that I am jealous of your ravoli! I love anything in the realm of Italian! Lucky you! :D

little grasshopper- Have you made your goodies yet? Did you decide on a cake or cookies?
The post describing yourself as a witch doctor cracked me up! :lol3: I am going to be careful what I say to you- I am thinking you might make a voodoo doll of me to torture. :lol: Anyway- the main thing I see in you is a nuturing and caring personality. You seem to really care about the people in your life and provide a warm safe place for your clients! By the way- I knew you smiled a lot because it is relayed in your posts. I can hear you smiling- if that makes sense.
You picture of me is pretty accurate- I am notorious for ALWAYS having a book on me. My friends like to kid me because I can go nowhere without a book even if there is a good chance I will not have time to look at it. The part of the description you missed is that I look like a puffy marshmellow man! :dance: I look like I am inflated inside a normal skinny body and I hate that! :mad: I do wear glasses some times- others contacts. Very perceptive!
I have to ask a question from one of your posts- you rode an elephant and a lahma when and where? That combo is odd together-were you out of the country?
Congrats for being completely in your jeans!!! :cp: :cp: :bravo:

red balloon- It is a shame you didn't get to see Clooney, Damon, and Pitt. I think Clooney and Damon would have been fun to look at but I never got into Pitt. I just don't think he is so hot! That was a weird dream about Clooney! Man- I would wet myself if he walked up and started to talk to me- gray hair and extra weight or not! :lol:
Congrats on the 2.2 lb weight loss!!! Great job!! :bravo: :cp: :cp: :cp:
Your headscarf to the gym sounds cool. Dress the part and you will feel it more. Also who you surround yourself with definitely makes a difference. When I hung out with people that exercised it was a normal part of my life- we went to the gym and we worked out. Now that I hang with lazy people- I am lazy! (that is my story and I am sticking to it). I think it makes a big difference though!
As for scrubs- they are wonderful even if you are not in healthcare. I wear them sometimes at home and they seem to get better with every washing. So comfortable and easy to throw on and work around the house for me.
They did, by the way, wear them on ER. Not all the time but a lot of it.
Thanks for the links to the maintance site and place to buy scrubs and such!
As for leaving your job- you never know how things will work out until you try them. I think you would rather change and chase the opportunities in life than to settle and never know what could have been. You will be fine- the people there will keep in touch if they are real friends and you could have the opportunity to make new ones.

Jacque- sorry about the sore feet from working. That stinks! I use to feel your pain when I worked in retail- on my feet for 9 hours straight.
You asked if we ever lose our appetite- I do from time to time. The problem is when it comes back it comes back in force. I am suddenly extremely hungry- sometimes after a couple of days of not feeling hungry at all. I think mine is due to unbalanced levels of things in my body. (the technical definition, right? I am not so knowledgeable).
As for your hubby eating bad- like I was talking about before- my bf sits in front of me and eats mountains of food. Sometimes he plops right next to me while I am eating my little bowl of bran and starts slurping down a plate of food the size of Mt. Everest. Very annoying.
By the way- have you got your car back?? It sucks not having a car. My bf's has been broken for weeks and I am going nuts taking him everywhere. Can't even complain because he got me my iPod. :lol:

kjk- can you get any meds for the migraines? I use to take Imitrex for them but it doesnt work on me anymore. Are you going to the doc?? I know it is miserable- I am so sorry and I hope you feel better soon! Take care of yourself!
By the way- I love figure skating too- it is amazing what they can do on skates. I would love to be able to do that!

NBK- David Weber writes the Honor Harrington series. Every title has the word Honor in it. Check it out at Amazon. com. My bf loves him and he has been reading sci fi for years.
Hope you had a great weekend.

WOW- this post is really long so I need to wrap it up!
Just two quick questions-
Does anyone know where I can go either in a book or on the web to get a good basic workout with weights and resistance bands from home? I need something simple and easy to follow. For the exercise challenged!
Also-
any ideas from anyone on things I can cook today to last through the week? Any crockpot ideas? Things that freeze easily?? Help!

Okay I better go- thanks for all the support!
You guys are the best! :D
:spin: :spin: :spin:

CrimeGirl, Fast Foo Nation is an amazing book! Honestly, aside from just giving you knowledge you probably won't want to eat fast food for awhile after reading that book ;) At least I didn't!

I have no idea on good exercises :( How long until you get that game?? You'll love it!! As for recipes, I always make Vegitable Beef Soup and then make TONS just remembering that a serving is about a cup and I take that to work for lunch... also, check out allrecipes.com and meals.com both have health links (I think) as does 3fc.com :D Good Recipes there and some rather easy!

I got my car back :D I can't even begin to tell you how happy that makes me!! Ryan (my hubby) picked it up for me last night...

Good afternoon!

CG, I am down three pounds. I also need an update on you and KJKs points! I either could not find them for the whole week or they were not posted each day. This week was such a busy week! I do not know if it would be worth it to buy Supersize me. I barely watch movies more than once. However, if it costs about $5 to rent it, but you can buy it for $10 than it might be worth it b/c you can share it. I have not read the book you mentioned. I am always so busy reading physical therapy books, I know you know exactly what I mean! As far as beginners videos with bands I heard that Slim in Six is great. I have several who have done really well with it. I think that it can be bought on www.beachbody.com I know that I have seen infomercials on it before. I have never tried it myself.

Red, we will meet our challenge! I am not sure why I picked 142. I guess it is b/c I used to look at that # and think that it was high. Now I would just like to attain that weight. Once I am there I will shoot for 135. Losing 7 pounds from 142 is a lot more attainable. I guess I just think weird. I realized why I have gained weight each time. The 1st time I was in undergrad in physical therapy and I blew up. This time again, it was grad school. Stress makes me eat. I tend to be a laid back person but school gets to me. Now that I am over a year into school, I just got to the point that I said to myself, look there will always be stressful times. Eating will not help anything.

