Yes, katie, I get those remarks from time to time from people who have met me since I dropped 30 lbs. It is wild - I always turn around to see if they are speaking to someone else! I guess that means I'm still a fat girl inside - probably always will be. If I'm doomed to live life that way, so be it, as long as the fat girl doesn't get out!

We are booked for a week in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, - leaving March 25th and returning April 1st. To say that I'm excited is an understatement. It's a good thing we are so busy here at work; I might go insane from anticipation otherwise. I put on a pound or two over the weekend so have to make sure it's gone before I don a bathing suit. I will go for my weigh-in the day before we leave, then just enjoy myself for the week. It's an all-inclusive, and I don't intend to hold back from sampling everything on the menu. Thankfully, though, I'm more excited about fresh fruit and fish than anything else. And we'll be swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and doing plenty of walking, so it may balance out.

Got to the gym today for a 35-minute run on the treadmill. That's another reason to celebrate - my gym membership runs out on Mar. 28th and I am not extending it. It's back to running outdoors for this girl, and not a moment too soon. The snowbanks are still miles high, but the sidewalks are at least clear so there's no longer an excuse.

Karen Sue: Hope the test results bring good news.

Gotta run. Take care everyone. Sorry I don't have time to reply to everyone individually. I am checking in and keeping tabs on you guys though. Hope the Thursday lunch in Chicago goes well and that you find each other!

Austin Gal-
I just bought the instructional tae bo and basic tae bo tape this past weekend. Monday night I did the instructional, and last night I was planning on doing the basic but didn't get a chance to because I had company over until late. Tonight though if all goes well I'll do the basic. I can't wait! I watched part of it the other day and thought it looks like a great, fun workout. Even though it's not really long that's great for me because it makes it easier to find the time to do it. I think it says on the package that it's 27 minutes long, but I'm assuming that includes both the warm up and cool down.

Good morning everyone (I just love these new little icons!)

We are experiencing some unusually balmy weather again today. We're supposed to get up to 50 which is higher than we usually get this time of year. My daffodils, tulips, and crocuses are really starting to take off. I can't wait till they start blooming. The change in the weather is also bringing out my allergies again. Oh well, the cycle continues.

I went to my WW meeting yesterday and weighed in .4 up from last week--no big deal since I'm right in the middle of my TOM. Next week should be better. On the flip side I had a night of insatiable appetite. Nothing was satisfying me and it wasn't pretty. I think by not eating a balanced lunch after my meeting it really threw things into a tailspin for me. I will plan better for Wednesdays and make sure I eat something that will keep me on track. I didn't feel that hot after munching out on various junk so I'm going to "take the hit and move on" and start fresh today.

I'm hoping the rain holds off here today so I can get outside and get some walking in over the lunch hour to counteract the eating I did yesterday. Only 33 days until I leave for my trip down south and I need to get myself back on track. My goal was to get my weight in the 130's before I leave...just need to focus more on the goal!

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Melissa
161/142/142ww/135 personal

Well, due to not planning good enough yesterday I ended up going over my max points by 3.5. Could have been alot worse I suppose. Oh well. Today is a new day, right? I didn't end up exercising last night either because for some reason I felt really nauseated and needed to lie down. Before I knew it I was fast asleep. Well got to run ladies. Hope everyone has a great day!

Hi everyone!

Finally, I get a chance to respond to everyone properly!!!

Jamie ~ Don't worry too much about going over in points, it happens. Try to watch it even better today!

MelissaL ~ Please send me some of your balmy weather, it is 20 something here and snowing!!!! I wish I only gained .4 when it is my TOM, I usually gain 3 pounds that week!! You will be in the 130's before you know it, you are doing terrific!

Seasaw ~ Your trip sounds awesome! I am jealous!

Katie ~ Do a little shopping in Chicago for me too, will ya? That is a great compliment to get, you deserve it!!!

