Conference rocks::weight_control

    I've never tried it, but I have seen the advertisement on
    TV for that. It was a while ago...maybe 1 or 2 years when I
    first saw it. Also, to me it did indeed look like a sensible
    program. I'd like to hear more about it myself.
    
    
    
    Chris
    

    Chris,
    
    I, too, saw it on TV a long time ago.  I didn't hear anything about
    it again until recently when  I saw it advertised in the back of a 
    magazine.  I ordered it about 3-4 weeks ago, but it hasn't arrived
    yet (you know how mail order is...).  As soon as I get it, I'll
    let you know more about it.
    
    I'm really interested in hearing from noters who've tried it.
    Where they successful?  is it easy to stay on it?  what are some
    pitfalls? etc.

    I've also seen it and thought about ordering it, but my husband
    talked me out of it by saying, "even though you eat everything like
    it says, at the end of the day if you're still hungry, you'll still
    eat."  A friend of ours was there at they time and said, "yeah,
    if you're still hungry you'll eat the cards".  Needless to say,
    they talked me out of ordering it.  I would also like to know if
    it works well.  I'll be looking for notes on the progress of this!!

I got an ad for Deal-a-Meal in the mail, on the back of one of those
"have you seen this child?" cards!

It struck me as a "Weight Watchers clone", with the cards rather than
checking off exchanges used in a food diary.  Therefore, from a nutritional
standpoint, it doesn't sound like a "fad" diet which will hurt you, and
if you follow it, you should lose the weight (and keep it off if you don't
resume your old habits).  I wonder what kind of maintenance or "optional
calories" they have, to blend the new way of eating into your life for good.

The price is, of course, a lot cheaper than Weight Watchers, but so is what
you get for that price.  And it would be even less expensive to make up your
own deck of cards with what constitutes a good meal plan if you want to make
a game of it...

Jill, a happy Weight Watchers lifetime member :-)

    Deal-a-Meal....
    
    This is my second week on the "program" and its kind of neat.  The
    first week everyone is given only 1000 calories.  So you pull out
    the right amount of cards.  4 meat, 2 milk, 2 breads, 3 fruit, 3
    veggies etc.  As you eat an item you pull the card out of your pile.
     I have lost 7 lbs the first week, which I'm sure is water.  They
    even have cards if you go out to eat example:: MCdonalds, if you
    have a hamburger and small fries it tells you what cards to pull
    out.
    
    After the first week you have the option of going from 1000 calories
    to 1200 or 1400.  There are joker cards (2) and list items on the
    card that you can eat.  I didn't bring the whole kit with me today
    but if you are really interested let me know I'll post more tomorrow
    when I have the kit in front of me.
    
    Karen
    
    

    To .5.
                                               
    Congratulations on your 7 pound weight loss--I'm sure some of that
    was water but probably not all of it.
    
    Karen, it sounds very interesting and yes, I would like to hear
    more tomorrow when you bring in your cards.  I am still anxiously
    awaiting my "kit."  How long did it take you to receive yours?
    
    Do the cards offer enough variety in choosing foods so that the
    program is easy to stick to?  Doesn't it also come with some kind
    of a tape?  What are the Joker cards used for? 
    
    
    To .4:
    
    I also noticed that this program seems similar to WW.  Although
    I have never been a member of WW myself, several of my friends have
    done very well on the program.  The reason I chose DEAL-A-MEAL over
    WW is because:
    
    1) price (obviously)
    2) I have lost a lot of weight in the past on my own, therefore
       the motivation provided by a group is not important to me.
    
    But most of all, I chose DEAL-A-MEAL over WW because 
    (and please correct me if I'm wrong) it seems to me that WW relies
    heavily on food additives and artificial ingredients.  Now, I'm
    not a health food fanatic or anything like that, however, I am very
    conscious about reading labels.  I make an effort to avoid things
    like NutraSweet, saccharin, artificial flavorings and colorings,
    MSG, salt, preservatives, and so on.  From what I have heard/seen,
    WW uses a lot of these things, especially in their prepared foods.
    Also, many of the WW recipes I have seen use NutraSweet and
    "dietetic" products which contain artificial ingredients.  
    
