VIP LOUNGE! Welcome to the 2024 Fall 5% Challenge!
Replies
-
Insight Timer Quote:
If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.—Rabindranath Tagore
Daily Insight:
You are that vast thing that you see far, far off with great telescope.—Alan Watts
I AM:
I enjoy exploring new skills and talents.
Action for Happiness:
Learn a new skill from a friend or share one of yours with them.
Fitness Quote:
Living a healthier life is more than losing weight, it’s about losing the most mindset that got you there in the first place.—Elle Sommer
Fun Fact:
GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT
Each year on the third Thursday in November, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout.
#GreatAmericanSmokeout
This is an annual social engineering event to encourage Americans to stop tobacco smoking. The Great American Smokeout challenges smokers to quit cigarettes for 24 hours with the hopes that this decision will continue forever.
There are benefits to 1 day without cigarettes. After just 20 minutes without a cigarette, the heart rate drops. So does the blood pressure. Twelve hours later, the body will cleanse the carbon monoxide from the last cigarette from the body.
1 -
0 -
Diane: I was sick Tuesday and Weds. Feeling better today.0
-
-
Good Morning VIP friends:
I hope you are all doing well this morning. Today is Friday and well it is going to be a great day. Yesterday Chloe was out of the crate most of the day while I was working upstairs and she did so well. She was not even medicated with her sleepy meds from surgery. I think those meds helped her see that she can lay down and relax. Because now she is laying down and taking naps and relaxing. It is great. I have a couple photos from my security camera in the living room of her staring at the front door midday waiting for Joe to get home I assume. It was just so cute. I will post it here. She is getting so big.
@Patti241 - I am so sorry to hear you have been sick. I am glad you are feeling better though.
@Dianedoessmiles1 - I cannot believe Thanksgiving is next week. I opted to work Black Friday. They said I will get 8 hours of Holiday pay and if I work I get that plus time and half for working overtime. So why would we refuse that extra time. So I am really excited especially since it was approved by my bosses boss. So she immediately was like yes I will take you to work on the day after Thanksgiving. It is awesome. Anyway here is the picture of Chloe from yesterday.
Well I hope you all have a wonderful Friday
Tabatha
1 -
Insight Timer Quote:
The humblest tasks get beautified if loving hands, do them.—Louisa May Alcott
Daily Insight:
Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.—Rumi
I AM:
I can do hard things one step at a time.
Action for Happiness:
Find a new way to tell someone you appreciate them.
Fitness Quote:
Sorry Can’t. Working Out.
Fun Fact:
SUBSTITUTE EDUCATORS DAY
American Education Week wraps up recognition of teachers and administrators by recognizing Substitute Educators Day. The event occurs the Friday before Thanksgiving each year and highlights the important role substitute teachers play in education.
#SubstituteEducatorsDay
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there were over 500,000 substitute teachers in 2020. These educators fill the shoes of the class's regular teacher for half a day up to several weeks. Substitutes apply to teach in a school district. They will receive notice from the district of an opening sometimes hours before they are needed. Other times, substitutes fill in for a teacher when they are scheduled to be away. A substitute often doesn't know which subject they may be teaching from one week to the next. They are flexible and resilient educators who provide a bridge between full-time educators and their students.
0 -
Diane: Yup me too0
-
Hi again, I started 2 more Conqueror walks, (I am a glutton for punishment, LOL). They are Rovaniemi and Grand Canyon. They are short walks, not like my coast walk.
I also got another post card on my North Coast 500 walk. Here is link
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10891931/joyces-walking-adventures#latest
Have a great rest of the day and great weigh in.
Today's Inspiration:
“Some hurdles in life may be higher to jump because of where you started, but make no mistake: all are possible to clear!”
- Julie Busha0 -
@Tabatha_Cain , how did today go? I used to grab all the days I could which were holiday type pay. Lolol those add up. Once on top of it being that hehe Xmas we were expecting a show storm. It was insane there! They authorized me (one of the highest front end associates) to work overtime plus the holiday pay. Hehehe. That was super fun. Awww Chloeì darling you are getting big! Good girl being calm.
