Hey guys!  I should be in bed, so I can hit my LBWO tomorrow morning before my 2nd day on the job.  First day rocked.  Had a meeting at the old job and remember why I left.  Hate Drama!  Had a really good day and even managed to get in my 5 meals (with not knowing the routine, fridge, ect). I was proud of myself.  Even got up and ran before work, so I could make it a winning day.

Week 10 seems kind of weird.  I was hoping for more changes too.  I am super excited about the 10 pounds I lost, but was hoping to be more toned.  I think because i lost the 10, I feel like my cellulite is showing up even more.  Maybe I just lost some outer skin (lol).  It really does feel as though my fat has moved to the surface to irritate me!  I am going into a second challenge.  Whether i take off a week or two, will depend on the thoughts of the group, as it sounds like everyone is going on to a second time.  I wouldn't mind taking a week off, but that's up to you guys.  I'm doing a 1/2 on August 12 and will do another 1/2 marathon later in the fall.  I still work with the training group, but will "wing" the 1st one, as we haven't amped our mileage up that much yet.  I do plan to switch up the next challenge, possibly going vegetarian.  I would like to switch up the workout too.  I noticed Karey does different work outs. I've been doing that with the LBWO.  I feel bad calling my program BFL if I don't follow it letter by letter, so not sure how you guys will feel about me switching it up.  Hope you let me stay.  

Gotta get some sleep.  Just wanted to check in on you.

Karey, I agree with Henna.  I think that eating more might amp up your loss.  You keep going girl!

Night

Hi Ms. Aphrodite of love...first of all, congrats on having a great first day ! Also, congrats on staying on program ! That is quite an accomplishment given the fact that its a new environment..good job planning ! It sounds like you are doing great..I know you wanted more progress but I think 10 pounds is great...and you never know what will happen the last 2 weeks.  I'm also trying to figure out how to do the program while running, what's the best way to rest and train for the race. We will have to ponder that one...

Hello Ms. Karey the beautiful navy bridesmaid to be...your dress sounds gorgeous ! I am sure you will rock it ! I bet the tatoos will look hot too ! :)  Send us a pic in Jan when you wear it bc I know you are gonna look like a vision of loveliness. I think navy is the best color for bridesmaid dresses..very classy, elegant, and practical ! everyone can usually find another occasion to wear it. I wore my navy gown like 3 times after !! As far as C2, I was gonna hop right into it but now that i am really thinking abt it, I think I need to take some kind of break..even if I don't stop eating right, exercising, etc..just change it up a little. I am excited to keep going, need to figure out how to do cardio with training for the 10k. I DEFINITELY am gonna try to eat as similar as I can to now on active rest...I'm seriously afraid to lose my momentum. I've worked so hard and know I will go off the deep end once I get used to eating sugar again. I am similar to you in the sense that I love candy and other sweets. Once I eat some, I cannot stop ! So I would rather just cut it out most days...anyway, we shd figure out our strategy :-)

Well gonna go to sleep so I can do my workout tmw...hope you all have a great night !

Hey, lovelies!!  I've been thinking about you guys all weekend and I'm sorry for my absence.  I am overwhelmed right now with about a million things I need to do, so I'll try to catch you all up on the happenings as quickly as I can.  I'm glad you are all doing well and staying (relatively) on track.  

I picked my daughter up from her beach trip friday night, and we had a family tennis date w/some friends on sat morning.  About 1.5hrs into our match, my daughter lost her footing and fell straight back, whacking the back of her head on the courts.  HARD.  So we were playing dbls, so I was right beside her as soon as it happened, and she was telling me she hit her head and it was going black... then she crumpled on the ground and started having a seizure (like 10 seconds, scared me to death, she's never done that before).  She came to right after that, was only unconscious for about 10-15 sec.  So anyway, we were only 2 blocks from the ER so as soon as she was able I took her.  CT scan, EKG, bloodwork, all that came up ok and x-rays only showed a fracture of her wrist (thank you, Jesus) so they put her in a procast and told me to continue to watch her for signs of concussion (which they said she did not have?).  Said it wasn't really a seizure but a 'spasm'... um, yeah right.  Like I don't know what a seizure looks like.  We see the pediatrician today.  Other than a bruised tailbone and a broken wrist and some injured pride from falling in front of everyone, she seems to be okay.

