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!

[MargaretG139]

Sorry that I've been MIA - no particular reason, just get busy with my day and don't remember to come here to post. I too get an e-mail every time someone posts so I feel like I'm keeping up with everyone else, just not posting myself. I should probably shut off that feature so that I'll be more inclined to check in which will hopefully lead to me posting more regularly. 

Jan and Michele - so good to see you here.

ok my points:

Saturday 5

Sunday 1 (water)

Monday 4 (exercise, steps, water, tracking)

Tuesday 4 (exercise, steps, water, tracking) 

Shoulder / arm / elbow are still uncomfortable but feeling better. I haven't had to take any tylenol for the pain since last week. One of the women who attends several of the fitness classes I do at our on site gym is an ergonomic specialist in HR so I'll be having an assessment done to make sure my desk / chair are appropriately set up so as not to be contributing to whatever my issue is.  

[CJ_Here]

Wed - 2 pts; Thurs - 2 pts; Fri - 3 pts

Sister days then to a festival.  Eating pretty good considering.  Still low on steps / exercise.  Hope all is well with everyone.

[CJ_Here]

Sat - 2 pts

Yikes, helloooooo

[ElaineJ27]

Sorry I've been gone so long (again). The quilt show went well. I didn't notice any large crowds but I'll hear the final numbers when the committee meets in a couple of weeks. Every muscle in my body hurts! Setup on Thursday was brutal. Other than a classmate of mine, I'm the youngest so she and I were carrying things and then the ones on ladders to hang the quilts. I texted Hubby that we were having BLTs for dinner and he had them ready when I got home!

My English paper-pieced table topper won first place in the miscellaneous category!

I sort of have meals planned for the week and will go shopping after the baseball game. Since Hubby is off work, we're planning to camp from Wednesday through Saturday this week.

[MargaretG139]

Yikes - I've been MIA again. The week got away from me, between trying to get extra work done so I'll be "ahead" by the time I'm off the first week of August and it being the third anniversary of my mom's passing....

Wednesday - 4

Thursday - 3

Friday - 3

Saturday - 4

Starting weight - 214 (June 2015)

2019 SW - 199

Lowest weight 180.1 (7/13/18)

LW 191.8 (7/20/19)

CW 193.2 (7/27/19)

DD is still away on her two week cross country girl scout trip. They left South Dakota on Friday morning and are now in Missouri. I got spoiled when she was in Italy. Even though I didn't hear from her everyday, I would get text messages every two or three days. For this trip, they're not allowed to use their phones other than to take photos so I haven't heard from her since she left on the 16th. You'd think I'd be used to that since her sister went on three of these trips before I got to go along two years ago....

Congrats on winning first place Elaine!

Hope all is going well with everyone else.

[MargaretG139]

Sunday 5

[Cele21]

Hi Everyone!

I too have been MIA - I think it's that time of year.

I got really busy at work (which is when I get on the computer) then took last week off of fitbit on purpose no logging, no weighing, no posting. Warning: Long post ahead.

I'm trying to get my life together in a couple areas again and have been (and will continue to) assessing my habits - conclusion? I have very bad habits - in a lot of areas.

My sleep is totally out of control, staying up until all hours and running on fumes will eventually catch up to me. I've been having bizarre dreams every single night.

My stress levels are very high because of work, hubby's health issues and all of the below.

I haven't been drinking my water. Dehydration is making itself known.

My food choices are out of control - major sized portions, fast food, lack of veggies, and the list goes on.

House and yard both need major attention - dust and pollen, clutter and weeds, junk and more junk.

I know that all of the above are things that are all in my control and I just....don't. 

Then the depression sets in and the negative thoughts, words and bad attitude start which spirals into fights with loved ones or withdrawal from everything.

I talked to hubby and we started taking steps this weekend to start setting some of it right. Worked a bit on the house, took care of a phone issue that we have been putting off, planned dinner tonight (crock pot chicken which is now cooking), I plan on using some sleep inducing tea for a couple days to re-set my inner clock, going to take some scripture/prayer time, and going to drink the water.

I'm going to start posting again for accountability. 

I know this is a cycle with me and all of this has been said many times before but it's not the end of the world and it is always possible to make changes.

Here's to a better week!

[ElaineJ27]

Celeste, it sounds like you have a plan of baby steps that will draw you back on track. And because every part of it is related, these first small changes lead to better decisions all around.

I can identify with the depression setting in, although this last lapse hasn't led to it yet. I enjoyed being part of the quilt show but it was a lot of work and totally disrupted my schedule. I didn't drink enough water, which led to really bad headaches, which I medicated with junk food and soda. Fortunately I know that it will only take a few days for the healthy effects to kick in.

I have to be careful of the jigsaw puzzle app on my Kindle because I end up staying up late without noticing how much time has passed.

