Here we go, everybody--making that last push for Christmas! I hope that you're all holding up well. Certainly sounds that way---I really enjoy getting a window into your lives from your posts; I consider it one of my daily pleasures.

For myself, it appears that I've only been able to maintain this holiday, haven't lost any weight but that's okay 'cause I have all kinds of juicy New Year's resolutions dancing in my head! Maybe I'll make a formal declaration the day after Christmas. :D

Enjoy the holiday and keep drinking that water!!!!:lol:

Well, since I won't have any free time after this morning, I will conclude this challenge. I vowed to get my 41 1/2" waist down 2 inches. Guess what, I did it! It said 39 1/2"!!! I can't believe it. I was planned to tell you I failed! But I didn't. I enjoyed reading about all your adventures. I will probably be off line for a bit as I move into my own house sometime in the next week and then I have to get a cable modem put it, but I will catch up with you all sometime in the month of January! Happy Holidays everyone!!! ~flower

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!!!
 

HELLO, AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY WEIGHT LOSS FRIENDS. I'D LIKE TO KEEP THIS POST OPEN FOR JUST SAYING HOW THANKFUL I AM T EACH ONE OF YOU . I AM GLAD I WAS SURFING THE COMPUTER ONE DAY AND FOUND THE 3 FAT CHICKS FORUM. IT HAS BEEN A LIFE SAVER TO ME TO BE ABLE TO VENT HERE A LITTLE BIT, AND IN RETURN GET SO MUCH ADCVICE AND LOVE AND CARING BACK, I DO APPRECIATE THAT .

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A VERY SUCCESFUL YEAR, AND A HEALHY ONE. AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU . MY SON IS HERE AND HE SAYS YOU ALL DESERVE CHOCOLATES!!!!!! DONT KNOW WHERE THAT CAME FAROM , DONT BLAME ME. :lol:

BUT ANYWAY , I FEEL THE LITTLE TIME I SPENT ON THIS FORUM, THAT I HAVE MET SOME WONDERFUL LADIES THAT I WISH I COULD MEET IN PERSON SOMEDAY AND TAKE ALL YOU OUT ON A GIRLS NIGHT OUT OF DANCING EATING AND A MOVIE, HEY THATS MY CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO YOU ALL , A GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!! ( A VIRTUAL ONE,) HAHA WELL GOTTA GO AND IM LOOKING FORWARD TO TALKING TO EVERYONE IN THE NEW YEAR, AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL ALL BE SHRINKING AS WE DO IT, TOO THE NEXT CHALLENGE LADIES,.......BRING IT ON HONEY !!!!:drill: I'M READY FOR MY PERSONAL TRAINER TO LET LOSE ON ME. UNTIL LATER,,
LATER AND LIGHTER SENAMY:^:

IT'S HERE, THE 26TH DAY, YAY!
 

"On the 26th Day of Christmas, my Fit Elf gave to me: A LOVE-LY-E LIGHTER NEW ME!

On the 26th Day of Christmas, my Fit Elf gave to me: TWO WAT-ER BOTTLES!

AND A LOVE-LY-E LIGHTER NEW ME!

On the 26th Day of Christmas, my Fit Elf gave to me: THREE EXERCISE SESSIONS!

AND A LOVE-LY-E LIGHTER NEW ME!

On the 26th Day of Christmas, my Fit Elf gave to me: A NEW AT-TI-TUDE!

AND A LOVE-LY-E LIGHTER NEW ME!"

I could go on, but shall spareth thee! Suffice to say today be a day of rededication for me. Weight loss is Goal One for me in this coming year. While others feast, Amarantha be bringing calories down again (didn't make it yesterday but not too bad after such a feastie on Monday). She be drinking water (did make that 32-ounce goal, more like 64-plus as feastie made her thirsty; ah, the joy of water and how it maketh one feel better, even though excessive consumption of such interfereth with shopping goals). Plan to do three separate exercise sessions to total 60 minutes. Did no exercise yesterday (except shop) but that is good, as the body must rest from all that sometimes.

IN THE CRYSTAL BALL, I SEE, PEACE TO ALL IN 2003!

:grouphug:

Holiday Wednesday!
 