Sunday, we were on our way to my friend's house (the one with CA), and at the end of his road we got a call from his wife.  He'd passed away, right before we got there.  So wake is tonight and funeral tm.  Our hearts are broken, but we are glad he is not in pain anymore.  I've been trying to get my house in order bc some of his friends are going to be staying w/us (they lived in a single-wide trailer, I have a 5-BR house, although it's not much to look at).  So I've been trying to finish painting my cabinets in the kitchen so I can put everything back together.  Got it finished about 1am.  We didn't sleep at all sunday night (but I got about 5 hrs last night), so I'm running on coffee and pure determination.  

HLG- my daughter is part of the youth group at our church, so instead of doing camp this year they decided to break up into boys and girls groups and do their own mission projects.  The boys went to Cedar Point last month and did some maintenance work on a church up there (and went to the amusement park and the NFL hall of fame), and the girls went to Myrtle and did beach blanket Bible school with another group down there and some nursing home ministry and handed out free bottled water and sunscreen on the beach.  They had a great time (till she came home and broke herself!).  I hope your back feels better... alternate ice and heat for 20 min each every cpl of hours (I'm sure your babies will allow, lol) and Lori says to take fish oil (which I'm going to try).  Just don't overdo, or you'll set yourself back.  Trust me, I'm 6 yrs in to a back injury.

Karey- now I want carrot cake, and I don't even do sweet stuff.  Cream cheese icing? Mmmm....  I'm glad you had a good visit w/your fam.  Your metabolism will certainly burn off that extra stuff, and you may even lose a pound or two to boot.  Your dress sounds lovely!

Aphro (hehe)- sorry you aren't getting to (a-hem) 'practice' your love skills.  But I'm sure you're glad to have your son home.  As you know, I've not been following bfl exactly either, so we won't kick you out of the group!  I haven't done measurements on everyone for awhile, but we're all doing okay.  Son's lost about 13lbs, and hubby, daughter, and myself have lost around 20 each.  Daughter's wearing clothes from 2 summers ago (and so am I), and hubby is back in his 34's and they're getting loose!  

Oh, BTW, did I mention in my list of weekend ramblings that when I went to my regular doc appt yesterday, they found I've dislocated 3 joints in my RIGHT foot???  Yeah, remember when I said I was at the river and walked in flops?  Apparently it was then.  And I've been playing tennis and everything, I'm sure that didn't help.  Oh well, as you said... This, too, shall pass.

Hi guys, it's good to hear from everyone.  :)  Had a good 20 min cardio workout this morning before work... this time I did 1 min intervals using a step stool (going up and down each foot, over, jumping, etc) for 20 minutes.  Day was ok otherwise, just feeling really tired and have a headache today... also really hungry all day.  I'm pretty much thinking it must be PMS.  just lovely.  lol

Lori:  Yay, so glad you're loving the new position.  :)  I'm glad you're seeing why you left your old job and aren't regretting it.  Great job on 5 meals AND the run before work!  Sorry about the cellulite, but it's probably just how you're feeling.. it's never as bad as we think it is.  ;)  Proud of you for the 10 lbs lost too!  WTG!  

Henna:  Thanks!  yes, I'll post a pic up when I actually am wearing it in the wedding.  :)  It'd be nice if I could use the dress again, but just can't picture that... you never know though.  Just need to find some sliver heels now for it.  

As far as the second challenge, I was thinking of going right into it too... think I lose my steam and motivation if I stop.  Plus, the sugar monster would be able to get out.  ;)  I can understand needing a break though.  Think I just wanna keep truckin though before I get sidetracked w/something else.  Glad I'm not the only one around here that loves sweets.  ;)  How's the back doing?

