Spring Renewal Challenge
 

Spring Renewal Challenge!!

Welcome one and all!! Spring is already arriving in many parts and expected everywhere. Most of us are ready for fresh breezes, longer days, and LESS SNOW!!!

All are welcome to travel this challenge with us!! This is a support thread remembering that although our differences are many--- geography, taste, lifestyle and age; we are still much more alike than different.

This Challenge is a 6 week challenge which will end the weekend of April 27. We may decide to do a Spring Challenge II at that ponit but all in good time.

This Challenge is very similiar to the others we've shared. You decide your individual focus as no one knows better than you what works best for you. As always, if something isnt working, you are allowed to change, fine tune, tweak until your plan works for you. (Keeping in mind, that this is a HEALTHY forum)

I have put new slipcovers on the wingchairs to give the room a "springier " look but left the throws and afagans as it still gets cold in the evenings. Hope you like the look!

FRESH, hot off the press, especially done in PASTEL " No GUILT CARDS " and "FRESH START" Cards. Plenty for all, right here next to the bottled water. And don't forget, we now also have Inflatable Life Preservers. Make sure you get yours. They don't take up much room but when you need them, they go right around you and keep you from drifting downstream!!

Also, by special design, invented by MissW, there is an order form to order "Wagon Seat Belts" . Please pick your choice of color
and fabric. ( Some of us just don't do polyester!) Personally, I can't wait for mine as oftentimes, I'm off the wagon before even I realize !!


Okay -- Kettle is on!!


:hat: :hat: :hat:

Scrumptious Sunday!
 

Sun is shining again!!

How nice to have the sun coming in the windows!!

Almost like a good laugh, you just don't realize how much you needed it until it happens!!

Yesterday midday, the roads were packed as everyone wanted to get out in the nice weather.

I'm thinking that I might change my official weigh in day. I know its really a mind set on my part but if I changed WW's meetings, I'd be changing WI day and even if that one week 's tiny decrease motivates me-- what harm could it be??


Oooppps, almost forgot to mention, we also have available by special order only, a recording of our one and only Empress singing her #1 seller, " Tomorrow, the Pound Will Be Gone Tomorrow". :dancer: :dancer:

All proceeds benefit printing costs for NO GUILT and Fresh Start Cards. I also spent some of the money at the florist, I found some forsythia and kittywillows to put in front of the windows.


Today's thought is:

"We drop like pebbles into the ponds of each other's souls, and the orbit of our ripples continues to expand, intersecting with countless others." --- Joan Borysenko


Second cup of coffee time!!

:genie:

To today's best choices!!!

Thanks for getting us started, Kaylets! Yes, it feels really cozy here....

About the change from St. Pat's Day, I was alittle disturbed by the news reports too and the date seemed tainted--so I was setting my final date for the challenge at the Spring Equinox anyway. And I like MissWashu's idea of extending the Spring Challenge thru to Beltane so mentally that's where I'm going with this. Hey, with a couple of extra days it gives me a chance to lose another pound, maybe?

Had a nice walk outside yesterday---there's signs of spring everywhere!
:)

What ever date...I am easy. I hate most holidays anyways. :) My birthday is 3-22, so spring usually has been sucessful in weight loss. I come alive along side the trees and flowers! So, I am in for it. My diet, getting fit is my job for the next 6 weeks. Must make it a habit!!! :)

Well, here I am signing up for a Fresh Start No Guilt Spring Renewal Challenge. I am a great one for Spring Renewal, love Easter, love flowers, love MayDay, love symbolic bunnies (not so much the real ones though they're cute enough).

I did a special weigh in today to see how I fared on the departed challenge. I was .8 of a pound up for the whole challenge so whatever or however, it sure didn't do much to help me reach my goal. Therefore and howsomeever, my goal for the new challenge will be the same as for the old challenge - to reach the valiant number of 210.

Still mulling over the how's and wherefore's, but do know I want a positive spin. And one not limited to calories and exercise but to total fitness, mental and physical. Achieving that, now there's the rub. Think I might do flower stickers on the calendar for a visual as, unlike our Empress, I don't have them around and won't for a bit.

