So....I think we need a little wager to stir things up! I'm putting $20 in my paypal account to send the person who loses the biggest percentage of body weight by next Tuesday. To make things more interesting, the loser will have to sing to a camera, with passion and enthusiasm, the song of the group's choice...and post it on their page and YouTube! If you want to play, post a comment to this blog, with your current weight, the amount you are willing to give to the winner, and the song you would like the loser to sing! Because I have trust issues, I will be requiring a photo of your weights posted to your page

Get to losin' !!!
Jen

*****My vote for the loser song choice. Here's a link if you want to brush up on the lyrics!
Video Clip - Hopelessly Devoted To You

This is an actual letter from an Austin woman sent to American company Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph. It's PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best webmail-award-winning letter.



Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.' Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which br ings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you freaking kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James?

FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong', Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullsh.t. And that's a promise I will keep.

Always. . .

Best,

Wendi Aarons

Austin , TX

I completely flaked out!! I haven't been on here in a few months. Honestly, I wanted to put it off until I could come back strong. Here's how my come back blog was supposed to go:
"Wow guys, I'm sorry it's been so long!! I've missed everyone, but I haven't had time to blog in forever. Have I got news for you. I was shopping at the Gap, and this model scout came up to me and offered me a job modeling swimsuits in exotic locations. I have spent the summer in amazing cities all over the world. While I'm on location, I never see the inside of a gym, I have to keep in shape by doing things like rock climbing, scuba diving, sky diving, and dancing with super hot men. I just wanted to thank all of you, there is no way I would have these opportunities, without all of your support to help me lose the weight....."
See, that would have been a great way to come back! Instead, I've been gaining and losing the same 10 lbs over and over. Just embarrassing!! Especially facing all of the people I bragged to, about how hot I was going to be by the summer. Summer is almost over, and I'm just borderline cute !

Also, I took this community for granted. No one else in the world gives a crap about what I've eaten, how much I've exercised, or my emotional progress. I MISS YOU GUYS....

The Good Stuff:
1. I have become an official artist - I am painting LIVE at various events around our fair city, with dancers and a band! Crazy Huh! I really couldn't have done that a year ago - Progress!
2. I will begin training with Isabeau Miller from the Biggest Loser, starting this Friday!!! I will document my daily routine, so you can tag along if you want. She was trained by Jillian, so I'm sure it won't be easy!!!
3. I'm not sure if this is good, or just plain crazy, but I have 7 jobs right now. I just started a web designing company. I'm the creative director at my church. I process appraisals for an appraisal company. I sell new homes on the weekend. I am doing faux finishing and interior decorating in new homes. And, finally the performing art group that I'm in LIVEWIREZ!!

Sheesh, ok, so I do have kind of an excuse why I haven't been on here, but no more!!!

I, Jennifer, promise to blog at least once a week, and post my weight, and tell embarrassing stories, and whatever it takes to get this weight off, so help me God!!

Love ya!!
Jenny Lou

Here's a pic from the last event. We did a black light performance. That's my painting called "Fire Dancer"

My son, Briley, had a difficult month at school. They started the Presidents' Physical Fitness Challenge at his school. They had to run a mile, do sit-ups, push-ups, and chin-ups. They paired Briley with the school bully, who is constantly making fun of his weight. Also, to make matters worse, the entire class had to sit and watch him, while they waited their turn. He was humiliated, he couldn't do a single sit-up, chin-up, or push-up. His friends got up and ran the last 5 laps with him to help him get through the mile. His coach was yelling at him, saying that he could do better than that, and the bully started calling him "The Big Zero" the rest of the week. He wanted to change schools and was really down on himself for the last few weeks. I was furious at the way they handled the tests, but I was also torn, because he is pre-diabetic and losing 20 lbs will eliminate his risk of developing the disease. I know that he has to get healthier or it will only get worse.

