Howdy Folks

Hello Everyone.... Hope everything is going well with all of you. Just wanted to check in to say hello ... I know I've been MIA for most of October & November..... Please Please forgive me ... There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of all of you and wonder how everyone is doing. So tell me.... How are we all doing??? How's everyone's weight. Anyone continue to lose, start losing again, or maintaining??? Personally, I'm maintianing around 183. I know it's mostly due to lack of exercise. My eating has been good, for the most part. I do find myself adding in a little more carbs which may also be the culprit ... Although, I try to keep them good carbs. At any rate, I'm very happy with where my body has settled & wouldn't change it for anything. I feel wonderful. Heck last year at this time I was looking forward to being under 220. Healthwise, I'm doing good. I do have to get another liver enzyme test done as my last one was elevated (seems to not be uncommon)... Other than that, things are great. Our trip to Green Bay was a blast. I'm working on converting my profile so I'll put some pictures on there once I get the hang of it. Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving ..... This year is blazin by.... It'll Christmas & the New Year before you know it. I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday season. Can't wait to shop for my gift exchange & start to send & receive the Christmas cards.... Take care everyone & keep up the great work. Tammy Maitaining ~ NOT ~ Gaining

Hey Tam! Boy have I missed you! It's just not the same around here without you! Glad to hear that you had fun with your family! Yeah, this time last year, I was hoping to be below 200 by New Year's Eve. Although I didn't make that goal, I did look and feel awesome for the first New Year's Eve in several years! It's amazing what we have all accomplished in this last year. We are all totally different on the outside as well as being alot more confident and outgoing on the inside! I feel so good about ME for once in my life! I get so emotional this time of year. Not bad emotional... GOOD emotional! I want to spend time with my family and friends. I want to connect with people. I wish with my whole heart that we could all get together for some holiday cheer. But I guess we will have to settle for being together in spirit! That is one reason I like the exchange so much. It's a way for us all to connect with at least one person on here. And since this is our second year of doing this, we will have connected with at least 2! Still lovin my fuzzy pink blanket by the way!!! Oh yeah, if Donna ever gets off her butt and sends us that card list, we can connect with EVERYONE!!! Love ya Donna!!! I can't wait to see what my "secret santa" sends me! I am going shopping next weekend for my gift. I love it! Take care and thanks for checking on us!!! Love ya lots, Lori

I hear you with the emotions... For the 2nd year in a row.... I'M SOOOO EXCITED FOR THE SEASON.... I just wanna decorate now. My person didn't post any gift ideas so I guess I'm winging it... Think I'll do ok because my person last year seems to love her gifts It'll be very fun doing the card exchange.... & Tam

Hijack Hi Tammy - how was your holiday?? here I was reading along and minding my own business- boom & Lori comes along and plops me in the snow- FRIDAY ~ BABY ~ FRIDAY !! Donna

Hi Tammy, I'm glad everything is basically going great for ya! Be sure to let me know about the liver enzymes as I've there and doing that. Have you been having any gallbladder issues? I'm still basically maintaining within about 3 lbs of 135. I go up, I go down, I hold for a week or so. My yo-yoing is completely lack of consistancy of diet and exercise, but it's me so I'm okay with that. Looking forward to seeing your pictures! Dawn Still maintaining at goal

Hi Tammy, Things at work have been hectic and good since my boss got back from his medical leave. It was awful without him here. The person they sent to help was a bozo!! and made our clients upset and mad at times. He should be fired, but we didn't want to rock the boat. Life is going well for me. I am down to 187.5 and loving life so much. I had a terrific wow moment last week. We have our annual work party on Thur 11/30 and I needed a new dress for the occasion. I went shopping at Ross and tried on a size 16 and loved it. The only problem was it was sleeveless and I hate my arms. so I didn't buy it at the time. Then I decided crochet a shrug for myself and went to buy the dress. I got there and the size 16 was gone. I was so upset. I looked around and found a size 14 and decided to try it on to see if I could maybe make it work by 11/30. Well, what do you know, I don't have to try and make it work, it fit me perfectly!!!! I can't believe that I can wear a size 14. I have never been able to wear a size 14. All my life my clothes were either made for me or they were purchased from Lane Bryant. I am so amazed at this new life. I still feel heavy even though people are always saying that I am so tiny. At 187 I know in my head that it is still too heavy for my frame, but I love this new dress and how it makes me feel. I feel sexy and beautiful when I have it on. I will be posting pictures as soon as the party is done on December 1st if I can get it together. Thanks for all the support from you all. I know that life is so worth living these days. I also had my doctor's appt yesterday with my PCP. He is so wonderful and said everything is great. Labs came back with no problems and he said to start taking my cholesterol medication every other day and by the next visit he will decide if we can stop it all together. Isn't that amazing!! I love this new healthy me!! Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Lori 293/187.5/150