So did we all have a nice time? And did we all behave? And did we all shed a few tears because it's all over for another 364 days? It seems some of you did. Big CONGRATULATIONS to all those who managed to stay on the wagon. Madcat on my other thread is proposing an Eat Clean Week this week and I shall join her, just to get me back in the swing. More challenges to come after the weekend and new year is over.

I had a nice time in Adelaide. Met so many people it took some time to sort out the various relationships. I sat with Tullah - DS1's g/f Mum and she was talking to everyone - Greek to the SIL's mother, Italian to the woman across the table and English to me. All in the same breath. Every one else talked at once as well, I guess it saved time. The tables groaned with every type of delicacy imaginable. Steak, sausage, chicken kebabs, greek salad, pork, prawns, pasta salad, coleslaw (all with cream based sauces and heavy on the garlic). The prawns had a side dressing of cream, garlic, tomato, brandy. Then there was Almond Torte, Pavlova, Baklava, fruit, cheese, biscuits and of course the drink. Anything from soda to scotch with Retsina, brandy, wine etc in between. And that was just dinner! Supper was yet to follow.
At given times, some one would come out and say have you finished with that cheese platter? and take it away and come out with another, and another. Different cheeses - how can I tempt the palate??? The fruit platter got replenished and we were urged to eat the pav and torte because there is more in the fridge! I think we need a smilie of a stuffed Shad about here. Very nice, very hospitable.
It was a joy to see the DS1 and see where and how he lives. Actually I am not quite sure that this is my kid? He is so neat and tidy! He really does look after his things. Doesn't have a huge amount of stuff, but it is all good stuff - as I would have expected from him.
I got to meet his new ladyfriend and the 20 or so of her immediate family. Let's see there was Tullah the mother, 3 sisters of the G/F, three husbands, at least 2 kids each, one of the husbands Mother and Father, and the sister of the husband, plus her DH. It took a while to work out which sister was attached to which husband and I never worked out the relationship of most of the kids. I'm sure there was more than 6 - or maybe it just seemed that way. That was through dinner and the evening. Others came and went and sometimes I couldn't even tell the difference. The DS1 is happily accepted there and they think he is a wonderful 'boy'. I did like the girlfriend. She is a very bubbly and extroverted lady but has her head screwed on fairly sensibly. He could do a lot worse.

Yesterday early, I went for a run around the neighbourhood. It was pleasant and not too hot. I'd worked up a good sweat when I got back. Later, I took the G/F, Mother and DS1 out to lunch and then we wandered around the city of Adelaide and the botancial gardens until it was time for the plane.

So here I am back in my quiet little space. Well it would be quiet if the cat ever shut up. There are times I swear!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, that's more or less the Christmas tale done for this year. Way past time that I should be dressed and doing something.

As big Arnie said - I'll be back.

day 20>>> calories 1120

Have taken up Curly's challenge, and done 15 very gentle minutes on Zel while watching Phil. Amusing tha it was about people who are always right - I kept expecting to see my SM appear on the screen. Am now considering Shad's Eat Clean week - must read the thread to get the whole concept, but I'm hoping it can wait until tomorrow.

Mine starts tomorrow as well Carla, so we will be eating clean together. I'm now about to plan out some menus for the rest of the week. I'm hoping that that will keep me from the fridge during the day.

It's crazy, I know, but I started two new 21-day challenges today... :dizzy:

Running challenge, level 2 - starting at 10 mins on Day 1 and increasing by 30 sec each day (though I reserve the right not to increase on a day when conditions are not favourable, be it health or weather). I did just over 10 mins tonight.

The other challenge is a level 3 one. It involves no sweets AND at least 10 min on the stationary bike each day, and cannot be split into two.

Day 1 is complete for both! :)

Ok, so many of us are back and as I can see a did great during their time away and are back in the swing of things. I waited and not sure for what, perhaps for the rain to start banging...anyway.

A (will make a Level 3): 3 bottles of water daily
B (Level 3, no food less than 3 hours before bed time and w/o activity. So if I eat at 7:30 and seat doing nothing till 10:30 - it does not count. I must be doing something more useful than sitting at my laptop the entire time, be anything even washing dishes. What I am trying to do, I want to control my time and other aspects of my life)
C (Level 3, any kind of serious activity. Either 1 h gym or walking and such for a prolonged amount of time)

How did I do today?
A(3) H2O - DAY 0 (Dec. 26)
B(3) food - Day 0 (Dec. 26)
C(3) excersize - Day 1 (Dec. 26) Walked for over 3 hours with 1 sitting down at Ikea. Results: Bought NOTHING. Why? not sure, but a friend who planned to get nothing, got 50 bucks worth... ;-o ;-)

I am eager to go to the gym tomorrow and begin again. I missed being respected and cheered.... seriously it is sort of selfish but it is true....

p.s. Shad loved your story about your trip.

another day notched!!
 

