Joli - I couldn't resist! I saw they're doing a remake of that HORRIBLE 1970's movie. I remember you, Amy and me (did Patti go too?) going to see that at a midnight movie. It was so scary and gross I had nightmares for months!

OK, back to our regularly scheduled programming. I did pretty well yesterday just slightly over my calorie range. Remember my post last week about being "skeered" of social situations? Well, I was right. Those 2 days of being bad over the weekend have thrown me all out of kilter. I'm back to feeling like I want to eat constantly and, of course, I'm only craving unhealthy things. I've now had 2 days of being relatively good and I'm going to do my best today to stay completely on program. I am so close to my goal and I absolutely refuse to backslide to the point of no return!

Semi-good news on Bill's job situation. He's starting with a company next week (American Claims Mgmt) in a temp-to-perm position. They've just opened a new office in Alpharetta to handle claims for one large client so it's not like the Katrina thing which as we knew would eventually end. I'm still a little uneasy because he's will be working as a temp. Bill's confident that it will become permanent but I won't be convinced until he's on their payroll.

Good morning, ladies!

Well, I did much better on Sunday even though I was "starving" all day. I think it was more of a mental starvation because of the 2 previous days. My stomach had gotten used to so much food that it's down there going "Ummm - excuse me? Only 1400 calories today? Where's the rest of it?" I struggled really hard about 9:00 pm knowing there was a bag of Tostidos Gold and guacomole. I stayed strong and grabbed the grapes instead.

Tracey, as if the "Evil Moms" weren't bad enough, now you're having to deal with the "Evil Husbands"! It's no wonder we struggle so hard when we have these outside influences. Well, it's a new day and a new week. Let's keep next Saturday in mind knowing that you're going to want to splurge. This will be our motivation all week to stay on track with our eating and workouts.

Joli, how was your Sunday? I hope you didn't work too hard!

No change on Grandma. She's doing OK for now. Thanks for asking!

OK, so I've had 2 REALLY bad days. However, I have been craving Mexican for about 3 weeks and last night I got a BIG fix! We went to Allan's for Mom's birthday and they made these fabulous enchiladas among other things. I did make a salsa that was pretty low cal and I took a veggie/fruit tray. Good intentions completely outweighed by all the other stuff. Of course, there was a Publix birthday cake that I couldn't refuse, right? I'm just going to blame it all on PMS and start fresh today. Today, I will eat my 3 servings each of fruits and vegetables. I will stay within my calorie range. I will be at the gym for the next 8 hours.

Joli, just in case Julie doesn't log on today, Body Sculpting is an hour long class offered by most gyms that uses various exercises to sculpt and tone your entire body. You do exercises for all of the major body parts: arms, back, chest, legs and abs. I think you can use hand weights for added resistance. Also, thanks for your prayers. Grandma seems to be doing OK now. We're pretty much in a state of "wait and see". As far as your measuring, I think it sounds like you're doing great. I think the no weight loss is definitely from the added muscle especially since you've lost all those inches. Poor Russell! Even though the scale is down I know it must be frustrating to not be losing any inches. Hurray for eating Sushi! I was going to be disappointed if you had decided to give it up for good.

...rolled down the hill, into the hole and am now sitting at the bottom of the well. Actually, it wouldn't have been so bad if it weren't for the 273 calorie cheesecake and the 899 calories in the martinis . Other than that I would have almost been within range!

I got a call from Mom early yesterday to say Grandma is not doing too well. She was convinced that Grandma was on her death bed and wasn't going to survive the day. She had planned to go visit her this morning and, of course, I offered to go with her. But I decided she (Mom) wouldn't last the night worrying so I suggested we go see Grandma last night. She seems to doing OK. They have her on oxygen to help her breathing and they brought in a hospital bed for her. She was alert but just seemed weak, we think because they also have her on morphine. Bottom line, she's 90 (91 in June) and is just plain old. It may be that she's decided it's about time for her to go and her body is catching up to her mind. It breaks my heart to see her like that but if she's in any pain at all I don't want her to suffer for years to come. On the other hand, she has surprised us in the past and fought to hang on. So, we'll just have to take it one day at a time. Please keep her and Mom in your prayers.

Needless to say, Mom and I had a martini before heading to Lawrenceville and then went to Bahama Breeze for dinner. Besides having another martini, I actually did well ordering there(grilled chicken, mashed sweet potatoes and corn salsa). The offensive cheesecake was brought in at work for a woman who is leaving our office. I just couldn't resist!

So, what's up for the weekend? Bill's working tomorrow so, of course, I'll get a workout in during the day. Tomorrow is Mom's birthday so we're going to Allan's to celebrate in the evening. Other than that, I guess we'll be low key.

We're starting to become a boring, old married couple but I have to take the blame for that. I've been avoiding making social plans because I'm skeered! I'm still not able to control my social appetite. You know the one where you think in order to have fun you must eat lots of fattening food and have many cocktails? I'm so close to my goal that I don't want to blow it with just a few pounds to go. Eventually, I'm going to have to get over it and learn to deal. I miss hanging out with my pals!

I know "they" say this should be a lifestyle change but how am I supposed to maintain it? I love being thinner and fitting into my clothes but what fun is there without good food and wine? I know that I've lost weight because I've consistently stayed within my 1500 calorie range along with 5-6 days of exercise. The exercise part is not a problem. However, trying to get the required servings of fruit, veggies, protein, fiber and grains pretty much puts me at my limit. So that leaves very little wiggle room for any splurges like wine and chocolate. . So, I've got to figure out how to maintain my new weight and still be able to enjoy some of my favorite things.

WAH! Pity Party for Pam is now over!

P.S. Welcome back, Marilyn. Now all we're missing is Leisa!