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  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good evening

    I check in here every day to every few days. There’s been no activity here so I haven’t been posting. I don’t know what happened to Connie. She dropped out of sight.

    I’ve been losing small amounts, but at least I’m losing. Our TOPS chapter still isn’t growing. I’m not sure what else to do. I advertise on Facebook on a local community page. We’ve done craft bazaars.

  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
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    This is a couple of the bazaars that we did.
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    Hello!
    I hope she is okay.

    📈📉 We actually discussed ways to increase membership. Some ideas were to volunteer as a group, group walks, hand out balloons and material at community functions, ride in a pickup in local parades. All of which would be photographed and put on social media and submitted to local newspaper. We're going to talk yo the other group in town to have a bigger presence. I have ideas about fundraising, and so does the tops website, but one thing at a time.

    🎵 We also sang a couple new songs tonight out of the songbook. That was fun.

    ⚖️ I had a pretty good week. Stayed focused and did most of what we're supposed to (water, move, veggies, etc.) Also had a couple more moments when people suggested foods a reward and I frowned at it. Non-scale-win!

    📚 On a non TOPS topic, I got an A in both my classes and have another starting week on Memorial Day.

    I hope everyone is well and has a great week. See you lighter
  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good afternoon

    It’s actually morning but will be noon soon. I have a doctor appointment this afternoon, right after lunch. We’ll eat at Cracker Barrel. I usually hav grilled chicken tenders wit steamed broccoli and fresh fruit cup. There are good choices at Cracker Barrel!

    Out TOPS meeting was this morning. I thought I would have a loss, but I gained. That means I probably have to change the batteries in my scales. We are making plans to attend our SRD in June.
    Mother’s Day was my challenge this last week!

    I think (but don’t know for sure) that maybe Connie has too much on her plate. Problems with her husband that is leading to divorce, new career, moving, and who knows what else. I just wish she would stop in once in awhile. It’s been months since she posted anything.

  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    One thing I found with SP, and now MFP, and I suppose IRL too, is to give people space and be there when they come back. As someone who isn't geared toward a lot of online interaction on any platform it's nice to see friends there wheni come back.

    I've calculated that if I loose around a pound a week I can reach a short goal by end of year. I don't weigh at home, only at group.

    We didn't go to SRD, we talked about it but for a variety of readings it didn't work out. We will be having a chapter ceremony tomorrow. At least one woman is an award winner.

    If off for now, see you lighter :0)


  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good evening

    It’s beginning to look like only 2 of us will go to SRD. One of the gals has a husband in ICU and it’s not looking like he’ll last long.

    Our TOPS meeting is canceled for this week. No on is able to be there except me.

    I spent the day today mowing our lawn. Im almost done. I should be able to finish tomorrow. It’s a big job. I’m tired now’
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    Hello TOPS Pals! I hope the day finds you well.

    I'm sorry for your friend and her husband, I will keep them in my heart.
    We had to cancel a meeting last week for low attendance; only had four show up tonight.

    We are starting a new "contest". It is from the November / December 2018 magazine.
    https://www.tops.org/tops/PDFS/MemberDocs/MyDayOne/Live_Your_Best_Life_Together.pdf

    It is a nine week accountability challenge with a buddy system. It looks easy and fun.
    I have purchased pins from amazon to pass out to buddies who complete the weekly task.
    My plan is to log in on Mondays after our meeting to share what the weeks challenge is.
    Then, later in the week when I'm checking in with my Buddy(s), I will check in here too.

    This week one - to Smart Snacker: using the My Day One, the Real Life guide or a past issue of TOPS news, make a list of healthy snacks to enjoy for the week. Badge Buddies should share their snack ideas with each other at least once outside of the meeting.

    Chat with you later, see you lighter. JP



  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good evening!

    We just got back from SRD. It was all good. We had a fun time. I’ll show an activity we did at SRD. We’re doing it tomorrow at our chapter meeting.

    We’d probably more active here if notifications were sent out when someone posted. I would make that suggestion for tech support, but MyFitnessPal is not friendly to Apple users. Since I got my iPhone, I haven’t been able to post in the community.

    Your challenge sounds like a good idea. I’ll check it out.
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    I'm glad you had a good time at SRD.

    My group seems to be enjoying it.
    This is week two and badge buddies are supposed to fill up a trash bag to dispise of junk food. I passed out trash bags. I haven't filled mine yet but I also haven'teaten at home yet.

    I agree about notifications and activity.

    I hope you have the best day, see you lighter.


