RRBinPCOLA

I voted this morning, standing in line at 6:45a.m., and the process was relatively simple and painless until I was ready to submit my ballots & saw this sign that said "Please wait and make sure your ballot is excepted" Wait, what? I want my ballot to be accepted, not excepted, thankyouverymuch...Florida is already the butt of entirely too many voting jokes...sigh.

I grease the muffin pan with coconut oil first, but you could also line the muffin cups with half-cooked bacon for extra protein or cupcake liners. =)

Have you tried girls' athletic socks? If you have small feet like I do, it may be a better fit and keep them from sliding down while you run...just a thought.

[quote name= I am an ambulance driver und helping people really gives me energy. If this job would be paid better for nonstudents and I could keep it until retirement I would do it. Have you looked into an EMT program? Many colleges (including junior colleges) have them, since you seem to be interested in helping people and already enjoy your job driving the ambulance. I know that "do what makes you happy" seems a bit trite, but there's something to be said for doing what you love for a living. First off, it won't seem as much like work, unlike an engineering job that you already feel like doesn't interest you. Secondly, a career in a field that both challenges and interests you will less likely burn you out than a career whose sole purpose is to make you money, not bring you satisfaction. That being said, you're already 9 semesters into an 11-12 semester program; if you quit now, will you feel like you've thrown away both the time and money spent working towards the engineering degree? How important is it to bring in an engineering paycheck vs. something else? There are so many factors to consider what you're contemplating...in the end, you have to make the decision that will be right for YOU. I quit a career in the banking industry to pursue my accounting degree full-time; after 5 years of taking one or two classes a semester to get my associate's degree, I really wanted to make faster progress on my bachelor's...and I couldn't see a future in banking for myself, as I was miserable. It was a huge decision to make, and one that required the support of my family. Financially speaking, it has put me further in debt due to student loans, and I'm often challenged to find cheap or free ways to entertain myself, but I'm a lot happier. I may not contribute financially to the household, but I cook, clean, grocery shop, run errands, etc. so that I don't feel like I'm taking advantage...and my degree will allow me to do something I really like as well as contribute to my father's retirement. I no longer take Excedrin daily, or chew Tums like they're candy, so for me, it was the right move to make, and in just over a year, I'll graduate! Good luck & hope this helps...if nothing else, you know you're not alone in thinking of making a major move!

THIS! Even before I decided to go paleo, these were a breakfast staple; they can be customized for picky eaters, kid-friendly, they're convenient for breakfast on the go, they can be frozen...and the possibilities are endless!

I'd be happy to be your sidekick for motivation/diet/exercise support. I'm new here, and am transitioning slowly to a Paleo diet, and getting back into regular exercise. I'm 34, a full time student, no kids, but am getting married next year and want 1. To fit into my (already bought and currently too small) dress comfortably, and 2. Get healthier before I have the same kinds of health problems my family tends to, plus it's a good idea in case we decide to have a baby. I'm available through text, e-mail, Skype...whatever works for you, let me know if you want to team up, the holidays are so full of stress and temptation that it's hard to stay on track! Renae

If you have a sewing machine, I've found this method is fast and easy for hemming them up, and you can always stick a dart or two in the waistband for that smallish waist you have (be glad you're not built the opposite with a big waist and itty-bitty hips) http://suttongrace.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-hem-your-jeans-and-not-look-like.html At 5'2" the only jeans I can wear without hemming are actually women's capri's...lol. If you don't sew, or don't have the time, it's worth the $10 to get them professionally altered, especially if you find yourself buying high dollar jeans. You may also want to look into stores like Tractor Supply to see if their ladies' jeans will work for you, they're probably a little more heavy duty than what you'll find in a department store. Good luck!

As the daughter of a seamstress, that chart is pretty good, you may want to add in a neck measurement. I know when I'm gaining and losing weight it shows in my neck, and that's one more progress you can chart. The most important thing is to measure consistently, using the same spot on your arm/leg/waist regardless if you're flexing or not, and if you can have someone else measure for you, that's even better. Good luck

Thanks for the suggestions, y'all! I did look at the Beginning body weight workout, and I'm going to give it a shot. I'm interested in losing inches along with building my stamina and speed. As far as the Paleo diet goes, this week I'm giving up rice for good...for a half-Asian gal, that's probably a good portion of my problem eating-wise. I'd also like to be able to run a 5k instead of walking it.

I'm a college student in my 30's...outside of hiking across campus, my life is fairly sedentary. I have plenty of time, but seem to lack motivation. I've been making small changes to my lifestyle, but definitely need to step it up a notch. I've quit smoking and cut down on both the caffeine and diet soda in favor of water, but I'm in serious need of an exercise plan/routine/something! I'm 5'2", weight is typically between 155-160, and I'm a Type II diabetic. After reading several of the blog posts and doing some research, the Paleo diet really appeals to me, except for the lack of dairy. I plan to find and try some recipes this weekend. I'm seriously out of shape and can't just jump into a hardcore workout (Insanity? Yes, why yes it was, and painfully so...) because a week/month later I tend to give up on such things. The first blog I read on here was the Walk a Mile in the morning, every morning, and I thought, "well I can do that!" so tomorrow we'll see. Earlier this year, I walked with my 11 year old niece in the Maguire's St. Patty's Day 5k, and was disgusted to realize that it took us an ENTIRE HOUR to walk 3 miles...but I know that I CAN walk. My dad, who smokes, drinks, and eats whatever he pleases, has had two minor strokes, two minor heart attacks, and now uses a scooter to get around because he can't walk more than 50 ft without stopping to rest. I'll always be daddy's girl, but I don't want to be him. I don't want to eat myself to death, I want to avoid the kind of health problems he's having and becoming a better me. That's my goal, and my new mantra. Renae