TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

ASK FOR HELP...If you need it, ask for help. If you feel unhappy most of the time, talk to a therapist, career counselor, or spiritual advisor to help you find what makes you happy.
If you get discouraged or frustrated with your diet and exercise program talk to someone and sometimes just talking to a friend will help you clear your head and put things into perspective. It is so easy to get discouraged but the real problems start if that discouragement makes you give up, so discouraged? Call a friend, or a sister and you can always send emails. We are all here for each other.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

LAUGH OUT LOUD. Visit a comedy club or watch a funny show. Laughing makes you feel good, so make time for fun and humor every day.
I love this tip. Watch children, your own, your grandchildren or some one Else's children in the grocery store. They really are cute and funny. I also enjoy laughing at the half hour mindless sitcoms on TV when Calvin is gone. I think they are funny and stupid but I don't have to think real hard to watch them.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

MAKE A DONATION! Clear the clutter in your home and give all those "extras" you don't use to someone who needs them. By downsizing, organizing and giving, you'll help yourself and others at the same time.
I don't know about anyone else, but I love cleaning, painting, and organizing EVERYTHING, it does not matter if it is just a closet or an entire room. I just love the freshness of the room or closet or drawer. It's great and it takes work which means a little extra exercising.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. Okay so we had an off weekend. It is a holiday. IF you added a couple of pounds this weekend, don't beat yourself up or give up. JUST get back on track. Adding a pound this weekend could be from not moving enough or simply being too busy with family and friends to really count points or calories. It happens to everyone, just shake it off and get going again. Remember it is the big picture not just a single back step.
I think I am preparing myself for Monday's weigh in. We will see.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY HAPPY SHOPPING

DO YOUR BEST. Your accomplishments are important and deserve recognition, so be proud of a job well done. Mastering skills and meeting goals can increase your own self-esteem, and self worth.
One more thing to remember each time you reach a goal it motivates you to keep going so remember baby steps a little goals will help us lose the weight we need and want to.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY HAPPY THANKSGIVING

CONNECT WITH YOUR FAMILY. Make time for your loved ones, partner, children and grandchildren each day. Reminisce, celebrate, and just have fun together! Enrich your life with family memories for greater purpose and satisfaction.
I LOVE THIS TIP and of course it is perfect for Thanksgiving, a day to truly be grateful for our blessings. I count all of you as some of my choicest blessings and I love you all.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

CREATE A MANTRA. Does a particular word, phrase or quote make you feel better? Make it your mantra. Write it, think it, and repeat it any time you need a little perspective or a pick me up.
I have heard this before and I have thought a lot about a mantra for me. I think mine would have to be, "If it is to be, it's up to me." I have all the support and love and encouragement I could want from Calvin, family, and friends, but the truth is I spend 98% of my time alone. It is up to me if I exercise, go for a walk, eat sweets, or just eat too much. No one is around to babysit or monitor me, therefore if I want to lose weight I have to do it. No one can make me, so I repeat my phrase several times a day and it seems to work. Of course thinking about all the family and friends who love and support me sure helps too. So a BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

JUST SAY NO! If you are already over worked and overstressed and over scheduled, don't take on more tasks in order to please others. You have to remember to please yourself too.
It has been said before but needs to be repeated, "If you don't take care of yourself who will.
I have no problem saying no. I just don't do it.

LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE GOALS WE SET BACK IN SEPTEMBER!

HOW DID YOU DO? DID YOU MAKE YOUR GOALS? IS IT TIME TO SET A NEW GOAL?
Last September I asked everyone to set 3 goals, do you remember? We were to set a goal to reach in the month of September, a goal to meet by the time we got together in October and a goal to reach by January first 2010. Take a look at the goals and see how we did. Send me a note and let us know how you did. PLEASE...
*Remember you can change only your goals but can influence other's goals.

