Chats, Challenges & Laughs 2nd home

[Cele21]

For all my Chats, Challenges & Laughs peeps! Since we can't get on the threads I thought I would start a discussion area for us. We may not be able to keep track of points standings easily but we can still talk.

I miss you!

[Cele21]

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Let's make 2022 a most wonderful year!

[Jan2512]

Happy New Year Everyone,

Here's to 2022 being better than the last two years.  It is over 39C (around 103F) at the moment, it is just so exhausting.

I'll write more when I'm back on my laptop.

Hoping we will all have more to write about next year.  I hope everyone enjoys themselves tonight and most importantly stays safe.

[CJ_Here]

Wishing everyone a healthy, strong 2022 🙂

My 2022 word of the year is "Embrace" - ..."to accept / support a belief, theory or change willingly and enthusiastically".  I haven't gotten back into exercising but have been eating three healthy meals a day with no snacking in-between and have lost over 20 lbs.  I'm continuing to work through the 12 steps of OA and have been sugar-free (including artificial sweeteners) for over 40 days.  This has been a process I never dreamed possible and know it's my Higher Power strength that has gotten me this far.  Once I'm through the steps, I'm not sure what my abstinence will be.  I may be able to safely have condiments, soups, etc with some sugar lower in the ingredients on the label.  Or I may truly be a sugar addict and it will throw me into relapse.  I plan and seek God's guidance in this area.

As far as weather, we will be getting 40 below zero wind chills tonight through tomorrow.  Winter is definitely here for us.  Luckily, we have over a foot of snow so we aren't worried about water pipes or the septic freezing.  I definitely would not like your weather either right now @Jan2512 .  I really feel for the Colorado town(s) lost due to the forest fires in the last 24 hours and all of the Kentucky towns/cities from the recent tornadoes.  Our planet Earth is having a hard time which in turn is affecting so many lives.  

[Katrin]

Hi Everyone,

I know I've been mostly absent lately. I'm still here and mostly okay - just busy and distracted I guess.

At work, I finished my 3 months "ramping" period. I hit all 3 months appointments target which is $833/month. However, I missed the $40k revenue target by about $1700. It would have been and additional $2000 that I could really have used. No, in January, I'm coming off ramp and have an actual quota. It's been years since I've had a quota and when last I did, it was so easy to achieve. So, I'm a little anxious about that.

Haven't heard from my ex - I texted him for his birthday 10/31 and he texted me for my birthday 11/27 and that was the end of that I guess. I worried about whether I should text him for Christmas or send a card but in the end, I forgot and then remembered around the 27th and forgot again on NYE. His importance has continued to decline to the point that today, I vaguely remember what the fuss was all about in the first place.

We are making significant progress with admin items for my parents. Monday we sign the legal documents for my sister and I to become POA, etc. and they sign their updated wills. We are also creating a trust to help minimize tax implications. Also, we have a call with my Dads remaining siblings - twin sisters - later this week to reveal his diagnosis (not sure if I mentioned at the time but he has officially been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.) I'm certain they know and have been awaiting this discussion. I have noticed his decline over years and was not the least bit surprised when the actual news came. And his decline is accelerating so anyone who knows him, I would expect to see the signs. I am going to his neurologists appointment with him Friday to see if I can gain more insight since my Mom is basically useless. My sister and I can't tell exactly what her problem is - she's always struggled with anxiety and she has always had a tendency to see things in her own way - sometimes to the exclusion of reality - but these issues are compiling to where it seems like she's living somewhat in a dream world - clinging to hope that nothing is going to change when literally every.single.thing.is. changing. I get it. She's breaking down. So I've been struggling to provide even more comfort for her.

To that end, I hosted Thanksgiving and hosted Christmas and both were very nice. But my Mom has always loved a big deal for Christmas and has always done an elaborate job of decorating. After years of catering, I really can't stand Christmas and especially decorating and undecorating - when you've got a giant hotel lobby and numerous ballrooms and hundreds of banquet tables to worry about, it's a lot less fun! So about 10 days before Christmas, my tree was up but not a single ornament was hung and I couldn't muster the energy to get it done. So, I invited my family over for a tree trimming party on the Saturday before Christmas. I brought out all my ornaments, put out some Santa figurines and winter knick knacks, got a bunch of Christmas cookies and snacks, and made a little party out of it for the afternoon. After, as the sun was setting, I loaded them all into the car and drove them to the Bull Run Battlefield Park where they have the annual Festival of Lights display that you can drive through. It's a few miles long. My Dad and I went once many years ago and I thought it was okay. My Dad didn't remember so it was all new to him and my Mom and sister and Dad all absolutely loved it. Like really, really loved it. After that, we came back to my house and ordered some takeout. For me, it was a creative way to make other people do my unwanted work but for the rest of them, it was a huge family memory so I'm super happy it worked out!

