VIP LOUNGE! Welcome to the 2025 Winter 5% Challenge!
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Insight Timer Quote:
If everything around you seems dark, look again, you may be the light.—Rumi
Daily Insight:
Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.—Tony Robbins
I AM:
I am constantly becoming a better me.
Action for Happiness:
Help others by giving away something that you don’t need.
Fitness Quote:
Today is your day: To Start Fresh. To Eat Right. To Train Hard. To Live Healthy. To Be Proud.
Fun Fact:
NATIONAL UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY
Since 2011, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day has grown to be an international event. Now occurring on the third Friday of December, the celebration gives holiday lovers worldwide a chance to wear their ugly Christmas sweaters.
#UglyChristmasSweaterDay
In 2014, they partnered with Save the Children in their “Make the World Better with a Sweater” campaign.
Each year, ugly Christmas sweater wearers, decorate, shop, and do their darndest to out ugly last year's ugliest sweater. Whether they sport the most lights or colors, bells or characters, ugly sweater wearers find the most ribbon and felt ladened sweaters and festoon them with glitter so blinding no Dustbuster invented will capture the wave left behind. The sweaters serve as beacons of light so bright, Rudolph himself will someday be out of a job.
However, don't be sad. So often Rudolph is featured on many of the sweaters. Elfs, donkeys, snowmen, and many other holiday characters we love and adore find their way to these ugly monstrosities. It's all part of the fascination with the holiday. So, join in the fun. Celebrate and donate, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER
Try these tips to take the prize:
• Animal or cartoon characters with a holiday theme give sweaters a kitsch feel. Think reindeer, snowmen, mice, kittens or elves.
• Select ridiculous colors. The more they clash, the better.
• Embellish. Scratch that. Over-embellish! Pom-poms, bells, felt, tinsel, or any other glittery, jingly items lying around the house.
• Add a collar, dickey, or ruffle.
• Electrify it! Put Rudolph to shame and go to the head of the team with bright, flashing lights!
• Give it some 80s flair with shoulder pads.
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Diane: I have been spending time at the hospital. My friend just had his right leg amputated above the knee.1
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@pedal__power Posts: 233 Member
12:13PM
read, but I don't know where to post/check in. Hopefully the team will help me learn how to do this.
HI Pedal_Power WELCOME to the 2025 Winter 5% Challenge Community Team!!
Once you get your invite to the team you requested (practice week starts Sat Jan 4th (Christmas is Weds the 25th a week after is Jan 1st) likely invites will start to come out during this time. KEEP checking here on the team all members for the announcement of them starting to go out) a post will be up helping you and please do reach out to the leaders on your team and you may also reach out here.
What about now what can you do with us until the 4th of Jan? WOOHOO!!! You'll see Pre-Assignments 1 to 8 found under this group in the Discussion forum. Doing these helps us (if you have time, it's not a requirement,) yet it helps those of us who do them to be ready with a solid plan in place.
We are happy to have you!! The only questions that are ever not answered, are the ones not asked. We know this is different, which is how it works.1 -
@Dianedoessmiles1 - I really hope my goal is sustainable 😊. When I was in my early 50’s I lost 70 lbs by eliminating flour, sugar and eating only 3 meals a day. It took close to a year. By the time I was 60 I had gained back 50 of those lbs and now at 67 I’ve gained it all back plus some. I know age, hormones and all that “stuff” can get in the way. That’s why I’m not looking to reach the moon. The number I came up with is a place where I felt good many years ago. If I reach it - great! If not but I’m eating properly and keeping mobile then that’s just where I’ll need to stay. My main goal is to become more mobile and eat healthy,1
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Thank you Diane and Ceri, I'll check out the Pre-Assignments. Looking forward to getting started!0
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Insight Timer Quote:
The Solstice reminds us: life is a beautiful cycle of renewal and retreat, each phase mirroring the other.—Insight Timer Team
Daily Insight:
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.—Marcus Aurelius
I AM:
I am a kind person.
Action for Happiness:
Appreciate kindness and thank people who do things for you.
Fitness Quote:
Nothing will stop me from reaching my goals. Nothing.—gymquotes.co
Fun Fact:
WINTER SOLSTICE
The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs annually between December 20th and December 23rd.
#WinterSolstice
The winter solstice is marked by the point at which the North Pole is at its farthest from the sun during its yearly orbit around the sun. It will be approximately 23 degrees away from the sun. Despite the temperature outside, the winter solstice is considered the astronomical beginning of winter. Meteorological winter begins December 1st and lasts until the end of February. It's marked by the coldest average temperatures during the year.
Depending on how far north a person is in the Northern Hemisphere during the winter, their day can range from 9.5 hours to absolutely no sunrise at all. On the bright side, the days will gradually become longer in the Northern Hemisphere until the summer solstice in June. In the Southern Hemisphere, this same day marks the summer solstice and the Southern Hemisphere's longest day of the year.
The vernal equinox and the autumnal equinox conventionally mark the beginning of spring and fall respectively and occur when night and day are approximately equal in length.
Around the world since ancient times to modern-day, celebrations, festivals, rituals, and holidays recognizing the winter solstice have varied from culture to culture.
HOW TO OBSERVE WINTER SOLSTICE
Winter lovers, enjoy the shortest day of the year. Those longing for more sunlight, prepare to celebrate. Longer days are ahead. Use #WinterSolstice to post on social media.
WINTER SOLSTICE HISTORY
Since the marking of time and the earliest calendars, this day marked the hardest time of the year for early people. Survival was paramount when food and heat are not reliable. In all corners of the Earth, there are ancient remains that seem to have been built around marking the winter solstice.
• Probably the most famous of these is Stonehenge, England. Every year when the sun sets on the winter solstice, the sun's rays align with two of the giant stones known as the central Altar and the Slaughter stone.
• As the sun rises the day of the winter solstice, its rays illuminate the main chambers of the monument dating back to 3200 B.C. at Newgrange, Ireland.
• In Tulum, Mexico an ancient Mayan city stands deserted. At the top of one of these buildings, a small hole casts a starburst when the sun rises on the winter and summer solstices.
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Hubby says I can't be sick as I have had all my shots. Ugh I'm working in a tiny area. 10x4 with 4 others. Two with colds and today I feel yucky. I'm resting and hopefully tomorrow I will feel better.0
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Don's surgery went well. They did find another tumor and is out for biopsy but dr is optimistic. He is doing pretty good, better than we thought, luckily no real pain. Thank you all so much for your support and prayers.
We were so tired when we got home yesterday, and I will admit today I have done nothing but wash clothes. Kayla was very happy to see us when we picked her up, I think she thought we deserted her.
Today's inspiration:
Expect to have hope rekindled.
Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways.
The dry seasons in life do not last.
The spring rains will come again.
- Sarah Ban Breathnach
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@Patti241, Oh hon!! I am so sorry!! That's rough!! How is he doing? How are you doing around this etc.? Will be home for Weds or will you go in or any place?
@Cruising132, I had lost in my 50s also, but I had eliminated most of the foods I dearly love. OOPS!! I also gained back quite a bit (From 288 to 174 back up to 212). When I went from 212 to 180 I ate what I love, but learned to do portion control and add in other foods with the stuff I like that is more healthier than a large pizza, it became 2 slices of pizza and a salad or similia side (I AM NOT a veggie person!) over time I was fine with 2 slices of pizza, now generally its 1 slice or an English Muffin Pizza. LOL I loved them growing up turns out I STILL DO!! I adore ice cream, but learned a 1/2 cup in a small fancy bowl or fancy teacup (2nd hand stores) makes me grin and in a small container it doesn't look skimpy, rather instead elegant. I also had to learn to not skim on my calories. What MFP suggested I had checked with my Dr's nurse who confirmed that was the right amount for me based on my exercise (I had to lower my exercise, I now am in congestive heart failure (that is rather doable though) the microvascular angina meant lowering it, and chronic kidney disease, meant lowering my exercise, but at the same time, I learned I can do small spurts throughout the day which keeps me from being exhausted most days. Exercise increases our endorphins as a natural HAPPY MED!! Sounds like your plan is doable and will be successful!!! We'd love to hear how that works for you through the challenge if you are able. NO PRESSURE!! On your team they'll know.
@Pedal_Power WOOHOO so happy to have you with us!! We are here on chat which you can post to If you have the time etc. etc. No need to answer everyone's post (I am a leader, so I do those who I know read them as I can and answer some. Some days its crazy busy as an over all leader and I am also a leader on Positively Strong 4 Life). I am retired and on my own giving me more time then the average person. I LOVE retirement!
@Lopeyp , PLEASE DO JOIN!! WOOHOO!! Red Hots still has openings!! SO happy to see you!!
Here's the link:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10928112/red-hots#latest
@Sweetpeasmom55, SO SORRY hon you are sick!! OH MY!! Anytime is a hard time to be sick, this time of year that much so. Hopefully, it'll pass soon. I never know how to respond about the shots, I got mine then I decided to not get them, but I had all but, the 3rd one. It hasn't prevented me from getting stuff with covid it may have kept me from being so sick as I could of (the first time it was borderline if I needed to hit the ER, the 2nd time it wasn't nearly as bad). If it's the flu LOLOL I have a weird sense of humor, and well if hubby gets it, is he good or a wee bit "sicker" than anyone else? This YouTube video I watch every season and laugh WAY TO HARD!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn4BDdQyX_c
Just watched it AGAIN and still as funny as ever!! Of course, many men are not like this, likely though we know 1. I DO! That's why it's so funny!!
@Kurtize, SO SORRY I think I forgot to update PS4L!! SO SORRY!! Happy to hear that Don isn't in a ton of pain. So sorry though they found another tumor, hopefully this will work out. Either way we are here with you hon. Awww Kayla loves you both so much. She's such a sweet girl!! At the MOMENT my MONSTER BOY (LOL he's so foolishly funny though) is SLEEPING!! WOOHOO!!! He'll awaken very soon for FOOD! He's keeping me from getting up, but I DO NOT MIND that! He is also happily as I am a Patriots fan!! LOL GOOO PATs next Sunday. Izzy kitty is in the bedroom sleeping and getting a break from Oscar wanting to play. LOL new members Izzy is almost 16, while Oscar is 2 1/2 (I got him at 9 months old she was NOT HAPPY!) but they play A LOT now. Izzy can keep up with him speed wise, but not time wise as he wishes she could, but I laugh so much at them. She's cranky to him at times, he worships her and feels it's okay! Joyce NO DOUBT you are spoiling Kayla (Awww precious girl!) and Don, please also take care of YOU!!!
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Insight Timer Quote:
We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.—Max De Pree
Daily Insight:
Believe you can and you’re halfway there.—Theodore Roosevelt
I AM:
I am excited for what’s coming next in my life.
Action for Happiness:
Congratulate someone for an achievement that may go unnoticed.
Fitness Quote:
What’s my goal weight? I don’t have one. I will not define myself by a number. My journey is about feeling strong, confident and healthy.
Fun Fact:
NATIONAL DATE NUT BREAD DAY
National Date Nut Bread Day on December 22nd delivers a baker's delight to celebrate. Incidentally, some sources also suggest the day is celebrated on September 8th, too.
#DateNutBreadDay
Dates
Believed to have originated around Iraq, dates have been a staple food of the Middle East and the Indus Valley for thousands of years. They have been cultivated since ancient times from Mesopotamia to prehistoric Egypt, possibly as early as 4000 BCE.
In 1765, the Spaniards introduced dates into Mexico and California.
Dates provide essential nutrients and are an excellent source of dietary potassium. In ripe dates, the sugar content is about 80% of the fruit. The remainder of the date consists of protein, fiber, and trace elements of boron, cobalt, copper, fluorine, magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc.
Nuts
Many nuts are good sources of vitamins E and B2. Nuts are also rich in protein, folate fiber, and essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and selenium.
Several studies have shown that those who consume nuts on a regular basis are less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. (CHD) It was in 1993 that nuts were first linked to protections against CHD. Since that time, many clinical trials have found that the consumption of various nuts such as almonds and walnuts can lower serum LDL cholesterol concentrations.
When mixing up the batter for quick bread loaves, add dates and nuts and your National Date Nut Day celebration will be ready to go!
HOW TO OBSERVE DATE NUT BREAD DAY
Date nut bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. You can toast it and add a little butter. You can also bake a few loaves for loved ones. They make excellent gifts for the holidays, too. We even have several recipes for you to try!
Old Fashioned Date Nut Bread
Date Nut Spice Bread
Date and Walnut Bread
1947 Date Nut Bread
Orange Date Nut Bread
Use #DateNutBreadDay to post on social media.
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Diane: He will possibly be discharged Tuesday and go to rehab. Playing that by ear. I am doing okay got to get used to him with one leg. Getting there with that.0
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Today I slept late so missed church but put on my glad rags and went by myself for lunch at a hotel we used to visit often with mum so were infamous there. The two main waitresses know of my friend’s health issues and it was fascinating to watch them try not to ask about her. I eventually gave in and told them she was fine but in her own home and I was having a me day. I can’t have many days like this in 2025 if I want to make the dress stretch in the wash
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@Dianedoessmiles1 OMG that video is my husband. I'm still under the weather but I am resting. My daughter is a research scientist. When she says get the shots I do. It's just a cold where my co-workers are hacking and sneezing.