Renee.
My next next 3 --
1) My Next Goal - is getting Chelsea's fall term classes locked in.
2) By October 17th - Have every one settle/unpacked in their new room assignments.
(Gabe, Ashley and Josslyn are moving back in)
3) By New Years - be less than 200lbs.

Liisa. -
1) I want to be down 30 lbs by my Weight Watchers weigh in on 9/23. That's about 3 weeks and right now I am down 27.4 so I need to shed another 2 1/2 lbs.
2) By October 17 I want to have exercised 40 more times.
3) By 12/31/09 I want to be walking 7 miles vs. the 5 I do now when I walk.

Becky
1) Lose 5 more pounds before 10/17/09 (everyone be sure to set that day aside for meeting here in Portland).
2) Start drinking more water (right now its at about 2 glasses a day).
3) Exercise 6 days a week (even when Rita is not available).

Sarah
1) My next goal is to re-introduce exercise/walking into my life.
2) By Oct 17 I want to hit the 10 pounds mark and stay under it.
3) By year end I want to be needing new clothes cuz even the ones I have waiting to be worn are too big!

Elizabeth
1) My next goal is to drink all 8 glasses of water each day.
2) By Oct 17 I want to be exercising every day.
3) By year end I want to be at my goal weight.

Joleane
1) My next goal is... to lose half a pound by Monday, Sept. 14. (I have weekly goals to reach that coincide with our weekly weigh-ins).
2) By October 17th I want to... celebrate Logan being settled in Kindergarten and doing well, Taylor being settled in Preschool and doing well, James done with his entrance exam to optometry school, and myself having actually ran an entire 5K (my goal since Jan.)
3) By New Year's Day I want to... have lost a total of 45 pounds (and be only another 1 &1/2 months from my end goal)!

Yvonne
1) My next goal is to reach the 70 pounds loss goal
2) By October 17th I want to be able to tell you all I have lost 75 pounds
3) By New Years Day I want to have lost 80 in 2009

I have added to mine but without numbers. It is making me work more. By October 17th I want that recliner in the front room finished, new curtains in the kitchen and living room, recover my kitchen chairs, paint and redo the big bathroom, clean the princess room and CLEAN MY CRAP (CRAFT) ROOM!!!. I have a great start but still a long way to go. We will see how we all did in October. Just 5 weeks.

I did reach all my goals which is AMAZING! I got my reward of a new laptop. Calvin really wants me to keep this up so my rewards are GREAT! I am now down 84 1/2 pounds so now my new goal is to be down another 5 1/2 (or 90) pounds by the end of the year. This will be much harder with all the holiday food and goodies. As for my non number goals, I did finished the red chair, made red curtains for the living room and kitchen, did paint and redo the big bathroom, which I love. It is bright and Yellow and both the princess room and craft room are clean and ready for company. I have in the last few weeks bought some furniture from an elderly lady in the ward who has moved into assisted living and so the red does not go so I have painted my red accent wall in the living room and made new curtains for the living room and kitchen, AGAIN, this time in blue and recovered the kitchen chairs. I also recovered 8 pillows that were new and red and made 2 more big floor pillows for kids. I still have to do a little painting in the kitchen, to get rid of some red but I will do that today and tomorrow while Calvin is gone.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. Getting closer to nature can help you feel more connected to the world at large. Spend time outside today walking, biking, picnicking, or raking leaves, or planting a tree.
This was Friday's tip wasn't it? Oh well go for a walk today or better yet,
GO TAKE A HIKE!"

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH. The healthier you are the more likely you are to be happy. eating right, exercising, getting preventive care, and reducing stress level can all enhance health and happiness.
Well I am not sure this is a tip or just common sense.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

GET SOME SUN!! Sunlight improves your mood and can help prevent the onset of seasonal depression. Don't forget the SPF!
This tip makes sense. I know it is so much easier for me to go for a walk for 40 minutes rather than do an exercise program for 30 minutes. I love the exercise program but I just really enjoy my walks and feel so much better after walking. I hear the weather is going to be nice and I should get a full week of walks in. Try a walk around the block and I promise you will feel better which means you will be healthier and happier.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIMES TWO!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR RENEE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
AND
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURIE DEAR
HAPPY DAYS WILL COME TO YOU ALL YEAR
IF I HAD ONE WISH THEN IT WOULD BE
A HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU FROM ME!