Amy:  I'm so sorry about your friend.  At least he's not suffering anymore though.  You're so kind to let everyone come and stay w/you!  Wow, really glad your daughter is going to be ok... that must have been scary for you to see her like that.  At least it's only a wrist fracture right?  Could have been worse, but thank goodness it wasn't.  ;)  Bummer about your foot too... three places?  Wow.  Think you need to give your poor feet some time to rest and heal, girl.  I know that would be hard to stay off them though.  Hope they're not too painful.  

Hey guys... just getting home after my friend's wake and wanted to check in.  

Henna, I'm sorry about your friend.  I'll keep her in my prayers.  I don't understand why these things happen, but I'm sure there is a purpose for her suffering.  How is your back feeling?  I hope you decide to try to take a multi (do you have any prenatals left?), I think it'll really help you feel better.

Karey- thank you so much for your kindness and support.  It really means a lot to me.  I know none of us really "know" each other, but I consider you all to be good friends and I appreciate having you guys in my life.  Especially right now, when losing a dear friend rips out my soul.  And as I said before, I really don't have many 'friends', lots of acquaintences, but few friends, so it means a lot.  Took my daughter to the ped today, and turns out she DOES have a concussion, she DID have a seizure, and we have to do another set of x-rays on her forearm (bc her wrist isn't fractured, but they didn't x-ray her forearm and it's still pretty swollen and sore... I love our weekend medical team here in southern WV... sarcasm: ON).  But it definitely could've been a lot worse, so I'm thankful.

Lori- I'm so glad you're liking your new job.  It always amazes me the amount of drama we tend to put up with at a job.  I know working in the restaurant there was ALWAYS something dumb going on.  I don't know who was worse, the teenagers with their high school drama or the adults with their 'who's having an affair with who's wife or husband' and whose hubby gambled all their money away or yadda yadda yadda... I tend to have more patience with the young-uns, they don't know any better !! LOL  Anyway I wish you luck and prosperity, and hopefully this will help you reach your debt-free goal very soon!  Well, you know, before you have to start shelling out for your kid's college, anyway.  Congrats on the 10 lbs!  Cellulite is a stubborn beast.  Since I've finally been losing, my belly is all jiggly and gross and that's my biggest boon.  I'm sure once I get down another 15-20lbs my thighs will start being that way too.  They say it gets squishy before you can lose it, so maybe that's the case!  That, and you may be scrutinizing yourself a little more closely in the mirror (not that any of us do that, at all)...

Thru all of this drama, I'm proud to say that I've stayed pretty much on track, despite the myriad of pitfalls that show up at funerals (custard-filled chocolate covered eclairs).  I'm trying to stay strong ('cause I don't want to have to fess up when I cheat!!).  Funeral's tomorrow, though, pray for me!

Hi guys!  Rough day today... glad it's almost over.  Work was crazy busy and woke up w/my upper back/neck hurting like crazy (wondering if it's something to do w/my wipeout last week).  Not a great day, but I managed to push through it and even got my UBWO (very carefully) in.  Dinner was out at Moe's... had a small vegetarian burrito, yummy!  :)  HOpe you're all doing well and that week 10 is treating you well.

Amy:  Hugs!  I'm so sorry about everything you've been having to go through.  You're such a strong person for making it through it all and even staying pretty much on track.  I'm proud of you!!  OMG, I'm sorry about your daughter... yikes.  That's scary that this dr. found out that she DOES have a concussion and had the seizure.  I'm glad it wasn't worse though and that she's getting taken care of.  Hope she feels better soon!  Best of luck w/the funeral.  Be thinking of you.

