Lesli's Live Long and Strong WISH Journal

[Lesli54]

So things could have been better yesterday in terms of food, at least I didn't over do. I had a few peanuts in the afternoon. Then there was the corn dog, lemonade, and some funnel cake at the carnival. It was ok, the funnel cake was the best, but either they are changing those items some, or I am just not enjoying them as much. Later today, we will probably go back since the kids had some leftover tickets for the rides (DH bought way too many), but I know that I am safe from the food. MAYBE an lemonade and that will be all.

I used a crutch while at the carnival, too many people to run into you and throw off your balance. But there isn't really any place to sit so my feet and legs were hurting when we got back. Needless to say, I didn't practice the stairs last night or this morning without the crutch. Just too tired and stiff. Later this afternoon, I will do a round or two. Step by step.

We ran into the fire cheif last night and it amazes me that he is still having a hard time dealing with my accident. I had heard that it was hard on him. He is glad that things are going well, but I guess I had a lot of people concerned. DH ran into someone else that was the same way. Interesting.

Today.......I started not so good. I had 2 slices toast w/ butter, pb & j, and a glass of grapefruit juice.

So the plan is to work in a more balanced lunch and dinner, drink some milk and get in some water, 36-48 oz would be good.

Well, I better get to working. Everyone have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Good for you for making it through the carnival! Being stiff and sore the next day is nothing compared to the fact that you did it! Good for you!!! :banana:

I can only imagine how much your accident must have affected the folks you knew. Just from reading it sounds like you're such an active and integral part of your community, both through your volunteer work and your businesses. I'm sure it was quite a shakeup. I can imagine you seem invincible to a lot of people.

I hope you have a wonderful day today. This morning might have been a little rough but it's over now and it sounds like you have a great plan to regroup for the rest of the day.

Lots of :wizard: coming your way!!!

[Lesli54]

Invincible? Wouldn't it be great if we were? Ah well.

Lunch yesterday wasn't balanced, just at a porkchop on bun and a few chips. Later, I had a fruit & nut granola bar, the best of many options. For supper, we had taco salad/dip w/ some chips and also some watermelon. Not a bad choice for balance. At least the portions were fairly reasonable and I had fruit & veggies as well. Later at the carnival (spending the last few ride tickets), I shared some lemonade w/ DS & DD8. Then the 3 of us and my DMom split an elephant ear. So I think we did well on not going overboard. The best part of the "food" day was that I drank about 40 oz of water!

Today, I had a good breakfast. 1 egg omelet w/moz & chives, 1 slice of 7 grain toast w/jelly (should have done 1/2 slice), 1 yogurt, & 1 c grapefruit juice.

I plan to continue some balance through the rest of the day. The water plan is again 36-48 oz. If I can get to that point again, then I will up it some more.

Other than some work exercise, I think we may go to the kitchen store to pick up a few hard to find items, then stop by the Disney store. No other major plans.

Everyone have a good day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Sounds like you did a great job making it through yesterday. Great job getting your water and sneaking some fruits & veggies in there!

Sounds like you're off to a great start today. There's something comforting about seeing the same "Lesli breakfast" in your posts--like all is right in the world and it's going to be a normal day. :teeth:

Have fun with your errands! I hope you have a wonderful day!!! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

I agree, there is comfort in seeing the breakfasts that I am used to eating and that were so successful in helping me to keep balance throughout the day.

For the most part, I did good yesterday. We went shopping early, so we had to eat out. I had 2 tacos and a few potatao oles from Taco Johns. That was more than enough. Next time, I think I will do one taco. Supper was taco salad that was left over. Our late night snack was angel food cake with strawberries and cool whip lite. I just had to use the new angel food cake pan that I bought. I have wanted one for so long, but just never got one.

Water was horrible. And other than walking around PART of the mall, I didn't get in my strengthening exercises that help me to walk better. Oh well.

The best part of yesterday was when I helped DS up off the floor and was then able to pick him up while standing. It felt so good to do that and I didn't realize that I had the strength or balance to do so. I thought it would be months before that happened again. What a treat!

Today's breakfast was 1 slice 7 grain w/ butter & pb, 1 c grape juice. I got up late and next time will skip the butter on the toast.

My plan is to make lunch light since I have PT this afternoon. I will get in some additional exercise as well. Don't know about supper tonight. Everyone has somewhere to be.

Better get going, I have bills to pay before I leave. Take care. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Sounds like a busy day you've got ahead!

Aren't kitchen gadgets fun! I always have to race home and try mine out as well. I bet your angel food cake was very yummy! I don't think I've ever tried a homemade one--I should get ambitious and try it since that's what my mom wants for her birthday.

I'm so happy for you at being able to pick up DS! It's those little details that are worth so much. Good for you! :cheer2:

I hope you have a wonderful day today! :sunny:

[pearlieq]

Good morning, Lesli!

I hope your day is off to a great start already!!!

[Lesli54]

Quick, while I have a few minutes.

Yesterday at PT was exhausting. But finally, we are beginning to work on things that are more "normal" and help to build strength and endurance, not just function. At least the fatigue in the muscles felt more "normal", kind of like when you work out, so that I know will subside as time goes on.

Lunch was 1/2 ham sandwich, not hungry and not much time. After PT, we stopped at McD's and I had an apple pie. Nice taste treat.

Supper was a fend for yourself since everyone was everywhere. I had a bacon cheeseburger w/mayo & tomato, along with a milk shake. Not a great supper, but since my meals for the day was light, I know that it didn't kill me either. Later, I had a piece of angel food cake w/strawberries & cool whip lite. Ok, I could have skipped that.

Today, I have been busy catching up on bills and trying to clear my desk of the "one time, just get it over with" pile. You know those few calls, or bits of paperwork that take some time, but are not recurring so you just put them off a bit. Maybe after that I will have more room to work with.

Later, we may do a little shopping for windows, but other than that, I don't have much planned. Although I should get going on the water.

Talk to you later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Hi!

I hope you're feeling better today and that you had a great day yesterday.

It feels so good to deal with the "get it over with" pile, doesn't it? I love that feeling of no longer having it hanging over my head.

Sending :wizard: your way for a wonderful day today!

[Lesli54]

Yesterday turned out alright, but water was nonexistent.

Breakfast was a bowl of cheerios. Lunch was 1/2 ham sandwich on 7 grain and too many BBQ chips. Supper was 3 (count them) tacos from Taco Bell and a pepsi.

We were out on the road doing the window shopping when we had supper and I got mad at he guy at Lowe's, whom after we waited patiently for him to finish up with a customer chose to take a lunch break and not ask us what we wanted. Needless to say the kid who took his place couldn't give out prices and asked us to wait an hour for the other guy to get back. That just iritated me. Here we are trying to buy 22-24 windows (not cheap) and I am not exactly comfortable after standing for so long and the guy has the nerve to go on break and expect us to wait for 1 hour!

The nerve. So needless to say, we left and I inhaled my supper without thinking.

We did get some prices and a bit more info from some other places, so now we have to get down to decision time.

This morning, I spent some "puzzle time" with DS. So fun.

Breakfast was a bowl of cheerios. Lunch will be light since I have PT this afternoon.

I am going to try to work on the water thing. On the plus side, I can see more of my desk than before yesterday! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Grrr...the nerve, indeed! Home improvement always sounds like so much fun, but the middle phase of shopping and putting up with the disruption are irksome at best!

Puzzle time sounds like so much fun! Is your DS 3 yet? This is so sad, but I either can't recall you mentioning his birthday or it must be coming up soon. How is the rest of the gang?

[Lesli54]

Great news (and a little scary to me)...........I am off the crutches for my outside adventures as well according to my therapist. However, he did say that I may use one for uneven ground and if I am out walking a long distance, such as some shopping. Now if there is a cart available, I can use that. It's just as I walk more and get more tired, I tend not to walk as good as I should but the use of a cart or crutch provide just enough support to make my walking better.

So progress is being made, but I will tell you being out in the world without devices leaves me feeling naked. Last night we went to DQ as my first unequipped outing. Very strange. On the one hand you think, "I am not stable enough", but on the other hand, you realize that it is a huge confidence booster when you can make it in the "real world" without the aid of equipment. Kind of cool.

Yesterday's food was sad at best. Breakfast: 1 bowl cheerios. Lunch: too many BBQ chips (I was fighting the printer for payroll and didn't get time to finish making a better lunch before I had to leave). Snack: Qtr lbr w/cheese, fries, pepsi (needed something after PT). Supper: coconut cream pie blizzard (at least it was a small, but I would have been better off with a hot dog and small cone). Snack before bed: a few nuts and a kudos bar. Water - HORRIBLE!

So today is a new day and we begin again.

Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/ chives & moz, a few thin slices ham, yogurt, 1 c grapefruit juice.

I plan to be more reasonable the rest of the day and I will include water.

Time to get going. I have some work to get done around here before PT.

Oh yeah, the other cool thing in PT yesterday. I can get my right arm up the "finger ladder" almost as high as I can get the left. Just 1 rung short. That is still higher than the dr said and we see him tomorrow!::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Congrats on all the gains you've made in PT!!! It's great to see all of your hard work paying off! :cheer2:

Soon enough, you'll be able to this! :banana:

I hope you have a great day today. Yesterday is over and done and it sounds like you've taken positive steps to make to day better.

Take care! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

Well, if I can do this :banana: soon, then I should be able to do this :rotfl2: soon, don't you think. ;)

I really can't remember too much of Thursday other than sleep. PT was very hard on me and really took it's toll. Which happens sometimes, but in order to gain things back, sometimes, you have to push the limits. Anyway, I know that I had a late lunch, 2 "real" tacos and a bit of refried beans. A great little Mexican place just opened. When I got home, I slept. After that, I had a very hard time getting motivated. I was just wore out and not very hungry, although, I know I had a little of something. Oh well.

Yesterday, we went to the arm dr. GREAT NEWS! My arm and shoulder are both healed and I won't have to do a bone graft in my forearm after all! He will leave the pins and plates in unless they start to make my arm sensitive, which is fine by me since I have had enough surgeries for awhile. The best news is that I don't have to go back to see him. Now I can work on strengthening and range of motion. So how far I get now will be up to me and the therapists (given the limitations that the body might naturally have now, of course). So cool.

Afterwards, we did a little shopping and I felt good to be in a smaller shirt size. Even the skirt was the smallest I have owned in a long time (14/16). Then we went to pick up DD18 for the weekend. It is her birthday next week and she wants to be home to celebrate. After that it was a mad dash home since DD8 and DS (he's 3, soon to be 4) were doing a skit for Bible School. A very long and tiring day.

Food yesterday:
Breakfast: 1 bowl Fruit Loops. AM snack: 1 sausage biscuit from McD's. Lunch: 1 bowl French Onion, 3" French baquette, 1/2 of my side salad (too much vinagrette dripping at the bottom), and a sprite (ate at Panera's). PM snack: 2 scoops ice cream (refreshments after the skit). Supper: 2 slices cheese pizza & pepsi (this was about 9pm, very late for us, but the day was nuts). Oh well.

Today's food so far:
Breakfast 1 1/4 bowls Fruit Loops. Lunch: pork chop sandwich & chips (it's on the way).

I am making DD18's birthday cake. It should be cool enough to start decorating soon. I can't believe how good it felt to be able to have the strength and endurance to stand up and make the cake, get things cleaned up and and ready to make frosting. So cool. I was really worried a few months ago that I might not be able to make her cake. And I think my right arm and hand have enough strength to survive the decorating. Life is really beginning to feel normal. Wow.

I better get going. Talk to you all later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Hi! :wave:

Sounds like you've had a lot going on over the last couple of days!

GREAT news from the arm doc! They must be so impressed with your progress. You've really beaten everyone's estimates, haven't you?

Shopping sounds like lots of fun too--congrats on the smaller size!

I hope you have fun making DD18's cake. I remember reading about so many cakes you've made over the last year or so--it seems like a special family tradition. You'll have to post pics sometime--I'd love to see you handiwork!

Have a great evening! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

Oh making the cake was fun. It felt "normal". I did have DD18 stir some of the food coloring in a large batch of frosting, as that seemed more than my arm could handle, but other than that I did good. It was a good workout for the arm.

It was just us, but we had fun anyway. The theme turned out to be Pirates of the Carribean. DD18 loves that movie and somehow everything we found just fit in with the theme. It is nice to have her home, but she has to go back today. Then DD16 is leaving for camp as well, so things will be a little quite.

We did Pizza Hut for supper last night. I had 2 slices thin crust deluxe, 1 thin crust cheese, and Pepsi. Not bad, much better than I used to do, but 2 slices were definitely enough.

This morning was off to church and breakfast afterwards was a quick bowl of Fruit Loops. Lunch might be pizza or just a sandwich. Who knows what is for supper.

I guess the rest of the day will be to returning back to work and some exercise. Oh, I do need to try to get that water going again.

Talk to you later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Sounds like a fun party! POTC is such a fun theme and they have so many neat pirate-related things out these days.

How are things going at your store? Is your mom still handling most of the day-to-day?

I hope you have a great day today. Stay cool and drink up! :goodvibes

[Lesli54]

The "party" was fun. Of course DD19 (Bday today, I better call her) loved the sword in the cake best of all. I'll try to get some pictures up, but I just never have much luck with getting them to work well on this sight. Maybe I do something really weird, but either they are much too large or they are so small you would need a microscope to see them.

We still have quite a bit of cake left, so I am taking it to PT with me so they can eat it. Better all of them than me. ;)

Yesterday. I ate a few chips for lunch, just a few. For supper, I had a bowl of Basic 4 cereal. I just wasn't very hungry yesterday and I was really kind of tired so I rested quite a bit. It took me by surprise, but I think it was all the long trip to the dr on Friday, plus the little cleaning I did Saturday along with making the cake. That was more "normal" activity in the span of 36 hours than I am used to lately. So it was a good tired, but it also reminds me that I am still not up to par for doing ALL the household chores.

Today! Is a much better day. I think. Breakfast was 1 slice 7 grain w/jelly, 1 fried egg, a few slices ham, and 1 c grapefruit juice. I am not sure what is in store the rest of the day. We are all still so busy that planning meals still is hard to do, but we will get there. I have PT this afternoon, so DMom and I might eat a late lunch, who knows.

The dollar store is hanging in there, it takes time to change people's habits. My mom is still doing the day to day operations along with DH. I am just trying to keep the books at the moment while I catch up on the book work for the grocery store. Actually, things are catching up pretty well, but I am still quite behind. I have put almost everything aside just so I can work on it almost everyday. But then you get a few days like I just had and I don't have much time to dedicate. Of course, some of that is due to my lack of moving quickly on my feet. Somehow things will work out, so I am trying not to stress about it too much.

I better get going. So much to do. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

There was a sword in the cake?!? How cool is that!!!

Good idea taking the leftovers up to PT--everyone can have a little piece and then it's gone!

Sounds like you got some good downtime yesterday--you have been doing a lot lately. I'm sure your body just needed a minute to catch up!

I'm glad to hear your store is still moving along--all of that bookwork does sound like a bear, but at least you can do it from home.

I hope you have a great day today! Stay cool!

[Lesli54]

Yesterday was definitely a workout in PT. I didn't eat lunch before I went and that was a mistake. By the time we were done, I was so hungry and wore out. We ended up doing a late lunch (at 3:30pm) at DQ. I had 4 chicken strips, 2 bites of Texas toast, 1/2 my fries, and a Sierra Mist. By the time I got home, I was so tired, I laid down for a few hours to rest.

Needless to say, I wasn't hungry for supper. Then of course, I was starving before bed, so I ate a small bowl of Basic 4. Water was horrendous.

I will be thrilled when this heat breaks. Things seem to get much stiffer in the knee with the extra heat and humidity.

Today, is off to a new start again. Yes, that's me, queen of starting again. Anyway, breakfast was 1 egg omelet w/moz & chives, 1 yogurt, a few slices ham, and 1 c grapefruit juice.

The plan of the day:
1) water, at least 36 oz.
2) exercise, need to build strength and get that knee bending more.
3) eat a bit more sensibly and pay attention more to the time of day.

Well, I better get going. I have lots of work to do. Talk to everyone later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Wow! PT really wiped you out didn't it? I guess that's one way to tell you're working hard.

The water thing seems to be very important to you. I wonder if there's any way to make it easier. You could maybe take a glass of water any time you eat something. Or maybe carry around a bottle? Maybe incorporate a glass of water into your morning/nighttime grooming & toothbrusing routine? That might be a way to sneak some water in. Or maybe you could try to incorporate some foods that have a higher water content like soup & watermelon? I dunno--I guess it will take some experimenting to find out what works. But I know you can do it!

I hope you have a great day today! Starting again is what it's all about! :teeth:

[Lesli54]

Food wasn't too bad yesterday. I had about 10 mixed nuts for AM snack. Lunch was 2 tuna wraps (should have done one as I had more wrap than tuna on each) and a kudos bar. PM snack was a few nuts. Supper was a hamburger, a few chips, and potato salad. The killer was the popcorn (2/3 bag) I ate late. Water was about 36 oz!

For the most part, I spent the day working and contemplating things. Such as GS. I am supposed to go to a kickoff for leaders tonight, but I am unsure where I stand at the moment. It is a good organization, but I am too involved and at the moment, I don't have much time to spare for anything extra. However, I am afraid that if I get out altogether then I will later regret not still being a part of it somewhere. Such a dilemma. But at the same time, if I stay in a little bit, I don't want to get back to that overly hectic life of running back and forth for only GS.

My co-leader and I have decided to disband the older girls since it is only her daughter and mine who show and they can still be involved without a troop. It is just to much to continue trying to keep people together who always have something better to do. Also, we decided to step back from our younger girl troop and hope that someone else will step up as leaders. We will still help at meetings if needed, but I don't have the strength and energy right now and she doesn't really have the focus she needs either. (She had a car accident a year before mine and is still dealing with the effects). So for now, that puts me down to overseeing the needs of the leaders and I think I could be ok with that, but I am not sure I want all that hassle again, yet I am not sure I want to give up trying to get the needs of leaders recognized and acknowledged. They are an important part of GS. I know I can get out of doing trainings until things are better for me, so that is not a problem. And the fundraising committee that I was on has done fine without me so I guess that will be ok.

If I am not wore out from PT, I think I will go tonight, just to weigh things out, make my intentions known and let them know that I can't do much right now. We'll see how that goes and then maybe I can make a more informed decision.

I just don't want to get trapped back into that extremely hectic lifestyle again, so I am weighing all things that I used to be involved in and trying to pick what is most important to me or at least trying to focus on some specific causes a little more.

Oh well, enough babbling. Breakfast today was 1 egg omelet w/moz & chives, 1 c grapefruit juice, a few ham slices. I think I will go get some water in now.

Talk to you all later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Lots to contemplate today...

I hear where you're coming from on the GS issues and that's a big decision to make. You've been a pillar in the organization for a very long time, and it always seemed like you enjoyed it and got a lot of fulfillment out of it. But it also seems like it's hard to be just a little bit involved. If you decide you need a break for now, I can't imagine that you wouldn't be welcomed back with open arms the second you expressed an interest in coming back.

I hope you can find a good balance for yourself.

Have a great day today, and good job meeting your water goal from yesterday! :thumbsup2

[Lesli54]

Well, let's chalk up yesterday as a not thinking day. Too much candy.

I tried to get lunch before we had to leave for PT, but I had so many interruptions that it didn't happen. DH and I have been working on selling our popup camper since we upgraded to a travel trailer and he was running around trying to get all the last minute paperwork and things in order before the seller arrived. Not too mention I needed to do payroll and my printer kind of died, so I had to send it to the other printer and run up and down the stairs. Hopefully, my new printer will arrive tomorrow. Then phone calls, and.......well you know the drill

PT was hard again yesterday. But I managed through and it didn't wear me out so bad. Lunch was a 6" Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sub w/mayo, tomato, & cucumbers from Subway. Oh and a Sierra Mist (though I drank just over 1/2). Late in the afternoon again.

I just got home in time to dress for the GS Kickoff, then waited for DH to finish up with selling the camper. He rushes in and we were off. A bit late, but oh well. I made it to the meeting just in time to get in line for supper. Now, I wasn't very hungry, but since the meeting was going to be long, I thought I better have something. I has just over 1/2 c cream of brocoli soup, a small salad, a couple pieces of cheese, and a ham & turkey sandwich on wheat w/mayo. The bread was way too big and I should have taken only one slice to make 1/2 a sandwich. Drank quite a bit of water! But they had chocolate and candybars sitting in front of us and I did have some. Not alot, but I didn't need it or was hungry for it. On the way home, we stopped for gas and I got another candy bar to eat during the long drive, along with water, but what gives?

Anyway, the meeting was fine. There were some who really missed me and kept hugging me all night. They were the higher ups, so it surprised me a bit. Others who I work with more often, barely looked at me to even say "hi!". It was awkward, but I have noticed that alot of people just avoid me in a social situation since the accident. Then others, I barely know are right there. Maybe some just are afraid of what they should or shouldn't say, I don't know.

But GS knows that I will be a part of somethings and they are fine with that. The fundraising committee that I am on is just waiting for me to give them the green light to fill me in, they didn't want to overwhelm me. By the end of the night, I did realize that I still want to a small part and I don't want to give it up altogether.

Oh yeah, my therapist (not to change subjects) is going to set up a driving evaluation for me to see if I can begin driving yet. I guess it test strength, timing, reflexes, etc. That is perfectly fine with me since somedays when my leg is stiffer, I feel that my reflex is slower, so it concerns me. But I am excited to be getting closer to drive again.

Breakfast today was a bowl of Basic 4 cereal. I got up late since I could sleep during the torrential downpour and wonderful thunder episodes last night. Gotta go get my hair cut, attend a special library board meeting tonight, do some work around here, get in some exercise, and maybe straighten my room a bit.

Talk to you all later. Thanks for listening. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Weren't those storms something! For a while it sounded like cannons being fired outside my window! We've got some more rumblings now, so I wonder if we're in for more.

Sounds like a busy day yesterday and another one coming today! I'm glad you were able to get some clarity on the GS situation. It's a shame some people are still having trouble with how to react to your accident, but it sounds like you have it in perspective and are approaching it with a healthy attitude.