Well as far as last night and the ravioli incident, it was not worth it. We stayed up until about one a.m. watching Office Space and when it was time to go to bed I b/c really sick to my stomach and threw up. My body is getting so used of eating healthy that it was wondering what the heck I had fed it. When I shoveled it in my mouth it felt good, but it was not worth it.
This morning when I woke up I drug out an old Firm cardio step video and I did that for an hour. It was tough but about thirty minutes after I am done I feel so alive!

Hi guys! I love the posts this morning. Very inspirational! The scales say I gained 2 this week. I'm not worrying about it though because earlier in the week it said I'd lost and I'm SERIOUSLY pmsing right now. I use to gain 5+ pounds about this time every month, so I'm excited to see where I am this time next week :) The jeans are better this week than last, so I'm not worried about the number. :)

Crime girl - I'm SO jealous of the ipod! BF was playing with a friend's today and is in love so maybe we'll have one soon :) And yes, you do have to play nice with your man for a bit. :) Very sweet that he thought to get you one. Mine got me a mountain bike for graduation. It was one of the sweetest gifts I've ever been given! So I know what you mean - suddenly you realize how sweet and thoughtful they can be :) As for recipes. I usually make a big salad and eat off it for a few days, then make a fresh one. I also make soups and pastas a lot and eat off those all week. Or I'll cook a roast with veggies - then put any leftover meat in soup or chili later. Oh, and I did make it through the charity dessert thing...I bought an apple crumble and baked it - smell almost killed me but I made it through. ;)

Stormy - I know exaclty how you feel about the ravioli. At first if I left the diet at all I got SO sick! Instantly. Now I can leave it slightly and be okay but nothing extreme. I've done the slim in 6 video...I know I have because I have the bands and stuff - but I can't for the life of me remember the videos! silly! Congratulations on your weight loss again!! You're right - you'll hit your goal!!!

KJK - I'm so sorry you're so sick!!! I have never had one and hope I never do, they look just awful!!!! I hope you're back to your old self soon!! I lose my appetite too sometimes. I have to make myself eat because I'm afraid I will pig out later if I don't. Or I'll hit the end of the day and realize I only ate 1 meal that day and it wasn't a big one either. I try to make myself eat SOMETHING every two hours. Usually I have the other problem though :) I have to make myself stop eating.

Jacque - you're such a great loser :) :) Congratulations!!! You're getting there one week at a time :) You're doing great!! And I'm so glad you got your car back!!

Red - I can picture you in that scarf :) Way to go hitting the gym so regularly!! How is the job thing going? Ready for the week - you're a lot closer to it's start than we are....how's it looking :)

I know I'm leaving people out but this is long already!! I'm so sorry. I have got to go to the gym before BF gets back. We have tons of cleaning and moving boxes to do today and I don't want him thinking I'm sneaking off to the gym to avoid it :) Taking it easy today. I need to move but need a small rest too, so no weights. Walking and abs, and stretching that's it.

See you guys soon!! Oh I'm going to get fast food nation!

Maybe I didn't lose as much because it's that time :S I've never paid attention to my weight around that time at all though...

Goodmorning Ladies.
I had a pretty good weekend. On friday I went to my pump class and once again it was like 30°C in there (90 °F??). I didn't do the shoulder or lunge tracks as I was actually pretty sore and weak from thursdays workout.. and I think I had overdone it a bit, going from being lazy as a lazything all over christmas and new year to going hardcore at my routine again. Overtraining is a real issue with me! Anyway took some time out for me over the weekend and was totally antisocial, aside from talking to my boy. I tried my goal jeans on and the overhang isnt as bad as it has been so I suppose I am toning and just not losing at the moment.
I had some good food options tho over the weekend. i bought a roast chicken on friday night and just ate 1 breast with carrot sticks prunes (weird I know) on friday night.. in fact I totally OD'd on the prunes, but they just taste soo good. On sat I made ratouille and guacamole - just mashed avos with a chopped tomatoe and some tobasco and lemon juice.. and had two tortillas with chicken and avo for lunch and dinner in the end! I also had some strawbs (with icecream and chocolate but it was hot!!).. I found this really cool kiwifruit juice that had aloe vera in it! REALLY good for the digestive system. and tasty... then sunday I was pretty good again too! lots of veges so I am feeling nice and healthy and i think overeating raw veges can't be too bad for me!

As for what I look like.. well the blonde hair thing is correct 1/2 sun bleached 1/2 highlights! my natural colour is a dark blond, but because my hair is so thick it looks almost black as no light gets through.. odd... anyway I have a tan.. cos it's summer and the lean thing, well i used to look that way, and am getting there.. but I do tend to carry weight distributed all over my body, so when I was enormous (well for me) most people didn't realised how big i was. But at the moment I have lost faster from the top half of my body so I am a true pear shape. Umm blue eyes and that's about it! Thanks for who ever decided not to think of me as a hobbit or gollum.. although I do have big feet!! Most kiwis are just your general european heritage mix.. although we also have people with maori or pacific island heritage who range from olive toned skin through to a dark brown colour.. and then there are the asians and the african refugees who live here too.. so really we are one big melting pot!

As for my BF.. yeah he gets pretty shitty with my putting myself down alot.. but I have low self esteem and although it is getting better, it still outs.. especially when I see his exes and they are TINY.. like a size 2-4 american and gorgeous.. and I know he enjoys my company and my brain.. but you know when your whole life people have been like oh you have such a great personality and it would be nice for once for people to say DAMN she's hot... i dunno..

Crime girl.. i so had you as an avid reader too! The Body for life book has good dumbell and barbell weights you can do at home. it also is really motivating!

Well I hope evryone else had a great weekend and I look forward to catching up!
Cheers
Tiff

NBK, you are tall, blond hair (somewhat), blue eyes, most girls would die for that. You should not be so hard on yourself. What matters most is your inner self even though so many people do not place value on that. Your BF should count himself lucky.

Jacque, GH is right. You have to watch it. You can gain up to five pounds with TOM. So do not get discouraged at that time of month.

Michi, great job with your weight loss!

Little GH, wouldn't that ipod be great for you when you work out? Maybe he'll suprise you with one!

