Lesli's Live Long and Strong WISH Journal

[Mykelogan]

Hi Lesli!!

I think that you did a great job with all the chaos and stress of the day. I thought the same thing as you told the story of your DS and the cakes... first "awww cute" and second "awww dang!" hehe! Glad to hear you thought on your feet and resuced the situation.

I am definitely with you in your thoughts about how you feel about doing the 100 Day Challenge. I think it is an AMAZING tool for those who it motivates and helps so I am not knocking it. I just know for me it puts "values" on my actions and that is not productive for me. I am trying to get the ideas of "good" and "bad" food & eating out of my head, and focusing instead on how each food choice has an impact and then I move on. Does that make any sense? I know talk a lot about good and bad choices, so that is something i work on!

Ooh!!! Get those Disney pics ASAP!!!! hehe!
Have a happy & healthy night!
Mike

 

[Lesli54]

Yesterday had it's ups and downs. It wasn't a bad day, just an off day, and food/water could have stayed more on plan.

Weight seems to be back where I was, so back to the downward trend.

Well, I ran out to take DD15 to the dr. and forgot to grab my AM snack. Luckily, the dr. was very busy and they took her in while I was updating information with the receptionist. It probably made some others mad who were waiting, but I was thrilled to be moving so fast. Now she is to do her cheerleading this fall.

On our way home, we noticed that the road going into town was 100% oiled and graveled and closed. Why didn't they just do one lane at a time? We live in the middle of no where and although there are a few roads going into town, we live close to the Rock River so if you are on the wrong side of the river, you have to drive quite aways to get back across it. So we headed towards the next town so that we could go all the way around (almost literally to get home). Along the way, we met DD18 going home with DD7. Get to the next town and just a ways outside there was a sign right next to road construction at an intersection that metioned the road going into our town was closed. I thought it meant further down the road, so I ran and got gas at the town on the intersection, since I knew I wouldn't have enough if I took all the back roads home. Called DH and told him it was going to be longer. Luckily, DD18 called her boyfriend while I was getting gas and he told her that the road wasn't closed (he uses it to get to our house), the sign means the part of the road at the intersection. Now how dumb is that? I am at the intersection, there is construction there, I can see what is closed and that there was a way to go around with a traffic signal, so why put a sign there making it appear that the whole road is closed?

Thankfully, DD18 thought to call. Back home, after driving 18 miles out of the way (yes it is at least that long to get around), it was just past lunch time and I ate a small salad w/turkey, celery, gr peppers, & almonds. Then, I don't know if it was the hectic day, as I tried to get a few things done that I didn't get to earlier or what, but I went and ate a small piece of the cake. After that it was 4 chips. Then I went to relax w/ a book and fell asleep, so I guess I was actually tired. For supper we had wild rice, chicken and green beans. The rest of the family had canteloupe, but I didn't. Probably should have, but didn't feel like it. After supper, I had another sm piece of cake. It really is a good thing that I don't make cake often and fortunately, I do cut the fat and some calories in it. In the evening, I relaxed and read and then DH made popcorn for the younger ones and I had some as well. Not alot, just a little. I could have done without.

Water for the day was horrible. It was barely 1/2 of what I drink. I really don't know why I didn't keep up on it. Like I said the day was off and it probably didn't help that DD7 and DS were a handful and a half yesterday. At one point he thought he could pounce on her like Tigger. He tried it to me and I said that Tigger's don't pounce mommas. Oh well, time to move forward. I did take myself out of the 100 day cheat free challenge. It just doesn't do any good to get that stressed about food, at least not me. For some it works, but at this time it is not right for me. I want to develop good food habits and if I indulge in something from time to time, I want to feel ok about it if it is controlled, not stressed about it because it was cheating.

I have gotten further in Dr. Phil's book and have learned some new things to help me succeed so I am going to begin implementing them. I think that later, I am going to redefine my goals again.

Breakfast: 1 fried egg, 1/2 7 grain toast (no jelly), 1/2 c. blueberries
AM snack: cucumbers & cheese (this has been eluding me)
Lunch: tuna wrap
PM snack: banana smoothie
Supper: ?

Goals for day:
1. Exercise (take a walk or ride a bike or break out the DVDs)
2. House organization begins today (didn't happen yesterday)
3. Bills
4. GS paperwork

I did wake up at 6:30am this morning and really contemplated going back to bed, but then remembered that Dr. Phil mentioned that the only way to stay successful in this program is to change your life to support it, which is true. Well, I have changed some things thus far, but know that I need some more changes. So after a little thought, I got up. I am going to get up at 6:30 or before everyday. Some of the days, I will workout afterwards, the other days, I will enjoy the quiet and gather my thoughts, kind of a way to relax and rejuevenate.

Well, I better get going. Gotta make some breakfast. Lots to do to get those other changes done so that I can support my goal when I get there.

Everyone have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

Good morning! Getting up earlier is a really good idea. Once I shake off a few mintues of groggies I really feel like I get a lot of my day back.

Sorry to hear there were a few snags yesterday, but it's in the past and today is another day.

The road situation sounds frustrating!!! I can't wait until construction season is over!!!

I hope you have a great day today! Watch out for pouncing Tiggers!!!!

 

[Lesli54]

Yes, waking up earlier seems to be going well so far. Now to just get off the computer!

I forgot to mention that DD18 is moving sooner than expected. She got a phone call from dining services and they have a job for her at the new Burger King that is going into the student center. It is 2 hours a day in the late afternoon, M-F, and she will probably be working cashier since they did ask her about that experience (4+ yrs). She was smart enough to accept the job since you never know if you turn it down if there will be another offer. It's only 10 hrs a week, but it gives spending money, keeps her out of trouble and allows her to adjust to college life. We figure that if something better comes along then she can change jobs. I have never heard of an employer holding it against you because you wanted to improve yourself and situation.

Fortunately, it is close to her classes and the Library. Unfortunately, since it is new, the training date is moved up earlier than all other dining services and she has to move in on Aug 15 and live in temporary housing for 2 days. (Aug 17 is move in for all other dining services and Aug 18 is move in for Everyone.) On the plus side, we won't have to deal with moving her on the busiest day. On the downside, we have to take her down on the 15th w/ just enough to spend a few nights and then go down on the 17th w/ everything. Oh well. DH said that we should just consider packing up the travel trailer and going down on the 15th, stay at a campground for two days (not DD18 of course) and then unloading on the 17th before returning home. Something to think about. It could be a mini vacation before everyone heads back to school and would give us some time to get used to the area more. Hmmmmmmmmm.

Well, I better get going. Looks like I have 4 wks left with DD18 before she begins her new life. She wants me to teach her how to crochet. So, I guess we wil be working on that as well.

Have a great day!

 

[goldcupmom]

Life is very seldom what we expect, is it?

Good that you are past yesterday. Moving on is always the right thing.

I'd vote for the mini vacation when you take DD to school. You certainly can use a break and it would be easier, I think, than driving it all again.

Road construction is AWFUL. Unfortunately, here in NM, when they start ANYTHING, it seems to take years to finish, and the weather is NOT a factor. Go figure.

Hang in there and try to get some you time!

 

[pearlieq]

I've never seen ambivalence conveyed so eloquently!

Glad to hear they found a position for your DD! Enjoy these next few weeks!

 

[Cruise04]

Congrats on your daughter getting that job at college. I know it's getting harder and harder for students to find work on campuses these days so good for her!!!

You mentioned the Rock River so you must be not far from me - near Rockford somewhere. I'm in DeKalb so another WISH "neighbor"!!!! How cool is that!!

Keep going at it and have fun teaching your daughter to crochet - what a great way to bond with her.

