Change is good. At least that is what I keep telling myself. So many things seem to be happening all at once that my head is spinning. I keep thinking that I need to step away and take a breath, but there is never any time. Some changes seem to be for good and others, well, lets just call them learning experiences.
Change is stressful. How does one handle stress? Many people eat ice cream and sweets, others drink alcohol, and even others may find comfort in "comfort foods". A few people may find themselves turning to some sort of pills. Lately I have not been sleeping well. I also have injured myself while working out and cannot do a normal workout. I am frustrated!
I am trying to think of healthy things I can do to alleviate stress. Exercising is out for the moment as I need to rehab my various injuries. Reading isn't helping. I spend so much time worrying about my future. A friend of mine told me that whatever is going to ahppen, will happen. She is right. I can't control what other people do, but I can control what I do.
I need to think of my future and the choices I have available to me. No more worrying about the things I have no control over. Concentrate on relaxing when not working and trying to get more sleep. I am open to any suggestions on how to handle change and stress. Thoughts?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Blowing Some Steam
My husband calls me 'sensitive'. I hate that word. The moment he says 'sensitive' to me, I can guarantee we will have an animated 'discussion'. OK, so I get a bit sensitive when people are ugly to me. I also am very sensitive to what people are feeling (I view that as a good thing) and can correctly choose the right way to proceed in order to spare their feelings. So, my sensitivity has good and bad features. Regardless, I am known as the designated family crier, as anything that is sad, sweet, exciting, et al. can cause me to well up with tears. My niece is getting married this July, break out the tissues!
Today, I figured out that at times I am not being sensitive enough in some situations. Whereas in my home life, I can become weepy at the drop of a hat, in my work life, I seem to be a bit hardened. Fancy that! I like the people I work with and I adore my patients. I feel that it is an honor that they have selected my company and myself to help them through this process.
What drive me nuts is when they no show for appointments. I don't mind if you cancel. Life happens and things come up, but don't make me track you down to find out that you forgot. I have no patience for that. If you expect me to be here to help you, the least you can do is show up!
Sheesh! OK stepping down off of the soapbox. Better now.
Today, I figured out that at times I am not being sensitive enough in some situations. Whereas in my home life, I can become weepy at the drop of a hat, in my work life, I seem to be a bit hardened. Fancy that! I like the people I work with and I adore my patients. I feel that it is an honor that they have selected my company and myself to help them through this process.
What drive me nuts is when they no show for appointments. I don't mind if you cancel. Life happens and things come up, but don't make me track you down to find out that you forgot. I have no patience for that. If you expect me to be here to help you, the least you can do is show up!
Sheesh! OK stepping down off of the soapbox. Better now.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Today I am just "over it"! I am tired of the heat (way too soon to be saying that), tired of the traffic, tired of work, tired of exercising, tired of watching what I eat, etc. All I want to do is float in my blow up pool and read.
The reality check is that I cannot float and read all the time because I would be bored after the first day. I would feel like I needed to be doing something. My husband says I never just give myself permission to do nothing. I admire that he can shut off the day and just watch some mindless movie. Me? I must be DOING something while watching TV. Pay bills, run through my endless stream of magazines, clean something.
With all the things I keep doing, you would think I kept a nice, neat and tidy house. No. It looks like most people's houses. Well, the ones who don't have Mighty Maids on speed dial. It isn't ready for "Hoarders" either. Just "cleanish".
This past weekend, I had a neighbor who loves to organize come over and help me clean out the art closet. She has had surgery and I am trying to keep her busy with things that won't have her lifting. I only allowed her to point and direct. I did all the moving of crap. It looks wonderful and I was exhausted after all the work. This Saturday we are doing my closet. I am terrified! She will be ruthless. I won't have any clothes left!
I guess I am delivering this random stream of consciousness with a purpose. I plan on giving myself permission to do nothing one evening in the next week. What do you need to give yourself permission to do?
The reality check is that I cannot float and read all the time because I would be bored after the first day. I would feel like I needed to be doing something. My husband says I never just give myself permission to do nothing. I admire that he can shut off the day and just watch some mindless movie. Me? I must be DOING something while watching TV. Pay bills, run through my endless stream of magazines, clean something.
With all the things I keep doing, you would think I kept a nice, neat and tidy house. No. It looks like most people's houses. Well, the ones who don't have Mighty Maids on speed dial. It isn't ready for "Hoarders" either. Just "cleanish".
This past weekend, I had a neighbor who loves to organize come over and help me clean out the art closet. She has had surgery and I am trying to keep her busy with things that won't have her lifting. I only allowed her to point and direct. I did all the moving of crap. It looks wonderful and I was exhausted after all the work. This Saturday we are doing my closet. I am terrified! She will be ruthless. I won't have any clothes left!
I guess I am delivering this random stream of consciousness with a purpose. I plan on giving myself permission to do nothing one evening in the next week. What do you need to give yourself permission to do?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
MOTIVATION
What motivates you to lose weight? Better health? That short skirt hanging in the closet? An upcoming event?
My sister and I have been on the "Bridal Diet". Now this is no specific diet, but it is one that has motivated both of us to lose about 15 pounds a piece. We both are shooting for at least 5 more pounds. We are motivated because her daughter is getting married this July and we want to look good in the pictures. Even our husbands have jumped in on the dieting. We all are working out like crazy and trying to drink less and eat better. It hasn't been too hard because we all have a common goal. I must say I do have an advantage over them by having the LapBand, but I don't have it so tight that I can't eat anything, just small portions.
It is funny how weight can creep up on you. We have all been complacent about our weight for quite awhile, but once my niece was engaged, we decided we were all too heavy. Even banded, I had let a few pounds slide on. Granted, I had Mono last year and that threw me backwards, but I should have started paying attention to the pounds that had jumped on, long before March of this year. It feels good to be back into all my clothes. I am sleeping better! My husband isn't snoring as much! It is a positive all around! Maybe not a complete positive, my pants are getting too loose and I believe that there is shopping in my future. Husband isn't too happy about that! My sister is looking fantastic! She did some shopping and looks fabulous in her new dresses. She will do well as the Mother of the Bride.
So, what will happen when the wedding is over? How will we all stay motivated to continue on and either lose a few more pounds or maintain our new healthier status? What motivates you to keep going? I am open to all suggestions.
My sister and I have been on the "Bridal Diet". Now this is no specific diet, but it is one that has motivated both of us to lose about 15 pounds a piece. We both are shooting for at least 5 more pounds. We are motivated because her daughter is getting married this July and we want to look good in the pictures. Even our husbands have jumped in on the dieting. We all are working out like crazy and trying to drink less and eat better. It hasn't been too hard because we all have a common goal. I must say I do have an advantage over them by having the LapBand, but I don't have it so tight that I can't eat anything, just small portions.
It is funny how weight can creep up on you. We have all been complacent about our weight for quite awhile, but once my niece was engaged, we decided we were all too heavy. Even banded, I had let a few pounds slide on. Granted, I had Mono last year and that threw me backwards, but I should have started paying attention to the pounds that had jumped on, long before March of this year. It feels good to be back into all my clothes. I am sleeping better! My husband isn't snoring as much! It is a positive all around! Maybe not a complete positive, my pants are getting too loose and I believe that there is shopping in my future. Husband isn't too happy about that! My sister is looking fantastic! She did some shopping and looks fabulous in her new dresses. She will do well as the Mother of the Bride.
So, what will happen when the wedding is over? How will we all stay motivated to continue on and either lose a few more pounds or maintain our new healthier status? What motivates you to keep going? I am open to all suggestions.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
I HATE MAY!
I don't really hate May, but it is always so crazy! Everyone is busy! Kids are doing their final recitals, final events, end of year exams, etc. There are graduations all over the place! There are so many things going on, that it becomes easier to pick up dinner from the drive through greasy spoon down the street.
It is so hard to stay focused on weight loss. Who has time to plan? Too busy to drink enough water. Working out...are you kidding? Too busy driving everyone to their events! Sound familiar?
It is a busy month, but not too busy to stay healthy. All it takes is a little planning. While you are waiting for whatever event to begin, take out pen and paper and plan your meals. Every morning, throw a water bottle in your purse. On Saturday or Sunday, make some chicken breasts or several cassaroles and freeze them for use during the week. Find time to workout. I know it is a pain, but we all have to do it! Just suck it up and go for it.
Hang in there, June is right around the corner!
It is so hard to stay focused on weight loss. Who has time to plan? Too busy to drink enough water. Working out...are you kidding? Too busy driving everyone to their events! Sound familiar?
It is a busy month, but not too busy to stay healthy. All it takes is a little planning. While you are waiting for whatever event to begin, take out pen and paper and plan your meals. Every morning, throw a water bottle in your purse. On Saturday or Sunday, make some chicken breasts or several cassaroles and freeze them for use during the week. Find time to workout. I know it is a pain, but we all have to do it! Just suck it up and go for it.
Hang in there, June is right around the corner!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Where Did I Go?
Sorry I haven't been around. Life got really busy and I have done nothing but work and sleep lately. I am a full fledged member of the "No Fun" Club. Things seem to be slowing down a bit, so I can get back to paying attention to blogging and other support/aftercare types of things.
During this crazy time, I decided to get a fill and try to drop some weight for an upcoming family wedding in July. Some of you are probably wondering why I needed a fill. I am up a few pounds from last year's mono. They took out some fluid and I never got it back. So, time to drop about 20 pounds in order to look good in all my clothes. The fill went well and I obeyed my surgeon's post fill rules.
I don't eat much right now. I am glad I have been so busy because I have passed through the phase where I would be looking for food. When you are working through your lunch, you don't have time to be naughty. I did plan. I brought protein bars with me so there would be no temptation to go and buy milkshakes or fast food. I am not hungry. Small portions work just fine for me and I have been able to get in my water. By the way, I tried that new water enhancer called MIO. It is good! The berry/pomergranite is my favorite, but the tropical punch is good too.