NBK, I'm agreeing with Stormy on several levels... 1: I'd kill to be tall and blonde ;) (I guess I'm stuck with short and frizzy brunette hair) and I'm sure your bf sees that his exs don't go very far beyond being skinny American flakes. (I can call them American Flakes because I'm American ;) !) I'm also sure that he sees how beautiful you are both inside and out :) ((HUGZ))

I totally pigged out at lunch! (Ok, maybe not too bad...) I had 4 cookies, and a cheese quesadilla... and a :gasp: Pepsi... But hey! That's ok, because I'm allowed to eat unhealthy once in awhile! And I'm making major progress and... (adding up calories on fit day) I'm still only at 740 calories (give or take a few) so I'm fine!! Just have to get my fill of Veggies at dinner!


I made a deal with my hubby... he could eat all he wants in front of me (Taco Bell, McDonald's etc) but he has to join the gym with me!! (Because his buddies parents own the only gym in town and so he can get us a 50% discount so we'd only pay $50/month instead of $100/month!!) And He has to work out with me at least 4 times a week!

Thanks guys.. I know I am being a whiny little snot at the moment. Sorry about that....I know I have an incredible amount to be thankful for about my life and lot!..Sorry.. *kicks self in butt and demands to stop being so whiny*

Jacque, I love your american flakes saying! he he... I went to school with a girl who was the complete spitting image mentally and socially as Cher at the start of clueless.. he he.. so I called her AP or american princess.

ooh oooh i saw someone was talking about fast food nation! That is a really interesting book. I think it gives you an appreciation of the history of fast food and also really turns you off it! I also read the Mcdonalds story (like a biography on mcds's) and that was really interesting too. I suggest you either buy it or get it out from your library - CG maybe you could borrow supersize me from the library? that way you probably only have to spend $2 or something. I haven't seen it yet, but am intrigued by the idea.

jacque - that sounds like a great idea - having someone to work out with is a great motivation too. Also you'll probably find that as he gets fitter he'll stop wanting to eat the junk, as you'll be making better progress than him.. and I found that as I got fitter, my cravings for crap decreased, and I really noticed a decrease in my performance when i had eated greasys the night before going to the gym. Good idea to fill up on veges..

a good tip - when watching movies or tv and you feel like snacking, make carrot and celery sticks, and if you need dip, try low fat hummus or salsa. Much healthier than popcorn(unless you can enjoy eating it plain!!) or chippies or cookies!!

heading into the new week. . .
 

Good morning. Happy Monday early! Crime girl, thanks for the new thread. You are so efficient, putting in the link and having the old one closed.

Crime girl -- I'm glad to have you back on the thread. We miss you greatly! So the ipod has won out over us, has it?!! :cry: Well, can't say I don't blame you. . .

I haven't seen Supersize Me but I agree with whoever it was said it, I'd buy it and share. It surely is educational and maybe it'd be good to watch over as a reminder if you start slipping. Fast Food Nation I think too is a must read though I have it and haven't finished it. That reminds me, I will get it out. It's not an easy read but it is extremely informational and I think we all owe it to ourselves to inform ourselves about things. This book also talks about how workers are exploited and how these jobs are really deadend for people. People don't realize the exploitation of workers that is going on right in their own country, not just in Chinese factories. Definitely, read it CG. I think you're the type that likes to be informed. Hats off to you!

Send your boyfriend to Japan for a while. He will be astounded at how "tiny" the portions are and the jolt he gets from that may make him realize how huge the portions are in the States. Not in some cities, like New York, but elsewhere I've been, I am shocked now to see them. It actually makes me angry because it is almost insulting to be shoving this amount of food on people, so many of who have weight and health problems. It's like giving candy to a kid with diabetes. Also, the baskets of bread that come out are unbelievable. I get upset when I see my father eating piece after piece as we wait for the meal. Not only is it unnecessary, it's bad for you. When he came to Japan he said for the first time he didn't feel uncomfortable after eating and during the day from heartburn, gas etc. Overeating is so not just about looks and fat. Ok, offa my soap box! Morning caffeine kick!

Thanks for the congrats on my weight loss. I am feeling so much better now that I'm seeing results of my efforts. I have confidence back that I can whip this once and for all, or even for a while for that matter. Your help has meant so much. Thank you as always!

Ah, you saw my Clooney dream. I was wondering why no one commented on that. Of course, he looked much better in my dream than he did on TV. And yes, though I was playing it cool on the outside, I was all a giggle inside. Don't I have great dreams. And that was just one part, the Clooney part. There were others! ;lol3; Heh, if you don't have a real life, it helps to have a great imagination! In fact, when I was a teen and starting the battle with my weight, I remember for a while there I would just totally imagine eating pizza or so and I would be satisfied with that. I was always kind of a trip. Don't need drugs even. Cheap and not dangerous!

As for the job front, I'm still stalling there. My heart is not with the publishing. I'm not a publishing type. It's all too serious for me. I love books but the people who tend to make them tend to be far too serious for me. I can be very serious but I need to have my fun too. I'm really torn and I'm afraid the publishers will sense my hesitation and decide against me. And I'm thinking I may be kind of happy. At the same time, I'm thinking this is an opportunity to expand and do more things later that will help me to really have the life I want, not just in my dreams, not just in my head! Tough one. But one thing you said really hit home, that the people who are real friends will keep in touch. I don't really need many real friends. I like the camaraderie of the guys at work. It's mostly just jesting and joking and shooting the bull over beers afterward (or in between deadlines even!) but I suppose, as I've said before, that's no reason to stay at a place. And sometimes I do start to think something more might develop from just a friendship and it's easy to allow yourself to just keep dreaming with all the banter, which sets you up for a letdown when you realize there was nothing more. Making a break is perhaps the best. I understand why guys get into their circles of friends, especially in countries like England, Ireland and Australia, where pub life is a big part of the culture. It's easy and it feels good and it's easy to just never go anywhere your whole life except between your house, the office and the pub. Not a good thing.

