[onthetee]

I am back! I went to my sweat this weekend, which was awesome. Not awesome was having all of my diesel fuel freeze in the -30 windchill and having to stay in Ottawa IL for an extra day with NO books, NO food, NO laptop and watching all my friends drive home to their families while I had to stay there sad and alone at the Holiday Inn Express. Good times, good times.

I posted a gain this week, but I was not near a scale. I had to weigh in last night after eating off plan this weekend, but next week should be good. I have my first treatment with the doc today, so hopefully that will start things moving in the right direction. Plus, now I am home and can start running again, even if I have to do it on the treadmill at the gym.

[dixied]

QOTD: If you could change one thing about the TBL challenge, what would it be? Also, how do you think we should deal with no participating chat members?

They should be shot, drawn and quartered. Just kidding! I actually don't have a opinion one way or another. I cherish those of you who do post regularly, and I try to post as often as I can, but I rarely get to do personals, and I'm usually not around much on weekends. Does that mean I'm not giving the challenge 100%? No.

Theresa - I agree with Rhonda, you are not someone who doesn't post.

Karen - I like your new glasses.

Dionne - Don't you just love the weather we've had for the last couple of days? There's supposed to be another storm in the Gulf though, I hope your DH doesn't get caught up in in when he flies out.

Krispie - My dad died of a heart attack at 53 too, it was truly a wake up call to take better care of myself. I hope your friend finds some peace.

Chellez - I'm sorry that we frustrate you. Please know that we really do appreciate your work on this challenge. If it wasn't for the challenge I would probably have said heck with it this week and binged. Now I know that getting stuck at 172ish is a normal occurance and I'll wait it out.

Ginger, Selina - I hope you both feel better.

Victoria - Roommates suck.

Marianne - I'm going to have to go dig up some old pictures to remind myself of what I'm doing this for.

Jordan, SCgirl - Thanks for telling me you were stuck here too. It would have been so easy to give in to temptation and just give up.

I know I've missed some of you, but I need to get to work.

[mcbender99]

I'm not sure if the comment on not posting a lot was for me or not...either way, I just wanted to post that I got my measurements done finally. I'm down 1" in the bust, 1.5" in the waist and 3" in the hips! So, my numbers arent changing much, but I'm losing regardless. So, if I can be a size 10 and still weigh 240, then so be it!

[Soon2BFitChick]

Chelle, I ditto Rhonda! I love the challenges, the people I've met who are wonderful support, everything about TBL. Can't think of anything I'd change right now.

About ppl who don't chat.. not sure what to do, if anything. You may just have to let it all come out in the wash. Usually non chatting team members who post several gains eventually choose not to stay on their own. You may just be adding to your stress for no reason that can be solved. Wish I had more words of wisdom for you.

[Tina30]

Your funny Chellez...I wish I was a little pixie! After 3 kids though A LOT of toning need to be done! I'm sorry about the whole non-particapting thing that's happening. I know how much work you put into this, and it's really just plain rude if ya ask me. I say if you haven't posted since this challenge started your out...there is just no excuse for that. I also think next time around maybe with the freebies they need to include that if you don't chat at least once a week you get two freebies and then like with the weight freebies your out. I don't know how hard that would be to keep up with though. It's just a shame that people aren't taking advantage of the support this challenge offers. Hang in there hun...

[GirlyGirlSebas]

Originally Posted by chellez

One of the big things that was brought to my attention prior to this QOTD and some members of the Black Team are affirming is that some people that are regular challenge participants don't feel as motivated because they are not on the team that they wanted to be on. This is mainly because of attachments to team leaders and other friends they've made in past challenges. I'm just curious to know if anyone on the Blue Team feels the same. Should we work on placing returning participants on preferred teams next challenge?

I strongly disagree with putting everyone back on the same teams. That would just be a continuation of the previous challenge and would be a disadvantage to new people. Have you ever tried to fit into a clique? Not so easy. Personally, I will always be 100% committed to my team no matter who is on it or who leads it (although, Chellez is a pretty awesome leader!) Both teams that I've been on have had their own unique personality and I've loved both of them. I like changing things up. It keeps me from becoming stale and unmotivated. Plus, look at the great new weight loss buddies I make each time. And, its not like we are totally removed from our old friends. I jump on the black and red teams threads each day...and,I've even been known to post something on the other threads, too! And, those of us who stick through this to the end might end up on one big thread during the last couple of weeks of the challenge and during challenge "hiatus." So, its all good in my book.

