Laurie's journal - Atkins plan (comments welcome)

[LAinSEA]

Day 64 menu: breakfast - low-carb roll; lunch - chicken salad w/avacado; dinner - ham, green salad w/bleu cheese dressing & crumbles, tomato & almonds; diet rite, lots of water. (Untouched snacks (at least so far) 1 oz macadamias, cheese & salami.

Received a call from FIL (yes, the "D" is missing in front of FIL) - he's "extremely" concerned about DH's "growing depression" and "use of alcohol". Informs me that BIL is equally concerned. Veiled "threat" of "confronting" DH on above issues.

Now, honestly, FIL is a bit of a drama king IMHO. I'm concerned about my husband's mental health also...first time he's been unemployed, ever! Yes, alcohol can be a problem (and DH sees a counselor currently and we spent 2 years in couple counseling a few years back). But honestly, DH is coping quite well for someone's who has sent out over 300+ resumes and had only 2 phone calls and no interviews in return.

As I see it, FIL and BIL (retired orthodontist & practicing orthodontist) are both very much type A, tell people what to do, doers. If something isn't right in their world, they are quite capable of barking out orders to someone to fix it. My DH is an analytical, a thinker, a diplomat. Most of his life has been in the roll of peacemaker between two doers. His work life has been coming up with great ideas and selling a manager on that good idea (usually the manager just takes credit for the good idea...) Neither FIL or BIL can understand what the job market is like. They had or have their own practices - if times are tough, they cut staff, go on less vacations, buy a smaller boat.

I'm concerned about DH too - doing whatever I can to be supportive. I've got the network net tossed out far and wide. Followed up on every lead, etc. But mostly all I can do is to be there, listen, not make or pass judgement and tell him that I love him. I can't stop him from drinking, if that is what he choses to do. I can only let him know that I don't condone the behavior. And his dad and brother can't make that choice for him either. BTW, DH learned to reach for the bottle from the environment he grew up in...

thanks for letting me vent.

Exercise: 0 for today...I'm hoping we don't wake up feeling rundown tomorrow and can walk.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

just wanted to give you a and sending major pd

 

[Strings]

Oh Laurie,

I'm so sorry you're feeling so stressed. You are obviously doing your best to support your husband. You are right, he is an adult and will make his own choices. I hope he is making the right ones for your family. Your FIL has put you in a very awkward positioin. All you can do is support your DH. Families can hinder when they are trying to help. Vent away, sister. We're here to listen. Here's some and I hope things work out in the very near future.

Beth

 

[marsh0013]

laurie, i'm so sorry you're going through some tough times. big . it must be frustrating to have to deal with fil and bil who don't understand what you're going through. i know in their minds, they are only trying to help, but they don't seem to be going about it in the correct manner. you are an absolute saint for not only having to deal with them, but for being such a loving and caring wife for dh in his time of trouble. i know you're doing everything you can for him, and i'm sure he appreciates how wonderful you are. i hope that everything works out for you and dh. please continue to come here to vent, we are here for you, good times and bad

on a positive note though, i see you are still making good food choices when you could easily give in to stress

 

[LAinSEA]

Day 65 menu: breakfast - low-carb roll, smoked salmon & cream cheese; snack - Atkins vanila shake, brie & salami; dinner - sirloin burger w/bleu cheese on portabello & romain salad w/ranch, tomato, green onion & almonds. (Snacks if I need or want them: 1 oz macademias & sugar-free jelly bellies).

When things start to go bad, they go bad all the way around. Found out my schedule is going to change in April (if not sooner), back to working a weekend day. "Is that OK - since your husband is unemployed?..." No, it's not. But saying anything about it won't change anything.

My grandmother's 90th birthday is coming up Feb. 18. The family (aunt & cousin) are planning a big party - for Friday, Feb. 20. Oh great, would have been nice if they'd plan it for a Saturday or Sunday or let me know the plan 2 months in advance...I have to put in time off requests 2 months in advance. "Oh you could just come over on your lunch hour..." what lunch hour!

Last I talked to DH, he was being brow-beaten by his dad over the phone. Great day, really great day.