Speaking of Ireland, the Irish fellow at work brought me back a jar of Irish relish made with Irish stout. You can definitely taste the beer! It's neat. I put it on sandwiches. Relishes, mustards, spices, they're lifesavers for keeping the calories low and yet not having things so boring.

What kind of facilities do you have at school to cook if any? You say you want to freeze things but is that for eating once you get home or can you zap some things in a microwave during the day and eat? I do that at work. Freeze stews and curries and brown rice, bring them in to work and heat them in the microwave.

stormy - three pounds!! Great going!! :bravo: You've beaten me and you deserve to. I don't think I even deserved to lose 2.2 lbs this week. I was out drinking twice and even though I was exercising and eating better when I wasn't drinking I wouldn't have been surprised if I'd stayed the same. I'm going to try to be much better this week.

I understand your picking 142 now. 140 sounds kind of boring, doesn't it? The ravioli incident! :lol: It sounds like a crime case. Amazing that you could work out the next morning after being sick the night before. You see what you can do when you put your mind to it, eh?

little grasshopper -- I am reminding you of what you told us to. You will gain because of the water gain because of your detox program. So, DON'T forget that!! I'm really glad to hear you seeming to take this gain so easy. You've got your sights on the right things, the jeans fitting better. You know this only a temporary thing and doesn't reflect the real picture. Good for you!

You are really doing well with the gym, aren't you. :bravo: How much more weight are you looking to lose, or are you just going by how much fat you have on you. Numbers are hard to gauge unless you've been there and can keep muscle tone constant.

My week is looking so-so. Got an interview Wednesday which always make me kind of nervous because I have to be "up" for them. (I'm doing the interview not being interviewed.) But it's in Japanese and with an older man and I'm often worried about "getting the story" and hoping he'll be talkative enough and say interesting things, which makes my job later of writing the article much easier. That's Wednesday morning. Hope it goes well.

Jacque -- Congratulations on your loss!! Three pounds! Hurrah!! Hurrah!! :cp: :cp: :cb: :cb: You SHOULD be proud. You've done so well this week and you really, really deserve to have this victory. Well earned. Well done. I'm so proud of you! :goodvibes: Yes, actually, I thought you would have lost more and you probably have. It'll show up later so if you're at all disappointed, although three pounds is nothing to sniff at, just hang in there and keep it up. Don't slack off as I would tend to do when I'm doing well. Good luck!

Michi -- Good for you too! Looks like whatever you're doing is working for you. Your goal sounds very doable. 210 by Valentine's Day. You can do it! Yes, I was wondering about the rain. Seen some really bad pictures coming out of there, houses washed away and all. Have you been affected at all? I hope not.

*********

Well, I had a great day Sunday. Walked over an hour to the gym because I got a little lost, then took a longer route to stop at a store and the library. Went to the gym, and it's all without coffee this days! Amazing how my body is adjusting. It's definitely harder without the caffeine boost but I can do it. I just realize that I won't be as revved but the energy is still there to draw on if I just get going. In fact, it seems much more stable, more dependable. I am something of a workhorse, have incredible stamina and can just keep going and going once I DO get going and that can take some doing. I'm learning to just jump in, kind of like jumping into the pool instead of going in inch by inch because it's oh so cold! There's a big bookstore under the gym and I'd been stopping in there, losing momentum for the gym but recently I've been forcing myself to just get in the elevator and get up to the gym and jump on the treadmill while I'm still warmed up from walking there. I get the cardio out of the way because I know I tend to blow it off and then I do the weights, which to me are like no work at all. Sitting down, lying down, I could just work out all day with weights, especially because in between sets means chatting up all the cute guys! I give lots of compliments to the bodybuilders, especially those with great thighs! my weakness! They love it. I also give form pointers to the beginners. Yesterday there was a cute Aussie I know there. He's obviously gay (the dolls usually are!) but since I'm not looking to pick the guys up, just enjoying myself and them! I had a great time. In fact, it's fun with the gay guys because when I say something like, "now that guy's got fantastic legs," and look on admiringly they're more likely to readily agree with me! :lol: The women aren't such unabashed flirts as me and also, most of them down in the "heavyweight section" (and there aren't many) are not too friendly, either kind of scary themselves like I wonder if they're on steroids or something because they look so mean or they're the ones looking quite scared of all the moaning, groaning, and grunting going on around them. Those type usually flee back to the cardio machines pretty quickly and never return.

Anyhow, when I'm in form I am totally in my element in the gym, admiring the boys and working up a sweat myself.

So, then I took the bus home and actually made a salad with hot brown rice on it. Delicious. I definitely feel the fat disappearing from my mid-section. Now, to just KEEP it up!!

Wow, I see there are all these posts while I was typing. I wasn't getting notices, guess because i hadn't subscribed to the new thread. So I'll have to get back to you later. NBK, hi there! I'll read your posts later. I was wondering where you were, but remembered you'd said you'd be away for a bit. Later! :wave:

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for the well wishes. I'm feeling a little better today, still a little lightheaded, but all in all, doing so-so. I'm off work tomorrow, so hopefully I can sleep in and get some rest and then be able to work out. Keep your fingers crossed!

So, I weighed in this morning, and I lost 1.5 pounds this week...which I am amazed at because it is that time of the month, and I thought for sure I had gained! ;) But at any rate, I'm stoked. Now I'm at 8.5 pounds lost, moving along on that journey!

Going to go grab dinner now and relax some more....hope everyone is doing well! Congrats to everyone on doing fabulously last week, let's keep it up this week!!!!

Kelly :D

KJK pleased to hear you are feeling better but have the day off work tomorrow. I think so often people try to be staunch and don't take the time to allow their body to heal properly. Well done of the weight loss too! You're doing so well. 8.5 lbs is heaps!

Hi there. We did our weekly grocery shopping and I'm finally eating dinner. Salmon with green beans and cauliflower...that's a veggie I have never liked but I'm finding I can eat it now. :) Yeah!!! Anything new is GREATLY appreciated :)

Everyone is doing so well - it's really exciting! Too bad we can't do a total pounds lost as a group thing. We're using so many different methods of watching though - jeans, tape measures, scale, any anything I've missed :) It's very exciting!

Red - My original goal was 125 but I'm going to wait and see. I'm mostly going off fat. I will keep working out and keep eating well and see where I land. I know me and if I set a goal - as soon as I hit it I will pig out! and celebrate my way all the way back to my high point again :)

NBK - you and I seemed to be built very much a like. I gained 20+ pounds once and no one aside from my boyfriend could tell...I could tell because my clothes were REALLY uncomfortable - jeans especially...thank god for low rise jeans! It's sounds great, doesn't it - to be able to gain and no one realize it but the problem is that I can carry a ton of weight and not realize how unhealthy I am! I'll think I'm doing great and I'm actually at risk for heat attack!

okay - I have to cut this short. Sorry. Have to make chicken and dumplings for Bf this week.

LGH - I KNOW.. my other problem is that somehow I have naturally low blood pressure and VERY low cholestoral, even when I was on my "sit on your bum and do nothing but study and eat junkfood all day" 4-year diet. So aside from the weight issue, I could convince myself that otherwise I was healthy! he he..

But the cool thing is that my resting heart beat is now about 54 bpm and with a body fat of (don't be scared now) 38% i still have a long way to go with my fitness etc.. so hopefully i can it down to like 44 bpm! now that would be cool. I would be in league with olympic athletes.

Red, you are in this to win it, eh? I am so proud of you. Glad you are enjoying going to the gym. It really helps if you like it.

KJK, glad you are doing a little better. Luckily you have MLK day off. You are really doing well with your weight loss.

CG, one crock pot thing that I do is that I put green beans, zuchinni, white corn (lower carbs), peas, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, fat free beef broth, meatballs, and italian seasoning and cook it on low all day. When you get home you will have a great soup you can eat all week.

Jacque, I am watching Home Makeover and I just thought of you (b/c of Ty). These
shows always make me cry. This one hits home especially b/c this guy who they are building the house for reminds me of one of my patients who I had several years back. He was also shot and b/c a quadriplegic. We b/c very close through out his rehab process. Unfortunately, he passed away last year. Anyway, I really like this show, they do awesome work.

GH, I too really want to get my body fat down. I started at 34% and now I am at 32%. It gets me sick to even think about that. I would like to get to about 16-18%.

Yeeee Haw!!!
 

Hi guys! WOW- the posting machinery is at it again. You guys are so good about posting and chatting- it so nice that there is always someone to talk to. :D

Jacque- Thanks for the info on Fast Food Nation. I think I am going to attempt reading it in my nonexistent spare time. :lol: Maybe I can download and listen to it? I might try the iTunes site for it. I hope it totally turns me off from fast food.
Veggie soup is a great idea- I think I will put some on tomorrow in my crock pot. It is getting somewhat cold here (50 degrees) so soup would be good! ;)
Congrats on getting your car back- bf is getting his truck fixed this week so I can feel your pain. I have been running around like crazy to take him everywhere- it is getting old. :D

stormy- Congrats on the 3 pounds!!! :bravo:
I will check out Slim in Six- thanks for the suggestion. I will have to get back with you on points- I have no idea but I log them in my journal so I will check.
I watched Office Space last night too while I was reading and downloading tunes. I am sorry you got sick last night! That stinks. You are feeling better today though right?

little grasshopper- I am so happy you are seeing results in your clothing!! :bravo: That is what counts in the long run!
Don't be jealous of my iPod- I will tell you if you are thinking about getting one it is worth every penny. My bf really delivered this time so I have to be nice to him!
It is so funny- I just got back from doing my grocery shopping too. WOW- it costs an arm and a leg when both me and my bf are trying to eat right. It was about double what we normally pay. :lol:

NBK- Good job with the jeans! :bravo:
Thanks for the Bofy for Life suggestion- I actually have that book and just forgot that he does put a routine in there. I will go get it out and look at it. :D
Great idea about renting from the library- I am going to check into it.

red balloon- you are sounding much better! Keep up that great work you are doing!! :D
Like I told Jacque I will definitely try to read or listen to Fast Food Nation- I am glad you guys have read it or heard about it. A bunch of people at school are reading it.
As for your dreams- I want to trade dreams with you. Yours are much better than mine. I would love to see George Clooney in them. I am normally doing something boring or being chased by someone. :lol:
You have had no coffee??? You are my hero- I have to have coffee! :coffee:
I have decided I am sending my bf to you- so please straighten him out for me on portion sizes and the fact that we are gluttons over here. He goes beyond what is considered normal here so his portions are huge.

kjk- I am glad you are feeling better and the migraines are fading. Stay away from caffeine and sugar until they are gone.
Congrats on the 1.5 pounds!!! :bravo:

As for me today, I have done pretty good. I cleaned my house, bought groceries, and did laundry. I have not had a lot of time to read so tomorrow is going to be crazy. I have to finish reading so I will be prepared for class.

I bought two new pair of sneakers today and I am thrilled with them so that should motivate me to exercise.
Until later- have a great night everyone!

WoW! So much and so little time, so sorry for not a "real" reply to everyone!

Congratulations to everyone on the weight lost this week! We've all been working hard and deserve to see these numbers drop :D

As for my drop, I kind of expected more, but my favorite Aunt, Flo... is due tomorrow so I'm sure she's the culprit in some of it ;)

Help! I've been eating sugar, scones and chocolate and now Good & Plenty that my sister sent me. This is what I get for not eating "real" food after a lot of walking. Oh well, I'll stop now. Bad girl!!

I got on the subway two stops later than usual and got off one earlier going both to and from work today! That is about an extra hour or walking BOTH ways!

Sorry, but there's no time to write now. Must be up very early tomorrow morning. Wishing all well. Please wish me luck, perseverance, not to go lax after a mere few days of being good. Well, foodwise I was good today but just now was kind of losing it. Later, people!

Mornin!

Jacque - I'm right there with you! Just stay away from the scale. Take it from me - I didn't take my own advice - stay away frome them :)

Crime girl - you too sound like you're doing better. Is the shock over being back in school wearing off? I'm sure this is a HECTIC semester though!! Last night I dreamed I was back in school and had to take some math class....the only problem - we had this eatstern modalities teacher that was the WORST teacher I've ever had in my life. So bad that every single student complained about her - in my dream SHE was the math teacher and we were all screaming about it! I woke up so mad. This woman was such a bad teacher every student failed her final. She didn't give us a text book (or tell us one to buy) didn't even teach what she tested on and used different names for the stuff we had heard of. She taught her day class all this stuff and just figured if we were missing it we could get it from them. HELLO - we didn't KNOW them! WTF??? I'm so glad that part of life is over.

Stormy - a 2% drop is huge! Are you doing the math yourself? When I did mine at home I got different numbers but then I have no idea how to measure myself. I just use the same place and tightness and that is enough to tell me if I'm losing..then I'll have the gym do it again. I'm shooting for the same. I feel crappy today though - I will try to get a ride in but I don't see lot of lifting today.

Last night my lab got a bit too excited and hit me under my chin with her head. hurt like all heck. I have a HUGE day and a whopping headache to match it.

Red - you DO sound much better this week! I'm glad you had a loss. You fought very hard for it. Just keep moving and eating clean and that weight will fall off :)

NBK - That is a LOW heart beat :) I have no idea what mine is. I know it's much higher than that. I use to have low bp too but over time it's leveled out a bit. When I get scared it drops again though. I use to have a real problem with the dentist...my bp would keep dropping and dropping and I'd pass out! scared mom so much she never made me go :) I'm jealous of your hot weather. Our windchill factor today is 11! tomorrow the actual temp is suppose to be 11!! I'm so glad I got a gym membership!!!

Well I'd better get going - Hello to anyone I've left out. I know I didn't hit everyone but as usual I'm running late. AG! Talk to you all this evening!

Good morning, just a post to say that and I'm off to the stable, trying to get in a ride. Hopefully, the ground won't be frozen. Haven't been out there this early yet this year, not without not being able to ride. I'm jealous of all your losses. I want to see a bigger one this week! But you know, I was just looking at Jacque's weight tracker and I thought, wow, 7 lbs lost. I remember when it was just 4 lbs lost and then there was this 1 or 3 somewhere in there, which didn't sound like much by themselves but now when I saw 7, it was like wow! Yeah, simple math, simple addition over time adds up and that is something. I will aim for at least a pound loss this week. I think I can do better but even if I don't it will be something, right? Gotta keep moving. Gotta keep moving forward and downward with my weight. Say goodbye to this fat, free myself from it!

Ok, gotta go. will read the posts and write more later. :wave:

Red - grr I am sooo jealous.. The horse I have been offered to ride isn't available now until late february... It's so hard, I got reminded how much I love riding and now I'm being made to wait he he.. I hope you get a good work out with your horse. what sort of movements are you working on? I think ages ago you said you would love to ride in portugal? me too.. or I would just love to even to got hte spanish riding school in vienna. The world is really small tho - I have a serbian friend whose father used to groom at one of the lipizzaner studs! hmmm horse smell. I might just clean my gear tonight for the memories he he...

Work is boring today, more drawings to do and after the excitement of yesterdays site visit and getting to see all my design work in the flesh I just can't settle. Of course it would be ona day when the office is full of important people so I can't fluff around! he he..

Eating is going well this week, I seemed to have tamed my never decreasing appetite. Now to get the exercise going as well and I will be sweet! he he.. getting a little stressed about not meeting my valentines day goal, but these things take time and I know I am not as committed as I could be.

LGH- yeah the bloodpressure thing is a doozie, combined with my low oxygen levels in my blood, when I go tramping in the mountians all sorts of fun and scary things happen! he he... but the dentist one is classic.. good move.. ugh I have to get braces this year...

Jacque - TOM will play havoc with your weight! But a loss is a loss is a loss and as red says, they all add up, no matter how small!

CG - yay for new shoes. I really need new sneakers, but my current ones are just sooo comfy i can't bear to part with them. But I do agree, it should make exercise more fun! just think how cool you'll look!

Well back to the grindstone. I hope everyone is having a great day!
T

Hi everyone. Long day at work today. First day of TOM and it was **** this month. I finally caved and got a chocolate candy bar. It was too good! Worth every bit of it. But of course now I feel guilty. I had a ton of clients today and all I wanted to do was come home and go to bed. Oh well, I'm home now and planning to go to bed right now!

see everyone tomorrow.

Hi everyone. I just got back from work after a long day. I did get a workout in for an hour this AM before I left for work. I have so much school work to do so I can't stay on long.

CG, I hope you have a great day Tuesday. I know that it will be your long day, but you will make it. Hang in there!

Red, I hope that you were able to ride.

NBK,you will make your Valentine's goal!

GH, get some rest. I hope that you will feel better soon.

Ok back to school work! I'll check in later

Howdy!
 

Hey everyone! How is everyone this wonderfully cold night??

I am taking a break from studying for a moment but I can't stay long. I still have some to read before class tomorrow. :(

Jacque- I know what you mean about comfy shoes. I had a hard time letting go of my old ones even though they were seriously shot! I am really hard on shoes. :D

red balloon- I didn't catch whether you got a ride in or not- hope you did!
Get away from the candy young lady! Put it on a shelf way up high that requires you get a chair out when you want some to be able to reach it. :lol:
Next week you will see a bigger loss I am betting- have faith! ;)

little grasshopper- Still not over the shock of school- think I am now just resigned to the fact that I have no choice and it will soon be over. :D
Your dream about school was pretty crazy- what in the heck did you eat before you went to bed? watch something crazy on TV? Think good thoughts before bed tonight!
Don't feel guilt over one little treat- especially with TOM. How is your head now? Did you get rid of the headache? Dogs have no idea of their strength. They mean well but Charlie occasionally manages to hurt me on accident.

NBK- Great job with eating!!

stormy- great job with the workout! I say "Amen sister" to you on the school work. Are you adjusted now? less stress?
You are so sweet remembering that Tuesdays are my long days. ;)

Okay well I should go- I think we were suppose to talk about what motivates us today- oh well! sorry folks- I will adjust soon to school and start back on the themes and questions on a regular basis..

For today:
Question- If you could give a gift of anything in the world to someone special in your life- who would you give it to? and what would the gift be? (Money and access are not an obstacle. )
:cool:
See yall later- as they say in the south! :lol:
:wizard:

I'm starving and groceries are limited until hubby gets paid on Thursday... so I may stray a bit :( But trying to stay around 1800 Calories or so!!

Well off to dinner... getting free Boston Market tonight :D Then I'm going to workout and pass out :D Have a great night and day everyone!

Question- If you could give a gift of anything in the world to someone special in your life- who would you give it to? and what would the gift be? (Money and access are not an obstacle. )
I would give my mom and dad a house :D They've lived in the same small house they lived in when they got married, and they've wanted bigger (3 kids with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom is a tough thing!) but spent all their money giving their kids things, and not spending anything on them... so I'd give them a beautiful house with a jacuzzi tub and everything they could ever dream of!

Hmm yeah I would give my mum and my dad both a house. Mum's house would be on the hill overlooking the beach and dad's house would be a single level house somewhere coolish so his MS isn't a problem.

well off to the gym to do some cardio. Think I will leave the weights until tomorrow.. the whole weakness thing on friday scared the daylights out of me! YAY YAY YAY my boy comes back tomorrow morning he he he it's going to be awesome to see him :-)

Catch you losers later (LOL)
Tiffany

pitstop here. . .
 

Ok, people, back home now but want to get out to the gym now so I can be back in time to get two cats to the vet and still have time to do some more work. It's cold but not windy so I'm going to take the bike to the gym. Quick look through the posts though so I don't get TOO behind. You guys are really typing away!

NBK -- your question was kind of depressing for me, asking what kind of movements I'm doing because we're nowhere near that and I think just to get to that point may be a long way off. You see, as I said before, my horse is just totally uncooperative and I'm not a strong enough rider . . . yet. . . to get her going enough so that we can even work on movements. I don't know. I still think I'm learning because learning how to get a horse going is a part of riding, or can be. Sometimes the younger staff get to ride my horse and they don't like to because they say she's too difficult but when the teacher rides her both of them can get her looking pretty good. So I know it can be done but I wonder if I'm not shooting myself in the foot sticking to this horse. I feel she is teaching me a lot but it's certainly not stuff that you can see, at least not without a long time. People say I've gotten so much better but I don't know. . .I wonder if I'd have learned so much more on a more cooperative forward horse. I only stick with her because I feel she is teaching me and because I would be so worried what would happen to her if I sold her. Riding stables in Japan suck.

Anyhow, if there's one thing I certainly get it's a good workout. I'm doing all the work, you see. About riding abroad, that's just a dream now because I don't have the dough, but I got the brochure yesterday from this place that does tours all over the world and I'm just going to page through that and dream a while. Although I'd like to do some scenic tours, say, in Ireland, I also would love to go to Portugal or so and ride Lusitanos or Andalusians, which I hear are cool. Oh, god the Spanish Riding School, that was always a dream. Do they take women now? I speak German so it sure would be nice. Actually, though I think I'm into the French style dressage, or would like to be, light and all. The German style does seem so heavy, not the Vienna school though. Ok, better stop with the horse stuff. I see eyes glazing over.

I hear you on the V Day jitters. We both have about the same to go. Whether you make it or not, you can do it very very close so keep at it. You never know. Besides, you could starve yourself the day before, eat no salt or sugar for the week before and take a diuretic if you really want to make that number!! I'm going for mine! stormy, did you hear that!

grass -- if your chocolate bar was that good then don't feel guilty. No sense feeling guilty over something you will pay for anyhow!! Tee hee hee. :s:

stormy -- good luck with the studying. Great that you got a workout in despite all that. I DID get to ride thank you. Almost didn't because the ground was still hard. Had to wait but got a lesson in, a bit short and no warmup ride by the teacher, which makes things harder for me but still, the sun was shining, beautiful blue skies, cold but no wind. It was great to be outside sweating.

crime girl -- thanks! I did put the candy up high but can get it without a chair. Nothing that high in my room really. Still, the extra effort helps me not to go after it. Besides, all my favorites (Good & Plenty) are gone. . . :^: I did get to ride, thanks. So good to be able to. And thanks so much for having faith in me. That makes me want to try harder and so far I am doing better than last week, I think. If I can keep the beer nights down to none or maybe just one, I think I will see a loss.

Your question: a gift to someone? I would give an ex-boyfriend whom I still love dearly (I left him.) immediate payoff of all his debts, his own extremely profitable company that really uses his talents, and is full of good workers who really like him and he likes and along with that make him instantly fluent in not only English but German as well.

Good luck, Crime girl, with your studies. I know it must be really hard. My brother was just telling me he was taking some classes and after all these years away from school he said it was really tough. This will pay off for you and you'll be so glad you did it. I can't go back and read posts now but how is your eating going? Are you getting any exercise in at all? Tell me, do you live at home? or are you away at a dorm or something? I get confused with everyone's stories.

Jacque -- rein yourself in there! Come on, make that weight tracker flower move along to the right! Don't set yourself up to stray. Are you talking about munching out on some cheap junk food. If so, remember, the junk food is not worth it. You'll still be hungry soon after. Your body wants nutrition. Try to get some cheap vegetables or fruit or something or make some wild rice with onions, lentil soup, something cheap but filling and nutritious. It'll certainly take the edge of your hunger and it'll keep your body happier for longer than junk AND it'll keep YOU happier even longer! :sunny: Come on, I am counting on you to set a good example around here for the less disciplined among us such as ME!!

What is "free Boston Market," by the way?

Ok, off to the gym for me. I only looked at the posts made since I said Hi this morning. I will look further back later. Sorry guys. Ciao for now!! :wave:

did it!!
 

