For Some Leap Year Fun

From Answers.Com

Proposing marriage takes a leap of faith, but back in the early centuries of Irish lore, it required a leap of time. In those days, a woman was allowed to break with tradition and propose to her beau on a leap day in a leap year. The man could not refuse her hand unless he countered with a substantial consolation prize (silk or cash would do the trick). Leap Year was the traditional time that women could propose marriage.

Back then, when the rules of courtship were stricter, women were only allowed to pop the question on one day every four years - February 29th. It is believed this tradition was started in 5th century Ireland when St.Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait for so long for a man to propose. So, according to legend, St. Patrick said women could propose on this one day in February during the Leap Year.

For some history on leap year and the legends that have been generated, try clicking this link http://www.brownielocks.com/leapyear.html

Quote: "A woman has to make up a man's mind." — Zsa Zsa Gabor

Later.......

Pictures By Tony....Collage By Gary

The First Official Weekday Walk

Article By: Ms. Mary Murphy
Pictures By: Mr. Tony Ruvalo
Post By: Gary Black (Clay O'Shea)

Wednesday Attendees:

1- Mary Murphy
2- Tony 3- Gary
4- Bob 5-Bonnie Fisher
6-Susan 7-Bonnie Powell
8-Janet 9-Deborah

Our first Wednesday walk was a great success. With our tonights walk we have brought our total miles to over 300 for the year! We have less than 1700 miles to go to our goal!!! It was a brisk walk with the temperature at 52 degrees. The trail was well light up to the fountain with only one of the lights out along the way. Mary brought some personal lighting devices (small flash lights) for people to use in the dark areas of the trail. We had a new walker with us that goes to a later Saturday morning WW meeting. Janet and Bonnie Fischer are friends. With Janet we had a total of 9 walkers.

Bonnie Powell and Mary Murphy each did 2 mile = 4 miles
Bonnie Fischer and Janet did 2.8 miles each = 5.6 miles
Rest of the group - 3.1 miles each = 15.5 miles
Wednesday Total = 25.1 miles.......

Deborah's Sunday walk on the trail of 2.5 miles brings our Year-to-Date Total to 308.95 miles. Miles to go to hit "2008" - 1699.05 miles

Other Notes Of Interest:
Bonnie Fischer will send Mary Janet's e-mail address so she can be added to the distribution list. Bonnie Fisher, Susan and Mary discussed having two walks on Wednesdays. One in the afternoon and one in the evening. Mary will send an e-mail out about the Wednesday walks.

We have 7 signed for the "Run for Your Life" Run/Walk on March 1st. It looks like most of the participators will drive to the site in their own cars. There are 300 runners and walkers signed up already, which is really great for the American Cancer Society . Mary is going to check out the race location and will send out an e-mail on where to meet prior to the beginning of the race. For those who are walking the Brandon Parkway Trail at 7:15 AM on Saturday, we need a photographer and someone to report the group mileage. Mary will send out an e-mail about that.

Later.......................

Where Does The Real Threat Lie?

Here is an interesting article that can help keep things in perspective for those of us smart enough to heed the warning. What we are being told here is that like moths, we are drawn to the bright lights. Terrorism has been a major feature in the news for some while now and of course, many of us are concerned about the harsh injustice of the entire concept and the inhumanity of terrorism's proponents. While terrorism is certainly a threat, of less note and little press coverage is the subject of obesity. Worldwide this killer is taking thousands of us and in most cases we are willing accessories to the crime. Click on the attached link and give this article a chance to get you thinking......

Obesity more dangerous than terrorism: experts from PhysOrg.com

World governments focus too much on fighting terrorism while obesity and other "lifestyle diseases" are killing millions more people, an international conference heard Monday. ....... Overcoming deadly factors such as poor diet, smoking and a lack of exercise should take top priority in the fight against a growing epidemic of preventable chronic disease, legal and health experts said. [...]

Walking Results For Week Of 2/23/2008

Here are the stats from the 2/23/2008 walk - We had a record number of participators, a total of 19. Hope we can beak the 20 walker barrier soon.

Attendees-
1- Mary Murphy 8- Faith 15- Deborah
2- Tony 9- Bonnie Fisher 16- Tracy
3- Gary 10- Bonnie Powell 17- Lisa
4- Bob 11- Susan 18- Randy
5-Cindy 12- Julie 19- Jean
6-Val 13- Pam
7-Pat 14- Marie

Bonnie Powell and Jean each did 1 mile = 2 miles; Pat and Faith did 2 miles each = 4 miles. The rest of the group walked 3.1 miles each = 49.6 miles;

The Saturday Total of 55.6 miles was a record number of miles on a Saturday for the Group. Year-to-Date Total = 281.35. Miles to go to hit "2008" = 1726.65 miles.

It was a record turnout for the group and a record Saturday mileage. Congratulations to everyone who walked.

The group agreed to sanction mileage accumulated by any group members when they walk on the Brandon Parkway. Send an e-mail with the date and mileage to the e-mail address tat we will pr4ovide you with so that Mary can record the amount in the group yearly total.

For your information here are the the trail mileages - The Start of the Trail is at the intersection of Providence Road and Brandon Parkway. From Start to Paul's drive is .3 miles. Start to The fountain at Intersection of the Parkway and Lakewood Drive is 1.0 miles. Start to Oakfield Drive is 1.4 miles. Start to Brandon Boulevard is 1.6 miles. If you do a round trip be sure to double the mileage. Our first midweek walk will be on Wednesday, February 27th at 6:45 PM at the Brandon Parkway trail. The trail does have lights, but you may want to bring a flashlight, just in case there are some dark spots.

Marie and Julies kept their Perfect Attendance record in tact. The other Bonnie was there with the little green Pig and took our quarter donations.

Thank you everyone for your dedication and commitment. This is a great group of individulas.

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE.....

Reminder Notice-Run For Your Life!

Hi Folks,
I've registered for the Walk. I'm so glad that our walking group is such a caring and supportive group ...........Deborah

From: Mary & Tony
Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 11:07

To: Gary Black; Bob O'Donnell; Bonnie Powell; Bonnie Fischer; Debra C. Parsons; Cindy Manchesi; Jean Pagano; Joan Steven; Mary & Tony; Val Voll; Deborah Starcevich; Pamela Lovett; Marie; Julie; Dale; Karen Davis; Pat; Mary Dugan

Subject: March 1st Run/Walk Valrico, Fl

To Nameless Walking Group members, Here is the info about the "Run for Your Life" Run/Walk on March 1st. It is close by and it benefits American Cancer Society. The link to register is below. There is a $3.00 fee to register on-line, in addition to the 20.00 entrance fee. To have the walk count for mileage in our 2008 goal, we need at least 6 group members participating. We have 4 signed up and this morning 3 others have committed to signing up. The more the better. For those going to the 6:30 AM WW meeting, we can do carpooling and leave after the meeting and make it in plenty of time for the 8:00 AM race start time. Mary Run For Your Life...Or Someone Else'sDate:
Saturday, March 01, 2008Time:
08:00 AMVenue:Between the Campo Family YMCA and the Bloomingdale Little League FieldAddress:
Culbreath RoadValrico, FL 33594Additional InformationA 5K Run/Walk organized by the MOMS Club® of Valrico/Bloomingdale to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay For Life®. Custom race bags and Dri-Fit T-shirts to the first 200 registrants. Great After Party/Awards Ceremony to follow the race with live music, food and fun! Awards to overall male & female, awards to Top 3 in each age group. Note: Pre-Race Packet Pick-up is available on Friday the 29th at Hit The Trails Running Store (www.hitthetrails.com) in FishHawk Ranch Park Square from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.Fees:
$20 per person. Race Day registration will available for $25.Online Registration Link:http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1505445&assetId=05dd874d-cf36-46f9-ab3e-d188061f89db Online Registration Closes: 02/28/08 06:00 PMRace Packet

Custom packets and dri-fit shirts to the 1st 200 registrants. Pre-race pickup on 2/29 from 3pm-7pm at Hit The Trails Running Store, Fishhawk Ranch Park Square.

Post-Race Party
Will feature live music, food and raffle prizes. Awards to 1st cancer survivor, overall male & female, overall Master male & female, top 3 in each age group.

Restrictions
Sorry! For the safety of all runners, no pets, IPods, skateboards, inline or roller skates, or jogging strollers will be permitted. Walkers with strollers are asked to participate at the rear of the event.

Walking with the men, I think this is a 4 Seasons new hit!.