Also, alas, my planned visit to the princesses was foiled because the Elder has something vile and neither dh nor I feel inclined to pick it up. May instead head the other direction and visit the Queen Mother who probably thinks I have dropped off the face of the earth. And whose Irish soul would probably not approve of my banishment of Leprechauns.

Kaylets, thou asked about dh's diet. No, it will remain a permanent thing subject to some modest modifications. In fact, I believe he will be tested again this week and the minuscule leniency may come to a screeching halt. He is growing stronger though and better weather may bring even more strength as his activity level can increase.

Mr. Sun shines; however, the 41 degrees becomes 32 with the chilling wind.

Morning, girls!

Just popping in to say I've found the way to our bright, cozy parlour. I'm going to sit in the wing chair by the bay window and soak up some of that much-missed sunshine while I contemplate my plan for the next six weeks. (Love the new slipcovers, Kaylets!)

Wait, what's this? :lucky: OUT, OUT you little green monster!

*Wildfire chases the last of the :lucky:s out of our serene parlour*

No wonder it was lumpy!
 

Thanks Wildfire! I wondered why that lump kept popping back everytime I turned my back!

Did you notice too that if you look very carefully, some of the trees are showing buds?

And this am, I saw the birds ! You remember, that group of birds that move across the from one side of the lake to the other each morning and night, except for the dead of winter. They're back! It took almost 30 minutes for all of them to go by and it was good to see them!!

The wheel is turning!

Now, who needs a refill?? Kettle is whistling!

I'll take a cuppa right here. I love what you've done with the parlor, so cheery!
The sun is playing peek-a-boo today. Hopefully it will NOT rain as I would like to get on my rollerblades again.
April 27 is perfect Kaylets! It screams 'new beginning' to me. *thanks*

Now on my way threw the door I happened to see a :lucky: on his way out. He was grumbling something about "... no fun..." and "...that mean wench" as he hobled away holding his tush. I take it that Wildfire is to thank. :D Thanks!

-W-

April 27th, huh? :) I am thinking of all kinds of goals I can have and reach by then! Not just weight-wise, but house and personal-wise! Thanks for having definite date! I will be thinking and planning today what I'd like to accomplish. I will post those goals here and it'll help me stick to it!
lotsa luck to you all! :yes:
Here's wishing less of you by April 27th! :D

the plan
 

Well I've contemplated long and hard on how I shall earn my daily :flow1:. Goals should be something to be strived for, yet not so big as to never be obtained. But if they are too easily obtained it's not a challenge... etc. And so I've come to a conclusion.

I shall set for myself 3 daily goals:
1) 2 Liters of water consumed
2) @ least 15 min. of muscle toning movement
3) I MUST stop eating after 9pm. !!!

For each individual goal I shall recieve a :flow1:, on days that all three are met I will combine the :flow1: for a big ol' :flow2:. So, by the end of the challenge I am bound to be surrounded by flowers and sunshine!

That's the plan.

Happy relaxing Sunday to All.

-Washu-

Still Sunday!
 

Just got up from a nap- Its still sunny but the wind continues, wearing sweats w/ heavy socks and sweater. BUT IT STILL FEELS LIKE SPRING!!

MissW- I know you didn't mean to close the door so quick as that greenie got out- it was the perfect visual for "Don't let the door hit your a** on the way out!" :D

Sure, visuals are a good thing- stickers, smilies, whatever works!

New habits should be well rewarded!

Welcome Hottie! Nice to have you on board. Make yourself at home and let me fill your cup. I've made your favorite!

Took a 15 minute break in the middle of this post to sweep the patio. You would be amazed at how many sunflower shells "drifts" the wind is blowing. And the dogs track in. I've got to go back out w/ a dust pan and get rid of the shells that way as the wind just laughed at most of my efforts.

But my heart is pumping !

Let me go find that dustpan!

