Thanks OH Family

I just wanted to thank my OH friends for being understanding - I know I have been missing in action quite a bit lately but I will try to do better!  The holidays have always been a trial for me so I try to lay low while they are going on - its easier for everyone else actually! 

For those of you who have been keeping tabs on me - thank you!  I appreciate my friends here so very much and would not be near as successful with my WLS if I didn't have you in my thoughts and prayers!

Luanne and Lynette - both of you are so awesome and such good friends!  You keep me sane when there is LITTLE chance that I could do it on my own!  And you let me go a little insane when I really need to - and still love me the same!!  Is it really just 5-6 months ago that we stood outside of Bricktown Brewery and talked forever??

I just feel it is time to kick myself back into gear and reaffirm my mission (again) and spend some more time here.  With my work schedule it is a little more challenging but I will definitely try to do better!  I feel so much better about things when I am knee deep in your lives - it makes me forget about things in my own that may not be where I want them!  But it is WORTH DOING!  With hard work and effort all our dreams will come true one day!  I am looking forward to that!

 With you guys all things seem smaller and much easier!  Thank you so much!
I look forward to seeing you guys at the Holiday party Thursday and at the Meet & Greet on Friday evening. 

Ruth, I'm glad you are back amongst us-I've missed you terribly.  I understand the holiday thing completely-I ran away from the holidays for years by leaving town-now that isn't possible so I'm facing them head on (by laying low when I can....LOL).

What would make ME happy and give me a bright light at the end of the tunnel is if we planned another chick trip after the holidays.  I'd be up for Tulsa again, or a spa weekend in Dallas, or a cabin at Beaver's bend.  (Beware-the spa hotel is located near a lot of wonderful food and night life, so temptations would occur)......Or, I wouldn't mind wandering on down to Austin to catch the music (and whatever else happens to wonder by in tight jeans.)

So, let's saddle up the posse and head out after the first of the year.  (PS, hotel rates are always cheap cheap cheap in January-this girl loves a bargain) 

You now, you could just stop over at my house for a little while and I'm even happy to cook for you!.....I know it's a bit of a pain in the a$$ to drive my direction, but I promise that it's warm, breezy, and I'll have balsamic Chicken with coconut lime sauce cookin' on the grill....

Of course I think i owe you since you did wait around listening to me moan like a baby when I was in the hospital and stuff....  (of course, i did sleep a lot...mostly on the toilet and stuff...LMAO)

Just a thought...hehe....

T

How did you know that Balsamic Chicken is one of my new favorite meals????  Has a little bird been talking???  LOL

Yes - you OWE me for the moaning - but wait... nevermind... I can't go there!!! 

Right now a few days at your WARM ENVIRONMENT would be preferable to the frozen (well sort of) tundra we are in!! 

R

Hi, Ruth.
I understand, and I've been there, done that (with the holidays). It's much more fun just stepping back into life, but we all have to find our way, at the right time. No fussing here, from me. :)
Even though I am very early out from surgery, I want to start a support group here in Winfield, Kansas. Dr. Keller is encouraging me to do so, but I don't know what the next step is. Is there some sort of certification process, to be a support group leader?
There are about 10 people already who have expressed interest in having a local support group. The place to have it would be no problem, and I think we'd choose a once-a-month Saturday early afternoon time so that people who have a one-hour drive (or more) wouldn't have a late night drive home. What do you think?
I welcome any and all suggestions, and I thank you, in advance, for whatever help and direction you can give.
Blessings,
Mary

Mary - that would be AWESOME!  I have been wanting to start some outlying support groups but just have not been able to get it together enough to complete.  I would be happy to work with you as well in getting things started!

I became a Certified Support Group leader through OH - click on the Support Group link at the top of the page - there are telephone conference classes that you need to complete in order to certify but I did all of mine in one day - it helps if you have a speaker phone! 

I had a background at WeightWise so I knew the program pretty well which helped in my knowledge base, but all of the "certification" is base upon how to steer conversations and direct people if you don't have all the answers. 

Please let me know what I can do to help you - I have been working on a resource guide of sorts and maybe this will give me the incentive I need to finalize my draft and get something moving.

Ruth

PS:  Thank you for your kind words - I appreciate them! 

Wow! You ARE fast, girl! Thank you! I will begin the certification process. I have a speaker phone, even. Sounds like it's "meant to be." ;)  As a former high school teacher, I'm adept at steering conversations. :)
Yes, a resource guide would be most helpful. I'll refrain from saying, "So, get on it!" Instead, I'm pleading, "Please! Please! Please!" haha
Thanks so much, Ruth. You're awesome.
Blessings,
Mary

I have missed you!!!!  I am looking forward to seeing you on Friday!

Ruth I deeply miss talking to you sis.  You have helped me along a LOT over my journey and I consider you a true dear friend.  If you ever need to just yell you have my number.  Give me a shout.  Love ya bunches

It's GREAT to see you back... I understand holidays being crazy, that's when I tend to shy away as well..

Glad to see you popping in.. Just remember to relax and take deep breaths..

Sheila