Biggest Loser--Fall 2011 Challenge for Losers & Maintainers!!

[pjlla]

Every meal we had was great - since I had comps there, we did two buffets at The Mirage (once for dinner and once for breakfast). We found a great Mexican restaurant in NewYorkNewYork and had a wonderful Italian meal in Caesar's Palace.

One afternoon we didn't have lunch plans, and found ourselves at a little bakery in Paris. We split a croissant and a Napoleon the size of my head...

Hmmm, I wonder how I gained 5.5 pounds!

---------------------------------------------------------------

I've been back on track since Friday and already feel so much better. I had to drop my Weight Watchers' membership due to lack of funds, but I have all of the information to do it on my own.

I also signed up at a site called loseit.com. It is a calorie counting website which also gives you caloric guidelines for weight-loss based on height, weight, age, activity level. I'm sure my daily allottment will be close to what I get point-wise, but I like the tracking aspect of it.

- Laura

I'm not exactly sure what a Napoleon is (other than Bonapart!!), but it looks yummy! We were only in LV for a limited time (and on limited funds), but the brunch buffett we had was MIND BLOWING.... for the quantity, type, and quality of the foods! We were practically SICK FULL when we left, but we didn't eat again until dinner about 8pm, so we definitely got our money's worth! Isn't LV a fun place to walk around??

Glad you found a free alternative to WW. As much as I love the program, I know many folks who won't/can't due it due to the cost.

I was talking to a guy in the Spring 2012 CP Facebook group, and he is pending. He told me that you don't get an e-mail if you are rejected, it just shows up in your "Dashboard" on the CP Disney website. Pending e-mails are titled "Thank you for your interest" and accepted e-mails are "WDWCP Congratulations". I said I really hope I don't get rejected and he said based on what my personality seems to be, he thinks I'll get accepted.

As much as I normally hate the "everything happens for a reason" cliche, I'm starting to believe it. Maybe my major was deactivated so I would switch to the less intense track and have a free semester to do this. Maybe I didn't get accepted to be an Orientation Advisor/Student Orientation Coordinator or a Lead Tour Guide so I wouldn't have any commitments to keep me from doing this.

Waiting patiently to hear! If you DON'T get in for some reason, please don't get too down about it. It might just be something like lots of other equally qualified folks applying at the same time. I hate to be "Nelly Negative" but I think it is best to to be prepared for the worst! DD is applying for a very elite summer study program and as much as it would be amazing for her to get in, I'm already preparing her for the disappointment of NOT getting in. Not that I don't think she is absolutely capable or qualified (as I'm sure you are also qualified and capable and would be a GREAT addition to the WDWCP), but I don't want her beating herself up for not getting in. Anyhow, not sure how we would afford it either!

Happy Monday everyone! Here is today's questions. I'll be back later (maybe MUCH later) to chat!


Today's QOTD:

Do you believe that clutter and chaos at home effects your moods and attitudes and possibly your mental well being and attitude when it comes to healthier eating and exercise??


I am a neat organized person living with three lovable slobs. So I've had to temper my tendencies to be super neurotic about organization. But there are times when I just can't even THINK unless the mess in front of me gets cleaned up. It doesn't even have to be a true mess.... just a pile of stuff that DH has just bought at Costco plus a few of the kids school books on the kitchen island can cause my brain to just SHUT DOWN! And just like when my eating/exercise are out of control, when the mess gets out of control, I get CRANKY!!

I can honestly tell you, walking into my bedroom with DH's dirty clothes on the floor (right next to the hamper, of course....) and an unmade bed sitting there.... it makes me nutty! I can't relax, I can't think,I can't do anything else until that it cleaned up!.

So YES, having clutter at home definitely effects my moods and attitudes!

And the FLUFF question of the day:
Did you accomplish a TASK this weekend? Maybe something that had been hanging over your shoulder? If so, what was it? Does it feel GREAT to have finished it??

BBL to chat.......................P

Well....I didn't complete the task, but I made some good strides on DD's costume. I also had DS try his on again, made a few adjustments, and am going to add some shoulder pads. I'm pleased I finally got some work done on DD's costume, but of course, I'm mad at myself for procrastinating for SO LONG! I'll be working on it every spare moment over the next few days.

Thank you for sharing your pics. You look awesome, and I'm sure you can feel such a difference. I filled up because I have been where you are, I got into the 180s from the 220s and felt so great, but here I am back in the 210s. I know it's my own fault, and only I can do it, but you have really inspired me to get off my duff and do it now, once and for all. Thanks, LTS.

Good morning everyone!! Only had time to skim through the posts this morning, but hope to read thoroughly tonight after some wii fit. We had a fun weekend, got out for a walk with my sil, but definitely ate more than I should, though not as bad as I could have, which still leaves me sitting in the maintain zone when I want and need to be in the losing zone, so time to get my focus back and keep it.

I definitely want to go back and answer the qotds, and hope to get back on tonight.

I let ds sleep late, so i need to wake him now and drop him at school on my way to work.

Have a fantastic day everyone!!

Nice Mom, letting DS sleep in. I let my DS have 10 extra minutes this morning too. He showered before church yesterday, so I figured he could skip it this morning. I'm trying to train him to get up with his own alarm clock. He's been doing pretty well, but I had to go in this morning and move him along.

How about a challenge Kathy? We are EXACTLY a month before the official start of the holiday season (I consider T.giving day the "start"). How about we challenge ourselves (and anyone else who cares to join us) to be fully on track for at least 80% of the days between now and then? That would mean only 6 days (or less, of course) off plan for the next month. I personally am going to aim for being exactly OP for 90% of the days. That will get us into the holiday season in the right frame of mind and hopefully with a few pounds off! You up for it???? Anyone else????

***********

Well friends.... I knew it didn't make sense to head home after dropping off DD at school.... there wasn't much time.... but too much time to head straight to my first appointment. And my one errand (a return to Target) will only take a few minutes. So what to do with the time?? Head to McDonald's with my breakfast from home, splurge on a $1 cup of decaf and use their FREE wi-fi to catch up on here!!

I'm gonna check in with the scrapping board since I have about 5 more minutes to spend here! TTYL.........................P

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Happy Monday everyone! Here is today's questions. I'll be back later (maybe MUCH later) to chat!


Today's QOTD:

Do you believe that clutter and chaos at home effects your moods and attitudes and possibly your mental well being and attitude when it comes to healthier eating and exercise??


And the FLUFF question of the day:
Did you accomplish a TASK this weekend? Maybe something that had been hanging over your shoulder? If so, what was it? Does it feel GREAT to have finished it??

BBL to chat.......................P

Yes Chaos and clutter effect the mood at home, towards the kids (freakin' slobs!!), and towards DH. Then I get stressed, then I want to eat.
Are you hinting that I need to post my clutter challenge for the week?
Sorry, we've been so busy I haven't even thought about it yet.

Fluff- Yes!!!! I finally emptied the entire RV. Now I just need to dump the tanks and wash the insides and it will be ready for storage for winter. I'm glad to have that checked off my list.
Today's task is to call to have the furnace serviced so I can turn the heat on.

gotta jet, I'm late for school. We are setting up for pumpkin contest today. TTYL!!!!

 

[jillbur]

Today's QOTD:

Do you believe that clutter and chaos at home effects your moods and attitudes and possibly your mental well being and attitude when it comes to healthier eating and exercise??


And the FLUFF question of the day:
Did you accomplish a TASK this weekend? Maybe something that had been hanging over your shoulder? If so, what was it? Does it feel GREAT to have finished it??

I totally feel that clutter and choas effects me in every way! If I am disorganized in one aspect of my life, it seems to carry over to others. Last week was so off for me organizationally (probably not a word lol) and it really threw me off. I got it together starting Friday at work and carried it over to my home this weekend so Now I am ready for the week!

I didn't actually accomplish this task, but I am very close...I pulled out 6 garbage bags and 3 bins of clothes from my 3rd floor to go through. Some of it is my older DS's clothes that can now fit my younger DS. Most of the bags are clothes my sister gave me of my nephew's. I am organizing everything by size and I busted out my friend THE LABEL MAKER!! So clothes are in bins labeled with sizes. I didn't get completely finished because I need to go buy another bin, but man, it feels good to get all that organized. I am also looking at having a pretty big yard sale next year!

I am taking a workout break today. I ran outside 4 days this week, did the elliptical one day, and went to the gym one day (since Monday), so I may go buy new running shoes today. My shoes are not cutting it since I really am getting into running. I finally can say that my shortest run this week was 2.07
miles. I used to be happy if 2 miles was my longest run. So needless to say, my feet and legs need a better pair of shoes. I think I'll head to Boardman, OH to Second Sole. They evaluate your run and recommend shoes for your style. Can't wait! Geez-I would have never thought I'd ever be so excited to get new running shoes...

Hope everyone has a great day!

Jill

 

[cobbler]

Well, since we all seem to be in a Halloween-y mood...

QOTD 10/20- Haunted Mansion or Tower of Terror??

Hanuted Mansion

Back from Vegas and just caught up on all the posts - jeez this thread moves quickly.

I won't go into too much detail, but I ate and drank quite a bit. Not to the point of making myself sick (something I've done in the past), but lets just say that I not only came home $2600 richer, I also came home 5.5 pounds heavier. (To be fair, that was over the course of two weeks - my birthday week and Vegas.)

Tomorrow I'll be back on track - I have no planned roadblocks or big celebrations between now and Thanksgiving, so I'm just going to focus on the next month. One month at at time ...

- Laura

That's the spirit - One month, one day, one workout at a time. This is my goal for this week!

So here is today QOTD:

Do you believe you are truly happy? No matter what your answer, do you believe that losing weight/getting healthier will make you happier? Why/why not? (If you aren't happy you don't have to go into details if you don't want to share.)

Yes I believe I am happy. Well I am happier now than I have been in a long time. Do I think I will be happier when I get my goal weight - I think so. I haven't worn shorts in about 2 years, maybe 3. It would feel really good to get out there and not be so self-conscious about how I look once this blasted cellulite is gone of the back of my legs - YUCK

I totally feel that clutter and choas effects me in every way! If I am disorganized in one aspect of my life, it seems to carry over to others. Last week was so off for me organizationally (probably not a word lol) and it really threw me off. I got it together starting Friday at work and carried it over to my home this weekend so Now I am ready for the week!

I didn't actually accomplish this task, but I am very close...I pulled out 6 garbage bags and 3 bins of clothes from my 3rd floor to go through. Some of it is my older DS's clothes that can now fit my younger DS. Most of the bags are clothes my sister gave me of my nephew's. I am organizing everything by size and I busted out my friend THE LABEL MAKER!! So clothes are in bins labeled with sizes. I didn't get completely finished because I need to go buy another bin, but man, it feels good to get all that organized. I am also looking at having a pretty big yard sale next year!

I am taking a workout break today. I ran outside 4 days this week, did the elliptical one day, and went to the gym one day (since Monday), so I may go buy new running shoes today. My shoes are not cutting it since I really am getting into running. I finally can say that my shortest run this week was 2.07
miles. I used to be happy if 2 miles was my longest run. So needless to say, my feet and legs need a better pair of shoes. I think I'll head to Boardman, OH to Second Sole. They evaluate your run and recommend shoes for your style. Can't wait! Geez-I would have never thought I'd ever be so excited to get new running shoes...

Hope everyone has a great day!

Jill

Jill - I feel the same is you. If I have clutter it drives me bonkers (where is the looney bin smily?) Good job on the workouts and running! It is sooo funny that once you build up a distance you think that what you used to be proud of is just a drop in the bucket. I remember the first time I ran 1 mile solid and thought I had achieved the world! Now if I don' t run at least 3 or 4 when I go out I feel as if I am a slacker


As for me - Well I tripped and stumbled last week but I did learn some good lessons out of it. First stress and lack of sleep will make me eat like crap and also I tend to use that as an excuse to not workout. I did 2 days of workouts last week, took a rest day on Wednesday and it went all downhill from there. I ate out more than I should have, didn't workout like I should have and only went out running 1 time when it should have been 3. So I am looking at this week with a new perspective and trying to learn from my stumbling last week. Sad this is mid week I weighed and I was down 1.5lbs but on weigh in day I was right back where I started. I guess I should look at it as though I didn't gain but I feel if I do that, then it will put in my head that it is ok when it kinda isn't. Make sense?

