VIP LOUNGE! Welcome to the 2025 Winter 5% Challenge!
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@Patti241, the invites will be out soon, most members between Thurs the 1st to the 4th with some a little bit later (usually those on the "Any team will be great" option).
Patti how did today go? (Monday) my day is slow, but I needed that!
A very way for all to know is to keep an eye under Announcements.
@Sweetpeasmom55, WOOHOO hey that's a FANTASTIC NSV (Non Scale Victory)!! WOW!! I remember when I first realized I wasn't going crazy with candy! Exciting!! CONGRATS!! I do still enjoy candy, but it's no longer the focus of my day. I'm going to work on my vision board really soon also. LOVE your reasoning on the not taking the other position!! I know working for the city (or at least my personal experience) the more I did the more they expected!! AARRGGHH I did get them to give me a raise, but it certainly wasn't enough.
@Tabatha_Cain WOW longgg workday, but nice breaks! It's great to have a long day right off and make the rest of the week shorter!! Did you get a call about the house today? Exciting!! We know if that does not work out something else likely will. So many emotions around a move!
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Insight Timer Quote:
Worrying is betting against yourself.—Terence McKenna
Daily Insight:
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.—Mahatma Gandhi
I AM:
I am always healing and growing.
Action for Happiness:
Let someone know how much you appreciate them and why.
Fitness Quote:
No Pain. No Gain. Shut Up And Train.
Fun Fact:
BACON DAY
On December 30th each year, bacon lovers celebrate one of nature's favored gifts on Bacon Day! The day reminds us that bacon is not just for breakfast and encourages us to test out various ways to enjoy this culinary marvel.
#BaconDay
Everything is better with bacon, so someone said once. And our research shows very little to dispute this assertion.
The United States and Canada make bacon from the pork belly. Other countries around the world use the side and back cuts of pork. The meat is cured in either a salt brine or a salt pack. It is then either dried, boiled, or smoked. Bacon is a very popular food in the USA. In 2020, over half of the U.S. population said they used a pound or more bacon that year. You can also find many items flavored or scented with bacon, including popcorn, soap, candles, air fresheners, and much more. While these uses fit right into the day, we suggest cooking with bacon.
It's not just for breakfast anymore, either. Bacon improves everything from beverages to dessert. Some cocktails such as the Bloody Mary and Caesar add bacon to the olives, pickles, and other assorted ingredients. Bacon improves the flavor of many appetizers, sandwiches, and soups. Incorporate bacon into salads as a topping or mix it into the dressing. For dessert, bacon pairs well with maple frosting or maple ice cream. Thanks to bacon's salty, smoky flavor, it compliments sweet quite well. The possibilities are endless.
HOW TO OBSERVE BACON DAY
The founders of Bacon Day encourage us to eat a variety of bacon while watching Kevin Bacon movies or movies with bacon in the title. Other suggested traditions such as bacon toasts and kissing under pork fat mistletoe are mentioned as well. We make these recommendations for celebrating the day:
• Try a new recipe.
• Test the best way to cook bacon.
• Top your salad, soup, or eggs with this delicious ingredient.
• Give the gift of bacon.
• Sample different varieties and determine your favorite.
• Host of cookoff and post your favorite recipes.
• Write a song about bacon.
• Make a smiley face using bacon.
• Visit your favorite butcher and give them a shout-out!
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@sweetpeasmom55 I wish I would have had your good sense when I took a supervisors job to get more money before I retired. Worst mistake in my life…well, at least in my working life.0
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@Kurtize, that's beautiful!! Hope you enjoyed the evening also!
