Weigh-in July 31st

July 31st 2006

[Trumpet Fanfare!] Today’s the day! It’s our very first ever

. Today is the official day to step on the scale and let us cheer for you (or give you an e-hug as the case may be). For all those who are choosing to participate, simply enter your news in the comments. The weigh-in is open to members and readers, however this week’s prize drawing is for members only. I won’t draw the winner until tomorrow morning, so whatever time today you weigh-in is just fine. Before we begin, I want to give you these words from trainer Bob Greene from the book Making the Connection which I just picked up at Goodwill this weekend…

Just be sure not to fall into the trap of allowing the scale to dictate your moods. It can mislead you because of so many weight fluctuations. But it can also give you helpful information as long as you understand the concepts just discussed. I strongly recommend that you weigh yourself no more than once a week. Monday is a good day to weigh yourself because it keeps you from straying during the weekend. And be consistent in how you weigh yourself. Use the same scale. Weigh yourself at the same time every morning. And whether you weight yourself with or without clothes, you should always do it the same way.[…] your body will undergo changes that you won’t always understand. Do not be concerned with the temporary ups or downs in your weight. Simply step back, focus on feeling better, and above all, stay on your program.

Did you get that? Now we’re all grown women here. We know something about unexplained weight changes. Happens about once a month, eh? So keep that in mind. Remember that we’re just taking one step today…and get to it! Step on those scales and report!!

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« Well now I feel sick… About AJ »

1. Yikes! I’m first! Okay, I’m down three pounds today after maneuvering through a weekend of minefields! (Can I just say every.time.I.turned.around. someone was offering me ice cream??? What’s with that?) Who’s next?

   Comment by stephanie — July 31, 2006 @ 8:25 am

2. YAY Stephanie!! That’s Great!

   Okay - I’m next. I’m down five pounds! Now I know a good bit of that is probably fluid, but it sure is good to get that off - and that was with PMS!

   So…Who’s Next?

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 31, 2006 @ 8:35 am

3. I think I’m going to track my weight like this at these weigh ins…

   high/current/goal - lbs lost/gained

   So, here’s what the numbers look like this week )

   256.6 / 213.4 / 135 - down 1

   I could have done better last weekend with the food. Other than that, I’m glad the scale moved the right direction.

   Like Steph, it was a minefield here also.

   EOM - down 5.8 for July )

   Comment by Blair — July 31, 2006 @ 8:37 am

4. Way to go Steph!! Being down three AND resisting ice cream - woohoo!!!

   Great work Blest! PMS - wow, you showed her who’s boss! Great work, fluid or not!

   Comment by Blair — July 31, 2006 @ 8:39 am

5. okay when I weighed this morning I was at 174 which is more or less where I have been in the last several years. (except duing pregnancy - but I have already talked about that) So that is where I am going to start.

   Comment by Maria — July 31, 2006 @ 8:56 am

6. Like Blair, I’m going to do a little tracker thing……

   high/current/goal -lbs lost or gained (total lost)

   226 / 209.2 / 150 down 1.6 lbs (Total: -16.8)

   July was a good month ~ I lost 7 pounds!

   Great job to everybody!!

   Comment by Lorri — July 31, 2006 @ 8:59 am

7. *I will not be a downer*
   *I will NOT be a downer*
   *I WILL NOT be a downer*

   However, today was my first time on the scales in about two weeks.

   Up a few. Well. Up FIVE.

   And I thought weaning the baby would help. Silly me!

   Comment by AJ — July 31, 2006 @ 9:04 am

8. You are not a downer.
   You are not a downer!

   I already like your style AJ! And since this is your first day with us, just consider that your starting weight with no change.

   It’s a new day, my friend!!

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 31, 2006 @ 9:07 am

9. Thank you Blest!

   Honestly, I feel great. This is going to be good for me. Wha-HOOO!

   Comment by AJ — July 31, 2006 @ 9:19 am

10. Well…You all have done so well and I’m really excited to be able to do this with you all. Here are my numbers:

    235 * 234.2 * 145 >>Down .8

    Becca in IN

    Comment by Becca — July 31, 2006 @ 9:32 am

11. Yay Becca! Every bit counts!

    Comment by blestwithsons — July 31, 2006 @ 9:37 am

12. Down 2 - woo hoo!

    Just think how much it would’ve been if I’d dodged the ice cream like Stephanie.

    Comment by Carrie — July 31, 2006 @ 10:03 am

13. Maria - it’s good to have a “starting point” - so glad you stepped on the scale with us!

    Lorri - great work girl! And good end of month results also!

    AJ - I agree with Blest, this is a new beginning! This is your jumping off point - 1…2….3….GO!!

    Becca - you’ve done great! Down is down in my book!

    Comment by Blair — July 31, 2006 @ 10:03 am

14. GREAT JOB LADIES!!!!

    This morning was the first time ever in the past 7 years I did not dread stepping on the scale. And this (meaning this blog) is the first time ever in my entire life I’ve ever shared my “number”. Y’all are so amazingly nice!

    Good idea on the number - I’m going to copy

    330/331.2/150 (2.8 lost)

    Comment by Kat — July 31, 2006 @ 10:09 am

15. Ok, today is my starting weight. 217.6

    Comment by Kimberly — July 31, 2006 @ 10:13 am

16. I have defined my goals now, and for me it’s not all about the scale. (However, for the record, I’m down .6 lbs with 5.6 to go.) My more important goal is one of regular exercise. So I’m committing to exercise 4 x per week for the next two months which will bring me right to my 30th birthday. Hopefully it will be somewhat of a habit by then! I know it seems like only having a few pounds to go would be easy, but when you are that close to goal, it is really tempting to just say “This is good. Please pass the brownies.” Everyone starts telling you “You don’t need to diet, you look great!” I want to get this ALL the way done. I want to be able to say “I really don’t need to lose ANY weight.” I am also kind of between clothes sizes which is really annoying.I am determined to check this off of my “to do” list.

    You guys are all doing awesome, congrats!

    Comment by Bethany G. — July 31, 2006 @ 10:17 am

17. Okay, here I go. I’m ready to just say how much I weigh - which is a big step for me! My weight was 260 when I stopped the upward trend. I was 256 last week on my birthday, and 255 today. So that means I’m down a pound.