Keep on
Chris

 

[Mykelogan]

Hi Lesli!!
Very happy to hear about DD's job at school!! I think it is very important for students to have a regimented responsibility like a part time job, so when classes start to bog them down they have a set place with structure and probably some friendly relief.
I also your DH idea about camping for a day or two in the area. Will help you feel more comfy with where she is and let you be around to help her with any first 24hr jitters!
After your daughter is settled and the semester begins I will tell you the tale of my first 48hrs at school!! hehehe!

Hope you have a great night!
Mike

 

[rcyannacci]

Hey Leslie! I'm catching up after locking myself in my office with my laptop.

I felt the same way about the South Beach as you did about the challenge...life happens, and a plan that's not flexible is just too stressful. You're already doing so great...you challenge yourself plenty!

It's so great to hear how excited your DD is for college. Freshman who come in with that level of confidence really do great! I love teaching the fall become everyone comes in with such enthusiasm. The spring on the other hand...they've all become so jaded and after spring break...forget about it. But the first year really is such a great, learning experience. And it sounds like the work schedule will be perfect. Good for her!

BTW- I vote camping mini-vacation too. sounds like fun!

Someday you're going to have to tell me your tricks for a moist cake...but I can't start making cakes until I've reached another goal Cake is my absolute downfall- I can't resist, so I completely sympathize. When I was going through my exam period, I made myself a chocolate cake and ate at least 3 pieces each day just to get through! Good thing it was only over 2 weekends, but I still must have gained 5 pounds just eating cake!

Hope you have a good day!

 

[Lesli54]

Ok. I will share the secrets of cake AFTER we all make it closer to the goal. College stories AFTER DD18 is gone, might be quite humorous. Pearlieq, glad you like my "eloquence". Can you tell that I am ready for her to move on? I'll be sad, but there are reasons why you want your children to get out. She is beginning to think some rules don't quite apply anymore. The other night she came in a little late (now we asked for a certain time since we have so many people sleeping and want to know if it is her coming in or someone who's not supposed to). I am thinking that she might find another place to stay during the summer next year. It wouldn't surprise me. Oh well.

Yesterday, was ok, but some of my choices could have been better.

I did put on some music yesterday and began dejunking the office, but then I remembered that I had to get sales taxes done, so spent the better part of the day doing that. However, I did manage to take plenty of breaks to get ALL the laundry in the house done. Today it's bed linens. Oh joy! The girls began the cleaning while I worked. It worked out well. They managed to get quite a few rooms done, so all I have to do is go through a few of them to get rid of stuff we don't use anymore. They even went through the cupboards in the kitchen and threw out all the outdated items. My cupboards are almost bare, but that will just make it easier to fill them with good stuff. I am going to stock them like I used to before DH and I got married. At least then we would have good foods to choose from when we don't have meals planned. When you own a store and are there every day, you fall into the habit of bringing home just enough for a few meals.

Also, I took a break to work on a jiqsaw puzzle with the kids. We haven't don that in a long time. Yes, I should have been getting my work done, BUT, I am trying to get back to the REAL me and making changes that will support my new lifestyle. That means taking time for the family and myself. It means getting up from the computer more often.

AM snack, as planned. Lunch was a tuna wrap w/tortilla instead of a leaf of romaine like I was hoping (out of those at the store). Then I had a few chips w/ lunch. I wish I hadn't. They just make you feel over full and drags down your energy. That was followed by PB later since the salt was still in my mouth. Then I had cake. We pretty much have cupcakes left and I won't eat those as they turned out a little drier since I wasn't paying close attention. So much for that good PM snack. By the time supper rolled around, I wasn't very hungry. We had leftovers to clean out the fridge and I ate about 4 oz of the New York Strip and had some PB. Didn't eat tons, calories were higher, but I didn't have good balance either.

I was reading last night that when you don't have balance in your food choices then you will inevitably crave more junk and will overeat. Your body begins to think that it is deprived of something. This makes sense to me, because when I was planning my meals with good balance, I ate all the time, but it was always good foods, I didn't crave the junk so much and I felt great. Lately, I have really been off balance and I am seeing the difference. Time to go back to balance.

Breakfast: 1 egg, 1/2 slice 7 grain toast, 6 oz yogurt
AM snack: veggies and cheese
Lunch: tuna on salad & sm piece of fruit
PM snack: banana smoothie
Supper: Soup, salad, and sandwich (being served at a GS kickoff tonight). The family can have spaghetti and a nice salad (gotta use up what's in the cupboard, especially when I am gone )

This is is a better menu. Lots of dairy, protein, veggies & fruits. AND I actually know what it for supper, even planned it for my family. Much better.

Goals for day:
1. Exercise
2. Finish my bookwork
3. Run some errands
4. If I am craving something, go for healthy foods first
5. Start dejunking some closets

Better get going. I have lots to do before I have to leave for that meeting. Everyone have a great day!

 

[joelyfaithsmommy]

lesli

you sound like you are doing well...we all eat without balance sometimes...but i agree with what you read, we need balance to fight the cravings and stay on track! here's hoping your day today is FULL of balance and weight loss

hugs,
Jen

 

[Cruise04]

A little out balance is not a bad thing - I strongly believe in that because otherwise I would have to be commited to a mental institution. As long as you count it!

WOW on the cleaning - I need to do that, go through the whole house and junk things I don't need or haven't used in a long time. We bought a camper and I did go through some of my kitchen cabinets and things I haven't used in a few years in the house and know I could use in the camper, went to the camper. Made some more room in my cupboards!!!!

Keep on
Chris

 

[pearlieq]

Wow! What a productive day for you! I bet it felt great to get all of that done!

Stocking the cabinets sounds like a great idea--it always helps to have lots of healthy choices on hand!

I hope today is a great day for you! Enjoy the meeting tonight and stay out of this heat!!!

 

[Mykelogan]

Hi Lesli!

I think you have hit on a great way of thinking about what you eat with balance. Very cool! I loved reading when you said you trying to get back to the "real" you! That makes sooo much sense to me! It is like we develop these negative patterns be it with food or other things that take us further away from our "real" center and it takes work to conquer them and get back there. I appreciate you sharing you experiences so much as they definitely help me examine my own!!

I hope that you have an excellent night!
Mike

 

[Lesli54]

I am so tired. Got up a little late this morning and wanted to sleep in, but knew it would be better to just start the day. The meeting ran a little late last night and I was one of the last dogs out (after asking more questions and loading my car with more stuff to come to my house temporarily than I had planned), so we got back late.

Yesterday was so busy. Didn't get the house cleaning going again, too many other things had to get done. It was one of those days. DD7's glasses broke for good (of course DH stepped on them when we were at WDW), DD18 and I had it out (tried of the attitude when I ask her to help and she thinks she shouldn't, when do they really grow up), DD15 and I quickly picked up the yard as things were blowing around from the quickly approaching storm (it rained 5 minutes), DH tells me the water bill is due but never gave it to me, one of the ladies that was supposed to car pool with me last night didn't show on time, so I had to pick her up. Just one of those days. BTW, who moved the smilies?

It's raining here!

All food was good through lunch, where I added 4 crackers for crunch. I ate a Tbsp of PB to calm down from the spat with DD18. Then it all turned hectic. I ate a few bites cake (more like inhaled and then realized I better stop because I wasn't really enjoying it, just eating and the last could have been gone without even knowing). I was going to grab that smoothie but didn't have time before I had to leave for the meeting since I still had some errands to do. Upon arriving at the meeting, we ate supper. I had a sm cup of cream of broccoli soup (it's pretty good), sm sided salad (would have had more, but there were many people still to eat), and a turkey & swiss sandwich on a huge roll (all they had). I only ate about 3/4 of the sandwich and was full. Next time, I will just put the turkey on the side and skip the roll. Ate a few of the peanuts in front of me, because they were there. Then they passed around the new candies that they will be selling for us to try and I ate a pecan turtle (not the name, but that's what it was). Later it came back around and I ate another. Then they passed around brownies and I had one (thankfully they were only 2 bites worth). Water for the day was horrible.