@Lulabelbo, I did the money thing as a supervisor it went well for me, but it's such a delicate balance of professional and personal life especially when you climbed the ladder. It was an adjustment for myself and my coworkers.0 -
Good Morning VIP friends:
I hope you are all doing well this morning. Today is Tuesday and it is the last day of the year. Can you believe that. We heard nothing from the realtor who is trying to sell the house we want. So I assume all realtors are on vacation at this time of the year. Maybe it is their slow time. Who knows. I just know I am anxious to get the house I want and I really want to go look at it. Our realtor is back from vacation on Monday. So maybe next week. Which seems like forever away. It really does. I am just constantly checking the listing online to make sure it is still there and not pending sale. That would stink.
@SweetPeasMom55 - That is great that you are deciding to put your health first. That is what I did when I decided to take this work from home job. The stress of the office I was at was too much. So I decided I needed something less stressful.
@Dianedoessmiles1 - Yeah we have heard nothing yet. I think they are all on vacation. Or at least I hope that is the case so I don't lose this home. I can really see myself there and everything just feels right about it.
Well I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday.
Tabatha0 -
Definitely looking forward to this new challenge!!0
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Insight Timer Quote:
Celebrate endings—for they precede new beginnings.—Jonathan Lockwood Hule
Daily Insight:
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.—Lao Tzu
I AM:
I am attracting positive outcomes in every aspect of my life.
Action for Happiness:
Plan some new acts of kindness to do in 2025.
Fitness Quote:
WINNERS Don’t Make Excuses.—gymaholic
Fun Fact:
NEW YEAR'S EVE
Every year on December 31st, people around the world celebrate New Year's Eve, the last day of the year. It’s a day to say “goodbye” to the old and “hello” to the new.
#NewYearsEve
Also known as Old Year's Day or Saint Sylvester's Day, New Year’s Eve is one of the most exciting holidays of the year. Some countries, such as the Philippines and Latvia, celebrate New Year’s Eve as a public holiday. In Japan, it’s a government holiday. In other countries, many businesses let their employees off of work early so that they can partake in the many festivities.
There are many reasons this day is one of the biggest nights of the year. Not just because it’s a time of big parties and celebrations all around the world. New Year’s Eve can be a significant turning point in your life. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and all of the lessons you have learned. It can be a time you decide to start making better choices. If you have had a rough year, New Year’s Eve offers a feeling of relief. You can be thankful that the year is finally over
New Year’s is also a time to forgive past mistakes and form new habits. Many people make New Year’s resolutions. Although, only 8% of people actually accomplish them. Instead of making resolutions that you’re not going to keep anyway, it’s better to set three or four goals. Breaking down goals into actionable steps, and reviewing your progress daily helps to keep them. It’s also a good idea to find a friend or mentor that can hold you accountable.
HOW TO OBSERVE NEW YEAR'S EVE
As we count down the last hours and seconds of the old year, it is an excellent time to look back at the year and reminisce with friends and family.
Many cities throughout the world go all-out to celebrate this exciting night. Fireworks, concerts, countdowns, and ball drops are usually among the many festivities. Some of the best cities to celebrate include New York City, Sydney, Bangkok, Dubai, Cape Town, London, and Las Vegas.
In Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, it is a tradition to eat 12 grapes during the countdown to midnight, symbolizing hopes for the new year. Around the world, eating anything in the form of a circle or ring symbolizes coming full circle and is considered good luck.
As a Christian observance, it is traditional to hold an evening Mass the night before a Holy Day. New Year's Day in the Roman Catholic Church honors the Virgin Mary. In some countries, St. Sylvester, Pope of the Catholic Church from 314 to 335, is celebrated on New Year's Eve.
Other ways to participate:
• Host a party to ring in the New Year
• Set some achievable goals
• If you can’t be at a celebration, watch one live on television
• Have a game night with your family and see who lasts until midnight
• Go for a midnight run
• Attend a concert that goes past midnight
• Go ice-skating at a nearby park or indoor rink
• Kiss your spouse or significant other at midnight
• Enjoy a quiet evening at home journaling
• Think about what you can do to make next year the best one of your life
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Diane: The day went okay0
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Good morning all,
I think I’m ready to go for the challenge. I’ve used the wheel to determine healthy habits I’ll be working on. I have 2. One is to track my macros consistently and second is an exercise regimen I put together that consists of walking and playing pickleball.
