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!

[ElaineJ27]

Second attempt!

4 points for Thursday. I didn’t quite make my 10K step goal. I did track all my food even though I made a horrible decision. I was only a little over my calorie range because I didn’t feel like eating dinner. 

I had a dentist appointment at noon but just for impressions for a new mouth guard for my TMJ. I had decided to get lunch from my favorite taco joint but I also got a Mexican apple pie. I really enjoyed it but ended up with a ferocious headache about two hours later. I really must remember what sugar does to me. 

I am back on track today and really enjoyed my golf game this morning. I was still walking briskly at the end, which has not been the case. 

[CJ_Here]

3 points today and on day 5 of healthy eating which means I stay within my calories and have healthy meals.  I have had some sweets but not overboard and we have had string french fries for two nights now but I'm measuring portions.  I think we are progressing in our healthy lifestyles.  I, too, really feel it when I eat poorly.  During the final two weeks of my binging, I started to really focus on how I was feeling and making the association with the food choices.  Today I took time to focus on how good my body was feeling after the last days of good eating.  While I like intermittent fasting, I realized it wasn't good for my intestines.  I still try to not eat for a minimum of 12 hours, but then feel free to eat three meals and snacks.  I also try and wait for my stomach to growl.  

[Cele21]

USW - 218.0

LW - 195.6

CW - 194.2

Yay! On the downside of the see-saw for a change!

[ElaineJ27]

5 points for Friday. I ended up with over 12K steps and stayed within my eating range. 

I have been having trouble sleeping as I get a pressure headache when I lie down. Early this morning I took some Excedrin (I have been avoiding it due to my stomach problems) and slept soundly until about 11 am. I had some errands to run and wasn’t hungry, so I took some almonds with me. 

A truck farm near here was having a plant sale today so I bought some tomato, green pepper, spring mix lettuce and herb plants. I also bought packages of spring mix and spinach.  I finished planting them all right before the rain started. 

@Cele21  good job at getting the see saw in the downward position. 

@CJ_Here  I also am feeling much better from better eating and exercise. 

[ElaineJ27]

I am also trying to concentrate and enjoy each bite of food. No more mindless eating. 

[CJ_Here]

So far 2nd shot not too bad - some painful joints, a little weird headache - hope it is all there is.  Beautiful day for some yard work.  It would be great to get everything done before the mosquitoes start up.  Eating good, but would love to eat more which would put me over.  Ate too much early in the day - not so good planning on my part.

[ElaineJ27]

I have no idea on points for the weekend. I know I drank all my water and tracked my food even though I went over a bit on Sunday. 

Not very many steps but I bought plants and planted them Saturday. Now we’re expecting freezing temperatures and snow tomorrow! I’ll go out tonight and cover the three vegetable plants and bring the containers of lettuce and herbs into the garage. 

After having trouble sleeping, I shut off my electronics an hour before bedtime last night and read a magazine. I finally had a decent night’s sleep so I guess I should continue the practice. 

[CJ_Here]

Stayed within calories on Saturday.  Sunday, ah, no.  Fine until I gave in to a second helping of ice cream hubby had picked up.  I hope to fight the urge to indulge at night next time.  

So, Monday, still no exercise but got my water in and did not indulge tonight so that is good.  Did have a sweet treat earlier in the day along with deli chicken wings.  Both of those ended up changing my dinner and left me feeling hungry but I resisted.  I took time to realize that I can't eat as well if I 'spend' my calories on high caloric items.

[Jan2512]

Although I have slipped up a couple of times and gave into cravings I have been doing well on WW.  In 9 weeks I have lost 11 kg which is just over 24 lbs.  So my current weight is 113.8 kg or 250 lbs.  It has been a very long time since I have weight this low - but I know I still have a ways to go.  But when I think back to 2009 when I was at my heaviest at 138.6 kg (305 lbs) I realised I have come a long way.  For the past few years I have been hovering between 120 kg (on a good day) to 124 kg (264  to 272 lbs). 