  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good afternoon

    My goal for next SRD is to regain my KOPS status. I’m going in the right direction. 20 pounds to go. I will do it!

    The trash bag activity sounds good. Not much junk food in my home. I don’t bring it in or any healthy food (like grapes) that I can’t control and end up over eating. I rarely bake any goodies unless I know I’ll have help eating.

    Have a great day!
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    I'm so excited for you to reach your goal! I believe in you :0)

    I have quite a way to even for my "part one" goal. However, the scale has gone down three weeks in a row.

    I try not to buy things I over-indulge on. I'm not doing good on that right now but the bag assignment helped.

    Week Three if our contest is to do page 23 (or 25 of the download available version) of the my day one. It discusses how food isn't good or bad,it's about control. It encouraged us of list food that makes us happy, then a list of food that I'd healthy and see where they can overlap. I'm not sure of the assignment but going to look at it later this week.

    Hope you have the best week, hugs.
  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good afternoon

    I definitely do buy things that will cause me to over eat, including healthy food. Too much of a good thing is usually not good. I rarely buy grapes because I’ll eat one more and one more and one more until they are completely gone. But I really enjoy them when they are offered to me.

    We have 3 contests that we do every week. I’ll explain later. I have an appointment this afternoon.

    Have a go day!
  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good afternoon

    I said I would get back to the contests we have every week. Every one brings 3 quarters and a healthy food (apple, banana, carrots, etc.).

    The healthy food goes to the Loser of the Week.

    We have 3 containers for the quarters. One marked HaHa, another marked Gain and another called Fruit Basket.

    Haha Each week a name is drawn from those present. Then the following week, if that person Turtles or loses, that person gets the accumulated quarters in the Haha box. If that person gains, all she/he gets is a Haha.

    Fruit Basket This goes to the Loser of the Week in the previous week. That person collects the accumulated quarters in the Fruit Basket box.

    Gain Each person that gains puts the 3rd quarter in this box. This box accumulates for a month. At the end of the month, the Loser of the Month gets $5, which is accumulated in this box. In the event that everyone (or most) is doing good on weight loss and there isn’t enough money, then money is taken from the Chapter Treasury.

    We’re advised that we should change the name on the Gain box because it might be thought to be fat shaming. Maybe to Loser of the Month Fund. That seams wordie
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    I love the fruit basket idea! So fun and yummy!

    Sorry I didn't post last week. I probably should have for many reasons. I was on a loosing streak then, I turtled last week. This week I gained, not a little either. I'm mad at myself for not staying on track and I feel like I'm behind on my goal which if I really focus is totally doable still. Just needs more focus. I've reset my goals on MFP to reflect " new" goals and started to recommit to myself.
    (Sorry for dumping thanks for listening)

    We used to do a gain fee, now it is voluntary (rather than mandatory) and is just donated to the club.

    Week Four of the challenge was to measure yourself and dicuss non-scale victories with your badge Buddy. The point is to focus on things other than the scale. It was recommended to measure for three months. I gave out measuring tapes and a print out of a tracking/info sheet I found online (not tops). I've attached this image.

    Week Five ( this week) we are to track food at least four says including one weekend day and talk to our badge buddies about what we learned from it. For this I printed out the tops tracking page.
  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good evening

    This has been a really busy week! My birthday was on Tuesday and 3 of my cousins came here for a visit. We had a great time together. They were here for Tuesday and Wednesday.

    I know how it feels to gain. Last week I gained a pound and this week I turtled. Not what I planned! But I’m getting back on track this week. I did share my non scale victories. Smaller shorts. My watch is on a tighter notch.

    Just hang in there! Sometimes we gain because we’re constipated or water retention. Some time for no reason we can think of. Sometimes we just mess up. My biggest reason, I’ll admit, is I mess up.
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope it was TOPS-tastic!! It is great when family / friends can get together and enjoy time with each other.

    I love Non Scale Victories! way to go on the watch band! I'm proud of you and the work you are putting into yourself. (P.S. I count a turtle as a win)

    Ironically, I tend to get scale fright and not be able to go that day, however, last week I think it was water retention. I have been researching migraines and one of the symptoms before the big headache is water retention. I ended up struggling the latter part of the week and leaving early one of the days to recover. I'm new to the migraine thing. I do admit to messing up but I've been pretty focused lately so it was a surprise. I'm really going to focus and work at it this week. I'm hoping my badge buddy doesn't let me down.