I thankfully got through Christmas without gaining weight while still enjoying my meals! Who would have thought it could be done. LOL.
It’s been quiet around my place since Christmas which I’m thankful for. I managed to finish one of my small quilting projects and have been reflecting on what life is going to look like for me in the New Year.
Tomorrow I plan to do some meal prep. I don’t do this often but want to get in the habit of doing it. I believe it will help with the stress of always thinking of what I’m going to prepare and or eat next. I work better when I have a plan regardless of the task. Could be eating, exercise or my hobby of quilting - just need the plan. 😊
Happy New Year! 🎉
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@Lulabelbo Originally I wanted a different department as mine as of November now works Sat. Then I was deciding how much extra money could I set aside for retirement. Then as I was doing my wheel I realized I am really happy. The new position can't guarantee me happiness but it will be a lot more work. Now I'm looking at the fact that they deleted the position as God giving me a heads up to really think it over. The higher ups keep saying hey March we are going to re-post that position. I just smile and don't answer.
@Tabatha_Cain I think everything either shuts down or works on minimal staff during the holidays. Our corporate office probably has 2/3 of the staff off.
I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!0 -
@Tabatha_Cain, Oh I hope that's the case, and the house is still available. Time will tell, if not hopefully something else will crop up that you aren't aware of yet.
@chansen_2000, WOOHOO So good to see you!!! This is going to be an AMAZING Challenge!!
@Patti241, are many things in your area open today (the 1st)?
@Cruising132, I am working on my wheel, its 1/2 way done. I'm glad it's helping you to decide where your priorities are for this challenge. Of course, as the weeks go by, I usually shift around my focus. LOL! AWESOME Job on the not gaining during the holidays!!! YEAH, On the quilt and meal planning.
@Kurtize, Ohhh let's hope this coming year is a good one.
@Sweetpeasmom55, I LOVE that you have the happiness!!! SMART decision to stay at your current position. That's so sweet!!!0 -
Rabbit 🐰 Rabbit 🐰 wishing luck this month and a prosperous 2025 to all who read this.
Insight Timer Quote:
Commitment is an act, not a word.—Jean Paul Sartre
Daily Insight:
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.—Lao Tzu
I AM:
I value myself and believe in my abilities.
Action for Happiness:
Find three things to look forward to this year.
Fitness Quote:
Trust Your Crazy Ideas.
Fun Fact:
NEW YEAR'S DAY
Nearly the entire world recognizes New Year's Day on January 1st. It's also one of the most celebrated holidays of the year.
#NewYearsDay
Celebrations will begin in the Pacific Ocean with Samoa celebrating the New Year before the rest of the world. The latest stroke of midnight will occur in the middle of the Pacific Ocean near Baker Island, which is halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR'S DAY
Traditions around the world:
1. Kiss at midnight the one person you hope to keep kissing the rest of the year.
2. Making noise, either in the form of fireworks, ringing bells, horns, blasting, or pistol shots are traditional around the world.
3. In Holland, they toast to the new year with spiced wine, wassail in England, or champagne in the United States.
4. Resolutions are not a modern tradition. The Babylonians made commitments to return borrowed objects and to pay old debts.
5. Use #NewYearsDay to post on social media.
NEW YEAR'S DAY HISTORY
The new year has been celebrated for millennia. The earliest record of new year's celebrations occurred during Babylonian times. However, January 1st wasn't always the designated day. For example, the first new moon after the vernal equinox ushered in the new year at one time. These festivities occurred in Martius (March), the first month in the early Roman calendar, which only had ten months.
King Pompilius later added the months Januarius (named for Janus, the pagan god of gates, doors and beginnings) and Februarius bringing the calendar to 12 months. It was Julius Caesar who created the Julian calendar, which most closely resembles the Gregorian calendar a majority of the world follows today.
