Good morning and Happy March! As we stride merrily forward into Spring, let us pause for a moment to step lightly upon our little friend, the scale! And let us also take a moment to ponder what the future holds? When it comes to your efforts towards fitness, do you have a vision for your future? Can you see a time when you have achieved victory over this area of your life? How ya doin’ with it all, yo? 
And what do you see as the future of this site? OWOA has been AWFULLY quiet lately…is it approaching an end? Are you done with it? Would you like to see it continue but perhaps in new and different weighs? (don’t say fewer puns, cause I’m not interested in that! 
)
Talk to me, people!
Morning, blest!
Well, I am at another all time low - 294\228.6\230 (Short term goal reached!) New STG 220.
I think I’m beginning to see my future, and thus far I like what I see. I would like to see in 2009 at goal. And who’s to say I couldn’t get the sooner than that…
)
I’m feeling positive today (an hour on the treadmill can do wonders for your mood
As the the future of OWOA - I’ve had an amazing time meeting people here, and I know I’ve made friendships here that will last for a long long time. However, I can see that people seem to have been pretty quiet around here lately, and if it’s not where people want to be, then maybe it’s time to call it a day here (And you don’t know how hard it was for me to say that, cos i don’t like change, well apart from weight-loss, and OWOA really has become a part of my life) What do other people think?
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 7:03 am |Edit This
Well done Debs.
200/171.4/160
I’m up 1.4. I’m really disappointed as I thought I’d done better than that this week. I suspect I haven’t got as much exercise though, now that HH is over, the impetus to aim for an hour a day has gone. Plus I’m still struggling with back pain. I’ve now got stuff to take at night which should help, though it hasn’t kicked in yet, and a physio referral, but it’s still frustrating.
I’d be sorry to see OWOA go completely. I feel like I need its support. On days like todays when I’m feeling pretty rubbish, I know there are other people who will understand what I’m feeling. I can’t do this on my own.
Comment by Bekki — March 3, 2008 @ 7:46 am |Edit This
Well I am up 3 pounds this week but its not entirely my fault. Ok it is, but not as bad as you may think. Here is a funny story for you all. I bought a 2 liter bottle of diet soda the other day because I have been craving soda and it really sounded good. So I drank almost the whole thing and yesterday before church my husband was getting some out of the fridge (he drinks soda in the morning for caffeine instead of coffee, crazy guy) and he said…”Nicole Duree! This isn’t diet!!!” We laughed so hard. I bought regular soda and drank a ton of it thinking there was no sugar. Wow, what a dork. I wasn’t great about my eating either, so those together went for a big jump in the scale. Looking forward to losing it back this week.
Oh it has been so quiet here. It makes me sad. I really hate to see this site come to an end. It has gotten me so far and I love you people. You all do whatever you want to do, but I will be quite sad if it all ends.
As far as fitness goes…I need to move my butt. I plan on getting walking again when the time changes and I have another hour of daylight. I want to be at goal by May 1st.
Comment by Nikki — March 3, 2008 @ 7:52 am |Edit This
Hey! Everybody quit talking like it’s a foregone conclusion that OWOA is over! If you don’t want it to end…what do you want? New directions? New insight? New leadership? New blood?
Everybody go do ten jumping jacks - naked - that’ll wake you up! Then gimme something I can work with!
Comment by blestwithsons — March 3, 2008 @ 7:58 am |Edit This
Sorry (hides head in shame). I’ve just felt a bit lonely around here lately, and know that if it’s just me (and you) posting and commenting, then it’s getting a bit silly.
HOWEVER, if people are going to
get off their butts and do somethingbe actively involved, then yeah, bring it on!Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 8:06 am |Edit This
What? Debs you are not giving me any credit. I am around all the time! I don’t know what direction it should go in. I definitely think people should post more. Some new blood may be good. Maybe anyone who isn’t interested in being actively involved could bow out and the others could step it up a notch???? I should have tried the jumping jacks before commenting. I may have had a better idea!
Comment by Nikki — March 3, 2008 @ 8:28 am |Edit This
Sorry, not feeling very positive or full of ideas so the idea of changing OWOA just makes me go “NOOOOOOOOOOOO! Don’t take away my support!”
Er, which isn’t very constructive.
I’ll come back when I’ve got some ideas.
Maybe.
Comment by Bekki — March 3, 2008 @ 8:36 am |Edit This
I just meant that if you look at the posts and comments written in the last 2 weeks, most of them were from me. Sorry Nikki, not trying to criticise anyone in particular, just I’d got the point that I was feeling “well, it’s not worth writing a post about xyz, cos I’m the only one on here anyway”!
Take all my clothes off and jump up and down? Great idea, blest. Be back in a minute…
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 8:37 am |Edit This
Yep, totally recommend it…
Gotta go to the bank now. Back later to see what people think.
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 8:53 am |Edit This
Naked jumping jacks?!?! I might hurt myself. LOL
I want more OWOA!!! I want more OWOA!! I don’t want OWOA phased out! I like the site, I like the concept, I love the people on here, I get lots of ideas, feedback, incentives…I NEED THIS!
I know I don’t do many posts and it’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that I have little time. I have a demanding job and some days it’s so hard to find time for much else. Between work, gym, husband/daughter…you know. BUT I WILL TRY HARDER!
Maybe new blood??? Blest has met her goal, so maybe it’s harder for her to keep this going. Plus all those boys at home…I’m sure she’s maxed out.
How about Debs???
I vote Debs! She’s good at giving me that swift kick in the rear when it comes to getting in gear!!! 
I can help…you just tell me what to do, I’ll do it.
What if we reinstitue recipe Friday? Get a new contest going? New challenges?
I’ll keep thinking…
Gotta go weigh now.
Comment by Cristina — March 3, 2008 @ 9:05 am |Edit This
239.8/206.8/199 (stg)
Woo hoo…I’m down 5.2!!!
Last week I was up 5, now I’m back down. I think last week was due to being at a scrapbook retreat that weekend and sitting all weekend and eating. I worked hard this week and it paid off.
I would love to reach my STG by end of March…I’m gonna try!
Comment by Cristina — March 3, 2008 @ 9:16 am |Edit This
Well if Debs takes over, that is fine with me. But it has to be with a promise from Blest that she will come check in every week. I will miss her too much if she is around even less than now. I will go through Blest withdrawals!
Comment by Nikki — March 3, 2008 @ 10:19 am |Edit This
Yay, go Christina
I am trying hard, just need peeps to help me, cos I get lonely talking to myself!
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 10:20 am |Edit This
Debs, I can be a peep.
Nikki, I know what you mean about Blest withdrawals. I miss her too!
Comment by Cristina — March 3, 2008 @ 10:27 am |Edit This
170/157.5/120
Wow guys… I usually do my online thing first thing in the morning.. before anyone is posting or awake out there. So Monday is the only day I try to make it a point to look later in the day so I can log my weight in.
I have to have something specific to keep me posting. Like a contest or something. I have to say I am more interested in the spiritual issues of weight loss than recipes and chatting online.
Comment by Charlotte Cushman — March 3, 2008 @ 10:37 am |Edit This
Hey blest, you weighing in today?
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 11:00 am |Edit This
You better weigh in Blest before she puts on the swift kick in the rear shoes.
Comment by Cristina — March 3, 2008 @ 11:02 am |Edit This
Hey, the lady’s reached goal, so she doesn’t have to weigh in *, but I did promise\threaten before I left that I would be checking with her each week to see what her weigh in was, even if she didn’t want to post it. (Does that make sense? Well, I know what I mean, and so, hopefully, does blest!)
* Actually, no one has to weigh in, but we might come after you (Christina
) if you don’t.
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 11:05 am |Edit This
Morning ladies!!!!! So, um, I didn’t weigh in this morning. I forgot to get on the scale until after coffee and a few cups of water and breakfast. Today is the first day of our temporary but almost not temporary scedule. Really, I’m hoping it will stay like this even when we move to our house. Let’s see, get up at 5:45 and I was jogging at 6 for a half hour! And then back to make breakfast for Jeff before he heads out the door at 7.
Addmitadly (however it’s spelled) this week has not been a successful SB phase 1 week. Really and truly the book is dead on when it says that it is harder to get back on board after you’ve gone over board. I’m telling you, you’ve got to have even more will power.
Anyhoots, time to run
Comment by Tami — March 3, 2008 @ 11:40 am |Edit This
You can do it Tami, don’t give up. (And it’s great having you back)
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 11:41 am |Edit This
Debs, with all of the changes that have gone on in my world many of the email address that were in my address box are gone! Could you email me please?
Thanks
Comment by Tami — March 3, 2008 @ 11:45 am |Edit This
Tami, I just tried a couple of different emails I had for you, so hopefully one of them will be the right one..!
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 11:54 am |Edit This
Well, if you want some new blood I’d be happy to jump in. I’ve got about 40 that NEED to go. but since I’m typing instead of lurking today…
Not totally sure of the format here but mine goes, beggining/today/short-term.
165/164.2/155
Comment by Stephine — March 3, 2008 @ 12:04 pm |Edit This
Hi Stephine, please do join us
I started out weighing in with everyone back in October 2006, and I’ve been here ever since.
We weigh-in on a Monday, and then other stuff goes up in the week (depending on how life is going, you know how it is!)
And you’re spot on with the numbers system.
We look forward to seeing more of you.
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 12:07 pm |Edit This
So where’s everyone else then? I guess some people might have jobs and stuff…!
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 12:50 pm |Edit This
Debs, I can run fast…even with the cookie dough in hand!
Comment by Cristina — March 3, 2008 @ 1:41 pm |Edit This
Just kidding…I haven’t had cookie dough in a while.
Actually, you’d be proud of me. Today was my last session with the personal trainer.
So, she took my measurements. In one month, I lost 8 inches! Woo hoo!
Comment by Cristina — March 3, 2008 @ 1:42 pm |Edit This
Christina, that’s fantastic
And if I ’see’ you with any cookie dough I will personally fly out to WHONK you. So there! (although given current state of finances, you might need to pay the flight costs, but that would just add to the reminder not to do it again!)
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 1:46 pm |Edit This
And I make the same offer to anyone who feels they need a personal WHONK from me..!
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 1:49 pm |Edit This
147.2
After my post and the wonderful advice from last week, I’m calling it what it is - GOAL!! I kept telling people I’d be happy if I could stay between 145 and 150 and then second-guessed myself and changed it. Now I realize I’m actually very happy with the number on the scale and I just need to continue working on toning and strength.
Comment by Jana — March 3, 2008 @ 2:42 pm |Edit This
Congrats on reaching goal Jana, you’ve worked so hard to arrive there
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 2:44 pm |Edit This
That’s awesome Jana! Congrats!
Comment by Cristina — March 3, 2008 @ 3:05 pm |Edit This
Keep the comments and ideas coming people, I’m off to bed. See y’all tomorrow.
Comment by Debs — March 3, 2008 @ 3:09 pm |Edit This
Great job Jana! And you’ve been able to maintain for so long now!
Comment by Tami — March 3, 2008 @ 3:27 pm |Edit This
Hello everyone. Great to see a new comer Stephine. Here is my weigh in the old fashioned way (weigh)
220/166.4/168
Its nice to put it like that sometimes and remind myself where I came from. Back down below goal (down 2.8) this week after lastweeks blip. Have actually been at this point (approx) now for nearly 5 months but still feel its good to be checking in. I think if the weight crept back on I would feel I was letting you all down including Debs of course.
Jana I am glad you’ve made the decision - well done for reaching goal.
I’m prepared to hang in here and will try to comment more and maybe even post although I am a bit technically challenged - Debs will put me straight.
I need to get fitter. i keep saying I will get my pushbike out again but it hasn’t happened yet. Now Debs has the treadmill I should be learning how to use that. Tonight at school we had training on a new scheme for activities that can be done in the classroom at beginning of each day to boost kid’s fitness and brainpower. As we practised a couple of the routines I was reminded of the fitness video we bought for a OWOA challenge long ago and I have never gone back to (maybe once I did). I was just so bad at following the routines and keeping up - but I could practice. At least it makes me laugh and I suppose that is a form of exercise.
Anyway I think i am saying lets keep going. sorry I am not very imaginative on challenges and not got the time to do much but I will try.
Comment by Elly — March 3, 2008 @ 3:34 pm |Edit This
Debbie Boo…you out there anywhere????
How about Brandi and Bird???
Comment by Tami — March 3, 2008 @ 3:36 pm |Edit This
I’m definitely hoping the site is still around in August after I have the baby!
Comment by Mandi — March 3, 2008 @ 6:59 pm |Edit This
Bird–
231.5/176/160
up .5
Brandi–
123.5
Oops! I know I ate more than I should have last week. Hope I can be less “snacky” this week!
We want OWOA to stay around, but have to admit we are part of the problem and life is just so nutty right now, we don’t know that we can really be part of the solution.
Even at goal, I appreciate the weekly accountability to weigh in and I know Bird does too.
Like Char, I am dealing more with the spiritual aspects of eating..obviously I’m not dieting anymore (although I hate to say if my trend continues upward, I might have no choice!)
Love Y’all!
Comment by Brandi — March 3, 2008 @ 7:23 pm |Edit This
I’m here, Tami! Thanks for asking!
Congrats on reaching goal, Jana!
Great job on the loss, Christina!
That’s TOO FUNNY about the soda, Nikki!
Sorry to hear about the back pain, Bekki. I’ll be praying!
Thanks for coming out of hiding and joining us, Stephine!
Hi, Char!!! I miss the old Shoebox Challenge days and our daily check-ins!
Hey, Brandi! I’m glad we get to hang out two weekends in a row!
You’re awesome, Blest! And I’m soooooo thankful you had the courage to start this blog and keep it going through all the highs and lows!
Ok, I finished stalling. Here are my stats:
232/217.6/149.9
Down 3.8 from last week. Most of which was prob water.
It’s always been hard for me to lose weight, which is why I either never tried or gave it up after a certain point. This may be the longest I’ve stuck to a diet. And almost after nearly 5 months of dieting, I’ve only lost 14.4 lbs. It’s hard for me not to compare myself to my friend Melissa. She’s lost over 30 lbs. We started the diet together and it was mostly through my urging and encouragement. I did it mainly for her; she was/is in a dire state re her health and knew something had to change so she would still be around for her children. Don’t get me wrong! I’m super excited for her and I’m so proud of her! And of course I wish her to be successful! I just wish it wasn’t so darn hard for me to lose weight!!!
Ok, I’m finished whining.
I love OWOA and I know I wouldn’t have made it this far without all of you. I stink at posting, I know. Life is crazy and I have to force myself to regularly post on my personal blog. But I do check OWOA everyday to see how everyone’s doing! So I’ll put my thinking cap on and see if I come up with any suggestions for livening things up again here! This super long comment is a start, I suppose…
Comment by DebbieBoo — March 3, 2008 @ 8:27 pm |Edit This
Ok, I didn’t mean to leave you out Debs! I guess since we chat nearly every other hour over Facebook I figured that counts. But so everyone knows, I love Debs!!! And I’m VERY proud of and encouraged by her progress!
Comment by DebbieBoo — March 3, 2008 @ 8:32 pm |Edit This
Well I was about to get offended, and then I saw your second comment!
Comment by Debs — March 4, 2008 @ 1:58 am |Edit This
168/137/130..Down 1
I was traveling yesterday and could not weigh in.
Sorry I don’t post very often. I DO THINK about it a lot, but I’m just not very good at the whole writing thing…. You need haircuts..I’m your gal!! Writing just doesn’t some come easily to me.
You all do such a great job expressing your thoughts and I do read here at least once a day~~ The accountability here is a wonderful tool!
Comment by ChristyF — March 4, 2008 @ 7:51 am |Edit This
Christy F, any chance you want to fly to London in the next couple of weeks to give me a haircut? I’m supposed to be finding a new one around here (now I’ve got my new funky look!), but haven’t as yet.
Well done on going down this week
Comment by Debs — March 4, 2008 @ 8:12 am |Edit This
Thanks Debs.. I would LOVE to fly to London
My family is really busy preparing for a move back to my hometown..I haven’t lived near my parents in 13 years!Everyone is so excited. I am planning to post about all of my upcoming changes..Not that much to do with weight loss..although eating on plan during travels can be a bit challenging.
I guess London will have to wait..but if you need advice..just ask!!
Comment by ChristyF — March 4, 2008 @ 10:51 am |Edit This
I am one who hasn’t been posting much, but I also don’t want to see the site go
I have been really struggling the last several months. The last part of my husband’s deployment were really hard and I was tired and just so busy all the time. Now his work is really stressful and he’s averaging 16-hour workdays, and it’s like he’s still deployed, and his deployment to Iraq is coming in the fall! I’ve just been gaining and losing the same 10 pounds since September. I don’t really have any ideas on how to get more involved, though.
Comment by Christy — March 4, 2008 @ 11:14 am |Edit This
Christy F - sounds like it would be fun to hear about your plans, and hey, this is a weight-loss blog, but it’s also a place where friends hang out and share their lives with one another, so I think it’s totally justified for you to post about that.
(sorry, run-on sentence, but hope it made sense!)
Christy - I’m praying for you lovely, sweet, Christy. Don’t give up hope. Take things one step at a time. Is there anyway you can change one thing about your diet (as in the things you are eating) or a way to add 10 or 15 minutes of exercise a day? Take it slowly, and one weigh or another you WILL get there.
Comment by Debs — March 4, 2008 @ 11:51 am |Edit This
I know I’ve just kind of been on the periphery, but I think this is an awesome group that I would like to continue to be a part of!
We all had the stomach flu over the weekend (yuck) but everyone seems healthy now and hopefully will stay that way! It’s been a winter of many sicknesses!
153/137/128 - down a few, but I suspect mostly from being sick! Hopefully I can keep it off, but anyway it was nice to see a number in the next ‘decade’ this morning.
Comment by Dawn — March 5, 2008 @ 9:43 am |Edit This
Hope you’re staying well now Dawn. It’s good to have you with us. Stick around and have some fun!
Comment by Debs — March 6, 2008 @ 2:32 am |Edit This