I was just thinking that I need some type of challenge to get me through the holidays. Not one where someone is pounding on your day if you miss a day, but some goals to shoot for and accountability to report back to. Hmm... may need to check for something because I have got to reign it in and get back on track instead of letting the holidays throw me off completely!

I am trying to get started on Stronglifts 5x5, although each time I get a rhythm going, I get sick, fall down a flight of stairs, get busy with grad school... lol. What's one more try... Good luck, everyone!

As for potluck, the library I work out of usually provides a full meal with meats, breads, then the employees bring the veggies (which are usually few) and sweets. This is hard to do endure because most veggies must be served warm. I found in my recipe box one recipe for marinated vegetables. I think the marinade would work well with single veggies like asparagus or green beans, instead of mixing the veggies, as in the recipe.

Personally, I didn't survive Thanksgiving. I gained eight pounds! Fortunately I was able to lose six of it already. I am counting calories after falling off the wagon in the dietary sense. I have a long way to go in terms of weight loss, and I always seem to be gaining more than losing. I'm on that roller coaster ride of gaining and losing. Lucky for me there is only one big meal I'm having to attend. Unlucky are the small get-togethers. So far mostly around coffee.

But what do you do about drinks? Drinking is calorically expensive, and slows down the digestion? So many of my friends return to this old college town over the holidays and I don't want to miss any of them. Mocktails?

Don't be too hard on yourself if you indulged during the holiday season. Lapses happen. The key is to know that tomorrow is a brand new day to re-set and get back on track.