January 16, 2013

Flu shot

Thanks for all the great suggestions about my "next big thing"! A couple suggestions that were pretty popular were the Disney races, the Tough Mudder, and a triathlon. Sorry to disappoint, but I can cross those off the list ;)  I'm probably the only person in the world who isn't really interested in Disney! I did a Warrior Dash, and hated every second of it, so I don't think I'd enjoy the Tough Mudder (but I'm flattered you think I could handle that!); and I really dislike swimming and biking, so the triathlon is out.

A couple of ideas that I'd like to entertain are doing back-to-back races, running x number of races in a certain amount of time, maybe taking a running coach certification course, or possibly taking up trail running (although that one would be difficult, because we don't have any trails around here!). My "next big thing" doesn't have to be HARDER than things I've done in the past; I'm just trying to find something that I can look forward to and work toward.


Today is Wednesday, and that means weigh-in day. I was a little surprised when I got on the scale this morning:
I'm down another pound this week, leaving me two pounds below my goal weight. I ate all of my available PointsPlus again this week, but I've dropped two pounds in two weeks, so I think I might need to add another PP or two each day to stay at 133.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to lose a few more, since my healthy weight range is 114-144, but I honestly don't want to lose anymore. My jeans are getting big! I know some people would love to have that "problem", so I shouldn't complain--and I'm really not complaining about it, just noticing.

I hadn't done my body fat and waist measurement in a while, so I did those, too:



 My body fat is 20%, and my waist is just under 25.5 inches--very happy with both of those!

I actually had a tough week as far as food goes, because I had bought those two containers of Biscoff Spread that were half-price. It was beckoning to me all week long, and I finished off one of the jars in five days--way too quickly! I always counted the PointsPlus for it, but I didn't like that I was thinking about it all the time. I got rid of the second jar, and I will not be buying it again. I have a mental list of certain foods that I just can't keep in the house, and that is now at the top of the list.

Today was a rest day, but I was actually feeling a little restless this morning. As if on cue, I got a text from Renee asking if I wanted to meet for coffee at Panera. I met her and Jessica there, and I got a decaf coffee. We chatted for a while, and Jerry was awake when I got home.

In addition to the hummus and Pretzel Crisps, another food habit I picked up in Florida is English muffins--I have been craving them like crazy. Instead of the usual 80-calorie ones by Healthy Life, I decided to get the Thomas Original ones this time; and holy cow, what a difference! They are SO worth the extra 1 PP (they are 3 PP, the Healthy Life ones are 2 PP).  I haven't eaten a "regular" English muffin in years--I was always buying the whole wheat or reduced calorie ones. I've been eating the Thomas ones for lunch along with scrambled eggs every day since I've been home from Florida.

For the past couple of weeks, I'd been thinking about whether or not to get a flu shot, and whether the kids should get them. I've never had a flu shot, and my kids haven't either, but I've heard so many bad things about the flu this year, that I figured we all should get shots. I called the pediatrician, and they ran out of them yesterday, so they told me to call back on Monday for the kids' shots.

This afternoon, Jerry and I just went to the Kroger Pharmacy and got our shots there. I'm curious how it will affect me, if it does at all. I just hope that my kids don't get the flu--Eli had it last year, and it was awful. Whenever my kids get sick, it seems to last forever. It would be SO nice to get through this flu season without incident ;)


I just got off the phone with my sister, and she earned her 10% keychain award at Weight Watchers today! She was REALLY looking forward to it, and as I mentioned, she's been working super hard to get there. Unfortunately, things didn't go so well at her meeting...

When she weighed in, the receptionist didn't even notice that she'd reached 10%, so Jeanie said, "Is that 10%?" And she said, "Oh, yeah, you'll get your award at the meeting." So she went into her meeting. The leader gave out the awards at the end, and somehow Jeanie's was forgotten. The leader adjourned the meeting, saying, "See you all next week!" and as everyone got up to leave, she finally noticed that she forgot to give Jeanie her award. She said, "Oh, Jeanie, here is your 10% key chain."

That is SUCH a disappointment! Usually, leaders will ask you a couple of questions ("How does it feel to be down 10%?" or "Any tips you want to share?" or something like that). As silly as it may sound, pretty much everyone likes receiving awards and having their moment of glory. Jeanie worked her butt off for that 10% key chain, and it was passed over like an afterthought.

Anyway, I wrote about that because Jeanie reads my blog and I'm hoping that some of you can congratulate her in the comments--she's earned it! 

94 comments:

  1. Jeanie, congratulations! that is a great accomplishment :) and you deserve the credit!!
    Keep it up! Chris Newmark

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  2. Congrats to Jeanie! She deserved to be recognized and congratulated! That is an awesome milestone!

    You should become a "virtual" running coach through your blog! People who want to run 5ks, half marathons, etc. can pay you to create a complete running plan for them and give them encouragement and support. Just a thought!

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  3. I think becoming a running coach would be great!
    That's really disappointing for you sister, but 10% is great and she should be excited and proud regardless!

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  4. Jeanie,

    WAY TO GO!!! 10% is huge! There is a ton of things that you are now at less risk of getting and it really shows your determination and hard work! Sorry your leader didnt aknowledge it - but use that keychain with pride!!! You earned it! Wwwooooo Hooooooo!!!!

    Keep up the great work!

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  5. Way to go, Jeanie! It stinks to have your accomplishment glossed over like that, but I hope you feel proud of yourself & enjoy your victory.

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  6. Amazing work Jeanie! Keep up the good work! You inspire me to keep working to lose my 10%. Thank you!

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  7. How exciting for Jeanie! Congratulations, girl! I have gone to the WW meetings for the last 2 weeks. I'm lifetime but hadn't weighed in for about a year. I know how important those meetings can be.

    Thanks, Katie, for all the ways you motivate me, too!

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  8. Way to Go Jeanie!!!!!!! Keep up the great work!

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  9. Congrats to Jeanie. And Katie, I think you should definitely become a coach. You hear it all the time, but you are so inspirational. Coming from where you did, I think you have a great perspective and will be able to pass that along to those who are starting from where you did, or somewhere in between that and where you are now. Your blog is by far my favorite. I always enjoy reading your posts and you have a way of making rather routine events seem so interesting. The way you write will surely translate to the way you teach.

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  10. I think you'd be a great running coach! I also like your idea of doing some races back to back as a sort of challenge (kind of like Disney's Goofy where I think you do half and full marathon all in one weekend).

    And yea for Jeanie!

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  11. Congratulations Jeanie on your 10 percent goal! I'm so looking forward to reaching this milestone myself and know how tough it is. You deserve a huge reward! I hope you'll take the time to celebrate.

    And way to go Katie on getting below goal!

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  12. I'm sorry if you have already answered this before, but how many calories do you think your points add up to in a day?

    Way to go Jeanie! That is a great acomplishment and you should be so proud of yourself :)

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  13. Congratulations Jeanie! Great job & keep up all the hard work. I think 10% is a new outfit with new shoes ;)

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  14. Way to go on your 10% Jeanie, that is awesome. Sorry your meeting kind of sucked!

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  15. 10% is awesome! Way to go!

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  16. Ha! Did you, ever in your life, imagine that you would lose weight that you didn't want to lose! What a huge shift in perspective!!

    Congrats Jeanie! Great job! Stick with it!

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  17. Gosh darnit WW leader, give the lady friend some credit! GOOD JOB JEANIE! That is such an accomplishment :)

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  18. Tell your sis we all say WOOT WOOT!!

    Maybe you should do a 30 day challenge of something. 30 day shred? Run a Race with a Reader contest?

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  19. Congratulations Jeanie!! It takes such hard work and determination to reach one's goals and you did it! Reward yourself!!

