Saturday I went to Tampa for the weigh in at the Discovery Store at Tampa's International Mall. It was part of the National Body Weight Challenge.

We went early, an hour before the store was due to open at 10 AM. Much to our surprise hundreds of people were already in line. As I later found out, some had been there since 6 AM. Amazing! Hundreds standing in line 4 hours early, not to get tickets for a concert, game or show but to weigh-in and start a weight loss program.

Statistics say 65% of Americans are overweight. As I waited and saw the line grow and serpentine behind me growing ever longer, I thought 65% of the Tampa Bay area must surely have turned out on this unseasonably cold, windy day.

The kind lady in front of us offered to share her pack of gum (sugar free of course). As we chewed it became clear that we were part of an event. People were all talking and being patient as they waited their turn. It was fun. Strangers were becoming acquainted, sharing diets they have known - diets they've blown.

I was surprised to hear a Mom just ahead of me in line tell her children not to swallow their gum. Why? I wondered outloud. Turns out that if you swallow gum it doesn't digest. I never knew that. I have always swallowed gum. It made me laugh to think maybe I didn't need to lose weight I need to have gum removal surgery! My ignorance, became the subject of conversation. "Don't you watch the Discovery Channel," one asked? "Didn't your Mom ever warn you," another inquired? Nope, this was a first for me. You never know when or where you may learn something new.

At 12:30 it was our turn to weigh-in. We were number 374 and 375. It was disappointing to discover that they only had 250 weight loss kits. Good news they will mail it to us. In the meantime it is up to ME to modify my lifestyle to accommodate a healthier lifestyle. My biggest challenge is time management. Long work hours and travel have been my excuse. Time to make myself a priority and find a way. Not easy but necessary (smile).

Wish me luck and in the meantime remember: Don't swallow your gum!

By the way, when the gum lost its flavor, I spit it out (smile).