"Keep Calm and Carry On" April 2020 W.I.S.H. Challenge

[Summer2018]

I live in Fairfield County, Connecticut, one hour outside New York City. Our cases came from NYC. A lot of people commute to NYC in the train, but the first cases were doctors from NY working in our hospitals.

The only place I go is the beach. Yesterday I was looking at a private boat. I longed to go on it and just get away from everyone. The only other place I go is home. I have to force myself to get out of bed. I feel safe in my bedroom with the door shut.

Unfortunately DH is an essential worker. He also does the grocery shopping (early with the senior citizens because he is 60). I worry about him bringing the virus into the house. I can keep bad guys out by setting my burglar alarm, but there’s nothing I can do to keep this virus out of my home.

Grief is a good word. The last time I wanted to hide in my bed and just sleep was when I was grieving my mother’s death 33 years ago.

I do love that this group is from all over the world and we support each other so much. You are all a blessing to me. I thank God for each and every one of you.

 

[MickeyMom76]

We had our first tears over the safe at home order in Montana today.

 

[MickeyMom76]

Even in our small way on our thread we build bridges of support for each other from all around the world

I completely agree!!!! This was really my first form of social media. I don’t have Facebook. I recently hit a twitter account, but don’t really use it. I do have Instagram and am just now starting to use it more. But this group is my first group of friends from different countries. And I am really grateful for finding you and am amazed at how powerful the support is even though I’ve never met any of you face-to-face. I look forward to reading your posts each day. It really lifts my spirits. I am praying for you all!

 

[MickeyMom76]

I live in Fairfield County, Connecticut, one hour outside New York City.

I live near Allentown, Pennsylvania- about 2 hours from NYC and 1 hour from Philadelphia. My sister is a pediatrician in my town. Her office closed and became a Covid Center 3 weeks ago. Her hospital is estimating that we are 2 weeks behind Manhattan and are preparing as best they can. It’s scary, but I try to have faith. We live in a development and are close physically and socially with our neighbors. One of the hardest things is for the kids (especially the teenagers) to understand is that they can’t hang out. We tried letting them be outside together on bikes but we saw them getting too close and had to put an end to it. So we go on family bike rides, following social distancing rules. Otherwise I go out for grocery pickups and occasionally to help my parents (getting them groceries, cutting their lawn, etc).

 

[MickeyMom76]

Topic Tuesday

I found this article interesting.

https://nutrition.org/making-health...ity-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/
It talks about making your health a priority during this pandemic. It seems sort of obvious at first. After all, we are all staying home or social distancing for the sake of our health. But then it made me think a little more about my routines. I’m keeping up my exercise, but have cut myself a lot of slack on the eating. However, I have been allowing it for the sake of my mental health. But now that I have a bit of a routine with working from home, maybe I should start watching what I eat again. I had also started meditating during the first week home. I think I would like to start doing that again.

Anyone else find the article interesting and willing to share your thoughts about it.

 

[Summer2018]

I live near Allentown, Pennsylvania- about 2 hours from NYC and 1 hour from Philadelphia. My sister is a pediatrician in my town. Her office closed and became a Covid Center 3 weeks ago. Her hospital is estimating that we are 2 weeks behind Manhattan and are preparing as best they can. It’s scary, but I try to have faith. We live in a development and are close physically and socially with our neighbors. One of the hardest things is for the kids (especially the teenagers) to understand is that they can’t hang out. We tried letting them be outside together on bikes but we saw them getting too close and had to put an end to it. So we go on family bike rides, following social distancing rules. Otherwise I go out for grocery pickups and occasionally to help my parents (getting them groceries, cutting their lawn, etc).

DH has family in Allentown, two of which are nurses. It is so hard to have family in the medical field right now. I hope your sister stays safe and healthy, not to mention the rest of your loved ones.