I hope you have a wonderful day today! :)

[Lesli54]

Another restless night. No storms, but way too much on my mind I guess. I don't know how many hours it took to get to sleep. Thought about coming down and working on the computer, but then I was afraid that I would be awake until 6 this morning and that really wouldn't do good for PT.

Lunch yesterday was 1/2 Marie Calendar's chicken pot pie. I was in the mood for one, but have a hard time eating the whole thing (didn't used to). It just makes me feel extremely full, but DD8 came along and we decided to share! Good job. Go me. Also had a few cheetos and some green tea w/plum. Later, I had a piece of summer sausage and a piece of cheese. So far so good? Supper was 2 pieces of cheese pizza and some coke. That was pushing it since I wasn't very hungry. Later, I had about 2 bites of cake.

All in all, not too bad, but all of the food was very heavy and there just aren't too many fruits and veggies in there. And so we try again.

Got a few things done yesterday. Then I just got to the point that I wanted to play and not do anything I need to do. So I fiddled around with my genealogy for awhile. I don't want to get too far into it since that is too great of a temptation over work, but it was fun.

Breakfast today. Very late due to the restless night. 1 egg omelet w/chives & way too much moz, a few slices ham, 1 c grapefruit juice.

Plans today? Get some water in. Do some of my exercises. Go to PT. Go shopping for shoes and maybe a blouse to wear a wedding tomorrow. Ooh, I forgot, I need to grab a gift as well.

I will talk to you all later. Have a wonderful weekend! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Go you! Sharing treats always works out so well. All of the fun, but half of the calories and no leftovers to worry about! Now you've got me thinking about pot pie. Those are good...

I'm sorry you had a restless night. At least you'll probably sleep well tonight since you're already kind of tired and you've got lots to do today. Hopefully you get some good rest.

Have a great day today! Happy shopping!

[Lesli54]

Whew! Is there such a thing as too much exercise?

PT was tough, but we got the bend to 84 degrees! So happy. Now I just have to keep working on keeping it there, that is the hard part. Trying to get in ENOUGH time for working on that or sitting in a chair/car and being uncomfortable for various lengths of time while you try to keep that stretch going until your body gets used to it. Not easy to do when your body is just plain tired. But I must move on.

Shortly after getting home, my mom and I went to do a little shopping. We think we are running in one store and out. WRONG! We ended uk walking most of the mall....and I left my crutch at home since I didn't think we were walking so far. The plus side is that I made it through and we would stop from time to time to either sit or stand so that I could rest.........But we made it through and that feels good. The down side, I was very exhausted. But that too is okay.

Lunch was late. I had a bacon cheeseburger, fries, and part of a Sierra Mist from DQ. Then around 9pm, mom and I stopped for ice cream at Whitey's. They have the best ice cream. Too dangerous, fortunately for most people, they can't get it since it is mainly local, but they are branching out a bit. Anyway, I had a medium fresh peach shake. So delish! When I got home, I had a few raspberries.

Not alot of food, but high cal.

Breakfast today was late. Slept in again. I do need to address that. I had one fried egg on and english muffin, 1 c grapefruit juice, a few ham slices.

Lunch will be light, I hope. Maybe some chicken salad and carrots. Don't know about supper. We have a wedding for tonight so I am not sure what they are serving besides cake. It will be fun to get out there and dance. Well, maybe not all the various dances, but just to be able to do something normal like that will be wonderful.

Better get going. I have many things to get done. Talk to you later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Whew! That does sound like an exhausting day, but just the fact you could go walk the mall after already doing a strenuous PT is great!

A fresh peach shake sounds sooooooo good! Yum!

I hope you have a great day and have a wonderful time at the wedding. (Didn't I say you'd be doing :banana: soon?)

:sunny:

[Lesli54]

You were right, Pearlieq! I was doing this :banana: and it felt really good. At first it was a little strange to get used to moving to a rhythm of any sort and still trust that my legs would hold me and I wouldn't fall over. But after awhile it was going pretty good. I'm not up to 2 stepping around the floor yet, but maybe by the next wedding in Nov.

Did a little shopping yesterday. So lunch as McD's on the way home. Fries, qtr lbr & sprite.

At the wedding, I had some Gardetto's snack mix, a piece of chocolate, and pepsi. For supper they served a small buffet. I chose watermelon, taco salad (only had 1/2 of a sm serving since it wasn't very good), a sm skinless chicken breast in a light sauce, gr beans, and a wheat roll (should have skipped, not great). Then of course there was a sliver of cake, or should I say a sliver of frosting. My piece had more frosting than cake. The cake wasn't dry, thankfully, but the frosting was so sweet it made your teeth hurt on the second bite. Oh, and a couple of mints, but they weren't very good either. Also had a few cheetos when I got home.

The wedding and the reception itself was a good time though and there were so many people that were just thrilled to see me out dancing. Imagine my thrill. The groom (family of DH) was dancing w/ DD16 and commented to her how nice it was to see me dancing and how you don't realize how much you enjoy something until it is gone or threatened. He is so right. We take so much for granted, but I will always remember last night and how great it felt to try to dance and how happy DH was to see it happen.

Sure does make you think. As if I don't do enough of that already.

Breakfast today. 1 fried egg, 1 english muffin, a few slices ham, 1 c grapefruit juice.

Not much planned for the day other than work and getting things cleaned up around here, which is work.

I will talk to you all later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

I'm so glad you had a good time at the wedding! I bet you can really cut a rug!

Sounds like you did very well at the party and made sensible, well thought-out choices. Wedding cake is a tricky thing--I've had one or two really great pieces in my life, but most are aggressively blah. It must have been nice to see the family, though. It's always nice to get everyone together.

And yes, I think you've done your fair share of deep thinking lately. :teeth:

I hope you have a wonderful day today. We couldn't ask for better weather, eh?

:sunny:

[Lesli54]

Whew! Just got up from my nap. The weekend and PT today really took its toll.

Yesterday's lunch was chicken salad on a few crackers. Then supper was out to Pizza Hut since everyone had worked so hard cleaning the house. I had 3 small slices of bacon cheeseburger pizza and some pepsi. Not overstuffed, but I definitely knew when to quit.

I am so happy that I actually got some serious dejunking done yesterday. I got through the entire upstairs bath. How do you accumulate so many products that everyone half uses and then never again? Did a little in my office. Then I tackled our bedroom. Mind you it is huge and every time we clean the entire house anything that anyone doesn't know what to do with ends up there until I have a chance to go through it. Thankfully, I was in the mood of if throwing out everything. There again, why does one keep the things they do, thinking that they just have to have them when it will make no difference later if you have it or not and most of the time, you don't even know you have it? There are still a few stacks that I need to go through, but they are a bit more organized so it will be easier to take the on another day or just a few minutes per stack over a few days. At this point, it feels good to be dejunking and rearranging if I can't do it all in a few days like I used to, then I will take what I can get over a little bit of time.

The best part was that I did alot of standing and I wasn't concentrating so much on whether I had the strength to do all that I did. Such a normal feeling.

Breakfast today. 1 egg omelet w/chives & moz, ham, 1 c grapefruit juice.

We had a guy come measure for the windows so that we can make a final decision this week. I am not sure how many people put in 22 windows (not counting the basement) at one time, but I just want them done and over with. Next year I hope we can do doors, the screened in porch (making it 3 season) and the basement windows.

Then it was off to PT which was early today. We got some great movement going and my knee felt normal. Now if it could always stay that way. But it reallly wore me out and I couldn't make it to the daybed fast enough when I got home. :rolleyes1

Lunch was qtr lbr w/cheese, fries, & some sprite. We really need to find some other places to grab and go or phone something in to take back home on days like these. OH and I just got done eating a few cheetos. The "after the nap" munchies.

Well better get going. I have plenty of work on my desk and I need to get started on it. Talk to you later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

So it's not just me on the "after nap" munchies?!? Good to know!

I'm glad you had a good PT--sounds like you worked really hard.

I find cleaning, organizing, and decluttering so liberating! It makes the whole house seem bigger and fresher and makes the whole world make a little more sense.

I hope things go well with the windows. 22 at once does sound like a huge undertaking but I'm sure it will feel great to have it over and done with!

I hope you have a great evening tonight--good luck clearing off the desk!

:goodvibes

[Lesli54]

Got some work done yesterday afternoon and evening. That is always a good thing. Still plugging away on getting back on track. Some days I see an end in sight.

Supper was taco salad/dip w/tortilla chips. I had a smidge too much, but that was ok. Later, I contemplated getting some ice cream or other treat before bed, but realized that I wasn't very hungry and that I need to go back to a 7:30pm cut off time again anyway. So I passed it up. Thankfully, the scale was down 2lbs. and I am just 2 shy of my clippie.

My weight has been fluctuating within a 5lb range, but I am not too worried as I am starting to see my muscle tone come back in areas and I am able be active more throughout the day.

Breakfast this morning was a bowl of basic 4 cereal and 1 c grapefruit juice. Then I ate about 10 chips and a couple of nuts.

Am I hungry? Probably not really, but I have noticed that if I don't have a balanced breakfast, I tend to snack more. Oh, that's right, I noticed that a long time ago. :rolleyes1 Well, ok. Time to remind myself of that.

Today is an all work day. I am going to stop in the afternoon to do a little exercise. Tonight, I am supposed to go to a meeting (at least they are hoping I will), but I am thinking that I will skip it. If I go, I will be gone from 4-10:30pm and I am not sure I want to do that right now. Besides, my work has some deadlines that I have to meet which is more important. And then again, maybe it is a defense mechanism so that I don't get roped back up into running around so much. ;)

Oh well, I better get going. Lots to do. Everyone have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Defense mechanisms are worth listening to! Our instincts are usually right about things, plus that sounds like a heck of a commitment tonight. Good luck with whatever you choose.

I'm glad to hear that there is light at the end of the tunnel for your work. There's nothing greater than the feeling of getting something done and off your back!

I would imagine your weight would be fluctuating a lot these days with all the changes your body has been though. You're building back so much muscle with all that hard work you're doing. It's great to see progress, but I wouldn't mind the scale too much these days. It sounds like you're taking very good care of yourself.

Have a great day!!! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

Well, I listened to my instincts and I didn't go to the meeting. I actually feel good about it and I was able to get tons of work done! Now, if I can keep that pace up for a few weeks, I might actually be caught up. Of course, then what will I do with my extra time? :rotfl2:

Lunch yesterday was taco salad w/chips. Then I nibbled here and there on trail mix. Supper was a BLT on 7 grain and some chips. For a late night treat, DD16 brought home a Whitey's fresh peach shake. YUM! Thank God we live far enough away that it doesn't happen often, but I enjoyed it anyway.

Oh, to clarify the "weight issue" for those who don't really know me. Those who do, probably have figured it out. At the moment, I am not overly concerned about my weight and I am not concentrating on losing at the moment. But I am keeping an eye on it from time to time because with the lack of activity that I have had over the last several months, I am concerned that it could easily get out of hand. Without being able to do an extremely vigorous workout, I don't have a lot of ways to combat an ever increasing 10, 20, 30 lb gain. So, I am just being aware of where I am at on the scale and at the most just trying to maintain. However, if I lose a few here and there, I won't complain. ;)

Breakfast today. I egg omelet w/moz (too much moz), 1 slice 7 grain toast w/jelly, 1 c grapefruit juice.

Time to get going. PT awaits. Talk to you later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

DH is literally walking out the door on me right now, but I wanted to stop by and say hi and to wish you a great day!

more later! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

Doesn't it feel good when friends rank you above a DH? ;)

PT went pretty well. Then it was off to run errands and grab lunch before having a dr visit, just a check up with my regular dr. Lunch was a 6" sweet onion chicken teriyaki sub w/provolone, tomato, cucumbers & gr peppers. I went for unsweetened tea instead of a sugary soda.

Back home, I had a few crackers & egg salad. Oh, there were chips there too. Later I had some trail mix.

Supper was chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, gr beans, fruit salad, and pie. I tried a blueberry cream since they were short on fresh strawberry. Here's a hint. Don't every try something like that. It was a custard w/blueberries suspended through it in a few places. :sick: So I took out the blueberries, whipped cream, and scrapped the custard from the crust. Then my mom gave me some of her strawberries and I kind of made my own pie.

I did get more work done and even attempted to work on some GS to get ready for this new year.

This morning, I slept in. Breakfast was 1 fried egg, 1 slice 7 grain toast w/jelly, and 1 c grapefruit juice.

I have been trying to book a weekend for our last GS trip with the older girls and have been doing the hotel search all morning. So I ate some nuts and just now had a few Fritos.

For lunch I think I might have chicken salad & crackers. Maybe also some watermelon. Just not really hungry.

The rest of the day, I plan to work. Better get going. Have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

Yesterday was a "snack" day, I guess.

Lunch was the chicken salad & crackers. Then there were a few Fritos, some nuts, a few bite size pieces of chocolate (really bad when you are looking for something and you find it in your purse left over from the wedding), and something else, but I can't remember what.

Supper was a bowl of fruit loops, followed later by about 3/4 bag of popcorn.

Part of the problem was the fact that my computer was so slow that it was very frustrating and really slowed down my work. So last night, I spent alot of time getting things cleaned up and today, thankfully, things appear to be quicker.

The main part of the problem is that our meals have zero structure. I almost wish that DH would have allowed the churches to continue bringing a few meals a week (they were signed up through Nov). Granted, I can get around much better, but with all the running for therapy and the running that everyone else has to do for various things in my place, it is still hard to get time to make some good well balanced meals. It is getting better, but I am really beginning to hate this in between stage.

Today's breakfast was 1 egg omelet w/moz & chives, a few slices ham, 1 c grapefruit juice.

For the rest of the day, I will try to be reasonable in my eating. The snacking just isn't working since it is all empty calories. Hmmm....I do have some frozen bananas, maybe I will grab a smoothie instead of snacking.

Also, I think I should reread a few of my early entries to see what we used to have for dinner, because it has been so long since I have done any real cooking that I just can't remember. I just want to get back to a healthy routine again.

Well, gotta go. PT is calling my name. Everyone take care. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Hello from Las Vegas!! :wave:

Sounds like you've had a very productive few days! Good for you for stopping at Subway after PT the other day. That's a great healthy choice!

I know what you mean about those snack, snack, snacky days! You make a good point about where you are in your recovery. You've made wonderful, wonderful gains, but this in-between time is hard. I can definitley see where the extra meals could be a help. Do you think you'd be up for a cook-and-freeze session? Then you could at least have a store. Re-reading your journal is a great idea too!

I've been meaning to ask--do you have the little mini bags of microwave popcorn up by you? They make them in the light flavors, but also in the "good" flavors too (movie theater butter, etc). I noticed that we're both popcorn fans--I've found the little mini bags help keep things a bit more under control, but they're darn tasty too! popcorn::

I hope you have a great Friday and a wonderful start to your weekend. Stay in the shade!

:sunny:

[Lesli54]

Yesterday turned out to be pretty good as well. I am really enjoying this "normalcy".

PT went well. Lunch was chinese and even that was pretty reasonable. I had 2 cups of egg drop soup (one before the meal, one after), about 1/2 c rice, 1/4 c pork fried rice, 5 sm pieces of battered pork, 1 c. General Tso's chicken, 1/4 c double sliced pork (mainly all veggies), then 2 sm pieces of sweet bread. Lots of water.

Of course when I got home, I ate too many Fritos and I don't even really like them any more, but I had the munchies. Then I got ahold of some peanut M&M's. :rolleyes1 Supper was a hamburger & muskmelon. So the day wasn't really horrible, but I could have easily done w/o the munchies.

I got alot of GS done yesterday. Trying to catch up, get ahead, de-junk. One of my troops is going on their last trip, so I figured now was the time to close everything up for them. Why wait, just get it done and make more room around here. Also trying to get the last few items together for the person that took over the town (I was filling in), and even worked on my Partnership Mgr work. Might as well get caught up so that I can easily get the year started and be able to keep from getting too overwhelmed which will make it easier for me to just have some involvement, but not too much.

Breakfast today was 1 bowl Fruit Loops and 1 c grapefruit juice.

On the agenda: Finish up the GS work and get the extra junk out of my closet. Some bookwork for the store. Bills. Pack for our trip tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be the first trip I have taken since the accident. :cheer2: It's just over night, but I will take anything I can get that seems like a break!

Gotta go. Talk to you later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Rushing out the door again, unfortunatley, but I just wanted to stop by and say hi and to wish you a wonderful trip!

Have a great time!!! :goodvibes

[pearlieq]

Hi!

I hope you're having a great time on your overnight! It sounds like so much fun!

Great job keeping things reasonable at the Chinese restaurant. That sure does sound yummy!

Also, kudos to you for all that progress you made on your GS work. It must feel great to have that all settled and off of your plate.

Have a wonderful day! :sunny:

[pearlieq]

Just stopping by to say Hi!

I hope you had a great time on your trip! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

I'm back again.

What a whirlwind this weekend was, but fun as well.

Saturday -
Lunch was a brat on bun and I think there were a few nibbles of useless things as well. Then as a nice little surprise, DH decided that we could go out to eat (just the 2 of us). It was great to have some alone time. We went to Texas Roadhouse, but since it was so extremely hot here the wait was almost 2 hrs, so we skipped on over to the movies and saw "Pirates". We enjoyed it, but definitely don't think it is for the younger kids. I had a sm bag of popcorn and about 1/2 of a Sprite. Then after that we went for dinner at almost 10pm. WOW, such a late date for us, but very nice and relaxing. I had 1/2 slab ribs, gr beans, 1/2 of my garden salad, 1 1/2 rolls, and ice tea. Not too bad.

Sunday -
Up late since we were out late. Packed for the GS trip and got a few business things ready for the mail for DH. Breakfast was 1 slice toast w/PB. On the road for lunch I had a qtr lbr w/cheese, ice tea, and a few fries. We got to our destination about 2:30pm and checked into the Drury Inn. Although it was clean and ok, I am glad we didn't spend $20 less as I am not sure what we would have gotten. After that, we went to Medieval Times. I had 1/2 bowl of soup, 1 rib, 1/3 of a 1/2 of a baked potato (could have been more done), and ALMOST 1/2 a sm chicken, 2 glasses pepsi, 1 pastry. It was not planned to eat everything they brought, but while you are watching the show it is easy to not pay attention to what you are eating. The show was good though. Back to the hotel. The kids went swimming. I had a sm bag popcorn and glass of pop (complementary), more out of something to do while at the pool. Then we ordered pizza from Gino's. Not planned for, but the kids were starving and it was their last trip and their money. I had 1/2 slice of a Gino's deep dish cheese and a couple of sm squares of a cheese thin crust, plus pop. By the end of the day, I am surpised I didn't bust. More food than I have had in awhile, but we had fun and it was nice to do something relaxing.

Monday -
Breakfast was at the hotel (provided). I had a couple bites of scrambled eggs (not very good). 1 1/2 biscuits & gravy, 1 sausage patty, 1 mini muffin, 2 sm glasses oj. Then we went shopping at Woodfield Mall. We went to Build-a-Bear since that has been on the destination for years and even as older teens these girls were thrilled to finally have their stuffed animal w/clothes. And the animals all match their personalities completely. Went to the Disney Store and then a few other places. Lunch was at the Rainforest Cafe. I had 2/3 of a sm ceasar salad, 1/2 piece of foccacia bread, 1/2 rainforest burger (split w/ my mom), 1 1/2 glasses tea, and 3 chips. Not too bad. Then we headed home. I could not believe how hot it was. We had the air on med high all the way home. Supper was a bowl of cheerios. It was a nice little trip with good conversation and good company. Although, it would be nice to have a longer trip, at this point the length was right for me given the strength issue. But it is good to feel normal!

Today -
Breakfast was 1 bowl of cherrios. PT was early today, but it went well. I got some great pep talks from my therapists which is always nice and just continues to give you hope. Took a sm 20 min nap. Lunch was a tuna roll up, too many cheetos, 3 oreos. So now it is time to get some work done.

Everyone have a great day!! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

Real quick. Eating has been all over the place.

Can't remember what we had for supper Tuesday night. I know that I ate cookies and cheetos and other junk, so who knows.

Yesterday was another PT day. Breakfast was 1 egg omelet, 1 c oj, and watermelon. Lunch was qtr lbr w/cheese, fries, iced tea. Many cookies in there and a few other things I can't remember. Supper was 2 tacos. I had a bowl of Basic 4 late last night.

Then of course, I could not get back to sleep last night after the storms hit, so needless to say, I slept in late today.

Breakfast today was 1 egg omelet, ham, & 1 c oj.

I have tons of work to do today so I going to concentrate on that. I will try not to get into the cupboards too much.

Everyone have a good day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

Well, I did manage to get alot of stuff done yesterday, although as always, I wish it was more.

Aside from bills and bookwork, we actually managed to get the windows ordered - all 22! Menard's had a no interest til 2008, we just couldn't pass that up. Now I can pay the installer, pay for the house to be painted and still pay for the windows without interest! :cheer2: So in a couple of weeks, this house will definitely feel like it is turned upside down. Guess I better get some more things in order around here to keep the chaos to a minimum. But it will be so nice to have it all done and this winter we won't have to worry about drafts, except from the doors, which we can do next year.

Lunch yesterday was about 1/2 MC chicken potpie (shared w/ DS and didn't eat all of my portion). I think I drank about 36 oz water! Supper was Arby's beef & cheddar, some fries, ice tea. Then of course, I had some cheetos, m&m's, oreos, and who knows what scattered through the day.

But amazingly, I woke feeling hungry this morning. Breakfast was 1 egg omelet w/cheese, ham, 1 c hot tea w/vanilla.

I am strongly considering going back to Curves, but am trying to think through the logistics since I am not driving yet. My main purpose is to get somewhere where I can work on rebuilding muscle and stamina but doesn't have such complex machines that I can't use yet. The therapists and DH (to my surprise) think it is a great idea. Don't get me wrong about DH, I just thought he might wonder about the extra chauffuering, but he knows that I am not as strong as I used to be even on the "good leg". I can get the strength back though, but I need something more structured at this time rather than just trying to rely on finding time to use resistance bands.

Well, I should be going. PT is calling and then I have to get alot of things done around here. DD19 goes back to college tomorrow and we have to be up early to help her move in. It's just never ending.