Hi!  Hope you are all doing well. The funeral went well, except 2 of the songs they wanted were played twice (instead of playing 4 songs once).  My church prepared an enormous dinner for the family (roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, slaw, mac salad, rolls, and 4 diff cakes- inc. peanut butter cake, Karey lol!).  It was divine, and while I did eat off plan, I didn't overindulge.  So I guess I'm making progress mentally!

Karey- I'm so sorry about your neck and back!  You're right, it probably is from your fall.  Sometimes it takes a little while for the kinks to even show up, let alone work themselves out :)  WTG getting in your WO anyway!  That dedication is what is awesome about you.  I've not done anything all week, I feel like I'm back to square one b/c I can't do the tennis and that's my fave!!  I weighed 185 this a.m. but I think it's prob b/c I ate late last night.  If anything I've not been eating enough (or not OFTEN enough, anyway).  We're coming to the end of this challenge and I'm about 7 lbs away from goal (I wanted to lose 20-25... I'm currently stuck at around 18).  I don't think I can safely get rid of those in a week and a half, whaddaya think?  I'm glad that the pediatrician found those things, too!  Sadly, I told the triage nurse that's what I thought but I don't have m.d. behind my name, so I am stupid.  She goes for another x-ray of her arm this afternoon.  I friend requested you on FB, by the way.  Those burritos sound lovely... red sauce or cheese sauce?  We don't have a Moe's up here.  We have to drive over an hour to the Olive Garden!

These last few weeks have really opened my eyes and I realize that I DO NOT have my financial house in order (thank you, Little Fockers, little movie reference there).  While I am for all practical purposes now debt free, I lost both life and health insurance when I lost my job last month.  Eddie's death has really made me realize the need to prepare for such things.  So I'm going to be researching some plans, any thoughts or suggestions?

Wow, I don't want to leave on such a morbid thought, so let me think...  oh, the guy that works with my hubby, the minister?  He told me about another bumper sticker he liked:  

    IN THE EVENT OF RAPTURE, THIS VEHICLE MAY SWERVE (AS MY MOTHER-IN-LAW TAKES THE WHEEL)

I thought that was pretty funny, coming from a pastor.  Have a great day!

Hi ladies !

Amy: I am sooo sorry to hear about your daughter :(  That is scary. I know a little about seizures b/c my brother has a seizure disorder so if you need any support or have questions, please let me know. I'm amazed at how much adversity you have had recently...wow. I am sorry to hear about all of that..and the funeral...kuddos to you for exercising some control amidst all that food ! Wow. My thoughts are with ya..hang in there..sounds like the past few weeks have been rough .. we are here for you as a group. My back is ok. It hurts when I move a certain way, it's really my upper spine, like shoulder, neck ..around that area. I have managed to continue working out but it's a bummer that its not with the same strength or intensity. I am just doing what I can do. Of course I would injure myself during week 10 ! anyway, not a big deal...I will get better and I'm sure it will teach me to use better form when I am lifting next time !!!

Lori: Congrats on the ten pounds !   and i concurr with amy about the cellulite thing..my evil thing is stretch marks and veins !! no matter how good i will ever start to look, the skin issues will forever be there. I say a good tanner will be our best friend ! :) That is great that the job is going well !! I always found that when my professional was going well that things kind of fell into place...good job ! And no pun intended ! haha lol ! I am so sorry to hear about your daughters back ! yikes ! That's good advice about not pushing too hard with the back...hard to do though bc we are in week 10 !!  That sounds like a great trip your daughter went on...sure it was rewarding.  everytime i read about your tennis stuff it makes me want to get back out there and play !! I used to be good,don't know what I am waiting for.