    I felt that, with DEAL-A-MEAL, I would have the freedom to select from
    foods that I would normally eat.  I want to use the program to teach
    myself how to eat nutritionally balanced meals (which is the root
    of my problem--I eat too lightly, then snack).  I may be able to
    lose weight on the WW program, but I could never keep it off because
    I could never make a lifelong commitment of eating things with
    additives.  With DEAL-A-MEAL, I wouldn't have to change what I eat,
    only the combination and amounts.
    
    Please do not take this as a flame agains WW, and please DO correct
    me if I am wrong about the WW program.  I am very interested in
    learning more about it.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    Yes, you are wrong about WW; I can see where you got those ideas,
    though.  The prepared foods do have additives, and a lot of them
    contain some sugar, which I try to avoid completely.

    Unlike Nutri/System (and some other plans), WW no longer requires you
    to eat any specific individual food.  The cookbooks and packaged foods
    are a way for them to make extra money, and if you use them the plan
    will be a bit less work to follow, but they are by no means required.
    The reason things such as Nutrasweet are encouraged is that most people
    find it easier to stick with a plan that allows them variety as well as
    occasional "treats."

    The Dial-a-meal plan sounds essentially the same -- if that sort of
    gimmick helps you stick to the plan, go for it!  The one problem I see
    with it is that you can't easily have half an exchange of something,
    which I do all the time.

    Beverly
    

    
    
    OK, I've got the kit today.
    
    Lets see.  It took 6 weeks for delivery, you do get a tape.
    
    Each card is color coded.
    
    1000 calories a day is
    
    4 meats - RED	4 breads - BROWN	3 veg. - GREEN
    3 fruits - PINK	4 fats - YELLOW		2 Jokers 
    Freebies no limit - PURPLE
    
    1200 calories a day is
    
    5 meats, 5 breads, 2 dairy - WHITE (i forgot on 1000), 4 veg., 4
    fruits, 4 fats, jokers and freebies same on all.
    
    1400 calories a day is
    
    6 meats, 6 breads, 2 dairy, 4 veg., 4 fruits, 5 fats, jokers and
    freebies
    
    1600 calories a day is
    
    6 meats, 7 breads, 2 dairy, 5 veg., 5 fruits, 6 fats, jokers and
    freebies.
    
    Everyone must do the 1000 calories for the first week.
    
    On each of the catagoric cards list items that fall under that title:
     example:  FATS  2 oz. wine (red or white)
    		     4 oz. lite beer
    		     2 t.  mayonnais
    		     2 t. italian or french dressing
    		and so on, the cards are full of items.
    
    Then we go to COMBINATION CARDS:  If you want to eat out.
    Example:  1 hamburger and 1 small french fries
    You would pull 2 meat cards 3 bread cards and 3 fat cards
    
    Example:  Stouffers Lean cuisine oriental beef w/vegetables and
    rice
    You would pull 2 meat cards, 1 bread card and 1 vegetable card.
    
    Then we go to MENU CARDS my favorite, which is why I like this diet
    better than WW.  I don't have the time to plan on WW and the card
    in the kit do it for me.
    
    Example:  BREAKFAST IDEA
    		1 Bran muffin
    		1c skim milk
    		   coffee or tea
    You would pull 1 bread card, 1 fat card, 1 fruit card and 1 dairy
    card.
    
    Example:  LUNCH IDEA
    		1/3 c tuna salad
    		1/2 whole wheat bagel
    		raw vegetables
    		1c iced tead
    You would pull 1 meat card, 1 bread card, 1 vegetable card and 1
    fat card.
    
    There are alot of cards to pick from, not only that each card that
    has a snack or menu on it give the calories for that meal.
    
    The breakfast example was 280 calories, lunch was 220.
    
    I have yet to go through all my cards in one day! So I am staying
    on th 1000 calories again this week.
    
    Well enough, good luck when you get your kit.
    
    Karen
    
    

    Could you please enter the address and the price of the kit?  I
    used to watch him every day when my boys were younger and I stayed
    home.  I'm sure that his plan is worth it.  I havn't seen the ad
    on TV and would like to send for it.  I think I've become a collector
    of diets and diet books.
    
    Thanks
    Robin
    

    
    
    		Deal-A-Meal
    		Paoli Corporate Center
    		16 Industrial Blvd.
    		Paoli, PA  19301
    
    		$19.95 plus 2.50 for shipping
    
    	He also has a cookbook out, I have not seen anyone with it nor
    have I ordered it.  Its $9.95 plus 2.50 for shipping
    
    

    thanks thats great....you know the more I thought about it, the
    more it sounded like it might be fun.  that would be different now
    wouldn't it.
    
    robin
    

Thanks, Beverly, for saying exactly what I wanted to say regarding Weight
Watchers and additives/Nutrasweet.

Yes, WW is in the business of making money, and that's why their prepared
foods have what people are willing to pay for in them.  Our WW leader
mentioned that at our last meeting, regarding the high sodium content in the
frozen dinners.  She said they have to make them taste good or no one will
buy them!

I have the card I got in the mail advertising "Deal-a-Meal" with me; it's been
in my briefcase ever since I got it, since I was going to enter a note on it.
There's a different address on it (Westbury, NY), and even though the price
is the same ($19.95), the postage/handling charge is more ($2.95).  But, since
you're suppose to pay sales tax in state, it may save PA residents a little
money to use the NY address :-)  Speak up now if you want it.

Good luck to those trying the plan!

Jill

    Thanks to all who responded.  My kit came in the mail last night.
    I can't wait to start! (I always start dieting on Mondays--after
    staying on it for 5 days, I'm not so tempted to cheat on the weekend.)
    
    The diet looks sensible, nutritious, and easy to follow.  I've only
    noticed one "bad" thing about it and that is this:  Although the
    Menu cards have some great ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and
    snacks, they do not include recipes or "cautions."  For example,
    when it says "tuna salad," some people might think they can load
    it up with mayo when it really means plain tunafish with vegetables
    in it.  Also, since home recipes vary, you have to be careful with
    the menu cards for chili, beef stew, bran muffin, and soup, for
    example.  
    
    So, unless you'rean experienced dieter, don't be fooled!
    
    The cookbook looks like a good idea to me.  I'm thinking about ordering
    it, too.         
    
    I will keep you posted on my progress.
    
    Happy Dieting!
    
    Heather

    RE .10
    
    Who do you make the check out to?
    
    Pay to the order of:  Deal_A_Meal 
    
    
    
    ?????????????????????????????????

    HI I am new to this note but I hope this will be a little inspiration
    a lunch time and before going home to get me thru the 'tough' hours.
    
    I would like to say a couple words about the weight-loss program
    that I chose. Like most of you I too have tried W/W and Diet Workshop
    and the ones that you buy their food and have spent hundreds of
    dollars. One day I decided I was sick of spending money when I would
    get depressed and gain weight back and get weighed and feel even
    worse!!! I said I have to do this for myself!
    What I have started is the Richard Simmons program. The cost was
    minimal, which I liked and also it was a program that I could do
    on my own with alot of privacy. 
    I find it is very structured and I dont have to plan that much.
    I do analysis and planning all day at work and the last thing on
    my mind is whats for dinner! I do however have to make sure that
    there is enough food group items when I do go to the grocery store.
    I also have the luxury of saving a few key choices for the 7-8 pm
    hour like popcorn (a favorite) or a fruit.
    The lesson I have learned on this program is that my food habits
    were terrible!  Too much fat and not enough vegetables. I feel that
    I know more now about food that I can say NO to those certain tough
    times in life. I also know that If I do say Yes to that cake or
    something that I will not be able to have something later.
    
    BTW I have lost 9 lbs.at this writing and thanks for listening!!
    
    						Judy
    

    
    Hi, I'm new to this note file.  I would like to say a few words
    about the Richard Simmons Deal-A-Meal program. I started this
    program 1 week ago and so far with pretty good success. As of
    this writing I have lost almost 15 lbs. I'm sure that a good
    portion of this is water but I'm still happy about it. I or-
    dered the complete Deal-A-Meal program for 59.95. This pack-
    age included the cards, wallet, motivational cassette, aerobic
    video tape, and his cookbook. Well worth the investment. I too
    like this program because it utilizes the foods that I normally
    eat only in different combinations and portions. The video tape
    is pretty good because almost all the people on it are heavy. At
    the end of the tape it posts the amount of weight each of the 
    people on the video have lost! GREAT MOTIVATION!


                                  Thanks for listening,
                                        Cathy

    Good luck to everyone on future weightlosses!

    			-<Any Progress Reports>-
    
    I just got my deal-a-meal package and will be starting as soon as
    I get motivated and payed.  I need to go grocery shopping.  We have
    eaten the good stuff and all that is left is the stuff he say to
    throw out (junk food).  Pay day is this weekend and I hope to get
    started this week.
    
    I would like to hear from anyone that has tried deal-a-meal.  Did
    it work for you?  I need motivation.  Once I start I will post my
    progress reports so that I don't wimp out.  If know one knows you
    are dieting it is easier to quit.
    
    jeni

    Well Ill respond regarding the progress I have made in the last
    year or so since my last note.  I have only 10 pounds to go.  I
    have been off and on the diet.  The good thing is that I havent
    gained any weight.  I have been able to maintain. When I decide
    that the last 10 has to go I will get back on it.  I have been able
    to maintain only by visualizing the cards!! I got used to the colors
    and the approximate proportions etc.  I guess I have internallized
    the process.  I still dont eat enough vegetables and fruit but at
    least I can keep myself in 'moderation' when I am not dieting.
    
    					Jude

    
    
    	Hi,
    
    
    	I just saw an advertisment for Deal-A-Meal on tv and was
    	wondering if anyone has bought this plan in 1990 yet.
    
    	This package includes the meal cards,wallet for cards,cook book
    	exercise tape and motivation tapes and sells for $90.00 
    	3 payments of 29.95 via credit card, I think this is the only
    	way you can buy it now.
    
    	Is this worth 90 big ones?????  I'am considering buying it for
    	my wife's birthday, she wants to loose weight and the program
    	seems to make sense.
    
    	Any comments would be appreciated
    
    
    	Thanks
    
    	Wayne

    I was also thinking of calling today and ordering this.  Any comments?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Virginia

    Oh, well, I just called and ordered the entire thing.  For an extra $30
    you get the cook book and the Sweating to the Oldies tape #1.  The
    total price was about $125.00.  Hope it works or my hubby will kill
    me!!!  We've been trying not to use any credit cards!!  I'll just make
    sure to pay it off in 3 months time!!  I caught the tail end of his
    show last night.  He was actually interviewing one on one with people
    that had used his Deal-a-Meal plan.  They showed before pictures and
    showed the person after (you could tell it was actually the same
    person).  One lady had weighed 900 lbs and had lost down to 250.  250's
    still alot, but not considering she had weighed 900.  The picture of
    her when she weighed 900 lbs was really amazing.  Richard's own brother
    lost about 70 (I think) lbs. on the plan.  I'm going to try to look at
    it as not a diet, but a way of eating from now on.  I've got to do
    something or I'm going to hit an all time high and I don't want to. 
    Desperation is starting to set in!!
    
    Virginia

    I got my deal-a-meal in the mail Sat. but didn't start on it until
    yest.  I did the Sweatin to the Oldies tape #1 last night and I was
    sweating before I got through with it.  My husband is following the
    plan with me, so that makes it a little easier.  My last day with DEC
    is Friday (I'm a temp) but if I come back I'll check this file again as
    it has really helped me.  
    
    Good luck to all!!
    
    Virginia
    

    I ordered the Deal-A-Meal back in January and have yet to receive it
    but luckily I saw the advertisement again and called the number and got 
    customer service and I should be receiving it in 10 days.  
    
    Anyways, I ordered the $90 package which includes the Deal-A-Meal 
    cards, Sweating to the Oldies #3, 6 motivation tapes, stretching tape
    set to classical music, a cassette tape for when you go walking, a 
    cookbook....I think that is it.
    
    After reading all these replys, I can't wait to receive mine.  
    
    If you are interested in ordering the package, the toll free number
    is:  800-328-8500.
    
    Address is: 16 Industrial Blvd
                Department CS
                Paoli, PA  19301
    
    Customer Service:  (215) 344-0431
    
    
    Congrats to all those out there that have reached success through this 
    program.
    
    
    Jules
    

	It was one of the 'funny' days here in DECland where everything
	was going right. Even on the commute ride home, I was not cut-off 
	in the usual places {I should have know then for sure}.

	I should have known when I pulled into my driveway after
	work yesterday....that *SOMETHING* was different.

	The driveway was empty of cars (I have 2 driving/dating children -
	so there always at least 1-4 cars in my driveway when I get home - 
	{I should have know then for sure})....

	I get to the front door and before I get my key in the lock.
	My wife greets me with a smile........
	dinner is ready...kids are gone....dog is guiet......
	{I should have know then for sure}....

	The other 'strange' item that I notice is that my wife is wearing her
			NEW "Richard Simmons Designer Top". 
	This is the first time that she is wearing it......
	{I should have know then for sure}....

	.......Ok we have *MY* favorite meal.....mid-week.....!!!!

	I get up from the table and start clearing off the table (I am a
	liberated husband and do the dinner dishes). She stops me and says
	that she has a 'FAVOR'.......**** OH BOY - HERE IT COMES ****....
	(items like my mother-in-law is comming for a stay, IRS came by
	 looking for me....etc.....start wafting thru my brain....)

			............NO........................

	It turns out she saw "RICHARD" on the TV and he is going to be in
	TAUNTON (Silver City Mall) Mass. last nite at 7pm....AND SHE WANTS ME 
	TO TAKE HER...........(PERIOD)..................

	Now this is where IT really gets a bit fuzzy......
		we drive 1 hour to the Shopping Mall and enter the 'common'.
		She hands me her coat and joins the waiting crowd.
			(I stay on the edge of the crowd/MOB).
		He came in exactly at 7pm and starts his 30 min show.
			(He calls people up from the crowd to join in).
		My wife bounds up the stairs, RICHARD see that she is wearing
		one of his 'TOPs', he gives her a kiss and says something to
		her. She joins the on-stage-group and they do one exercise.
		As She leaves the stage, they exchange kisses/words and she
		is now 'floating'....

		They announce that HE will be signing autographs....well about
		2 hours later (and still a sizable crowd), it time for the 
		Shopping Mall to close........NOW they are REALLY a MOB now.

		My wife did not get a autographed picture, but did have the
		time of her life. 

		It was not a quiet 1 hour ride home.....8^)........

ray

    What a cute story! Sounds like you two had fun!
    
    hannah

DISCLAIMER:	I/DIGITAL get NO $'s for letting you know about this.

	I have found out that Richard Simmons will be in the New England
	area the end of August. The info is tenative and the time may change 
	but for now here is the info.

		Aug. 30	@7pm	- The Mall at Rockingham park - Salem, NH.
					(Next to the Rockingham race track)
					603-894-4411
		Aug. 31 @7pm	- Square 1 Mall, Rt 1, Saugus, Ma.
					617-233-8787
		Sep.  1 @6pm	- Emerald Square Mall - N. Attleboro, Ma
					508-699-7979

!!!!ONCE AGAIN - Dont shoot the mail man.............ray!!!!

DISCLAIMER:	I/DIGITAL get NO $'s for letting you know about this.

	I have found out that Richard Simmons will be at the
	Silver City Mall in Taunton, Mass.

	Aug. 18 @ 7pm in the 'center court' area of the Mall.

	The info is tenative and the time may change.

!!!!ONCE AGAIN - Dont shoot the mail man.............ray!!!!

    Oh - enough already - my sides hurt!!!  You POOOOOR man!  The very
    sight of Richard on commercials makes me lose my appetite!  But, one
    thing I do have to admire about him (albeit grudgingly) is the way he
    was able to lose so much weight and KEEP IT OFF for so many years!
    
    /th/

	   340lb Gorilla  verses   the Aerobic Muppet

	  It was a nice day in late August when I came home from work. My wife
	made a casual comment about my birthday coming up in a few months.
	She asked me for some suggestions about what I wanted -- so I tossed
	out my typical MR. MACHO answer of "A gift certificate to some place
	with TESTOSTERONE TOYS like Home Depot/HQ/NHD/Sears".

	  Well she seemed satisfied with that answer, so I asked her what
	she wanted for Christmas since her birthday is in February.

	  Well, she made a comment about only having a REALLY BIG 
	desire for one thing.  She adds the "kicker" about it being able 
	to cover Christmas and her birthday.....
	........OK I will bite and asked "Just what is this ONE thing"?

	  Well quicker than greased lightning (I was going to mention 
	something else involving a Goose -- but will keep this story clean), 
	she hands me a large envelope with the big smile 
	  (Her smile could have been on the TV for a toothpaste commercial).

	  I opened the envelope. There was a booklet from Carnival Cruise Lines.
	This is from my wife who DOES NOT LIKE BOATS...big or small...
	...And she wants to take a cruise????? Something does not smell right!!!

	  Also included in the folder was an envelope from Rosenbluth travel.
	I started to read the first page. THAT name appeared on the first line!!
			**** 	RICHARD SIMMONS	*******

	  What she wanted to do is to take a 7 day "Cruise to loose with Richard
	Simmons"......WELL, a smile started to form on my face....WOW a 
	FULL week without hearing something about "HIM" or "QVC" 
	  (I swear that she has "fixed" the TV to only show the QVC channel).

	  The smile on my face was now from ear to ear I said "SURE HONEY",
	if that's what you want for a Christmas  and birthday present, 
	I think we can swing the cost for YOU to have a fun week!!!!!



	
	   Her face now has a half smile and half puzzled expression!!!!
	I figured that she was just shocked that I agreed without much fuss.

		KA_THUMP (The sound of a shoe dropping) !!!!!

	"OH-NO" dear she said sweetly (as if she just chug-a-lugged a quart
	bottle of maple syrup)....WE will have a GREAT TIME.....

		KA_THUMP (The sound of the 'other' shoe dropping) !!!!!

	SAY WHAT "WE"?, I replied! "Of course, I couldn't go alone" she said.


	Well about 10 minutes later, I regained enough oxygen in my system
	that I could carry on a conversation.....She really wanted "US" to go
	on a "Cruise to lose with Richard Simmons".........

	I have been married to this woman for enough years to know that when
	She has made up her mind -- NOTHING short of death will stop her!!!

	Writing THAT check was about as painful to me as CHILDBIRTH!!!!!

	I thought that I could escape and hang out around the pool....
	NO such luck...She had me attend all exercises and activities. 

	The end result was that she lost 6 lbs and I lost 8 lbs.

	I did not toss that "LITTLE AEROBIC MUPPET" overboard -- 
			BUT I WAS TEMPTED!!!!

Ray Shoop III	508-481-6305
98 Bigelow St.
Marlborough, Ma. 01752-1003

		Gorilla verses the Aerobic Muppet - Part 2

	AKA - These are 'MY' thoughts, memories, rantings about ME versus
		Richard Simmons's Cruise to Lose trip on Dec. 3-10, 1995.
	

Facts:
	(YES  I AM SHOUTING)..... I AM NOT A RICHARD SIMMONS FAN.....!!!!
	I WAS ON THIS CRUISE BECAUSE MY WIFE WANTED TO ATTEND AND
	SHE WOULD NOT GO ALONE. IT WAS HER VACATION, NOT MINE...!!!!
	I TOLD MY SON NOT TO BE SURPRISED IF I THREW RICHARD 
	OVERBOARD.!!     ( now back to non-shouting mode. )


Information:
	The key to enjoying this cruise was the Cruise to Lose notebook.
	The Cruise to Lose notebook contained the daily cruise schedule.
	In addition it is crammed with many other 'tidbits' of
	information/stories/useful tips.

