WW Clubs and Groups - Fabulous 40's #131

Hi Girls:wave:

It takes me so long to make decisions I drive myself crazy. With WW online it's should I or shouldn't I? I'm afraid if I join I'll think it was a waste of money. I have to join for 3 months & it comes out to $44 & change then it's $14.95 thereafter.:rolleyes:

<sigh> I don't know:shrug:

Let me go check it out.:wave:

Later,
Es

I joined on-line awhile ago. I really like it. It has a lot of info and support. I think there are little WW people in there telling me to weigh on Saturdays. They keep it up until I do. :lol:

Terri

Hi there ~

Just a quick note before walking out the door. Thanks to all of you for your 'pats on the back'. I mean, I couldn't have gotten this far without you's guys. :D

Terri ~ I think that Pizza Hut's personal pan pizza is about 14 or so pts.....I think I'm going to have that next Monday when Greg is in San Diego. I'll just eat a light lunch.

Es ~ I do the same thing....think and think about what is best and then, after thinking so much, I make the wrong decision. That's just how I am. :rolleyes: Just hang in there, you'll know what's best for you.

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday. I'm off the old grind.

Me <><

Janie,
Sorry to hear you've been under the weather. Take care of yourself; you know you'll be working out soon.

Es,
You've said you really can't/don't do meetings in person...the online alternative might be best for you. I know what you mean about decision-making....I agonize over many of them. Worst-case scenario? You'll join for 3 months, if you don't like it, you don't have to continue it. You'll never know if you don't try! And Terri gave it a great review.

Terri,
You've done so well over the years (? ! :eek: ) that we've known each other now. Loved your reference to the little WW people!

:wave: HI to Dianne, Sandy, Patti, Ruth.

I was going to say that I'm continuing to struggle..but that's not the truth...I've really made no effort in the last few weeks to lose. It's all about self-control, and THAT is where I'm sadly lacking. I haven't gotten on the scale in a month. It's almost like a cycle now....reach the point where I can't stand it anymore, go join WW, have a good first week or two, then quit after having a bad/disappointing weigh-in. I don't want to do that AGAIN!
Sorry about the whining, thanks for listening.

luv,
~Jen

Zoe,
That is great to plan ahead like that. Knowing I am getting a treat (in point range) in the days ahead keeps me from going off points. I love eating guilt free. It seems to taste so much better.

Jen,
Thanks for the kind words. It is about 2 years that we have been on here hasn't it? We were here when my dog, Bucky, died weren't we? He died 2 yrs. ago next month. Tanner will be 2 yrs. old in two weeks. He gets a vanilla cupcake with a candle and a bone wrapped in wrapping paper. Great video watching him unwrap it.
You are not whining. These are real feelings and I have felt that way MANY times. It will happen. I say that we are still doing the program if we aren't gaining. Staying the same for awhile is hard too. It is hard not to go over a certain weight. I know I could go off the charts if I let myself. The possibilities are endless. You have heard the stories of 300# people. So sad. That could be me. It is hard not to let that happen.

Hope you are feeling better Janie.

This might be of some interest.

Lifestyle Activity As Healthy As A Gym Workout
by Carol Krucoff

One woman started walking laps around the soccer field instead of sitting during her child's practice. One man stopped driving to restaurants for lunch and started walking to lunch instead.

These were some of the small changes that added up to major health benefits for participants in Project Active, a two-year study conducted at the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas. Researchers randomly assigned 235 sedentary men and women into two groups: a lifestyle group that learned behavioral skills to help them gradually fit more physical activity into their daily routines, and a structured group that used a fitness center to do traditional forms of vigorous exercise such as aerobics, swimming, stair climbing and walking.

The results suggest that lifestyle activity is as effective as a structured exercise program in improving health.

For example, both groups decreased body fat by "about one clothing size. . .2.4 percent for the lifestyle group and 1.9 percent for the structured group," notes the study's lead author, exercise psychologist Andrea Dunn.

"This is good news for people whose barriers to exercise may include lack of time, lack of access to facilities or dislike of vigorous exercise," says Dunn. "Many people think exercise is an 'either-or' phenomenon, where you either go to the gym and work out for 30 minutes or you do nothing. This study helps demonstrate that every step you take counts."

Many people don't realize how little physical activity they actually get and how important it is for them to use every opportunity they have to be active.

In fact, researchers estimate that adults burn an estimated 800 fewer calories (about the equivalent of four glazed donuts) per day than did previous generations, largely because technology has engineered physical activity out of our lives.

For example, one 49-year-old aerospace engineer was able to drop 10 pounds and lower his cholesterol from 210 to 195 simply by taking a few extra steps at the office whenever he needed to use the restroom or get a bite to eat


25 Ways To Add Movement To Your Day

Here's a starter list of 25 life "activating" strategies:


Don't use the nearest bathroom. Use one that requires you to walk a bit, preferably up or down some stairs.

Balance on one foot while brushing your teeth. Balance on the other foot while combing your hair.

Park in the furthest space.

Move with your kids. Instead of just watching soccer practice, walk up and down the sidelines. Join in your child's karate class. At the playground, get off the bench and swing, climb, hang and slide.

Hide your TV remote, so you have to get up and walk across the room to push the buttons.

Never take an elevator fewer than three flights, take the stairs.

Get rid of your electric can opener and use a manual one.

Turn your coffee break into a walk break. Walk to a distant vending machine, cafeteria or coffee shop to get your snack.

Stretch or walk while you're talking on the (cordless) phone, preferably with a headset.

Set an "activity" timer or program your computer to remind you to take periodic walking and/or stretching breaks.

Take a five-minute walk before you sit down to eat.

Walk or bike to do errands instead of driving.

Take a minute to stretch your arms, legs, back, shoulders and neck whenever you get up from sitting or lying down.

Sweep your floors, patio and/or front walk every day.

During TV commercials, get up and walk or get down and stretch.

Socialize actively. Instead of sitting and talking, go for a walk with family and/or friends. Or go bowling, play Ping-Pong, basketball, bocce ball or line dancing.

Put your favorite mug on a very low shelf, so you'll have to squat down to get it out and put it back.

Take your dog for a walk every day. If you don't have a dog, borrow your neighbor's, or just walk your "inner dog."

Practice "aerobic shopping" by taking a lap around the mall or grocery store before you go into a store or put an item in your cart.
Avoid "drive-thrus." Park your car and walk in.

Practice good posture when you're forced to wait in line. Stand firmly on both feet and try to raise the top of your head to touch an imaginary hand held a quarter-inch above you. Let your spine extend, stomach lift, shoulders relax and arms fall at your sides.

Don't automatically drive. If the dry cleaner is across the parking lot from the bank, walk there. (Wear decent walking shoes or keep a good pair in your car.)

Install a chin-up bar in a convenient doorway, then use it often to chin-up, pull-up or simply hang.

Try musical housework. Put on dancing music and sweep, vacuum or wash windows to the beat.

Every time you hear a bell ring (phone bell, doorbell, church bell, etc.) take a deep breath and smile. Think of it as "mouth yoga" that relaxes hundreds of muscles in your face. And it's contagious, so pass it on.

Have a great day everybody. :wave:
Terri

Terri,
I loved your active lifestyle stuff. I am proud to say that I actually do many of those things. I didn't know that it made that much of a difference. Good to know. Thank you and Jen, I am felling better everyday, but my nose is still stuffed.

HI to everyone,

JanieD

Hi Girls:wave:

Just got home from physical therapy. I hated every minute of it cause I think it's a waste of time. I'll be going 2 times a week for 1 month. If that doesn't help I might need surgery.:eek: As I drove up I saw my neighbor putting up her Christmas decorations! Geeesh, I haven't even thought about Thanksgiving yet.

Terri, exercise is the key.:yes: That's what I always say. Pete swares by it. He thinks it cures anything & everything. Must be true cause his sugar is stable now. Dr. said he's doing great!

Jen, cool avatar & I love Queen of Fresh Starts. :lol: We are so much alike when it comes WW. How many times have I joined & quit! I lost count! Thank God for the internet cause I don't know where I would be. Taking one day at a time is the best I can do for now. Hang in there Bud.;)

Janie, sounds like you had a pretty bad cold. :( I hope that stuffiness goes away soon.

Was Dianne going on vacation? She hasn't been here in awhile. I had sent her some email jokes & she still hasn't checked them. I'm starting to worry about her.

Hi Zoe, Ruth & Sandy:wave:

Till tomorrow,
Es

Terri,
Thanks so much for the motivational articles. They came at a very good time. :D Yesterday I began reading a book I had purchased last year, titled "The Fit Factor: How Getting Strong Can Help You Lose Weight." It's a WW book, focuses on training for strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health. I've liked working with weights the most, second to walking. I've GOT to make exercise a daily part of my life. Besides helping with weight loss, it certainly slows down the aging process!

Es,
Since you exercise to begin with, I'd imagine that's why you're not impressed with the p.t.? I don't blame you. But it's worth it if doing so eliminates the need for surgery.
That's great news about Pete's health :D
How many times have I joined WW? I used to be able to sit down and remember every one, now suffice to say it's over 10 :eek: That's ok, as long as we don't ever ever give up!

We're having a cold cloudy week; tomorrow they're forecasting sprinkles and temps only in the 30's, too bad for the trick-or-treaters. I told Jess I'd go out with her and the boys; usually I stay home to hand out candy, but it would do me good to get out and walk with them.

HI to everyone,
~Jen

Hi:wave:

I'm on my lunch break so this will be short.

Jen, the reason why I don't like PT cause what I do there I can do at home nice & comfortably. Even with an appt. I have to wait at least 20 minutes before I'm called. Also, it didn't help me at all when I had the rotator cuff problem. I had to have suregery anyway. The more I think about WW Online the more I realize it's perfect for me. It's an inconvenience to have to go to the meetings. The best part is I'll get lots of support & if I gain alittle I don't have to dread to face the weighin person.

Gotta go relieve the receptionist for lunch. Time to get yelled, cursed, hung up on. :mad: But it's my job.

Later buddies,
Es

I apologize for the doom & gloom attitude. I guess it's in the air. :lol:

Hi guys:

Hey Es - there's doom and gloom in my air too - maybe its the air in NY???

Sorry to worry you or anyone else. I've been in a funk and I guess its a combination of things, Willie's health issue (which is better). He'll be out of work until at least Nov. 21 - then we'll see. The doctor has been a little concerned over his high blood pressure, but he doesn't want to put him on meds unless it doesn't get better. Right now he's on sick leave, but when he goes back, there will probably be some kind of suspension he has to face - maybe a week or two and that will be without pay. Then I haven't been on prograrm since I went on the cruise and don't seem to have any inclination to get back on. In addition to that, there have been 8 people at the Univerity who have been laid off and although its not happening to me, everyone's morale is a bit down.

Anyway, I'll get through it - we all go through periods like this and I'm sure I'll be fine. Just didn't want to bring you all down!

To all of you losers - BIG CONGRATS! And to those of us struggling - let's hang in there.

I'll try to get back here soon. Hi to Es, Jen, Zoe, Terri, Ruth, Janie, Sandy and anyone I missed (sorry!)

Hugs,
Dianne

Mi Amiga! I was sooooo worried about you. I feel so bad that you're going thru a rough time right now.:( What's this about Willie getting suspended? Lots of lay offs going on. David's job is laying off too. Pray Girl. That's all we've got to hold on to especially in times like this. If it wasn't for prayers I would have been in the looney bin by now.:dizzy: I'm surprised the Dr. didn't put Willie on meds. My oldest sister has always had high blood pressure & has been on different meds but it never goes down. I think it has alot to do with her stressing over her alcoholic husband. Awww, I hope you feel better soon. I'm here if you need me. You have my email right? Hugs:grouphug:

Halloween tomorrow!!! When I get home from work I'm going to have to run in my apt. & pull down the shades. What a scrooge huh. Is scrooge only for Christmas?:lol: I'm just not in the mood this year. I'm struggling as it is & then Pete with his diabetes makes me not even want :chockiss: in the house. For all those that will be celebrating hope you have a Happy Halloween!!!:D

Have a great evening everybody. :wave:

Gotta go exercise to get out of this funk I'm in.

Love you's

:strong:

Hello everyone ~ I can't believe that it's Thursday already tomorrow. Halloween.....I don't really celebrate this holiday but I put pumpkins and smiling scarecrows out. We have a dress up (optional) at work tomorrow but I don't think I'll be doing that.

Dianne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~ I'm so happy to see you here. Girl, don't worry about getting us down. We're here for you and to listen at ANY TIME. I know it's easy for me to say but you know me ~ I tend to disappear too when I'm not doing well. You are so close to goal so hang in there. Don't let it play too much on your mind, K?? Just let us give you our ears and shoulders. :D:D

Es ~ Ok, now I've heard everything!! Christmas decorations already?? I really don't like the bell ringing all night. And they don't understand that when the light is off, they shouldn't ring! Is that too hard to understand?? Haha...I guess I'm a scrooge too when it comes to Halloween.

Jen ~ good idea about walking with the kids. Be sure to keep warm. 30 degrees is COLD! It's supposed to be only high 40's the next 2 days. Brrrrrrr.....very cold for Texas

Hi Terri, Janie, Ruth and Sandy.....hope you's are all doing well.

Patti <><
199.4/179.6/148

Janie,
You are welcome. Glad you are doing better.

Jen,
Sounds like a good book. Good luck to you!
I really feel better when I am active.

Es,
To early for Christmas. Geesh! Yes on the exercsie. If I don't do it I maintain.
I am so glad Pete is doing well. What a load off your mind.
Hope everything feels all better tomorrow!!!!

Dianne,
Welcome back. I will keep Willy in my prayers. Good luck to the both of you. Hope you have a sunny rest of the year!!!!! :flow1:

Well gotta go carve a pumpkin and roast some seeds. TTYL,
Terri

Good Morning and HAPPY HALLOWEEN ~ although I am not a true celebrater of this 'holiday', I do tend to participate in it in a fun way. I hope that all of you and your children have a wonderfully fun time.

I have today and tomorrow left and then it's WI. My scale isn't moving. As a matter of fact, it looks like it went UP a half pound. Being it's TOM, I am not too upset but really, I don't want to see a gain. I only have .4 to get another 5 pound star (20 lbs) so I am praying that I can at least get down a half a pound.

Today is our annual HALLOWEEN LUNCH at work......I will stay away. None for me. I am bringing my own

I will check back tonight, inbetween the doorbell ringings. I think this may be a good exercise night. :lol:

Later my friends,
Me <><

HI everyone,
I lost 1 lb this week, for the first time I've had a loss in I don't know how many weeks. Let's hope it is the beginning of a trend.

I don't really think of halloween as a holiday since I don't get the day off but I do think it is fun and I dress up too for when I take Ellen around the neighborhood, although this year because of my cold I will be staying home and handing out the candy while Steve takes her around.(Boy, that was a run on sentence if I ever saw one!) I am not doing anything terriblly original, just a witch, but it is still fun. Steve is trying to be Prof. Snape from HArry Potter, but I don't think most people are going to get it. Ellen made my life easy this year and is going as a soccer player. She is just going to wear her team uniform.

Have a Happy Halloween everyone,

Hugs,

JanieD

That is easy. :lol:
My daughter loves Professor Snape. She always goes against the norm. She loves Draco Malfoy too. I bought the boys Hogwarts shirts last year and I bought her Slytherin shirt.
Brandon is going to be Bloody Scream. He tried to get me to let him for 2 yrs. now and I said since he is 11 ok, maybe he'll shut up now. Bradley is Dracula. It will be cold tonight so maybe they won 't want to be real late then... Yeah right.
Hope you feel better.


Good luck on weigh-in Zoe.


Terri

Congrats, Janie, on the loss :D Hope Ellen and Steve had fun trick-or-treating.

Dianne, just don't stay away too long, please! It was good to hear from you; stay positive and know that we're all thinking of you.

Zoe, I hope your WI makes you do the Happy Dance...hang in there, you'll get that star in no time!

Halloween was a good day,the weather co-operated, it was in the 40's and no rain :) I made a big pot of low-fat (turkey) chili with lots of beans...easy for me and everyone was happy. I went out with my daughter, niece, and their combined 6 kids, it was fun.

Terri, I can't find the bean soup recipe you gave us a couple of years ago; would you reprint it?

have a great Friday...Es, enjoy your day off!

~Jen

Happy Friday everybody ~

I'm on my way to work and sick as a dog. I have been "getting" a cold all week and it finally hit me on Wednesday night. I had the flu last Jan/Feb, first time I was sick in about 6 yrs ~ I'm thinking now that it messed up my body, making me sick again. I love not ever getting sick and now, I don't know how to act. Oh well, I guess the long weekend will help. I have a vacation day on Monday so I should be ship-shape by Tuesday.

WI is tomorrow and I don't want to miss it. Between being sick AND it being TOM, I'm a wreck. The more I think about it, I probably should be staying home today. Maybe I'll leave early. I don't miss work for sickness and I don't like to ruin my record. Anyway, unless I can't sleep in the morning, I'll be at WI. It's early but with not feeling well, I may 'try' to sleep in. We'll see.

Jen ~ 40's and no rain for Halloween? Since I'm from NJ/NY metro area, I know what Halloween was like when it was too cold. The kids (and me when I was little...haha...was I EVER little??) hated to have to cover up a costume because of the weather. I'm glad you's had a great time.

Terri ~ They sound like they were a FRIGHT. :lol: We had someone at work come as a Black-eyed pea.....tan shirt with a "P" on it, tanned (makeup) face with 1 black eye. It was hysterical.

Janie ~ WTG on losing that pound......you're headed in the right direction.....:D

Dianne ~ Remember, we all go through a slump and we are thinking of you all the time.

Es ~ How are you doing???

Well, gotta run. Sorry to have complained in most of this post. You'd think I was a BABY, being sick....:rolleyes: Have a great Friday.

Patti <><

Jen,
Glad you had fun!!!
Taco Soup
1 large onion, chopped
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
1 pkg Taco Seasoning
1 can Pinto Beans - do not drain
1 can Northern Beans - do not drain
1 can kidney Beans - do not drain
1 can black Beans - do not drain
1 can diced Tomatoes - do not drain
Simmer 1 hour.

A lot of people add corn and meat. I guess you can add anything you want. Just use the cans to figure out the points. I use the old program. I don't go by the new fiber rule.


Zoe,
I hope you feel better. Good luck if you get to go to weigh-in.

We had a great night trick or treating.
Brandon's recycling bleeding mask was a hit. He had a blast.
I had 2 children with 2 bags full of candy and a cauldron half full last night and all I had was 1 fun size Baby Ruth. I was so happy that I didn't want any more. I didn't have to talk myself into hiding it or anything. My boys said "Here mom take anything you want" I took a few things and put them into a ziplock and will have some Sat. (planned). I like to have maybe 2 points of candy a day. Deprivation is what kills me.

Have a great 1st day of November.
Terri

Terri!!!! too funny...me calling it bean soup.....I guess I just remembered the fiber part of it. ;) Thanks for the recipe, I appreciate it. You did a GREAT JOB with the candy yesterday!

Zoe, hope you feel better! Being sick is a lousy way to ruin a perfectly good weekend.
And yes, covering the costumes here in the Chicago area is usually a must. Last year it was 70, any type of costume went. This year Brandon was Batman and Matt was Blue (puppy from Blue's Clues, which he loves); they both had long johns under and coats over the costumes. But they were cute, of course!

Am heading out to the outlet mall with Joey :D

later,
Jen

Terri,
Congratulations on the Candy. WTG!! I unfortunately was not as successful. As I have mentioned, I have been going to counseling for my mom stuff. This has caused a lot of things to be stirred up. Yesterday was particularly bad for me. Chocolate wasn't safe anywhere in the local county ;)

Zoe,
good luck with your WI!!

I hope everyone has a great Weekend. There is an "Art Walk" in downtown Livermore tomorrow. I hope we get a chance to go, along with Ellen's soccer game.

Hugs,
JanieD

Hi Buddies:wave:

Don't want you to think I went AWOL. I'm expecting my sister in about 5 minutes. Just wanted to stop by & say hi. I'll come back later on.

Hugs,
Es

:grouphug:

Hi:wave:

A little quiet around here. Yesterday I spent a nice time with my sister. Today we're going to the Chinese Buffet with my brother, Pete, my nephew. David may have to work. I'm looking forward to it. I always eat the same thing. (chicken & veg., diet coke) No matter how hard I try to drain the sauce it's in I still retain water from it. It doesn't taste salty but I guess it's very high in sodium.

Janie, do you think going to counseling is helping? My sister went to see one & he was a wacko! She told him that since her husband is so out of it most of the time because of the alcohol she found herself attracted to this man that she knew in PA where she useto live. He asked her why didn't she have the affair, that it's fun!!!!!!!!:mad: WHAT A NUT!!! She's not going back. I'm not saying it's not helpful cause I'm sure it is, she just came across a real weirdo so now she's discouraged. I'm always trusting God & that's what I told her to do but I don't think she wanted to hear it even though she agreed. I hope you get to go to the Art Walk. :) Enjoy your day!

Jen, did you make the soup? Sounds good but I would probaly have too much gas after I eat it. I'll probably make chicken soup tomorrow.

Terri, WTG with the candy!! It was a quiet Halloween around here. I was so surprised & happy.:D I'm glad I didn't buy candy. I would have been stuck with it. :moo:

Zoe, I hope you're feeling better. I hope you get to rest up this weekend. If you lived nearby I would have brought you some chicken soup.;)

Mi Amiga, please don't stop coming here. I understand there are times when you just don't feel up to even turning on your computer but staying away doesn't help. We're here for you kiddo.:angel:

Gotta go. Hope you all have a great day.

Love you's,
Es

Jen,
Hope you enjoy tje soup. I am making it this weekend. I am keeping it low point and use as a filler. A lot of people use it with meat and corn etc... but it adds the points up. If you use it as a meal that wouldn't be bad.
I have a ziplock filled with peanut M&Ms, fun size whoppers and reeses. I will eat them over the weeks. A little at a time. I like to look forward to it. 2 points a piece isn't too bad.
The boys sound so cute. Bradley tries to act like he doesn't like Blues Clues anymore but I find him sneaking it. It isn't cool at 9. :lol: I loved Blue's Clues. We watched it with Steve as Blue's friend.

Es,
We went to the Chinese Buffet today. So good. I have a plate full of veggie delight and green beans and potatoes to start and then I am almost full. Then I get some peel and eat shrimp and a doughnut. I had about 18 points. We are seeing Moonlight Mile tonight and then going out to Barnes and Noble and get coffee and tea and split a dessert. Bruce is going to Colorado Springs tomorrow until Thurs. :(

Janie,
Hope the walk went well. I would like to try that.
Look on the bright side the candy should be out of your system.
Hope things get better with your counseling.

Well, Brandon has a friend here for the day (WE took him with us to lunch). Gotta go see what they are up to.

Terri

Hello ladies,
I have recently joined ww online. So far I love it. I live in a small town and we don't have meetings shorter than 60 miles away, so the online version is great. I have known many people who have had great success with ww, and have kept it off. I have been on any and every plan out there. Have lost weight and gained, a struggle that has been going on for many many years. I have came to the conclusion that I just need something simple and healthy, and ww is it. The point plan is simple and easy, and also gives you choices if you do crave that certain something. Well I am sure you all know that, you have been on for awhile.
Anyway I was wondering if I could join your group here? I am a very good listener and seem to relate to the weight issue.
A little about me
48 years old Oct. 29th
married
3 kids 1 boy married, 1 girl married, 1 girl w live in.
dog
cat
work as a kithen supervisor/cook, been off work for 4 months due to injusy, starting next Tues. part time.
hobbies, crafts, reading, people, gardening
Well enough about me, just wanted to tell fitforlife, I just had surgery on my rotator cuff almost 3 weeks ago, it happened in July, I had also broke a bone that's why they had to wait so long for surgery, anyway I have been going to the p t. Everyday for the first two weeks, now only 2 times a week, for 6 weeks. It is a pain I agree, some of the stuff he does I can't do at home yet so it works for me. But I do understand the other factors,because I was there for my back once and I could of done all that at home, actually I am still doing it at home. Sorry for a long first post. Have a great Sun.

deb

Hi everyone ~ :wave:

I hope this Saturday night has everyone of you feeling good and having a great weekend so far. Today was WI ~ and a good one once again. I cannot believe that I've lost EVERY WEEK for the last 7 or 8 weeks. I lost 1.6 this week for a total of 21.2 in the last almost 2 months. Woo Hoo........I'm on a roll here....(ugh! don't say ROLL....:lol:...)

Thank you all for your well wishes. I'm feeling better but not great. I am taking a vacation day Monday and wanted to get a good percent of my Christmas shopping done so I am taking it fairly easy today.

Terri ~ I love that Taco Soup recipe! It's so good and low points. On the subject of the halloween candy....we get a lot of kids here and with me being sick, I just couldn't see me getting up and down all night and Greg SURE wasn't going to do it so I was a scrooge...(is that a good word for a halloween dead beat??) and didn't turn the light on. Now, I have all this candy left but at 2 pts each, I'm really doing it right as I eat 'some'. :D

Jen ~ It sounds like Brandon and Matt were SO cute. I like to see the 'cute' costumes.....I get an weird feeling when they are evil. Ha!!

Es ~ Thanks for the chicken soup offer. I could use it. As for the Chinese food, I would NEVER do well there because I only eat the sweet and sour chicken.....breaded and deep fried...yummmmmm....so I stay away. Tonight we went to a buffet because Greg can do well there since he's doing Atkin's diet. I was pretty good. I went over my points for the day by 3 but it's day 1 of my week so I'll be able to 'bank' many more than that.

Janie ~ I saw a counselor once who was too weird but I hear many good things about other people having a good experience. Good luck....be sure you check the person out and their credentials, k?

Deb ~ Hi and welcome to our FABULOUS group! You will find supportive, encouraging friends here. Since we are all in the 40-something group, you'll fit in FABULOUSLY. :D I hope you're healing well from your surgery. About me ~ I'm 47, married and live in TX. My daughter is 27 and lives in FL, my son is 22 and lives here in TX. I work in management (although I'd rather be a worker) submitting claims to Medicare for durable medical equipment. I hope we hear from you often and that you'll love it here.

Dianne ~ come out, come out, wherever you are. :D :D

Well, have a wonderful Sunday. Talk to you's guys after church.

Zoe ~ Soaking up the "SON" in Texas
199.4/178.2/148-ish

Zoe, HIGH FIVE!!! and a Happy Dance for you...
:cb: :cb: :cb: you're doing so well :D

Hi Deb, and welcome to our group :D Looking forward to getting to know you. I'm 49, from a Chicago suburb; married 31 yrs., daughter who's 28 w/2 sons (my "boys") and a son who's 24. And Happy Birthday to you!

Terri, thanks for the recipe. I'm making a batch of the taco soup and one of the ww veggie; I love having them on hand for lunches.

Hope everyone's well, see you tomorrow.

~Jen

Zoe, AWESOME!!!! Here's to you ::bravo: :cb: :cp: :dancer: I am soooooo proud of you!

Deb, welcome to our group. We talk about everything & anything here. You'll find lots of support. I'm 48 yrs. old. Been married 22 yrs., second time to a wonderful man. I have a 31 yr. old son whose my best friend. I've worked in a Law Agency for 14 yrs., secreterial work. I've been with this group for 3 yrs. but have changed my name several times. I hope you stick with us. ;) Oh, and I like to workout:D

Today is the day I'm joining WW online. I'll try it for 3 mths. If I don't like it I'll cancel after that. By then the new or changed program will be out & I'll rejoin. I have to use up those prepaid coupons I have. I have $80 worth!

Let me go join. I'll be back later:D

Hugs,
Es

:strong:

WELCOME DEB!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!~ :hb:
I am 43 and I have been married for 20 yrs. to a wonderful man, Bruce and I have 1 girl (Brittany-16), 2 boys (Brandon-11 & Bradley-9) and a dog named Tanner.
I am a lifer and am at goal and I, too, joined on-line. I love it!
I hope you are doing better. That must have been painful.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

Es,
Use everything on on-line that is available to you. The journal is great. I use that to send to my journal group. I copy and paste it. The weight tracker is great. It really has everything but people weighing you but sometimes I feel there are a couple of mini people weighing me. I feel guilty if I put a gain in. They say
:nono: :lol:

Zoe,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! :bravo:
I hope you feel better. I do the same thing with candy. I keep it on hand and then I don't feel deprived. If I want it at 2 points a pop I can. I allow myself no more than 4 points per day.
You are doing so well.

I had a half of a McDonalds Bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. I will save the second half for tomorrow. That is my favorite sandwich in the world and I figured out how I can eat them. 1/2 at a time.
I only eat them on Sunday cause I eat around 10:30 and then I have no lunch.
I am listening to the Steelers on the Steelers web site. They are in first place and if they lose Cleveland will be in first. :(
Here We Go Steelers Here We Go!!!!!!

TTYL,
Terri :grouphug:

Wow, it's quiet in here!

Terri,
I totally agree with you about MickeyD's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit....they are awesome :cbg: How many points? GO STEELERS!!! Unfortunately I can't say the same about the Bears; I am a typical Chicago sports fans...diehard...sigh...

:wave: HI to everyone :D

~Jen

P.S. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!!

Hi Jen,
They are 13 points. I ate half Sunday and half on Monday.
I put the half in the oven and it was as good as ever.
Football season can make you nuts. :lol:I voted at 8:00 this morning. It was crazy. Lots of people.

TTYL,
Terri

I just got home from voting ~ get out there!! :D:D

HI gals,
Sorry I haven't been around lately. Been taking an intense class on proposal writing. Very tough but very good. Glad I took it. Maybe I'll have a little more success in the future.

Zoe & Essie,
About the counseling I think it is helping. I doubt that I will have such radical stuff like you were talking about, Es, she was recommended by the Asst. Pastor of my church. I wanted to be sure the person was a Christian before I would go. The only thing is that it is very expensive. My Insurance won't cover.

Deb,
Welcome to our little party!! Let me tell you a little about myself. I am lifetime, although this time I did it on my own (no meetings). I'm at WW goal but still have not gotten down to my personal goal. I am a scientist at Lawrence Livermore Nat Lab. I have a wonderful daughter Ellen who will be 9 on the 16th, and a fantastic husband of 17 yrs who is a Physics and Astronomy Prof at 2 local colleges. I hope you like it here. I may be biased but this is the best group around.

HI to Terri, Ruth, Sandy and Dianne,

JanieD

Hi Janie:wave: long time no see:) I missed you. I understand about the christian counselor. That's the only counselor I would recommend. Too bad it's not covered by your insurance. The worst part about when my sister went, he kept looking at his watch! I would have felt tensed just watching him looking at how much time we had. I guess I'm biased too cause we are the best group around. ;)

I'm offically a ww online member. I like the journal. I'll stick with it for now. Once Jan. comes I'll rejoin & start going to the meetings.

Gotta go check in WW.

Have a nice evening buddies.

Love,
Es

PS I tried posting yesterday, twice, & it kept coming up WEBSITE NOT RESPONDING! So annoying.

HI everyone,

Just a quicky to let you know I WI this morning and lost 1 lb. :dance:

More later,
JanieD

Congrats Janie. That is great! Keep it up.

Es,
Hipe you like on-line. It has a lot of info and incentives.

We still don't know who our Gov. is. The votes were too close to call. Re-count. It is a mess. Our incumbent won't leave. It is said his opponent won. Gore and Bush all over again. :lol:


Terri

Janie,
Way to go on the loss :D Good luck with the class. Since I officially dropped mine and am not attending any longer for the semester, I miss it :(

Es,
Glad you joined online! I'm sure you'll do well. :)

Spent the day shopping yesterday, both for my son-in-law's birthday tomorrow and Christmas...the malls are at their best right now...fully stocked and empty (of shoppers)!

WHERE IS EVERYBODY???

~Jen

I know. It is slow. I need to start shopping next week. It will go fast.

Bruce got me a room at the new Residence Inn here for 2 nights.
I get to go and relax. I plan on eating within points but no nutrition. :lol: I'll need this with the Holidays coming up.
I'll have my new book and some magazines, snacks and tea. That is all I need. I'll go Saturday afternoon and be back Monday.

TTYL,
Terri

Hi:wave:

How is everybody doing? I don't go back to work till Tuesday so I'm going to make the best of each day. I'll be in here more. I promise. :sorry:

Terri, that is so nice of Bruce. He does this every year right? Enjoy your R & R.;)

Jen, I went to the mall last week & it was not crowded at all. I was telling Pete now is the time to shop. I hate when it gets too crowded. We're going to tomorrow to look around. I'll pick up a gift or two.

Janie, WTG :dancer: 1 lb! High Five!

Ruth, how are you?

Dianne, please stop in & let us know how you're doing. Thinking of you.

Hi Zoe, Deb & Sandy:wave:

Till tomorrow,
Es

Morning girls,

I hope everyone is off to a good start for the weekend. I'm sitting here with a literature book in front of me, putting off analyzing a poem that I'm going to write about. Any volunteers? :idea: :joker:

ESSIE, I enjoyed talking with you the other day. I hope that we catch each other online again soon!!!

ZOE!! Well I was going to give you a "high five" but I can't get the icons to appear. Oh well, just wanted to let you know that I'm really excited about your success!!! You give us hope!!

Well, I better get back to the books. I have a business law test on Wednesday and a paper due on this poem Thursday.

TERRI, JEN, DIANNE, JANIE, and SANDY, hello and have a good weekend.

Ruth

Hello everyone.....

just got in from my WI. I almost didn't want to go. I have this habit of getting on my scale at home just before I go to WW. It didn't move....as a matter of fact, it was up by half a pound as of yesterday.........Ok....from now on, I promise NOT to pay any attention to my own scale. If I feel like I don't want to go to the meeting because "I didn't lose anything", I will ignore that feeling.....

I lost 1.8 for a total of 23!! Woo Hoo!!

No time to write now but I'll be back...hope you's are all doing well.

Me <><

199.4/176.4/148-ish
-23 lbs in 9 weeks

That is great Zoe. Yes, stay off of that scale. It plays with your mind. CONGRATS!!!!! keep that motivation going. :high:

Good luck Ruth on the poem and exam. You will do great!!!! :D


Es,
Hope you enjoyed shopping. I start next week.
Bruce picked up the hot item ( Playstation 2's Grand Theft Auto Vice City game) all ready so it shouldn't be hard finding anything.

I lost 1# this week. I was so happy. I proved that I could eat some candy and still lose. That is heaven.
I'll talk to y'all on Monday. Enjoy your weekend.

BTW- WooHoo The Ohio State Buckeyes just pulled out a victory and are undefeated and number 2 right now. If Miami loses to the Tennessee Vols. Ohio State will move up.
My hubby watched it on Pay-per-view. We are HUGE fans. Bruce graduated from there.


Terri

Ruth,
Good luck with the exam. Sounds like you'll have a weekend of hitting the books :dizzy: have fun.

Zoe,
:cp: way to go! Forget your scale and just see what theirs says each week. You're doing remarkably well :D

Terri,
Enjoy your R & R getaway! I think it's awesome how Bruce does this for you. Hope you enjoy the peace and quiet. Congrats on the loss :) Go Buckeyes!

Es,
You've got a nice long weekend, hope you're enjoying it.

Joe and I both weighed in yesterday and neither of us liked what we saw. Since vacation last month, we've both been going overboard. He's agreed to begin walking with me...YEAH!!! I'll have a partner.
Since we've got a full house this morning as I write this (the kids spent the night) I'll make sure that all the goodies here are either eaten up by them or they take them with when they go home.
Last night we took our son-in-law, Michael, out to Olive Garden for his birthday. There were 8 of us, we had a great time. They boys were both very well-behaved, which is a big plus. :lol:

have a wonderful Sunday,
~Jen

Zoe and Terri,
Congratulations on both of your losses. WTG!!!

Es,
COngrats on joining WW online. I haven't tried it but it sounds like a great alternative to meetings.

HI gals,
We finally got the plans back from our architech friend for our back yard and covered patio. Now the hard part will be finding a contractor(s). I hate this. I have never done this before. I don't even know how to determine if a contractor is any good other than by referals. Have any of you had to go through this type of thing? I really want to be able to use our yard by next spring.

Hope everyone had a god weekend,

JanieD

Hi Girls:wave:

Janie, I've rented all my life so I can't help in that department.:(

Lost .5 this week. Big whup!(sp?):rolleyes: I think I can, I think I can!

Jen, it's great to have a walking partner. Before Pete was diagnosed with diabetes we always went to the Olive Garden. YUM! I love their salad.


Hi Terri, Zoe, Ruth, Dianne & Deb.

Well, gotta go iron my clothes for work tomorrow. It was nice having 4 days off.

Till tomorrow,
Es

Es,
the scale went in the right direction, that's what is important, right? Stay positive, you'll do great!

Janie,
I've never hired a contractor either, as Joe does almost everything around the house. Can your architect recommend someone?

Terri,
I'm hoping you are safe and sound, not affected by the tornadoes. What a scary weekend for so many people.

Am having a good day OP. Looks like when Joe gets home we'll do a walking video as it's cold and raining out.

Hi to everyone,
~Jen

Good Monday Evening everyone :wave:

Well, both Greg and I were off today and we went shopping ALL DAY! :D We went to Dallas and hit 3 differest malls. One, The Galleria, has 3 floors and many great stores that I miss from NJ/NY.....Macy's Saks, etc. It was a great day but I think I went over my points today. I will have to really start banking some by Saturday WI.

Janie ~ We did a total renovation of our house and added on a huge deck but Greg did all the work himself so I wouldn't know the first thing about finding a contractor. I would ask around ~ sometimes Home Depot or other home improvement stores would be able to recommend someone. Good Luck!

Terri ~ WTG on losing that pound, even WITH candy. :high: Isn't it great to know we can lose and still have the foods and snacks we want. :D

Es ~ don't fret on the 1/2 lb.....every little bit adds up. You'll do it.....you can, you can.....

Jen ~ I need some of your walking motivation. I've done really well with losing in the last 2 months but it's bound to come to a halt if I don't get my butt in gear.......good work!

Janie ~ A big :high: to you too girl......whenever the scale goes down, not matter how much, it's time to cheer. :)

Dianne ~ I miss ya......:balloons:

Well, have a great evening. Gotta go count up my points now. I'm sure I'm over today. :( Talk to you's tomorrow.

Patti and Zoe <><
199.4/177.4/148-ish

Morning,

Well I have a few minutes before I start getting ready for school so I'll use the time to say hello.

JANIE, good luck in finding a contractor. I would think referrals would be the best recommendation. Going with a well known, well established contractor is also an option. If they have been in business a while they probably have done so by
being good at what they do.

TERRI, how are you? Did the tornadoes hit anywhere close to you? We all hope you are safe and sound.

ZOE, sounds like you had a very nice day at the malls. The Galleria is wonderful. I love watching the kids on the ice skating rink. I love the shopping in Dallas/Ft. Worth.

ES, 1/2 lb. is a step in the right direction. Every ounce adds up!! My weight is moving the other direction. My husband has made several remarks lately about my "overeating", nothing mean, he is just trying help me realize what I'm doing. The last few days I've been eating soup and salad alot. I don't think I've been overeating as much.
DIANNE, I hope you are okay. We miss you.

JEN, great job at staying op and thanks for the encouragement for my test. Business Law probably will not be too bad. It's the essay on the poem that I'm worried about. Due in two more days and I have barely started. Lots of ideas, just don't have them down on paper.

Hope I didn't miss anyone. Talk with you later.

Ruth

Hi Girls:wave:

I survived Tuesday. Ruth knows how I feel about Tuesdays.:lol: It's never been my favorite day of the week. It always seems to drag at work.

Ruth, I am such an emotional eater it's not even funny anymore. :mad: I'm going to Let Go Let God. I can't do it on my own anymore. See, Pete thinks it's sooooo easy. He says if I want to lose weight I have to exercise more & harder!!! BTW he does not have a weight problem & LOVES to exercise. Then I said, I cook, clean & work so it's harder for me to make the time than it is for him. Not to mention 4 days a week I'm up at 3:30 AM making him a decent meal that he can eat before leaving for work. He says if I really wanted to lose weight that bad I would find a way to work out everyday for 2 hours. 1 hr AM & 1 hr PM. Yeah Right!!!! Mr. Ultimate Fitness fanatic. Really, all kidding aside, I see how strong his willpower is. He eats very healthly & exercises everyday. He goes for the fruit I go for the cookies. :ink: We have to try try try to work this program. WE WILL DO THIS together. ;)

Terri, how are you? Thinking of you & your family.

Dianne:?: Amiga:(

Zoe, thanks for motivating me. I remember how you struggled & look at you today! :cp:

Jen, I am sooo proud of you. Keep up the cardio & that scale will start going down.

Hugs,
Es
:strong:

Es,
You have always inspired me when it comes to exercise. It's much easier for guys to lose, I think. When Joe has wanted to lose a few pounds, he just cuts back and voila!!! :wizard: 5 or 10 pounds gone.....while on the other hand I agonize over every bite, just to show a maintain.
The important thing is that we never give up.
Yesterday we didn't walk, but instead raked up what seemed to be a gazillion leaves (leafs?) and finished the winter cleanup in the yard. That was exercise!

Ruth,
Good luck with the paper. I used to yell at my kids when they left homework for the last minute :lol:
Overeating is sooo easy to do! The soup and salad should get you back into good habits.

Zoe,
Sounds like a shopping spree! Glad you had a good day with Greg. :D

Jessica is having a scope done and debridement of scar tissue in her ankle tomorrow.....a repeat of surgery she had a couple of years ago. I'll have Matthew here beginning today, till probably Friday :love:

Hi :wave: to Terri, Dianne, Janie, Sandy.

~Jen

Hi:wave:

My lunch hour is almost over but wanted to stop in & say hi.

Jen, at least I have that in my favor right? Thank God for exercise. If I didn't I would be in the 300's:yikes: Have fun with cutie potootie Matthew. Yard work is heavy duty exercise. WTG:strong:

Later buddies.

Love,
Es

HI gals,
I hope everyone is well. This Sat is Ellen's 9th :hb: so we are going to Disneyland. I have never been there when it was decorated for Christmas. It is supposed to be lovely and very uncrowded (is that a word?) We are driving down Fri morning and returning Sun night. Ellen's best friend is coming with us so she will have a great time I'm sure. The only thing that concerns me is that her friend's family is quite well off and they always give her rediculous amounts of spending money. Something I can't, and even if I could, don't think I would do with Ellen. She goes to a private school which has a lot of very wealthy silicon valley families that attend. The only reason I can afford it is because I am only paying for one. This gives Ellen a rather skewed view of the world.

Hugs to all.
JanieD

Hi gals,
Just a quick note to tell you I WI this morning and gained 1.5 but TOM is here so I am hoping that is most of it. Got a crazy day today and am gone for the weekend so I hope you all have a good one!

-JanieD

Janie,
Have a great trip, ...a big Happy Birthday to Ellen! :hb:
~Jen

Hi everybody.
The tornadoes hit about an hour from us. It killed about 10 people here. The pictures are so sad. That was some storm.
Sunday, Bruce came to my room with dinner from the Macaroni Grill and Britts was watching the boys. Bruce was getting ready to go back home when we heard there was a tornado warning ( a couple hours later) and Brittany called and said that the boys were watching TV up stairs and she was downstairs in the computer room and the sirens came on and she heard running coming downstairs (we have a big family room that is half under ground- no windows). She went to check and they weren't in the room and so she went in the bathroom and pulled the shower curtain over and there was a blanket with a big bulge in the middle she lifted it up and there was Brandon & Bradley with Tanner on top of them. They were extra prepared. I talked to them and they started to cry. Bruce was home by the time I was done talking to them.

Congrats on the loss Es. It is the right direction. It all adds up.


Janie,
Happy Birthday to Ellen. Sounds like she will have a great time. :hb: Good luck with that beautiful future patio.
That weight will come right back off. You will see.

Jen,
Sounds like a good time. I haven't been to Olive Garden in a long time. My kids want to go there. That is great when the little ones let us relax in a restaurant. I used to always worry and they were always pretty good.
That is great that you and Joe are walking together. So fun.
I hope Jessica is ok. Sounds painful.

We might be moving to Colorado Springs in the summer. I think we will walk a lot there. It is so beautiful. I am excited and scared.

Zoe,
Hope you bought a lot of cool things. I need to start soon.

Ruth,
It was great hearing from you. Hope school is going ok.

Talk to y'all later.
Terri

Terri,
It must have been terrifying for your kids....they were thinking very clearly in an emergency, tho, by getting in the tub and protecting themselves. Poor babies!
Wow, I guess moving to Colorado is a reality now, huh? I know how much you all liked it out there. What a great opportunity for the kids to become acquainted with another part of the country. Some people live very insular lives, not seeing much of their own country.
Hope your weekend of R & R did you a world of good, and I hope you spent a good portion of it in the tub! That's what I would do.

Having a good time with Matthew. He'll be 2 and 1/2 next month....his favorite word is NO!, which I know is normal for that age. :dizzy: But he's a sweetie and my house is a disaster, which means he's having fun. Jess's procedure went well...no ligament damage found, which means no more surgeries.

HI to everyone :wave:
have a great weekend!!!
~Jen

Good Friday Evening everyone ~

Just thought I'd stop in and say hello tonight. It's a little after 10pm and I have to get up early tomorrow. I'm going to the earlier WW meeting (starts at 8am, WI at 7:30am) and then SHOPPING ALL DAY!! :D :D My friend Tracy and I will go the the meeting and go shopping.

Of course, I got on the scale and I haven't lost anything according to MY scale here. It upsets me but knowing that I've not done anything wrong and have stayed OP (9 weeks now), I am not going to let it get to me.

Jen ~ Matthew sounds so cute....and yes, NO is the 'word of the day' at that age. :lol: I'm happy to hear that Jess's proceedure wen well and that everything looks good now.

Terri ~ I'm so glad that you're ok and the tornado did touch down any closer. You might remember the one that blew threw downtown Fort Worth a little more than a year ago. Just picked itself up and over my house and down again on the other side. Oh, and WOW, moving to Colorado???!!!??? I know that it's beutiful there too.

Es ~ How you doing girl? Keep up that exercise and hopefully, it will inspire me. I just cant get moving. You have the right idea and attitude....the same one that has helped me to lose 23 lbs in the last 9 weeks ~ LET GO, LET GOD. That's my motto.

Janie and Ruth ~ how are you both doing?

Dianne ~ :?: :cry: :?: Where you at girlfriend??

Have a great Saturday.

Happy Saturday:wave:

Terri, I was thinking of you & your family. So scary for the kids. It's scary for the adults I can imagine for the younger ones.

Zoe, I know I said I was going to email you & I'm sorry for not doing it. I had a stomach virus for the past 2 days & didn't even look at the computer. You've lost so much in the past couple of weeks so if you don't see a loss don't sweat it. You know when that happens the next week you'll see a pretty big one. Have fun shopping.

Jen, when I went to get my nails done yesterday this lady had a little boy with her. WHAT A BRAT!!! He was all over the place. He was about 3 & had a pacifier. She would call him & he would ignore her. I don't know how they do it. I don't have the patience like I use to. I wasn't feeling well so I guess he got on my nerves a little. David was such a good kid. I never went through that with him. He did go thru the NO stage. He was a sweetie just like Matthew. He turned out to be a decent man. Time goes by so fast. :( Cherish every moment.

Janie, too late to wish Ellen happy birthday but I hope it was a happy one. :balloons: Don't worry too much about the small gain. You know how that can get the best of us. Hang in there.

Hi Ruth:wave:

Dianne & Deb, hope all is well. Come out come out wherever you are. Miss you. :(

I'm going to a Home Decorations party at my niece's house tonight. I hope there won't be any desserts. I'm doing "okay" as far as food wise. The snack craving is what kills me. I'm being strong!

Have a great day Girls:wave:

Love,
Es

Morning everyone!!

Well, I thought I'd stop by to say hello while I'm sitting here with the books. I'm trying to write a composition in Spanish. I just had to take a short break it is driving me "loca"!!

ES, have fun tonight! What type of party? Home Interior, etc... I use to sell Home Interior years ago. I bought as much or more than I sold at the time!! :eek:

ZOE,good luck at your weigh in and have fun shopping. Dallas/Ft. Worth has the best shopping.

TERRI, so glad to hear that you guys are okay. That had to be terrifying for the kids. Moving to Colorado, that is great. Sometimes I would love to live in another part of the country. I definitely like to visit other areas. There is so much that I haven't seen!!

JEN, aren't the grandbabies wonderful. My oldest granddaughter turns 4 next month and my youngest grandson will be 1. I've got four grandkids with two on the way. My stepdaughter is due in Feb and my youngest daughter is having her third baby in May.

JANIE, have fun at Disney!! I know Ellen is having a great time.

Well, better run, got a full day ahead of me. I've got studying to do, errands to run and a CHER concert tonight!!
Everyone have a good weekend.
Ruth

Hi:wave:

Ruth, how is your composition going? The party was nice. It was Home Interiors. Nice stuff. I spent $60 on 2 candles sets. The hostess gave me a lecture about buying something nice for myself. She tried to convince me to keep one cause I told her they were Xmas gifts for co-workers that I'm very fond of. I decided to take her advice. :) How was the concert? I love Cher. I heard she gives some performance.

Zoe, how did you do? I didn't know you had someone to go to the meetings with. So motivating when you have a weight loss buddy.

Gotta go make my food shopping list. I like to go early before the crowd. Be back later.

Have a blessed Sunday. :angel:

Hugs,
Es

Good Sunday Morning everyone!!

I'm sitting here, ready for church but early. Can you believe that?? It's about 7:30am and I leave around 8:10 so I have some time to post.

My WI was my worst in the last 9 weeks but I still lost something. It was .6 lbs but I know the reason ~ the past week, I had almost NO protein and TONS of carbs. I know what I did and I'm changing that this week. This will be the 'week of protein" for me. All I need to do is lose 1.4 lbs next week and I'll be at 25 and get my 25 lb star magnet. The leader is so sure that I'll do it, she put one away for me in her personal bag so that she will have it for me. I can't disappoint her, right? :)

Es ~ Funny you should mention 'diet buddy'.....this is the first time Tracy went with me. She and I started 'dieting' together, 9 or so weeks ago. Me going to meetings and her, just doing points on her own. Well, 2 weeks ago, after she had lost (and gained back) 7 lbs, she thought she would join. She said that since she sees how great I'm doing, she wanted those same results. So she joined WW near her home, about 20 or so minutes away from here. Well, her leader was/is a DUD and she wasn't motivated. I was afraid that she would stop going. There's nothing worse than an uninspiring leader to get you to quit. So since we were going shopping anyway, I suggested that she go to WW with me, just to check out my UPBEAT and very motivating leader. Heck, it's free since she is in the middle of her week. Well, she LOVED it and asked them to transfer her. She lost 2.4 in less than a week for a total of 10.4 in 3 weeks. So after making a short story long, she just started going. Hey girl, how are YOU doing? Letting go? Letting God? :) Just write when you can. I'm here. Hope you're feeling better now.

Ruth ~ Our shopping trip in Dallas was WONDERFUL! Got a few Christmas gifts and I'm almost done now. Woo Hoo! My goal was to be finished by Thanksgiving and while I may not be done by then, I'm far better off at this date than I usually am. Good luck on your compostition.

Hi Jen, Terri, Janie and Dianne. Hope y'all are doing well and having a great weekend.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Me <><

Zoe,
Your leader sounds wonderful. I don't blame your friend for switching. I just know you'll be getting that magnet next Saturday! Like you, I'm much more ahead of the shopping than I've ever been. It's a good feeling.

We had our first snowfall overnight :eek: the lawns are all covered, but it's supposed to be gone by this afternoon. It seems to come earlier every year....

Hope everyone has a great Sunday.

~Jen

Hi ladies,

ES, not having much luck with the composition. I really need to get focused!
CHER!!!!! WAS WONDERFUL!! If only I could look that good at 57!! She must workout to have that much energy. I was out of breath walking up the steps to colliseum, then our seats were in "nose-bleed" section. Guess, I had my own little work-out last night, who needs a stairclimber!!! LOL

Since it was her Farewell Tour, she provides video of her life in showbiz. There was footage of Sonny and her singing "I've Got You Babe" and footage of all her movies, their TV show, etc.. Then there was the acrobatics on stage and her dancers and I can't forget to mention the costume changes. She changed clothes for almost every song. It was definitely worth the price of the tickets!!

JEN, SNOW!! How wonderful! Of course, I can say that because we never get snow here in Louisiana and if we do it's only a few inches. I would love to see a good snowfall, but I just don't think that will be happening with global warming. I remember snowfall's when I was a child, not every year, but occasinally, I have pictures to prove that it use to snow. Of course, six inches of snow is a blizzard for us and it hasn't snowed that much since 1977!!

ZOE, Wow, you are doing so great with your weight loss!! Keep up the great work, I'm hoping your motivation rubs off on me soon!

Well, I better run, see you girls later.

Ruth

WHERE IS EVERYBODY?

Just wanted to stop in and check on everyone. I hope all is well.

Ruth

Hi everyone. I have been so busy. I loved reading your posts.
Ruth,
Cher sounded great. I saw her once. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hope your paper was great.

Zoe,
Great job and I love the way your leader motivates. I have had a few duds in my ww career.

Es,
Yes, you deserve something for yourself but I know how you feel. I always buy for everyone else. Hope you are feeling better.

Jen,
They grow up so fast. ENJOY!!!!! Those boys sound adorable.

Gotta go and do bowflex cause bruce is taking me to lunch in a few hours. He is going back to Colorado Springs tomorrow for a few days. :(

TTYL,
Terri

Hi gals,
Disneyland and California Adventure were a lot of fun. Ellen really enjoyed her Bday. The girls were good and there were no problems except when they got really tired. I know I have gained this week because there is nothing healthy to eat at that place. I tried to have healthy snacks like carrots, fruits and nuts for between meals. We stayed at the Marriot which had a really nice indoor/outdoor pool which the girls enjoyed almost as much as the Mouse. We had unbelievably nice weather but it was somewhat crowded for this time of year. It is weird coming back to reality from that place. I kind of like having music everywhere and lights and color. Real life is so drab sometimes :lol:

Hope everyone is having a nice Tuesday (even you Es),
JanieD

Hi everyone,

The days are shorter and so much busier now! It's hard to believe that Christmas is only 5 weeks away.

Janie,
Glad Ellen's birthday weekend went well, sounds like the girls had fun.

Hope everyone is well.

~Jen

Hello My Friends:wave:

Jen, I know how you feel about shorter days. It seems that way for me except for Tuesdays.:lol: Today dragged! I did a little Christmas shopping this week. It got me in the spirit. I love going to the stores with all the decorations & holiday music. Christmas is such a beautiful holiday. I can't wait till we get snow.

Janie, glad to hear Ellen enjoyed her birthday. Now that you're home you can get back on track.

Terri, my brother sold his bowflex. If I had the room I would get one. He gave me a workout & it was tough on that humungous thing. He had all the attachments. He found a place(gym). He should be opening it up by the end of January.

Ruth, my SIL wanted to go to that concert. Well, when she was here in NY. She loves Cher. She's been to a few of her concerts but she couldn't go to the last one cause she was pregnant & very uncomfortable. Glad you enjoyed it. ;) Are you done with the composition?

Zoe, I think an upbeat leader is so important. When they're a drag you feel like walking out. Do you ever watch Joyce Meyer? She preached on procrastination. I felt like she was talking about me.

Dianne, come back to us. I need for you to tell me how many points do you think pasteles are. :( I miss you!

I'll be back tomorrow.

Have a nice evening. :)

Love,
Es
:grouphug:

Hi everyone:

Es - you are toooooooooo funny about the pasteles - you really made me laugh. I would guess they are about 1,000 points each! :p Just kidding - there's really not that much points in each since for meat it can't be more than maybe 2 pts., then the plaintains part - maybe 1 pt, then olives, 1 pt. and potatoes - maybe 1/2 - 1 pt. - I would say tops 5-6 pts., but of course it depends how much of this stuff a person puts in - some people make pasteles really full. Anyway, they sure are delicious. I missed you too mi amiga!

I missed you all!

ZoeGirl - You are doing so fantastic!! Congratulations. I too remember when you were struggling - you've come so far and have so much to be proud of. Keep up the great job. :bravo:

Jen - Sounds like you've been having fun with the little guys. Are they getting excited with all the toy commercials for Christmas?

Hi Terri - wow, you're moving to Colorado? How do the kids feel about it - excited?

Hey Janie - Glad you had a good time with Ellen at Disney - Happy Belated Birthday to her :gift:

Hi Ruth - how are you doing? How is school?

Well, let's see what's been going on here - well, willie is feeling well, thank God and is due to go back to work on December 2nd. He will temporarily go to another location, which happens to be 10 mins from the house, which is great. His forman, the one he had the problem with might get transferred as well - there have been more complaints against him. If/when he gets transferred Willie will go back - unless it turns out that he likes the new place better. I'm just glad he's feeling so much better and glad he will avoid the stress of going back to work with that jerk:s:

I'm doing okay - still not really on program - but I'm thinking the holidays are coming up quick and it may just be better for me to have a fresh start in January. Hopefully, by then I'll have the motivation back. But I'm doing okay. Work is still busy but better that then being bored right?

Well, I better get to bed - it's good to be back! I'll talk to you's soon my buddies.

Hugs,
Dianne

Dianne,
It was so good to hear from you! Glad that Willie is feeling better; sounds as tho that foreman will not be missed, what a jerk. And, ok, what are pasteles??!? Just from what you wrote, they sound good :D

Es,
That's great news about your brother finally finding a place. Will you be helping him? I haven't done any Christmas shopping this week, and am only about halfway finished; I'm planning on making a big trip either Thursday or Friday.

Walked last night for two hours! THAT is huge for me. The police dept. needed us to go door to door to hand out crime watch literature, as there have been a rash of burglaries in certain subdivisions ( not ours, thank goodness)...it was a beautiful mild evening and I felt great afterwards.

have a great day,
~Jen

Dianne,
I am so glad that Willy is feeling better. I hope he doesn't have to meet up with that guy again.
Missed you.
The kids are all excited. Brittany is a little apprehensive even though she loved it there. You know friends and all that.
I just absolutely love the weather especially in the summer.

Es,
I love the bowflex. It is so cool. I do it three days a week. I have my treadmill, Big Blue Ball and computer in here. I am all set. :lol: Congrats to your brother. I never heard of Pastels either. Sounds good.


Janie,
Glad you all had a great time. We might go to Disney World right after New Years. Bruce has a meeting in Orlando right after the 1st so we might drive straight through from Christmas in Ohio.
We used to drive that route when we lived there so it will bring back memories. Is Disneyland like Disney World?

Jen,
Great job on the walking. Please be careful. You will all have a great Christmas with those 2 little boys. I loved how those little sleepy eyes wonder into the tree room while rubbing them.

I did some Christmas Shopping too. I ordered one of those playstation 2 games with the dance pad. Brittany loves to watch those people at the arcade at the mall do this. At least they can exercise while they play. :strong: Tonight I am buying some DVD sets for Bruce and a Bomber leather jacket. He will be in Colorado so I can take my time hiding them. He also has a birthday on the 19th of Dec. I have 5 family birthdays from today until the 19th of Dec. It can get so expensive.
Well gotta go.
Luv ya all,
Terri

Welcome Back Mi Amiga! :D I really, really, missed you. I knew I would get you to smile about the pasteles. Good to hear Willie is fine. It's great that he'll be close to home. Let's not even talk about being OP.:ink: I've been doing pretty good & the scale has not moved, not even a little! I like being busy at work. Keeps my mind off all the other stuff. Don't be a stranger. ;)

Terri & Jen, pasteles are sooooo good. They're made with plantains, green bananas mashed up with some other stuff called yuca, meat(pork). They wrap them in special paper tied with string. You boil them in water for around 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. Delicious!! :T It's too much work for me. My sister makes them. We know a lady that makes the best I've ever had so we buy them every year around this time. I'm sure they're 1000 points like Dianne said. :lol: I don't care. I only have them around the holidays.

I'm at work so I gotta go. I'll be back tonight.

Have a great day:wave:

Hugs,
Es

Mmmmm, Es and Dianne those pasteles sound good! A good friend of mine is from Mexico, their tradition is to make homemade tamales on Christmas Eve...another awesome treat :D it always comes down to food, doesn't it? :lol:

Terri,
Wow you really are set up for keeping fit, that's great. Christmas gets more expensive as they get older, doesn't it? All the electronics, dvds, cds. I went to Circuit City yesterday to purchase a phone and was able to get a few more gifts out of the way. Can't wait till the shopping is finished!

Apparently having a Christmas cookie exchange is becoming all the rage around here...I've been invited to one on the 7th, AND one on the 8th! Last year my niece had an ornament exchange, I prefer that.

HI to everyone!
~Jen

OOOOH! That will be hard Jen. I love those people who bring an assortment. A few of their favorites. MMmmm but hard.
Good luck. I bought most of Bruce's gifts last night. I bought him 3 DVD sets. 3-4 DVD's in each. I will save 1 for his birthday.
We went to Costco last night and the boys brought their money and they got Britts to take them to another part of the store and they pooled their money and spent it all on Bruce and I for Christmas. I got teary eyed. They had $25 a piece. The special part was they wanted to. They didn't want to tell me before hand because they knew I would try to talk them out of spending it all. I love when this stuff happens. It gets me in the mood for Christmas.

Es,
Those Pastels sound good.

TTYL,
Terri

Hi Girls:wave:

Terri, how sweet of the kids getting you & Bruce gifts. Too cute. I would have been teary eyed too. What DVD's did you get Bruce? Were they expensive? I want to get The Sopranos for Pete. I think it goes for around $80. I'm going to finish my shopping the day after Thanksgiving.

Jen, what is the cookie exchange?:chin: Whatever it is I know I would enjoy it.

What is everybody doing for Thanksgiving? It looks like it's going to be just Pete, David & me. My oldest sister is going Upstate to see her in-laws, my other sister is going to her ex-husband's new apt. with the kids(he's cooking) & my brother is going to his mother-in-laws. Maybe I'll buy a board game & rent a movie. We always have a good time even if it's just us. I'm making a turkey breast this year instead of the whole turkey.

Dianne, what's up Girl? Where are you spending it?

I was lurking around the websites & I read that WW 2003 isn't changing. I thought it would change, being that everything is about high protein now.

Well, let me go. Pete should be calling soon.

Till tomorrow:wave:

Love,
Es

Hey guys - how's everyone doing today?

Es - We are going to spend Thanksgiving with Willie's son Darren and his family - these are the little guys who call me "Papa Dianne":lol: They are too cute. Then we'll probably stop over at Lisa's to see Jessa and the rest of the gang, since both Lisa and Darren live in Staten Island, and only about 10 mins. from each other. My sister does that, makes a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey, since her family is small. At Darren's everyone is bringing something - there will be turkey or course, pernil, a ham, I'm making honey glazed yams, chicken cutlets (by special request):D , pasteles, relleno de papa, platano marduros, etc., etc. It will be a real :ink: fest!

Jen - Are you a member of the auxillirary police in your neighborhood? Cool that you got all that walking done and did some good work at the same time.

Terri - How sweet your kids are - kids just love buying presents, they get a big kick out of it. So cute.

Ruth - I meant to tell you - I'm so jealous that you got to see CHER - She's my girl! lol, I'm sure you must have enjoyed it. I've seen her twice and she puts on a good show. She's a little "out there", but that's what I always liked about her. She made mistakes, but never worried about what other people thought.

ZoeGirl - where are you - my turn to look for you, lol! Hope you are doing well.

Hi Janie and anyone else I may have missed, sorry!

Well, gotta get ready for Will and Grace - tonight's the wedding - Harry Connick, Jr. - he's hot:devil:

I'll talk to yous tomorrow - have a good night everyone.

Hugs,
Dianne

Es,
Turkey breast is the way to go...I make them a couple of times a year, usually on the grill. Except for the fact that the guys like the dark meat, I'd make that on Thanksgiving also!
The cookie exchange is a party, she's having 12 guests, everyone brings 11 dozen homemade cookies :eek: and takes one dozen from every guest...you'd end up bringing home 11 different dozen cookies. Great concept, except we definitely don't need those in the house!!!
It'll be just us and the kids on Thanksgiving, and Jessica's mother-in-law is joining us. We usually play a game or two, or watch a movie, then always take a walk after dinner. My mom and aunt did the walks when we were kids, and I love that tradition. When they did it, they had a combined 14 kids tagging along!!!

Dianne,
Ok, what are relleno de papa? I love chile rellenos...something similar?
I'm a member of a citizen's patrol group; it's fun, a way to meet people and get involved in our town. We assist in traffic control during parades, and whatever else the police need help with.
Sounds like you'll have a busy Thanksgiving, enjoy!

HI to everyone :wave:

~Jen

Es,
I got Bruce the Alien series, a John Wayne set and a WWII set.
The war set has old classics like Tora Torra Torra and the Longest Day and it also has the Thin Red Line and I forget the other one.
They were $44.95 a piece. They had the Rocky series, Lethal Weapon etc... for the same price. I want Lethal Weapon on DVD. Love those movies.
Bruce just bought the HBO series Band of Brothers. I loved that series. The music is just beautiful.

All of your Thanksgivings sounds peaceful.
It will just be us. I am cooking an 18 pounder. We like open faced turkey sandwiches for a couple days afterward. I plan to make soups etc. Since we can't be with family we have tried to get traditions going and I think it worked because I asked the kids what they wanted for the day and they said all the things we started doing a while ago. We will get up in the morning and watch the parade with hot cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate (not me- I will stick with just tea) and then when the parade is over we will put on It's a Wonderful Life on the kitchen TV while Brittany and I piddle around the kitchen. We will eat around 4:00 and then go to the theater and see Santa Claus 2. We will then come home and eat pie and play a couple games and then right before bed, which could be around 1:00 A.M., we will watch
A Christmas Story with Ralphie and the Red Rider BB gun.
I never tire of it. I can see how important tradition is to them. Bruce wanted us to go away for a few days and the kids didn't want to. Since he was doing it for them he was like if they want to stay we will stay. It felt good to know they wanted to do this again.
I watch Survivor and CSI and so I tape Friends, Will and Grace etc... and I can't wait to see Will and Grace. I will watch tonight.
Harry is a cutie for sure. I can't wait to see Martin and Lewis on Sunday. Sean Hays looks like he does Jerry perfectly.

TTYL,
Terri

HI gals,
I am afraid that my scale went haywire yesterday morning so I didn't get to WI this week. Oh shucks;) Anyway I am sure I gained after paying homage to the mouse god last weekend:lol: It sounds like everyone is having a nice Thanksgiving. We are going to Steve's best friend's house. (They've known each other since 8th grade, he was the best man at our wedding). He lives about 45 minutes away. He's a single dad of a 13 yr old girl. I think I have mentioned them before. The mom committed suicide when she was 5. Kid is very disturbed. I enjoy seeing Wayne but I worry about my Ellen with the daughter. At least Ellen is old enough to understand now. It was much harder when Ellen was small. Now Ellen just tells her to "grow up" when she is acting up.

Have a great weekend everyone.

-JanieD

Hello:wave:

Dianne, sounds like you have to do alot of cooking.:eek: I haven't made relleno de papa in a very long time. I can't believe I ate 2 pasteles the other night. They were so good. I'm home alone in the evenings now so I find I'm eating more than usual. I better find a hobby or something.

Janie, since you mentioned scales, I've been tempted to buy the Tanita scale. The one that measures fat & weight. Maybe I'll get one after the holidays. So sad about Steve's friend's daughter losing her Mom so young.

Terri, I was wondering about the theaters being open on Thanksgiving Day. Hmmmm:chin: not a bad idea. All the talkative, noisey popcorn chewers won't be there. :) I'll ask Pete & David what they want to do. I went to Best Buy & there were 3 sets of the Sopranos! Now what do I do! They're $80 a set. I guess I better think of something else to get Pete. He's been hinting for an MP3 like if he would know what to do with it. :rolleyes: I'll see.

Jen, sounds like you'll be having a nice peaceful Thanksgiving. This is the first time I'll be cooking a turkey breast for Thanksgiving. I always make a whole turkey but it'll be too much for the 3 of us. David wants pastillios. I'm not sure if it's spelled right but it's meat patties. I always make them as appetizers. He loves them. Anything for my baby.

Ruth, how are you?:wave:

Zoe, what's up?

Well guys, gotta go catch up with my soaps.

Hasta manana:wave:

Es:grouphug:

Es,
Yes, the theaters are open and there are a lot of people there. Not as many as normal but more than you'd think. When we lived in Florida we went to a Theme Park, Like Universal or Disney World. The only ones there were people who didn't celebrate Thanksgiving. It was heaven. For the last 6 years we go to Christmas themed movies to start the Christmas Season.
Bruce loves the Sopranos. I don't watch it. I have to kick him off the big screen Sunday though so we can watch Martin and Lewis. I usually don't watch Sunday TV.


Janie,
That is sad that her mom died at such a young age.
Hope you have a nice Thanksgiving.

TTYL,
Terri

Hi guys:

Es - :lol: :joker: :cry: :eek: Whoops - I sure screwed up my post -I'm not making all that food, lol. I'm just making the glazed yams and the chicken cutlets. That's just all the different dishes that people are bringing.

Hi everyone - just stopping in quick to say hi. Talk to you's tomorrow.

Hugs,
Dianne

Testing

Yehhhh, it worked!!!!! I'm sooo happy we have our GIF's back.

I posted this morning but it never went thru. How are my girls feeling today? It is such a beautiful day. I'm just home chillin. Just rented a movie which I'm going to watch in a little while. I took my turkey breast out of the freezer. Is it too early? I want to season it Wed. night.

I've been off program I'm ashamed to say. Not totally off but a little. I consider myself off when I don't journal. I have been doing The Firm tapes & it's true what they say that you see results in a couple of weeks. I'm already seeing definition:strong:

Hope everybody is enjoying their Sunday!:wave:
I'll be back later.

Hugs,
Es :)

Hey guys:

I didn't know we were able to attach gifs again -- let me try:

Yay it worked! Thanks Es!

How is everyone today - its been a real lazy day around here - we're just chillin' too. Hope you all had a great weekend and I'll talk to you's (hey ZoeGirl!) tomorrow.

Hugs,
Dianne

hehehehe
I am going to try!

SO COOL!

Cool attachments.

How is everybody?:)

Today was such a nice day at work. I was very busy & it went by very fast. Now that I'm home I hope it goes slow.:D Someone said they heard snow for tomorrow.:eek:

My turkey breast is almost thawed out.

I'm sure everybody is going to be busy the next few days so in case you read this & won't be back till after Thanksgiving, I hope you have a happy one. I'm not going to stuff my face. Usually after we eat we get lazy but I have to go visit my BIL whose 10 minutes away. My sister just got separated from him & he bought a co-op nearby. He's cool with us so we'll be stopping by once in a while to check on him. He has a heart condition & has never lived alone.

Well, gotta go workout.

Love yous,
Es ;)

Okay, now I'm stressed!:stress: My sister was not planning to spend Thanksgiving with me because she was going Upstate to take her husband to see his family. NOW, with the snow predictions she's probably not going which means she'll be eating with us & I don't think the turkey breast will be enough. I have a coupon for a free turkey. Do you think I should pick it up tomorrow or do you think I should stick with the turkey breast?

HELP!!!!!!

Can't help myself. Like a kid with a new toy.

Es,
Can you explain to your sister and maybe she can bring something? I hope it all works out.

Es,
I agree w/Terri, perhaps your sister can bring something. You've already defrosted the breast, you've got to cook it. You could redeem your coupon and get a small turkey...but then you might have way too much meat. Looks like I'm no help :lol:

We're going to the city downtown this evening for a concert. The Transiberian Orchestra, does anyone listen to them? We found out about them a few years ago...they've been described as "symphonic rock". The way they recorded an album of Christmas carols is not to be believed, it's great.

Of course they're predicting 2 to 3 inches of snow, so it'll be a hassle getting down there.

Hi to everyone :wave:

~Jen

Mornin' guys:

Oy vey Es! Maybe you should get a small turkey, you can always have leftovers. I always prefer to have too much food then not enough. Then again, since your sister just told you about changing her plans, maybe like Jen says you could ask her to bring something - maybe another turkey breast. Good luck chica!

Jen - I haven't heard of that group, but sounds like it will be fun. Enjoy. We are supposed to have 6 inches of snow by tomorrow :eek: The University is closing at 3:00 tomorrow and we have "dress down" too - that will certainly come in handy if its gonna be all mushy and slushy - YUK!

Hi Terri, ZoeGirl (where are you my buddy?), Ruth and Janie. Hope everyone has a great Tuesday (even you Es, :s:

Talk to you's later.

Hugs,
Dianne

P.S. That's me below looking for you ZoeGirl!

Hey Ladies, sounds as if everyone is busy getting ready for Thanksgiving. Since my husband works six days a week, I plan on a cozy evening at home with him alone. I was going to invite my mom to come up for a night or two, but the weather has gotten colder and we may be in for a freeze Thursday night, so she she is staying home instead. I do plan on going to visit her on Friday, my grandson Nicholas wants to spend the weekend with her.Then I'll have to go get him on Sunday. Mom lives an hour and a half away from me.

Love the gifs. Can you tell me where to find them, I think I asked the same thing when I first started chatting with you girls, never did learn to add them.

DIANNE, Cher was great. We really enjoyed the concert. School is going pretty good. I've had a stressful semester with my children and our finances, so I'm happy to say that my grades have not fallen below B's. I have an A in English, but we still have two essays to write, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Is everyone ready for Christmas? This cold weather is making seem more like the holidays are near. I hate it when it's in the 60's during Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Just doesn't seem the same.

Well, I better get to studying. Finals are 3 weeks away so if I'm not around much, it's because I'm stressing!!!

Talk to you later,
Ruth

STOP!! Go to #132. See you there. :D