    Week Six of our Accountability program started today. "Get Moving to Goal" Badge Buddies can earn this badge by seeing a weight loss, even if it's just a fraction of a pound. Both partners must have lost weight (or stayed within leeway if a KOPS) on this week in order to earn the badge.
    - I paired people who tend to lose easily or consistently with those who do not.
    - I've been lenient about passing out badges, pretty much show up to the meeting and at least think about the challenge. This week, I will hold them to it. No loss, No badge.

    I'll be keeping busy this week, got four days at my part-time job to keep me busy and active. If you see me tracking 3.5 hours of light cleaning it's usually that. It's a coffee shop so I'm "cooking", making coffee and other beverages and food; "cleaning", dishes and wiping everything down; and stocking / moving supplies and replenishments. It's a small drive thru only and it's hot inside, despite having ac units, so lot's of sweating.

    Anyway, I need to jump off and get a shower before bed.
    I hope everyone has a great week! JP



  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    Hello TOPS Pals! I hope the day finds you well.

    Week Six was a bust, no badges were awarded. Either the Badge Buddies gained or one didn't come to meeting.

    Week Seven looks more promising. Menu Master: skip eating out and make your meals at home. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, make at least one meal every day using the menues on pages 14-20 of My Day One. (we amended it to be just make a meal, not necessarily from the Day One book). I forgot to print out the pages to hand out. This is especially important for those who do not have computers to read the PDF or did not purchase the book, or had it so long ago they don't know where it is.

    Anyway. mostly the same ole' same ole' here. starting to make plans for big changes. like selling a house and moving, finding new job, I don't know what else but researching it all.

    I wish you the best day, hugs - JP
  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good afternoon,

    I started this this morning, then was interrupted without saving it so it disappeared. Grrr!

    I lost .5 pounds last week at TOPS. I hope to at least match that this week. And tomorrow is TOPS again!

    It’s been hot here this week (in the high 90s) and it don’t cool down much at night. And it’s smoky! Yesterday we had a major power outage. It affected 4 towns and lasted 4.5 hours. Needless to say out a/c didn’t work. I heard that one of the power stations was throwing sparks, so the power company shut it off until it was fixed. Luckily it didn’t start a fire!.

    This last weekend out town had its town’s celebration. We watched the parade. One of the best displays was from our grocery store, Rod’s Harvest Food. They called it Rod’s Cart Brigade. The employees were pushing grocery carts and walking like a marching band. It was hilarious!
  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good evening,

    I had another gain, but only .2 pounds at TOPS this morning. It was one of those weeks that everyone also had a small gain. I had the smallest gain. Even the 2 KOPS had small gains but they were still within their leeway. I told everyone that we all have something to work on this week!

    I’m toying with having surgery on my neck. Some days I say, Let’s go for it. Other days, No No No. I just don’t know.
  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Loser of the Week, with 1.4 pound loss.
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    Congrats on Loser of the Week! What is your celebration look like when that happens?

    Our group puts a crown on your head, sings "best loser" song, and you get a cash reward (50c from each person attending meeting). I personally find it embarrassing, especially if I recently gained and just lost what I gained.

    Sorry I haven't been checking in, been busy with some family stuff. most of it is clearing up. Now my dad has knee trouble and can barely walk. He and my mom are on vacation so not much I can do right now to help out. They are due back Wednesday but possibly sooner.

    We finished our 9 week program. If you choose to do it, I suggest shortening it. After about 5 weeks it seemed to loose enthusiasm. Of course, maybe it is just my group. We are finicky.

    We are planning on going to the fall rally. The leader is excited for it for some reason. I'm soso about it. They are fun to go to but I need to take a day off from my part-time job and I always "get punished" and get cut hours for a few weeks after rather than just the one day I requested. I sometimes think about quitting but it's easy, I know what I'm doing and don't deal with the public directly.

    Anyway, enough unloading.

    I have another class starting Monday. I wish I could take more but not sure I can balance more course work while working two jobs and life. Need the second job to pay for school and other things, so can't quit till I'm done.

    Good news, as I learn things in school, I am getting opportunities at work. I told my boss I don't plan on retiring there and will be moving on so don't pile on too much. He said no worries, its a help now. So, resume building is going well.

    Goal for this week: log into MFP and track nutrition and fitness, and check in to the group at least once.

    Have the best week, JP
  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Summers can get busy especially toward the end of August. We went camping last weekend. It was up in the mountains and in tents. Who would dream that the temperatures would be in the 39s in the morning?

    This coming weekend (Labor Day weekend) we’ll be at church camp, but we’ll be in a cabin. It’ll probably be cold this weekend.

    We’ve had a lot of wind storm this month. We haven’t had any property damage, but some people in our area have. We’ve had mostly very small branches fall off our trees.

    Tomorrow morning we have TOPS. I have a feeling that the best I can do is turtle.

    For Loser of the week, we have a couple contests. We each bring a healthy food, like apple, banana, cucumber, or whatever. The Loser of the week takes it all home. The other, everyone brings a quarter to the meeting. This can accumulate if not earned. If the Loser of the week loses or turtles the following week, then you get to take home what has accumulated. Right now, what has accumulated makes a rich pot!
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    Oh my, I'm glad you are not experiencing damage. I miss cool nights / mornings and warm afternoons. We've been dancing just under 100 here. Temperatures are dropping over the weekend but humidity is going up.

    I've come to realize I can't focus on my health journey until I get a few things at home squared away. Can't pour from an empty cup is what I'm living, sort of.

    All the best, JP
  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good morning

    I don’t usually put a message in the mornings. But here I am!

    I did a weigh in at TOPS yesterday and then left, because I had a Doctor appointment in Missoula. I lost 1.4 pounds which really surprised me! I know how I ate over the weekend. I do well eating at restaurants because I know how and what to order. However, we were at a church family camp and eating meals prepared by cooks. It’s all in front of you.,.. pancakes, deserts, fry bread, and lots of fried foods. I finally gave up and enjoyed!

    Doctor appointment: I heard what I expected to hear, but still not good. It’s about my neck. I was strongly encouraged surgery on my neck. It’s only going to get worse and harder to repair. This is the 3rd doctor that has said it. First was an orthopedic surgeon, Next was an orthopedic doctor who doesn’t do surgery. And the one yesterday was a Neurosurgeon. I was really impressed with the neurosurgeon. He gave me a lot of insight. Your spinal column is like a freeway for the nerves. Nerves are all over the body. I feel numbness in my arms, which shows a problem in the neck. The doctor was impressed that I could still crochet. I usually crochet while waiting. I call it my wasted time activity.
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    I hope you are doing well. Sounds like a lot is going on. I haven't been on MFP for quite some time. Even skipped a few meetings. Sometimes, the excuses fly and I get wrapped up in myself that I forgot to check on others. This week, my four is on balancing myself and reaching out to others.

    Sending prayers and good vibes.
    I hope all goes well for you.
    Have the best day.
  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good evening

    I check in here every 1-4 days. If no one posts, I don’t either.

    I have a surgery day on my neck. It’s less than 2 weeks, November 5, Election Day. We plan to vote sometime next week.

    Lately, I’ve been doing well on the scale at TOPS. Last week I was Loser of the Week. You just need to hang in there. Remember your TOPS friends are your support group. They’re there to cheer you on and you are to cheer them on also. We’re all in this together.
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    Hello, I should try checking in more often. Infact I will make it a goal. I have time, i just don't think of it. I've been trying to get back in habit of tracking food so when I do that I can swing by.

    I hope your surgery brings you much relief. It sounds like it's been a long process to get here.

    Five of my chapter went to the rally over the weekend. Couple of them recieved awards for weight loss. I got "cheerleader" again. I'm not sure why they keep voting me but anyway. There were sooooo many KOPS! About half of the attending. So that was really cool.

    I will check back in, hopefully tomorrow.
    Have the best day. JP
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    Hello, I hope you are well.
    I made it through Halloween week. Our nono was no candy, I paid a dollar. 😐
    This week no cookies or cake. I have two birthday celebration this weekend. One is dinner and cake. The other asked for me to bake a certain cookie as a gift. Guess I'll be paying up next week.

    Today my group had four turtles, out of 8 weigh ins. I was a turtle.

    Well, I need to sleep. Sweet dreams.
  • JPismefromSP
    JPismefromSP Posts: 59 Member
    Hello All. I hope you are doing well.

    I had group last night. The scale was nice to me. I've been working hard to change some habits.

    Little by little.
    We can all achieve our goals.
    See you lighter, JP

  • stiggymt
    stiggymt Posts: 1,113 Member
    Good afternoon

    I’ve had surgery last Tuesday and I’m doing good. This morning was the first morning since surgery that I could fix my own breakfast. I swam to sleep a lot, but it could be drug related. I’ll be glad when I’m off the pain killers! I’m to the point now I think I can reduce how much I take.

    Our church people are bringing us meals. I really appreciate it, but I wish they would bring less. Tonight, it will be a tater tot casserole, jello, cake. Probably enough for 6 or more. There is only the two of us! The meals are supposed to come until Thursday, I think.