:genie:

hello all! i hope it's o.k. to join your challenge. i like the idea of spring renewal and fresh starts, along with no guilt. i had gotten off track a bit in the past week, but this challenge seems to have resonated with me. i do want to get back in the saddle again before i do any major damage. my goal for this challenge is to lose 4 lbs; keep up with my regular exercise; and drink a bit more water. well, thanks for listening, and for the tea! hope you have a pleasant remainder of your evening. take care, all.

wsw

Still Sunday!
 

Welcome wsw!! Glad to have you on board!
Help yourself to NO GUILT and Fresh Start Cards, take a life preserver too and let me throw another log in the wood stove.

Its always a treat for us to meet someone new as we get a new perpective and great ideas!
We're always looking for new tips and hints to add to the "arsenal".


Empress- If I was living in AZ (or somewhere warm) I'd be bragging too. Perhaps the tourism board could use you??

My favorite Sunday show starts in a few moments so I'll look for you all in the am. Just going to fill my cup and be off.

Saw another post where they were drinking Licorice tea. Anyone ever try it?

Thanks again for letting me vent and wail this week. It made all the difference to be able to vent !!

The newly redecorated parlour is most becoming and relaxing. Makes me think I should do some 'springizing' in my non-virtual world soon. Mostly I've been thinking clothes. Looking forward to brighter colors.

My self analysis continues. But I know I need to focus again on water for sure and also get a bit tighter about eating after 8:00. My calories aren't bad for today but didn't exercise. I'm going to make the exercise goal four times a week instead of every day. If I get more in, fine but I was obsessing about every day, not making it, feeling negative.

Also going back to my Slimfast on at least a once or twice a week basis. That was a big help to me. Sunlight will help, music will help, relaxation techniques will help. I'm really up for this one and the Fresh Start is going to propel me onward. And downward.

Love the flowers and sunshine visuals. And the bunny w/flowers (female) is a perfect combo. Will leave my shamrock stuff out until after the 17th but may start sneaking in a few of the bunny/chick stuff as well. Hippity, hippity.

Welcome wsw and hottie. I've seen your posts from time to time, wsw, you'll enjoy this group for sure.

Nite, nite all.

First of all, a warm welcom to hottie and wsw! :wave: Glad you've joined us.

My trusty cat, Sherlock, is on patrol in the parlour to keep any lurking :lucky:s out. They shall bother us no more!

Kaylets, I had a nap this afternoon, too, on the couch after we watched The Tuxedo. Totally unexpected, but obviously needed.

Amarantha, are you still doing the LC? I have 7 left in my freezer, and have to say I have been surprised at how good they actually are. Only found the one (so far) that I really didn't like. I'm going to use those for my lunches this week. Eating them twice a day I found that I wasn't getting enough protein in, and halfway through last week I started having regular dinners again.

So, my plan for our Spring Renewal is to start keeping tally on the water, as I know I've slipped there, to count calories, and to focus on getting more fibre, more fruit, more veggies, and less carbs. I don't know if that's gonna work, because carbs are my "safe" foods with my gut, but try I shall. If the weather would only cooperate I'd love to start regular walks again, but failing that I will do 30 minutes of exercise 4-5 times per week. I will also cut off eating after 7:30pm. This will take some planning because we often don't get home until 6:30, but 8pm will be the absolute latest because part of this challenge is also to be in bed ready for sleep by 10pm. Not watching tv, not cross-stitching, not reading. Lights out, goodnight Irene. I am also starting to take my calcium on a regular basis (helps not only the bones, but weight loss AND my gut!) and a multi-vitamin.

I guess it's just a back-to-basics plan. Eat properly, drink water, exercise, and sleep. I hope as a result of all that I will lose some weight, but if not, at least I'll be healthier and rested. This is going to be a no-pressure challenge for me, focusing more on the lifestyle than the end result.

Happy Monday to us all!

Yo!
 

Marvelous Monday!
 

Hello all!

Guess I'll hold onto Monday as weigh in day as this am, the hint became a promise and ......( isn't this just so tacky, she;s pushing a drumset into the room...) DRUMROLL PLEASE...............

