Amanda, Any time is OK to check in. I know many people are busy on Friday and may not be able to check in until Monday. No set rule here. Glad you posted. I take a few sips of pop now and then. The carbonation really hits my tummy hard, but I like the fiz if I'm having a tickle in my throat from allergies. Be really careful with the carbonation, if your tummy gets too much gas it can put stress on the staples and you definitely don't want a staple line disruption. If you absolutely have to have pop, be sure to drink the decaf/caffeine free type. Caffeine can irritate the pou*****rease our hunger, plus take much needed calcium from our systems. I have found that drinking Propel Water and also water with crystal light on the go has really helped me get my fluids in. WOW, you are really getting in the exercise!!!! That is awesome. Doesn't it feel great to get out there and be so active. You really did well with eating out too. I like that most restaurants have good choices for us. I eat a lot of shrimp ****tails or skewed shrimp from the appetizer menus. I like the chicken fillets at Chic Filla (spelling may be wrong), it is also so moist and tender and filling. Have a great week. Mary

Sarah, Sending you a big hug. Remember that our body weight vary on a daily basis. The amount of carbs and sodium consumed the day before can greatly impact our weight. Things like crackers, bread and cheese can be loaded with carbs and salt. I am amazed at the water retention I have if I overdo on the cheese. Take it one step at a time. You will succeed. Remember we are here for you. You might also want to track what you are eating. What can we do to help. Mary

Wanda, You get the gold star for avoiding that darn chocolate bar except for a pinch of it!!!! GOOD for you. That would of been very hard. I can tolerate a bite, but normally I have Hal keep chocolate in his office and out of my sight. I definitely don't want to see it or smell it. What I have found with exercise/gyms is that IF they are not convenient, it is too easy to talk yourself out of going. I had a choice of gym 5 miles from here or Curves down the street (less than 2 miles). I knew that Curves was the better answer for me especially since Hal didn't want to join the gym. Goals do not have to be different each week. Set any goal that works for you. It can be the exact same one each week or totally different. It is up to each person on what will work for them. How wonderful to get to walk the River Walk in San Antonio. I always thought it would be an wonderful place to visit and see. Mary

I've met my goals pretty much for the week. I've been out of town all week and tried to think of goals I knew I could keep fairly easily. I've walked every day to and from my hotel to the training center I've been attending, along with walking the Riverwalk in San Antonio every evening. I've also gotten my water in. Our instructors (2 guys teaching 16 women!) brought snacks every day. Tuesday, they brought in a five pound (YES!!! five pounds!!!) Hershey candy bar. I will have to admit to having a pinch off of it.... I did last until late Wednesday afternoon before I finally gave in. Its so hard to concentrate on writing SQLs when there is a 5 pounds chocolate bar in the same room as you!!! Other than that, I've been eating right. I'm glad you're enjoying Curves, Mary. Please keep us posted on how that is going. I've thought about joining but it really isn't convenient for me. If you get good results, I may just have to drive out of my way and join! I can't weigh myself since I'm still out of town (not returning until Sunday). I'll post that either Sunday evening or Monday. I feel good about it! My goal for next week is to still get my walking and water in. I gave up snacking for Lent, so I think I'll just stick to my original goals for right now. My best to everybody!!! Wanda

I met my goal of exercising 4 days last week. I actually exercised 6 of the 7 days. Joined Curves and really like it. Was amazed at what a great workout it is. I have muscles I didn't even know I had ... LOL I lost 1.4 lbs this week going from 178.4 down to 177.0 ... I'm 3 lbs above my low of 174 but I'm on my way. This week I will set my goals to be: 1. Exercise 4 days this week 2. Take my vitamins daily (I have gotten really bad about taking them and know they are super important to staying healthy). Mary