Wednesday, January 17th

Happy Hump Day my friends!

I'm up and at the boards before Liz or Ann today! Early work day for me, which is going to become the norm I think. I have to get up at 4:30 to be at work by 6:30. I like to sleep....this may be a problem!

DS#3's b-day today. He is 15....my baby! Of course he is 6 feet tall and weighs 217!

Dad is out of the hospital now and doing okay. I hate that they are so far away. I hate that I am in the cold and they are in FL!

Ben started having some side/back pain yesterday into last night. He also had some bleeding/drainage from the big tumor on his side the last few days. I'm glad he will be seeing the doctor with his chemo appt. today.

Have a great day all!

Weight 116.6, calories 1248. We picked up SIL from the airport last night and went to dinner afterwards so we weren't home until 10 (way past DH's bedtime). I stayed up with SIL until midnight, but was awake at 6 this morning. I suspect I will be sleeping well tonight.

Those 4:30 am days are tough Paula. Morning comes quickly unless you go to bed early but it is tough to that when there are others up in the house. I hope Ben gets some pain medication today (or an increase).

The electricians were working from 7:30 am to 1:45 pm yesterday. But now we have fans in every room and the lanai as well as a dining room light. We had planned to spend the afternoon at Fort Myers Beach, but didn't get there until almost 4. But we did sit on the beach for a while, then walked around, saw the sunset, and listened to street performers before leaving for the airport.

Have a winged Wednesday!

Wowza, Liz. Just Wowza.

Beautiful picture!

Hello all,

Paula, I didn't realize that your dad was in the hospital. Best wishes for your whole family. So, so much on your plate. I am assuming DS1 and you pup are both better? I'm glad DS3 is giving you something the celebrate. Hugs for you and Ben.

After working out, I have my monthly downtown meetings this morning and then rest of day off. I got my supply list for my Sunday snowshoe and of course it had something on there I don't have so will stop at the flagship REI while I'm downtown. That place just inspires me to spend money. They totally got my number. I feel like they crafted the supply list to make sure to include something I don't have. And I am happy to comply. Happy!

Ann, again thinking of you today. Its all I can do.

Spring is indeed coming....my drive home yesterday was in the light. It has been a long time since my commute included light.

Peace and hope,

Shel

I couldn't remember if I had mentioned my Dad's hospitalization or not. He was admitted for a really bad UTI/sepsis but they also found his heart function to only be at 25-30%. He has had problems with a low ejection fraction in the past too, but it had come up some, now down again. Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy! Yes , DS#1 and Bella are both doing better!

Weight: 130.2
Macros: Cals - 1,423, carbs - 159, fats - 33, protein - 101, fiber - 28
Veggies/Fruits (goal 8): 7
Sleep (goal 8 hours): 7 + 2-hour nap in afternoon
Exercise: Short outdoor walks

Paula, I also didn't realize your dad was in hospital, but good that he's back home. Come on, Ben's chemo and pain meds! And happy birthday to DS#3.

Liz, your Florida sunset pix are making me want to come visit. Glad you got the fans up and running.

And Shel, what in the world are you doing up so early? I'm so jelly of your REI trip and snowshoeing group adventure. I'm thinking of you too every time I make eye contact with Buff (y'all, Buff is the little stuffed buffalo Shel sent DH for Christmas).

It is minus three freakin' degrees Fahrenheit right now. In southern Missouri. WTAF!?

Last night I slept 7 hours last night, plus a 2-hour nap yesterday. Yet I woke up tireder this morning than I've felt since my my husband died. I imagine the adrenaline is waning. Also, I need a helluva lot more exercise than I've been able to get this past week. All these weather-related cancellations of yoga and aquarobics classes is making everyone cranky. Yesterday, I bundled up and went out twice for short strolls around the pasture, but they weren't nearly long enough to qualify as exercise, and the cold was just brutal.

This morning I'll drive into town to walk indoors at the college basketball arena and run errands and gas up the car. If the P.T. clinic is open today I'll do my final yoga knee injury training session. BTW, I finally started icing my knee like everyone told me to do and have discovered how effective an ice pack is for anti-inflammation -- WAY better than NSAIDs. So use those ice packs, kids, even for plain old arthritis.

Yesterday's 8 servings of V/Fs came from a honeycrisp apple, spring greens, colored bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, black beans, kale/spinach/greens, plantains, and blueberries. I'm trying to eat more, but know my appetite will come back.

Today's Theme: Breathe, Move, Sleep

Liz's pic makes me want to run to Florida, too so I can soak that crazy beauty in.

I'm frequently up by 4, then coffee and sloppy yoga, then haul my azz to 5am gym class.

".....everybody told me to...." Why does it take me/you/us so long to do what we are told, even when what we are currently doing isn't working? (By the way, I have never, ever assaulted my body with an ice pack. Cuz, you know, I don't do ice packs....brrrr)

Hope it warms up there!

Good Morning Tribemates !

Two rounds of shoveling yesterday ! Over the weekend, we snow blew a huge "track" for Atlas around the back yard. Keeping the deck, driveway and sidewalk clear could be a full time job ! I had my volunteer driver physical at the VA yesterday and the nurse referred to me as tiny. I have NEVER been referred to as tiny. What a trip !! Atlas woke up at 2:30 AM and barked to go out. Kept lights off, no conversation, out and in, and gave him his crate treat and he went right back down until we got up at 5. What a difference a solid routine and a couple of weeks make !!

The idea of balance keeps popping up in our posts. Something in Ann's references to Swedish customs resonated in my memory. I did some googling and referenced Lagom. It means not too little...not too much .. balanced. The right amount, in moderation/balance will be my focus for the day. I can totally relate to the nuts, Skinny Cow, and Devon's GCCB..aholic term. I seek balance in so many areas of my life, but life is not constant. Sometimes we overshoot... sometimes we undershoot. The important part is that we all set our sights on a plan, breathe, and move forward.

Liz, pictures and the image of all of those fans make me smile. Cecily, your photos and long walks make me hope we can connect the next time I'm in SoCal visiting my daughter. Last time, 8-10 mile walks were my norm ! Dave, our baby whisperer, I'm eager to hear more about your plan. Glad the house dry out is proceeding. Paula, the Japanese Steak House sounds fun ! Hope DH feels okay after chemo. Devon, eagerly anticipating your GCCB blog (sorry... just can't type it all out !). Mary, I love that dancing gives you so much pleasure ! Also glad you've had some movie bonding time with your daughter ! Diane, I hope your hip is feeling better and that you continue to enjoy your downward trend and walks with Tesla. You are frequently our rudder, and I loved your reminder to comfort our inner child. BB, your time alone must be drawing to a close... in more ways than one !

Ann, your Swedish traditions are so rich in guidance and inspiration. Fika, Lagom and that seems to be just the tip of the iceberg ! Positive energy to all, as we seek Lagom on this January Hump Day !!

Diane