I had the opportunity to "walk" with the men. A first for me, and also a lesson....

Now first of all, I must say, that they were being perfect gentleman, because I only got one comment on my small baby steps, compared to the GIANT MAN size that they take. They walked at a slower pace then usual and for some strange reason, no one commented or even asked that I pick up the pace. I was in awe with the conversation that was I was allowed to listen to and participate in. After all, I was in MAN territory.
The men.......Gary, Bob & Tony. This is a group like no other, and here I was listening to them talk. Bob loves the 4 Seasons, and quickly into the conversation, I was taught the beginnings and fun facts about Frankie Vallie and the others that made up the group. Gary quickly jumps in, almost as if he was ready to take over the 4 Season's theory for Bob, with more facts, lines from the play, and fun facts that had us all laughing. Tony stops, takes a picture with his watchful eye, of something beautiful, awesome, and a once in a lifetime sight. How did he spot that right in the middle of Joe Pesce, mafia, and the 4 Season's? Must be his Italian blood coming out? Gary now is in full force about the 4 most popular songs they made, Bob quickly adds the sighting of Frankie Vallie to the play on Wednesday, Tony stops and take another picture. Me, I am sweating, out of breath, my underwear is creeping where sunshine doesn't shine, and I add a few lines here and there but truly out numbered. Fun facts. These guys know it all. They laugh at each other.
Conversation turns to politics. Wow, what view points, Clearly Bob has a strong opinion, Gary is right behind him. Tony stops and takes another picture. Funny tho, with each picture he takes, the men stop, take a look at what his camera is pointing to and comment on his great shot. I ask, will that thing bite, what the heck is that, and will that ugly thing come up to the sidewalk? They just look at me and shrug their shoulders. WHAT, was it something I said? I think I have lost 10 pounds by the amount of sweating that is going on. I fear I am stinking about now. The guys don't seem to notice. Or, maybe they are accustomed to it. After all, these are men....
Men...Well the conversation gets quite. Tony and Gary are talking alone. Bob and I are in front. We recognize the sad words spoken and the delicate conversation and soft tone used. For a split second I wanted to be a girl, say something soft and feminine but knew it would spoil the moment and their conversation. I listen to them speak. I learned that Tony got the nickname "godfather" for the right reasons. I learned that Gary has learned a valuable lesson in life and is coming to terms with a softer understanding and approach for results. I learned that Bob is a great friend to Gary, and has a immense respect for Tony. Ya know, it is a guy thing, a guy bond, but I got the Chance to see it, hear it, and watch it in action. I am blown away. I am honored as well.
Men, still a mystery to me. I can hang with them, laugh with them, and even manage to walk , "alright, alright, they went slow for me", but I still marvel on how they have this thick outer macho exterior, while having a soft, knowledgeable, fun interior.
We made it to the finish line. Once again, 3.2 miles done. I have my jacket off by now, I can smell my armpits, and my pants and shirt are stuck to my body. I am so uncomfortable and I notice, only I notice. The guys didn't notice nor care. I was one of them, a girl walking with guys, walking like a man...... : )

Walkers from February 16 2008

There were 14 of us at the 2/16/2008 walk. We did a total of 35.65 miles, that brings our year total to 225.75 miles and we only have 1782.25 miles to go to our total of "2008 Miles" in 2008.

Bonnie Powell was back from her surgery. We were all glad to have her back and see that her recovery is going so well. On a sad note, Gary was unable to join us because his Mother passed away. Our condolences are with Gary and his family and hope he will be back with us soon. We missed Dale this week, since he still is having medical issues. Joan said he is off to another Doctor this coming week and hopefully he will get a diagnosis, start treatment be on the mend, so he can join us on the trail soon. Cindy, Tracy and Jean were enjoying visitors from out of town this weekend. Marie and Julies kept their Perfect Attendance record in tact. Tony, Mary and Deborah were back from their wonderful Las Vegas trips. The other Bonnie was there with the little green Pig and took our quarter donations. It was a good walk.

