If you have 50 or more pounds to lose, or are in the process of losing them, please join us as we support one another along the way! You'll be sure to get a warm welcome, so jump on in and join!

Hi Linda! Wow, your garden sounds like it is really flourishing! I'm looking forward to spring planting in a few weeks. We're due for a really hard freeze tomorrow, the worst of our winter, of all things! It was lucky I didn't plant this weekend, as the balmy, sunny weather and fresh supply of plants at WalMart would surely have tempted me to do had I not had all that paperwork. Maybe next weekend it will be "safe"!

Kendra, what a sweet bf you have, to help motivate you like that! Glad to hear things are going so well. Be sure to tell us all about your new swimsuit when you get it!

I'd better get back to work; it's one of those busy weeks again. Dh is going to his WW mtg by himself tomorrow, as he's taking Dad to SA for appointments. Dh even suggested it himself, and seemed a little proud that he'd be flying solo. He is really taking this seriously, and keeping a journal too (even if it does look like chicken scratch sometimes!). His enthusiasm is really helping me stay OP too!

Hope everyone had a great Monday!

Regards,
Jan

What a guy!!! JAN, your dh sounds like a real winner. I imagine that your success with WW had an impact on him, and prompted him to have this level of involvement with it, himself. Good job, well done -- it is the best way to "teach," living by example, don't you think!

Mind if I jump in? Went to my first WW this afternoon. I have about 70 pounds or more to lose. Very difficult for me to get motivated this time around.

240/240/170

Angie

I went to the gym today... time #1 of twelve. Then I met the dear bf for lunch and went to this restaraunt where they serve sandwiches with fries and cole slaw already on the sandwich. Luckily for me, that's about all I think I'll be eating today. I might have a slice of toast in a little bit, but I'm restricting myself to liquids, because I have heartburn like you wouldn't believe!

This also meant my first weigh-in. Mind you that this is my first OFFICIAL weigh-in, but that I've been goofing around at losing for about three months since I joined the gym. My heaviest was when the trainer weighed me at 223.6, and today I weighed at 217. I guess that means that in 3 months, I've lost 6.6 pounds. Next week will be my first WW weigh in.

Texaslady, so sorry to hear that you're going to have surgery, but doctors are so reluctant to put people under the knife these days that I'm sure it's necessary. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers, for sure.

Linda, I wish I could have a garlic garden! Unfortunately, I'm an apartment dweller, at least for a little longer. Hopefully we'll be moving to a house, for a little while, in July. Then maybe you'll share your garlic secrets?

Jan, if I remember right, it was you who was near San Antonio, right? We may be moving back.... I just found out! We'd live in SA for August-December (Fall semester), and then move to Austin for the bf to finish his undergraduate work at the University of Texas. It's looking more and more like a real possibility, so I'm very excited, of course.

And last, but not least, a big welcome to our newest 50+er....
Angie! Join right in. I understand completely what you mean about difficulty in getting motivated. I'm 22 and live with a 21 year old guy whose idea of breakfast is Pop Tarts. Therefore my idea of breakfast is Pop Tarts. I don't want to give up my Pop Tarts. I can't motivate myself past them. But you'll find plenty of support here and you'll do great, I'm sure.

Welcome, ANGIE! I'm glad you have joined our little group. I think you'll find that everyone is very positive and supportive of each other. I lost about 35 pounds doing WW (I am a lifetimer, about 6 pounds over goal now--oops!), and I found that if I took the pounds just two or three at a time, it was easier for me to stay OP (on program) than it would have been if I'd looked at the total amount I had to lose. Keep posting and reading in the thread here -- and I'm sure that you'll start shedding pounds. No one is criticized here for going off program or not exercising as much as she should, we are all friends and very accepting of one another. So pour yourself a cup of tea, take your shoes off, and please join us!

SWEETSURRENDER, (forgive me for forgetting your "real" name; I would click through to go back and look it up from yesterday, but I am afraid that I'd lose my post in the process) I am so glad to read that you and DBF may be moving into a house for awhile in July! That is just super, and of course I will share any "garlic growing" tips with you that I can. There really is no trick to it (she said, not having had her first crop yet,), I just poked the cloves into holes (one each hole, pointed end up) and am hoping for the best. Most of the ones I have planted in both the ground and in pots are way up -- DH and I walked around the backyard this afternoon and I saw that some of them are over 6 inches tall now! You must be so looking forward to having a house with a yard! And if you move back to SA, you will get to meet Jan, who is our number one cheerleader! Good for you in your first visit (of twelve...) to the gym,, and for the 6.6 pound loss over the past three months. Mmmm--that sandwich with the fries and cole slaw sounded delightful; I am sure that you thoroughly enjoyed it, especially being with your BF.

Hi girls - Thanks for all the good thoughts - I really appreciate it. Since there is not much I can do about the whole thing until I go back to the dr in about 3 weeks - I am trying not to "dwell" on it too much. And I am keeping my fingers crossed the drugs will perform some sort of miracle!

Angie - WELCOME to our little thread. Some of us have been around here for years and we have all become good cyber friends - four of us even managed a get-together last year to meet in person - thanks to Jan's hospitality. I am in my mid-50's and lost about 70 pounds on WW a year or so ago. I didn't reach goal but I plateaued for so long that I sort of gave up - always meaning to lose that last 40 pounds. But guess what - I haven't. But I haven't gained any back either - well, maybe a few pounds these past few stressful weeks. And in my book, that is success. I am divorced for many years and have a grown daughter who got married last fall. Please stay around and get acquainted and I guarantee you will get much support from these wonderful ladies.

Kendra - You go, girl! One down, 11 to go. I KNOW you can do it! And how wonderful you might get back to Texas. I remember your saying how much you missed our area. That's exciting. Let us know when you get that swimsuit!

Carol - Where are you? I got your card - thanks so much. Did your missing co-worker ever show back up again? You work too hard - you need some R&R! How's dd doing? Are you on serious baby watch, yet?

Linda - I have GOT to know what elephant garlic is?? Please enlighten! I had to get out and cover up my hibiscus & gardenia this afternoon. We are headed for a hard freeze tonight (low 20's) - did I mention that it was nearly 80 yesterday afternoon? Like Jan said, we had such a gorgeous week-end and so many people spent the week-end planting their spring flowers - now they all have to be covered up to keep from freezing. I hope this is the last of the cold weather, but we really can't count on it around here until after Easter.

Jan - Got your e-mail. Fall may be the best bet, afterall. I giggled at your comment about going to Mexico in the blazing Texas summers we have here. I don't think that would be much of a treat for any of the visiting ladies! Just let me know the day & I will do my best to be there and perform taxi service from the Houston area. How did dh's solo flight to WW go? He is so sweet to take such good care of your Dad. You know how lucky you are - right?

Gotta go, girls. Will check in again later.

Welcome, Angie! So glad you joined us. I agree with Linda, it's best to tackle this in smaller steps; focus on the first 10%, for example, and take things one OP day at a time. What did you think of the points program?

Kendra, way to go on the gym visit! And I know what you mean about not feeling well after eating fried foods; we've all become used to healthier foods, so no wonder that made you feel a little bad. But isn't it great that the program lets you have anything, even that sandwich, by working it into your points total? I still occasionally hear comments like "I guess this isn't on your diet" when people are passing around donuts or kolbasniks (sausage rolls) at work, whenever I decline. They just don't get it, I guess! How wonderful that you may be moving to SA this summer! We'll have to meet up!

Texaslady, thanks, Dh is a sweetie. He took Dad to his doctor, but had to skip the mtg because the doctor did more work than usual on Dad, and he was tired out, so dh brought him straight home. We'll probably go up together Friday afternoon instead. Re: Laredo in the summer, have been foolish enough to do that and regretted it big time! It's often the hottest place in the country, and I'm no big fan of oven-level temps! Glad you got your plants protected; looks like our freeze is not over yet!

Linda, thanks, I'm so proud of him. And now he's the one helping to re-inspire me!

Gotta run!
Jan

TEXASLADY, elephant garlic is bigger and milder than regular garlic. I mean, it is very big. Each clove is probably three or maybe even four times the size of a regularly-sized garlic clove. You don't see them as often as you do the regular sized ones, but sometimes the grocery stores do get them in. I planted both elephant and regular sized. Gosh, your temps have really been drastic; 20s tonight and 80s during the day. I'm glad that you got your hibiscus and gardenia covered, better safe than sorry. Occasionally we have freezing temps here too, and DH and I either take many of our potted plants into the garage, or we cover the bigger things with sheets and plastic. Several of our plants were dug up and brought to our yard from my sweet Mom's garden after she passed away, and they are very dear to me; I protect them judiciously.

Wish I could reach over and give you a hug -- I too am praying for a medicine miracle!