Anyway, I am off to do my workout for today. Doing 40-45 minutes of weight training then picking up my house from the clutter and getting ready for class tonight. The students are giving presentations for mid-terms so at least I can sit and enjoy someone else lecture

Have a great Monday everyone!

 

[pjlla]

Good morning losers and maintainers!

Back from my quick trip to Seattle and just going to start posting from here. I have been reading along. Good thoughts and to all who need it!

Glad you are back safe and sound.

I do think that having chaos and clutter affects all the areas in your life -- it just makes everything harder to me. We've done a good job getting rid of a lot of clutter and chaos from both the house and the office this summer. It is nice to be able to find things and there seems to be more time to do other things, like run, plan, or just hang out.

Sorry, I have to say that I didn't accomplish a thing this week-end as I was travelling, however, I have lots of tasks to accomplish this week at work that will help me stop feeling dragged down, cranky and stressed!

Kathy, glad that you had a great week-end and I know that you can get yourself where you want to be soon because you never give up!

I had a nice visit with my Mom and sister in Seattle. It was a fast trip. Managed to bring back a couple of pounds with me so will be working on those this week. I suspect they are mostly water retention from travel.

Have a great week everyone!

Glad you had a good visit. Those water pounds will disappear quickly!

Yes Chaos and clutter effect the mood at home, towards the kids (freakin' slobs!!), and towards DH. Then I get stressed, then I want to eat.
Are you hinting that I need to post my clutter challenge for the week?
Sorry, we've been so busy I haven't even thought about it yet.

No, honestly, not hinting at all! Hadn't really even thought about it. HONEST!

Fluff- Yes!!!! I finally emptied the entire RV. Now I just need to dump the tanks and wash the insides and it will be ready for storage for winter. I'm glad to have that checked off my list.
Today's task is to call to have the furnace serviced so I can turn the heat on.

That's a job well done! Good for you! My heat cranked on this morning without any prompting and without having any windows open, so I KNEW it was cold out! Should call my furnace guy too.

gotta jet, I'm late for school. We are setting up for pumpkin contest today. TTYL!!!!

Have a great day!

I totally feel that clutter and choas effects me in every way! If I am disorganized in one aspect of my life, it seems to carry over to others. Last week was so off for me organizationally (probably not a word lol) and it really threw me off. I got it together starting Friday at work and carried it over to my home this weekend so Now I am ready for the week!

I do believe that "organizationally" is a word. Here.... I'll use it in a sentence.......

"My lovely, smart, beautiful daughter is very organizationally challenged."

If it's not, I'm making it one!!

I didn't actually accomplish this task, but I am very close...I pulled out 6 garbage bags and 3 bins of clothes from my 3rd floor to go through. Some of it is my older DS's clothes that can now fit my younger DS. Most of the bags are clothes my sister gave me of my nephew's. I am organizing everything by size and I busted out my friend THE LABEL MAKER!! So clothes are in bins labeled with sizes. I didn't get completely finished because I need to go buy another bin, but man, it feels good to get all that organized. I am also looking at having a pretty big yard sale next year!


I love, love, LOVE my label maker! I just hate that the label refills are SO expensive! What kind do you have? I have a P-Touch.

I am taking a workout break today. I ran outside 4 days this week, did the elliptical one day, and went to the gym one day (since Monday), so I may go buy new running shoes today. My shoes are not cutting it since I really am getting into running. I finally can say that my shortest run this week was 2.07
miles. I used to be happy if 2 miles was my longest run. So needless to say, my feet and legs need a better pair of shoes. I think I'll head to Boardman, OH to Second Sole. They evaluate your run and recommend shoes for your style. Can't wait! Geez-I would have never thought I'd ever be so excited to get new running shoes...

Hope everyone has a great day!

Jill

Yes, you definitely SHOULD to go a "real" running store and get fitted. I just read about that in an article in Reader's Digest. Let me know what you get!

As for me - Well I tripped and stumbled last week but I did learn some good lessons out of it. First stress and lack of sleep will make me eat like crap and also I tend to use that as an excuse to not workout. I did 2 days of workouts last week, took a rest day on Wednesday and it went all downhill from there. I ate out more than I should have, didn't workout like I should have and only went out running 1 time when it should have been 3. So I am looking at this week with a new perspective and trying to learn from my stumbling last week. Sad this is mid week I weighed and I was down 1.5lbs but on weigh in day I was right back where I started. I guess I should look at it as though I didn't gain but I feel if I do that, then it will put in my head that it is ok when it kinda isn't. Make sense?

It's always good to learn a new lesson!

Anyway, I am off to do my workout for today. Doing 40-45 minutes of weight training then picking up my house from the clutter and getting ready for class tonight. The students are giving presentations for mid-terms so at least I can sit and enjoy someone else lecture

Have a great Monday everyone!

Enjoy your workout and your class!


************

Okay friends.... I need to get off the computer and stop procrastinating about this costume project. Plus I'm starving for some lunch! I probably won't make it back on here today unless it is later tonight near bed time. TTYL....................P

 

[glss1/2fll]

My house is very cluttered; it seems there are piles everywhere! Most of the time I can live with it, but lately it's been wigging me out. Since I'm not working today I am going to tackle the pile of papers right next to me on this desk!

We finished 2 tasks this weekend! First I got all the dishes out of the boxes and into the cabinet and then we got all the apples off the tree! Saved yet another box for making applesauce and drove the rest out to a friend's house. She has horses and they love them. I think Pamela asked me what kind of apples they are a long time ago. Red. That's all we know. The tree was in the yard when we moved in; they are kinda bland, but crispy.

Also had DS1 mow the backyard; he said he felt like he was in trouble and this was his punishment. Nope. He had to do the whole thing because his brother wasn't home. Otherwise he could have divided and conquered. When I made him do the front, too he jokingly grumbled, so I jokingly reminded him of the rear-end damage we're still paying off!

Gotta scoot. Almost time for the oil change appt. and I'm still in my walking clothes and haven't brushed my teeth.

Have a good OP day!

 

[ougrad86]

Happy Monday everyone! Here is today's questions. I'll be back later (maybe MUCH later) to chat!


Today's QOTD:

Do you believe that clutter and chaos at home effects your moods and attitudes and possibly your mental well being and attitude when it comes to healthier eating and exercise??


And the FLUFF question of the day:
Did you accomplish a TASK this weekend? Maybe something that had been hanging over your shoulder? If so, what was it? Does it feel GREAT to have finished it??