    I also love the coach idea. Your blog is my favorite - and I read quite a few - and you are such an inspiration, as well as a great writer! Maybe writing a book? :-) (I would most definitely read your book!!)

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  20. Congrats Jeanie!!! 10% is an amazing accomplishment!

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  21. Yay Jeanie! That's horrible they didn't make a big Whoop about her 10%. I know first hand how important it is to acknowledge somebody's hard work. Make sure to let her read all these comments, we're all rooting for ya'll!

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  22. Totally do a quadzilla!! I'm running one in Nov in Seattle. 4 HM's in 4 days! :)

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  23. Way to go, Jeanie! I am sorry they handled the down 10% achievement so horribly at the meeting. We ALL love acknowledgement and you DESERVE it. That is a GREAT goal to have reached. Keep it up and keep working hard.

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  24. FANTASTIC job Jeanie!! Keep it up!!!

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  25. Michelle B.January 16, 2013

    Totally know what you mean about foods that I just won't keep in the house. But it's also interesting that we sometimes only let ourselves eat the healthier or lower points version of something, only to find that we are truly satisfied with less of something that we really like.

    YAY JeAnIe! 10% is a big deal! I sincerely hope you feel good about your success and can carry on! Cautionary tale: In the past, I've used my frustration with WW/staff to affect my eating and going off plan. Boy, I showed them;)

    Congratulations!!

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  26. Congrats Jeanie!! You are awesome!

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  27. CONGRATS JEANIE!!!!! That is a great accomplishment!

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  28. Great job, Jeanie!! I remember it took me FOREVER to lose 10%! That's a great accomplishment!

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  29. Congrats Jeanie!! 10% is fantastic and I hope you're feeling great!! :D :D


    Katie have you considered mentoring? Maybe helping other people who want to get fit through running either in person or over the internet. I enjoy your blog and know I would love peptalks from you to actually keep me running. (I rarely get out with my two babies and always find excuses :-\) I can't remember the site but there is one that offers virtual personal trainers. I'll try and remember it and email it to you.

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  30. Great job on the weigh in Katie and Jeanie!
    10% is hard work! You deserve your moment to shine!

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    1. And Katie I think you would make an awesome WW leader!

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  31. Congratulations to Jeanie! I'd love to read a guest post from her on her journey at some point.

    Katie, you are such an inspiration. 131!! Wow. Whatever you decide to do next--I know you will be a success!

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  32. Way to go Jeanie!!! I remember finally reaching my 10%. It's hard work, and you did it. Keep up the great work! Katie - I think you would make a fantastic virtual coach. I look forward to reading your blog everyday. You inspire me to be a better and healthier person.

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  33. Congratulations Jeanie!! That is awesome!!! I was forgotten at my 5% weightloss as well.....

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  34. I haven't had an English Muffin for ages, now I really feel like one haha Thanks Katie :P

    Awesome stuff Jeanie, you're clearly kicking [your own] butt!! :) It's a fantastic achievement to get to 10%, I remember how stoked I was when I got mine. You should feel really proud of yourself :) Onwards & downwards!

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  35. Way to go Jeanie! What an awesome accomplishment! Keep up the good work!

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  36. A HUGE congrats to your sister! 10% is awesome and she deserves some hoopla! And BTW, you're not the only one who doesn't care about Disney. My kids aren't even into Disney.

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  37. Great job Jeanie!!!! 10% is such a huge accomplishment!!!

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  38. Congratulations Jeanie! I hope you are taking plenty of pictures like your sister did to document your loss and the changes your body is undergoing. The mirror isn't always honest in showing us the difference since we've trained our eyes to only see the bad, but the camera will definitely let you know just how great you look!

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  39. Way to go Jeannie. I agree with the above post--camera always tells the truth!!! Take loads of pictures, and congrats once again.

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  40. Like so many other people, here, I too think you can help all of us here who are struggling with weight loss( and in my case post vacation hangover)
    1. You tube channel? Once a week pep talks?
    2. I'm not in the US, and I doubt if I can ever run a race by you(Other than the virtual one of course) What if you actually mentor through Skype?

    3.I hope you publish the book. Please do!

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  41. Congratulations Jeanie!!! I do WW and reaching that milestone is great!!!! Way to go!!!!!

    Sue

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  42. Yay Jeanie! Congrats on loosing 10%!

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  43. What about volunteering as a coach with Girls on the Run? My mom has been volunteering with them for years in Kalamazoo and this spring will be my first experience with them here in Colorado. I couldn't be more excited.

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  44. Congratulations Jeanie! One of my pet peeves is that us shy, quiet folks get overlooked when we should be noticed, because we have worked hard to achieve a goal, and just want our moment in the spotlight the same as everyone else got when they did it! Hopefully all the attention you get here on your sister's wonderful blog will make you feel better about being basically ignored at your meeting last night!!!

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  45. Way to work hard and rock it Jeanie!!! I'm working towards my 10% and your hard work and dedication is inspiration to us all!! Sarah in TN!

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  46. Ive been on english muffin kick.

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  47. Awesome job Jeanie! As a WW myself I know how hard it is and hope you are as proud of you as we all are.

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  48. congrats to your sister for hitting 10% loss, that rocks!!
    as for the flu shot, usually when people have reactions it is to the filler (it is mostly egg with perservatives in it at least with the flu shot it is).

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  49. Jeanie, congratulations on your loss! It IS a tremendous accomplishment and you should be proud! All of us stranger/friends are proud of you! Keep up the good work!!!

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  50. Way to go Jeanie!!! I sometimes wonder why some of the ladies that work at my ww center do it, they have that same "oh yeah" attitude and that's not the kind of people they need their.

    Keep it up girl!!!

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  51. Congrats Jeanie. Maybe you should have her do a guest post so she can tell us all about her journey!

    Congrats to you too on not be able to maintain in a good way. I'm one of those that wishes I'd have that problem.

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  52. Christina kJanuary 17, 2013

    Congratulations Jeanie! Way to go! I agree that maybe having your sister do a guest post is a great idea! I also think you would make a great running coach!

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  53. That's an awesome accomplishment; I'm sad for her that the leader wasn't great about it! That's part of why I quit WW meetings twice back in the day... The ones I went to just didn't live up to the hype and I found them boring. I really think leaders make a HUGE difference when it comes to the success of the WW program! I'm glad you posted and that your sister is getting the recognize she deserves!! We all know it's not easy to lose!

    So Jeanie... If you feel like commenting, share with us! How did you do it and how awesome do you feel about it!? :)


    Katie - Have you thought about a team tri? There's one in Ludington every summer if you're looking for a weekend beach getaway.... Great scenery "up North!" :)

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  54. Way to go Jeanie! 10% is an amazing accomplishment and you've done a ton to increase your health too.

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  55. I know what you mean about not having certain foods on hand. Even if I count the points for them I eat it everyday until it's gone. Good for you on getting rid of that second jar.

    Congrats Jeanie on your 10%!!! I have been back to WW for what seems like forever and still haven't hit that milestone. Sometimes leaders forget the awards that don't get given out each meeting. I find that you might have to speak up after they give out the Bravos and 5 lb stars for the other awards like 5%, 10%, 25 lb, 16 weeks, etc. It usually isn't because they don't want to give you the recognition but just slips their mind.

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  56. Jeanie, I'm sorry that you didn't get the recognition that you DESERVE! That is such a wonderful accomplishment and not an easy one to do! You ROCK!

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  57. That is terrible they forgot her reward! Well, congrats to her! I know how hard it is to lose weight and you do deserve the recognition. I've lost 145 pounds and sometimes I think about going to Weight Watchers, but I don't know if we can afford it right now, and I also have social anxiety. Our kids have gotten the flu mist most years and they rarely ever get sick. I have never gotten a flu shot. I tend to react oddly to almost any kind of medication I take, so I am always hesitant to get one.

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  58. For your "next big thing" you could do 31 races this year, but that could get pretty costly.

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  59. Jeanie! Huge congrats on reaching your 10% goal! So awesome! Keep up the great work! :)

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  60. Way to go Jeanie!!!! That's awesome!!!! Keep up the good work!!! :)

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  61. Jeanie, that's so awesome! You definitely deserve many kudos on your accomplishment. You're doing fabulous!

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  62. I was going to suggest a triathlon but since you nixed that - you need to go do Gasparilla down in florida. it's multi-day racing.

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  63. Way to go Jeanie! Big congrats for your 10% loss :-)

    Katie- I recommend getting your flu shots every year. They work better if you get them regularly, every flu season, rather than just occasionally. This year's shot is considered to be around 60% effective. Teach the kids to wash their hands several times a day. Hand washing is probably the number one way to prevent flu (well, that and staying away from other people, but who wants to be a hermit? :-)

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  64. Maybe you could do a half marathon in all 50 states! :)

    And your sister is awesome! Losing any weight is hard and losing 10% is a HUGE accomplishment! Keep up the great work!

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  65. Jeanie, it's so sad that you were passed up, you really deserved more! But just remember the determination it took the first day you started over for the last time. There will be no more starting over and you've gone too far to go back. You're doing great and you have such a great inspirational story in the family already! Keep up the good work :)

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  66. Congratulations, Jeanie! You and Katie have motivated me to start WW back up again... I'm on week 2. It feels like it's going to take forever but stories like yours help me know that I can do it if I just keep going!
    I know you must feel awesome. Thanks for being an inspiration!

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  67. Go ahead and challenge yourself with a triathlon. A sprint one is totally doable. I hate swimming and not in love with running and I did one. One of the biggest challenges I did and an experience that was amazing. I cried when I finished - totally not expecting that.

    There are some foods that I can't have around because I will overeat them. I hate 'wasting' calories on 2 servings of something like nutella and then having to really watch what I eat the rest of the day.

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  68. I hope your sister reads all these comments! 10% is an AWESOME accomplishment! It's such a bummer that she didn't get the recognition she deserved but I hope she realizes what a rock star she is!

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  69. Way to go Jeanie!! Every step is a step in the right direction - 10% is AWESOME! Katie - I think you need to go for a running coach certification next, that sounds like a great way to keep motivated. Or start a "Girls on the Run" Chapter at a local school/church. I know you have boys..but your story may resonate with young girls and help them get healthy at a crucial time in their lives!

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  70. Congrats to Jeanie on her 10%! She deserves all the applause for reaching that goal and I'm sorry she was at such a cruddy meeting that did not recognize it. That's the one thing with WW, finding that meeting that helps you on the journey.

    I like the idea of the running coach certification! I can see you inspiring others! :)

    I hear you about trigger foods...I had my husband throw out the chocolate ice cream bought for his milkshakes. I handed him the carton and spoon last night and told him to have at it and dump it when he was done. Normally I'm fine with it, but this week I caught myself grabbing a spoonful here and there. I hate wasting food, but if that is what it takes...

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    1. Congrats on your weight loss/#s too!!

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  71. Congratulations to Jeanie! 10% of your body weight is a BIG DEAL!

    I think I'd sign up to have you coach me :) I'm starting the c25k program (again) this weekend.

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  72. 10% is a HUGE deal - what a momentum you should have moving forward! Congratulations Jeanie - you should have had so much clapping you turned red in embarrassment :)

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  73. Jeanie definitely deserved her moment in the sun. 10% is a great achievement and they usually make a huge deal of it at the meetings!

    I had to ask for my 50-lb key chain charm this last weekend because I never got it. I haven't been able to stay for a meeting in a while because my workouts are scheduled SO close to the Saturday morning meeting times, but it would have been nice if the person weighing me in could have caught it. When I asked for the charm, she said, "Oh yeah. Here you go." That's it. :-/

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    1. LoveAnAnimalJanuary 17, 2013

      OMG! What a dork that WW leader is!

