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!

[CJ_Here]

Mon - 2 pts; Tues - 1 pt and a binge.  We had gone shopping and I ate and ate and ate to get rid of all the junk (note to self - quit buying junk).  Stopped at 5 pm and just started fresh.  Should be easy today to fast until afternoon.  

[Jan2512]

I have been quite busy over the last couple of weeks, mostly attending health checkups or going with Mum or Roy for their checkups.  I had my mammogram yesterday.  I don't know if it is the same in the US but here all women over the age of 40 are entitled to a free mammogram once every two years.  I was meant to have one back in June, but my Dad died on that day.  It was a bit emotional as I had the mammogram at the hospital where Dad spent his last night before being released to go home.

We are finally out of lockdown.  We are still required to wear masks when we leave our homes and keep safe distancing.  That means that restaurants, shops etc can only accommodate "X" amount of people depending on the size of the venue.  We can also travel anywhere in our state - no more checking google to see if we have gone passed the allowed distance.  We have had 13 consecutive days of zero covid cases and zero deaths (probably an Aussie thing but we refer to this as "double doughnut" days).  Fingers crossed tomorrow will be another double doughnut day then our Premier will look to more restrictions being removed or at least changed.  We are down to 4 active cases in our state.

I followed your election quite closely - probably more than our own.  I enjoy politics but I still find it hard to get my head around your system of government and the voting process, it seems very convoluted.  And I don't understand the fear of postal voting.  I haven't voted in person for years - I refuse to as I don't drive and cannot stand for more than about twenty minutes without being in pain - I am not going to use public transport and sometimes you can be queuing for 20 to 30 minutes.  Voting is compulsory here.  So, I request a postal vote but generally I don't mail it but it used to be Dad who would take all out votes in sealed envelopes to a local electoral commission about a week before polling day.  Polling day is always on a Saturday here.  I don't care how people voted (I am a swing voter) but I have to say I am glad Bidden won.  I have never liked Trump.  I don't care who you are or how much money you have or don't have I dislike rude, arrogant behavior, and on TV that is all I ever saw of Trump.  Obviously I don't know how he handled being president from an American's point of view, although I don't think he handled the corona virus crisis very well.

I got a message from Catherine in my Fitbit App.  She was still having problems with this site and suggested maybe we could look at other ways or keeping the forum going such as Facebook.  I replied to her that the next time I was on the site I would mention it.  We seem to be losing people with only a couple of you regularly contributing.  I will try to post more regularly.

I have been keeping to my intermittent dieting with regards to the start and end times but over the last few days I few days I have fallen off the wagon, and I am being dragged behind it.  I just haven't been in the right head space lately.

Three days ago I joined worldwalking.org, I had joined it years ago but I forgot all about it so I deleted my account and rejoined.  There are a stack of walks to choose from.  As someone who absolutely loves Christmas I chose the "walk to Santa's home".  I starts in Manchester England and finishes in Lapland.  This I now realise was extremely ambitious as I have barely left Manchester I have walked a total of just under 24 and a half kilometres or just over 15 miles.  The clock says I have walked 1% of the way, at this rate I will be lucky if I see Father Christmas by December 2021!

Well I must go to bed as the clock has just ticked over to midnight.

[ElaineJ27]

In spite of my wayward weekend, I lost the 0.2 pounds I had gained the week before. I took measurements right after my first appointment with the trainer and in four weeks, I lost 3 pounds, two inches off my hips (rear), and an inch off each my waist, upper arm, and thigh. 

Grandson’s broken arm was set (I’m not exactly sure what that required) and he is fine except for not being able to play on the playground. 

I met with the trainer again yesterday and she added hand weights to my regimen for days that I don’t use the nautilus. I worked on biceps and triceps and could hardly lift my arms this morning! I took a walk after lunch but will postpone my nautilus workout until tomorrow. 

I don’t really have any encouraging words for all of you except just like my walk today when I didn’t think I had energy left, I put one foot in front of the other and made it home. We can improve the quality of our lives by slowly changing our unhealthy habits. 

[CJ_Here]

You are correct, @ElaineJ27 .  Put one foot in front of the other; slowly change unhealthy habits.  It's a choice.  I hate the word laziness.  My husband calls me lazy - I call myself that.  Maybe I hate the word because it hits too close to home.  For now, I've decided to just do something every day.  I'm not even naming it.  Just something.  Whatever hits my fancy.  And, I'll build upon that.  Today I've already done more than yesterday.  I may do more; or not.  But, tomorrow I will do more 'something' than today.

I'm OK with starting a facebook group if we think that will actually bring more connection.  We could leave the info here.  But, let's give this a chance for everyone to think and comment on.  I do like where we can just write paragraphs when we want.  Can we do that on Facebook?  Did Catherine say why she's having trouble getting on here?

[CJ_Here]

One more thought on Facebook...Question:  Who would want it to be a closed group?

I would.  I feel this is my safe place and would not want someone I know to be able to join.  I know they could find me here, but they haven't yet.

[ElaineJ27]

I’ve been dealing with sinus issues yesterday and today. The wind is gusting such that I don’t want to go outside for anything. I watched church online. 

I need to plan my week and grocery shop. The mayor has asked for voluntary shutdown so the grandkids’s school is closed until at least 11/30. I have to plan meals for them that won’t tempt me!

@CJ_Here , I agree that a closed Facebook group would be best but I think there’s a fee for that. I enjoy this group for the reasons you stated. 

[Cele21]

USW - 218.0

LW - 189.2

CW - 190.0

So I think I'm done with the meal plans for now. I wasn't even able to make it through 7 days this time before I didn't feel like cooking what was planned.

I'm going to see if I can go it on my own with more veggies, more (when possible) movement and portion control of everything else. I will keep some of the dinners, lunches and breakfasts that I got from the plans that were easy and we liked in mind too.

@ElaineJ27  - I think the sinus issues are related to the windy weather, all the mold and spores whipping through the air, not to mention the temperature change.

I'm not too fond of the Facebook closed group idea. If I get into Facebook for this, I'll be in Facebook for browsing all the time. Also, I post from my work computer (easier) and we are blocked from Facebook at work so I would not be on as often - if at all. I do Facebook from my phone which means typing is harder for lengthy responses (if allowed). My other hope is that those people who have dropped off will one day find us again here. Just my two cents and if the consensus goes the other way I'll try to stay involved.

[Glenda]

I got the feeling that this forum is actually a group of good friends who would like to be exclusive ...sort of, but are conflicted.  Some say they would like a closed group but then say that they hope people who have dropped off will find you again.  So funny.   I wish you all well, anyway you want it.  Best wishes either way.  🙂

[MargaretG139]

Hello everyone! I'm sorry that I have been MIA so long. I feel like during September and October I was in "preparation for hibernation" mode. I managed to leave onederland behind : ( BUT, it's not so far in the rear view mirror that I won't be able to get back there relatively quickly once I get my head in the right place....

I had even stopped reading all your posts regularly. I'd read one here or there but need to go back and read everything since I last posted to get caught up with what all has been going on with all of you.

I saw the comments about moving to Facebook and am conflicted. Currently I'm not on Facebook - never have been and am not so sure I'd want to "go down that rabbit hole" right now. On the other hand, I don't want to lose the connections we've made here.  

My walking two miles a day streak ended shortly after I hit the goal of the 165 mile challenge I was participating in. My streak was up to 56 days. Now with the colder weather and how late the sun comes up / early it sets, it's not only been tough to fit it into my workdays (still working from home) but even tougher to get myself motivated to get outside. ...and call me paranoid, but joining a gym (right now) is out of the question for me.

I will work on posting more frequently - even if it's just to hold myself accountable to working on earning my five points each day. This week's goal: 2 a day - I'm already half way there for today, lol 

[reszy]

I agree, too many spammers.

[ElaineJ27]

It’s nice to hear from so many!

 I baked cookies today and we each limited our consumption to three cookies. It was easier to limit myself if I was making the grandkids cut back. 

The wind has finally stopped! Hubby went to the office today so I couldn’t go to the gym because I had grandkids. I tried to talk myself out of it but I did do 20 minutes on the elliptical in my basement. My heart rate got up to 132 beats per minute but I only logged about 2K steps. I need to remember that I did a good workout and not worry about whether or not my Fitbit tracked it all. 

Instead of my usual food and activity plan, because my week needs to be flexible, I made a list of dinners but haven’t assigned them to particular days. I will get to the gym when I can and find comparable workouts to do at home. 

[CJ_Here]

Mon - 3 pts (posting, water, logging)

Started anew on the IF plan today.  With IF, you don't count points, calories, etc etc.  However, I do have an IF workbook to mark down my eating window hours, goals, NSVs, etc. so I plan to count a point for logging when I write in my workbook which will keep me accountable.  This second month of IF I am focusing on eating healthier and not overeating.  Day 1 - Success!  Also, I will not be weighing myself this month.  Last month I weighed everyday to break the stigma of the scale; to not panic when the scale went up; to work on weekly averages instead of the daily number.   

[MargaretG139]

Monday 2 points (posting, water)

@ElaineJ27 way to set a good example for the grandkids with the cookies. Good job on working in your exercise around your other commitments!

@CJ_Here I think if I were following an IF plan, I'd still end up tracking my points. Oh who am I kidding, I barely track them now, why would I start just because I'm trying a different approach. lol

I wasn't able to walk yesterday as I had a meeting that ended about 10 minutes before the sun set. My calendar is pretty clear this afternoon so I'm going to take a break around 3:30 take my walk and then finish out my work day. It's so nice to work for a company where I have that kind of flexibility!

