**CLOSED SKINNY CHICS & A ROOSTER CLIMB THE SEVEN SUMMITS CH

stephaniezoundi

Found a brick in the house to get some reps in -trying to be creative as its meant to be my off-weights day

KnottyNCrotchety

My challenge compliment thread...

Becky, I adore you. You give so much to everyone, your advice, your encouragement and really, I have no doubt, the shirt right off your back if needed. You are an incredibly generous person.

Bobbie, you make me laugh. You wit and sass on the boards always makes for fun reading. I am glad to be "cool" enough to be your friend.

Bonnie, you have a quiet strength and willingness to keep trying that is inspiring to me. You are willing to try, and if it doesn't work to try something else. I love that!

Cyn, you are seriously awesome. I love that you don't ever just stick a toe in to see if the water is ok. You just cannonball right into the deep end. You don't just go buy a bike, you buy a bike then get it tricked out in every imaginable way.

Greg, you are so steady. Nothing seems to phase you. You roll with our "girl talk" and offer an opinion when asked. Rock on, dude.

Jane, I just love to read about your day. You have such a consistently sunny perspective. You are making such changes in yourself and it is just awesome to read about.

Julie, I don't know you as well as some of the other, but I love your boot-kicking attitude and not just because the boots are hot!

Lane, I can see that you have struggled with this challenge, and yet you keep on logging what you can. I love that commitment and perseverance.

Lexie, you also have really stuggled this month and not just with the challenge. And yet you keep logging what you can and I love that.

ReNae, you are so kind. I can't think of a single time you have had anything but a nice word for anyone, including yourself. Thank you for that!

Staci, you are my hero! Lifting reams of paper and thinking of weights on while you climb the stairs or do situps to count them towards our strength mountain. Brilliant and dedicated! LOVE IT!

Steph, you are brilliant. I love that you thought to do Just Dance during the 6pm-9pm time so you could get double points, even though you are off school and it probably would have been easier to do during the day. Thanks for thinking of the group sweetie!

Brisa, I really appreciate that you have tried so hard to fit this challenge in amongst your school and family life. I know it has been hard and you have struggled to keep up and I just wanted you to know that I noticed and thank you for it.

Carla, you have done such a great job with complimenting others! So I am going to compliment you on it! You have made sure to give them out liberally and I really appreciate it!

Pam, you are a water drinking MACHINE baby! Thanks for helping rack up the feet on that mountain! Great job!

Eileen, you are so strong it just amazes me. You have faced down your demons and not let them turn you bitter or mean. You are funny, sunny and cheerful and I love it. I would however, like to see you log some dancing points before the end of this challenge. You have earned yourself some boogeying time with the hubby. Go get your groove on girlfriend!

Tina, I love that you changed your name from one that made you depressed to one that inspired you. Way to take control of you life and destiny, lady! InKredible is right!

Jackie, I love that you are willing to dabble in a few of the different mountains even though they might be really new to you. That was what this challenge was all about and I love that you took advantage of it!

Linda, its been a rough month and I love that you stayed with us through it. I hope you are finding your mojo again and hope to see you posting more. The more I participate in our conversations the more committed I am to this. So start chatting!

Same with you Amy! Lets hear from you! And wow, are you able to drink down the water! 26 glasses in a day? A-maze-ing!!!!!

Andi it looks like you also have tried just about everything once. Love it! Thanks for giving them all a shot!

And one for me....

Today I got up on a ladder and put some boxes up high for storage. I usually wait until my daughter is here to do that, but today I had mom hold the ladder and did it myself. I felt so strong and capable to be able to do that. Woot!

StaciO

I can compliment too.

Bobbie- I love that your sense of humor has come out in your posts. I love that eventhough there may be struggles you are ready to make us laugh.

Carla- I am impresed by you exercise. I noticed on the spreadsheet that you are doing more than a little of each activity. Bravo.

JJ- I love you dedication to the challenge. It is a big one with lots of bits and pieces and you managed to put it all together and give us a reason to explore new exercises.

Cynthia- I love your This is me like or not I don't give a feck attitude. I love that you are the first to stand up for someone when they are getting down on themself and the first to give a little chewing out if they need it.

Jane- I think of you as the little ray of sunshine. I love your sunshine-y attitude.

Julie- when I start to doubt myself I read some of your posts and think that youare the little voice in my ear saying yes you can.

Tina- I love how your confidence has grown during this challenge so much so that it warranted a name change.

Becky- I know this might sound kind of weird or strange but I just want you to know that you matter to me. I have often just checked in to see if you have posted yet and how you are doing. You are growing and it shows. You will make it girl.

Greg- I love your attitude and you willingness to adapt. Your knee started hurting so you started in with the pool. Loves me a man in the pool.

Lexie- I love you determination to not let life sidetrack you. When things get a little crazy I can always see that you have scheduled time for you. (I think I needed to do a bit more of that this week)

ReNae- I love the cheerleader in you. The way you always say Way to go! I knew you could do it.

Steph- I call you the little bounce-y ball. You don't let a bad day or anything stop you, you just say Well, that didn't work lets see what does. Yo are able to bounce back and get right back on your program.

Eileen- I admire your inner strength/determination. I like that yo are committed to do better and be healthier for you.

Bonnie, Lane, Brisa, Jackie, Linda and everyone else I didn't forget you but I am at work and actually have to work now. But I will be back.

KnottyNCrotchety

I can compliment too.

JJ- I love you dedication to the challenge. It is a big one with lots of bits and pieces and you managed to put it all together and give us a reason to explore new exercises.

Thank you for complimenting so many Staci! You did a great job and I appreciate your willingness to jump in and get us a little higher up that mountain! (And yes, that is another compliment!)

I have been dedicated to this challenge as I knew we could do this. It is a very big one and it had a lot of pieces and I am still sure we can get to the top of all those mountains with a little effort and determination. Thanks Staci!