    I like the tracking idea of checking in - but I’m going to add a column to remind me of my short term goal.

    260/255/130(250) - down 1

    (that’s high/current/goal (short term goal)

    I need the short term goals to stay motivated. if I look at the total goal, I just get discouraged.

    Comment by Tracy — July 31, 2006 @ 10:41 am

18. Today is day 8 of doing the Lord’s Table at settingcaptivesfree.com for me.

    When I started I was 210 (which is the most I have ever weighed). I am happy to report that today I am 201.2. I lost approximately 9 lbs. My goal weight is 145.

    I also took my measurements today to see how my inch loss is coming…sometimes you might not show much of a weight loss (especially if you have been building muscle) but you could have lost inches.

    Comment by Mandi — July 31, 2006 @ 11:16 am

19. Okay, so I’m down one pound to 179. I have no idea how that happened but please God, let it happen again (and again!). First time on the scale in about a month though so hope the progress is a little faster than that. Grateful to have all you ladies to inspire me! Here we go!!!

    Comment by Andrea — July 31, 2006 @ 11:20 am

20. WOW!

    You ladies are doing so great! And Kat and Tracy, it is awesome that you guys are courageously stepping up to share your numbers! No worries - you’re amongst friends!

    Comment by blestwithsons — July 31, 2006 @ 11:37 am

21. Well, I haven’t really started dieting yet. But I went out and bought my first ever scale yesterday. Yikes! I usually just get weighed at the doctors office - or at the health club when I used to go. Now I have no excuse.

    So… I joined a health club last week. And I’ve gone 3 times including today. My goal is to go 3-4 times a week. I’m reading my way through the Glycemic Index book and will hopefully be able to start implementing something soon.

    Comment by Anita — July 31, 2006 @ 11:49 am

22. Okay, I am still at 200, so my numbers look like this:
    210/200/160

    I actually want to be 150, but I can never lose those last 10 pounds, so I’m just taking them off the top, LOL.

    We had an ice cream social at church last night, too. I shared mine with the baby.

    Comment by Jana — July 31, 2006 @ 1:08 pm

23. I know I am not a member, but I am going to try to lose weight with all of you awesome women. Congrats to you all for taking those first steps. The first steps are the hardest! We are all making life changes that will make us healthier in the end. I got on the scale today and I weigh 185. My goal weight is to be 135, so I have 50lbs to lose. I plan on walking, swimming, and exercising on my Gazelle and I plan on using the South Beach Diet. I have already stopped putting sugar in my Tea and stopped drinking soda and started drinking more water. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but I didn’t gain all this weight in a day and I won’t lose it that way. Just like the story of the Tortoise and the Hare slow and steady won the race. Slow and steady is much better and healthier!

    Comment by momof3busyboys — July 31, 2006 @ 7:41 pm

24. Cool! Another South Beacher!! The others are me and Kat. You are very welcome to journey with us on the blog. I just had to limit the posting members for sanity’s sake. Too many people posting and it would be impossible to keep up with – y’know?! But as soon as we get openings I will definitely be letting faithful commenters know!

    And you’re absolutely right! Slow and steady!!

    Comment by blestwithsons — July 31, 2006 @ 7:47 pm

25. Alright, ok, how did ya’ll post this?
    219.6/208.2/160 lost 2.2 pounds this week and a total of 11.4 for 5 weeks.

    And might I say that everybody did so well! (said w/ a very emotional lump in throat) “I am so proud of each and everyone of you…(back to normal upbeat voice)…we totally rock!”

    Comment by Angie — July 31, 2006 @ 11:37 pm

Just a thought

Angie’s post about parking far and walking reminded me of something……. Something you ladies might like to try (if you haven’t already) is a pedometer. I got mine on the cheap at Walmart. It is digital and keeps track of how many steps I take a day and how many calories have been burned. They have fancier kinds that tell you like, how many times you breathed today too, if you like bells and whistles.

According to the little guide that came with mine, 10k steps are necessary to maintain weight, etc. and 12k+ are necessary to lose weight, etc. If you’re like me, you’ll be surprised at how many steps you don’t take in a day unless you purpose to.

Anyway, just a thought……..

« Another food fact… Weekends »

1. I forgot all about a pedometer. I must get one! Good info there girlie!

   Comment by Angie — July 28, 2006 @ 5:02 pm

2. good idea - I used to have one of these, but I think one of the kids took it for his own entertainment purposes. Perhaps I’ll get one tonight… after parking way out at the store!

   Comment by Tracy — July 28, 2006 @ 5:10 pm

3. Great idea… now where did I see that thing last…

   Comment by Leann — July 28, 2006 @ 5:16 pm

4. I had one and then my daughter hid it. Wore it religiously for weeks. I found it when we got ready to move though and should pull it out. Thanks for the reminder!

   Comment by Blair — July 28, 2006 @ 5:39 pm

5. Heaven only knows where mine is! I know I wore it a few days and was appalled at how few steps I actually take! Must dig out.

   Comment by stephanie — July 28, 2006 @ 9:23 pm

6. I’m so glad I’m not the only one that has had their children lose it! I never got to try the thing before it was gone!

   Comment by Kimberly — July 30, 2006 @ 8:46 pm

No, I am a Glutton

Ok, call me crazy but I decided to stop riding around the WalMart parking lot looking for the closest space to the door. I parked the absolute farthest away and walked in 105 degree weather all.the.way.to.the.store and back. Hey, it’s a start, right? Push on ladies!

« Food Fact… Another food fact… »

1. That’s awesome! It’s hot here today also.

   Comment by Blair — July 28, 2006 @ 3:46 pm

2. You surely sweat off at least a pound… maybe?

   More power to ya. I cannot take the heat. (I would likely kill someone. Or at least snap their head with my mouth.)

   Comment by lady laura — July 28, 2006 @ 4:04 pm

3. It is a GREAT start!!! I ALWAYS walk and make the kids walk. They always whine about that but I just keep telling them it is good for them. Pushing that cart back to the car is a good muscle workout, too! Way to go!!!

   Comment by Leann — July 28, 2006 @ 4:06 pm

4. Good for you!

   I don’t park all the way out - but I do park at least halfway, next to one of the cart returns. I’ve done this for years. I confess that I don’t do it to be able to walk though. I do it for safety purposes - so I can have the baby (now toddler) in the car and return the cart without leaving him!

