[CyndiM]

everyone! It's bitter cold and clear here. It looks lovely from inside, which is where I plan to stay!

Well, I made it through last night and didn't use any of my pauses! Not sure how that happened except there wasn't anything chocolate or grainy and appealing. Actually there wasn't much appealing on the buffet. I ended up happily eating raw veggies and pineapple chunks. I did have one shot of Bailey's on the rocks, worth every calorie, then switched to seltzer. All in all I wish I'd been home with healthy snacks and a bottle of good wine, but it was fun to be with our friends. We agreed that next year should be a Lord of the Rings marathon and the previously mentioned good bottle of wine

Challenges:

• Chocolate Challenge, Rnd 2 - No solid chocolate, 3 serving sized pauses. First challenge completed 12/20. 4/21
• Grain Challenge - Limit of 3 grain servings per day, 1 pause for New Year's Eve (didn't use it - had 2 servings of rice during the day, no grain in the evening). 5/21
• Exercise challenge, Rnd 2 - yoga, weights or stretches every day (cardio is assumed). 1 pause. First round completed 12/22. 4/21
• Journal Challenge, Rnd 2 - Journal everything that goes into my mouth,no pauses. First round completed 12/27 . 4/21

Tech - I am so with you on the stretching. I forget all the time then wonder why everything is tight and achy! Hope chemo went as well as it could.

Sunni Accidents happen to the most careful of us. The most important thing is that you are okay. It must be tough living in a house with lots of temptations. Can you store your food in a separate spot or ask others to keep the stuff you are avoiding somewhere you don't usually go? Even separate cupboards might help.

Mod - A woman after my own heart We are plotting a trip to the tattoo artist soon to get touch-ups and add-ons. Getting healthy and looking great is the best way to surprise other people. I still like running into people I haven't seen in awhile. I also like that some people don't recognize me so I can get through the Co-op faster I hope this year is hopeful and happy and positive for you friend.

Red - 56 days is great and way to go with the cigs. I know it was always harder to not smoke when I had a drink. That picture is gorgeous. Did you take it?

Well it's a very slow start this morning but time to get my To Do list in order and get to do'ing!

[redballoon]

Good morning, all. It's Friday here and I'm late for work. I confess to an allout binge yesterday after I tried to get to the gym and work out, but failed due to severe abdominal cramps. The day before, too, I had all my gear, took it to work, planning to go to the gym nearby and was stopped by a headache that wouldn't be conquered, even by aspirin, which I rarely take. (Sigh) Well, it was frustration beyond my limits and I caved. I really did NOT enjoy the binge and today am horribly bloated. So, when most people are out making resolutions and starting their fitness programs, I was ruining mine. Oh well, I always say I am a contrary type of person.
Up and at 'em again today. I am totally disgusted with myself though.....
Cyndi, I didn't take the photo. That's the first sunrise over Mt. Fuji. It's a tradition to go watch it, the first sunrise anywhere actually and this year it was beautiful I hear. I've spent entire nights out near the beach hoping to see the sunrise and then had nothing because it was cloudy.
Everyone else, a big hello and best of luck!

[Apple Blossom]

Happy New Year everyone!
Thought I'd check in on you all and see if any interesting New Years Resolutions have been posted. Looks kind of quiet here though.
Don't worry Red, just get yourself back on track! You've been doing so well!
Hope things quiet down for you, Miriam!
Hi Cyndi, Sunni &Tech! I don't know you guys yet, but I look forward to sharing our successes together. And hi modcat!
I'll post some challenges soon. I have my brother's wedding to attend in June and I want to look good! Plus my problem of having no clothes that fit still looms large and I've promised to buy only necessities this month. (no new clothes!) See you soon!

[redballoon]

Ok, people, things are not looking good. This is the worst start to a new year I've had in a long time. But, well, it was probably the best END to an old year (as far as eating/drinking/exercise was concerned) EVER. So, I'm not going to sweat it.
Today is the riding club party and I will probably have to drink. Yeah, yeah, never HAVE to, but will, even though I'd rather not considering health and all, but considering socializing and the fact that I friggin' need to relax occasionally!!! (don't you love the rationalization?) I am going to leave now and go to the party. It includes the traditional Japanese tradition of pounding rice cakes. I may miss that part actually if I don't hurry! I made brownies and have a bottle of wine as my contribution. But most of all, most of all, I want to see my horse!!!
No Booze
Day 16 complete 1 pause taken --longest streak 56 days Nov. 5 to Dec. 31
No Smoking (Started Nov. 5)
Day 17/59 complete no pauses allowed (started Dec. 17) second round completed Dec. 16
No Sugar
postponed -- longest streak 48 days (to Dec. 25)
Write-it-down Challenge
Day 11/52 no pauses allowed, second round completed Dec. 22

Pictures of rice pounding (mochi tsuki). One person hammers the hot sticky mass of rice and the other one jumps in and forms it again. You have to work up a good rhythm and be careful not to get hit! Here are some pics off the Web....

[CyndiM]

Hello Challenge Chicks

My Challenges:

* Chocolate Challenge, Rnd 2 - No solid chocolate, 1/3 serving sized pauses. First challenge completed 12/20. 6/21 - used 1 pause today and stuck to 2 squares of very dark chocolate, then I stopped big victory for me.
* Grain Challenge - Limit of 3 grain servings per day, 1 pause for New Year's Eve - Oops, used that pause today with 4 grain servings. It will be interesting to see how I feel tomorrow.7/21
* Exercise challenge, Rnd 2 - yoga, weights or stretches every day (cardio is assumed). 1 pause USED. First round completed 12/22. Used the pause Thursday night when I fell asleep the minute I hit the pillow and didn't do any stretches! 6/21
* Journal Challenge, Rnd 2 - Journal everything that goes into my mouth,no pauses. First round completed 12/27 . I'm experimenting with Calorie King but think I will stick with FitDay. I want to know how many calories I ate, not how many minus exercise. 7/21

It's been busy as usual around here. I've decided to try the Couch to 5 K program again and see if my knees are stronger. I've done a couple of days and so far my knees are holding up. I hope I can do it this time because I'd really like to add treadmill running to my winter repertoire. There have been conversations about holding a half hour workout time in the conference room in our bldg three days a week. I'm hoping it happens because it will actually give me a little free time at night.

Red - Thanks for the pictures! I love hearing about things like that. So how was the party? And now that it's over are you back on track? I really think we have to decide what times and events we will let ourselves go a little. Otherwise it's hard to make it through a lifetime. This has to be a livable way of life. You've done great the last few months and I know you will be back on track when you are ready. And you've got a cheering section waiting for you

Apple - It's nice to meet you

I'm going to do a little yoga and see if that helps make my aches go away. Tomorrow we're off on a drive again looking for a bird.

to all my busy friends

[redballoon]

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