Karey: You and I always seem to have the same wavelength ! Your back and my back and your sweet addiction and mine ! hehe...sounds like we are both doing well and managing to perservere ! yay ! I'm sorry to hear about your injury. That sux. I seriously think when you described the location, it's exactly where mine is ! so strange...i think i did it from tricep extensions. I was able to work out today but not the same vigor. I couldn't do the lat pulldowns but managed to do everything else. Good advice abt Bday celebratons btw...going out this evening w/friend and gonna eat clean and drink few clean drinks ..hehe...just gonna have modified cheat additions and try to be good...am making up for sodium retention still from saturday. amazing how even when I am not really eating that much I still hold on to extra weight from cheat day for like a whole week !  I am chugging water like crazy !

anyway, baby is having a meltdown so gotta run...will check in later :)

h

Ladies.  Sorry for my absence.  I used to get my emails at works and can't do that now, so I don't have time to check them when I get home.  Looks like a lot can happen in even a couple of days.

Henna,  I was in shock when you told me we only had two weeks left!  So, now I guess it is less than that!  I think I'll probably go straight into another challenge.  After reading Karey's remarks, she's right.  The sugar monster has been hitting a little harder than usual with the new job and I would love to stay on track and lose another 10!  

Karey, I hope you back is doing better.  Sounds like you have some stress too.  But, as usual, you seem to press through and keep doing what you need to do, so give yourself a pat on the back!  You'll have to let us know how the vegetarian thing works, cause I am really interested in it, but nervous about getting the protein.  Any ideas on what types of protein are the best?  Hope you get to feeling better and enjoy your upcoming free day.  Any plans?

Amy,  I am so sorry to hear about your friend, but am sure he is in a better place.  I am also sorry to hear about your daughter and hope that the medical field can sort it out.  My daughter was diagnoised with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthriitis at 9.  she too was a competitive gymnast.  We spent a couple of years going to several different holistic doctors until we found one that we were happy with.  He prescribed a gluten free diet and she sticks to it most times.  She is 14 now and has never been on meds for the illness.  I don't have a lot of faith in the medical field, but it is a necessary evil.  I think you should pride yourself on sticking to the plan (revised) through everything that you have been through.  I think in the long run, all your trials will cause you to be stronger.  If you can stick to the plan through this, you can do it through anything.  You are all my source of inspiration.  

I think I am going to change my email, so I can get it on my phone.  When I don't check in, it seems I'm not as accountable (eating wise).  Seem to have the exercise addiction down.  Was stoked that yesterday ran 4.5 miles in the POURING rain.  Was pretty nice, cause it was 94 before it started raining!  I've still got to get in a couple of miles today, but its still very warm.  Job is still going great and I love the people.  Think I'm going to find it challenging, but rewarding.  

thanks for being my friends.

Lori

Hi girls!  I have tomorrow off, woohoo!!!  :)  Had another crazy busy work day, but happy I got my 20 mins of HIIT in at 5:25 this morning.  Got to see space shuttle Atlantis land on the news, then heard the sonic booms rattle the house a bit.  Pretty neat.  In other news... forgot to mention that I got a pretty cute bikini the other day.  It's by Roxy and is black and white striped.  Just need to keep working on my beach body.  lol  ;-)

Amy:  Glad that everything went pretty well w/the funeral, aside from the repeat songs.  So nice of everyone to cook a big dinner... sounds yummy!  I don't blame you one bit for indulging some.  At least you've made progress w/not overdoing it.  :)  You've had a rough week, so I'd say you've done pretty well considering.  Aw, bummer about the goal... yeah, don't think trying to lose 7lbs in a week and a half or so would be healthy, or even really possible.  Guess it gives you something to shoot for next time.  I don't feel like I've lost anything... my weight is back up from my trip this last weekend, plus TOTM is coming... hope it goes down soon.  My body fat % is still on the lower side though, so that's good.   For the burrito - no sauce, but it was good.  Too bad you don't have much out by you.  Bummer.   Hmm, as for the insurance thing... I really don't know much about that stuff.  I'm sorry.  I hope someone else can help you.  Oh, and I accepted your FB request... wasn't sure if that was you.  lol

