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]

Wed - 3 pts with a 20.5 hour fast.

You are really doing great, @ElaineJ27 , with fasting so long right off the bat.  I remember having to go to bed early a few times.  It gets easier except when the old wanting to eat just to eat cravings take over the brain.  Do you really have a lot of clutter left?  It seems like you have really been decluttering.  Maybe it just seems like a lot to you.?.  Just curious because I have such a hard time dealing with it.  Others may think I don't really have that much; but I feel like it's a ton so I don't want to even start.

The carrot recipe does sound good, @Glenda .  Your overeating sounds way healthier than mine.  I overeat on junk food.  But, January is for getting back on track fasting-wise and getting back to eating healthier (it's a process, but day by day is a little better).  I will commit to portion control for February.  I may get there before that, but it's not my main focus.  

[ElaineJ27]

Again 14 hour fast and stayed on my food plan today.  But I rolled over this morning instead of getting up in time to work out. The day went fast with home schooling grandkids and daily housework. Tomorrow I plan to clean out one of my lower kitchen cabinets. 

@CJ_Here , we have a three-bedroom ranch with a full basement. Most of the basement is stacked with old exercise equipment and boxes of stuff from downsizing my mom and things we didn’t really know what to do with. I found a DVD without a case in the basement and was going to clean it up and play it to see what it was when it occurred to me that it had probably been in that state for several years and I hadn’t missed it, so I threw it away!

[Jan2512]

Happy New Year Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know I am still around and been reading everyones posts.

Welcome back Sherrie.

I had a lovely quiet Christmas & New Year and hope everyone else also did.

I hope everyone is safe not just from covid but from any aftermath from the goings on at the Capitol Building today.

We were informed by my cousin in England that her uncle died of covid just after Christmas, very sad.  My state had a bit of a scare when people from NSW (the state on top of mine) brought in covid - we had gone 61 days without a new case and had no active cases (apart from a couple in hotel quarrantine).  Fortuneately today we have gone back to no active cases and it has been months since we had a death from this virus, fingers crossed this will stay this way.

My computer is about to run out of battery & it is time I went to bed so I won't type anymore and will do a proper post in the next few days.

[Sport]

@CJ_Here @ElaineJ27 What is the story with fasting? Is this something new recommended that I missed?  I haven't been paying attention to the weight -loss world.

@Jan2512 Australia rocks with their COVID response.  I'm anxiously waiting in the wings ready to give vaccinations -- put me in coach -- get some vaccines to me!

[CJ_Here]

Sorry to hear of your uncle's passing, @Jan2512 .  It sounds like Australia has done everything right fighting COVID.  Oh, how I wish USA could have.  We are really in a terrible mess over here with COVID and political strife.  Fear of the outcome keeps me awake at night.

I'll speak for myself, @Sport  (something I've been working on with four sisters, lol).  My niece, through her utube channel, got me interested in checking out intermittent fasting (IF).  It's not a quick weight-loss fix.  Initially, I wanted to use it to stop my night-time eating and then I read Gin Stephen's two books ('Delay Don't Deny' & 'Fast, Feast, Repeat').  My goal is to be fasting 16+ hours per day; although I'm trying 20 hrs since I read after 18 hrs you start burning fat.  I had gained 25 pounds between May-Sept mainly due to another move in which we stayed in a motel for over five weeks.  

Yesterday I must have eaten a lot less sugar because I went to bed with a headache.  Typically, I would have 'ate it away', but held out.  A key thing for me is to use Gatorade (during my eating window) to keep my electrolytes in check.  As long as I can start eating healthier and get my portion control in check, I believe IF will be a lifestyle change I can live with.  If I can't, then I need to try another way.  Time will tell.

[ElaineJ27]

I again skipped my morning workout. I did maintain a fast from 6 pm to 8:30 am. @Sport , I’m not technically intermittently fasting but simply determined to not eat after 6 pm as we eat dinner at 5. 

This morning I fixed waffles, washed dishes, taught first grade, taught third grade, cooked lunch, and washed dishes again. It was so much easier to work full-time! I also did a load of laundry. 

I wear Capri-length yoga pants at the gym for modesty but have been wearing my old shorts since I’m working out at home right now. As I put away these exercise clothes from another era, I threw away enough that two small drawers (one each for shirts and shorts) now fit into one drawer. That will probably be the extent of my decluttering today. 

I realized a long time ago that I have to let go of unrealistic expectations. When our younger daughter was in kindergarten, I drove by a mother and daughter waiting for the school bus on my way to work. I felt that if I didn’t work, we could also have that “Rockwell”-looking moment. The reality was that since our girls went to parochial school, they were driven. The main thing was that our younger daughter would have been mortified if I had wanted to wait with her for anything, even at 5! I still have unrealistic ideas about what will make me happy. I am learning to REJOICE about the blessings that I have. 

Even though the television is full of unrest and accusations from all sides, it seems like a long way away as I look around my house just outside a small city. 

My phone did reload my Fitbit but it still won’t sync. I don’t have the patience today to call support. 

[ElaineJ27]

Still no workout but eating is on track. We finished schoolwork about 10:30 so I put away the indoor Christmas decorations. Instead of using original boxes, I stored everything in five plastic totes that take up much less room in the basement. 

I watched the last episode of “Jeopardy” hosted by Alex Trabeck. I’m not embarrassed to say that my eyes teared up. He appears to have been a real class act, very rare these days when it seems that most people are ready to start an argument over nothing. We need to find a way to simply treat each other with respect and kindness. 

[Cele21]

USW - 218.0

LW - 194.0

CW - 192.6

@Jan2512  - My condolences on the loss of your Uncle.

So I discovered that my focus needs quite a bit of sharpening. This past week I did not stay within my calorie goal, I drank some soda but did not eliminate it, I did not get more movement and I did not declutter every day. I did cook at home several days but not the full week as planned. I was more focused at work but when I get home it seems to all fly out the window. In choosing one thing I want to focus on this upcoming week, the winner is....going to bed at a specific time. I stayed up way too late playing video games this past week (got a new one for Christmas) and I have been cold, headachy and cranky all week, though I have to say, watching the news has not helped my mood at all. I went to bed early last night and feel much better today. Hat's off to a better week!

[CJ_Here]

Quit IF Thursday night (for a couple of days anyway until I get back in sync).  Had a good day and then re-opened it Thurs night for some dumb reason.  Yesterday was a high sugar day (with extra crunchies at night).  Got an early Valentines' box along with treats from the local coffee house.  We try and order takeout once a week to help them stay open (it's also the place that Hubby has some of his woodworking pieces at).  Anyway, I think Hubby was feeling extra loving because we had three firewood orders and I helped him split some wood (really, I just banged the splitting maul a little in between his actually splitting so he could rest).  It was a beautiful day

[CJ_Here]

...didn't mean for the pics to be so big!  Anyway, my whole body was hurting and tired that I ended up taking a two hour nap, with aleve, just to get through the evening.  Feeling OK today, but opened with a homemade latte and pancakes so, like I said, not IF'ing right now.  Hubby is working on his own today (like I said I wasn't much help, lol) so I hope to get moving around the house cleaning, decluttering.?.

[ElaineJ27]

LW: 259.4

CW: 259.4

I kept my eating in check and drank at least 100 oz water per day, but no exercise and lots of stress. I believe that my most recent headache was due to brain overload. I simply have trouble with more than two different sources of noise. I struggled teaching grandkids who would rather play video games so couldn’t stay focused while not in a classroom setting.  When they did play their games, each has a musical background and both kids feel the need to narrate their movements.  The week-long headache involves pounding nerve pain similar to lights attached to music. 

Last night, we had the news on and it was making me really cranky. Then Hubby kept asking what channel he needed for a certain show, details about a movie that he was texting to a friend, etc. (CJ, I thought about your struggles with Hubby interruptions). I finally put on headphones even though I wasn’t listening to anything!

I slept in this morning, did my weigh-in video, then went back to bed for a while. I forced myself to fix a healthy breakfast, wash the dishes, and sweep the floor before heading to the basement. I moved the elliptical next to my laundry facilities where I had cleared a space and there is plenty of light. The part of the basement that I’m clearing for my craft room is only lighted by a few floor lamps. Hubby has light fixtures to put up but I need to stay on him to get that done. It would be so much easier to clean up if I could see. 

Now I need to concentrate on my 2021 word and find Sony to REJOICE about. I didn’t gain weight, my house is tolerably clean, and I really am in fairly good health. 

@CJ_Here , your sky is so brilliant blue!  We have had gray fog for so long I don’t remember when the sun shone. 

[Katrin]

Hi Everyone,

Wow @CJ_Here your photos are gorgeous! I still prefer a warmer climate but it sure is pretty to look at or maybe vacation for a weekend!

@ElaineJ27sounds like you really need to find some quiet time to listen to yourself. I know what it feels like to have so many expectations from so many directions that you can't quite tell if it's really your own need/want/opinion or merely the reflection of someone else's. These things are so personal and can take a long time to sort out.

@Jan2512I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle - it seems like your family is really having a rough go of it lately. Sending hugs from Virginia!

Meanwhile, it's been a super weird week. Clearly, you all have seen the news and know that all hell broke loose downtown this week. Everyone has been edgy. It was weird because I worked that morning and as I walked in to the store, I mentioned to my manager that it felt like the calm before the storm - I meant because we were supposed to be getting 6 boxes of new Valentine's lingerie and spring clothes to unpack and with massive sales, were hoping for a crowd. Little did I know that what I was feeling was actually our country under attack. All around people have that wary skittish look and movements - each unexpected sound - is that a gun? bomb? Is there going to be more protesting? I confess that I still sometimes duck when I hear the big military helicopters overhead - it feels like my house is being attacked. There is the opposite of crowds in most neighborhoods as people are doing only what's necessary and going right back home again. I thought by now the "public" was starting to understand the terrible toll rioting was taking on small businesses and now even larger ones in the vicinity of their antics!

So, while I'm sad about what's transpired, my guy is on his way over and we have tons of food and wine and a fire in the fireplace and netflix and a kitty so why would I want to be anywhere else but right here?

Meanwhile, I accepted a job. It came on very suddenly - I interviewed Wednesday, I requested a second interview with someone who would give me the straight scoop which I had on Friday and then I accepted immediately afterward. I have quite a bit of anxiety about it actually - I feel l'm about to jump into the deep end - but I'm even more excited and happy and full of visions of my being able to be successful that it more than outweighs the anxiety.

So, what will I be doing? The company is called Best Version Media and they produce 900+ and growing local community glossy magazines in the US and Canada. My title will be Publisher but my main job will be selling the advertisements for the magazine. I will have my own community which in the case is Ashburn, VA (aka data center central as something like 70% of the world's data runs through this town) which is about 15 miles down the road from me. The distribution is to affluent homes - targeted by $$$ and education, etc. demographics. The company handles all the actual printing, mailing, etc. for me. Once I sell enough ads to support the cost of the production and distribution, I'll begin to earn 80% commission on whatever I sell once the magazine is printed - monthly. I'll have to hire a content coordinator and photographer once we get close to that point. Ultimately, I'll have the final say on each actual issue. So, I'll be learning something completely new and different, I'll be 100% on my own - my own boss, my own scheduler, all of my eggs in this basket. There is no salary, no 401k, no medical benefits so just like anyone else who is self employed, I'll have to figure it out. They estimate about 3 months for me to get it to print which will be about May before I get my first monthly commission check. However, with some hard work, luck and determination, I might be able to cut that time down - but I'm afraid to psych myself out by giving voice to that thought. The second guy I spoke with before deciding took 5 months but admitted he didn't really apply himself. He now has 3 magazines and the 3rd one he launched in only about 6 weeks. Income is completely uncapped. Note that each ad contract is for 12/24 or 36 months so once it's sold, there's at least 12 months of commission there while I keep selling to additional customers so the income will build every month.

So, I'm terrified of trying to stretch my funds quite so long but I can really see myself out there delivering magazines to my clients, showing them their ad in the pages and catching up with them and their business. Clients will be businesses that cater largely to families of means such as remodeling services, medical/dental including elective stuff, realtors, prep school/tutoring type, restaurants, etc. And, since I'm already not making any money, if I work really hard and don't like it after a few weeks, I've lost nothing other than some time.

