Looks like we missed a day. Oh well.
Today is weigh in for many of us. I am yoyoing so much I have no idea what I will do. Right now I will be happy for a turtle.
Our area captain is finally coming to visit our chapter next month. I got a letter from co-ordinator asking that chapters donate money for area captains to go to IRD. I sent area captain an email note saying I would feel much better asking my group to donate if they knew who she was. I reminded her that I have been asking her to come for over 1 1/2 years. I gave her two dates in March and told her this would be my last invitation. She got the message as less than 5 minutes and my phone was ringing. First thing she said was "Boy You are really p-ssed at me aren't you???" We had a nice talk and she will be coming. She will be bringing a motivational speaker. My treasuer doesn't want to pay her so she will be real happy when I tell her we should give them both a check.
I will be showing the tape of the Oprah show drom the other day tonight. OOPS I am going to be late for work.
LoveYa all

Yes the Oprah show was awesome. I also belong to www.leanandstrong.com and there was a lady whom I chat with on Oprah. Her name was Cindy Holman, the grandmother who lost the weight and is now competing in Body Building competitions, my long term goal and dream.
I weighed in Teusday night, and I was down 2 pounds. I am now 228.5, the lowest I have been in almost 11 years now. I was so excited. Feels great to be acheiving something I have been working so hard towards. Keep up the good fight everyone, and we can acheive whatever we set our minds to.
Hugs all
Virginia

Wanda,

I am doing great thanks. Back on track with everything. Sounds like you are very busy but that is a good thing right?

Eleni,

Don't worry you will do fine. Doesn't the hypnotist come this week or was that last week? Keep up the exercise now you are feeling better and remember to make smart food choices. You can do this. That was a great response to the letter. I don't blame you. I hope they don't expect a donation for the IRD now they are coming.

Virginia,

I didn't see the oprah show what was it about. I don't get home in time to watch it. Nor did I know it was going to be good. I do like oprah though.
Congratulations on your loss this week. Keep up the great work.

As for me I am back on track and doing well. I had a 3 lb gain this week. I really think its because I am depressed. I started another med yesterday. I hope this one doesn't have the terrible side effects the other 2 had. I am working out everyday and eating right. I am looking forward to a loss this week I hope. I am staying off the scale until wed this week. See if it makes a difference. When I think about it too much I always gain. So I am not thinking about it this week. Just concentrating on me and what is important in my life. Spending quality time with my daughter.
We did that last night. We went out to dinner and rollerskating. She had a great time I did to. We weren't there very long only about an hour but that was enough for her plus she had school in the morning. She is only 4 so she was pretty tired out. We go to gymnastics today. So today is a short day for me here at work.

Been thinking of you all. Just run out of time at night and I have been getting up at 5:15am to workout. So by 9:00 I am beat. Not used to getting up so early. But I am doing great with it.

Have a great day everyone.

Sherri

Oprah was about people who have lost huge amounts of weight. Cindy Rae, a grandmother of 9 , lost quite a bit of weight, but the remarkable thing is the muscular build she now has. She is phenominal. WHat a role model. She looks awesome. Go to the www.leanandstrong.com and right on the openiong page is her story. She is remarkable. Others on the show lost hundreds of pounds.

Hi everyone. February is looking better for us in weightloss. Our TOPS group has already lost 46 pounds this year. We have a jar of marbles marked "Losing Our Marbles At TOPS". For every pound lost as a group we put another marble in the jar. Make a big production out of counting them as we throw them in. I have to admit that it helps that we have 4 new members in January...you know they are always so motivated!! It does rub off though, so that is good for everyone!

Work has been busy, life in general has been stressful. My 30 year old daughter (just diagnosed with bipolar spectrum disorder a few months ago) says she and her husband are splitting. They were together 10 years, married for 6. No kids. But she is alone in Vancouver, jobless. We suggested to her that she come back here, but she says she has good friends and a support group. Unfortunately most of her support group are people with the same problems that she met while she was hospitalized. Yes, they understand her, but can they help her? Although she seems to have been stabilized during her 10 day hospital stay, I am afraid the decision to split has been made in a manic state. She says the feelings between them are dead. She has been depressed for so long that she is looking to be happy again. He says some things were said that can't be forgiven. Sound to me that if they wanted to stay together things would have to change and he thinks he is just fine the way he is. Yes, he has been "taking care of her" but her medical professionals think this has not been particularly good fer her mental health. They see him as more of a fatherly role than a husband. I personally think that it's nice if a husband takes care of his wife and tries to ease the way for her, but daughter says he was not allowing her to make any decisions either..always knew what was best. She said if there was a movie that she wanted to see but he didn't, he would not go. They only went to movies that he wanted to see.

I'm just finishing 5 days of swollen right knee, and the left one is due to start anytime. If it hasn't by tonight I want to walk an hour on the treadmill.

Food has been better this month since the Christmas treats have generally disappeared. Hubby bought a bag of Kit Kat treats and I have not had one. It helps that they are not calling me (some other varieties can call right through the cupboard door!!) ha! I was ill one day last week with the flu and then had a surgery day where I didn't eat much of anything, so that kind of broke the cycle. I lost 3 3/4 lb in 2 weeks. That leaves me 10 pounds from goal.

I don't think I am going to run for leader this year. I told my group at our last meeting that life is just too stressful for me right now, but I am always willing to help out. Just would like to unload the responsibility of every week's program. We'll see how election night turns out.

Happy losing to all. Happy Valentines Day tomorrow. No candy, okay?

Tonight was weigh in for me...wish I had stayed home...no not really, but I had another gain 1 1/2#'s. I have an idea it is mostly water retention, but maybe not all. I feel like a blimp today. My hands have been swollen until my rings are tight. But even if that could be the problem, it makes me sad!!!

It is past bedtime and I have a very busy day tomorrow. I will post more tomorrow. Just wanted to drop in and say hello to everyone and ask that you keep me in your thoughts. I have to turn this weight gaining around.

Wanda