Welcome to you whoever you are! We are a friendly and supportive group, counting down from starting points above 250lbs. We provide fun and support, and would love to hear from you and share in your journey, as you share in ours!





Let the posting begin!!!!

Well, I hope that my renaming the thread offers a middle way for us all. I would like to formally announce that I am now below 250, and it is in no small part due to the incredible support and sisterhood (we dont have any blokes do we?) I have found on this board. I find the ww meetings depressing. Someone got her gold membership at my meeting this week for losing 10lbs. I mean, its a different world isnt it? I could lose 10lbs if I shaved my legs . I know that we all have our own battles, but I have really been appreciative of the common understanding I have found here (not fitting in to seats, not being able to really do the exercise easily, etc etc - things which before I was ashamed of, and now I just think are just how it is - or how it has been.)

Welcome Autumn! Dont worry about people not joining your thread - they will and there are plenty of people out there with 200+ to lose, really there are. Everyone has had a lot on their minds in the last few days and posting numbers have decreased. Dont be disheartened! You are among friends here - dont forget that.

Geri - margaritas - yummm! I love the salt round the edge of the glass! There is nothing like getting a bit 'loopy' to make the world feel good - not too often, mind, but once in a while why not. I used to drink quite a lot when I was a bright young thing, but these days two glasses of wine is enough for me, most of the time. Its funny how our bodies change.

Melissa, so glad your family are safe. A colleague of my housemate has lost her brother, and another colleague knew a woman who was on the boston/la flight. This is touching us here - in fact more british people were killed in the wtc than have ever been bombed by the IRA here, so enormous is this dreadful event. Not that it really matters what nationality people are, or what religion or whatever.
Well done for your 3lbs and your new job! I missed what the new job is?

Mandy - Hi there - how are you doing?

J-ann 7lbs! Wow! that is major loss! I am v. pleased for you. And the aqua jogging sounds so brilliant! I did aqua a bit a couple of years ago and completely loved it. I just laughed and laughed (I think all the other women in the class thought I was mad, but I thought - how can they not be rolling around the pool in hysterics this is so much fun). It was like being about 3 years old when you just splash and splash in the water! Maybe I should look for a class here.

And Hi to everyone else. Where are you all? Cindy? Diane? maggie, Bunnie (hope your sister is managing with all the trauma), brenda? Terri? I know some of you have posted recently, but this is just to say hello! And if I have missed you out - its not that I dont like you - just that my remembering system is a little shakey!!!

Hi gals, well first day blues are here. I WI yesterday really do belong here. I'm 259# and freaking a little bit. When you consider I was 217 July 2000 after my 2nd baby was born. It's the most I've ever been. But ya know what, not for long .
Anyhow started the day off with taking my son to school. Thought it would be a good workout to take both my kids in the wagon. Well nothing like goin' uphill with 75# worth of children in a wagon and had my son's knapsack on my back! Halfway there I wished I had brought my cellphone to call my hubby to come and get me. I'm still shaking. Felt like a day at boot camp and it was only 25 minutes in total. I'm a mess.
But so determined this time. I am so appreciative of the wonderful support you give me and each other. I think this is going to make the crucial difference.
lilac~I just love your posts. You always make me smile or laugh. And you are officially under 250 kudos to ya. You obviously worked very hard for it. You musta shaved your whole body. Just kidding of course. Way to go!!!

Autumn~stay with us. We understand you. We'll do this together.

j-ann~7# WOW!!

Hi to everyone else. Have good OP days.

Mandy
259/160
mini goal 230

Its been another long day, though easier. We're still awaiting word on one person we know who isn't.... well, we're not sure where he is.

Anyway -- weigh-in today and I'm down another 2.5# total for 22.5# lost so far.

We're off to work and make plans for visits to NYC, etc. See ya later!

My WI today and I was down another 1.4 lb. Total of 17.4 since mid-June 2001. Feeling pretty good about it too. I force myself to stay for the WW meeting and try to contribute to the discussion. This week's topic was about the benefits of the group (meaning the WW meeting). I told my leader straight out that I mainly go to WW for the accountability. It's too easy to cheat when doing it on one's own. But, I said, I get more support, encouragement and tips from my cyber support group. Hope I gave her something to think about. Actually, after I said that, a couple of women approached me after the meeting to congratulate me on being able to tie my shoes at last, so perhaps I can spread the word that I expect more from a meeting than just a boring lecture. It's been easier for me to get to know you folks than the people at my meetings.
Congrats to the other losers (weight losers, I mean).
Good luck this week.
Thanks for the thread name change, Lilac. I'd hate to have to leave you guys if I ever get below 250. Good show on making it over the line. Yippeeee for Lilac.

Hi,

I'm here. I just haven't felt like posting or thinking about WW. My heart just hasn't been in this this week. Just doesn't seem right yet to go on with life as usual while so many are still missing. But I will get back in the groove this weekend.

Lilac - Thank you for the new thread and name.

Bunny - I am so glad that your sister is okay and I'll pray for your friend and family. Have a safe trip to NYC.

Autumn - Welcome to the group.

To everyone who has posted losses, congratulations. Keep up all your good efforts.

I am exhaused today. I had big plans of being very productive tonight while DH is working but that just isn't going to happen. Me and the dog (he made a trip to the vet today to be fixed) are just going to lay around and veg.

Take care everyone. God bless!

Hello ladies! I worked all day from one end of town to the other and back again. It has been a very, very busy day. I had a restaurant to do for lunch and a movie theatre this afternoon and evening. I avoided the movie theatre popcorn devil so I'm a very happy camper this evening!

I'm off to my cousin's in the morning for a 'breakfast thing'. And then on to do the theatre again tomorrow afternoon and evening. I will have to stave off that devil again tomorrow and on Sunday too, more theatre jobs. Very busy weekend here. Wish me luck! *fingers crossed*

BTW, honey and I decided that we are cancelling our trip to San Francisco next month. Just don't feel comfortable being so far from home. We will find something else closer to home that will be fun to do.

Autumn Moon: I agree with what all of the others have said about the thread you have started, lots of folks just not posting this week, etc. But also a thought is that some of us, me, who fit the description of as many pounds to lose, already post on 3 threads regularly and just plain don't have the time to add one more with any real commitment. I hope that you will continue to post with us here. There are a few of us here that have alot of weight to lose, the others have had alot in the past. The fact is that people here have so much in common with you and we really would love for you to be here with us.

Lilacglitter: Thanks for the new thread and hey, the title works for me! It really is amazing how many people around the world are personally touched by the US tragedy. It seems that no one is far from someone who knows someone who was involved. Maybe that's why the US seems to be getting such support from other nations for a plan to stop terrorism. Let's hope! * I'm into the strawberry Margaritas so usually they are rimmed in sugar however, these glasses were just plain.

Mandy: Don't 'freak'! You needed a starting point for your roadmap to success! It is just a number to start from. You are on your way! [[[hugs]]] Guess now you know how your parents felt, walking to school, 10 miles and uphill each way! (gosh, I hope your folks used to tell you that!!!)

Bunny: I hope you friend is found to be safe! [[[hugs]]] When do you plan to go to NYC? I don't remember, but that's where you moved from, isn't it??? * Another 2.5 pounds is soooo wonderful. You are making real progress!!

Linda: Another 1.4#'s is great! You've been doing wonderfully too! I'm sorry you don't get more out of your WW meetings. Is it that the leader is so bad, or you just have a bunch of really quiet members who don't share? Mine's not roudy, but we definately talk and share alot.

Terri: I know how you feel about not being into posting. But I'm now forcing myself so my program doesn't go to heck in a handbasket! Gotta be here to do well, in my book!

Gonna run. You all behave yourselves this weekend.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

"Happiness is a habit - cultivate it." - Elbert Hubbard

Hi everyone.
I am making plans for my saturday - I have just bought a new car, but I dont think I can take delivery until Tuesday, which is boring! I am going up to the garage later to see if it is in. I have made soup for lunch (with stock, leeks, fennel, celery and tarrogan - might add a twist of black pepper but that is about it - yum - zero points!), and booked a table for dinner tonight at a favourite (but madly expensive) restaurant. The owner of the restaurant is very 'foodie' and 'winey', to the point of obsession. He only has room for about 20-25 diners at any one time - it is a tiny place. And he comes round and talks with loads of enthusiasm about where the ingredients come from etc. I feel like spoiling myself - I feel struck by how impermanent life is, how precious, and how out of control we really are. Carpe deum. Is that insensitive in the circumstances? Its not meant to be.

love to everyone
lilac

I'm gonna try a regular, usual posting today. I'm determined that (other than financially) this weekend will be as it should be -- filled with activities that reflect what we'd usually be doing. Terror cannot win. Financially, we're also terrified right now. Our sales online went from 20+ per day down to 2 per day since Tuesday's events. I have to hope its just that folks are too busy, too touched, too engrossed to be shopping online. The beginnings of an economic downturn were already touching our business (we have to work harder to make the same as we were last year), but this sudden drop is scary.

