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!

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!

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