05/15/2021, Saturday

Good morning all. Today will be our first full day in our new house. Everything is automated (keyless entry, maintenance requests, temperature control etc.) So many accounts, apps and passwords to set up. Today, I'll make it to the clubhouse for our ID badges for pool and amenities. We're working on a list of items we need to repurchase because they are in NY for the final trip làte this month.

DD & Peps, thinking about you on the final stretch! Peps, can't wait for pictures of the yard! DD, I totally get being mesmerized by the first glide onto the water ! Shirl, happy 1st week! Recharge at the farm ! Ceci, so nice to see you starting us out yesterday. Love the weaning suits ! Diane, enjoy those sweet babies and their changing poop as they shift to more solid food. Liz, I hope your transition to the Cape is progressing smoothly. Between DS and Mike's ex, it sounds like you have some challenges to negotiate.

I am so happy for your new beginning Diane! Enjoy!

The last couple of days have been fun and tiring. DD officially received her MBA last night and it was as close to a real graduation as you can get these days. It was outside with 2 guests per graduate and all chairs spaced 6+ feet apart. There was no shaking of hands, but the graduates did walk onto the stage and have their picture taken when there. It was hard to get a good picture myself during the graduation with the distance but the video I got during the procession afterwards was pretty good (I posted it on FB). It was bittersweet as we all were thinking about DH. He would be so proud of DD and he would have loved to have been there in person to hug and congratulate her. But I think he, eldest DD, and other departed family members were watching from above.

I am having lunch with high school friends today, then heading to Mike's place for the night. The Ex is away right now. She is looking for a place in Florida so there is some hope that there will be a departure soon. DS has been really good with Mike making a lot of extra effort. DS really has a good heart, but his emotions make his reactions to change difficult at times.

So the transition home has been super busy. I am hoping for a quieter week coming up. Have a safe and healthy day.

Oh, and I had to chuckle about having Tesla in a stocking...

Diane, congrats in the new home!

Weight 186.6. I can't seem to string two good days together. My good days seem to be reactions to having had a bad day the day before.

I made a donation to a local charity that helps homeless families and they brought me a gift bag that had among other things tropical Lifesavers candies that were so delicious I ate them all. Argh. And that set me off for eating LOTS of other things. Argh again. Long story short, I was up 1.6 pounds today.

In a few minutes I am doing a facetime call with my UK friend and our other friend. I miss her! I also need to spend this weekend getting my lists in order and setting stuff out to pack as I fly out a week from today. Where has the time gone?

Have a good one, all!

Diane, how exciting for you! Such a huge move, but so exciting. Liz, congrats on DD's MBA! Not an easy feat - especially in today's climate of university costs. I am genuinely impressed by those who pursue higher education in today's world. I chose not to pursue my MA in Education because I would never be able to recuperate the cost of the degree in salary increase unless I became an administrator at the district level, which held no interest to me. Shirl, have you started the new job or is that this coming week?

Good news from the school district: There will be NO CHANGE to the art and music programs next year! Guess I was not the lone voice!

I am very much in a transition phase of my journey. It is really unsettling, but in a good way. There is so much mental work going on surrounding the valuation of behaviors past and present it is at times utterly exhausting, yet up lifting, hopeful, fulfilling work. My most profound "ah ha" moment this week was this realization: The more I tend to restrict calories for the sake of weight loss or the more I strive for "perfection" in my eating, the more likely I am to GAIN weight rather than lose it. I know this may sound counter intuitive, but it really is my truth.

I am a grown man. Half a pb&j sandwich for breakfast is NOT a meal able to sustain my fuel and nutrition needs through to lunch. It's only about 200 calories. But in the winter of 2020, right before COVID hit that was my go to breakfast and I was berating myself for over eating later in the day. Today after boot camp my breakfast is 2 eggs, a piece of whole wheat high fiber toast, 2% plain greek yogurt with Splenda, blueberries, 1/2 a banana, and some Kashi sprinkled on top. I know that may sound like a lot for a "sleeve" meal, but my sleeve is a big one, it was long to begin with and that's what it takes to fuel me. This meal will also keep me going for hours before I get hungry again. I am so far past the point of being full on 3 oz of protein! I am focusing on embracing my reality and working with it, rather than against it.

The house painters are here. OMG! My house is going to so stand out in the neighborhood! LOL! We live in a sea of beiges and light grays, with the occasional pale yellow or gray-blue house thrown in the mix. Our little California mid century rancher is going to be a deep, rusty barn red with white trim and deep khaki accents. My next door neighbors are excited, but I'm sure many in the neighborhood will think, "OMG! What were those boys thinking!" I'm kind of tickled..... Will try to post before and afters..... Probably on TT.

Happy Saturday.

I think a protein rich meal even if higher in calories is actually better for weight maintenance/loss than a low calorie mostly carb meal.

I am proud of DD in so many ways though the cost has not been too onerous. Her company is helping pay for it and I think she had some scholarship money as well.

Good Morning All

Waking up to a big frost this morning, a reminder winter is knocking on the door. Im happily sipping a cup of tea in the mini house, then will breakfast and layer up to go work outside. DH is in a mood today so I will likely work in another area of the farm!

We are leaving at around 1.30pm to head down to DSS place for a visit. Likely get takeaway for dinner.

Diane O- super exciting as you both settle into your new home. Hectic times but I hope both of you get to be still & enjoy it sooner than later.

Liz- Busy times for you too. Lovely to see the Graduation pictures. Glad DS is making an effort with Mike. You deserve happiness.

Cec- Hope you enjoyed the call with your friend in UK. Gosh your summer trip has come up super fast! Good luck packing

Peps- so excited to see the before and after pics of the house painting. Fabulous news re the music program. I started last week- did 4 days. First full week this coming week. Im loving it, have a lot to learn but my boss & the installers are all nice

Diane S- love reading about the puppies. I would simply get nothing done.... I would be in there cuddling them

DD- Hope you are doing well- nearly end of the year? For you?

Hello to all who follow. I had best go pin out washing n get my butt moving

S

Greetings Intrepid ones

Yay DianeM, new home!! Its so much fun to explore a new area and with vaccines you can actually do it! We had so much fun when we moved 20 years ago. We are eager to hear about new places you find and adventures.

Congrats Liz on DD's degree. Not easy these days or ever for that matter. Glad your DS is coming around. Some stuff can't be rushed.

I am in total ostrich mode regarding weight but am going to have to face the music soon. Like next week doctors appointment which is in person so I get weighed. Crap. Wish I could just phone it in. Or skip it. I had a friend who used to refuse to be weighed.

Puppies are growing like weeds and each time out of their box they can do more things. They are getting teeth. And they are just beginning to notice toys. Mostly they like to go in and out of grocery bags. One of my studio friends is coming by tomorrow to see them. No weaning outfit needed for Tesla. She is eager to be rid of the work and we have to make her get in with them.

So my niece will be flying out here with her 5 year old to get a puppy and take the kid to the redwoods. looking forward to that. July 1. Fortunately she will not expect a clean house. Family tradition.

Cheers all. Diane S

So neat that your niece will be one if the puppies adoptive Moms. And a nice visit to look forward to!