I hope both you YOUNG ladies have a great
and very special day.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

BEAT STRESS... Life's difficulties can take a toll on your mood. But stress busters like exercising, talking to a friend, and journaling can help clear your head and calm you down.
I think it is impossible to NOT have stress in one's life. We just learned today that Calvin is going to a 4 day work week. How cool. That means he has three days off every week. Cool huh. Oh yeah, he is also getting a 20% wage cut starting December 1st. We are blessed in that we have no more car or house payments so we should be fine. We expected this so we have been making preparations for such an event, but most of the fellows that Calvin works with are living month to month and this will really hurt them and they are very stressed out. You can't avoid stress in your life but you can learn how to handle it and look on the positive side as always.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

HELP OTHERS!! Sharing your time or talents with the less fortunate can help you appreciate how much you truly have and feel better about your circumstances.
I don't think you need to go work in a soup kitchen to serve others. I don't mean to say that working and serving others in a soup kitchen is wrong, I simply mean that serving others can take place in your own neighborhood, church, or even family. I was having some emotional problems a few weeks back and just could not seem to get myself together. I cried all the time. I can't really explain what was going on because I am still not sure myself. I was kind of in a dark fog and just felt lost if that makes sense. What I finally did was asked Calvin and our home teacher to give me a priesthood blessing. They did. During the blessing I was counseled to spend time in the service of others. I have never received that kind of council before and it has stayed with me. I have tried to find someway to give service everyday. I don't always succeed and sometimes it is just a phone call to one of the elderly sisters in the ward or maybe sending a thank you card to someone who has taught a good lesson or given a talk. I am trying to do something everyday for someone else. I have found that the more I do for others the better I feel. The happier I feel. I am grateful for that blessing and for the council.
START TODAY AND SERVE OTHERS.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

FORGIVE AND FORGET! Refusing to forgive fosters anger and resentment, which makes
your own life miserable. Let go and put your energy into something positive so that you can be happier.
I have a hard time staying mad at anyone now a days. I can't even stay mad at Calvin anymore, of course Calvin and I have not had a fight for years but I remember being mad at him for days and he never even knew I was mad. The only person upset and miserable was me. If you are mad or upset with someone, trust me when I say,
"Just let it go". You will be much happier and when you are happy you are more likely to want to diet, exercise and do those things that are best for you.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

PLAY WITH YOUR PET! Simply petting an animal can decrease anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. So give your pet a little extra attention and you'll increase your own calmness and pleasure.
Okay I don't have any pets but I am willing to get a new stuffed animal if you think that would work.

PICTURES FROM OUR LAST LUNCHEON!

Here are a few pictures from last month when we all met in Portland. I think it will be easy to know who is in the pictures so I really don't need to say anything more. If you have any pictures be sure and share them here as well.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

DON"T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. Happy people judge themselves by their own yardstick, never against what others do or have. Keep up with yourself-not the Joneses.
I really agree with this. I never saw much use in "wishing" away your life. "LIFE HAPPENS" and it is all up to you as to what you make of your life with what you have and wishing you were skinnier, or richer, or healthier, or smarter will not do you any good unless you are ready to make some changes with the work that is needed to change. That is my opinion anyway.

IT'S ALL IN HOW YOU LOOK AT IT!

I NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD HAPPEN. After talking to Elizabeth on Thursday evening and Calvin Friday morning, I decided I needed a pair of pants to wear to a Super Saturday, craft day at church this morning. So, we headed out to walmart. I did not want to spend much money on them thinking they would become too big before I can wear them out. Elizabeth suggested I look for a pair of black pants, since that is so slimming. I found a pair and tried them on and they fit, without laying down to zip them up. I was feeling pretty good and left with the pants but not sure I had the nerve to wear them, after all I have not wore a pair of pants for 35 years or more. I got them out this morning and got dressed. If truth be told, I did take a pair of flip flops and a denim dress with me just in case I chickened out and wanted to change mid morning. But to my surprise I wore those black jeans and my Oregon Duck Football shirt all day. I was told by lots and lots of ladies how great I looked and how impressed they were with the amount of weight I have lost this year. It was GREAT hearing all the wonderful things the ladies had to say. It really boosted my self esteem. After a great day like this you would think I was on top of the world, but when I got home and looked in the mirror instead of saying, "WOW! I am doing great, I have lost 82 pounds" I looked in the mirror and said, "WOW! I need to lose 50 pounds. My self esteem took a direct hit after that comment. The point is BE POSITIVE! We are all doing GREAT, yes it is hard, yes it is slow going, but the weight is coming off and will continue to come off as long as we keep trying. I know we can do it. Don't give up. May I suggest you take another picture of yourself and look at it and tell yourself just how good you are doing. Think about where you were 11 months ago. Even if you lost only a pound or two it is still a pound or two so be proud of your progress.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

EXERCISE REGULARLY. Physical activity produces "feel good chemicals" in the brain, which promotes satisfaction and well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise, most days of the week.
It just isn't the same for me, exercising in the house instead of going on my walk, I must admit I really prefer the outdoors. I am hoping that the weather warms up some for the next couple of weeks so I can get back outside. I have missed it this week.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

BE OPTIMISTIC. A positive outlook is associated with better health, a longer life, and greater joy. When you look to the bright side and believe people are good, you directly increase your own happiness.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

EAT CHOCOLATE. Dark chocolate is healthy in moderation, but it can also increase well-being and boost your mood. Savor a small piece to satisfy that craving.
I waited till the end of the day to put this on on here so we would not all eat chocolate all day and blame me.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

START A JOURNAL. Use it to record positive experiences and things you are thankful for. Read your own words during times when you feel down to remember how fortunate you truly are.
I used to think this was hooey but I started writing in a journal when I started dieting and I really enjoy it. Have family and friends leave notes throughout the journal BEFORE you start writing in is as well, then when you come to their page you will remember past good time and it will just make you smile and feel good. Just give it a try, it is surprising how good it makes you feel.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE... Unburden yourself of possessions that lock you in the "rat race" of earning more money to pay for more things you don't really need. Spend time and resources on things that add real meaning to your life. I am not sure what the folks at sparkpeople mean by this tip, but I am taking it to mean that we should cut back on the extras" in our life such as boats, vacations, ATVs and that type of thing that brings stress and yet another payment. With the economy the way it is this is just common sense. I know the only thing we have "extras" is the bills.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

SAVOR EVERY BITE. Eat in a calm environment and use all of your senses to explore the texture, smell, appearance, and flavor of your food. You'll be more satisfied after every meal.
This makes sense but I know I eat to fast. I just figure the sooner I am done eating the sooner I can get on to doing something else and stop thinking I am food. Maybe if we took a little longer to eat a meal we would eat less. I am going to try it in the morning with breakfast.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF! Pursuing personal growth is just as important as spending time with others. Pencil in some "me" time, even if it is just a few minutes each day.
I love this tip. My "me" time is every morning when I go walking. I really enjoy that quiet peaceful time just for me. As women we spending taking care of everyone else that we forget about our self. If you don't put yourself first and take care of yourself, WHO WILL?

