OH Juli

Momlambert I'm so sorry for your loss. You're attitude about the last 6 months has always been upbeat and positive. I'm sure like you said, once things get settled you'll be losing like a champ. And true with all that chaos you could have easily and understandably gained 20 pounds. You're fantastic! Nikki It might take me a full 20 minutes to eat a cup of cottage cheese but I could, and I've got restriction...do you eat much fish or other protein? Jeni That's a crazy schedule! OH My! Hang in there.

Flipper, Keep us posted. That's a bitch of a long time not to eat, but others have done it and you will too. My new news is that a trainer found me. Or I found her or we happened upon each other...but I'm being pushed with my workouts now, (twice) and boy do I ache. She volunteers at the school and was sitting in the fitness center waiting for some kids to show up. She chatted me up about my weight loss story and before you know it she's offered to train me and bada bing bada boom I've got a trainer...and she's cool. So woo hoo. I'm going to be all foxy fine before you know it.

okay, I'm done with my finance class. I never have to go again. Tomorrow I take the final. I'm studying with a girl from my class for two hours before. Then I go home and pack for our camping trip! I know I've been all diva-ee and shit, but I'm really psyched about doing it and meeting you all. I'm also uber psyched about the actual ride. It will be so great to ride with you all!!!!!!! My only concern is that my car is be enough! Really I think I can make it all fit but with the weather being cold at night warm durning the day all the extra blankets and stuff will take up precious room. I guess really so long as there is room for me and Zoe, the car can be packed to the gills. So JC. Take your time driving. Stop when you're tired and don't push yourself to make record time. Just dig not being at work. You realize you be spending the weekend with three of the most amazing women you'll ever meet. [Think of the fun water cooler chat you can have with that!] Yo, BG, is that friend of yours single? Xo you all.

Did I ever tell you that you're my hero? You're the wind beneath my wings.

I ate it, one piece with too much mayo and cheese, lettuce, onion and tomato. I was so cautious.......it was so good. My first lettuce in a month.

I am trying to eat bread as we speak. Who know if I'll choke or not. D-I'm your hero? Shit girl, you're the one kicking ass and taking names. You are my role model. Actually I love that we all inspire each other. I know I'm going to be impressed with HP and BG and JC. They've all got it going on. Good plan with a second water bottle holder, BG. I added my second one and use it all the time now.

HP where you at?

D You noticed my two pounds?! How nice. Thanks for the props.

BG, I'll be bringing a protein bar and maybe a banana for the ride. I've never tried the gel things. They look rather gaggy. I'll want to stop for a full 15 minute break at the half way point. That's when I'll eat. I'm a regular water drinker too. I don't do any additives to my water. Being that it's an orgainzed ride with food at the end there might be snacks at the mid way point too. But yeah, before restriction when I could eat some quantity I'd have to be careful not to eat too much because I'd just feel miserable...now it's just a few bites for fuel for the second lag. What a difference a band makes.

JC, you're the best! And BG, we are serving bologna (fried, no less) for lunch today. I want to grab a few slices and grind it up with pickle relish, mayo and egg. Yeah, I make the menus at work and for years I resisted putting bologna on it, but the kids clammored and the adults dig it as an indulgence...but over all the meun is balanced and pretty healthy. I just need to say that because I could see you all going "what kind of shit does she feed those kids?!?" Okay, Renee the trainer's ears are burning because I've been cursing her name all morning. My arms HURT! I'm going to sit in the corner and wimper now.

I LOVE THE EARRINGS AT 200!!!! That's fantastic. Today, a good friend said to me, "You're just tiny!" and I was really ho hum about it...yeah, yeah...I was distracted and she thought she offended me. I had to tell her I've heard it so much that I forgot my manners and thanked her for being kind. I find it's easier to steer the conversation away from me by saying, "Thanks for your kind words. How are you?" And when people as me how much I've lost I say I never tell that. It's funny because I have it posted here! And actually if you didn't know me last year I'm inclined to tell you my numbers...but the coworkers don't know my stats. And that's fine with me. I understand the vent. Do it all you want! And CONGRATULATIONS on the Masters.

