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ZELLAZM's Recent Blog Entries
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Friday, November 18, 2011
The Winter 5% Challenge is starting on December 3. If you're looking for a way to keep your Spark going - or rekindle it! - come join up.
I didn't do too well in the weight loss department this time around because I caught a bad cold midway that limited my exercise and has lingered for 3 weeks. But I'll be back in shape and hope to meet my goals and bettersupport my team next time around.
The "5%" refers to the amount of your body weight that you want to lose during the 8 weeks of the challenge. As a member of the overall challenge team, you're assigned to a group of 50 Sparkers who motivate each other to meet the weekly goals of the team, in friendly competition with the other 9 teams. The main idea is to accumulate "Air Miles" as we fly virtually to exciting destinations all over the world. There is also a "Living the Good Life" challenge that changes each week, and other threads and extra challenges for those who want to participate. Weigh-ins are on Saturday.
Two steps to follow to join up. First, join the Challenge Team. Here's the link:
www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/team_mes
sageboard_thread.asp?board=0x53949x450
61701&src=email
Then, sign up for a team on the individual threads. (I'm a Firecracker!) If you're a newcomer, you may not get assigned to your first choice team, but that's not too important. The important thing is to make that commitment to yourself and your team. Shortly before the challenge starts, you'll get your team assignment and further instructions. Then it's time to get moving!
 
Friday, November 11, 2011
You haven't heard much about my studies lately because I've been stuck. One root of the problem is fear: when I do finish, some big changes are likely to take place in my life, and these could happen quickly. Although this has been my heart's desire, it's also scary! I think there's also a fear that I might be disappointed or that I might disappoint those who have been so supportive.
Another source of the trouble is that I don't presently have the funds to pay tuition for my last two projects - both the exam process and my "practice project" require the same amount of tuition as a regular course. I could borrow the money from the school, but I haven't wanted to add to my debt.
I've also been thinking about the holidays, missing Mom, and wishing I could be in Florida to help Dad with his upcoming art show. At 87, he still goes to work every day, but the day-to-day tasks of life seem to be getting a bit overwhelming for him. (I have to practice the serenity prayer every time I get off the phone with him!)
So I allowed myself to get stuck. 
That "stuckness" tends to spread to other areas of life. I got discouraged about my future plans, and have been letting the stress and concern get to me.The scale is stuck, too. Is that any suprise?! It doesn't help that I've been fighting a cold and asthma cough for the past three weeks, and have been doing a prednisone taper the past few days.
But some powerful prayers must have been prayed lately, because progress has been made in the financial side. I received a generous offering toward my tuition and I've been encouraged to take further steps that will help raise the needed support. My health is coming along. I think I had a big backlog of sleep and rest to catch up on.
I'm thankful for the prayers and for the One who answers them!
Just a few hours ago, I went for a nice, long walk (air miles!) with my mp3 player and listened to a good sermon that talked about the Lord being our source of peace in difficult times. Perfect timing! I sense the power in those words and, although that teaching is nothing new, it's fresh to me.
The Bible talks about the "washing with the water of the Word." The water of the Word - not only is it cleansing, it's also got lubricating properties, like when water is added to clay to make it soft and pliable. That sermon is working that way in my spirit. I'm getting unstuck!
Friday, October 21, 2011
It's rather anticlimatic. I was having internet connection trouble last night with only 30 points left to go. I had some exercise to track, and, with only a few message board and huddle posts to make, I would have arrived before midnight. But I finally gave up and went to bed.
So here I am the next morning at Level 18. The view from here is great! And, even though there are 19,999 points to go before I reach Level 19, if it's up to me, I'll be here to celebrate that mini-victory, too. Thanks, Spark People!
The new trophy isn't as "sparkie" as the Level 17 one. I guess at Level 18, we are expected to be more dignified and queenly in our fancy jeweled crowns?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
I need fewer than 200 Spark points to get to the next level, so I should get my new trophy tomorrow if I work at it. So if you see me posting everywhere and anywhere, you'll know why!
Bye, Bye, Level 17!
Hope the new one is a purty one!
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I think the queenly looking crown suits you well :) Nice and 'spark'ly!!
Member Comments About This Blog Post:
....I thought to myself, "Level 17 might be a new team."- when I saw your bog title.
Yay Firecracker Michelle! 
We are a work in progress. 
