Hi Everyone,

Well, sorry it was so long to post, but the holidays are always busy,
and there just does not seem to be enough time to do all that we want
to do....

First... We have had some great shelter visits over the last month or
so.
We made two visits to the San Martin Animal shelter in California in
December and Pounds for Pounds members were able to donate 204 pounds
of food. It was great fun, we were able to walk around and see all
the animals, and we were able to meet Kathy from F.O.S.M.A.S. We had
a great time. When we were there they had 93 animals there including
4 roosters (We did not get to see the roosters). They were really
appreciative. It is great too, because Iams sells a 48 pound bag of
food, exactly equal to the weight I have lost. It seems like it was
meant to be.

Right now I am sitting at the Dallas airport returning from Missouri.
Our Pounds for Pounds fundraiser was able to raise $493 for the
Branson Tri-Lakes shelter. I got some pictures that I will post later
of us donating the money, also while we were there we were able to
donate 233 pounds of food, and got to walk some of the animals. I was
able to see all the animals in the Guardian Angel program there and
was lucky enough to take Sweet-Tater, Rocko and Charlie for a walk.
When I get back I will post those photos too. Had a great time.

Now, for the New Year!!!!! Who wants to lose some weight? Here is
what I am thinking.....

Let's have a contest that will run from January 9 to February 13th (5
weeks). Everyone who wants to compete will put in $50 of which half
will be donated to F.O.S.M.A.S. Then after the 5 weeks, the person
with the highest percentage of weight loss will win the other half. I
think we can get 5 or 6 people in it, so that would be fun. We will
weigh in on our own scales, just check in with me via email every
week so that I can keep track. The other great thing is that I will
hold the money and will not donate it to F.O.S.M.A.S until the
contest is over, and the donation can be in the name of the winner.
(Start those tax deductions early in the year.)

Let me know your thoughts.

I would like to do a Pounds for Pounds walk in January, and then will
be going to Las Vegas for my birthday and will be doing a food
donation there. If anyone is interested in doing a food donation for
a local shelter here in San Jose, let me know and I can schedule one.

Anyway, gotta catch a plane, hope all is well. If you are trying to
lose weight, let's forget about the holidays and look forward. Being
thinner is being happy!!!

Dan