I've officially broken out of the 170's --!!!! Only took twice as long as I expected but that 's not the point!~!....... right folks??!

168.5 this am!! Yes, that is me skipping and sorry if I'm making the floor boards bounce! ( OR is that a greenie I squished!)

I will update my signature line later--

Since I really can't tell you how long since I've been this weight, I wasn't 100% sure I could break out the 170's ever.
So, this is especially sweet as this piece of road was full of detours, kicking of car tires, and white knuckling of the steering wheel.

Hmmm, and I was going to refocus more on Non Scale Victories!!
Well, the NSV is this one was 3 weeks of fortitude as the scale did every movement but down!

Good things do come to those who wait !

Sorry if I'm just impossible to deal w. this am- Guess I really didnt believe it could happen-- more on that at 6-- film at 11!

We could hear the wind screaming all night long. And when I got up this am, the sky was blue black and stars were everywhere.

Today's thought is:
"We have it in our power to begin the world over again."--- Thomas Paine

To today's best choices!!

Well, everyone have a wonderful Monday. I am walking to Walmart. Not sure how far it is. But with gas prices as high as they are, Honey has been taking my car to save $. His truck needs a new carb. Which he had to order, and then he gets to install. Who knows when I will have my car back??? :) I can manage a 2 mile stroll and then back. I used to do 8 miles at once, without stopping to shop. :) Well, off to shower and get dressed. I am trying not to procrastinate. ~flower

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Wildfire

I guess it's just a back-to-basics plan. Eat properly, drink water, exercise, and sleep. I hope as a result of all that I will lose some weight, but if not, at least I'll be healthier and rested. This is going to be a no-pressure challenge for me, focusing more on the lifestyle than the end result.

QUOTE]

Well, there you pretty much stated my plan but better than I could have. It's a good lifestyle I'm after and then the loss will surely happen, however slowly.

Still thinking, tweaking. Been eating out more so need to handle that better (I was in the beginning of my journey but not since we've reintroduced that to our lifestyle).

Scale a bit better this morning. Put new batteries in so maybe the manhandling threw it off a bit too. Down 1.2 (water)since yesterday so I'll take it however. Anxious to see "official" Wed. number. Have also considered changing weigh in day. Anything to get it going again.

Kaylets, congrats on the SUPER loss. You know it was happening all along but I'd have probably had a gain after the week you had last.

Sun shining, still cold. More melt under the pine trees but lawn in general still well covered. It's coming, I know it. I can feel it. Spring, motivation, renewal and healthy lifestyle. Am off to pool this morning. Always helps a bit. And a good Monday gives me a good week (well, usually).

Welcome back, Arabella. Hope it was a good trip. Let us know about our joint meditation. And how did the workload go, Empress? Are you still pounding away or did you get it all accomplished yesterday?

hi all!

kaylets-congrats on the hard-fought weight loss! i'm happy for you. i lose very slowly, and know what a big deal it is when that scale moves in the right direction. hi amarantha-thanks for the welcome to the thread. i always enjoy reading your posts.

it's sunny here today, which i am thoroughly enjoying. we've had a rough winter here, as have most areas of the country-and i am soooo ready for spring. i think i'm going to go ahead and make mon. my weigh in day. it's just as good (well, or not) as anytime and may be helpful for me to remember that weekends need to be just regular food days, and not a license to go wild since i will have get up on that scale soon thereafter. so far so good with being op for my first 2 meals today. i hope everyone has a pleasant monday. i liked that quote/thought of the day, kaylets. i seem to need to be reminded often lately that each new day really is a new beginning. well, take care, all.

wsw

Hi All -- Just popping in to say :wave: and that I'm with you on the Spring Renewal Challenge! Had a fairly stressful weekend with ex-MIL. She's in the early stages of Alzheimers, I'm fairly certain. She's losing a lot of her words, and is starting to have difficulty recognizing things. She's also in very rough shape physically, bent over almost double and using a cane, although it isn't really up to the task. I took her grocery shopping (offered to do it for her, but she insisted that she had to choose the items herself, which is very typical of her). She needs to be almost carried. I don't know what will happen. She's in her house, and won't agree to have anyone come in unless a relative, but there are no relatives who can or would want to do it. And I don't know if she would leave her house. Doesn't want to go to a nursing home, which is what she needs.

