guysis

Woops! I was supposed to be in San Diego right now and I'm still home in Portland...............woke up at 3:30 AM, left for the airport at 4:00 AM, our 6:15AM flight was cancelled due to bad weather..........trying again on another airline tonight..............will miss all the fun stuff that was planned today and the nice weather in San Diego, but will (hopefully) be there for my sis's 50th BD party tomorrow eve...............ugh, flying during the winter and holiday's is not fun! Proud of myself.............got back home at 8:00 AM (had to take my brother to breakfast since he was on the road taking us to and from the airport for 3 hours)...... and was out the door and on my way to the gym by 8:30. December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - Day off! 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class 7 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (approx) 8 - 1 hour NIA (posted in advance - meeting friends so no excuses!) 9 - 1 hour NIA (on my way over to the gym!!!) 10 - Day off! 11 - 1 hour NIA 12 - 13 - 1 hour NIA (planned - done!) 14 15 - 1 hour NIA

Yipee for you Bluehill..................so proud of you! Kat...............so excited you're excited about the summer get together! Ok all the rest of you gang...............start thinking about it! Julie, hope you had a good day and those pounds start dropping fast(er) - guess I wish that for me (the scale dropped a 1/2 lb today - like pulling teeth for me lately) and all the rest of you also!!!!......................my daughter is walking the streets of NYC today..............just talked to her and she said she's having a great time.......going to a couple of shows, eating great food.......it's a quick trip for her - she's with a friend there on business for a few days (sharing her room, eating on her expensive account!!!!nice). Didn't get to walk today.....oh, oh, might not make the 6 days this week, but had to wait around the house for a repair man for my wash machine......and then it was pouring rain.......excuses, excuses.....but tomorrow bright and early off to NIA. December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - Day off! 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to Breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class 7 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (approx) 8 - 1 hour NIA (posted in advance - meeting friends so no excuses!) 9 - 1 hour NIA (on my way over to the gym!!!) 10 - Day off! 11 - 1 hour NIA 12 - 13 - 1 hour NIA (planned)

Boo - what a great idea...........we'll jet set between Portland and Seattle this summer..........don't know about the water skiing, but sitting in the boat watching would be fun! What month will you be in Seattle? This is serious business - I'm already in the planning stage - and when I get in the planning stage - watch out!

Julie...............what a great idea! How about next summer in Portland at Betty's "hotel"......................I'll get you all passes for my gym, you'll all get to try out NIA and I'll be the NW guide to all the "spots"..........this is a gorgeous place - love to show it to you all...............and you can't beat our summers! Julie, next to me, you are the travel kid! My body is a definate "what goes in makes the difference". I also can only do about 800-900 calories a day to lose weight..................along with my exercise...................needless to say, I have been putting a bit more in the past couple of months - it's been very comfortable for me to maintain my 179.5 - 180.5 +/-....................and I have to decide if this is it for me..............am I happy being a size 14????? Don't know yet...........I'll probably coast until the 1st of the year and then decide if I really want to maybe try for a size 12.....and a weight below Alan!

Dawn...............I am keeping an eye on your weight loss - I am petrified.............you go girl, are amazing with your loss to date......soon you'll be into onederland and I have to get going - at this rate you will bypass me very soon! Went to my support meeting last night and got "hypped" once more. It is such an upper to meet with all my bandster friends. Am sleeping over with a couple of my grandkids for a few days - my daughter is in NY having fun....I get them off to school and then go about my business for the day........so I'm off to my NIA class soon. December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - Day off! 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class 7 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (approx) 8 - 1 hour NIA (posted in advance - meeting friends so no excuses!) 9 - 1 hour NIA (on my way over to the gym!!!) 10 - Day off! 11 - 1 hour NIA

Susan - just saw your pics on the before/after thread..........you look amazingly beautiful!