A Thought For Rose

Great Moments In Gender Sports

"I demanded a strange bride-gift such as no woman before me had dared ask of a man....to wit I desired a husband without meanness, without jealousy and without fear"....Madb (Mauve) from the Tain Bo Cualnge, a great Irish epic -----first documented circa 11th century

Abducted by Paris from Menelaus of Sparta, Helen became the reason for the Trojan Wars and was reknowned as "the face that launced a thousand ships" She also plays a significant role in both the Illiad and the Odessey---circa 5th century

"Nations go to war over women like you. It's just a form of appreciation"......from a modern pop song

For my money, the plain fact is that men have always liked women and love to please them. However, there has always been a major difference in how we each look at life, in what we value and in what we offer in tribute. The stories I could tell in learning this lesson! Lysastrada, one of my all time favorite stories" is a wonderful study of the clash in perception of what pleases a woman (and what can happen when you don't succeed). For a more modern version of this tale try "To Marry an Irish Rogue" by Lisa Hendrix.

As a quick example, I'm certain that after nearly the entire civilized world went to war to retrieve or retain Helen....men would call this a romantic notion worthy of the full attention and favors that not only Helen, but any woman, of these nation's might have to offer. On the other hand, dare I even write what I believe women think of such endeavors.

Likewise, the Tain is in a sense the Irish version of the Illiad and centers around the exploits of Ailill, Madb and Cúchulainn along with a cast of other characters. Why this is relevant is that Madb is a very influencial woman and daughter of a powerful Irish King. She marries under her own terms, finds a man who adores her, treats her as an equal and together they go off to conquer Ulster and take possession of the great bull, Donn Cuailnge. If you want to know why you will have to read the story. Bottom line though (from a man's perspective) is that Madb could have had anything she wanted by just taking her lead from Ailill. Instead, she wants the bull, so Connaught and Ulster go to war. Everybody ends up a mess or dead and in the end Madb is still miserable. The good news is that Helen and Madb both inspired some of the greatest literature in the world. The bad news is that the characterer differences between men and women haven't changed much over the centuries.....and for my money I hope these differences always remain. At heart, I am (and will remain) a caveman romantic as are most of my friends. We love our women, want to provide for them, keep them safe and out of harm's way. I want to be king of the cave and have my word accepted as law. I don't want to sit and watch sad movies, or shop six months before Christmas Eve, I don't always remember birthdays, anniversaries or the date and time of my first kiss (I do remember who though.....trophy!). It was sweet, sweet Christine Maloney.....at 13 years old I thought she was a goddess, ahhhhhhhhhh! Oops, back to reality, because it pleases my wife I try to be attentive and always let her know where I am, I'll do my best to remember stuff and I try to listen. I really do try to do all this sensitive stuff, but at the end of the day I'd rather just bring home a fish that I caught myself, have her tell me that it was the finest fish she ever saw and then kiss me for being her hero! Oops....back to reality AGAIN!

Later....................

The Reel Test, with photos by Keith. U Need 2 C

After Sensei Tony showed me the true path to video creation, I have taken photos provided by Keith along with some others from Gasparilla and a few carefully selected miscellaneous photos, combined them with one of my favorite growing up songs and prepared the video above. Please take a look and I hope you enjoy!

Rose, I need to reflect and gather my thoughts before responding to your latest post. There will indeed be a response!

Later.....Clay

Ok Clay, this one is for you...

I read your response from when " I WAS THINKING". I enjoyed reading your wise words, and even laughed at a thing or two. Not bad I say, pretty accurate in fact. Just one thing I thought you would like to know. How coindental that you choose the words from Mark Twain. He happens to be my husbands great, great Uncle from his Mother's Irish side of the family. Now I would say, that all you IRISH men think alike......
: )

This is from Joan...ha ha, you thought it was me...

To Be 6 Again...*

A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife, looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she'd like to have for her Birthday. 'I'd like to be six again', she replied, still looking in the mirror.

On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! *

He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster, everything there was. Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down.

He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake.

Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&M's. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, 'Well Dear, what was it like being
six again??'

Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. 'I meant my dress size, you dumb ass!

The moral of the story: Even when a man is listening, he's gonna get it wrong.