I definitely fell back into some old habits. My problem was that I didn't plan ahead and think about the fact that they would be serving the sweets. This was the first time we have done a kickoff meeting, but I know that at all meetings there are sweets. I should have gone prepared. Oh well. I did throw the M&M's they gave us in my purse. The only thing worth it was the turtle, but not two. I think one of the other reason (and not a good one) why I ate the sweets was that during dinner, I asked the lady above me what clothing I need for the National convention in Oct, I had never been. A uniform of course, which I don't have and need to order. With losing the weight I am trying to figure out when to order it since they are expensive and I want it to fit. Then she told me that I could just wear something nice the first day and buy my uniform there as many do, she understood my dilemma. When she double checked that with her boss (CEO, also at the table), it was frowned upon. Here I was sitting at a table of 8 explaining (to the whole table as I was across from the CEO) how by Oct. another 20-25 lbs off will make a huge difference and anything I buy now won't fit. I was proud that I am losing weight, but I shouldn't have to explain this. Guess, I will order something closer to time and then if it doesn't fit, I will buy at the convention and exchange. What do you do?

Breakfast: 1/2 c. rasin bran & 1/2 c. milk (out of eggs, yogurt, and such. Can't chew well, one side of my mouth hurts, think it's the pressure from the wisdom tooth)
AM snack: veggies and cheese ( I love this snack)
Lunch: cottage cheese, turkey & some veggies
PM snack: smoothie
Supper: The spaghetti that the family chose not to make. I will have a controlled portion

Goals for day:
1. Wake up
2. Exercise
3. Back to the organizing
4. Bills
5. Bookwork

Good news about GS, they are making some positive changes (nationally & locally). I am really excited about the local ones since the changes are something that I have been waiting for. Unfortunately, because of my position on the volunteer ladder, that means I have more work to do in the beginning until things get fully implemented. Oh well. It really does renew my interest.

It stopped raining.

Another note: The REAL me is going to start thinking about the things that I really enjoy that I used to do when I felt like I was at my best, and then I am going to start doing them. For example. I love to read and I have used the excuse that I don't have time, but I am going to make time (maybe only 1/2 hour every couple of days) and it may take awhile to get through a book, but at least I am not eating. I love doing my genealogy research, so I am going to focus on getting back to that. I love working on a project (needlework, scrapbooking, etc.) while watching TV, it makes me feel like I am not just wasting my time and I get some Christmas presents done sometimes. You get the idea. These are all productive things that make me feel better about myself. AND I don't snack when I do these.

Well, I better get going. Lots to do and kids to wake up.

Everyone have a great day.

 

[Mykelogan]

Hi Lesli!

Sorry to hear you are having one of those days!!!
That is a dilemma with your uniform for the conference but hey, what a great dilemma to have!!! Much better than worrying if you will outgrow it by then!!

I hope that you have a great rest of the day!
Mike

 

[pearlieq]

I totally agree with you on the power of productivity! There's very little that feels better than getting something done! I hope you make some time for your projects and interests. The investment in yourself is worth it!

I can't believe the GS people were so inflexible about the uniform! Yikes! I can't see how buying it the first day would really hurt anything. It would have been nice if they had been supportive! Oh well, though. I can understand your not wanting to ruffle feathers, I suppose.

The meeting itself sounds challenging, but I'm sure you did better than "before" and that's what counts, I think.

Is your local organization going to the Studio 2B platform? They're starting to adopt it here and I've heard very strong reactions, going both ways, to the new look/feel/message of it.

No rain here to speak of. We got maybe 30 min total yesterday and heat lightning all night, but no good soaking like we desperately need. It's pretty overcast today, though, maybe we'll get lucky!

I hope you have a wonderful day today! Keep up the great work!!!

 

[kardiebelle]

Hi lesli,

Mike is right (again ) better to worry about the pants too big than to small. But you do what you have to. Besides you shouldn't of had to explain yourself but you did and who cares. If your clothes are too big go buy a outfit. I am sure you could find one quick. Or do it 2 days before you leave then you wouldn't have to find a way and time to go out and get one.

As for your DD18. Sure you had it out. It might be a hard month now because she is trying to find herself. Going away to college is a huge step. Although my mom gave me tons of trouble ( I saw it as my mom but I might have done it to her also ) It will all work out soon. Be paitient with her she is scared and worried. She is not sure if she will make any friends, if she will fall in love, will she do good in class, or even find her classes on her first day at all. Give her time everything will work out.

Goodluck and have a great day
kardiebelle

 

[pearlieq]

Good morning!

Hope you had a great day yesterday and things are going well so far today!

I'll drop by later to see how you're doing!

 

[Lesli54]

Is it possible for PB to save your life? Is it possible that it really isn't as bad as they say it is? Let's hope so. I know a little is one thing, alot is another.

Yesterday was literally a pain. The side of my mouth hurt so bad that I couldn't hardly eat anything. Of course that makes you not want to eat even when really do want to and the food choices seemed so limiting, even though they are not. I just couldn't think clearly to call DH or have one of the kids go get some softer foods that we didn't have. Part of it was also that nothing really appealed to me. Thankfully, I slept well last night and today my mouth seems almost 100%. I hope it stays that way until I go back to the dentist in a few weeks. DH wants me to go today, but I know that it is just the wisdom tooth since the dentist said everything looks good on that side when I was there a few weeks ago. I would be thrilled if they just decide to pull it.

Anyway, I tried to get some work done and some GS work done. Unfortunately, I didn't get too far on either. Worked on a jigsaw puzzle from time to time as concentration allowed.

Let's see what did I eat? AM snack was some cheese and ham. It seemed soft but not soft enough. Lunch was 1/2 PB sandwich on 7 grain. Then I just went for 1 Tbsp PB. Couldn't even eat the watermelon piece that DH gave me. PM snack was 1 Tbsp PB. My banana smoothie sounded like too much work to make (even though it isn't) so I skipped that idea. Then a sm piece of cake (you don't really have to chew ). Followed by another Tbsp of PB later. Oh yeah, I did try a piece of cheese and summer sausage (sm thin slice) when I gave some to DS. Tasty, but it hurt. Supper was a killer. DH made BLTs and I couldn't eat it, of course, the bacon smell was really calling my name. So I had another 1/2 PB sandwich on 7 grain. Tried to eat a few pieces of pasta from the salad that DH made and even that seemed too hard. Water was almost on plan.

That was pretty much my day. I know I didn't eat much, but the calories rack up fast on the PB. Thankfully, I wasn't too hungry, I would have been in serious trouble. I took plenty of Tylenol before going to bed (something I just don't do) and mercifully I slept really good. This morning everything is better, but I am going to take it easy and try not to aggrevate the situation again, at least until I am sure that it is back to normal. With TOM's visit, I am sure that will be a bit challenging.

Breakfast: 2/3 bowl of cream of wheat (1/3 ended up inside the microwave )
AM snack: cottage cheese
Lunch: soup (hopefully we can swing by Panera's)
PM snack: smoothie
Supper: ? We will see what I can manage by then

Goals for day:
1. Exercise (I really need to get working on this)
2. Finish the bills
3. Get some more GS work done (called a mandatory leader meeting for Tues )
4. Run errands (DH says he will go with )

Well, I better get going. Lots to do and little time to do it. DH wants to start pressure washing the house this weekend to strip the paint so we can repaint, which probably hasn't been down in 25 yrs. It scares me a little. Some of the wood we know we have to replace, but I am afraid to find more. Thankfully it will just be trim since the house is sided with redwood and that is just about impervious to anything.

Everyone have a great day!