I start training on the 18th for 3 days and then I will have the support of a coach, market manager and counterparts in Virginia to start making those calls - which is the part that usually terrifies people who join the business but is the one thing I'm confident in! I hope to be out and about in Ashburn the week of the 25th (hopefully any nonsense surrounding inauguration will die down by the weekend before so I can feel fresh as I get started!)

Anyway, stay safe out there everyone!

[CJ_Here]

Congratulations, @Katrin !!!  It sounds like you are celebrating this new venture the right way.  I am so impressed with your ability to go out there and get what you want.  I stayed in my same industry for the final 32 years of my working career mainly because it felt safe; I knew what I was doing even though it was not very healthy for me (sitting all day, long hours, stress, etc).  Wishing you the very best!  I can't wait to hear about your growth in this industry.  

Yes, the sky and frosted trees were absolutely gorgeous yesterday which is why I had to share.  Today it's back to cloudy 😞   And, I stayed inside and did a whole lot of nothing.  I did end up baking some grouse that turned out good somehow.  I was really crabby doing it because I didn't know what I was doing and hate wasting wildlife that we've taken for food.  I was also probably crabby because I am obviously not 'committed' to my well being.  While you are hard on your progress, @ElaineJ27 , I find you to be achieving so much with caring for your grandchildren's education and your home.  @Cele21 , I hope each day brings you closer to gaining full focus.

[CJ_Here]

Sun - 3 pts / 19 hr fasted

Worked outside over 3 hrs / overate, but had some healthy food, too.

[reszy]

Congrats @Katrin  on new job.

Been a while, 6 months after hip surgery, no pain and up to 16 to 18k steps.  People at work see me zipping along , can't believe my speed. At 60 , I feel great. But at a cost. Went from 275 to 295. I feel bummed!!! Seems once the pain stopped , my appetite came back with a vengeance. One good thing my last weight loss got me 4 inch off my waist. Which has stayed. I need a restart.

[CJ_Here]

Great to hear from you, @reszy .  Having no pain must feel great; good for you!  And, you are getting in the steps - Victory!  Now you can focus on your restart.  You can do this!

[ElaineJ27]

Glad to hear from you @reszy   You have lost the weight before and you know you can do it now. It’s great that you’re pain free. 

@Katrin , I admire that you are forging ahead into uncharted territory. I have always played it safe and stayed within my comfort zone regarding my jobs. Good luck but as excited as you sound, you will be successful. 

I have still not exercised and my eating has been up and down. I did finish a quilt yesterday. It was our quilt guild’s mystery quilt for 2019. I dropped it of at my local quilt shop because she is displaying them a few at a time. 

I have been watching decluttering YouTube videos and today decluttered my kitchen linens and silverware drawer. I washed all the flatware and the tray, including four pieces of my great-grandmother’s silver, which I then polished and returned to the silver chest. I’m feeling pretty good about getting my house under control a bit at a time. 

[CJ_Here]

In the house today.  Moved a couple of things from the future bathroom to a different area; and ... that was about it.  Headache most of the day.  Tonight I had some caffeine and that helped, but then proceeded to include chocolate.  Had fasted 19 hours the last couple of days, but then do my overeating so what's the point.  Heavily contemplating switching it up.  While I have felt less inflammation while fasting, I just plain eat too much.  When my fast ends, I'm not hungry but I eat so that's not good either.  Ugh. Husband is frustrated, too, that he's working hard outside but then eats junk so no weight loss.  We have to grocery shop tomorrow.  Guess it's time to really not bring it in the house and go through withdrawal together. 

[Katrin]

Popping in to say hi - I've got a number of things to accomplish today and can't visit for long but @reszy  it's good to hear from you. I know it's hard to start again and recover ground won and lost before but it sounds like you have some good tools in your toolkit to help you along!

[CJ_Here]

Probably around 19 hr fast after all.  Today, I ate within reason!  Hit the fast button again at 6pm tonight...so, guess I'm sticking with IF for now.  I am, however, going to pay more attention to my body's hunger and full signals.  I will 'commit' to heathy eating; portion control.  It helps that Hubby is not eating at night either.