I decided that I needed to join a gym that offers classes for kids and allows them to use the equipment. I joined one and went for a week alone, then he wanted to come with me the next week. I went into my class and he stayed behind to play on the gym's wii. I thought, well at least it's a move in the right direction. I came out of my class an hour later and he was on the elliptical, working his butt off. I couldn't believe it!! He had the choice of playing a video game, or doing a fun activity. Instead, he got on the hardest dang machine out there. And on a level 6! For an hour!! Now he wants to go with me every day, so this is huge! Also, after he worked out, he said that he wanted to start eating healthier....What? I would never have thought that would come out of his mouth! He loves fast food and hates anything else.

Here's the cool part.....He had to take all of the tests over again to see if he had improved. He was worried and wanted to skip school. I told him that he had to go to school, but I would give him a note to opt out of the tests. I told him that he could use the note, if he wanted to use it, but he would feel so much better about himself, if he overcame the fear and tried it again. So, he took the note to school with him. After school, I picked him up and he was beaming ear to ear. He didn't use the note and he did better on every test. He even ran the mile in a minute less than before. He said he just kept a steady pace and he didn't feel like he was going to throw up that time. I am so proud of him!! I think it shows great maturity to have an out and not take it!!! I LOVE YOU BRILEY.....YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION!!

Love you guys!
Jen

Hey everybody!
Spring Break is almost over and we are back in action. We are still here, just in case you were wondering. I have really missed blogging! I worked out almost every day this week and I'm eating way better than I have in a while. My waist has gone down 2 more inches in two weeks! Yay!! We have a lot to catch up on...I'm going to hit the sack now and I'll blog again tomorrow. Megan is going to tell you about her near death experience last week.....crazy!!
Love Love Love!!!
Jen

This is a video of us trying to do a Turbo Jam workout. It takes a minute for me to set up the camera, literally, so just skip ahead about 60 sec. Notice how long we can stay focused, about as long as a toddler can! Also, what are we doing compared to what the Turbo Jam people are doing. Not seeing the shrinkage in da booty area in this video!   

I'm pretty bummed. I got all dressed in my feel good outfit, my high heels, did my hair and makeup. Felt like a million bucks, the world was in my pocket. I'm in control of my body! Nothing is going to stop me now (picture Mary Tyler Moore in her opening, if I had a hat I would have thrown it in the air)  THEN....I ran into a member of my family who I hadn't seen in a few years or about 40 lbs ago. She said "I didn't even recognize you, you're so big!" EXCUSE ME!! SO RUDE!! I think I gained 600 lbs in one minute. I swear I could feel every roll on my body start to grow and I seemed to be swelling up everywhere! I hate that it got to me, but it did. It's amazing to me the power words have over you. Also, my son had the flu AGAIN last weekend!  I haven't been able to get to the gym, but I'm trying to workout at home. I'm eating about one meal a day, because my work is so hectic. So, my weight didn't change this week. I wanted to just say screw this, it's never going to work. Well, instead of doing what I would normally do, run to the fridge, I checked out some of our friends site. I can see huge differences in everyone. I started thinking about it, and I know if she had seen me a few months ago, she would have seen a difference in me. Anyway...I'm so grateful to this community on days like this, it gets you focused and right back on track again. Thanks everyone for letting us have a glimpse into your lives, it has made all the difference in the world!
Jen

Megan developed a website for her photography business and it is now ready for your viewing pleasure. She has an amazing eye and has just started taking pictures about 5 months ago. Can you imagine what she will be able to do in a few years! Blows my mind!! Click on the link below and check it out.......

  

Meg and I took photos last night of ourselves in outfits that are about 10 pounds away from fitting us. I was actually just going to hold the jeans up to me, because a month ago I couldn't get them past my knees! I couldn't breath in them, but they are on! AAAHHH!! So we are stoked or geeked, as Joi says. We are both fitting into clothes that we haven't worn in a few years!! We are joining a gym together, so this is going to make all the difference in the world. We've been working out on our own and it's dang hard to motivate yourself all the time. By the way, who do you think is more comfortable in front of the camera. Megan or me? I'll give you a hint...Megan is a photographer! Don't judge her skills by my photos, you have to have a willing subject! If you go through her pictures fast, it looks like she's dancing. DANCIN' ....DANCIN'....YAY...SHE'S A DANCIN' MACHINE!!