ETA: I got a bunch of real life compliments this evening at Knit Night. I was sitting down knitting when a lot of the ladies arrived. I got up towards the end of the night to ring someone up and they all started talking about how my jeans were baggy and that they thought this was the second set of jeans to get baggy. It was funny and sweet and really nice to know that they are keeping track of my jeans and how I am doing.

KnottyNCrotchety

If you haven't posted your numbers in a while, please try to get them updated really soon. It is hard to tell where we are and where we need to concentrate our group efforts without all the data. Thanks so much!

stephaniezoundi

JJ - thank you. This challenge has given me an excuse to drag out the wii a lot more and I am hoping to keep it up once I got back to school on Monday. Will definately be doing some today as its a great distraction from the marking that I have been avoiding all week!

Staci - thank you, that description means so much to me. In the past I was a professional quitter so its nice to have it acknowledged that I am no longer that person!!

And now:

Bobbie - you have racked up some serious strength feet this month that is so impressive! But I don't think your strength is just physical. You are a strong woman with a great attitude and I'm glad to have gotten to know you.

Carla - I tip my hat to anyone who goes on vacation and contributes to a challenge still! You should be proud of how you have changed your life. Well done!

JJ - I luvs ya, ya know that and I love what you have done with this challenge. You have pushed us, and encouraged us, utching all the way. I'm thankful you were creative enough to come with an idea to push outside of our comfort zones. You are an inspiring woman.

Cynthia - I luvs ya too. You are a witty, sarcastic woman (right up my alley) who says it like it is but is also fiercly loyal at the same time. I always look forward to what you have to say and it always leaves me witha smile on my face!

Jane - You just plug along woman, sure and steady. You are making great progress. I love reading your status updates (its nice having someone in the same time zone!) as you are always positive and upbeat, a ray of sunshine in dreary old England

Julie - I confess, I'm competative by nature and you keep me driving forward. We have passed milestones together and your success drives me to keep up with you, you high-heeled machine you :bigsmile:

Tina - I love the name change and that you are able to now take a much more positive spin on life. Changing our attitudes is one of the biggest keys to success so well done you!

Becky - you know I loves you and I know you will be back with us when you are in that place again. That said, you are my bouncy ball, you bounce back no matter what life throws at you and you let us all in on your journey. You are honest, kind and sincere.

Greg - Mr Canuck,what can I say. You are the male cheerleader is this pyramid! I love the comments you leave. You always manage to make me feel good about myself. You are plugging away and not letting your knee be an excuse. You da man!!

Lexie - y a know I loves ya ) I love that you have acknowledged the need to make time for yourself and schedule it in. Putting it out there in order to make yourself accountable is truly admirable. Keep it up lovely lady!

Renae - you represent where I want to get to. An active woman who balances work, family and a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for being that role model.

Staci - You are an energizer bunny - you just keep going and going and going!

Eileen - quiet strength, grit and determination are the words that come to mind when I think of you and I hope that if I was ever faced with the challenges you have faced, I could be like you.

Bonnie - you are a quiet member of our group but you can always be counted on for your sincerity. I feel with every post you make that you are growing in confidence. And you post some most impressive cycling numbers you bike stitch witch you!

Lane - you never give up and I love that. You have faced challenges of being injured, balancing work and family but you never give up!

Brisa - You are so positive and sunny. With that disposition, i know you be a success at whatever you try your hand at!


Pam - Another quiet member but always so sincere. You are a quiet strong force.

Amy - Your numbers on the spreadsheet are so consistent! Well done at being that dedicated!

If I missed you sorry!!!

RL compliment: Saw an old friend yesterday who said I looked great (just said thank you) and that my posts on facebook about the gym inspire her to get out and be active. I like being that inspiration.

About me: My bum has shrunk...considerably! I never thought I would say this but it looked rather cute and tiny in my gym bottoms yesterday!

k2quiere

Bobbie, you make me laugh. You wit and sass on the boards always makes for fun reading. I am glad to be "cool" enough to be your friend.

Thanks, JJ. If I don't keep humor in my life, I will probably shoot myself. I am probably the least patient person in the world, except in the classroom. So, I have a hard time behaving myself on the boards with ignorant adults...lol Glad I can keep you amused :laugh:

Bobbie- I love that your sense of humor has come out in your posts. I love that eventhough there may be struggles you are ready to make us laugh.

Thanks Staci. Like I told JJ, I have to laugh. There is too much to bring us down in this world, that if we can't make a reason to laugh, we're all but sunk.

Bobbie - you have racked up some serious strength feet this month that is so impressive! But I don't think your strength is just physical. You are a strong woman with a great attitude and I'm glad to have gotten to know you.

Thanks Steph. I do feel like I'm getting stronger, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Finally realizing that I have the greatest say in what my body does has helped me gain perspective on many other aspects of my life. It's helped me prioritize and figure out what I really want and to let go of the things I had put over my own head that maybe aren't that important.

I'll have to come back later to do some complimenting of my own, since I'm supposed to be working

cherubcrnp

bump....and will be back later!

Pam

inkredibleshrinkingwoman

ok, just had to scroll back so many pages! sorry girls been insanely busy with school/halloween soires etc,

accepting of some very lovely compliments forgive me for not knowing names, i should by now eh?:

bobbie wrote:
nfat, you are becoming a swimming machine! I watch your times go up and up and up and think, wow, I need to get in the pool! Know that you are a motivation to me.
__________
thanks very much, that's nice of you to say, dont think i've ever had anyone say i've motivated them!
and thank u so much for helping me change my new name, i have to say, i feel better about posting at all with this name

StaciO wrote:
Tina, I want to compliment you on your bravery for telling your husband your weight.
______________
thanks! now i can't stop telling him what i'm weighing at every turn
AND she also wrote:
Tina- I love how your confidence has grown during this challenge so much so that it warranted a name change.
__________
thank you!

erh2000plus Wrote:
Tina - I love that you have grown out of your "nfat" and that you are being honest with yourself and your hubbie!
__________
thanks so much!

steph wrote:

Tina - I'm proud of you for letting your husband in the way you did with your weight loss. It must feel wonderful to own that moment and know that you are not going back there again and that you are doing so with his love and support. What a strong woman you are.
__________
aw shucks thank you...strength growing

AND she wrote:
Tina - I love the name change and that you are able to now take a much more positive spin on life. Changing our attitudes is one of the biggest keys to success so well done you!
__________
totally agree and thank you, you are truly inspiring!


carhicks wrote:
Tina (nfat) - Thanks for sharing the tip about the gum and parties. I want to compliment you on eating healthy and still enjoying yourself at a party. I am still having trouble with that one and hope to try the gum trick next time.
_________________
thanks you...yeah, parties can't be about the food for me any more, and another thing i consider is, it's not forever, it's for another year, and in a year, WHEN i'm at my goal weight finally for the first time in 41(42 by then) years, i can save calories for special treats....it's just another year i can do that standing on my head

JJ wrote:
Tina, I love that you changed your name from one that made you depressed to one that inspired you. Way to take control of you life and destiny, lady! InKredible is right!
___________
thank you! and thank YOU for inviting me into this challenge - who knew a group of strangers could motivate me to move more, drink more water(i'm trying) and stay on track more than people i know in real life



now for some RL compliments:

remember the backhanded "belly is bigger than your boobs" compliment i got at the party last week? well the same woman - who truly thinks she's giving me a compliment says at a coffee morning this week:

"wow, you can really see the difference in your arms...before they used to be here (and she puffed hers out) and now they hang down straight!" - seriously people, friends like this, who needs compliments? i just smiled and nodded and wished for it to be over

another one:
my snooty-mc-yummy-mummy neighbour saw me today in a shirt that wasn't black, ORANGE! wearing it for halloween - and because i'm back in it - and she says - "have you lost weight?" i say yeah, 65 lbs - she says "holy Sh&t! you look great, and you should stop wearing your baggy clothes i had no idea!"

KnottyNCrotchety

Our last challenge weekend!

First off...please make sure your entries are up-to-date in the spreadsheet. It is really hard to tell where we are with missing data, so please do your teammates a favor and add in your numbers.

Next...here is where we are:

Water: We are 842 glasses of water away from the summit. That is 281 glasses of water that need to be drunk per day over the next three days.

Dancing: 15,76 minutes of dancing/zumba/aerobics/wii that need to be done in the next 3 days.

Compliments: 9739 feet to go. This equals out to EVERYONE giving out 17 compliments per day from now until the end of the month. Or giving out 10 compliments per day and acknowledging 2 of your own. This seems huge, but can be done with everyone's help.

Strength: 5324 feet to the top. 100 feet per day from each person would get us here.

Biking: 1964 feet to the summit or 123 miles.

So here is the weekend challenge (it starts NOW and goes until midnight on Sunday!)

Water, if you drink 10 or more cups of water in a day, it doubles it. So if you drink 9 glasses of water you log 9. If you drink 10 glasses of water, you log 20! 11 cups = 22. 12 cups = 24. So drink up!

Dancing, this is the biggie for getting it done. I am going to double it for the weekend again, any song you want. So if you dance alone, every minute counts for 2 feet. If you dance with someone or during our group dance time of 6pm-9pm in whatever time zone you happen to be in, it counts for 4 feet. We REALLY need people to contribute to this one. Every minute counts! Dance a little while you are making dinner tonight. Or tomorrow morning while you are waiting for the shower to warm up....or very carefully while you are in the shower. Or while you wait for your toast in the morning. Just dance a few minutes...pretty please?

Compliments, we ARE going to make it to the top of this mountain. No ifs, ands or buts about it people. I refuse to believe we are not generous enough in spirit to do this. I have already removed all limits on this. I am also going to add another incentive. This one is going to work like the water. If you give out 5 or more compliments in a day, in doubles all your compliments. So if you give out 4 compliments and accept 1 you log 60 feet up that mountain. But if you give out 5 compliments and accept 1, you log 140 feet up the mountain! This INCLUDES compliments that you give to yourself. No excuses people. None will be accepted for this. There is NO REASON we cannot find the time, love and admiration for ourselves and each other to do this.

Strength, we have a paltry 5324 feet to go up this mountain. I am going to give us a little push and if you do 50 feet or more for this mountain, it will double it also. 100 reps with a 10# weight. That is 20 per leg, 20 per arm, and 20 sit ups holding the weight.

Biking, I know this was a big mountain. I am going to offer double for any biking you do alone, and quadruple for any biking you do with someone else, any kind of biking...road, spin class, recumbent, stationary. If you are at the gym and there is someone else on the bikes at the same time as you....you are biking with someone, even if you don't know their name.

Lets get 'er done climbers! We are within summitting range of all of these mountains with some effort. I really want to get to the top of all of them and I believe it is possible if people are willing to commit and do the work to get there.

I would like to recognize a few people that have done outstanding jobs....our current climbers that are breaking trail for the rest of us and leading the pack:

Water-Amy has drunk 572 glasses of water this month. Right behind her is Julie with 549 glasses of water. Wonder how many potty breaks this has translated to over the month? :laugh:
Walking/Running/Swimming-Jane has logged 3034 feet or 95 miles this month. Close on her heels is Cynthia is 2051 or 64 miles.
Exercises-Tina has done 4846 exercises this month. Staci is cloing in on her lead with 3283 exercises this month.
Dancing-Zena with 1430 minutes. Staci is also getting closer but has a lot of boogeying to go to take the lead on this one with 826 exercises. :drinker:
Compliments-Bobbie with 1150 feet up this mountain. So close she can almost taste the lead is Cynthia with 1060 feet. :bigsmile:
Strength-Jane with 5484 feet towards this summit. Cynthia is a long way back with 1882 feet up this mountain, but could still take the lead with a few afternoons at the gym! :happy:
Biking-Jane with 2294 feet or 144 miles towards the top of this mountain. And very close behind her is Becky with 1852 feet or 115 miles. :flowerforyou:

ETA: I am counting all of that as compliments for you ladies! So acknowledge and accept them please! :bigsmile:

CanToGirl

JJ: Thank you for the compliment. Deep in side is a kick *kitten* girl but I was ashamed to come out due to my weight but now that my confidence is back, I can be the real me.

Staci: Thank you for the compliment. Glad to hear to be the little bug in your ear. Because we know if you can do it, we all can too.

Steph: Thank you for the compliment. I couldn't agree more. You and all your hard work, be it at the gym, eating the right foods or your attitude on making the right choices, helps me to keep moving forward. Thank you!!:flowerforyou:

StaciO

Oh my! JJ you don't know what you have done for us!! You remember earlier this week when I replied to Becky's challenge that I was going to get up early and head to the gym to ride the ironman triathalon distance on a bike today. I did it!!!! No kidding 112 miles in just under 2 hours on the recumbent bike. I kid you not they guy working at the gym kept coming to check on me. I could literally wring the sweat out of my shirt when I was done. And eventhough I wasn't intending to go to Curves and workout I had time to kill before picking up the U-Haul since I was faster on the bike than i thought I would be. So with the gala I should also have lots of dancing minutes to log tomorrow. Yay. Okay so I am tired and am going to log my info for today then head to bed. Love you all.

StaciO

]

Thank you for complimenting so many Staci! You did a great job and I appreciate your willingness to jump in and get us a little higher up that mountain! (And yes, that is another compliment!)

thank you JJ. I aim to please

StaciO

Staci - You are an energizer bunny - you just keep going and going and going!

Thanks Steph! Today, I definitely felt like the energizer bunny on the bike at the gym. I kept saying to myself "Okay how are the legs? Can I keep going? " And I could!!!

lombrica

Oh my! JJ you don't know what you have done for us!! You remember earlier this week when I replied to Becky's challenge that I was going to get up early and head to the gym to ride the ironman triathalon distance on a bike today. I did it!!!! No kidding 112 miles in just under 2 hours on the recumbent bike. I kid you not they guy working at the gym kept coming to check on me. I could literally wring the sweat out of my shirt when I was done. And eventhough I wasn't intending to go to Curves and workout I had time to kill before picking up the U-Haul since I was faster on the bike than i thought I would be. So with the gala I should also have lots of dancing minutes to log tomorrow. Yay. Okay so I am tired and am going to log my info for today then head to bed. Love you all.

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

WOWZY, WOW, WOW, WOW!!

:bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

standing ovation for you! WOW!

:huh: Are you crazy?!? :huh:

Seriously... Compliments to you 100 times over... or 112! I absolutely can NOT believe that you did this! I am amazed and happy and proud. Yep, proud. Not of you (because I hate when people say that to me...), nope, I am selfishly proud of myself - that I have a friend who can bike 112 miles at one time and still make it to Curves! It's crazy! I love it... but it's crazy! You do, however, inspire me to get more miles in on the bike! I am so inspired by you!

OK, so now the geeky, fan-like questions... but how did you do it? how long did it take you... mostly because I want to know what you did to keep going? where were those points, where you thought, I can't possibly pedal one more moment... to find that you actually could and did? I do so much self talk... especially, it seems, on the bike. I had been supporting JJ in this challenge and suggested that we give each Summit our own name for those tasks and specifically picked DISCIPLINE for the biking summit! I'm not even sure if I gave other choices for that one... and I always think about that word as I am on the bike (because OMG am I out of shape all over again!). I specificallly talk to myself about the Discipline that staying on that bike for another half mile, mile, two miles is about being disciplined. I tell my quads that they are NOT tired, that they are burning from the excitement of biking and moving, and I compliment my body on continuing to push past the feelings that are not pain, not pain, not pain... and on being able to move and go and push. BUT... that gets me to 5 miles or to 8.5 miles or on one amazing day (woops, I think actually 2 or 3 days) to 12.5 miles. So, it amazes me that you accomplished this. Please, help me with thoughts, details, what worked, etc... I hate the bike and yet I love the bike. It is one of my best teachers for all life lessons right now...

CONGRATS again Stac - I love you and you amaze me! YOU ROCK!

lombrica

Here's my start tonight... I have been a little unavailable since issuing my challenge within a challenge. But not for lack of effort towards the challenge. Things have been busier than ever and I was under the weather for a day or two. However, I am here and plan to put in some serious compliments and acknowledgements tonight. So, here's my start. This... is my acknowledgements! But first... first, I just want to proudly proclaim that I think that I have acknowledged every compliment that has been given to me in this challenge -- AND -- please note that this... is a big, BIG and -- AAAAANNNNNDDDDD I think that I have acknowledged every compliment given to me in Real Life. Not only acknowledged but really worked to NOT downplay or downgrade it... I didn't excuse them away. I am proud of that - because I'm not so good with the build up to me or being the center of attention. So, count that as my second compliment for today (and this is still my Friday!), cause I complimented our amazing Staci on her -- OMG 112 miles on the evil bike! He, he, he, he!

Becky, girl you are tenacious, and I love your competitive spirit in not wanting any of our challenges to falter! You've been having a bad week, and yet you're still here pushing the rest of us.

THANK YOU BOBBIE... I do have a commpetitive spirit. While not always a good thing - it has been here. And, that's what keeps pushing me to continue on this pathway! Thanks!

you have always pushed yourself hard and never have given up on a challenge that we have been in together. You give me strength and the extra push while I read how hard you are moving and giving to the challenges.

THANK YOU LINDA... I truly appreciate this and am gonna accept it. I do try and push myself on these challenges especially at the end, because I don't want to miss the goals! Thanks!

Okay Becks. I see how you are a challenge within a challenge huh? I love that there is another person who, like me, was checking out what needs to be done to complete this challenge.

THANK YOU STACI... I am checking it out and trying to help everyone out. I am sometimes overly organized but I love that about myself and I will always probably take better care of others than I need to! Thanks!