The good news: I am down 10 pounds in a month! WAHOO! I should be able to make my goal by the July Wedding.
The point: I have had my band for 12 years. It hasn't stopped working and I know that as long as I follow the rules, I will ALWAYS be successful!
During this crazy time, I decided to get a fill and try to drop some weight for an upcoming family wedding in July. Some of you are probably wondering why I needed a fill. I am up a few pounds from last year's mono. They took out some fluid and I never got it back. So, time to drop about 20 pounds in order to look good in all my clothes. The fill went well and I obeyed my surgeon's post fill rules.
I don't eat much right now. I am glad I have been so busy because I have passed through the phase where I would be looking for food. When you are working through your lunch, you don't have time to be naughty. I did plan. I brought protein bars with me so there would be no temptation to go and buy milkshakes or fast food. I am not hungry. Small portions work just fine for me and I have been able to get in my water. By the way, I tried that new water enhancer called MIO. It is good! The berry/pomergranite is my favorite, but the tropical punch is good too.
The good news: I am down 10 pounds in a month! WAHOO! I should be able to make my goal by the July Wedding.
The point: I have had my band for 12 years. It hasn't stopped working and I know that as long as I follow the rules, I will ALWAYS be successful!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Another Check on my Bucket List
My husband and I decided to take a little winter break and go to Santa Fe. Actually, my husband has not gone skiing in about 12 years and he wanted to go again. I have never been on skis. EVER. So we go. He is so excited! The first day he insists on driving up the mountain just to "check it out". I get winded walking up the stairs to the rental shop. Since I work out quite a bit, I got a little nervous. Of course, the air is thinner, up the mountain. We head back into town and have a lovely dinner. Walked back to the hotel in -8 degree weather.
The next day, we get up, have a big breakfast and get dressed in all our ski gear. We head up the mountain. I get my boots (very heavy-but figured I was burning lots of calories), skis and poles. I headed to the Never Ever class. Nick joined it too, to be supportive. My first teacher was Ben. Nice guy, but a ski bum. He took us up to the bunny slope and got on the "magic carpet". This was a conveyor belt that took you up the little slope. The Magic Carpet was my favorite thing!
Went up and down, using my poles and trying not to fall. My husband was way too advanced, but cheered me on. We had a 15 minute lunch break. This is not good for being banded. The no eating and drinking rule always applies. I had a hot dog (no bun) and 1 slurp of water.
Nick got moved up to the advanced class. I was sent back to the bunny slope with a new teacher, Bob. Bob doesn't like poles. Bob made me give up my poles. I didn't like Bob. He made me go down the slope, without the poles!!! I did better. Okay, so maybe Bob was a good teacher. Up on the magic carpet and down the slope, over and over and over. When I let go, I was pretty good. I fell a few times, but I am short, so it isn't far to go! I have a problem stopping. No very good at the snowplow.
The end of the lesson came (finally!) and we had to go down the bigger slope. Nick had finished his lesson and was watching. I did fine on the bump. Turned my skis perfectly. Nick was so proud. Then I had to get in traffic. I got scared and couldn't stop. I was trying to snowplow as hard as I could and I seemed to be going FASTER! I was going to take out a group of people by the lifts. So I fell. Nothing broken, but muscles pulled. I chose not to ski the rest of our vacation.
The next day, we get up, have a big breakfast and get dressed in all our ski gear. We head up the mountain. I get my boots (very heavy-but figured I was burning lots of calories), skis and poles. I headed to the Never Ever class. Nick joined it too, to be supportive. My first teacher was Ben. Nice guy, but a ski bum. He took us up to the bunny slope and got on the "magic carpet". This was a conveyor belt that took you up the little slope. The Magic Carpet was my favorite thing!
Went up and down, using my poles and trying not to fall. My husband was way too advanced, but cheered me on. We had a 15 minute lunch break. This is not good for being banded. The no eating and drinking rule always applies. I had a hot dog (no bun) and 1 slurp of water.
Nick got moved up to the advanced class. I was sent back to the bunny slope with a new teacher, Bob. Bob doesn't like poles. Bob made me give up my poles. I didn't like Bob. He made me go down the slope, without the poles!!! I did better. Okay, so maybe Bob was a good teacher. Up on the magic carpet and down the slope, over and over and over. When I let go, I was pretty good. I fell a few times, but I am short, so it isn't far to go! I have a problem stopping. No very good at the snowplow.
The end of the lesson came (finally!) and we had to go down the bigger slope. Nick had finished his lesson and was watching. I did fine on the bump. Turned my skis perfectly. Nick was so proud. Then I had to get in traffic. I got scared and couldn't stop. I was trying to snowplow as hard as I could and I seemed to be going FASTER! I was going to take out a group of people by the lifts. So I fell. Nothing broken, but muscles pulled. I chose not to ski the rest of our vacation.
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