@Patti241, any plans this weekend? I'll do my usual. Meet with some friends on zoom for a little bit. Later on ill hang with another friend until I have to come home. I hope these 3 new meds will soon help with my breathing.
@Kurtize, I love how much you walk! Nicely done! You set an excellent example 4 us. . Because of the step Challenge (Joyce is the Motivational Leader on PS4L and I'm an EL. I had stepped down from CL to be able to devote more time to bring an OAL) this week I had to work very hard to make my steps ! I needed to. I'm very happy I did.0 -
Good Morning VIP friends:
I hope you are all doing well this morning. Today is Saturday and I am working 9:30 to 1 pm. I will be taking Chloe first thing thing morning to get her stitches removed. I hope she is ready to have them removed. I got my new work schedule that will start on 12/2 and I am liking it. I feel like I almost have 10 hour shifts. It is weird. I will get pretty tired on Mondays since I am on the phone from 10:30 am to 9 pm. That is a long time. It will be alright though. I am going to enjoy it.
@Kurtize - Well I hope to eventually have enough money to purchase some of the virtual races like you have.
@Dianedoessmiles1 - She is doing so well. She really is. She learned a lot from her sleepy meds and how she can lay down and relax. It is great.
Well I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday
Tabatha0 -
Insight Timer Quote:
Imagination is a force that can actually manifest a reality.—James Cameron
Daily Insight:
The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.—Leonardo Da Vinci
I AM:
My commitment to self-improvement is non-negotiable.
Action for Happiness:
Set aside a regular time to pursue an activity you love.
Fitness Quote:
An 1 hour workout is 4% of your day. NO EXCUSES.
Fun Fact:
NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY
National Adoption Day raises awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care. Each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the day focuses on children waiting for permanent, loving families. Not only does the day aim to find homes, but National Adoption Day also helps the dreams of many children and families come true.
In 2015, many courts and communities came together to finalize nearly 4,000 adoptions of children from foster care. Annually, organizations host more than 300 events during this observance. They celebrate dreams that become a reality. In total, more than 58,500 children have been adopted from foster care on this day.
0 -
Howdy friends!! Today was just a super day. Dad decided he wanted a sub. I got him a sub and he ate half! Probably more food than he ate for most of the week. Granted I bought a 12 inch hoping he would eat half. 😁 My husband got the other half as dad said he was done.
Went to a church basket raffle. This one is fun instead of baskets they decorate Xmas trees. Tree not included just the stuff on the tree. I won a tool tree. It had zip ties and my thought was I love zip ties and these were the big ones. I also won a tree with hand made ornaments. All made of wool or knitted. Look like stockings, hats and mittens. Very cat friendly don't have to worry about them breaking. This church does great things for our community. I swim with a few of the members. When I went to pick up my winnings. They were there and teasing me. They were what did you win? I was like I have no clue! I only put tickets in stuff I loved or wanted. Brenda won the cookie tree and said to me I bet you skipped all the food trees. I said Yes I did I can't resist temptation so don't tempt fate.
@Kurtize I am going to have to do some walking new building we do stairs but it's so tiny it doesn't amount to any distance. I took the only station that stands all day . But my pacing isn't much as there's no floor space.
On a funny note my boss was trying to dry money and put it in the microwave.😂 yes it started to burn. These kids kill me.😂😂1 -
Happy Saturday, @SweetPeasMom55 that is too funny, the money story, omg
.
Today's Inspirational wisdom: If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow. - Chinese Proverb1 -
@Tabatha_Cain , congratulations on your new schedule! You might be tired but you have more time off so that would be great on another day. How did Chloe do today? I hope he's able to play and also not to be hyper.
@SweetPeasMom55 , how awesome about your Dad. Glad he enjoyed it. Winning it always fun. Glad you had fun with people that you know and know you. Teasing among friends it always great. You may know I live in a high-rise. But my unit is very very small. I still walk around in here the steps don't add up fast but there's a really cool benefit I have to keep turning so often my calves look really awesome. Try it. It's really built them up well. Always a benefit to anything if we look for it and I know you do that all the time. I laughed so hard reading that! I can't believe he tried to dry money in the microwave. That's one for the books. How old is he? I am still laughing thank you for sharing that.