Her doctor had been telling her for years that she needed to get exercise, but she never really believed it, I guess. She worked as an accountant, so she was at a desk all day. And she never walked even the few blocks to the bank or post office - it just wasn't the done thing. If you had a car, you drove.

I think that's a generational thing. She, my mom, and my current MIL are all sort of the same that way, although MIL started doing 5 minutes of exercise 5 days a week 20 years ago and is very active. So she's in fairly good shape. My mom and ex-MIL never exercised (not even housework, which I'm coming to think can be a real saving grace for older non-exercisers) and both are really breaking down physically. Enough to make me pledge to continue exercising forever!

I walked to the gym and did circuit training this morning, and will likely get in a set of tai chi. I just realized I'm very tired, though, so I will try and take it a bit easy this aft.

Sorry for the mememe post. I'll be back!

Congrats to all on our new improved focus --- Oh, for the synchronized meditation, it seems like probably some time in the evening might be best because a lot of people work days. I was thinking maybe 7 Eastern? I'm "East of Eastern" in the Atlantic zone, so that's 8 for me. And I'm often in bed before 9 :o So, how does 7 or 7:30 Eastern sound? However, I can do it another time if that doesn't suit.

hey! a quick run-by, as I've got to get showered and to work pronto!

Congrats on the big losses!!!!!

Myself, I am losing water. 2# gone yesterday, still working on sodium detox to get back to 'real' weight.

Hugs for all.
-W-
:flow1:

Hello all, :cool:

I have decided that I will focus from now until April 27th on (1) not eating lunch "out" with co-workers. I spend too much money and I eat too much calories when I do that. :p In order to make sure I have more nutritious/lower calorie meals, I will bring my lunch or make a quick trip to Subway or Wendy's: both places have low cal. meals which fill me up / not out! I won't get 'burned out' on wanting anything else for only 6 weeks-I know I can do this! :^:

Another 'goal' is to (2) increase my weight training. I currently work out at a gym 5 days a week-mostly doing eliptical trainer/treadmill time and crunches. I will focus for the next 6 weeks on upper body training to increase strenght and tone. I can't work with weights on my lower body (legs) for now: I have a chronic ciircular condition which will take a few more months for me to get to the point where I can work weight-wise with my legs. For now, my body weight is more than enough resistance! :moo:

My last goal is to (3) increase fiber intake and lower my fat/calorie intake to insure I will continue weight loss. I will also continue drinking lots and lots of water. In order to do this goal, I will continue reading labels to make sure my fiber increases, as well as making sure I eat lots of fruits and vegetables, being sure to remember that the "closer to the natural state" of the food/the better it is for my body! :angel:

Here's wishing less of you ALL by April 27th! Good luck!!

:D

Here's a chart for the time equivalents. It's not daylight savings time now (I tried thinking about that and it confused me too) so the times work for now. I would have to think about it more to work out what the difference would be if some were on DST and others weren't. I'm not really in favor of DST here, but they do it anyway :shrug:

ATL EST CST MST PST ALA HAW
8P* 7P* 6P* 5P* 4P* 3P* 2P*

:wave: Hi everyone!

I'm completely in agreement with our changing the challenge date! I was reading this weekend's posts and nodding my head... :yes: 3/17 is my Dad's birthday and I'll be in Yuma - I'm sincerely hoping the U.S. doesn't feel the need to go blowing anyone up until I'm back on solid ground the afternoon of 3/18... :crossed:

Besides, coinciding it with all the "new beginnings" is just so fitting! Did I tell you all I got to pet a 5 day old colt last weekend?? The spring babies are starting to be born in the great wild northwest! It's soooo much fun....

