Being accountable: It looks like I've gained almost 2.5 pounds on
vacation.  The scale didn't budge between last Wednesday morning and this
morning. (Monday is the official weight)  It feels great to be back
cooking my own food and on my regular exercise program.  I have to nearly
plead with my sister to have more than one vegetable a day and she
refuses to walk with me.  I bought and prepared the veggies and salads
every day and walked (or ran!) by myself at Eleanor Roosevelt's nearby
Val-kill retreat.  

It was much better at my best friend's house.  We walked a lot and since
I'm coaching her weight loss, we ate really well.  I did get my fill of
bacon cheeseburgers elsewhere - an old favorite that still tastes
wunnerful and I've already mentioned the hot fudge sundaes <s>.  Adding
to my Changing Tastes, I had grilled tuna and veggies at Outback
Steakhouse that was better than any beef I've had in years.

Call it denial, but I tried on my smallest, tightest jeans and they're
fine so maybe it's not a *real* gain.  The first squats I did since
coming back really tired me out but Pilates feels great.

The second best thing I did on vacation was go to my pal's TOPS meeting
with her. They asked me to tell them about my own experience with weight
loss and maintenance.  I was armed with a jagundo sized sweatshirt that
was too small for me when I began and hideous *before* pictures. I talked
for perhaps 10 minutes and the women were all very attentive and
supportive.  This group has at least three members on maintenance and
there were about 20 women there total.  It was a lot of fun and my friend
likes the accountability of the meetings.  They seem much like asd in
that they pass along information and support each other.  I mentioned our
online group and most of them either thought it was scary or were just
computer resistant.  I'm still surprised to encounter these folks.

At the end of the meeting, our own Amy arrived as we had arranged.  It's
so much fun to visit in person with our online friends.  (I was thinking
of Dally as I drove up and down the Mass Pike!)  The reality has never
disappointed me.  A bunch of us went to a local eatery afterward and it
was fun to see what people ordered. I don't think any of them had supper
before being weighed at the meeting. Depending how you look at it there
were varying degrees of dedication, celebration or backsliding <g>.  I
was happy with a chicken spiedie salad and Amy set a good example with
coffee.  We all talked, had a great time and even got home pretty early.  

I like TOPS and from what I've seen, would recommend it for anyone
needing group support.  It's inexpensive and flexible - a lot like ASD
<s>  I was loving my laptop because I was able to somewhat keep up with
everyone here.

Vacation is great - my planets are aligned and I'm spinning in greased
grooves again.  It's time to walk now.