BBL to chat.......................P

Very much so. Unfortunately, I married a pack rat. I am a pack rat too, but I am learning to ask myself why I need this, and have made great strides in getting rid of stuff. DH has a garage full and his "study" is full as well, and their are little piles around that I need to keep after him to take care of. I have told him certain areas are off limits to clutter, but sometimes it creeps in! Our son has ADHD, suspicious that he might have it as well, so that can lead to disorganization. I've trained my DS well, but I guess I got ahold of DH too late!

Got my new phone and got it all filled up and set up, and then set up my son's as well. I was having trouble sleeping, so did not have much energy. That storeroom is half done, but will tackle that in a week or so. Looking forward to Thanksgiving - we stay home and actually have a simple dinner (only 3 of us), but I have 4 1/2 days off from work...I can really get into some stuff. This is usually when my spring housecleaning gets done - in between college football games - depends on whether they are teams I want to watch!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Thanks everyone for your kind words about my photos. I know I get a TON of inspiration from seeing photos of others and hope that others can be inspired by mine.

Lately, i've been struggling with who i really am, versus what i see in the mirror. I believe things for awhile were going really well, I felt motivated, and i felt like this weight loss could be something i could actually accomplish, but lately it has not felt that way. Tracking calories is too time consuming, I'm too tired to go to the gym, just one cookie wont hurt, i can pack my lunch in the morning...these are all common things i find myself saying these past few weeks. Where did that motivation go?? In the mirror I look and i see someone who is 300lbs, yet i have lost 13lbs, and stayed at 150lbs these past few weeks, despite the bad habits i have picked up. When i sit down, all i can think about is that my stomach must be bulging over, I look at pictures of myself and i see, not a pretty young girl, but an ugly girl with a fat stomach.

I'm not sure why i cant see someone beautiful when i look in the mirror. people tell me im skinny and i dont need to loose weight but i dont see it, i just keep looking at the tiny bit of pudge in my stomach and thinking, if only i could get rid of that, if only my arms were toned, if only if only if only...im starting to wonder whats wrong with me

i feel like im starting from square one again. ive gone back to hating myself. instead of being proud of everything ive done, im annoyed at how much i havent dont, how much i dont do, but its not stopping me from making bad decisions when it comes to eating and not tracking calories..i feel confused all the time..what kind of excercise am i supposed to be doing, how often do i weight train, how many calories do i need in a day? there are so many conflicting answers and i dont have guidance. i want to push myself farther and farther. instead of being proud that i can run a mile, im annoyed that it takes 15 minutes, or that i cant run 5 miles.

im sorry to unload and vent like this but maybe if i admit it i can start to force myself to change

This is a lot of where I was also-- which is a BIG reason why I went searching for the photo I posted. When I left the 200's I was feeling so great! Proud of myself, thinner, sexier etc. It was exciting to see the big box of "too big" clothes get filled to overflowing. But I was also getting burned out about constantly having to plan every bit of food I was going to eat. And for making the not so fun choices when those around me were indulging. So I took a break with a goal just to maintain-- and as someone said a few posts ago, learning to maintain is just as important a part of this as the loss. I relaxed around food, I didn't stress about it and enjoyed my summer.

But. . . . . after a few months that same person that I was seeing in the mirror was looking fat again. The clothes that I had finally fit into were still in the 1X and2 XX sizes and huge. There is still a section of my closet that I am close to getting into but am just still too fat. I was feeling fat, ugly and gross. So I decided that it was just time to go back to square one and back to the healthy eating habits that I know will get me where I want to be. I have looked at those 2 photos I posted quite a few times this weekend. It is an amazing difference and it really helps motivate me to realize that I can do this if I put myself into it. But the current photo also shows me that I have a long way to go.

Don't sweat those small details about how much to eat, how to exercise, how much to do etc... Pick ONE thing as your goal this week-- exercise for 30 mins 3x or drink 4-6 glasses of water, or journal everything you eat, or eat at an X calorie level. Do that ONE thing for one week. Then decide if you are ready to add another goal or still need to work on that one. You can't change everything about your life overnight. Some say this isn't a sprint, it is a marathon but I don't even believe that. In a marathon there is still a definite ending where you stop and go back to your everyday life just like before. This is a lifelong commitment and a lifelong change. There is no finish line, and you don't have to come off the starting line doing everything all at once. Pick a small goal and focus on just doing that.

My other big advice is to do some research and some experimenting. There are tons of great websites and forums that can help you find the answers to the questions you have. Most of us have done many different diet plans in our lives. Some effective, some only effective for a short time, some very successful. What works for me won't work for others and vice versa, but it took me 20 years to find what DOES work for me. If you like what you are doing but yet it isn't quite working for you then look at other similar plans that might have the missing element you need. One of my WW leaders used to say "If you keep doing what you always did, you will keep on getting what you always got" and that applies long and short term.

You CAN do this!

Every meal we had was great - since I had comps there, we did two buffets at The Mirage (once for dinner and once for breakfast). We found a great Mexican restaurant in NewYorkNewYork and had a wonderful Italian meal in Caesar's Palace.

One afternoon we didn't have lunch plans, and found ourselves at a little bakery in Paris. We split a croissant and a Napoleon the size of my head...

Hmmm, I wonder how I gained 5.5 pounds!

- Laura

I would have gained at least that much too! That looks yummy!

Today's QOTD:

Do you believe that clutter and chaos at home effects your moods and attitudes and possibly your mental well being and attitude when it comes to healthier eating and exercise??


And the FLUFF question of the day:
Did you accomplish a TASK this weekend? Maybe something that had been hanging over your shoulder? If so, what was it? Does it feel GREAT to have finished it??

BBL to chat.......................P

I HATE clutter, yet I am surrounded by it. It makes me stressed out and cranky. I am slowly working on cleaning things out and up and getting rid of things but just like weight loss it has taken me 40 years to acquire this stuff and it is going to take a long time to clean it up and organize it.

This weekend all I managed to accomplish is getting some laundry done, but that is good or I would be going commando right now! But this last week I cleaned out my closet. of the junk all over the floor. But it is now contributing to the stressful clutter because the stuff to keep is in my bedroom all over the floor while I wait for DH to get some shelves put up in the closet to store it. But I am happy that I finally pulled the stuff out and went through it.

