Laurie's journal - Atkins plan (comments welcome)

[LAinSEA]

I'm stuck at work - Friday's and Saturdays there is just no one who will fill in for me at work. So when I woke up this morning and didn't want to get out of bed, I didn't have a choice but to go on with it.

Because of my work schedule (having to work Labor Day) this week, I'm going to have to finalize my Comcast package on Sunday, work Monday, load the graphics at Comcast on Tuesday afternoon, work Wednesday, and then use Thursday for my final doc's visit and mammogram for the study. I hope my body cooperates between now and then - things are not moving as fast as they should, even though these are some of the worst cramps I've experienced in years!

Thankfully, I'm mostly caught up for my class and there is no big paper due this week (I am writing our smaller team paper that is due Wednesday - first draft is done, I'm hoping someone steps up to edit or add to it this weekend).

I feel like I just can't get my breath during this class - we are halfway through and I'm so looking forward to our vacation and a good break from school and work.

DH is doing OK, not happy about the lack of job contacts, but doing all right for now. Our rainy weather is back - and that makes his (and mine) joints ache. But I'd rather it be cool and wet than 90 degrees!

 

[DoeWDW]

Laurie, I hope TOM (or should I say TOYear?) shows up soon! What a relief once it's over!!

Your plate is full now, but you're juggling everything beautifully! Your class will be over soon enough and your graphics package will be finished even sooner. Best wishes for both!

Sending you a

 

[LAinSEA]

Do not over-commit to too much!

I haven't gotten a walk in a week now and I'm really missing it. Yeah, walking with cramps is not conducive... but I thoroughly promised that I would take a break yesterday and walk - it didn't happen.

I am nearly done with the graphics...still need to elements that I haven't come up with any thing creative as yet. They may have to wait and I'll email them when I'm finished.

School - I posted both a draft of our "team" paper and a draft of my section of our powerpoint project - but no comments or editing by other team members has occurred since Saturday. I realize it is a holiday weekend, however, we still have classwork to complete, holiday or no holiday. Just a little frustrated right now.

Food, mostly on plan (with a little medicinal licorice thrown in...DH should not have indulged me when I wished for it outloud). I'm getting a little freaked about hitting the scale at the doctor's office on Thursday.

Doe, thank-you so much for you kind words...yep only 2 more weeks, 3 days to go for class, and three weeks until vacation. I really cannot wait!

 

[wilderness01]

Hi You sound so busy right now but handling it well. Good for you. You will get your walks in again soon. Get through the week and especially your doctor's appointment. You are going for your teaching degree? Your master's correct? I can't remember what kind of undergrad degree you have? How long will it take you? I have thought about bagging nursing and going into teaching. We will see.......Wishing you a good week.

 

[Strings]

Laurie,

You are doing an amazing job. You work full time, go to school, have a healthy relationship with your DH, spend time with family, and freelance in your spare time. You also manage to stay OP 99% of the time. You are an inspiration.

You are in the home stretch of the class. make sure that the others are pulling their own weight though. Get tough, if you have to. Then think about htat wonderful relaxing time in nature with just DH and the kitties.

I'm thinking of you.
Beth

Hey Laurie,

I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for your friendshp and support. I really am lucky to have you in my life.

 

[LAinSEA]

Isn't it amazing what a little positive scale movement will do for your attitude? Well, after see it go up the last week, I got on this morning and low and behold it was at 160! At last my 20 lbs clippie. The scale at the doctors office confirms a 20 lbs loss as well (163 there with clothes on).

I got our team paper posted yesterday after one of our team did a quick run through and edit (another did the abstract for me and started the conclusion). I just got my discussion questions started and posted for the week too. 3 great big papers and the power point project to go. I am actually enjoying this class contentwise than I thought I would. I'm beginning to see a practical aspect to all the theory.

I will get a walk in tonight - first in over a week. Rain returns tomorrow sometime and I will have to make a decision to get out the raingear or the DVDs. But I have to get some excercise!

Beth, again thank you for all your support. It helps to loggon and see some positive comments, it keeps me going.

Wilderness, I'm working on my masters through univ. of Phoenix online (except for student teaching which I have to actually go to a school and do!). Best choice I've made for myself in years.

 

[Strings]

:thewave:
CLIPPIE PARTY AT LAURIE'S!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You have worked so hard for that clippie. I am so proud of you. How did the dr.'s appointment go? I am glad that paper is done. Do you get anytime to relax this weekend, or do you have to start on another right away? You are doing an amazing job.
Congratulations.
Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

and then a "real" weekend!???