@Kurtize I thought that was really funny too about sweetpea's boss that is too funny. I hate it when I get angry I try not to. There are times that is appropriate but not a lot. I hate giving somebody else my energy married I hope that makes sense.
It would have very nice day. This morning with relaxing. This afternoon I did a few things for people that I know that live in the building. They were not physically taxing better be a little while before my new medication dog kick in for the heart. I am learning I really need to Pace myself well. I'm happy with today..0 -
Good Morning VIP friends:
I hope you are all doing well this morning. Today is Sunday and it is going to be a great day. We are going to deliver some plates to a lady who is buying our wedding plates. We really need the money. Today I think we are going to bundle up and take Chloe for a walk also. That might be a good idea.
@SweetPeasMom55 - That is awesome about your Dad. And then you won something at the church. That is awesome. That is funny that he thought the microwave would work to dry his money.
@Dianedoessmiles1 - Chloe did great yesterday and got her stitches out. She was a bit hyper yesterday but not to terribly bad.
Well I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday
Tabatha1 -
Insight Timer Quote:
My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean. Yet what is any ocean, but a multitude of drops?—David Mitchell
Daily Insight:
Genius is patience.—Isaac Newton
I AM:
I am a human, complete with valid emotions.
Action for Happiness:
Share with a friend something helpful you learned recently.
Fitness Quote:
Change starts from within: Once you have that burning desire, nothing can stop you.
Fun Fact:
NATIONAL SARDINES DAY
November 24th recognizes these silver little fishes on National Sardines Day. They may not swim right up to your plate, but they sure do pack in the flavor.
While some people are afraid to taste these small, silver fish, others consider sardines a delicious snack enjoyed on their own or with crackers.
Sardines are several types of small, oily fish, related to herrings. While we might be most familiar with sardines packed in cans, some enjoy fresh sardines grilled. This small fish can also be pickled and smoked, too. When canned, they can be packed in water, olive, sunflower or soybean oil or tomato, chili or mustard sauce.
0 -
Happy Sunday to all!
Of course when I weighed myself this morning, I’m lower than yesterday - isn’t that always the way? I would’ve rather given my team a bigger bump in the challenge figures. (Btw - I know there are results for weeks 1, 2, & 3 on the main page, am I missing 4 & 5? )
Anticipation of some time off from work for the upcoming holiday is leading to a serious case of ‘can’t concentrate’. I have a homework assignment due tonight and I don’t have the focus to finish it (hence why I’m posting here).
I hope everyone is have a great weekend
I should get back to my studies.
0 -
Happy Sunday
0 -
@Tabatha_Cain did the lady come and get the plates? That would be great for her and for you! And did Chloe get to go for her walk. Oh Oscar's hyper all the time. But it makes me laugh most of the time. He chase poor Izzy around but Izzy chase him back.
@cinebibliophile , I've got to ask I'm curious what does you screen name mean? I've had some people wonder if my real name is Diane Smiles. My first name really is Diane but Smiles is not my last name. Though that would be really cool. Many years ago I went through a severe depression. It was during that time that if a stranger smiled at me it improved my day. It's something I still carry to this day very tenderly. We never know when we smile at somebody else if we are doing that for them also. So I smile a lot at a whole bunch of people I don't know. In turn they also smile back and it's just really cool to see their eyes light up. Some people do not have any friends or family around. With many people committing suicide it's just something small we can do for each other. Why that's my take on it.
I think we've all done that way in on Sunday and found out whoops it's less than it was yesterday. It all evened out though in the long term. I could go look and see on the OAL team spreadsheet which team you are on but I'm just going to ask you which team are you on? I am on positively strong 4 life. currently at an extra leader on and as we all know an Over All Leaders (AOL). I get to work with Ceri, Heidi and Barbara it still blows my mind that I get to work with these wonderful people. We've been together for many years but It still blows my mind that they think of me the way they do and the value they bring to me and members I'm honored to do this.