Hello all

Yesterday was very busy, due to half staffing ( I have New Years Eve off), late mail deliveries due to the stormy weather in the middle of the US, and just the time of year. Yet, some of us were sharing different childhood memories of Christmas. One woman shared how her folks would sprinkle tinsel on their beds to prove Santa had checked that they were sleeping- another would go to Midnight Services and Santa would have come while they were in Church-- wrapping gifts vs not wrapping... so many ways to celebrate .... different yet still the same....
I had brought a small vegetable tray to share to buffer the cookies that were everywhere. And was pleasantly suprised at how grateful folks were that I had thought to bring the vegetable tray--Just broccoli and cherry tomatoes on a plate in the shape of a tree but still, even coworkers from other departements were impressed. This wasnt the reaction I expected at all- and then I began to wonder how many folks, had only brought the cookies and cakes because " that's more seasonal" ---

So again, I was reminded, that its not a certain food that makes a celebration, its why we are celebrating--


And later, when the Fedex truck did show up w/more baskets of
goodies and I was tempted, yes, Punkinseed, I thought of Vinny and then I could see teacups being raised-- and I knew I was in good company----

Today's thought is:

"The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds, the tides, and gravitation, we shall harness... the energies of love. And on that day; for the second time in history of the world, we shall have discovered fire. Tiehard de Chardin

II
 

Empress Jade- we post at the same time-

I am late, you are early!

Well said! New beginnings... full circle...

Meant to tell you that I've sent the Royal Pigeons back w/ warm quilts and thick sweaters to get you thru the "cold snap" in Arizona. We are technically having a "White Christmas" here- So far, the cars and trees have about an inch, the streets and ground are too warm-- and the snow has turned to rain -- although later, we may have more snow--

I'm ready for water challenge-- all forms, hot, cold, soups, ---

Kaylets: I kept editing, been posting forever, as my thoughts are creaky! But what better way for this solitary dieter (sorry, again, I like the word) to spend Christmas morning than posting at 3FC's best group!!!

The pigeons are here, all tucked in bed with some crows that Arabella sent.

The tips of the mountain were covered in white yesterday, so guess we had a sort of white Christmas also, technically speaking.

Thanks for the quilts! Bought another space heater yesterday and just keep turning them on and off (for safety). Temperature going up this week, though. Usually on Christmas I take a hike, but this year it's just too dark and cold. Yuckky bad Weather Fairy!

Glad thou mentioned water in all forms, as it really does all count. It be Amarantha's opinion that there is a myth in this society of widespread dehydration and that everyone must drink 64 ounces or more of bottled water to be healthy. This is NOT true, IM (NOT HUMBLE) O, all liquids that contain a water content add to hydration, except caffeinated drinks and alcohol, which subtract from it. Also electrolyte balance needs to be considered. In extremely hot conditions the ancients (and others) took salt tablets because it is possible in these conditions to poison thyself with excessive water and the salt prevents that ... yikes! :yikes: Amarantha be pontification. She shall leave the room now!!!

III
 

Where'd you go?
Is that you there under quilt?

As for the dehydration theory- IMHO, I figure if you are not eating any fruits, or vegetables than you'd be needing more water- you know, the frenchfry diet-- but if you're eating foods w/ water, then the dehydration theory is suspect. I wonder what definition of "dehydrated " folks are using too--

All I know is, water works for me- I feel better and that's ok by me. And yes, you're right, you do need to plan ahead and know where all the restrooms are !! A good friend taught me this one, the pricier stores have the nicest restrooms- And here I was thinking the only one was in "public area" of the mall!!

HOHOHO... MERRRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

I hope that all our elfettes are having a wonderful Christmas morning!

It's a snowy, marshmallow winter wonderland where I am, and I don't have to be ANYWHERE but my pyjamas today!!! Yep, I'm cooking turkey in my lovely new navy blue teddy-beared pjs that hubby bought for me.

My official finishing weight for our Countdown Challenge is 172. I'll join you in the water world with a goal of maintaining that weight, and then I'll set my sights on something lower for the Valentine's challenge.

Everyone have a great day! :wave:

Christmas evening
 

So far, so good--

Did have 3 Suzanne Somers Truffles- gift from DH- very tasty-

DH made quick breads and used mini loaf pans, some in the shape of Christmas trees- we each had a serving, saved 2 servings for DS and the rest went next door still steaming.
Some things you don't want a lot of leftovers around!

Getting water in, and am looking forward to trying some o0 calorie cocoa by the same star mentioned above ( noticing a theme??)
Rain has turned to snow again, dogs were having fun till they got too cold and wet just like little kids.

Trading Spaces is running a marathon so I am surfing btwn that and skating and generally just relaxing.

Not our usual Christmas but a good one. Dh home, son and wife came Christmas eve intending to go on to MA this morning. Big snowstorm took care of those plans so we have the pleasure of their company today as well. Brought us a little tree since we had not had the time to take care of that. Very thoughtful.