I did walk this morning (even if it was for only 30 minutes - I did not get out last night).

My doctor's appt. went quite well yesterday. If I can handle staying off the BC pills for a month (or two), there may be another study I can join with their office in October for "pelvic pain". Given my predisposition to cramps, I may qualify. I am a very good study patient, I'm told. Probably because I'm "clean" and reliable.

This weekend will be busy schoolwise...I do my observation on Monday morning and have to have the paper re: that observation in by Tuesday night (I have until Wednesday but will be at work that day). I also have to write a paper on an age-appropriate activity - I volunteered to lead the station tour next Thursday, and the big paper is due a week from Sunday! I'm waiting to see if others will step up to help to the last two team papers...and not holding my breath! I will start of the big paper on Sunday as well as write up the plan for my activity.

My FIL had a hip replacement on Tuesday and went home today. DH has had to deal with the hospital visits and getting him home and settled today. (I got chastized for not going in to visit despite being busy with work, freelance work and doct's appt. - well I'm used to it, what would I have done anyway?)

My cold is back with a vengence! DH is snuffling too. Even Niko had runny eyes and a slight fever this morning (DH says he seems a bit better this afternoon). If he has a cold, I'm sure Tilda will come down with it too. I will take to see Kitty Doc tomorrow am if they seem at all ill tonight or in the morning. Our Vet swears that cats cannot get human colds, yet almost always when I come down with one, either or all do too.

 

[Auntmeme]

Congrats on the new clippe sounds like you deserve it and more! You are sooo busy, you most be extremely organized. Have a wonderful weekend, keep walking

 

[Strings]

Hi Laurie,

I'm sewnding healing to help with the cold, and to help with those papers. You have a lot on your plate. How was the observation this morning. I hope it went well, and you have a ton of info for the paper. Don't forget to get a little rest.

Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

I'm starting to feel really worn down...only 8 more days of this class. The observation went really well yesterday and the teacher interview went even better. I only wish that they were further into the school year and I could have watched a unit from the newer social studies curriculum to be introduced. They were still doing "get to know you" exercises and stuff like that.

I really enjoy the middle school/junior high age group and I'm hoping to do my student teaching with this age group. High school is OK too - but 12-15 age group really draws me. There is so much going on and the light when they start to get it is so cool.

The nasty cold is still with me - or is this another one? I'm not sleeping well, too much in my head.

I actually got my observation paper completed last night, on time and turned it in (even though I had permission to turn it in on Wednesday). It didn't have any references, but I wasn't sure it needed any.

I re-wrote/combined our group paper (writen by another team member) so that it would meet requirements today...hopefully I will get someone else's feedback before it is due tomorrow.

That leaves the monster paper due on Sunday (Theory to Practice) and my activity reflection paper, which I have a start on and need to look up the references that back up my activity. We also have another team paper and our power point presentation due the last day of class.

No walking for me the last few days. It poured yesterday...better today but we are meeting friends downtown Seattle for dinner. It is an Italian restaurant but they have an Atkins special each week. Foodwise, I've been on plan, water has been lacking.

MeMe and Beth, thanks so much for stopping by and your support. I will try to get to journals by tomorrow evening.

 

[Strings]

Hi Laurie,

I'm glad the observation went well. Great job getting the paper done. Don't worry about journals, you have plenty to do right now. Just focus on getting throught the next week, and we'll still be here then. You will also be able to relax on vacation, which you desperately need. Fell better soon.
Beth

 

[DoeWDW]

Laurie, I've gotta agree with Beth - journals can wait! You're doing great and hanging in there - you'll be relaxing soon!! Just keep up the great work - I promise in the end it will all pay off! Working full-time and going to school is no easy task so pat yourself on the back for all you've accomplished so far!!

I'm sorry that I almost missed it but.....

WOO HOO!!! A BEAUTIFUL NEW CLIPPIE!!!

Congratulations on that very pretty new clippie you're sporting!! It looks GREAT on you! Hope the Atkins special was good - it's getting easier and easier to eat low-carb!

Best wishes for a fabulous day!

 

[wilderness01]

Congrats on the weight loss and all your accomplishments in school. You are doing so much and doing a great job. I hope you get some rest and your cold goes away. Have a fun relaxing dinner tonight.

 

[LAinSEA]

Got one more day at work this week (and two big papers to write). I wishing that I could call in sick but that is not an option (no one to come in for me).

I've been doing some research for the paper(s) here at work, discussion questions are due on Saturday too. I posted my section of the last team paper (but I'm a little pissed I had to do anything for it at all...I've written 2 1/2 out of the 5!) I don't know the status of our power point project.

So I'm just a tad stressed, no exercise and starving (even though I've had plenty to eat!) Jeans are fitting tighter, so I'm staying away from the scale.

DH has been having to do chores around his father's house...which means nothing has been getting done at our own. My FIL is not a pleasant man, add pain after hip replacement and meds - well you can use your imagination. Poor Jeff!

The kitties have been "clingy" - we've been talking about the trip and they want to make sure they are going. Just the sight of suitcases puts the whole house into chaos. I used to think it was just Horatio (the one we lost in May) who got all excited, but Tilda and Niko are acting just like he used to act.

If anyone has any bright ideas on how to approach "theory to practice" in education...please send them my way.

Thanks Doe, Beth, Wilderness for all your support - I feel like I've got my own cheering section!

 

[wilderness01]

It has sounded like you have been doing the majority of the work for the papers. Totally not fair! You would think as adults everyone would do their fair share, but no. I see this at my kid's school at a volunteer event. There are the doers and the don'ts. Sorry for this for you. Hang in there with the weight. I know what you mean about the jeans getting tighter. Mine have too and it isn't a good feeling. We will both be ok. Have a good weekend.

 

[Strings]

Laurie,

You are in the hme stretch. You will get it all done. When do you leave for the cabin. When things get too stressful, just picture yourself up there with the kitties curled up next to you. You definately deserve this break.

Sending ,
Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

That is how much time is left in this class - and we couldn't be further from done. Wilderness and Beth, yes I'm stressed and a little pissed that some team members are just not coming through. I looked up and posted the info for our first section of the power point project (after doing the longer third section weeks ago) because the other gal in the group had not posted anything by this morning. I hope I don't have to write her portion of the paper due tomorrow too!

I keep checking in to see if any progress is being made - our builder couldn't start on stuff until he got home from work (he's in Texas). I have been in touch with one the other responsible parties (he's in Atlanta). The guy compiling our paper for tomorrow is still waiting for the gal in Lousiana to post her work. I'm sitting at a real "A" this time around and I really don't want to lose it because no one else is getting their portion of the work done. The guy in Atlanta feels the same way as I do - very cool guy - works in the juvenile justice system.

I did get a long walk in yesterday and today. The weather is absolutely gorgeous right now. Cool and sunny, with little puffy clouds floating by. We met my parents for dinner last night at Claimjumper. I had a steak sandwich and didn't avoid the bread. I'm craving carbs...stress and I'm off hormones - which really kept me even keeled and kept the cravings away. I'm off BC for a least half a month - or longer if I want to be considered for the next study.

We leave for the cabin either Sunday the 26th or Monday the 27th - so less than a week away. If Jeff is able to get a great deal accomplished while I'm working we'll leave on Sunday - if not, I will need a day to put the house in order and pack, so we'll leave on Monday. I return to work on Wednesday, Oct. 13 with school beginning again the next day. I don't know if we'll stay at the cabin the entire time. We are also planning on driving through Glacier Nat. park on the way there or back. The kitties are excited to be going. I'm excited to be going. Jeff is ready to do some fishing! Although I will download the reading for my next class, I will not have any internet access while we are gone...no phone, no cable TV!

 

[LAinSEA]

And what a relief it is that it is over (for 3 weeks). We do need to post our final team paper and I have to fill out the a team report and post it to the "anonymous newsgroup" but all my work is now done!

I didn't get up and walk this morning...a little rain, and needed to sleep. Weather should be better tomorrow. With all my DH needs to do at home to get ready for our trip, his dad has him doing chores at his house again! I'm ready to scream! I also have some more work to do get done for Comcast before we leave as well - team logos for a couple more football games they have added to their schedule. They are really happy with the package I designed for them.

Food should be on plan. I'm staying away from the scale until we are back from vacation, and although I will be careful with my choices while we are gone, I won't be totally on plan. It's awfully difficult to pack lunches for hiking, fishing, etc. if we can't do sandwiches...I don't anticipate the availability of low-carb bread in West Yellowstone!

3 1/2 more days of work...vacation cannot come soon enough!

 

[wilderness01]

Congrats on the end of class. Your trip sounds peaceful. Have a good time.