Celebrating the first day of the year in the appropriately named month of January, Romans made sacrifices to Janus, giving gifts and general revelry. With his two faces, the god Janus was able to look toward the past and forward to the future.
New Year's FAQ
Q. Was New Year's Day always on January 1?
A. No. January didn't exist on the Roman calendar used in the eighth century B.C. Around 700 B.C., Numa Pompilius created a 12-month calendar by adding January to the beginning of the calendar and February to the end of the calendar.
Q. What is a New Year's resolution?
A. The tradition of making a resolution is aimed at making personal improvements in one's life. Some common resolutions include:
• Losing weight
• Getting more exercise
• Reducing screen time
• Getting a promotion
• Saving money
• Buying a large item (house, car, boat, vacation)
• Organizing the home
• Starting a hobby
• Reducing stress
• Starting a business
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To a new year, and to new beginnings and endless possibilities. Hugs0
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Happy New Year - A chuckle to start your new year
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Invitations sent to the Winter 2025 Rain Dancer Team today. Please look for your invitation.1
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Diane: Yes0
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@TEXASTITCHER love your new year picture! Lol
I put in for my time off to visit my daughter. I warned my boss Jan 1st I would be marking the calendar. I can't wait.0 -
@Kurtize Always keep that door open!
@Texastitcher, LOL That's the way all of them should read!! Though some do put a lot of thought into what they want. I don't know about you, but at this point hehehe I AGREE!
@Patti241 I think most things were open here, though not all.
@Sweetpeasmom55, LOL you brought back tthe memory of getting into work as early as I could get in on Jan 2nd to grab the time off I wanted for the year!! LOL Good old city employees!!!
Here's your invite to PS4L just click on the link below:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/147342-positively-strong-4-life-2025-winter-5-challenge0 -
Good Morning VIP Friends:
I hope you are all doing well this morning. Today is Thursday and I am hoping today will be not a super busy day at work, and yet I am also hoping that I will not get really rude clients today. Tuesday I got some really mean ones. They were rough. I am hoping for none of those today. Today, tomorrow and Monday are mandatory work hours. You will be fired if you call off work and don't have a good excuse. They are expecting that we will be that busy.
@cruising132 - That is pretty cool using the wheel to determine what healthy habits you will work on. There are so many and it is hard to decide with out help. That is great that you got through Christmas without gaining. That is good. I love when that happens. Meal prep does help from time to time. I got tired of doing it. So I plan out my meals for grocery shops I just don't prep them ahead of time.
@SweetPeasMom55 - Yeah not insurance. Some offices will take time off, but most do not. So for me it is weird when someone can afford not to work for 2 weeks.
@Dianedoessmiles1 - Yes thank you. If this house ends up not being available please let another house come forward that makes me equally as excited.
Well I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday.
Tabatha0 -
Insight Timer Quote:
You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.—Mandy Hale
Daily Insight:
One must work and dare if one really wants to live.—Vincent Van Gogh
I AM:
My potential transcends all boundaries.
Action for Happiness:
Make time today to do something kind for yourself.
Fitness Quote:
Work Out. Eat Well. Be Patient. Your Body Will Reward You.
Fun Fact:
NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY
National Science Fiction Day promotes the celebration of science fiction as a genre, its creators, history, and various media, too. On January 2nd annually, millions of science fiction fans across the United States read and watch their favorites in science fiction.
#ScienceFictionDay
The date of the celebration commemorates the birth of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. An American author and Boston University professor of biochemistry, Isaac Asimov was born Isaak Yudovich Ozimov on January 2, 1920. He is best known for his works of science fiction and his popular science books. Isaac Asimov, whose works are followed by many, died on April 6, 1992.
National Science Fiction Day is recognized by the Hallmark Channel and the Scholastic Corporation.