AustinGal ~ Way to go on the work outs, doesn't it give you so much more energy???? I think so!!

Grace ~ Way to go on the loss!!

Karen Sue & Katie ~ Have fun at your meeting, I wish we all could get together, that would be so much fun!!!

Well, I am still trying to stay OP, but for the last few weeks have been sticking to the high end for points, need to cut back on the eating a bit. But, have been working out faithfully. I feel so much better when I do. I am skipping WI this week since I have TOM, just don't want to see that 3 pound gain.

DH and I are in the process of buying some land to build our dream house, hopefully everything works out, we find out next Monday if our offer is accepted. Wish us luck!!

Today is my last day of work for the week, mom and I are both taking off tomorrow (we both work at the University) and going out for lunch and shopping in Madison. It will be lots of fun.

Well, better get back to it, hope to post later!

Have a great day!!

Hi ladies,

I'm just popping in for a bit. I'm in Melbourne, Victoria for the weekend and its very sticky and muggy. I decided to take respite and delve into my email for my weekly update.

We're having a pretty good time so far on our trip. I'm a bit road weary and sort of excited to be in one place for two nights. Melbourne is a huge city and I'm tired of huge cities.

We spent a very relaxing few days in Tasmania, did some hiking and ate some vegetables, these two things were good for the soul.

I'm hoping the rest of trip is smooth. I think we're going to head out to the beach tomorrow with a good book and a picnic.

On the food front, I can't say that I am having alot of control. New Zealand was great, Australia is proving to be a challenge. We did go to the big fruit market and I found the first organic! market to date. We bought some fruit to go with our tasmanian cheeses.

I am going to hit the gym today at the Y hotel. It should be good.

I hope you are all well. I miss my support group.

more later, next few days perhaps.

lala

How wonderful to hear from lalala. Your trip sounds fabulous; enjoy every moment.

Tonya: Isn't it exciting when you're in the midst of land/housing transactions? I don't think I ever had a dream home. I'm currently on home #3 and have enjoyed each of them for the different things they had to offer. I think we'll probably stay with this one at least until retirement (it will take that long to pay for the bathroom renovation). Then maybe we'll trade it in for an RV!

Don't worry too much about 3.5 points Jamie. I could not even begin to estimate how many points I ate yesterday. I count anything in the range of 30 as "on program" for me.

[b]Melissa[.b]: You are doing so well. I just know you will achieve your 130s goal by the time you leave on vacation. I on the other hand have no hope of achieving that before March 25th. Not to worry; I tried on one of my smaller bathing suits this morning and it didn't look half-bad (of course, morning stomach is always the best!). It must be the exercise because it sure isn't healthy eating (not this week, anyway).

[b]AustinGal/b]: How are you doing with Tae Bo? I have never tried it, but it looks like fun.

Finally, I seem to have lost the "smiley" ability with this new server. Where are the icons?

Aargh! Decisions. Decisions. What is the exact right way to go about this? {I know, what is "this"?}

First, before I begin to blither on, I must confess that Katie and I never got a chance to get together yesterday. {Blame the doctors!} But, just in case you all wanted to give out prizes, just sent them north to Wisconsin! Katie is a true friend. While I could not meet with Katie yesterday (details below), I did get a chance to speak with her on the phone. It was at a time when talking was very important. And well, she was just a jewel. So, let's send that girl e-greetings of good cheer + more!

I now have some sad news. Long story as short as possible: 1/Hodgkins Disease (lymphoma) 20 years ago treated with radiation; 2/long term side effect of radiation: breast cancer first diagnosed June 1999; 3/breast cancer reoccurance diagnosed June 2000 (I had a bilateral double mastectomy); and now...{insert your own curse words} the bone scan done last week reveals evidence of "involvement" in the ribs. I spent yesterday tap-dancing through the hospital + just not being very happy.

I will confess: Ben + Jerry's Chocolate Frozen Yogurt for all last night!