I wear leggings but I always make sure my fanny is well covered. I am the black, charcoal, navy type of person. My daughter bought me a black pair👍 and a purple pair. 😬 Purple pants are not really in my wheel house. I plan on wearing them when I visit her.😂0 -
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Good Morning VIP friends:
I hope you are all doing well this morning. Today is Monday and it is going to be my longest work day of the week. Oh it is going to be rough. I am sure, but only because it is 2 days before Christmas. I think we are either going to be really busy or pretty slow. Those are my options. I am feeling a lot better now that my Covid symptoms are passing. Still a bit of a stuffy nose and a bit of a headache, but the headache is one of those that lingers. I was able to go see my daughter yesterday because the doctor said I should be alright to get see her as long as I was not running a fever for over 24 hours and my symptoms were improving. Since they were drastically improved yesterday I figured I was ok. Plus the CDC stated that if your symptoms are on the improvement phase then you are no longer contagious.
@SweetPeasMom55 - So sorry you are sick. Just because you have the vaccines does not mean you won't get sick. It just means that when you do get sick it is supposed to make it so you are not as sick. I do hope you feel better this morning. That would be cute to wear the purple leggings. Are they bright purple or a deep purple?
@Kurtize - So glad Don's surgery went well. That is good that they are optimistic. So glad Kayla was super excited to see you.
@Dianedoessmiles1 - Love your kitty photo. I am feeling much better. I had tested positive for Covid on Wednesday. Based off when my symptoms started Saturday was my 5 days quarantine. Sunday I felt immensely better so I went and saw my daughter and helped her bake Christmas cookies. That video is hilarious. I do know men like that. Thank goodness Joe is not one of them. He just takes his meds and keeps working. I tried getting him to stay home. He said no. Cause he is sick now.
@Patti241 - Hopefully it all goes well and he gets into rehab soon,
@nansbones7708 - Sorry you missed your church service. Glad you were able to go visit the hotel you used to visit. That food all looks really good.
Well I hope you all have a wonderful Monday.
Tabatha0 -
Insight Timer Quote:
I love your loneliness. It is brave. It makes the universe want to protect you.—Ben Okri
Daily Insight:
Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.—Henry David Thoreau
I AM:
I appreciate the convenience that makes my life easier.
Action for Happiness:
Choose to give or receive the gift of forgiveness.
Fitness Quote:
The gum where I break me to remake me.—bamabruce69
Fun Fact:
FESTIVUS
Each year on December 23rd, Festivus commemorates a holiday episode of the television comedy, Seinfeld. In 1997, the popular television comedy brought Festivus to the masses when Frank Costanza (played by Jerry Stiller) explains he invented the holiday in response to the commercialism of Christmas. Its slogan is "A Festivus for the rest of us."
#Festivus
Sitcoms often combine holidays and family discord. However, one only has to look to our own families to find a little humor. This holiday reminds us how easily we take things too seriously at times. Politics, traditions, grudges and more lead us down unintended paths. Sometimes those paths turn out to be quite the hilarious turn of events. Well, hopefully, they're more hilarious than not. At least while watching through the magnifying glass of the Seinfeld episode safely from our homes, we see a bit of our selves and those we hold dear.
HOW TO OBSERVE FESTIVUS
Festivus traditions derived from the television episode and the original creator have been combined over the years.
• Adorn an aluminum Festivus pole to be displayed in the home. In the O'Keefe household, there was no pole. Instead, a clock was placed in a bag and nailed to the wall.
• Serve a traditional dinner in the evening.
• During dinner, allow the Airing of Grievances. Each person takes turns describing how the others have disappointed him or her over the past year.
• Feats of Strength follows dinner and involves wrestling the head of the household. Note: The holiday is not complete unless the head of the household is pinned. Failure to pin the head of the household could result in perpetual Festivus.
• Festivus Miracle - a frequent if unimpressive miracle. You may count carrying all the groceries into the house for dinner without tripping or dropping one of the bags as a Festivus Miracle.
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Hi all, happy Monday. Today we went shopping. Don is set up to see surgeon for melanoma tumor to be removed Dec 30, also that morning the cathedra will be removed in morning by the urologist here in Amarillo and then we go back to Oklahoma Jan 21 for post op appt. This afternoon went through all of this years stuff I save for income tax and getting that in order and ready to go. Other than that nothing else new or exciting. Hope you all had a wonderful day.
Hugs and blessings
Today's affirmation:
I choose not to project my past onto my future. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie0 -
@Tabatha_Cain Barney purple lol 😂 I told the girls come spring I am going to have my Saturday outfit. They were all we will believe it when we see it. White elephant gift exchange was hilarious. I think we will be doing it again. We were laughing so hard.
Today was crazy busy at work. Tomorrow is a short day so hopefully it goes smoothly. I'm looking forward to the holiday being over. I did well today no candy.
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