OH WAIT! I did accomplish more-- yesterday I did go through and organize all my clothes in my closet. Which was pretty easy since all the stuff was off the floor so I wasn't tripping over it!

How about a challenge Kathy? We are EXACTLY a month before the official start of the holiday season (I consider T.giving day the "start"). How about we challenge ourselves (and anyone else who cares to join us) to be fully on track for at least 80% of the days between now and then? That would mean only 6 days (or less, of course) off plan for the next month. I personally am going to aim for being exactly OP for 90% of the days. That will get us into the holiday season in the right frame of mind and hopefully with a few pounds off! You up for it???? Anyone else????

ME, ME, ME!!!!

***********

Well friends.... I knew it didn't make sense to head home after dropping off DD at school.... there wasn't much time.... but too much time to head straight to my first appointment. And my one errand (a return to Target) will only take a few minutes. So what to do with the time?? Head to McDonald's with my breakfast from home, splurge on a $1 cup of decaf and use their FREE wi-fi to catch up on here!!

I'm gonna check in with the scrapping board since I have about 5 more minutes to spend here! TTYL.........................P

I hate it when I have too much time to just go to my next obligation but not enough to go home or really go do anything productive. The worst right now is that we drop DD15 off for Youth Group dinner at 6:30 and have to pick DD11 up after the dinner at 7:00. It is about 5 mins away so I hate to just sit in the parking lot but there isn't time to go home or to even run to the grocery store. I will probably just start bringing a magazine or my Ipod and wait. Hmmmmm, I guess I could park and walk laps around the parking lot until it gets too cold

 

[donac]

Good afternoon everyone. I never made it on this morning.

Trina and LTS I feel the same way you guys do. I see at times not to be very happy and yet at other times I do. I don't know what is going on. I am thinkiing about talking to my dr about it at my physical next month. I do know I will be on edge for the next month since I will be thinking about Thanksgiving and then Christmas and how they will go. I think this has to do a lot with it. I was feeling okay until I saw a Christmas movie on the tv the other day and started to feel blue. I really can't back into exercising consistently and this is a challenge I am trying to work on. Ispent a while yesterday looking at my yoga videos and hoping to get in to some yoga time each day. I am hoping that will help.


Clutter is part of my life that I am trying to cut back on. I have done some decluttering at school and a little here at the house but there is still more to be done.

I did not finish a full task this weekend but I did get some time quilting my son's quilt.

Off to get some things done around the house.

Have a healthy afternoon.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I just walked around my neighborhood for about 45 mins!!!!

For those that don't know me that may not sound like a big whooping deal but it wasn't that long ago that I could barely walk to the mailbox because of the problems with my feet.

My feet are hurting but I was able to keep up a casual walking pace with my family which is also a huge improvement. Usually I am only able to go at a turtle pace. I am so excited Since the weather is nice here I am going to try to do this with my family a few times a week until it gets too cold. It will be good for all of us.

Sorry if I sound like I am bragging but I am just so excited I had to share!

 

[mackeysmom]

I just walked around my neighborhood for about 45 mins!!!!

For those that don't know me that may not sound like a big whooping deal but it wasn't that long ago that I could barely walk to the mailbox because of the problems with my feet.

My feet are hurting but I was able to keep up a casual walking pace with my family which is also a huge improvement. Usually I am only able to go at a turtle pace. I am so excited Since the weather is nice here I am going to try to do this with my family a few times a week until it gets too cold. It will be good for all of us.

Sorry if I sound like I am bragging but I am just so excited I had to share!

That is great - you should brag.

When I first started walking regularly, I ran into a woman at the high school track who told me her story. She had lost a ton of weight (without exercise) and when she decided to add activity into the mix, she was easily winded and in a lot of pain from her knee after walking just a few feet. She started out walking just to the end of her driveway. After a few days, she walked to the driveway next door. A few days after that, she walked to the second driveway. And so on and so on. Now about a year later, she is walking a mile each day on the track.

- Laura

 

[JacksLilWench]

Today's QOTD:

Do you believe that clutter and chaos at home effects your moods and attitudes and possibly your mental well being and attitude when it comes to healthier eating and exercise??


And the FLUFF question of the day:
Did you accomplish a TASK this weekend? Maybe something that had been hanging over your shoulder? If so, what was it? Does it feel GREAT to have finished it??

BBL to chat.......................P

Without a DOUBT, clutter affects my mood. Like a couple other people have said, I live with a pack rat- mine just happens to be my DM. It's like she refuses to throw stuff away, "in case we need it later." For what?! You're driving me crazy, just put it in the big black bag to throw away!! I'm definitely becoming more like my DDaddy: the more I see, the more I want to minimize.

As for a weekend accomplishment, I got a lot of laundry done. I haven't put it away yet, but actually getting it washed and dried is the hard part!

Kaiti, hope your planning works great for you and that you have a quieter week after your wild week last week. Thanks again for coaching!

Thanks Lisa! I did get some planning done today- I went and got stuff to make a REALLY yummy salad to pack for lunches this week, and I got a box of instant Irish Oatmeal to make for breakfast. I get the feeling my week will still be crazy, but this way I'm prepared, haha!

 

[dvccruiser76]

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars.

Reminders:
-after 3 weeks of no reporting, you are dropped from the challenge – can re-start at any time, though
-if anybody knows they will miss weighing in, just PM and let me know and you’ll be marked excused


First some stats

MAINTAINERS:
(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)
# of Maintainers Reporting In & Successfully Maintaining: 0

LOSERS:
Current Participants-------------60!
not reporting in for 1 week-----7
not reporting in for 2 weeks----6
not reporting in for 3 weeks----7
Excused--------------------------5
weigh ins-------------------------35
gains-----------------------------7
maintains------------------------8
losses----------------------------19
new or returning members ----1


Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 6!
This week’s group loss = 24.0 pounds!
Average percentage of weight lost 0.33 %
Total group weight loss so far 263.6 pounds!

AWESOME!

Retention Rate (compared to the 95 participants we had sign up for our start week on Sept 9th)
42% (this includes the Losers, Maintainers and Excused people!). Let's keep sending those weights people!


Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me. For your reference this is the magic percentage of weight lost formula - weight loss for the week divided by weight for last week times 100, that gives us the percentage. Now let me test that with my numbers for week 1, click, click, click goes the calculator. Yes, that agrees with the percentage on the magic spreadsheet. (btw if its been more than 1 week between weigh-ins, then the % loss is divided by the number of weeks, to keep everybody on the same basis)

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 6?

The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 6 Superstars!!
#10- 0.79% - aamomma
#9- 0.83% - goldcupmom
#8- 0.88% - AUdisneyDad DW
#7- 0.96% - MickeyMagic
#6 - 1.26% - bellebookworm9
#5- 1.35% - JacksLilWench
#4- 1.71% - lisah0711
#3- 1.85% - fitgirl36
#2- 1.88% - dvccruiser76
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge
Week 6 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 2.09% - lovetoscrap

Quote from Dare2Dream: How is your week going? Are you OP (on program)? Are you exercising? Drinking that water? You know what to do to make the magic happen. Get on the wagon. We are all here to help you on the journey. We can do this one day at a time. One bite at a time.

Have a healthy day!
Congratulations lovetoscrap !!!

What a great week you had. Keep up the good work. We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser. Wear it with pride this week! :

This is our weekly reigning Biggest Loser clippie. We have the large version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsmall1.jpg
followed by

or we have a medium version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLmed.jpg
followed by

and we have a small version

or use
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg
followed by


Thanks to ohMom-Molli for these clippies. They were used for a previous BL but we can recycle. Don't they look great!

 

[dvccruiser76]

NOW FOR THOSE OF US WHO SET A GOAL FOR THE CHALLENGE!

NOTE: This list includes participants who have reported in within the last 3 weeks, once someone misses 3 weigh-ins they are dropped from this report.

How this works: You set your goal for what you want to lose in the challenge. Then I calculate your weight loss in the challenge divided by your goal to get a % to goal.

Anybody can change their goal at anytime (or add a goal) – all you have to do is send me a PM.

Since the goals are an individual thing, the list is just in alphabetical order to make it easier for everybody to find their own name. If there are any questions or suggestions please let me know.

We have done 6 out of 15 weeks, so the challenge is 40% complete.


aamomma 80.00
akhaloha 34.00
amoggio816 19.13
bellebookworm9 48.08
buzz5985 44.00
cclovesdis 35.00
ClassicPooh2 30.00
cobbler 0.00
Desiree 24.00
dis-happy 9.09
DopeyDame 7.69
dvccruiser76 7.69
EDuke98080 37.14
goldcupmom 20.48
JacksLilWench 0.00
jillbur 29.41
jimmduck 10.23
keenercam 21.00
kollerbear 27.00
LoraJ 16.67
lovehoney 23.75
lovetoscrap 40.00
MickeyMagic 46.30
mommyof2Pirates 0.00
mvlimmex 25.33
pjstevens 20.83
rafikifan2911 40.00
Redcat52 13.33
Seashell724 11.39
SettinSail 16.13
thunderbird1 36.00
tigger813 24.70
tinkerbellfriend 10.00
trinaweena 13.77
wickey’s friend 30.00
Worfiedoodles 27.00
yulilin3 13.57


I find everybody on the list an inspiration and everybody who participates in this challenge is an inspiration in and of themselves. Whether you post, lurk or just pm your weight and check results on Tuesdays, you have made a commitment to yourself. And that is the biggest inspiration of all!
BY Octoberbride03

 

[dvccruiser76]

Great job this week everyone. Several of you went away on vacations and posted a maintain and in one case a loss, so kudos there as well. That's hard to do

Every meal we had was great - since I had comps there, we did two buffets at The Mirage (once for dinner and once for breakfast). We found a great Mexican restaurant in NewYorkNewYork and had a wonderful Italian meal in Caesar's Palace.

One afternoon we didn't have lunch plans, and found ourselves at a little bakery in Paris. We split a croissant and a Napoleon the size of my head...

Hmmm, I wonder how I gained 5.5 pounds!

- Laura

I love the food there, I am living vicariously through your photo. That's a great pic

I keep thinking about the cheese danish that we had at the Venetian and the stone crabs from Joe's in Caesar's Palace

I was talking to a guy in the Spring 2012 CP Facebook group, and he is pending. He told me that you don't get an e-mail if you are rejected, it just shows up in your "Dashboard" on the CP Disney website. Pending e-mails are titled "Thank you for your interest" and accepted e-mails are "WDWCP Congratulations". I said I really hope I don't get rejected and he said based on what my personality seems to be, he thinks I'll get accepted.

As much as I normally hate the "everything happens for a reason" cliche, I'm starting to believe it. Maybe my major was deactivated so I would switch to the less intense track and have a free semester to do this. Maybe I didn't get accepted to be an Orientation Advisor/Student Orientation Coordinator or a Lead Tour Guide so I wouldn't have any commitments to keep me from doing this.

Oh the waiting is killing me, will they just tell us already

I had a nice visit with my Mom and sister in Seattle. It was a fast trip. Managed to bring back a couple of pounds with me so will be working on those this week. I suspect they are mostly water retention from travel.

Glad to hear that you had a nice trip. I'd like to get back to Seattle some day.

I just walked around my neighborhood for about 45 mins!!!!

For those that don't know me that may not sound like a big whooping deal but it wasn't that long ago that I could barely walk to the mailbox because of the problems with my feet.

My feet are hurting but I was able to keep up a casual walking pace with my family which is also a huge improvement. Usually I am only able to go at a turtle pace. I am so excited Since the weather is nice here I am going to try to do this with my family a few times a week until it gets too cold. It will be good for all of us.

Sorry if I sound like I am bragging but I am just so excited I had to share!

Nice job rocking the challenge this week

 

[bellebookworm9]

LTS, great job on the walking!

Waiting patiently to hear! If you DON'T get in for some reason, please don't get too down about it. It might just be something like lots of other equally qualified folks applying at the same time. I hate to be "Nelly Negative" but I think it is best to to be prepared for the worst! DD is applying for a very elite summer study program and as much as it would be amazing for her to get in, I'm already preparing her for the disappointment of NOT getting in. Not that I don't think she is absolutely capable or qualified (as I'm sure you are also qualified and capable and would be a GREAT addition to the WDWCP), but I don't want her beating herself up for not getting in. Anyhow, not sure how we would afford it either!