Pre band in March 2006 7 months out -50+ lbs

Amourette, you look so cute! Sure don't look like you are 36 years old....look like a teen! OK Bluehill, waiting for those new photo shots with your new xmas present. Susan, need some before's/after on here! The rest of you...........would be so nice to see what you all look like so we can picture each other as we head down our paths to fitness and great health. On my way in an hour or so to a local on-line (Yahoo) group meeting - we get together once a month at each other's homes.............bring band friendly food and have a support meeting. It's been such a great support for me...................second only to this group!!! I'm up .5 lb this week.............darn......back to 180............not so easy at this stage of the game! Alan is pulling away.......we're now 3 lbs apart.......with him winning! Again, trying to not eat after dinner (even healthy stuff) - still think that is what is doing me in.........those extra 100-200 calories do count! Made a pact with myself (again)..............those icky hours before bedtime are my boredom downfall. December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - Day off! 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to Breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class 7 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (approx) 8 - 1 hour NIA (posted in advance - meeting friends so no excuses!) 9 - 1 hour NIA (on my way over to the gym!!!) 10 - Day off!

Just wanted to try to upload some picture of me before/after (as of last month)............also Susan saw your pic's on your myspace area and guess what else we have in common (Zoe, our 5th Doxie)..........we've thrown in a couple of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in our 45 years of marriage also..............love both breeds. Sure would love to see some pictures of all of you! First pic - couple months before band Sec pic - right before Third pic - about a month ago (with new haircut!)

Welcome Fit George! Julie have fun in the 'windy city'..........my daughter went to Northwestern (the medical school in downtown) - she's a Physical Therapist and we visited many times (she's actually going to be visiting NY from this Sunday thru Thurs - and we're watching the grandkiddies)............love that citiy............great restaurants - be careful (of course NY's rest's are not too shaby). Kat - geez, get better soon! I just noticed what a kid you are to be a grammy - isn't it great (grammyhood)? Do any of you out there live close enough (or want to fly in) to consider coming to a bandster week-end in the Seattle area. It's called the Seattle Splash and I hear it's a wonderful, inspiring (tons of bandsters from all over the place, speakers, dinner/dance, exercise sessions, etc)......it's the week-end of Feb 16th thru the 18th. Any takers? I'll be going (it's only a 2 hour drive for me).....................let me know if any interest. Info is on a Yahoo group - (SeattleSplash). We could also do something like this - you could fly into Portland (stay at this great "hotel" - Betty's place (we have a really nice guest room (with room for 3 or 4) and it's cheap - free -)!!!!!!! - I could include a "tour" of the beautiful Portland, OR area!!!!! Again, any takers??? December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to Breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class 7 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (approx) 8 - 1 hour NIA (posted in advance - meeting friends so no excuses!) 9 - 1 hour NIA (on my way over to the gym!!!)

Bluehill - you also have a new exercise buddy here in Portland.............double reason to come visit! Yes, we love living here because of all the reasons you stated, plus...........it's so beautiful here, plus we love the seasons (did not have that in So. Calif) - of course did not have the rain there..................., then again the reason for all the pretty green stuff............plus, we have our kids and 5 of our 8 grandkids here..................such a lovely city,, plus,,,,,,,plus............and it gives us a good reason to go back to visit family and friends from So. Calif often (we moved here from the San Diego area 9 years ago to be near most of our kids and grandkids). I also am off all meds - isn't it great?

December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to Breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class 7 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (approx) 8 - 1 hour NIA (posted in advance - meeting friends so no excuses!) My personal challenge for this month (6 days a week of exercise)! Don't think I've ever done this before..................we will be out of town for a week 15th thru the 21st..............that will be my challenge! (again going to San Diego area for my "baby" sis's 50th BD and then up to Sacramento to visit a set of kids/grandkids on the way home to Portland). Yeah Julie - way to go! Bluehill - close to 100 lbs - would you have believed this last April? Dawn...............what can I say to the 3 of you............I'm in awe of your weight losses and the changes you have made to your life styles (exercise and good bandster eating) necessary to accomplish it all! Kat - hope you're feeling better! I have a brother who is on SSI disability and I did a lot of research and just found out that he is eligible to have the band surgery thru Medicare..........he is so excited (has watched my success to date and didn't think he'd be able to do it because of the cost) and is going to a seminar on the 20th and his new medicare insurance will start the 1st of the year...........so hopefully he'll be able to join us in bandland soon. His weight is close to 400 lbs - he is 61, has had heart bypass surgery, a stint, diabetes....lots more.............so, I pray that he will be able to have this sort of "last chance"........will keep you up to date.

Brrrr..............Dawn.....I am walking around the house with 2 sweatshirts here in the Northwest area (Portland, OR).......can't imagine what it's like in your part of the world...............your stats are absolutely stupendous.....wow and you manage to get all that exercise in....no wonder those stats are so good! My 2 sons and daughter-in-law are bike people..........I told them about your hubby and they are amazed. When it gets cold here they go indoors and do spinning classes - they are wimps like me! My son who had a heart valve replacement and aorta repair just a little over a month ago tho is back doing his spinning (doc wants him to not do the real bike for 3 months - afraid he might fall on a real bike).......I think he did so well with his surgery because he was in such great shape (otherwise) because of his bike riding. Exercise is indeed so good for us all. Boo - yes, everytime I go into a new "digit" it's jump up and down time! I'm off the scale for a few days, driving me crazy - Alan has already informed me he's down a couple of pounds - darn! December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training 5 - walk back and forth to Breakfast approx 1 hour 6 - off to my 1 hour NIA class - talked 2 friends into joining my gym and so have partners in my NIA class

Hi Guys, I did it>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>:clap2: took me 10 weeks to lose 10 lbs (at this point I'll take anything I can get), but I went into the 170's.................my husband gained a couple of lbs on our trip and he is now only 1 lb less than I am...................after getting upset with him..............he's never been above 176 (now that I am "such a healthy stud" - I can yell!)............we are now in a race to see who can beat each other!...........and as Julie said............I will be so "dainty" now that I am almost smaller than he is (he of course reminded me that I am about 3 or 4 inches shorter - nasty old grandpops). Kat - sorry about your Auntie - sounds like she had a lovely life and lived to a nice age..............and it was her time...........always hard to lose loved ones no matter how old they are. All of you in the "race to onederland".............go for it........it feels so good...........I'm amazed at your wonderful losses. Shel and Dawn..............welcome..........you'll enjoy this group of studs. December 1 - 1 hour NIA 2- 1 hour NIA 3 - 4 - 1 hour NIA/1 hour strength training

OK...............I'm on my way to the gym! Julie - I saw that scale move for you!!!!!...........I'm so close to the 170's............I can taste it! My husband Alan weighs approx 175 - so that's my goal for this month............to weigh less than he does for the first time in many, many years.

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/223/150 - 40 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/170/132 - 38 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/128/110 - 52 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/180.5/134 - 53.5 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/244/180 - 114 total 4-10: DeltaDawn - 358/221/180 - 137 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/184/135 - 55 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/206/140 - 42 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/196/145 - 21.5 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/192/140 - 50 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/209/180 -75 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-20: TrustUfirst - 210/205/177/135 - 32 Total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/188/130 - 32 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/228/156 - 60 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/214/150 - 59 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/98/69 - 27 kgs/59.4 lbs. total 4-24: CEPARANO- 255/270.5/210/170 - 60.5 LBS TOTAL 4-24: Kat - 289/281/219/165 - 70 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/225/160 - 37 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/194/145 - 70 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/267/239.8/140 - 43.2 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/243/145 - 90 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/158/135 - 67 total 4-28: MomofSixKids - 240/238/205/150 - 35 total <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Phew.................just made the 17th on the last day! Bluehill - I feel like a soulmate to you!................we all have been where you have been...............hope the days of December and the new year to come will bring uplifting feelings of contentment and joy for you and yours! Boo - keep up that pace............wow! Roberta - feel better soon! Julie - you are my inspiration - I'm feeling good about starting a new month even tho the weight loss has slowed to a snails crawl (2.5 lbs) this month..................I'm just thankful for my band - between the trip and Thanksgiving I would have "normally" gained who knows what? Renew for the new month!!!! I have. Susan - I'm with you..........just being able to hole our own during this difficult time of the year for us "former fatties" is the "miracle of the band". Kat - You and I have so much to be thankful for this year............we have our husbands and our children and grandchildren to hold and cherish in good health................what more can we ask for? November 1 2 3 4 - 1 hour NIA 5 6 - 1 hour NIA 7 - 1 hour walk to/from breakfast 8 - 1 hour NIA 9 - 10 - 1 hour NIA/1/2 hour core/45 min strength 11 - 1 Hour NIA 12 - Happy BD to me! 13 - 1 hour NIA/ 1/2 hour core/1 hour Group Power 14 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 15 - 1 hour NIA 16 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 17 - 1 hour NIA/ 1/2 hour core 18 - 3 hours back breaking (!!!!) leave clean-up in the back yard 19 20 - 1 hour NIA then in the afternoon******off to the airport!!!!! 21 - 45 min walk on the glorious La Jolla, CA beach (at least 75 deg!!!!) 22 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (found a restaurant to walk to) 23 - 24 25 - 45 min walk 26 27 28 29 30 - 1 hour walk to breakfast!!!!!!!

Missed you all......................I'm still down in So. Calif...........leaving in a couple of hours to head home to rain/snow in the beautiful NW. Had a wonderful time - ate, drank, saw friends/family............interesting the reactions from them all re my 54 pound weight loss...............either they were jumping up and down with joy for me/or ...............some did not say "a word".....................interesting!!!!! I managed to get in a couple of walks.............still need one more session - planning on doing that my last day - tomorrow....................and according to my sister's scale managed to lose a lb during the past 9 days.............thank you band! Been reading all the posts that I missed and I think we're all getting to that point of having lived with this band for over 6 months now and real life is hitting...................I too am doing some "things" I promised myself I would "never do again".......................I for one am realizing I need to again refocus - Julie, Boo, Susan, Roberta and all the rest of us.................a new month is here...............a new year is close..........back to basics for me.................I do want to lose more........I feel great (and look very normal for a 67 year old grammy).............but, for health reasons (and what the heck - maybe I'll look 57) I'd like to lose some more....................so, me too Julie............and all my dear exercise buddies...........let's do it. November 1 2 3 4 - 1 hour NIA 5 6 - 1 hour NIA 7 - 1 hour walk to/from breakfast 8 - 1 hour NIA 9 - 10 - 1 hour NIA/1/2 hour core/45 min strength 11 - 1 Hour NIA 12 - Happy BD to me! 13 - 1 hour NIA/ 1/2 hour core/1 hour Group Power 14 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 15 - 1 hour NIA 16 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 17 - 1 hour NIA/ 1/2 hour core 18 - 3 hours back breaking (!!!!) leave clean-up in the back yard 19 20 - 1 hour NIA then in the afternoon******off to the airport!!!!! 21 - 45 min walk on the glorious La Jolla, CA beach (at least 75 deg!!!!) 22 - 1 hour walk to breakfast (found a restaurant to walk to) 23 - 24 25 - 45 min walk 26 27 28 29

Well, I did manage to get back here before I left (couldn't help myself - as my hubby says - "You're obsessed")..............can't live without you guys! Know how you feel Susan...........been fighting the same couple of lbs the past month..........although I am down a whole wopping pound this month! It's getting harder and harder. I need a young metabolism (any givers). Julie, I need some more of your "rules"....................you rock. I have given up those night time Snacks and hopefully that will pay off. I'm going to try my darndest to be on track on my trip.................I have a really supportive family in San Diego and so I know will get help from them all. My goal for the next week and a half is to come back at the same weight....................these next 5 or 6 weeks will be a challenge for us all..............thank you band for the help. November 1 2 3 4 - 1 hour NIA 5 6 - 1 hour NIA 7 - 1 hour walk to/from Breakfast 8 - 1 hour NIA 9 - 10 - 1 hour NIA/1/2 hour core/45 min strength 11 - 1 Hour NIA 12 - Happy BD to me! 13 - 1 hour NIA/ 1/2 hour core/1 hour Group Power 14 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 15 - 1 hour NIA 16 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 17 - 1 hour NIA/ 1/2 hour core 18 - 3 hours back breaking (!!!!) leave clean-up in the back yard 19 20 - 1 hour NIA then in the afternoon******off to the airport!!!!!

Gosh JulieNYC - who could possibly keep up with you..................Wow, you're rippin! 4-3: JenRN - 263/257/238/150 - 25 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/170/132 - 38 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/128/110 - 52 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/181/134 - 53 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/244/180 - 114 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/184/135 - 55 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/206/140 - 42 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/196/145 - 21.5 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/192/140 - 50 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/209/180 -75 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/188/130 - 32 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/236/156 - 52 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/216/150 - 57 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/104/69 - 21 kgs/46.2 lbs. total 4-24: Ceparano - 255/270.5/215/170 - 55.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/219/165 - 70 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/225/160 - 37 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/194/145 - 70 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/267/241.4/140 - 41.6 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/253/145 - 80 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/158/135 - 67 total 4-28: MomofSixKids - 240/238/205/150 - 35 total

Roberta, what fun - I can see you struttin! Well, one day of no night time snacking and yeah.........my lowest weight todate! Those 170's are getting very close! Going to be busy this week-end before leaving on our trip so doing a couple of days posting my exercise - in advance.........if it doesn't happen I'll go back and correct!!!!! Have to wash, pack and then on Sunday am having our gang over for an advanced turkey night......am feeling a little guilty because we're leaving our family here and taking off to San Diego. Will try to check in during the week (I still need 4 more days of exercise - will have to do some serious walking in sunny so. calif).............if I don't get a chance.... HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!:hungry: (Small bites, and chew, chew, chew......................just not for hours and hours!!!) November 1 2 3 4 - 1 hour NIA 5 6 - 1 hour NIA 7 - 1 hour walk to/from Breakfast 8 - 1 hour NIA 9 - 10 - 1 hour NIA/1/2 hour core/45 min strength 11 - 1 Hour NIA 12 - Happy BD to me! 13 - 1 hour NIA/ 1/2 hour core/1 hour Group Power 14 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 15 - 1 hour NIA 16 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 17 - 1 hour NIA/ 1/2 hour core 18 - 1 hour NIA 19 20 - 1 hour NIA/1/2 hour core/45 mins Strength Training then in the afternoon******off to the airport!!!!!

Julie, We have no "only allowed rules" with the group that did my surgery. Maybe we should. Our guidelines are 3 meals and 1 or 2 band friendly snacks...................I think I'll follow your "rules". I actually have some of those lite pops.........in fact bought a ton of boxes when someone on Smartbandsters talked about them. Ate them in the summer, but don't feel like it now........too cold. I'll just stick to my hot tea for now. Good idea though. I think the idea of no night snacking for December is a great one! For sure when the time draws near we'll talk about meeting in NY in the spring (it's actually the last couple of days of May, first part of June).......so, we'll both be a skeleton by then!

Busy day - hair cut in the morning and manicure in the afternoon in preparation for our trip to sunny San Diego, CA on Monday, the 20th.........going to visit my sis for Thanksgiving in San Diego, going to a 50th anniv party for friends in LA the Sat after Thanksgiving, going to visit an old uncle (90) in Palm Springs the next day, then back to San Diego for a couple of sun filled days (hopefully) before we return on the 29th to the very wet NW. Going to see lots of friends and family that have not seen me since the lbs loss..........anxious to see all the reactions! I'll keep in touch during the trip on my sis's computer! OK............my weight has come to a standstill............I've learned to maintain 182 lbs! But, the problem is that I still want to get down to at least 150 (or less).........I actually look pretty good for a 67 year old grammy right now (in a 14 pants, med to large top) and lots of friends have been telling me that if I lose more, I'll just sag more and my face will look gaunt (same old, same old).............so, I think I've become complacent and not sure of what I want to do................BUT, the last few days I've really sort of decided I do want to lose more. I think I know what my problem is..................I have 1 or 2 too many snacks after dinner............good snacks but probably 200-300 calories too many.......so, as you are my witnesses as of today I am going to cut out the after dinner snacks and see if I can get this old bod into the 170's by the end of the month! My husband Alan is going to cut out his after dinner ice cream (low fat because he has high cholosterol) and join me in a non snacking eve so that should help a bunch! The band does it for me at meals and I'm not at all hungry (bored) during the day......it's just those pesky evenings when I poop out and lay around......I'm sure I'm not the only one with this problem! Going to my monthly local support group tonight..........have a great local on-line group that also meets monthly...............they have been such a help in the past 7 months...........lots of successfull "old timers". November 1 2 3 4 - 1 hour NIA 5 6 - 1 hour NIA 7 - 1 hour walk to/from breakfast 8 - 1 hour NIA 9 - 10 - 1 hour NIA/1/2 hour core/45 min strengh 11 - 1 Hour NIA 12 - Happy BD to me! 13 - 1 hour NIA/ 1/2 hour core/1 hour Group Power 14 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 15 - 1 hour NIA 16 - 1 hour walk to breakfast

Thank you all for the Birthday wishes! My daughter had all the family over for my BD party.......went out to lunch also (I managed to be good both times and to the movies. This 67 year old grammy is sure feeling good this year..............sexy, cute, vibrant, healthy and in great (well maybe good) physical condition (with a little help from my exercise pals!). I'm really proud of the fact that rain or shine we take our walks on Tues and Thurs...............last year if anyone would have said that I would walk in the rain - I would have said they were "nuts"......and since I live in the Pacific Northwest (Portland, OR)...........needless to say last year I didn't walk! My son Craig is feeling so much better...........very close to being off his pain meds...........doing a lot of walking (takes after his Mom!!!). We are all so happy that he is doing so well........thanks again for all the concern......what a nice group of pals. Feel better Boo. That was a good idea you had about sending out e-mails with pictures............before's and during.......what do you all think about that? Julie - hope all goes well with the new home - My husband and I are going to be in NY this spring.......going to France with 2 other couples and on the way home my husband and I are stopping off in NY to go to his 50th college reiunun............gulp - did I say 50th college!!!!! It's actually in Hoboken, NJ (he went to Stevens Inst. of Tech). Love to meet you! Kat - sounds like you are very busy with your little grandchild.........I did not do the daycare for my grandkids................do a lot of grammysitting though..............but not on a daily basis. Your kids are lucky to have you! Still can't say I'm great about my Water consumption, but I am getting better each day..............I drink a lot of tea and have decided to count that.................so, have been getting in at least 48 ou. a day. November 1 2 3 4 - 1 hour NIA 5 6 - 1 hour NIA 7 - 1 hour walk to/from Breakfast 8 - 1 hour NIA 9 - 10 - 1 hour NIA/1/2 hour core/45 min strengh 11 - 1 Hour NIA 12 - Happy BD to me! 13 - 1 hour NIA/ 1/2 hour core/1 hour Group Power 14 - 1 hour walk to breakfast 15 - 1 hour NIA (pre-planned)

Well, I'm still too tight, however I'm going to try and live with it for a while longer. It's not as though I can't swallow liquids - I can. I'm just trying to eat less and chew better............I need this fill, I think because I was eating more than I had been before it and the weight has stayed the same. I'm back to my regular routine with exercise since my son Craig is now home and is doing so well (yeah)......This week I want to try and start a better drinking regime...........not good so far. I do lots of hot tea, but just swiggling Water is hard for me unless I'm working out. Yeah for all of you runners.............a bit too hard on my old knees I'm afraid. Tomorrow, 4 of my good friends are going to join me at the gym to try my NIA class (that I just love). November 1 2 3 4 - 1 hour NIA 5 6 - 1 hour NIA 7 - 1 hour walk to/from breakfast 8 - 1 hour NIA 9 - 10 - 1 hour NIA/1/2 hour core/45 min strengh