One of the Christmas presents Mum & Roy bought me was a Pandora bracelet, Star Wars themed.  Mum got it on special and a second bracelet (not the same as the "real bracelet") was included.  I decided that for every 5 kg I lose I would buy myself a charm.  So when I lost the first five I bought a charm that has a tree of life (like a family tree) and a little tag that says "family".  I put that on the second bracelet as I will only keep one charm on that one.  When I lost the next 5 kg I continued with the Star Wars theme, I had already been given BB8 (who is one of my favourites), C3PO with R2D2, and Chewbacca.  So, I picked Princess Leia mainly because on the back it reads "Don't mess with this Princess".  I've seen online the next charm I would like and it is a dogs paw print to represent how much my pets have meant to me and my family.

Still waiting for our vaccinations.  The roll out has been a total shambles.  As Mum is over 70 she should have had at least her first jab, but out GP hasn't got any stock.  As Roy & I are over 50 originally we should have been next to get our done in May, but at this time we don't have any idea when we will get it done.

Mum's solicitor (well the only time she has ever used him was to write hers and Dad's will) finally phoned my after I have left many messages and sent him emails.  We tracked him down to a new office block (still in the same suburb a couple of streets away).  He wasn't there but the buildings receptionist said she would try to contact him on our behalf.  So he rang me and told me he had the wills and would put post them using priority post.  Well that was Monday of last week & we still haven't received it.  He is so dodgy.  We had to go to our mechanic the other day and was talking about what we are going through & he asked how it was he said he wasn't surprised as when he started up the car mechanics about 25 years ago he used the same solicitor who advised him incorrectly and it cost him a lot of money.  So, we are not holding our breath.

On Saturday night Mum & I stayed up late to watch the funeral of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh (the Queen's husband and consort).  It was very sad to see Her Majesty sitting alone (due to the covid restrictions in England).  It brought back memories of Dad's funeral last year, at least we were able to sit together and hug each other - just Mum, Roy & I not the other four mourners.  It just made me sad how so many people have had to go through this alone.

Today we opened our borders to New Zealand - I don't like this.  Within hours we were told of a NZ airport cleaner who has tested positive to covid after receiving his two injections.  I just don't want to see more cases, our government is talking about Singapore, South Korea & Japan could be in the next few months.  In the whole of Australia we only have 176 cases all of which are in quarantine, my state has 14 of those cases.  I would hate to have to go back into lockdown if we had another spike.

I suppose you will all be enjoying the spring weather.  We on the other hand are getting ready for what looks to being a cold winter.  The start of autumn wasn't too bad but the last few days have been quite cold and it has started raining quite a bit.  

Saw two movies at the cinema over the last two weeks.  Quite a contrast "Peter Rabbit 2" a silly family film and "Godzilla vs King Kong" and action sci-fi.  We enjoyed them both.  I love being able to go to the movies again.  I have also been back to the rugby league to see my team the Melbourne Storm.  Because sporting venues due to covid restrictions are only at 75% capacity we can't sit in our reserved seats which means each time I have to go online to try to get seats near where we would normally sit.  This stresses me out as technology freaks me out at the best of times.  After the ANZAC day match on Sunday we only have one more home match the week later than not another one till June.  Hopefully by then we will be back to 100% and we can sit in our reserved seats.  We have sat in the same seats since the stadium was opened in 2010 and you get to know the people who sit near you.  We haven't sat in our own seats since September 2019.

Well, I think it is time for bed.  Stay safe everyone.

[ElaineJ27]

5 points for Monday 

I had trouble sleeping again last night even though I cut off caffeine at 5 and electronics an up for hour before bed. I fell asleep right away but woke about midnight and was up until about 4:00.

Our predicted snow did start this morning but the ground was warm enough there was no accumulation. We are supposed to have cooler temperatures the next few days, with freezing during the next couple of nights. 

This afternoon I decluttered my mom’s apartment. I took a large container with me and filled it so full I couldn’t put on the lid. I even got on the floor and pulled everything out from underneath her bed. I finally found her wallet in the back of a drawer of T-shirts. She insists that someone else must have put it there. 

