So, inspired by the lovely and talented Barbara/Caridad Ferrer, who lost more than ONE HUNDRED POUNDS and now looks like a fashionista crossed with Sidney Bristow from ALIAS,

OMG-- I so do not look like Sidney Bristow! However, if Michael Vartan were to come calling... *le sigh*

And you know, it doesn't matter how far one comes-- there's always something to aim for. Jason (my version of Susan, the lovely and charming trainer) took measurements on Monday to estimate body fat. There's nothing more disheartening than seeing that wretched caliper and feeling it pinch... stuff.

I get my numbers tomorrow. Wish me luck.

(I can't believe Navy Guy nearly has a six pack of abs. We need to hurt him-- a lot.)

I just recently started a new workout routine... I'm doing it all at home, as much as I WANT to go to a gym and a trainer, I know I WON'T (I was going last year faithfully, but then football season started and I was driving my son to football and sitting at practice, and games, and... ahhh excuses!)Anyway, I was doing really well with it until it started raining (and it still hasn't stopped) More excuses.

Good luck to you!!!!

~Lauren, who has finally accepted that she can't "eat whatever" any longer and that exercise IS required (when did this HAPPEN????)

I try to get to the Y three-four times a week and I took three weight loss classes there. I've lost 20 pounds since doing that. Still have about 20 to go. I've slipped a little in the last couple of weeks, but I'm getting back in the saddle tomorrow!

OH! Well I'm currently two-thirds pregnant and I can't do my workout of choice (I used to be a horse trainer) so I'm trying to stay active. However, I plan to use the 'breastfeeding diet' momentum to carry me through some weight loss!

I have set my weight goals and I am buying a membership to the local wave pool and rec centre so that while I'm on maternity leave I can work out more.

I will be transitioning from a full time job down to working for myself (or transitioning up, which I like the sound of even better!) and I know me and I know I need to set a regimented schedule to keep my energy levels up.

So hubby and I will be working out together... hubby was in the army for 12 years and likes to run beside me and yell "pain is a weakness that's leaving your body!" and other army-type things...

At that moment, I don't like him so much, but I still love him....

Because I am too embarassed to work out in the school gym, I am currently doing Tae-Bo workouts in my room 3-4 times a week. I was doing them consistently for about four weeks, but then term started again and everything went downhill from there. But I am getting back on track starting this weekend and my sister (she's the best!) is sending me weighted resistance bands to help intensify my work-outs. I made a pact with my mother in January that if I lost 40 lbs by November, then she would cut down on her smoking. It is a definite motivator!

Barb, if you tell me that you have 3% body fat, you're not my friend any more. I'm just saying.

Lauren, I can't "eat whatever" any more, or at least I can't eat plates full of garlic mashed potatoes, nachos piled high with cheese, loaves of home-baked bread, or any of the other evil carboholics' poison of choice . . .

Nancy!!!! You are my new inspiration!! Especially since Barb has that 3% body fat thing going on. Congratulations!!

Heather, congrats on the baby!! And I am so allergic to horses, just reading your post made me sneeze. :) The next time your husband yells something like that, just throw up on him and blame it on the morning sickness. I'll back you up.

Christine, that's great that you're working out!! But don't be embarrassed to go to the gym. I had the same problem, because lots and lots of the women in my gym are the "I have no job and lots of time to be skinny and spandexed" variety, but I finally figured that, screw 'em, I have the right to be healthy, too. And if you need somebody to drop a dumbbell on a cheerleader . . . [no, I'm JUST KIDDING, WE AT THE LC LOVE AND ADORE CHEERLEADERS AND SUPPORT THEIR RIGHT TO DO WHATEVER THEY WANT WITH THEIR LIVES, SO PLEASE, CHEERLEADING MOMS, NO SHOOTING.].

Always listen to people named Susan, Alesia (and, honestly, I'm not just saying that 'cuz, well, you know). Just wait 'til she instructs you on how to crush a car with your thighs. That'll come after lifting your car's weight on the machines. And the crushing thing comes in mighty handy sometimes. Trust me on this.

Susan, I don't know why, but I'm suddenly afraid for Ed.

Okay, I'm almost laughing too hard to type. ;-D

Man I love popping in here and catching up on your stuff!
I realized earlier this year that it's been quite a few summers since i was 18. I really wanted to wear a two piece again. But with this post-childbirth-six-times body, it probably wouldn't happen. Unless I worked my butt off, literally.
I enlisted help. My husband, and another couple, were practically forced to start Body For Life with me. I just am not that good at sticking to the exercise thing alone.
It's a great program that combines healthy eating, weights 3 times a week, and cardio 3 times a week. Plus, you get a FREE DAY, where you don't exercise at all, and you can eat ANYTHING you want. I can do anything for six days as long as I know that there is Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby at the end of it.
3 months later, I'm down over 20 pounds and 3 pants sizes. I bought that two-piece back in March, and actually WORE IT when I went on my Mommy weekend to vegas. Now, I don't look like the chick from Alias, but hey, going from a 16 to a 10 does wonders for the confidence level.

Cheers to you, Alesia! Keep it up!!

Dee, you are another of my new heroes!!! Everybody, join in on a big LC HOO-YAH for Dee!! I tried Body for Life, but it was one of those plans that sounded great but I inexplicably let fall by the wayside. But it sure sounds like it works for you!!!

Chubby Hubby, hmmm? NO, NO, NO, BACK, SATANIC CARB CRAVINGS!!

Okay, you know I can totally lift a car. And I love lunges. Glad to see you decided to go for it. We took measurements last week and I've lost another 4 1/2 inches plus dropped ten lbs in the past month. Of course that could also be due to life anxiety's but I'll take it however I can get it.

So how's bout we arm wrestle at RT next week? I am ready to kick some...car?

I've been going to the gym for the past few weeks and trying to eat better. This is an increase of my usual workout which simply consisted of hoisting books to reading level. Nothing wrong with that mind you...

The breastfeeding "diet" didn't work with my first but with my second, I lost nearly 50lbs. I know it was the breastfeeding because as soon as I weaned her, my weight started to rise! So, is wanting to lose weight a bad idea to have a third child? ;)

I have recently started to walk more now that it looks like the winter has ended. Both me and the dog could use some extra walking, so we will see if it sticks!

WTG! There's no way I even came close to lifting that much weight today. How much do grapes, peanuts, a beef and cheese and water weigh cause that's about it for me today. LOL I have been getting up at 4:15 a.m. every week day for the last month to get on my treadmill. I do feel a little better. Not so many aches now. It's not that tough when you have a good book to read while your doing it.

Cindy, I flat out refuse to arm wrestle an elf. You must be drop-dead gorgeous, you buff girl, you!!

Eileen, hoisting books to reading level is how I got to this point, so I'm guessing, yeah, maybe just a skinch more . . . LOL.

Oh, Amber, the idea of a third chill sends me straight for the migraine meds. 2 a.m. feedings, and 4 a.m. feedings, and 6 a.m. feedings - and that was on a GOOD night!!

Kristie, my dogs love their walks, too. I hope you have nice weather for it!

Kim, I can't even SAY four . . . four . . . that awful hour you mentioned without cringing. You are certainly amazing!

of course, I meant third CHILD, not chill. lol

I've recently gotten a Richard Simmons Sweatin to Disco excercise dvd that I've been attempting to work out with....I've been learning one routine anyway so far!

Go, Teresa!! Richard Simmons is so funny, but he's got a lot of energy!

AND THE WINNER IS!!!
Well, my random number generator (which is really, really cool!) picked 6 at first (out of 19), but I was commenter 6, so I ran it again and got 4, which is HEATHER COOK! Please send me an e-mail with your addy and I'll ship you out a copy of Lani's book!! Congrats, Heather, and thanks for playing, everybody!

Woohoo! That's awesome! My husband wants me to go buy a lottery ticket now! Thanks so much for having this contest Alesia!

my diet of choice is trying to eat with my right hand. (sigh) and type. and do everything else... i'm not right handed, so this is difficult! dee, i am so proud of you--i know you have worked hard to lose that weight! when i can get dressed again by myself--ever tried to put a bra on with one hand?--i am going to be doing more swimming and walking. i was going to start the walking part now, but i was stupid and let the dr give me a cortisone shot in my other wrist, against my better judgement. let's just say it was a really bad idea. however, i will be losing weight any way because i can't open the fridge or any packages now! oops, time for a pain pill--vicodin is my friend, so if this rambles you can just blame it on the drugs! ;~)

Alesia,
THANK YOU!! I got the P&P book and Blondes Have More Felons from themichelefund ebay auctions today. You are really awesome, and I can't thank you enough. I know what *I* am reading this weekend!!

Oh, Alesia. I feel your pain. Here I am in FL, surrounded by 20 year olds with perfect bodies. I can't help remember when I was 20 and had the perfect shape as well. I need to get motivated to do some serious working out. You're brave--a personal trainer! I'd like to, but I hate to commit to anything, ha ha.