Interesting experiment with the 200 people, let us all know how that works out, Dawny. They've done things like that here in the US as well. I especially liked one of our morning tv programs taking a group of teens who were overweight and putting them through a diet and exercise program (the kids did this quite willingly) and the differences in them were amazing. I would love to see a follow up to see if they have, in fact, stayed in better shape.
We all know it's easier to lose weight than to maintain a weight loss. I truly am getting myself psyched up for that part. I hope it won't be long before I reach my goal. When I do, I recognize that I will be having a totally different lifestyle change, a change that I want to stay with me for the rest of my life. I will be able to add a few more foods, maybe just ONE food extra each day? Or, will I have to eat like I am, but maybe allow myself one special food each week that I am not allowing now? It's all a mystery to me right now, I think it will be "tricky" and I will strive for a balance. I did become a Lifetime member with WW before, but then after awhile felt that I was invincible and stayed away from meetings and re-gained. I went back to ww several times, tried and tried, but still was never able to get back to goal weight. I am determined not to allow that to happen to me again this time. I firmly believe that I will need to go to ww meetings for the rest of my life. I truly want to be a part of their organization it will help me to stay at my desired weight and I hope to be able to share what I have done (and not done in the past) that led to success. I wish I could be doing that right now.
Dawny, the USA is such a varied country. As we are what is called "the melting pot" and are a nation of immigrants, people's reactions and opinions about 9/11 are as varied as the people who make up our culture. One thing that I think happened to the majority of Americans was a "wake up call". We are still in shock, for the most part. I also don't think we, as a "people", are truly anything like we are viewed by other countries. We are not as our celebrities, and our movie culture, shows us to be. The majority of Americans are good folk who have strong values and beliefs. The antics of a few who get on the news and the main populus of our country are like night and day. I get angry sometimes when I think that perhaps those who "hate" American truly view us as the media portrays us or by ONE politician or something. We are not that person, they need to get to know us and then perhaps we would not be hated? My good friend who came from the UK to live here (grew up in the Dorset area, is that near you?) was amazed when she came here, and this was before 9/11, at "flags flying and patriotism" and how common it was to see the US flag just about everywhere. She and her husband were amazed at how often we Americans pause and sing our national anthem, at sporting events and just about anywhere. I cry when I hear our national anthem, by the way, and have always done this as an adult.
We are a proud nation and have felt very invincible in the world, it was such a shock for our people when 9/11 came, it was an unfathomable attack on our soil. No attack, since Pearl Harbor 12/7/41 has been on OUR soil. Perhaps we were living in a dreamworld, but the idea of someone coming over and doing something like that was just beyond us Americans. It was a rude awakening for us to realize that people like Bin Laden and his followers hate us so. I find it so hard to believe that we can be judged by what our "culture" portrays us as vs. individuals who are honest, hard working, loving and caring - those who have families. I have always wished that our enemies would truly KNOW us before they judge us by the few they know. Then, they would not hate us and all of this would not be happening, at least I hope.
At any rate, I am so very proud to be American. I would give my life for my country and am so thankful for countries like yours who have stood by us during this time. So many other countries have not stood by us, but we would be the first to come to their aid if there was ever a problem there. I think that is the most hurtful thing, at least to me, that so many countries have not stood by us at this time. We stand for truth, freedom and are interested in stopping all terrorists. We would not impose what we think on them, yet they do not back us up, as they are fearful.
I feel like we stand alone, at times, yet I am comforted by your country and Tony Blair's firm stand (though he faces lots of protests) to remain by our side. I love that guy! I think we Americans love him more than he is loved in your own country? I'll never forget his face after 9/11 when he was here. He reflected our own horror and he vowed his help and support, he made me cry! It was not a political thing, either, he saw the devastation, hurt and knew what our nation suffered. His face said it all more than his words, I felt. What a guy!
At any rate, way too much info about this vs. our weight loss this morning, yet this 9/11 anniversary is certainly a time of reflection. Also a time to NOT eat!
Today, the scale didn't move again. I ate a very good breakfast of 1/2 cup egg substitute, ff mozarella cheese and stauteed peppers, onion and fresh tomato. I will save my fruit that I usually have with breakfast for a snack later on.
Today, I will do an energetic workout and get on that treadmill! I will drink tons of water and I will see that scale reward me tomorrow! It just HAS to after I've been so good! A good day to be rewarded on 9/11, my way of telling terrorists that they can't get me down!
I shall be planting something tomorrow, I have made up my mind. Not sure what I will pick, but it will be something that is flowering or evergreen - maybe evergreen?
Also, we will do our share to help our economy as well, as my husband might buy a new car tomorrow!
Linda in NH, keeping the faith!