Talk to you later! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Wow! You have been really busy!

Your trip sounds like a lot of fun. I wish I'd known you were going to be in our neck of the woods! Woodfield is a great time--I've been meaning to get up there myself, but I've been saving is as a reward for getting firmly down to a 24. Hopefully someday soon!

What a great deal on the windows! It's sure going to look different around your place very soon. How exciting!

I think Curves is a great idea!!! It sounds like just the right fit for what you need right now. Easy (but can be made more challenging as you get stronger), simple, and even kind of fun and social. I'm sure your DH won't mind the driving at all--it something very good for you!

Good luck with the haul back to school for DD tomorrow! I hope you have a great weekend!

[Lesli54]

Yesterday's lunch was a grilled turkey sandwich w/tomato, mayo, lettuce, avocado and it should have included havarti, but they forgot it. About 3 potato skins, 1 bite of overly salty prime rib soup, and water. After PT we stopped at a new restaurant called Trapper's Creek Grill and needless to say we weren't overly impressed. DH got a soup and sandwich, but the soup was salty and his BLT turned out to be turkey. For the most part the food tasted pretty good, but I am not sure about the service and atmosphere. The supper menu looks good though so maybe we will try that.

Too many m&m's throughout the day. They are gone now. :rolleyes:

Supper was ribs (which we kind of burnt), corn, potato salad (sm portion).

Breakfast today was a bowl of basic 4 cereal, then I had a couple bites of doughnut on the way to take DD19 back to school. We got her moved out of one building and over to the other fairly quickly. It is much much easier when they move in on RA day rather than with the rest of the flock.

Lunch was at Fazzoli's and that will be the last trip there. For some reason DD19 really wanted to go there and I hadn't been for so long so I thought sure. Now I remember why we never go there. Ick. I only ate 2/3 of my lazagna and a few bites of DS's salad (he was the smart one). Had some sprite and a couple bites of a choc chip cookie.

Now back home, I just ate 2 oreos. I am done with the excessive junk food. Time to get back on track. Oh, I did pick up some groceries and the majority of it was healthy foods including quite a few fruits. Also had about 6 bing cherries when I got home.

I have now idea what supper will bring. DH and DD16 are working a bit late. DMom and I are a bit wore out from the trip so whatever we choose, it will be easy.

Better get some work done. Talk to you later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

PS. Pearlieq, as soon as I can drive again I am planning a trip up that way and we can get together.

[pearlieq]

Sounds like yesterday was a very good day! I'm glad your DD is all back and settled!

I hear you on the Fazolis!!! Ick, ick, ick! On the turnpike between here and where DH's family lives in Ohio there are only Fazolis and Hardees to choose from. All I can say is thank goodnes for Hardees!!! What's worse is that DH seems to really like Fazolis :confused3 and sometimes wants to get take out from the local one here. Yuck!

We'll definitley have to make a trip, your way or mine, happen. I was thinking of it as a reward for meeting my next goal!

Have a great day! :wizard:

[Lesli54]

Ok, supper wasn't exactly healthy, but I did manage to get through the day and tried to practice a few tricks. I had a bacon cheeseburger w/ mayo & tomato (shared w/DS), fried mushrooms (shared w/DS & DMom), and a vanilla shake (shared w/DS). That would have been considered almost successful.......then I ate almost a bag of popcorn. Not hungry, but tired and bored I think. Should have just went to bed.

This morning was off to a better start aside from the 2 mini doughnuts. I had a bowl of Kix and 1 c grapefruit juice.

Don't know what else is in store for the day, but it is pouring down rain so maybe it is an inside work day.

Talk to you later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

So you are getting rain. It's theatening here, so it must be on its way.

You did a good job sharing treats last night. Easiest way in the world to cut the calories in something in half! I know what you mean about the late night snacks--I really want to get more disciplined about just going to bed! Another easy way to save calories--can't snack if I'm asleep! :rotfl2:

Hope you have a nice day! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

Well, yesterday proved to be a bit of a lazy day. I played around on the computer a bit, had tuna and some crackers for lunch, then took a nap. Didn't realize that I was so tired. OH I did read a book as well. For supper, we had Pizza Hut. I had 2 slices bacon cheeseburger, 2 halves of cheese sticks and a pepsi. Not too bad. The down side to all of this is the fact that I ate so many mini doughnuts throughout the day that I really blew any chance of a decent food day. Oh, I did have some cherries. Next time, more fruit, less junk.

Today, I was up about an hour earlier and contemplated going back to sleep, but I know the best thing is to just get up. Besides, I am trying to reestablish those good habits.

Breakfast was 1 egg omelet w/cheese, ham, 1 c grapefruit juice, 1 c hot tea w/vanilla. Good start and I plan to keep it that way.

The rest of the day, I have PT and a meeting tonight.

Food plan for the day:
Lunch - probably chinese (eat reasonably) unless DH has to run back home quick then I will have tuna and crackers, along w/some cherries
PM snack - banana smoothie
Supper - Chicken broccoli ring and salad

Goals for the day: (yes, maybe this will help)
1. Stick the food plan
2. No eating after 7:30pm
3. 36 oz water minimum
4. Take 15 min of exercise this afternoon.

Not too many goals, but just enough to try to turn this ship around and remind myself that I really enjoyed my healthy habits before.

Time to go, talk to you later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Everyone needs a little downtime--sounds like you got a nice rest yesterday.

You're off to a great start today, and writing your goals down is a good first step to accomplish what you want. I know you can do it! :cheer2:

Hope today is good one! :sunny:

[pearlieq]

Hope all is well with you! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

Just thought I would stop in and do a little catch up. Yes, I am fine, but I have been very busy with little time to sit and write.

Food has been hit and miss as far as health goes. PT has been going pretty well. In fact, I am down to 2 days a week for the legs, still 3 for the arms, but that may change this week.

I did some school shopping, registered kids for school, have caught up on a lot of bookwork, have done some GS & library meetings. On the plus side, I THINK we might have someone to take on leading the troop for GS so that I can have a little more free time. It is doubtful that we will find 2 people so I will probably stay on, but in a much smaller capacity, which is still fine by me. There is an end in sight for my bookwork, but still a long way to go.

Yesterday the painters started stripping the house and power washing. The windows come next week, DS's teacher's are coming for a home visit tomorrow..........So we need to get a lot of cleaning done. I guess we are in for a state of choas.

Breakfast today was 1 egg omelet w/cheese, ham, and grapefruit juice.

Time to get going. Lot's to do for the day. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[goldcupmom]

Leslie, your progress is simply amazing. I'm glad you took a bit of down time for you, you're always so busy.

Hang in there. Hoping the rest of PT can go to 2x/week which I know will make it easier.

Have a great rest of the week!

[pearlieq]

I'm glad to see you back!

I have to admit, I get nervous now if you disappear for more than a couple of days. :blush:

Sounds like there's quite a bit swirling around you between work, the house, and all of the back to school rigamarole. I bet you're glad to have the house work underway. I'm sure it will be great when it's done!

Sending :wizard: to get you through everything today!

[Lesli54]

I didn't mean to alarm anyone, really! :blush: ;)

Anyway, I am really making progress on the work in my office, but I am falling behind on eating decent meals. I just now polished off some M&M's if that tells you anything.

Breakfasts seem to go ok, but could use more balanc, I don't get near enough calcium lately and then snack here and there, so lunch and supper kind of fall apart. Help! Right now, I am just trying to remind myself that as things ease up and I get caught up, it will be easier to concentrate on better food, but then I am concerned that I will find an excuse then as well. Plus, it really doesn't help that my mom drinks alot of soda and snacks on chips. Not that I can't get around that, but it just adds one more person to the house that is not really watching what they eat, which always makes things more stressful when you try to change things.

Today is so so. The guys are scrapping the paint now. I have one phone that barely rings so it is hard to hear when you aren't sitting on top of it (the other phones died when the lightening struck the house last week). I just can't seem to find birth cert for 2 kids and I need them. Gee, I could have swore they were all in one place and I can't figure out where I would have last used them. DS's teachers are coming for a home visit and the house looks so so. Am I complaining? Yeah, just a bit since everything seems to be topsy turvy.

My mom is going for a job interview (part-time) so hopefully that helps with moving things along for getting her own place. The Dollar Store is doing ok, but not great. It probably isn't really going to take off the way we had hoped, so now we are facing what to do. People in this town are famous for wanting something and then when you give it to them, they don't support it. The school district is looking for a new Treasurer starting in Oct so I sent in my resume. It is a position that I have wanted since moving to the area, so hopefully I will get it, but I must admit, there is a part of me that kind of is scared for the changes that it will create. I am sure they will be good and more than likely it will force me to back out of some other things that I won't have time for, but that isn't all bad either. So there is another reason to get my work here caught up. I can manage books for both our businesses and the school, but I need to stay on top of it to make it more effortless.

Ok, enough rambling, but I just need people to listen every once in awhile. My plans for to day is to get a balanced lunch, I am craving tuna, and get some work done. Plus increase the water to at least 48 oz. Oh, and no late eating.

I better get going. Talk to you all later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

Well, yesterday wasn't as bad as it could have been. Things did get some better and I managed to wade through alot of work.

I think I did get close to the 48 oz water mark. Lunch was a tuna wrap, supper was taco salad, and there were a few things in between, like 3 thin mints and something else, but I can't remember what. The plus side is that we don't have a lot of snacky things so that helped a great deal. I didn't go for the bowl of ice cream late..........it was a bowl of cereal. Was I hungry, no, so I should have just skipped it. Anyway, on to a better day.

Oh, DS was thrilled to have his teachers come to the home.

Breakfast today was 1 egg omelet w/cheese, ham & grapefruit juice.

I plan to be sensible for the rest of the day, drink 48 oz water min, and not eat anything late.

Gotta run, I have to sew a patch on DH's footbal ref shirt, then it is off to PT. Everyone have a great weekend. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Good morning!

I'm glad to hear yesterday went a little better. It sounds like you did a good job making better food choices. Are you still getting an AM snack? You used to say that made all the difference in how your day went.

Sending lots of :wizard: your way for the Treasurer position! That's so exciting, and you'd be so good at it. I really hope you get it.

I hope today is a great day for you!

[Lesli54]

Ok, yesterday's food plan went out the window. Lunch was a qtr lbr w/cheese, some fries, and a sprite. We had to eat on the run as we ran errands and although there are a few other places we could have chosen, DS was with so that really cut things down. I am so sick and tired of fast food. Thankfully, PT for my arms cut me down to 2 days a week as well so that will really lesson the eating on the run.

Supper was 2 small slices of cheese pizza and some pepsi. No one had energy to cook. I was wore out from PT, DH was gone, DD16 needed down time from all the cleaning she's been doing, and DMom was exhausted from unloading and checking in the Halloween/Christmas order. At least it was small pieces and I did resist grabbing more since I really wasn't hungry.

We had a movie night with the kids and watched "Yours, Mine & Ours". It was pretty funnie, but the original was much better. Of course we broke out the popcorn, but I did well on that and just ate a little, choosing to listen to my body that said "I am not hungry". The down side, is that I did eat a few cookies during the day.

PT yesterday - The arm is getting to the point where my gains are getting fewer or it is taking longer to achieve them. I guess you progress pretty well and then the rest of it takes time (a year or so) to gain a little more before you really know where your final limits are. Interesting. It's all good though since I know that now I am really needing strength training to continue to get much more. The leg is going well I guess and I am getting more function moving up and down 6" stairs. I tried to tell DH that we need to rip out our stairs at home and make them all 6". He's not going for it. Anyway, I did a few new excercises and it was the first time I ever felt sick to my stomach. It was weird. My therapist had me kneeling on some pillows, to help get the knee bent. It sounds cruel to some degree since I don't have a good 90 degree bend yet, but it wasn't that bad. What made me almost sick I think was: 1) alot of stress and nerves due to getting down on the floor and wondering how to get back up, I haven't been down on the floor in over 6 months 2) fear of not getting back up or being in excruciating pain when I try, and 3) stretching muscles in a different way then they are used to at the moment and putting weight and stress on them at the same time. I made it through and like I said the actual activity wasn't so bad. Also, a large part of my fear of falling and getting back off the floor has dissipated since I know I could get myself up. It may not be pretty, but I could do it. DH thinks this may have been one of the main reasons the therapist did that and I think that is a valid point.

Anyway.......on to today.

Breakfast was 1 fried egg, ham, grapefruit juice, and an english muffin. I really need to change up my menu.

For the rest of the day, I plan to do a little shopping (last minute items, like shoes, for school) and some more bookwork, which is going really well at the moment.

Goals for today:
1. water - 48 oz
2. No eating after 7:30pm

Let's just start there.

Everyone have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

I think you did pretty good yesterday for being on the run. It sounds like you all needed a quiet night--I'm glad you could relax with a movie!

What an interesting PT experience. Your DH's point makes a lot of sense. Fear can be very powerful in recovering from injuries. A lot of my mom's PT has been learning to deal with "what ifs" and figuring out how to get out of them. I'm glad you're down to 2 days a week for the arms. That will make life a lot easier.

Have a great day today! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

Things were so so yesterday. Water was pretty good, but could have been better. I did fail on the late night eating though. Too much stress over DD8 not listening, so I went for the Ben & Jerry's New York Choc Chunk.

Lunch was tuna, and a few chips, and something else. Supper was Long John's/A&W. I had 3 pieces of chicken, a mug of root beer, 1/2 my fries, and 1 hush puppy. We were out shopping so it was the easiest thing in order to get kids into a decent bedtime. I should have stuck with 2 pieces of chicken, but the taste got to me.

Anyway, school shopping is done for now.

Breakfast this morning was 1 fried egg, 1 english muffin, and 1 c grapefruit juice.

Then we were off to visit my grandma and have lunch with her. With my accident and her needing to be off her feet, we just haven't seen much of each other this year, so it was nice. Lunch was buffet and I ate way too much, although small portions: salad, potato salad, macaroni salad, dark bread, mashed potatoes, corn, ham, roast beef, sm biscuit w/gravy, 2 slices bacon, raisin pudding, and iced tea. That was it, but it was a lot.

I just had a few thin mints and now I have to figure out dinner.

Time to get going. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Yesterday sounds like a nice day. Glad to hear you got all the school shopping done. It must be a relief to have that all settled.

Lunch with your gran sounds nice too--I'm glad you got a chance to catch up with each other.

I hope you had a great evening yesterday! Happy Monday! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

Help! Somedays I feel like I am drowning. So much to get done and not enough time to get it done. I have noticed that as I progress, my family is back to relying on mom to get it done and really, I don't have the time or energy to do it all, but they don't see that. The other day, DD16 spent quite a bit of time cleaning house, but it once again looks like a disaster. I am trying to keep up what I can, but with trying to get caught up on business and doing therapy and making sure everything is ready for school, that isn't easy. I need help! As much as I love my mom, there is less help all the time from her as well. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for all she has done, but I just don't know what to do without making a emotional chaos around here. Therefore all the stressful eating.

Last night's supper was a bowl of kix. Then really late night, I polished off the B&J ice cream.

This morning, I have managed to bake off a breakfast bread (nice touch to start school and clean out the freezer), get 2 kids off to school, take pictures of all 3 for the first day back (DD16 is looking way to old), give DS a bath, finish up some bookwork for a deadline this afternoon, pack extra clothes for DS at school, and get myself ready. Good Lord, it's only just after 9am!

Breakfast was a small slice of breakfast bread and I will grab a c of grapefruit juice in a minute.

Soon, we have to leave for DS's first day which parents get to stay for to get them acclimated. Then grab lunch, then it is off to PT. After that, I have to figure out supper and do a conference call, then maybe I will get some more work done. And this is only the beginning of school. Oy!

Goals for the rest of day:
1. 48 oz water
2. no eating after 7:30pm, drink hot tea if I feel I want something.

Oh, Pearlieq, you mentioned the morning snack. Needless to say, that has been gone as well as a proper dose of milk or calcium lately. Thanks for reminding me, I will have to try to get back to that plan.

Everyone have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

I made it through yesterday. DS had fun at school but was upset that he had to leave after an hour. Today, he was looking forward to going again so let's see what he is like leaving after 1/2 a day. I figure doing the 1/2 day was a good start instead of trying to go a whole day.

Lunch was tuna, chips and a few cookies.

PT went well. I can actively bend my knee to 84 degrees now, but have to keep working on it so that it will naturally get there without alot of work. The plus side is that I got that bend without the therapist doing tons of stretching. So now the goal is to get to 90 and navigate stairs well. After that, I am being cut loose from at least one therapist. It's good to hear, but it is strange since it has become so much a part of my life.

After PT, I had a 6" chicken teriyaki sub on wheat w/provolone, tomato, mayo, cucumbers, and sweet onion sauce. DH didn't get lunch and was hungry. I was not, but I gave in anyway. Should have held my ground.

The conference call was boring.

Supper was a hamburger and potato salad. Small portions, but I should have left the bun off. I almost got away without a late snack, but I dug into the fritos while we were watching Hitch. Funny movie.

Water was close to 36 oz, I think.

Today is off to a different start. Getting kids off to school is really strange. I really haven't done that since February, when you consider that I was not able to get myself out of bed when school ended. It was kind of cool and normal.

Breakfast was 1 bowl fruit loops, 1/2 english muffin, 1 c grapefruit juice.

I have done a little work, a little straightening, and started some laundry. The plan is to get a bit more work done, grab a shower and then I will probably go with my mom to her job interview so that I can show her how to get there. Then we will probably stop and pick up new light fixtures for the outside of the house.

Goals for the day:
1. 48 oz water
2. no eating after 7:30 pm
3. Eat proper proportions

I better get going. Everyone have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Wow, Lesli! Busy, busy, busy!

I can understand your anxiety about getting all of your old responsibilities dumped back on you, maybe before you're ready. I hope you're able to keep the lines of communication open with everyone so that you can all figure out a plan to get everything done without exhausting yourself completely!

I'm glad your PT is going well and that you're still progressing nicely. It's amazing how much you can bond with medical caregivers without even realizing it. I know when my mom had her cancer I really got to know and enjoy the chemo nurses--I really missed them when we were done. I thought I'd never be so glad as to see the end of chemo, but it was really bittersweet.

I'm so happy that DS is enjoying school! I hope they're all having a great start to the school year!

I hope you have a wonderful day today! :banana:

[Lesli54]

Let's try this again. I had it all typed and then the computer froze, imagine that.

In a nut shell, yesterday went fairly well. Water was almost on track, portions were better, and I stopped eating at 8:30, so almost on track.

AM snack was 2 slices cheddar. Lunch was tuna, a few chips, and 2 thin mints. I had part of a milkshake in the afternoon. DMom and I stopped by Steak & Shake on the way home from errands, but their shakes were kind of runny so not very good. I think they must have had a feezer problem. Supper was 3 slices pizza (1 was pretty small) and pepsi. I could have easily stopped at 1 1/2 slices and should have. Then 1 thin mint at 8:30. This is where I caught myself going beyond my cutoff time and decided to stop.

Hopefully DMom's interview went well. It sounds like it did but it also sounds like they know who they are hiring and just going through motions. With luck she'll have it. Stopped and got all the outdoor light fixtures for the house. I think making those few changes will really set off the updates. Selected the color scheme for the house which takes off a lot of pressure. Windows should be here tomorrow and we can start on them this weekend. Now I have to call the gutter people. Does it ever end?

Got alot of work done yesterday and slowly, I can see life starting to gravitate towards some normalcy that I am used to.

Food plan for today:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/cheese, 1 english muffin, ham, 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - 3 crackers & cheese
Lunch - tuna and salad
PM snack - banana smoothie
Supper - I haven't quite figured this out, but I want a real meal

Goals for the day:
1. 48 oz water
2. stick to the food plan
3. no eating after 7:30
4. make a ton of phone calls and appointments
5. bookwork and some cleaning

Time to get going. Lots to do. Everyone have a great day and keep drinking that water! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Good morning!

I'm so glad to hear you had a good day yesterday! :cheer2:

It sounds like you sure got a lot done. The house really sounds like it's coming along--I know renovations are kind of a pain when you're in the middle of them, but I know it's going to be beautiful when it's done.

Sending some :wizard: for your mom! I hope she gets the job!

You've got a great plan for today! You can do it! :thumbsup2

[Lesli54]

Well, yesterday went well, but hit a few unexpected bumps. Water wasn't so good.

I got tons of phone calls done and loose ends, then I ended up with a few calls coming in during lunch time, so I completely forgot that I didn't eat until after I walked up to relieve my mom for lunch at the dollar store. How sad is that? I missed the am snack and almost grabbed cookies but decided to stick to the plan, after all, I was going to have a nice lunch. How ironic. Anyway, DMom decided to grab burgers for her and I and come back to the store, so that was lunch, plus about 15 fries and an ice tea. Then I stayed at the store to help put up Halloween since we can't even get through our back room. Of course the gutter guy comes while I am gone and DH didn't find out how they were planning to run the gutters, so I don't know if I need to call someone else or not.

Although working at the store was fun, it was physically exhausting and I didn't get all my other work done that I had planned. Also, I didn't get supper made. DH ended up making mac & cheese, ham, and bread. I did stay reasonable on my portions.

I was so tired later and I grabbed banana chips late. I know it was after the cut off time, but it was at least fairly healthy, so that has to count for something. All in all, I guess yesterday was not so bad.

Today was off to a hectic start and then I ended up doing a lot of GS work for the last 2 hours. My Regional Director stopped by and we ended up taking care of more than I expected, but that is quite alright. I see some ends in sight!

Food plan today:
Breakfast - 1 fried egg, ham, 1 english muffin, 1 c milk, 1/2 c hot tea w/vanilla
AM snack - 1/2 c banana chips
Lunch - tuna and salad
PM snack - cheese & crackers
Supper - angel hair pasta topped w/ strips of chicken breast and a homemade light but semi sweet tomato sauce and fresh parmesan along with a salad.

So far, I have managed to stick with the plan

Goals for the day:
1. 48 oz water
2. no eating after 7:30pm
3. bookwork

Not much else going on today. I better get going though so I can get more things started and finished. Everyone have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Mmm...your dinner sounds so yummy! How do you feel about 2 extra for dinner? :teeth:

I'm glad yesterday went well and you were able to get by the store. Halloween already, eh? I guess it's coming up fast!