Oh the waiting is killing me, will they just tell us already

I have a plan if the worst should happen, but for now I'm choosing to believe that it won't. I checked my "dashboard" several times today and there was no notice of rejection, so I'm taking that as a positive sign that they are not going to reject me based on my interview alone. I will not check it for another two weeks. If my acceptance/pending e-mail shows up within that frame, great! If not, then I'll go check to see if they really don't want me or they just haven't decided yet.

I have a two meetings tomorrow: one with the Dean of the College to discuss the better outcome, and one with my advisor to discuss both outcomes. I have classes picked out if I get stuck here.

Amazingly enough, cost is not too much of an issue with this. Mom said she can help me out with the deposit because she knows how much I want this. I have enough credit with Southwest that my flight would pretty much be covered. If I can get my night at Old Key West switched to whatever the night before my "Arrival" date is, no extra cost there; otherwise, I'll pay $71 for a night at All Star Music. Then I will just need money for taxi rides and food-my expenses during the program shouldn't be more than I spend right now, since it's really only groceries.

********
Going along with the "make small goals" idea, here are my goals for tomorrow:
1)Drink at least 2 glasses of water.
2)Eat at least one fruit and one vegetable.
3)Go to Zumba.

The earliest appointment Mom could get me with my psychiatrist is November 18th. So I booked a train ticket home on the evening of the 17th. One of my housemates is being awesome and taking me to the train station-I've never taken a train, so this will be a new experience!

 

[mikamah]

I just walked around my neighborhood for about 45 mins!

Congrats, LTS. That is awesome. And you're the biggest loser this week!! Whoo hoo!!!

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 6?

The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge Week 6 Superstars!!
#10- 0.79% - aamomma
#9- 0.83% - goldcupmom
#8- 0.88% - AUdisneyDad DW
#7- 0.96% - MickeyMagic
#6 - 1.26% - bellebookworm9
#5- 1.35% - JacksLilWench
#4- 1.71% - lisah0711
#3- 1.85% - fitgirl36
#2- 1.88% - dvccruiser76
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser Fall Challenge
Week 6 Biggest Loser is:
#1- 2.09% - lovetoscrap

!

Congrats to all our top losers!! Such a great motivator to see you all up there!!
Thank you Sue for all your hard work as weightkeeper.

Today's QOTD:

Do you believe that clutter and chaos at home effects your moods and attitudes and possibly your mental well being and attitude when it comes to healthier eating and exercise??


And the FLUFF question of the day:
Did you accomplish a TASK this weekend? Maybe something that had been hanging over your shoulder? If so, what was it? Does it feel GREAT to have finished it??

Clutter definitely affects my mood, but I always have some clutter around, but it will grow to the breaking point and then I'll just get motivated and clean it all up. Mostly the pile on the kitchen table. It's not too bad, but today is my day to go through it all and pay the bills.
I did not accomplish a task per se, but I did relax and have a very enjoyable weekend, no stress, so that was really good.
This morning, I do feel accomplished, the man is here servicing my heat, and I was due to go to town hall to get someone to come over here and see the road beside my house that was redone last month but it's graded to drain toward my house, and I've called several times, and haven't heard back, but they just showed up and are going to take care of it, so i'm very happy about that.

How about a challenge Kathy? We are EXACTLY a month before the official start of the holiday season (I consider T.giving day the "start"). How about we challenge ourselves (and anyone else who cares to join us) to be fully on track for at least 80% of the days between now and then? That would mean only 6 days (or less, of course) off plan for the next month. I personally am going to aim for being exactly OP for 90% of the days. That will get us into the holiday season in the right frame of mind and hopefully with a few pounds off! You up for it???? Anyone else????
P

Thanks for the challenge, Pamela, I am definitely up for it. I did read through the posts at work last night, and this morning, started off with my yogurt and fruit, and got some paper out to start tracking again. On track for me will be following ww points and tracking every bite.
Anyone else care to join us for our pre holiday challenge?

I was right there with you up until last week. Falling off that wagon like mad, but last week I put my own foot down and got right back on the wagon So, it's definitely not too late.

You'll love this, so we would leave my parents house, go through the square, stop at the corner gorcery for drinks and candy, then hit Dunkin Donuts on 114 for my parents to get coffee, then to Dairy Queen on 114 for ice cream, then into the drive it. It was a family outing And somehow we occassonally made it to the concession stand during intermission And we wonder when I started liking food?

On a positive note, we had a sweets drawer at home and I never went near it b/c it was there. The kids in the neighborhood of course flocked to it every time they were over

Do you or Kathy remember York's Steak House? I don't know what it was, but my sister and I used to LOVE their house dressing Any ideas what it was girls?

funny how the drivein is all about the food. We went to the Bridgton drive in in Maine on vacation, and got the biggest bucket of popcorn we had ever seen there. It was so much fun though, the kids loved it, and it brought all of us adults back in time.
We had a candy drawer when I worked in ICU, and it was always full. dangerous.
I do remember York steak house, but we never really ate there. I was working up the street at Wendy's then.
Nice work getting back in the wagon. I'm back in it too, and planning to stay in til thanksgiving with Pamela!!

I don't know of any bagel place in Wakefield. But I haven't frequented Dunkin Donuts or anyplace like it in years. Not due to the calories - but because of the cost. That's what DH and I say our DVC membership is - our savings from not stopping at Dunkin' Donuts.

I rarely go to dd or starbucks anymore because of the crazy price. My niece was just talking about how she gets a coffee every day at Starbucks for 5 dollars, and she's applying to colleges right now, but money's an issue for her parents, so they want her to go local and commute but she wants to go away. We said if you stopped the coffee for a year, that's 1800 dollars she could save. That's a lot of money.

Sunday's QOTD:

As a general rule, we "dieter's" know how to lose weight..... eat less, eat healthier, move/exercise more. But for some reason we often have difficulty APPLYING that knowledge to our everyday lives. Other than the obvious answer of "I love the taste of __________ (chips, donuts, ice cream, etc)", what is one big stumbling block to you applying your weight-loss knowledge to your every day life??? Not your EXCUSES (too busy, too hungry, etc).... but your BLOCKADE/DETOUR.

And today's FLUFF QOTD:

Do you have a lucky number/color/letter??

