Christmas 2016 to Valentine's Day 2017 Challenge

[Bobbinyc]

Welcome all Challengers!  What an amazing group we have!

Let's all continue together to take off the excess pounds and keep getting healthier.

This challenge will begin on Christmas and finish on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. 

All you need to join this challenge is to post your stats regarding your weight, and check in weekly or as often as you'd like. We are a great support group and enjoy keeping up with each other and being there for our ups and downs.  Generally we have found that the more we check in and offer support, tips, info,  and ideas to others, the more we get for ourselves.

We list our weight, as well as any other goals we might have related to being healthy (such as increase water, more active minutes, etc).  Developing good health habits is primary.

A little rundown of terminology for anyone who is new.

USW- Ultimate Starting Weight

CSW- Current Starting Weight (for this challenge)

GW- Goal Weight   (for Feb 14)

UGW- Ultimate Goal Weight   (what your healthy target weight is)

PW- Previous Weight

CW- Current Weight

MFP- My Fitness Pal

List as much info as you like.  Some people include age, gender, height....whatever seems relevant to you.

We keep it as serious or light as we feel, but we always keep it focused on being as healthy as possible, while we support each other kindly.  We can do this together!!

[DJC_63]

@Bobbinyc I wish that I could go to DC to march! I checked on the cost of a bus trip and right now it's too much for me. I had to have the heater in my car repaired this week and since it's a new year my Dr. visits and prescriptions all cost a fortune because of the new year's deductibles. So, no money for extra things.  😞

Anyhow, I realized that I never posted a follow-up about my visit to the cardiologist a few weeks ago. He looked at my info from the E.R. visit and did another EKG. Based on those things and his exam he doesn't think I'm at high risk for heart problems. (Although he didn't have a good explanation for what I experienced.) He was very nice, though. He referred me to have my thyroid checked, not sure why. Maybe because I said that I couldn't seem to lose weight? 

So at least that part of my life is going well.  🙂  My Mom is doing well physically but has memory problems, and has been having more temper tantrums lately. Those are getting to the point of too much for me, I shouldn't be afraid to walk into a room and that's the way it is some nights. There are several things that will make changing things pretty difficult, but I have to do it. I'm trying to figure out where I can rent with 2 cats that like to go outside. I just can't leave them with my mom because she yells at them when she has her tantrums and I'm not okay with that. It will be an interesting year, anyhow.

[BLLingg]

Hey, Guys, I'm sorry but I don't understand.  Why do Women want Equality?  I like having Doors opened for me.  I look forward to losing weight so that I can feel dainty and delicate.  I enjoy being feminine.  I want to be treated as someone Special.  Not someone Equal. 

I'm old fashioned.  The closest I want to come to being Equal is to be able to Vote.  I don't understand wanting anything more than that.  I never have.  Not even when Women my age were burning their Bras.

[Glenda]

BLLingg, Everyone has been talking about a "MARCH" but I am clueless about what it is for. No one said. Is it for equality? One day a man said something to me about opening doors. I just said, "I open doors for my children because I am bigger and stronger even though I was 5'2" and weighed 108 at that moment. Some doors are difficult for me. I am amazed it is ever a question. I'm on your side.

[alegria16]

I weighed on Monday but haven't had a chance to log in until now.

USW (6/19/16) = 204 lbs
SW (12/26/16) = 193

1/2/17 = 192

1/9/17 = 191

CW (1/16/17) = 192
GW (2/14/16) = 187
UGW = 155

The online dating Fellow emerged from his cave, and we've been chatting a lot. We're getting together tomorrow for a day of visiting antique shops. He had stopped by one on his way home from work recently and saw an old spinning wheel, which made him think of me. (I crochet and have wanted a wheel for ages.) He wants to take me to see it. I crocheted a hat for his bald head on Monday and will give it to him tomorrow.

Regarding equality, I haven't figured out what the march is about (and I live in the DC metro area LOL), but equality refers to having the same rights, which women do have. We're equal in the eyes of the law now. I'm perfectly capable of opening the door for myself, but I do appreciate it when another human (man or woman) holds the door for me when it's convenient for them or if I have a lot of stuff in my arms. (I made my younger neighbor guy look like a wuss last night when I, lugging a 25 lbs. sack of dog food from my car, held the door for him then took the stairs to my condo while he took the elevator.) I do enjoy it when a gentleman treats me like a lady rather than a buddy. Going back to the Fellow, he opens doors for me, walks me to my car, and is respectful of my personal space; he also acknowledges and appreciates that I can repair my own drywall and install new lighting fixtures.

[CorgiOnslaught]

I'd imagine it's similar to the earlier protests and is people opposed to Trump. It's going to take him a long time to overcome/win over his detractors (if he even can) considering how badly he lost the popular vote. That doesn't even consider the 1/2 of that nation that didn't vote for either candidate.

Back on topic (for now) I'm down 207.4, which is .1 lbs less than I was when I started the challenge. I'd consider it pretty good for how bad I've been at hitting goals and exercising this week. I'm going to run this weekend to make up for my slacking.

[BLLingg]

@Glenda, and anyone else who is curious, the "Mission & Vision" for the "Women's March on Washington" is here.  https://www.womensmarch.com/mission/

Since it's not "Humanity's March on Washington" or "Americans' March on Washington" all I see is Women's Equality.  I read it and hit, "We will not rest until women have parity and equity at all levels of leadership in society."  Others will likely have their own interpretation.

I open Doors for Men at times.  That doesn't diminish me as a Woman nor does it magnify me.  I'm a huMAN being.  No more.  No less. 

Sorry, I can't say more on this ever again.  I end up on a Soapbox.

[Glenda]

BLLingg I agree the name seems inappropriate to me. Not inspiring at all

[Bobbinyc]

ok, pass the soap box.

Equality has nothing to do with opening doors.  It has nothing to do with politeness, consideration, good manners.  It has to do with legal rights.  Women only got the right to vote in 1920, and it took considerable organized struggling for it.  Women's wages have been consistently lower than men's for the same job.  It has to do with wage discrimination, as well as job discrimination.  In 1963 Eleanor Roosevelt headed a Commission to study the status of women and documented discrimination against women in virtually every aspect of life.  It used to be legal for a woman applying for a job to be asked if she was going to have children and not be hired if she was of child-rearing age.  Now that would be considered discrimination.  It wasn't until 1972 that Title IX allowed women equal access to colleges with sports scholarships and the development of women's sports programs in high school.  In the 1970s 1 in 27 women had access to sports and the doors that opened. Today 1 in 3 high school females are active in sports.  In the 1970s  married women were not issued credit cards in their own name.  That meant no access to large purchases.  It has to do with what happens to women during rape trials, or before a case even gets to trial.  It has to do with access to medical care, and who is used in drug trials.  It is only recently that doctors are learning that women have different symptoms during heart attacks, because women were not included in the research.  It has to do with property rights.   I could go on and on.  Most history books and good newspapers have enormous amounts of information about this.  

If you do not experience discrimination against women, perhaps it is because other women fought so hard for us to enjoy full rights.  We got here on their determination, their sacrifices, their courage to speak out and their success.

One important part of this March is to keep those rights, which are now being threatened.

Another important part of this March is about the hatred, blatant vitriol and bullying against people of color, various religions, various abilities, various countries of birth. And against women.  Since the election, there has been an increase in school bullying and in violence against "minorities".  If this is seen as acceptable, if it is acceptable for the KKK and hate groups to have an unchallenged voice, than what can we expect of children in our schools?

Oh, I do wish we only had to think about who opens a door.

[Glenda]

It still seems a badly named march to me. There might be more productive ways to get a better deal for women. And is it about those other groups or not. My daughter had a million dollars invested by the time she was 30 working for Dell computers because she learned how to negotiate how much and what she would be paid when she signed on. She spent a little time doing her home work. Other women could do better as well. It is more productive than marching around maybe.

[em.kz]

Weekly Weigh In!!

USW - 161.6 (12/25/16)

CSW - 161.6 (12/25/16)

PW - 159.4 (12/30/16)

PW - 158.6 (01/06/17)

PW - 159.6 (01/13/17)

CW - 157.6 (01/20/17)

CW -  (01/27/17)

CW - (02/03/17)

CW - (02/10/17)

GW - 155 (2/14/17)

UGW #1 - 140

UGW #2 - 135

When I stepped on the scale this morning, I was elated! For the past 1.5 weeks my weight has just fluxuated between 159.0 and 159.6, but today we took a huge drop off! Although, I think some of that loss may be a result of my haircut yesterday, I am feeling much more on track with this challenge again. After an invigorating gym session this morning, I'm ready to take on the rest of my day! 

[_Lilac_]

In the last Canadian election the new prime minister appointed HALF of his cabinet positions to women. 50/50!! And around the world they heard him say, "Because it's 2015". 

Ahem...

We gathered at Mom's for breakfast and Mom tracked her meal and gasped and said, "I have to go walking. I have only 485 calories to eat for the rest of the day!"  So, from her house we went to do our 6000 step/4 laps of the mall. I'm tired and haven't had enough water, so I'm drinking. I think I'll have a nap and then do another workout tonight. Again, I had night of poor sleep due to my head, and another 2lb dropped this morning. What is going on?? I'll take the loss but it's strange since I'd gone down 2lb yesterday also.

I really need a rest. Catch up with ya later.

[CorgiOnslaught]

Seems relatively well named considering women are about to get shafted. If Roe V Wade is repealed (a huge to do for the GOP) and you end up with a life threatening pregnancy, tough luck you're probably dying.

End up pregnant and you have a job? Depending on the employer and state laws you could be terminated for it and with a soon to be GOP Supreme Court you'll end up losing that lawsuit.

Also we have Pence as the VP, he is the opposite of seperation of church and state.

/end rant

[sierradreamin17]

Thank you @CorgiOnslaught and @Bobbinyc  This forum is about taking care of ourselves, being advocates for health, being brave, doing the hard thing.  There are always critics, always those who say "It's good enough, thank you".  That was true when slaves were freed, when women got the vote, when all of the rights of the 70s were finally won.  Compare the importance of the issues - basically the right of all people to be treated with respect and be safe, to what should we call the demonstration.  