   In my experience, going to the megastore is good for a zillion steps anyway… especially when you forget that you need something from near the pharmacy and you were just by the toys, but now you’re all the way across in the food section…

   Comment by Tracy — July 28, 2006 @ 4:36 pm

More food facts (Leann)

Food in it’s raw form (except for meats) is ALWAYS more nutritious and better for you than the cooked forms. If you have to cook it steaming is the best, then grilling is second best. They retain the least nutrients when boiled. So use those steamers and George Foreman grills ladies!!!

Just sayin…

EDITED: The lovely Lady Laura has pointed out that carrots are the exception to the rule. Here is a link for ya to read more about carrots and their nutritional value. So cook those babies… LOL Thanks Laura!!!

« No, I am a glutton! Just a Thought »

1. I so get you, Leann. But…

   I thought that we couldn’t get all the fiber in some foods if they weren’t lightly cooked (as in steaming). So, in other words there would be more fiber in a cup of steamed carrots than a cup of raw. Does that jive with what you know, or have I been deceived by a dietary villian?

   Comment by lady laura — July 28, 2006 @ 4:16 pm

2. No, you have not been deceived. You are completely right. To learn more about that I will edit and share a link for you guys. Thanks!!!

   Comment by Leann — July 28, 2006 @ 5:12 pm

3. Another exception could be pineapple… If you are sensitive to salycilates, than you want canned.

   So, now I have an excuse not to try the raw salmon, right?!

   Comment by Kimberly — July 30, 2006 @ 8:45 pm

Food Fact (Leann)

Did you know that you burn more calories eating raw celery than there are actually calories in the raw celery??? It’s a NEGATIVE BALANCE FOOD!!!

Now, I am just being silly aren’t I…

« Protein Pancake No, I am a glutton! »

1. I did not know that Leann - good stuff! Add in the fiber and you go the other way even more )

   Comment by blair — July 28, 2006 @ 3:45 pm

2. Good to know!

   Comment by Angie — July 28, 2006 @ 5:01 pm

3. Did you also know that a cup of lettuce only has 7 calories, making it another negative calorie food?

   Comment by SalGal — July 28, 2006 @ 6:06 pm

4. Well, now that is cool!!! Thanks Sally

   Comment by Leann — July 28, 2006 @ 6:45 pm

5. That’s so very good to know! Thanks for sharing!

   Comment by Kat — July 29, 2006 @ 10:17 am

The Stairmaster (Blair)

’m not a huge recipe buff - sorry ladies, I’ll contribute when I can but cooking is not my strong point. Don’t get me wrong….I am able to cook…I just don’t enjoy it. I’m also not very adventureous when it comes to trying new food things; however, I will try for your sake (and my family’s) to think outside the box of twinkies…oops….err… I mean grilled chicken strips.

Speaking of food, the kids and I went grocery shopping this morning (pay day - woohoo) and picked up lots of green and leafy stuff. Of course, grocery shopping is no small chore for us (I posted a bit ago about the fit my 2 year old threw in the store). Well, today they did better but the unloading had me in the fits of heavy breathing and dripping sweat. If this doesn’t count for exercise, I don’t know what does!

We are currently residing in a second floor condo in Kansas. The stairs are steep and there are 16 just in the set leading to the door (six others on the way to where I park). I made 5 trips up and down them carrying everything from a toddler to a gallon of milk. On the final trip I was ready to lay down in front of a fan and pass out. Of course it was lunchtime so that wasn’t an option. It’s things like this that remind me of why I want to be in better shape. To do the “little” things in life without straining and feeling wiped out. It’s very possible we could be moving out of this condo before or by the end of the year - I seriously need to get in better shape by then (thought I was going to die when we moved in the beginning of this month).alaska student loan advantage4.5 at loan percent 250,000collateral loans alaska$1500 loans paydaycalifornia albany loan officermilitary loans equity veterans 125and loans aes studentloan 456 educational interest studentexpress loan membership rewards americanprogram aes loan

« Greetings! Protein Pancake »

1. Ummm. I think that all counts as exercise. And dealing with a meltdown should always be rewarded with a Coke. See how bad I am? Way to go on the green leafy stuff.

   Comment by RR2Box79 — July 28, 2006 @ 3:07 pm

2. Ahem…Blair…remember - no profanity. Twinkie definitely counts! (hee hee)

   Yup - that was definitely exercise! And yes, you will be trying new foods! I have spoken!

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 28, 2006 @ 3:11 pm

3. You might do well with a raw foods approach where you cut, throw it together and crunch on it… LOL BTW, did you HAVE to say TWINKIE??? I need to go eat lunch. I have been bad in skipping eating while I am loading this trailer for our trip. That is exercise, right? *goes to kitchen to eat some lunch* - rats, it’s all in the trailer. I’ll have to go get it out to make sandwiches for us. *wink*

   Comment by Leann — July 28, 2006 @ 3:23 pm

4. ROFL!! You are so bad girl - NO COKE!! But I can see what’s on your mind lol.

   I know, I know, I really need to control my language outbursts - it’s a disease with me )

   Comment by Blair — July 28, 2006 @ 3:23 pm

Greetings (Jana)

My name is Jana, my regular blog is Going Places. I am 35 and a mom to four boys, ages 10, 7, 4 and 20 months.

Back when I was in college, I was very fit. I never gained the “freshman 15.” In fact, I never gained any weight in college. I was 139 when I got pregnant for the first time at age 24. I gained 4o pounds with that pregnancy, but I did manage to get back down to 155. Then I went on a cruise, gained 5 pounds, and got pregnant with #2. I managed to limit my weight gain to 25 pounds, but still couldn’t get back below 165. Then I had #3 and gained 60 (!) pounds. By the time I got pregnant with #4 I was at 189. I only gained 35 pounds with him, but now I’m stuck at 200. I’m finally done with breastfeeding and childbearing.

I know I’ve been using the whole cycle as an excuse. Oh, I can’t lose weight - I’m nursing. Oh, now I’m pregnant again - time to pig out! Now I’m nursing again - I can’t lose weight. And so it goes. But since I’m officially “done” (barring any surprise blessings), I feel like it’s finally time to get serious.

