Thursday, December 2, 2010

Burberry Fit Clubbers Rock the Vote...

Ok, Burberry Fit Clubbers and all you Fit Clubber wannabees, Listen up!! As we head into the last hurrah of the Burberry Fit Club Challenge, I am going to mix it up a little. Why? Because I can. I am so enjoying the comments, the banter, the Judy baiting and Louis hating, that I want the entire world to be a part of this beautiful, supportive, weight loss driven, diet tip sharing, Burberry aspiring community. Your comments are so well crafted  (Angela, Maggie, Katey...) and your names so awe inspiring (I'm talking to you Fat F*ck--which still makes me laugh every time I read it--could I be any more immature? Spatch cock turkey, indeed...) that I'd like to share them with as many people as possible. Please, let's not hide the light of our collective wit and wisdom under the proverbial bushel....

So, I am incorporating another wrinkle into the scoring of this competition. I must admit, because you guys are all so great with the tips, so quick with the comments, and so motivated that you are losing actual poundage, I am feeling a lot of pressure in choosing a winner here....I can take the pressure, but I'd like to get a little help. Therefore, like my forefathers before me, (the Continental Congress, the Electoral College, American Idol and Dancing with the Stars), I am turning a portion of the judging of this competition over to the popular vote. You heard me right...let's be democratic and bring this one to the people...For the next two weeks, (until December 16th) I want anyone and everyone to be able to put their two cents in on who should win that lovely, oh so lovely, cashmere scarf.

Here's how it will work: From today until Dec. 16th, anyone who is not currently in the Challenge, can vote as often as they want for whomever they want to win the scarf. Voting must be done through the comment portion of the blog. I know this is kind of a pain, as it appears that many, many fine and smart people struggle to use the comment section of the blog, but I can't think of any other way to check and tally the votes. What I am hoping for here is that the friends, families, pets, neighbors, co-workers, colleagues, team mates, room mates and cell mates of all of the Fit Club competitors show their love and support by seriously and continuously pounding the crap out of the blog and voting for their favorite Clubber to win the scarf. Their comments don't have to be funny (that would be an extra bonus) or contain any diet tips. They just need to say something like: "I vote for Fat F*ck" , that's it. They can cast that vote a million times over, all day, every day, if they feel so inclined. I just need to see that they logged into the comments and that they voted. Easy peasy--lemon squeezy...

I'm pretty sure you can see where I'm going with this, because if we all do this right, if we all use the magical and exponential power of the internet to send this humble blog, and AWESOME competition to the rest of the free and uninitiated world, not only will the cyber world be a better place, not only will democracy reign in the Fit Club Challenge, but also, my ticker will go through the roof....And I must say, that would make me just extraordinarily happy. (All I want for Christmas is 10,000 hits...) I am nicely asking, and counting on the integrity of those of you already in the Challenge not to change your comment name and chronically vote for yourself. You can do it, but you'll hate yourself, because you'll know you're a cheater, and everybody hates a cheater, especially me....Also, remember, popular vote will only count as a portion of the total score. I still have the ultimate authority on who gets the almighty scarf. You are all cool people, with many, many well connected and supportive friends. Lean on them to help your cause...and lean on them to help my cause...( "Help me help you..." "You had me at Burberry..." )

I think this will be VERY fun, VERY funny (I just know the Gentlemen of St. Ed's will have a few things to say) and really will help me figure out just who should receive this fabulous Burberry scarf . You have no idea how torn I am...so many great competitors, but only one Burberry scarf....(and I seriously do not think that Dave McKeon is going to let me buy 15 scarves to give away...darn it....) So, in many ways, you Clubbers all control your own destiny, by begging your loved ones to support you in this noble and worthy cause by casting their vote...over and over and over and over.... However, don't forget, I still expect consistent, regular, irreverant, diet tips and comments from those of you in the Challenge. You've come this far, don't wuss out now....

Finally, I am going to announce the winner on Dec. 17th. I know it's a week early and I know it cuts into our weight loss time, but I also know that the lucky winner of this scarf wants to have it under their tree or around their neck before Christmas.  I feel you....so, the winner will be announced on Dec. 17th and the scarf will be shipped or delivered to the winner on that same day.  Man, good luck to everyone. I'm feeling a little nervous on your behalves...this may very well be where we separate the Brandy's from the Briston Palins.....who knows how the people will vote? You've got the college boys and all of their free time vs. the young moms vs. the cougars vs. the rest of the field. The real question will be, who can convince their posse to vote them into victory??? Well, Clubbers, you know what to do....Don't just sit there reading this crap,... GO, GO, get your voting blocks in order and some how, some way, force them to hit the blog and cast their votes for you...and I assure you, there will be no hanging chad in this voting process...

