Doreen's Fresh Start & Success Story! (Welcome Friends!)

[DoeWDW]

This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Yesterday I earned smilies for devotions, water and bedtime. I took my meds but again forgot my vitamins. I have them with me today. I was very tired and the kids wanted a carby dinner (chipped beef over toast) so I just ate that instead of making something healthy for me. I did not binge eat or give into my cravings so I'm proud of that. No exercise - my allergies were raging and I just couldn't do it last night.

Even though I earned only 3 smilies, I truly did the best I could and I'm proud of yesterday. I had very strong afternoon cravings for soda & chocolate, but I didn't give in. I beat them by......doing research on cravings! I truly am the research queen.

I read an interesting article which summed up my cravings very well. It said that emotional cravings (which is what I had) are triggered by four different emotions; fear, anger, tension and/or shame. Here's a link to the article for those who may be interested, although I can't endorse ALL of this author's ideas (she's a bit too far out there in some of her thinking for me).
http://www.spiritual.com.au/articles/health/cravings_dvirtue.htm
Her basic idea is that if you can't face the emotions, then your cravings will continue. I spent some time writing about the emotions that were fueling my anxiety and my cravings and it really did help to dissipate the strong NEED I was feeling to eat the wrong stuff.

Last evening I was miserable due to my allergies. I finally gave in and bought some Claritin. I'm taking that and still using my Zicam nasal spray. I was also very tired and was in bed before 10 PM.

Today is looking a little better. The stress at work continues but I'll be writing about those fears and worries as a way to face them and then let them go. Yesterday I planned one or two tasks for each hour of the workday and that helped me stay focused on the task at hand instead of feeling overwhelmed by ALL that I have to do. I'll do the same today, on my wonderful color coded spreadsheet that has expanded to 3 spreadsheets (one for each project) and a master spreadsheet for today's tasks.

The plan - earn all 6 smilies today.
1. Devotions - We are God's ambassadors to the world.
2. Pills - both meds & vitamins taken. I'll take my Claritin tonight with dinner.
3. Water - on the first of 3 20oz bottles.
4. Healthy eating - B = ham, cheese, egg croissant (25 carbs), L will be yogurt w/ walnuts, snacks will be an apple w/ PB and a sf chocolate pudding. D will be marinated chicken breasts and fresh green beans.
5. Exercise - no time today, so I'll claim a rest day. I did get the bag of workout gear into the car so it will be ready for tomorrow evening's workout.
6. Bedtime - 10 PM.

The scale is back to 155 this morning - hooray!! I'm sure I'll see it head downward again in the coming days.

 

[lulu201]

DOREEN, YOU ARE AMAZING! I know that you're feeling lousy with these allergies and with the large amount of stress at work, but you're still in the game! You're setting realistic goals (like skipping exercise) and going after them! WAY TO GO! You're inspiring me today to take care of me!

The whole craving issue is such a complex thing, isn't it? It's this big combo of the mental and physical! You know that I'm here to remind you of the physical component. Increased stress=increased production of cortisol which therefore=increased drain of serotonin which = increased need for carbs and sweets (cravings for those yukky things). Your menu for today, though, with the dairy, chicken, and complex carbs will help you so much! By eating in this healthy way, you're doing the right thing for you!

Just wanted to let you know I'll be over in K of P on Saturday. I'm taking DD and a friend "freshman day dance" shopping, so that means I'll be wandering aimlessly around the mall for awhile. If you're going to be in the neighborhood, maybe we could share a Subway lunch in the food court and/or a walk in the sunshine? Let me know. . .

Erin

 

[pearlieq]

What a great way to deal with cravings! It's so cool the way you took control of the situation and tackled it in a uniquely "you" way!

Hang in there today--the stress will pass!

 

[lulu201]

Sigh. . .guess I'll just be wandering aimlessly then. A day at K of P just cannot even come close to prom prep. How exciting! Next time I see you you'll have pics, right?

Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

Yesterday's smilies were earned for devotions, pills, water and exercise (rest day ). I earned one more smilie than the day before. The scale is moving down again - I'm at 154 which is a pound less than yesterday. After the carby dinner I ate, I have no idea why but I'll take it.

Today:
1. Devotions - The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
-James 3:17-18 (NIV) This all runs counter to the usual "office politics" method of doing things but I still pray that I can have this type of wisdom at work. The funny thing is that all the politiically motivated people just don't understand me. Therefore, I must be doing something right.
2. Pills - Claritin taken last evening, meds & vitamins on the desk to be eaten with breakfast, Zicam at the ready to be used as needed.
3. Water - on the first of 3 20oz bottles.
4. Healthy eating - B will be yogurt w/ almonds, L will be an apple w/ PB, snack will be sf chocolate pudding and a pack of peanuts if I need them. D will be the chicken I should've made last night.
5. Exercise - will head to the health club on the way home from work. I'm looking forward to lifting weights! Not sure how much time I'll get in on the treadmill - we have haircuts tonight.
6. Bedtime - 10 PM, no excuses!

I know this plan seems so redundant, but writing it every morning really makes me focus on each thing, think about it and consciously add it into my day.

There's a big meeting today and I'm afraid I'll get called on the carpet for not moving fast enough on a key project. But, in reality, I won't get fired. My bosses know I'm working hard. I may take some heat but it's not the end of the world. The meeting starts at 10 and will be over by noon. I'll feel better when it's over, no matter what happens.

Time for me to start on all the tasks on my color coded to-do spreadsheet.

 

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doe-doe! It sounds like you have the day already put into a healthy perspective. This meeting at 10 sure doesn't sound comfortable, but you've been doing what you can and that's all you can do. I would think that coming in on Saturday should prove to ANYONE there that you're trying in a major way to make progress on the project--and all the other projects sitting on your desk.

You know I totally relate to the need to list the healthy living goals for the day over again each and every day. I often feel repetitive, too, but in a way, I like the feelings of "one day at a time" and "starting new each morning" that listing the goals brings to me. Do what you can do today, girlfriend.

I'll be thinking of you starting your 10 a.m. meeting as I'm starting my 10 a.m. class!

Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

Well, the meeting was not pretty. There was no yelling or screaming, but the message was clear. I MUST have this work updated on the website this afternoon and I MUST have an email out to the affected parties by tomorrow afternoon and I MUST confirm with them that all is well by Friday.

My work is definitely cut out for me. I have not gotten any help from the area who should be shouldering the responsibility for this - they're too busy. I could've pointed fingers at them during the meeting but I took the moral high road. Hopefully I will be able to pull off all the work in front of me. I feel surprisingly calm. I've spent lots of time in prayer over this and God seems to be granting me a sense of peace.

I am now in crunch mode, with much to do in very little time. Lunch is from the EVM - my usual crunch-time meal of a 20oz soda and a pack of peanut M&Ms. We all know I can't live on this stuff on a regular basis but for today, it will help me get the work done. The only reason I'll miss my workout is if I have to stay late - a real possibility at this point. But even with all this, I still feel calm. I truly think God is watching over me and this will all turn out just fine in the end.

 

[lulu201]

Peanut M+M's and soda? That sounds like brain food to me! YOU GO, GIRL!
You'll get done what you need to get done!

Love ya,
Erin

 

[toystoryduo]

Doe,

I hope that your day went well and that you accomplished all that needed to be done. I pray that God's strength and peace surround you now and in the days to come. Just remember: 2 more days till Friday!

Take good care of you Doreen!

 

[wilderness01]

Hope the rest of your work day went smoothly. Take care.

 

[DoeWDW]

Yesterday was long. DH picked me up from work after 6 PM. We went straight to our haircut appointment. The bright spot was holding the 5 day old Shih-Tzu puppies there. When we got home after 8 PM, I changed into jammies, ate a bowl of cereal and went to bed. I earned smilies for devotions, pills and bedtime.

I didn't get the promised work finished yesterday, so I have my work cut out for me today. On top of that, one aspect isn't working the way I thought it would - my fault since I didn't thoroughly research it - so I'll have to be creative and come up with plan B.

I'm at work and I'll do the best I can. That's all I can do. Either it will be good enough or they'll fire me and we can move to Florida. You know me, always finding a silver lining in every cloud. God is in control and I do not have to be afraid. "For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a strong mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 - one of my favorite verses.

I was going to skip my plan today, but I think I'll just modify it instead.
1. Devotions - Lord, help us to feel the wonder and depth of your love. Then help us to love everyone we meet as much as you love us. Amen. - from the Upper Room online devotional. I will show God's love to all those around me today, no matter what their attitude toward me may be.
2. Pills - took my Claritin last night and my meds & vitamins this morning.
3. Water - on the first of 3 20oz bottles.
4. Healthy eating - B was a ham, cheese, egg croissant. I have yogurt & almonds, an apple w/PB and a sf chocolate pudding with me. However, if I need more "brain food" as Erin called it then so be it.
5. Exercise - no, none today.
6. Bedtime - 10 PM.

I'm feeling down. I screwed up and didn't deliver what I promised, though not for lack of trying. I'll feel better today if I can get this problem taken care of. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. I feel like I'm on that windy bridge at the end of the OC half marathon. I'm tired and I'd like to quit but the only way to make it to the end is to keep going forward, one step at a time. God is with me and I know my WISH friends are with me too.

 

[lulu201]

You know it, Doreen. We ARE with you, holding your hand and walking with you. You're doing what you can do, and that will have to be enough, right? Like you said, it's not for lack of trying.

Today think of your "brain food" as a special treat. Relish it. Heck, you can even kiss that GVM (good vending machine ) instead of kicking it! Your M+M's are your "no guilt" reward for hanging in there instead of booking the Florida airline tickets and handing in your resignation.

Take comfort in the knowledge that this too will pass, honey. Just keep walkin'. . .

,
Erin

 

[toystoryduo]

Doe,

I'm sorry that yesterday was a long day for you. I pray that today is a wonderfully blessed day for you! Rest assured Doreen, God is with you. He will hold you up and help you get this project done at work. Please also know that all of your WISH friends are with you and you on to victory! :thewave:

Take good care of you Doe!

 

[wilderness01]

Hi Doe,

I hope your day is going better than yesterday and you were able to work out the kinks in your project. We are with you so hold your head high and know you are doing your best.

 

[DoeWDW]

Just a quick update at 2:45 PM

The day has gone OK. Not getting as much done as I'd like, but hopefully it will be enough. I haven't gotten any nasty emails or anyone at my desk screaming so I'll hope that no news is good news.

Lots more to do, but I'm going home on time tonight.

Truly, this too shall pass.

Thanks for the encouragement and support. You all know how much you mean to me, right??

 

[DoeWDW]

Yesterday's smilies were for devotions, pills and bedtime, with an extra half smilie for drinking most of my water. Dinner last night was off the carb scale and included a Killian's that DH & I split. The scale reflected all this with a 156 this morning, but I know it's water weight and it'll fall right off with a day or two of healthy eating.

Today is a bright new day and I'm ready to make the most of it. There's still much to be done at work and my goal, once again, is to NOT have to come in tomorrow. I have the tasks laid out and I know what to do, so I'm going to get right to it.

The plan:
1. Devotions - Living God, thank you for giving us strength to face our problems and resolve to overcome them. Amen. - from the Upper Room online devotional. A perfect prayer for me today.
2. Pills - Claritin taken last night, meds & vitamin taken this morning.
3. Water - have started on my 20oz bottle and will be refilling it twice.
4. Healthy eating - B was breakfast pizza - so good!. I have yogurt w/ almonds, apple w/PB, a pear and a sf chocolate pudding with me for work. Dinner? Who knows. It seems like a very long way away.
5. Exercise - maybe tonight I can get to the health club. I'm missing the weight circuit.
6. Bedtime - 8 blissful antihistamine-induced hours. I was up with my allergies again last night.

By all accounts, I should be feeling exhausted. I AM feeling a little rough around the edges but I have energy and enthusiasm to get the work done today. I still have that feeling of peace, of calm, and I'm convinced it's coming from God above. I continue to turn to Him in prayer often throughout the day, asking Him to guide my actions and share His strength with me.

Onward I go.

 

[lulu201]

You sound quite centered this morning, Doreen. You're in a good place to start a Friday full of productive work!

Is DS looking forward to the Prom? There's got to be a lot of excitement going on over at your house!

Whatever Friday tune you're playing this morning, I'm going to come over for a little time. . . .and then I'm going to take a little nap.

Love you, WISH-sis--
Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

3 PM update:

The bad news is that I will need to come to work tomorrow.

The good news is that I've made a huge amount of progress today and I know exactly what I need to do tomorrow.

I'm okay with it. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

No one has fired me yet.

 

[DoeWDW]

There was very little healthy in yesterday. Smilies were earned for devotions and pills. I suppose that's better than no smilies.

Today I'm at work. I will leave here no later than noon. Then it's home to clean the house and help DS prep for the prom. We'll take pics of the lovely couple (she is "just a friend" in his words). DD will be at a friend's baton recital. DH and I will have dinner with my parents and then come home to watch the NASCAR race. A full day for sure, but I'm looking forward to it.

1. Devotions - A "good Samaritan" is on the way. Is it you? - from the Upper Room online devotional.
2. Pills - took my Claritin last night. Haven't taken my morning pills yet.
3. Water - 3 20oz bottles.
4. Healthy eating - I think I'm ready to go back to low-carb.
5. Exercise - I doubt it. The schedule for today is looking full already.
6. Bedtime - not til 11:30.

Time to wade into my work, so I can get out of here sooner rather than later.

to all.

 

[lulu201]

You DO sound like you have a full day, but it sounds like a good one. I'll be thinking of you all tonight as you're getting DS ready for the prom.

I hope you take some time today to reflect on all you've accomplished this week and all you've endured. Sounds like you're a strong lady, wouldn't you agree?

Have a good weekend, sweetie--
Erin