Eydie - Ok, the weekend is passed, but here, you can live vicariously through me n' my "exciting" weekend - I did 3 hours of landscaping (my exercise, my butt still hurts!), then hung curtains in my bathroom, put ivy/vines along the tops of my kitchen cabinets to keep the heathen cats off of them (so far, so good), painted a metal garden flower pot holder so it would match my black wrought iron sconces in my dining room (then hung it and felt purdy damned proud of myself), then hung a huge French print by my wine rack, painted in the 50's of two guys holding a huge wine glass, 2 bottles of wine and grapes all over the place.
*whew* That's it!

After alllll this work, I discovered Jack Daniels Hard Cola (holy moly!) and the rest of the weekend was a wash... :devil:

Amarantha - Good to see you again!!! I thought you'd been carried off by the :lucky:! I personally try to go to Curves 3x a week - but as of late have not made it. I'm looking forward to this trip being over so I can get back to some "normalness" and focus on my health instead of where, when and how I'm going to get someplace! (I'm a little stressed about traveling with war looming too if truth be told!)
Also, don't fret about Curves measuring - I personally don't buy 100% of what they said either and honestly don't measure anymore. I completely lost my "umph" when after a month, and after feeling so good, feeling "harder" and being able to SEE a difference and their stuff said I was up 4 pounds and had GAINED body fat?!?!?. Then and there I figured it was *much* better to go by how I feel and not by what their little zapper said.

Anagram - I'm with you - since it's in the high 80's in Yuma I was trying on my summer clothes this weekend. How depressing... and motivating... all in a few cruel minutes. :rolleyes: I figure I better get crackin' as it's 60 degrees here and I'm gonna have to wear that stuff full time soon and I *refuse* to buy more!

Flower - Welcome back! :cb:

Kaylets - I think your plain ol' healthy ideas is a GREAT thing - and I'll join ya'. I've said it before that I think sometimes I over-stress about food and therefore end up thinking about it far more than had I just let things happen. Perfect example - I haven't journaled in over 3 weeks - I haven't gained a pound. I haven't lost either, but *I have not gained*. I think once I get into a healthier frame of mind - the weight will come off...
I had a new bird show up at the feeder this weekend! It looked like a little peachy-red faced finch. I need to go get my book...

Wildfire - I don't think I could've said it better myself. It's not about the challenge, or deadline, or season - the fact that we've found each other, discovered a kinship and are cultivating friendships - THAT'S what matters! Yes :grouphug:

Arabella - Ooooh, I don't even want to think about trying to coordinate times! You're brave. My head spins looking at my itinerary - I leave Yuma at 8:15am and get in to L.A. at 8:20am - after being in the air over an hour! :dizzy:

WSW - Welcome! I seem to remember you though??? I think we may have been on a thread together at some time??

Hottie - Welcome to you too! Pull up a chair n' enjoy the company of a bunch o' crazy ladies!

Miss Washu - You're in good company here - I believe there are a few of us that follow a more, uh, Earth based calendar... Personally, I've been out talking to my bulbs telling them Ostara is coming and they'd better produce some flowers! (They're being coy, being the first ones n' all)

Speaking of which, I do believe the little sprouts are indeed daffodils! :flow1: Still keeping them covered so the Bambi's can't eat them, juuuust in case I'm wrong!

Well, toodles for now. I've been typing this for the better part of 40 minutes and should get some work done since it's a short week for me!

Terri

7 or 7:30 works just fine for me, Wood Nymph.
And pretty much any day of the week or is it to be a daily thing?

Anagram, I was thinking about trying it this week, seeing how everyone felt about it. Every day might be pushing it, but maybe a bunch of us could manage once a week. So, if that time works for most people, I would suggest either Tuesday or Thursday evening -- maybe Tuesday, if enough people can do it then. I would try again Thurs otherwise.

Congrats on losing that weight, Kaylets and Anagram--and reminding us that we really can do this!!!

Welcome to Hottie and wsw--I think I've seen those names as I've visited around.

