Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Surgery in 2 weeks!

    I got a call from my doctor's office yesterday and they may be able to move me ahead due to cancelations.  She was talking and asked me if I could be ready by the 14th.  The 14 of Feb I asked?  No silly the 14th of Dec.  Wow.  That is just 2 weeks away.  It is not for sure yet.  I find out Thursday but now I am so nervous.  She told me to make sure I have all my Christmas shopping done and presents wrapped.  All my baking done and house decorated.  I still have shopping to do and will have to kick it into high gear.  Plus I will have to do all the pre-op stuff.  My boss looked as shocked as me when I told her.  I was hoping to be 20 pounds lighter by the time I had the surgery.  They do not want you dieting but I think my plan is OK because I don't think of it as a diet.  Oh I am sooooooo nervous and excited.  I hope it doesn't fall through. 

   One more day at work and then off for 7 days.  I am going to workout as much as possible since I won't be able to workout for 6 weeks.  I am going to finish my shopping and get my tree up.  I am going to lose 4 pounds in 2 weeks and the surgery alone will probably help me lose another 5 pounds.  I will be able to get my next charm.  I don't think it is cheating having surgery.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Cold, Cold, Cold

                   

   We didn't get as much snow as they thought but it is cold out.  It didn't help that it rained first because under the snow is ice.    I love the way it looks with snow on the ground but I hate having to put on all my bulky clothes.  I gain 10 pounds just dressing to go outside.  Thermal underware.  Wool socks, heavy boots, wristies, gloves, undershirt and overshirt, winter jacket, scarf and hat.   When I am ready for the below zero weather I feel as heavy as I was 38 pounds ago.

   I am down a pound which pleases me because I was sure I would gain with the holiday.  I think all the exercise I do these days has increased my metabolism so I am burning more calories.  Nice.  I did my water aerobics today but missed my rehab appointment.  I thought it was at 2:30.

   Breakfast was shredded wheat again with blueberries on it.  For lunch I had leftovers.  Turkey in gravey on dressing, about a cup total.  Very salty.  For supper I am making turkey and noodle soup.  It  is in the crock pot cooking right now.  Rick has been doing the cooking when I work and makes no attempt to make it light.  I have the freezer and fridge full of light things to cook but he wants the things he always likes when it is cold.  I should just start cooking for myself.

Monday, November 28, 2005

Winter has hit Iowa

                                                       

 Blizzard outside.  burr.  I went to the gym and had a great workout, 30 minutes on the treadmill with a 6 % incline and at 3.5 MPH.  Then 1 1/2 hours on the weight machines.  I am slowing increasing my weights.  I am getting rid of the bags on my hips which is wonderful.  I have noticed my husband looking tighter and cuter also.  I love working out. 

   We are staying in tonight because of the storm and watching a movie.  I have some popcorn.  I may put my mat out and do some floor exercises unless my husband complains.  I feel the need to really workout after the long week I put in.  2 more 12 hour nights and then off for 7.  I am so ready for it.  I hope they don't cancel the swim class tomorrow. 

  I had organic shredded wheat and blueberries this morning, a slim fast before the gym and a slice of pizza for supper as we didn't get home in time to cook the meal I was going to.  Pizza is not a good choice but tastes good and I like it occasionally.  It's all in moderation.

Brussels Sprouts

At 10 calories a piece, Brussels Sprouts are a bargain.  They're low in fat and sodium, high in dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, beta carotene and vitamin E. They are cholesterol free, as well as YUM delicious.

They have proven health benefits in the field of cancer prevention and have shown that they help prevent macular degeneration (a leading cause in blindness).    

Brussels Sprouts are part of the Brassica Family and therefore cousin to broccoli as well as cabbage. They grow in bunches of 20 to 40 on the stem of a plant that grows from two to three feet tall.

In the late 1500's, Brussels Spouts became a popular delicacy in Belgium, and are therefore named after their capital, Brussels.  In the 1700's Captain Cook ordered his crew to eat sprouts, as well as limes to battle scurvy. (Do you think the chef on his ship knew about stir-frying?)

Brussels sprouts are commonly misspelled and mispronounced as "Brussel sprouts."

Brussels Tips!

  • Your Brussels Sprouts should be firm, compact, bright green and no larger than a walnut.
  • Small sprouts have a more tender texture, and the tight heads indicate freshness.
  • Be sure to choose Brussels Sprouts that are a good green color. Avoid puffy, wilted, or yellow sprouts.
  • Texture should be firm, leaves compact, and by all means - butt ends clean.
  • Prepare sprouts by washing and then removing any yellow leaves.
  • Refrigerate unwashed in a plastic bag and use within 3 days.
  • Freeze Brussels Sprouts for long-term storage. Blanch the sprouts for 3-5 minutes and immediately rinse in cold water before draining and storing in an air-tight container.
  • Boil sprouts for 5-6 minutes, add salt and pepper toseason and toss in a touch of (one teaspoon) garlic butter and a few herbs.
    Or toss with a teaspoon of olive oil.
  • Stir-fry in any kind of nut oil (Hazelnut or Walnut oil is good) for 2 minutes; then add a couple of tablespoons of water, cover and bring to the boil. Simmer for a couple of minutes  until sprouts are tender.  You sure don't want to overcook em and make them mushy.  When done, sprinkle a few pine nuts on them.
  • Brussels Sprouts Royale - Fit for a Queen or a Lady!

    Ingredients:

    1 lb onions, sliced thin
    1 tablespoon butter
    1 tablespoon sugar
    1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
    1 generous sprig of thyme
    2 pints low-fat chicken or vegetable stock
    salt
    freshly ground black pepper
    Service with reduced-fat sour cream
    or plain low-fat yogurt.
    cayenne pepper

     


    Instructions:

    1. Put the onions into a pan with the butter,
    cover and sweat over a gentle heat forever - a long time -
    I lost track of the time. Just let it sweat until the onions
    are very tender and soft.
    2. Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and cook, uncovered,
    for another 10-15 minutes until the onions are
    lightly colored and look a little like jam.
    3. Add the sprouts and thyme and stir around.
    4. Pour in the stock and season with salt and pepper.
    Bring to the boil and simmer for about ten minutes
    until the sprouts are just tender.
    5. Cool slightly, remove the thyme sprig, then liquidise in two batches.
    6. Reheat gently if necessary and adjust seasoning.
    7. Serve piping hot with a spoonful sour cream or yogurt
    with a dash of cayenne pepper

      I got this recipe and information from the kick in the tush club.  Sounds good and I can't wait to make it.
  •    It is my day off.  Finally.  I am going to sleep until 12:30 and then if the roads are still good go work out.  I really need it.  I am so motivated to lose weight by the time my surgery get done.  I would like to be at least 20 pounds lighter.

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Long stretch

   I am on day 4 of my 5 day 12 hour stretch.  I really miss my exercise this week.  Thanksgiving went well.  We had the meal catered from Hy Vee.  The food was really good except the pie didn't taste like it was cooked enough and they forgot our sage dressing.  My mother in law made some dressing.  It was nice waking up and going over there toe at without having to cook the meal.  My husband had it all heated up by the time my son and I got there.  Clean up was easy as the food wasn't cooked for hours in the dishes.

  I did not go shopping on Black Friday.  Never had and will never brave those crowds plus the shame of people fighting and acting like animals.  I haven't got it in me.  I wouldn't claw my way through the crowd for a bargain. 

  We had our usual admits on Thanksgiving with chest pain.  14 this year which may be a record.  It was sad they had to spend the holidays at the hospital but we made them welcome.

  Eating..... Lots of food at the hospital.  I was glad when it ended last night.  I have not been as good as I planned because I have been eating some left overs.  Last night was good though.    It would be better if I could get to the gym.

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving

Let us rise up and be thankful,
for if we didn't learn a lot today,
at least we learned a little,
and if we didn't learn a little,
at least we didn't get sick,
and if we got sick,
at least we didn't die;
so, let us be thankful.

-The Buddha

 

Author Unknown

One stormy night many years ago, an elderly man and his wife entered the lobby of a small hotel in Philadelphia. Trying to get out of the rain, the couple approached the front desk hoping to get some shelter for the night. "Could you possibly give us a room here?" the husband asked.

The clerk, a friendly man with a winning smile, looked at the couple and explained that there were three conventions in town. "All of our rooms are taken," the clerk said. "But I can't send a nice couple like you out into the rain at one o'clock in the morning. Would you perhaps be willing to sleep in my room? It's not exactly a suite, but it will be good enough to make you folks comfortable for the night."

When the couple declined, the young man pressed on. "Don't worry about me; I'll make out just fine, the clerk told them." So the couple agreed. As he paid his bill the next morning, the elderly man said to the clerk, "You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States. Maybe someday I'll build one for you."

The clerk looked at them and smiled. The three of them had a good laugh.

As they drove away, the elderly couple agreed that the helpful clerk was indeed exceptional, as finding people who are both friendly and helpful isn't easy.

Two years passed. The clerk had almost forgotten the incident when he received a letter from the old man. It recalled that stormy night and enclosed a round trip ticket to New York, asking the young man to pay them a visit. The old man met him in New York and led him to the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street.

He then pointed to a great new building there, a palace of reddish stone, with turrets and watch-towers thrusting up to the sky. "That is the hotel I have just built for you to manage." he said. "You must be joking." said the young man.

"I assure you I am not." said the older man, a sly smile playing around his mouth. The older man's name was William Waldorf Astor, and the magnificent structure was the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

The young clerk who became its first manager was George C. Boldt. This young clerk never foresaw the turn of events that would lead him to become the manager of one of the world's most glamorous hotels.

Remember, life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than the things you acquire.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Last workout day.

 

    This picture turned out so bad.  I really need to get a new memory card for my camera.  Anyway.  These were some pants that I had when I was at my heaviest.  I was just about to outgrow them because they were getting tight.  Since all my pants were elastic waist it is hard to show how baggy, but trust me when I said I filled them out and can't wear them anymore.  I should have taken better pictures with me in shorts and a sleeveless shirt.  Then it would show better.

   I get my mamogram this morning.  I missed my appointment yesterday so they are squeezing me in today.  Ouch.  They sure are.  Then rehab on my hand for an hour.  I am going to the gym this afternoon for work out for 2 hours because I work the rest of the week until monday and might not get a chance to workout the rest of the week.  This will be a difficult week.  I wonder how many patients we will have.  We usually get quite a few people in with chest pain and CHF because they eat to much and forget their medicine or don't take it because they are traveling.

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

                 People are often unreasonable and self-centered
                                FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY
                  If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives
                                BE KIND ANYWAY
                     If you are honest, people may cheat you.
                                 BE HONEST ANYWAY
                   If you find happiness, people my be jealous
                                 BE HAPPY ANYWAY
                The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
                                 DO GOOD ANYWAY
              Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough
                            GIVE YOUR BEST ANYWAY
                    For as you see, in the end, it is between you can God.
               IT NEVER WAS BETWEEN YOU AND THEM ANYWAY.


                                                              Mother Teresa

  So true, so true.  I only got to water aerobics for one hour today.  I was waiting for a doctor to call and then they didn't call until 4:30.  Irritating.    For breakfast I had oatmeal with blueberries and I reheated the stew and had some for lunch.  About 3/4 of a cup.  I took some chunky applesauce and heated it for desert, yummy.  I am making shrimp gumbo for supper.  Low cal of course.  It is a good day today.  My meditation this morning was focused on cementing my goals and not being so critical of my body.  Works well unless I see myself in the mirror with my suit on.   I have a 5 day stretch coming up.  It is going to be hard on me with that many hours in a row.  Hope I can make it.  The money will be wonderful. 

   Well, must make supper.

Monday, November 21, 2005

Monday Morning

   I am getting ready for the gym.  I really feel the need to workout today after my lazy weekend.  I had so much shopping and things to do I didn't get to the gym on Sat and they are closed on sunday.  I spent Sunday at an auction checking out some pottery, nothing good, and then slugged out.  I need to move, move, move.  I got some tea on hand so I will try that.  I really slipped this weekend.  What would cause that after being so gung ho for so long.  Complacency?  I haven't weighed and won't until Wed.  I don't need to step on the scale to know I gained.  I can tell.  I have 3 days to get back to where I was and if I can do that I won't care if I am not down.  I wonder if the pain medication was to blame.  Weakened my resolve.  I am glad I don't take them very often.  My hands are feeling better and I have rehab at 1 today.  The pain in my hands is worse in the morning of course.

   I had shredded wheat and bran with blueberries for breakfast.  I was up early enough I decided to eat a cereal instead of my slim fast.  I don't like a lot of food in my stomach when I am working out.  For lunch I have some chicken left over from the blackened chicken the other day.  That was a great recipe and my family really liked that one.  Really fast and easy to make also.  I love recipes like that.  The cookbook I bought has great recipes and most of them are 20 to 30 minute meals.  I haven't decide on supper yet.  I think a low fat meatloaf sounds good but I also like the sound of split pea soup.  Very filling but if I am going to make that I had better get started.  I will leave it up to my husband.

   I have been doing the yoga moves at home and find it is easier and easier to do some of the moves.  I am getting more stretched out.

  Well, my husband is finally ready so its off to the gym.

  We had a wonderful time at the gym.  I met a sweet girl from Puerto Rico today who was so cute and funny.  She lived in a small island and when whe came here to college she started eating hamburgers and hot dogs and french fries.  She gained 50 pounds and got severe acne.  She has lost 37 pounds and is back to eating like they do on the island.  Pasta, rice and vegetables and is looking good.

  I found out today that I have been approved for surgery.  So excited.  Small breasts and maybe less back pain.  I can't believe I won't be a triple d anymore.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Winter hunger

   I don't know if it is phycological or not but cold weather always causes me to gain weight.  I don't seem to be able to help it.  I am hungry!  The foods I eat all summer that are fine no longer appease me.  It is not just me.  My husband and kids and most of my friends at work do the same things.  I think it is because you get much less active.  You get stuck in doors and crave warm foods.  I am hoping the gym will help.  Unfortunately I have been extremely busy the last few days and haven't gotten to work out.  I am definately going to go to the gym early and do about 2 hours or more tomorrow.  I have rehab in the afternoon.  I am fighting this hunger all day.  Losing to it.  I have not come this far to blow it now.  I have to get motivated again.  My husband doesn't work out often enough for me so I am going to put an advertisement in at work and see if I can get a workout partner.  Someone who will make me go when I don't want to and visa versa.  The sun goes down at 5:30 and I feel ready for bed by 8.  If I don't stay active the weight will come off even slower. 

  For breakfast I had mini wheat shredded wheat with blueberries.  For a snack I blew it and had an oatmeal cookie with raisens.  I bought some beautiful apples but didn't eat that.  I am going to make some stew in the crock pot tonight.  I have to really concentrate on my goals.  It is not going easy for some reason this week.  I think some of it may by because I am on more pain meds because my arthritis is so bad since the weather got cold.  Please don't screw this up Julie.

Friday, November 18, 2005

Mind work

   This is the 2nd time I am typing this as I forgot to save it.  Bummer.

  I did water aerobics this morning for one hour.  I will go back this afternoon and work on the weight ciruit and treadmill.   I was trying to get a good picture of me in my old pants that I can't wear anymore because even with elastic waist they are too large, but photobucket is down.  I am so dissapointed in my stomach.  I can see the weight loss in my arms, legs and my round swedish face somewhat, but very little in my stomach.  I have had so many surgeries I wonder if it will every shrink.  I should have taken better before pictures so I could really remind myself of how much I have lost.  I am already forgetting what I looked like 37 pounds ago.  I can walk around and feel so good and lighter and then I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and get a rude reminder of how far I have to go yet.  I have been doing some visualization of how I will look when I am slim and healthy when I meditate.  Maybe I should concentrate on feeling better about myself here and now.  I am a kind person.  People are alive today because I chose the profession I do.  I am never mean or rude to anybody and am a very accepting person to everyone but myself.  I need to work on that and had thought I was getting better but as I was taking the pictures of me in those pants I realized I still need to work on that.  I am worthy of committing so much time to myself.  I am worth it. 

   For breakfast today just slim fast due to swim.  Lunch was my favorite spinach and salmon salad.  I am making that blackened chicken for supper.  Later tonight I am going out to listen to some live jazz and maybe have some nice wine.  When Rick gets home I also am going to go to Fashion Bug and see about a nice new outfit.  I have no idea what size pants I wear now and am tired of my clown cloths.  I also am expecting to hear about whether or not I go approved for surgery soon.  I would be thrilled if I can get the reduction.  My breasts have not shrunk even a little.  My husband had some biopsies done Monday and I think we will hear on them today also.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Snow Day

   Woke up today to a blanket of snow in the yard.  Standing in the middle was a large buck with a huge rack of horns,  so pretty.  For breakfast I had some hot oatmeal and then off to water aerobics for 2 hours.  There were only 7 in the class so it was nice.  The hot tub felt wonderful and it was cool in the pool. I weighed when I got home and am down another pound. Nice.   Then for lunch I had a cup of minestrone soup. 

   I have Rehab on my hand today at 2 and am hoping to move my rehab to my hospital so I don't have to travel so far.  My wrist is feeling really good today.  About 94% better.  Thanks goodness.

  Supper, Rick is making chicken and noodles, light of course and a nice grainy bread.  I have 2 more days in my stretch and then off for 7.  I have to work all of the holiday.  We are going to have our meal catered since I won't be able to cook.  Should be nice.

Saturday, November 12, 2005

The Diet goes on.

   I have been reading more and more on the GI diet.  It makes sense and I will follow some of the recommendations.  In Jan I will join WW because my insurance will cover it.  I don't think we have a actual south beach diet place here in town.  I am not very happy with how slow my weight loss has been but I think it is harder to lose it when your older.  I have got to get into some consistant exercise program for the days I work.  I hate working out to tapes on tv and I don't think I can give up sleep and run to the gym to workout.  I would like to get the ankle weights and other weights recommended in Slim Women Stay Young and I wouldn't mind doing those reps at home.  I think I will go to play it again Sports and see what they have.  I am also thinking of starting a support group.  I could advertise at work on the bulleton board that I am looking for weight loss partners.  They have to be able to join the gym and dedicated to losing also.  It would be great to get a group together to exercise with at the gym and support each other.  We could get together for potlucks once a month each featuring a healthy part of the meal.  I think it would be fun.  I think I have alot to offer a group like this.  My husband doesn't go often enough for me.  I am still just playing with the idea.  I will see.

  We are having chicken fajitas tonight.  I love them and they are lower in calories.  The black beans get pretty fattening but I think they are good for you.  I have been taking the stairs at work but my knees are starting to really act up so I think I will only go up them for awhile.  It hurts to go down.  Tuesday I have rehab on my hands.  The wrist is now 85% improved.  Maybe I won't need surgery after all. 

   I am craving a huge pile of steamed brocolli.  I think I will have them for supper tomorrow.  Tonight for my meal at work I will either have left over fajitas or a lean cruisine meal and my mango.  I wonder if I should try eating a breakfast at work?  I could make some oatmeal and nuke it.  Sounds dreadful actually.   I am going to make myself a large salad for sure as I am craving greens.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Swimming

Don't forget to bring the good experiences of meditation into your daily activities. Instead of acting and reacting impulsively and following your thoughts and feelings here and there, watch your mind carefully, be aware, and try to deal skillfully with problems as they arise. If you can do this each day, your meditation will have been successful.

