Allies Exercising Across America & Navigating the Holidays/November

[Blondie Baby]

Morning Allies. Just popping in to post my mileage. No workout yesterday. Had that awful headache in the afternoon again. But I did get up with DBF and go for a long run this morning!

[COLOR="Magenta"]Allies Exercising From New York to LA[/COLOR]
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Next Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles

187 + 10 miles for me yesterday + 5 miles today = 177 miles (18 miles to go!)

[JillianDC]

Hi Allies ... TGIF!

I've been busy with work again -- more manageable than it was with the Literary Festival, but busy nonetheless. It's good because it makes me feel productive and less stressed about other things. And extra money for the holidays is always good!

I'm glad you're all hanging in there. Feel better Maryam!

I made it to the gym yesterday, but plan on taking today off and going for an extra-long workout tomorrow morning. Have a great day and I'll see you soon.

Allies Exercising From New York to LA
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Next Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles

197 + 6 miles for me yesterday = 203 miles (12 miles to go!)

[speedymagee]

Happy Friday!

I cleaned windows and did the finishing touches on getting our new place in shape today. But I don't think it warrants any mileage.

We went to see No Country for Old Men tonight. If you're a Cohen brothers fan, I really recommend it!

[BitsyMay]

Hello Allies. Had a great trip up to NH, did some outlet shopping for myself and also got some Christmas shopping done. I have a ton of miles to log and I will try to check in again tomorrow.

Allies Exercising From New York to LA
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Next Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles

203 + 14 miles for me last week = 217 miles (-2 miles to go!)

Where are we going next? Where ever it is, we are there!

[Blondie Baby]

Morning Allies! Saturday is my new official day off!! Pretty much just laid around reading my book, which I am completely absorbed in! The girls went to a sleepover friday night so we took the boys to the mall to the food court for lunch. DBF and I decided we are definitely getting married - soon. There are some matters with the court and stuff that I have to clear up first. So don't surprised when I pop in one day and say I got married!

Plan on having a good workout this evening after work!

Bitsy - Thanks for getting us to our 10th stop!

Now onto Denver, home to the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Rockies and our very own - Maryam!!!!!! Mile High City, here we come!

[COLOR="Magenta"]Allies Exercising From New York to LA[/COLOR]
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

2 +

[speedymagee]

Hi Allies,
Just a flyby to say hello!
Hope everyone is good!
sandy

[Blondie Baby]

Good Morning Allies! Hope everyone is doing well. Guess we are all busy getting ready for the holidays! Looks like I am going to have make pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkin and make stuffing from scratch! I have failed in my quest to find either in pumpkin or stuffing in the stores. That's what I get for waiting until the last minute! Have been so busy running here and there lately. But I did get in a good workout yesterday! And I am happy to report that I am on day 4 of NO sugar, sweetener or refined carbs!!!!! But I went to the orthodontist last night for my monthly torture session. Now my mouth is so sore that I can barely chew my scrambled eggs! We are coming down to the last bit so I just keep telling myself - only a couple more months!

Jillian - Where you at? Hope everything is OK.

Sandy - Thanks for checking in! I miss you!

Bitsy - Glad you had a good trip to NH. How is your leg now?

Sailor - Hope things slow down for the holidays for you!

Daisy - did we lose you?

[COLOR="Magenta"]Allies Exercising From New York to LA[/COLOR]
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

2 + 5 for me yesterday = 7 miles (235 to go!)

[JillianDC]

Hi Allies, I'm here. Sorry to be negligent about checking in, but I've been busy getting the house ready for Thanksgiving and with some small but tedious work projects.

Maryam: Congrats on 4 days sugar-, sweetener- and refined carb-free! This year, I've gone very long spells without sugar and refined carbs (only a few planned indulgences), but I have not cut out Splenda and Equal. I do try to cut back, but if they're my only vices, I guess I'm doing pretty well. I hope your mouth feels better soon!

Julie: So what did you buy for yourself at the outlets? I hope some fabulous new clothes for the fabulous new smaller you!