Hopefully weeks 4, 5, and 6 will be updated. We've had some illnesses and had situations hitting all 4 of us as OALs. But now that we've started to work on the winter challenge we are extremely excited. And life has settle down for rest of that we can concentrate again. It's highly I knew you wrote that all of us can go through really hard things at the same time. We know our members are very patient. We appreciate that thank you all.
I don't even celebrate holidays, but this time of year I know it's going to be snowing out soon and I get so distracted and not even funny. Plus those of you that do celebrate us so much happier, and looking forward to seeing people that you want to see etc. And general November and December most people are much happier. And we all feel that we all need that right now. But it is distracting! LOL did you get the homework done? Going to put on my mama hat here and say hey no online to your homework is done! I had my granddaughter from the time she was 11 up and I remember saying that a lot!! Seriously though I hope you're able to get back to it. Do you like the way it turned out? What are you studying?
@Kurtize , Joyce will you please post this on our team? Joyce is the Motivational Leader also on PS4L.
My day was amazing! This AM we visited a congregation where we know many. Hugs all around! After we went out and ate. I came home and crashed for hours. This foolish body! I keep hoping I'll be better soon. With 3 more heart meds on board I should be! I think I'm having a little bit easier time breathing. I think breathing is not an option we can do without. 1 -
Good Morning VIP Friends:
I hope you are all doing well this morning. Today is Monday and it is going to be a great day. I am thinking I am going to get an extra half hour of work today. I am hoping that I am working enough overtime and that they don't try and limit me. Oh guess what. My daughter just found out she is having a boy. So I will have a grandson come May 2025. I am so excited. I cannot wait. They are naming him Daniel Asher Newell. I think it is going to be amazing. I cannot wait to have a grandchild. My first one.
@cinebibliophile - Oh I get that. I have a serious cannot focus either. The holiday coming up distracts me as well. I am glad for some time off.
@Dianedoessmiles1 - We did get the plates delivered. Chloe did not get her walk and we really need to get that going. She took them all. So glad to have them be out of here. It did allow is to get groceries this week as well. We have to find a way to get her the walks. I am glad you are doing better with the new heart meds. Having an easier time breathing is awesome.
Well I hope you all have a wonderful Monday.
Tabatha1 -
@Dianedoessmiles1 Yes I got my homework in on time. Granted with only about 15 minutes to spare, but as long as it is before the deadline, it's all good. The class I'm taking is Statistics based - which I really don't like. I can explain the results using laymens terms, but using the technical terms trips me up sometimes. Thankfully this is a "prerequisite" course and not part of my major. I am REALLY hoping there won't be too much of this as I move toward the actual coursework.
My screenname is just a description I came up with for myself many years ago -- Cine - biblio - phile = movie and book lover. Though the past few years, its been far too much movies & TV, and not enough reading. I am trying to get back into reading novels again. Lately I'm so busy, I can't really get into a completely new story, so I've been re-reading some favorites.
I love the description of your screenname - we could all use a smile now and then! I'll try to smile more - I'm often in my own head and really should be more aware of those around me.
I'm glad you had a great weekend and are feeling better!!!
@Tabatha_Cain I hope you can get as much overtime as you can handle! While its a lot of work , the increase in the paycheck is always welcome! & congrats on becoming a grandma soon! That's very exciting! Best wishes to your daughter for a easy and healthy pregnancy! 0 -
Hi all, happy Monday. We picked up my new glasses, went to store, needed cough medicine and that is my exciting day. I did get 2 posts cards on my 2 new walks.
When I think of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus's hometown naturally comes to mind. However, there's much more to this small city. As the capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi serves as a gateway to the Arctic's expansive wilderness, where endless forests, lakes, and snow-covered fells are perfect for rugged exploration under the midnight sun.