Ok, all. Day 10 is done for both challenges! Plan to be up early tomorrow and get to the gym before work for a run and do my crunches early. That's the plan.

CB - "I missed being respected and cheered" :lol: That is too funny. I think you're still respected...yes, we can only do cheering when you impress us. Get in that gym and impress us! :strong: Great going on that walking! I'm not clear on the no food challenge. :?: Are you saying you CAN eat if you do something other than just sit around? Or are you saying you can never eat after 730 AND you must do something other than sit around? :chin:

Sushi -- Heh, nothing crazy about new challenges! You rock! :dizzy: Ok, right reserved, but BE CAREFUL! you don't get lazy and use that as an excuse. Wow! another exercise and no sweet challenge that "cannot be split." Now, that is a toughie! Good luck! :goodluck:

Shad -- Happy planning! No tears for me on Xmas. Just a couple beers after the race AND I was proud to say I could understand a LOT of the jockey's comment. He was speaking French. I studied so much French but never really used it so I can't speak. Would love to spend a few months in France and really get it to be an active knowledge. Your stay in Adelaide sounds great. Glad your son looked well and glad you liked the girlfriend. Wow, what a spread they had there!! :eek:

carla -- Good for you for getting on the Zel. :sunny:

curly -- Excellent! :cp:

Everyone else!? Where are you!? :listen: Come back soon, even for just a shout. The sooner you start back the sooner you can reach your goals! or at least stay in practice with a bit of discipline. It doesn't have to be about food. Fish, vanessa, IDGRL, chaigirl, Phys, marb, Apple, derry, you all doing OK?! trixie, alte, minaaa, you ever going to join us again?

:comp:

ugggh back to work today.... well on the bright side today will be day 21 for me!!!!!

time to think up a new challenge!

I am back to day 1 again:( I did not do very well over the weekend. I actually did fairly well Saturday (christmas eve) - I exercised, but ate and drank probably around 2000 calories. But Christmas and Monday were just horrible. (I did work out Monday as well, but did not on Christmas). Yesterday I finally went upstairs to lay down around 8:30 just so that I would stop eating. I am being a baby right now and refusing to move my ticker up. Although if I am still heavier after this week I will go ahead and change it. I am hoping the gain is just from too much salt/booze and not enough water/veggies.

It sounds as if everyone else managed to control themselves over the holiday and have a happy christmas, evil in-laws notwithstanding! Congrats to all who finished challenges!!!!

No desserts/treats- day 10

Stealth start- 100 oz of water daily level 1 challenge yesterday was day 1

Ok, I'm back!
I have internet access only at work, so that explains the dissapearance.
I had a WONDEFUL holiday with my boyfriend's family! It was relaxing and warm-hearted and just, well, nice!
It was nice to read about everyone's holiday successes (and I felt lots of support for those who strayed from their plans!). These images are sure to help me stay focused and get done what I need to.
Staying on plan, however, was not nice. The good part is that I don't stress out about it. I have a weight gain, but I know it won't be long before it's gone.

So it's time for a new challenge, as I screwed it all up and didn't do pilates ONCE over the break.

NEW CHALLENGE: 30 minutes of workin' out and exercise each day. This can include: pilates, weight lifting, using my new gym ball, running, biking, or anything done INTENTIONALLY to fulfill this requirement. (So, a walk for health will count, but a walk because I forgot my book in the coffeeshop and had to go back and get it doesn't count. Lifting weights will count, but moving boxes around at work does not.)
I'm hoping to increase my intentional exercise, since I already do a lot of the parking far away and using stairs instead of the elevator thing.

Red,
Here is the clarification on the food challenge:
Food should take place 3 or more hours before I go to bed. Yet, to wait out the time, since I ate and before I go to sleep I'd like to be more proactive - i.e. do somethings around the house or go for a walk or to the store. Anything to spend majority of time away from the couch and laptop.
Anyway it's noon and I slept in today. Time to go make lunch - salmon, and then head to the gym.
Have a nice day guys.

:cheer: DAY 21 :cheer: calories= 1115

hmmmm a new challenge...lemme think...

Curly! Curly! Curly! Curly!

You Rock!

:bravo: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :bravo:

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! for curly!!!
 

Congratulations curly!!! :cp: :woo: :encore: :woo: :cp:

And carla, your congrats are GREAT!! :lol3: