"*" "*" 4th of July "*" "*" Challenge! Come Join Us!

[kimmarie]

I wish I had a scale like the one Sue weighs on....then I would be able to tell if I have lost any fat underneath all of this water Good job Sue, on you weight loss and all of that golf and passing up the high carb food!

Dawn, glad your hubby is Ok now. I see a good number of patients who had a "cut and run" surgeon. Then I have to deal with the complications. (I am a wound specialist).

Cammie, yay for you! Keep on rockin'!

Alyce, you are doing great!

Mariah, Sounds like a great dinner. I never eat at red lobster because I am allergic to shellfish.

Pauline, I have had kid drama every day since school got out. You would think it gets better as they get older...IT DOESN'T. I LOVE onion rings. Don't think I could have stopped at 2. Good job!

Nancy, I envy your exercise resolve. I need to get going on it, SOON.

Frankie, that really stinks about the car door. I hate insurance companies. I'm glad that folks are recognizing the losses you have had. Do you find that they are receptive to LC info? I have had people say to me "You look great! I want to do what you are doing!" Then I tell them about LC and they say "oh, I could never do that...." Uggh.

Thank you all for your kind words. I'm hoping my body adjusts soon. I don't think I will make my challenge goal by the 4th, now. But I am not giving up!

[TaDa!]

I'm doing ok with food and exercise! But my water weight is back (my chest is killing me and I am again up two pounds to 130). Waaaaahhhhh at least we can have a group bloat commiseration! lol!!

Cammie I hope things are going well at your folks' house! Thinking of you!!!!! If you do manage to get in .. I tried out part of the resistance band workout above and it is pretty good. I had taken little dd to the gym, got in about half my workout and then the last half at home, I decided to try the bands .. she may come with me again today and I'll probably need to make up some at home again (lower body) .. maybe I'll try the leg workout on bands too. I am thinking maybe I can take them with me to Ireland to get in a workout here or there. I have run before in cavantown, so that part is easy, lol.

Sue That is great you have access to the bodyfat monitor!!! I am in a similar situation today and yesterday! Water! We all just have to know it is simply masking what is going on and that if we maintain all our good behaviors, the right results will follow! I know I am doing just fine despite the scale number, lol!! great job on the day with your cousin!! You totally minimized damage! Way to go!!!

Dawn Congratulations on the scale movement! I know you'll see more soon!!

Phranquie lol on Scott Herman ... if you really want to giggle, check out his spartacus workout complete with Roman <ahem> garb ... like a big brown diaper!

That's funny that I just described sage green, lol! I haven't decided just yet ... I have not chosen yet, but am leaning toward the terracotta right now!

kimmarie I have two girls, so there is always some kind of girl-relationship (friend) drama going on .. My teen, well it's expected, but I think my 10 yo is hitting puberty. She got the boobs ... just started getting big crops of pimples two weeks ago .. and is going into moods all the time. A group of girls essentially threw her out of the group about a month ago and she has been down in the dumps ever since ... My older one got her period a month before her 11th birthday .. so if little dd follows suit, it will be this summer/early fall ... ahhhhhhhhh .. poor dh!!

[Alyce27]

Started Challenge @ 275.4 06/01
06/13 - 272.0
06/14 - 271.6
06/15 - 270.8
06/16 - 269.8
06/17 - 270.0
06/19 - 270.2
06/20 - 270.2
06/21 - 270.0
06/22 - 268.8 TOM
06/23 - 271.4 TOM
06/24 - 270.0 TOM - Back up to 11.6 from my goal of 17

~~11 Days left to this Challenge ~~

Alright ... I'm now going for a lb. a day. Ha Ha Well let's see how far I can push it till then. It's CRUNCH-TIME!

[wyterayven]

Good Morning all! Happy Friday!

I will be so glad to see the weekend! Its been a rough week at work.

Had the first class with the two older dogs last night and it went well. They remembered most of their lessons and although rusty did much better than I expected.

Pauline~ Sorry to hear about the water weight. That sucks. I wonder if you could map it on a calendar than then when you know around when it usually comes, start taking some natural diuretics...I think there are some teas for that. Perhaps that would cut down on how much your body retains, and it wouldnt be so painful? I dont envy you with your girls! It could be a rough summer. I always hated the school drama when I was in school. I have never understood why kids can be so mean?