LindaBC -- congratulations!! Both for the loss -- which is always a thing of beauty -- and your willingness to speak up at your meeting about not getting the support you need there. Truly gutsy. Makes me feel all inspired. Thank you!

Geri -- I don't blame you for canceling your trip at all. My sister isn't sure how she's going to get herself on a plane for her planned Christmas trip from La Guardia to LAX, ya know? Movie theatre popcorn is one of my BIG downfalls -- but it sure feels good when you avoid it, huh?

Lilacglitter -- your exclusive-tiny-expensive restaurant sounds divine. I think folks who own restaurants should be enthused about what they do. Its best that way. We have small wine cafe where the owners go on and on about ingredients, what they grow and what they buy, which wines bring out the absolute best in what you order and so on. Its lovely.

Because financial concerns never come without catastrophic purchases, we had to buy a new computer yesterday for my husband. And I had to go back to using my flickering-dark-dying monitor because my new-used monitor when *pffffzzzt* and began to smoke and then died. We're hoping to get a new-new monitor for me next month if sales pick up. Otherwise, I'll just squint a lot. LOL!

Hope your weekends are wonderful and OP.

I am glad to see that some people are back to posting. It really is hard to get back into the swing of things. I started my new job as a permanent substitute teacher yesterday and it was exciting. I also went shopping thursday and for the first time in awhile I loved it. I am now down to a 22 and it is very exciting. Basically I could try on anything in a 22 and it fit (I didn't try jeans on). I was so excited. I even liked the way the clothes looked on me. I can't tell you (because I don't remember) the last time I could fit into a 22 top. I am working my way down and thie new title of the thread made me happy, because that means I can stay here with you gals even after I drop below 250.

slutbunny - I hope things pick up for you at work. And it always happens, as soon as you are in a pinch for $ something bre3aks down causing you to spend more of what you don't have.

LindaBC - congrats on speaking up at your meeting. That is impoortant. You are paying for it and you should be getting something out of it. I have now reached the point on the WW program where the only handout I get is the recipe the leader brings in and my journal. Part of me thinks that for the money we are paying we should be getting more info. I don't care what we get, info on food and point issues, recipe cards, motivation ideas, binge busters.....etc whatever, just something. But that is something I will have to bring up with someone other than my leader.

Lilac - congrats on the new car and dropping below 250. I will be in right behind you. I hope you enjoy your dinner out.

To everyone - keep working one day at a time and keep coming here. The stress around us can certainly cause us to go off track so now is when it is important to stay close by. Good luck to all and God Bless America!

Melissa

Hello everyone! Hope you are all well this evening! Food was not wonderful today, but not too awful either so I think I will show a little loss on Monday. Probably not the whole 2# that i gained this past week, but it is my goal. Far too much coffee and diet coke today and not enough water! Will have to double-up tomorrow, but it's so hard when you're out and about and have to pee all the time!

Lilacglitter: A new car, how fun!!! And the little restaurant sounds delightful. I'm with you, "seize the day". You never know when you will not have another! Sad to say, but oh so true!!!

Bunny: Sorry about the business issues. [[[hugs]]] That's really a tough one, but I think that too will pass. This was an exceptional week (not in a good way) for most people and I think as the TV starts back to shows (like they did tonight) and the world gets back to whatever normal is, business will pick up too. I think the continuous coverage was somewhat addicting, I know I found myself glued to the TV waiting for any good news there might be (not much to be had though). When I had to be out, I even taped the coveage so I could watch some of it like it was first hand when I got home.

Melissa: I'm glad you are enjoying your new job. And what could be better than fitting in a new size and being able to pick anything and it fits! I was happy recently to be able to get a few things at Walmart, K-Mart and Fashion Bug instead of having to order everything from Lane Bryant and Roaman's. It will be a happy day when I can ditch those catalogs altogether and never again have to pay exhorbatant (sp?) shipping charges anymore! I am excited because I tried on an all weather coat and a nice grey wool coat that has not fit in several years and it looks like I will be in them for this fall and winter without having to buy new. That's a real savings for me!

Well girls, I guess I will say adios! You all have a great night!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

"God doesn't require us to succeed - he only requires that you try." - Mother Teresa

Good morning,

I had a nice post all ready to send and AOL shut down so I lost it. GRRRR.

Anyway, just wanted to say its a good day to get back into the groove and back to normal life. We have such a gift in the name of God and Freedom so its time to rejoice in that and spread the message. Maybe that will be the good that comes out of so many who are lost. Maybe we have gotten to complacent about our gift.

Foodwise has been okay. I doubt that I'll have a loss if I can go to WW on Monday. I didn't go last week as it seemed so trivial and unimportant.

I got to ride my horse yesterday. Its been so long since I've had time to go and the weather be reasonable. It felt good (and bad for the butt!).

I need to recatch up on everyone's posts later. Have a great day and be strong!

Lovely sunday here in London. Last nights dinner out was magnificent. I had smoked chicken with roasted tomatos and anchovy vinigrette, followed by sea bass, roasted with lentils and bananas. Yes, bananas! And spinach. And followed with roquefort cheese and bath olivers, coffee and petit fours all washed down with a fabulous bottle of American chardonnay of a very good quality. Wow! Lots of points - I went 18 over for the day! But I can make that up 6 today, 6 tomorrow and 6 tuesday....I know its naughty to do more than 4 a day, (according to uk ww anyway) but I have never been one to follow the rules too closely!!

So today has been porridge for breakfast and a lonely corn on the cob (no butter) for lunch. . but I am having lamb and rosemary and loads of garlicky veggies tonight so life is not so bad maybe....!!

Food. I love it. I love it so much.

Mowed the grass this afternoon, hopefully for the last time this year, although I sometimes find it needs another go in October to really last through to next March. I ought to be out there now getting some more bulbs in, but I can only do just so much physical activity in a day. yesterday I walked in to town, which will have got me one bonus point. I went to the book shop and bought loads of maps (I went for one - a UK road atlas as mine is so out of date I thought the new car deserved a new map. But who can just buy one map I came away with a uk road atlas, an a-z of london streets (I have one but have a habit of ripping the pages out when going somewhere, and so it is about as much use as a chocolate teapot), a map of 30 miles around london, a map of london (this is where we are getting silly), and a map of the UK. I just love looking at maps! I love being able to think 'oh Sheffield, yes well go north to birmingham, and then turn right and go a bit further north' and you dont get that from an atlas, only a proper map. Oh, and I couldnt resist a street plan of sydney australia - my destination for December - as it had a teensy weensy compass embedded in it! Fantastic!)

And then on the way to the checkout I passed the cookery books. I wont even begin to detail it..........

Anyway, by the end of this I could not possibly walk back because my bag was too heavy and I had to get a cab!!

Geri - that pee problem - me too! what a nightmare!
Mel - size 22 is so great. I put on a fleece today that has been too small for ages and it fits! Yippee!
Bunnie - I really hope business picks up. You dont need this worry on top of everything else. [[[[[bunnyhug]]]]]
Linda - I am cheering you for speaking up at ww! It is easier to get to know each other here than there for me too.
Mand - hope the exhasting walk did not put you off I know it can be hard
Determined - 'Fixed' in american is I think the same as 'done' in english when applied to cats and dogs..... poor thing! My cat did not forgive me for weeks....!
Everyone else - love to you all - stay OP and be contented and peaceful. xxxx

It seems to be me again! I am at work so this is a quick check in. I am a bit down today. I work for a small voluntary organisation and I seem to be the only person with any energy - I know that everyone else is a volunteer (except my one colleague), and I know it is my responsibility to keep it all going - but its so hard sometimes. Do you know what? I feel like saying 'stuff your job - if you want this activity to carry on (mediation in the community - oh when did we need it more?? ) then you lot get off your bums and do it yourselves'.

I took the job thinking I could really make a difference, but I cant see what good its doing anyone right now.



Sorry for myself in the extreme here. Sorry everyone. I need to really get a grip here - leave or get some more energy moving around to support myself.

Off now to Starbucks - I make myself available there once a week so volunteers can pop in informally and raise what they want. I invented this process...... ....no-one ever comes actually, but I quite like to sit with a cup of black coffee for a couple of hours

Food ok today - coronation chicken for 3.5pts for lunch with salad 0 pts and Ryvita 1.5pts. Ready meal tonight.

Love to all
Lilac

When we got home from dinner this evening I noted in a far-away back of my mind kind of place that the gate at the top of the drive was open. "Hmmmm," thought I, "I wonder why the gate is open..." Then a child said something, or maybe my husband, and it left my mind and we went in and about our evening...

...until my daughter yelled, "Hey!!! There's a cow behind my window!" And we went to look and there wasn't a cow. And she said, "I swear!! It was there!!" So we all went out front in time to see Bessie-the-extremely-pregnant wander down the driveway and to freedom.



A little red sedan brought her home again safely, 'rounded up by automobile.



Lilacglitter -- I swear, I'm gonna make you come cook for me! Be glad you've got energy (even if being the only one makes it a touch on the wearing side), I guess, eh? (That's my attempt to find the sunny side. LOL!)