The Saturday 2/9/2008 Walk Recap

Keith and Val were kind enough to recap the highlights of the weekly walk. Also of note is the incredible quality of Keith's photographs which will be attached as soon as Tony teaches me to make those fantastic slide shows he makes up...with music no less. Keith, you have a real talent, but then I'm sure I tell you nothing you don't already know. As I was looking at the photos I'm thinking to myself I want to go walking wherever it is that Keith is going because the scenery is so beautiful. Then I realized that it was the same place I go walking....I think now that Keith has weighed in the bar has been raised with regard to our photos. On another note.....I will be happy to add my fair share to the piggy bank as soon as I get back together with the group. The pig is for a volunteer collection that we will take up each week to accumulate money for a year end walker's group bash. Keith's notes are listed below:

Gary and Bob,

Hope y’all ran the race in record time; the weather was with you this time around….but you were missed with a few others on the weekly weight watcher walk. Well, by default I was the honorary photographer, it is a bad idea, don’t walk just look around and take pictures…ok enough of that!!!

Now, the walk started early enough and was still a little dark when we started. There is one picture of the piggy jar…deposit 50cents. Don’t know what it is for, but I am sure it is for a good cause….

So at the start of the walk took some pictures but was left behind quickly and being the only male and hearing all the chatter I think I did the right thing to stay in the back!!! The Group went all the way to Hwy 60, think it is about 3.2 miles round trip… I picked them back up on the return with one front runner (nothing to do with politics mind ya) and took pictures of different groups…. At the end the group that was lagging behind started to pick up the pace rather quickly and took a picture of their quick motion….but then I found out why they went that quickly…. At the end of the walk some-one fell off his bike and had to take a few pictures of Hillsborough finest.

Ok see my pictures attached …hope to see y’all next week…

Keith

Gasparilla, The Results Are In

Well, the results of the Gasparilla were listed in the Tampa Tribune this morning. Bob and I did a bit better than our own watches indicated. We are very pleased that we had an opportunity to run in this event and I believe that our competitive fires have been rekindled. As mentioned yesterday we didn't achieve our stated goal of completing the event in under 30 minutes, but we are close. Bob and I each completed the event in just under 33 minutes which means that we only need to cut down our times by less than 1 minute per mile to achieve the elusive goal. If you wish to see our run times and other statistics just double click on the picture above.

I have received some feedback from Keith and Val regarding the Saturday morning walk and will post Keith's notes and pictures very soon. Thank you Keith and Val for taking on the documentation and photo duties in the absence of Tony, Mary and me. Speaking of Tony and Mary, they are on their way back from Las Vegas and it sounds as if they have had an incredibly good time. I have some info to post from their trip as well.

Hey Nameless Walking Group, You Guys Are The Best

Gasparilla-what a thrilla!

This year's Gasparilla was fantastic to say the least. I'm not sure if anyone else from our Weight Watcher's group participated, but if not I would highly recommend it for next year. I estimate approximately 15,000 people participated this year, maybe more. Bob and I ran in the 5K (that is 3.1 miles for those who wanted to know). We finished without a break and ran the entire distance. Our goal was to run under 30 minutes and while we did not quite make our target, it does appear that we cut a full minute off our time from last year. We will wait for the official times to be published but in the meantime, based on our own clock, we finished in 33 minutes and 9 seconds. There was also a 15K and a marathon. Much more to come in later posts.

Mary and Tony are having a great time in Las Vegas, Bonnie is recovering from surgery to correct a hernia that I think she sustained reeling in a world class sailfish, Bob and Gary completed the Gasparilla, I believe that I read somewhere that Dale is mending a leg injury and I still need to find out who walked this week so we can get that information and post it to the BLOG.

In response, "here I go again...thinking"

A short time ago Cindy asked if someone could please explain to her why men can fix everything, know how to get anywhere, and can tell you useless information, but can't remember to take the garbage out or even know their wife's middle name or birthdate?

Even as a married man, I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer these timeless questions but I am quite certain that these questions will always remain to be answered. Their very nature is an insight to the complex and dynamic relationship between the sexes. I stand accused and I am as guilty as the next man of the offenses cited. However, for my family I am both rock and shoulder. I am iron and fire. She is water and wind. I look at most things in my life in terms of accomplishments and trophies.....Yes indeed, I do all to often take my bride for granted. She was won a long time ago. She is a charmed woman though and recognizing that I am a man she knows I am a slave to my foibles. She is amused by my arrogance. I am smitten by her daring. It is the nature of the puzzle.

I offer here the insight of one much smarter and far more literate than I and further, suggest that if so inclined you may want to pick up a copy of his short story "The Diary of Adam and Eve". I reference none other than the venerable Mark Twain and following is a link to the work I am recomending you read:

http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-etexts/mtwain/bl-mtwain-exadam-1.htm

Here are a few excerpts (front, middle and end). Read the story and I believe that much will be revealed or at the very least you will have read a very amusing and insightful short story by one of America's great authors.