      Wow! Fifty pounds gone! Congrats! That's awesome!

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  74. Jeanie, congratulations! You should mention it at the next meeting. Our leader usually has an open-ended "Who wants to share something" in a meeting, to lead into her bringing up official celebrations. If your leader does, you should definitely say something about reaching your 10%! It's not too late.

    I had to bring up my 5% in a meeting a month ago. The leader weighed me in and I guess she had the meeting on her mind because she didn't bring it up, so I spoke up during the meeting. (And I'm a pretty shy person in general but it took me a YEAR to get to that point). And she felt really bad and thanked me for bringing it up.

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  75. Way to go, Jeanie!! You rock that 10%!!

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  76. We need a guest post with what is working for Jeanie!!!!

    Congrats!!!! 10% is a HUGE thing!!!

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  77. Since you don't like swimming and biking, maybe you could find a couple friends that *do* like them and you could do a team triathlon. I always thought that would be fun!

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  78. LoveAnAnimalJanuary 17, 2013

    Jeanie, sorry that your WW leader and the worker there are dorks! Your 10% loss is such a huge accomplishment! I know it was tough, but you spanked it! Proud of you! I know that you will keep moving and the scale numbers will keep going down. And when you reach goal, you can be a WW leader and show them how it should be done! I know you will never allow someone to be feel slighted on their hard work and achieving a set goal.

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  79. Ugh! That stinks! 10% is a huge milestone! Jeanne, congratulations for working your booty off to reach this goal! Don't let your leader's lack of enthusiasm get you down. You're doing great!

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  80. Congrats to Jeanie! That is awesome!!! Congrats to you, Katie on another pound!! And lastly, yeah, you should all get the flu shot. I've gotten one every year since 2009 when the swine flu scared the crap out of everyone and have never had a reaction. I make sure my 4 year old gets it every year and she's never had a reaction, either.

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  81. Jeanie, You rock! Way to go, Girl!!!!

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  82. Congrats Jeanie!

    I was so excited hitting my 10%. I love the awards. I swear I lose the weight just to get the rewards!

    My leader has a great little speech she makes whenever someone gets one of the big awards. We volunteer our achievements so no one gets passed over. She's really good with that.

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  83. way to go, Jeanie!!! Sorry you missed that opportunity to share your triumph!

    Good luck picking your next big goal, Katie!

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  84. I just bought regular Thomas' English muffins for the first time in years, too (pregnancy craving), and oh my word are they good! Totally worth it. :)

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  85. I eat a 'light' English muffin every day.... I will have to try e 'real' one now! And Jeanie, last spring I was totally overlooked at my 10% goal!! I didn't say anything, it felt awkward having to ask for it! So when I reached my 25 pound goal I got an award to put on my key chain (that I didn't have)! The leader made a big deal out of it etc etc. but when I sat in my van alone, looking at my awards, I realized how much they meant to me. I texted a pic of my key chain to my friends and their responses were the best of all. So, from one ww health nut to another, you are awesome and congrats on seeing the fruition of your hard work! A guest post would be inspiring!

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  86. That is so sooo awful that she just got 'forgotten'!!

    JEANIE: You are doing SOOO awesome! What I wouldn't give to be at 10% right now!! Keep it up!!! You can do it!!

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  87. Congratulations, Jeanie! What an accomplishment! I know how hard it is to lose weight and you should be extremely proud! :)

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  88. OK so I know you said you don't like biking, but what about a tri that's running, biking (only 11 miles) and kayaking? My friend did the Shores-Points tri a few years back and loved it.

    http://shorespointestri.com/

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  89. Jeanie.....congratulations!! It is awesome you reached your 10% goal! I just got my 5 lb. star (just started WW two weeks ago) and I hope to get the 10% before too long! Keep up the good work!

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