My schedule has been crazy and everyone is finally over the flu. I ate perfectly all week, but never got back into my workout routine. My reward......4 extra pounds!!! Working out is really the key. I can maintain my weight eating right, but I don't lose a thing if I don't workout. My energy level is back up, and I'm ready to get back in the game. I'm going for a 5 pound weight loss this week.

Hi Guys!

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about forming a support group for tweens and teens. This community has been so helpful to me and I know it could be for kids as well. My son is pre-diabetic and is constantly made fun of at school for being overweight. It breaks my heart to see him rejected. He is an awesome kid and totally hilarious! I want him to have everything that he deserves. That includes loving himself and respect from others. He would love to talk to other kids with similar problems. He has been working out with me and is eating healthier. He wants to go out for football next fall, but it over the weight limit. His doctor wants him to lose 30 pounds in the next six months.  I was thinking about talking to the local YMCA about starting an after school exercise program, for kids who are too young to go to the gym. Do you have any programs like this in your area? Any ideas would be helpful.

Thanks for your help!
Jennifer

I can't seem to get the events page to work. Anyone else having trouble inviting guests?

Quote

Need Ideas for Helping My Son

Hosted by: Jennifer - Soul SistasDate and time: Monday, February 11, 2008 at 6:00 PM View this event on Windows Live

Hey guys! I've been working some crazy hours and my son and I have been battling the flu, again! I've only been able to workout a couple of times this week. If I don't workout, it feels like I didn't brush my teeth all day. Working out is starting to feel like a habit now, so that's progress.  We are going to kick it into high gear for the next few weeks. There is no way we are going to end this contest having only lost 14 pounds between us! We are going to be posting a workout montage this week, should be interesting! We are also posting the "before" photos of us, each day will be more embarrassing and revealing than the first, so check in and have a good laugh!

The food thing is still my biggest problem. I am only losing a little, because I am taking in as many calories as I burn off. It's not like I'm shoving piles of food into my mouth, but my schedule's so crazy that I snack all day instead of eat regular meals. I have all of these good intentions, to cook healthy meals. In reality, I only have 10 minutes to cook and eat. I grab a sandwich here, a handful of crackers there, a cereal bar, or a coffee for a meal. I only slept about 6 hours between Tuesday and Friday, so it felt like one long hellish crazy day. I didn't even know how to log the calories. I felt like I needed to get in control of my eating, so I blogged about my mom in "Letting Go". This is always a hard time of the year for me, and I end up gaining weight. I wanted to take control this year. It helped to talk about it. I had a crazy reaction though, while I was typing it out. I starting shaking all over and felt dizzy. I went immediately to the fridge and started rummaging through it to find something to eat! I couldn't believe what I was doing. It was like a need for a quick fix, something to calm me down. I guess I usually do it mindlessly and can't pinpoint it to any particular emotion. But, this was obvious! I have a big problem with food. I'm pretty even tempered, I thought it was just my personality. But, it could be that I'm just burying all of my real emotions under food. I started thinking about it and I guess I go through life kind of numb. I'm a generally happy person, but that's it. I don't feel real pain, joy, sadness....well any extreme emotion. Well, I'm being kind of a bummer right now, it just helps to get it all out. This week I'm going to try to tap into what I'm feeling, maybe that will help me control the food. It's kind of weird that I don't even know how to begin! This is something I should have learned as a toddler....This is happy, This is sad, This is grumpy, This is mad.....Thanks for listening and your support. It helps! Jen

 

I haven't been able to post the new question on events for this week. This is the question from last week and my story.

Jen & Meg - Soul Sistas wrote:
I've seen this question come up on numerous sites, so I thought this would be a good thing to address. Why am I an emotional eater?
This article from drphil.com gives an exercise to help determine why you emotionally eat.

http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/389 says:

This exercise is designed to help you turn back the clock and get to the heart of why you overeat. Get a pen and some paper and write down your answers to the questions below.

1. When did you start using food for non-nutritional reasons? Can you tie it to a specific memory? Why was it that you started medicating yourself with food, taking care of yourself with food and comforting yourself with food? Go back to that time and write down what you were feeling and experiencing at the time.

We had an assignment in my Psychology class on journaling a life changing event, as if it had just taken place. I wrote this story at that time, about two of the most difficult years of my life. It was definitely when I started emotionally eating. When I sat down to write it, I thought I would have a hard time remembering what had happened. But, instead it just flowed out of me. Things I didn't even know that I had felt at the time. It was very healing to see the story unfold. I had blamed myself for years, and seeing it as though a child were telling the story. I saw that I was a victim instead of a villian in the story. I was able to forgive myself. I would recommend this to anyone who had suffered through a traumatic event in their life.

LETTING GO

There are so many memories that stand out in my mind. But, there are a few years in particular, that changed the course of my life....
It starts the summer of 1980, I am nine years old. My sister and I are playing outside. We like to pretend "The Fonz" lives in our attic. We tell the other kids on the block that we are making mud pies to feed him. They can help us, but only if they pay us. My Mom and Dad call us inside, they need to talk to us. I rack my brain to think of what I've done to get into trouble this time. We are so happy to hear that we are not in trouble. My Mom is just sick and needs to go to the doctor to get better. We say "okay". Dad asks us if we have any questions. We say "no". They ask us if we are okay with all of this, and we say "yes". But I am not okay. If she's sick, that means we can't go get pizza. We go back outside to make more mud pies. I look at my sister and ask her "What's cancer?" She's only five and doesn't know much, she just says "I think it makes you itchy".

I'm so excited, I get to spend a few days at Monica's house. They have so much to do over there. It's so fun! Mom is having some surgery for the cancer, and is going to stay at the hospital for a few days. I wonder what I should pack for three whole days. We will probably play dress up, so I need to take a lot! At Monica's we play all day, dress up, just like I thought. We are making plans to make a play house outside. My mom calls and says she isn't going to have the surgery and I will only be staying one night. I start crying. She thinks that I am scared because she is so sick, but I'm crying because I'm mad. We were having so much fun, she ruins everything! It's not fair. I never get to do what I want!

Mom has been sick for a long time, she is going to some place called Greece. They have special medicine to help her not feel so bad. I hope things will be normal again, when she gets back. Maybe we won't have to eat macrobiotics all the time. I would do anything for a piece of chocolate! I miss eating meat and normal food. I try to trade my lunch at school, but they don't want my brown rice, carrots, and miso soup. I don't blame them, I don't want it either! The other day, my friend Carmen had a sloppy joe sandwich for lunch. She got up to get something to drink and I ate the whole thing before she came back! I had to go to the Principal's office, but it was worth it!

My Mom is back and I missed her so much. She brought us so much stuff! She is smiling again, that’s a good sign. Things will be better now. Mom is dancing again and joking around like she used to do. I don’t understand why we still have to eat tofu and seaweed. Yuck! They just came out with these things called “Cadbury Cream Eggs”. I saw them at the store and almost put one in my pocket, but that would be stealing, so I didn’t. My Dad said that we could have some seaweed candy instead. I said “Thanks”. What I wanted to say was “Gross!! I want the chocolate!!”, but that would make Mom feel bad. It’s better if we just eat the stuff and don’t complain.

Dad makes us breakfast now, and is doing our hair in the mornings for school. Mom needs to lay down a lot more. I think we weigh the same now, she’s really small. She doesn’t seem like the same person. She can’t even say whole words anymore. It’s hard to understand her, it comes out like a whine or moan. She can still cry though. I can hear her sometimes. I’m afraid to be around her. I don’t know what to say, so I try to make her laugh, but she doesn’t.

Today I heard some sounds coming from her room. I went back there to see what was happening. She was trying to tell me something, but I was too afraid to go in and see what she needed. I saw her pull her pants down and go to the bathroom, right on her bed! I ran over to her, laughing my head off. I thought she was sleep walking or something. She wasn’t. She looked up at me and was crying. She was so sad and I could tell that she was embarrassed. I think she wished that I hadn’t been there to see that. I wished I hadn’t either. She fell down, and I ran to get my Dad. He ran back in there and I stayed in the hall. I heard her whimpering, and my Dad was helping her up and saying “It’s going to be alright”.

Christmas is over now. It’s never been the same since I found out about Santa Clause. I got a game called “Pong”. I like it, until I saw the machine my Mom is hooked up to. It makes a sound when her heart beats. Beep…Beep…Beep….The game makes the same noise. Now it makes my stomach hurt when I play it. I feel like there should be some scary music playing, like they do before something bad happens in a movie.

Mom’s been in the hospital for awhile. A couple of weeks ago, Dad asked us if we wanted to wait to see her until she is better. I am so glad, because I have no idea what to say to her anymore. I feel like I am talking to a stranger and I always say something that makes her feel bad. She sleeps most of the time anyway, so I would rather be at home. I hate hospitals!

It’s Valentine’s Day, I wonder when Mom will be home again. I really miss her. There are so many people at our house. They are starting to bug me, the way they keep watching me and patting me on the head. The phone rings and someone answers it. People start looking at me again, so I go to my room. I know something has happened, because my stomach feels weird again. My Dad is finally home and I run up to him. He has tears in his eyes. He tells me “Mom has gone to heaven. She’s all better now.”. Mom has gone to heaven. I feel the same as when they told me she was going to Greece. I’m eleven years old now, and I know that people die. I’ve never had anyone or anything die before. What was death anyway?

As the weeks go by, the words begin to mean something to me. They whisper to me. Your mom has gone to heaven….she will never fix us breakfast again. Your mom has gone to heaven….she will never do our hair, make snicker doodles, or dance with us again. Your mom has gone to heaven….she will never tell us about boys, or how to do our makeup! Your mom has gone to heaven….you are alone, God doesn’t care about you, and you will have to take care of yourself forever.

I can tell my friends and family are worried about me. I don’t say much anymore. I just sit in my room and read. No one knows what to say to me. They ask me how I am. I say, “I’m fine. How are you?” The words that used to be so quiet in my head are becoming louder. So loud, I can’t concentrate. The words bubble inside me, trying to find a way out! Every time I open my mouth, they almost escape. “My mom is dead! Help me! I’m so afraid! My mom is dead!” I want to run through the streets screaming the words! “Why are you just standing there smiling at me! My mom is dead! Why hasn’t the world stopped!” But, I am able to stuff them back down inside me. I can still smile and say “I’m fine. How are you?”

I am always thinking about what I should have said to her while I had the chance. I should have been a better daughter. I should have been nicer to her and made her days easier. I should have told her that we needed her and to have the surgery! I should have told her that she was the best mom, a great cook, a great dancer, so funny…so many things. If I could go back to one day with her. It would be the first time she told us that she was sick. It plays in my head like a movie. I stop everything, sit in her lap. Hold her face in my hands and memorize everything about her. I would tell her that I loved her and that everything was going to be OK. And that we were going to be OK. Then, I would hug her and never let her go!

She was an angel, with long brown hair, and a smile that would melt away your bad day. I only knew her for a short time, but she made a huge impact on my life and everybody around her. I thank God for every moment I got to spend with her. Happy Valentine's Day Mom! I Love You, Jennifer


2. Write down all of the insecurities that you're feeling right now.

3. Now look at your answers to question one and question two together. The answers to question two may be more specific because you don't have to remember as far back, but do you see similarities?

4. Now take every comment, fear and anxiety that you wrote down in response to questions one and two and challenge them. In writing. For example, if one of your fears is, "My spouse isn't really attracted to me because of my weight," challenge it by writing down a piece of evidence. Evidence isn't, "Because that's the way I feel." Write down any facts you have that can support your challenge. For example, "My spouse met, fell in love with, and married me while I was at my heaviest weight."
Challenge every fear and negative thought you wrote down in this manner with facts you can support.

• You would lose 2.5 lbs per week.
• You would meet your goal weight of 160 lbs on 10/8/2008.
• In one month, you would weigh 235.7 lbs.
• In three months, you would weigh 214.2 lbs

I worked hard today and  planned out what I'm going to eat for the week. Now it says I can make my goal weight by my next birthday! It's definitely worth watching what I eat and doing a little planning. I'm going to work on eating breakfast this week and not eating out at all. Wish me luck!

I felt like I had a good day. My stomach was growling, so I thought I must be way under my calories. I didn't have one complete meal, I just grabbed things on the run. I felt like they were all good choices, except for the valentines chocolates that my son didn't want to eat. I couldn't waste them. I didn't get to workout, but I moved all day long, so I didn't feel that guilty about not exercising. So, at the end of the day, I plug everything I eat into the program I'm using, Myfooddiary.com. It evaluates everything you eat and how much you moved and gives you a report.
Here it is at a glance ...
No dessert!  You easily saved yourself hundreds of empty calories.
You have eaten fiber-rich foods.  This is a good indicator of a healthy diet
You consumed 2144 mg of calcium.  This is 214% of the recommended daily value (1000 mg) for adults under 50 years old.
You consumed 105.2 mg of vitamin C.  This is 140% of the recommended daily value (75 mg) for adult women.
You consumed 5592 IU of vitamin A.  This is 186% of the recommended daily value for women.
You consumed 25.5mg of iron.  This is 142% of the recommended daily value for pre-menopausal women.
You did not meet your water consumption goal.
Not enough breakfast calories.  Research has shown that skipping breakfast or eating a very small breakfast may increase your risk for obesity by as much as fourfold.  We recommend eating a minimum of 200 calories for breakfast.  You consumed 190 calories.
Saturated fats accounted for 13.3% of your calories.  For a healthy heart, try to stay below 9%
You consumed 4170mg of sodium. Ideally, this number should be below 2400mg.

I thought I could have done better, but I had a lot of smiley faces, so that's progress. Well.....then I look at the bottom of the page. I was so bummed when I read it. Apparently I will not reach my goal weight until I'm 119 years old!!!! Here's what it said.
If every day were like today ...

• You would maintain your weight.
• You would meet your goal weight of 160 lbs on 12/28/2090.
• In one month, you would weigh 246.4 lbs.
• In three months, you would weigh 246.2 lbs
• 
  

I'm really upset!!!! For the last 10 years I haven't worked out consistently, ate whatever I wanted and basically gave up. Now, I'm working out hard, 5 days a week. Watching what I eat, probably cut my calories by 1/3. Eating real food, instead of fast food. I would think just those changes would cause the fat to melt off. But, science says that I will only maintain my weight. Which backs up what the scale has said. I had convinced myself that it was water weight, or muscle gained. I guess I'm going to have to eat more protein and fiber to feel full, because I can't imagine eating less than I am right now! Sheesh!!!

Well, I guess you know that I like to keep things interesting. I challenged Joi, from team Joi & Brandon, to see who could get to the 230's first. The loser would have to post an embarrassing photo. I'm sure you know what happened, by the photo below. This was taken during our "Before" picture photo session. Megan was hogging the camera, so I put my face over hers. I came out looking bald, serves me right! (put your hand over the top left corner of the picture, to get the full effect! Pretty, Huh? I could have been on Star Trek or something ). We both lost, but Joi actually came closer to the goal this week, CONGRATULATIONS JOI, YOU ARE THE CHAMPION !!! I tried really, really hard this week and GAINED 3 LBS!!! I'm not putting that on my chart until my official weigh-in tomorrow. Next week is mine!!!

We challenged another team to a dance off. We posted our video last night and we are waiting with much anticipation for our challengers to post theirs. We had about 30m of footage and shortened it to 4 minutes. If this is the finished product, you can only imagine what we cut out! We wanted to create the illusion of the big "Footloose" dance, so we hung streamers up. We had this brilliant idea to burst through them, but one wrapped around Megan's neck, then around mine. We basically "clothes-lined" each other (I think that's the right term ) The first video might actually cause seizures, not kidding, it is on high speed, has random shots, and crazy blinking lights. It made me kind of nauseous watching it, so I made another slower one. We burned a ton of calories hopping up and down for the feet sequences, and even more shakin da booty. We hope it puts a smile on your face. For us, it's total motivation to keep going. Not only to look hot while we dance, but to be able to dance for more than a few minutes without getting winded. Hope you enjoy it!! Jen & Meg

Thank you to everyone who participated in the last event. It was a hard question and I appreciate your honesty. 

"Do You Have Faulty Thinking?"

Question # 2 - Which one of these can you identify with? Give an example of why you think it fits you. Challenge it with the four questions below. You can't "think yourself thin," but because your thoughts powerfully program you, you need to take a look at your faulty thinking, and then change the interactions — with yourself — that are in direct opposition to your weight loss goals. Dr. Phil identifies 10 of the most common self-defeating messages that can undermine your weight-control efforts. Externalizing/Internalizing Realistically assess what you can control and what you cannot, and take action to make a difference. What is your weight locus of control?  Labeling If you label yourself as fat or a failure, then you will live to that label, even letting it define who you are. Frustration Thinking You tell yourself: "It's too hard. It's easier to stay fat. I can't be bothered with exercise." You may be avoiding frustration, but you quit before you even get to the starting line. Fortune-Telling You just believe that you can predict the future with thoughts like, "I'm going to blow it anyway, so I'll just eat the cake now." This negative internal dialogue can become a vicious cycle of self-fulfilling prophecy, setting yourself up for the outcome you don't want. All-or-Nothing Thinking Because you ate a piece of pie, you tell yourself, "I've blown it, I might as well eat the whole thing." All-or-nothing thinking can turn a bite into a full-blown binge. Catastrophizing When you evaluate events, do you exaggerate their meaning or significance? It's not a success-only journey. Don't overreact to the bumps along the way. Pipe Dreaming If you chase after impossible dreams you're bound to be disappointed. You have to get real about what you can really achieve.  Gut-Level Reasoning Your transient, unreliable feelings are not absolute truth. If you believe it, you don't process more accurate, reliable information. Self-Downing When you come down on yourself, your internal dialogue cranks up its volume, becoming so loud that it crowds out other, more relevant and truthful information. When you treat your internal browbeating as truth, it becomes reality for you. Poor Me Thinking If you go on a diet that is overly restrictive, you find it hard to envision ever being able to enjoy a party, go on vacation, eat what other people can eat, etc. You start feeling sorry for yourself and may end up overeating or binging. Use these four questions as a yardstick in gauging whether your internal dialogue is rational and productive. They can help pave the way to positive and empowering thoughts in your own life. Is your internal dialogue true? Does your internal dialogue serve your best interests? Does your internal dialogue advance and protect your health? Is your internal dialogue helping you achieve your weight-management goals? Jennifer's Reply: It can be more than one, for example, I am an all-or-nothing, gut-level reasoning, poor me thinking, label-er! I know that's not grammatically correct, but you get the idea. All or Nothing Thinking - I just went over my weight watcher points, so I might as well eat the rest of the ice cream, then I can start fresh tomorrow. Truth - I wouldn't even gain a pound with one slip up, it's the "night before the diet" mentality that's causing problems. Labeling, Frustration Thinking, Fortune-Telling, Pipe Dreaming, & Self Downing - There is a recorder in my head that plays the same thing - "This is as good as it will get, you will never be thin again. At this point only cosmetic surgery will change my body! You will always be a fat girl! " Truth - I am definitely not ever going to be 18 again, but I can sure have the energy, health, and a rockin' bod for my age! I have complete control over what I put in my mouth and how much I exercise. I am a healthy woman and have no real excuse for not reaching my goals! I will not let myself go downhill any further! Poor Me Thinking - I actually feel sorry for myself and resentful, every time I eat salad! I have many thin women in my family, who can eat anything they want and still maintain their weight. I get frustrated when I think about having to "diet" the rest of my life! Truth - Everyone needs to eat healthy and exercise. There are many choices of healthy foods out there and no one is forcing a salad on me. I actually like salads. Every time I make a good choice, I am that much closer to my goal.

Getting Real

Hosted by: Jennifer and Megan - Soul Sistas Date and time: Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 11:45 AM View this event on Windows Live