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

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

Tha last few weeks have been extremely stressful for you. Besides the stress and grief, you haven't been able to sleep, eat right, or exercise. I am glad that you are getting a physical. The sun is finally starting to come out on a regular basis. Relax a few minutes in it, and it may also help. I m glad that you took he weekend to rest and relax.

Have a good afternoon.
.
Beth

 

[NCRedding]

Hey Doe: popping in to say Hi. I hope things start going better for you. I am keeping you in my prayers.

 

[DoeWDW]

WOW!!! IT'S JUNE!!!!

Just saying the word "June" brings images of warm sunny days and a slower pace of life to mind for me. It evokes a feeling of relaxation. I truly hope this month lives up to those expectations. School is out next Thursday (June 9th). We enjoy 2 weeks at home and then head to the beach for the last week of the month. I'm going to do my very best to keep things low-key and relaxed around the house.

With a new month, my mind turns to new goals. My biggest goal is to truly become healthier. I've been saying it for a long time but have no results to show for it. I try during my 2 good weeks a month and then blow it all during my rough 2 weeks. At my doctor's appt. on Friday, I'm going to beg and plead to be put on continuous birth control pills to suppress my period. No one should have to live fully half of their days miserable and fighting against their own hormones. I know bc pills will mean that I have to fight even harder to lose weight but at least I'll have the energy to exercise ALL month instead of just occasionally. If anyone has any words of wisdom on the subject, feel free to post them for me. I'm at my wits' end and just can't handle living this way anymore.

I'm going to post goals for myself for the month and rewards for meeting them. I'm hoping a stated reward will keep me motivated during the tough times. I will use the same 6 goals I have every day. That's the potential to earn 6 smilies per day for 30 days, which equals a total of 180 smilies.

Devotions and pills are easy to measure. Water smilie = 60 oz of water in a day. Healthy eating is always the hardest one to measure, but I'm going to set a lenient goal. Carbs should be 100g or less per day. This way I'll be counting them and I need to get back in the habit. I'll set a stricter goal in July but this will be enough for June. Exercise MUST happen each day and will be counted as walking at least 1 mile or 20 minutes of stretching and toning exercises. No exercise = no smilie. Even on "rest" days I should be stretching. I'm going to substitute the scale for my usual sleep goal. I will weigh in and record that weight every day.

On to the good part - the rewards!
165 - 180 smilies = $50
150 - 164 smilies = $30
135 - 149 smilies = $20
120 - 134 smilies = $15
105 - 119 smilies = $10
90 - 104 smilies = $5
These will accumulate so when I earn 90 smilies I put the $5 aside and as I get to the next reward level I add that money to it. I have the potential to earn $130 for the month if I stay on top of my daily plan. Not sure yet what I'll spend it on, but clothes come to mind.

As an incentive for those 6 smilie days, I'll add $1 to the reward money for each day I earn them all.

So here we go:
1. Devotions - Even when we feel isolated, God is always near, waiting for us to reach out to Him.
2. Pills - meds & vitamin taken.
3. Water - 60 oz today. I'm on the first 20oz bottle.
4. Healthy eating - B = sausage, egg, cheese croissant (23g). snack = yogurt but I only count half the carbs (25g). This leaves me short for lunch and dinner but I picked out my food this morning before I set my goal. I can make it.
5. Exercise - walk 1 mile.
6. Scale - 155 and holding.

I've already earned 3 of my 6 smilies. Just 3 more smilies today and I can put $1 aside for my reward money!

Onward, step by step, with God's Holy Spirit within me, guiding me and nourishing my spirit every moment of the day.

 

[lulu201]

to you, dear WISH-sis. You know I'm hearing what you're talking about. Go to the dr. and see what he has to say--maybe bc pills are the answer.

You've got exciting plans for the month; it's always good to feel a new beginning, isn't it? Go for it!

Erin

 

[keenercam]

Doreen -- I love your plan!!! How great to give yourself something to look forward to and being a clothes horse myself, I can understant where that could be motivating!

As for BC pills, I have heard so much lately (even from my own GYN) that there are many options that do not have the weight gain properties that we have traditionally associated with BC pills. You HAVE to take control of this situation so that it won't control fully half of your life anymore. Please be assertive with your doctor and be flexible in trying different options until you find the one you are happy with!

Glad to know you have your beach vacation to look forward to.

Have a great day!

 

[DoeWDW]

So far today:
1.
2.
3.
4. 48g + Subway lc wrap (11g) + cookie (27g) + 3 kisses (9g) = 95g!!
5. not yet
6.

All I have left is my exercise - guess I'd better get outside & walk so I can claim all 6 smilies.

EDIT: 1/2 hour later
5. walked 2 miles with DS!!

All 6 smilies for me and $1 in my reward money!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Way to go Doreen!!!!!

 

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

Please be aware than not all BC pills are good for this...I'm on Levilite right now and I think that it is the cause of some of my weight gain. I've got to wait another four weeks before I can see my doctor for a yearly physical but I'm going to ask for a different prescription. The Wyeth product I was on for the study was terrific! I had energy, I felt better than I'd felt my entire life, I lost weight (not quickly - but better than I had on anything else), I just felt normal! If it weren't for this particular prescription, I'm the biggest supporter of continuous BC! (You will need your doctor to work with your insurance to get continuous BC also...most plans just don't allow for it unless an exception is approved. I went round and round with caremark over this four months ago and now have had to re-make the same calls to pick up my new round of pills tomorrow am.)

Your devotions are so timely and inspirational to read. I find strength in them also when I can visit your journal.

Happy June! let the countdown to the beach begin!

-Laurie

 

[DoeWDW]

The good news: I earned all 6 yesterday and have $1 in reward money.

The bad news: My doctor's office called. I have to reschedule my physical. Of course his schedule is full & the times he has available don't mesh with my schedule. We're talking at least July until I can see him. I am so frustrated by this!!!

So that means I'll be at work tomorrow instead of taking the day off. I was really looking forward to a laid back day but I don't have enough vacation time to take tomorrow off and then take another day off in July for my physical. Oh well.

Today's plan:
1. Devotions - Dear God, you know the person who needs a special touch from you. Come alongside them today and let them know others are praying for them. Amen. (Upper Room online devotional). This is actually a common prayer for me.
2. Pills - just paused to take my meds & vitamins.
3. Water - on my first of 3 20oz bottles
4. Healthy eating - B = sausage, egg, cheese on croissant (23g), the rest is a mystery but I'll be under 100g carbs for the day.
5. Exercise - walk 1 mile or 20 minutes of stretching / toning
6. Scale = 154

I've got 3 smilies so far. I just have to drink my water, eat under 100g carbs and get in a little exercise. I have a meeting at church tonight so I'll have to make an extra effort to fit the exercise in around that.

Work looks to be stressful (surprise, surprise) but I've got my color-coded to-do spreadsheet and I'm going to take it a step at a time. I found a piece of software that works as a countdown timer on my PC. I usually set it for 15 minutes and it counts backward in big numbers that I can see from anywhere in my cube. That way I can tackle even the most unpleasant tasks in 15 minute increments.

I'm working hard to let go of my frustration and anger over tomorrow's change of plans but frankly, I'm having a tough time of it. Extra prayers and good thoughts would help greatly if you've got a spare moment.

 

[lulu201]

Oh man, that STINKS! I know that you had your heart set on the day off AND the appointment! Geesh! I think you should set that timer for at least 15 minutes and let yourself be downright ANNOYED. Stew in it! THEN you can give it up--if you want to. If not, call them up and give them a big piece of your mind!!!!!!

I'm sorry that it didn't work out. Hang in there, Doreen. You'll get answers and solutions, I just know it. How did your church group meeting go, by the way?

Congrats on those 6 . Here's a little celebration: . Go for it again today!

to you, dear WISH-sis--
Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

New date for physical - July 7th.