Today's Top Ten:
  1. Casey Ferraro--thanks....
  2. The steak Chili from Panera--this stuff is seriously awesome and it can't be bad for you because it has those beans in it
  3. "Melt With You" the Modern English classic...there is a mash up version that's pretty good too.
  4. Low fat ice cream snow man heads...a seasonal tradition
  5. Phillip Rivers, quarterback of the Chargers...doing great things for Foster kids
  6. The chocolate toffee from Sweet's in Lake Forest
  7. The Kate Spade clutch with the bow
  8. The FEED project and the original FEED bag...not meaning to tip my hand, but it is going to be a very, merry FEED Christmas around here
  9. The plasma car--always a fan favorite, even of the big kids....
  10. "What if Jesus Came Back Like That?"--a seriously cheesy Christmas carol that is embedded in the McKeon Holiday traditions...
Time is Ticking....Let's get our Vote on...

423 comments:

  1. I have a vote?
    Excellent.
    I wonder what it's worth?
    Hey Fat F*ck, it sure would be nice to have someone pick up my kid after the away game on Saturday night...might be worth a vote... ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Louis...I'll take you on with the pushups...you can do the girlie ones and I'll do the big boy ones. Just put your money where your mouth is!

    Diet tip: Protein, protein and more protein!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Alright game on... too bad none of my savvy friends could possibly figure out the post comment thing, yeah I am talking to you Beth Matteucci.
    While I often find my life worthy of violin playing theatrics, I am pretty sure that I cannot pull on the heart strings of the masses with my part time job woes or the overly hectic and busy lifestyle of 2 whole children .. One is even of babysitting age. That being said, I may get a few sympathy votes because while my husband is not in Afghanistan, he does work out of the house and is present daily... I mean 24/7... That’s got to earn me something. Not saying that I wish he were in Afghanistan, but on a daily train to Chicago would be nice.
    The diet tip that I have this week is to tell you what not to do based on the recent week’s results... Do not bake chocolate cake for the “family” because as it turns out I think about it constantly and eat “small” pieces one after another until it is all gone. Stay away from all drive throughs... my kids fries are always half eaten by the time we get home… “Man, they don’t put many fries in there mom”. Do not wait until you are hungry to eat... I always end up eating something unhealthy and fast when hungry.
    I really need to get my fat a$$ to the gym, I hear from Brian that they put in a new pool last weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I vote for jpulera! She placed in the Turkey Day Run and that's not easy - Go Judy!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. lynnJ....Thank you!!

    Emily...Thank you!!

    I have a feeling I'm going to need all of the help I can!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think Laurie should host a Burberry Fit Club Christmas social! The thought of Judy and Louis having a push-up marathon in Laurie's foyer makes my heart warm. We could all show up looking super skinny (ehem, I mean "fit" - right Judy?) and banter back and forth whether it's best to eat tuna and water, protein (and more protein), low-fat, no-carb, fast food fries or 12 small meals of chocolate cake.

    Joe, go ahead and vote for Brian - we'll get your kid home after the game on Saturday! I figure Brian is my best shot at getting that scarf for Christmas so go ahead and tell Patty to log in a vote as well! Put a challenge out to that salesman and watch out! Last time that happened he got to kiss Sarah Palin (long story...I'll tell you all at the Christmas party).

    Down 1.5 - total 4.5.
    Tip: Christmas stress does it for me. I guess bring on the stress to melt away the pounds. Whatever it takes!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Excellent!
    I guess a vote for Brian is a vote for Sara too!

    Joe votes for FF Pond!
    (He has been my idol ever since kissing Sarah Palin and getting the picture posted on the web)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Once again, I've got to hand it to FF Pond and Judy Pulera...Judy really knows how to handle the competition and is already racking up the votes...FF kissed Sarah Palin and has the photos to prove it?? This I've got to see...someone email it to me so I can put it in the blog...Man, these Burberry Fit Club Challengers certainly are a multi faceted bunch. Do not underestimate their abilities....Let's keep those votes coming...Sara, seriously thinking about the party...I'm all about the fun.

    ReplyDelete
  9. There are a couple of points I'd like to briefly discuss;

    1) I really like that people are using the concept of "banter". Such a good phrase, heard it nonstop in London; kudos to all the cool kids expressing it.

    2) While this new voting thing proves quite efficient to increase traffic, get everyone involved, etc... I'm going to go ahead and baby whine (happy, Jpulera, one of your attacks was finally valid, hooray!) and say that you older savants are more likely to have time to blog, and actually do it, so us youngens are kinda disadvantaged. Just saying.

    3) Even though i don't get a vote, I'm metaphorically voting for Maggie. She backed me up and is studying abroad (which is a hard situation to be in to attempt to work out and cut weight). Do with that what you will.

    4) I'm down to a total of 12 lbs. lost, no big deal.

    Tip #28: Cut food into smaller pieces. You usually end up eating slower and less.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I found the pic...can I post a website here? I'll find out...

    http://www.tmz.com/2008/10/20/ms-palin-can-we-steal-a-kiss-you-betcha/

    Try it!