I don't think I have a block, more excuses. It's definitely the emotional eating that gets to me, and I do try to think about what I'm going to eat before I eat it. I just went down cellar and found some yarn and needles, and started knitting a scarf for something to do when I'm watching tv so I don't eat. Definitely thinking before I eat is what I need to do.
I don't really have a lucky number or color, but I do like bright pink, and feel that it's a happy color for me. Ds picked 74 for his football number, which was his oldest cousins football number in high school, and he's always noticing when he sees the number anywhere. He's big into numbers, and is very excited for 11/11/11. I took the day off since there's no school, so he is going to plan something for us to do on 11/11/11 at 11:11am.

Do you believe you are truly happy? No matter what your answer, do you believe that losing weight/getting healthier will make you happier? Why/why not? (If you aren't happy you don't have to go into details if you don't want to share.)


Fluff QOTD:

Do you have a Facebook? If so, how many friends do you have? Are they real friends, or just FB friends?

I am a happy person, and for the most part am truly happy. I asked ds to rate his happiness on a 1-10 scale, and he picked 8 and that was what I had picked for myself, too. I'd say that's pretty good. We have a pretty good life, and are very fortunate. I don't know that losing the weight would make me happier, but definitely more confident and less self conscious.

Good morning everyone!!

I hope to stay caught up here and in the BL wagon with all of you. The holidays are right around the corner, and there are lots of challenges, and if I don't get focused now, I know I'll see a few pounds here and there creeping back on, and then I'll go up into another decade. I'm going to turn it around and get down into another decade instead. As soon as the heat man leaves I'm heading out for a walk, with a little running. I haven't been running much, so I'll go slow, but I want to get back into it. I'm doing a 5k Thanksgiving morning, so I'd like to get in a little better shape by then.

I got cancelled from work today my 4 hour shift because I'm working extra on thursday, so I won't lose any pay, but I have a bonus day off. I don't have many days alone without ds, so I'm going to enjoy it, maybe watch a movie later.

Hugs to all in need. Have a great day!!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning losers and maintainers!

A big BL congratulations to all our superstars and especially to our biggest loser, LTS! And a big BL congratulations to all of us for sticking it out!

Waiting patiently to hear! If you DON'T get in for some reason, please don't get too down about it. It might just be something like lots of other equally qualified folks applying at the same time. I hate to be "Nelly Negative" but I think it is best to to be prepared for the worst! DD is applying for a very elite summer study program and as much as it would be amazing for her to get in, I'm already preparing her for the disappointment of NOT getting in. Not that I don't think she is absolutely capable or qualified (as I'm sure you are also qualified and capable and would be a GREAT addition to the WDWCP), but I don't want her beating herself up for not getting in. Anyhow, not sure how we would afford it either!

Do they have any type of scholarships or financial assistance with the program? It might be work looking into ahead of time.

How about a challenge Kathy? We are EXACTLY a month before the official start of the holiday season (I consider T.giving day the "start"). How about we challenge ourselves (and anyone else who cares to join us) to be fully on track for at least 80% of the days between now and then? That would mean only 6 days (or less, of course) off plan for the next month. I personally am going to aim for being exactly OP for 90% of the days. That will get us into the holiday season in the right frame of mind and hopefully with a few pounds off! You up for it???? Anyone else????

I'm in! Thanks, Pamela!

Buffy, no worries on the clean up the clutter!

Jill, what kind of new shoes did you get?

Go, cobbler, go!

My house is very cluttered; it seems there are piles everywhere! Most of the time I can live with it, but lately it's been wigging me out. Since I'm not working today I am going to tackle the pile of papers right next to me on this desk!

Good luck with the pile o' papers, Linda!

Looking forward to Thanksgiving - we stay home and actually have a simple dinner (only 3 of us), but I have 4 1/2 days off from work...I can really get into some stuff. This is usually when my spring housecleaning gets done - in between college football games - depends on whether they are teams I want to watch!

Sounds like you go a lot done! I'm looking forward to the long Thanksgiving week-end, too. We get five days off! It is just the three of us as well so there isn't as much cooking and cleaning to do!

But. . . . . after a few months that same person that I was seeing in the mirror was looking fat again. The clothes that I had finally fit into were still in the 1X and2 XX sizes and huge. There is still a section of my closet that I am close to getting into but am just still too fat. I was feeling fat, ugly and gross. So I decided that it was just time to go back to square one and back to the healthy eating habits that I know will get me where I want to be. I have looked at those 2 photos I posted quite a few times this weekend. It is an amazing difference and it really helps motivate me to realize that I can do this if I put myself into it. But the current photo also shows me that I have a long way to go.

It may be a ways to go but you are on the downhill slide! And congrats on being the BL this week! Oh, and a big for your long walk yesterday!

Laura, that was a great story about that woman at the track!

I did get some planning done today- I went and got stuff to make a REALLY yummy salad to pack for lunches this week, and I got a box of instant Irish Oatmeal to make for breakfast. I get the feeling my week will still be crazy, but this way I'm prepared, haha!

Even if you have a crazy week again, it won't seem so bad thanks to your planning!

Gretchen, keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Kathy, enjoy your extra day off!

Have a great day all!

 

[DopeyDame]

I'm back. Again. For real this time. For really, really, real. Really. The last several weeks have been crazy-busy, but that's a lame excuse, because everyone is busy.
But now I'm recommitted to this. I'm basically at my starting weight, but at least I didn't gain anything while not being on program at all.
Both yesterday and today I started my day with a run - that felt great!
Hopefully you'll all be seeing a lot more of me, now.

As for the QOTD - I HATE clutter, and yet I feel like my life is just surrounded by clutter. My DH and I actually had a big fight over clutter this weekend (and we rarely fight, especially not over little things like that) I feel like I just need to throw away 75% of what is in my house.

 

[tigger813]

Congrats to all the LOSERS especially LTS!!!!

Hanging at work...client should be here in 30 minutes. Gotta pick up Ash and then take her to dancing at 4:45...hoping to work on cleaning my dining room tonight and maybe the kitchen too if I get a chance. We also need to take out the rest of the acs as we may get a some snow on Thursday!

Kind of cold here today so it could snow!

Gotta get Izzie a b'day cake and then pick her up something for her actual b'day on Thursday. Ash was getting her a book at her book fair today. We are taking her to American Place on Saturday to pick out a doll. She is planning on getting Marie Grace, the new one from New Orleans.

TTFN