My goals are:

• to get rid of this knee and hip pain that comes with the extra weight.
• to get back in shape so I can keep up with the boys.
• to fit back into all those clothes that are waiting in my closet.
• to look “normal” in pictures again - I never think about being fat until I see photos of myself.
• to establish a healthy eating lifestyle for me and my family.

I have already lost about 10-12 pounds on Slim-Fast, so I’m sticking with that for the moment. My biggest thing right now is to remember to give this to God - I can’t do it on my own!

« Greek Salad The Stairmaster! »

1. Helllooo Jana! Welcome to another 4 boy mommy!! Congrats on your success already!

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 28, 2006 @ 11:04 am

2. Nice to meet you, Jana!

   I have three boys and one girl, so my house is almost as full of testosterone as yours and Blest’s.

   Comment by Carrie — July 28, 2006 @ 11:33 am

3. Hello! Glad you are with us!

   Comment by stephanie — July 28, 2006 @ 11:35 am

4. Welcome, Jana! I know what you mean about the photos - inside I remember myself looking much different than the camera says.

   Comment by Tracy — July 28, 2006 @ 11:36 am

5. Welcome, Jana. Looking forward to journeying with you=)

   Comment by lady laura — July 28, 2006 @ 11:59 am

6. Hi Jana, great to have you with us!

   Comment by Bethany G. — July 28, 2006 @ 12:28 pm

7. Welcome to you Jana!!! I am a four kiddo mommy - only three are boys but they are ALL BOY!!! Looks like you have gotten off to a great start and I look forward to getting to know you better…

   Comment by Leann — July 28, 2006 @ 1:25 pm

8. Welcome Jana ) You know, I have the same problem with photos - I don’t even think about my size as much (or think I’m smaller than I am). But when I see a picture of myself - ACK!!! I would love to look normal on film again too )

   Comment by Blair — July 28, 2006 @ 2:26 pm

9. Jana! Howdy! I SO understand! Glad to be losing it with you!

   Comment by Kimberly — July 30, 2006 @ 8:33 pm

Hello (Kat)

Hello! Thank you so much for having me – I feel so delighted and honored to be with you! I’m blogless – but let me tell you – I’ve enjoyed y’alls for months. And thank goodness for bloglines!

My name it Kat and I am fat. See? I can rhyme! Let’s just dig into the nitty gritty, shall we? I weighed in at 330.5 this morning. Yes, you saw that number correctly. I am 5’10 and I need to get back down to 150 lbs. – which was pre-pregnancy weight. I was fit and trim until our first blessing came along 7 years ago, which is when the weight started attaching itself to my body.

It is sad to think I have procrastinated 7 years to do something about my fatness. But, the time is here and I praise God for bringing me to it. It has been a cycle of selfishness and sin, and coming to the end of myself.

I will be doing South Beach Diet and Greer Childers Body Flex for exercise (until I can incorporate more cardio). I started last week and while I didn’t weigh when I started, I did measure 6 specific areas on my body and have lost 8 inches in 1 week.

I look forward to being around each one of you and look forward to your successes and mutual encouragement.

-I want to be fit (loose 180 lbs)
-I want to be able to make family time enjoyable for my wonderfully fit family and not be a ball and chain.
-I want to be able to show God working through me as He leads me through this journey. And to be able to share that with unbelievers and believers alike.

Signing out-

Kat, 26, 5’10 and 330.5jujitsu accrington clubringtone allisons cellularoneamc30 barringtonkeys v600 alicia motorola ringtonesringtones 3payairtel rehman ringtone arhotel 1710 evanston orringtonkrauss station mobile union alison ringtone Map

« Leann’s Lentils and Leek Soup Greek Salad »

1. YAY Kat!! And a South Beach Buddy for me! Cool!! I am in day four of Phase One - and I’m loving it!!

   Welcome, Welcome!!

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 28, 2006 @ 1:10 pm

2. Welcome Kat!!! We are so delighted to have you join us. Please jump right in and share some recipes today or anything that is on your heart about this journey. Welcome aboard!!!

   Comment by Leann — July 28, 2006 @ 1:23 pm

3. Welcome,Kat!!

   And 8 inches lost? WOW=)

   Comment by lady laura — July 28, 2006 @ 1:39 pm

4. Welcome Kat! 8 inches is awesome girl! I’m so glad you’re here. It’s going to be wonderful encouraging one another through this!

   Comment by Blair — July 28, 2006 @ 2:29 pm

5. Nice to meet you, Kat. And congrats on the 8 inches - that’s a great incentive to keep going!

   Comment by Carrie — July 28, 2006 @ 5:55 pm

6. I am so excited that you have already lost 8 inches…too cool! So nice to meet you!

   Comment by Angie — July 28, 2006 @ 10:05 pm

7. Welcome Kat! I’m glad you could join! I like the body flex too. Now I just need to find the video again…

   Comment by Kimberly — July 30, 2006 @ 8:31 pm

WOW, I made it! (Kimberly)

Hello all! Let me introduce myself!

My name is Kimberly, and I am 36 years old. I am 5′5″, and {gulp} 215 pounds. I know HOW to lose the weight, I just keep falling off the wagon and then not bothering to get back on. I use protein power, which is good for my inattentive adhd, and my PCOS. I try to do things the natural way (herbs, raw milk, etc.), and really want to try to cook more according to “nourishing traditions”.

I really don’t like to exercise. I did curves for a year, and liked it when I went, but ended up not using it very much. I have a problem with my shoulder (probably bursitis…hereditary), which made the weights extremely impossible. It still flares up. I bowl once a week. I enjoy going on bike rides with my family (especially in the fall…I love the colors). I enjoy going on hikes, but I’m starting too out of shape.

I’m fat, but so is my husband. And according to the ‘charts’, so are my two oldest children (11 yo dd, 10 yo ds). I need accountability, not just for myself, but because it will impact my whole family. My children will eat the way I do, so when I cheat, they cheat. They are also on the Feingold program.

Personally, we attend a Four Square church. We homeschool all of our children. We love to swim (I forget that’s exercise) in our beautiful lake, and camp.

My goals:

1. To lose enough weight that I don’t mind having my picture taken. I gain weight in my torso and face. If they take my picture I usually go back into the computer and erase it. I am just so embarrassed.