    ReplyDelete
  11. By the way (btw for you texters out there), do not search the web for Sarah Palin kisses FF. You will not get the results you were hoping for.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I've been a little busy the past few days and now just got a chance to do some blog readin. Fat F*&k likes the voting thing. I do believe there are many little Fat F*&kers out there willing to cast a vote for one of their own. I bet, those little F*&kers don't even know a push-uppin' jpulera. I'm still a little overwhelmed with the huge addition to the Rec Plex, so I'm trying to stay the course by eating better which is hard to do when traveling. With that being said, My Diet Tip:
    A lot of driving this week and no time for the lunch. FF drinks a lot of water and hits the McDonald's drive through for a hamburger, yogurt parfait and a Big Ass glass of water (You will need to pay for the glass otherwise they try to give you two smaller cups). Throw one of the buns away and you have a nice little hamburger taco. (Please add 10 to 15 minutes to your travel time so you can stop to pee.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I cast my vote for my wife, Jpulera!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Another vote for my wife...jpulera!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Your right Brian...those other FF*kers do not know a pushup..especially, Louis!!

    Thanks to my wonderful and supportive husband for his votes(I'm sure more to come!).

    And thanks to Jennifer for her vote!

    Excersise tip: Do pushups...get excersise for overall fitness!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Meant to say "great" excersise for overall fitness!

    ReplyDelete
  17. It's late and I have a vendor event tomorrow early, but I'm casting a vote fro jpulera!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Okay, this time I'm casting a vote for, not fro, jpulera!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I've got to say, Jpulera is dominating in the popular vote. Let's go, Clubbers, let's get out the vote....C'mon Louis, you better rally the Stedsmen to support your cause. And no offense, but don't even pretend that you are at a disadvantage because of this whole voting thing....seriously, there is no one more surgically attached to their laptops than college students. You should be cleaning up in the voting, because every single college kid I know is on their imac 24/7. They should be logging into this blog repeatedly to cast their votes in between texting, tweeting and facebooking. Hell, most people my age can barely log into the blog, let alone post a comment. Long live democracy...

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thank you,Lynn, for your votes!!!!!

    Louis, I beg to differ with you on older savants having more time to blog. We work all day, care for our kids, run a household, volunteer work, some of us run businesses, etc. So you are whining to the wrong group of people. Suck it up Louis...you've got it made..I'm sure you're living the dream up there in your ND dorm(more power to you)...I hope you are also thanking your parents(I'm sure they have worked hard to send you to all of the places you have mentioned thru out this blog). No more whining, Louis...there's no whining in the BFC Challenge!! You better start working on your girly pushups!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Jpulera, you are slightly ridiculous.

    While I do respect the complete insanity that comes with your comments, come on now. I'm a guy AND I'm young, don't even pretend like you could dominate me in much other than maybe cooking, sewing, and changing diapers ;)

    And Mrs. McKeon, your allegations are definitely correct, us youngens are definitely wired (almost) 24/ 7. But again, blogging's definitely not our forte, so times are a little rough in that aspect.

    And furthermore, I do believe I'm one of the few people that has actually lost the weight, so please, do try and get at me. It's actually kind of funny, seeing as someone's proving rather successful on the whole weight loss/fitness regime (aka, this guy right here), without having to solely rely on comments to get him through this competition, so I'm not too worried. Bring it.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks Louis !!! Such a martyr ... if I win that scarf I'll travel to St. Ed's to let you try it on ; )

    Come on people vote for me!!! I will soon be leaving the land of locos to come back to the US and what better way to celebrate being home for the holidays then with a brand new scarf?? Remember the whole vaccinating Mexican niños thing...

    Diet tip: by yourself a cute outfit for Christmas in a size slightly smaller than what you are now. It will motivate you to fit into it by Christmas! Diet tip 2: don't justify eating like a pig by reminding yourself you only have two weeks left to enjoy Mexican food. Oops....

    ReplyDelete
  24. I have to say this whole voting thing is stressing me out. Congrats to jpulera but I'm getting no love! Maybe I'll have my husband tell all the folks over in Afghanistan to get the vote on, though I was trying to surprise him with my fitness makeover.

    I have two homecoming outfits picked out. My favorite one can only be the winner IF it's completed with a new burberry scarf.

    My mom couldn't figure out how to post, so she wants to cast a vote for me and another for Emily.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Joe, thanks for the vote. FYI...I have changed my profile picture to me kissing Ms. Palin.
    Fat F*&k is down 5lbs. I need to get to that Rec Plex place!

    I'll cast a vote for Sara. She seems to like Fat F*&ks and I admire that quality in her..

    Diet Tip: Work related contract stress really helps with weight loss.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm putting in a Vote for BP! I would love to see Sara get that scarf. Merry Christmas Ponds!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Maggie, no problem, it's what I do. And if you win the scarf, I definitely call a visit to Steds to celebrate.

    Angela, that was such a quality post. So much sly, down-played sympathy grubbing; kudos again.

    Tip #29: Find a dance fiend when you go to a party. The possibilities of getting a huge workout on the dance floor with someone who either knows what they're doing or is just insane are immense.

    ReplyDelete
  28. My vote is for my AUNT Judy... jpulera!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ok winter is officially here!! My tip for the day.... soup. Its great on cold, snowy days AND not a lot of calories if you choose the right one! (no creamy ones : )


    love the voting twist Laurie!


    and I will give my vote to Angela... keep this in mind during your christmas shopping Ang ; )

    ReplyDelete
  30. Alright Judy is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Congratulations on your Turkey Trot Placing. While I did not place in the Turkey Trot (still trying to break a 19 minute 2 mile fun run), I do have a severe case of what the Sephora lady calls Turkey neck. She convinced me that a cream of the same name would have fascinating results... 1 month later... no results... So I am thinking that a beautiful cashmere Burberry scarf might be the remedy that I need to hide the unsightly turkey neck. I am pretty sure that as fit as Judy is that she does not suffer from this ailment, and Louis being a young man is certainly waddle free...I realize that the scarf is for his mother, but he will certainly not be receiving any votes by mentioning that his mother has Turkey neck.
    Down 2 pounds... Lots of Avocado’s... With McCormick guacamole seasoning and whole grain tortilla chips... yummy!
    Now as for Angela, I have to throw her a vote... The coming home outfit definitely got me.

    ReplyDelete
  31. i have to vote for my dear cousin maggie..i'd love to greet her at the airport in 15 days with a burberry scarf to remind her that it's winter and not fair that she's so tan in december. also, then we can have matching cousin scarves to bring to harvey's..mom..i know you're a sucker for matching..and let's be honest posey will wearing at least 16 burberry outfits while we're there..which means even more matching..

    ReplyDelete
  32. I like this voting thing, too. Very interesting seeing who can pull in the votes...Less than two weeks until the polls close. Vote early, vote often.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Did you all see the sign on 94? Someone posted a highway sign to vote for FF, right next to the White Castle sign! (mmm sliders, Fit Club smelling that now?)

    Another vote for Mr. FF Pond!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Another vote for my wife, jpulera.

    Louis...TRUST me, you're messing with the wrong cougar!! Believe me!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am casting a vote for Brian because I still laugh when I think of Jesus carrying him on the beach.

    ReplyDelete
  36. casting a vote for jpulera. that woman can spatch cock more than a turkey! watch out...you could be next!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. husband pulera, I'm pretty sure I'm encountering way more successes than said cougar. Again, I'll be scared when I'm given a reason to be so.

    Oh, and I was Cougar Hunter for Halloween; enough said.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Now I also want to vote for Larry Sanchez

    ReplyDelete
  39. Buthasaur Fleming also gets a vote from Jamarcus

    ReplyDelete
  40. Frank would really appreciate the scarf too, he had a rough thanksgiving break and I can relate. So throw another vote for Francis Soler up there

    ReplyDelete
  41. Maggie posted on my wall and made it look like I have friends, so give her another vote too

    ReplyDelete
  42. Then I vote for Pete McKeon because you let him in the contest and took down his blog fearing the competition

    ReplyDelete
  43. Now that I don't go out, I have a lot of time during my study breaks to vote. So throw another vote for Louis up there

    ReplyDelete
  44. I don't even know if my votes count but I'm voting for Louis again to try and catch him up with Mrs. Pulera

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'll vote for Louis again and give the diet tip of sleeping in as late as you can because it gives you that much less time to be stuffing your face

    ReplyDelete
  46. Not sure which McKeon boy Jamarcus is but thanks for the vote. I'll be sure to bring you back somethin from Mexico. Thanks also to Annie and Nora.

    I RAN FOUR MILES TODAY. Haven't lost any weight but that's gotta count for somethin ... maybe my fat has converted into muscle? Let's go with that

    ReplyDelete
  47. Now I just want to close with the comment that I am not in the contest and as you all can see, can pack a punch in this whole voting process. If anyone is interested in this kind of fire power, my services are available (at a price). Just leave a comment and I'm sure we can arrange some sort of deal. Stay classy Fit Clubbers


    And I vote for Louis again

    ReplyDelete
  48. i vote for maggie again. cousinship forever

    ReplyDelete
  49. Look at that, people all way say how important it is for the youth to vote; boom.

    I metaphorically vote for Maggie again, because just like Jamarcus, she made me look more popular by being my friend... and I love me a good margarita (those are from Mexico, right?).

    And I'm giving another metaphorical vote to Jpulera... not really, sorry for lying.

    ReplyDelete
  50. What is with this metaphorical voting? Louis, according to the official Burberry Fit Club Challenge Handbook, you can vote for anyone except yourself, so I'm counting your metaphorical votes as actual votes, even the one for jpulera--there's no lying in Fit Club--we all live under a cone of fitness truth...

    I must say, Angela, you are killing me...You know that I will always fall for anyone putting together a cute outfit for a special occasion...especially a cute outfit for a HUSBAND COMING HOME FROM AFGANISTAN!! Just a little tip...you do not have to be 18 to vote in this competition...hint, hint...possibly those of you with little kids can "teach" them how to use the computer, and cast a vote or two???

    Judy, you are the master.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Well, in that case, Jake and Henry both said they whole-heartedly vote for me. The boys are almost always matching and I try to coordinate in that, "Oh, look at that cute family" kind of way not the "look at that psycho matching her kids" kind of way. They have these adorable sweaters that would totally compliment the scarf. I'm just saying....

    Jake just woke up and said to vote for me again.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Jamarcus,
    my partner Balthasar and I would like to thank you immensely for your support in this contest. It means a lot to us, especially in this heated, hostile, cut-throat competition. Thanks again, Sanchez- out.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I'd also like to place votes for louis and frank- a couple of fine young stedsmen who have been in the thick of the Fit Cub action throughout the entire ordeal

    ReplyDelete
  54. And I'd like to vote for this Larry Sanchez guy... I have no relation to him whatsoever and have no idea who he is, but he seems like a real classy character to me, so he gets my vote

    ReplyDelete
  55. as i head out to church i know i will probably be seeing judy pulera hitting the pavement one way or another. so here is another vote for jpulera.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Mrs. McKeon, I thought we got no votes (period) if we were in the competition, my mistake. My votes were more for the principal of the thing, but awesome; we get votes; huzzah.

    And in that case I vote for Frank, because he's my bro.

    And I really didn't mean to vote for Jpulera, it was merely a joke. If I can't retract that though, oh well, that supposed cougar can probably use all of the help she can get.

    ReplyDelete
  57. And I vote for Maggie once more.

    ReplyDelete
  58. And I'll vote for the lone McKeon contender as well, Pete.

    ReplyDelete
  59. She's bombing her triceps right now and the rest of her body as I'm sending this.
    Another vote for JUDY PULERA!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Stay out of her way when she swings her kettle bells!!!

    A HUGE vote for my WIFE, JUDY PULERA!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  61. husband pulera, I wouldn't worry about warning us too much, I'm pretty sure the probably pink, 5 lb. kettle bells can do very little damage...

    Voting for Maggie again.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Oh my, my, my. All this voting, all this action. Is this a great country or what? God Bless Burberry and God Bless America. Keep those votes coming...

    ReplyDelete
  63. Gotta show louis love, give him another vote

    ReplyDelete
  64. Louis...believe me.. I do not use pink 5lb. kettlebells like you do. I still can't get over the fact that you used the term "acute lifting"....whatever the frick that really means. That term just goes to show that you do not lift weights...it just validates that you probably do jazzercise or go to Curves. You told my husband that you were a Cougar Hunter for Halloween. How did that Cougar Hunting gig work out for you?

    Lastly, Louis...save that vote you were going to cast for me and use it on yourself because you're going to need it!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Another vote for my wife, JPULERA!!! Louis...I'll buy you a pass to my wife's bootcamp and we'll see if you can keep up with her and the other girls!!

    ReplyDelete
  66. GO BEARS!!!!

    Another vote for JPULERA!!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Louis...you can add a "0" to that 5lb.pink kettlebell...because that's the size that she uses.

    JPULERA gets my vote!!

    ReplyDelete
  68. judy...you aren't the one who needs all the help. louis does. once he gets spatch cocked he won't know what hit him! you will definitely leave him spineless! here is another vote for jpulera

    ReplyDelete
  69. This vote goes to Brian Pond, I know several people doing this challenge but he was the first to put the link on facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I vote for Judy Pulera because she is a very smart person and also very healthy, and a good Mom.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Jpulera & husband, you guys are cute. I really do appreciate the effort at making somewhat of an insulting/insightful comment, it's cute ;)

    And again, I never said I lifted regularly, so not really sure what your argument there is either... but sure, get me a pass to your bootcamp, a little entertainment never hurt anyone. And Curves? Really?... someone's got jokes (or at least thinks they do)...

    Tip #30: Partake in campus wide, snowball fights. Such a good workout and adrenaline rush.

    PS - Down a total of 14.6 lbs... no need for Curves, eh Jpulera? Just save that one for when the 'ole metabolism decides to finally call it quits... which may be sooner rather than later?

    PPS - I would rather not talk about my Halloween endeavors, this is a family friendly blog.

    PPS - I vote for Maggie, again.

    ReplyDelete
  72. judy pulera's metabolism quit?????never!!!!!!!!!!!
    she's german!!!!! a vote for jpulera!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  73. and married to an italian...make that another vote for jpulera!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  74. A big vote for Maggie! Michigan is way cold and her new house has no heat.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Another vote for Maggie. Must I remind the bestower of the scarf that she is Maggie's Godmother? I do believe that Burberry was included in the vows made at Maggie's baptism almost 21 years ago. (I will let you off the hook for all that "modeling the Catholic faith" stuff. Modeling a Burberry scarf is way more important.)

    ReplyDelete
  76. I also cast a vote for Angela. Waking a child up from a nap just so they will vote for you shows strong will and great sacrificing of one's own needs.

    OK. This voting is making me late for work.

    ReplyDelete
  77. I vote for my Aunt Judy!! jpulera

    ReplyDelete
  78. OMG...leave for a couple of days and shit hits the fan. Gee, Im torn between my bud Judy and the kid Louis. I always vote for the underdog. (Louis) But, lets get a couple of facts straight...Judy placed in the Turkey run because she was on MY shirttail. 2ND...Spatch cock was my doing....Remember " The Turkey Soup"!!! (I can whine with the best of them.) 3rd.., Laurie, Did you get your suck-up Jam??? Ok...I/'m voting for Judy, have to Louis, I see her , Not you. I don't even know you, except for this BLOG. I'm in for the push-up gig and having a PARTY...LOVE, LOVE to party.
    Diet tip: Never, ever mix your drinks. Drink all beer(64's, f'in close to water) or all champagne ( Veuve Clicquot is my fav!!).

    ReplyDelete
  79. hey louis,
    my mom is straight... 1 vote jpulera

    ReplyDelete
  80. Go Bears!!!!!!

    Another vote for my mom...jpulera!!!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Cheryl...thanks for the vote!!! I didn't give Laurie her suck-up jam..I forgot. I will get it to her on Wed. And yes, Cheryl, I was running on your younger shirttail in the Turkey Run. But I will say...that the 5K race for Ellen S. was on my own!! And Cheryl, are you going to host he pushup show down at your house?

    For all of you who do not know Cheryl...she always hosts GREAT parties!!!

    Diet tip: Protein shakes during the day to cut the inbetween hunger. Louis..not McDonald shakes...Protein shakes!!!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Parise; thanks for consideration on giving me a vote, I greatly appreciate. No hard feelings though, we do in fact not know each other, and like I stated earlier, Jpulera needs all the help she can get.

    I'll also place another vote for Maggie.

    Tip #31: Cottage Cheese. Tasty, healthy, good.

    ReplyDelete
  83. I need help, Louis? I think you're the one feeling the heat! Did you do any "acute" lifting this weekend(still can't figure out what the frick that is...never, ever heard a professional strength trainer refer to lifting in that term or a personal trainer...it must be Louis lingo!)?

    ReplyDelete
  84. Thanks for the compliment Judy...I thought Laurie was going to host the SHOW-DOWN..."Guns" are drawn now!!! Another vote for Judy.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Wish I blogged my name as Dumb-Ass....it can mean many things. Terms of endearment,really stupid or you are very funny. (That's my fav. :)I'm trying to get my dumb-ass kids to vote for me...Notice the number of votes..Haha I only have one that can participate, but really he can vote. I'm entering Joey's vote for "Me". Can I do that Laurie?????

    ReplyDelete
  86. Hahaha, someone really needs to get over themselves... I wouldn't expect myself to have professional weight training lingo, would you? And for someone that went to Notre Dame (I believe that was mentioned earlier), the appreciation/understanding for simple vocabulary is surprisingly vapid. Just saying :)

    And I'll vote for your Parise. One vote, there ya go.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Thank you.....one is the loneliest number that you'll ever knew....Two???? It's going to be so cold tonight,that it's going to be a "Three Dog Night"!!! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  88. Hell, it's snowing and I'm in the Christmas spirit; one more for parise.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Another vote for Maggie. I have heard that she donated some of her own apparel to the Mexican ninos because she could not fit her belongings plus gifts into her luggage for the return trip to the USA. The scarf will start to replenish her wardrobe nicely.

    ReplyDelete
  90. I need to cast a vote for Emily Chiappetta because we all know she is the fittest girl ever! Just last week she nonchalantly told me she's running a half marathon in January...like this was no big deal. Also, today she volunteered to give me her travel-abroad-necessities hand-me-downs. Mom, you know this will save you (aka dad) from having to buy me my own such items...the Burberry scarf is basically like investing in me being the most well equipped European traveler in the ND group...

    also, does anyone know any way I can get an invite to the royal wedding?? this is priority number one while studying in London..

    ReplyDelete
  91. There's too much love for Mrs. Pulera, I'll have to even the playing and keep a Stedsman in the hunt. I vote for Louis

    ReplyDelete
  92. I vote for Louis on behalf of Kevin too. And give him another vote from me

    ReplyDelete
  93. Another vote for Louis, and throw one up for Frank. Give one to my boys L. Sanchez and B Flemming. Finally throw one up for Maggie

    ReplyDelete
  94. Jamarcus; crucial.

    And I'll vote for Frank.

    PS: Annie, when you go to London, make sure to go to fabriclondon. You can thank me later.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Thanks for the shout out Anne!

    My tip for the day deals with my love of baking.... find healthy substitutes for no-so-healthy ingredients... apple sauce and whole wheat flour are great examples!....but then again, maybe we should keep our Christmas cookies with all the good stuff in them...then just give them away : )

    ReplyDelete
  96. I broke the exciting news to my husband (about joining the Fit Club and the motivation it/the scarf/his homecoming has provided) and he spent the better part of yesterday trying to post a vote for me. So, until he can get it working -- from Afghanistan, count this vote. Jake and Henry wanted to vote for Mommy again too!

    ReplyDelete
  97. Oh yeah, I'll give Emily a vote


    Then give another one to Louis

    ReplyDelete
  98. Thanks Jamarcus! I'll take a vote from whoever I can get!!


    Kyle has been trying to vote for me as well.... count it! : )

    ReplyDelete
  99. One more vote this the evening for jpulera!!

    ReplyDelete
  100. Okay, one more vote for my wife..jpulera!!

    ReplyDelete
  101. Keep doing your a "cute" workouts, Louis....I'm casting another vote for my mom, jpulera!!

    ReplyDelete
  102. I'll vote for Maggie again.