-Kathleen McDonald, "How to Meditate"

   I have water aerobics today.  In between classes I have been swimming some laps.  I am getting better at it.  Last night we had vegetable lasagna for supper and a spinach salad.  I love the taste of fresh raw spinach and I love it cooked in dishes.  Why is it so nasty when it is cooked alone, or is it?  I have only had it out of cans before.  I should try steaming it.  I have had in on top of pizza before and it is really good that way also.

   The wrist is still sore but 60% better then it was and my back is feeling great.  I am supposed to have rehab on my other hand and haven't made the appointment yet.  It is such a drag to drive all the way there.  I should go to a few and get the printed exercises so I can do them at home.

   I had mini shredded wheat and bran with no fat milk this morning.  Dole has a new peaches parfait which is good and lower fat.  I had it as a dessert last night and it was pretty tasty.  For lunch I will probably have a salad and apple and for supper I am planning on chicken stir fry.

  I can't wait to get in the hot tub as it is freezing here this morning.  Tonight is the beginning of my long stretch.  Bummer but I sure need the money. 

 Swimming was wonderful and I got a great workout.  I had a all grain low fat peanut butter and low fat red raspberry sandwich for lunch and a apple.  I have been reading the low GI diet and getting some idea's.  Most of the stuff in the book I have been doing already.  Nice to know.  Instead of the chicken stir fry Rick made some great steaks on the grill and we marinated some squash, peppers, mushrooms and onions and made kabobs,  Yummy.  I had a small piece of bread with the low sugar jam which the book says is better then any margarine or butter.  Getting ready for work and my long stretch.  I will take the stairs as much as possible.  It is easy going up but down hurts the knees.  I hope it isn't crazy there.

Wednesday, November 9, 2005

My Wrist is better

If somebody meditates with a wholesome attitude, with right attention and mindfulness, then whether he has expectations or not he will gain insight. It's like filling a bowl with oil seeds and pressing them or milking a cow by pulling the udder or filling a jar with cream and churning it. It's the right method.

-Majjhima Nikaya

   My wrist is feeling better, less pain and I have almost full range of motion.  Great.  I hope it lasts.  I get a massage at 9 for an hour and should feel like a new person.  Then I want to work out for awhile.  I am not suppose to lift weights for awhile but I should be able to use the treadmill and do some of the weights that don't involve my hands.  I am going to have oatmeal for breakfast.  I have been reading the Gylcemic Revolution.  Makes some sense so I will encorporate some of that into what I am doing.  I am down 2 pounds today.  That is the one pound I gained plus one more.  Slow and steady goes the race.  At this rate I will never get my next charm.

Tuesday, November 8, 2005

Boo Hoo

   I went to water aerobics today and had to wear my old suit and my new one got eaten up by the chlorine.  That is terrible how fast you go through them.  The suit I wore is a tankeni with a skirt, it sucks, and obviously wasn't made for someone who really wants to work out.  The bottoms are too large these days and the skirt was floating all over.  Now I have to find another suit that isn't hideous.  Sigh.  I do love the water aerobics though.  My instructor asked me again if I had lost more weight.  I don't think the 2 pounds is likely to show but the exercise is firming me up so much it looks like I am smaller.

  I went to the hand Dr and he injected my wrist while cheerfully telling me they love patients like me with all these bones problems and that I am a annuity to them because I have so many problems and they can get rich I suppose.  Lucky for them, unlucky for me.  He didn't have to be quite so cheerful.  Also it hurts when they inject steroids into your ligaments. Really hurts.  They put something in to numb it which lasted about 15 minutes, long enough for me to get out and not complain about it still hurting.  Now I pray it works so I don't need surgery.  I will be doing PT for a few weeks and see if that helps.

Monday, November 7, 2005

Massages are wonderful

  I had a massage this morning.  What I feared happened, I had to be naked from the waist on up, but it wasn't as embarrassing as I feared and you stay covered with a sheet.  I feel wonderful.  He worked on my hand and they feel better and my middle back feels so much more relaxed.  He said I have alot of hard deposits in my back that he worked on also and the knots that the doctor felt.  It was so relaxing.  He said this will be the worst massage you get, every one from now on will get better and he suggested 3 this week and then one every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain.  I wonder if my insurance will cover any of it.  I am going to ask for gift certificates for massages from him for Christmas.  Anyway, I really feel good and less stiff then I have in days and made an appointment for a hour one next wednesday.  I never could see anyone getting a massage for a hour but now I can.  I sure didn't want him to stop.  It is only 15 more for an hour or $35.00 which is really cheap in this town.  Pretty good price for him though, 35 an hour.  More then I make which is 28.  With my hands I could never do it though.

   Yesterday we went on our bike ride.  It was great.  The temp was only in the 50's but we warmed up pretty fast.  I really pushed it yesterday and I wanted to make sure it was a good cardio workout.  At one time I was going 17.9 mph which is pretty good on a bike.  It felt great and we went 11 miles.  It actually feels great to push myself these days.  I wasn't content to just putter along, I wanted it to be a workout.  Today I will go workout.  I was going to go after the massage but decided to wait until this afternoon so I could enjoy the way I feel for awhile longer.

  I had a slim fast for breakfast and will either have a salad or left over stir fry for lunch and a pear.  I haven't decided on supper yet.  We ended up eating out last night so didn't have steak after all and might do that today.  I went on ebay and bought the book Strong Women Stay Slim for 4.05 which enclude shipping!  Pretty good.  I don't care that it is lightly used.  Much cheaper then the store.  I wish we could weigh in today.  I am down 2 more pounds.  I can't get my siggy to change on the 100+ board which isirritating.

Sunday, November 6, 2005

Better

At a time when people are so conscious of maintaining their physical health by controlling their diets, exercising and so forth, it makes sense to try to cultivate the corresponding positive mental attitudes too.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, 1963

   Words of wisdom above.  I am feeling better today then I have all week.  I did not make the bike ride yesterday but I will today.  I did take a pain pill last night and it helped. 

   I noticed something wonderful today.  My apron is shrinking!  I didn't think that was something I would ever get rid of but it is getting smaller as my stomach gets firmer.  I am firmer all over.  It feels wonderful.

  I bought a mango yesterday.  I have never had fresh mango so it should be a treat.  The meal last night was awesome.  Great recipes in that book.  For breakfast we are having 7 whole grain cereal from Kashi.  It has buckwheat, triticale, rye, hard red winter wheat, barley, oats, long grain brown rice, and sesame seeds.  Yummy.  What a great way to get your grains.

Saturday, November 5, 2005

Easing up

   I didn't take the pain pill today.  I hate the feeling it gives me.  I don't understand how someone could get addicted to feeling that way all the time.  No motivation, no strength to do anything, sleep all day.  However, my back feels better today so it might have done something.  The motrin is an anti-inflamatory to reduce swelling and the pain medicine was to keep me from being so tense I wouldn't let my back muscles relax.  She would probably kill me if she found out but I think I will try a bike ride today.  That isn't to hard and I need to do something. 

   I just started reading Strong Women stay Slim.  I read Strong Women Stay Young and they are both excellent books.  I might have to buy at least one of them.  Most of the subjects I already knew through the research I have been doing on my journey but they cover it all so nicely but the workout is drawn right out for you.  I told my son I want ankle weights for Christmas that go up to 20 pounds.  I overheard him talking to a friend on the phone and he was telling the friend how much his mom and dad were working out and how good I was doing and looking.  I could hear the pride in his voice and it made me proud.  Ultimately to do this journey for yourselve and your health but your family benefits from it immensely.  My husband told be I was getting some pretty irresistable curves.  :-)  blush blush.

   We are making another meal out of my new cookbook.  Southwest Beef and linguine toss.  I am always dissappointed in southwest because I want it to taste the same as it does in New Mexico and Utah etc.... and it always falls short.  I hope this taste like tex mex.  I am having a spinach salad with manderin orange slices and walnuts on the side and my favorite dressing.  I have a pasta maker and was thinking of making the linguine but just sitting here typing this short entry my back is hurting.  I can't wait until my massage on Monday.

Friday, November 4, 2005

Pharmaceutical fog

  I am in a drug induced stuper and hate it.  Back on strong medication to try and get this under control.  Some type of new pain med with motrin and a narcotic in it.  To foggy to do anything and I am supposed to take it 4 times a day for 7 days.  I see the ortho doc on tuesday about my hand and back.  I am eating pretty good but without the exercise I feel like I am not going anywhere.  I miss my workouts. Haven't done water aerobics all week.  She tried to talk me into cutting down on how much I work.  Wouldn't that be nice.  Can't happen though.  I explained I am doing better most of the time and I really think by next year I will be having less and less problems as the weight goes down and I build up more muscle.  I wish it was next year.   At least I didn't have to go back on steroids yet,but will find out if I have to have surgery again on Tuesday.  I called for a massage on Monday.  Maybe that will cure me.  No More Back Surgery!

Thursday, November 3, 2005

Blew it

                                          

I went to work last night since I was feeling better and the first patient I turned, wham back came the pain with a vengance.  Took my breath away.  I ended up going home again at 11:30.  I simply can not afford this.  I have an appointment at 2 but expect little help.  She just keeps telling me with my arthritis there is not much they can do.  I will have her look at my wrist also.  I can't believe there isn't something they can do.  I have to be able to work.  If  I can continue to work out I know that will help more in the long run then anything, but I expect she will tell me to lay off for awhile.

   Today is our anniversary,  32 years.  We are to broke at this time to do anything but payday is tomorrow and we will probably go out to eat.  It is hard to believe that much time is gone.                

  The scale was back down today again.  Good.  I was hoping that pound wouldn't hang around long.  Now to lose that last 7 pounds and get to and better yet under 200.  It won't be long now.

   Here is a great article about the use of green tea as a diet aide.  Although I think green tea is good it really isn't that helpful for dieting and like any caffiene drink some people should avoid it.   http://www.3fatchicks.com/diets/green-tea-weight-loss.php

 

Wednesday, November 2, 2005

Up a pound

  Well, no surprise.  I am  up a pound.  Combined with cheating this weekend and lack of exercise.  Looks like I will be laid up again today.  My back is not as severe but it I move much I get more pain then I care to mess with.  I am having a real pity party this morning I tell you.   So my plan.  First make a doctors appointment, not that I expect they will have a miracle for me.  Next a long meditation session to really work at relaxation.   I am wondering.  I have 2 discs that were bulging in between my shoulder blades.  Did they blow?  That could account for the severe pain.  However I don't seem to have any neuro deficits which I always got when my other discs blew.  I am not sure what kind I would have if they had blown.  My back has been so good lately I almost had forgotten it was a problem. 

  I am having special k for breakfast, a salad for lunch, an apple and turkey burger for supper with wild rice and green beans.

    Well it is later in the day.  I took my Motrin, did my meditation and decided to go to the gym after all, just take it easy.  I did 2 hours with 1 1/2 hours at the weight circuit.  Some of the the things were hard to do because of my wrist and some where hard because I was pampering my back but it sure felt good to work out again.  I have managed to increase if not my weights on all the machines at least my reps.  I am doing well.  I am having computer problems again.  I might be infected with an adware

 

Tuesday, November 1, 2005

Hitting the Wall

   I am trying so hard and it always seems like one thing after another.  I got my brace for my hand so it feels better and got dressed to go to the gym today.  I bent over to get something and got slammed in the back with pain so bad it took my breath away.  I thought for awhile it might be my heart because it was in my neck and left arm but now it has settled for the most part between my shoulder blades.  I am pretty laid up.  So instead of the gym I ended up on the couch with a heating pad and taking pain medication.  If it isn't better by the morning or gets worse I will have to get it looked at.  I just don't understand this.  I have been reading Strong Women get Healthy and exercising, eating right, and I still am having these days where the pain gets the better of me.  The only good thing is I have stayed on plan but now I will miss work and my workout.  I am not a happy camper right now.