It is not called the Women's March anymore because 1. That is what the African American women called their march years ago and 2. So many men are going, saying they want the women they love to be respected and safe, and they are protecting their mothers and wives and daughters.  

This amazing world wide movement had many grass roots starts and isn't organized perfectly because of the grass roots nature.  It has fairly spontaneously sprung up world wide in response to the horrible terror and rage being created.

Glenda, that is so wonderful that your daughter could negotiate so much money.  I do assume you know enough history to realize that would never ever have been possible just a few decades ago when women were told they were taking jobs from men, etc.  I assume you know enough history to know how women suffered and how lucky your smart daughter is.  And that not everyone has her opportunities.  Yes, of course you know that.  Everyone has heard of the glass ceiling.  I certainly appreciate how fortunate I am and will always be grateful for those who marched before me.  I have been able to hold very high level jobs, and have been told I'm the first woman in each position.  I've also heard men complain that I got the position instead of a man.  

We really do stand on the backs of those before us.  It's amazing how recently that was.

I am so appreciative of all who march, all over the world, for a humane voice to be heard.  Thank you on my behalf, my husband's, and for my children.

[dancefoxtrot]

@SunsetRunner

Hi before I bought a size large Charge 2 that gets around my ankle, I used to tie a attach a string or ribbon to the clasp and slip it in tongue slot on the band.  This assured that I got credit for dancing steps when I had my arms still when ballroom dancing. It works for biking or treadmills if you are holding on with your hands as many of us do. 

Best,

Barbara G

[Glenda]

                                     `I agree with the abortion issue.  In Texas we have 12,000 kids in a TERRIBLE  foster care situation.  All we need is more unwanted kids.  We have an idiot Governor Abbott & leutenient Gov too who don't care at all about kids or poor young women, who are the only people affected by their pose as moraly superior, & is so fake.  98% of abortions are done in the first 3 months and all you here about is the 1% that  occure at the end of a pregnance and those babies could be already dead but no one cares about the details.  

          Have you noticed that movie stars often have kids in movies.  Polititians have kids in politics.   Usually actors have a different name so you will not notice but Blyth Danner and Jane Fonda Kirk Douglas etc had kids in movies.  Their kids learned an attitude that it was possible  and how to apply and get ready from parents..  Just starting with the attitude of I CAN make that happen is a good place to start.  They don't go on marches and say "Give me more".  They did have parents who could at least teach them to talk so that other people could understand what they were saying.  And I doubt they turned up at an audition in pants falling off.  But it didn't matter if they were gay, male, female ,Mexican or black.  

.................I wish someone would march around protesting that most of the people in congress become millionairs and exempt themselves from the laws they pass.

 In the 50s my mother demanded a loan in her name and got it.  We do have to take some responsibility for ourselves.  I am going to get out and march to get rid of our current Gov. Abbot.   

[Glenda]

                                    Lilac,  Wonderful.  So happy with your good weight loss  results.  I got a note from my step-mother and she said she felt it was ok for her to drive because her epilepsy pattern was to have sezures at night.  She hasn't had any for a very long time and may not have the condition any more but she hasn't been tested.  She thinks the medicine doesn't cost much and besides it might help her to be calm.  So,  maybe that is all wrong, was always unsafe, and taking any medicine unnessarily could be bad for you but at least at 94 she isn't driving anymore.  Sort of amazing that she lived alone until about 18 months ago.   She is mentally fine too and emails me back and forth quite well, so epilepsy didn't hurt her mental ability all these years anyway as the reports on the subject said.  I din't know ther was a test to show that condition.

[Glenda]

                                    Em.kz,  LOVED you hair comment.  You have a great attitude.

[dancefoxtrot]

@_Lilac_

Congrats on your continuing weight loss. Is that -44 lbs now?  Sometimes it is just water weight when we lose 2 lbs 2 days in a row.  Enjoy it.  You certainly do lots of walking and focus on health.  Enjoy the rally.  I'm going to one in the next town in Santa Rosa, CA.. 

Best,

Barbara G

[dancefoxtrot]

@Glenda

Congrats to your daughter for her millions.  I march for the women and people less fortunate who need to keep their rights and need increased opportunities.  I march for all people of the world many of whom are suffering under horrid conditions. Most of us in this forum are blessed with a home to shelter us, good food to eat and access to medical care. We all have access to the internet to reach out to each other. I feel grateful for the community of people who support each other despite our political differences.  

Best,

Barbara 

[dancefoxtrot]

@Bobbinyc and fellow challengers,

So well said !  I'm so glad that you gave that historical perspective.  I pray that we can stand up and thwart attempts to limit our rights.  I don't want to see the healthcare benefits, social security and Medicare and Medicaid damaged and made unaccessible to people that have less money to spend.

Okay enough I need to get up and move for at least 250 steps. My fitbit is buzzing me. Time to do chores and make a huge veggie bean soup. 

We can do this getting healthier together,

Barbara G