Good Morning VIP friends:

I hope you are all doing well this morning. Today is Thursday and we are doing an inspection on a home we are thinking of purchasing. I am excited to see the house again. I think I will love looking at it. I wanna get a photo of the pool, I think we have a sauna on the property as well, but then we have a structure that I am not sure what it is and I might get an option to ask the owner what it is for. I hope she will be there.

@Kurtize - Good luck with Don's surgery. I hope your leg heals. I am so sorry about your son and grandson. Are they ok from the wildfires?
@Dianedoessmiles1 - We decided to move on and have kept looking. So I will keep you posted. as one home we are interested in is in the inspection phase. So we have an inspection today and sometime soon they are doing the septic test and the well water test. So we are waiting to see about those tests. That is nice that your friend is helping you.

Well I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday

Tabatha

Good morning

@Tabatha_Cain - buying a home can be very stressful.

Well did snow today, in fact it is still snowing and hasn't stopped since early this morning.
Weather service says another 3 hours of snow until it stops. Here is some pictures of early this morning




Tomorrow is Don's surgery, we need to be there at 6:30 am. I asked if we were late if that would be ok because of the weather and notices a lot of stalled cars on the road. Plus not sure how easy it will to get out of here and they said just get here as you can and be safe.

Well that is all the new here. Kevin has electricity, which they are surprised and they are safe for now and David is safe but no electricity. David's friend lost their home. It is just so sad.
Well hugs and blessings. Prayers for the people in CA.

Today's affirmation It is of the small joys and little pleasures that the greatest of our days are built. - Mary Anne Radmacher

Good Morning VIP friends:

I hope you are all doing well this morning. Today is Friday and I have so much to do. The house passed inspection. We were told we need home insurance effective 2/7/25. So it looks like it is a go on the house. We are still waiting on the well water test, the termite inspection, and the appraisal. Other than that everything is good. I cannot wait.

@Dianedoessmiles1 - I do need to make sure to keep my friends. I am hoping the neighbors I have now will stay my friends.
@Kurtize - Wow that is some decent snow. Definitely prayers for CA. Most of the time surgery places will allow you to be 15 minutes late before they call to make sure you are coming.

Well I hope you all have a wonderful Friday.

Tabatha

Insight Timer Quote:
In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.—Sir Francis Bacon
Daily Insight:
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.—Albert Einstein
I AM:
I am grateful for the positive energy in my life.
Action for Happiness:
Thank someone you’re grateful to and tell them why.
Fitness Quote:
I workout because I love my body—not because I hate it
Fun Fact:
NATIONAL CUT YOUR ENERGY COSTS DAY
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day encourages consumers to explore their options and keep up with scheduled maintenance. Each year, on January 10th, the observance provides information designed to help homeowners and businesses to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. Did you know that tuning up your heating system can save you up to three to ten percent?
#CutYourEnergyCostsDay
It is often in the little things that you do that can save you big money on your energy bill, such as:
Weatherproof your home
Replace old windows with new energy-efficient windows
Replace old furnace with new energy-efficient furnace
Properly maintain furnace
Use solar heat if possible
Turn down thermostats
Turning off lights when leaving a room
Use energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs
Run dishwasher and washing machine only when fully loaded
Lower water heater temperature
Take shorter showers
Unplug unused appliances
Carpool whenever possible
The above list is just a few of the many ways to conserve energy. Use these tips, along with others you may already have in practice, many available online and you will be able to create energy and financial savings the entire year.
HOW TO OBSERVE CUT YOUR ENERGY COSTS DAY
Taking part in National Cut Your Energy Costs Day starts with a plan. Make a list of the things you can change right away. Then working on making improvements to your home to help lower your energy costs. With each improvement, you'll be one step closer to an energy-efficient home all year long. Where will you start making changes?
As you start, share your favorite energy-saving tips and practices. Keep track of your changes as you go and involve the whole family, too. Show them how the improvements reduced expenses and improved efficiency. By involving your family, they will take that knowledge with them into the future.
Use #CutYourEnergyCostsDay on social media.