Only one real concern today. dh has an infection in foot, is on antibiotics, foot swollen. Don't know if that's from not wearing TED hose or not. Cannot figure out where it came from. Yesterday was horribly busy with doctor and dialysis, etc. Today peaceful. Neighbor did snow, son knocked it off bushes, trees that were bending under the weight. He also did other little chores that were needed and saved me some of that. He'll be here on his way south again too.

Talked to daughter and grandkids. I think they'll be up Sat. So we'll be "Christmasing" for a while.

Hopefully, not in the food dept though. I gave myself full permission to eat whatever and I have. I'm starting to crave a Slimfast. Naughty, naughty but still nice!

Ho, ho, ho, it's time to go!!! Christmas is past for me at last!!! Woo-hoo!!!

Ending my eating day at 2070, still too high!!! This involved a last-minute Belgian chocolate bar with caramel filling. Oh, well! The stated three 20-minute cardios done, but kind of wimpy. Water in!

Wildfire! I'm gonna put up the New Year's Blitz in a few minutes so slosh on over when thy be ready!!! Until then, enjoy thy marshmallow wonderland (and thy turkey)! :wave:

Kaylets: Took a nap or I'd have posted back earlier that thou be right about the fruit and vege providing water, as opposed to french fries. I can't even stand the thought of french fries anymore. Yesterday I had a full-fat TV turkey dinner as opposed to the Healthy Choice (I know these processed foods are not good, period, but better than I had been eating). Anyhow, the higher fat just made me thirsty and slightly ill. The water really helped.

I'm gonna say sayonara on this thread for me and put up the New Year's Blitz (aka Water Winter Wonderland) for tomorrow as agreed upon by consensus and mental telepathy, but will lurk here to see the Christmas round-up ... I just stole that wonderland theme from Wildfire, BTW!!! :wave: I pledge to keep my posts on that thread fantasy free, to the point and short. Arabella will be along to keep everyone in line as she's pledge to maintain that short challenge thread next week!!!

Thanks be to Wildfire for posting this yuletide challenge and to Ceara for maintaining the roster!!!! Wooooooooooo-hoooo, it is looking as though we did REALLY good collectively!!! And the new year isn't even here yet!

Anagram: Thou posted when I did! :wave: Sounds like you are in steady state and dh be doing well except for the foot. I am still petitioning on his behalf! Enjoy the rest of thy night! :)

stats
 

OK guys here we go.

Here's your extra :cb: Empress, just for being an inspiration to us all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amarantha - start 163, goal 159, Current 161 :cb::cb:
Anagram - start 224.2, goal 220, Current 219.4 :dancer:
Arabella - start 211, goal 204
Autumn609 - start 210, goal 200, Current 203 :dancer::cb::cb:
Ceara - start 187, goal 178, Current 195!
Cybele - start 173, goal 169,curent 168 :dancer:

Dollar - start 197.4, goal 190, Current 195 :cb::cb:
Ellis - start 189, goal 186, Current 186 :cb::cb::cb:
Eydie - start~150, goal 145, Current 150
Flower - waist start 41.5", goal 39.5" Current 39.5 :dancer:
Frogger - start 240, goal 165 Current 233.5 :cb::dancer:
Kaylets - start 176.5, goal 170.5, Current 176 :cp:

Punkinseed - start 242, goal 237, Current 240 :cb::cb:
Senamay - start 248, goal 236, Current ?
Scooby - Start 186, goal 180, Current 182 :cb::cb::cb::cb:
Tipper - Start 208,
Wildfire - start 174, goal 171, Current 172 :cb::cb::cb:

Now if I missed anyone, or misrepresented anything let me know...will edit.

Kudos to all who did it! And No Guilt Cards for the rest of us....we will do it soon!!!

The big day is over, now to try and get back into a normal routine....I'm calling the gym to see if they are there.

Yesterday was fairly smooth...no big glitches. My organizational skills were better this year...kept items for different events separate in laundry baskets,(no laundry done for a few days), that way we just grabbed the basket and took off! Worked like a charm.

I'm glad it is over...now I can sit with a tea, or water and gaze at the tree decorations.....no calories there, or are there?

See you over in the H2O thread.

Ceara

Evil Amarantha ...
 

Ummm!!! Ceara, o' Scribe, thou be a wonderful person who hast done a fabulous job and Amarantha thankee thee for thy efforts and for the extra banana. It be evil, embarrasing, crass and just plain mean o' Amarantha to even point this out since there thou be sitting comfortably gazing at the tree, but Amarantha hath reached the current golden weight o' 161 on this challenge!!! Yah-hoooooo!!!! When one haveth the metabolism o' a sea cow, those point fives be vital!!! :jig: No need to edit or change, just wanted the universe to know!!!! See thee in the land o' H20!!!

WOOOOO-HOOO!@!!!!! :wave: