It's the day after Thanksgiving and I have no regrets. Can you believe it?
After much consideration, I decided not to alter my Thanksgiving meal. All my recipes remained intact. I could not bring myself to change 13 years worth of work.
The only change to our Thanksgiving menu was the addition of steamed broccoli. I decided that I wanted a healthier alternative to the usual Broccoli casserole. It was an easy addition. Why not?
Then I had a big revelation...just because there was all this food on our Thanksgiving table, I didn't need to eat everything during that meal or even that day. I could enjoy all the foods I had prepared for the holiday without any guilt, as long as I spread the bounty. Whoa! How simple & reasonable is that? So, this became my plan for holiday weight loss success.
When we sat down to dinner, I was prepared and able to enjoy my meal. While I concentrated on the vegetables--the Corn & Celery dish & steamed broccoli--adding a modest portion of stuffing along side the turkey didn't leave me guilt ridden. Since passing up on the mashed potatoes & rolls, I was able to enjoy the indulgence of a small portion of sweet potatoes too.
Leaving the table, I was not stuffed & uncomfortable. Instead, I was proud of my accomplishment. In fact, I hadn't felt deprived at all. Instead, I knew that I would be enjoying some other favorites later. How amazing is that?
That evening, I had a turkey sandwich using one of my butterhorn rolls. I love these rolls! They are delicious! Plus, they make a delicious sandwich when paired with the turkey. It's one of the things I look forward to most when it comes to Thanksgiving leftovers. It's working!
However, passing up the pumpkin pie entirely Thursday didn't quite work out as planned. Instead, Jay allowed me to have a bite of his pie. Just enough to please the palate with none of the guilt of an entire slice.
Having not only survived, but excelled, in overcoming the hurdle that is Thanksgiving, I feel empowered. Encouraged even!
Next hurdle...Christmas cookies & Dad's Peanut Butter Fudge.
To quote a favorite cartoon character...'I'm ready!'
Friday, November 26, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Day 269
Stats: Walked 34 minutes (2 miles)
Today's walk turned into a very scary experience. Thankfully, I was walking alone as the difficulties started at lap 7. I was beyond uncomfortable. It's what I call 'prickly.'
'Prickly' happens occasionally. It's like my skin is hyper-sensitive. Anything out of the ordinary touching me drives me crazy. The littlest thing can become unsettling.
This morning was cold. As a result, I was wearing gloves. They were bothering me. Plus, I was starting to feel overly warm. So, I unzipped my jacket a little & removed the gloves. I tried hooking the gloves onto the hook that holds my keys. Irritating! Then, I moved them to the zipper on my jacket. Annoying! In my pocket...not working! In my hood...too much laying on my upper back/lower neck.
By the beginning of lap 8, I would have walked right out of my skin if that were possible. Then, I ended up unbearably hot at the half-way mark. Stupidly, I removed my jacket all together. With 2 miles logged, I decided to give it up for a bad job.
When I got back to the car, I put my jacket back on as the smoldering had stopped. Off to the market.
Driving down Main Street, my vision started going blurry. Like the sun was too bright, but my eyes were hazy. It was not constant, but did occur a few times for far too long. In reality, it was probably no longer than 5 to 10 seconds each time. It seemed impossibly long while it was occuring. It's hard to describe what happened properly. But, it scared me. Thankfully, I was driving slowly and was well acquainted with the road.
By the time I made it to the funeral home on Main, my nerves started going haywire. I've NEVER felt anything like that before. The back of my head started first. The lower section of my head, just above my neck, the nerves started what I would describe as racing. It didn't hurt. It was totally right there just below the skin. Back & forth. Back & forth the sensation traveled. I liken it to those Christmas tree lights that flash in a running manner.
It was crazy!
After arriving at the market, I decided to stay in my parked car to see if it would go away. I was too afraid to go into the store. Was I going to end up passing out? I had no idea what to expect, so I just stayed put. I'd considered calling T to come & pick me up. Could I drive home? What on earth was happening to me?
After a short time, I decided to drive a little further. Nothing had changed. No more episodes with my vision. It was a slow drive out of town and, if needed, I had numerous places to stop.
Everything was fine--if you count the nerves in my scalp chasing from side to side fine. Coming over the mountain, the nerves started in my back. Side to side. Diagonally. Chasing. Chasing. Then it hit my calves. This was 100 times worse than 'prickly!'
By now, I was so cold!
When I got home, I took my shoes off & told T what happened & was still occuring. Of course, he wants to take me to the ER or Dr. K. I didn't want to go through unnecessary time & testing for which I didn't believe they would have any answers. Five & a half hours later, I still believe I made the right decision.
I took my blood pressure...116/76. A little high for me. But, I'd just sat down. Considering the fear & annoyance I'd been dealing with, it was understandable to have a slight increase. It was well within the normal range, too.
Then, T had me take my temperature. 95.4...that was a little disconcerting. It ended up taking 4 hours to finally feel warm again.
I don't know when the hyper-active nerve action ceased. After laying under some heavy blankets, the racing nerves eased enough that I fell asleep. When I woke up, it was gone.
I've concluded, this is not a Dr K problem. This is a Dr O problem. He is the neurologist I saw a number of years ago, when I was dealing with the worst of my problems. Fatigue, aching muscles & joints, painful hands & feet. All tests came back negative. He felt my problem was the after effects of a virus and that the symptoms would leave as they came...unexpectedly. But, he told me to return if I had any new symptoms. I think this qualifies!
When I was dealing with all my problems, cold was a problem for me. I couldn't swim unless the water was super warm. The cold water was painful. Snow was a nightmare, as it made me hurt terribly. So, I was left watching my husband & son playing in the snow from the comfort of the warm house.
I believe that the cold is what triggered this episode. Now, I need to talk to Dr O. Another clue that will eventually lead to a diagnosis, though I think I'm still far from one.
As for the vision, I'm rather positive that was a blood sugar problem. Normally, I don't eat anything before walking. My stomach does better if I wait to eat until I get home. This morning I had eaten a couple pie dough pinwheels, which I believe triggered the vision scare.
Hopefully, I never experience anything like this again.
Today's walk turned into a very scary experience. Thankfully, I was walking alone as the difficulties started at lap 7. I was beyond uncomfortable. It's what I call 'prickly.'
'Prickly' happens occasionally. It's like my skin is hyper-sensitive. Anything out of the ordinary touching me drives me crazy. The littlest thing can become unsettling.
This morning was cold. As a result, I was wearing gloves. They were bothering me. Plus, I was starting to feel overly warm. So, I unzipped my jacket a little & removed the gloves. I tried hooking the gloves onto the hook that holds my keys. Irritating! Then, I moved them to the zipper on my jacket. Annoying! In my pocket...not working! In my hood...too much laying on my upper back/lower neck.
By the beginning of lap 8, I would have walked right out of my skin if that were possible. Then, I ended up unbearably hot at the half-way mark. Stupidly, I removed my jacket all together. With 2 miles logged, I decided to give it up for a bad job.
When I got back to the car, I put my jacket back on as the smoldering had stopped. Off to the market.
Driving down Main Street, my vision started going blurry. Like the sun was too bright, but my eyes were hazy. It was not constant, but did occur a few times for far too long. In reality, it was probably no longer than 5 to 10 seconds each time. It seemed impossibly long while it was occuring. It's hard to describe what happened properly. But, it scared me. Thankfully, I was driving slowly and was well acquainted with the road.
By the time I made it to the funeral home on Main, my nerves started going haywire. I've NEVER felt anything like that before. The back of my head started first. The lower section of my head, just above my neck, the nerves started what I would describe as racing. It didn't hurt. It was totally right there just below the skin. Back & forth. Back & forth the sensation traveled. I liken it to those Christmas tree lights that flash in a running manner.
It was crazy!
After arriving at the market, I decided to stay in my parked car to see if it would go away. I was too afraid to go into the store. Was I going to end up passing out? I had no idea what to expect, so I just stayed put. I'd considered calling T to come & pick me up. Could I drive home? What on earth was happening to me?
After a short time, I decided to drive a little further. Nothing had changed. No more episodes with my vision. It was a slow drive out of town and, if needed, I had numerous places to stop.
Everything was fine--if you count the nerves in my scalp chasing from side to side fine. Coming over the mountain, the nerves started in my back. Side to side. Diagonally. Chasing. Chasing. Then it hit my calves. This was 100 times worse than 'prickly!'
By now, I was so cold!
When I got home, I took my shoes off & told T what happened & was still occuring. Of course, he wants to take me to the ER or Dr. K. I didn't want to go through unnecessary time & testing for which I didn't believe they would have any answers. Five & a half hours later, I still believe I made the right decision.
I took my blood pressure...116/76. A little high for me. But, I'd just sat down. Considering the fear & annoyance I'd been dealing with, it was understandable to have a slight increase. It was well within the normal range, too.
Then, T had me take my temperature. 95.4...that was a little disconcerting. It ended up taking 4 hours to finally feel warm again.
I don't know when the hyper-active nerve action ceased. After laying under some heavy blankets, the racing nerves eased enough that I fell asleep. When I woke up, it was gone.
I've concluded, this is not a Dr K problem. This is a Dr O problem. He is the neurologist I saw a number of years ago, when I was dealing with the worst of my problems. Fatigue, aching muscles & joints, painful hands & feet. All tests came back negative. He felt my problem was the after effects of a virus and that the symptoms would leave as they came...unexpectedly. But, he told me to return if I had any new symptoms. I think this qualifies!
When I was dealing with all my problems, cold was a problem for me. I couldn't swim unless the water was super warm. The cold water was painful. Snow was a nightmare, as it made me hurt terribly. So, I was left watching my husband & son playing in the snow from the comfort of the warm house.
I believe that the cold is what triggered this episode. Now, I need to talk to Dr O. Another clue that will eventually lead to a diagnosis, though I think I'm still far from one.
As for the vision, I'm rather positive that was a blood sugar problem. Normally, I don't eat anything before walking. My stomach does better if I wait to eat until I get home. This morning I had eaten a couple pie dough pinwheels, which I believe triggered the vision scare.
Hopefully, I never experience anything like this again.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Day 268
Stats: Walked 1 hour (3 miles)
After 2 weeks of nothing, finally back to walking this morning. Due to an orthodontist's appointment for the boy, I had to end early to be home & get ready in time.
The walk was awesome. It was cold & threatening rain. But, the strangest thing happened. As we were walking, a pocket of warm air moved in. It was so bizarre!
And, we discovered we were missed. There are a number of people that walk there regularly in the morning. We notice as they come & if they are missing. We don't even know most people's names. They are Camaro guy & his sister, Umbrella lady, person with black labs, lady with Weimaraner, etc... Well, Camaro guy & his sister welcomed us back. They thought we had 'retired.' It was nice to know we were missed. Wonder how they refer to us? LOL!
Anyway, it WAS a great walk! I came home feeling energized and ready to tackle the world.
After 2 weeks of nothing, finally back to walking this morning. Due to an orthodontist's appointment for the boy, I had to end early to be home & get ready in time.
The walk was awesome. It was cold & threatening rain. But, the strangest thing happened. As we were walking, a pocket of warm air moved in. It was so bizarre!
And, we discovered we were missed. There are a number of people that walk there regularly in the morning. We notice as they come & if they are missing. We don't even know most people's names. They are Camaro guy & his sister, Umbrella lady, person with black labs, lady with Weimaraner, etc... Well, Camaro guy & his sister welcomed us back. They thought we had 'retired.' It was nice to know we were missed. Wonder how they refer to us? LOL!
Anyway, it WAS a great walk! I came home feeling energized and ready to tackle the world.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
My Life Recently
Today I stepped on the scale and it read 161.0.
How is that possible? I've had the week from hell!
Unfortunately, my grandmother died last weekend. I'm truly grateful that she went peacefully in her sleep. But, I've been having a terrible time dealing with her death. Thus, I haven't been walking at all. I think when I walk and the last thing I want is time to think.
Then, Thursday night, all 3 of us ended up dealing with a nasty virus. With one bathroom, it was quite interesting. Luckily, T had his 'symptoms' over and done with before the boy & I were in the worst of it.
So, between having very little appetite and being thoroughly cleaned out (TMI...I know), I am 1 pound away from my Christmas goal of 160.
I don't recommend this method, at all!
But, I'm sure once I am able to eat and I'm again rehydrated, my weight will be closer to the 164 it's hoverd at the last few weeks.
How is that possible? I've had the week from hell!
Unfortunately, my grandmother died last weekend. I'm truly grateful that she went peacefully in her sleep. But, I've been having a terrible time dealing with her death. Thus, I haven't been walking at all. I think when I walk and the last thing I want is time to think.
Then, Thursday night, all 3 of us ended up dealing with a nasty virus. With one bathroom, it was quite interesting. Luckily, T had his 'symptoms' over and done with before the boy & I were in the worst of it.
So, between having very little appetite and being thoroughly cleaned out (TMI...I know), I am 1 pound away from my Christmas goal of 160.
I don't recommend this method, at all!
But, I'm sure once I am able to eat and I'm again rehydrated, my weight will be closer to the 164 it's hoverd at the last few weeks.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Day 254
Stats: Walked 1 hour, 4 minutes (3 miles)
It's amazing what one can do on a full nights sleep!
After walking this morning, I came home to help tear out one of our windows. We are progressing nicely.
Back to work.
It's amazing what one can do on a full nights sleep!
After walking this morning, I came home to help tear out one of our windows. We are progressing nicely.
Back to work.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Day 253
Stats: Walked 1 hour, 9 minutes (3 1/4 miles)
In the last two nights, I have slept no more than 5 1/2 hours...total. Saturday night I ended up going to bed rather late. Almost 4 am. It was 8:30 am when I woke up. I was wide awake and decided to start my day. Did laundry. Cleaned my craft area. Just plain stayed busy. Rightfully, I should have been out like a light at 9 pm. Instead, I was wide awake and going strong.
By 1 am, I was still feeling as if I'd drank 4 espressos. Decided to try going to bed anyway. Big mistake. Gave up after an hour of tossing, turning and a brain that just would not quit. Ended up reading some magazines for awhile and returned to bed at 4:45 am. The last time I remember on the clock was 5 am.
When the alarm went off at 6:15, I was so not ready. But, I started my day anyway.
So, yeah...I'm proud of that walk considering the circumstances.
Hopefully, there won't be a repeat tonight.
In the last two nights, I have slept no more than 5 1/2 hours...total. Saturday night I ended up going to bed rather late. Almost 4 am. It was 8:30 am when I woke up. I was wide awake and decided to start my day. Did laundry. Cleaned my craft area. Just plain stayed busy. Rightfully, I should have been out like a light at 9 pm. Instead, I was wide awake and going strong.
By 1 am, I was still feeling as if I'd drank 4 espressos. Decided to try going to bed anyway. Big mistake. Gave up after an hour of tossing, turning and a brain that just would not quit. Ended up reading some magazines for awhile and returned to bed at 4:45 am. The last time I remember on the clock was 5 am.
When the alarm went off at 6:15, I was so not ready. But, I started my day anyway.
So, yeah...I'm proud of that walk considering the circumstances.
Hopefully, there won't be a repeat tonight.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Day 250
Stats: Walked 1 hour, 5 minutes (3 miles)
Forcast was for rain. So, we hoped for the best. Woke to no rain. But, when we started walking this morning, we felt a little drizzle the first 2 laps. Thankfully, that was the only precipitation we experienced.
However, as I was driving home, it started raining. We had just enough time to get a decent walk in.
Plus, it wasn't quite as cold this morning. Ten degrees really makes a difference.
Forcast was for rain. So, we hoped for the best. Woke to no rain. But, when we started walking this morning, we felt a little drizzle the first 2 laps. Thankfully, that was the only precipitation we experienced.
However, as I was driving home, it started raining. We had just enough time to get a decent walk in.
Plus, it wasn't quite as cold this morning. Ten degrees really makes a difference.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Day 248
Stats: Walked 1 hour, 24 minutes (4.25 miles)
I do beileive we've gone straight from summer to winter. It was under 30 degrees when Jay & I left for school this morning. Brr!
I dressed fairly warm--heavy Dri-fit shirt, Hoodie, windbreaker, gloves & my heavier walking pants--and I was still cold.
What can I say, we are die-hard. LOL!
In all actuallity, I think I'm going to freeze this winter. Just can not get warm!
I do beileive we've gone straight from summer to winter. It was under 30 degrees when Jay & I left for school this morning. Brr!
I dressed fairly warm--heavy Dri-fit shirt, Hoodie, windbreaker, gloves & my heavier walking pants--and I was still cold.
What can I say, we are die-hard. LOL!
In all actuallity, I think I'm going to freeze this winter. Just can not get warm!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Day 246
Stats: Walked 1 hour, 1 minute (3 miles)
Finally feeling much better. Not completely well, but it will do.
This morning was COLD! So cold that I had put the hood up on my hoodie. Something I never do. Unfortunately, I never thought of grabbing a pair of gloves on my way out the door. Gloves would have been wonderful. Instead, I had to stuff my hands in my pockets and hope for the best.
It was great to be out though.
Finally feeling much better. Not completely well, but it will do.
This morning was COLD! So cold that I had put the hood up on my hoodie. Something I never do. Unfortunately, I never thought of grabbing a pair of gloves on my way out the door. Gloves would have been wonderful. Instead, I had to stuff my hands in my pockets and hope for the best.
It was great to be out though.
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