If you have 50 or more pounds to lose, jump on in and join us! You will be sure to get a warm welcome!

What a day!!! We had torrential rains with high wind, temps in the 40's with wind chill in the 20's. A terrible commute. The wind was so strong this morning we were getting what my exdh calls "horizontal rain". I got to work at 6, and had pulled my pass card that I need to swipe to get into the building at that hour out of my purse. I'm usually the only person in the whole 4 story building at that time. Anyhow, as I was getting out of the car juggling that and my umbrella and my purse and my carryall bag, I guess the wind whipped the swipe card out of my hand- and damned if I could find it. I looked all over the ground around the car, then started searching inside the car. As I was standing up from searching under my car seat, a huge gust of wind came along and slammed my car door into the side of my head, hard enough that I have a large goose egg just above my ear, not to mention a headache! I had to call a supervisor who lives near the office and go by and get her swipe card. When I got back, I found mine on the parking lot near where I'd been parked- even tho I looked all over the place before. Guess it blew back. And then in the afternoon I had to drive to Virginia in all that rain. Thankfully. it was down to a light cold drizzle by the commute home. So. Texaslady, today I am indeed envious of your 70 and 80 degree weather!
Jan, I'm so thrilled for you- I know how much you want to be back in the classroom. I sort of had a feeling they'd go along with your proposal- they sure didn't want to lose you!!! They know when they have a good thing! I'm glad your dad fared well in your absence. I don't think he minds that you don't get to take hin out to dinner or shopping much. You're there for him every day- and it was wonderful to see the genuine and easy affection between the 2 of you. He's obviously quite proud of you! I don't blame you all for not kayaking in that weather! Although I'm not fond of saunas, the jacuzzi sounds wonderful! Oh- and by the way, would you be upset if I told the others your dad's "chapel" story? It was so cute.
Janet, how nice that your grocery store now stocks No-Pudge and Kashi! How do the prices compare to Trader Joes and the online places? I can see why you were less that thrilled with the clerk's sales pitch for the stuff- but I doubt if he meant anything by it. He was probably told thet were carrying it due to requests from WW members and so he was proudly passing along his knowledge! Look at it this way- he may have seen you before and noticed you've lost weight too! How's Motley doing on the anticonvulsant meds?
Saara, since you aced the English test, I KNOW you'll do well in the Finnish test! Don't work too hard- life is short!
I found a new snack goodie- new to me, anyway. When we were at Jan's she had single serving packages of the Pirates Booty, which sounded like a winner for portion control, so I went on the Robscape website she ordered from, and while there decided to also try "Potato Flyers" . They also are a 2 point snack. The stuff came today, and they are really good! They are like a real thick, wavy but puffy potato chip, and they are made from potaoes and rice. And they are filling, too. YUM!!

Well, I'd better run- this computer screen isn't doing much for my headache. Hi to everyone, and have a good evening.
Carol

Carol, what an awful experience in the storm yesterday morning; whew. Is your headache gone yet? I just hate high winds. And sure, go ahead w/the chapel story!

Saara, how did the Finnish test go? Is your roommate still cooking WW-style for y'all?

Janet, glad you can find Kashi and PB now in your store; wish I could persuade our local store to carry even a few of the things we like! Down here, we have to check expiration dates carefully, even, as they are often months overdue. That's why we try to shop at Central Market in SA whenever we're up there; they have everything, even exotic spices and sauces, as well as the freshest veggies, of all kinds.

Texaslady, isn't this weather lovely? Sure wish I could just take off work right now, and spend the day outside! But you're right, it's short-lived, and it'll be steamy hot soon enough.

Liz, JOYce and Rebecca, hope you're enjoying your trips!

Patti, NJNancy and NancyinTC, how are things going? Kendra, are you still with us? Would love to hear from you.

Dad got a roll of film developed yesterday, and it had pictures from last year's spring break, including some of me at the Grand Canyon. I had been a little down on myself for not losing very fast over the last year, but these pix helped me see that there has been a substantial change. I'm still not quite to goal, so I'm going to get dh or Dad to take some pix this weekend, both to compare to the old ones, and to see that I've still got work to do!

