it is 12:22 here, so it is Sunday in my little corner of the world. Just finshed the last of the Christmas decorating. Whew!

Well go on my big date tonight. Dinner theater and a party. I can hardly wait!
Next big thing, pick my mom up at the airport. Did I mention my Mom is coming for Christmas? LOL!
My Mom is coming for Christmas! Yahooo!

Nita,

Cats are too cool for school, mine developed and implemented a diabolical plot to take over the household., things have been fine ever since we surrendered.

I would love any pumpkin (or lemon) recipes you may have.

Were you the hit of the fashion show? I can just picture you swirling down the runway. "and here in a charming little winter essential, the go anywhere power suit, modelled tonight by the lovely Nita,........."
Too much fun! I've never been in a fashion show, is it hard to do?

I saved the most important question for last, how is your husband doing?

Summer,
Just when I think I’ve heard it all, along comes a vibrating hug! LOL, you ALWAYS make me smile.

Sherri,
I think rewarding yourself is a very good idea, I would look at your goals and maybe make them easier to achieve, so you get some early positive reinforcement and really get those self-esteem juices flowing. Once you are truly on track, raise the bar a little bit to challenge yourself. The gym is a wonderful idea, awesome way to inspire yourself and soooooooo incredibly healthy! Not only do you get “away “ time, you leave the gym feeling like Mistress of the Universe! Oh yeah, I am really loving this idea! You go girl!

Wish I could tell you how I landed up at 22 losses, I never intended to. But then again i never intended not to. All I can say is I have made every effort to stick to one method. Because I had over 100 lbs. to lose, I picked a method that was a lifestyle change rather than a diet. And I committed to doing whatever exercise I could, no matter how feeble it seemed. I also still use 5 lbs. as a goal. 10, 20, 50, 75, 100 pounds all seem like gigantic, unachievable things to me. If you have a wider scope for the attainable, more power to you, set your sights as high as you want and go for it.

I do have one little trick that I use, it is a little wierd, but i will share it in the hopes that it will help.
Promise not to laugh?
I visualize positive outcomes.
I imagine my Mom getting off the plane and the joy in her eyes when she sees how healthy I am, Honestly, I used this one right from day one and I feel so good about being able to do something I know will make her so happy. I imagine how proud my husband will be when he takes me to his party and I look like a reasonable version of a 40 year old housewife, rather than the miserable, sullen lump he hauled around last year. How happy I felt when I showed up at school and my daughter said, “That’s MY Mom” and a million other little “triumphs’ that make life so, so wonderful. I have almost achieved all my original goals, so now I am in search of new ones. So far I like these:
I’m on the beach, and I am wearing one of little wrap around skirts over my swimsuit (yes, a swimsuit) making a sandcastle with my family.
I am feeding the ducks at Crescent Park in a sleeveless top and shorts. (hey, if I can wear a swimsuit, why not shorts?)
I am biking thru Wawkema Valley and I make it the very top of the valley. I am toying with the idea of adding my son on bike and BEATING him up the hill, but I have stuck to the semi realistic so far, so maybe not.

I am so happy in my daydreams I actually want to be this version of me.

I don’t know if this will work for you, but no joke, it really works for me.
So tell me to dream on, I will.
I hope you will too.
No matter how you choose to do it, I will cheer you on every step of the way.

Have a Super Sunday everyone!

CC

Thought I'd be next to say......HOWDY LADIES!!!! Are you ready for your dose of {{{{{{{{{{VIBES}}}}}}}}}}}???? Even if you weren't, I GOTCHA!!!!

Went to a bridal shower today for my college daughters ex-roommate. It was nice. None of her girlfriends could attend due to finals coming this week and I know she was very disappointed....but the timing was not good. All the girls go to colleges at least 100 miles from here. My daughter is also her maid of honor and she was so torn about what to do, but really needed to stay and study. I had a good time, but I couldn't resist the cake, so I had just a small piece. I'm pretty proud of myself!

Eleni, Yep, you are a proud grandma. Were you able to get a good place to sit where you were comfortable? Glad you had a good day of eating. Now just picture that doctor that you like so much every morning when you get up. Gee, take a camera next time and take his pic....hang it on your bathroom mirror....and you'll have him encouraging you on to your healthier lifestyle. Whatever works, right??

Sherri, Thanks dear and yes, I am feeling better. I like the reward system myself. I also like CC's idea of rewarding yourself in some way when you reach maybe the 5# mark instead of just waiting till you reach 10#'s. It will keep the encouragement high.

CC, Did that vibrating {{{{HUG}}}} help any?? Hope you are feeling better. It didn't surprise me, from how well you're doing, that you have positive visualizations! That 'right frame' of mind is the mode that I have to have in order to control my eating. I'm trying to picture myself on stage at IRD in July. I've been asked to be an escort for some winners and I sure would love to lose 10 more pounds. I just love those goals of yours. HEY, CC, did you know that YOUR MOM IS COMING!!!!!!!... and your black dress tonight for your party date, oh my!

Nita, I'm looking forward to hearing how the fashion show went also. What did you model and where was it held?

Well, gang, need to go stoke the fire and get some paperwork done. I need to be in the right frame of mind since I find that more draining than physical work. Gee, maybe that is why I don't like sitting at the computer much. But, I sure love coming here to say "HOWDY" to all my online friends. You all are so inspirational and encouraging. I thank our good Lord everyday for everyone. OK, now I'm gone.

TOPS {{{VIBES}}}, {{{{VIBES}}}} and more {{{{{{VIBES}}}}}}
Summer

Good morning. I have been up since 5am but you girls sure stay up late.
I survived my day yesterday. The stands had rails all the way so I had no problem going up or down them.And they were not as high as the one I was on at my grandsons Taekwondoe. But sitting with knees all bent really got my legs and back hurting. But all the girls were so cute. I did enjoy it but I will wait awhile before I go to anything else. I spent many an hour watching kids as my brood grew up.
I was up early again today. I really hate this. I look forward to the weekend so I can sleep in some and I am up before daylight both days.
After I took my shower I dug out my exercise clothes. I am going to try to do some on treadmill. I had trouble walking from my truck to the gym and it was not that far. So I will try to see if I can't improve on that. I think part of it is just inactivity on my part.
I am going to take it easy today. Do have to go to grocery store but only need a few things so I should get out of there quickly.
Then we will go to the movies. Unfortunately most of the good movies are guys movies. Oh well. He goes to my "women" movies.
Summer, Glad you enjoyed the shower and had a good time. You did good on just getting a smallpiece of cake. I have no will power when it comes to sweets. But then again according to my scales I don't have much will power on any foods. But I am doing better. For now anyway. Summer sometime you need to e-mail me your phone number so I can give you a call once in awhile. I promise to remember the time distance. Sherri told me how she called you and woke you up. I am sorry but I did laugh altho I am sure it was not funny to you.
CC Have a great time at the party. I think about how good you do and it does help me a lot. And it is great that you are looking forward to your mom's visit. Is it real cold in Canada now. We still have our air conditioner going because it is still hot here in Florida
Nita Someone suggested we have a fashion show but no one wanted it. People from Fashion Bug which sells plus clothes offered to put it on. I bet you looked great. I also have a cat that rules
Visualization is suppose to really work but unfortunately I don't have much imagination in me. But I have been trying to keep my doc's sad look in my mind. I don't want to see it again.
I also have a reward system for when I exercise. I have a piggy bank that I put a dollar in everytime I do an exercise. So if I do treadmill and abdoer I would put in $2. As you can guess the bank is empty now
But Sherri you will do this. I am glad John is helping. We can never have too much support
Well I have rambled enought. I know I did not address everyone but you know I am thinking about you. Have a super sunday.
And be good to yourself!!!!

Hi All

The fashion show was lots and lots of fun. We held it at our TOPS chapter. Beall's Outlet sponsored it. They want us to have one in the Mall, but we'll see. Eleni, you're probably familiar with Beall's outlets. They are jam packed with clothes and I can never find anything because of that, but Annette (our former model) knows, ...really knows.. how to shop and what to look for and she picked out the clothes. I modeled 3 outfits. My nicest out fit was a black/silver lame', 2-piece evening dress. We were supposed to walk out, do a couple of turns, walk down farther, do another couple of turns and walk out behind the audience. I walked out in the dress and half the gang started calling my name. The wanted me to pose for pictures, tell me how much they liked the dress, feel the material, etc. Annette had written something to say about each outfit and the prices. I don't think half of them heard her, because they were too busy commenting. Anyway, we enjoyed it and will probably do it again next year. It's our Christmas fashion show. It came about when we wanted to show the members how to dress to look slimmer. One of the ladies modeled a dress that only cost $9.99 and they told her with the discount, she could buy the dress for $7.50. The show was a great success. I'll post a picture when I get one.

CC....Have fun tonight at the dinner theater and party. My husband, Jim, and I used to go to the dinner theater often with friends. We still go to some of the local plays.
Weight Watcher teaches the visualization that you practice. I have a program on it. It's on How you will look in 6 months. Take how much you lose in a week, multiply that by 6 months and ask questions such as: how much weight is that, what will you be wearing (such as a red slinky dress), what will you be doing, etc.
Its working for you. Good going with your weight loss.
And your mother is one lucky woman to have you for a daughter and to have you so excited to see her.

Eleni....Try visualizing how happy your doctors face will be when you lose a few pounds.

Sherri....I believe in the reward system, too. And going to the gym is a good reward.

My husband is doing fine. They just took a biopsy Friday, but it took us all day to get that done. The hospital told us to come in at noon and they didn't take him into surgery until 5:44 and he was out by 7 and we were home by 11 PM. It was a long day and we won't get a report until sometime this week. He has about 12 stitches in his neck.

Christie, Mickey, Bev and D, How are you doing?