Heh people. I'm back from the gym and taking three cats to the vet one at a time. I cycled to the gym and back, did some leg weight training and jogged, but only 2 K. Still, this was after riding this morning and the hour and a half of walking that that involves just getting there. So, despite the licorice and one ice cream sandwich I had today I'd still say I'm ahead of the game!

Ok, looking a bit further back on the posts. Hate missing anything. .

NBK -- you were talking about overtraining, sloth to superathlete overnight. I am the same way. It's all or nothing and when those nothings drag into weeks on end, the overnight auperathlete sets herself up for exhaustion!

Had to laugh about the decreasing "overhang" on your jeans. Sure know how that is. I was wishing for the blouses of summer almost when I was riding hoping I could hide my overhang from my teacher. Sweaters (since we're not allowed to wear bulky clothes) are much more revealing. But mine is definitely getting smaller as well! my overhang that is, not my sweater! :rofl:

So, you're a classic golden girl. beautiful! hobbit? gollum? :lol3: but, really, how do you have low esteem looking like that? I know, I know, it's not really relevant. Still, here you are getting adults saying they'd kill for your looks! And forget about boyfriend's exs. Just be YOUR best and you'll blow 'em away anyhow! Women guys say "damn, she's hot" have it rough too I think. Even if they have a personality or brains no one cares and no one wants to know either. i think if you DO have brains or a great personality, no one will say you're hot even if you are. Most of the "hot" stuff is because guys feel they can do anything at all with those type of women, anything at all except take them seriously! :lol: Anyhow, are you convinced yet. I'm trying to be.

I have really low blood pressure. It's barely over 90 on top. And my pulse is low, though not that low now. It was in the summer, around 55. I'm too scared to check my bodyfat now. It had been 28 percent for a long time but no longer I'm afraid. OK, maybe that's the next thing. Measure that. I don't know, NBK, would you want to have your pulse at 44? Isn't that super low. Wouldn't it mean that you'd have to eat less and less. I suppose it would mean you're training alot to get it that low so I guess you could eat.

Jacque -- great deal with the husband about the gym. When does it start, your membership, that is. Are you really going to work out together? Keep us posted! Great mini goal for Feb. Look at how close it is now. You'll get there for sure. Keep up the good work! :flow1:

kjk -- are you feeling better! Sure hope so. Pop in and say hi, OK? We miss you.

grasshopper -- Are you below 125 now? If not, how close? I like the total pounds lost thing as a group. Actually, isn't everybody weighing at some point? I know I said I wasn't going to but I am now. If we could it may be fun. We could have a tally for the regulars and a total for anyone who posts, even just occasionally. Any ideas? You know, grass, you talking about how you can carry a ton of weight and not realize how unhealthy you are. I think I may be the same way. I mean, I don't feel that fat but I am. I can see it on me but for some reason I just don't feel it. I mean, I exercise and move around. Maybe a lot of that is that I just don't know what it feels like to be thin. . . duh! I was just thinking today. I was telling people I weighed 73 kgs and I was thinking 73 kgs for a woman is a lot! Then again, I have a lot of muscle, big bones, yeah, maybe but. . .there's still a lot of fat on this body. I'd never been seen dead on the beach in a bikini or something! I guess I just get so used to being this way that I can't think of anything else and so have come to so accept this as the usual. I wish I could see myself at my goal weight or any lower weight as like a sneak preview, then revert back to my current weight. It would be such a shock I may fall into a deep depression. On the other hand, it may serve as a great motivation. What do you all think? If you could, would you like a brief glance into what you would look and feel like at a lower weight?

stormy -- hi. thanks for your kind words. Yes, I feel much, much better now. Oh, stormy, I don't know Home Makeover but I'm so sorry to hear about your friend dying. That must be so hard on you to get close to people through your work and then have them die. Was his death related to his being a quadriplegic? or was it something else. I'm really sorry.

Here's the link to the 2nd chapter of "Thin for Life" and the discussion.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51958

I think there's some really good reading here. Remember, this is not just for people who have reached goal.

Good morning guys. Another hectic day and then things will calm down. I'm still feeling crappy but better today. I am planning to hit the gym tonight and do cardio, upper body weights and then pilates class. That's the plan. I don't like it that I've missed days here - because it's too easy for me to fall out of going. Way too easy.

Red - I think I would like to see myself. It would be motivation for me. To see it would almost be like "see, you did it...." And it would give me a more concrete goal. I am between 135 and 140 now - depending on the day. Today I was 138. I seem to be stuck in those numbers...I've been here for about a month now it seems. I'm okay though - just being able to fit into those jeans is enough FOR NOW.

okay guys..sorry I'm being so short and MIA. I'll have more time after today. Talk to you all soon. lg

Hey,
I have only got a sec but I wanted to jump on before I go to school for the day- it is hard to post from there.

Red- Good for you with getting that candy away from you! Also- you are doing so great with the exercise- I am really proud of you!
As for me- I strayed from my eating and just haven't said anything. I am getting some exercise but I need to get with the program! I think I finally have my head right now so maybe it will get easier. My bf is now trying to lose too so that should help.
To answer your question- I live in a townhouse off of campus with my bf. It is nice to be off campus! I have a great neighborhood to walk in but I am an idiot and don't walk everyday. I also have a gym membership at the YMCA and rarely go there. On top of that I have a balance ball, weights, and resistance bands. Why can't I do one of these things??? It is a mystery! Not really- just use to being lazy I guess. How about giving me a cyber kick in the butt!
Byh the way- read your post about your horse- all your hard work with a difficult horse will pay off. I think they are like humans in that respect- if you give them love and support and stick with them they become loyal and even better to you then the horses that are easy to work with. It is good to have a willfull horse- she has more spirit and drive. I bet she ends up being the best thing for you and I bet you will be the best thing for her.

stormy- did I miss a post?? Did you have a patient die? are u ok? I am so sorry if that is the true.

Okay- I need to go- sorry I didn't respond to everyone-
Thanks to all of you for keeping me sane and offering much needed support-
Have a great day everyone!