Considered a master of hard science fiction, Asimov, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, was considered one of the “Big Three” science-fiction writers during his lifetime. Many regard the Foundation Series as Asimov’s most outstanding piece. His other major series are the Galactic Empire Series and the Robot Series.
Some of the successful television shows recognized by science fiction fans include Star Trek-The Next Generation, The X-Files,Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who, and The Twilight Zone.
As we look back at some older science fiction in our current technology-infused world, how close do the writers come to imaging our futures? Long before Asimov created his first work, humans imagined machines that allowed them to soar like birds. Another man, Leonardo Di Vinci, looked to the future, too. He designed contraptions worthy of the science fiction in his time.
Science fiction impacts life in ways we may not even consider - even those who don't enjoy reading or watching science fiction.
HOW TO OBSERVE SCIENCE FICTION DAY
The day encourages reading or watching science fiction. However, consider exploring science fiction in other ways. For example:
• Introduce science fiction to an entirely new generation. Offer to read excerpts from your favorite science fiction author to a youth group at a library.
• Explore the authors of science fiction you've never read before.
• Study the history of science fiction and how it has impacted modern culture.
• Share your favorite science fiction story or character.
• You can also explore these 9 Books to Unleash the Time Traveler in You.
Use #ScienceFictionDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY HISTORY
Since at least 2011, science fiction lovers have been honoring Isaac Asimov and other science fiction contributors. In 2013, asimovs.com published a guest editorial by Ed Finn. The writer talks about doomsday predictions while also looking toward the future - all moving toward the true meaning of National Science Fiction Day.
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Good morning0
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Happy Thankful Thursday. Hope your day is going well. I signed up for 2 more conqueror walks, one I will not start until I complete North Coast one and the other is Walk 2025, My goal is to do 500 or more miles in this year. According to fitbit I walked 507 in 2024 so I think I can do this ok. I did get another post card on my North Coast walk, here is link to check it out.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10891931/joyces-walking-adventures#latest
Also got 2 more post cards on my Grand Canyon walk and planted a few more trees.
It is much warmer today then yesterday, yesterday in 30's today at least in 50's. This morning got my hair cut.
Hugs and blessings, today inspiration
Stop holding on to the past.
Release your regrets about whatever you may have done
or failed to do that turned out poorly.
Forgive others for whatever they may have done
or failed to do that cause you harm.
Declare today to be a new beginning.
Let go of the past and move on with creating
a joyful new future for yourself.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie0 -
@Tabatha_Cain , It's now Friday (When you see this) may the day go by quickly (If you are working, sllllowwllllyyy if you are not! LOL). UGH I do not know why people need to be mean when they aren't happy. There are MANY TIMES I'll have to call and call a place to finally reach a person (and not always info they give me do I like) but I am always very polite. In turn, YO!!! My service at various places is almost always gold standard. Including getting appointments at Dr type offices that "suddenly we just had a cancellation would you like it?" All just by being polite.
@Patti241 any SNOW???? There's a storm going by the SOUTH of us!! Grrrr!!! WAHHHHH I WANT snow!! We had a TON of rain over the past week with temps in the 40s and even 50s!! Now that we are back where we should be in the 30s, NO storms. New members, I LOVE WINTAH so much!! LOL I am a native Mainer, learned from my Grandpa how much fun snow was. A tradition I carry on and am happy to say my GS also loves it as I do(LOL much the same reason, he's in 1st grade and if a SNOW DAY is declared he smiles though he loves school)
@Kurtize WOW YOU GO JOYCE!! Big goals, but we know you set them high, only if you are pretty sure with a lot of effort you can do them. WTG!! WOOHOO on the post cards!! That's a fun site, would you like to share with the members what site it is you get them on? If it costs etc. etc. DETAIL kiddo also on the team you are on do you share that? LOL Joyce and I are both on the same team. HINT HINT Joyce!! GRIN!0