One of Rovaniemi's most striking buildings is the Arktikum Museum and Science Centre. Located next to the highway, the museum is hard to miss with its long glass corridor stretching toward the Ounasjoki River. This corridor resembles a 'northern frozen finger' pointing toward the Arctic, symbolising a connection to the northern, frozen landscapes. Its glass design mirrors the Arctic environment, allowing natural light to fill the space with its transparent structure, especially during the dark winters. Inside, the museum offers exhibitions on life in the harsh conditions of the Arctic, with displays on wildlife, the northern lights, and climate change.
The museum also highlights the Sámi culture, the indigenous people of the Arctic region. Known for their nomadic lifestyle, they rely on reindeer herding for food and clothing, moving with the seasons to ensure their herds have the best grazing. Their deep connection with the land is evident in their traditional lifestyles, knowledge of sustainable land use, and spiritual beliefs intertwined with nature. For the Sámi, the land is not just a place to live but a source of identity and life, with their cultural practices and rituals reflecting their respect for the Arctic environment.
A well-known traditional meal of the Sámi people is poronkäristys, a reindeer stew. The meat is sliced thinly, fried in fat, and spiced with pepper and salt, usually served with lingonberries and mashed potatoes. It is an important and hearty dish in the northern region because the meat is rich in protein and essential nutrients, crucial for sustaining energy in the harsh Arctic climate.
Congratulations, Joyce
You have completed 20% of the Rovaniemi Virtual Challenge.
This milestone is great news because it means we will plant a real tree thanks to you!
The Grand Canyon is located in northwest Arizona. It is the largest canyon in the United States and is designated a World Heritage Site. Due to tectonic uplift, visible rock layers are between 2 billion and 270 million years old. The Colorado River snakes through the canyon, appearing calm, yet it transforms into a wild ride through numerous rapids, making its way toward Lake Mead.
The first people to live in the canyon were Ancient Puebloans. Exploration through the canyon by Europeans only began in the late 1800s when geologist John Wesley Powell, with a crew of 10 men, launched a river expedition that would last three months.
Today, Lees Ferry is the launching site for river rafting expeditions. It is considered the official start of the Grand Canyon's Colorado River journey.
Boarding the inflatable raft, I settle down, taking in the Echo Cliffs to the east and Marble Canyon to the west. The river is wide, calm and reflective. The landscape is a vermillion hue, with vegetation protruding from the river's edge. The atmosphere is peaceful and tranquil. I push off, heading west. Outwardly, I am calm and relaxed, but inside, I am anxious and nervous as I ride into the unknown of the Colorado River.
Grand Canyon
Congratulations, Joyce
You have completed 20% of the Grand Canyon Virtual Challenge.
This milestone is great news because it means we will plant a real tree thanks to you!
0 -
Insight Timer Quote:
What isn’t said is as important as what is said.—Colson Whitehead
Daily Insight:
Faith is oneself is the best and safest course.—Michelangelo
I AM:
I stand tall with courage and confidence.
Action for Happiness:
Use one of your strengths in a new or creative way.
Fitness Quote:
No Excuses.
Time to get stronger.
Fun Fact:
BLASÉ DAY
Blasé Day is observed annually on November 25th. We aren't certain if we should feel excited about it or if we should feel blasé about Blasé Day.
This unique observance gives us permission to be blasé toward just about anything.
Of French origin meaning to be indifferent or bored with life, unimpressed, as or as if from an excess of worldly pleasures.
Unimpressed by pumpkin spice everything? It's okay to be blasé about it today. Heard the same pop song for the 4th time today? Be blasé. Nothing on TV tonight? Just be blasé. Bored by your friend's team winning their 266th game in a row? Yep, you got it. Whether it's that 20 page Christmas letter, your mom's con
0 -
Insight Timer Quote:
Progress is not achieved by luck or accident, but by working on yourself daily.—Epictetus
Daily Insight:
Arise! Awake! And stop not until the goal is reached.—Swami Vivekananda
I AM:
I am at peace with where I am right now.
Action For Happiness:
Try out a different radio station or new TV show.
Fitness Quote:
That intense feeling: when you go into BEAST MODE.