Becky, I want to compliment you on your honesty always. I love that you always let us know how you are feeling whether its good, bad, sad angry, happy or whatever. I often wish that I could be so open and honest with how I am feeling. I think if I could my cookie binge might not have happened last night.

THANK YOU (AGAIN) STACI... It's sometimes hard for me to be honest, because it feels very vulnerable to me. So, I appreciate your notice and recognition because I was honest and it was hard. I am proud of myself for that... I guess it's not the honesty (anyone who knows me will tell you I can't tell a lie) but the publicly displaying where I am at and how I feel that I am most proud of. I am emotional... and I am proud of that. I feel every feeling... EVERY feeling! Because in knowing the lonliness... I will also know love and belonging. In feeling the frustration and let-down... I will also know pride and accomplishment! Thanks!

Becky, like Staci, I admire how honest you and that you let us all in on what is going on in your life. It is very admirable. In you I feel I have found a kindred spirit, someone who understands the journey and all its pitfalls. Your sharing makes it easier to realise this is a life change and I thank you for that.

THANK YOU STEPH... I agree... that I feel as though I have found a kindred spirit with you. I appreciate that you say my sharing makes it easier to realize that this change is life long. I have been honest to a point that it does hurt for me at times. But I am proud that I am doing it because I believe that I need to be more open with other and accepting of those pieces of me if I am going to be successful with this journey. Thank you so much for your acknowledgements.

Becky - I love that you are realistic, are quick with both the butt-kicking and the compliments when we need them, and always have a plan to get the job done!

THANK YOU EILEEN... Ahh... blushing here. I don't know that many people would typically call me realistic - but I am accepting that for this and proud of that. I am realistic at times... a dreamer all too often! I strive, though, to be that person that can love you and push you in a way that at the end you think - Gosh, how'd she do that. I don't know how I am doing with that very often... but I am gonna hold on to your compliment. Makes me all warm and gooshy inside!

Becky - My compliments for your time going over the mountains and collating the information for us. I have been riding the bike and adding some strength training so I hope this helps. You as well continue to share so much of yourself with us that it is motivating as well. Thanks.

THANK YOU CARLA... I am a pretty organized gal - so it is just helpful for me to put the info together in a way that helps me. I am glad that it also helped you. I like that in many senses I am an open book... I hope to continue to do this more and more!

Becky, I adore you. You give so much to everyone, your advice, your encouragement and really, I have no doubt, the shirt right off your back if needed. You are an incredibly generous person.

THANK YOU JJ... I think that I needed something just like that today, yesterday, the day before. I appreciate that you said that you "adore" me. I really do things to encourage others and build them up. I think it is one of my real, true strengths and I am proud of that. Thank you... thank you!

Becky- I know this might sound kind of weird or strange but I just want you to know that you matter to me. I have often just checked in to see if you have posted yet and how you are doing. You are growing and it shows. You will make it girl.

THANK YOU STACI... I just want you to know that this brought tears to my eyes. And you will never have any way of knowing just how much that makes a difference to me today, which as I type that brings even more tears to my eyes! I know that I am growing, I do know it. At least in my head and that is where it starts. So, that is my acknowledgement... but more than that - I want you to know just how much this touched some of the deepest places in my heart! And for that, I will always have you in it. Thank you so very, very much.

Becky - you know I loves you and I know you will be back with us when you are in that place again. That said, you are my bouncy ball, you bounce back no matter what life throws at you and you let us all in on your journey. You are honest, kind and sincere.

THANK YOU STEPH... This made me laugh, out loud. Like seriously out loud! Which is good, in light of having tears for the above comments from Staci! The universe gives us what we need... but I digress... OK - so thank you. Not only for the laugh but for calling me a bouncy ball. I am honest, kind and sincere. I ... ugh, I don't believe in the word "try" so I am gonna have to really own this here, which is hard... I am that bouncy ball. I think because I am fun (I swear, I am... ) and I kinda have that type of personality. But yes - I do keep bouncing back. And, I am proud of that. However, I promise you that I haven't been "gone" really - and what I have been is due to all the craziness just in my life vs that I was down and out mood wise. So, I am hopeful that if I can just finish up a few more things I can have that time for my needed MFP soon... Thanks for giving me a laugh - just when it was so helpful!

lombrica

:blushing: :happy: :happy: :blushing: (it's OK to skim this or skip this... it feels a bit like a selfish post...)

Now, to the compliments in Real Life that have come to me... I am warning you in advance - I did save 'em up. Kind of. I haven't been able to really spend much time posting these but I was trying to really remember them so I am putting them out there tonight, cause owning them is owning them. AND - that's important to me beyond just the points or feet up the mountain! But... the points are good, 'cause after all - I don't want us to miss ANY freaking summit because of my uber-competitiveness. Now - I will say in advance that I am going to keep some of this short and sweet but still acknowledge them, own them and count them. BUT since I have been "saving" these up (so-to-speak, but not intentionally) I don't want this to be too long, especially as it's about me... :blushing:

--- Teen Retreat Camp... I was given a number of compliments. These included being told that I was a good counselor, that I provided good input and thoughts to groups on at least 3 occasions, that people were glad I was there and how I added to the camp experience. Several times people that I met at the earlier child hospice camp in June... people said "I just love you" type comments and that meant so much to me. These camps really refill my cup in not only a professional way (so important these days... trust) but also personally. I enjoy the aspects of being a counselor vs always the social worker. I miss that! But I do know that I am a "fit" (it's always nice to be told that too though) for these camps and with people that I respect so much! One particular volunteer was especially appreciative of me and the time I spent with him. He was there as a male volunteer and role model and is working on his Master's degree. So, it was nice to support, mentor, coach him... He was appreciative of that and his feedback were compliments. I didn't need them though... because I knew what I was doing and being for him. It was such a great feeling to know that the way I respect some of the leaders of the camp from my viewpoint - that he was having that same respect for me and that he saw me in the way that I looked at others! So, I am going to count those... as... hmmm, I'm gonna error on the lesser side and I am going to say that was 10 compliments to me.