@Tabatha_Cain , OH COOL!!! Here's hoping!! Will it be in time so your house will still sell as scheduled? Tabatha, I learned so much from my Mom, a very wise woman!! Especially the part of people of various ages as friends. I do well with having older friends, (one is almost 90! I am in my mid 60s) she's a HOOT and than some!! She can get us laughing quite hard, yet she's a very dignified lady, which we all benefit from. I'd say "a true southern bell" but she's not from the south, but the rest of it describes her very well. A classy lady.
@Patti241 tomorrow we MIGHT get a dusting to perhaps 2"s, but that's literally NOTHING though anything is nice. If my body can handle it I'm planning on going out to walk in it to the grocery store and back.
@Gouldsgranite would you like to share what your HH focus will be for the 8 weeks? Remember members Pick only 1 to do for the 8 weeks and read what it is written. Its important to never "Guess" what a Health Habit is about. In the past the points and what to count could be the same from challenge to challenge, but not any more. This I agree Janey is VERY exciting!! I'll be working on a low sodium diet, I'll not pin it as being hard, but as progress -- not putting "be in sodium range daily" that would only discourage me so much. This is the hardest HH I can work on, but very important at this time to both my heart and kidneys.

How about the rest of you? What will be your HH (Health Habit) Focus for the 8 weeks?

@Kurtize, WOOHOO and YEAH YEAH YEAH!! So happy they got it, and you both get to relax for a bit, After the 21st hopefully, this will behind you both!!! WOW On the SNOW!! Oh man, still we are not getting anything real snow. Tomorrow MAYBE a dusting to 2"s.

Insight Timer Quote:
The more we elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate.—John Boynton Priestley
Daily Insight:
To be is to do.—Immanuel Kant
I AM:
I am proud of the person I see standing before me in the mirror,
Action for Happiness:
Switch off all your tech at least an hour before bedtime.
Fitness Quote:
Be focused. Be persistent. Never Quit.
Fun Fact:
NATIONAL VISION BOARD DAY
National Vision Board Day on the second Saturday in January encourages us to set our goals in a visual way. Get out the sticky notes, markers, and inspiration and start plotting your goals for the new year!
#VisionBoardDay
Vision board parties began in 2010 between a group of friends as a way for people to get together in a fun environment to set goals, cast a vision and dream out loud in a tangible way. They then mount on their completed vision boards on their walls where they would see them every day. Seeing their hopes and dreams helps set in motion these visions and ideas to become a reality.
Many actors, musicians, fashion and entertainment-based people have been participating in this since its inception. Vision boards help people remember their goals and concepts on a daily basis.
HOW TO OBSERVE VISION BOARD DAY
Host a vision party for your friends, family or co-workers. Set goals for the coming year and put them where you can see them. They will help motivate you to attain your goals. Do you have a vision board from last year? How well did it work? Share the results and get ready for an outstanding vision board for this year, too!
Post photos using #VisionBoardDay on social media.
NATIONAL VISION BOARD DAY HISTORY
Kellan Lutz and Ryan Daly submitted National Vision Board Day in June of 2015.
In July of 2015, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the day to be observed on the second Saturday in January, annually.
Vision Board FAQ
Q. Who can make a vision board?
A. Anyone. A vision board helps us to visualize goals and create a plan to meet them.
Is National Vision Board Day the only time of year I should commit to making a vision board?
A. No. The observance creates awareness so that you can choose when and how to make your vision board.
Q. What kinds of items go on vision boards?
A. Anything that helps you to reach your goals. Some suggestions include:
• Lists - This can be to-do lists, shopping or need lists, pros and cons lists, or simply a list of items you'd like to achieve.
• Inspiration - Think quotes, images, and people who motivate you toward your goal.
• Timelines - These visual representations of what you'd like to accomplish and when can be both motivating and daunting. Keep them realistic but challenging.
• Words - Use big, bold letters for the words that have meaning to you. They may serve as motivation, inspiration, or a reminder of something you need to focus on to achieve your goal.

@Tabatha_Cain Congrats on the house hunt! It took us 6 contracts over 6 months to get our current home. We waited 2 months on one house that ended up having more liens on the property than it was worth! The others either didn't pass inspection or we were outbid. But, we have gained almost $400k equity in the 12 years we've been here now, so I guess it was a good investment.

Happy first day of the Winter Challenge all! It's finally here and I definitely need it this go around after all the holidays. Enjoy your day!

@Tabatha_Cain That is so nice of you to of switched with your coworker!! No doubt they'll do the same for you. When others hear of it, it just brings up your reputation of being a good team player. A WIN/WIN and as you get ready to move that may come in handy!! With the selling your home I hope it goes fast, but if not there must be a way of a guarantee on the new house when the money comes in from the sale of your place now. That only makes sense. Ohh Tabatha, I hope you do reach out to make friends, I can't imagine feeling the way some do who have no one who cares for them as they are older. Sure kids do to a point, but!|
@macrat12 , Sarah have you made a vision board for this challenge? If so we'd love to see it. I am working on mine last night in my mind a lot of it came together now to just finish putting it all together and I'll happily post it on the
Share Your 2025 Winter Vision Board
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10929869/share-your-2025-winter-vision-board#latest

Others have you made one? Its never to late.
@Patti241 FINALLY today we got a tiny bit! WOOHOO!!!! I am thrilled though it was about only an inch, I'll TAKE IT!