Arabella, sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. What does your husband think of where to go with it all? It's so hard to know what to do. If they say that they want to live in their own homes you can only take them at their word until you notice things really changing for the worse, I guess.
Thanks for setting us up for our group meditation. I'm really looking forward to it!

Amarantha, I have a question. At Curves, does someone always walk you thru your workout or can you set up your own program? [Still love their 'sisterhood' commercials!]

Punkin, you crafty thing! Thanks for sharing your weekend projects. We'll have to exchange house photos sometime--I'd love to see your place!

Hi Flower and Wildfire and Scooby and Ceara!

I'm going to call this day a splendid success because I stepped out of my comfort zone and did something new. I did a bellydancing video....Gawd knows I have the belly for it!:lol: It was fun and a really good workout! I'll keep doing it until I get better at it---I felt like I did more flailing around than anything else--not very seductive!:D

Way to go, Eydie - that's a real new start! Belly dancing is really good exercise. I took lessons at one time just for the exercise. But then they started pushing everyone to "perform" and that wasn't my goal. I can still "isolate" some muscles fairly well but never got good at moving and clicking my zills at the same time.

Arabella, sounds like your ex will have a real problem. My MIL insisted on staying in her own home though it was an incredible burden for many and was certainly not in her own interests. But she was a determined person and told dh to get the h... out when he tried to talk to her about anything but what she wanted. Very stressful all around. Finally she had had a series of strokes, could move only eyelids and one foot. The doctor said she could leave the hospital only to go to a nursing home, the arrangements were made and she died a few hours before she was to go. And I know that somewhere she was happy and saying I told you I wouldn't go. Her body failed her but never her determination.

Had a good Fresh Start day today. Really up and happy about it. Hope I can sustain for a few in a row at least. Tied our record for lowest high temp for the day today. Chasing the record for the low tonight. But SPRING IS COMING! It just may be a little late.

:flow1: + :flow1: + :flow1: = :flow2:

:) -W-

Tantalizing Tuesday
 

Hello all!!


Arabella-- This Tuesday at 7pm EST?? Ok-- I 'm ready! Quiet 5 minutes to review, reflect, revive!!

Many coworkers and friends have similiar family issues. Frightening how so many of each family imeadiately go to opposite sides of the camp. Its very difficult to see our "elders" detiorate even if their health if pretty good. My DMIL fought lymphona for 1.5 yrs longer then predicted and one of the hardest things was realizing which family members were NOT what we had thought. Plenty of criticism w/ no regard to her wishes but if we needed something-- never available. On the upside, we were gratified by those who did step up to the plate and became stronger by doing so. Again, she never wanted to be anywhere but home and up until the last few months, we were able to do that.

I look forward to this evening at 7pm! I'll be checking in to make sure its this Tuesday!


Miss W- Good going! Wish my math classes had been that visual!

Eydie- Now that must have been a real shock to the muscle memory! I can imagine all your muscles "On alert- Unplanned Energy Expenditure" ---

Anagram- Now, why am I not suprised you know all belly dancing!
But what's a zill ladies??

Punkinseed!! glad you found your way ! And thanks ! Aren't foals a sure sign of Spring!! Tell us more -- how many horses do you have? Or is that Mom has them? I don't remember. And how about the ones you helped rescue- how are they doing? You're decorating sounds great! Yes, visuals would be great!

Empress- how goes it kemo sabe? Is Tuesday a newspaper "layout " day again? Are you having fewer computer problems? Still breaking weather records out there for the unusual amount of rain??

Hottie-Too bad the lunch bunch won't join you at Wendy's-- It be great if you could combine both-- I need to conciously get up and away from my desk at lunch- It's best to take the break but I tend to get lost. And I LOVE the Chicken Teriakyi at Subway. DH loves just tons of vegs on the roll.

I'm starting to run late or else I'd still post away--

SCOOBY-- are you out there??

Today's thought is:
"To live, let live, and help live" --- Ralph Waldo Emerson


To today's best choices!

:genie:

PS- Guess who didnt come to work again !!!

Good Morning!
 

