Oh! That's a different Pam East. Not me. I do teach, but at the John C. Campbell Folk School in NC and in my home studio in Johns Creek, GA (near Atlanta). I teach jewelry making, not academics. My website is pameast.NET. I think you looked up pameast.COM. Sorry for the confusion!

Hi fellow mii's. I'm not registered at weight watchers yet but have a free voucher that runs till the end of February. I became a life member when I reached my goal weight a few years ago, but then put all the weight on again. Now I'm back to goal weight since I had a major health scare last year. I really need to re-join to keep the weight off and hopefully get rid of the big belly which unfortunately makes estrogen and that is bad for me due to the health issue. After my first free visit I'm entitled to free membership provided I go once a month and keep to my goal weight.
I've been getting into the Wii-fit and also My Fitness Coach (MFC) since Christmas and this morning (Eastern Australia time), I had my fortnightly MFC assessment and I'd lost only 2 lbs but I'd lost an inch off my waist so I'm keen to keep up the effort and not let it slip.
I've been trying to do the Wii Fit Plus free cycle which is the highest level of cycling but my leg muscles have turned to jelly the last two days so I'd better try something else for a few days.
I'm sure these programs are made for young, fit, healthy people so I just slow down and do things my own way as the main thing is to just do whatever works that keeps me interested.
I must say that despite the big tummy, being back to my goal weight feels faaaantaaastic. I've been having a big clothes buying spree which makes a change from making do with old fat clothes as I refused to buy any more in the next size up.
Good health to everyone.
Sheila

Nice jewelry, Pam! I make beaded jewelry. At one time I considered learning silversmithing, but decided not to because at that time, when the economy was quite good, I was too busy keeping up with sales! How things change.

I'm trying to get my weight down too, but can't do weight watchers. I have had to go off certain foods a while back because of eczema on my hands, and other foods because of diverticulosis. I was starting to not care so much about the eczema and was about to quit that bit, but I've had middle ear problems lately, and the doctor thinks it is also eczema. The middle ear stuff is bad enough that I was worried about going deaf (and grateful that I started studying sign language over a year ago). Now, however, I think I can get really serious about the diet and since it means no wheat or potatoes, I should lose weight. The doc also gave me a homeopathic remedy for the ear problem, and he said it should also help me to lose weight. Hopefully that means improving my thyroid and liver, and thus metabolism and energy.

I hear good things about Weight Watchers, so keep us updated on your progress.

Sheila, sounds like your health condition was hard on your muscles? Well, it's good that you know your limits. Best wishes on it all!

Hi Shelia,

Sorry about your health scare! But it sounds like you are back on track now, so that is good news. I'm slowly getting the hang of this weight watchers program. The weight is coming off slowly which can be frustrating at times. I have to remind myself that as long as it's heading steadily downward that's what's important. That's great that you made life time member! My sister has been a lifetime member for four years now. She looks so great! She's really my inspiration.

Must be fun buying new clothing! I've got a ways to go before I want to do much of that. I'm hoping to reach my goal weight by June. We're going to Hawaii. Bathing suit shopping would be a lot more fun if I have less to hide!

I haven't gotten up the Free Ride yet. I'm just on the advanced course now and it's currently taking me about 10 minutes to complete. I'm only getting two stars, so I obviously haven't found the best route yet. It's just a warm up for me, so that's ok. I also do a "my routine" which consists of a mix of yoga and strength exercises. I like to do the hula hoop as a warm up too.

Hi Kescah,

Thank you for your kind comments about my jewelry! I really love what I do. I started out with beads too, back in 1997. I got into silver in 2003. I love my job! I get to work from home for the most part, which has been great for my daughter. And I love being my own boss.

I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. That's really rough. I'm not sure how long it's been since you've looked at the Weight Watchers program, but it has changed a lot over the years. There is nothing you HAVE to eat, and nothing you CAN NOT eat. It's all about eating healthy and taking care of things like portion control and making good choices. You could easily eliminate foods like wheat and potatos, and still do the program. If you haven't looked for a while, you might want to check it out again! You can always go to one meeting for free.

I hope you can figure out what's setting off your eczema and get it under control. Not fun! But it sounds like your doctor has some good ideas for getting you healthy. Keep us posted on your progress!

Hi all,

Just want to let everyone know that I'm about to vanish for two weeks. I'm heading off to North Carolina for a two week trip far away from computers and Wii systems. I'll be walking every day, so hopefully I won't lose any progress I've made as far as exercise goes. My biggest challenge will be the food. The place I'm going serves wonderful meals. Staying on Weight Watchers is going to be difficult, but I'm going to give it my best shot.

I'll be back home February 14th. See ya'll then!

See you when you return. I think golf is in season there ? It is great walking exercise

Hi Kescah, My muscular problem is more about having done too much "cycling" combined with my general muscle weakness and lack of stamina that I've always had due to dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder. Not to mention I'll be 60 at the end of the year and I sat around a lot half of last year with the medical treatments which cause tiredness and lack of energy.
I'm not complaining though, I'm determined to get healthy within my limitations. I'm only realising now how much I've avoided exercise and most energetic activities all my life due to the negative feedback I got growing up and the idea planted in my mind that I was a clumsy lazy person with no physical abilities.

Yesterday I did the speed run in free cycling for the third time and covered just over 19 Kms in 30 mins and today I got a surprise reward in the cycling, if you're reading the cycling forums with spoiler alerts you'll know what I mean. I still haven't got all 20 balls in one go but I once got 19 and just missed the last one when time ran out.

I'm doing the chicken game now too so I can get a good overhead view of the island and get some upper body exercise.

I know where you are coming from Sheilah, I am 58 and had a runin with cancer last year that left me lazy and tired. I returned to work in the spring and thiswinter I am determined that it won't happen again. I am on my 72nd day since I got Wii fit plus and often do 2 or 3 hours a day. I feel a lot better for it. I would like to lose a little weight but toning up will make me happy to and my endurance has greatly increased. Keep it up, I know you will be happy. We are only as old as we let ourselves be.