Kimmarrie~ You must see some pretty awful things in your work. I have never before had an issue with looking at wounds or blood....but I think that is changing as I get older. I was helping my husband get cleaned up before we went to the hosopital, and I found myself getting very warm, and had ringing in my ears and started getting nauseous. Thats never happened before.

Phranquie~ Boston's are great dogs. I have a number of friends with them. I love the big dogs, but the day will come when I wont be able to handle the big ones, and at that point I will be looking at Bostons, Brussels Griffons or Border Terriers. But hopefully I will be able to have the big ones for a long time to come...then again, looking at the food and vet bills...maybe I should make the switch earlier. lol

[Phranquie]

Hello all. I found out yesterday that in less than two weeks I have to go to Montenegro and then possibly to Croatia after that for some meetings. I was miserable last year when I went to Croatia because of my weight and it is so humid and I was on a yacht with other very "chic" guests, several of whom are swim swim suit models ... I felt like such a porker the whole time. I am super happy that I have lost weight but in the back of my head I wished I had lost another 70lbs. I gave away most of my nice work clothes as they were getting big and I did not think I would have any business meetings until the beginning of October and by then I have a stack of clothes that would fit me. So now I need to get some business worthy clothes that I did not want to get. I have one suit jacket that I can have taken in and some stretchy dress pants but that is it! I have no idea where the meetings will be, at a hotel or on a mega yacht my customer has. If I stay on the yacht I also have to have dressy clothes for dinners which are very long but incredible food and wine will be served. I am very excited to travel and to start a new work project but a bit freaked out about clothes all at the same time.

Kim - Some people are very receptive, others say "Oh, are you on that all meat diet, I have heard it is unhealthy and people have heart attacks from it". I have people also tell me they could never give up carbs. I tell them it was a lot easier to give up carbs than is it to be really fat. But one of my neighbors started LC this week and has lost over 10lbs. He is thrilled. I keep telling him it is for life because he has always been overweight and I want him to understand he has to change his behavior or he'll gain it all back.

Alyce - I am there with you wishing it could be a pound a day loss! I am pushing hard for the next two weeks.

Dawn - Your description of when you were helping your husband sounds just like when I am about to faint. You are lucky you didn't drop like a stone. I cannot imagine feeding the big dogs with the cost of good dog food. And the cost of the vet bills,,,I think it will be about 2K for my Echo's Legg Perthes surgery but I am not even sure. I have to take her to the orthopedic surgeon this fall.

Pauline - that stinks about the water weight for you too. I do wonder about what good natural diuretics there are out there? I'll have to check out the other videos by Scott although I am not so sure a big brown diaper would be all that attractive. Good luck this summer with the kiddos, try to enjoy it because before you know it they'll be leaving for college.

[TaDa!]

On the water weight for me, I think I just have to suck it up. I don't know if charting would do any good .. I think this is peri-menopause crap! lol!! I did look and it is about 2 weeks ago that the water departed .. after about 2 weeks of it, so it does not look promising!!! lol lol!!

I do have aquaban that I take on occasion but honestly I am too concerned about taking anything when I might work out because the last thing I want to do is get dehydrated, dizzy or pass out .. my pride couldn't stand it!! I have to say that my chest killed today and so I skipped anything that might involve bounce, lol!

Alyce27 You'll have a whoosh after tom time! I am sure!! and even without it .. look, you are 5.4 pounds down since the start of the month!!! That is awesome!!!

Dawn Sorry you had a rough week at work! Thank goodness it is the weekend!!! That is cool that your doggies are clever and remember their lessons .. I bet they just want to make momma proud!

Awww Phranquie that sucks that you are going to need good clothing so soon .. I know just how that feels!!!! But maybe, now with 70 lbs gone, you will have a few more options as far as stores to shop in .. that could actually be a lot of fun!! Maybe go for some very simple one-color items and concentrate instead on some striking jewelery, nice shoes and bag .. lol that is what I tend to still do, lol!

and ... yah! that Spartacus vid is definitely more for laughs than anything! it is a crazy workout though .. why anyone would want to do it is beyond me!!

have a great weekend everyone!!