I'm back on track -- didn't do badly over the weekend, but it was a case of grabbing whatever was easiest. Which meant eating the donuts my ex brought for breakfast :rolleyes: Calorically, I think I was fine but nutrition not the greatest.

I'm going to start using my journal here again today, inst. the Self Challenge. I don't like it when they tell me my exercise is "too much!" I know it's not!

I just realized that I didn't specify 7 or 7:30 for tonight, and thought that some people might not get a chance to check in. So I'm going to aim for 7:30 Thursday, but also do it tonight.


Anagram, your MIL sounds a lot like my exMIL. I honestly and truly have never met a more difficult person in my life. She was a holy terror when she had her strength! I suspect that the situation may work out similarly too; she'll succumb to either a nursing home or death only when she's totally incapacitated. She had Meals on Wheels for a while but cancelled because she decided they didn't cook their cauliflower to suit her.

Anyway, there's nothing much I can do about it. I thought of offering to go stay with her for a bit if she had a hip replacement, because both her kids work and since I work from home I could work anywhere I can get an Internet connection. I guess we'll see.

Eydie, it's my ex-MIL. My ex is beside himself over the situation but has no idea of what he can do about it. She wants him to move back home and care for her, but he lives and works in another town and the prospects of work in his home town are limited. Plus, they've always had a very turbulent relationship and I can just about see it coming to murder if he lived with her. It would be nightmarish.

My husband, on the other hand, thinks I'm incredibly dutiful to even go see her.

Good for you with the bellydancing tape! I know what you mean about the flailing around. I started doing a beginner's step tape lately and I can hardly believe how uncoordinated I am. DH says he'd pay money to watch, but no way!

Punkin, when's your trip? I know it's soon, but can't remember when exactly.

Amarantha, hope your reporting trip was good last night. I often think of you rocketing around the roads in your desert home at all hours of the day and night, covering this and that. It seems somewhat adventurous to me!

Kaylets, Woo-hooooo for you, breaking into the 160s!!!! Just goes to show that if you keep on working towards it you'll get there. What a nice way to start off spring! I am especially impressed because you started off just a bit above where I am and are now --- YES!!! -- in the "decade" I'm aiming for. I'm gonna follow you!


To all chickies mentioned and unmentioned: Let's take this day and make it count! I'm going to meditate on our collective health and well-being this evening, and again on Thursday, at 7:30 Eastern (6:30 Central, 5:30 Mountain, 4:30 Pacific --- I think!) Love to all!

Well ladies Im back. Hopefully I will have some more time now so I can hang around here a bit more. I love all this talk of spring because I could sure use a good dose of it right about now. Im fed up with all the snow and the -24 C temps that we keep getting up here. Yesterday even though it was bitter cold the sun was shinning bright so I opened all the blinds in the house and let the sun warm the rooms sure felt good.
Well I have been staying on track and have now lost 87.2 lbs. Im so close to my goal I can taste it. So Im in for your challenge I will let you know what I hope to lose in the six weeks after I go to weigh in tonight. Glad to see everyone and I look forward to catching up with you all. sorry got to run Im going shopping with my kids. See ya.

Yo!
 

Ok, three in a row ... forgot to answer the ? about Curves showing me the workout ... yes, they did do that twice and stuck right with me while also noting and commmenting on other people's forms, progress, etc. On the one hand I found that motivating, but on the other hand it was annoying because of things like insisting I do hammer curls on the bicep/tricep machine when I told them I couldn't feel my biceps working that way (whereas turning palms up really worked them) ... and I am very proud of my biceps already as they are quite wonderful and I wanted to do what I know works ... and as mentioned, in the counting your pulse sections (which they kept insisting on even though I didn't care) they insisted I had to get it lower when I KNOW I didn't ... and in their thinking that you burn more fat in a lower heart rate zone ... well, you do, but overall the latest thinking is that overall you lose more weight and get more fit if you get more intense ... and in their telling me to straighten my legs when they don't straighten because of old injuries (I found that annoying in tai chi, also) ... but still I like the place and will continue for awhile anyway!! Bye! Again!