Sandy: How's the new place? How are you doing with portion control? I'm still struggling a bit, but better than last week when the PMS/TOM monster took control of me! I want to see "No Country for Old Men" so we may get there over the holiday weekend. I saw two movies recently: "Lars the the Real Girl" which I loved, bizarre, but in a good way, quirky and very well done and "Love in the Time of Cholera" which was so-so, beautifully filmed, but a little too corny for my taste and did NOT live up to the book.

Hi Sailor and Daisy. Where are you ladies????

I made it to the gym on Saturday and today, so here are my miles. Denver, hometown of Maryam, here we come!!!

Allies Exercising From New York to LA
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

7 + 6 for me on Saturday + 5 today = 18 miles (224 to go!)

[Blondie Baby]

Good Morning Allies! I got in a workout yesterday after all. I got my work done at the court and then decided I didn't want to stay late at work so I will work a few hours Saturday morning to make up the time. Then NEXT weekend is a 4 day weekend for us!!!!

I'm still trying to stay sugar/sweetener/processed carb free. Yesterday I did have some date balls that DBF made for us. But they were made with fresh unprocessed dates, olive oil and almonds and I ate a few bites of some refried beans. Still haven't had any refined sugar or sweeteners. I have also been making my dd's breakfast before I leave for work. If you remember, my middle DD is having a weight problem. Since I have cut off the sugar and started fixing breakfast - no more sugary cereal, or toast and jelly - she has stopped PIGGING OUT the minute she gets home from school. And She will ask me what she should eat for supper to make sure she is making good choices. And it had been such a struggle to get her off her butt and get some exercise. Yesterday I came home and she was outside rollerblading - without even being forced!!!!!! My eldest dd told me this morning that middle dd thinks its a pain in the *** to ask what she should eat - but she feels better and knows its better for her so she will stick with it!!!!

Jillian - Good to see you back! Wish I was ready for Thanksgiving! I still haven't found any pumpkin!!!!! Mouth is still pretty sore. Just keep telling myself - only a couple more months!!!!

Sandy - Hope you are settling in. Have you decided what your next challenge is going to be?

Bitsy - How are you?

Sailor -

[COLOR="Magenta"]Allies Exercising From New York to LA[/COLOR]
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

18 + 4 for me yesterday = 22 miles (220 to go!)

[BitsyMay]

Hello Allies! I hope everyone is well, I just wanted to pop in and say a quick hi and wish everyone a great holiday. I have been really busy so I haven't been great about checking in, but I have been going to the gym so I will log my miles for the last few days.

Maryam, my leg is all better now, thanks for asking! I took a few days off from the gym and I was fantastic, I really think my body needed a rest. I did a full body workout on Monday and my leg felt fine after, so I am back to my normal routine now.

Jillian, I got some great stuff at the outlets! I found a fantastic pair of jeans at the Liz Clairborne outlet they were only $9.99 so I got a pair in size 12 for now and 10 for later, I was going to get them in an 8 too, but they didn't have them. I got a pair of khakis and a nice pair of black pants in a 12 too. I also got some tops to match the pants, I am still a large in tops, but really it's only because of my chest...no matter what I gain or lose, my chest seems to stay the same which I suppose is a good thing! Hopefully I will get down to a medium soon though.

Sandy, I hope you guys are settled in now, btw I love the Cohen Bros, so thanks for the rec!

Have a great holiday everyone!!

Allies Exercising From New York to LA
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

22+8for me the last few days = 30miles (212 to go!)

[speedymagee]

Hi Allies,

I'm here to report some bad eating. grrr! I have a thousand excuses. Don't we all!! But I'm not going there. I will pull it together!

I went for a long walk today. I am waiting until I get a job to make any kind of gym commitment. I'm feeling settled, except for the job thing.

Maryam I love weddings! I'm so happy for you and your DBF! How much longer til your tooth torture is over?

Jillian Hope your Thanksgiving goes well! My portion control isn't going well, but I think I need more protein. How are you managing with it?

BitsyMay Yay on the clothes! What a great idea to buy your next size of pants!

Allies Exercising From New York to LA
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

30 +5 for me today = 35miles (207 to go!)

[speedymagee]

I forgot to say

Happy Thanksgiving!!

[JillianDC]

Hi everyone and a very [COLOR="Orange"]HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! [/COLOR]Enjoy the holiday and just try to make the best food choices you can. I'm doing a mostly LC menu with a few high-carb foods for the family that I will avoid. I'm making a LC pumpkin bake for dessert that will have to be it for me. I'm not going near the chocolate cake, which I bought this year for the first time instead of making it myself. Hey, we need to set our boundaries.

Sandy: Good luck with the job search!!! This is a tough time to make good food choices, but do your best. I've been pretty good, but I've had some lapses. It seems like I was so focused and single-minded about my eating until this month, where it's been a struggle. Maybe I hit the wall, but I'm determined to get my mojo back. I want to end this year on a high note, meaning finally getting to 140, or preferably just below it. I'm sooooo close!

Julie: Your new clothes sound great. And what a terrific idea to buy both sizes because your 12's will be big in no time and you'll have those 10's waiting in the wings. And yes, it's a good thing your chest stays the same -- mine did at first, but has since shrunk. Oh well.

Maryam: Keep us posted on those wedding plans. And you're doing a great job with your DD, especially by setting such a great example yourself!

I hope we'll all have more time to check in and catch up next week. I'll see you soon. Have a wonderful holiday!

Allies Exercising From New York to LA
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

35 + 6 for me today = 41 miles (201 to go!)

[Blondie Baby]

[COLOR=darkorange]HAPPY [/COLOR][COLOR=red]THANKSGIVING [/COLOR][COLOR=darkred]ALLIES![/COLOR]

Hope everyone is fine! I was finally successful in my quest for pumpkin. I ended finding a nice fresh one at the vegetable souk. So that drama is over. I will make pumpkin pie tonight. I found a recipe for Pilgrim Pumpkin Pie that is made with fresh pumpkin and honey so I may try that one! We will be celebrating tomorrow since today is not a day off for any of us!

Didn't get in a workout yesterday. But I did finally finish getting my car registered so that is done for another year!

Sorry guys - as far as weddings go, we will probably just go to the court and sign the papers. May have a small celebration with the kids but nothing big. But I will certainly tell you when it happens.

Jillian - Good for you on the LC dessert. I am planning to have a small piece of pumpkin pie. But there usually isn't much left for me anyway! This time of year is always hard to stay on plan! I know you are gonna be fine. You will be the hottest babe at the New Years Party!!!!!!

Bitsy - Glad to hear the leg is healed! And great on the shopping! New jeans are always a good incentive to lose weight!!!! WOW $9.99 for Liz Claibourne is awesome!!!!!

Sandy - Get those portions under control! And don't beat yourself. It is normal to let things slip a little when you are so unsettled. But now that you are feeling settled, get yourself back on track. Hope you find a job very soon. How do like Calgary?

Sailor - Big Thanksgiving for you!

[Blondie Baby]

Hey Allies! Got in a good workout yesterday and DBF and I got up this morning and went for our long run! Now I'm cooking the turkey and getting ready for our Thanksgiving! Hope you all have a great weekend! to everyone!

[COLOR="Magenta"]Allies Exercising From New York to LA[/COLOR]
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

41 + 3 for me yesterday and 7 today = 51 miles (191 to go!)

[BitsyMay]

Hello Allies! Hope everyone is well. I just finished up my 'black friday" shopping. I got my niece a cell phone for Christmas, if that doesn't get me ranked up there as "Best Aunt" I don't know what will

How did you guys do with Thanksgiving? I think I did pretty well, I even went to the gym before the big feast! They were open until noon, I figured it would be pretty empty, but it was packed. I had to search for a parking space. I guess everyone wanted to burn off those calories before over indulging! I ate turkey, very little stuffing and I had some corn. I really don't like Thanksgiving food so it worked out well for me. I did have a few glasses or wine, but all in all I think I stayed within my calories for the day.

I've gotta run to the gym, I'll come back later to post my miles!

[JillianDC]

Hi Allies,

I did well with Thanksgiving, too. It's amazing how you can change old habits when you really make up your mind. The only thing that was challenging for me was the stuffing, since it was always my favorite and my family loves it, so I kept my distance by talking my sister through the recipe and she managed to make it just fine. I ate lots of turkey with some mashed cauliflower, broccoli casserole and LC cranberry relish. I made some LC pumpkin-flax muffins, but they came out awful, so I threw them away. (I think the secret will be to make them with SF pumpkin spice syrup if I can find it and NOT real pumpkin!) Then for dessert I had the LC pumpkin bake as planned, which was OK but it was easy to keep my portion small. Tonight we're having leftovers, so I'll do it all again.

I went to the gym this morning and got in a pretty good workout. Gotta get back to the family. See you soon...

Allies Exercising From New York to LA
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

51 + 5 for me today = 56 miles (186 to go!)

[speedymagee]

Hi Allies,

No mileage to post. Just wanted to check in. I'm doing ok, but not as good as I would like.

I'm going to keep plodding on though. I had an interview yesterday and may be working soon! I think I'm a creature of routine, much as I would like to be freer... Meaning I need to get into a work/workout routine.

Anyway have a great week-end and way to go girls on getting through Thanksgiving so smoothly!

[speedymagee]

Maryam However you and DBF decide to tie the knot it's still wonderful! I know nowadays living together is the same as being married (legally anyway in Canada), but honestly there is something that I find super romantic about tying the knot. Is that my age showing

Jillian Your menu sounds really good! We really can change. This year proves it, what a whirlwind! You continue to inspire

BitsyMay You will definitely be the favourite auntie with a present like that!

[Blondie Baby]

Morning Alllies! Glad to hear that everyone made it through Thanksgiving without too much trouble! No workout for me yesterday - Saturday is my day off. I was busy most of the day with my car - went in for a service and also, had some warranty issues. That done, my car is all squared away now, excpet I want to change the makfi (dark tint) on the windshield this week. It is getting old and icky - what with the sand and all.

The pumpkin pie I made with honey turned out to be a FAVORITE! It disappeared long before the other one - which is really saying someting because my regular pumpkin is always a hit! I'm definitely keeping this recipe!

Jillian - Sorry to hear your muffins didn't turn out nice. I'm with you on the stuffing! My favorite! But I managed to do well - only ate a few bites!

Bitsy - Good for you going to the gym before the feast!And you will definitely rank among the "greatest aunts EVER" with that gift! My dd wants a NEW cellphone for her birthday in a couple weeks. She has a perfectly good one but it's not in style anymore. The one she wants is nearly $650!!!!!!!

Sandy - you get that job! I do better with a routine also. I think most of us do. And I agree on marriage. Even though we have been living together for more than a year now, it just feels more right to be married. Maybe our age is showing!!!!! Will definitely keep you posted.

[BitsyMay]

Good Evening Allies. I hope you are all well. Things here are pretty much the same. I was a little lax the last few days about the gym, but I went today and got a good workout. I did weights and I also hit the treadmill. I really need to get back to my 5 days a week routine, but the last couple weeks have been tough. I have now lost about 35lbs and I know if I don't keep up with my workouts, my weight is going to start slowing down.

Maryam, Holy crap that's a lot of $ for a cell phone! I have to laugh because the phone I got my niece is ten times nicer than my own phone. I got her the LG Chocolate Cherry phone. It's an mp3 player too. She told my sister the other day that she wanted that one and my sister knew I was planning on getting it for her, but being the mean mom she is she laughed at her and told her to keep dreaming, she will be surprised for sure! I actually need to get a new phone myself, my contract is up next month. I am thinking about getting the Samsung Juke, we'll see though.

Sandy, good luck with the job, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I am with you on needing a routine, without one I am lost.

Well, I hope everyone has a great week next week, take care everyone!

Allies Exercising From New York to LA
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

56 + 11 for me today and Thanksgiving day= 67 miles (175 to go!)

[Blondie Baby]

Good Morning Allies and Happy Monday! Good Workout yesterday and then went for my monthly grocery shopping! Kids thought I was kidding when I told them I didn't buy any cereal, cookies or sugar. But when we put everything away the believed me! I bought loads of fresh fruit and veggies and MEAT!!!!

Planning to workout this afternoon as soon as I get home from work. Then I'll be off birthday shopping for youngest dd. Her birthday is Wednesday. She'll be 10 years old. She has invited her whole class to her party Thursday. Mind you, she goes to an all girls school so I can look forward to having 15 screaming 10 year old girls in the house! NOT!!!!

Bitsy - Cellphones work a little different here. You actually buy whatever phone you like from a mobile phone shop and then you pay for the service! I have a regular bill service but dd has a pre-paid, meaning she has to buy credit and when that is gone, she has to buy more credit. The phone she has is Nokia N73, which has mp3 player, camera, yada, yada, but now she wants Nokia N95. TEENAGERS!!!!!!!


Jillian, Sandy - Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

[COLOR="Magenta"]Allies Exercising From New York to LA[/COLOR]
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

67 + 5 for me today and Thanksgiving day= 72 miles (170 to go!)

[JillianDC]

Hi Allies and happy Monday!

What a busy long weekend with family and running around trying to coordinate everyone and everything -- Maryam: I don't know how you do it every day with a big family! We had a great time, but I'm happy to get back to my calmer, more regular routine.

I'm going shopping this afternoon for a dressy dress for my husband's law firm party. It's two weeks from today, so I think I'd better find something and not be frantic at the last minute. They always do a fabulous party -- cocktails, dinner, dancing, etc. I really want to find a spectacular dress that will show off my improved physique.

Speaking of physique, I went to the gym this morning and weighed in. I can't believe that I'm still stuck at 143! Now don't get me wrong, I'd rather be stuck than gain, but I have to get really strict and serious if I'm going to knock off those last 3 lbs before I go away for Christmas. I know I can do it!!!

Maryam: Wow, way to go with the shopping! It must be hard not to buy any of those sugary things when you have a houseful of kids. I do buy cereal and occasionally cookies (ones I don't particularly like) for DD and DH, but I try to make the best possible choices in terms of low sugar/nutrition. Oh, I'll be thinking of you on Thursday -- I can really relate!

Julie: Congrats on losing 35 lbs!!! You must be feeling great! You're absolutely right about keeping up the workouts or the weight will creep back -- that's happened to me in the past and I REFUSE to let it happen again! We've worked too hard to let that happen. Let's really stay on top of each other about our workouts, no matter how busy we get.

Sandy: Good luck with the job!!!! And you'll definitely do better with a routine. Fingers crossed for you on all counts!

Have a great day everyone and I'll see you soon...

Allies Exercising From New York to LA
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

72 + 6 for me today = 78 miles (164 to go!)

[Blondie Baby]

Good Morning Allies and happy Tuesday! I had a good workout yesterday after work. Cardioblast and buns!!! Feels good to be back into my routine of exercising everyday! Today I'm planning to do step aerobics and abs. Then I'm off to do the birthday shopping that didn't get done yesterday!

I have to tell you that since I have stopped processed carbs and refined sugars I have noticed an absolute absence of appetite. Absolutely NO food cravings. I am forcing myself to eat some mini beef sausages for breakfast. My youngest ds is much calmer - he is still full of energy, but he hasn't had one his usual morning "fits" in a couple weeks! And middle dd is showing an improvement in attitude and study skills. My weight is holding steady but my skirt and trousers waists are all looser so I'm losing inches.

Jillian - Forget about those 3 pounds. Focus on being fit and healthy and HOT!!!! And finding the perfect dress! Once you shift focus off the actual pounds, I think you will find they melt away!

Bitsy - meant to tell you, I wouldn't buy a Samsung! They make some cute phones but the quality isn't that great and i find the menu very user unfriendly! Over the years, I have had every phone made - LG, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, Motorola and Nokia. But I always go back to Nokia for the quality and user friendlyness!

Sandy - Hope your doing well! Miss you!


[COLOR="Magenta"]Allies Exercising From New York to LA[/COLOR]
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

78 + 5 for me yesterday = 83 miles (159 to go!)

[speedymagee]

Hi Allies,

Just a quiick hi. Thanks for the kind words and I'm sure I'm going to have a job this week. More later when there is more to report!

[Blondie Baby]

Good Morning Allies and Happy Wednesday. Today is my youngest dd's birthday. She turns 10. Where does the time go? Had a super workout yesterday - Step Reebok and Abs of Steel. Then went to the mall to birthday shop. When we left the mall there were no taxis so we walked home! Went to the salon to get my roots done after that. I have been going to the same salon for almost 7 years and normally I love the way she does my color. I don't know what she did last night, but my hair is blue!!!!!! I will have to go back tonight and have her fix it!!!