Pauline

[Peagle]

O.K., I'm going to try this again.... I wrote quite a bit earlier and then it just disappeared! Computers can be so frustrating!

So, anyhow, I am wearing a pair of black jeans - comfortably, I might add, that I flat out could hardly button two weeks ago! Low Carb is just amazing - I love it!

So glad it's Friday - a busy weekend planned - lots of golf, some work out at our property in East Texas and then more golf! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Pauline - "group bloat commiseration" I love it! I've found with me two things can set me off - the weather and/or the types of food I eat. Tuesday was exceptionally humid here, along with the heat, and that really did it for me. I consumed a TON of water, but no relief.

Dawn - that's so neat about your dogs and how involved you are with them. I've always loved dogs; I'm partial to hounds, especially beagles. Our baby turned 8 yrs in March - my screen name is her nickname - "Peagle" - a beagle who thinks she's a person! lol! Good thing she doesn't have thumbs to go along with her nose - the things she could get into!

Frankie - For someone who has never traveled outside the North American continent, wow! that sounds like an awesome trip! And here I've been moaning to my husband about our forthcoming business trip to, ahem, Memphis - I hate to even have to buy anything, but like you, most of my dress clothes/business attire are either way too big, or not able to get into yet. Actually, I'm dreading having to go - I have been to Memphis many times, not my favorite place to visit. Of course, not sure of your size, but I have several size 22 and 20 Liz Claiborne dress slacks that you're welcome to have. If interested let me know. And we're about the same height - I'm 5'4".

If I missed anyone, I'm sorry - I'm going to post this before it goes "poof" again... have a great weekend!

[TaDa!]

WTG on the jeans Sue!!!

I am dying today .. allergies kept me up most of the night .. killer sore throat from post nasal drip I think .. that and the chest water weight ... eeeeeeeep! I am totally wanting to drown in food and am going to keep telling myself that "no - that will not fix anything" .. because it will not!

i think I want to sleep .. and am planning to go to bed early!

I hope you all are having a good weekend!!



Pauline

[TaDa!]

Did fine yesterday! Still sick but at least I remain on plan .. yay me!



P

[Mad4Chillas]

Sorry you're not feeling well Pauline! Those allergies can be a bummer!

Doing pretty good here, had a planned cheat day on my birthday, and I am only up about 1lb since yesterday. Going back to meat & egging today.

On Friday, the BF and I went golfing at my first 18 hole golf course (I usually only do 9) and while I didn't do that great the weather was wonderful, and it was nice to spend some one on one time with him. We ate at my favorite burger place (The 5-8 club, where I got a cheddar and bacon stuffed burger) and got some ice cream afterwards at Coldstone Creamery (I stuck to the Sinless Ice Cream W/Peanut Butter & Chocolate Shavings).

Yesterday, I went to Ruby Tuesdays with my Parents for my Birthday after I got off work, where I got a turkey avocado burger (no bun), side of creamy cauliflower, grilled green beans, and a side salad. The burger was really yummy, however I could tell the creamy cauliflower was made with low fat milk and not very much butter, because usually my cauliflower tastes decadent, and this one left a lot to be desired....However, I was still really excited to see it on the menu.

I only need to lose like 3.5-4 pounds more to meet my revised goal by the 4th of July of 145lbs, and I think I can get there pretty easily if I stick to meat & egging. I like meat and egging but I might start to incorporate 1 serving of dairy and 1 serving of veggies because well...meat and eggs is so boring

Also, gotta remember to get all my water in!

Hope everyone has a nice and relaxing Sunday! Only 8 days until the 4th!

[Phranquie]

Hello all. Went to a wedding last night and did good with food mostly because the food was not very appealing to me. It is funny how my taste in what I will eat is changing. If it does not taste really great and flavorful I don't really want to waste my calorie/carb allowance on it. So last night after the wedding we had to go out to a record release party and didn't get in until late. By then I was really hungry but it was so late I had a diet coke and one Hershey's dark chocolate kiss. Nto the best choice but I didn't want anything substantial that late. I find paying attention to food now is just a series of choices and I try to make the best ones until the next choice comes along.