2. To start cooking healthy for my whole family so that we ALL get healthier.

3. To fit more comfortably on roller coasters. Seriously! I LOVE roller coasters! We’re going to Disneyland next spring, and I want to be able to get on the children’s rides with my youngest as well, and those rides are SMALL.

Well, I’m off to a homeschool convention for the weekend! Starbucks… I mean, Modesto here we come!

I am so sorry… I forgot something! You can come visit me on my blogs! www.homeschoolblogger.com/joexandxkim and www.peacebeyondunderstanding.blogspot.com

« Mandarin Orange Chicken Classic French Vinaigrette »

1. Have a great time!! And WELCOME!!

   Oh - and I’m ADD too. Nice to meet another one of my people! ;-p

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 28, 2006 @ 8:46 am

2. Welcome, Kimberly.

   Have fun at the convention!

   Comment by lady laura — July 28, 2006 @ 8:52 am

3. Welcome, Kimberly!

   Comment by Carrie — July 28, 2006 @ 10:04 am

4. Hi, Kimberly!

   I’m also a homeschooler, and a coaster fanatic!

   Comment by Jana — July 28, 2006 @ 11:02 am

5. Welcome, Kimberly. I have PCOS and a love of roller coasters in common with you. I also did curves for a while a couple of years ago, but it was hard to fit into my life, especially child care!

   I think I’ll add the roller coasters to my goal list - we’re planning a trip to a Six Flags next year and it’s full of roller coasters. And right now I’m concerned that my weight would be a problem.

   Comment by Tracy — July 28, 2006 @ 11:41 am

6. A couple of you have mentioned PCOS… I’m thinking poly-cystic something something? What that be?

   Comment by lady laura — July 28, 2006 @ 12:09 pm

7. We’re starting at almost the same place Kim ) I weighed in at 214.4 last Friday and I too am 5′5″.

   Oh and I LOVE rollercoasters and homeschool as well lol - small world!

   Welcome Aboard!

   Comment by Blair — July 28, 2006 @ 2:36 pm

8. PCOS polycystic ovarian syndrome. Recommended treatment: hormones (usually progesterone cream), and a lowcarb diet.

   However, I CANNOT use hormones of any kind. I’d rather have the pain than the depression!

   (and yes, I’ve used natural…even my herbalist was amazed that I reacted to it)

   Comment by Kimberly — July 30, 2006 @ 8:23 pm

Diet and Die by Tracy

Diet. A word that many consider to be a horrible four letter word. I mean, just look at it. D. I. E. If I stop there, it says “Die”. And you know when you’re faced with the possibility of not eating that yummy stupendously good whatever-really-rocks-your-world food? You know that if you don’t get to have it, you. will. die.

And that’s true.

Hear me out. These are my thoughts - based a bit on Matthew 16:24-25.

When you choose not to eat that yummy stupendously good (etc.) food, you are dying to your self. Your self, your flesh, filled with temptation, says “OH YES GIVE IT TO ME NOW, BECAUSE I’M HUNGRY FOR IT AND WITHOUT IT, I WILL SURELY DIE.”

Ironically, because I’ve been saying sure, yes, you need it, let’s have it… one bite at a time - I am certainly not doing what I can do to preserve this body’s health - and thus, I may actually be speeding up my exit time a bit.

But, if I can say no to temptation, if I die to myself a little bit, and take care of the temple that God has given me as my earthly body - then I will find true life, a better life with more self-control, self-discipline, better health, and ultimately, a better ability to follow the path that God intends for me in my life.

I haven’t decided exactly how I’m going to try and lose the weight this time. One thing for certain, it will involve dieting. And it will involve a million small deaths to myself, as I make the choices that will give me a better life. I’m glad to be starting this journey, even though I also feel a bit like “here I go again”… but it will be different this time. With more accountability, more support, and more hope. On my mark… get set… go!

Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. [25] If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.

« Please, please, PLEASE… Food Friday Tomorrow! »

1. Seriously Good Stuff, Tracy. (that is one of my highest compliments by the way) But let’s not forget to take the positive side too. It’s not just about choosing not to eat the garbage - it’s choosing to eat the good stuff! God has given us so much tasty food that we can enjoy. We just need to learn new and good ways to enjoy it! Many of us probably need to reprogram our taste buds…

   Anyway - I loved this post!

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 27, 2006 @ 4:27 pm

2. That’s exactly (!) what I’ve been learning lately - dieing to myself one step at a time, one thing at a time. It’s so hard but so worth it to learn this. I can already see that this blog is going to be a huge encouragement to me and everyone involved!

   I wish I could comment on each of your posts, but I seriously need to cut back on the time I spend on the internet. You all are so inspiring!

   Wouldn’t it be cool if at some point we could all meet and do something like walk for a cause - breast cancer, or something?

   Comment by Anita — July 27, 2006 @ 4:41 pm

3. I absolutely agree, Blest - it’s about choosing to eat the good stuff. But even there, I have a choice. Since most of my weight gain is not from junk, but from too much of the good stuff - my choice is to stop at the right point.

   I enjoy food - and I plan to continue enjoying it. I will probably enjoy it more when I eat it appropriately too.

   Thank you for the compliment -it means a lot!

   Comment by Tracy — July 27, 2006 @ 4:54 pm

4. “I may actually be speeding up my exit time a bit.”

   Tracy - I know what you mean. One of the things that motivated me to make this commitment was the thought that I could be endangering my health and putting my kids at risk of losing their mom at an early age. Not to mention being the mom they need right now!

   Comment by Carrie — July 27, 2006 @ 5:36 pm

5. That’s a great way to look at it! Something to chew on when I’m contemplating grabbing another cookie or……

   Comment by Lorri — July 27, 2006 @ 8:07 pm

6. Tracy, I wanted to post last night but got distracted - this was a great post! I was a little thrown off at first lol….but I stuck with you and GREAT JOB on summing all that up so well!

   Loved it!

   Comment by Blair — July 28, 2006 @ 3:49 pm

My story, by Carrie

Hi, everyone! My name is Carrie and I blog over at Mommy Brain. I “know” Angie, Leann, Blest, and Laura from reading their blogs and I am looking forward to getting to know the rest of you here and on your main blogs.