Brrr, it's chilly down here! Supposed to reach 70 today, but has been freezing the last 2 nights. Was drizzling this a.m., so I missed my walk; may try to use Dad's treadmill this afternoon.
So, what does everyone have planned for the weekend? I'm working (project deadline is Monday) except for Sat. night, when some friends are taking us out to Benihana. I've never been to one of those; anyone have any tips?
Regards,
Jan

Hi Janet, I love Benihana's!
We have found another 'wanna be' that is closer and less expensive that we use on special occasions. I always get the seafood, because I figure it is less points....there are always lots of veggies YUM! and I get the white rice instead of fried.We always have an authentic Japanese chef at the new place. the last time we went to Benihana's. Our chefs name was Jose! and he didn't put on any 'show ' with his cooking. which is half the fun!
Hope you have a great experience!! You'll do fine! I always forget that I could take half my meal home!
A nice way to celebrate the deadline of your project!
Not much on tap for my weekend..... need to do some more house cleaning, but think my 'slave labor' will be gone. I have a glass class Sat afternoon, having lots o fun with that!
My mouth is feeling almost back to normal...hasn't slowed me down!
We have been having beautiful weather! My ranunculas that we bought when we went to the ranuncula fields with Linda a cupla yrs ago, are in full bloom. GORGEOUS!! I have a picture of all of us in those fields...hmmmm I will have to find it and post it.
I need to be going thru photos anyhoo...I want to make a photo quilt for Jen's wedding present. YIKES!! I have never made a whole quilt before! but have done a photo wallhanging for my mom that turned out nice.

must scoot! gonna meet a friend for lunch.

Just wanted to say "Thanks!" for the warm welcome, and I will post more later. Have a good day everone!

Angie

JAN, have fun at Benihana's! I've never been to one, but I have heard they are really a fun place to go, especially with pals.

This weekend dh may turn the garden over and work in some amendment (a nice way of putting it), so I can get the artichoke, which is in a large pot right now, into the ground. I read that if you leave the artichoke in a pot you'll get little beensy ones, and I want regular-sized ones, like you find at the grocery store. I'm sure I'll have tomatoes too; I planted some Roma tomato seeds in a pot just to see what would happen; nothing yet, though. While he's out working in the garden, I'll probably plant some more garlic (if these work, we will have them up to our ears), because I have several more cloves from Gilroy on the potting bench, waiting for some action on my part. As JOYce said, our weather has been just beautiful, so working outdoors will be fun.

Dh and I have been walking every day in the mornings (well, OK; not very early, as we are night owls). It is so nice to be getting into the habit of walking every day again.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!

Hi ladies! Sorry to be awol for so long- it's been super busy at work.
Angie, welcome to our group!! We love meeting new people! Tell us a little about yourself if you are willing. I'm in my mid 50's like Texaslady is, and have been separated for 7 years. I have a married daughter and a darling 2 year old grandson with a new granddaughter due any day. I currently live in MD with my dd and dsil, but will be relocating to Ocala, FL some time in May. I have lost 95 pounds on WW- am stuck in place right now with another 25-30 to go. But I'll make it some day!
Joyce, congrats on the good weight loss!!! What's the latest on "the itch"??
Texaslady, wish your dd a happy birthday from me. Glad you got the card. I sure hope the antibiotics do the job so you don't have to go through that surgery- that is no way to have to lose weight, my friend!!
Jan, my wounded coworker is back, but hasn't picked up all her previous hours, so you-know-who is still carrying some of them. How's dh doing on his journalling. Your Benihana trip should be a good test for him! I've never been to one- none around here.
Kendra, congrats for starting back to the gym! Do they make low-fat Poptarts? Good for your for figuring your splurge meal into your total points for the day!! Before long you may decide that fries aren't "point worthy", but the good thing about WW is that if you feel they are, you can eat them!
Linda, I'm not a garlic fan, but I'm glad yours is coming along so well.

Ladies, I have to run for now. Have a good weekend. I'll "talk" to you all later.
Carol

Hello, everyone, happy Saturday!

We didn't get to work in the yard today after all; dd came over with four loads of laundry and we did that together and also sat and talked in between loads. It was wonderful to be with her; she is so busy at work that she doesn't even watch TV or read anymore. Thank goodness she loves her job. She has a bad cold and I got to fix her a "dipping egg" and toast when she got here. I was thrilled when she said it sounded good. Then, her happy reaction as she was eating it -- I just felt a wave of joy! A Mom's delight, huh?

CAROL, I had forgotten how much weight you have lost doing WW -- that is just fantastic! How I am looking forward to being able to meet you one day.

Well, this afternoon we got two of the four boxes of Girl Scout cookies we ordered; one box is but a lovely memory. I think it's a new kind; shortbread with writing on them, and the bottoms are chocolate. Mmmmm.

I went to the grocery store today and loaded up on tangelos, pears and bananas, hooray to having fresh fruit in the house again! Sometimes I get bags of frozen berries at Trader Joe's, but its not the same as having fresh. Can't wait til watermelon season.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful, relaxing weekend.