Everyone have a great Thursday ..
Regards,
Jan

Hi Everyone,

How is everyone doing?

I haven't written in awhile - it seems all I do is work, eat and sleep - in that order. I haven't been staying within my points very well but I continue to track everything I eat - so I know why I have been gaining a little weight. I feel I'm back on track now...so hopefully it will start coming off.

My Husband joined an At Work Program yesterday (didn't want to take the time to do it at night with me - he's so busy with his civic activities) so now I feel I have to be a shinning example for him. I sure hope he takes it seriously - I am starting to worry about his health.

Spring is almost here - but they are predicting a blizzard for us this weekend. At least it won't last long if we so get it.

I love reading all the post - I'm just not real good at responding to everyone (maybe one of the reasons I lurk instead of write)

Take care everyone,

Nancy in TC

Nancy, it was so good to hear from you. I know exactly what you mean about doing nothing but working, eating and sleeping. I feel like I'm in such a rut sometimes. Please don't ever stay away because you don't feel comfortable responding to everyone. Everyone has their own style of posting...you are part of the group now, and we love hearing from you even if you only have time to say a quick hi. I do hope that your husband does good with his At Work Program. I know that you will be a big help to him, and the fact that you feel like you need to set a good example for him will probably end up benefiting you too.

Jan, I meant to respond to the comment you made in your previous post about all that your sister had done for your dad while you were gone...and how you wished that you could do more. As soon as I read that comment, I wanted to type a response to you, but didn't have time. Anyway, I agree with everything that Carol said. As you all know, I was very close to my daddy...and it warmed my heart to watch you and your dad while we were there. The two of you share such a loving relationship, and I was very touched by the tenderness, patience and caring...and obvious love and respect that you showed him. It was also obvious that he shares that same love and respect for you. You do so much for him on a daily basis, and I think that you are both very lucky to share the bond that you share. I just wish my daddy was still here. I miss him as much today as I did when he died five years ago...and I know that you feel the same about your mother. One more thing...don't you dare get down on yourself for losing at a slow pace. I saw the pictures that Texaslady was referring to, and the change is remarkable. You have done a fantastic job, and you look great!!

Texaslady, please share the "Chapel" story with us because I don't remember that one. Also, Jan had asked me to share the painted squirrel story, but that was your story and I don't want to leave anything out. I still laugh when I think about it!!

Carol, how's that head today?? I hope you are having a much better day today! I know your story probably didn't seem very funny to you as it was happening, but I sure got a chuckle out of it. I'm sorry that you had to endure it, but like you said last night, it sounds exactly like something that would happen to me. The mental picture I was getting as you were telling me about it was just cracking me up. I am very glad that you are okay though...and that you found your card. That was so weird how it was there when you returned. We have to wear picture ID cards for the building that I work in. Some guards are very strict, but most don't even look at them...which isn't very comforting when you think about it. Anyway, I had lost mine for the last two days. I had it Monday, but have not been able to find it since. Then this morning, there it was...just laying by my bathroom door. I'm not sure about the prices for the items that I found in the grocery, but I will check on them and let you know. I know the Kashi was $3.59...but since we don't have a Trader Joe's, I'm really not sure how that compares.

Saara, how did the test go?? I have no doubt that you passed with flying colors. I'm sorry that you are having to work such long hours, but it's good that you are getting that paid study time. Post again when you get the chance. We miss hearing from you on a regular basis.

I have a question for y'all. I remember reading on one of the General threads months ago about a woman who had lost a lot of weight (75 - 100 pounds, I think). Anyway, she kept her points consistently at around 38 points the entire time. She said that she never wanted to lower her points because she didn't want her body to get used to the lower amount. She felt that would make maintenance too difficult for her to continue for any length of time. My question is this...do y'all go strictly by what WW says your points range should be, or have you tried to stick to a certain number of points even as your weight has gone down. It just seems hard to imagine that this woman continued to lose on 38 points, even when she was almost to goal. I do remember that she exercised, but nothing excessive. Speaking of exercise, Carol, how do you like your ab roller. Did you ever tell us??

Hi to everyone that I have missed...and to our travelers. Have a good Thursday!

Janet (Kudzu)

Hi everyone! We are about to blow away here, but at least the sun is shining!
Since Jan gave me her permission. I want to share a really cute story about her dad. When we all arrived at Jan's, Jan and her dad and her dh greeted us in the driveway. We first went into her dad's house (right next door to her). Much to Jan's obvious dismay, rather than taking us to the front door, her dad took us in through the garage and a storage type room behind it. Like all storage type rooms, it had lots of "stuff" stored in it. Jan's dad turned around to me and said, "I call this room my chapel, because whenever I bring someone in here they say *Oh, my God!!!*" It was so funny!!!Her dad is such a dear, and so delightful to talk to! Seeing and talking to him made me miss my own dad so much! Anyhow, that's my "chapel story"!
Jan, I'm glad you got to see the pix from last year so you'd know how much progress you've made since then! Sometimes when we're losing slowly (like I am now!!!) it's hard to feel like any progress has been made- you don't see the subtle changes that occured over time. I know one thing, though- having only met you as the thin person you are now, I would never have believed you were ever heavy. You move, eat and carry yourself like a "thin person"- which I consider a high compliment! You've succeeded in making a major lifestyle change, and you look wonderful! If you never lose those last 6 or 7 pounds, as far as I'm concerned you are at goal!!!
Texaslady, do tell the others your mom's squirrel story!!!
Nancy TC, don't worry about not being able to address each of us individually- just stop by and say hi!!! Like Janet said, everyone has their own style of posting. You're part of our group, and we just like hearing from you. By the way, good for you for keeping track even when you knew you weren't always op!! It shows you're taking responsibility for your actions, not ignoring them! I sure hope you don't get that blizzard this weekend!
Janet, I love my torso track- when I can use it, which hasn't been much for quite some time due to the back nonsense! I don't know what to think of the lady who stays at 38 points all the time. I guess it's just like being on a certain number of calories every day to lose weight. But the thing is, if she's losing at 38 points, sometime in her life she'll have to increase her points so she stops losing, so I'm not sure her reasoning makes sense to me. But, everyone's different- whatever works, I guess!
Saara, let me add my "how was the Finnish test?" to the others!!! Any movement from "the crush"?
Joyce, are you back from your mom's house yet? How were things going there, bith with her and with your sister?
Patti, how are things going with you? What day do you usually weigh in? Keep us posted on your progress!
Hi to Kendra. NJ Nancy, Rebecca, Liz- I know I'm missing someone but I can't think who!
My head's ok, thanks- the knot is getting smaller, but it's still sore and the headache is there. So, I let my hair go "au natural" today rather than blow drying it and pulling and brushing to keep the natural curl where I wanted it . I don't like it that way, but several of my coworkers did. But one nurse was so funny- she came up to me and said "Oh- you're hair is really ....... FLUFFY.... today!!" I took that as a "no" vote for the natural look!
Gotta run- have a good evening, everyone!
Carol

Carol, I loved your "fluffy" hair story.

I know that I've already posted once today, but I just had to share a major accomplishment...at least it was major for me. DD was supposed to go out to dinner with a friend of hers and then go to a movie. Her friend called and said that she was going to have to stay at the barn longer than expected (she "shows" horses). Anyway, Krysten called...all bummed out because she was craving Mexican food. They had planned to go to this wonderful Mexican restaurant called "Margaritas"...which sounds really good to me right now (the margaritas, not the food)! Anyway, I digress...Krysten wanted to know if I wanted to go with her since her boyfriend had jazz band practice, but I suggested that she call her grandmother and the two of them go alone. They adore each other and I love watching them together. Her grandmother jumped at the chance since Krysten is always so busy nowadays. My mother did say "what about your mom?" At least she was thinking about me. Krysten told her that I didn't want to tempt myself and go over my points. Mexican food is actually very low in points if you choose carefully, but I love it and can go overboard very easily...especially on the tortilla chips. This was just a small victory for me because I can't remember the last time that I turned a chance to go out down. Instead, I'm going home and cooking some of those Tyson chicken breasts that I had talked about in an earlier post.

Y'all are probably thinking what a goof ball I am...but I was kind of proud of myself. That's a nice feeling for a change!!

Have a good OP night!

Janet (Kudzu)

P. S. I have another question for y'all...not weight related. I have two 8 x 10 area rugs over my wood floors in my den and dining room. They both need to be cleaned, but I'm having trouble finding a cleaners that will clean them...so I was wondering what would happen if I put them on a tarp outside and tried to clean them myself. I don't think there is any wool in them so I don't think they would shrink...but would they be able to dry completely? Is this just a completely stupid idea?? They are dark colors and don't even really look that dirty...but with kids and pets constantly running across them, they just "feel" dirty. Does that make sense?? Have any of you ever cleaned an area rug?? Any feedback?? They weren't that expensive, but expensive enough that I wouldn't want to ruin them.

P. S. S. I haven't wanted to work today...can you tell????

Janet, atta girl!!! Avoiding the Mexicsn restaurant to keep from being tempted by the high point treats is a major accomplishment! Especially if the tortilla chips are anywhere near as good as the ones we had in Mexico!
Re the rug- have you tried a spray on, vacuum off rug cleaner like Woolite? Or maybe try renting (or borrowing!) a rug cleaning machine- they rent pretty cheap. You could borrow mine, but I don't think it would be too cost effective for me to mail it to you!! Anyhow, I've had luck with both those methods on my big area rugs.
Carol

Hi!

Thanks for asking about my test, I don't know how I did. It was pretty hard stuff, but I'll let you know as soon as the results get in...

Janet, way to go resisting the mexican food. I love mexican food, and it's my biggest fear about coming to States and not being able to control myself, and gaining all the weight back... I have gained quite a bit on my each visit. Oh well, maybe it'll be different this time.

Speaking of which, I got some worrying news yesterday. There seems to be a problem w/ the exchange program. Usually by now we know how many students from my university will get placed, but not this time. One girl already got placed. Wasn't me!!! I just had to cry when I received an email about this yesterday, but then on my way to work I decided not to worry. I will not apply for any stupid leftover places in Europe, as my advisor suggested. If I don't get to come to the States for the next year, I'll just try to finish my studies quickly here, and then maybe try to get a post-grad study/research grant for the States or something. And I will come to visit next year anyways. i'll just keep working and saving money, and then will come for a few months or something. In 3 minutes I made this plan, and didn't feel so awful at all... And I do believe that things always work out the way they're supposed to be, so if it's not meant to be, that's OK.
And one more thing, if they don't place me, I just think I'm TOO GOOD, so they feel like they don't have good enough courses to offer me...

Carol, thanks for asking about "the crush". Well, nothing has happened, I do see him almost everyday, since lot of us just hang out at the university cafeteria for several hours each day... Yesterday we had so much fun just sitting there drinking coffee and talking. But I don't think he's interested, and I'm not having this huge crush on him anymore, but he is really CUTE! And he's really nice too, but at least we're friends... I'm just waiting for him to notice how great I am...

well, gotta go to the university. I have a class, and then I'll hang out again... Have a good friday! Saara.

Janet,Kudzu, I have been wondering the same thing about some rugs that I have!
Mine are smaller, I think they are 5x8, and are under the dining room and breakfast tables. I'm really tempted to take them outside and clean them. I don't want to use the shampooer inside, because I fear it will ruin the wooden floor. I think you have given me courage to give it a try, just knowing that someone else has the same dilemma!

I had a MARVELOUS visit with Mother and sister!
Mother's assisted living facility is fabulous! they take very good care of her, and she is happy.
We went out for her bday dinner, our first choice didn't work out, so we chose a "hole in the wall" mexican place that my sisters enjoy. We went in earlier in the day to make sure they had room for us and could accomodate the wheel chair and that we could bring a cake. In fact we left the cake there in their fridge.
Later, when we arrived, they had put up birthday banners and balloons, had noise makers on the table , they put candles on the cake,and sang with us, and took poloroid photos! it was GREAT!! such service, and we were the only ones there,so it turned out to be a private party. OH! and they didn't charge for Mother's dinner!

My sister is doing great! She is a changed person since her "death experience". So pleasant and fun to be around! she really appreciated hearing the things I had observed during her unconscious time, it was neat to be able to share them with her.

I ate 2 lunches with Mother in the dining room at the facility. They were very much OP. Mother was concerned that it wouldn't be enough for me, but they were very sensible meals.

Today is the beginning of a 3 day Doll/Ceramic show at the fairgrounds, so that is where I am headed pretty soon. I'm going to see the show today and hopefully take some classes the next 2 days....so will try to catch up on other posts later. You say so much in 3 days! Hard to keep up, when one is gone!

gotta go!


~~~~~
JOYce

Hey Everybody!!

JOYce- Am so glad to hear that your visit went well! And that restaurant sounds like a wonderful place. What service! Hope your mom had a great birthday!!

My little vacation was very nice. I swam on both Tuesday and Wednesday and had the most wonderful time swimming laps. I had the whole pool to myself so that made it even better! It was a great time for me, but DH probably didn't have a good time like me since he had classes and a test yesterday that took him about four hours. But it was nice for me to not have to cook, wash clothes, make beds, etc. etc. It was very hard for me to stick to my diet and I had two bad days. I tried to plan, but it went down the tubes. I felt horrible and like such a failure. But today is a new day, I am at home with all my stuff and I feel renewed strength and confidence. So here is to new beginnings!!

I did not go to a meeting either. And the reason is kinda silly. I had the hardest time finally going to a meeting and now that I know or feel like I know the ladies I see every week, I was scared to go to a new place, have someone else see how much I weigh and have to feel those scared and helpless feelings again. So I did not go and am hoping that next week when I go to my meeting, I will have met my 10%.

Not much else here, am expecting my folks for the weekend. I like company! And they haven't seen me since Christmas!!

But I better go get my house ready for company! You all have a great weekend!!

Rebecca

Nancy in TC, good to hear from you again! And I'll second what everyone else said, don't feel you have to reply to each person; just stop by and say hi. Glad to hear that you are OP again. You can do this! Sounds like you have the journaling part down, and that's one of the hardest things to do.

Rebecca, I like what you said about new beginnings; that's such a positive way to approach this project. I'm sure all that swimming you did last week will help, too, even if you were a little off program. Have a great time with your folks!

Carol, you are so sweet; thank you. Dad really enjoyed getting to meet you, Janet, and Texaslady; he's still talking about "those nice friends of yours." And I know how it is for you and Janet, missing your fathers; even after 9 years, losing my Mom, it's hard. How is that headache? Hope the lump is going down. I wince just thinking about a heavy car door slamming into your head like that!

Janet, thanks so much for the encouragement! And congrats to you on resisting the Mexican restaurant trip! Way to go! That really shows your commitment and strength. We're all proud of you! Re: the rugs, I think they'd dry outside just fine, if the weather cooperated. I've seen people dry their oriental rugs outside like that, though I haven't done it myself.

Saara, I'm sorry you haven't heard yet about the foreign exchange placement; maybe they're just running a little late, do you think? I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. But it's good to hear that you're planning a trip, either way; can't wait to meet you! I don't think you should worry about regaining when you come over here, because you've developed so many new skills and changed your lifestyle. The only difference over here will be that the restaurant portions are so huge, but I know you will be able to deal with that!

JOYce, so glad to hear that your Mom and sister are both doing so well! What a lovely birthday party that was, and how nice of the restaurant to go "all out" like that! Enjoy your doll show. What kind of dolls do you make?

Texaslady, sorry I got the stories mixed up; please do tell the squirrel story, it was so hilarious! Hope you're enjoying this nice weather.

We're supposedly out of school today, but we're hosting a UIL contest (an academic meet) so I came in to make sure all the kids' computers were working ok. It's so stressful for them to bring a laptop and printer on a school bus and hook it all up at a strange location, hoping everything works right! Luckily, with a few glitches that we ironed out, all the contestants were ready when their time came. Whew. Will also work all weekend, moving to a new office down the hall and making sure all my records are in order, as we're having a routine audit Monday. I hope everyone else has better weekend plans than that!? I know Rebecca does!

Hi to Patti, NJNancy, Kendra, and Liz; drop by when you can!

Regards,
Jan

Hi, girls! Sorry to be AWOL last couple days - actually have too many irons in the fire this week. Now I have to see if I can catch up with everyone -

Saara - I hope things work out for your acceptance into the program here in the States but I love your attitude that if it doesn't work out, well it doesn't work out! You are keeping things in a great perspective and I am proud of you for that. Like Jan, I am still keeping my fingers crossed for a while - maybe it will help! If not, then I am sure there's a good reason, even if you don't know it yet!

Carol - Ouch! How's your head? I feel so bad for your lousey weather - ours has been so splendid this whole week. I understand it is supposed to be about 80 outside right now, but I have been stuck in the office all day and couldn't attest to it. I hope it stays this way for the week-end!

Joyce - How wonderful that your Mom is getting such good care! I wish that all our elderly folks could say the same. You are very lucky that you found such a good place to care for her. Sounds like you had a special party and the people at the restaurant sure went out of their way for you. That was so nice of them. I know you will be doing a lot of walking at the doll show - don't overdo it now! But it is good exercise!

Janet - Way to go resisting the Mexican food!! Its baby steps like that one which will keep us on the right path! I am so proud of you for "just saying No!" I am also sure that your dd had a great visit with her Grandmother and that it meant a lot to your Mom. That's so sweet.

Rebecca - glad you had such a good mini vacation! Don't beat yourself up over the slip-ups! You are so motivation and exercising so well, I am sure you will be totally back on track right away. I find that I really do need to go to the meetings to be accountable although sometimes its really hard to go when I know that the scale had creeped upward - of course, I always know exactly WHY, too!

Nancy - Hope that you and your dh will be an inspiration for each other and it will be easier to keep on track. And blizzards should NOT be allowed after the first day of spring has come and gone! I am sure you feel the same way - enough already!

OK - I will tell the squirrel story! My Mom (who is 85) hung clothes out on the line to dry and a squirrel came and shredded some of her stuff. We guess he was looking for nesting material. Anyway, that started a vendetta between my Mom and all the neighborhood squirrels - of which there are hundreds! She got herself an animal trap and climbs up ON A LADDER!!! and puts it on top of the carport roof and baits it with peanut butter or pecans. Once she catches a squirrel, she takes the trap and hauls him off to her rental property and lets him go. After several weeks of doing this, she decided there were so many squirrels that the ones she had previously caught must be returning to her neighborhood trees. So she began to spray paint a dot of flourescent green paint on their tails when she caught them (before she released them on the other property) so she could determine if they were really coming back. Of course, they weren't - there's just so many of them that she is fighting a losing battle! I am sure someone over in the other neighborhood thought there was a new breed of squirrels around - ones with painted tails! This went on for months and months! Lately she hasn't been getting around well enough to be climbing on the ladder so the squirrels are probably celebrating their freedom!

And speaking of animals - do you know what I saw on the way to work this morning? Right at an intersection at the Beltway (huge intersection!) there was a PEACOCK walking across the pavement!! Where the heck he came from is a mystery. At least everyone had stopped and let him cross the street safely - this time!

Gotta go. Hope everyone has a great week-end. Will check in again later.

WOO-HOO!! -5.8 LBS! off to a good start!
I weighed in on the way to the doll show.
The show was great and I walked my legs off for most of 4 hours.
I got some nw molds for little things, eggs, magnets etc.

Jan. I make mostly porcelain dolls, like the ones on my webpage. I got a good picture of my eggs today, I will try to get it on my site tonight, so you can see them.

gotta go!

~~~
Joyce

I just lost (due to my own stupidity) a very long post . I don't feel like doing it again right now, so I'll just say WAY TO GO JOYCE!! and have a good weekend, everyone!
Carol