I love food. I can relate to Leigh Ann, who said, “I eat when I am depressed. I eat when I am upset. I eat when I am bored. I eat because “I deserve it”. I eat when I am stressed. I eat to celebrate. I eat to reward myself for making it through the day. I eat to medicate. Food is my drug of choice…” Those words coud’ve just as easily been typed by me.

I started gaining weight when puberty hit. I was eating to stuff away hurts from sexual abuse by a priest (we were Catholic until I was twelve). I was eating to stuff away anger at my mom for not loving me more than her “ministry”. I was eating to stuff away sadness over a father who loved me but was emotionally distant because of his own hurts. I remember one summer when I was babysitting to earn school clothes money - every day I would take the children on a walk to the store, buy a quart of ice cream, and eat the entire thing. Eat until I was sick and couldn’t move.

My weight continued to climb through high school and college and our marriage. I did manage to lose about 30 pounds on the Weigh Down plan, but then I got angry at God over some unresolved issues with my parents and ate. And ate. And ate.

This sounds like I’m making a lot of excuses for my eating. I now see it for what it is: sin. As Christians, we are not to be controlled by anything but the Holy Spirit. I took my hurts and anger and fears to the refrigerator instead of to the foot of the Cross. I can only imagine how it must grieve God when I do that.

Last summer, I was preparing to teach our Women’s Bible Study for fall quarter. The book I taught on was Heaven by Randy Alcorn. In the church, there is a prevalent idea that anything to do with our bodies or the flesh is inherently sinful. This book demonstrated how false doctrines from Platonism had crept into the church and obliterated the fact that God created us body, mind, and soul - a whole being. Adam and Eve had bodies and were perfect and sinless - until they chose to sin. Our bodies and how we treat them are very important to God. Not only in the area of immorality, but in the area of health. As I came to realize this and was convicted of the years I’ve wasted in overeating and being unhealthy, I made a commitment to the Lord and to myself.

During the summer, I started swimming with my family in the evenings. I was at the highest weight I’ve ever been: 333 pounds. I swam 10 very slow laps three or four nights a week. I didn’t think it was working, but I kept at it, hoping that exercise would be enough to make the weight start falling off.

In October, my husband encouraged me to go to a Weight Watchers meeting. At weigh-in, I found I had lost 9 pounds. I listened to the instructor lay out the program and knew this was something I could do. I started the Flex plan, counting points, and the weight started to come off. By February I weighed 283. 50 pounds gone - the weight of my 8-year-old!

Then in February I began having some health problems that I won’t bore you with. And the old habit of stress-eat-stress-eat kicked in again. I let it kick in again. I’ve gained 11 pounds back, my weight this morning was 294. Just last week I told my husband that I needed to get back on track. We’ve had some financial setbacks that have kept me from attending the meetings, and though I thought I could do it on my own without the accountability, I was wrong. When I saw Blest’s post about this blog, I knew this was the answer.

There is so much more to this weight loss journey than looking thin. It’s so relative! I look at Leann’s picture and think - if only I could get down to that weight, I’d be so happy! I’m 5′5″. I will be extremely pleased to get down to 140 pounds. I’ll have to see if I, no WHEN, I get down closer to that goal how far I need to go to be healthy.

My goals:

• To be able to run with my children
• For my knees to stop aching when I climb stairs
• To be able to visit my sister and Boise and not worry that the airline is going to tell me I need to buy two tickets
• To feel good!
• To learn to trust God in all things and not turn to food for solace

There are a lot more, but this post is long enough. One thing I am grateful for - I have a husband who loves me and desires me. He wants me to be healthy, but has never pushed me or made me feel like he is ashamed of me. He is proud of me for starting on this journey - a journey that I expect will take a couple of years. One day at a time….

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« It’s not just for kids Please, please, PLEASE… »

1. Carrie - I could relate to so much of what you wrote. As I was reading I was thinking “that sounds like me too”.

   I think unless we reach the place that we put God into the equation, we’re just floundering around. I too have plenty to “blame” my weight on, but through God we can find freedom! You’ve hit the nail on the head Carrie - that is major progress indeed!

   I am sooooo glad you’ve joined this group. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better and watching you transform.

   Comment by Blair — July 27, 2006 @ 2:45 pm

2. PS - Your hubby sounds a lot like mine. He’s never once said anything about my weight and I do know he desires me. He’s also my biggest cheering section when I acheive my goals (whatever they are). We are fortunate women Carrie and I’ll join you in your thankfulness!

   Comment by Blair — July 27, 2006 @ 2:48 pm

3. Carrie, I’m so glad you were finally able to post! Welcome!! I did a short stint on Weigh Down myself once. There were some good lessons there… But with four boys I can’t get too into the “eat sloooowly” idea. If I don’t eat fast, I don’t get to eat!

   My husband is a doll too - but I have to tease him a little. When he came home Monday and I told him I had joined the South Beach program he gave me this strange look. I said, “No no no. That is not what supportive looks like. That is what dubious looks like. This (making face) is supportive!” He was quick to explain that he wasn’t dubious - he was just startled by my going with a plan other than what we had discussed. Of course, then I had to explain why I needed another blog… hee hee hee

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 27, 2006 @ 2:57 pm

4. Girl, you have come so far already!!! There is that just right weight for each of us and I am praying as we work together that we will each find that spot. I am so glad you are here!!!!! You and I have some other health issues that I am hoping we can work through together. I know that yeast and chronic sinus issues plague us and that can change as our health changes. You know I am holistic in many of my approaches and if you ever, EVER want to know anything just ask and we can find it together if I don’t know the answer (which often I do not - ) Welcome aboard!!!!!

   Comment by Leann — July 27, 2006 @ 3:06 pm

5. welcome, Carrie -

   And congratulations on losing so much weight already. I hope that this blog can help you get going again! I know that it is helping me to step in the right direction for once.

   Comment by Tracy — July 27, 2006 @ 4:18 pm

6. Thank you for all your wonderful comments - I can tell this is going to be a great group of ladies to get to know!

   Comment by Carrie — July 27, 2006 @ 5:31 pm

It's not just for kids, by Lady Laura

Okay, so last night I was so excited and inspired by all you ladies and this whole blog thing that, though my son is out of town, I did not order the lo mein and crab rangoon perfection I had been dreaming about all day. Instead I made a yummy and healthy and filling dinner for one. I was so proud. However, I knew, knew I was going to want dessert. So… I made jello, even though there is some B&J’s in the freezer. Jello, which I do not really like.