		Section 1	Cruise information
		Section 2	Nutrition
		Section 3	Exercise
		Section 4	Project ME
		Section 5 	Optional Session Handouts
		Section 6	Song book
		Section 7	Appendix (Evaluation form, misc. Q&A,
				 Who, What, When, and How

Meetings:
	The first Cruise to Lose meeting was Sunday at 3pm. It was a 'Welcome 
	Aboard' type of party in a small lounge. The larger lounge was where 
	all the exercise classes were held.

	Sunday night was the "Welcome Aboard Orientation" meeting. 
	It included an introduction by Richard about his staff, a short session
	on why "we" were here,  what we wanted to accomplish,  and then
	the dreaded 'weigh-in' (only you know your weight).









Schedule:
	The general format for "At Sea" days
	7:15 am	Rise & Shine with Richard (short Exercise class)
	7:45 am	Breakfast
	9:30 am	Project ME - (Class lessons)
	12:00		Lunch
	1:45 pm	Exercise Class (!@#[email protected] BIG one......!@#$#@!)
	6:00 pm	Dinner
	8:00 pm	Optional class sessions

	The general format for "In Port" days
	7:00 am	Rise & Shine with Richard (short Exercise class)
	7:30 am	Breakfast
	8:00 am	In port activities thru about 6pm when we 'hauled anchor'..
	3:30 pm	Exercise Class (!@#[email protected] BIG one......!@#$#@!)
	6:00 pm	Dinner
	8:00 pm	Optional class sessions

Exercise Class:
	The 'BIG' exercise classes lasted about one hour.  A half hour
	before the BIG class, he would arrive and chat, autograph, etc. with
	the class. HOWEVER once the class began - he was a dedicated 'mad-man'.
	I was quite surprised at his awareness of happenings in class.
	It was as if his body was on auto-pilot doing the exercises while 
	his  mind was out watching the class participation and other things.

	On two occasions, there were 'party crashers' who just came to see what
	was happening. Richard detected them very quickly and was polite but
	firm in asking them to leave the lounge. He was also aware of anyone
	having trouble doing the exercises or medical problems.

	While my wife and I had been doing some exercises for a few weeks prior
	to the cruise - these BIG classes were ......!@#$#@^%$#@!.... H**L....
	I think that it was Wednesday before we were not 'wasted' by exercise 
	class.

	The format of the exercise classes was Richard would be on
	the stage along with about 12 class members. One person would be
	next to him at the front of the stage. As the class/music progressed,
	he would exchange partners from the remaining stage class members.
		(just like his 'Sweating to the Oldies video tapes')
	He did encourage the class members to get on stage at least once.

	The music, lights and exercise levels increased each day, unlike 
	watching the Sweating to the Oldies tapes over and over again.




Time-out:
	Remember at the start of this rambling, I said that I was not a
		Richard Simmons fan?....With that said,
	just imagine having Richard Simmons in my face - telling me that
	he wanted me to be on the stage....or he would slash his wrists.

	...... Well ..I almost bit off my tongue trying to avoid saying
	............ "I would pay extra to see that !!!!"..............

	I glanced at my wife and she gave me "THAT LOOK". Instantly I knew that
	I would be swimming with the sharks if I said anything nasty to Richard.
	....I did look him straight in the eyes and said "NO THANK YOU" .....
end_of_time-out:


Optional Class:
	The 'Optional class' sessions were informative and fun. Only once
	 did I think 'what the !@#$#@! am I doing here'?

Food:
	The food was different in the sense that most choices were baked.
	They did provide "lite" accessories ranging from various salad 
	dressings, margarine, skim-milk, etc. I did not think that there 
	were so many lite/low fat/good tasting substitutes for the real stuff.
	.......Even the deserts tasted like the REAL thing..!!!....

Tours/Activities:
	I will skip any comments about the port tours and activities as they 
	have been posted elsewhere.

	We found with this cruise, we had some free time to enjoy the ship 
	activities. We met several NORMAL folks on the ship. They commented 
	on seeing glimpses of Richard. One woman became a bit rude because 
	Richard did not come to her table and visit. She thought that Richard 
	was part of her entertainment provided by Carnival. My wife let this 
	person know that Richard was with us and not for the whole ship.
		..(about twice the price of a discounted ticket)..

Last Night Meeting:
	Well...it seemed like Saturday night was so far away and then before 
	you know it, Saturday night arrived and it was time to say GOOD BYE.

	There was not a dry eye at the last night meeting. We met so many 
	people that came together not just to have a good time but to find 
	some help with a problem. 




WRAP-UP:

    o	Would we take this cruise again?
	Yes...we are planning to return once we reach our combined goal 
	(to lose the weight of one Richard Simmons).

    o	I am still NOT a Richard Simmons fan...but at least now I am not
	SHOUTING nor have I been so quick to change the TV channel when
	his 'infomercial' hits the screen.

    o	If you want to be near Richard, then take the cruise. He did
	say at the first meeting that WE were the only ones onboard. He
	did not venture around the ship. He did get off at Matzaland to
	shop and visit to a local bar called "Senor Frog's". We won't talk
	about the exercise class antics after the visit to Senor Frog's...

    o	Take all your measurements - you will be surprised at the # of
	inches you lose - more so than number of pounds lost.

    o	They DO NOT allow non-trip guests onboard for Bon Voyage parties.
	In fact (at least in LA), they would not even let them in the building.
	There were three ticket checkpoints before getting to the gangplank.

Ray Shoop Sr.	508-481-6305
98 Bigelow St.
Marlboro, Ma. 01752-1003

PS	DO NOT ORDER CHOCOLATE CAKE FROM ROOM SERVICE AT 3 AM
	You just may be surprised at who will be knocking at your door with 
	the cake.......8^)......

    
    Ray,
    
    Thanks for the info on the cruise.  I'm like you, not a great
    Richard fan and my son absolutely detests him, but I have been
    on Deal-a-meal for 3 weeks and have lost 13 lbs.  I've been
    walking about 2 miles a day and on cold/windy days I do the
    "Sweatin' to the Oldies 2"
    
    I think Deal-A-Meal is just what I've needed.  A concrete reminder
    of what I have eaten.  It works great for me.  This is the first time
    in my life that I have gone three weeks on a diet and not cheated,
    even once!  
    
    I feel great, have lots of energy and am down 1 size already.
    
    I have made the decision to devote 1 entire year to reaching my
    goal of losing 70 lbs.  and I can really see it happening. 
    
    Now, if I can only save enough $ to go on a cruise!
    
    Pam

STANDARD DISCLAIMER:	I/DIGITAL dont get $ for letting you know.

	Richard Simmons is comming to the Pocono's for Mother's day weekend.
	At the Mt. Laural Retreat located at the intersection of 
	I-80 and the North-East Extension of the Pennsy turnpike.

	Currently only Friday (May 10) nite (8:30pm) tickets are available. 
	There is a waiting list for Sat (11am) tickets.

	1-800-458-5921

ray

ps	Richard Simmons will be on QVC on April 18 and 19.

	I came home to find my wife standing at the top of the stairs
	with "THAT TOOTHPASTE COMMERCIAL SMILE FROM EAR TO EAR"...

	.....OH NO - What mall are we going to see Richard at tonite" - I said

	NO.....Just look at THIS as she hand's me a large envelope.
	...."NOT another Cruise-2-lose flyer I hope" escaped from my mouth.

	WELL...I looked at the return address and the is only a PO box
	number and an LA address.....

	Inside was a 8x10 autographed picture of Richard Simmons....(oh-boy)..
	There was a note handwritten on the picure thanking us for the Easter
	card and wonderful newsletter (Gorilla I, II, + cover letter).

	I need to continue working at Digital to support my 
	Richard Simmons groupie wife......
ray 

STANDARD DISCLAIMER:	I/DIGITAL dont get $ for letting you know.

	Richard Simmons is comming to the Pocono's for Mother's day weekend.
	At the Mt. Laural Retreat located at the intersection of 
	I-80 and the North-East Extension of the Pennsy turnpike.

	Rooms and tickets are available. 
	1-800-458-5921
ray

ps	Yes we are going....