Pauline - I hate allergy crud so I know you are feeling bad. I hope that congestion ends soon. Congrats for not caving to cravings! That is really a big thing when you don't feel well. Good job at keeping that monster away!!!

Sue awesome job on the new fitting black jeans. I bet you feel great wearing them. I am looking forward to the trip as I love to travel, just wish I was a bit further along in my loss to feel a bit more comfortable. Thanks for the offer of your pants. I think I will try to manage with the few pairs of black pants that I have as they will travel nicely and mixed with different tops I think I can by with them for most occasions. I am going to get a few tops but will look for sale stuff. I hope you are keeping hydrated. It was so hot yesterday even late into the night. I don't know how you deal with the heat AND the sun while golfing.

Mariah - Sounds like you had a really nice birthday. I am trying to eat more eggs on the weekend and have just tried turkey breakfast sausage for the fist time and I do like it. It give me all the flavor of the regular sausage and fewer calories.

[wyterayven]

Hi All!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Sunday has come much too soon for me, and I cant wait for the three day weekend next week. Tomorrow is likely to be stressful at work as I have one day left to get the things done that I need to get done, and my boss is riding me pretty hard on it. But it will get done!

Had a class with the youngest dog yesterday, mostly just so they could see her and evaluate what class they have that we should be in. I am really pleased to say, that although she hasnt been worked in two years, she was still one of the best there, and better at many things. That was nice to see.

Last night I started working with them to pick up metal objects. I have to teach the girl that is taking the Utility classes to work with metal so she can start learning scent discrimination, and since my boy is close to finishing his open title, and my other girl is already working most of the open exercises, it wouldnt hurt them to start learning too...and I find that working them together when learning something new, they get competitive and try harder, so that they get the attention and the treats. And I had the two older ones doing short retrieves with the metal articles by the end of the session. So very good progress.

And... we are having another pet crisis. One of the cats has lost a LOT of weight and has stopped eating. I took him to the vet yesterday. He cant feel any blockages or masses. So we took blood and urine samples and will see if that shows us anything. He is really not feeling well today, and is hiding for the most part. I was able to get him to eat some raw pork, which is better than not eating anything. I'll try to get him to eat some more a little later.

Anyway, sorry about rambling...

Had a small whoosh yesterday, and have made my first goal. The first 20 pounds is gone!

Im not losing as quickly as I did before, and thats kinda hard to get my head around, but I am losing, and so I am very pleased with that.

Pauline~ Im sorry you are still sick. That is really rotten.

Phranquie~ I can really imagine how you must feel being on a yacht surrounded by supermodels. Holy crap, I feel like crap when I am around someone who is just thin or in good shape. That takes it to a whole new level.

Honestly, Im not sure supermodels are even real people. And I dont think I would want to do the things that they have to do to maintain that weight, or lifestyle.

But it must be amazing to see that kind of wealth and be able to partake of some of the advantages for a short time. I would love to see it.

I dont envy having to shop for new clothes either. I have always hated shopping. With my height and bone structure, even when I was a reasonable weight, I cant find clothes that fit or look good. I usually have to get mens clothes.

Sue~ How fabulous about the new jeans! Wooohooo! Way to go!!!!

Mariah~Happy birthday! It sounds like you had a wonderful time!

Peagle~ Your baby sounds beautiful! I had a roomate many years ago with a beagle. They are such funny and happy little dogs. I have always said that the reason they remove the dewclaws on boxers is because a boxer with thumbs is a terrifying thought. lol

[Phranquie]

I just received an email from another one of my neighbors who has diabetes who saw me last week:

"You are a motivation. I have shared your success with a handful of friends. What you have accomplished is amazing. So, now I'll bore you with my progress. And only today! I had a Frankie breakfast and a Frankie lunch. YES - I now call my meals a Frankie meal or a cheat."

I was so happy that he is seeing the advantages of LC eating. Plus another set of neighbors said they have cut out all the carby snacks and are eating protein snacks because of my success and with just that change are already seeing losses on the scale. So 4 of my neighbors are now eating LC after seeing my loss.

[wyterayven]

Too good to be true??

I stopped by the store to pick up some things, among them Almond Breeze. When I stopped at the section for the almond breeze, I saw Silk Pure Almond. I hadnt before seen the unsweetened version.

But it was there this time.

Out of curiosity, I picked up a carton to see the carb count. The regular version has 8 or 9 carbs.

The unsweetened has 1 carb per serving, and 1 gram of fiber. That would make Silk Pure Almond Unsweeted have ZERO net carbs.

So, I picked up a couple of cartons instead of the almond breeze to give it a try.

[kimmarie]

Congrats Dawn on meeting your first goal!!!

Frankie, that is wonderful news about your neighbors!

Pauline, I hope you are feeling better.

Happy Birthday Mariah! I didn't know about the creamy cauli at Ruby TUesdays. Will have to check it out.

How was everybody's weekend? I did OK. I had another grad party and a 50th anniversary party to attend. Stayed on plan. Kinda difficult, had to peel breading and skin off some chicken and eat the inside meat/cheese out of a party sub, but I did it. Gained another pound of water, though. HAve been drinking like crazy, with no relief. I ticked off the WW ladies last week by refusing to weigh Caved in yesterday, took one of my old BP pills and drank over a gallon of water. Had a whoosh of 4 pounds in one day! I feel a lot better already. I am going to call the doc and ask for him to give me the diuretic back and just keep the reduced dose of the lisinopril.

HAve a great day everybody!

[Peagle]

What a great weekend - can't believe it's Monday already! Overall had lots of exercise (golf) and pretty much stayed on plan, although Saturday night was dinner at Rockfish and while I did not deviate, I ate way too much. And eating out can be so expensive! I do so much better at home with portion control and my dh and I vowed to decline dinner invites for Sunday - mission accomplished!

Pauline - sorry to hear about your allergies. I've been an allergy sufferer my whole life, but am doing so much better after going with sublingual (sp?) drops for 4 years - they're equivalent to weekly shots, but you administer them at home. I have not had an allergy related illness since.

Mariah - Happy belated birthday! Congrats on your progress, you're doing great!

Dawn - congrats on reaching your first goal! Hope your cat is doing better.

Frankie - I do believe the "dog days of summer" have arrived. It is hot and has been fairly humid. I drink a ton of water on my golf days, which have been averaging about five days a week ! My biggest challenge right now is keeping my skin hydrated - I don't want to look like that neighbor lady in "Something About Mary" - lol! Lots of sunscreen and lotion twice a day. Kudos to you for doing well over the weekend - those types of functions can be tempting!

Kim - Congrats on the whoosh! An affirmation of how great this WOE is and makes peeling the breading off and dumping bread worth it! You'll get the water thing figured out - or at least manageable!

[Phranquie]

Hello all. Last night we ate Mediterranean and I did not have hummus like I usually do because I am really pushing to make my goal. Going to make a couple of LC quiches for BF's musician friends tonight. I asked him if LC was OK since he loves my LC quiches. He said they were guys, single and musicians so that means they never turn down any meal, so we'll see how it goes.

Dawn - Please let us know how the unsweetened almond milk is. I bet you can sweeten it with anything you like. I am trying to get my BF on the LC track and this is one more thing in my arsenal.

Kim - Why would the WW people be upset if you choose not to weigh? I hope you find a good balance with the medications. You did great with the food this weekend.

Sue - I still go out to eat all the time. I tend to scour the menus online prior to leaving the house so I know exactly what I will eat so there are no surprises or second guessing once I get to the restaurant. I have bad allergies too and went through the shots and am down to getting them once a month now. They have helped so much. I am worried that even with staying out of the sun I am going to look like a raisin because of saggy, wrinkled skin from weight loss. I can already see it happening under my chin/throat area. I can only imagine what I'll look like in another 100lbs,,,yikes!

Pauline - I hope you are feeling a bit better.

Everyone else,,,,have a great day.

[TaDa!]

I feel a little bit better this morning - did not take any medicine yesterday/ last night at all, so hopefully I am coming out the other side! The kids schedule and social life is a whirlwind this week - I guess I should be happy and grateful about that as mine was not at all (due to where we lived and other things beyond my control) and it made me very unhappy.

Tons of cooking and packing to do so that eating is not an issue while I am away at my folks for three weeks. I am kind of dreading going. I have projects etc I need to get done here and with my summer schedule it is not going to happen .. I think I resent it, lol!

Mariah Glad to hear you are happy with your progress!!

Phranquie I hope last night went well! My dh loves the pepper onion quiche I make (Linda Sue with some tweaks) .. I bet the guys liked yours!!!! lol!!! I have to admit to the occasional chocolate kiss at parties etc too ... something about that packaging ... lol! Very cool that you are becoming an inspiration to the people around you .. nothing like "paying it forward" to help keep us on track too (for me, anyway!).

Dawn I hope your Monday went ok and you managed to beat the stress!!! Congratulations on an amazing 20 lbs down!!! That is awesome!!!! try not to worry on the speed of the weightloss .. all that matters is that it is goinggggggggggggg!!

kimmarie Wow you did great at your parties!!!! I hope your doc gets you some water relief .. you sucked it up and tried it without the diuretic and got off the other meds .. I think you are smart not to stay unhappy with the water fluctuations

Sue You are doing so great with all the golfing exercise!!!! Those sublingual drops sound interesting - is that from a doctor or is it one of those homeopathic remedies??!

[Peagle]

Good morning everyone! Nothing new to report - same 'o, same'o. Just plugging away.

Frankie - You're right - eating out is the real world and it would help to be able to plan ahead. Saturday was a spontaneous thing with another couple post golfing and a few drinks. I just need to to do better with portion control when eating out. Funny you commented about saggy skin from weight-loss and sun exposure - I've developed small wrinkles above my right knee and it has me FREAKED out! I've always had very muscular and toned legs, even when I weighed 305 lbs! WTH???

Pauline - I did the drops through my allergist/ENT doctor when they were first introduced. I went through the whole bit of allergy testing et al, and then they set me up with the drops. The target was three years, but I did an extra year just to boost my immunity even more. I still take reduced dose of decongestant at night because I'm too chicken to get my deviated septum corrected, but otherwise I'm good without having to take anything else. The drops were so much more easier for me versus shots - with my schedule, I just couldn't get in for shots once or twice a week. I swear by them - it's made all the difference in the world to me!

[LIVE_FREE_NH]

Hello Ladies & Happy Tuesday!

Pauline, hope you're feeling better...lousy that you have the 3-week "Girl Interrupted" going on!!

Dawn - congrats on your First Big 20, it is such a great milestone to hit that, It's a hurdle to get over but now you are on track and focused. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep it up!!!

Phranquie - on your upcoming trip, maybe you will see the same people as last year and woo - hoo, you're down 70+ lbs which they will probably have to convert ti kilos being European...anyway, get ready for the compliments!! For clothing, you can't go wrong with black slacks and a variety of tops/jackets/accessories to change it up a bit. I am looking forward to my next plane ride, whenever that will be...so I can feel how much less my butt fills the seat And how cool that you are an inspiration to your neighbor there!

Sue - cool on the jeans size and golfing in that hot weather, YIKES! Totally hear you about portion control...

Mariah - hope you meet your goal for July 4th, you sound like you will and you are doing so well with your conscious food choices at restaurants, a belated Happy Birthday too!

Kimmarie, hope you get a whoosh going, you sure are putting in good effort and just stick with it, you can do it!

OK - well July 4th is Monday...and I'm gunning for 197....

Hi to all,
Nancy

[Phranquie]

Hello all. The quiches were good and the boys gobbled them up and I do have some left overs that are good for me to eat too. So I am out car shopping and I was shocked that I easily fir in the sports car I want. I thought it would still be a big struggle at my current weight. No problem with the seat belt, the seat was comfortable without parts of me hanging over the sides. It is pretty low so the drop down will get easier with more weight loss. I want a sports car before I am too old to get in one! Oh and a convertible to boot.

Nancy - Here to making 197! It is so nice to fit into plane seats without an extender belt. I typically will fly business class for work but for myself I fly coach and that will be the real test for my next vacation.