I sure wish I had something positive to report. I can't wait for a break the end of the month. (Oh - got tagged to work this Saturday night too - hope the caucus gets over early in the day)

When it rains, it pours.

 

[marsh0013]

geez laurie, it really is raining crap all over you isn't it? i'm really sorry that there is nothing positive for you to report. although, i definitely look at your eating plan, and that looks like a positive to me. you may not see it that way, but you really are doing an amazing job staying on plan even through all of this. and i wish i could do something to help. the best i can do is offer you a and send some your way. oh yeah, and here's an to help shield you at least a little bit from all of that stuff that's raining down on you. keep your chin up girl, even though i know it's tough. i'll keep you in my thoughts.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

and heading your way

 

[LAinSEA]

Satine & Marcia: thanks so much for your kindness and support. Life isn't fair - but it does go on.

Day 66 menu: breakfast - low-carb roll; snack - Akins shake & brie & salami; lunch - romaine salad w/bleu cheese, tomato & almonds; snack - 1 oz macadamias; dinner - flank steak & mushrooms; diet rite, lots of water. sugar free jelly bellies.

The schedule change is due to hiring another graphics operator (just relocated up from Los Angeles). It's funny that for the last 2 years we've been doing just fine with 3 really great part-timers. Now since someone else is coming up from So. Cal, the full-time position just magically opens up. It's happened before with producers, not production people.

It's not that I have a problem with So. Cal...or people from So. Cal - it's just that there are a lot of part-time staff that have been busting their butts for a long time and doing a great job. It's more than coincidence that as soon as someone from big FOX wants to move up here, then a full-time job materializes.

The schedule issue is a big problem - I've been doing this type of work for 20 years now...I've only had "real" weekends off for just under a year now. I'm the most senior person in my department, but apparently it doesn't count for anything.

Not to mention that the 3 part-timers that have been doing such great work are now suddenly cut down to 1 or 2 days a week instead of 3.

Yeah, life is not fair.

 

[LAinSEA]

Day 67 menu: breakfast - low carb roll & diet rite; lunch out - mixed green salad w/lime citrus dressing w/grilled chicken breast (salad included some orange slices & 1 small piece each of pineapple & cantalope...first fruit I've eaten since starting Akins); snack - leek, brocolli & cauliflower soup; dinner - sirloin burger on portabello mushroom; lots of water.

Went to our first ever caucus this morning. Very interesting experience - got selected to be a delegate to the next level with DH. Met some teachers that teach in the district over from ours and they invited DH to apply for emergency sub in their district. I'm hoping that he will follow up on it. I think it would be good for him (he taught 100 level biology for non-majors his last year in college).

I'm having to work tonight - will be a late one because we're on after Pac-10 basketball.

I'm not the only one here at work not happy over the new hire and schedule change. It's sounding like we may lose some very good people over this and some other recent moves.

 

[marsh0013]

laurie, i'm sorry about your bad situation at work. doesn't really seem fair to be bringing in new people to take over a full time position when there are other people who will be hurt by it. it's really crappy when companies do that, i mean, that's a really great way to reward those who have been with the company doing such a great job already

i hope things end up working out okay with that and they start treating you guys better, because you deserve it.

hope your day goes well today

 

[CourtasanSatine]

good morning and have a day

 

[Strings]

Oh Laurie,

I'm sorry things are so stressful at work. It can spill over into all aspects of life. You are doing a great job of sticking with your woe through this trying time. I'm proud of you. Good subs are hard to find. If DH does pursue that and make a good impression, that could be frequent work until he finds what he wants. It would also make him feel productive. Maybe get his father off his back too.

Have a good day.
Beth

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi Laurie,

I'm so sorry I haven't been able to check on you much lately and look at what's happening in your life. You poor thing. It just stinks that your work situation is so stressful. I do applaud you for your healthy eating habits. That is one ray of sunshine at least. I also hope your DH finds work and very soon. Too bad his father and brother are not more supportive. {{{{{hugs}}}}} to you and please take care!

 

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Laurie, just stopping by to say a quick hello. Sorry to hear about your work situation. Company politics are pain, aren't they? I'm glad you're still staying on plan through all of this. I know it can be easy to give up when faced with so much stress. Take care Laurie, hang in there!