    And jpulera, I'm trying really hard to not respond to your delusional, funny young ones. You're welcome.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Straight from Brendan in Afghanistan:

    Hello Fit Clubbers. Angela told me all about the weight loss
    competition/wager and that she has leveraged the 'husband returning
    from war' sympathy factor with as much gusto as she could. She's now
    decided to pull out the big guns and have me directly petition you
    from Kandahar. So here it goes.

    What Angela didn't tell you is that I'm a cruel man who has dashed her
    dreams. How? Two days ago, I informed her that we would not be
    buying a minivan immediately upon my return, but would delay this
    monumental purchase until the summer. You would have thought I told
    her I was staying here another six months. Here's where the real
    sympathy factor comes in. For our collegians in the blogosphere,
    you're thinking, "A minivan at age 29, that's pathetic!". Those our
    own age will say, "A minivan...okay, but not yet - at least get an SUV
    and retain some level of hipster self-respect." And those more mature
    of you might think, "A minivan at age 29, that's pathetic!". Well,
    Angela craves a minivan without any hint of irony, and was crestfallen
    to learn that we would not be going directly from the aiport to the
    car dealership with Afghan dust still in my boots. So, a stylish
    Burberry scarf would certainly make this poor woman, who has dropped
    post-baby pounds with maniacal zeal, momentarily forget about the
    disappointment I have caused her by delaying our last plunge into the
    deep end of middle adulthood. Plus, it would only serve to frame that
    beautiful face when I see it again after 6 long months in southern
    Afghanistan.

    Since everyone seems to leave a few tips, here're mine - and remember,
    I'm not a doctor, I just play one in the Air Force.

    #1 Don't listen to Oprah. Fad diets, pointless exercises, yo-yo
    weight loss/gain: accepting health advice from Oprah is like listening
    to Liz Taylor's tips about marriage or Lindsay Lohan's advice on how
    to build a healthy career.

    #2 Work harder. If you can have a normal conversation while
    exercising, you aren't working hard enough. Your conversations at the
    gym sound look like they were written by Hemingway - short sentences,
    no commas or semicolons. Better to work very hard for 20 minutes than
    mindlessly chug along on the elliptical for 45. Circuit training or
    cross-fit is probably the best way to do this (but don't if you have
    cardiac or pulmonary issues).

    #3 Come to Afghanistan. We've got bad food, we walk everywhere,
    there's blazing heat in the summer, and daily gym time - this is a
    winning forumula.

    ReplyDelete
  104. i think i just saw judy running past my house on this very cold morning. so my day starts with a vote for jpulera.

    ReplyDelete
  105. and here she comes running back again....that deserves another vote for jpulera!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  106. ooops!! she forgot something.....oh the morning paper for her hubby. so if husband pulera doesn't vote for her then i will. wonder if she will deliver my paper to my door????? casting a vote for jpulera.

    ReplyDelete
  107. a vote for jpulera. i'm too far away to know if she's running down 39th ave. but i'm sure she is!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Hell, gotta vote for Angela once for that tip about not listening to Oprah.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Okay, way to go Laurie and post this new twist right when I have to leave town. Spent a long weekend in sunny Orlando at a conference. Now I have some serious kick ass catching up to do. I know I am at a serious disadvantage because most of my friends are technologically and time disadvantaged. Might have to work the angle of Jake and Brock helping me with the votes. I know I won't get any help from my wonderful husband who can barely text. Annie, I do think I deserve a vote from you, though. I understand the whole relative and matching gig - I do know your mom, but I have employed you for several summers, especially this last one leading up to your trip to London.... deserves a vote or two, don't you think? Just saying....

    ReplyDelete
  110. I send a vote for Judy Pulera. You rock Judy! Go for the scarf!

    Diet Tip: Eat at least some sort of combination of 5 fruits and vegetables a day

    ReplyDelete
  111. I also send a vote for Angela... the husband in Afghanistan returning gets me every time. My brother-in-law served a 2 year term in Desert Storm and 2 years in Afghanistan and I know what my sister-in-law went through with 5 boys. You get my vote and kudos for bringing your husband into the mix. Sorry about the minivan... As an over 40 mom of 2, I am a minivan mom and shameless about it. I don't expect anything cool to drive until the kids are in college. The scarf would be a nice consolation gift as you wait for the minivan.

    ReplyDelete
  112. You're right, Mrs. Lampe. I definitely owe you a few votes after so many summers...best to stay on your good side in case i need to come in over break or my summer internship plans fall through...also, I know first hand how hard it is to resist all of the candy and snacks in that office! Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  113. Laurie, Congrats on being over 9,000 hits! You'll totally make it to 10,000 by Christmas! Jake and Henry wanted to tell me to put them each down for a vote for me.

    ReplyDelete
  114. mrssarge...you Rock, too. One vote for MRSSARGE!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  115. had to take a study break to place another vote goes to jpulera!!!

    ReplyDelete
  116. No problem! If I didn't have so much studying to do I could sit here all day and vote for you!

    Here's another vote for jpulera!

    ReplyDelete
  117. Tip #32: Jello, close to no calories (due to it being mostly water, of course), and if you get the sugar-free it's a great snack option, and really filling.

    I'll vote for Maggie, again.

    ReplyDelete
  118. And I'll vote for Frank once more.

    ReplyDelete
  119. here is a vote for jpulera. she will look great with her "trophy" scarf around her neck!

    ReplyDelete
  120. and here is another vote for jpulera because we know she will share the scarf with her biggest fans!!!

    ReplyDelete
  121. Vote for jpulera(another one from me, too!) and no one gets hurt!

    ReplyDelete
  122. here is a vote for jpulera because in her cereal bowl is the breakfast of champions!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  123. for peace on earth, this vote is for hubby pulera

    ReplyDelete
  124. Thanks Annie. I didn't want to go down in Burberry history without any votes. Pulling out all the stops... even guilt seemed to be within Burberry tactics. You are the best, and yes, in between packing for London and last minute shopping, you can work over break if you want.

    ReplyDelete
  125. Thanks to you, too Judy! Much appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  126. Jake and Brock would love to see their mom wearing that Burberry scarf to all of their basketball games. I didn't need it in Florida this past weekend, but the neck is a little bare and cold now. A vote from each of my boys.

    ReplyDelete
  127. I vote for myself!! I'm aware that I'm probably the only one voting for ME especially since I had a two pound gain over Thanksgiving while visiting my family in Illinois. I completely blame my mother who has moose munch and candy all over the house! Anyway, I really need the scarf! Yes, I know I live in Florida but while visiting Chicago I realized how ill prepared I was for the cold weather - without the scarf I will not be able to visit home in the winter months.

    ReplyDelete
  128. Ok - I'm clearly not reading very well. i just realized I can't vote for ME so I am forcing my three children (ages 7, 6 and 8 months) to vote for me:).

    ReplyDelete
  129. I'm voting for Maggie once more.

    And quick question: can we vote more than once in one, single comment? Just wondering, cause I could definitely do a lot more damage if that was the case.

    ReplyDelete
  130. And my dog wants to vote for me: so one for me, huzzah.

    ReplyDelete
  131. AND I'll put one in for my fellow Stedsmen, Frank, again.

    ReplyDelete
  132. another vote for jpulera before studying!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  133. Okay, how is Angela not getting everyone's vote? ... The man posted from Afghanistan people..
    A new baby, A husband in Afghanistan, nothing against our front runners, but come on.. she has my vote.

    ReplyDelete
  134. Thanks, Katey!!! You made my night!

    My babies sent out a vote each for their mommy tonight (and one for Aunt Emily, too!) And, Katey, just so I'm not misrepresenting myself, my boys are 2 1/2 and 1, so not quite new anymore. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  135. how many people do you know are up on their roof top spelling out in xmas lights......vote jpulera!
    at least i thought it was her. the nose was a little red and it glowed!!!
    jpulera has my vote!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  136. There are some fierce competitors here... my vote goes to Jpulera!! Go JUDY!!

    ReplyDelete
  137. Fitness tip: You are never too old to start a fitness program!!

    ReplyDelete
  138. Hell, I guess husband at war is kind of a big deal: I'll vote for Angela once.

    ReplyDelete
  139. And my dog wants to vote for me again, yay!

    ReplyDelete
  140. And one for each three of my roommates. They said they would vote for me, I can't be lying right (at least, from some other peoples' votes this seems to be the case/fair): 3 votes woo!

    ReplyDelete
  141. And one for jp... just kidding, it's for maggie.

    ReplyDelete
  142. Tip #33: Go nonfat on drinks at Starbucks, taste exactly the same (basically) and so many less calories.

    ReplyDelete
  143. I'll vote once for Pete, as well.

    ReplyDelete
  144. And I'll finish this round off with another vote for Maggie.

    ReplyDelete
  145. you know the saying...you are what you eat. i'd be careful louis if i were you.....jello????
    here's a vote for jpulera

    ReplyDelete
  146. Yes Karla, jello.... especially with cottage cheese makes a wicked, low cal, and filling snack. You didn't know that? Thank God you're not in the BFC, eh. You'd probably avoid carrots in fear of turning orange, and actually probably cottage cheese in fear of more cellulite...

    Another vote for Maggie.

    ReplyDelete
  147. Being Angela's nanny, and fully knowing how much work it is, I KNOW she deserves a pretty scarf. A scarf at the very least. So my vote is for ANGELA!!!

    ReplyDelete
  148. Just in case you thought I said Smangela, I thought I'd throw in another vote for Angela. So we're all on the same page. That's ANGELA. Thank you. Good day.

    ReplyDelete
  149. I sincerely hope no one hates me after this, but I will literally dedicate the remainder of my free time to voting for Angela, despite the fact that I still have about 193 hand made Christmas presents to finish. So here's another vote for Angela!

    ReplyDelete
  150. And now, I shall vote for Angela through a very traditional Christmas carol that I just made up. Just now. In my head (to the tune of O Christmas Tree). Ahem...O Angela O Angela, how lovely are your shoulders! But how much nicer would they be, when wrapped in a scarf by Burberry? O Angela, O Angela, How lovely are your shoulders!

    Vote for Angela. Thank you. I'll be here all week.

    ReplyDelete