It is so hard with teens...I remember when my DD was a senior in high school. She was never home. Always out with her boyfriend and friends gathering at the beach or at bonfires...performances, prom, etc. Even though major life events are cancelled it is still so natural for teenagers to want to be with each other. DD is 22 now, and has met a nice guy on Bumble. They have FaceTime dates every Sunday evening. He is finishing up his senior year in college, so he is busy with online learning. I worry about what will happen when he doesn't have his studies to keep him busy. Will he use self-control? She is dying to be with him. This summer will be tough on her wanting to see her friends. One of her friends is on a 14 day quarantine because she was exposed to a Covid19 patient in the doctor's office she works in. Another is a nursing student working in a hospital that hasn't shown symptoms...yet.

Let's hope that this is over sooner than expected so our kids can resume normal life. In the meantime, we all have to do what is required and keep the faith.

 

[Summer2018]

Topic Tuesday

I found this article interesting.

https://nutrition.org/making-health...ity-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/
It talks about making your health a priority during this pandemic. It seems sort of obvious at first. After all, we are all staying home or social distancing for the sake of our health. But then it made me think a little more about my routines. I’m keeping up my exercise, but have cut myself a lot of slack on the eating. However, I have been allowing it for the sake of my mental health. But now that I have a bit of a routine with working from home, maybe I should start watching what I eat again. I had also started meditating during the first week home. I think I would like to start doing that again.

Anyone else find the article interesting and willing to share your thoughts about it.

We have been pretty good, not great. This week Easter candy was a part of the groceries. I've been great at maintaining my weight loss, but the scale was up two pounds this morning. Time to get back on Noom.

I agree 100% that our nutrition should be optimal at this time. I eat my feelings like it is my job. Sweets are my drug of choice. I know that I will not be perfect, and will definitely slip up occasionally, but that is all the more reason for me to eat as well as possible most of the time.

Thanks for the reminder.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Topic Tuesday...
Anyone else find the article interesting and willing to share your thoughts about it.

Thanks for the link! - I thought it was good, especially the tips for getting kids involved and the list of what to buy. (I bookmarked it.)

I think one of the toughest things, like always, is balance. -

As mentioned above, there's the balance of physical vs. mental health in the inclusion of some treats and/or comfort foods.

And then there's grocery shopping itself. - On the one hand, stocking up on non-perishables means less contact by not having to go out as often; but on the other hand, shopping for fresh things avoids the high salt and sugar content of processed stuff.

It's like all our decisions are a risk/benefit analysis lately, but we don't even know everything to base our calculations on.


That said, my particular situation is good in that DH (our main source of income) is still working from home, while I'm off my part-time job and have that extra time to plan and prepare healthy meals. I've been happy with my exercise and portion control, and hope to keep losing a few pounds slowly but steadily.

 

[sjrec]

Great article! I’m going to share it with my daughter for all the tips to involve kids.
I inventoried my freezer and pantry, made a list, printed out a calendar page and planned dinners out the next two weeks. We haven’t been to the grocery store in over a week and with all the warnings to stay home do not plan to go until after Easter. The article was right, apples and oranges last a good while as does broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Also carrots. We might try online ordering after Easter.
I liked what the article said about eating together as a family and making it an occasion. Even though it will just be the two of us this Sunday I will set the table with my good dishes and silverware and make a nice dinner. Wish I had a bottle of prosecca but the liquor stores are closed!

 

[MickeyMom76]

Sweets are my drug of choice. I know that I will not be perfect, and will definitely slip up occasionally, but that is all the more reason for me to eat as well as possible most of the time.

This is me, too!!!

 

[MickeyMom76]

And then there's grocery shopping itself. - On the one hand, stocking up on non-perishables means less contact by not having to go out as often; but on the other hand, shopping for fresh things avoids the high salt and sugar content of processed stuff.

Yes!!! I got so frustrated when I did my last grocery pickup and only got half of what I ordered. And it was all parts of different recipes that I had planned. So then I found Targets delivery with a free 4 week trial and started another shopping cart (but pickup was a week and a half away) to try again. It’s mostly for fresh fruits and vegetables and some deli meats and cheeses. We’re pretty well stocked now on other things. And it’s great to see he kids going for the grapes instead of fruit snacks or cucumber slices instead of chips!!!