This is looking down from my living room windows. Thankfully they are HUGE!! Just over 100"s wide.

@Ronnie_happy2ranch , That's great about your house!! In the past 4 years here in Maine houses have more than doubled, in the city I am in almost 2 1/2 times what they were before the pangdangitall. Granted locals can not afford to live here, our children certainly can't. I find it sad my GD couldn't and found a house an hour away. I could be seeing my Great Grandbabies a LOT MORE!
@Drewsanna nice to meet you!!! Awww a dawggie lover, hope the ALC heals so he soon return by your side. In the meantime are you open to doing some exercises at home? I'm home so much due to my health, but still find ways my body can handle exercise. Stretching enough so my heart rate is up (LOL often just standing up does that currently!) to be beneficial. ENJOY the Rain Dancers team! We are also here if you'd like and have the time, but it's not mandatory.
@Kurtize as you know I FINALLY got some snow!!! Hoping Don's hand will be okay. I agree with Art Linkletter!! I know as a kid watching his show was so funny. Kids will say the darndest thing!

I'm liking the journaling challenge. I used to journal a lot, so this is bringing me back.

@Dianedoessmiles1 not yet I haven't done a vision board but will soon as I have an app on my phone called visuapp that you can create a vision board to carry with you.

Insight Timer Quote:
Meditation is not about stopping thoughts, but recognizing that we are more than our thoughts and our feelings.—Arianna Huffington
Daily Insight:
The energy of the mind is the essence of life—Aristotle
I AM:
I am having an amazing day.
Action for Happiness:
Connect with someone near you- share a smile or chat.
Fitness Quote:
Your lungs are burning. Your legs are shredded. Your heart is pounding. Keep Going
Fun fact:
KISS A GINGER DAY
On January 12th, everyone is encouraged to find their favorite redhead and give them a peck on Kiss a Ginger Day.
#KissAGingerDay
Created to support a more positive spin than its counterpart, Kiss a Ginger Day brings sweet kisses to redheads who may have once been teased for their hair color.
The red hair gene is recessive and requires two copies for it to present itself. Even then, there is no guarantee it will. If both parents have the gene, there is a 1 in 4 chance they will have a redheaded child. Most natural-born redheads (yes, some of us like the bottle) have brown eyes, followed by green or hazel. Coming in at 1% of the world's population, the blue-eyed ginger is the rarest kind. So if you give one of these ginger's a kiss, consider yourself lucky.
If you didn't already know it, you should obtain permission before kissing anyone who doesn't expect it - including a ginger (a.k.a. a redhead).
Many redheads feel like outcasts for having red hair. This celebration empowers redheads to feel confident, look amazing, and rock their beauty. Red hair is more than a color; it’s a lifestyle. Besides, redheads are rare. Less than 2 percent of the population are crowned with red hair. And those who are may very well be left-handed, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE KISS A GINGER DAY
It's easy. Kiss a Ginger! And it goes without saying, if you don't have permission to kiss your favorite ginger, don't. And while you're at it, spread a little kindness. Use #KissAGingerDay to share on social media.
KISS A GINGER DAY HISTORY
Derek Forgie founded Kiss a Ginger Day in 2009 as an alternative positive celebration of redheads' uniqueness as opposed to another day that could often accelerate into bullying. Follow him on Twitter @Kiss_A_Ginger or on Facebook at KissAGingerDay.

This was a neat article I thought, Become your true self

https://inspiremetoday.com/brilliance/become-your-true-self-the-divine-spark/?om

Good Morning VIP friends:

I hope you are all doing well this morning. Today is Monday and today is my long long work day. I am lucky though that I have Wednesday off. Saturday is my normal work day so Wednesday is off. Which is good because Joe sees the Kidney doctor again and also has a physical that day as well. Joe will be given a surgery date at this appointment as well. So he will be having that kidney stone blasted away.

@Kurtize - Glad Don is at least willing to take some meds when it is absolutely necessary. So far the house thing is moving slowly.
@Dianedoessmiles1 - Thank you. I am needing this house to sell first. Not sure why it is taking so long. It is a cash sale. So no inspections or anything like that. Just a title check and then planning a date. I do have friends in my online groups but they all have lives so I feel bad for asking them for help. Besides they are just all about our age and just don't have the get up and go to be moving heavy furniture anymore.

Well I hope you all have a wonderful Monday.

Tabatha