From "The Diary of Adam and Eve"
"MONDAY.--This new creature with the long hair is a good deal in the way. It is always hanging around and following me about. I don't like this; I am not used to company. I wish it would stay with the other animals.... Cloudy today, wind in the east; think we shall have rain.... WE? Where did I get that word-- the new creature uses it.

TEN DAYS LATER.--She accuses ME of being the cause of our disaster! She says, with apparent sincerity and truth, that the Serpent assured her that the forbidden fruit was not apples, it was chestnuts. I said I was innocent, then, for I had not eaten any chestnuts. She said the Serpent informed her that "chestnut" was a figurative term meaning an aged and moldy joke. I turned pale at that, for I have made many jokes to pass the weary time, and some of them could have been of that sort, though I had honestly supposed that they were new when I made them. She asked me if I had made one just at the time of the catastrophe. I was obliged to admit that I had made one to myself, though not aloud. It was this. I was thinking about the Falls, and I said to myself, "How wonderful it is to see that vast body of water tumble down there!" Then in an instant a bright thought flashed into my head, and I let it fly, saying, "It would be a deal more wonderful to see it tumble UP there!"--and I was just about to kill myself with laughing at it when all nature broke loose in war and death and I had to flee for my life. "There," she said, with triumph, "that is just it; the Serpent mentioned that very jest, and called it the First Chestnut, and said it was coeval with the creation." Alas, I am indeed to blame. Would that I were not witty; oh, that I had never had that radiant thought!

TEN YEARS LATER.--They are BOYS; we found it out long ago. It was their coming in that small immature shape that puzzled us; we were not used to it. There are some girls now. Abel is a good boy, but if Cain had stayed a bear it would have improved him. After all these years, I see that I was mistaken about Eve in the beginning; it is better to live outside the Garden with her than inside it without her. At first I thought she talked too much; but now I should be sorry to have that voice fall silent and pass out of my life. Blessed be the chestnut that brought us near together and taught me to know the goodness of her heart and the sweetness of her spirit!

FORTY YEARS LATER.--Yes, I think I love him merely because he is MINE and is MASCULINE. There is no other reason, I suppose. And so I think it is as I first said: that this kind of love is not a product of reasonings and statistics. It just COMES--none knows whence--and cannot explain itself. And doesn't need to.

It is my prayer, it is my longing, that we may pass from this life together--a longing which shall never perish from the earth, but shall have place in the heart of every wife that loves, until the end of time.

AT EVE'S GRAVE
ADAM: Wheresoever she was, THERE was Eden.

And so the saga continues.....................

A Sample Of The New Profiles

As promised, we will be creating profiles on each of our kindred walking group members. Since I will be doing most of the interviewing and writing, at least initially, I decided to profile myself first. I would appreciate it if you can look this over and provide me with any comments that might make the profiles more interesting for all our readers. I have tried to focus on some personal background information and then get some insight to weight loss and health goals as well as reasons the subject participates with the walking group. I am anxious to hear from you so please do write or talk with me when we see each other.

This week we are profiling Gary Black (that's me). I was born and raised in the great State of New York. Although I moved to Florida in 1988 with my wife and children, New York is still very much a part of who I am and I will always be grateful for that. I have worked in Financial Services for over 30 years and have no plans of voluntarily retiring anytime soon.

I was not always weight challenged. It became an issue for me in my early forties and I was totally unprepared to deal with it. So I didn't. Several years back I reached nearly 300 pounds and could no longer pretend that I was going to wake up and be 175 pounds again. I promised myself that I was going to meet this challenge head-on and beat it. Then I realized I didn't have a clue what to do or how to go about it.

Fate smiled on me. I met Bob who happened to be my neighbor...How convenient. We started to walk every night of the week. I lost about 40 pounds in a little over four months and then Bob suggested I join him at Weight Watchers. Since joining I have made slow but steady progress. However the biggest benefit of attending has been the access to valuable information and the association with people who can relate to my challenges. My personal goal is to lose another 25 pounds. However, Weight Watchers feels that I need to do better than that to make the goal weight they have set for me. I expect to reach my personal goal by May 2008 and I'm on target to do so. I will use both the 8 habits and 10 tools methodologies to guide and assist me in getting to my goal.