Henna:  LOL, that's pretty funny that we're on the same wavelength... I've kind of thought that before too.  So how's your back feeling now?  Mine is still kind of sore.. had a dog that kept turning on the table and I had to keep twisting to get at it, aggravating my back.  Icing it up some tonight though.  I could definitely see the tricep extensions getting that spot.  ouch.  Hope you had a great time out w/your friend tonight!  :)

Lori:  Thanks!  :)  My back is a bit sore, but hopefully I can rest it some tomorrow.  Wow, great job on the run and in the pouring rain!!  That's some dedication!!  As for the protein sources lately... I've been having whey protein in my oats, egg beaters, cheese, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, tofu, and edamame.  I know there's more stuff out there, but that's what I've mainly been using so far.... still learning and discovering.  So glad to hear your new job is going great and that you love the people.  :)  No plans for my free day yet... still feeling a bit guilty about my last weekend's disaster in eating.  lol  I'm kind of craving Mexican... again.  lol  How about you?  any plans?

Good morning friends, happy Friday!!!  :)  Just thought I'd share a little bit of info I heard the other day on one of the health/fitness podcasts I listen to.  They were discussing fat burning and eating or not eating before you work out.  I know Henna and I had talked about this and how it's hard to not eat or you feel weak before a workout on an empty tummy.  Anyway, they said there are new studies showing that people who workout on an empty stomach vs. people who eat before their workout had the same results... the empty stomach didn't burn more fat.  They are actually advocating eating before a workout because it raises your blood sugar levels and gives your body more energy and improves your stamina for the workout, making you more productive.  

In other words, I've been making myself hungry and miserable to before my workouts for no reason!  Grr.  I'm actually having some protein oats and coffee right now for breakfast, then planning on doing my LBWO.  Think I'll wait about a half hour to an hour though before I do the workout.  I think it's variable and you need to do what works for you... if you get an upset tummy eating right before a workout, then eat an hour or two before... everyone is different.  Well, guess now I'll be eating before my strength workouts, but I'll probably still get up early and do my HIIT on an empty stomach (unless I feel weak & am starving).  Just thought I'd share that.  ;)

Feeling heavy lately and still up in weight from my trip.  :(  I weighed in at 146.4 lbs this am, but I checked my body fat and I'm down to 22.7%, woohoo!!!  THAT made me happy.  At least something is going in the right direction.

Have a great day!!!  :)

Hello, all, and happy friday!  I'm so proud of us for making it thru to this point.  

The experiences of the past couple of weeks has sort of been an epiphany for me.  I realize that I'm stronger than I thought I was, and while I've had a few crybaby moments (I use the word 'few' very loosely), the old me would've went right out and bought chips and cake and ice cream and eaten myself into oblivion.  That I've had over half a cake at my house (untouched by us, it was a gift from my uncle who couldn't eat anymore of it and didn't want to throw it away) for days and haven't had ANY is a real testament to the change I feel inside.  I know it probably wouldn't be a change without you guys.  You keep me honest (thank you, Lori) and make me want to try harder (thank you Karey) and make me realize that I will always face some sort of adversity (thank you Henna, with your babies having meltdowns and travelling every weekend).  My life is usually relatively calm, so this big series of unfortunate events is new for me.  I guess it's times like these when you find out what you're really made of, and hey!  I guess it turns out I'm NOT made of white fluff inside... who knew???!!! :)

I thought I had a job opportunity coming up when my doc releases me, but with this most recent dislocation he's talking about permanent disability.  Have to pray about that one.  I've worked my entire life, so IDK what's coming my way.  But I'm looking at this as a good opportunity to clean out my basement (which needs to be done desperately) and spend some much needed quality time with my kids.  I'd been volunteering at my hubby's office and with my admin experience they said they wanted to hire me on to manage, but currently I make more money on short-term than they are willing to pay me when I'm released.  So, I will just hang in there and be a housewife for a little while... I can be Wilma Flintstone:)  My kids are big, though, so I won't have as much work as Henna has with her little ones.