TOPS Hugs

Nita

Nita,

The fashion shows sounds like it was a hit. Also sounds like you stole the show with your fashion. It sounds like a lot of fun. I liked the idea that you could get a dress for $7.50. Usually it is a lot more then that. I am familiar with bealls. I went to one when I was in florida this past summer. I didn't know what kind of store it was. They had a lot of neat things in it and lots of clothes for sure. That is where I got my daughters book bag just her size for pre-school. We don't have them around here though but it would be nice if they did for sure.
I hope the tests come out all right for your husband. I am sure you will be worrying all week until you know something for sure. It is not an easy thing to go through. But at least he is over with that and on his way to healing right?
How long did you go to WW? Did you like it? Did it help you? I have never gone to a meeting but I have done the plan for awhile. I am not doing the WW right now. I am just trying to eat a lot more fruit and veggies and less carbs. I am not eliminating carbs though. I can't do that I like them too much and I think our bodies need some. I am not going to start walking again. I am a chicken it is very cold here now. Only 26 tonight. I am going to start doing my body sculpting 1 hour tape at least 2 days a week and start doing my aerobics again inside where it is warm. .

Eleni,

I am with you about the visualization thing. I think it is great if you can do it. I have a great imagination but not when it comes to seeing myself thin. I don't know why that is either. So I have to set goals for myself and hopefully the reward system will work. I have never done that before really and stuck with it. John asked what I wanted for christmas. I told him today I wanted 2 gift certificates to the message place so that way when I reach my 20 lb goal I can go and not have to worry about getting the money for it. Then when I reach my next 20 lb goal which should be very close to my goal weight I can go again. I want to reach my goal by june 4th next year. I know I can make it and hopefully I can stay on track. I know I will want to go to the gym every week so that is incentive enough for me. If I don't lose then I can't go.
I am glad you had a great time with your granddaughter at the cheerleading thing. I am sure that she was proud that you were there for her.
As far as digging out your exercise clothes that is great. I am with summer though. I think you should put a picture of your doctor up so it will be a reminder to you to stay on track so you don't see his sad eyes the next time you go. Also do take it slow on the treadmill. It won't be long and you will be going on that for longer periods of time and you will not be so winded when you do it. Just do a little bit everyday and you will get stronger and better at it while losing weight. You can do this. You are doing great. How was the movie by the way? What did you see this time?

Summer,

Hey girl glad to hear that you are doing better. I am glad you got to be there for the babyshower sounds like it was nice. Too bad it was such bad timing and the other girls couldn't be there. But I think they made the right choice. They want to get something out of college and they have to study if they are going to pass the mid terms that is for sure. I am sure she understood but I am sure she was also hurt at the same time. Is the father of the baby still in the picture or did he take a leap off the face of the earth?
That would be great if you lost the 10 lbs that you want to in order to go on stage with the other people that you escort down the asile. I know you can do it. All you have to do is make a date with richard again a few times a week or get on your bike and ride away the weight. Stay out of the fridge between meals and watch what you eat. It all sounds so easy but I know it isn't at all. But I know if you put your mind to it and you make that your goal you will acheive it. You get things done. Make that your new years eve resolution to complete your goals for the year and you will be lighter on that stage with the others and you can be so proud of you for accomplishing your goal.
Here is a cheer for you: ((((((((((((((( GO SUMMER, GO SUMMER GIVE ME A S. GIVE ME A U. GIVE ME A M. GIVE ME ANOTHER M. GIVE ME AN E. GIVE ME AN R. WHAT DO WE HAVE SUMMER)))))))))))) WAY TO GOAL GO, GO, GO , GO!

CC,

I loved your idea about breaking up my goals into smaller ones so I don't get discouraged. So here is the plan. For every week that I lose weight I get to go to the gym for one day. That should keep me going just week by week. I really want to go use the jacuzzi and sauna. . Then when I reach a 10 lb loss I am going to go do something I have been wanting to do for a couple of years now. I am going to go tubing on the snow down a mountain. A small one of course.LOL My husband is going to take me, my daughter, his brother, his girlfriend, and himself. But I told his brothers girlfriend that she couldn't go unless she lost the 10 lbs to. She needs to lose weight and is always saying so but doesn't do anything about it. I figured if she had something to work towards and we did it kind of together then it might help her. She said okay I can do this. So I was encouraging her tonight and she said she is determined to lose the weight also. So I am so excited that I get to go tubing finally. All I have to do now is lose the 10 lbs. I know there will still be snow on the ground when I lose the 10 lbs. Then for my 20 lb markers I get to go get a message, a hot bath and a sauna. So I will get 2 of them while getting to goal. I have 40 lbs to lose. I know I can do this. I don't know what to give myself as a reward for a 5 lb loss? Any ideas. I am excited because I actually have something to look forward to that I really want to do and I can't do them until I lose the weight. So hopefully that will keep me motivated. I can't believe I came up with rewards that don't involve food.
I agree also that we have to make lifestyle changes and not diet. I have tried many of them and they don't work long term for sure. But hopefully by eating a lot more fruit and veggies I will lose this weight. I am going to keep eating fruit only for lunch that way I can get in a lot of fruit for the day and eat twice the amount of veggies for dinner and replace my potatoes. That way I won't have the butter and milk in them to add to my calories and fat. I can have corn and still get in a starch there but it is a different kind of starch.

I am going to go for now. Keep thinking yourself thin. As long as it works for you then stick with it. I wish I could get that to work for me. Hopefully I have found a reward plan that I can make work for me.

Sherri