Fun Fact:
NATIONAL CAKE DAY
On November 26th, National Cake Day delivers a scrumptious treat for everyone to enjoy! Slide over pie, this day cake takes center stage as the dessert of choice. On most birthdays, the cake is topped with candles no matter their age. Showers, weddings, retirements and anniversaries, cake serves up a slice or two. Add ice cream, and you have America's top favorite desserts in the same dish!
Whether it's a shapely bundt cake (celebrated on November 15) or the less curvaceous sheet cake, these sweet layered, frosting-covered, or fondant-decorated works of art scream celebration! Made from scratch, a box or picked up from the bakery, a cake sends a sweet message. They also come in many combinations and flavors, too.
0 -
0 -
Insight Timer Quote:
You don’t always have to be doing something. You can just be, and that’s plenty.
Daily Insight:
Beauty surrounds us, but usually we need to be walking in a garden to know it.—Rumi
I AM:
I am confident in my path, even if it’s different.
Action for Happiness:
Join a friend doing their hobby and find out why they love it.
Fitness Quote:
Sweat is just fat crying
Fun Fact:
NATIONAL JUKEBOX DAY
The day before gathering around the turkey, gather around the nearest jukebox to celebrate National Jukebox Day! As Americans flock to their hometowns for Thanksgiving, many will head out to neighborhood bars and restaurants. They will catch up with friends and family and celebrate by playing great songs on their local jukebox.
The name jukebox is thought to originate from places called ‘juke houses’ or ‘jook joints.' In the early 1900s, people congregated in these establishments to drink and listen to music. In 1889, Louis Glass and his partner William S. Arnold invented the first coin-operated player in San Francisco. They were both managers of the Pacific Phonograph Co. Formally known as the nickel-in-the-slot machine, the player included a coin operation feature on an Edison phonograph. However, it played a limited selection of songs without any amplification.
0 -
Jukebox Day reminds me of the 80's. The Jukebox at the roller rink. The Jukeboxes on your table at the diner we all went to afterward. The one and only place where I had French fries and gravy.
OMG, the stretch class was unbelievable. I usually go to a massage therapist and pay 55 dollars for a half hour. This class was 20 for an hour and I felt fabulous. I told my co-worker Ì will be signing up for twice a month. She said she hasn't slept so well in ages. I also slept great. I showed up for swim this morning she didn't lol. I was the only one at the pool for the first half hour. It was great.
Work we are swapping names for Xmas. Usually, I don't participate. This year I made up the rules. 20. Gift card exchange. Everyone lists 3 cards they would like to get. Then attach a white elephant gift. Something that you have at your house that needs a new home. My one coworker's sister buys pallets of stuff and then sells it. She was like I'm hoping for Sue! I turned around and said I don't want one of your sister's vaginal steamers. She laughed 😅 and said only you would remember!
I think stretching makes me happy 😊. Melanie and I are both very mellow and happy. Can't wait till they post next months schedule. I may even sign up for Facebook so I get the postings. Have a great day everyone!!0 -
I know it is a day early but wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving.
0 -
Good Morning VIP friends:
I hope you are all doing well this morning. Today is Thursday. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. It is going to be a great day. I am really ready to get the day going. I have some things to get going and I need to get showered and dressed and work out before going to eat. I think that would be a good idea. I am going into maintenance mode for my weight. I am really excited about that. I have decided I am happy where I am at and if you think about it I have kinda hit my goal. My doctor has estimated that I should be around 155 so be comfortable. I weighed in at the doctor 163. The doctor stated that my extra skin is roughly 8 pounds of weight. So well I am at my goal weight. If I were going to do skin removal surgery she would want me around 150, but I don't think I am going to do that as I have seen how hard it is to recover from that.
@SweetPeasMom55 - That is awesome that you felt great after a stretching class. It sounds interesting. That is funny the comment you made about the gift. A white elephant gift sounds awesome. I work from home so I have no co workers to do secret santa with.
Well I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Tabatha0 -
Diane: No. I went to the urgent care on Tuesday and found out that I have positional vertigo so taking it easy until this passes1
