+ + + Monday Vows + + +

Good morning folks! I'm back from at 1500+ mile road trip to Ohio and Kentucky. (Wasn't I smart to plan a trip just as gas prices sky-rocketed?!) We spent five days in Hudson, Ohio with our daughter where we rented bikes and went bike riding on the Towpath. Ohmygoodness it was so much fun and the weather is wonderful up there for bike riding! Then we spent four days at our Kentucky cottage and enjoyed the weather there too. Now I'm back in Mississippi and the heat but fall shouldn't be far away. I brought back one extra pound from the trip so I can't complain much but it's back on track for me today. Thanks Jeannie for keeping up the post while I was gone. Hope you all did well with your vows! Today I vow to: ? Eat fewer than 1000 calories. ? Drink a minimum of 80 oz. of water. ? Work out in the gym after work. ? Eat 3 planned meals and one planned snack. ? No eating after 7:30 PM. What are you vowing to do today? DeeDee

Hi Dee Dee, I am glad you had a great time on your trip. I have bad knees so my form of exercise is bike riding. I love it. Your vows are great. I plan to do the same except for the water. I can't seem to get all that down. I do promise to not eat after 7:30pm. I work 3-11pm, and sometimes I tend to eat when I get home. I don't work out at the gym. I ride my bike and that is great. I am a nurse and walk, walk, walk. I know that is no excuse, but I will try.......try....try... to keep my vows. Have a great day. Lorraine RNY 12/15/03.......245lbs At present............130 lbs and "GOAL" and holding steady

Lorraine, I'm so glad to hear that you ride a bike with bad knees. I had knee surgery in May for a medial meniscus tear and it has taken a while for it to feel somewhat normal again. We found a relatively new bike in Ohio called an Electra Townie. It was a really neat bike and I'm going to buy one this week if I can find one in Memphis (I hear they sell out quickly and are often on back order for months). ere's what their Web site says about them that makes them unique: =============== To most bike companies, putting your feet flat on the ground is a foreign concept. For Benno, it was a simple solution to the greatest inherent problem in bicycles today, the fear-of-bikes factor. This same fear is a barrier to cycling and a healthy lifestyle for far too many folks out there. For Benno, the lower center-of-gravity seating and forward pedaling were incredibly comfortable. And an inspiration. The seat is suddenly lower, allowing you to put your feet flat on the ground. =============== Good luck on your vows today; I look forward to hearing how you did tomorrow! That not eating late is a real killer for me most times. DeeDee

Welcome Back DeeDee!!!!! Sure glad you are back. Just in time now for me to leave. I'm going out of town this morning for a few days. I will be back Wed. evening. My birthday is tomorrow and I will be visiting my kids and grandkids to celebrate. It was my pleasure to keep the post going while you were away DeeDee. It sounds like you had a wonderful trip and enjoyed beautiful weather. I can't wait for Fall to get here too. It's my favorite season! I do miss the changing of the leaves the most. While I'm away I plan to: 1.Get ALL my Protein in. 2.Get ALL my Water in. 3.No Grazing! 4.Enjoy time w/family. See you all soon! Jeannie

Thanks for keeping it up while I was gone and you have a wonderful trip and a super happy birthday! See you when you get back! DeeDee

Welcome home DD. I have an Electra Townie. Just got it last year from the local bike shop. I had no idea it was special. Glad I made a good choice. I am still a little scared of riding but getting there. Jeannie -- will miss you while you are gone. Have a good trip! I am really struggling to keep my vows especially the food and exercise. Today I vow to Count my "points" lift wts for 1/2 hour Have a great day!! Lucy

PS Happy Birthday too Jeannie!

Another Townie Gal! I had so much fun riding the trails on the one we rented. What a great way to try before you buy. I just wish they came in the butter yellow color that the old Volkswagon Beetles came in... I really want a yellow bike! I'm glad to know you're still working on those vows. =) DeeDee