WEIGHT LOST IN OCTOBER

THANK GOODNESS OCTOBER IS OVER!!!
Everyone seemed to struggle in October. That is okay, we all struggle and as long as we don't give up that is what counts in the long run. Here is how we did:
Liisa put on 1 pound the last week in October for a total of 1 1/2 pounds lost
Angela only weighed in two weeks and she lost 1 pound for October
Sarah lost half a pound the last week in October for a total of a 2 pound gain for the month
Becky lost 1 pound the last week of October but sadly still had a gain of 3 pounds for the month of October.
Eileen and Linda did not check in during October. Hope everything is going okay for them both.
Renee stayed the same the last week of October for a total loss of 3 pounds.
Elizabeth was a world traveler in October and was unable to go on her evening walks and ended putting on 2 pounds in October.
Joleane lost a half pound that last week in October for a total loss of 2 and a half pound in October.
Yvonne lost 1 pound the last week of October and that gives her a total loss of 3 pounds.
I know November is going to be a much better month for all of us and since it is a month of thanksgiving let's be grateful for the progress we have made this year and just keep going.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LINDA!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR LINDA,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.

This makes you what 30 now? Still a young whippersnapper.
Hope you have a great day.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

SMILE!!! Grinning, even if you don't feel happy, releases serotonin in the brain, instantly lifts your mood and makes you feel better. Plus, smiling people are viewed as sincere, attractive, and sociable.
Smiling also makes people wonder what you are up to so that is a great reason to smile. If you don't have anything to smile about just think how nice it was just last month to see everyone at lunch. That makes me smile all the time.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

FIND MEANINGFUL WORK. The nature of your job isn't as important as how you approach it. A positive attitude and a focus on the meaning behind your work make it more rewarding.
This is true about everything we do. I think that having a positive attitude helps lots with this dieting. I am now just beginning to feel like I can and will lose the weight I want to. But I still look in the mirror and see the same old me which Calvin says I'm crazy. I should be able to see how much I have lost. I can't but I know I am doing better and that alone makes my attitude more positive, which really helps.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

TAKE ACTION... If you don't like your job or other life circumstances, make a plan and take charge. You create of your own reality, and you can change your life if you're unhappy. Start today.
With today's economy having a job is a real blessing. If you are unhappy at work look first inside yourself to see what you can do at work to be happy. I am not sure I agree with quiting job A without having job B. Maybe it is just our age but a paycheck is necessary and just as important is the medical insurance that comes with the job even if we pay it our self. This is of course just my personal opinion.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

CULTIVATE FRIENDSHIPS. The happiest people spend the least time alone. Attend social gatherings, host a party, and call your close friends to catch up as often as possible.
I agree with this 100% and I think your children and siblings should be the first ones listed as friends. Another great thing about this blog. We seem to be keeping in touch better since we started this thing. I know I love hearing from you all both in emails and comments on here.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

DEVELOP YOUR SPIRITUALITY. Research shows that people who are spiritual tend to be both happier and healthier than those who are not. Consider meditation, spiritual readings, prayer or other religious practice.
This seems like a strange tip to me. Not that I think religion is strange, as we all know I try to be a good person and serve the Lord, but I never thought it important in a dieting program. I do know that I could not have lost 79 pounds without the Lord's help and I am grateful for it I just thought this was a very personal and unusual tip from Sparkpeople.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

GET PLENTY OF SLEEP. Keep a consistent sleep schedule and get 7-8 hours each night for more energy and less moodiness. This is great except it is after 11 an I know I will be up by 5 or 6 at the latest because I don't sleep good when Calvin is gone. I still like this tip. I just wish they encouraged us to take a nap during the day.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

NOVEMBER'S TIPS FROM SPARKPEOPLE ARE CALLED: 30 DAYS TO GREATER HAPPINESS
Start a hobby. People who engage in captivating activities are more satisfied with life. Lose yourself and your worries by sewing, writing, cooking or dancing. Cooking might not be a good choice especially if you like to bake. I love this tip. I want to do some sewing but can't get to the supplies because of the HUGH mess in the craft room. I plan on making this week the week of cleaning and organizing that room. If you don't know of a new hobby you want to start, get an old hobby out and get going again. I think the point is to keep your hands busy.