Guess that's the price I pay for seeing a good doctor. EVERYONE ELSE knows he's good and they all want to see him too.

The Bible says all things work together for good, so I'm trusting God that He's got a purpose for this delay. I'm feeling less upset now (a very good thing for all those people who have to deal with me today ).

 

[pearlieq]

That's a great way to look at it!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

 

[septbride2002]

Dear God, you know the person who needs a special touch from you. Come alongside them today and let them know others are praying for them. Amen.

I know you are frustrated about your Dr's appointment and I'm sorry. With the way your journal has been sounding the last 2 days you sound stronger then ever. I love your idea of rewarding yourself with a little cash. I'll need to think about that one. I know $130 will take care of an hour long massage and a pedicure at my local spa.

Keep the faith sweetie - I know you can earn your $1 today.

~Amanda

 

[joelyfaithsmommy]

I love how you set goals, get smilies and rewards for them...GREAT IDEA!

Anything that works for you is WONDERFUL...just keep up the good work, and try not to stress over not being off work...the day will come and go...just keep a positive attitude!!!


Hugs,
jen

 

[DoeWDW]

So far today:
3. Most of the way through my 2nd bottle of water. Gotta keep drinkin'!
4. 23g + a package of peanuts from the EVM (2g). Honestly, I'm just not that hungry. Total so far = 25g.

 

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I'm sorry about the change in plans. A day off sure sounds good. I love your reward system. That is definately incentive to stay OP.

Hve a great afternoon,
Beth

 

[Strings]

Hi Doe,

I'm sorry about the change in plans. A day off sure sounds good. I love your reward system. That is definately incentive to stay OP.

Hve a great afternoon,
Beth

 

[DoeWDW]

Final tally for the day:
1.
2.
3.
4. 25g + 21g (7 chicken tenders) + 38 (cereal & milk) + 8g (2 pieces candy) = 92g
5. walked a mile with DH tonight
6.

Another 6 smilie day and another $1 in reward money!
Total so far this month = 12 smilies and $2 in reward money.

 

[keenercam]

Doreen!!!! You are doing AWESOME!!!! I bet you feel great! Congratulations! I am soooo happy for you. (Can you tell with all the exclamation points?)
Have a great night!

 

[DoeWDW]

Thank Goodness It's Friday!!!

This week has felt endless and I'm glad we're in the home stretch! I'm physically fatigued and my emotions have gone flat - typical depression symptoms. I'm looking forward to lots of extra rest time this weekend. TOM is almost over and I should be feeling better very soon. I've got 2 good weeks ahead of me.

Yesterday I earned all my smilies. That means my total for the month so far is 12 smilies and $2 of reward money. So far, so good.

Today:
1. Devotions - Have I told someone what God has done for me? (Upper Room online devotional)
2. Pills - just took my meds & vitamins
3. Water - The cafeteria has switched from 20oz bottles to 17oz bottles, for the same price of course. I'll drink 3 bottles today + another few ounces to get to 60oz for the day.
4. Healthy eating - B = low fat yogurt (blech!!) with almonds (12g), L will be a sausage, egg, cheese croissant (23g). Who knows about tonight?
5. Exercise - it's raining today so I doubt I'll get a walk in. Guess I'll have to settle for 20 minutes of stretching & toning at home tonight.
6. Scale - 154

My puppy is at the vet's office. They are putting her to sleep so they can clean her teeth. They'll also do her physical, give her her shots, etc. I'll pick her up tonight after work. I know it's all routine but I worry anyway. I'll feel better after I pick her up.

My depression symptoms have been bad this week. My fatigue combined with my lack of concentration and focus and my low self-confidence have made it just about impossible to get much accomplished at work. I have my OC half medal on my desk for inspiration today. Next week I'm in training Monday - Thursday so I won't get much done then. Let's hope the higher-ups understand.

Is it 3:45 PM yet? That's when I can leave work for the day.

I'd like to throw a Friday party, but I just don't have the energy.