Awesome. Isn't that a fantastic feeling. You're in CONTROL!

You know BG, you need to bring enough to share cuz Jody and I are going to eat some. HP-That sucks eight different ways. Sounds like you have a solution in hand though. I'm so sorry you're dealing with that crap. UGH ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Okay peeps it's amazing what a few hours can do. I stayed late to work out today, because I ran to the doctor's earlier....any way, someone from the Blind school wants to use the gym and I'm the offcial gate keeper, like you need to sign the release waiver and I'm the one who has it. I give her a tour and chat things up. Well, there's a woman sitting in the room, who I don't know but I've seen around. Blind school chick leaves, I start my workout, unknown woman comes to talk to me. She's a volunteer. She volunteers so as to learn sign language, but there weren't any kids around. But in real life she's an exercise trainer. We talk through my 30 minutes of cardio. She asks if I was going to do strength training and I wasn't but I said "of course". She asked if I wanted some input. I said, "sure." She kicked my ass and we're going to do it again tomorrow. Apparently she likes my enthusiasm...and she asked all kinds of band questions and how I exercise questions and she's all about training with me on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I asked her what's the price and she said FREE! She's not in it for the money, hence the volunteering for the kids, and she seems to know her stuff... On exiting the room we did find my summer time work out buddy, a student who worked this summer who was upset that there wasn't any supervision in the fitness center now that school is back in session. And he has to have supervision, all kids do. But now that Renee is there he can work out again...so she'll have a Deaf kid to train too, which benefits her. And I'll be there to bridge the gap, cuz he's super fast signer and she's pretty new to it all. I expect you'll be hearing more about her. She's going to be 50 in the spring and looks like she's 30. She's competing in a fitness contest this winter too and the ol' lady has got game. Woo Hoo. So my drudgery about working out has done a full 180. Aint that some stuff?!

Eddie, You mean we're allowed to be friends? My handbook said no way gays and lesbians are allowed to be friends. Isn't that something? I love my queer brothers. XO, and glad you're getting some restriction!

demsvmemjm Okay, I wrote "Mary" yikes, that is your name, right? It used to be in your signature line... Regardless of your name, if I messed up, sorry but you really look amazing!

Mary You look fantastic!!!! Way to go!

HP, what's going on?

My camp site is 363. You're close by. Look for the dude in the hammock. The site to the ride start is 27.65 miles or 37 minutes according to mapquest. HP was right on with her thinking. I have a 3.5 hour drive from Columbus to the camp. I'm stepping out of work at 3...I should be there about 7. (I've got to get the kid from school, so south then north...) JC can you clear my spot of sticks and stones, since you'll be there early and in daylight? Pretty please with sweet & low on top? I'll be setting up at dusk and want to do it as quickly as possible. I'm so stoked, I'm giddy like a kid. The paper is done. What would you like to know about Starbuck's financials, history and my opinion about its future? Now off to the gym. I don't have time for a bike ride, though tonight is the last Tuesday night ride of the season. I have to mow the lawn and study for the final. I don't heart school right now. Oh and BG, I didn't have bologna at work today but I made squishy lunchmeat salad and it was delicious. All I could think is that it would have been a million times better made with bologna.

Must w r i t e p a p e r . . . .

if only she were a baby...she's 50 ish and also looks like she's been playing in mommy's make-up bag. I guess I walked around with blinders thinking that weighing 300+ pounds wasn't HORRIBLE...I'm sure she thinks she's beautiful and smells fantastic. Ack.

Don't let your sister get to you. She probably doesn't get just how offensive that was. It took you a few days to gel into it too. Which doesn't make it less offensive, it just isn't the first thing you thought of... She doesn't get it....that's all.

BG I have a coworker who must dunk her entire body in a vat of cheap perfume daily. UGH.

JC Doesn't 18 automatically equal brilliant decision making? I still feel like a dumbass most of the time and I'm nearly 40.

I won't snag your daughter if you don't take mine. Deal?

Ghost Great thread. Thanks for your candor. I just found it, but I'll be tunning in as you move forward and sending you all the good JUJU I can for a quick recovery!