In Search of my Body...Not The One I Ate.. #4 "Inspiring Others... 1 Tiara at a Time"

[AKASnowWhite]

You guys are cracking me UP! Fleece from head to toe! Let me guess, is that your bed sheets too?


Flannel.

Yes, we will be fostering 2 of the little pigs again this year.

Duke is still in the freezer. I can't cook him or eat him.

Our piggie is in the freezer too. He and I, however, had no emotional attachment.

 

[adsrtw]

I'll have you know that I am currently ensconced in fleece...pants, socks, top. So happy.

I wonder if they make fleece undies???

 

[3DisneyKids]

Ok, so I don't know about fleece underwear, but I do actually have a fleece bra! I love it!

And ALL of my fleece is from Bean's. Not just the dress-up fleece. And it really isn't all expensive. Their fitness fleece pullovers are like $19.50. But Bean's is like religion in Maine. We have family that work there, etc. (As does everyone we know. )

I am glad to hear that Duke is still on your conscience! Ah, it is almost hog time. How I love, love, love the hog stories! OMG, I got such a kick out of it last summer! Until the end, that is...when I had to say a prayer to St. Francis (patron saint of animals, you know).

My mom and dad (also vegetarians) call St. Francis "Frank." They think it is hilarious. Like every once in a while J goes through a phase where he thinks he might want to eat meat again and my folks are all, "Yeah, but then you would piss off Frank and that wouldn't be good..." Have I ever mentioned how totally cool I think my parents are??!?!

 

[adsrtw]

And nutritional values.


So. My daughter had her Middle School Band concert tonight. I have just 2 words.

PAIN. FUL.

Our M.S. is 7th and 8th grades. Each has it's own band. The 7th grade? Yikes. At one point I told hubby that I felt we needed to embrace their individuality. As in - each of them playing in their own key, with their own tempo My boys were dying. I was wishing for ear plugs. God, was it horrendous.

The 8th grade was MUCH better. dd is in 8th, mercifully! so we didn't have to mock her, just the other kids We truly are not a very kind family

Oh Nancy, so sorry!

Yeah. She's right about fleece. And flannel.



Flannel for me. Vermont Flannel Company. OMG the best flannel in the entire world.

Yep Liz. You, Stacey & Clinton. All people who would be horrified by my current attire should I suddenly decide I need to run out for milk

And do you run out in house shoes? I'm not talking crocs either, lol. I like flannel sheets, does that count?

Speaking of fleece, have you guys seen the Snuggie? The blanket with sleeves? I see the commercial ALL the time. Something about it just makes me

Makes me think of that comet Hale Bop cult back in the 90's (or whatever the comets name was). I swear!

YIKES! Whenever I hear of people getting stuck there, all I can think about is the fact that I *know* if something like that happened to me, I would immediately decide that I had to pee. It just wouldn't be pretty

ME Too!

That was the first thing my boss asked me, lol. Keep in mind that we are more family than normal boss/workers, so she is chuckling during the call she made back to me. I would have been stir crazy without my phone or a book.



Checking in. Like it or not - today, not so much.

Food: 31 points. Yep. High. PMS'ing, and loads of exercise minutes this week have led to an increase in appetite. <sigh>

Alcohol:none

Water: probably not enough.

Exercise: another 90 minute day. I had a training session this morning where we did a full body strength workout. Then I hit the TM to test out a new pair of running shoes. Liked them. So my "quick test" turned into a nice run. Total for challenge: 345/2100. And that's all this week (as in Mon-Thurs). I'm tired. (surprise, surprise) Headed to bed.

argh... lost my post!!! Hate it when that happens.

Let's see what was I talking about???

Made it through another workout with Jesse. We worked on real squats today, you know the ones with the real weights on your shoulders. Those are harder than they look, but I made it through. I really need to work on my shoulders though. I am getting better on the shoulder presses, but the front and side raises are killing me. Patience. That is what I keep telling myself.

I am off to raid my closet to find an outfit for Saturday, get ready for tomorrow and then get some sleep.

Talk to you all in the morning,
Paula

Good Job!

 

[adsrtw]

Ok, so I don't know about fleece underwear, but I do actually have a fleece bra! I love it!

Well at least fleece bras would keep you warm!