Now, I am not going away. But, I just didn't want to post + then not (post for a bit) without some type of explanation. You all are too kind not to deserve some consideration. Oh well, me thinks one of us has to call more MD-types today. I'm looking for volunteers!!

Karen Sue...leaving the landscape of angry red, now entering depressed blue....

Karen Sue: Some choice words from me on your behalf %^*#)(@. It is just not fair that you should have to endure so much. Frozen yogurt be da--ed; break out the Hagen Das (ok - I can't spell it) I wish there was something I could do....

Good Morning, all. I want to reply to each person personally, but got in too late to take much time. I'll try to type really, really quickly.

Karen Sue - heartfelt commisseration on your bad medical news. I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this. You've licked it before, you can do it again! I will be sending prayers your way.

Katie - congratulations on the compliment (and the 50-lb loss!) Doesn't it feel great! I get them from time to time, and it really is an eye-opener to know that people who didn't know you before just log as a "trim" person in their mind when they meet you for the first time.

Seasaw - your vacation plans sound divine! The Tae Bo workout is really fun and I think it is a pretty good workout for the upper body (see message to Jamie below). Enjoy your all-inclusive vacation - drink something sweet with an umbrella in it for me!

lalala - if you are out there somewhere, know that I am wishing I were there with you. A book and picnic at the beach ... ahhh.. sounds so incredibly relaxing. Hope you continue to have a wonderful time.

Jamie, thanks for the info on the tape length. I bet you only get about 15 minutes of cardio workout, but it sure is fun. I have been sore all over my upper body the past two days. I usually run, walk, bike, or swim and swimming is the only one that uses any arm strength. The Tae Bo punching and twisting at the waist really gave my arms, lateral stomach muscles, and upper back a good toning up. It is a really fun workout - I will definitely keep the tape around for a quick, fun little workout when I can't work anything else into my day. The tapes made me have a really strong desire to check out a full-hour kickboxing class at my club. I just may do that ... BTW, hope things have calmed down a little with your parents' situation. It seems like they must have by now.

Melissa - it so nice to see your picture. I had, for some reason, envisioned you with longer, darker hair. I have been almost out of control with eating lately and weighed in at a whopping 3 lbs higher this morning than I did on Monday! Some of it must be water retention, but I know that I worked really hard this week at gaining a legitimate lb or two (cheesecake, candy bars, and tortiall chips with queso - what was I thinking??!!) Like you, I am going to take the hit and move on. Stopped at the store after they gym this morning and picked up lots of low-point and healthy foods to stock up with here at work. I commisserate with you on the allergies - I just had a nasty 8-week bout with Cedar Fever here in Austin - it wasn't fun nor pretty!

Tonya - good to hear from ya! Have a great time on your shopping trip with your mother. My mother and I are going to go shopping together on Sunday - I can't wait! I agree that working out gives you much more energy. I have to admit that I am just about addicted to doing workouts in the morning. It gives me more energy and makes me feel better all day. Congrats on the land purchase - how exciting! I will keep my fingers crossed that your offer is accepted.

OK - I spent too much time on that, but I really wanted to catch up with everybody before the weekend. From sunny Austin, over and out ...

Hi everyone! Thought I'd put in my 2 cents before I leave for the weekend. It's snowing here again...I'm planning on going home this evening and curling up with a good book and a cup of hot tea, heck maybe I'll even paint my toenails,

Anyway, on the eating front I think I've finally managed to get back on track. The past couple of days have been bad as far as eating sensibly and I can feel the effects of not eating good.

Karen Sue: I hope things work out for you...I'll keep you in my prayers. You've been through so much already. Try & keep your spirits up.

Austingal: I've always wanted long hair but never had the patience to grow it out. I think the longest I've ever had my hair was touching my shoulders and that was back in 7th grade (many moons ago!). This time of year has been bad for me with allergies...molds are my biggest headache.

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone