Valerie - good luck on the job, but I'm confused...I thought you hated driving a truck? Still, busy, physical work, no doubt about it!

Ammi - I haven't actually made those brownies, but I know the no pudge brownie mix is 110 calories and no fat and 1 gr of fiber per serving. I'd say any kind of low-fat or fat-free brownie mix will do. BTW your 80 came way faster than mine! You have every reason to be excited. I actually think I may break 90 tomorrow! We'll see! :D

Kenya - MMmmm Oreo's! (With milk? Gotta have milk!) I must say those sound great! And what's the use losing weight if it means you can never have what you want? You're doing so brilliantly!

Kim - I don't know where you got your smoothie, but I looked up nutrition information on Sonic's website and their FF fruit smoothies run 79 to 98 grams of sugar.

Got to run ladies! Hope you all have a great night!

I only have a minute because I got home late and dinner should be ready in just a few, but I just wanted to say that I had a great session with my trainer tonight. I talked to my doctor this afternoon and she said that as long as I didn't hold my breath while using weights I could do anything besides squats. I was very careful not to push down on my diaphragm and to breathe continually and everything was fine! I am so relieved. I will start using one of the machines instead of doing squats, so everything should work out. I will try to check back in if I can, but tomorrow is a big day because the CEO is in town. I need to get to bed on time to make sure I am at work bright and early.

Okayl...everyone answered Kim's question! :lol:

Nancy - So glad you got good news from the Dr.!

Hey guys
well it didn't work. I talked myself into not doing anything and now I am SO mad at myself and I am going to go to bed. I have been in a fowl mood and I know why, but I just didn't want to go alone tonight. One of my friends that usually comes with me is sick and my husband, well, I couldn't guilt him into going. I just am making excuses cause I have went lots by myself. I just didn't go and will have to pay the price tomorrow because of it. errr why do we do this? ok, I am going to bed now before I soothe myself with food.

Until tomorrow....
Brenda :wave:

Hi everyone! As usual I am rushing through. Tonight is my second week of my weight loss group at church and I am looking forward to it and getting to know the women better.

Zelma, you are probably right that the "hole" is more noticeable to me than others. LOL one day at work I was talking about it to some of my coworkers and showing them and they were laughing and saying well if you don't go around pointing it out to us we would not have noticed. :) However, I am surprised you say you can't see it in my pictures as it is very obvious in my avatar photo. :yes: But I really don't let it bother me a whole lot.

Luan, hope you are feeling better; that's quite a blow. I was thinking the same as Zelma though... it seems as if perhaps he intended for you to see that email. Anyway, sending a hug and my prayers.

Nelie, thanks for the info about the parasailing. LOL I am scared to death of heights too but crazy enough to do it anyway! I found out on my last cruise how much cheaper things are if you book on your own... LOL there was one walking tour the ship charged $35 for and we found it downtown... FREE! :) At least I am familiar with Key West so I know I can find my way around and we will have to dock close to the city. But in Cozumel it sounds like they dock all over the place -- but the only excursion I was interested in is also not listed for my particular cruise. I will have fun whatever. :)

Oh! Nelie... how was the landing? The site I saw said they would give you tips for a smooth landing. LOL I am such a klutz I will mess it up if possible. Was the landing scary?

Amanda, I am going to Fort Lauderdale in February to visit my best friend there and leaving on 2/5 for a four night cruise on Carnival. I looked up a website about Key West and parasailing and it was advertised for $35 in the morning. So I don't think it is all that expensive. I think it was the cruise line where I read maximum 300 pounds. But I am quite a bit under that now and plan to be down more by then so I think I can do it.

Lavendal, congrats on your OP day! Yippee for you! You too, Violet. Way to go.

Melissa I sure know what you mean about that Fairy Fat Mother passing you by! Yeeks I think she has totally forgotten me here in Seattle! Keep it up though! I know what you mean... I told someone today that I really DESERVE it... a lot of times I don't but now I DO and the weight is not coming off. :)

Brenda, thanks for the pictures. Looking good! All of you who shared pix look fantastic and I am so glad you shared.