 

[Oneanne]

The article is full of good common sense advice, which is really nice. I found starting Noom has given me the structure I need with my meals and food choices. The first time I had to go to the grocery store after starting, I felt sad for all the comfort food (sugary treats) I couldn't get, almost in tears. But that was a good thing, because I helped me to know why I turn to those food in the first place. At any other time my feelings would not have been that clear.

I've been focused on my numbers and they have been looking good... I had three days of blood sugar around 110, then this morning it was back up to 134 just because I had half an apple with dinner. And oh that apple tasted soooo good, Honeycrisp so sweet and tart and crisp, yum. When I was at the grocer Sunday I got three and will eat them, but will have them with lunch instead of dinner. Blood pressure has consistently been in the good range, even before doing my breathing exercises. Taking care of my health has been my number one priority, which sadly is not normally the case.

Here in Seattle we're a little bit ahead of the nation in flattening the curve: overall death projections have just been reduced by more than half and they are saying they think the number of cases needing hospitalization has peaked. It's a relief to see that we're having an impact but at the same time it is stressful to know there is no finish line, this is going to be part of our lives until there is a vaccine and until we change the way we live on this earth.

 

[MickeyMom76]

I liked what the article said about eating together as a family and making it an occasion.

I always felt like we had dinner as a family. But I think in the past, we were all exhausted from our days and nearly eating to eat. Now we are eating and laughing and enjoying the meantime! I really hope that can continue. But in case not, I will cherish these moments!!!

 

[MickeyMom76]

Taking care of my health has been my number one priority, which sadly is not normally the case.

This is a prime example of how something good can come out of a bad situation! Way to go!!!

 

[sjrec]

Yes!!! I got so frustrated when I did my last grocery pickup and only got half of what I ordered. And it was all parts of different recipes that I had planned. So then I found Targets delivery with a free 4 week trial and started another shopping cart (but pickup was a week and a half away) to try again. It’s mostly for fresh fruits and vegetables and some deli meats and cheeses. We’re pretty well stocked now on other things. And it’s great to see he kids going for the grapes instead of fruit snacks or cucumber slices instead of chips!!!

Yes, this my worry-that I won’t get what I have on my list. At least in the store you can re assess your options and substitute. On our local area’s Facebook page the owner of our smaller grocery store said the least crowded times to shop were 7:00 until closing. So when I need to resupply I might go then.

 

[Oneanne]

This is me, too!!!

Yep, my drug of choice as well.

 

[4Mickeys]

it is because Nicks birthday is tomorrow

Happy Birthday to Nick - hope you all enjoyed the celebration!

It was my mum' birthday on the 31st and yes very different to usual as well - we dropped cupcakes and flowers at their doorway - one cupcake had a candle in for mum - then we instructed them to go on their balcony and light the candle while the kids and I sang happy birthday from downstairs a safe distance away.

I completely agree!!!! This was really my first form of social media. I don’t have Facebook. I recently hit a twitter account, but don’t really use it. I do have Instagram and am just now starting to use it more. But this group is my first group of friends from different countries

This is so me I have resisted the pressure to join Facebook for years! I have had twitter for a while but really don't post anything much on there. I did get Instagram in January - so that when I went on my girls trip I could post photos and the kids could see what I was up to easily. And same about this group - it was what helped me feel more comfortable with some of kids interactions online as part of gaming - DD used to be a 'staff member' on Minecraft and she made friends with other staff members on there - they all have stopped using it now but still catch up occasionally - they all checked in on each other last week in a group chat - some are here in Australia in different states, one is in Spain, England, USA. I mean I still check in on them and talk about safety - but it helped me see that it was nice to chat with people around the world.

One of the hardest things is for the kids (especially the teenagers) to understand is that they can’t hang out.

Yes! It was especially hard here as they were trying to keep schools open as long as possible - but at the same time beginning the process of shut down and social distancing - I had to say No alot - no you can;t meet your friends for lunch at the shops, no you can't visit your friend's house, no you need stop your weekly large group workout with your mates - this was met especially from DD with "but I am still at school with these same people everyday - school still has us sitting right next to each other - what is the difference!" So I was glad when they finally called it on school attendance for so many reasons. Can I say my DD has a new appreciation for school - and when she gets to go back I think she will be there everyday. She is struggling being away from her friends.

