May 17 2018. Thursday

Good early morning!

i know, I know it is 12:15 am but my heart is pounding madly and am totally wide awake after waking up from a deep,sleep to a ruckus on the back porch. The security light was on and there was, what seemed to be, growling.

am not brave, so crept over to the window and there were four massive raccoons trying to open up the garbage can, which was empty. They had rummaged through the recycling and the bag of cans and had knocked over another container. My goodness.

This is the first time this has happened and it was unnerving.

I have a gate that they climbed over with the greatest of ease, so if they come visiting again will have to put some chicken wire on top of the gate.

Sleep well. And may your night be raccoon free.

Carbon...I thought you were going to say your sugar high had you warming up for the wedding ! Cecily, things will look up soon ! I feel your anguish ! As much as I'd love to have 11 pounds of skin removed, wearing that suit,feeling helpless, and lymphedema preclude that thought even more than the $$$. You have come through the worst and will be reaping the benefits soon !!

I had a bad experience with asparagus. I don't know if I ate too much or it was too fiberous, but my belly ached for hours. I've never had that reaction before. Four pounds under my range. I've been adding a protein bar mid morning, especially on high activity days. I feel really good 129-134...sliding lower into that range is okay.

Steam cleaned carpets look fabulous ! I have to remember that they were deodorized and protected too, so that bonus will last beyond the clean. They removed bushels of pet hair, even though I vacuum daily. Atlas, like Sadie, LOVES water !!! He went crazy with the hose yesterday, ending up soaked and exhausted, as he napped in the sun. Love my babies !

Deleted because I posted today's entry in the wrong spot.

I sure hope so!

Your post made me think about Fergie as a puppy and his fascination with fighting hoses - either running or turned off. Found this picture caught mid wrestling session...

He'd wrap himself up it it, growl, bark, pounce, chew. So cute, but heaven forbid I actually needed to hose anything off!

Another (note how he also enjoyed ripping mounds of Mondo grass out of the planters). He taught me to be less uptight, to take pictures first, correct behavior second!

Weight: 134.4
Macros: Cals 1,638, Carbs 200, Fats 57, Protein 98, Fiber 39
V/F servings: 9
Sleep: 5 hours
Exercise: 1.5 hours of physical therapy, but no real exercise

Carbon -- it's a pleasure to see your name at the top of the page this morning. Raccoons are destructive rascals!

Diane, congrats re your beautiful, clean carpets. You've inspired me to call the carpet cleaners today and schedule them. Thank you!

Yesterday's food was delicious! I went a bit fruit-crazy after visiting our town's best veggie/fruit stand and enjoyed full servings of strawberries, peaches, and blueberries, each with a 1/4 cup of vanilla yogurt. As a result, my carbs and cals ran too high to keep me in weight loss mode, but no biggie.

For lunch I made a veggie burger/melted cheese "sandwich salad" by slicing the sandwich into small bites and tossing it with cherry tomatoes, a lot of organic lettuces and some sliced raw carrots. It was much easier to eat than trying to corral all those veggies inside a sandwich. Dinner (at our book club at the local Episcopalian parish hall) was a microwaved Healthy Choice Cuban-inspired power bowl with plantains, black beans, cooked kale/spinach/other greens and a creamy, sliced avocado.

Last night at our very small (four women) book club I enjoyed the discussion a lot. The book ("The Alice Network") was enjoyed by all, and our discussion led to a rousing conversation about how our families of origin and their shaping of our young lives continue to influence how we behave. Next month's book is "A Gentleman in Moscow," which has been well reviewed.

Finally, dear friends, I offer a gentle reminder that I'm on the down-low re my weight loss surgery and prefer that we don't mention our WLS in any way on my Facebook timeline. Thanks in advance for helping me in this way.

Today's theme: Do some more next right things.

Ooh.. I like the sandwich salad idea!

Why was I not at your place all day yesterday? Your fresh and tasty food items would have sent my tastebuds-a-dancing for sure. Yum.

That's the same reason I kept my FB on the down low on OH for a very long time. The only OH friends I have on FB are you all. I never lied about my surgery, but I didn't advertise it to Joe Q Public. I was also uncomfortable about acquaintances or people I knew only in passing knowing about my WLS. Now I don't care so much because I now view the WLS as a symptom of my disordered eating/addiction....

Carbon, Sorry but I had to chuckle at the image you created in my head when describing the raccoons. They are dexterous and determined creatures.

Ocean, carpets and dogs would make me a little crazy. We have a carpetless house downstairs except for the sunroom which I close off to them unless we are in it. DH didn't used to allow dogs on the furniture either, but now he brings them up with him in his lap or beside him all the time. Luckily I have slipcovered couches.

Cecily, your weight range is going to be smaller now along with your smaller tummy and legs. I hope you were able to wash your garment finally. I always find it amazing how different different surgeons are, as yours is obviously very conservative on his unwrapping/showering approach. But he is known for his results, so it will all be worth it!

Paula, I hope Ben was able to get the final grading done without too much effort. I know from what you've said that he will want to conserve as much energy as he can to be there for DS's graduation.

Diane, That little electric car sounds really cool. I'd like one of those some day (though hopefully I don't have to replace a car soon).

Peps, So glad you are with us. We truly learn from one another and so enjoy your writing and stories. We are better than a real family (no past chips on our shoulders).

BB and Dave, Babies, babies, babies. That brings joy to each and every one of us. They can save us. BTW, loving dogs can do that too (as I cuddle Justice in my lap).

So glad you are back Ann. Your trip sounded marvelous and so great that you did that for yourself. After my DD died I longed for some alone time to heal, but I had two younger children so I couldn't really carve it out. But for me, I think it was going through routine motions that ultimately kept me moving. And eventually finding some joy again (it took quite a while though).

Shel, always love your energy and your gorgeous Pics. Oh, and thank goodness we have you for medication advice!

Miss150, I'm really enjoying your posts. A great addition to our family here!

Weight 116, calories 1052. My 2 year WLS checkup was non-eventful. They are happy with my weight stability. The nutritionist was also happy with my routine. She said that she thinks the more successful people definitely include V/F in their regular meals and aren't afraid of periodically having something out of the ordinary (like cookies). Just in moderation and if it is a trigger, don't keep a supply readily available. I saw one of my in-person support group people in the waiting room who was also there for her 2 year checkup so it was fun chatting with her while I waited.

Today I'm taking DH to a Men's chat group at the Alzheimer's support group office. I think the spouses go somewhere for coffee (I will anyway). This morning I was going to get him up at 7:30, 1.5 hours earlier than usual, but he already got himself up an hour earlier than that. He will be having a tough time by this evening. Last night he was having a hard time remembering what utensils to use for eating. He kept trying to use a spoon as a knife and then as a fork. He wouldn't let me take the spoon away. He did finally get it sorted out, but sometimes it is really difficult to watch.

Have a thoughtful Thursday!