[krjpy]

Originally Posted by chellez

QOTD: If you could change one thing about the TBL challenge, what would it be? Also, how do you think we should deal with no participating chat members?

I think that maybe next time, since we do a QOTD, each person could be assigned a day for the challenge to present their question (not that I have provided one, but 1 is always up by the time I get on the thread). I think that the 3 strikes and your out should be your out after 2 missed. 1 can be expected ... things happen, but this is not that long of a period that you can't give us a number each week.

I am a little on the hard line side of the 2nd part of this question. I was very saddened by the Blue Team's number this week, especially since I saw the numbers that people with loses were turning in. You have to participate ... period. If you are not participating ... why are you here? Talk to us. Ask a question ... I have (not a QOTD, but I have asked other questions). Complain about something ... I have ... even if it is just a lousy day. Let us know you are out there.

I have an old T-Shirt that has a football player who looks like he has severely roughed up walking away. It says, "Play Hard, Play Rough, or Take Your Ball and Go Home." That's what we came here for right, to work hard to succeed, because the end result is MUCH more than the outcome of any game or challenge. It's the rest of our lives.

[krjpy]

Originally Posted by kgood2005

Sorry I deleted the last post with both pictures. I suddenly got paranoid I shouldn't be asking. (Like I said TOM). Not much self esteem. These are my new glasses. My last pair were metal framed so I'm trying to get used to them. I like them. But I feel like a fraud trying to be stylish.

I love the glasses. You do look stylish.

[Soon2BFitChick]

I agree. The glasses on you are just too cute!

And yep, play hard or go home. But even if you don't wanna play hard, play some at least. Anyhoo, I think whatever team you are put on that you should just jump headfirst into that team and make it your own and help all the newbies feel welcome and help to make it fun and add to it's appeal, not complain about it!! Where is the teamwork? Where are the 'support' groups we thought we had in these teams? I know you all can do better and don't do it because we all think you should, do it because it's YOUR team and don't you want to take care of it? It's like your family and your home. Put some effort into it and spice up things if it's not flowing smoothly at the moment. Be a peacekeeper on your team, help mediate problems that might arise. But don't just give up. To me, that's simply not an option. (This isn't directed at everyone, please understand. Whomever it hits home with, that's who needed to read it.)

Hugs to each of you, Selina

[practiceliving]

Okay, I found the scale... NOT GOOD! After yesterday's little picture wake-up-call and this morning's scale reading, my dedication and motivation are back. I'm going to start calorie counting again, at least loosely. Being TOO strict about it makes me MENTAL, but I know it works for me, so I'm going to try to be more balanced about it this go 'round.

QOTD: If you could change one thing about the TBL challenge, what would it be? Also, how do you think we should deal with no participating chat members?
What would I change? During sign-ups I would have a rule that says no to people below a certain post count (maybe 25? 50?) to prevent drop-outs from people who join 3FC in a huge blur of excitement (esp. in January!), and then NEVER post or weigh-in.

As for how to deal with people who don't participate, I like the idea of minimum one post/week, although I'm worried about how much work that would be for Chelle, Julz and Melissa.

Kelly - Love the "Play Hard, Play Rough, or Take Your Ball and Go Home." mantra - maybe that should be our Blue Team mantra for the next week or two?

Rhonda - Happy birthday to your daughter! I think you should let Rhonda-the-drill-sergeant out more often, too.

Tina - Hey lady! Nice to see your name pop up in here! I keep meaning to pop into the other threads to say hi, and then I get side-tracked. Bad me!

Brenda - Congratulations on losing inches! Sounds like you are making good progress!

Dee - "They should be shot, drawn and quartered." I definitely recommend the old pictures, both bad and good - it's completely rebooted my thinking this week!

Anna - Oh my gosh, -30 windchill? Glad your sweat went well!

Dionne - I think it's great that the chats are helping you! Also, don't stress if all you have time to do is pop in and post. Like you said, we can all benefit from each others experiences!

Chelle - I think you're right that we have to tread VERY carefully with the tough love... it's SO hard to know how people mean/interpret things on the internet, and I'd hate to see drama coming out of misinterpretations. That said, I think we can safely commiserate AND say "okay, what are you going to change now?" It would be hard to begrudge anyone who said that, y'know?