--- Facebook... So, I was on my friend's facebook page and saw that a family member of hers said "I saw a picture of Becky, she looks great!" Plus, I posted the photo of my guava shirt and have received numerous compliments on it. I have gotten a couple messages, posts, emails, etc. saying how I have been looking good, etc. Mostly the same words... but I just went and looked and in addition to the one specifically quoted above - I have gotten another 5 at least. And, I am gonna own that. Much thanks to many of you who seemed to deny my claims previously about the faults I thought that I saw. So, as more and more compliments come I have stopped to just appreciate where I am at in this journey. I also really, really do like that pic. I like the color of the shirt, my hair, my eyes, etc. So, let's call that 6.

--- Work... So, I am not sure what I have previously said, so I am just going with the last couple days. I was complimented on how I was looking - one lady (I don't even know that I know who she is... I recognize her as someone I see but not much more than that) came up to me and said, "Wow - talk about the incredible shrinking woman! You look great!" I was really, really moved and appreciated that! Beyond that - I had a number of residents and staff telling me how nice I am looking, how I look fanastic, several people talking about loving my hair (odd, cut/color was a while ago?!?), etc. One resident today said that she was so happy to see me because she was sad and not feeling well but that I am the sunshine of her day. Talk about wonderful. Beyond being told a number of times about how I looked, I received a public acknowledgement about that I was a great example of how to work as a team and being a generous caring person. I also had 2 seperate people talk to me today about how they depend on me because I am always able to answer any questions even if they aren't "my" area. I had compliments on my preparation for a big meeting next week, another about some items for that meeting and another about how I can easily speak to groups and am a master with words and inspiring others. WOW! Seems strange that I was frustrated today as I start to really reflect on these. But - I know that I am a great resource at work and that I am able to talk with people easily! So, I am actually going to count those as a total of 10. It was more, but it feels odd doing all of this...

--- Gym... I have gotten complimented on my endurance and dedication. I do have amazing endurance! I'm gonna count that one because I am so very proud of that!

--- Cancer Party... I know it's a weird title - but we had a support party for a friend who just had a double mastectomy and will start chemo next week. Compliments included that one person hadn't seen me for about a year and that I was looking fantastic. Several people than started talking about how good that I looked... ugh, focus all on me. AND - I did not, not, NOT just shove off the compliments. So - that's a compliment to me... I really did great with that and am proud of that because seriously as 6+ people focus on me and my weight - yeah, not an easy thing! Received compliments on how I can outdo anyone at the gym, about sticking with a class even though I was so darned nervous about it, and about how I can continue to get another friend to the gym regularly. SO - I am gonna say that is going to be 5. I think it was more but since it's easy to start having people give compliments once a person starts... I am gonna leave it at that. Oh, and I am pretty good at motivating others to get to the gym and have out-done everyone at the gym that goes with me. I have started to really notice the changes in my body, and don't have really much for clothing... like seriously less than I thought that I did! So, I am owning each and every one!

I am gonna call that a day plus about 20 of the compliments that I have received from others in real life! Sorry for the long post, and I'm OK if you didn't read it all but I am committed to these challenges and wanted to help us out so, I had to do it... :blushing:

inkredibleshrinkingwoman

to help with compliment summit
i recently posted a pic of my family on facebook from that halloween party last weekend - there are a TON of "you look great" compliments on it, can i include them as real life compliments? i could count them separately or all as one?

i would like to compliment myself for getting up and exercising today, because i swore i was taking today off, i feel so bloated and got to bed so late. but eyes opened and i just got into my clothes and hopped on the gazelle for 45 minutes. and i usually take tomorrow off, but i will make sure i do some cardio/dancing and exercises

2nd question - since you have me logging my Gazelle as dancing - should i double this morning's workout when i log it in? i'll wait for the answer - as technically, it ain't dancing

compliment for JJ
I am so in awe of your persistence, when you say you only lose 1 week a month (i'm a daily weigher and need that .20 of a lb to keep me going!) and this month you haven't lost anything, i'd be whining and complaining and very down, while you seem even more determined. i'm amazed that you can use that determination to keep on going and see the inches loss as a positive.

meerkat70

OK, here I go, catching up on the compliments thing.... I think I've probably dished out far more than I've remembered to record on the spreadsheet. So sorry, but I do find it really hard to be conscious of this kind of thing. I do it without noticing I've done it, and then can't remember the whens or the who's of it all.

First a RL compliment to me.

Cuddling up this morning, my partner vroeteled his hand over my hip bone, and made loud, appreciative noises about the fact that I now actually... HAD ONE!

JJ: I've loved your patience, care, kindness and dedication this month. You've been lovely to be around, and I appreciate it so much.

stacio: with less than 50lb to go, and so much behind you, I admire your staying power, your energy, your capacity to regularly just get out and do the exercise, eat the right food, and keep moving forward. I know how hard it can be, and the way that you do it with such effortless grace is wonderful. And look at your spreadsheet - it's positively BRISTLING with numbers!

becky: I love that you keep coming back for us. That even when things are hard, even when you're busy and tired and finding the real world hard, you keep on coming here to motivate, to be kind, to be thoughtful. And I love that you're learning to be all those things to yourself too.

stephanie: I love your overawing fabulousness. You're just an amazing, beautiful woman, with a smile that could light up a small city.

Zena: i enjoy how your cute sense of humour perks its way through your posts.

Bobbie: Not sure how to express quite how awesome I think you are. But I suspect you know it. I love your smarts, your humour, your quick wit. I imagine you with a slightly dirty giggle and a huge group of friends, being the life and soul of... well, everything. You are one of life's gifts. And yes, I will kick your butt on that staypuft challenge. :-)

mrsduck: That you manage to find time to do all the things you do, while managing that big family and all the commitments that come with that... well, it makes me wonder quite what I've been doing with my life! You're great!

laneybird - i think it's amazing that you manage to keep your health focus while managing being a mum and working long punishing shifts. So impressive.

renae: I admire your graciousness. And because in my head, you're a proper 'lady', it amuses the hell out of me when you post things like 'I did a hundred squats while blow drying my hair....' :-)

eileen - I admire your consistent kindness on the threads. You're so lovely to be around!

jackie - i love the way you've thrown yourself into the exercise and water aspects of the challenge with such consistency. Fantastic stuff.

carhicks: Making it up (and down) Diamond Head? Amazing! That's such an achievement. And building a sense that your healthy choices are integrated into your life is the biggest part of the battle - so well done on that too.


bonnie - for nearly 20 straight days you logged around 100+ exercises, and miles on the spreadsheet! I think this kind of dedication is such an inspiration. Makes me want to get up and squat!

Greg: your dedication to your walking is always a real inspiration to me - particularly the walking you do with your family. I think it's great that you do healthy stuff together!

andrea - yes, slow and steady does win the race. I admire you putting together a healthy lifestyle, building it up till it becomes second nature. That little bit of water here, that extra bit of exercise there - it all does add up, and you're doing incredibly well in constructing that life change for yourself.

brisa: I know how hard it is to manage studying alongside keeping fit and eating well. I think it's incredible how you keep all those balls in the air!

Julie: I know how hard it can be to be active when you're home with a toddler. I'm so impressed that you stay as busy as you do, physically, and that you've managed to lose so much weight while doing this. That's a substantial achievement.

incredibleshrinkingwoman: i love that you're trying new things, new recipes, and exploring your culinary side. And yes, carrot and coriander is yummy goodness in a bowl! And well done on the name change, too. Letting go of those old patterns of self-deprecation can be really tough to do - and I think that's a big step you've made there.

Cynthia: Your frenetic, but so focused, energy, your humour, your consistent dedication... ah, woman, you are just fantastic. I always look forward to your posts on my wall, because I trust you to be honest *and* encouraging. It's a rare combination.

bigmama - well done for keeping moving forward, when things have been tough. Feeling stuck is a horrible thing, and I think it's wonderful that, despite that, you've kept your nose down, and kept on keeping on. Well done!

meerkat70

"Jane, I admire your sense of right when you comment on threads trying to help others. I also admire your sense of self, as you force your body into submitting to your will. Yep, sometimes it doesn't work like you want it to, but you get up and do it again, and then you buy clothes too small to force yourself to get into them! Constantly in awe! "

Bobbie, thank you for this. I don't often feel very confident, or very sure of myself, and I often question my own willpower. So it's interesting and useful to see me from someone else's point of view this way. Makes me realise that I can do this.

"Jane, I love your optimism, enthusiasm and can-do spirit. You are willing to try most anything. Love, love, love it."

Thank you, JJ. Can-do is a relatively new thing for me, so it's good to have that reinforced. :-)

meerkat70

Oh my! JJ you don't know what you have done for us!! You remember earlier this week when I replied to Becky's challenge that I was going to get up early and head to the gym to ride the ironman triathalon distance on a bike today. I did it!!!! No kidding 112 miles in just under 2 hours on the recumbent bike. I kid you not they guy working at the gym kept coming to check on me. I could literally wring the sweat out of my shirt when I was done. And eventhough I wasn't intending to go to Curves and workout I had time to kill before picking up the U-Haul since I was faster on the bike than i thought I would be. So with the gala I should also have lots of dancing minutes to log tomorrow. Yay. Okay so I am tired and am going to log my info for today then head to bed. Love you all.

You know that is just incredible! 2 hours on the bike? I'm amazed there was any of you left! Amazing amazing stuff!

meerkat70

I've just realised I did all my dancing (such as it is) with my daughter. Should that be doubled?

(I'll go do that, but can always change it back if it's wrong)

k2quiere

Ok, so I totally dropped the ball on coming back to compliment yesterday...I WILL do better!

Thank you, Jane for considering me the life of the party. To be honest, that is how I would like to see myself too, but I'm pretty shy in large groups. Yes, I'm a jokester and I can create innuendo out of anything, but that is usually within a small group of people. I tend ot be a people watcher, and while sometimes I'm wondering why in the hell they're embarrassing themselves, deep down, I'm admiring their ability to put themselves out there. I'm working on it ;-)

Thank you, JJ, for the compliment on my complimenting :huh: LOL It is hard for me to accept and give compliment about anything...contrary to what I might appear, I am quite a humble person. The only problem with that is that when I'm feeling down, I've "ignored" the compliment so much, I can't think of anything positive. So, having to accept them and acknowledge them as true, as well as giving ones to myself has been a serious boost to my sense of self.

Having said that, I want to compliment both you and Becky on having the foresight to know that this mountain and challenge would probably be the most life-changing one of them all, and for constantly pushing us to get to climbing! (Both of you better accept this!)

Staci: Holy ****, woman! I love the bike, but damn, after these past three months of challenges on it, I can't force my butt and hips to take more than 45 minutes anymore!!! You are a MACHINE with buns of STEEL!!!

Becky: This compliment is for not only pushing yourself on the bike, which I know you can't stand, in order to do 12.5 miles 2 OR 3 times, but for your honest questions to Staci about how to improve yourself with this machine. I see a distinct connection between you conquering the bike and you conquering everything else in your life.

Bonnie: Wow, girl, you have been exercising up a storm this month. Not only have you gotten in some crazy miles and exercise feet, but your determination and enthusiasm for pushing us right on into next month is exhilerating and contagious! I'm ready to see what's next too!

Wolfie: I'm proud of you for complaining about the temps and yet still donning a wetsuit and putting yourself in the water. I love that you don't let any superficial complaints stop you from doing what you need and really want to do!

Real Life compliment: So, the temps have really been dropping in NC these past couple of night, and mom and I were talking about getting oil for the furnace. Well, she went ahead and bought it, sent me a text message saying how much it was, and that she does what she can to help. All I said was "I appreciate it" and she replied "You do the rest, so I applaud you." Almost made me cry because sometimes I don't feel like anyone recognizes what and how much I do. In fact, i try not to think about it because I get overwhelmed, but it felt good to hear (read in a text) someone acknowledge it.

