Thursday, December 18, 2008

Burrrrrrr ...

Dear Weight Watchers Members,

It's COLD. And it's going to get colder. So, for someone like me (a lizard wannabe), who lives (and loves) to walk outside in the warmth of the day, when the sun is shining--and HOT, what recommendations do you have for alternate forms of activity? I know I'm not alone in this dilemma. Our beautiful Alex also expressed some concerns at our WW meeting on Tuesday. So, any ideas? Please share. Post your comments here. At the end of the blog, where you see the pencil, click there and share your comments. THANKS in advance.

I'll update the blog soon with information from our meeting last week. And don't forget, our last WW meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday, December 23--and we'll have our last "Bravo" contest.

Take care, and stay warm ...

Debra

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Silly me!

Dear Weight Watchers Friends,

Apparently, I need to proofread my blogs (and e-mail messages) better before I finalize them! For those of you who are confused about the conflicting dates in the previous blog post, the last meeting of the year is Tuesday, December 23 (not December 16--tonight). Goodness. Sorry for the confusion.

Hope to see you in a few hours.

Debra

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Introducing the Momentum Plan

Dear Weight Watchers Friends,

Highlights from this week's meeting: “Introducing the Momentum Plan.” During this week’s meeting, you were all introduced to the latest, greatest plan from Weight Watchers—“The Momentum Plan.” The more I read and study the new program information, the more I love it, and I’m confident you will, too. So, what do you think so far? Don’t you just love the new Pocket Guide? And what do you think of the program changes? I can’t wait to get your feedback on Tuesday night. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please write them down and we’ll discuss them at our meeting on Tuesday. I’m sure looking forward to hearing all about your first week on the new program. Wonderful new changes, wonderful new opportunities for success!

Next week's meeting topic: “Plan for Holiday Success – Part 1.” This coming week, we’ll continue our “sneak peek” at the 2009 Momentum Plan by exploring Book 2: Start Moving More, which is sure to get you on the right track for managing the holidays successfully. You won’t want to miss the first of our two-part plan for holiday success!

Our “Gold Medal” Book: I sent the following information by e-mail message to those members whose e-mail addresses I have, but I don’t have everyone’s addresses. So, I apologize for the duplication here. (If you've read the e-mail message, just skip down to the next heading.)

If you've been attending our Tuesday night meetings, you know that we've had a notebook that has been sent home each week with a different member who has written down a few thoughts about his or her struggles, successes, triumphs, etc. A couple of months ago, I mentioned that one of our generous members had offered to pay to have copies of the book made and shared with any member who is interested in having a copy. It's now time for those copies to be made, so we need to know how many copies to make.

We have a couple of options and I need to know which option, if any, you'd prefer.

1. Would you like to receive a hard (printed) copy of the notebook?

2. Would you prefer to have an e-mailed version of the notebook? If you choose this option, you'll need to be able to open a PDF file (you can then print the copy yourself or read the notebook on your computer).


3. If you do not want a copy of the notebook, don't do anything. That makes it easy, doesn't it?

I need to know ASAP--but absolutely no later than Tuesday, December 16--if you want a printed and/or e-mailed copy of the notebook. I'll be asking at the meeting on Tuesday night, too. The printed copies will be distributed at our last meeting of the year (Tuesday, December 23), so you'll need to be in attendance at that meeting or make other arrangements to get your copy.

Bravo Drawings: Finally, I have made a decision that, starting in January 2009, I’m going to discontinue our Bravo drawings. You will certainly continue to earn and receive Bravo stickers at our meetings—there just won’t be a drawing for “full cards.” I definitely believe that it’s very important for each of us to recognize when we’re being successful and to find ways to reward ourselves. However, I’ve recently become convinced that winning small little token prizes does little, if anything, to ensure success on the Weight Watchers program. I hope you won’t be terribly disappointed. So, during our last meeting of the year (Tuesday, Dec. 16) we will have our very last Bravo drawing!


Also, I personally feel that when we fill up our meeting time with too many things (drawings, etc.) then we miss out on the opportunity to have really great discussions, or we have to end the discussions too quickly so as to fit in other less-important “things.” I'm convinced that these small changes to our Tuesday meeting structure will help us all be even more successful!

Motivational Thought: Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough. Og Mandino

Take care, my wonderful friends,


Debra

Saturday, December 6, 2008

What (Gear) Do You Need to Move More?

Dear Weight Watchers Friends,

Highlights from this week's meeting: "What (Gear) Do You Need to Move More?"

What a fun meeting we had this week! Thank you so much for all your great comments and for your help in making our discussion so meaningful, so thought-provoking, and FUN. I’ve been thinking a lot this week about just how powerful our thoughts are, and how they have a great impact on how we conduct our lives. I don’t know about you, but I definitely prefer the thought: “I want to find time to play,” versus “I have to figure out how I’m going to make time for my work out.” One is such a positive, happy thought (WOW, I can take a break from my stressful life and do something good for my mind and body), while the other feels like a burden (Just one more “work” obligation to add to my otherwise busy life).

I hope that you’ve been able to find time to PLAY this week. I did, and it felt GREAT. I had the best time (seriously) walking on my treadmill this morning while I finished watching Season One of “Lipstick Jungle” on
www.hulu.com. Isn’t the Internet fantastic? I got so caught up in watching the show that I completely lost track of time and, before I knew it, I’d walked 75 minutes—and I truly enjoyed every minute (perfect “play” time). Have you given any thought to how you might make your "play" time more enjoyable? Perhaps it would help to if you were to purchase some new “toys” (exercise equipment) so that you could have more fun with your “play” (exercise). For example, a new pair of walking shoes, a new pedometer, a jump rope, hand weights, an exercise ball, a thigh master (you’re smiling, I know), a new “play” DVD, music CD, etc., might help you enjoy your play time more. What “gear” do you need to help YOU move more? I’m looking forward to hearing how you fit PLAY time in this week.

Next week's meeting topic:
I sent you an e-mail message a few days ago letting you know that you’ll soon be learning about Weight Watchers’ latest (and greatest) new program. The new program is being shared with members the week of December 7-13. If you’re unable to attend our meeting on Tuesday, I hope you’ll be able to get into a meeting another day/time (you won't want to miss getting this information as soon as possible).


AWARDS!
Tuesday night was a family celebration for Joe and Lauren (father and daughter). I’ve witnessed it over and over again that when friends and family members work together to accomplish something important and meaningful, there’s no more powerful support, and success is inevitable. Joe and Lauren both earned their 10% awards. In addition, Joe earned his 25 lbs. lost award (sorry for the delay in getting that to you, Joe)! Congratulations to both of you—and thank you so much for your comments. Those of us who attended our meeting will have a new appreciation for 59 minutes versus 63 minutes of activity (aka play)! I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought (several times this week) about the GREAT advice both Lauren and Joe shared. Also, congratulations to each of you who earned your first—or additional—5 lb. stars. You're doing fantastic!

Motivational Thought:
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.

For those of you who may have temporarily lost your motivation, I'm excited for you to have a chance to find it again--and I'm confident that you'll find it at our meeting this week! I am really looking forward to telling you all about the exciting new program changes! You're going to LOVE the new program. The program just keeps getting better and better (just like YOU).

Take care, my wonderful friends,


Debra