As far as my health and fitness goals, I'm limping along. I work out sometimes, I track almost never, I think I'm drinking close to my water but haven't been tracking that. And of course my posting has been very sporadic. I am sleeping okay, though but due to stress, my dreams are really strange and memorable and sometimes uncomfortable. I am occasionally meditating and journaling. In short, I haven't forgotten what good habits are but I've had several major life changes and finding a routine has been a struggle. I'm not going to beat myself up over it - I believe I have just work on what I can when I can right now.

Anyway, thank you all for continuing to be here and I wish you all many blessings in the new year!

[Pamela_June]

ElaineJ27 ... I am with you as 'being electronically challenged' ... seems like so much of the computer/app stuff lately has seemed to have gotten harder for me to follow!!??   It just can't be all due to my old age... LOL or can it!! 

Oh well I will keep trying to get use to how to use this site and the many other things that seem to confuse me.

Hopefully I can come back to this location to continue conversation with everyone!

Have a good day .. I am now off to work for the day!   (YES still working and I feel lucky I am ... and still trying to learn things at 75!!  )

[Glenda]

Pamela you have struck a cord with me.  I feel like I'm getting so forgetful.  I'm laughing because I think President Biden is so terrible, but  I would be afraid to vote for Former President Trump  (who I like lots)  in 2022 because he will be old also.   Ridiculous.  I'm 79 myself.    Big problem that we can only vote for people who run for elected offices.

[Cele21]

Hello everyone! Starting off 2022 with a bang!

On New Year's day while shoveling snow, my hubby had the idea pop into his head that he should check our sewer access pipe. Frozen muck inside was backed up more than halfway up the pipe. Called the plumber on Monday (minimal use of everything since Saturday) and they were able to come out same day to rod it and estimate. Long story short, broken tiles out by the street along with tree roots causing almost total blockage. Had to dip into hubby's 401k to pay them but all is now fixed as of last Thursday. Yes, everything up to the sewer is our responsibility even if it is on city property.

My knee surgery is (hopefully, depending on Covid protocols) scheduled for 2/28/2022 and I have an MRI tomorrow. Apparently the newest thing is to map the leg bones and have specifically sized cutting tools created from the MRI to save time, effort and have less room for error. It takes about six weeks to manufacture the tools. They are also requiring a full physical, blood tests and a dental exam prior to surgery.

The rest of the holidays were fairly quiet and peaceful. I went down 2 pounds the first week of the year and hope to continue the trend. Started working again on some home decluttering and have sketched out some preliminary plans to cross a few other items off our many years old 'to do' list throughout the rest of the year.

Hope you all had a blessed holiday season and are ready to hit the ground running in 2022!

[Glenda]

Best wishes for your knee surgery to go well.  Sounds amazing with special tools.   So scary.  You are brave to do it.  Hope all your tests are better than you expect.

[Jan2512]

Happy New Year Everyone, I hope everyone had a nice Christmas & New Year.  Mine were quiet but very enjoyable, just my Mum, brother and myself.  Drank too much, ate too much and thoroughly loved it.  On New Years Eve we got out some old home videos many of Christmas & New Year.  We even watched Dad's last Christmas & New Year.  It was lovely to see & hear him, especially the ones before he got sick.

I was sick at the start of the year - not covid.  I was having bad stomach pains and went to my doctor who thought it was possibly an appendicitis so she sent me for a blood test.  The results were good, so it was put down to a "bug", after a few days I was fine.  Probably after the excess food & drink I have put on a few (lol) pounds and it is causing me a lot of knee pain so Celeste I will be very interested to see how your treatment goes.

It was good to see a long post from Catherine, I love hearing about what is going on in everyones lives.  My aunt (my Mum's sister who is in England) is in a care home with dementia.  My cousin & her daughter send us photos & videos of my aunt & it is so sad.  I really don't know what it would be like to personally deal with a parent with dementia /Alzheimer's.  My aunt has contracted covid despite being triple vaxed, so we are all very concerned.  My aunt's ex husband has just got over covid, but he hadn't seen my aunt since November.

Covid has hit us really hard, although we have been out of lockdown for sometime we are still required to wear a mask in all indoor settings except your home & beauty services.  We have food shortages at supermarkets, but not due to a lack of food but due to the amount of people in isolation.  Our government has changed some of the isolation rules so that close contacts who work in certain essential industries that have tested negative on a RA test can go back to work.  

My brother is back working in a casual capacity with Australia Post.  He worked there six days a week from the end of August till December 23rd and resumed on January 10th.  Fingers crossed it will lead to permanent full time or even parttime.  He was supposed to start back on the 6th but they agreed to the tenth when he told them he was getting his booster shot (with me) on the Friday.  Mum is having hers this coming Tuesday.

I suppose you would have seen the controversy surrounding the Australian Open Tennis with regards to Novax (yes I meant to spell it that way) Djokovic.  The public opinion is mostly that he should not be allowed to play.  Everyone at the tennis centre has to be double vaxed that is all spectators, officials etc and they have implemented a seating cap.  I'm with the majority & think he should just go home.

Stay safe.

[Jan2512]

Hello Everyone,

Just letting you know I am still here, but it does seem like our little forum has come to an end.  It is a real shame as we had to start up again after fitbit mucked us around and for quite some time we were really getting to know each other.  If indeed we are closing up I just wanted to say that I will miss you all especially the support and encouragement you have given me over the last few years.  I will continue to look in in case anyone posts, and I may put in another post now and again.  As you are all Americans I loved hearing about your lives, that although in some ways are similar in many they are very different, even our language can be confusing.

Anyway, I hope this is not then end.  Stay safe and happy.

[Cele21]

Everyone is so quiet! Let's hear from those lurking.....

[reszy]

Sorry,  being retired is keeping me busy. I am building theater sets for local theater. Local High school  theater just called wanted me to bulid for 25 annual Putnam County spelling bee.  And after my hip surgery I am doing yoga twice a week , aerobics and pilates once a week. Going downhill skiing tomorrow. Not bad for 62.

[ElaineJ27]

I’ll give you a brief summary: December 1, I developed laryngitis that decreased my ability to breath. After antibiotics and a steroid, I was left with a nagging cough so I never got my COVID booster. After eight days in hospice care, my father-in-law died on December 23, and my dad entered hospice on the 24th, dying on the 31st. I contracted COVID on the 27th but only had a headache and body aches for a few hours, with fatigue lasting almost two weeks. 

Life has returned to a semblance of normalcy but Hubby and I are still having some trouble sleeping. Thankfully I’m remembering good times with my dad that I had long forgotten. 

During December and the first bit of January, I regained half of the fourteen pounds I had lost since I joined Noom in September. I got back on track and have lost five of the seven I regained., although I’m just starting to use my elliptical without coughing. 

Like Steve, I’m staying busy but mine is being recording secretary for one group, treasurer for two groups, two Bible studies a week, and spending the rest of my time in my craft room making cards or sewing. 

[Pamela_June]

Oh my gosh … sorry for your loss’s…. But very glad you are improving… remembering the fun, positive and good times with your loved ones.

Glad to have you back … ((hugs))) take care

Thanks for the update!

Pam

Sent from Pam’s iPhone

[CJ_Here]

So sorry for the loss of your two dads, @ElaineJ27 .  I hope each day you find a little happiness thinking of good memories.  And, that each day your lungs are getting stronger.  You certainly have found your groove with sharing your talents and time with your groups.  As you can get moving more, I'm sure you'll take the rest of the weight off.  You've been an inspiration to me over the years.  Take care.

Wow, you are busy @reszy .  It sounds like the people in theater are loving your set work and you'll be busy for years.  I'd like to try yoga, but I still can't get up and down off the floor.  I'm thinking with more weight loss, I'll try this summer.

@Jan2512 , it truly is sad that we aren't communicating like we used to.  I'm going to blame Covid for this one.  For me, I just became more insulated in my little world that doesn't have a lot going on that's of much interest to others.  The same old, same old as they say.  I am growing spiritually.  I try to take time every morning and night to pray and meditate.  I don't have the Calm app that I believe @Katrin would mention, but something like that.  I feel like I am sleeping deeper when I do sleep.  I have not been exercising at all.  I have quit sugar completely.  Since November, I've released 30 lbs.  I probably have another 70 to go.  This has been possible through working the OA 12 step program using AA's big book as my main resource.  My 2nd fitbit flex is still hanging in there.  I hope it does for a long time as I don't think I'll get another when it stops.  

I hope @Cele21 , your "knee tools" are being made and that you'll finally have some pain release once you heal from your late February surgery.  I can't remember your 2022 word.  I hope it's helping you grow this year.  I'm working on "Embracing" mine every day 😉

To @Glenda and everyone else, wishing you all health and happiness.

[Hmkitten]

I'm a lurker that is coming out from below the couch.

I'm not doing well mentally. Gained back ten pounds over the last four weeks. Only part of it was due to something outside of my control: Gallbladder surgery. That went well, but I just haven't been exercising and my eating has become outrageously over the line of healthy. I just changed my mental meds a bit ago and that doesn't seem to be helping things either.

My pooch has been sidelined for walks for the past couple weeks because I couldn't handle him pulling me along (sometimes. Other times he walks gently beside me) with my healing. The treadmill at my parent's house (where I live half the week) remains broken because I can't make up my mind whether I want to try to fix it or just buy a new one. At least I got the one at my house fixed (somehow it actually fixed itself)...though I haven't used it at all over the last three days. I just can't drag myself onto it. In the morning I put on my exercise bra and toss on my walking shoes so I can get on it at any time but I just can't do it. All I want to do is curl up on the couch and chill in the dark with my laptop and TV.

And that's the sum up of right now. I wish it was better.

[reszy]

There is  many yoga modifications sitting in chairs. Or standing.  Always in yoga you progress listening to your body. There are several poses I can't do but I get closer as the months pass.

[Cele21]

So good to hear from you all!

@CJ_Here  - My word for 2022 is OPEN

@ElaineJ27  - So sorry for your losses! Be kind to yourself while you are healing, physically and emotionally.

@Hmkitten  - Glad we could coax you out from under the couch! You too should be kind to yourself as you heal, gallbladder surgery is not a small deal.

@reszy  - You are a machine!

@Pamela_June  - Hi!

Update on my journey. Weight is not changing. I have completed my blood draws, MRSA test, chest x-ray and EKG. My dental check up was yesterday and Sunday night I broke a tooth. When I went in (new dentist), they had a cancellation of the appointment after me so they did the temporary crown right then. I go back in two weeks (Valentine's day) to get the permanent crown put in. Other than that, my teeth and gums were fine.

Tomorrow is my general physical with my general practitioner and after that I am just waiting for the surgery. 

We got a call from hubby's brother in Florida last night, he had pneumonia a couple weeks ago and wasn't getting his energy back so they sent him for a blood test and he has been diagnosed with leukemia. It is very early so we don't know what type or how advanced or any other information yet.

He is in his late 60's (early 70's?) so it was unexpected.

Can't wait for the weather to make up it's mind on whether it's winter or spring. Glad the daylight is lasting longer (when it's not cloudy).

Prayers going out for all who need them!

Keep the updates coming - no matter how trivial, we care!

[ElaineJ27]

I have not done established exercise but am getting 4K steps a day just with household activities and errands. Yesterday morning I was having trouble concentrating on my tasks until I wrote them down. Then they were on paper and not just swirling in my head. 

@Hmkitten , I suffer from clinical depression and sometimes my medication can’t keep up. In addition to making lists to stay on task, I just put one foot in front of the other.  

The past week, I have been giving into cravings for sugar and chips. I need to get back to basics and eat Whole Foods and soldier through these cravings. 

My plan was to leave tomorrow and spend two days with my BFF, who lives about an hour and a half’s drive. Unfortunately, we are projected to receive almost a foot of snow. Since I already blocked off the time, hopefully I can can finish quilting my king-sized quilt without interruption. 

[Jan2512]

It is so good to hear from you all.

Elaine

I am so sorry for your loss.  Losing people is always difficult but at Christmas time it must be so much worse with everyone about you in a festive mood.  I am giving you a virtual hug.  How is your health?

Did you get another Fitbit or other tracker?  My have a Charge 4 now as my the display on my Charge 3 was almost unreadable, I could only read it if it was very dark.  I had the Charge 3 for two years and as I bought it through the Fitbit store I was given a 35% discount.

That sounds like a lot of snow.  We have been going through a very humid heat wave.  For the last week or more  the temps have not fallen below 30C  (86F) and have been hovering around 35C (95F) going up to 38C (100F) for a couple of days.  Most nights the temp hasn’t gone below 23C (73F).  Yesterday and today have been a much more pleasant 24C (75F) and more like dry heat than humid.

Steve

Good to hear from you.  It must be quite interesting working in a theatre environment.  You certainly sound very busy.  I do aerobics & pilates.  I do a bit of yoga but due to mobility issues I do find a lot of poses difficult if not impossible to do.  The thought of skiing scares me.  I haven’t seen snow for years.  There is snow on the mountains a few hours drive from my house but I haven’t been there since the ‘80’s.

CJ

I agree and also blame covid on us not communicating regularly.  I must admit it often seemed like “Groundhog Day” especially when we were in lock down (which totals about 18 months in the last two years).  I am still keeping close to home, although I have been to the pictures a couple of times and been out shopping but I know what I want and I don’t spend time looking around the shops.  I am still very worried about catching it, being triple vaxed still doesn’t fill me with confidence.

Celeste

I hope everything goes well with your medical procedures.  Sorry to hear about your brother-in-law, hopefully it has been caught early and he can start treatment and recover soon.

Pamela June – Hi

HmKitten – Hi, I assume you live in America (I live in Australia) so I it would be difficult to get motivated to exercise when the weather is cold and it is dark and dreary.

Catherine, Margaret & Glenda – hope you are well.  I know Catherine & Margaret are active as I see you in the Fitbit challenges.