Kimpossible I answered part of the cruise question and then saw yours... so I am going 2/5 and 4 nights Key West FL and Cozumel Mexico... then spending a few days in Fort Lauderdale tooling around with my best friend. My cruise last May was my first and oh wow did I ever get hooked! What a way to travel!!! I lost two pounds too as I took the stairs and also spent endless hours on the promenade deck... also walked into the towns instead of taking taxis. And ate tons of wonderful fruit and veggies. I have time to decide about the parasailing... I will only do it if we get there on time and there is plenty of time for me to get back on the ship. Oh and congratulations on being OP!!

Ammi... glad my thyroid "story" helped. As I am sure you know I can't always say it does not bother me, especially when I think about how much "baggier" it is likely to get in the future. :) But yes, we need to be thankful... 100 years ago someone who got something like we did would either have died or lived miserable lives! So I just praise God for His healing and giving me life!

Kenya, LOL I am cracking up at your twinkies and oreos. :) Good for you! You limited yourself to an amount that is not going to hurt you, and you enjoyed it! Good for you! I admit I would not dare as I would not trust myself. :rofl:

Everybody hang in there... and send that FFM back my way!!! :dance: Gotta run and get ready for group.

MELISSA – Good luck with your ultrasound tomorrow – cool that the clinic is within walking distance for the exercise! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for your WI, too! …Oh. Sorry that it didn’t go as well as it should have. As for BOP (back OP) 100% - GO GET ‘EM this week!!! I’m sure that silly thing has to give up the pounds soon! FFM?? Where are you??? This girl is a-waitin’ on ya!!!

AMY – I somehow misstated something cuz Bill & I have only been married 7 years, not 30. I meant I wish I’d had that book 30 years ago, before I made a lot of the stupid mistakes I’ve made… not that it would have stopped all or even most of them, but it might have saved me from a couple of WHOPPERS! You’re right tho, counseling would be a good idea. I’m glad you escaped those ‘tata wedges the other day – OUCH! I hope that cold or whatever it is clears up too! ** That freezing stuff ahead of time and having it ready is a great idea. I even cook a bunch of burgers up & keep ‘em frozen and keep one in the fridge at a time. I can grab one of those cold with ketchup (sorry if that’s gross) for a quick protein snack. Of course, a normal person could just nuke it or something, but anytime I don’t have to wash a pan, it’s a good day! AWESOME of you to be staying SO O.P.!! *** Whooaaaa, really interesting post on that drug/brain thing! It makes SO much sense!

Ooooo, LILION – I’ve gotta switch to WW now! That Breakfast Brownie recipe sent me over the edge – yum! Even the NAME “Breakfast Brownie” – and I can add coconut???! ** Actually, I hate driving BILL’s truck – NEVER being home, NEVER having any money of my own, working like a dog to live dead broke and in isolation. I’m not excited about driving a truck, but going from $0 to $50,000 – THAT I’m excited about. Unfortunately, himself is excited about it too. He doesn’t know yet that he isn’t getting it – the check, let’s remember, will have MYYYYYY name on it! :D ‘Scuse me while I do a little money dance…

ZELMA – Good to see you again. The Royal Show sounds like wonderful fun! It sounds like your vacation days lately have been just lovely! Good luck finding lots of info for your kids on endangered animals. I bet there’s tons of it. ** As far as the drinking, this is just off the top of my head, and I know that water is THE thing to drink, but what if you took more fluids in in other forms, perhaps diluted juice or something that would require your body to slow down and process it? That’s probably silly. ** About the 30 year thing – I meant I wish I’d had that book 30 years ago before I made some of my landmark mistakes. I’ve only been married 7 years –sorry to mislead. Thank you for sharing that story with me. It gives me great hope, even if at this point I feel so strongly that if I get out of this relationship I Never want another man around, gumming up my life. But at the same time, I’m a people person, affectionate and sharing, and perhaps I would hate being alone. I guess I don’t need to worry about that bridge until it’s time to cross it.

JEN – I hope your WI went GREAT! ** The way I learned to make a right turn was that it takes the lane you’re in… plus 3 more. New England is SO much fun with their crowded traffic and narrow streets. But I won’t be going there anymore. I will only have to weave my way in and out of gas stations with their customers. No sweat.

NANCY – Yeah, don’t you just hate it when you can feel how junk food has sapped your energy and strength? ** Good idea to keep your trainer aware of what’s going on. I hope your doc can put your mind to rest and give you a safe, doable activity list.

ANNIE – Good deal on keeping up with that exercise, even if you’re not having your peppiest day. I hope your DH’s hearing is improved with those procedures.

LUAN – you are SO together and have such a full life. I can’t imagine being in the industry you’re in, seeing the things you see, the places, the people. It’s sucha way cool career and life you’re chiseling out for yourself!! I love your attitude: you’re getting on with it and YEAH! Let ‘em work to get your attention. My big sis told me when I was about 14 that the best way to get a man’s attention was to turn around and walk away from him. I DEFINITELY works. Best advice I ever got… or at least it was a lot of fun when I was younger, I just should have kept on doing a lot more walking away. Do you suppose it was my IRresistable tush that kept ‘em coming back??? :rofl:

No, SHARON, he won’t talk. That’s the biggest problem. Oh well. I’ll figure it out and quit whining at some point. In the meantime I’m very happy to be off the truck and home, and I’ll be even happier when I have a job! I hope your tummy soreness is gone by the time you read this. Great that your getting that walking in, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for your WI on Saturday.

KIM – I can’t agree with you more on what you said about not pushing too hard and driving. The world lost a very dear person that I knew years ago. She was working or volunteering in so many places, and very early one morning fell asleep and drove under a truck. She had one of the greatest most generous hearts I’ve ever known. It’s too tragic for those left behind and no one wants to leave a void like that. * Good for you staying so OP!!! That one little pastry won’t kill you. It’s history anyway, and you’re just burning it up now.

Yes, KATT – September really DID fly by! Great that you had that energy burst when you needed it to make your exercise goal! What’s your secret??

AMANDA – Sounds like even thought you’re very busy, you’ve got your eating all planned out for success with the fruit and veggies! WTG! ** Oh, breaded pork loin! You’re making me hungry.

LAVANDEL – OK, first off, I don’t believe you. No way is English not your first language! :D (Or am I thinking of someone else – busy list, and I’m easy to confuse) ** I know what you mean about people being TOO pushy about asking about weight. My MIL asks specifically how many more pounds I’ve lost every time she sees me. It isn’t like she’s commenting on my success, it’s more like she’s pointing out just how fat I am. I got her last week though – in return, I asked her if she’d been riding her stationary bike again (she hadn’t) and she didn’t appear to like the question one bit. :D :D :D :lol:

Hey, BRENDA – water water water and I hope that extra couple of ‘visitors’ leaves soon! Between the sodium and TOM, they can really mess with the scale! Don’t beat yourself up over not going tonight – just go tomorrow night. You’ve come a long way, and it’s not like you’re turning back now. You’re just going tomorrow night, right??

AMMI – I’m so sorry your lovely Beth is feeling poorly! I hope she’s up and at ‘em again soon, and I hope you can keep up with your exercise in the meantime. After all, you’ve got a date with the ‘100 club’!

KENYA – You had WHAT and 4 WHAT???? Those things aren’t on my menu yet. Maybe when I’ve lost over 110 pounds like you, I can afford a treat like that. I’m proud of you too, that you could limit it like that. Tell me, was it yucky and sweet, or was it… wooooonderful?

Hi MISTI – I’m glad you’re having such a wonderful time with your group! Having a 3D team to work with is so great! Just don’t forget us, ya hear?

Off to bed now. Had another really good day, although once again I didn’t get my second 10 minutes of exercise in. You’re fault. I was stuck here writing. (Thank goodness I have you to blame, since there’s no one else here but the dogs… Uh-oh. That means I can go jump on the treadmill cuz there’s no one else trying to sleep, either.) Anyway, this challenge thing is keeping me really on target. I did have a sweet craving myself today. I indulged in a 50 calorie, 10 carb tootsie roll. Talk about things that better not become habits!! But I counted it in and was still in a good cal range for the day.

Wish me luck tomorrow on my drive test. It’ll be too embarrassing if I mess up. Besides, I’ve already got my first 100 paychecks spent. :D

Hi all -- I have been SO busy, I've been doing fly-by's here. Mostly reading and posting exercise.

I am doing well -- liking our new 24 hour gym and got a trainer. I think I'm going to learn a lot AND get fit.

I am 6 pounds away. 6 pounds from not being obese anymore. I have decided to set another goal beyond that -- I think I can get there working with the trainer! My new goal: 165!! I can't believe I'm thinking of going there. What's more: I am beginning to believe I can DO it!

valerie -- good luck tomorrow!

Ammi--What is NHS? Is that kind of like in Canada where the gov't pays for healthcare? I guess I dont know much about it. We have pretty good healthcare here but that's only for those that have insurance. There is a larege percentage of people that do not have insurance and if they cant pay then the dr doesnt have to see them unless thier condition threatens thier life or the life of an unborn child. So if you have like bronchitis or strep throat and just need some pills, too bad so sad unless you have insurance or cold hard cash. In fact, my pregnant friend doesnt have insurance right now. Her unborn child does because she meets the low income guidelines so can get Medicaid thru the gov't, but after the baby is born that's it. Luckily there are some free clinics and clinics that go on a sliding fee scale around, but then again good luck getting an appt or else they give you a prescription that you cant afford to get filled anyway. So I guess nothing is ever perfect. But I digress...and digest, I just finished dinner! :o :joker:

I'll bet your DH is getting excited the more weight you lose! Most of all I'm sure he is just so happy to see you so happy. That is really great. You are doing so awesome!!

Hey, I love the outfit you described! I laughed at the "Choose Life" t-shirt!! Yeah!! I plan to wear a Social Distortion t-shirt, jeans, and a bunch of like studded cuff bracelets, jelly bracelets, a bandana wrapped around my wrist...that type of thing. Oh, and I have a pair of silver skeleton earrings I thought would be cool! I am going to tease and spray and spray and tease my hair until it is REALLY big!! :D I am going to wear black/white Converse Chuck Taylor shoes, too. I will be sure to have someone take a picture of me full-length so you can get the full effect. :joker:

Glad to hear you are still able to excercise your 1 hr/day even though your schedule has been throw off. I hope Beth feels better soon!! The flu is no fun, that is for sure!! :(

Valerie--I laughed out loud at "Please please please Lord dont let me grind a gear with MEN watching" :lol3: I laugh because I am sure in your proffession it is SOOO true. I know from experience with my highly critical dad and older brother that if you screw up ANYTHING on a car they are right on your butt and its all because you are a woman--not because you, ya know, made a mistake or anything.:rolleyes: I will really keep you in my thoughts, girlie, cuz $50k isnt anything to sneeze at, and even better with benefits, that's for sure!! And it being physical would be great for the life changes you are implementing, too. And I'm sure doing the physical things 59 lbs lighter will be a lot easier, too!! :cp: I wish you :goodluck: :goodluck: :goodluck:!!!

Kim--Yeah, I would think something like that would have a lot of sugar in it, but who knows? I'll bet you could go to Sonic's website and get nutritional info which would tell you the sugar content. Let me know what you find out because it sounds really good to me, too! Oh, I love their Cherry Limeade, too....but we wont talk about that!!!! :tape:

Jen--Thanks for the congrats. I do better when I'm at work, too. I think that's because when I pack my lunch and snacks I know that is exactly what I am eating that day--no more, possibly a little less (if I dont eat everything I bring). But when I get home there are so many choices and I want to eat a big dinner and then when I realize I cant I end up feeling deprived. But once I eat an OP dinner I feel full and satisfied. I just need to get used to the fact that what I am allowed to eat in a day IS enough to satisfy me. I dont NEED to eat 3-4 cups of pasta or 1/2 a pizza to feel satiated and satisfied. I think it will just take time for me to adjust. ;)

Kenya--You know, I've never eaten a Twinkie before in my entire life. But I read somewhere that they have shelf life of like 70 years or something. I'm not exaggerating! Isnt that hilarious??? :joker: Hey, as the older lady at my Curves says "You gotta have something once in a while". Well, here's your once in a while! ;) Good for you for limiting yourself. If I would've went off plan I probably would've just been like "what the :censored:" and ate the whole dag gone bag of Oreos!!


As for me, I had a literal feast for dinner! I made this Layered Mexican Chicken from the WW website. It makes 12 servings, 6 points each. Good for a singleton like me--I'll have lunches and dinners for at least 6 days now! :love: With my serving of that I had low-fat tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa. I also had a nice sized salad. It was all really good and totally OP and I am totally satisfied. I am happy I found a way to have something that not only tastes good but has plenty of protein, dairy, veggies and carbs as I had been worried about getting a balanced meal at night. And instead of eating in front of the TV or computer I ate at the table....while reading a celebrity trash-mag, of course. :lol: I have to have something to read while I eat! :D

WARNING: POSSIBLE TMI Well, I am thinking of performing minor surgery on my thumb. :rolleyes: It really isnt healing very well, as the flap of skin that is hanging (because I cut it off) isnt healing back on to the rest of my thumb. So I think I am going to cut it off. The flap, not the thumb. :lol: But my friend's kid lost my fingernail clippers. Dangit. Anyway, do you think it will get infected if I do that?

Oh, I have a funny story to tell you about my friend's kids. She has a 3 and a 1 yr old. They came over Sunday evening and we had dinner here. Well the kids were totally freaked out by my cat. My cat would just walk by the 1 year old and he would start screaming bloody murder, same as the 3 yr old.:rolleyes: My friend keeps them VERY sheltered and she herself doesnt like cats because supposedlly she is "allergic" (I think she is actually scared of cats as she gets very freaked out whenever Wilhelm comes near her but I've never seen her so much as sneeze when he's around) so its no wonder. Anyway, they never really warmed up to him, even though he never did so much as meow at either of them. Anyway, tonight she stopped over and Wilhelm was laying on the back of the couch. The 3-yr-old immediately lays on the couch and starts petting Wilhelm, saying how nice the kitty is, etc. Then when they left she says "Bye kitty, bye Amy". :dizzy: Kids are SOOOOO weird.

Well, I'm off to bed. I have all my 80s punkster stuff laid out for tomorrow--I'm so excited, hee hee!! :D

Jen- It’s sounds like you do really good with your housecleaning to me! I think we all have our weak points- mine is that I hate cleaning, so I let things get a mess and then I do an overhaul, vow to keep it clean and 3 days later it’s a mess- how many things can I change about myself at once right? I’ve decided my priority is my weight loss- once I get healthy, I start thinking about cleaning habits: lol:

Kenya- I’m glad you are beating yourself up about your sweets- after all, there has to be some wiggle room- this isn’t a diet this is a new way of life, and you won’t go the rest of your life with a few treats occasionally. The key is, you knew how to control it- you should be proud of yourself!

Amanda, Katt, Lillion, Amy- Thanks for all the help with the smoothie- how smart you all are with the sonic website and Calorie King (never heard of that before-awesome site) I never even thought of that. I guess that’s why this thread is so great!! How disappointing the amount of sugar in it- I saw fat free and figured it was okay, but 96 grams really is quite a lot, isn’t it? I’m not sure about calories, is 50 a lot for a beverage? I wonder if I could get away with it every now and then, it really was so good, but I don’t want to get myself in a trap of this is healthy when it’s not really. What a bummer.

Nancy- I’m so glad the doctor gave you such a good report- and was so specific. Good luck!

Brenda- I’m sorry you had a rough time tonight- we all do that occasionally. Maybe if you can look at it as a learning experience, of why didn’t I go without someone when I’ve gone plenty of times before? Maybe by doing that you can prepare yourself for next time- but don’t beat yourself up, life goes on, and you will still be successful in the long run.

Misti- you do the same thing as me on cruises, except the eating—well I’ve never been on a cruise when I was truly committed to this being my new way of life, so I pretty much have a history of gorging myself- but at least I do the walking (exercise has always been the easier part for me). Have fun!! I’m excited for you- I can’t wait to see pics- I’ll feel like I got to go!

Valerie- wow! Your story about your friend really hit me. Ever since my situation I’ve been so careful, and known I was lucky, but never really took it that far—but now that I think about it, if it hadn’t been so early in the morning, there could have been so many more vehicles on the road, and not only would I have still hit that guy, but since I had so little control, all my swerving around would have caused a serious wreck, and worse could have killed someone—I’d rather have died than live with the possibility that I hurt someone else- took me to an all new level….

Heather- :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: I am so excited for you- 6 pounds from being no longer obese!!!!!!!!! That’s awesome- I can’t wait to applaud you when you get there, and I know you will make your other goal too!!

Amy- kids are too funny! I love the picture of them screaming when the cat just walks by! My dad’s half of the family are terrified of cats- they grew up in a rough neighborhood, and they always have claimed that where they grew up the cats chased the dogs, thus the fear. Well my dad is okay, not scared, just doesn’t like them. My mom on the other hand loves cats- like hasn’t lived more than 2 weeks of her adult life without one. Before my parents got married my grandfather told my dad “you know if you marry her, you get the cat” anyway- long story short, whenever relatives have visited, most of them stay in hotel- claiming they don’t want to intrude-at this time my parents had a 10 bedroom house and just me and my brother-so it was clearly the cat. When they did come to the house they dart there eyes around terrified and keep newspapers in their hands because cat was afraid of paper and they could shake it at her to make her go away- pathetic for 30 & 40 year olds, but pretty funny to watch!

Ok- I had planned to log on quick to see if anyone had replied about my smoothie delema (thanks again), and ended up writing a book. I have to get to bed, and fast (i was supposed to be asleep 30 minutes ago). Good night!

Hello everyone! Just reading a bit before bedtime!

Valerie, not a chance I will forget all of you! Wow you are sooooo supportive and caring!!!

Kim I should add... about the cruise... when I first planned the first one my plan was to eat everything in sight. :) But by the time the cruise got here I was into the health and weight loss so managed to do very well. LOL I am NOT usually that strong either. :) But I was not about to mess up all my hard work!

God's blessings to all of you!

OK... I feel sick now. Just tension sick, not throwing up sick.

I got an email from the editor of the magazine... well, I think I'll just copy and paste it...

This email is also to let you know, as some of you have been asking,
that I have had confirmation from Today Tonight that the will not be
running the Slimmer of the Year story. I think you can all guess why,
unfortunately due to a certain person being fooled by Today Tonight's
competition into giving them her story, Today Tonight completely pulled
out and in fact were really quite angry about the whole thing. As was
I, as we lost a brilliant opportunity to get all of your stories on
national TV and also lost hundreds of copy sales and thousands of
dollars in publicity. I hope you are not too disappointed that you
didn't get to be on TV.

So I'm sorry to have to tell you that but wanted to let you know incase
you had been watching. It's a lesson for us anyway for future Slimmer
of the Year events. Look out for Debbie's follow-up story in the
November issue and I hope you are all enjoying your success, well done
to you all!

As you can probably guess, I am the "certain person". I do NOT feel as though I was 'fooled' at all. I wanted to get my face on TV, to show people that this could be done. I also didn't even think twice about it, because it was the magazine's publicity people who started everything rolling by contacting local newspapers. I truly didn't even consider that the two news shows were competing with each other. How was I to know that????

Anyway, I just feel really awful for the other girls. I can't see why the other show couldn't have put the item to air anyway. My item didn't spoil it in any way that I can see. Oh well... I have emailed two of the other finalists and apologised. I have the other girl's email address somewhere else, so I'll have to contact her later.

I'm feeling a little 'down' right now, but I have a feeling that this numb feeling will pass soon enough and pure rage will take its place. I want to write back the editor and let her know exactly how I feel about the whole thing, but I may say something I regret, so I'm going to leave it for a while.

Thanks for 'listening',

Zelma

OH Zelma, I'm SO SORRY. If things were so SECRET why didn't they WARN everyone NOT TO TALK to anyone unless THEY OKAY-ED IT???????BIG HUGS I really think they are being childish (the TV programme) and if I were you I'd be tempted to tell the other show how childish they're being, another 'news story' might shame the other one to review their decision! Does it make sense or just sound garbled? lol. xxxBIG HUGS xxxx
xxxsharon

Oh, Zelma- that is so frustrating! I would be so angry- I mean why does big business always have to behave so childlishly. It goes to show that everything is just about money- because if they were doing it for the right reason, they would be happy you got that extra exposure, because the whole idea should be to have as many people as possible see that it is possible to make these radical changes in their lives for the better. Seriousy, they should feel guilty for their greed winning over a good cause! plus- the story you told was one story, whereas the story they would tell is several stories- so even from a monetary stand point it would get more attention anyway. Oh- I could go on forever I'm so frustrated for you! Don't feel guilty- they should, not you!

As for me, didn't get much sleep last night- I know I was still awake at 11p, probably fell asleep a little after that, and awake again at 4:30a. I just wish I could quit working and do what I'd reall love (write). Wouldn't it be great to work for yourself? Some of you probably already do- and I know it has it's ups and downs too- but I hate having to report to someone, especially in my current situation- where I have more knowledge and experience than that person. Anyway- i'm in a blabbing mood I think, and I could simply set my head down right now and go to sleep- so i better get moving and get dressed or i probably will fall asleep. have a great day ladies!

Thank you Sharon and Kim. Your kind words mean SO much to me at the moment. What you are saying is what has gone through my head over and over again, but it seems to contradict what the magazine is saying.

Anyway, so much for waiting to cool down. I just decided to write back to the editor, while things were fresh in my mind. I'm going to post my mail here, so you can tell me whether it sounds OK or not.

I am also sending this mail to the other finalists, to explain a little to
them, as I don't want them to think that I, in any way, meant for the Today
Tonight item to be affected by what I did.

I have been tossing around the idea of whether to write to you or not, and
receiving your email showed me that there are some things that needed to be
said.

Firstly, during the luncheon, I was constantly told that I should have
contacted your office before I did anything with A Current Affair. Now, I
truly don't know why you would have expected me to do that, as I was told,
during the first visit to Sydney, that someone from your PR department would
be contacting local newspapers and television stations and I should
hopefully be hearing from them. It was through YOUR contact that I got the
original item in the local newspaper, and the other media just flowed on
from that. I had NO idea that it would cause any problems as I had been
told to expect to hear from them and had not been given any guidelines of
who I COULD and COULDN'T talk to.

I was made to feel like dirt at the luncheon, and I was feeling so
uncomfortable that I had to leave early. I hope that no future contestants
are made to feel like this.

I am sorry that you feel that I have cost you so much revenue. I had a
feeling that I was in the 'bad books' when I didn't hear anything about the
flowers that were going to be sent to me. Please believe that this is not a
problem in the least and I honestly don't mind you saving money in that
respect. I would also like you to not worry about giving me the finalists
prizes that I have not yet received, as this will save you some more money.
I am truly alright about that.

I do hope that my publicity, in two local newspapers, interstate papers (at
least one in Melbourne that I have heard about), Melbourne talk-back radio,
local news and the national current affairs show, will help you to recoup
some of the lost advertising and sales that you mentioned. I promoted the
magazine in all of the interviews I had.

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to 'get my face out there' and
show people that they CAN lose weight in a healthy way. I have received
many emails, cards and letters of congratulations and requests for help and
advice. That was my aim when I originally wrote to you, so I can not regret
being a part of the competition.

Yours truly,

That was about as calm as I could possibly be, considering the mood I am in at the moment. I hope it doesn't come across too badly. I would appreciate any input you may have, in case I have to mend some fences.

I did consider telling them that I felt that the other show was being 'petty' and 'childish', but I tried to not be TOO personal. I'm not sure I've managed that anyway.

Now, I may just wander around here for a while, reading to try and take my mind off this whole thing.

Zelma