Sue - I don't even want to think about my thighs. I hold most of my weight in my hips butt and mostly my thighs. I know they will look like a Shar Pei's skin when I am at goal. Hopefully I can wear a knee length skirt or shorts without having to duct tape up the loose skin. I am probably going to have to invest in some surgery for the loose skin in the end. If you don't hold a lot of weight in your legs I think that perhaps your loose skin will just take a little time to firm up after the loss. I know a lot of people look haggard in the face after a big loss and it takes a few months for their skin to snap back and then they look way better.

Pauline - Wow ,,,three weeks at your parents house. I am not sure I could handle that myself. But maybe the days will be busy and you can get a little alone time with running or reading. Your girls having a full social schedule that you accommodate is awesome. When I was in high school we lived in the boonies and I felt trapped because I relied on my mother ( who did not work or have other kids to deal with) to pick me up to go places and she was not very obliging and let me know how inconvenient it was for her to have to pick me up. I know your girls will look back at your willingness to to deal with their schedules and will be so thankful for the opportunities they had. I think being social as a kid is the best practice for dealing with all kinds of people and situations as an adult and improves self confidence.

Cammie, Liesie, Alyce, Mariah and Stephanie - I hope all is going well in this last week before the 4th!

[wyterayven]

I lost my kitty today.

[Peagle]

Dawn - I'm so sorry about the loss of your cat.

[TaDa!]

Dawn I am so sorry to hear about your kitty

Sue A wrinkle appeared above my knee too - despite the fact that they look normal and very toned up until the thigh area .. I think that is just an age-related thing honestly. I am pretty happy that with exercise, etc that any nasty skin is just hidden by my clothes and I do not need to advertise it, lol! I wish I could get a few surgeries, but I've never discussed the subject with dh and well, I think we both have things we'd rather do with that kind of money .. I will say that it has gotten much better after a few years on maintenance though.

Hey Nancy! 197 here we come!!!!!!

Phranquie What an awesome reward a sports car would be for getting those 70 pounds off!!!!! Niiiiiiiiccceeee!!!! I too grew up in the boonies, etc, and yah, I figure I am compensating for a lost childhood and teenage years with my own kids, lol!!

The three weeks with my parents always kills me every summer -- again, I am doing it for both my kids and my parents, yanno?! I guess one thing about me: I am always out there trying to "do the right thing" whether it suits me or does not suit me - probably one reason I stuff/ed my feelings with food! I am planning to bring some projects to the beach with me - I have about 4 years of photos that never made their way into albums. I have a beautiful set I bought at exposures .com and about 15 years of ones I have already done that are just awesome to look through .. I need to get cracking before I fall too many years behind and start to miss stuff!

My weight is back down to "favorite weight" this morning and I will try to stay where I should be to make my July 4th goal!!! Woooot!!!! How about a Summer challenge to end August 31st next?! Any thoughts ....

[kimmarie]

I am in for another challenge! Gotta keep going with the program. I have officially lost the 8 pounds of water I gained (in 3 days of taking my old BP pill and drinking a gallon of water each day). 2 weeks wasted messing around with water I *might* even make my goal of 240 by the 4th. We will see.

Dawn, I am so sorry about the loss of your pet. THat is so hard. They become members of the family. How was the almond milk?

Pauline, 3 weeks every summer? You are a better woman than I It is good for the kids and grandparents to spend some time together.

Frankie, I would love a red sports car! Was never the practical thing for us, as all 4 boys and DH played hockey, and we needed a van to haul equipment, luggage, etc for tournaments.

Sue, I am saving my money for a tummy tuck starting right now! Not sure how I'll be able to afford it with the 2 kids I'll have in college by then, but I am gonna do it. I do have wrinkles and sags in other places as well, like neck, thighs and arms. I consider it a small price to pay.

Nancy, you can reach 197, no problem!

How is everybody else doing? Last push to reach our July 4th goals!

[Alyce27]

Started the challenge 06/01 - 275.4 with a 17 lbs Goal

Jumped immediately up 06/03 - 277.6

And now here we are 06/29 - 269.0 only 6.4 lbs down

Oh well at least I'm not still holding steady. And we still have 5 days to go.

I see that most low carb-ers typically lose 10 lbs per month. I guess my goals should reflect more of reality than "unreachability".

Actually, 10 lbs per month sounds like a really great Goal. After a year I would be pretty close to my final Goal.