I wish we had a natural doctor near us.  We only have one organic store, and no homeopaths at all.  Sociopaths, yes... homeopaths, not so much (lol!).  We usually use a lot of the remedies my mother used when she was young (growing up right out of the depression) instead of buying the scripts.  It's always a guessing game with docs, you know, and they never really LISTEN to what you say is happening in your (or in my case, my daughter's) situation.  It is so frustrating.  Her pediatrician is more apt to listen and be open to natural remedies than any other doc I've seen around here (we are currently treating her PCOS with diet and exercise, everyone else wanted to put her on the pill and hormone injections).  So far it seems to be working, her cycle has become more regular and skin has cleared up and her shape has even started to change (her shoulders had started squaring off and her shape was becoming more ambiguous).  I'm glad to have you guys here to bounce ideas off of and to be accountable to.  You all bring a wealth of wisdom to the table, and I'm so thankful you are my friends.

Have a great day, we'll soon be embarking on a great mission:  WEEK 11!!  

Happy Friday all.  can't chat for long as my son will be stealing my computer.  All sorts of interesting stuff!  

Karey, was so excited to see on facebook and keep better track than I do on the BFL, which I don't log in to as often.  Congrats on the bikini!  That is soooo exciting.  I think I've gotten  a little burned out on my eating and have laxed up more than I should.  See if you can explain this...  I started 10 pounds heavier and am still have a BFI of 33% give or take on the day.  I know with the weight lifting I have put on muscle, but can't understand why it is saying I have not lost any fat.  My pants fit.  I do see the cellulite more now than ever before.  My friend says with all the stress at work, my adrenals are holding on to the fat.  I think a second challenge might help, but I am concerned since I have laxed a bit on the portion control.  I guess I'll have to try harder.  Interesting info the eating when you work out.  I don't eat unless I have a long run and then it is a must for a protein bar, banana or something, or I would pass out!  I think that's probably true though and I am sure it will help Henna.  Take care of your back.  I don't think I am going to take a free day.  Hubby is going to be gone and no kids ( so much), so with my laxing, now would be a good time to do penance (?).  Enjoy your free day though!

Amy, You are so strong and I am happy to count myself as a friend.  Was happy to see you on Facebook too.  I feel like I am getting to know you guys even better with pics of friends and family.  Haven't had too much time to get on though.  It will be cool to see the pounds slip away with you guys!  I think facebook will keep us in touch even better and BFL will work even better.  Even more accountability.   Epiphanys are useful and hold on to what you have learned.

I think staying home while you can is a good idea.  You deserve it, I am sure.  Maybe  you can look into a new profession while you are trying to decide what to do.  Everything happens for a reason.

Gotta get some rest.  Trying to get up a 6:30 to get in a 6 mile run to start the day and then I have lots to do at home.  I did make some yummy Qinoua (?).  Karey, it is a super grain and I think provides excellent source of protein and carb ratio.  I've got a couple of great ways to fix it and it is yummy.

Touch base tomorrow.

Lori

Hi girls!  How is everyone doing?  Did you all have a good weekend?  I've been keeping busy... on my day off on Friday we had to take our cat to the vet again since she was constipated... AGAIN.  Turns out the remainder of her colon (she had a large part of it removed about 4yrs ago) isn't working anymore now either.  She had an enema and we've scheduled her for surgery tomorrow (Monday) morning to have the rest of her colon taken out.  Poor girl.  Aside from dealing w/that and feeling worried/stressed about her, I had a busy and long day at work yesterday, which didn't really help my back, but it's not too bad today at least.

Did my free day thing last night and we went out for Mexican.  Skipped the sangrias this time though.  :)  I did end up w/an ice cream sundae at Baskin Robbins and eating some other junk later.  Pretty disappointed w/myself since I haven't been making much progress.  Really thinking my free days are too much and I'm hurting my progress.  I need to cut back a bit on my indulgences.  Got up and did my HIIT this morning... did jump rope intervals.  It was tough!  Just got back from walking around the farmers market in Orlando... nice, but so so hot.

I've debated and gone back and forth about doing another challenge, but I think I'll give one more a whirl  and jump right into another one.  It keeps me accountable and really keeps me on the ball w/my workouts... never missed one!  :)  I just need to work on more self-control on the free days.

Amy:  Proud of you for staying strong and realizing how tough you actually are.  Good for you!!  Amazing job w/the cake too... don't think I could have left it untouched.  So how's the family doing w/the challenge?  Are they still all onboard too?  

Sorry about the disability and work issue... that sucks.  Everything happens for a reason though and I'm sure you'll figure out what that is eventually.  That's too bad about the job at your husband's office not paying enough.  Bummer.  Sounds like you'll be getting some time to spend w/the family and getting lots of cleaning done.  Can you come do my house next??  LOL  I hate cleaning!  Bah!  

Lori:  Sorry about the eating burnout.  Is it time for you to find and try out some new foods maybe?  I like quinoa.  It's yummy and goes w/lots of stuff.  I've actually made it w/mushrooms and it was really good.    In a little while I'm going to make a bulgar pilaf that sounds really tasty.  Planning on freezing some for quick lunches and stuff.  As for your weight and body fat %... sounds like you've lost muscle, or your body fat calculator is way wacky.  Not really sure how to explain that.  I was looking back at my starting stats and my body fat is a bit higher.  :(  Boo!!!  NOT happy w/my results (or lack of) at all.  I need to work on my free day eating in my next challenge.  I'll give it one more shot.  So did you end up doing a free day or not?  I'm feeling guilty about mine and wishing I hadn't.  Oh well, too late for that now... need to work on being a bit better next time.  How was your run?

Henna:  Hope you're doing ok and had a good weekend!  :)

Happy Sunday night ladies!  Hope all is well in BFL land.  Today is my free day, but has been rather uneventful.  I had a lovely cappucino for breakfast, but passed on the pecan roll, which would have been a must have addiction pre BFL.  Was pretty proud of myself.  Not really too interested in eating much of anything.  Thought about buying ice cream, but didn't.  As is usual, the biggest challenge is getting in the protein, so didn't really have any for breakfast and did have a little bacon in the brocolli salad for dinner.  All in all was a pretty good eating day.  I do still plan to make myself a martini tonight (as hubby is out of town).  Might have two, as I have the house to myself (that doesn't happen very often).

Been in the kitchen all weekend, cooking up sweeties and suprisingly, like Amy's cake, am not overly intersted.  I am hosting a bridal tea next Sunday, so making all sorts of interesting things.  It's been fun.  

I think my scale is out of whack, although I am sure my BFI is not dropping as rapidly as I would like.  After I told you that, the next day I stepped on the scale and it said 28. 6%??  The next day it was back to 32%.  I definately need to throw it away.  What is your suggesting on the best BFI indicator?  I struggle with being regular, so I am sure that is a lot of the issue.  Hoping that next challenge going vegetatian will help with that.  I'll probably do fish, though.  I do like fish.

Karey,  I am sorry about your cat.  I know that has to be so stressing.  I'll be thinking of you.  I'm sorry the challenge isn't going quite as you would like, but you have the added benefit of meeting new friends.  If it weren't for BFI, we would not all have hooked up!  I'm excited about going into another challenge.  I want to get an appropriate measurer and set that as my number one goal.  I feel I have reached the other 4 I set, so while my BFI progress is not what I wish, I do see such tremedous changes.  Hoping that the new job will realease some of the stress, thus, fat.  I may do the Fat Flush Program with the BFL.  That might be of interest to you.   I have the book.  Let me know if you need more info.  You could check it out online.  I rocked the 6 mile run by myself yesterday morning.  Was really proud of myself.  I think I need to go to another challenge too, as I have not missed a work out and the kids start back to school in August and I need to be accountable!  I have enjoyed reading your facebook posts.

Amy and Henna, Hope you had a good weekend.