And ALL of my fleece is from Bean's. Not just the dress-up fleece. And it really isn't all expensive. Their fitness fleece pullovers are like $19.50. But Bean's is like religion in Maine. We have family that work there, etc. (As does everyone we know. )

That's not that much!

I am glad to hear that Duke is still on your conscience! Ah, it is almost hog time. How I love, love, love the hog stories! OMG, I got such a kick out of it last summer! Until the end, that is...when I had to say a prayer to St. Francis (patron saint of animals, you know).

My mom and dad (also vegetarians) call St. Francis "Frank." They think it is hilarious. Like every once in a while J goes through a phase where he thinks he might want to eat meat again and my folks are all, "Yeah, but then you would piss off Frank and that wouldn't be good..." Have I ever mentioned how totally cool I think my parents are??!?!

So funny

 

[HockeyKat]

Checking in:
1) Under 1200 cals (and for once, not much!), 18 carbs, no junk. Check
2) Exercise, 45 min kickboxing class. Check
3) Water, 96 oz. Check
4) Alcohol, none. Check

 

[adsrtw]

Ok, ok, one more post before I crash. So I am notorious for getting 3 of my co-workers involved in paranormal romance books.

Well, I also got my boss' wife involved in them too (not my immediate boss, this one is a VP boss). She decided to share her books with me and I am hooked on another freaking series. It's a demon romance series ~ very enjoyable. It reads slower than the other books that I adore, but that doesn't really matter.

Loving it. Good night!

OMG! I checked out my fav authors site and she has a preview up! Can't wait until March 31st for her new vamp book.

Kelly, did you get your Lynsay Sands book yet??

 

[SeptemberGirl]

Okay, Amiee.

Tell us about the elevator. And tell us the names of the other books you read. If I haven't read them, my friend Jodi surely has. She is strangely not into Twilight, but is into lots of other vampire series!

 

[MunkyMe13]

Speaking of fleece, have you guys seen the Snuggie? The blanket with sleeves? I see the commercial ALL the time. Something about it just makes me

All the snuggie is, is a backwards bathrobe... LOL...

 

[princessrunner]

Happy Friday everyone!!

Just a super quickie post from me. I am +1 pound for the challenge this week and I have 25.96 miles for the week. I am thinking about changing my goals (if it is allowed) to inches and body fat instead of pounds. I am very upset by the body fat percentage I seem to have and that number is bothering me way more than the scale right now.

Erika, if you will let me change my challenge goals I would like them to be:
1. 25 miles a week
2. Lose 3 inches total from my measurements
3. Lose 2% body fat during this challenge.

I think that these are attainable goals for me. I really need to cut my snacking and chose better snacks. I skied for 4.17 miles yesterday in 59:59 (it was way fast) and did really well when I got home. Then dinner got delayed due to the kids and I got really hungry. I ate crackers and trail mix and, well, more than I should have because I did not get that protein when I was done my workout. You would think that the bodyfat measurement would have kept me on track but instead it made me really sad and upset and, hey, we are all human and pretty much react the same way... Now, I am just angry with myself for letting that happen so, vengence is mine!!

Today, I have 5 miles plus the gym with the girls. Soon things will have to change up as marathon training starts shortly. Time is of the essence and I need it for my own training. Last night, I spent some time portioning out my veggies and I even bought some portabella burgers and Veggie Delight ham(ish) slices for sandwiches. I definitely have some changes to make in the next few weeks.

Everyone and have the best Friday on record today!!

PS-I think I am a werewolf as I am uber warm all the time....

 

[3DisneyKids]

MORNING!

Lisa/PR--Of course you can change your goals. And this is for everyone...if you need to change it up, then do it! Just because you stated goals at the beginning, we all know those can change along the way. Some things work for you, others don't and you have to change accordingly.

Lisa--great job on the ski! Super time! I am excited to follow your training for the CMM. You were brave to get your body fat tested (and Nancy actually WANTS her done....perish the thought!). Seriously, I would be in the corner in the fetal position.

True story--in college ever single freshman had to take a class called Health Dynamics. Part of the class was we all had to get in the "fat tank" (where the actually did the water submersion test and told you what percentage body fat you were). Obviously, most of the girls didn't want to do this--not only because of the result, but because you had to be in your bathing suit and it was a co-ed class. So, if you refused to get in the fat tank it was an automatic full letter grade deduction on your final grade for the course. Well, there was no way I was getting in and I also refused to take the deduction. I developed "pneumonia" and thus couldn't get wet and couldn't get penalized for that. To this day, I wonder how the hell I faked pneumonia! It always makes me skeptical of diagnoses. I was totally find, faked a bunch of systems, lied to the doctor so I get this note...and he was REALLY concerned and wanted me on antibiotics bed rest for like 2 weeks and all the rest. End result - NO, I didn't get in the fat tank. And yes, I was a starting-varsity athlete and did not have a weight problem. I was smaller than I am right now. Crazy, eh?

Ok, post those challenge results soon so I can get the table up!

And Sarah--I have your goals and will add you. And you can even use your results from this week and we will count your first week of the challenge.

It is FRIDAY! I am trying out a new cleaning lady today, so that is the highlight of my day. Oh, and I have a long run planned. Depends if it warms up enough. Ok, time to get the sproglets on the bus.

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

My mom and dad (also vegetarians) call St. Francis "Frank." They think it is hilarious. Like every once in a while J goes through a phase where he thinks he might want to eat meat again and my folks are all, "Yeah, but then you would piss off Frank and that wouldn't be good..." Have I ever mentioned how totally cool I think my parents are??!?!

This is interesting about J maybe wanting meat again. Was he a vegetarian when you met? Have you always been a vegetarian? What if your kids want to eat meat (will you still accept them as your own )?

And a cleaning lady? Curse you.

Okay, Amiee.

Tell us about the elevator.

Amiee - I can't even believe you dropped that bomb and didn't explain. In my world, being stuck on an elevator is a BIG thing. (I could see this being a regular thing for Kelly/Bella)

And tell us the names of the other books you read. If I haven't read them, my friend Jodi surely has. She is strangely not into Twilight, but is into lots of other vampire series!

Jodi - your BFF - does not like Twilight? And you are still friends? The horror. Seriously. Did she try to read it? She knows your a pusher?

Amiee - I have Linsey Sands noted in my phone. Next time I go to a book store. (I don't want evil demon vampires, I like the nice vampires. I still have to be able to sleep at night, espically when hubs is gone on business.)

True story--in college ever single freshman had to take a class called Health Dynamics. Part of the class was we all had to get in the "fat tank" (where the actually did the water submersion test and told you what percentage body fat you were). Obviously, most of the girls didn't want to do this--not only because of the result, but because you had to be in your bathing suit and it was a co-ed class. So, if you refused to get in the fat tank it was an automatic full letter grade deduction on your final grade for the course. Well, there was no way I was getting in and I also refused to take the deduction. I developed "pneumonia" and thus couldn't get wet and couldn't get penalized for that. To this day, I wonder how the hell I faked pneumonia! It always makes me skeptical of diagnoses. I was totally find, faked a bunch of systems, lied to the doctor so I get this note...and he was REALLY concerned and wanted me on antibiotics bed rest for like 2 weeks and all the rest. End result - NO, I didn't get in the fat tank. And yes, I was a starting-varsity athlete and did not have a weight problem. I was smaller than I am right now. Crazy, eh?

You are something else! And it IS crazy. I look back at high school where i was constantly in a "I'm fat daze" - well the same one I'm in now, but I realize now, I looked good in high school. How I wish I'd known that then. Would you get in the tank now, as a college student, knowing what you know now?

LisaPR - you are working so hard to beat your body into submission. Seriously, I can't believe how hard you work out. This is for LisaPR, EriKa and Nancy - is it possible - with all the working out you do - that you might need cosmetic work done for those last final fat pockets? Or do you think, full on diet deprivation and full time dedication to exercise will work? Have you considered it?

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

My results this week:

weight: same
workouts: 4 days
diet: eh

 

[3DisneyKids]

OMG LYZ! So many questions!

Yes, J was a veg. when we met. But he never would have stuck with it without me. He doesn't really want to eat meat again, he just gets bored with food. He is way more of a health nut than I am in certain ways and I can't really imagine him going back to meat. But he is also less freakish about vegetarianism than I am. Like, I won't eat anything that has been "touching" meat and he doesn't care about that at all.

The kids...this is a tough one. I have no idea what the right thing to do here is. This lifestyle is something that HAS to be a personal choice. I can't force it on them and at some point they get to decide. But WHEN? Right now, Riley is really interested. He's 9. Old enough? I don't know. And HOW? Because I won't cook it. (I don't even know how!) Honestly, I hope he gets a bit rebellious and does something like have a McD's burger (or something else horrible) and it just makes him so sick that he never wants to eat meat again. Bad mom award, I know. Cammie is already committed, so that is not a problem. And Kelly...well, Kelly is a free spirit. Even though she is the youngest, she has major issues with rules, etc. So she will be the first to try it. But I am also willing to be bet that she comes back to it on her own.

As for plastic surgery...yes, I think about it. Would I actually do it? No clue. There is no way that I will get exactly the body I want with diet and exercise alone. We all have our "trouble spots." So... But I can get pretty close to ideal. And maybe that should be good enough.

 

[princessrunner]

Lyz, I too have considered surgery but not the kind you mentioned. I would like to have a chest. I never had one and for some reason, I would like one. I know if I have one then I would want to be small again. Being an A-cup leads to envy I guess.

I had once thought of a tummy tuck more because I have horrific stretch marks from my 9 pound 3.5 ounce baby hercules (Shelby).

So that being said, I have never considered surgery to lose weight or to tone up. I have a different mind set in that way. If I cannot do it on my own and earn it, it is not worth having. Besides, I seriously do not have the $$ for surgery, otherwise I would not still be an A-cup....

 

[goofyfan-12]

Mornng all...

LisaPR - sending you hugs. There is nothing worse than working your bum off and not get the results you were hoping for. Hang in there. I am in awe of your skiing ability so that keeps me pushing at the gym.

Challenge results -

strength training - 3x
cardio - 2x
weight lost - 3.5 pounds (yes I am taking my Monday weigh in numbers and totally running with them... Promise to pick me up on Monday night when the scale reads .1 pounds lost as my body regulates itself again - kay?)
# of dates - 1 (can I count that towards the challenge??? )

Have a great day everyone. I have been at work for like 45 minutes and am already buried. How does that happen?

Paula

 

[MunkyMe13]

Good Morning All!

My weight is down 1.4 this week... I am not super thrilled with this but it could be worse so I'll take it...

I did work out at least 4 days and I will probably workout today!
I tracked my food every day this week and will let you know Monday about my water because I want to track that over the weekend...

Did I forget anything??? I worked through my major lack of motivation yesterday and for me that is HUGE! Especially when my dh says just go to bed and I'll bring home Jack in the Box.... LOL!

More later!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Breakfast:


Deviled Egg (large egg), cooked, 1 serving 145

Breakfast TOTALS: 145

Lunch:


Steamfresh cut green beans, 1.5 serving 45
Boca Italian Sausage, 1 serving 130

Lunch TOTALS: 175

Dinner:


Homemade boca sausage pizza, 2 serving 628

Dinner TOTALS: 628

Snack:


Deviled Egg (large egg), cooked, 1.5 serving 218
Golden Caramel Corn Nuggets (love from MN brand), 1 serving 130
trader joe's pineapple tidbits, 2 serving 120

Snack TOTALS: 468

CALORIES 1,416 1,200 - 1,550
CARBS 91 135 - 252
FAT 63 27 - 60
PROTEIN 72 60 - 136

I felt awesome about yesterday! The only struggle I had was we made a homemade pizza - and the crust and the sauce we had to use a generic one we thought was most like the ones we used because they came from a previous cooking endeavour and there were no nutrition labels to be had. But I rather guess a little high then too low.

I am really proud of the lower carb amounts yesterday and I did go more on veggies at lunch. Can't tell you what a world of difference that made!

I am heading to go grocery shopping today and I hope to make better choices as the food of fat whittles down here at the home.

I weighed in this morning....and last Friday was at 244.0 even!
today...241.6

That was after b-fast and 5 glasses of water too so I hope it is even lower tom.!

That is down 2.4 pounds! I am just thrilled! I will get in my excersize at the Y today and tom so I get the 3 C-5k in for the other portion of my challenge. I want that darn tiara! I have been walking Ace but not timing my walks or pushing since he is learning walking manners as we speak and not so much ready for a speed walk or pull as the case may be!



I also have some huge challenges this weekend food wise.

Baylor has a hockey game tonight, tom and Sun. Treyner has a huge game on Sat evening with an elite prep school here in MN that travels internationally for soccer. So that means 4 occasions to say no to hot chocolate while freezing at a rink and popcorn, nachos, pretzels etc...which are carb ridden sins available and in your face at any sporting event. My goal is to say no to anything, bring a Gnu Bar and water. I know if I say yes to a taste, I do not have the willpower yet to just stop. Carbs are my worst sabbatoge. Sweets, I can have a nibble and feel satisfied. (Waterboy's best voice inserted here.)
"Carbs are the devil mama."

In other news, Treyner has some major pressure which means I have major nerves. Wisconsin Maddison is coming to the game Sat for him. They are wanting a goalie bad and are very interested in him. The original goalie for Treyner's new team was going to go there but now switched to Green Bay.

Here is why this is a huge deal. UW Maddison is ranked #1 usually for D1 soccer schools. Huge honor to play there. Fort Lewis wants Treyner and Treyner wants them but no money will be exchanged first year beacuse there is only 8 scholarships to be broken up or given to the team and all the money is spoken for next year. Their thought is Treyner goes 1 year, proves himself and then money is given and determined by that Freshman year.

Not sure what Maddison has for money, but I do know it is a huge school. Big class size and that is not Treyner's bag. Yet with big schools comes tutors and extra help that a NAIA school etc. does not have. Fort Lewis offers tutors for athletes as well but I am sure not to the extent a D! school can.

I was just settling down and now, all this. Treyner is worried because he has given a verbal commitment to Fort Lewis. He feels obligated emotionally no matter what. Yet he also understands that if money is offered by Maddison, it is a new card on the table and he would be a fool not to consider.

So all this is going on and I am trying not to eat through my nerves and keep his head into the fact that this is just a friendly scrimmage. Do your best and the rest we can figure out later. I was a wreck with parents at games. I cannot imagine what this is like for him with his future and school at stake.

I know that isn't about weight loss but these things are a big weight on me and I never used to talk about them and I think the relief I feel in just getting it out there helps ease the mental part of me that would usually reach for garbage by now.

I will re-read today posts and try an dbe on as much as I can throughout the weekend.

I love all of you BTW. I was really thinking last night about the strength I have received in all aspects of my life through each of you. Not all about weight loss but all about betterment of life.

Thanks!

 

[MunkyMe13]

Breakfast:


Deviled Egg (large egg), cooked, 1 serving 145

Breakfast TOTALS: 145

Lunch:


Steamfresh cut green beans, 1.5 serving 45
Boca Italian Sausage, 1 serving 130

Lunch TOTALS: 175

Dinner:


Homemade boca sausage pizza, 2 serving 628

Dinner TOTALS: 628

Snack:


Deviled Egg (large egg), cooked, 1.5 serving 218
Golden Caramel Corn Nuggets (love from MN brand), 1 serving 130
trader joe's pineapple tidbits, 2 serving 120

Snack TOTALS: 468

CALORIES 1,416 1,200 - 1,550
CARBS 91 135 - 252
FAT 63 27 - 60
PROTEIN 72 60 - 136

I felt awesome about yesterday! The only struggle I had was we made a homemade pizza - and the crust and the sauce we had to use a generic one we thought was most like the ones we used because they came from a previous cooking endeavour and there were no nutrition labels to be had. But I rather guess a little high then too low.

I am really proud of the lower carb amounts yesterday and I did go more on veggies at lunch. Can't tell you what a world of difference that made!

I am heading to go grocery shopping today and I hope to make better choices as the food of fat whittles down here at the home.

I weighed in this morning....and last Friday was at 244.0 even!
today...241.6

That was after b-fast and 5 glasses of water too so I hope it is even lower tom.!

That is down 2.4 pounds! I am just thrilled! I will get in my excersize at the Y today and tom so I get the 3 C-5k in for the other portion of my challenge. I want that darn tiara! I have been walking Ace but not timing my walks or pushing since he is learning walking manners as we speak and not so much ready for a speed walk or pull as the case may be!



I also have some huge challenges this weekend food wise.

Baylor has a hockey game tonight, tom and Sun. Treyner has a huge game on Sat evening with an elite prep school here in MN that travels internationally for soccer. So that means 4 occasions to say no to hot chocolate while freezing at a rink and popcorn, nachos, pretzels etc...which are carb ridden sins available and in your face at any sporting event. My goal is to say no to anything, bring a Gnu Bar and water. I know if I say yes to a taste, I do not have the willpower yet to just stop. Carbs are my worst sabbatoge. Sweets, I can have a nibble and feel satisfied. (Waterboy's best voice inserted here.)
"Carbs are the devil mama."

In other news, Treyner has some major pressure which means I have major nerves. Wisconsin Maddison is coming to the game Sat for him. They are wanting a goalie bad and are very interested in him. The original goalie for Treyner's new team was going to go there but now switched to Green Bay.

Here is why this is a huge deal. UW Maddison is ranked #1 usually for D1 soccer schools. Huge honor to play there. Fort Lewis wants Treyner and Treyner wants them but no money will be exchanged first year beacuse there is only 8 scholarships to be broken up or given to the team and all the money is spoken for next year. Their thought is Treyner goes 1 year, proves himself and then money is given and determined by that Freshman year.

Not sure what Maddison has for money, but I do know it is a huge school. Big class size and that is not Treyner's bag. Yet with big schools comes tutors and extra help that a NAIA school etc. does not have. Fort Lewis offers tutors for athletes as well but I am sure not to the extent a D! school can.

I was just settling down and now, all this. Treyner is worried because he has given a verbal commitment to Fort Lewis. He feels obligated emotionally no matter what. Yet he also understands that if money is offered by Maddison, it is a new card on the table and he would be a fool not to consider.

So all this is going on and I am trying not to eat through my nerves and keep his head into the fact that this is just a friendly scrimmage. Do your best and the rest we can figure out later. I was a wreck with parents at games. I cannot imagine what this is like for him with his future and school at stake.

I know that isn't about weight loss but these things are a big weight on me and I never used to talk about them and I think the relief I feel in just getting it out there helps ease the mental part of me that would usually reach for garbage by now.

I will re-read today posts and try an dbe on as much as I can throughout the weekend.

I love all of you BTW. I was really thinking last night about the strength I have received in all aspects of my life through each of you. Not all about weight loss but all about betterment of life.

Thanks!

Maybe to help with the challenges of the weekend you can bring your own food that will sustain you. Like bring hot tea in exchange for hot chocolate or buy diet hot chocolate (only 25 calories a packet)... Make your own popcorn at home so you can monitor butter etc... I use an air popper and 1 cup of popcorn with not butter is only 15 calories... Add a little pam and some seasoning and you are good to go... Also chop veggies if you feel you may want to munch... This way you have an arsenal of snacks to help you combat the munchies there... I think maybe bringing one bar may discourage you... But if you have food similar that you CAN eat you will feel much better and enjoy it more.

 

[goofyfan-12]

Maybe to help with the challenges of the weekend you can bring your own food that will sustain you. Like bring hot tea in exchange for hot chocolate or buy diet hot chocolate (only 25 calories a packet)... Make your own popcorn at home so you can monitor butter etc... I use an air popper and 1 cup of popcorn with not butter is only 15 calories... Add a little pam and some seasoning and you are good to go... Also chop veggies if you feel you may want to munch... This way you have an arsenal of snacks to help you combat the munchies there... I think maybe bringing one bar may discourage you... But if you have food similar that you CAN eat you will feel much better and enjoy it more.

Sarah - these are all great suggestions. If I am going somewhere where I don't know what the food options will be I always come prepared. The was especially true when I was just starting and didn't have the ability to stop at a taste of something. I usually bring some baby carrots with me or even a full on lunch if I know I need to cover a meal. Another somewhat better snack option is Pirates Booty. A one oz. serving is about 120 calories with minimal fat grams. In JC land, this equates to one starch and one fat serving so it is an ideal afternoon snack for me. Add in a piece of fruit or some carrot sticks and some water and I am good to go for another 2 - 3 hours. I should note that I am a big fan of buying single serve bags instead of the big bags. They may cost a little more, but the portion control that they offer is a huge help. Also, instead of running through the drive through, most major grocery stores have salad bars so you can buy your meal there and load up on veggies and some lean protein (chicken, etc). I have been known to stop in to the store to buy an apple for a snack rather than hitting Starbucks. This will even save you money since the grocery store is way cheaper than fast food.

Dawn - good luck with the college choices. Tell Treynor that whatever he decides, he needs to be happy with the school for more than just soccer. This is where he is going to be living for the next four years and all that goes with it. If he is not happy with the school, he is not going to be happy in life during that time. Does the school in Madison have the major that he is looking at? I know, call me crazy, but I come from the college is about an education first and athletics second school of thought. No school is worth it if he can't study what he is interested in right?