 

[LAinSEA]

I really need to get online over the weekend more...

Thank-you everyone for being there and being so supportive. I try to explain to DH about this online community and how we look after each other. He just doesn't understand how people thousands of miles away and relatively anonymously can be such an important motivator for positive changes in one's life. I know that I couldn't get through all of it without you!

Day 65 - Sunday: slept in - lunch was 1 oz macadamia nuts before pilates and our 40 minute walk; dinner was cream of broccoli, leek & cauliflower soup w/sour cream & chives and 2 slices of low-carb bread toasted. tried to get a lot of water in me - just seemed so dehydrated, must be the tail end of this cold. Appetitie is definitely waning lately.

Day 66 - Monday: again, slept in - lunch was scrambled eggs w/cheese & ham; dinner at my parents was top loin steak, salad w/bleu cheese dressing & parmasan, mixed veggies (broccoli, green beans, sugar peas & a little carrot & peppers) & a low-carb roll. Mom is trying to prepare low-carb meals for dinner for my father and encourage him to eat low-carb for breakfast and lunch. Dad has read all the diet books now and according to my mother, eats everything on all plans. Well, at least he's thinking about it.

Exercise: Sunday 20 minutes pilates & 40 minute walk, Monday 20 minutes pilates & 30 minute walk w/Mom.

Today (Tuesday): I will try to be positive at work and not think about the schedule changes happening next week. (The new hire is taking the last half of the week off to celebrate his anniversary skiing in Utah...)

 

[marsh0013]

i totally understand about dh not understanding. i've been doing the whole online community thing for a while now (not here...mostly boards relating to my other obession...dave matthews band ). and i have made so many great friends through that, friends that i have met in person and who have become some of my best friends. everyone tells me i'm crazy. hogwash. even if you don't meet in person, these relationships are real, and we are here for each other

i'm glad you are trying to keep a positive attitude about work. hope you can keep that sunny disposition

 

[Strings]

Since you are being positive, I'll be catty. It must be nice to start a new job and work for only 2 days before taking vacation. Sorry, that wasn't productive. I'm proud of you for taking the high road. Don't worry about DH not understanding WISH. Mine thinks I'm crazy. Have a good day.

Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

I'm beginning to feel like using "Day ##" is marking my "incarceration" rather than going forward in life...So I'm going to start with just days of week instead.

Tuesday menu: breakfast - low-carb roll; snack - cream of broccoli, leek & califlower soup; later snack sirloin burger on portabello; dinner - romaine salad w/ranch dressing, tomato & bay shrimp & grilled flank steak; diet rite, not enough water (we ran out of bottled water at work).

Wednesday: We had an early start today to make room for a company meeting (didn't effect my start time - just how busy I was to begin with). I also had an intern shadowing me for the first few hours - it's tough to be informative when you're fingers are flying trying to put together the graphics needed for a show that pretapes in an hour. Our big meeting was to announce new company logos and then the Sonics front office, coach, players and mascot came by to have a "pep rally" to kick off our new partnership. Next year (fall 2004/winter 2005) we will air 70 sonics games. (We already have partnerships with the Mariners, Trail Blazers for Portland, Seahawks for preseason games & northwest universities.) It's good news, but it also means that we will be very busy doing both pre and post game shows for all those sports. (We also do the Detroit Sports Reports from our regional studios...and take our Pistons, Red Wings, Tigers and Michigan universities very seriously.)

Good news - the water guy came! So hopefully I can get in my quota before going home.

more on my food later...didn't get up to exercise this morning. DH and I both just slept through our alarms!

 

[Castillo Mom]

Laurie, don't worry, my hubby doesn't get it either. I've found that if I don't journal or interact with my WISH buddies, I feel like something is missing or not quite right.

 

[marsh0013]

laurie, i think that's a really good idea about not posting day #s. i know exactly what you mean about it feeling like an incarceration. i'm sure that in the future if you want to mark a special anniversary or something (like, 6 months on plan or something like that), it will be easy enough to figure out

yay for the water guy! keep drinking it down