[CJ_Here]

When I think I have it all figured out ... I eat, and eat, and eat ...  I went to bed Monday night but was up again at 1am until 4:30am during which I ate 2/3rds of Tuesday calories.  So, instead of holding tight, I ended up binging through the day and night.  And, I started already today.  What's even worse is that I had posted a supportive post in Lose It talking about staying on the wagon.  Calling them empty calories makes so much sense.  No matter how much you eat, it's never enough.  For the hundredth time, again, I reminded myself that I can not buy empty calorie items in bulk.  Hubby brought in some, too.  Anyway, I'm sure you're sick of reading it and I'm sick of writing it.  I write it for accountability, but enough already.  Ugh.

Loved reading your post, @Jan2512 .  You must be feeling so much better with 24 lbs gone.  Congratulations!!!  While our state is doing great at rolling out the vaccines (I think we are down to above 16 being able to get them now), we are still having more and more cases.  There's a great divide in who will and who won't get the vaccine and people who just refuse to wear masks.  I don't know how this will ever be a thing of the past.

Great work at getting your 5's, @ElaineJ27 .  And, decluttering now your mom's place.  She really hid that wallet in a good place!  Even the stuff I don't hide, I can't find anymore.  Are you getting ready to empty out and stop paying rent on her place?  Or, getting ready for her to come back home? 

[Katrin]

@Jan2512I love your charm bracelet reward! My grandmother gave me a silver charm bracelet and my first charm (a portuguese rooster) when I was 13 and we moved to Portugal. I've loved adding to it - places I've traveled to, milestones I've achieved, etc. I don't wear it that often any more because it's got so many dangly bits that it can catch on stuff but I do really cherish it. My sister now has 2. One of them for her is themed like yours is. What a special reward!

I was able to get my second vaccine and other than mild pain at the injection site, I had no noticeable side effects. We definitely have surging case numbers in the DMV area (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia) despite increased vaccinations. It's because people won't do as they are asked and are so selfish.

I had my post-op exam with my doc yesterday and she was really happy with how I'm healing. She did tell me, however, that there was a polyp they removed and that it wasn't cancerous - yet - but they turn into cancer and so we'd have had to do the procedure anyway at some point if we hadn't needed to it already. I was surprised enough that I didn't ask any of the questions about that because I didn't think of them until later. Good news is I'm going back to get another Kyleena in May whenever my period comes again so I'll ask her then about whether I'll get more, they are hereditary, there's something I can do to prevent them, etc.

My boyfriend came over yesterday. Traditionally, we spend Saturday's together as that's the one day both of us have committed to taking off work but because he lives an hour away and is working late on Friday night and then early on Sunday this week, he is not coming then. So, he's here now and then Saturday I am going to spend some time with my parents. It's been a long time since I've seen them so it means a lot to my mother!

So yesterday was near 80 degrees but high winds picked up and brought colder air with it. We aren't in danger of snow like you are Elaine but it will be barely above freezing at our low point tonight.

@ElaineJ27I highly recommend you stick with a bedtime routine even if you struggle to fall asleep some nights. The more ingrained the habits become, the more quickly you will fall asleep over time. I'm a great sleeper with a fairly consistent sleep and wake times (I have alarms for both set on my phone) and pre-sleep habits. I had trouble last night - woke in the middle of the night and couldn't go back to sleep - so I used my Calm app and listened to a sleep story and that did the trick! I used to allow myself to get distracted by TV, reading, puttering around but now I hear that bedtime alarm (it's a lullaby tone) and that's my trigger to stop what I'm doing and go remove my lenses, brush my teeth, etc.

[ElaineJ27]

3 points for Tuesday. I didn’t exercise and only got half my steps. 

Cleaning my mom’s apartment should count as exercise! I spent an hour and a half rearranging every drawer and cabinet. I found things she had been looking for (especially her wallet) and brought home stuff to donate and a box of trash. 

She lives in a studio apartment in an assisted living facility. Her next move will be to a nursing home when her memory declines to the point she can no longer do daily living activities or she requires constant medical care. 

She still insists that my sister comes and takes things. She also said that my brothers come and eat with her sometimes. My sister is in Missouri and one brother lives in California. For the first time in my life, I’m not the problem child. 

The sun is shining but it’s still really cold, although it’s supposed to warm up starting tomorrow. I have dentist and hair appointments spread out enough today that there isn’t time before, between, or after to do a project. Or am I just making excuses?!

@CJ_Here , you can rant all you want. I think sharing your struggles makes you take ownership of bad decisions and forces you to look for solutions. 

@Katrin , I’m glad you got a fairly good report. It sounds similar to my problem but I went ahead with hysterectomy because of my age. I can understand you not wanting to take that step yet. Make sure you do ask all your questions. 

I’m scheduled for my second vaccination on May 7. Our area is now vaccinating those over 16.  Unfortunately, I have heard of several cases of people testing positive long after being fully vaccinated. 

[Glenda]

@CJ_Here  CJ, buying "empty calorie foods" in bulk is a pre-meditated  crime.  LOL  That was a great confession though.  Really stop saving money buying bad for you things in bulk.  3-2-1 cake that you have to mix up and cook is better for you than a box of DingDongs.  We both have to do better.  I'm at my absolute top upsetting weight.  I wonder if it would help you to make a list of other things you could be doing in case you are eating partly out of boredom.   I do better when I'm busy rather than thinking about "What next" to eat.  .......Only crimes of passion, when you just couldn't help it allowed.

[CJ_Here]

Hmmm, pre-meditated crime vs crime of passion... something for me to think about, @Glenda . 

@ElaineJ27 , I had to laugh at your not being the problem child anymore.  I know it must be difficult since it appears you are the only one taking care of your mom's needs.  She's lucky to have you.  I hope you get a lot of time with her while your her favorite 🙂

Good to hear you are healing nicely, @Katrin .  Hope your work is going well.

I did end up taking a walk yesterday although not as long as I could have due to needing to get to a bathroom...darn bladder isn't what it used to be.  Was on point until later in the evening.  Today is a new day.

[Glenda]

@CJ_Here  Such a good attitude or thought......today is a new day !  

[ElaineJ27]

Wow, five days since my last post! Sounds like a confession (based on what I see on film). 

More confessions: Food, water, and step goals met through Friday. Saturday started out well. I helped sign in items for a consignment auction next Saturday at the heritage museum where we are members. Don’t think building with artifacts - the is a farm heritage group. Luckily there wasn’t as much junk food around, I think due to COVID restrictions. They did provide lunch of pulled pork sandwiches. I chose the pasta salad over the potato salad and skipped chips and dessert. 

When I left at 1:00, I was craving ice cream so I drove to Dairy Queen but the line of cars was out onto the street. I headed toward the small ice cream shack downtown but it was closed (winter hours don’t include weekends). I pulled myself together and ate a banana when I got home!

But Hubby wanted to go out for Mexican that night and I devoured chips and salsa, along with a chicken fajita. 

Yesterday I didn’t work the auction setup until after lunch and I made it to 3:00 before I had a package of two cookies. Once I started, I eventually had another package of cookies, a piece of cake left from lunch, then potato chips.  I was totally out of control!

Back on the wagon this morning, I did 30 minutes on the elliptical before Bible study. My med-check appointment was postponed until May 17 because the provider was out today. That gave me time to come home and change sheets, wash dishes and laundry, and take care of paperwork before I pick up kids from school. 

This entire week is very busy. I did schedule golf Thursday and Friday and I intend to use the elliptical tomorrow and Wednesday mornings before my appointments start. 

This was probably all more than you wanted to know but it was a release to type it out. I’ll try to post on a regular basis. 

[ElaineJ27]

I slept in this morning instead of working out, telling myself that I would walk after my late lunch with a friend. By the time I got home, that didn’t happen!

 I have consumed all my water. I haven’t tracked my food but am pretty sure I went over my range. I had a fajita quesadilla, then a Blizzard from DQ. Dinner was a bowl of Cheerios with a banana. 

Tomorrow morning I meet with a physician’s assistant to discuss my digestive issues. My guess is that I will be scheduling a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. 

I hope you all are okay. 

[Glenda]

I had a colonoscopy recently.  The instructions I was given were evidently written for people who had jobs.  I started 8 hours early (doing it all the day before, done by bedtime)  and that turned out very well.  Over the years I think they have changed the instructions or I just mis-remember but  they had lots of rules for avoiding fiber etc.    I always have polyps but this time I get to wait at least 2 years.  Hope all goes well for you.

[Cele21]

USW - 218.0

LW - 194.2

CW - 195.8

The see-saw went back up. Time to re-focus again.