WOW, you guys are wonderful. You've really re-charged my batteries.

It's funny, isn't it, how you can know something in your head, and believe the opposite in your heart? As much as I rant against the inaccurate cultural stereotypes and expectations of weight loss, I'm still a part of that culture and sometimes have those expectations and stereotypes.

I tell you all "1/4 of a pound in a week, is much better progress than you realize," and then I have to tell myself the same thing (and fight the urge to add a "but" statement that negates the achievement of the 1/4 lb).

There are just so many stereotypes or cultural norms of dieting, that are difficult not to accept as gospel. Like avoiding the buffets. It's good advice really, especially when you find yourself piling the plate sky high. However, a good buffet sometimes is the only "decent" restaurant option.

There were so many great choices, that I didn't feel like I was going to be eating lettuce, while my husband and SIL ate "real food." My only real complaint is that the restaurant is known for it's rather exotic salad dressings, and what do they put on the buffet salad bar - Catalina style french, blue cheese, and buttermilk ranch. Ok, where's the avocado ranch or the cilantro honey vinaigrette.

Ok, just slapped my head in a "duh" (V-8 commercial style) momemt, I could have asked for a side of one of their specialty salad dressings." For as much as I remind everyone (and myself) to think outside the box of dieting tradition, I'm as likely to do or not do, based on what I've done or not done, in the past. Oh, wow - how completely stupid of me. The only thing that kept me from eating more salad (the salad bar really was awesome, there were so many naked, fresh raw vegetables and fruits) was because I was trying to be careful with the high calorie salad dressings (I admit that I'm not fond of a too-dry salad).

I even could have brought my own. I made an exciting discovery in a Dollar Tree store a week ago. Tiny little inch high, 3"x2" plastic food storage containers (like tupperware). They took me back to the 80's, when I would put an entire bottle of salad dressing in my purse. Oh, how I would have loved to have those, then.

Anyway, back on task. This website and all the people on it, are an amazing resource. I think it's very easy to isolate and hide when things aren't going well. I remember so well, avoiding WW and TOPS meetings and even doctor's appointments when I'd gained, because I didn't want anyone to "know."

Maybe it's the fact of not having to look anyone in the eye, but this is not only where I come to celebrate acheivements, but to vent about failures and struggles. Is this place awesome, or what?

but often when I see posts and respond - it's not really to the posters that I'm speaking to, but to the part of me inside that feels exactly like the poster.

God yes! I thought I was the only one.

Hey babe HOW'S THAT BOOK COMING??????? Don't make me send you any more threatening personal messages telling you to get off your can and WRITE, woman!!!

I've said it before - and it bears repeating

Colleen's posts are awesome - she is one of those chickies that always takes time to help the rest of us around here

I feel like many of your posts resonate with me (including but not limited to the above -- can you tell I hang out with lawyers??)

it's comforting to know other people are struggling with the same issues, that I'm not alone -- not that I want anyone else to struggle (!)

it is brave of you to stick to your guns, and voice your opinion, and to go through the process of figuring stuff out and sharing it with others, esp when it comes to diet and weight loss, which people can get very het up about.

in a nutshell, I appreciate what you do too, like so many other ladies/gents here.

If 3FC is the University for Weight Loss, Colleen's posts make up Advanced Change Theory: The Paradigm Shift. I know they have helped shape my journey in a very positive way.

I am still writing regularly, but trying to pack for a move (and a trip to Illinois to visit my family). If I don't write first thing in the morning, I often don't "get to it." I find the best time to write is when I wake up a couple hours before hubby (which is most days).

I hope that it is not bad to quote yourself.

Colleen, you have been a big inspiration for me, especially during the times when I get impatient and/or jealous of others who are losing weight so much faster than I am. At those times, I often look for your old postings to remind myself that this is not a race.

I am also one of your fans! You have a wonderful way of putting your thoughts into words. It truly is a gift...as are you!

Colleen and I go way back....

C-Ya at Steak and Shake "AWESOME ONE"...

just kidding.....

'bout Steak and Shake!

Mmmm Steak and Shake chili mac. So good (as long as you eat it before the orange grease congeals.)