Also, I think that if people are annoyed about not being with the same team as last challenge, they need to put their big girl panties on and deal with it, as harsh as that might sound. As Rhonda said, it's an opportunity to make MORE WL buddies, and it's not like we're barred from popping into each other's chats!

Karen - Those glasses are cute! It's so weird adjusting to new frames, eh? My most recent pair are awesome and I love them, but it took forever for me to get used to them. for the pre-preg weight! What an achievement!

Theresa - Congrats on going down TWO pants sizes! I'm sorry you feel like people are skipping your posts! I get a TON out of reading everyone's posts, even if I don't respond to all of them - it's the comfort and support of knowing that there are people who understand, who are sharing the same highs and lows I am... basically knowing that I'm NOT alone and I'm NOT crazy! Also - I really appreciate your openness and honesty about your experience with the challenge.

Erin - I like the idea that you and others have put forward about having "freebie" weeks for posting AND weigh-ins!

Kristen - Oh gosh, how awful about your friend's hubby. Thanks for the reminder to be grateful for the little things and keep working on our health!

Ashley - Ugh, I do NOT miss the days of weird roommates! I can definitely empathise. Try not to let them get to you - just keep living your life the way you want it!

Nori - I think that learning to stay OP amid stress is a HUGE victory, especially if you are in a comfortable lifestyle and still losing!

ginger - I hope you feel better soon! Lots of tea and sleep for you, and good call on checking with the doctor.

Selina - Congrats on being almost halfway through your year OP! Thanks for the reminder to be patient - success takes time.

[practiceliving]

Oh and one more thing...

Okay, so we sucked on the weight loss this week. BUT - we can celebrate a success still - we've lost the fewest team members by a lot. We're retaining members, even if we're not losing, and I think that's important!

That said... do we want to set a goal for team loss this week (and maybe every week!)? 40lbs? 50? 60?

[krjpy]

Originally Posted by practiceliving

Oh and one more thing...

Okay, so we sucked on the weight loss this week. BUT - we can celebrate a success still - we've lost the fewest team members by a lot. We're retaining members, even if we're not losing, and I think that's important!

That said... do we want to set a goal for team loss this week (and maybe every week!)? 40lbs? 50? 60?

I like this idea. Even if it is just 1 lb a person average. Some will lose more and some may lose less, but I think that most everyone can work toward 1 lb each week (of course I say that now, but I WI tomorrow).

I think we could probably all agree to a total team goal each week that amounts to 1 lb each (so if we have 30 people left then 30lbs)

I really do like this idea, practiceliving you are so smart

[krjpy]

Anybody up for a big workout during TBL tonight?

[scgirl32]

Related to the QOTD: Recently, I read an article where a doctor followed a group of "New Year's Dieters" for a year. At the beginning of the year, the men on average said that they expected to lose 2-3 pounds a week. The women said they expected to lose 3-5 pounds a week. Naturally, after three weeks, the vast majority of these people were disappointed that they didn't live up to their (unrealistic) expectations. So they quit.

To be honest, I think if the challenge started in March or April (instead of at the beginning of the year), you'd see a smaller number of initial registrants and maybe fewer dropouts...

[zinkemomx2]

practiceliving - I need to thank you. I was catching up on you blog the other night and something you said stuck out to me. You were talking about making things a habit and how you have to do it every day. That resonated so true with me. I have been trying to get into the habit of exercising every morning before people get up. That will be much easier when DH goes back to work but that is still NO excuse. I was also using my day of work as an excuse. I have to get myself ready and both kids up, dressed and fed and out of the house before 8:15. They typically don't even wake up until 8 most mornings. I decided though that I CAN at least do a 1 mile WATP. That only takes 20 minutes.

My new goal is exercise daily. NO EXCUSES!!!

QOTD: I now that I am another one that doesn't post a whole lot. I do read everything though and I have learned a LOT here. I know that the other board I used to frequent ended up starting a minimum posts rule to join exchanges. I don't see any reason why we couldn't do that with the posts for the challenges. Say 50 posts and a member for X amount months.

I am also tweaking my calories a bit. There is no reasonable explanation for my gain this week. My 7 day average calories are considerably lower than they were three weeks ago. Little changes are what got the last 30 pounds off this last year though. I'm getting there.