[CJ_Here]

My "Just Do Something" approach is working.  I've done more by 8:30 this morning than I've done in a long time.  I like not being tied to anything and not having a schedule.  I've done more than yesterday and now I'm free to not do or continue to do.  (Am I spoiled or what.?.)

@MargaretG139 , I hear you.  It is difficult not to count everything now that I'm not suppose to.  It's a goal to get out of the 'diet brain'.  My tracking is now more of being aware of what my body wants and needs to eat to feel good.  Binging does not feel good; therefore, my body does not need or want (a new habit to learn).

[Katrin]

Hello everyone - can you see me? Am I back?

[ElaineJ27]

@Katrin , yes! I can see your post. Welcome back. 

Official weigh in day and I’m up one pound. I knew when I bought snacks “for the grandkids “ that I would be into them. I even rearranged cabinets so that I don’t have to open the snack cabinet so my binge was intentional. I feel lethargic this morning so hopefully I can stay clear now. 

I’m investigating ways to get in my workouts, including strength, at home while I’m babysitting. 

I have to run now and teach first and third grades. 

[CJ_Here]

@Katrin , glad you made it here again; looking forward to an update.  Jan did let us know that you have a difficult time getting here and that you were wondering about starting a Facebook group instead.  A number of us have commented and I believe the majority want to stay here.  A couple don't use Facebook and a couple (including me) feel Facebook isn't private enough and we don't want to get into a closed group.  Sorry.  I know there are a number of steps to get into here and maybe that's an issue?  I (WE) sure hope you can get in here more often.

Glenda, I hope my comments didn't make you feel you were not welcome.  I know we did explain the old points system and some of us still use them.  We are just a fragment of what once was and just continue to keep in touch to help in accountability and to give support.  Yes, we have become 'chatting' friends.  I sometimes wonder how long we will continue here; but, as long as we do, you can too.

I almost hit 8,000 steps yesterday.  Today I've started the day not moving or doing which means my 'doing something' is going to have to pick it up a notch this pm.  I ended up eating more than I needed to yesterday so Tuesday was a 2 pt day in my book.

[CJ_Here]

So the doing 'just something' is something but not much.  More do very little, BUT, I am doing at least 'something' so I'll call it a win.  Had a normal eating day yesterday, meaning I didn't over eat and didn't eat non-stop the whole time.  Today I am working on another day.  I eat a meal's worth when I open my window and then eat some before I close.  I'm fasting between 18 - 20 hours.  I count that as a win.  I hope all of you are winning at something, too 🙂

[ElaineJ27]

Thanks, @CJ_Here  for the reminder to just do something. It’s Saturday morning and I slept late, not because I needed the sleep, but because I didn’t feel like doing anything else. I got up and took out the trash and washed the dishes. Just doing those simple things helped me feel better. 

Home schooling is not going well for me. The kids are getting their lessons completed just fine but I can’t handle helping them both at once. The younger just needs guidance on what to do, while the older needs constant prodding to stay focused. I will make up a schedule where the younger reads while I work with his sister, then I can give him my attention. 

By the time they left every day, I was mentally exhausted and ate everything in my house. I certainly didn’t exercise. I also stayed up too late (really stupid) and so I didn’t get out of bed until just before they arrived for the day. 

Next week should be easier because the only day I have kids is Tuesday. 

I’m also already feeling guilty about my mom. Her birthday is Wednesday and I can’t visit her. I’m also imagining that she thinks we will all be having Thanksgiving together without her. Hubby and I are going to our daughter’s house, and her in-laws will also be there. DD1 never comes for Thanksgiving.  I need to just stop worrying about things I can’t control. I did buy Mom two mini pumpkin pies that I will deliver on her birthday. 

Thanks for letting me vent and know that you don’t judge. 

[CJ_Here]

Absolutely no judgement.  I can't imagine teaching two children, dealing with the technology, etc.  They are very fortunate to have you to help them out in this huge way.  I just really feel for people isolated during this pandemic.  I sure hope your Mom has people inside where she lives that can help brighten her special day also. 

So, I'm not binging but still not eating the best.  Baby steps.  My something today was ordering items we will need for our bathroom remodel.  I sent pics to the remodeler to see if that's all I need.  We still don't have an estimate from him.  I hope Hubby doesn't pull the plug out of frustration.  As someone who was once self-employed, he just can't seem to put up with people that operate differently than him.  I keep telling him that we are scheduled for January and the guy must be super busy now.  Not knowing the cost is getting to him.  Even though we really do know about how much it will be.  He just hates spending that much money.  Because of that, we are doing a 'bare-bones' kind of project.  I told the general contractor, plumber and electrician - "function over form"...we aren't looking for perfect in this 100+ yr old house....just make it work so we have one-floor living.