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"Every-Day" 21-Day Challenge -- Do it till you're satisfied!!

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#91

texscrapper , 11-06-2008 08:09 AM

Ok gals - I have exercised for the day so I am ready to declare that Day 12 is done! I am adding a new challenge since I'm over the halfway point with this one!

Challenges:
Exercise Daily - 1 pass (used) - 12 Days Complete!
Purge 1 bag of needless junk/clutter from my home (2 passes) 1 Day Complte

So red you have inspired me to begin cleaning this CHAOS that we are in! We have way too much stuff! I am beginning to purge my home - I will either give it away or throw it away if I don't have a "home" for it. Today, I went through my fabric boxes and condensed down to 1 small box. I am bringing the 4 BAGS of fabric to the local quilting ladies at my church - surely they will put it to good use!

I'm hoping that by only "having" to purge 1 bag per day, I won't feel overwhelmed with all the stuff we have. I'll catch up with you guys later today!

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#92

redballoon , 11-06-2008 08:02 PM

rolling right along....
Well, it was a close one last night. I'd left really early in the morning, barely after the sun came up and came home near midnight. No time and no inclination to do some "cleaning." But, I had this challenge and it has NO pauses, so I had to do something. I thought about it before I came home, where can I do something, something that will make a difference, even if small? And I found it and did it! So, I'm clear on Day 6!
Also, for the disgusting reason that I have been bingeing on sugar again, I am starting another challenge and, of course, doing it the hard way. NO PAUSES. Watch me ace it! You bet!
Last night too I had an admirable time on the No Booze challenge. Knew workmates were at a pub nearby and it was on my way home. I even mulled restarting the challenge...can you believe it??!?!? BUT, yet again, I was strong, resolved....acting like somebody I don't know who! I went into the bar, say hi, sat down for a bit, turned down a drink, told 'em I was done for the year and then carried on my way home. Crazy stuff, eh?!?!?!

All in all though, I am actually very depressed and utterly disgusted and despairing with the way my body is going. The bingeing, lack of exercise, not being able to ride as much, it sends me deeper into that ridiculous, yet vicious, cycle of bingeing. Holding on to things like a day without smoking or alcohol is all I have really. Even the room or no sugar, until I return YET AGAIN to the place I can feel a wee bit good about myself I am in grave danger of stuffing my face in what seems to be a perverse action of self-abuse.
That said, here's where I stand....

Sunshine Challenge
Day 6 completed no pauses allowed
No Booze
Day 2 complete no pauses allowed (started Nov. 5)
No Smoking (Started Nov. 5)
Day 2 complete no pauses allowed (started Nov. 5)
No Sugar
Day 0 complete no pauses allowed (started Nov. 7)

Wish me luck. The no sugar is not going to be easy with no booze. Then again, just wait till I add some more challenges. Don't you love these staggered challenges?

**************

tex -- Congrats on Day 12! You are really on a roll! I'm glad I inspired you to clear out clutter. If you can (and you will! ) purge one bag a day I'm sure you'll feel a lot better!!

Arabella -- Sorry to hear about another day in the mire. We are riding the same wave, or should I say, we are both being tossed around underneath that wave. Let's get on the boards and surf!! And you're right, I think the embarrassment factor is a big help for these challenges.

Quix -- Good for you!

mod -- Hope you enjoy the book. I'm afraid it takes an awful lot of honesty and readiness to face the facts and then change the way you're going. I am not good at that. It's something I have to work on. I suppose though just thinking about the things, being aware of what you're doing, means that someday you'll have a good chance of putting yourself on the right path. Sigh. Right now, you know, I'm just too down on myself, really, really down. I have started over so much, allowed myself so much and yet find myself right back in bad ways. The excuses must stop. What's your story, Red? Huh? Go on, tell me another good one today..... That's me and I'm not proud of it. Gotta turn things around!

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#93

Quixotica , 11-06-2008 11:58 PM

Hi Ladies!

I will be incommunicado for a few days but I will check back in on Tuesday night when I get back. We have a cottage in Oregon and I have to go up about once a month to check on it. A beaver keeps building a dam in the culvert in front of the property. If we leave it backed up it could wash out the road. So, one day I will report breaking up a beaver dam as my exercise! It is incredibly hard and cold work! I also have a ten inch stack of papers and tests to grade which I figure will take me about 8-12 hours. But, I always love it there, my husband seldom goes with me so it is like my little doll house, cute and snug and free of the worrisome clutter of a more lived in home. It helps me decompress from my hectic life.

I took one of my pause today, so I am still on day four. With the daylight savings time change my sleep patterns are all out of whack and I am exhausted. I will be going to bed soon.

Tex-congrats on making it to day 12! You are more than halfway done! I really like your new challenge, too! What a great way to slowly, painlessly declutter. I think I will do that, too. Our house is small, so it gets messy so quickly. Just today I was thinking that I should hire someone to clean every once in a while, just a few hours every couple of weeks for those deep cleaning things I never seem to get to.

Red-congrats on making it through the no booze challenge at the pub! My DH really enjoys micro-brew beer and drinks a couple of beers a night. He lost ten pounds over the summer just by cutting out one beer per day! So, good for you! Drinks really pack on the calories.

Arabella-You will get back into the swing of things! I have been in a bit of a lull, especially with the whole constant vigilance about food thing. I just get tired of it all. I have allowed myself a couple of days with a little more carbs cause I was getting discouraged and really hungry for some things like potatoes and more fruit. I have lots of pumpkins from my garden and have been enjoying more of that, too. But, I have avoided bingeing. I haven't had that head achey, overstuffed, sleepy, uncomfortable feeling in a long time now. I am not sure how I managed to avoid it for so long; usually one big stressful event would send me to the fridge. Maybe 3fc is helping in that regard! I am on here chatting instead of eating!

Well, ladies, I will check back in in five days when I get back! hopefully I will be on day nine by then!
Sheri

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#94

miriam101 , 11-07-2008 12:56 AM

Hi Everybody,

I picked up my passport yesterday - what a transportation day - car, buses, trains... Anyway - I have it and now I can go somewhere. Huh. Now how to figure out when and where etc. And of course - find some money for it..

Red - you certainly have piled on a lot of difficult challenges. I can identify with that - I'm kind of an "all or nothing" person myself.

Arabella - hope you're doing better. I ate myself into oblivion yesterday. Grr.

Tex- good for you! And good luck on your additional challenge!

Shari - good luck with the beaver - hope you'll be in fine form when you come back.

As for me - I don't know. Maybe I should do a "don't work so much" challenge. But the I couldn't post my successes because we'd have to disconnect our electricity

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#95

texscrapper , 11-07-2008 07:58 AM

Well ladies, I am still up and at em - exercising away I've been on a purging spree since I posted yesterday which is a good thing because I know as this challenge goes on, it will be a challenge to get that 1 bag purged!

I have completed both challenges for the day and here is where I stand ....

Exercise daily - 1 pause (used) - Day 13
Purge 1 bag of needless junk/clutter from my home - Day 2

Today was an easy purge day for me. My oldest sons school is having a food drive, so I went through the pantry and cabinets and loaded up all of that non perishable tempting "junk food" that has been lying around and packed it off to school with him - I feel like I killed to birds with one stone!

Red - WTG on resisting the drink at the pub! That's the way to look temptation in the face and say no!

Sheri - Have fun at your hide away! The time change is really messing me up too - we've been up extra early every morning, but not getting in bed any earlier I'm hoping to catch up on our sleeping patterns this weekend.

Miriam - You really made me laugh with your no posting/electricity off comment - You can't have that challenge - who would make me laugh in the mornings?

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#96

murdleminal , 11-07-2008 08:20 AM

Hi everyone, today is my first day on this website and the last hour I have spent reading all the posts. I am ready to create my challenges - you will see in a moment you have inspired me.

Challenge #1 - Good walk every day (I push a 90 lb stroller) atleast 30 minutes, no pause days, except no stroller on the weekend
Challenge #2 - Less than 10 cigarettes a day - no pause days
Challenge #3 - No McDonalds - no pause days
Challenge #4 - take one bag of stuff out of my house each and every day - no pause days

Thanks for sharing your stories, and here I go.

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#97

redballoon , 11-07-2008 09:09 AM

murdleminal, Welcome to our humble thread and more humbling challenge!

I am so glad we "inspired" you. And four tough challenges right off the bat. Wow! Way to go!!! tex, look what you started with your "purges!"

Best of luck!!!

Ok, later, people. I gotta get some shut-eye, BUT, as a sneak preview, today was A-OK!

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#98

sassybiscuit , 11-07-2008 10:40 AM

Hi everyone! I’ve been away, but I’m back! I was doing well, but now I have to start over. YUK… I had a rough couple days. I’m so frustrated.

Day 12 – Weight 187, 11077 steps (goal 11,000)

Day 13 – Weight 187, 11089 steps (goal 11,000)

Day 14 – Weight 186, 7704 steps (goal 11,500) – Whoops! Took my pause, darn it! I woke up late and didn’t get on the treadmill. I went to the doctor and he told me I needed to lose more weight. That made me mad and not wanna do anything! I figured I was close enough to take my (1) pause. Pretty much that 20 isn’t enough. Grumble.

Day 15 – Weight 187, 4224 steps (goal 11,500) – DAMN! I got up lazily and didn’t walk. Then, I went to the dentist where they told me I am not done with my gum treatments, but that I also will get my wisdom teeth out on Monday. Afterwards, I went to work. I got stuck in meeting after meeting and didn’t leave work until after midnight. Now I have to start all over. Nothing like a 13 hour workday after a dentist visit. Blech… guess I was wrong about that pause.

So – I’m going to try to get back on track, but I’m not making any new challenges until after I feel OK with the wisdom teeth thing. I don’t know how yucky I’m going to feel. I plan on getting extra steps for the next couple days to make sure I can not get as many on Monday and Tuesday.
I am just so frustrated!

I’ve lost about 20 pounds… not good enough for the doc. I’ve been doing all kinds of dental crap for 2 months and still not good enough for the dentist. I’ve got great teeth… gums aren’t doing so good. Isn’t that stupid? I’m trying. I can’t figure out what I am doing wrong. I’ve never had this problem before. I have no idea whats going on! I would sell my favorite handbag for a cigarette. None of it seems to matter, as my weight just keeps going up. Grumble.

So… I’m brushing, flossing and using a prescribed dental rinse three times a day. I’m trying to watch what I eat and get my steps everyday. I’m trying to drink more water everyday. I’m not smoking. I also work 10 hours a day and am room mom at school and participate on the basketball team for my son.

I CAN’T DO ANYMORE CHANGES NOW. I can’t understand why no one else seems to get that. OMG… I am so overwhelmed. I can’t believe it a surprise to people when I smart off.

I feel like all anyone has to say is something that I could be doing better. Things that I am not doing well enough. Dang! Throw me a bone! I've been doing most of this crap for 6 months.... cut me a damn break.

Thanks for listening all, I already feel better. I’m gonna go chew on carrots even though I would rather dive headfirst into the Halloween candy bowl.

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#99

Arabella , 11-07-2008 03:43 PM

Day 2
And I'm back in the saddle. Yeehaaaaaaw! Ride 'em cowboy! As my DGS likes to say, complete with eye squint, cowboy expression and enthusiastic lariat twirling.

I took a two-pound hit at weigh-in but feel perversely good. I went! No more lies and excuses -- I'm just going to keep doing it till I'm satisfied!

Red, I still get a kick out of the thread subtitle every time I see it. The music starts playing in my head and I feel like dancing. Very motivating.

Re: sugar -- have you tried substituting other sweeteners? I don't know if you've got the same things available there but xylitol is a really good substitute. Tastes like sugar, exactly, except it doesn't have that rank aftertaste. (I guess because it doesn't promote bacterial growth.) When I've had to ween myself off sugar, I've found that having something onhand -- like a sugar-free chocolate bar -- is helpful.

Just be careful not to binge on anything sweetened with a sugar alcohol to avoid GI distress.

Quixotica, I know what you mean about getting tired of the effort. It's nice when we find something to reinvigorate ourselves, though. A few days ago I was sick of it but I'm back!

Time change is getting me a bit too. I've been waking up 4-4:30. But I'm trying to get to bed a little earlier (not like I need coaxing ) to make up for it. This whole thing is so much easier when we're rested.

murdleminal, and good luck!

Tex, you inspire me! My closets desperately need a good purge.

Miriam, yeah, that "paying the bills" thing keeps us going, doesn't it.

K, I've had this message open all day adding bits here and there. to anyone that sneaked in that big window.

Hey, now it's Friday night! Enjoy sensibly, Chicklies!

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#100

redballoon , 11-07-2008 08:23 PM

a full week...
Well, here I am on a rainy Saturday morning. Up and at 'em. I came home late again last night, but, again, thought of what I could do with little time. And, again, did it. It wasn't much, but it IS certainly helping. If I had had pauses I would have used three up by now, but because I don't, yet don't have the time, I do something, even if it's just a little thing and the next morning I look at this strangely clean little area in my room and I am perplexed. What is that? Who did that? And I remember, ah, yes. That, my friends, is how bad I have been. But, I am hoping it is a way out of my depression and resultant lethargy.

Also, again, last night, I went off after work with a workmate on break and while he downed three or four beers, I sipped hot oolong tea. And going to bed I felt strangely clear-headed. Bizarre, eh? He was telling me how it had never occurred to him that you could actually go to a bar and NOT drink. And I told him that I found it incredibly empowering. I hadn't thought it possible till I did it this summer for 38 days. Still, it's going to be tough when I do have parties come up where everyone is looking to get rip rollingly smashed. Ah, well, such is the life with a bunch of crazies.

The no sugar challenge was hard, yet not hard. There were lots of yummies around the office. I took some and stashed them away, which I probably shouldn't do but it makes me feel less ostracized, a self-exile from the world of sugar eaters. This way, I have participated without so to speak.

Sunshine Challenge
Day 7 completed no pauses allowed
No Booze
Day 3 complete no pauses allowed (started Nov. 5)
No Smoking (Started Nov. 5)
Day 3 complete no pauses allowed (started Nov. 5)
No Sugar
Day 1 complete no pauses allowed (started Nov. 7)

**************
Arabella -- A "two-pound hit" but feeling "perversely good?" Wow. You're sounding like me! Glad to hear you're back in the saddle (now I hear the music!) and enjoying the thread subtitle. I hadn't really thought it would be a hit. I usually go with counting themes but broke away this time. Well, you got it till I finish my challenge! As for artificial sweeteners, I stay away from them. Firstly, I don't think they're healthful and, secondly, I want to get away from the sweet yearnings. But, that said, I will allow some chewing gum. What's the time change you speak of? Are you experiencing some sort of time travel over there? No, I guess it's daylight savings time. Japan doesn't have any so I've gotten so away from the concept. By the way, what does DGS stand for (dear godson?)

sassy -- Sorry to hear you're having a hard time of things with your wisdom teeth and gum troubles. I do know how painful and frustrating extensive dental work can be. I've had a lot of it. It sounds like you are still doing a lot of good things for yourself even without another challenge....why do you feel pressured to do another challenge anyhow? You're doing fine with the one you have. Who is pressuring you? Your family? Friends? Yourself? Anyhow, just take some deep breaths, go for a long hot bath and calm down! I for one, and this is a big one, think you're doing FINE!

tex -- Things sound to be going well with you. Keep up that exercise and clutter breaking!

miriam -- Hurrah for the new passport. You can now leave the country on a moment's notice. Let's hope you don't have to unless it's for something fun, like a friend who suddenly says, heh, I've won the lottery, let's book a cruise for next week, all expenses on me! So, are you "unchallenged" at the moment? I guess so, eh? Well, why don't you just pick something light. Just so we can have you in here with us.

Quix -- Have fun at your cottage. That poor beaver. Too bad it wants to build where it's damaging for you. Even with the tests and papers to grade it sounds wonderful being there. I have a friend from here in Oregon and would like to visit some day. I wonder if it's in the area. Oregon is a big state. Never been there before. Anyhow, enjoy yourself!

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#101

Apple Blossom , 11-07-2008 10:28 PM

Hello. It's me again. Queen of the restarts, now Queen of the disappear-for-a-while too.
Still pretty much the same old for me. Been busy with the kids, so I can easily come up with lots of excuses. My husband tells me I am too negative and I am always finding reasons not to do things. He is probably right.
I need to get going here!! I need a and aand aAnd I'm deciding to jump back into it just as I am about to head out of town for a few days. So I need to think of a few things I can do while out of town, and I'll add some stuff when I get back.
I'd like to hope that I can run a mile a day. See? "Like to hope". Too negative. It will be hard. But hotels have treadmills. And a Salad a day. That will be a beginning.
It's good to catch up with everyone. I am especially inspired by the cleaning/un-stuffing aspects of your challenges! I will add one too, when I get back.
OK, here I go!

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#102

redballoon , 11-08-2008 04:22 AM

Apple!! You're BACK!!

Ok, you asked for the sarge and the coach and the kick in the behind and I was really, really tempted to oblige, and then I thought no, I should be nice ... but then I thought, no, what for? So, oh, ok, just a little bit ...

Heh, you and I know, we ALL know that you know what you need to do. I don't know if it's so much "making excuses" (I get this ALL the time) but just not really wanting to do something. I mean, you can "like to hope" to do something..you know, that phrase really cracks me up... "I would like to hope..." It sounds SO noncommittal. I love it! Can I use that at work? Boss: "Will you be in tomorrow? Me: "I would like to hope that I can make it into work tomorrow, but I can't really be sure." You can do all the hoping you like but it ain't gonna get you nowhere, now is it? I also like "It will be hard." Now, here you really crack me up again...(ok, ok, I know I don't have far to go to the edge, but ) ... but, OF COURSE it's going to be hard! That's why it's called a challenge, you silly thang, you!

But no, getting back on track. You know WHAT to do and WHY you should do it, you just don't really WANT to do it. Heck, why should you? Make a list of all the reasons why you should NOT lose weight. Here's a few I can think of that work for me.

I don't really want to lose weight because....

I like never having any clothes to wear.

I like wearing the same things over and over.

I think it makes good fashion sense to stick with the same outfit in different colors.

I enjoy being embarrassed about taking off my clothes in the locker room in front of others. Others find my body inspiring.

I like having a roll around my waist and having everyone see it. It shows I am a wealthy person.

I get pleasure out of my waistband cutting painfully into my middle.

I love the muffin-top look. It's kind of cute.

I like never wearing white, especially in the summer. White just isn't cool like black.

I get a kick out of never being able to wear shorts even when it's sweltering. I don't have to shave my legs that way.

I really like never having to wear a swimsuit.

I look forward to bingeing on sweet things, greasy things and fast food that makes me feel and look gross.

And on and on....

I don't know about you but somewhere about the first reason I start laughing at myself, the pressure lifts and I start actually wanting to do the things I need to do. Perverse. I know.

Well, anyhow, welcome back! and I hope to see you in here lots when you actually do come back!

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#103

redballoon , 11-08-2008 05:23 AM

holding my own...
Ok, it's Saturday evening and I'm having smoking cravings, kind of, drinking cravings, and I don't mean grape juice. Sigh. I'll get through, but tomorrow may be difficult because I'll be at the racetrack again and not having to work, the perfect setup for knocking back pints. Sigh.

So far, today is cool. I even made my green juice (and drank it). The gym didn't happen but I got a LOT of walking in, about two hours, an hour each time.

Later!

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#104

Arabella , 11-08-2008 07:20 AM

Saturday morning
I've got 10 mins. before I've got to out the door and over to the trails so I can get back in time to have my oatmeal and walk to tai chi class. That's my Saturday mornings now. And I guess I like it, other than not getting to linger with as much as I'd like.

Oh, yeah, and another good day down! It's Day 3. I had lunch with a friend yesterday successfully. Tonight I'm going to go out to dinner with DH. Successfully. And tomorrow I'm going to enjoy dinner at SIL's. Successfully. It's funny how sometimes these things loom ahead and make me feel like I'm not going to have the power to stay OP. And other times, I'm stoked and just going to do it.

I'm back down to ticker weight from the Monday-Tuesday catastrophe. Huzzah!!!

Red, sugar alcohols aren't artificial sweeteners. I love my xylitol. I don't eat it often but it's great to have it onhand so I can. At Christmas I bake chocolate cinnamon rolls -- wheatless, sugar-free. And you'd never know it except that you feel well after you eat them...

What's in your green juice? I threaten to make a blend of greens, apple, grapefruit, lemon, ginger, etc. from time to time but haven't done it much. I really should -- SO much nutrition for so few cals. Maybe I will make it today...

Apple, my dove, I think I may have usurped as Queen of Restarts. I'm with Red on that "like to hope" thing Feel your power, woman! Pick something not too hard and then DO IT!!! Hey, never noticed that smiley before. What a useful one!

Sasssaaaayy!!! You did sneak in while I was posting for those six hours or whatever yesterday. You sound stressed, honey -- why don't you just set the goal of taking good care of yourself and taking a few minutes here and there until after the tooth stuff?

Take some nice, deep, slow breaths from time to time. It really helps a lot.

Well, I'm a few mins. over time here so... I'm off! Let's take this day and make it work for us!

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#105

redballoon , 11-08-2008 07:55 AM

Eight out the gate!
Ok, early call on today. It's Saturday night and I'm going to hit the hay pretty soon. All was clear. I was craving a cig and some sugar but held out! Hurrah!

Sunshine Challenge
Day 8 completed no pauses allowed
No Booze
Day 4 complete no pauses allowed (started Nov. 5)
No Smoking (Started Nov. 5)
Day 4 complete no pauses allowed (started Nov. 5)
No Sugar
Day 2 complete no pauses allowed (started Nov. 7)

**************

Arabella -- Ok, clear on the xylitol. Will have to try some. Don't think I can get it here. Well, maybe. I'll look. All the gum here has it now. Unfortunately, it also has Aspartame, which I refuse to eat in any sort of quantity. The cinnamon rolls sound wonderful. Yes, it's all about how you feel AFTER, isn't it? In so many ways! With so many things. My green juice? Tonight it was half a bunch of spinach, half a bunch of komatsuna (like spinach, more bitter), a chunk of fresh ginger root, half a lemon, a stalk of celery ...that all went in the juicer. Then a banana and soymilk with vanilla essence in the blender. Then the whole thing mixed together. It was a bit too bitter tonight but I got it down!
"Apple, my dove!" I don't think I've heard anyone call someone a dove recently. I love it! I'm going to use it too! I want someone to call me a dove!
Your Saturday mornings sound wonderful. I am jealous! Good luck on the dinners. I think the best thing is planning just how they are going to pan out and that way you don't have to make any "choices" that may suddenly surprise you. For me, they would now be like, "Do I stick to my no booze challenge or do I have four or five pints or not tonight?" or "How about I smoke a pack of cigarettes while I'm at it or do I notch another day on the no smoking challenge?" Hmmm... "That box of looks like it would hit the spot. Do I really need the no sugar challenge?" If questions like those sneak up on me during the evening I am very weak. So, I do some image training and don't allow myself to pose them at ALL!
But, you, Arabella, sound like you're on a roll today! Best of luck!

Ok, gotta run! Good night!

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