THE LAST POST...from Mir...with a preview to the next challenge....

Now that we're done with updates, weigh-ins, and announcing prize recipients, heh, I can mention this:

Since UpInTheCosmos and Jo were the runners-up as most supportive/enlightening in the votes, they also get a free pass to be in the next challenge if THEY so wish.

(Betty and Julie and Angela got free passes, as mentioned in a previous post).

But, ladies, ya want to check the rules when I post them. I'll speak about that challenge--or whatever I call it--on my regular blog, 2 Years 2 Happy Weight After.

ETA: Visit the EVE 2 EASTER 2012 Challenge blog  for more info.

It will require more of challengers than this one (in terms of time, updates, etc). But be similar in many ways. I'm still figuring out some particulars.

I'd like to use this post for some feedback--is there something you'd LIKE to see in the next challenge that might be motivating/useful. I may NOT use it. I may. But feedback is good, right?

So, including me and the slots I'll take for Julie, Betty, Angela (co-piloting again, unless she changes her mind), Karen, and one mebbe for Beth (not sure if she'll want to), and two optionals for Jo and UpintheCosmos...that's already 8 in (more or less).

As I wanted to keep the number smaller, that leaves at least 4 and up to 6 more spots (maybe up to 10 more, if I stretch it to 18). This challenge ended with 17 check-ins (well, maybe 19, I think a couple checked in the comments). So, that wasn't an unmanageable number....no more than 20 seems good.

Once I put up the blog and post announcing the particulars of the next challenge (Jan to April 2012), if the rules agree with y'all, then ask to be added. If not, I understand. If you were named above, you get an automatic okay to be in if you ask. Others will go on the "up for consideration" list.

I will not accept anyone who dropped out of one of the challenges I hosted (Slimmer this Summer, CDCC). Yep. That's the way that sugar-free cookie crumbles.

I will probably ask for folks to be dedicated cheerleaders/checkers--letting us know if someone is having issues and need extra support. I won't have time to visit all the blogs every week, and don't plan to. But if we divvy up the overseeing, everyone should get checked and no one should lack for support. That's my desire.

Think "buddy system". You don't have to support EVERYONE, but you will need to dedicatedly choose to support SOME. If you weren't supportive in THIS challenge, you won't get in to the next one. Sorry. I only want folks who'll have the backs of the rest of us, at some points, in some way, with some consistency. If you have the time/energy to support all challengers weekly, may God heap blessings upon you. Go for it. :D

If you missed check-in deadlines without really good cause or telling me in advance (ie, vacations, hospitalizations, family issues, etc, all good reasons to forget/delay), you will not get one of the few slots left.  I will have a longer window to check in next challenge, on my whim, cause hey, I'm rolling that way, so if you're chronically unpunctual--choose to make your weigh-in and updates EARLIER, not later. Fridays or Thursdays, not Saturdays or Sundays. It's a safety zone, yes?

Prepare to take pics. Several.

Prepare to read.

Prepare to buy, find, borrow and item of clothing.

Prepare to have a scale (that works, no excuses) and a tape measure.

Prepare to dream and set goals again.

You don't have to lose weight.  You will need to eat well and move to either slim down, maintain, buff up, or get better habits. Your choice.

That was the preview. Hope I didn't spook ya off.

Again, it's about support and change--the change YOU want--and not quitting and dealing with the internal, too. If you can't do that, don't join. I'd rather have very few folks and very committed folks.

Blessings on you all, no matter your journey. Later...

And the winners are...

Thanks to those who voted. And here is the result:

For most supportive: Betty


For most enlightening: Julie

:)

Congrats to you both for being so helpful to the others. I appreciate your great energy and good will.

Betty, you and Julie need to email each other to arrange the jewelry particulars.

Julie, you get to me about the prize. I'm flexible. :D

I'm out the door to Pilates, and may well add more thoughts to this post later.

THANKS, ALL!