Except maybe I do. I made it with Fresca and mandarin oranges. I served it in a pretty china bowl too. It was kinda good, actually, and I didn’t really feel deprived. Huh. Mind you, I’m not cravin’ me some jello or anything, but it was coolly refreshing and sweet, which is just what I wanted.

I bought some more flavors (sugar-free, no less) today and some fruit to sneak into it too as a way of trying to get in 4 servings a day. Is it possible… could it be… might I become a jello connoisseur?

Just let me know when you’re ready for recipes, blest and Leann. I’ll have you covered

« Wanta see me??? My Story »

1. I believe we’ll do recipes on Friday.

   Friday Foods!

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 27, 2006 @ 12:54 pm

2. Oh, have you tried it with a bit of whipped topping? YUMMMM!

   Comment by Blair — July 27, 2006 @ 1:09 pm

3. I can’t eat the sugar free stuff- the aspartame gives me a headache. But good for you - I’ve never been able to resist the pull of B&J’s in the freezer!

   Comment by Carrie — July 27, 2006 @ 1:59 pm

Turning the Journey over to God, by Lorri

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

On my own, I am powerless. On my own, I may succeed in tracking food, restricting sweets, or exercising for a while. But on my own, I succumb to temptation. On my own, I eat “the mix”. On my own, I start in a flurry of good intentions and stop one snack at a time, without even realizing what’s happening until I’m back at the beginning again.

I’ve been wondering how to make this weight loss journey different than before. How to make this one be the one that works ~ for a lifetime. And I’m realizing that I can’t do it on my own. I need God’s strength and promise of deliverance for my weak moments. I need the encouragement and support of all of you fellow travelers on the health journey.

So I prepared for today with prayer. Prayer first, food later. Prayer first, fitness later. Prayer first, internet later. And so far, it’s helping.

Let the journey begin!

PS: Weight loss blog at http://longweightogo.blogspot.com

« I want Coke. Wanta see me??? »

1. Prayer first, internet later?! What are you trying to do, kill me?! I know, I know…you’re right.

   Sigh. Must. Go. Pray.

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 27, 2006 @ 11:40 am

2. Exactly Lorri!

   “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

   Great message!

   Comment by Blair — July 27, 2006 @ 12:58 pm

3. Good thing I read this now, before going to the fridge. Thanks - it’s a bit late for prayer first, internet later, but I’m going to try again tomorrow.

   Comment by Tracy — July 27, 2006 @ 1:15 pm

Wanna see me?

See, I did take the class…
Originally uploaded by academy252.

Here I am… doing what I love more than just about anything (except for reading and crocheting). I spend most of my days cooking and cleaning the kitchen. This was taken last night at my Italian cooking class. It is hard to lose weight when you are eating Tiramisu!!! LOL

We are done with the class now, though. So, I weigh (since ya’ll are sharin’ and all) 160 pounds. Now, that would not be so bad if I were, like, 6 feet tall, but I am only 5′4″ tall. I am planning on losing 25 pounds. 135 is where I feel really good. The day I got married I weighed 117 pounds but anorexia is not the way to be healthy so I started eating again. Food used to be the enemy. It was a total control thing for me. I measured and counted every little thing that went into my mouth.

At this point in my life I feel out of control but not enough to starve anymore. Even Dan told me I was too little when we got married and has been accepting of me whereever I have been on the continuum. I have ranged in weight from about 130 to 170 during pregnancies and losing afterward. I have been a personal trainer and aerobics instructor. I know what to do but just have not been disciplined in doing it. Now, I am working on a culinary arts degree and will be getting some nutrition hours along the way. You can know all the right things and not do them. I am living proof of that!

The perimenopause is the hardest thing I have faced, though. It changes your body. I don’t care what anybody says, I cannot eat like I used to or lose weight the way I used to. I am learning to eat for my age and body needs now. It is not about the diet anymore for me. It is about becoming healthy and meeting my body’s needs. I will expound on my plan at some point.

You need to know I am leaving on vacation Saturday and will be away for a week so if the sidebar needs to be updated it will have to wait until I get back. We are going where there are no phones, televisions and computer access. It will be lovely!!!

« Turning the journey over to God It’s not just for kids »

1. You are so cute!

   You know…if ya just teach me how to do it when you’re over here today, I can stay on top of the sidebar (sounds precarious, doesn’t it?)

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 27, 2006 @ 12:07 pm

2. Leann,

   I too am permenopausal. I wonder…. could that be a factor for me as well? This I must research.

   Comment by lady laura — July 27, 2006 @ 12:12 pm

3. Hi Leann ((waving)) - looks like you were having some fun there girl!

   What is all this menopausal talk?

   I agree Leann, we need freedom in regard to our weight and food - this cannot come apart from God, no matter what we eat. Anyone can lose weight but not everyone finds satisfaction in it…this is where God comes in too.

   Enjoy your trip - sounds lovely indeed!

   Comment by Blair — July 27, 2006 @ 1:03 pm

4. You look wonderful! And tiramisu - you can make that? Wow! I love that dessert. I tell my husband that I want to go to Italy someday - for gelato and tiramisu.

   You have a great goal - and enjoy your vacation!

   Comment by Tracy — July 27, 2006 @ 1:13 pm

5. What a great picture! Have a wonderful, restful vacation.

   Comment by Carrie — July 27, 2006 @ 1:58 pm

I want Coke

Right here, right now. Somebody hand it over. Some days are just like that. Usually it’s my son that wakes up early and gets me up before I am ready. Today it was my daughter. Anyway, right now I want caffine in the form of Coke. But it is not good for me right now, and I am not going to waste time, money and gas to drive somewhere just to get a Coke. Guess I should go get some water since I am thinking about drinking and about love that went wrong. Oh, wait, that’s a country song. Off to get the water. One small step for man, one giant step for Leigh Ann.
Toodles.
Leigh Ann

« Hi, my name is Blair… Turning the journey over to God »

1. You can do it, Leigh Ann! As a good friend of mine said “My body is a temple, my body is a temple, and I do not need to give God cheetos”

   Comment by Lorri — July 27, 2006 @ 11:27 am

2. You must be reading my mind, Leigh Ann! I was just thinking I needed to do a post about how soda is of the devil!! Hang in there!