For me, the keys to success will be maintaining a clear visualization of the goal I have set for myself (winning outcomes), strict monitoring of interim benchmarks and the support of my family and friends, including the Nameless Walkers. My biggest challenge is not effectively managing my environment.

I believe that the Nameless Walking Group has provided focus and consistency to the activity dimension of my weight loss and healthy living strategy. The Group really gets me motivated and helps structure my week. I hope that we start to meet more frequently and I believe that accomplishing the 2008 miles in 2008 is very achievable. I really love that we get together and I look forward to it each week. Even when I am away as I was this last week, on Saturday Morning my first thoughts were of the group and who showed up that morning.

To all the nameless walkers, thanks for being a part of this very fun initiative. You have made a difference in my life as well as your own.

Later..................

The Consigliere's Advice

Please note that the name of our group has been changed to, er well er, "Group". For good reason we will now be known amongst ourselves and to the world at large as the Nameless Walking Group. Congratulations and please enjoy.

Later.....Gary

2 walkers not walking this week : (

Hi all, I have a update on Bonnie & Karen,

Today we heard from Bonnie:....Her operation went well and she was feeling ok. Mom said she sounded good and ready for adventure. Wonder if Mom was just keeping her fingers crossed for her buddy , and hoping that she would be back in action soon. Bonnie has her son, Davis, staying with her. Time for Mother and son to have alone time. So glad to hear that things went well Bonnie. Please email her and give her a warm well wish.

Now a word from Karen, (got this in a email)

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to let you know that I will be temporarily out of EMAIL commission this week. I'll be taking hopefully a SHORT vacation to Brandon Hospital. Yes it's that time of year again. Gotta wash that blood. Keep you fingers crossed and phone lines open...Needless to say anyone that was invited to my jewelry party on Sunday, it has been canceled. (Unless you all want to converge on my hospital room). I am being admitted tonight and not sure how long I'll be in. If you want to reach me you can. I'll still have my trusty cell phone which is my only real touch with the outside world. [This BLOG is available to the general public so for Karen's protection I've removed her phone numbers from this BLOG. If you wish to get a phone number for Karen or Ann, please contact me by e-mail and I will send you the numbers....The BLOG Meister....Clay!] See you all with clean blood and a new bit of energy......Karen

Please keep Karen in your thoughts and prayers. We will be thinking of you Karen and wishing for a speedy recovery.

02-02-08 Walkers

The group walked a total of 35.1 miles on our 1/26/2008. That brings our total for the year to 165.1 miles. Just 1842.9 miles to go! We were 5 miles short of our required weekly 40 miles to meet our “2008” goal. We will need to work on our more walkers on Saturday and additional walks to ensure we meet our goal by the end of the year. We had 14 walkers, just 1 shy of our record attendance. Those that walked were Mary Murphy, Tony, Bob, Mary Dugan, Deborah, Cindy, Tracy, Bonnie Fisher, Bonnie Powell, Julie, Pam, Pat, Susan and Marie. It was a brisk walk for us, the temperature was 46 degrees when we started. Deborah could have been dressed a little warmer, but she was a trooper and went the whole 3.1 miles. Those that did the 3.1 miles averaged just over an 18 minute mile. Marie and Julies (The Perfect Attendance Record Holders) were not at their peak performance this morning, but they managed to do 2 miles each and keep their attendance record in tact. We were glad to see our Mother-to-be, Tracy doing so well. We had other members that were not able to walk due to illness or injury. We hope that Jean, Keith, Dreama and Dale have speedy recoveries and are back on the trail with us soon.

Next Walk is on Saturday, February 9th, at the Brandon Parkway Trail at 7:15 AM. -
Bonnie Fischer will be at the walk with our little green piggy bank and Pam will be recording attendees and their distances. Hopefully, someone will bring a digital camera and take photos that Tony can upload to the blog after he is back from Vegas. On 2/9 Bonnie Powell will be recovering from her hernia operation, Mary and Tony will be in Las Vegas and hope to win big and Gary and Bob will be running the Gasparilla 5K run and hope to finish in under 30 minutes. We are praying that everything goes well for Bonnie and she has a quick and easy recovery.