Jillian - Hope you are working out!

Sandy - Thanks for checking in! you'll get whatever job you want!

Bitsy - Are you still hitting the gym hard and heavy?

Sailor - hope you are well.

[COLOR="Magenta"]Allies Exercising From New York to LA[/COLOR]
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

83 + 6 for me yesterday = 89 miles (153 to go!)

[speedymagee]

Hi Allies,

Maryam Blue hair could be cool! But I guess only if you wanted it. Hope she can sort it out. How are the kids doing with no processed carbs? I think it's great and the fact that the whole family is doing it will take the pressure off your dd.

Jillian Have you thought about changing your workout routine or shaking up your eating for a few days to crash through the 143 barrier? Anytime you feel frustrated with 143 remind yourself what your weight was this time last year! 143 is still pretty excellent!

BitsyMay I laughed when I read your post. Why oh why do we hesitate to buy ourselves the 'good stuff', but have no problem buying it for a loved one. I hope you get an excellent phone for yourself too!

I am happy to report I got a job! I start Monday. It's just serving lunches at a nice downtown bistro Monday to Friday. Plus I have an interview for a job at a gym tomorrow!! It would fit in with my other job and possibly I could workout before or after my shift! I'm optimistic!

Good eats today, but no exercise.
Have a great day.
sandy

[JillianDC]

Hi Allies,

I have two good pieces of news to share. First, I found a gorgeous dress for my husband's party. It's sleeveless, royal blue satin, fitted in the top with a sash at the waist and a slightly flared skirt. It's a Calvin Klein size 6 and it fits like it was made for me! (Last year I wore a shapeless black dress in a very tight size 12, so it's quite a contrast.) The party is on the 10th and we will definitely take photos, hopefully one I can use for my new avatar. Second, I went to the doctor this morning for a check-up and I'm down to 142! Everyone in the office was buzzing about my weight loss and even my doctor wanted to know my secret. It was very ego-boosting.

So needless to say, I'm feeling good and reinvigorated. I got in great workouts yesterday and today and I am mixing up my routines to "shock" my body into moving. I'll try to do the same with my eating. Good advice Sandy! I feel like I can really knock off those last 2 lbs, call it goal, and focus on being "fit and healthy and hot" (thank you Maryam!).

Sandy: CONGRATS on getting a job!!!! And fingers crossed about the job at the gym -- that would make working out much more convenient!

Maryam: I hope you get that blue hair corrected! I can't say mine has ever turned blue, but I have gotten some weird highlights. How was DD's bday party? Did you survive the girls?

Hi Julie, how's it going? Sailor????

I'm off to make dinner. See you tomorrow.

Allies Exercising From New York to LA
First stop: Philadelphia - 110 miles (we made it!)
Second stop: Gettysburg - 106 miles (we made it 7/30/07!)
Third stop: Pittsburgh - 151 miles (we made it 8/13/07!)
Fourth stop: Columbus, Ohio - 162 miles (we made it 8/23/07!)
Fifth stop: Indianapolis, Indiana - 167 miles (we made it 9/5/07!)
Sixth stop: Chicago, Illinois - 159 miles (we made it 9/16/07!)
Seventh Stop: Dubuque, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 9/26/07!)
Eighth Stop: Des Moines, Iowa - 161 miles (we made it 10/11/07!)
Ninth Stop: Lincoln, Nebraska - 167 miles (we made it 10/31/07!)
Tenth Stop: North Platte, Nebraska - 215 miles (we made it 11/18/07!)
Next stop: Denver, Colorado - 242 miles

89 + 8 for me yesterday + 5 today = 102 miles (140 to go!)

[DrunkenSailor]

Hi everyone! I've been meaning to post for ages, and now November is almost gone!

Congratulations all around on impending marriages, new jobs, new clothes, new workouts, on-plan Thanksgivings and everything else.

I have a new nephew, whom I'll see at Christmastime.

[JillianDC]

Hi Sailor: It's always great to hear from you! Congratulations on the new nephew. Let us know how you're doing when you get a chance.

Goodnight everyone...