   Hey wait a minute…Coke?!! What kind of Carolina girl are you! Pepsi was born in the Carolinas, you traitor! (hee hee) Ah well, I’m not drinking my Pepsi, either, so we can suffer together.

   Lorri, that comment is HILARIOUS! I love it!

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 27, 2006 @ 11:37 am

3. Thanks for the encouragement, girls. I will make that my mantra, Lorri.
   Okay, Coke, Pepsi. The difference to me is whether it is bottled or fountain. I prefer Pepsi bottled, but Coke in the fountain. Weird, huh.
   Does that mean I’m a double agent?
   Leigh Ann

   Comment by RR2Box79 — July 27, 2006 @ 11:42 am

4. No. It makes you bi-sodal.

   (I’m so weird.)

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 27, 2006 @ 11:43 am

5. LOL - love it Lorri! That’s cute!

   Ugh - “real” soda…I consider the sugary, caffinated stuff “real”. Not sure why but yes Blest, it’s of the devil!

   Hang in there Leigh Ann - I remember when I got off caffeine, it was rough!

   Comment by Blair — July 27, 2006 @ 1:08 pm

6. Yes, you are. That made me laugh. Hard. Good thing I didn’t have coke or pepsi in my mouth because it would have come out my nose.

   Comment by RR2Box79 — July 27, 2006 @ 1:08 pm

7. Actually, wall paper is of the devil. I don’t know where that leaves soda.

   Comment by RR2Box79 — July 27, 2006 @ 1:12 pm

8. Cheetos are the only snack food I could have in the house for eternity and never ever take a bite.

   But Coke. if one was in the house? I could drink it. Anytime - I miss the real stuff!

   You’re doing great Leigh Ann!

   Comment by Tracy — July 27, 2006 @ 1:21 pm

Hi, my name's Blair

…and I’m……………((gulp))….I’m….seriously overweight…nope couldn’t say the “f” word. I am a believer in Jesus Christ and resident of Texas (although temporarily located in Kansas). I’ve been married to Erik for 11 years and I’m the mother of 4 living children (8, 6, 4, 2). Now for how I got here…

My Story
My journey with weight began when I was 12 when a well-meaning relative smacked me on the rear and commented, “Puttin’ on a few back there.” I was mortified! I’d seen many people in my family battle their weight and I did not want to be ffffat. It was at that point I began the starve/binge method of losing weight and I started obsessing over exercise. I’ve had an unhealthy relationship with food ever since. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t overweight at all then. I look back at pictures and think “wow, how warped my view of myself was”.

My mother would constantly ride me to “eat, eat”, she had no idea that I was….just in secret. Of course, then I would feel guilty and not eat for a bit. Such a vicious cycle. By the time I met my husband, I’d figured out that I could eat whatever I wanted as long as I worked out hard 1-2 hours a day (thanks to military basic training). Well, of course that sounded like a good deal to me. I continued this until I found out I was pregnant with our first child. The working out ceased because I felt so horrible all the time. Of course, the eating didn’t. I ate and ate and put on 79 lbs with my first pregnancy. Then my darling son was stillborn at almost 42 weeks, and I was left with only my weight. I can honestly say that I know what depression is. My ridiculous view of food continued as some sort of “comfort”.

By the time my third child was born, I was fed up with my size and I began to seek the Lord and dove into books on nutrition and exercise. I devised a plan for myself from several plans combined and managed to lose 105 lbs in about a year. I was at my goal weight and felt the best I had in years. Unfortunately, I began to look at myself as though “I’d done it” and stopped giving God all the glory. Then, a series of injuries and ultimately a fourth pregnancy sent me right back to where I was. Depression struck again when I miscarried our fifth baby. We immediately got pregnant again with our sixth (fourth living). By the end of that pregnancy I’d hit an all time high of 256.6 lbs. I am 5′5″ so you can imagine what I looked like.

That was just over 2 years ago and I’ve grappled with my view of food ever since. I didn’t want to just jump right back into a diet plan, I knew I needed to face some cold hard issues (and facts) first. I needed to really seek God on this matter…and so I did. It’s been an emotional 2 years of discovery (good and bad) but I am finally headed in a better direction with my health.

The plan I’m doing
I’m in the process of writing up a plan for gaining a healthier perspective on food - ironically it’s called “The GAINWeigh…to a healthier you”. It is the plan I’ll be following during my journey here. As of last Friday I weighed in at 214.4 lbs. I believe I need to lose about 79.4 lbs total.

Reasons I want to change?

• My body is the Temple of God and I should treat it as such!
• Reflect in my outward appearance what I truly believe (faith and reliance on God alone)
• Be healthy
• To “wow” my wonderful husband
• Be a better example to my kids (8, 6, 4, 2)
• Have more energy
• Unveil the real me whose been hiding in this fat prison for too long
• So I can tie my shoes without hurting myself.
• I would love to fit back into my cute clothes - these x-large t-shirts are really getting old!

My other blog home )
Scribblings by Blair

« Happy Birthday to Me!!! I want Coke. »

1. Welcome, Blair.

   So glad to have you with us.

   Comment by lady laura — July 27, 2006 @ 11:00 am

2. Welcome Blair! Sounds like you’re well on your way to a healthier you!

   Comment by Lorri — July 27, 2006 @ 11:02 am

3. Wow Blair! I didn’t know our kids were the same ages! Freaky!

   I’m glad you’re here! Welcome, welcome!

   Comment by blestwithsons — July 27, 2006 @ 11:10 am

4. Thanks guys - I’m really looking forward to getting to know you. Support is huge and I’m so thankfulf for the opportunity to be a part of this.

   Hey Blest, I didn’t know that either! Wow! I assume you have all boys lol…just kidding, I knew that. We’ve got mostly girls lol.

   Comment by Blair — July 27, 2006 @ 1:21 pm

5. Welcome Blair - I love this one “Unveil the real me whose been hiding in this fat prison for too long” - that’s how I feel so often. I want to show off “ME” - the me I feel inside. And it will be easier to do when I’ve stepped outside the prison walls.

   Comment by Tracy — July 27, 2006 @ 1:24 pm