[Phranquie]

Hell all. Not much new going on with me other than wanting to eat more than usual. Will try to determine if it is real hunger or not today.

Dawn - I am sorry sorry for your loss. Your kitty was certainly beautiful.

Pauline - Getting your photo albums in order is a great project for the vacation at your parents. I am in for an end of the summer challenge.

Kim - You must feel so much better with all that water weight gone. Fingers crossed you get to your goal.

Alyce - I find that 10lbs per month is a good goal for me especially since I don't exercise. I know that some month I might lose less others more but the average ok with me. I need to really push the next 5 days to make my goal.

[Peagle]

Good news to report - lost 3 lbs. for a total to date of 71 lbs.! I do love this program and this WOL! Funny, I was stressing about weighing-in today - I've been hungry the last several days, (typical for my PMS-type symptoms which could go on for weeks!) and have eaten more protein calories than I'm supposed to, by quite a lot to be completely honest. But, apparently, I'm doing something right! I've also noted, that this marks approximately 4 months for me, which, historically, I usually peter-out on dieting. This time is so different - it's not at all like a diet, because I don't feel deprived in any way, shape, or form. I can so do this! I hope you all don't mind if I share my monthly progress, I'm feeling like a proud momma!

March 28 lbs. (5 week month)
April 13.5 lbs.
May 16 lbs. (5 week month)
June 13. 5 lbs.

Pauline - Wow! Three weeks at your folks with the kiddos! You truly are a very special person, and I mean that as a genuine compliment!

Kim - I'm so happy for you resolving that water issue and losing so much! I bet you feel soooo much better!

Alyce - you're progressing and that's what counts! Slow and steady will win every time!

Frankie - A sports car? That's too cool! Have you decided on one? I like my big ol' Texas SUV - with all these crazy drivers in the metro-mess I like the bigger size!

Nancy - 197 is so awesome! I can't wait!

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

[TaDa!]

Ohmigosh I am so exhausted!! I cooked almost all day and am in the middle of packing one of the kids ..thank goodness I decided to skip exercise today (after being up awake most of the night) ... I think I will head down there tomorrow for a few hours of peace before all the family arrives .. 11 of us over the 4th July weekend stay there .. now *that* is stressful, lol!!! Then everyone leaves except for my folks, kids and me .. I think I am going to spend a lot of time lying on the beach dozing, lol!!!!

kimmarie Great news on the water weight!!! I bet you feel just great .. I never realized how attuned I was to my body and changes like that until I started lc'ing!! lol on the "better woman than I" ... I just make myself do it, so it does not feel very virtuous, lol! Lotsa stress tho!!!!

Alyce27 At first I thought .. wow 10 lbs a month is a lot .. but I guess that is not true for a lot of people!!! I figured my average, after my first month (10 whole lbs, lol!) was like 7.3 although some months were lower and it felt like 6 lbs most of the time .. anyhow, whatever the increments, it is great to be going down down down!!!!

Phranquie I hope you took care of that extra hunger .. I try to wallow in butter when that happens to me, lol!

Wow Sue! You are doing great!!! The medi-weightloss - is that the one that is about 600 calories a day and medically supervised? Just curious!!! What a wonderful job you are doing!!!

Thanks for the compliment :blush: heee heee sometimes it does feel like a big chore, lol!

[Peagle]

Wow Sue! You are doing great!!! The medi-weightloss - is that the one that is about 600 calories a day and medically supervised? Just curious!!! What a wonderful job you are doing!!!

It is medically supervised, the staff at the clinic I go to are absolutely wonderful! - the calories varies per individual. I'm on 850 PROTEIN calories per day - and am not supposed to be less than 750. I initially started at 650 for the first two weeks, and then it was increased because of the amount of exercise I do. I only count protein calories, and have either two medi-approved veggie servings or one veggie/one fruit per day. They advocate a low-fat regimen, but that's the area I deviate from. Low fat is not very filling for me, and leaves me too hungry. They have encouraged me to keep doing what I'm doing and not fuss cause it's working! What I like about it most is that it has helped me with portion control along with the emphasis on low-carb. The down side is it's very expensive, but for me it's been more than worth it.