Good morning everyone

Hope everyone had a good weekend! The weather here was great for being outside. I headed out to a local farm to get fresh apples for snacks and for a pie.

It's hard to believe today is the first of October and it's only 12 weeks until Christmas. With the upcoming holidays looming in the future, how does everyone plan to get through them?

The temps here are perfect for walking and I'm planning on heading out at noon and getting some much needed head clearing and exercise.

Hi Melissa. We had a great weekend weather-wise too - crisp mornings and lots of sunshine. I have some apples on order from someone who works with DH; I am going to make pies again this year but I'm not sure why since I don't like to have such temptation around me .

I took part in the annual Run for the Cure yesterday (to raise funds for breast cancer research). Over 5500 participants ran or walked either 1K or 5K and together we raised over half a million dolloars in this community alone. It was much more personal for me this year; one of my close friends had a lumpectomy on Wednesday of last week and is now waiting to see if that was enough or if they'll have to do something even more invasive. I ran for her yesterday.

Yes, Christmas is not far off. I did quite a bit of shopping in January of last year. Now I need to haul everything out and see what remains to be done. It seems weird to buy things so far in advance, but I'm always happy I did it when "the season" rolls around again

Good morning, Melissa, Seasaw & everyone else!

Our weather was wonderful over the weekend, too - I took advantage of it with some nice walks around the neighborhood. Went to a birthday party on Sunday, but didn't overindulge (had a very small sliver of cake). Had insomnia over the weekend, so I feel a little bleary-eyed this morning.

Seasaw - good for you for taking part in the Race for the Cure - it's amazing how many women are afftected by breast cancer. I'm impressed that you did so much Christmas shopping last January - I wish I were that organized or was so sure of what to buy people nearly a year ahead of time

Melissa - amazing we're into October already - I know you & I will be facing snowy weather in the not-so-distant future. I like fall, but dislike the fact that winter follows it. I'm hoping the 2nd 12 week challenge will help me through the holiday season. I bake a lot of cookies & I adore cookie dough, so that is a big challenge for me. Last year, I did quite well & felt so motivated - I think I hit my lowest weight of 140.4 either the week before or after the holidays. Maybe I can get under 140 this year.

Hi Ladies,

Yikes, it is fall. Very nice putter this am with mr. dog, except for the wasp sting I received half way home. Man, did that dog go when he had to.

Melissa: Yup, Christmas is 12 weeks away and I am already starting to think about planning, both in food and in events. I was thinking about how much easier the fall and winter are for weight control, maybe because slacks and jeans are easier to make one more aware of their body. I know that my shorts are a good size, but the wider leg makes it easier to indulge and tshirts can hide a multitude of 6" subs.

So, like Seesaw, I have been shopping all year gathering things from travels that constitute the majority of holiday gifts from DP and myself.


I really do hate the shopping aspect of Christmas, so often I go looking for something for someone and end up with something for myself.

kt: when does the weather start getting iffy in the Milwaukee area? I am thinking of seeing my brothers "sweet crib" (his words) sooner than later.

seesaw: super for you and the race for the cure! I hope you friend has good news.

Well, the benadryl dp gave me to help the swelling from the bite is making my extra loopy.

Okay ladies, have a great fall day!

lala

lala - You would be okay to travel to Milwaukee for the next 4-6 weeks. Thru October it should be fairly decent around here, but by mid-November there is the possibility of snowfall. It depends on your tolerance level for cold/snowy weather. Does your brother live in Milwaukee or one of the burbs nearby?

Hi kt:
bro lives right in downtown MKE,on Astor Pl or something. He has a view of the lake and lives in some uptown condo. I am trying to find a moderately priced ticket and I don't think that is possible....

Its funny that he says he is ready to get married, but keeps on moving into these bachelor pads. Hmmm.

lala

lala - if you can, try to go within the next two weeks - you might be able to enjoy some of the fall colors here. They usually hit their peak by mid-October in southern Wisconsin.

Hi all,

Wow another Monday already. I did pretty good staying in control this past weekend. That is a major thing for me, as weekends are the worst time. I finally finished my TOM so I am feeling better all the way around. I just hope the scale agrees LOL.

Sounds like we have all had great weather. Fall is my favorite time of year and I to have been getting out and enjoying it. Doesn't it make it easier to exercise when the weather is nice? For me just seeing sun makes all the difference. I live in MI and we are planning a trip up to the Upper Pen. sometime this month, the colors are beautiful. I bet WI is equally nice.

I don't even like to think about Xmas, lucky girl who shopped in Jan, I am envious of you. The way the stores promote holidays I should have ample time to adjust but I never seem to have the cash on hand or else I don't know what someone would really like. I am going to visit the challenge thread when I decide which thing I need to work on most. I could work on a few areas but I don't want to over whelm myself!!!

Have a good day.
Daytona

Hey all. First I'm bursting to let someone know I how pysched I am! I went to a WW meeting at lunch and I lost 3.2 lbs of the weight I had gained back. So I am back at 133.4. Yipeee!

Whoa! I finally got back under my official goal weight of 135. I'm trying not to put to much pressure on myself that I have to hit that 129 dream goal. But it just makes me feel so much better to be under that 135 mark.

I like the thought of planning for the upcoming holidays. This time is going to be even more hectic with additional family trips thrown in. What I'd really like to try for is prior to each holiday / event to be two additional pounds under where I want to be after "said" event.

So, for me this means trying to get to 130 before my trip back East so that if I gain a couple of pounds I won't feel like such a porker upon my return.

Patch: Woohoo!!! Congratulations on the weight loss! I know what you mean about feeling better being under a mark. I'm working on getting down under the 140 mark...that's where I feel most comfortable. I just need to make more of an effort to get there and then maintain it

Daytona: I love the Fall weather--especially when the sun is out. I was out walking yesterday on my lunch hour and I love seeing the changing leaves and being able to "kick the leaves" like when I was a kid. There's something comforting in that for me. We used to camp in MI prior to the kids coming along; after the kids we traveled up to the Flint area and Frankenmuth. There's a lot to see/do in MI.

I wish I were more organized when it comes to Christmas shopping--the past couple of years I've been scrambling the week before trying to get last-minute gifts. DH on the other hand, thrives on shopping the 1-2 days prior and has been taking the boys with him.

Lala: I was in Milwaukee a number of years ago and enjoyed a wonderful German restaurant there. Fall and Winter are so much easier for me to keep my weight in check, like you said when wearing slacks/jeans you feel more restrictive and you can really tell if your weight is up.

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Good morning,

It's supposed to be a fabulous day weather-wise here today - sunny with highs in the mid-70s - Indian summer. Sounds like the last decent day for awhile since a cold front sounds like it is coming our way so Wednesday doesn't sound too hot.

Patch - congrats on the huge loss! You are on your way to 129.

Melissa - did you decide if you wanted to be a receptionist for WW?

Not much else going on around in my neck of the woods - I'll check in later.

Hi everyone,

I love the idea of getting 2 pounds under your goal wt so when you do indulge a little more around the holidays it isn't so hard on the diet! Thanks for the idea Patch30, and congrats on losing 3.2 pds great job.

I am with Melissa, I have a much easier time dieting in the winter than the summer. I still havn't figured it out yet, most people say it is so much easier when all the fresh fruits and veggies are available. I have more temptations with ice cream and barbcues with mayo based salad dressings. My family doesn't have any wt issues so they only like the same old recipies from their childhood, I do to but the calories are horrible.

Another great day here so I am going to get out and enjoy it! Have a great Tuesday.

Daytona

Katie: Yes, I did decide to take the plunge. I have the form in my planner and will turn it in on Wednesday to my leader. I'm a little nervous about it but heck, I figure I can offer support to new members It's always scary going into the "unknown" but once the initial step is taken it all comes together.

Hey patch - way to go!! Wow - you must be thrilled with such a big loss. You've worked hard, and you deserve it.

katie: Indian summer is the best! We've not had the higher daytime temps that signify true Indian summer, but loads of sunshine.

daytona: Yeah, I've got a lot of shopping done, but by no means all of it. Actually, being a little ahead of the game often backfires on me. I get lulled into this false sense of security, then in mid-December I panic because I'm still not ready. The most wonderful time of the year? Not!!

melissa: Fall is a great time for renewal. I am more apt to turn over a new leaf (no pun intended) at this time of year than in January. I think it's a throwback to school days, starting a new grade, etc.

lala: So, I'm not the only one who shops for herself when she should be shopping for others... How's the wasp sting today? There were wasps swarming all around us on Sunday as we waited for the race to begin. Is it the time of year?

laurel: How's it going this week?

DH and I spent most of last evening re-arranging rooms in anticipation of the arrival of new bedroom furniture later this week. Yippee!!

Hi all-

seesaw: My sting is much better today and my neck is a bit sore. I avoided taking the dog that way today.

I'm going to Milwaukee at the end of October. I hope the weather will be nice. I am sort of bummed, I'm going to miss the last two farmer's markets due to travel. But, the sunday NYT did a thing of milwaukee, so I'll make sure I cut it out for things to do.

So, nothing new doing here. I'm waiting for files to process and wondering what the heck to do for entertainment tonight. Going to the gym in the morning is sort of nice, keeps those evenings free.

Patch: congrats on your loss. I am just hoping not be up another 3# this week.

lala