Sounds like you've got a great attitude and plan for today. You can do it! :cheer2:

[Lesli54]

Anytime you want to stop by for dinner, Pearlieq, just let me know. :teeth:

Yesterday was filled with tons of "I need you to take care of this now" situations and lose ends. So although it seems that I didn't do much, I guess I really did. Also, I actually made dinner for the family, which required standing for alot longer than I remembered it did, but I managed alright. Plus, I am kicking back into school mom mode with finding small opportunities for people to help fold laundry or put away things. There is hope yet.

The windows were delivered so now for the big mess to begin.

For the most part the food plan worked. Although, I skipped the salad at lunch and ate a few Fritos and more banana chips. The PM snack was a few thin mints, I think. Supper turned out great, a bit too sweet on the sauce but since I haven't done it for awhile, not bad. Then the cheetos got me late night, but I managed to stop that before it got worse. Water was almost there. Although things still need work, I do think that planning it really helps me so I am going to forge ahead.

Food for today:
Breakfast - 1 fried egg, ham, 1 english muffin, 1 c milk, 1 c hot tea w/vanilla
AM snack - yogurt
Lunch - maybe Chinese, unless DH wants to do a grab and go somewhere, if so I will try to be very reasonable.
PM snack - banana smoothie
Supper - fresh green beans and potaotes "stew" or is it "soup"? I am not sure what you would classify it as, but you boil the green beans and potatoes together along with some bacon, seasoned with some salt & pepper. It tastes so good and is a meal in itself. You could have a sandwich with it or some meat, but we usually just go for it as a meal.

Goals for today:
1. stick with the food plan
2. no eating after 7:30pm
3. 48 oz water

Well, I better get going since PT starts soon and DH will be running in like a whirlwind any minute.

Everyone have a great day and drink lots of water with me. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Good morning!

I think you did a great job yesterday! I wouldn't worry too much about little deviations from the plan--it sounds like you stayed reasonable and in control all day. Good for you! :thumbsup2

I hope PT goes well and you have a great Friday! :sunny:

[Lesli54]

I can honestly say that I did pretty well with my plans yesterday, with only a minor snafu.

All meals were as planned, except I missed my AM snack (forgot to grab it on the way to PT) and I ate some cheetos for the PM snack. Also, I ate just a tad too much Chinese for lunch, but I didn't go overboard. My other snafu, was that I had 3 mini Snickers after 7:30pm. Water however, was on the mark or at least really close.

I managed to get quite a bit done yesterday and am working hard to keep busy so that I have less tendency to snack.

At the moment, my weight is up about 8 lbs. It does bother me some, but part is TOM, part is eating tons of junk over the last few weeks, and the other part is lack of activity. I am finally at the stage where my body isn't burning up tons of calories due to healing even during the inactive moments. Sooooooooooo...........I guess that means, I need to increase my exercise, and my activity in general (back to moving about the house as I used to), and watch what I am eating - which I have started.

Food for today:
Breakfast - 1 fried egg, ham, 1 english muffin, 1 c milk, 1 c hot tea
AM snack - yogurt
Lunch - tuna wrap
PM snack - banana or banana smoothie
Supper - maybe a large salad or the leftover beans & potatoes. I want to keep things light tonight since I am so tired of heavy food.

Goals for the day:
1. stick to the food plan
2. no eating after 7:30pm
3. 48 oz water
4. take a 15 min break and just move around the house (walk, dance, anything to get the blood flowing)

Time to get going. I think later or over the next few days, I will do a progress report update. It helped in the past and I think it's time to begin refocusing.

Everyone take care and have a great weekend. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Congrats on a great day yesterday! I think you did a wonderful job! :thumbsup2

I think your plan to start getting more active is a great one! I'll join you in that--I can't even remember the last time I worked out! Your idea of just getting up and moving for 15 minutes is a great one--just something to keep you moving. Soon enough you'll be back to :banana: to Billy Joel songs!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Looking forward to reading your progress report.

:sunny:

[Lesli54]

Gotta make this quick.

Water was almost good. I had a few mini snickers after my cutoff time last night. Missed my snacks, lunch was green beans and potatoes, which is fine. But then supper was way too much Pizza Hut. I did have a salad, but the desert pizza and cinnamon sticks got me. Does it count that I only drank 1/2 my pepsi?

As for work, I got alot done and I did manage to get up and down alot.

This morning was hectic and so far, I think the rest of the day will be as well. They began installing the windows. All was going well and they replaced some old wood that wasn't any good.........then.........they found that they windows are about 1/2" or so too small! :sad2: Of course you can't take them back and to think you spent all that money. Now they have to work at building up a few things to make them work. The down side is that it will take so much more time since they will have to do this to all the windows. They were replacements that just pop right in and we can see how they would be very slick to use and you could move along fast, however, that just isn't our luck today.

Food for today so far:
Breakfast - 3 donut holes (at church event)
AM snack - 1 c grapefruit juice
Lunch - some banana chips, green beans & potatoes, and 2 mini snickers (those are the last ones I am eating)
PM snack - banana
Supper - who knows, with the delay in construction, I have a feeling it will be a quick fix supper

I better get going. Lots to do. Everyone take care. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

The stress of the windows got to me yesterday, but they didn't quite beat me down, which is a plus.

After lunch, I ended up eating a bowl of Kix. I was looking for something and I was so frustrated that I just completely forgot about the banana. It's a plus since I was actually looking for chips or something and we don't have any. So not all bad, but the point is that I at under stress and that needs to change. Supper turned out to be Subway. I had a 6" steak teryaki on italian w/mayo, sweet onion sauce, tomato, and cucumber. Pretty good. When I got home, I had 1 mini snickers and late, I ate some banana chips.

Well, our worst window turned out to be an all day project. It is actually 2 windows side by side so now we only have 20 to go. But the old one was so rotten and they had to replace quite a bit of wood. To top it off all the old trim around the outside of the windows either needs to be replaced or filled in since it doesn't butt up against the new windows. Something that is common when you replace, but something that we didn't fully consider. So that has added a bit more work. I think that once they get going on the windows that aren't rotted, that things will go faster, but I don't know. On the plus side, the 2 windows that are in look great and I can't wait to see the whole house finished!

Food for today:
Breakfast - 1 egg fried, ham, 1 english muffin, 1 c hot tea
AM snack - yogurt
lunch - tuna wrap
pm snack - will probably miss due to PT
supper - not sure, maybe tacos that we pick up on the way home. DH will be gone and I have lots to do.

Goals for today:
1. 60 oz water (yes, I am bumping up and need to go get started)
2. 15 minutes of stretching my knee
3. 15 min just dancing/moving around (bring on Billy Joel :banana: )
4. stick with the food plan
5. no eating after 7:30 - just drink some chamomile tea to calm the evening.

I know I can do it and I am not backing down from the challenge. I always find ways to justify not sticking to the plan, but if I am trying to bring back good habits then I cannot let the excuses get the best of me.

Time to go get that water. Everyone have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Sorry to hear about the snag with the windows--I'm sure you'll get it worked out, but I can see it's going to be a lot of work!

Don't beat yourself up too much about the stress munching. Kix are just about perfect for that situation. Not many calories, but lots of good satisfying crunch to work out your frustrations!

Tea in the evening is a great idea--warm and satisfying. I should give that a try that myself.

Have a wonderful day! :sunny:

[Zela]

Hey Lesli, its Z

I read something about chinese in one of your posts earlier. I was just wondering what your plan of attack was on chinese buffets. For me I feel like I have to eat a lot at a buffet so I take a large plate and pile it with watermelon, oranges, honeydewmelon, and cantaloupe. Then I go back and get a plate with mostly broccolli from the beef and broccoli, one peice of general tso's, and honey chicken, mushrooms from the pork and mushroom, and one or two crab meat cream cheese wontons. I also get either a cream puff or something else for dessert. I always eat a lot and I kind of try to go ahead and satisfy myself with the healthy stuff and by the time I'm done with it I am nearly stuffed. I just didn't know if anyone else did it like this. :p :wave2:
Sounds like your doing good being aware of what your eating. Keep up the good work!

[goldcupmom]

Hope the window situation improves....such a pain!!

Sounds like you are doing well at getting back on track..Just keep bumping up the water.

Have a great rest of the week!!

[Lesli54]

Hey Z & Julie! Nice to see you had a chance to stop by. It almost feels like life is falling back into place again with all of us looking out for each other.

Well, I missed the AM snack yesterday. Lunch was tuna, but I went for a little pasta salad instead of the wrap. Supper was tacos, but I made mine into a salad w/ a few chips rather than going for the shells. Don't know if it is much different, but at least there was more lettuce than I would have had if I just went for tacos. Water wasn't quite where I wanted it. There were a few mini snickers and really really late, I went for a bowl of Kix since I was really really hungry.

PT went pretty well and I did get in some extra stretching at home.

As for today, I have been going and going and going. At least I got alot done, bills, mail, banking, exchanged caulk, bought primer for windows, did some misc shopping, went to a parent info night, and I can't remember what else.

Food for the day was:
Breakfast - 1 fried egg, ham, 1 c milk, 1 english muffin, 1/2 c hot tea
A few mini snickers - they are gone now and I won't buy any more.
Lunch - almost 1 bowl of HC chicken & rice soup
A small pkg of M&M's - while shopping, could have done better
Supper - Some rotisserie chicken, a sm portion of potato salad, 2 sm pieces of bread, a couple bits of 2 different fruit salads.

Not bad, but could be better. Now I am trying to comtemplate on whether I should go for the cheesecake and have the taste over with or just ignore it. My fear is that if I ignore it I will eat more later.

Water has been ok but still needs work.

Well, I better get going. Everyone take care!

Z - When I do the Chinese buffet, I usually start with a small cup of egg drop soup. Then I get a little bit of rice, a couple of pieces of General Tso's chicken, a few pieces of sweet and sour chicken, then I try to find a veggie dish (like a veggie chopped suey or something that is mainly veggies in a light sauce). After that I usually finish with another cup of soup in order to prevent me from going back to the main buffet and at the same time I get the taste of Chinese that I am after. It's not a great plan, but I used to eat 3 full plates of the main buffet, so I find this as a compromise of taste and less food. The great thing is that I find that I am very satisfied and full without being overstuffed. Hope this helps. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Zela]

About the Chinese buffet: I never thought of utilizing the soup. That's a good idea. Do you know the calories and fat on the egg drop?

Looks like you have been a busy bee lately. I saw that you had a little battle with the mini snickers. Every now and then I'll think I have the will power to buy a giant bag of some mini candy bar and eat 1 every day, but that never happens. Most of the time the entire bag is gone in 3 or 4 days because I get desperate to get them out of the house and I figure if I just eat them all up they won't be tempting me anymore :confused3 :guilty: . Anyway, just trying to say...I feel your pain.
Good job on choosing the kix late at night because you were hungry :thumbsup2 ! I have a hard time at night not because I'm hungry but because I just want to eat so I end up making bad food choices most of the time. I might have to go buy me some kix. :yay:

[pearlieq]

Hi! :wave:

I hope you're having a great day and the windows are coming along. It sure sounds like you've had plenty to do yesterday!

I think this evening cereal thing is good for you. Sometimes no matter how hard you try you just get hungry before bed. Cereal's great for that since it's pretty low calorie, usually comes fortified with some vitamins, and the carbs and milk tend to make you sleepy. All in all, a pretty darn good choice for a late night snack.

Have a wonderful afternoon! Looks like we might even get some :sunny: !

[Lesli54]

On that egg drop soup, I just looked up the info and I am doing better than I originally had imagined. I thought with all the butter in there that it would be really high cal, but it is quite livable. 1 cup of egg drop soup has 72.96 calories, 3.84g of fat, and 1.11g of carbs. Tons of protein and it is a bit high on the sodium, but considering the other alternatives on the Chinese buffet, this turns out to actually be a pretty good choice. Hope it helps! ;)

Ok, I did the cheesecake thing last night, but I kept it to a small sliver and I was able to keep from getting more. :banana: Then I was up really late again so I got a bowl of Cheerios (out of Kix).

This morning, I was dragging. Up too late trying to finish up bookwork before we go see the accountant, but at least I rest a bit easier after we see him, knowing that I am not as far behind as I used to be. :banana:

Food for the day:
Breakfast - 1 fried egg, 1 english muffin, 1/2 c hot tea
Lunch - (if you call it that) 1/3 of an oatmeal raisin cookie, a 2" thick piece of baguette w/butter
PM snack - (eating right now to tie me over) a small snack pack of nuts & a Mountain Dew
Supper - Taco Bell (sitting on the table waiting for everyone to get home). 1-2 tacos, 1/6 of a Mexican pizza (we like to share), 1/6-1/4 of nachos - at least that is the plan

I have worked hard today to get my bookwork done, a little folding of laundry and I had an eye dr. appt, that is why lunch was pitiful. We just got home and I just didn't feel like cooking while I am trying to get things in order for the accountant. At least there is an end in sight!

Goals for the rest of the day:
1. no eating after 7:30 pm
2. get in 36oz more of water.

Better get going. Time for din din soon. OH, the windows are halted due to weather, but hopefully, they well be able to start back up tomorrow or so.

Everyone have a great evening! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo I did good with supper Wednesday night, stuck to the plan and actually ate a bit less. Very very late, I ate a bowl of cheerios as I was up doing bookwork for the accountant. But it is a short lived things so it is ok.

Yesterday was quite busy with the accountant, windows, grocery shopping, taking a short rest of 15 min although I didn't sleep, and cleaning/dejunking.

Food for the day was:
Breakfast - 1 fried egg, 1 slice 7 grain toast w/butter
Lunch - MC chicken pot pie (yes, I ate the enitre thing and was extremely full. Next time, I will only get it if I can share it with someone.)
PM snack - a few nuts
Supper - 3 squares of pizza. (not really hungry after lunch), then later a few more nuts
Late snack - bowl of kix

Water was ok, but not great. I did some stretching for my knee, but didn't really push anything since I was tired.

On the plus side, I feel like a huge weight lifted off my chest as I was able to finish up some of my work. Now to keep the momentum so that I finish the rest. To help with that, I decided to dejunk and organize my office. Well, the organizing started and then it turned into more, but that is ok as it is time for me to start going room to room and get my house back in order, even despite the chaos of construction. When all is said and done, maybe I will be able to truly relax and get things done a little quicker.

Today, I am tired. DS didn't sleep well since I think he is coming down with a cold and had a hard time breathing last night. Then I had PT first thing this morning. That went pretty well, but things have stiffened up a bit this past week and I need to get that turned around. Later, I have to go to the dentist, oh joy.

Food plans:
Breakfast - bowl of Kix (no time for a decent breakfast)
Lunch - Qtr lbr w/chees, fries, ice tea, and a few cheetos (DH ran to get lunch while I was in therapy so not much choice there, then when I got home, I popped in a few cheetos, probably because I am tired and I am looking for something sweet but we don't have anything. Fortunately, I backed off)
Supper - Not sure, but I think I will go check out the freezer here soon. Time to clean it out so there is room for the homemade soup season. ;)
Snacks? - I will go for the grapes or grab a c of hot tea.

Goals for the remainder of the day:
1. 48 oz water (I think I have about 32 to go)
2. Stretch the knee some more
3. Straighten the living room (delegate :teeth: )
4. Continue the organizing of my office.

I signed up for the September exercise challenge and the lose 5 in September challenge. It's time to get back into that serious mode again to move more, hopefully, it will help.

Time to get going. Talk to you all later and have a great weekend.

[Lesli54]

Well yesterday afternoon got a bit sidetracked.

I ate some nuts instead of grapes. I did manage to tidy up some but nothing as major as I had hoped for. Then DMom came home and wanted to go look at a house for sale. Now we just need to look at the inside. Another handful of nuts. DH was gone so the rest of us went to Subway for supper. I had a 6" steak teriyaki on italian w/provolone, mayo, tomato, cucumber, and sweet onion sauce. Plus and iced tea. Really I could have eaten only 4" of the sandwich since I was extremely full afterwards. But of course when we got back home, I found myself grabbing a handful of nuts again. Sometimes, I just don't know what my brain is thinking.

This morning, I slet in! :banana: :cheer2: DS is not feeling well (isn't scool wonderful?) and since he slept in, I took advantage of it. Boy did it feel good. Of course, I was still up at 8:40, but that is late around here.

Breakfast - 1 fried egg, ham, 1/2 slice 7 grain toast w/jelly, 1 c hot tea, 1 c grapes.
AM snack - yogurt
Lunch - something up at the car show
PM snack - cheese & crackers
Supper - I will see what is in the freezer this time, but keep things simple as it is window day again.

Goals for the day:
1. 60 oz water (I can do this!)
2. Exercise for 30 minutes (15 min stretching the knee, 15 min walking around the show - for me that could be alot and the show is small)
3. No eating after 7:30pm
4. Keep the stress of window installation to a minimum (too late :furious: )
5. Get more straightening done.

Ok - DH just calls and the people who said they could cut the wood for the outside trim to the specs we want messed up. Now they say they can't do what we want after DH talked to them a number of times verifying exactly what he was asking for. I think I might scream. Now we are back to square one trying to figure out how to get the right thickness of the trim so that we can match it back with the original. All modern day boards are either to thick or too thin. Just when everything was going well again and we thought the problem was solved............Breathe.............Breathe. :sad2:

It has to get better, right?

I guess I better get going. It looks like this will be a long day. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[CJK]

Sorry about your day! You're right - take some deep breaths and it WILL get better. Hopefully you can figure out the wood trim measurements as painlessly as possible.

I completely understand how eating nuts can run away with you! I've been there more than once! :blush: I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[Lesli54]

You know, CJK, I never really thought about how a few nuts in the day can lead to more nuts, but you are right.

On the plus side of things, they were able to get in 10 windows yesterday, so we only have 10 to go! :banana: I think DH has the boards for the trim worked out with a lumber company, so we will see on Tues. Other than that, they were able to install windows and then they will go back to redo trim work as necessary. It is so nice having the windows in, but now I am realizing how much work I have to do with getting them painted. Yes, we got wood, I didn't want vinyl on the inside and I didn't want to pay an extra $60 per window to have them primed when we can do it for much less.

The eating yesterday got out of hand though. I think part was stress of windows going in, which turned out ok, but the other was stress of not being able to do much or relax since they were moving from room to room fairly quickly. I missed the AM snack. Lunch was a steak sandwich. Then there were 2 sugar cookies, some cheetos, some nuts, and I don't remember what else. Supper was late and I had a bowl of cereal. So much for cleaning out the freezer.

Water was about 40oz or so. I will consider this good since I have been so low on it lately. I did get in about 20 minutes of walking.

So far today is going alright. Breakfast was a bowl of Kix.

No food plans for the day since we have so much work on the house to do. I just will stay reasonable.

Goals today:
1. 60 oz water
2. stretch the knee for 15 min
3. Keep eating to decent portions.

Time to get going. I will talk to you all later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

Water was about 48 oz. so I will take that. It's at least more than I had before. Lunch was late and I ate a bowl of Kix. There there were a few nuts (which are gone), a few bbq chips, and I think that was it. Supper was a tendreloin on bun with a few fries. Really late, I had 2 sugar cookies. Don't know why since it had been quite awhile past 7:30pm and I wasn't really hungry, just up too late and bored to some degree, I guess.

I rested yesterday, DH finished trimming the inside of the windows, I did a little bookwork. Other than that, I am just trying to motivate myself with the painting that needs to be done. To top it off, I am taking on more than I thought. So many of the rooms in my house are 1/2 done or need to be redone (not painted in 15-20 years). Soooooooo. Now I am thinking of which rooms, I can finish quickly and just keep going until all of them are done. The dining room needs new curtains (finally found the ones I want), so I think I will start there since I just need to paint the new windows, hang curtains, and frame my DVC paintings, plus some pics from England to hang. Sounds easy and that room will be done. Then I think I will do the office since all repairs to ceiling and walls have already been done, so I just need to repaint (don't like the color I picked a few years ago), paint windows and trim, then hang pics & documents. After that is done, I can move the furniture back in that is sitting in the living room due to converting the office to a room after the accident. That will free up the living room so I can actually repair ceilings and walls. Makes sense, don't it? Just tons of work, but I want to relax in my house. Of course, we still need to do updates to the kitchen and bathrooms, but the rest of the house can be done right? Anyone care to come help me? :rolleyes1

Food plan for the day:
Breakfast - 1 fried egg, ham, 1/2 7 grain toast w/jelly, 1 c hot tea
AM snack - 1 c grapefruit juice
Lunch - soup or salad
PM snack - grapes
Supper - bbq ribs, salad, gr beans, and probably some type of bread

Goals for the day:
1. 60oz water
2. 30 min exercise
3. no eating after 7:30 pm

Nothing special today happening. Hopefully, they will get a chance to do a few more windows if it doesn't rain.

Everyone have a great holiday! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Good morning! :sunny:

Just catching back up on everything. Wow! You've been very busy. I'm sorry for the stress surrounding the windows. Here's some :wizard: to keep the rest of the project moving smoothly.

With all that work you've got to do, at least you'll be getting lots of good exercise!

I hope you're having a great long weekend! :)

[CJK]

Wow, you are busy!! Just imagine the feeling of accomplishment you'll have when you're finished. Think of all those calories you're burning too! :goodvibes

[Zela]

Hey Lesli,
I think you're doing great considering the stress you are under. I would have already taken out a pack of creme horns by now :rotfl2: . I am trying to begin the process of fixing up my house. I currently have four sets of curtains to hang, wallpaper to remove, and several rooms that I need to decide a color on and paint. It can be frustrating. Keep on keeping on.
ONWARD AND DOWNWARD!
:grouphug: :woohoo: :cheer2: :woohoo: :grouphug:

[Lesli54]

Oh the creme horns sound good too.

Monday was close to plan for the most part, but I did snack on unneccessary foods here and there and I had something late, but don't remember what it was.

Yesterday was a bit of a flop as well. Breakfast was a 2 egg omelet w/too much cheese, 1/2 thing of yogurt, 1/2 c hot tea, and something else, I think. Lunch was a qtr lbr w/cheese, fries, and an iced tea. Supper was a 3 small squares of pizza. Late, really really late, I had a bowl of cheerios. Then throughout the day there were cookies, chips, nuts and maybe something else. Not sure.

PT went fairly well yesterday. I did get some bookwork done which was good. Then I stressed a bit. We had a GS registration night and the person that was going to take on the troop that I lead fell through. So it looks like I am going to continue leading. It's not that I don't like it and I enjoy working with the kids, but I really needed to take a step back from things. People "understand" but no one "has the time" to help out. I am caught between running myself a bit ragged (been there done that) and leaving all those girls with no one to lead them. It is really stressing me out since I had planned to back off of things in order to take better care of me. Now I am trying to figure out what things I can back out of and there aren't many, but I do need to find time for me. I am so tired of running for everything and I am not even driving yet.

Food plan today (I want to try to stick to it):
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/cheese, 1 yogurt, 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - cheese & crackers
lunch - tuna wrap or ribs & salad
pm snack - ?
Supper - beef & noodles, salad, and peas

Goals for today:
1. 60oz water
2. 30 min exercise
3. no late night snack

It's another window day. They have a few to finish on the main level then they will go to the upper which might be interesting. I have some cleaning I need to do around here before they get started. Also, I need to do some work of some kind - either bookwork or misc. I think I will leave the GS work until tomorrow, too much stress............Calgon take me away! :rotfl2:

Well, time to get going. Off to go drink some water! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Hey, did you notice you have 2 new tags! I didn't even know the TF hung around these parts! How cool is that! :thumbsup2

I'm glad you had a good PT session. I'm sure all of this "real world" activity is keeping things coming along nicely.

I'm sorry to hear about the pickle you're in with the Girl Scouts. I really hope you can work something out, because you absolutely deserve time for you!

I'm cheering you on for a great day today! I know you can do it! :banana:

[CJK]

I hope you ended up having a great day yesterday and you planned. Sorry to hear about the GS situation. Remember to take care of yourself when things get stressful. That's usually the first thing out the window for me! Hope your week is going well.

[Lesli54]

I didn't do too bad yesterday with my plan. Lunch was ribs. I know I had a few cookies, some PB, and some nuts here and there. Supper went as planned except with 1 roll and no salad. I did manage to eat a bag of popcorn later in the evening. Not exactly great, but it wasn't super late and it was better than all the ice cream everyone else was having. The plus side is that the ice cream didn't tempt me.

Aside from a crazy day of working and stressing we did get in 7 more windows. Today, the last 3 go in and then they start finishing off the trim. We over slept this morning since we didn't hear any of the outside noises due to the new windows. It was nice and I really feel rested which I attribute to keeping the outside noises out or extremely muffled.

Food for today:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/cheese, 1/2 slice 7 grain toast w/jelly, 1 c grapefruit juice, 1 c hot tea
AM snack - trail mix (peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds) & 3 PB crackers.
Lunch - tuna and crackers
PM snack - 1 cookie, some fruit loops no milk
Supper - not sure, but I am definitely ready for something light

Goals for the day:
1. more water (I only have 12 oz in)
2. Just trying to stay sane and concentrate on one thing at a time

I better get going. Lot's to do yet. Everyone have nice day. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[CJK]

THE ICE CREAM DIDN'T EVEN TEMPT YOU?

What's your secret?? ;)

The end is in sight for those windows!! Are you pleased with them so far? Pretty soon that stress in your life will be behind you!

Keep up the good work and have a great weekend!!! :goodvibes

[Lesli54]

I managed to get alot of bookwork done yesterday. And for the most part, I stuck to my food plan for the evening. We had taco salad/dip. Unfortunately, DH and I escaped for some DQ and I had a sm coconut cream blizzard. He was a bit stressed.

The windows. Well, we only had 3 left to do and I was so excited. They tore out the two kitchen windows completely and were set up to install when they realized the new windows were 6 inches too big! Needless to say, they had to set the old ones back in until the new ones come back in. Now we have 2 extra windows (can't take special orders back). Anyway, it will still work out since there are 3 windows we didn't replace upstairs so that we can rip out the bathroom and a small nook off our room so that we can make 2 new bathrooms (one as a master bath). I figure we would probably lose a window in the process or at least the sizing and placements will change with the remodel, so now we will just use the two extras we have. It should work out ok since they are not overly big, but aren't really dinky either. Needless to say, though, DH is extremely frustrated. I will be glad when his part is done so that he can relax. He loves the windows though and I tell him that no home project goes smoothly. Most of the new trim is up on the outside of the new windows and it looks great. We are almost ready for the painters!

Up early today to start laundry, get kids off, and go to PT. I was officially taken down to one day a week for the PT portion that works my arm. I thought I was closer to being let go for the legs as well, but we have had some changes in what may be restricting my knee bending so we are still at it for 2 days a week. The great news is that we almost got to 90 degrees bend in the knee today! That was with the therapist's help, but at least we know it is possible and we know what I need to work on to keep it there!

Food for today:
Breakfast - 1 fried egg, 1 c grapefruit juice, 1 slice 7 grain toast w/jelly
Lunch - Chinese buffet (shouldn't have gone back for another bowl of soup, was a little full)
PM snack - 6 sm PB crackers
Supper - 3 slices pizza and pepsi (should have stuck w/2)
Late snack - ice cream (not alot, not a little)

Other than PT, I rested this afternoon. I guess I was more tired than I thought. Did a little work, but most of the day was resting, which is ok.

Water was horrible, but there is always tomorrow.

Everyone have a great weekend. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

PS. - I didn't notice the new tags until you pointed them out Pearlieq! This is the first time I have been tagged by the fairy and I got doubles! :banana: I just wish I could remember where the first one was said and what it referred to.

[pearlieq]

Good morning, Lesli!

Aren't tags the best! :thumbsup2 The first one actually came from one of your posts to my journal--you were talking about our little escape to Chicago last weekend.

I am so sorry to hear about the snafu with the windows, but it sounds like you worked it out well and have a great plan to use them elsewhere. It sounds like the house is going to be absolutely gorgeous when it's done!

Congrats on getting down to one day a week for the arms! Your dilligence and hard work are really paying off. I know you'll keep making great progress on the legs. You've been doing so much these days--it's plain to see you've gotten a lot of your stamina back. :cheer2:

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! :sunny:

[CJK]

Ah renovating!!! It can be a crazy stressful time, but it sounds like the end result will be worth it. Hang in there!! :sunny:

Wonderful news about your arm!! Sounds like you're continuing to work really, really hard. Way to go! :thumbsup2

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :goodvibes

[Zela]

Yay Lesli :cheer2: Yay Lesli :cheer2:
Your doing great. I am still in awe fo your ability to eat decently when you are stressed and there is peer pressure(choosing popcorn over icecream :thumbsup2 ). Have a great day! :grouphug:

[Lesli54]

The last few days have been a bit bingeful.

Saturday, we went to my childhood home town (and my mom's) since they were doing an 160 year celebration. Everyone but DH went (he had to ref a game). We also took along one of DD16's friends who happens to be visiting from Sweden since our town's heritage is Swedish and we thought he might enjoy some reminescence of home. It was a fun time for everyone and I walked and walked. I think I counted about 195 minutes of good walking. Talk about tired by the day's end. The problem was that I didn't drink near enough water. Food for that day wasn't too bad, I think. Breakfast was some kind of cereal, Lunch was a turkey & provolone on rye, w/chips, Supper was a bacon cheeseburger and a few fries. But there were a few pieces of candy and who remembers what else.

Sunday, we had a family reunion. Actually, it was pretty easy to do good at that since everyone brought chicken and very little salads or deserts. I had a few slices of white meat chicken (kind of like a rotisserie chicken), some chicken noodles, a macoroni salad, cantaloupe, and a piece of spice cake. Oh, yeah, breakfast was some kind of cereal. Supper was taco salad/dip and chips. I know I had too many mini cupcakes in the evening, there may have been potato chips, Swedish candy bar, and I am not sure what else.

Yesterday. Breakfast was 1 fried egg, 7 grain toast, & 1 c grapefruit juice. Lunch was tuna fish, then I had 1 piece pizza. Supper was a hamburger and some fries. Throughout the day I had too too many mini cupcakes, cookies, chips, PB crackers, and just about anything that didn't move. Then late, instead of going to bed because I was tired, I ate a whole bag of popcorn.

Water has been horrible all days.

Then yesterday was the bitter sweet news.......my PT therapist for my legs told me that Friday would probably be the last day. I am kind of excited, but scared. Sad that I am not personally working with him on my last day. And very unsure where that leaves me. To clarify: I have been going to PT for almost 5 months and it has become so much a part of my life that I don't know what to do without it. My PT says "have a life" :teeth: Now it is solely my responsibility to gain more strength and range of motion which means I have to set up a good program here at home. One were I can't fail or "forget" about due to time constraints. I also feel like I am leaving behind a part of me. He did such a wonderful job in teaching me to walk again, to get up and down stairs, and to just be able to function in my life again. It is almost like leaving a family member. :sad: :sad:

I also came to another realization yesterday......learning my new "norms". My mind still tells me that I can clean up the kitchen in a few hours top to bottom. My body says different. I did start, but it took so long just to get one area done (and that means leaving and going back 3 times). It didn't really wear me out, which is good, but I don't move as fast on my feet or with my arm, which in time will change, but because it took longer, I got bored so I would go do something else and come back. At this rate, I should have the entire kitchen done in 5 days! :rotfl2: It is not a bad thing if people help me keep up with it, but it is something to adjust to for the moment. Now I see why DH mentioned that I am no longer able to work our dollar store. I thought I could and held it in the back of my mind to do after the bookwork was caught up and I had more energy, but I don't think it will happen that soon. I tried setting a shelf a few weeks ago, and it takes me quite along time. OH well. Adjusting is awkward at times.

New problem. I have gained 2 lbs. Part is the junky eating, part is the lack of water, and part is the lack of exercise, other than getting my leg and arm stretched out. I think that without therapy, it is time to really focus on my weight again. Better eating and more exercise, besides I need to continue my strength building.

Today's food:
Breakfast: 1 c frosted mini wheats, 1 c fruit loops, 1 crisp bread w/ lingonberry jam
AM snack: 1 tbsp PB (of course this was all before I weighed myself and I was still looking for munchies afterwards)
Lunch: LC orange chicken
PM snack: crackers & havarti cheese
Supper: maybe some potato soup or whatever I find in the freezer

Goals for the day:
1. 60 oz water
2. no binging

Well, that is life in a nutshell lately. I better get going as I have much work to do. Everyone have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[CJK]

Thanks for the update!! :grouphug: for mourning the end of your legs therapy with such a great guy. I can see why that would be bitter sweet. Try to focus on the fact that you've done so incredibly well and have worked so hard. I really believe that you'll figure out a routine of doing the exercises yourself. You don't want to stop now after working so hard.

Sounds like you had a really fun weekend (and had some delicious food!). Don't worry about the weight gain. I could really sense in your post how you have that determination to get back to losing and drinking that water. I hear you on the water problem!! I've been at this healthy lifestyle for 3 months and it's still be biggest battle.

I hope you have a great week!

[pearlieq]

Your weekend sounds like a lot of fun! I may have to come by and swipe that lingonberry jam!

I can't believe that PT is coming to an end either. It's a very bittersweet thing, and I know you will miss the people you worked with very much. You bond with people in that type of situation, and it's amazing how attached you become to them.

I think now is a good time to begin focusing on your weight again--luckily the same exercise that will help you regain range of motion and stamina will also help keep weight under control. Plus, I think getting back to working on your weight is one more step back toward "normal".

I hope today is a great day for you! Hopefully we see the :sunny: soon!

[Lesli54]

Tuesday night, I made a fresh batch of potato soup and ate 2 bowls for supper. Too much, but very good. :teeth:

Yesterday was busy busy. Breakfast was 1 egg omelet w/cheese, 7 grain toast, and 1 c grapefruit juice. Oh, and a few drinks of hot tea (forgot about it then had to run).

DH and I did errands yesterday morning, trying to get the rest of the house under way before the weather gets too cold. I had 3 tacos and some sierra mist from Taco Bell for lunch.

Then I took my new ladder.....we found a really nice heavy duty step ladder that I can use given my limitations with the knee bend, that has wider treads and a platform to stand on, with a support bar that raises quite high so that I can climb easier AND it has wide place to put paint and all the necessary tools when working........all I was looking for was something I could use to get to the top cupboards since I can't get up on a chair well.........but this is even more multi-purpose :goodvibes ........Anyway, I took my new ladder and started puttying nail holes where the window trim was replaced. It felt good to do something normal.

Supper was marinated chicken on the grill, rice, and gr beans. That is 2 dinners in a row that I made, wow, life is coming back! Then of course, I had popcorn late, and a few Oreos, plus a few other things during the day. :confused3

Despite all that (don't ask me how), I am down 2 lbs! So I am at least moving back down the scale towards my ticker. That is a good thing.

This morning, we hit another snag........our painter came back to get started on doing the top coat, but started with repriming the new wood around the windows. I was going to do that for him, but it is a good thing he did it since we have to remove all the caulk that they just put on around the window. It isn't paintable. I know I asked about that at one time and the guys said it would be ok.....NOT. So know we are paying the painter EXTRA to sand it all off. Thank God they didn't get to all the window yet. I will be glad when this house project is done. You know, maybe there are higher forces telling us that we just need to pay for things and quite doing them ourselves. :rolleyes1

Oh the good news.......I hope. The school super called me on the job offer for treasurer. He did a phone interview making sure that I understood what the job entailed as he thought some people thought the job was more than it is. Such as, it is full time as in 12 months of work, but not full time as in 40 hours a week, flexible with certain times of the month being set, and needing to be on call here and there for certain things. Actually this works out great for me since I can still do much of my work from home and be available most of the time still for my family. I am not ready for a 9-5 everyday anyway. I love working from home and being "on location" so to speak as needed. So next week I will have an interview with him and hopefully, all goes well.

Food for today:
Breakfast - 2 c fruit Loops and milk
AM snack - 1 rye crisp bread w/ lingonberry jam, maybe some havarti
Lunch - potato soup
PM snack - banana
Supper - thinking about making chili, or maybe I will just check out the freezer.

Goals for the day:
1. Water - 60 oz (I have been horrible with this)
2. Exercise for 30 minutes besides stretching
3. Go to bed by 10:30

I better get going. That was enough of what happened lately. Everyone have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Good morning, Lesli!

Potato Soup sounds so tasty. It's just the right time of year for it, too.

Another snag with the windows--ugh! At least there seems to be a decent solution for this one. You'll have to post a picture or two when it's all done--I'm sure it will be beautiful (once it's all finally, finally done!).

I'm so exicted for the treasurer position! That sounds like it would be such a good fit for you! I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you! :wizard:

Have a wonderful day!

[Lesli54]

Thursday went pretty well. I managed to stick to the food plan for the most part. I did add havarti and crackers to my AM snack since I was so hungry and trying to ignore it was starting to get me in trouble. Lunch was right on. PM snack? Don't remember, but it wasn't a banana. Then for supper we grabbed Pizza Hut since I didn't want anyone to stop long with the house project. I had 3 pieces and could have more than stopped at 2 but I at the first one too quickly. Plus some cookies and something else I am sure here and there. Water wasn't bad but not were it should be. Exercise for the day consisted of cleaning the house and getting things in order around here, which kept me busy most of the day. I am still having a problem concentrating on one room at a time, but at least things are getting better all the way around and my house is starting to resemble me again. The 7 months of chaos is starting to disappear! :banana: Of course, I got so into getting things back to normal and was feeling so good about it that I couldn't sleep and ended up being up late working on things. Figures doesn't it?

The great thing? They started putting the color on the house Thursday! What a change, but it is finally coming all together.

Even better? I woke up yesterday to another 1 lb down! :cheer2: Even after the pizza which is surprizing, so now I am finally on my way towards my Sept goal of 5lbs. We had to take DS to the Dr and I stepped on their scale to double check mine and it is pretty much right on which makes me feel better knowing I have a working scale. ;)

Breakfast was 1 egg omelet w/cheese, 1/2 slice 7 grain toast w/jelly, 1 c grapefruit juice, some hot tea. Lunch was a qtr lbr w/cheese, fries, and some ice tea. We were hoping for Chinese, but had too many errands to stop. PM snack was 2 Oreos. Supper was DQ. I had 4 chicken strips w/gravy, some fries and most of my texas toast, no ice cream! :goodvibes It didn't even tempt me. I was so full from dinner and I had eaten heavy all day and didn't really feel like adding to that feeling. There might have been some thing else, but I am not sure.

Yesterday was a run around day. DS missed his first field trip because I just had to get him into the Dr. He wasn't sounding good and it turns out he has Bronchitis. Then ran some other errands. Back home, turn around for PT. I almost cried, but held it together. My therapist told me he was proud to have the opportunity to work with me. :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: He was pleased by my hard work and determination. Of course, I told him that I was coming back to him when they redo the knee down the road. And, I will check back from time to time to keep them updated on my progress. Then we were off house hunting for my DMom. Talk about exhausted by the end of the day!

The house is looking good. Can't wait to see the trim color on. I am debating about ordering the shutters and getting them on or waiting til spring.

This morning, I woke up to a .5 lb loss! :banana: It must be the extra activity I am doing because the food hasn't been great, although the portions have been good. At any rate, I will take what I can get.

Food for the day:
Breakfast - 1 scrambled egg w/cheese (tried the omelet thing and I had too much cheese so it was a mess), 1 slice 7 grain toast w/jelly, 1 c grapefruit juice, 1 c hot tea.
AM snack - banana
Lunch - either a brat from the cookout or ? (depends on if I am shopping)
PM snack - 1 rye crisp bread, lingonberries, havarti
Supper - Freezer choice? Grill? Order out? Fend for yourself? I just don't know! :confused3

Goals for the day:
1. Water 60 oz
2. Exercise 30 min
3. Keep on cleaning, organizing, dejunking, or whatever you call it I am doing.

I had planned to go do some shopping for supplies: paint, primer, screening, etc. and look for a few clothes for my interview. But.......DD16 is taking her sweet time this morning and I am already out of the mood. I had planned to leave by now. Then of course, my DMom wants to go this afternoon, but I didn't really want to go that late since I wanted to work on things later. Time for me to start driving again. :rolleyes1

So that is the last few days for me......1.5 lbs down! :cool1: Better get going. Lot's to do. Everyone have a great weekend! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[CJK]

Wow, you've been so busy!! Honestly I don't quite now how you do it, while still having time to lose weight! Congratulations on the weightloss!! :goodvibes You're on a roll! Hope you can have some time for yourself this weekend.

[pearlieq]

Congrats! It's great to see those numbers going down again! :thumbsup2

I'm tired just reading about all you've been up to. At least it keeps you active! I hope you're able to get everything you need done today.

Have a great weekend!

[Lesli54]

Where do I begin? I don't think I can even begin to figure out what I ate. I think supper for Saturday was a fend for yourself. Anyway, I managed to get alot done and cleaned/organized my entire office. It is now ready to be painted (since I can manage to get to windows and walls ;) ). It feels so good though to have everything in a place where I can see what needs to be done. A great sense of accomplishment after 7 months.

Sunday?......I had a porkchop sandwich for lunch and some chips. Don't remember breakfast. Supper was a steak and salad. Most of the munchies were fairly controlled. Water all these days has been horrible. Looked at houses with my mom and then I played around with my genealogy. Something I haven't really done in 7 months. Just too tired to think of work and I wanted to have some enjoyment.

Monday? Oh yeah! We went to see the doctor for my legs and he says that I am good to go and released me. He doesn't expect me to get more bend, but I would like to try, although I can function. Basically, I don't need to come back until I have pain in the knee or things get to where I can't really do much because of problems with the knee, then he will do a knee replacement, but he hopes that it will last me the rest of my life. So it is sad that I can't ride a bike, but at least I have my life and I will figure out ways to do other things I can't do now. Also, he released me to drive. Cool. :banana: Breakfast was cereal, then a sausage biscuit at McD's. Lunch was french onion soup, a french baguette, and iced tea at Panera's. supper was 2 tacos. I know I munched on a few nuts and I don't know what else. DMom had to leave on short notice to see my aunt. We did the Open house thing at school and I don't know what else.

Today? Breakfast was 1 egg omelet w/cheese, 1 slice 7 grain toast w/jelly, ham, hot tea, 1 c grapefruit juice. I drove my son to school for the first time, today (DH was with just in case)! It was great and I was glad to have a sense of normalcy. A little strange but normal. Had to work the dollar store this morning, then left quickly to get DD19 from college since she isn't feeling well so she is home for a few days. I ate a banana and cereal bar on the way for lunch. On the way back we grabbed some lunch and I had a bacon cheeseburger, a few fries and part of my sprite. I drove along the interstate for about 30-40 minutes on the way home and that was about all I could do. It made me a bit tired, but I think that was from all the mental stress and not driving for so long. DH thinks I did well given the fact that it has been 7 months. He is just beaming with pride. :woohoo: Supper was potato soup, had a few M&M's, just had a bowl of cereal. I did get a little bookwork done and I should get to bed so I can finish it in the morning before I go work the dollar store again. So much to do and so much chaos going on at the same time.

Well, at least the house is painted! They finished today and it looks great! Now I just have to get to those windows from the inside before it turns winter.

Talk to you all later. ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[CJK]

Woohoo the house is done!!! I know I always love when renovations are finished and things are back in place. Enjoy the order again!! :)

Great doctor's appointment! Must be great to drive again. You've been working so hard. You should be very proud of yourself.

Keep up the great work and have a great couple of weeks!

[Lesli54]

I'm back! I did try to post a few days ago, but the boards were down, then when I did get on, my computer froze in the middle of my post. Oh well, we shall try again.

Quick updates -
9/20-23 - Things were very hectic around here. DMom informed me that she wasn't going to be back since my aunt is not doing well at all. So, that left me working in a store that I haven't worked in a long time and kind of going crazy trying to figure out what was going on. Needless to say the stress was on. Then to top it off, DD19 came down with an extremely sore throat and slight fever. I did manage to get her to the dr. over the weekend for antibiotics. DS started feeling better and finishe up his meds. I did go into a store by myself though while DD19 was getting a hair cut. It was really strange to shop without someone around. Kind of normal. Plus there were 50 million other things we ran around to get done. Food was not great and neither was water. Needless to say, my exercising was horrible as I had no time and working part days along with stress pretty much made me exhausted.

9/24-9/30 - DD9 had her birthday. It is strange to think that she is so old. Took DD19 back to college. Worked at the store again, but this week was a bit easier since we were able to get in some temporary help to cut down on the days I need to be there. Amazingly, I was able to get alot done at home, although the stress levels were still high. Food was horrible and I think I have eaten anything that isn't tied down. Water is bad. Exercise is non existent and I am really feeling the difference, which is not good. I actually ran errands by myself in the next town over. It was kind of cool and very normal. Went shopping for clothes and homecoming shoes for DD16. Watched the homecoming parade and then had an early pre-game dinner with DH's family, although he wasn't there since he was picking up DD19. Who by the way hates her RA job and realizes how much she misses ROTC and is thinking strongly about going back. Decorated Friday night for the birthday party. Saturday, I ran around like a crazy woman, got two cakes decorated and somehow pulled off a party for DD9 and DS, his birthday is this coming week. DMom came down to celebrate with us and to pack her things for the trip back. :sad2: Oh, amazingly, my house is coming back together little by little after being in chaos for 7 months. WOW! DD16 went to the homecoming dance and had a great time.

Yesterday -
We were so tired from the last few weeks that we didn't make it too church. Thankfully, our extra duties were done last Sunday. Breakfast was 1 fried egg and 1 english muffin. Finally everyone managed to get going and we went to Build-a-bear, which just opened. The kids have been wanting to go and they had so much fun. DD9 made a pink poodle with all the princess trimmings. DS made a huskie with a Chicago Bears outfit, of course DH loves that one. DD16 bought a few things for her animal she already had. DD19 wants one when they come out with the right animal. Hey, I think even I would like one. ;) Lunch was 2 tacos and a couple potatoes ole. Back home, everyone quickly got things packed to go home. DMom left and it was pretty sad. Then I had to take DD19 to the bus so she could get home. Picked up the last two windows that were reordered, but the guy forgot to order the divided lights for it, so it still isn't over. Supper was anything and everything. I had popcorn, peanuts, candy, cereal, you name it.

Today -
The day started out good. But now I just got a call from DD19 and she has mono. This year for our family is something else.

Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/ mushrooms & cheese, ham, 1/2 c hot tea
AM snack - yogurt
Lunch - tuna wrap and some fruit
PM snack - banana smoothie or cheese & crackers
Supper - ????????? I am supposed to do CPR tonight so I will be missing dinner.

Goals for the day:
1. Try to keep the stress level down
2. Stick to the food plan
3. 60 oz water
4. 30 min exercise (at least stretching)
5. Go to bed by 10:30

I know it is alot, but I need to turn this ship around before I run aground.

Everyone have a great day! ::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[CJK]

Wow - sounds like you have A LOT going on in your life right now. I hope you're able to reduce your stress level. Your family is fortunate to have you in their lives - so willing to offer a helping hand. Hope you can have some fun this weekend!

[goldcupmom]

How are things, Lesli??? I've been MIA as well, but when you're MIA, it kind of makes me nervous!!

Hope DD is better and things are calming down!

I didn't want you to slip off page 1 :thumbsup2

[Lesli54]

Oh where do I begin? Well, the good news is that I am back and ready to get back to losing weight and taking care of me. I really miss it and I am tired of being tired and drug out.

So, updates.......for the most part, I have been doing well. Everyday I am getting stronger and when I can get some real rest and proper nurishment, I feel great, move better, and have good days. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case. I really do need to get back to exercising as that would help me emmensely and I think the healing would go faster.

Weight wise, I have gained back about 20 lbs of the 42 that I had lost. And all in record time. Now why can't we lose it as quickly?

Why all the stress? Two reasons. DD19 and the dollar store. We have been working on closing the store and unfortunately, it is taking longer to sell of the inventory than we had originally hoped for. Now we will be open at least a few weeks into the new year. Some days, I am glad that it is going to be done, other days I am sad and hate to see it go, then other days I feel like I didn't give it much of a chance. But who would have anticipated the accident happening and putting me out of commission for so long? To top it off, we got word about month or so ago that our main supplier is going out of business. I'm thinking that we were meant to do something else. What do you think?

Now for DD19. Have you got 5 days to read the story?:confused3 Things with her went from bad to worse. She eventually got over the mono. But that coupled with some depression over a situation at school put her behind in her classes to the point where even catching up would drastically lower her GPA. So she withdrew for the semester to preserve her GPA and came home just after Halloween. At first she tried to lapse into depression around her, but I tried to keep her busy enough so that she could learn to move on with life. I have to say that she did help me get parts of the house caught up and now I am feeling like most of my house is back to normal. Then we insisted that she get a job, might as well work for the 3 months that she was going to be home. She did and she loves it. Planned to transfer the job down to her college town. Of course, during all this time, we are trying to figure out what she is going to do come the next semester. She wanted to transfer colleges, now she doesn't (after being accepted to another, of course). She wanted to go back to ROTC, now she doesn't, but she might, who knows. She doesn't want to be an RA, but she might consider it. Are we seeing contradiction and confusion here? About a week and a half before Christmas, she decides to stay out all night and finally calls at 2pm the next day. Very much out of character, so I had the police looking for her. She bought a new car (used, with money she saved), so we didn't know if something went wrong there, or she was hurt, or God knows what. Of course, we didn't approve of the not coming home and she says that she can take care of herself and we don't need to worry about her then moves out. We didn't know for a week where she was. Come to find out, she is living with a new boyfriend that she had met a few weeks prior. DH and I met her before Christmas to work things out and hopefully bring her home. After a very emotional conversation and very contradictory on her part, she says she will be home in a few days. She brings the boyfriend by on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. No problem with him that we can see, but I still don't agree with the situation. She hasn't returned home. Now she wants us to pay for colleg this next semester, while she is living wherever she pleases! :sad2: Basically, we are not going to unless a few things change. Tomorrow we are supposed to have lunch with her and the boyfriend to discuss things. The only reason I am considering that he is there is so that he can hear what we have to say without her distorting it.

Neither DH nor I are sleeping well. We are both going through the comfort foods like crazy. The sad thing is that we know exactly what is going on when we grab for the bad foods, but at this point, we just want to make it through to the next day. I will tell you, it is a perfect in to an already stressful year.

Oh, in the meantime, DS turned 4 and DD16 turned into DD17. Well, DH had a birthday also. Oh yeah, I drastically backed off of Girl Scouts and am down to only leading DD9's troop. At the moment that is all I can handle, along with still doing library board and attending DAR.

Christmas was pretty good all things considered. I did everything possible to carry out traditions and create some stability for my family, something much needed after this year.

But, I am back now and plan to post daily. I do miss it and need it to get back on track. DH and I are planning to work on better eating and exercise in the New Year. WISH us luck.

It may take a few days, but I will get to your journals to catch up.::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[pearlieq]

Lesli!!!!! :banana:

It's so great to "see" you! I've missed you so much and you've been in my thoughts so often.

It sounds like it's been a very eventful few months for you. I'm sorry to hear about the dollar store closing, but you're right--who could have predicted everything that happened over the last year? Maybe the supplier closing is kind of a sign. I wish you the best as you wind things down and start thinking about where you want to go next.

As for DD19, whew! Talk about your growing pains! This must be a heck of a shock for you and your DH. I've always kind of gotten the impression from what you've written that she was very focused and goal-oriented--often your "right hand". I'm sure it's quite a change of dynamics for all of you.

It sounds like some things are going right. She's over the mono, seems to be recovering from the depression, enjoying her job, has a seemingly decent new boyfriend, and is commited to continuing her education.

The poor girl sounds so lost. She's been through so much this year. And now so many decisions to make and so many things to juggle! I doubt it's any picnic for you and DH either especially with DD17 in the wings. Growing up is hard and 19 is such an awkward place, especially for the firstborn. Not quite an adult, but definitley not a kid anymore either.

Staying out all night with no call isn't OK. It's not even so much of a freedom issue as an issue of common courtesy. How were you to know that she hadn't run into some kind of trouble? My DH is a perfectly responsible, competent adult but I would still be worried sick if he didn't come home one night! I'm sure it's hard for her to see that your concern was for her safety more than it was to keep tabs on her.

I don't envy you trying to figure out the new college situation. On the hand continuing her education is so important, but she can't just have carte blanche, especially with you footing the bill! I hope you can work out an equitable agreement.

Looking forward to seeing more you in the new year! :grouphug:

[Lesli54]

Common courtesy! What was that? I think that is exactly what we said to her and what everyone else has said hearing the situation. DH and I are always in contact if we are running late for some reason. When I go away, I always call him to tell him when I got in or when the plane landed then I call to let him know for sure the room numbers if I am staying at a hotel versus family or friends, even though I am an adult. Common courtesy, what a concept.

The trick is going to be showing her that she can't have her cake and eat it too. Thanks for all your well wishes Pearlieq. Let's hope this next year is much better.

Might as well start journaling today, as I think it is going to be a doozie. We meet with DD19 and her boyfriend to discuss things. I am praying that we can turn this thing around. If he is the "one", great, but I think stepping back and learning how to have a real relationship is better. The moving in so quickly thing can really confuse a situation. I know there are a few exceptions out there, but for the most part, it just doesn't turn out well. Besides, I want her to get back to being goal-oriented again.

Food plan for the day:
Breakfast - 1 scrambled egg w/swiss and red & yellow bell peppers, ham (1 serving), and 1/2 c grapefruit juice (this was great, I haven't had a decent breakfast in awhile)
AM snack - banana or crackers
Lunch - french onion soup at Panera, maybe an apple instead of a baguette, iced tea
PM snack - celery & cheese
Supper - minute steaks w/mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes (we tried it the other night, but didn't realize the milk was soured, so I promised it for later)

Goals for the day:
1. 60 oz water (I have hardly drank 1 glass of water a day for too many weeks)
2. 15 min exercise (this morning to release tension)
3. Tackle laundry, cleaning, bookwork......anything after seeing DD19 so as not to lay on the couch depressed if things don't go well.
4. Stick to the food plan (the extra snacking doesn't help)
5. In bed by 10:30pm (sleeping has been very hard)

It's a start anyway. Later, I will post on where I am at with weight, update my ticker, and post some short and long term goals. One goal........I am definitely going to meet Pearlieq, after almost 2 years on this board. The new year will be better.

Everyone have a great day!::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

Well, things didn't quite go as planned on the goal side of things, but I didn't completely blow it either.

No AM or PM snack. Lunch was as planed, but with a baguette. Supper was as planned. Then the munchies got me later. I ate cheese and crackers, popcorn, chips, and I think that was it. Plus I had a few glasses of wine. So any good that I did during the day, I think I undid at night. No exercise. Water was just over 24 oz., which is really good for me lately. Sleep was too late (talking to DD17), and I didn't tackle a thing after seeing DD19.

The meeting went ok, but I think she has made up her mind that she will do as she pleases. We did find out that she really doesn't want to go back to her old school because she hates it there, which is fine and part of the reason why she applied elsewhere. Only later decided that she didn't want to go there, but she never told them that she wasn't going after being accepted. My thinking, is that she still hadn't made up her mind. Trying to get her to realize that she needs time to step back and look for something that fits her needs where she will be happy, maybe take some courses locally while doing that. She admits that could be a good idea. Yeah for us! But then she still believes that she should live on her own 100% and live life the way she wants (yet she can't explain what that really means, can't explain what all the "demands" that we supposedly made on her was, cause we didn't) and we should still pay for college. We asked her to come home to work things out, get better established financially, look for a new school, and then we could consider paying for the summer or fall semester. She's mad that we won't pay for this semster, but if you really don't know where you should be going, why pay? I am afraid that she will either withdraw or the grades will suffer because she will not be where she wants to be. She can't explain her goals or her steps to reach them anymore and that really concerns me. Now her boyfriend seems nice and it "appears" that he has all of his goals laid out, but at the moment, he is willing to take care of her 100% if she chooses not to come home. Why come home then when you have a place to go? Yet, DD19 doesn't want to be dependent on anyone, yeah, I see that. She has a part time job living in his home. Somehow she thinks that a part time job is enough to make ends meet and put away some money. Wow, wouldn't that be great?!!

Needless to say DH and I still aren't sleeping well, even though I think that we said all that we could say to DD19. Basically, I don't think it will matter what we say, she won't come home and her mind was made up that way. At least, her boyfriend saw us in a different light than what she was painting for him. There were a number of things that came up during the meal that he wasn't aware of or not told the details. But basically, he sees that she has a good home to go to which is not what he believed from her side. Will it matter, probably not.

Food plan today:
Breakfast - cream of wheat, ham, 1 c milk, 3/4 c grape juice
AM snack - none
Lunch - tuna and ?
PM snack - apple
Supper - ???

Goals for the day:
1. drink 60 oz water
2. In bed by 10:30pm

Gotta get to work. Talk to you all later.

[CJK]

Oh Lesli - lots of :grouphug: coming your way. What a difficult situation you are in. At least communication is continuing. I really pray that you can all find a solution that you can all be at peace with. Lots of kuddos to you, for trying to take care of yourself through everything. I'm sending you lots of positive thoughts. Take care!

[pearlieq]

Well you survived the meeting! It sounds like even though you weren't able to reach an agreement, everyone kept a cool head.

It's darn near impossible to tell a 19 year old anything. Some things she may have to learn from the school of hard knocks. It sounds like you and your DH are taking a firm but reasonable line with her. How she chooses to respond is up to her.

I hope you had a happy new year celebration and are feeling refreshed and ready to move forward!

[goldcupmom]

I feel your pain, Lesli, and I 'hear' it in your 'voice'. Believe me I understand and if you ever need to chat, feel free to PM me!

Hope you have a Happy, Healthy, ACCIDENT FREE, New Year!! You've come so far this year, it's amazing.

You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers!

[Lesli54]

Thanks for the well wishes, guys.

New Years Eve.......DD19 calls and says she is coming home. I thanked God for miracles....a bit too early. She said that she was going to quit being so stubborn. I took that to mean that she new she was making mistakes and was admitting that she needed to do something different.........WRONG!

DD17 and I took inventory at the dollar store while DH worked the grocery store. Later, we went to Bennigan's where I had French Onion soup (too salty) and a Ceasar Salad (very good). Amazingly DD19 went with us. Then we went to see the movie Eragon (DD19 skipped out as she had other plan, not a problem). We liked the movie. After coming home, the kids did a small celebration with hats and party poppers before going to bed. Not a bad night for the most part.

Well, DH and I talked to DD19 to find out what had changed. The reason why she is back. She says it is the right thing......bottom line after talking about a number of things, she is not happy to be here but says that she must make us happy and if she is here then we might pay for college. Hmmmmm. Sounds like someone who just wants money. Her attitude towards making this all work is bad and she has pretty much determined for herself that she will be miserable, which is apparent. This attitude rubbing off on the rest of the family has us deeply concerned.

New Years Day.........I started the day out well and went to work. My plan for the day was to eat decent meals. Yeah, well after DH and I got done discussing DD19 and her real intent, I think I ate everything in sight. We are on the same page, but we are just unsure of what she is really going to do. Our guesses is that she will not be here much more than 2 weeks. Yesterday, she got up and left the house with I won't be back late......Is after 1:00 am early? We figure that she is going to be gone during all her waking hours, therefore not really dealing with the difficulties between us and her.

Today......I went to a DAR meeting, then met DD19 briefly to get her signature on one of her bank accounts. She thinks I was holding her money from her, but I completely forgot that she never signed since the acct was set up as a minor acct so many years ago. I have always taken care of any transactions she needed since she was usually at school, so it was just an oversight. The things these kids come up with. If she spends it all, then she won't have a cushion, that's for her to figure out, but it is her money that she earned over the years. Can't win. Eating has been so, so. Breakfast was 1 egg, ham, a sm croissant, and grapefruit juice. Brunch (at the meeting) was ham & egg casserole, strawberries, bananas, and oranges, a piece of coffee cake, and water. I didn't need lunch. But I have been chowing down the M&M's and chips. Who knows what tonight will bring, but I do have a lot of work. Thankfully, the kids go back to school tomorrow.

Plan of action.......I am going to throw out all the candy and cookies that we have around here as soon as I am done with this post. It is not doing me any good or the rest of my family. In fact, DD9 is sneaking it and beginning to lie about it so out it goes.

Still working on my New Year resolutions. They need to be refined. But one thing I did yesterday was to make a list of all the things in the house that I want to finish this year (paint, decorate, build garage, etc). Then I began making a list of items to do for the weekends. Such as this weekend, I hope to paint the back closet ceiling and put in a closet system. That sounds very doable and if we have more time than we can do more, if not, then at least it is done. I figured that maybe we need to break everything down into very small tasks. The weekend after, we can replace the closet doors for that closet, plus do something else. Hopefully, the plan will work.

Everyone have a great evening!

[goldcupmom]

Voice of experience here, Lesli.....Make sure your name does not appear ANYWHERE on ANY of her bank accounts or if she writes a bad check, you're liable. Also, in most of the country, if your name is on her vehicle or car insurance is under your policy, you are liable if there is a problem even though she's not a minor. Been there, done that!

Hang in there!

[Lesli54]

Thanks for the advice Julie. DD19 owns her car outright, paid for with her money AND I made her get her own insurance, not under us. Some people disagree, but I am tired of paying a high price for insurance on young drivers. If they are responsible enough to own a car then they are responsible enough to pay the "high" cost of insurance as a young driver. I am a signer on her bank accts, can that still affect me even though it is not a joint account? Don't know why she wanted me on there still, but she now has access to her money.

Today has been horrible for food and so so for other activities. I have gotten quite a bit of work done, but personally think I could have done more.

Breakfast was 1 egg, ham, grapefruit juice, and a croissant
Lunch was a croissant, cheetos, chips w/dip, some PB crackers (kind of grazed, not good)
Supper was a qtr lbr w/cheese and some fries. Oh yeah, I ate 2 oreos.
Water has not been good.

Every time, I think I am ready to move along and not let DD19 get to me, she does, then I find myself eating everything. Thank God, I threw out all those candies and cookies. Well, the oreos were meant for the GS meeting and I gave in today. Not only do I now need to replace them, but I now have an open bag to tempt me. Not good.

I personally don't think that DD19 will be here long. Again today she got up and left, after coming in late last night. Not even a good-bye, didn't know she was leaving. To top it off, she is only sleeping on the couch in the basement (family room in progress) and not pulling out the sleeper sofa, plus she hasn't unpacked a thing. Actions speak louder than words. Somehow I have to move on and not let it bug me.

Well, I am off. I need to go up to the dollar store and paint the windows with "Final days 50%". Normally, I would do this tomorrow, but I am not working my usual days this week as I try to catch up with things. Also, I want to scout the shelves and pull off things that I am willing to buy at 40% (such as Barbies, plates for graduation, remote control cars, etc) before all the vultures come in. They won't buy them from me at 40% off, but will go to Walmart to pay more for the same item. So I would rather use them as gifts this year and anything left at the end of the year can go for our local Christmas Angels project. Maybe, I shouldn't think that way, but I do.

Try to check in tomorrow.

[CJK]

Sending you lots of positive thoughts and well wishes. :hug: You have so much going on right now. I just wanted to say that we're sure thinking about you and wishing you some peace and calm in the very near future.:goodvibes

[pearlieq]

Good morning :wizard:

I'm sorry to hear about all the stress with DD19. I think your instincts are right--it doesn't sound like she's planning to stay very long. I really wish you patience and peace as you both work through this.

I hope your last days at the dollar store go well. I like your plan for what to do with some of the last of the inventory. Using things for the Christmas Angels sounds like a very nice plan.

I hope today is a great day and that you get some time to take care of yourself. Good job getting rid of the excess treats! :thumbsup2

[Lesli54]

On the plus side of yesterday, I managed to stay busy and get alot accomplished. Didn't eat great, but I wasn't snacking all day either. So, I guess that is good.

Breakfast was a bowl of fruit loops. Lunch was part of a chicken pot pie, shared some with DS and threw the rest out. Supper was pizza, and I know that I ate too many oreos last night w/ milk. There were some nuts in there as well and something else, but at least it wasn't a free for all until the food coma hit.

It was so nice to get so much done yesterday. I did bills (even scheduled most the payments for this month), worked on some bookwork, threw out boxes and wrappers from Christmas that the kids aren't supposed to see, took up alot of mail, returned items via mail (also books ordered for DD19's classes at the University that she isn't doing now), worked late at the store since I was doing PR for an organization that was buying alot for various kid events they do around here, and did a little straightening in my office. Yeah!!

Hopefully, today will be just as good.

DD19 is working on getting herself enrolled at a community college locally. We will see how that works out and when she plans to get a job.

Food plan for today:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/cheese, ham, english muffin, 1 c. grapefruit juice
AM snack - yogurt
Lunch - tuna wrap
PM snack - fruit
Supper - chicken and broccoli ring (I have quite a bit in the freezer that I made ahead) & salad

Goals for the day:
1. Stick to food plan
2. 60 oz water
3. 15 min exercise (time to bring on the Billy Joel! - I am feeling up to it physically!!)
4. Stay busy
5. In bed by 10:30pm

Tonight, I am going to the ball game. DD9 and others are going to perform some cheer routines from the clinic they attended, plus I want to see DD17 cheer and do her half-time dance. I have never seen her do the BB cheerleading since last year I was setting up a store and then I was in the hospital. DH says she is pretty good (he announces the games). I am not a big sports fan, but it will be interesting.

Gotta go. Thankfully, it looks like a nice day.

[goldcupmom]

Sorry things aren't improving, Lesli, but it does sound like she's not planning on being around long. VERY VERY hard to deal with & not knowing where they are or what they are doing. Yes, in most states- not sure about IL, if you are a signer, you can be held liable. NOT a fun prospect!!

It's sad your store is closing, but I'm also a bit glad that you will have a bit more time for yourself & the rest of your family. With the DD issues, you likely need it.

Hang in there & ENJOY the others!!

[Lesli54]

Yesterday went pretty well. At least given the days I have been having lately.

I missed the AM snack, and had a couple pieces of candy, but in the afternoon when I was running errands, I did go through McD's and I bought a fruit and yogurt parfait. Yeah for me. It was so good to actually eat something with "taste". I missed supper as we had to leave early (at least the kids ate). At the game I shared some popcorn. Later there were 2 oreos. While relaxing last night, I had 1 1/2 glasses of wine, 1 piece chicken broccoli ring, and some cheese. The rest of the food was as planned. Not bad. Water was almost 24 oz. Could do better.

I stayed busy through the day and tied up a lot of loose ends, worked at the store some, and ran errands. Amazingly, I went to bed about 11pm and I was very tired, which is a good thing for me.

Today's food goals:
Breakfast - 1 egg, ham, 1 english muffin, 1 c. grapefruit juice. (I really need to change this up)
AM snack - probably miss while working
Lunch - tuna wrap (have some leftover)
PM snack - yogurt
Supper - maybe potato soup

Goals for the day:
1. 60 oz water
2. In bed by 10:30pm
3. Stay busy!

I have actually put on a few more lbs with the extra DD19 stress, BUT now that I don't have all the junk in the house anymore, it is getting harder to just grab it in the down times, so I think that things will turn around again in terms of weight.

Have a great day!

[CJK]

How was the game yesterday? You're doing so well with your eating considering all that is happening around you. Hang in there and keep up all your healthy efforts. We're thinking about you! :goodvibes

[Lesli54]

Yesterday was ok on some fronts and not so good on others. I did make it to bed around 11, but I think that I was exhausted mainly from depression caused by DD19. She has been hiding alot of what has been going on down at school and won't talk about anything. You can't even get her to have small talk while passing people in the house, which is rare. Her day consists of avoiding all rooms that anyone is in when she is home, showering, and then leaving for the entire day until she needs to catch a few hours of sleep. I don't even have a basic clue as to how things are going for her schooling plans that she is working on. I also found out that some of the conversations she has had with DD17 have not been sisters just talking, but have also included things that might drive a wedge between DD17 and us. NOT GOOD.

DH was working all day, so I sat with most of this myself until last night when we discussed it. As much as I ate the foods I had planned, I also ate cookies and candy, crackers and nuts, anything I could find. On the plus side, I did stay busy and organized my Christmas ornaments into new organizers. Got rid of some things as well. I am all about organizing this house this year.

DH and I had planned to sit down with DD19 again to re-enforce our house rules and try to figure out what she wants. Well, she never came home again last night, so that tells me she wants to be gone.

I called her this morning to see what she was planning. Oh, it is the same story "well, then I will try harder to be part of the family", or "I'm living there that is what you wanted". The only reason she is here (or should I say her belongings are here is because she wants us to pay for school. I told her that she is just using the situation, but she doesn't think so. So......I told her that she was free to go. Also that I don't agree with the situation, but she is making no attempts to live here, and I don't want her to be pushed further away so that 30 years from now I still don't know where she is. It's a tough call, but I will also not be used solely for the purpose of money. She will have to figure out, much like everyone else how she plans to pay for school. She could get loans, but she dont' want that responsibility, then she will have to work. I don't know what else to do.

This has put DH into such a depression that he is questioning all of our parenting skill. That upsets me because I had horrible parents, which my mother admits to. My grandparents were more like parents to my sister and I than anyone else and we get our values from them. In fact, our grandparents raising us is what saved us, which we can see in our brothers who are much younger and are very messed up. My grandfather passed away when they were young so they didn't have the privilege of having the same upbringing. My sister and I work hard everyday to make sure that our children know that they come from a loving home, to listen to our children, and to give them opportunities to learn about life and the world around them. It just pains me to see DH so upset, which is out of his norm.

DD19 will be stopping by sometime today to pick things up. I have let her know that we will always be here, but I don't know where this will all lead. It scares me. 19 year olds need to come with warning labels.:rotfl2:

Breakfast today - 1 egg, ham, english muffin, 1 c. grapefruit juice

Goals for the day:
1. In bed by 10:30pm
2. Try to keep up the water
3. Try to eat decently
4. Keep busy to avoid depression, which only leads to over eating.

Talk to you all later. Thanks so much for listening.:hug:

[goldcupmom]

[QUOTE=Lesli54;16270993]
19 year olds need to come with warning labels.:rotfl2: [QUOTE]

Oh, Lesli! I know how hard this is! I'm still dealing with it. How do you know what is right - give them the boot and wonder if they are alive & where they are/with whom/doing what? Or let them stay & reek havoc on the family... but at least you know on a daily basis that they are still alive and there is still hope.

Hang in there, try to take care of you, & try NOT to eat everything in site (that is my personal favorite reaction!) I'll be praying overtime for your DD & you as well as my DS & me.

:hug:

[Lesli54]

Well, I let the depression hit yesterday. Tried to avoid it, but we waited and waited for DD19 to show. It made me so mad that I needed to stay home since I didn't know what she would do when she got here. So much for getting the shelving for the closets that DH and I wanted to get done. So much for going to the auction to pick up another dresser and bookcase that we are in need of. I snacked on things here and there. Ate a hotdog and chips for lunch then finally laid down and slept.

DD19 finally came home around 5:30pm and told us that she was not going anywhere. As if this is all whatever she chooses. I told her that it seems like she has been running things around here for a month and I am sick of it. I will not let a 19 yo run my household. I will also not let someone use me for money. It was not good. She cried, something I haven't seen for awhile. Says she has been screwing up and that she needs to work to get things back on track. I just don't know what to believe anymore. Here I was prepared for the fact that she really wanted out and with us giving her that chance, she would leave. I didn't think she would fight to stay. Maybe she doesn't really have a place to go after all. :confused3

DH thinks she needs to go and get a good dose of reality. I had that pit in my stomach that if she went it would be a mistake. I don't know if it was woman's intuition or just a mother wanting the best for her child. I am so torn on what to do and am afraid of pushing her so far away that she never returns.

In the end, I told her that she could stay, but the first time she screws up, she will be out and I will stick by that. I also laid down the house rules AGAIN so that she would know exactly what they were. She can work when she is not in school, she can be home at a decent time, which was set and still have time to see her friends, she can stop avoiding the family and actually have a conversation here and there, she can let us know when she will be gone and if she will be home for dinner that night, just common courtesy. I am thinking that it is not a lot to ask for. We don't need the entire itinerary, just the basics.

On the plus side, she is enrolled in classes and has paid for them out of her savings. Can't complain there.

Breakfast - 1 egg, english muffin, and 1 c. grapefruit juice
AM snack - chips, and PB crackers

I don't know what else is on the agenda for food today, but I am going to try to keep things in check as much as possible.

Goals for the day:
1. Water - trying to bump it up a glass a day
2. Go to be at 10:30pm - made it last night at 10pm
3. Stay busy to keep away the stress.

Gotta go. Have a great day!

[pearlieq]

:hug:

I'm sorry things are so rough with DD19. I agree it must be really hard to try to figure out what to do with her. The money angle of it makes things hard.

Of course you don't want to just throw money at schooling while she's foundering so much, but it sounds like she's convinced you and DH are using school money to try to control her. It may take a while for her to shake out of that.

Not to stick my nose in, but have you thought about figuring out how much you were going to contribute to school (outright contribution, not loans) and telling her that you're willing to use it to pay bills, no questions asked, directly to whatever school she chooses? Of course it would come with the caveat that she needs to use it wisely because when it's gone it's gone and there won't be more? She may not quite be ready to handle that, but maybe after several months on her own she might have a bit more perspective.

I don't envy you trying to figure all of this out, and I'm sorry it's making you and your DH question things.

**I just saw your update for today. I'm glad you got to have a frank talk with her and to lay down the rules. I hope things get better.

Take care of yourself today. I hope you're able to find some time for things you find fulfilling.

[goldcupmom]

How are things going, Lesli?? I'm hoping Ok, but I truly understand what's going on. Hang in there and let us know when you can!

[goldcupmom]

Just checking in on you again, Lesli. I'm hoping and praying things are OK.

Let us hear from you when you get the chance.

[goldcupmom]

Just a quick peek to let you know I'm still thinking about you & praying for you! Hope things are OK!

[Lesli54]

Yes, I am back!!!!:banana:

And.......I might say, that I do plan to stay. At the moment, I plan to post in the mornings like I used to and do a little posting to other journals as well. Although, I will admit, I am quit behind.

So much has happened lately and I have been so busy getting caught up, but I can actually say that I am finally done with 2006. Saw the tax man and I am boxing up bookwork. Can't say that I am too sad to get that year out of here.

We closed the dollar store at the end of January and it has been quite a relief. Then I spent most of February getting bookwork caught up. That was actually rejuevenating because it felt familiar and useful. Something that hasn't happened much during recovery. You spend so much time reacting to things that it feels good to be active and make plans. We also did some small home improvement projects. I actually managed to get organizer systems in 4 closets.:cool1: That is helping immensely with my organization process and it gives me the chance to really narrow down the excess and get rid of it. In fact my organizing is going so far that I got a new calendar wipe board (bigger) and along with a corkboard, I managed to create a message, calendar, shopping list area next to the phone. It is actually working much better than the old system I had in place. Next, I am going to creat files for DH's misc paperwork. His filing system is just not working so I think I will just take that over. Anything that creates more space, is organized, and saves time is my goal.

The kids have been great for the most part. I am still having alot of problems with DD19. She just isn't getting it. We are further apart now than we have ever been and although that bugs me, it bugs me more that she thinks she can take over and give orders, or just be rude to people because things aren't going her way. Very nerve wracking.

Which leads me to my weight problem. I have gained about 20lbs, maybe almost 25 of the 42, that I had lost. :sad2: During recovery, I finally hit that point where my metabolism wasn't up from healing, but I wasn't active enough to keep off any excess weight from poor food choices. In the last month, I have finally gotten to the point where I am not tired during the day, but if I do alot of activity, I will crash early in the evening, so I know things are progressing. And I am gaining different ranges of motion still that feel more like normal and I am more confident about trying some of the excercising that I used to do. That is a good thing.

Food has been horrible. Mainly chips, ice cream, crackers, sugar cereal (and I don't really care for it), and anything that is quick and easy. With all the stress of DD19, closing the store and catchin up, I just really didn't care. Part of me still wonders if I really do care. But I am back to hating the clothes I wear and being so conscious of what I look like to others. I know that shouldn't bug me, but it does.

Thankfully, we are reaching a point where I can cook alot more meals during the week again. Even though some of them have been quite simple or have been leftovers because we were busy, the family is not complaining. Too much ordering out gets to you. That and DH really wants a break from cooking. So know is the time to plan some well balanced meals again.

Well, I better get going since it is late. Wow, I can actually start going back to bed at a decent time. I don't have to burn the midnight oil trying to get the books done.:cool1: I will talk to you all in the morning.::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

Well, it is still morning, so there is still time to hold true to my plan.

This morning, I started the day pretty good. I even got up a little earlier and did some simple chores before the kids got off to school. After some "me" time, I began working on putting away more 2006 stuff. I also began reorganizing my personal file drawers.

Breakfast was 1 fried egg, yogurt, 1/2 english muffin w/jelly, & 1/2 c grapefruit juice.

Now I am eating some cheese and crackers, but I should quit so as not to spoil my lunch too much, which I plan to have a tuna wrap.

No major plans for supper tonight. I think I will look through the cupboards and do some cleaning out.

The rest of the day, I plan to work on a little bookwork and continue reorganinzing my office. If I get time (or need a change of location), I think I will tackle the "catch all" counter top that we have.

Gotta go. Remember to drink that water (I just started for the day :confused3 ). I hope you can all have a good day, despite what the weather may be doing in your area.::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[goldcupmom]

Lesli, I'm SO glad you are back and that things are OK!

Glad you're here to stay! Have a GREAT weekend and take some YOU time!!

[Lesli54]

Thanks for stopping by and keeping tabs on me, Julie.

Yesterday was pretty good in some respects, not so good in others.

Food-wise, I did fine up through lunch. Then I ate chips before supper, had fries (baked) and a hamburger, got stressed (DD19 tension) then ate chips later. Could have been worse, I guess. But I could have done much better. Water was horrible.

I did a few minor things around my office, but for the most part, I was lost. After spending weeks upon weeks, focusing only on business, I just didn't know what to do. I thought about playing a game, but couldn't figure out which one (then when I did, we can find it). I was going to work on organizing my genealogy, but couldn't figure out which family to start with. I thought about reading, but couldn't figure out which book to read. There seems to be a theme here.:rolleyes1 Obviously, I was tired since I laid down for a nap and still ended up going to bed early.

This morning, I tried to sleep in, but DS was up at 6:30am. All I wanted was sleep until 7:30 that was uninterrupted. For breakfast, I had an english muffin, ham, yogurt, and grapefruit juice. No AM snacks. That could get me later.

I have spent a good part of the morning reorganizing my kitchen, including moving the microwave and toaster to new locations. Hopefully, my new arrangement will work much better. Also, I realized that it might give me new idea on how I want my new kitchen set up (hopefully next year's project).

DD19 and I had a talk this morning. It cleared some air, but I am not sure how things will go. Hopefully, she is sincere and realizes that we really do care. Time will tell.

I am taking the easy way out for lunch.....a bologna sandwich. Not the greatest idea, but it works for the moment while the kitchen is in half of a disarray. At least, my new arrangement will actually put a basket of fruit on the table rather than the counter where it gets missed. Hopefully, that will inspire my family to pick up some fruit when they want a snack.

My biggest goal for the day is to drink 6 glasses of water. At this point, I think I am so far off that I need to work on one goal at a time at least for a few days before adding in another goal.

Talk to you all later.::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[goldcupmom]

Little steps in the right direction will still get you where you're going, Lesli!

Take it easy!

Glad you & DD got to talk! I hope she's sincere, too, but they sure can pull the wool over our eyes sometimes!

Have a Healthy week!

[Lesli54]

I didn't forget that I made a plan to stick around. The first week of the month, I went and took some classes, which was alot of fun. I haven't done anything for myself in over a year and a half so it really was relaxing, felt normal, and just alot of fun.

After that, it was a week of catch up on a lot of little things and attend various meetings and events. Things are slowing just a bit for the moment, so I am trying to stay motivated to get my bookwork for this year up to date, as well as keep up with the organizing efforts of my house. By the way, I did finish reorganizing the kitchen. So far, I think it works much better and I have less mess to clean up as far as the potential dumping grounds goes.

Although, I am considering going on strike. Here I had the kitchen, living room, dining room, and 2 bedrooms (mostly) organized and looking good. The dining room table has become the new catch all from every one, the towels are going into the floor in the bathroom (something that never happened before), the living room continues to add more unneccesary stuff, and the closet that I rearranged, seems to get coats on the floor rather than the hangers. I just don't get it. I know that DH is helping out, so it is most definitely the kids. Maybe, I will get a big tote and start putting the clean towels in it in my room, then they will pay me a dollar a towel when they want to take a shower and if I have to trip over the towel, they will pay me another dollar.:rolleyes:

Well, looks like DD19 just missed her first class. Did I wake her? No, she is supposed to be responsible and she can deal with the what I have to say later. She did begin seeing a counselor last week. I don't know how this will go, but hopefully, it will work. It was her idea and I went with so I know she definitely went. Tomorrow she is supposed to go again.

Food has not been going well. I am eating even when I tell myself that I am only eating because of stress and that I am not hungry and that I really need to change this habit into a positive one. Unfortunately, the stressed side of me says who cares and usually wins.

I want to be out of this cycle but just can't seem to get a grip on things. I have decided that I need to begin reading Dr. Phil again and jump back into the program. Everything made sense when I was working on that program and I didn't find things to be too difficult as opposed to know. This time, I just need to make sure I finish the program. (No car accidents)

Food today:
Breakfast - 1 bowl of Fruit Loops (I know not a good choice)
AM snack - string cheese
Lunch - Chinese buffet. I will pick and choose wisely.
PM snack - yogurt
Supper - Pizza. I will eat only a few slices and then quit.

Goals for the day:
1. Drink 5-6 glasses of water
2. No eating after 7:30pm. If I am "hungry", I will drink hot tea.

It's a start. I want to get back to making myself a priority because I was just more relaxed, accomplished more, and felt better in general. It was much better for my family.

Gotta go. Talk to you all later.::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[goldcupmom]

Hope you're still hanging in there, Lesli! This is a ROUGH time, but you're strong. You WILL make it through! I'm still here praying for all of you!

[Lesli54]

Things have been so choatic. DD19 has moved out. A few days after she skipped class, she either did it again or was very late to class. Then it was back to the coming in really late. So late, that DH thought someone was breaking in and just about knocked DD19 out when he went running for the door. She of course saw nothing wrong with the situation and doesn't really understand (or doesn't want to understand) why DH reacted the way he did. Gee.......I think most men getting woke out of bed thinking someone was breaking in tends to put them on the defense. Needless to say, I told her that she had to leave and find another place to live since she has no respect for us or our house. We had very few house rules for her and that was just too constraining. 1. Go to school & work (in lieu of free rent) 2. Write your work/school schedule on the board (common courtesy just so we know who is gone during certin times in case something needs to be worked around) 3. Be home about 1:30am. (any time between 1 & 2 didn't really bother us, this was just so we know when someone was coming in, kind of prevents the earlier scene) 4. Get up at a decent time (the rest of the family is up and beginning their day by 7am, so why should she sleep until noon or later?) Not difficult, just part of functioning as a family. We never prodded much on where she was when she wasn't working or at school. She didn't help out much around here because she made herself very scarce. Funny thing is, once she left, the house has actually been much cleaner. The 15 towels piled on the bathroom floor must have come from her? Don't know, but we don't have that problem now. Some days, I think she didn't pick up after herself because she knew it would drive me nuts. So now she is living with a friend, but I am beginning to think it is actually her boyfriend. We had alot of mail her for her and DH asked her to either stop by more frequently to get it or change the address. Now the mail is going to her boyfriend's house and not the location where she is supposedly living. I am so frustrated because I don't know if I am getting straight answers from her. Just tell me the truth.

Fortunately, I have been staying busy these last few weeks, but unfortunately, I still manage to soothe my frustrations with food. I have made alot of headway in dejunking our house and trying to simplify our lives. DD17's room is finally repainted and pictures are hung. She loves the fact that she has a place for everything now and is trying to help me in other parts of the house. DH is also on the bandwagon and is actually asking himself whether he needs to keep something. The other day, he went and cleared out alot of old plants in our gardens that we dont' want anymore. We don't always have alot of time, so we are simplifying outside as well.

At the end of March we spent 2 grueling days clearing out the rest of the Dollar Store. It is finally closed up, now to finish the bookwork. Easter was good. My mom got to come down and spend some time. DD19 showed with her boyfriend for a very short time. Then I have been working on GS since we are meeting extra this month to get ready for an event next week. Thankfully, we will be done with GS in a couple of weeks, at least until just before school starts.

Food for today;
Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/ cheese, ham, 1 c tea
AM snack: ? (not sure if I will be home)
Lunch: salad w/turkey, craisins, and almonds
PM snack: cheese & crackers
Supper: chicken strips (light batter, all white meat), green beans, pasta

Goals for today:
1. 60 oz water ( I have been doing much better, but need to track to see where I am at)
2. No eating after 7:30pm (this is a big downfall lately)
3. Try to keeep from stress related eating

Well, I better go for now. Talk to you all later.

[Lesli54]

Friday went fairly well. I ended up working up at the store because DH needed some extra help, so I missed my AM snack. Lunch was a few chicken strips in a light batter and rice. The PM snack was 2 graham cracker gold fish. Supper was chicken strips again, and I don't remember what else. I do know that I snacked here and there then later I ate popcorn. Oh yeah, a bowl of cereal. The stress of the day began to get to me. Water for the day wasnt' too bad.

Yesterday, I attended a genealogy conference which was fun. Breakfast was some donut holes on the way down. Lunch was a BBQ sandwich, a little cole slaw, green beans, celery, cauliflower, and carrots. I also had a sm glass of Sierra Mist. On my way home, I was craving McD's but managed to drive past. It wasn't that I was hungry, it was more that I was tired and felt I needed a pick me up. I had a few chicken strips when I got home which was a better option than a qtr lbr w/cheese & fries. Supper was fend for yourself. I had a bologna sandwich & chips along w/ a couple of goldfish graham crackers. Later, I had a few chips, but then I couldn't find anything else in the house to satisfy the junk craving and I didn't want the chips so I read a book. Not a bad thing. I guess there is alot to be said for getting the junk out of the house. Water for the day was okay.

Went to church this morning. As for the rest of the day, I plan to do some more cleaning/dejunking, pay bills, get some packages ready for mailing, work on the GS event for this week, and do a little bookwork. That may be ambitious, but I think I can get quite a bit of it done. Hopefully, it will keep me from eating.

Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/cheese, ham, 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack: fruit
Lunch: salad
PM snack: ???
Supper: marinated grilled chicken breast, pasta, and green beans, maybe a side salad as well.

Goals for the day:
1. get a battery for my scale
2. 60 oz water
3. No eating after 7:30pm
4. find ways to relieve the stress that doesn't include eating.

Talk to you all later.

[Lesli54]

Sunday's update: I managed to completley finish dejunking & organizing my bedroom. Just in time since the carpenter managed to come back with a bid on some work we are having done to our closet to make it larger. Once he is done we should also have stairs to the attic making storing of necessary tiems (I got rid of the unneccessary stuff) much easier. Besides, I can't wait to have my own closet organized! Anyways, most of the day was spent on that as I went through EVERYTHING! Thankfully, it distracted me from the eating. I missed the AM & Pm snack. Lunch was late and I had a bologna sandwich w/chips. Supper was as planned except I substitued watermelon for the pasta. Water was not so great. However, as I got tired later, I ate cereal, some popcorn, and ice cream. :sad2: I also managed to get my packages together, and do some bills.

Yesterday was full of running around, a whole day of GS. I got alot of errands done, plus managed to get alot of things prepared for our event later this week. Then drove up to an annual meeting. Breakfast was 1 egg omelet w/ mushrooms & cheese, ham, yogurt, & grapefruit juice. Lunch was on the run. I had a qtr lbr w/cheese, then split fries and apples w/ DS. A smart choice considering what I could have done. At the meeting, supper was actually appetizers. I had 4 meatballs, 2 tiny chicken wings, grapes, cauliflower & canteloupe. On the way home, DD17 and I tried to get DQ (the only selection on the way), but they were closed, so we went to a gas station and I grabbed a sm bag of cheetos (didn't eat them all). Then we were almost home and realized we could run out of our way for another DQ, where we got blizzards. Should have skipped it, but the lack of an actual supper made that difficult. Water not great.

Oh, I forgot to mention that DD19 called wanting me to co-sign loans for school. I know she can't attend w/o loans and I don't have a big problem with helping her figure out the financial picture, but I do have a problem with the fact that the only time I hear from her is when it is about money. Of course, she is telling me one cost that is much higher than the actuall needed, and she has only looked at a couple of options. I sent her back to find out actual terms, rates, etc. Of course, I already know some of the better options, but she doesn't seem to respect my advice so she can do the legwork and maybe she will find out for herself that I may know something.

Today, I plan to get some work done on bills and in the office here. Hopefully, I can also get some more GS wrapped up.

Food for the day:
Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/mushrooms & moz, ham, grapefruit juice
AM snack: watermelon
Lunch: salad or tuna?
PM snack: cheese & crackers
Supper: tacos or taco salad

Goals for the day:
1. 60 oz water
2. get that battery for the scale (forgot)
3. Stay busy to keep away the munchies
4. some stretching exercises

Gotta go, so that I can get done alot today. I must say that it is very less stressing when I have things in order in my house.

[Lesli54]

Some of the days last week were good for food and some weren't. Water was horrible. On the plus side, I was very busy and it reminded me of the fact that I tend to eat far less when I am active. I just have to watch that I don't try to fight sleep too much, since I tend to over eat when I am tired.

The GS event last week went very well, better than expected. Thankfully it is over as it was a lot of work and I am just ready to be done with something for a few months. Then yesterday, I found myself wondering what to do. It is strange to really see that I am getting caught up in things. Lots to do yet, but I can see where I will actually have time to finish working on painting rooms in my house and do the things that I enjoy.

The other day, I cleaned out part of a garden bed. It is very strange not to get down on my hands and knees to garden. Instead, I sat in a low chair. There are a few things that I miss doing as a result of the knee injury, but at least I can usually find a way around the problem.

DD17 went to Prom over the weekend. She had a really good time and she is already planning next year. We got a lot of compliments on her dress. DH thinks she is looking too mature already, but I think that is a normal parent reaction.

DD19 actually stopped by twice last week and talked to people. It didn't seem so forced and empty, as it had been. Amazingly, she didn't ask for money. Instead she got advice to figure out her college financing on her own. She also decided not to go to school this summer, but to work instead. Probably the most mature decisions she has made in quite awhile.

I got a new battery for my scale. Very sad. :sad1: I have gained back almost all of the 40 lbs I had lost. At first it was depressing, as I hadn't realized it was that bad, then I got out of that mode as it won't benefit me. The fact is I need to almost start from square one. I ended up with alot of stress during a time when I couldn't get in alot of extra activity. I have been neglecting myself to a large degree, but it is very hard to focus on you when there is so much chaos. One of the big reasons for my dejunking and backing off of things. So, as of today, I am working on challenges again and recording on FitDay.

I CAN DO THIS!

Food for the day:
Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/mushrooms & cheese, ham, 2 lg strawberries, 1 c milk
AM snack: yogurt
Lunch: taco salad & a few tortilla chips
PM snack: sm piece of cake (refreshments at a meeting)
Supper: marinated chicken on the grill, salad, green beans

Goals for the day:
1. 60 oz min of water (yesterday, I think I did 84oz :cool1: )
2. No eating after 7:30
3. Go to bed by 10:30
4. Excercise for 15 minutes (at least stretching to get back in the swing of things)

I better get going. I have updated all of my clippies and my ticker to reflect where I am right now. WISH me luck.

[Lesli54]

Yeah! 2.5 lbs down!

I think most of that was water, but I will take what I can get.

Yesterday, all my food went as planned except I missed the AM snack. Then later, I had 2 goldfish graham crackers and a piece of cake after supper. Water was about 80 oz. Sure, a little too much "treating" but soooooooo much better than I had been doing. I really felt good yesterday despite the fact that it was hot. The latest that I ate was 8pm, but I did make it to bed early which helped alot since I was really tired and avoided over eating. Not much excercise other than going up and down the stairs quite a bit.

I stayed busy yesterday by picking things up, going to my meeting, and cooking a nice supper. At the meeting, I was installed as Vice Regeant for the new year coming up.

Today is my birthday. The 40! I took DD9 to the eye dr. DS isn't feeling well, he pulled his hamstring on the trampoline, I think, so he was out of school today. It is hard to keep a little one down long enough to rest, but he wasn't walking well at all and it was bothering him alot. At the moment, it seems to be doing better, so we will see. DH took me out for Chinese for lunch. Other than that, I haven't done alot today, but I plan to get some work done in my office later.

Food for the day:
Breakfast: 1 egg, ham, english muffin, 1 c milk
AM snack: none
Lunch: 2 c egg drop soup, veggies, some white rice, some veggie fried rice, sm amout general tao's chicken, a few pieces of breaded chicken. Not too bad, could have been worse
PM snack: peanut butter crackers
Supper: taco salad & a few chips

Goals for the day:
1. at least 60 oz water
2. no eating after 7:30
3. in bed between 10 and 10:30

Well, I need to get going. Everyone have a great day!

[goldcupmom]

:bday: :bday: party: party:

I'm glad I stopped in to 'see' you today!

Sounds like you're getting back in control - that's a good thing!

Hope you have a GREAT rest of the day & rest of the week!!

[Lesli54]

Down another pound! :cool1:

Actually, a bit surprising since I ate a few things I shouldn't and haven't been doing great with water in the last few days, but I haven't been overeating either.

Thanks for the Happy B-day, Julie.

Wednesday went pretty well and as planned for food. Thursday, I did alot of straightening around the house which really made me feel great. I actually am beginning to feel a sense of control over my house. At this time last year things were scattered everywhere as the family tried to make room for all the medical equipment. We sure have come along way in the past year and then some. The key to simplify the home is really working and I don't think I ever want to go back to just having stuff that you will one day use.

Thursday, I had an omelet w/mushrooms, & cheese, ham & strawberries for breakfast. Lunch was the rest of the taco salad. Supper was homemade pizza, of which I ate too much, but at least it was thin crust, small pieces, and lots of veggies. There was a snack or two in there, but I can't remember what. Water was so so.

Yesterday, I cleared out alot of Girl Scout paperwork and got the majority caught up and ready for the new year which begins in a few months. I should be able to put it all away after Monday, which will really feel good. I also went through more magazines and took out pictures or plans that give me ideas for the house and put the ideas in a binder. Now, all the magazine stacks are gone, save a few for the "coffee table". I figured, I can easily keep that under control. Plus now I have all the various ideas for decorating various rooms in a one inch binder which takes up far less space and allows me to see everything for a project all at once. Go me!:woohoo:

Breakfast yesterday was a one egg omelet with mushrooms, gr peppers, onions, & cheese, ham, strawberries, & milk. (I have been doing well with introducing milk back into my diet). AM snack was a tbsp of PB. Lunch was a few grilled chicken strips, followed by a few nuts. (I have been keeping whole nuts on the table as a snack which works well as it takes longer to crack the shells so no handfuls, they aren't salty, and they have protein). Then I fell apart a little and had some chips and 2 reeses pb cups. For supper, we went to Panera for my birthday dinner (Appleby's was overly busy). I had French Onion soup, a baguette, & tea. Afterwards, I had 1/2 of a cinnamon scone. Water wasn't great for the day, but better.

The great thing is that I am eating less throughout the day, I am getting plenty of sleep, and I am managing to avoid eating late at night. The exercise will come. For right now, that is actually alot to accomplish at one time. But I can see it already paying off in weight loss, increased energy, and a relaxed state of mind.

Today, I plan to continue with getting the GS paperwork under control, only about 1/2 hour more. Plus I plan to start on some bookwork. Tonight we have our last GS event.

Food for the day:
Breakfast: 1 egg omelet w/mushrooms, gr peppers, onion, & cheese, ham, strawberries & milk
AM snack: skip
Lunch: a brat (cookout time again), don't know what else
PM snack: yogurt
Supper: pizza

Goals for the day:
1. 60 oz water
2. no eating after 7:30
3. stay busy.

Gotta go. Everyone have a great day!

[Lesli54]

Down another .5 lbs.! And I remembered to update my clippie. It sure feels good to be back on the losing streak again. You know this go around, the numbers on the scale are not as scary. I think it is because, I have faced those fears before and know much of what got me back here was uncontroled circumstance. Now I know that I am back in control and I think that makes a huge difference.

Yesterday went pretty much as planned. I ate a few chips with my lunch, but not many as they made me feel weighed down. Supper was around 7:30, so I didn't quite make that cut off and I did have a tbsp of PB around 9:30. I was really fighting the urge to go get B&J Heath ice cream. Thankfully, I won. Water wasn't as good as I had hoped and I did have a glass of pepsi with dinner. All in all, a fairly good day.

The GS event was ok. The girls went rollerskating, but were a bit bored, mainly because they were the only ones there for the most part and the owner wouldn't turn on the colored lights for them. I really think the lights would have inticed them to skate more. But they seemed to enjoy each other's company and we didn't stay long. The goal was to bring in pizza since they have horrible food at the rink, but we weren't allowed to do that so we left early and went down the road to Happy Joe's (I pre-ordered). I think the girls had more fun sitting at the table eating pizza and ice cream. Just one more meeting left!:banana:

Food for the day:
Breakfast - cream of wheat & 1 c grapefruit juice
AM Snack - 1 c milk & strawberries
Lunch - tuna wrap, canteloupe & honeydew
PM Snack - cheese & cucumbers
Supper - either a pork chop or brat (leftovers), not sure what else

Goals for the day:
1. 60 oz water
2. 1/2 hour exercise (15 min break from work x 2)
3. No eating after 7:30
4. In bed between 10 and 10:30

Well, I have a lot that I want to accomplish in my office today. We also have opening day at the ball park, so I need to see DD9 play. Other than that, I just plan to keep busy with getting things caught up in order to simplify life.

Everyone have a great day!

[goldcupmom]

Happy Mother's Day, Lesli!

Glad you're getting back on track.

How is DD doing? I know the pain she is causing. Hopefully someday our wayward children will GROW UP!!!!

[pearlieq]

Happy Birthday, Lesli! (a bit belated, I know...)

I hope this year brings much health and happiness to you and yours! :goodvibes

[Lesli54]

It is so great to see you back Pearlieq! Thanks for the well-wishes.

Julie, one can only hope that ones children will one day realize that being an adult does not mean cutting all ties and trying to look as if they are acting mature, when what actually comes across is the exact opposite.

The weight that I lost this month? It's all back. My only hope is that I can shed a few of those lbs again by months end.

There has been good news, stressful news, and bad news. The good news is that since GS is over, I have been able to concentrate on so many other things. Of course it also helps that I feel so much more recovered everyday. Even the things that I couldn't do well or wore me out a month ago are much easier now. Life is really beginning to feel normal in terms of stamina and mobility. I have even begun getting down on the floor again for various things. That scarred me since getting up can get quite difficult with the limitation in the right knee, but the other day, I think I figured out the best way to get back up with little trouble. The great thing about all of this is that I won't be so afraid of being able to get off the floor if for some reason I were to fall or trip. Also, it really increases my activity level because I can do gardening. I would have to sit on the ground and not on my knees but I can live with that. Also, I could clean the baseboards easier or paint the bottom of the walls if I could sit on the floor vs. bending over. So needless to say, I have been enjoying this increased mobility and getting more done. Even carrying things up or down the stairs is getting better.

About the only thing I really cannot do is ride a bike. That knee just doesn't bend enough to get all the way around. Last week I got really depressed when I realized that I would never go on a bike ride with my son. I have more recently considered finding someone who can custom build a bike to accomodate my limitations in knee range. This is not something that I have mentioned to DH about yet, but my guess is that if I do, then he will find soemone who can help. After all, there are people out there with more limitations than I and they ride bikes, run, climb, and everything else, so why can't I?

Believe it or not, I have actually gotten quite close to being 100% caught up with my book work. My office is really shaping up. I have been telling myself that I cannot paint or start another project until my bookwork is done. So now that I am about a week away from being able to paint my office and get it finished, decor wise, I just brought in a massive stack of books that was sitting in my dining room. They are old tax registers (about 80 of them) and too cumbersome to move, so I guess we won't be painting until I find a facility that will take these books.

Yesterday and today, I am cleaning house, and I mean CLEANING. DH's aunt passed away and since it is a small service we are going to all come back to our house afterwards so that everyone can relax and have a bite to eat. Although I could have done the basic pick up and wipe down, I decided to do some deep cleaning. Mainly because it really hasn't been down since the accident and could really use it. I have the screened porch done, the dining room (except for the table), the back hall (except for mopping), and all the cobwebs are down everywhere on the main floor. I just have to wipe down walls in the foyer, living room, kitchen, and small bathroom, dust, wipe down counter, sweep, vaccum, and mop. Looks like I will be at it all day. However, I am looking at all of this as exercise since I am sweating and I haven't done this amount of activity for a long time.

Food has been so-so. DH has had me stressed with business and his aunt, and other things he can think of. Very unusual for him so it is really effecting me. Then there is DD19. She called for my birthday and mother's day, so I guess I should be grateful. However, she says she will call in a few days and doesn't, she promises that she will have money to pay back for something or other and doesn't. The other day, I found out that she was in town to take care of a few things, but didn't bother to stop by and see us. Mind you we live in a rural town and only blocks from where she was "taking care of things" so there really isn't any reason why she couldn't stop. It is not like we are on the way to anything. It really hurts alot and I am trying to deal with it, but I don't always know how. My first impluse is to just keep eating and put myself in a food coma. I know it is not the answer but it is very hard to resist.

Well, I should be going. I have lots more work to do.::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

Well, I managed to get all the cleaning done. It was great to have so much stamina. I worked hard, but it felt great just to be able to get all those things accomplished. Now, I just need to do the same for the upstairs and the basement. However, I think we need to tackle the garage this week and get things gone through for the all town clean up. A great chance to get rid of some of those broken or useless things that you always seem to have around.

Food for the last few days has been pretty good. Thursday night, however, I ate really late since I had been working all day and didn't properly stop for meals. Yesterday, wasn't too bad, but I had a few things here and there like peanut M&M's, cheetos (small amount), and ice cream (kids cone) that I could have done without. What is frustrating is when you have been so active and the scales don't move. Oh well. Onward and downward!

Todays food:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/cheese, ham, water
AM snack - strawberries and orange slices
Lunch - brat on bun
PM snack - cucumbers and cheese
Supper - maybe chicken brocoli ring and salad. Not sure.

Goals for the day:
1. 60 oz water
2. 30 minutes exercise (or 2 - 15 min sessions)
3. No eating after 8pm
4. Read a book before bed (learning to relax and destress for the day)
5. Bed by 10:30pm

Let's see how that all goes.

I reall need to put in a few de-stressors and with so many things getting back on track, I think now is a good time to really pursue taking care of me again.::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

I have decided that it was time to do a progress report and get myself back to my goal planning.

Well, it has officially been 2 years and 2 months (plus a few days) since taking the WISH challenge and I am still here. Despite all the ups and downs.

Have I been successful? Yes, I did lose 40 lbs since starting. The great thing is that I kept it off for most of the time. Please note that I did gain much of it back in the last 6-7 months, but I don't consider it a failure. Two reasons: 1) I proved to myself that I really can do this and can change my life and health for the better. 2) Unforseen circumstances found me in an accident that put a quick halt to any of my exercising and weight loss efforts. The past year and 3 months I have been focusing on re-gaining strength and stamina. Stress during recovery added to my recent weight gain. But that is ok because through all of this, I have learned alot. While looking back through my journal, I was reminded that at 3 months in to my weight loss program, it WAS very possible to keep up with my program while life was hectic. That is something that I need to keep in mind now as I move forward.

What I know now:
1. Exercise is still more likely to happen when I get up early. (still true)
2. My AM snack is still very important for maintaining a good day. (still true)
3. I can plan lunch with little problem, but supper still needs work. (still true, why is that?)
4. Staying busy is key.
5. I CAN lose weight and accomplish many goals that I set for myself.

Things I have learned:
1. Weight loss slows down dramatically when life is hectic if you don't make it a priority.
2. Having support is AWESOME! (you feel lonely without it)
3. I can still find plenty of excuses for not exercising.
4. When I am tired, I make very bad decisions in terms of food (In other words, take a nap or go to bed).
5. Weight gain can sneak up on you with a vengence if you are not careful, so maintanence is really key.
6. Using Fitday.com is essential for helping me become more aware about different foods.
7. I am NOT doomed to a life of "fat-dom". I did it once, I can do it again.
8. I am NOT content with just saying "this is just the way things are and I can't change it".

Things that changed:
1. I used to enjoy shopping when I was doing the program, but now as weight has increased, my enjoyment for shopping has decreased.
2. 3 months into the program, my feet didn't hurt from ALOT of walking, now they are hurting again due to the extra weight gain
3. I can host a party and not eat alot before, during, and after. (still true, so the good news? Some things did stick.)
4. I share desserts at restaurants more often or just skip them.
5. I now have some mobility limitations in terms of exercise and daily chores, but I have learned that I am motivated enough to keep perservering and will find ways to still do the things I want to do.

Things I still need to work on:
1. EXERCISE. Now that my stamina is back up, fiiting in a true exercise regimen is very feasible.
2. I STILL need to prepare some suppers ahead of time.
3. Sticking with my plan and goals.
4. A well stocked kitchen. Still have problems with this, although the fridge is dejunked at the moment which is a plus.

This starts my 27 month with WISH. I started the program at 230 and originally lost 42, putting me at 188. After the hospital, I did see 184. Cool. However, with the added weight gain, I am back to 223, making my total weight loss now at 7 lbs. Not the great number that it was, but I it will be soon.

I created some new goals to reflect my recent weight gain. I didn't make it to 150 by my 40th birthday, but I can make it by the next birthday.

1. 10lbs lost by first weekend in July (weddings & surprise birthdays)
2. 25lbs lost by anniversary (mid Aug)
3. 45lbs lost by senior night footbal game (late Oct)
4. 55lbs lost by Thanksgiving
5. 65lbs lost by Christmas
6. 73lbs lost by Jan 31. Hit the goal!!!!!!!!!!! (in time for senior night basketgall game)

Resetting my mini-goal rewards for each 5lbs lost:
1st mini goal reward: (a 3lb reward, down to 220) A much needed haircut.
2nd mini goal reward: New necklace & earrings that are casual

Life can get you down sometimes, but you just have to get back up again. I am looking forward to updating this progress report again next month. It is so exciting to be starting anew. This time I will continue to remember that keeping busy and maintenance are key.

[Lesli54]

Well, I started out well yesterday, but by the end of the day that changed.

I had a few chips. It was really raining hard here so we didn't do the cookout. So for lunch, I had 3 mini bagel dogs w/ lots of fruit. Not too bad so far. Then I ate a kudos bar. Then it was cheese and crackers, then I made PB cookies and ate 2 of those. I wasn't really hungry when supper came around but I managed to eat 1/2 a pizza w/ too much cheese anyway. Plus a can of Pepsi. Later I had some more fruit. Water was horrible.

I think that most of my problem was that I was actually worn out from all the activity this past week and instead of relaxing and just enjoying the day, I kept trying to tell myself that I needed to get things done. Didn't work very well. After thinking about it some, it does seem to be a trend. I have been pushing so hard to get things caught or projects completed that everyday I am telling myself that I need to keep working to get these things done, then I will have time to relax. Instead, I end up wasting a whole day, because I am too tired to concentrate on work or intensive projects and I start eating trying to find the energy, but never do. I think that what I need to do is recognize those days and then either relax and read, or do some sorting of pictures, or do a simple craft with the kids. That way, I will be busy, but not needing full intense concentration. I will have to try that.

Breakfast - cream of wheat, ham, and watermelon
AM snack - fruit
Lunch - tuna wrap and salad OR an LC Panini (they taste really good and are only 250 cal)
PM snack - yogurt
supper - ???

Goals for today:
1. 60 oz water
2. If I can't concentrate on work, then do some relaxing activities
3. In bed by 10:30 (I do have to say that my eyes and face are looking brigher because of proper sleep)

Not sure what is on the agenda today, other than a bit of yard work. Maybe cleaning the garage or start cleaning out the basement. I would like to get some work done, but if that doesn't work then I will start sorting and marking pictures in the picture closet.

Gotta go, everyone have a great day!::MickeyMo ::MickeyMo

[Lesli54]

I am not sure where my week has gone. I have been doing some work, attended a meeting, paid bills, oh and cleared alot from my desk. Even went through some old school papers that I found in a drawer. Can't keep them all. I even have DH in the clearing out mode.

An update on the May challenges:
Weight loss was 1.5/10 lbs. Not great, but at least it was a loss.
Exercise was 595/450. All the strenuous cleaning in such a short time helped.

I am doing challenges for June.
Weight loss is set at 10 lbs. I am starting at 222 and am feeling good about this month.
Exercise is set at 450 minutes.

Today, I got a haircut. It is amazing how good you can feel about yourself just by changing your hair. This was a reward for reaching 220, but I have a dinner meeting tomorrow and I just wanted to feel more confident. So now I need to loose some more.

We had some powerful storms here this afternoon and my sister and family got really lucky. A tornado ripped through their town, but their house is safe, just barely. She says it is a real mess in town.

Food today:
Breakfast - 1 fried egg, ham, 1/2 english muffin, and 1 c milk
Lunch - part of super nachos (not very good). Killing time waiting out the storm while I was at the mall
Supper: LC Chicken Club panini

Water hasn't been too great today. This afternoon, I had 3 hohos and a few chips. Don't know why. If I have anything else to eat later, it will be fruit.

Gotta go. Talk to you later.

[Lesli54]

I created a new journal called "Lesli's Changing Life at 40 Journal". http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1635276

Basically, I want to get back on track with life and weight loss, so I thought that starting something new would help create that commitment. For those, who read this journal and became good friends, please come see me at my other journal.

This journal was a great experience and so full of learning.