Friday, January 19th

Man, does the time go by fast. I can't believe we are already more than 1/2 way through January!

Just a quick note before heading in for work so early! The dang birds are not even up yet!

Joey, I am still tickled that you had such a great girls vacation! Just what the doctor ordered.

Diane O, hope the puppy training continues to go well. Sounds like you have a gem!

BB, the time is coming soon. Can't wait to meet nugget! Have you shared registry ideas with us all yet or did I just miss it? We really do want to throw you a virtual party.

David, hope babe and Mom and DW are feeling better and that you don't get the bug too!

Shel, have fun with the snow shoeing, or did it happen already?

Devon, didn't get a chance to read the blog yet but looking forward to it.

Diane S, coffee on!

Mary, so glad to have you back. We missed you!

Ann, eat the pie! I'm actually quite impressed how you are continuing to care good care of yourself!

Sorry if I missed any shout outs - gotta run!

Weight 118.4, calories 818. Up almost 2 pounds! I guess it is either delayed payback for some high days or the sodium in the Thai food I had yesterday. Lots of water today.

Good morning. Yes, early morning is dark (and generally cold). I don?t miss having to go out to work in it.

We are hosting the football game(s) on Sunday, with several friends coming to watch. I am looking for a lasagne recipe with zucchini and eggplant instead of pasta. I found a couple online, but if any of you have one you have used, I?d appreciate the recipe.

I just read Devon's blog. Very thought-provoking for someone with a gay son. I've never talked with him about how different he may have felt when very young, though we have discussed the difficulty of being in an all male high school. I always loved how he was so comfortable with adults. He did have friends, but not a lot of them until late high school. I didn't realize he was gay unti high school (he didn't officially tell us until college), but others knew. DH and I don't have good gaydar according to DS. He thinks it is because it really doesn't matter to us what anyone's sexual orientation is. One of DH's best childhood friends is gay and DH had no idea until his friend came out quite a bit later in life. At that point DH was happy that his friend was able to be comfortable with himself (I think his friend was surprised that it didn't matter). This friend told me a while ago that he always knew our DS was gay btw.

Have a fantastic Friday!

Liz, my youngest is identifying herself as bi-sexual. I found out last summer from her BF's mom, as BF knew it was something she probably needed to process with us. We talked and I reassured her that it didn't matter to me or her dad - all we wanted was for her to be happy and a good person. We talked about how normal it is at her age to question her sexuality, and that over time, it would be clear for her. She's in a club at school with other kids questioning, as well. The teacher who just took over as advisor, for the guidance counselor who has left, was my daughter's 4th and 5th grade teacher, and they adore each other. I know she will be a wonderful support for not only my daughter, but for the other kids in the group, as well. The scariest thing for me is that LGBT kids have a much higher suicide rate. The crisis she just went through was feeling suicidal. She's now on meds and getting counseling, and reports she feels better. She seems better, as well, and is slowly opening up, but it is so scary. It's funny you bring up your husband's friend. One of Jay's (DH) close college friends was in our wedding. Money was tight, so we said that only established couples could come, not singles who just wanted to invite someone - something I regretted later. The friend wanted to bring his roommate, but we said no. Jay and I were so dense! I realized just before the wedding that his friend's roommate was his partner, but it was too late, as he was travelling from out of state. Jay has yet to be able to re-connect with him to apologize. He's still hoping!

Mary - I also have 2 gay sons one of which is bipolar and has been hospitalized with suicidal ideation in the past. We are here for you!

Thank you so much Paula!

Liz - Ah, one of the forgotten ones in my quick shout out this morning. How could I forget the usual thread starter? I've been thinking of your frustrations with DH and feel for you. It must be difficult. I'm glad you see the anger you sometimes feel as normal...it is!

LOL: Too much going on to keep track!

Weight: 130.0
Macros: Cals - 1,377, carbs - 181, fats - 30, protein - 79, fiber - 29
Veggies/Fruits (goal 8): 8
Sleep (goal 8 hours): 7
Exercise: Yoga class

I need pie.

Yesterday's 8 servings of V/Fs came from a Honeycrisp apple, spring greens, carrots, cherry tomatoes, kale/spinach/greens, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and black table grapes.

Almost seven hours of sleep last night.

Yesterday's yoga class was wonderful. The pool will be closed again today, so no aquarobics for us. Bummer.

We're now experiencing The Big Thaw. Temps today and this weekend will be in the 50s.

Today's Theme: T.G.I.F. It never gets old.

P.S. Oh, Devon! Hugging you. https://www.afatmansjourney.net/blank-1/2018/01/18/Being-Wro ng And your earlier opinion about this piece was wrong; it works so well.

P.P.S. And Liz, you're doing a great job as a caregiver. xoxo

P.P.P.S. And everyone else, you're doing a great job, too.

P.P.P.P.S. I'll spare you guys the list I am compiling of outlier stupid condolences some people have offered since my husband died and what I have NOT said to them in response. Everyone is well-intentioned, but some people should shut the **** up. Obviously, I've reached the anger phase of grief, and it has arrived with a big side of sarcasm.

I'm very much looking forward to pie day. You might need more than one.

Glad to see some sleep, too.

Morning!

Devon, what a poignant post. That 5 year old also broadcasted a self insight that many adults never achieve. TIL that you have always been a marvel. Those mothers knew that, too.

Joey, I am also still thinking about your recent vacation. Change of venue (in every way) was just what you needed. How nice to fall into a crowd that gets you thinking about self care in such a positive way. It just occurred to me that is another reason I like group exercise. It takes care of my work out, but also exposes me to people that are actively working on improving health.

Paula, my snowshoe is on Sunday....all day with no exit door so I can't bolt. The mountains are likely to get snow every day til then--I had some worries that there would be rain even up there.

Warm (literally) wishes to all of you.

TGIF.....get 'er done.

Shel