Margaret, no matter how old our children are, not being able to contact them causes worry. Our older daughter turned 41 on Saturday and I worry about her continually. I also worry about our younger daughter but she lives locally so I can keep tabs on her. I try not to hover but being able to see them regularly keeps the imagination from going to the dark side.

Now I'm going to dust and vacuum before water aerobics!

[Katrin]

Hi Everyone, doing my periodic pop-in! I've been mostly keeping up with my point items except I didn't work out Friday or Saturday - heat, travel and frankly, I was just tired. Saturday, I not only cut my dance class, I didn't even leave the house - not even to get the mail. I enjoyed a lazy day in my own house with my own kitty on my own sofa and it was fabulous! I love the travel that I do but on a rare day when I get to be at home, I really want to be completely at home!

It's going to be a bit hectic in the upcoming 2 weeks. My parents are finally moving. They close on their condo 8/2 and plan to spend their last night in the family home on 8/5. 8/6 they'll stay at the new place and 8/7 they'll have the carpets replaced in the house and 8/8 it goes on the market. My mom is completely frazzled but the rest of us - my dad, my sister and I - are all relieved they'll be in a facility designed for mobility and with activities, neighbors, and employees all around to keep an eye on them and keep them fit and safe and healthy.

It's super hard for them to say goodbye to all of the families in the old neighborhood but the house is way too much for them and it's gotten to the point where it's slowing them down because of the cleaning, storing of stuff, yard work, etc. My mother has been "downsizing" her stuff for probably 15 years making almost no progress but letting it consume her life. The accelerated time line will actually save her so much time a month from now and hopefully stress and allow her to spend that time and energy making new friends.

[ElaineJ27]

I was dragging a but during my golf game but got over 7K steps in 73 minutes. Then I went to the farmers market for fresh produce. Now all I have to do is find the energy to clean and prep it.

Catherine, leaving a lifetime behind will be hard for your parents even looking forward to new memories in a place that is much less work for them.

[CJ_Here]

Sun - 2 pts; Mon - 2 pts; Tues - 4 pts (logging, posting, water, exercise-40 min bike ride).  Thought I'd have more steps, but I guess I coasted whenever I could lol. 

Great to hear updates from everyone.  Sounds like we are learning how to take care of ourselves through the hills and valleys.  Know that you are supported in your journey.  Love to you all.

[MargaretG139]

Hopefully during and after my time off from work next week, I can get back into a better routine of posting.

Monday = 5

Tuesday = 3 (exercise, water, tracking)

Celeste - I have to echo what Elaine said, the first step is always the hardest and it looks like you're well beyond that and starting to formulate a plan. I know how daunting it can be to try and tackle (fix) so many things at once. While I don't ignore the others, I try to limit myself to "perfecting" one - creating a new habit before moving on to focus on the next. With everything being so inter-related, it can be hard (even overwhelming) to decide what to do first. For me, I've learned that lack of sleep is the "root of all evil". Over the last two months I've been working on getting to bed earlier on a more consistent basis and have slowly been increasing the average amount of time I am sleeping. That's helped me maintain a consistent workout routine despite the issue with my back / shoulder / arm. Because I'm working out fairly consistently, I'm getting my water (most days) and have started to reduce the number / amount of unhealthy snacks I'm eating. 

Catherine - It sounds like it will take your mom some time to adjust to the "new normal". The fact that your dad is on board though should help with the transition. While it will take more effort, there's no reason for her not to maintain the relationships she has with her current neighbors.

Elaine - I've had to accept other than when she is at home during the summer, I don't often hear from my 21 year old. It's a delicate balancing act with her, to make sure she knows I'm there when she needs me but to "give her her space". Fortunately she "talks" to her father and sister more than me so I am reassured that all is well with her.  I have a much better relationship with the 16 year old. I think that's because the 21 year old and I are SOOOO much alike.

The 16 YO came back from her trip last night and we sat up for a couple of hours listening to stories of her trip and having her show us all the things she bought. If all the girls bought as much as she did, they must have been packed like sardines in the SUV with all the people and stuff!

CJ - It sounds like you've adjusted well to retirement.    

[ElaineJ27]

WW this morning and another 1.4 pounds gone! I looked back at my Fitbit app and found that 267 was my heaviest about a year ago, although I weighed 246 when I bought my Fitbit in July 2015. Today I weigh 250.2. 

I'm going to water aerobics in a bit, then we're taking the camper to the state preserve about 15 miles from here. I'm looking forward to walking the trails, bicycling, and reading. I prepped all the produce yesterday, so I have some healthy food in addition to the brats and burgers that are so good around the campfire.

I'll be off for a few days unless I pop home during our trip. Hello to all who read but don't post. We haven't forgotten you and miss you.

[Katrin]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the support! I believe that this move for my parents is the best thing and it's actually long overdue. My mom has been "working in my closet" for 12 or maybe even 15 years to downsize her possessions but she hasn't been able to FOCUS on the job at hand and instead, has been kind of dabbling. She's been saying for a while she'd like to move and in fact, was more receptive to it initially than my dad but she couldn't get herself ready for years and years and years. My dad's pulling the trigger has dramatically sped up the downsizing process but at what cost? The stress for my mom, sure, but also I'm anxious about why the time is now for him. Part of it is that the community they are moving to is very large - I believe it's about 1200 - 1500 units (most are independent living but some are assisted living and memory care units and they also have a rehab facility that holds about 120.) However, the floor plan that they are getting, there are only 9 of them in the whole place and it's the largest and they don't come around very often - 2 members of the staff who've been there 3+ years have never seen it before. So my dad felt like it was the right place at the right time and wouldn't come around again. But part of me worries that, being 10 years older than my mom, not in great health and in his mid-80's, that he's also feeling strong motivation to take care of mom after he's gone and that part has me super anxious! 

Anyway, I was able to resolve my syncing issue by disconnecting MFP and MMF from fitbit and then reconnecting them and now info is flowing. I've been sleeping great, working out and making mostly healthy choices but I have been overeating a bit and the scale shows that. However, this is the time of the month when I may or may not get a period and I'm definitely bloated so I'm hoping that some of this is just water gain and I'll go back to where I should be next week.

So, do we know for sure that the groups are never coming back or is this just a development hiccup? I'm glad everyone migrated over but I feel like the group format lends itself better to conversation on a variety of threads and makes it easier to track stuff.

[CJ_Here]

It sounds like the place your folks are moving will be a great place / community.  Hopefully your mom is outgoing enough to find friends with common interests.  One thing our family was grateful for was the fact that our Dad & Nina were able to choose / make their own decisions without us having to intervene.  It sounds like your Dad is a forward-thinker 🙂

We did our biking this morning before it gets too hot.  My body was hurting, but now I'm glad it's done.  I only racked up a bit over 2300 steps, but it's a good cardio and a great way to start exercising.  We took a trek that wasn't as hilly / hard as last night.  Considering I've only ridden 5 times this year, I'd say I did really good going from nothing to huffin' and puffin'.

I am having a harder time than expected to get motivated to be active - weed the garden, clean, tackle the craft room.  I ordered a journal for creating motivating habits (or something like that).  Hubby is very busy with his woodworking.  I am doing the cooking which helps.  Over the past six months I've been cutting back on my anti-depressant.  Down to a minimal dosage every other day.  The plan was to be completely off by October.  I've had a couple of bad days which my sister caught and she's encouraging me to stay on them (family history, menopausal symptoms, my history).  I want to get off them so I guess I need to take action - stay active so I have a chance.

I stayed the same at WW this week.  It was tough with eating last week.  It's only Wed and my bonus points are all used up.  Do you know that a perfect marguarita (sp) is 14 points! - it and everything else was so good, though ...  I tell myself that's what 'normal' people do.  They go out and enjoy, but then watch what they eat the rest of the week.  They plan for such events and don't feel guilty about it.  I can do this!.

[CJ_Here]

Wed - 4 pts (water/logging/posting/exercise)

3 days in a row of biking.  Did 6 miles tonight.

[Jan2512]

Hi Everyone, I'm still around & keeping up with everyones posts.  Nothing much has changed here except my weight and not in the good way.  I'll write more when I next put on my laptop as I don't like typing on a tablet (I have corrected the keying errors several times already!).  Hope you are all coping with your heat.  The days here are not too bad, sunny but cool.  At night though the temp drops considerably & we have had a few "brass monkey"  ones.

[MargaretG139]

Today is my last day in the office before I'm off for a week. I have lots to get done so I can essentially not think about work at all while I am off. No plans to go away this year, but I have plenty of projects around the house I want to tackle - the biggest one is turning the 4th bedroom from a "junk room" into an office/workout room. I want to make it easier / more convienient/pleasant to work form home - especially since there's a huge push to "turn on our cameras" AND easier / more convienient/pleasant to work out. Hopefully there will be enough room in there to get an eliptical.

Wednesday = 5

Thursday = 4 - ever since the activity groups were removed, I can't seem to get into a good routine with posting

[CJ_Here]

Fri - 4 pts

Getting my days mixed up - must be the retirement fog lol

Enjoy your time off Margaret.

Congratulations on your quilt entry win, Elaine.

Hello to all.... and good night.

[sherryoglesby]

Hi guys! I miss you all!

How do I subscribe to this? Our group isn't showing up on my dashboard.

Sending love to all!