I've been focused on my numbers and they have been looking good..

Great work on those numbers - its hard but sometimes they are the best motivator!

My BP has been looking much better most days - although the other day it was up and I don't really know why. I haven't been told to due my blood sugars yet - probably as last blood test I was still in the pre-diabetes range - but she has added a h1b1 test to me next time around - and I have been eating way to much chocolate so I am kind of expecting to tip over into official type 2 soon. I know that sounds bad - that I expect it and still eat the chocolate - but I know you understand that battle.

Good Article I have seen a few with similar content. I agree - we can only let ourselves go eat, drink, lay around for so long. I have also been meal planning - comfort eating (read chocolate) is still a problem for me - some days are better than others. I have been increasing my exercise again - but with my body sooo not used to it - yesterday morning I turned from the stove to the counter but must have twisted a little at the same time and pulled a muscle (I think) in my lower back! So I spent all of yesterday resting on the couch with a heat pack on/off and took some panadol! Way to feel old and unfit haha - that meant I didn't get my walk in yesterday I am still in bed this morning - I managed to sleep until 7am today yippee - it is overcast and rainy so that helped! Shopping - I have still been going but also trying to cut back on trips - I was wiping the trolley - then they ran out of wipes so I started using gloves - but then the shop started having someone there at the trolleys with wipes to wipe them down for customers - I've still be using the gloves. I agree about the need to be flexible on the spot with what is available in relation to our plans. I am still trying to do lower-carb eating to help me with reduction of inflammation - but have probably added some more variety of vegetables back in at the moment - I am trying to make sure to eat as well as I can. I also started all of us on vitamin C a few weeks ago. I think there is so much unknown and out of our control with this but adopting healthy practices are - maybe they help maybe they don't but at least we might then feel like we have done everything we can to give ourselves and our families they best chance. Mental health is such a big thing - although I read something interesting last night about people with anxiety and depression actually experiencing an improvement in mood at the moment - its kind of like they are not worrying about some unknown bad thing that may happen - but are able to respond and deal with the actual bad thing happening. I can relate to that as I get anxiety but tend to be focused and get through actual stressful incidents then over time will revert to the worry of what MIGHT be. I have been using audio sleep visualizations the last few nights but want to add some day time mindfulness/meditations.

 

[MickeyMom76]

Let’s hear all of your woohoos!!!
In this time of darkness (global pandemic), what are some good things that are happening?

 

[MickeyMom76]

I will admit, the first week we were home was bad for me! But the turning point was when my district made the call to start online instruction. Until then, I was worried that they were going to say that and so much of my stuff was still at school and how do you teach kindergartens online? But once the call was made, I changed my mindset to I can do this! We can do this! There is no other option than to make the best of it. And I started seeing the good in it!

My woohoos:
1. I get to work from home.
2. Mostly flexible hours
3. I’ve learned more about technology that I will continue to incorporate after this pandemic is over.
4. I get to go on almost daily bike rides sometimes with my kids.
5. My husband is out on workman’s comp, unfortunate injury but with good timing in that we are all home together.
6. Less tired & stressed from work, so happy to cook dinner for (and sometimes with) my family.
7. More family time with nightly game or movie nights!
8. Seeing this as a gift of time as I’ve been struggling this year with kids starting high school & feeling like they will be off to college before I now it!
9. My pediatrician sister and family medicine BiL are mostly doing phone office visits from home. Therefore less worrying about them!
10. The weather has been warmer and mostly sunny this week!

 

[sjrec]

1. We don’t have to go out-my husband works from home.
2. Still able to walk on our rail trail every day because we can keep a safe distance from others.
3. Learned how to use Zoom!
4. Talking to family out of state more often.
5. Weather is getting nicer-more sunny days and the time to sit on the deck and enjoy them.