Another one: Went to the doctor's yesterday and he asked me about my medication they had asked me to cut in half (at the least), and when I told him I had just completely stopped taking them he was shocked. Then when he looked at my chart and saw I had lost 10lbs (probably more, since I'm bloated like a freshly hit deer on the side of the road) in the past 6 weeks he was just floored and sat there saying "Wow!" Then he said, "I think I'm not going to worry about much more and just put you down to come back as needed if anything else should happen." Now THAT's what I'm talking about! I keep telling these damn docs that I'm the healthiest fat woman on the planet!

One to myself: While I hate that I do it in the first place, I am proud of the fact that I now consciously recognize when I'm making wrong choices. Not only do I know that eating out 3-4 nights a week is not helpful on this journey because of the automatic sodium-through-the-roof increase, but I know what I need to do to stop it and I get there before any major damage is done. For example, my seriously depressing weight gain over the past two days, I know, is attributable to bloating from multiple factors, including the chinese and mexican food I have eaten the past two night, as well as the Panera I had for two days this week, and the pizza I had on Monday. Yeah, TOM symptoms have something to do with it, but not all of it. Previously I would have just given up with a gain like this, but not this girl, not this time, never again! Onward and downward!

stephaniezoundi

stephanie: I love your overawing fabulousness. You're just an amazing, beautiful woman, with a smile that could light up a small city.

Jane Thank You :bigsmile: Today I needed to hear this. I needed reminding that I am beautiful. Thank you ((HUGS))

mrsduck77

Bonnie, I love that you are so committed to this, that you use your phone for MFP because you do not have computer access. THAT is dedication and I always remember that when I am feeling too tired and want to just head to bed without checking in. It is very inspiring for me and I appreciate it. You are doing a great job this month and thanks for getting in those bike miles Biker Witch!

JJ- sorry it has taken so long to acknowledge you commpliment. I am dedicated and it is often difficulty to keep up tp date with post as my browser is not a reliable as i would like. I have tried to be accountable not only to myself but all of us Skinny chick and Mr.Rooster.

carhicks

Carla, you have done such a great job with complimenting others! So I am going to compliment you on it! You have made sure to give them out liberally and I really appreciate it!

Thanks for the compliment. It is so nice to be able to acknowledge what others have been doing. We are all making such life changes and a little encouragement will go a long way to keep us motivated, so I am glad that I got in some true compliments.

KnottyNCrotchety

Oh my! JJ you don't know what you have done for us!! You remember earlier this week when I replied to Becky's challenge that I was going to get up early and head to the gym to ride the ironman triathalon distance on a bike today. I did it!!!! No kidding 112 miles in just under 2 hours on the recumbent bike. I kid you not they guy working at the gym kept coming to check on me. I could literally wring the sweat out of my shirt when I was done. And eventhough I wasn't intending to go to Curves and workout I had time to kill before picking up the U-Haul since I was faster on the bike than i thought I would be. So with the gala I should also have lots of dancing minutes to log tomorrow. Yay. Okay so I am tired and am going to log my info for today then head to bed. Love you all.

So, I totally cried when I read this. I love that you were committed enough to do this, that you were able to do this and that you did this for US.

Thanks Staci (and Stac, cause I am sure she was there too). I will be thinking of you tonight and wishing you smooth sailing and lots of dancing time during the auction gala.

carhicks

carhicks: Making it up (and down) Diamond Head? Amazing! That's such an achievement. And building a sense that your healthy choices are integrated into your life is the biggest part of the battle - so well done on that too.

Thanks for the compliment. The Diamond Head trek was really a great test for us to see if we could do it and we did. We wanted to walk both ways but being realistic knew that that was not going to work. It is nice when my husband and I can be active together. Now I just need to work on my daughter. Thanks again.

KnottyNCrotchety

--- Facebook... So, I was on my friend's facebook page and saw that a family member of hers said "I saw a picture of Becky, she looks great!" Plus, I posted the photo of my guava shirt and have received numerous compliments on it. I have gotten a couple messages, posts, emails, etc. saying how I have been looking good, etc. Mostly the same words... but I just went and looked and in addition to the one specifically quoted above - I have gotten another 5 at least. And, I am gonna own that. Much thanks to many of you who seemed to deny my claims previously about the faults I thought that I saw. So, as more and more compliments come I have stopped to just appreciate where I am at in this journey. I also really, really do like that pic. I like the color of the shirt, my hair, my eyes, etc. So, let's call that 6.

I read Every. Single. Word. You earned them, you owned them and I witnessed them. :bigsmile: This is my favorite though. I think this is such a true compliment, that they were "talking behind your back" about how great you were looking. So awesome and such a good sign of a true change for you. Love it!

KnottyNCrotchety

to help with compliment summit
i recently posted a pic of my family on facebook from that halloween party last weekend - there are a TON of "you look great" compliments on it, can i include them as real life compliments? i could count them separately or all as one?

i would like to compliment myself for getting up and exercising today, because i swore i was taking today off, i feel so bloated and got to bed so late. but eyes opened and i just got into my clothes and hopped on the gazelle for 45 minutes. and i usually take tomorrow off, but i will make sure i do some cardio/dancing and exercises

2nd question - since you have me logging my Gazelle as dancing - should i double this morning's workout when i log it in? i'll wait for the answer - as technically, it ain't dancing

compliment for JJ
I am so in awe of your persistence, when you say you only lose 1 week a month (i'm a daily weigher and need that .20 of a lb to keep me going!) and this month you haven't lost anything, i'd be whining and complaining and very down, while you seem even more determined. i'm amazed that you can use that determination to keep on going and see the inches loss as a positive.

Tina, yep! Double that baby!

Thank you for the compliment! I don't see any point in throwing a fit and falling in it because I didn't lose any weight this month. Won't change anything and will only make me feel silly (might burn a few calories though!). I care more about the inches lost than the weight lost honestly. Its the inches that make the clothes not fit right so I get to go shopping for new ones.