Thursday, May 4. 2023

May the Fourth be with you!

I couldn't resist...

I was too tired yesterday to go to the art center event. It was one of those evenings where you're so tired you can hardly stay awake, but it's too late for a nap, and too early to go to bed. The Zombie hour I'm calling it.

The luncheon was nice. Maybe 20 women and those of us who were new had to stand up and introduce ourselves. I hate public speaking and was shaking during my whole intro. Ugh!! I am fine sitting down and chatting with new people, but standing up and talking is awful. Blech.

Another of the new women in there came up to me after and said she gets nervous speaking too (argh that means it was totally noticeable) and asked if I wanted to sit with her at the new meeting. So maybe another new friend! She's also new to Sedona from Chicago (I swear, no one is from here originally) and looking to make friends. She'd be my woo-wooiest new friend as she is certified in art therapy and teaches meditation to artist to unblock their creativity and also teaches yoga. So much woo here. Also a lot of vegetarians/vegans. I said as much to another woman sitting next to me who said she is a vegetarian "except when she's not" and she said it's all the spiritualism here. Woo and eating animals apparently don't mix well. I could never...

Still doing well on food. Yesterday I had a spicy caesar salad with steak for lunch (hold the corn and croutons) and a big salad with lots of veggies and rotisserie chicken for dinner. Snacks were a baby bel cheese, some pistachios, and berries with a little cream. The scale dropped another pound.

I was intrigued by someone I follow on Instagram who uses a continuous glucose monitor (one of those you stick onto the back of your arm) to measure blood sugar spikes. She will show what happens to her blood sugar levels after she eats certain things. Some would be expected, some results unexpected. So having watched one person, I kept getting fed ads for companies that do this for weight loss assistance. I caved and signed up for one for 3 months, to try to better understand the effects of what I eat on my blood sugar. Awareness and information if nothing else! I can't see needing it longer than that. Maybe there are things I eat thinking they are fine for blood sugar that aren't or things I am wary of that are just fine. Who knows.

Anyway, no plans today. They want me around for when they test the irrigation which is sometime today or tomorrow. I may go to Costco this morning for provisions.

Take care everybody!

Interesting about the blood sugar monitor. Is it stuck into your arm? Regardless, good choices on the eating. You definitely inspire me!

So it is Friday morning here in Auckland, NZ. Like Shirl, we are now a day ahead of the US. So confusing! Last night it was pouring though it was locally described as light rain. I had checked what the temperature was like at this time of year but not the likelihood of rain. I guess it rains a LOT in Auckland. I brought layers and jeans to wear but not a rain jacket. My umbrella is just a small backup one and totally inadequate for 2 people. Hopefully we can borrow large ones from the hotel. Speaking of which we had to borrow a transformer from the hotel to plug in our phones. The thing weighs about 20 pounds!

We are off on a wine tour later this morning. We take a ferry to Waiheke Island then take an organized tour to various vineyards. Hopefully we won't be soaking wet by the end of the day.

Have a thorough Thursday there!

It is attached. Supposedly it doesn't hurt to attach it but it's a little fine needle that goes just under your skin. They were developed for diabetics, but people who are trying to keep their blood sugar down who aren't diabetic are finding them helpful I guess. We'll see!

PS - New Zealand was incredibly rainy when we were there! We were on the south island, which I think is the rainier of the two. I guess that's why it's so green and pretty.

edited for some bad typos!

I will look forward to hearing the results of your blood sugar data CC. There are things that I feel impact my blood sugar that shouldn't. There's this appetizer, a pickle, wrapped in cream cheese and corned beef (we all call it Minnesota sushi) , should be low carb, but never felt low carb when I ate it. But monitoring your blood sugar, maybe some of the same results as low carb, but tailored to your own metabolism.

Wineries sound delightful ! Is New Zealand as beautiful as its portrayed? It sounds like a place with a good vibe.

I just gave myself my first Wegovy injection a few minutes ago. Here we go!

We will be leaving in a few minutes to go to memorial for my high school friend who passed away a few weeks ago.

Minnesota sushi! Ha! I love it!! And it sounds yummy.

It's funny how thing**** us. I also am interested in what nutritional rules of thumb we hear are true or not for me. Like does order of food matter? Or combining a carb and a protein - does that really make the blood sugar impact of the carb better? Or people say even Diet Coke impacts blood sugar (I'll believe it when I see it!). Or are carrots or green beans carbier or less carbier than we think? It'll be an experiment...

So anxious to hear about your Wegovy experience!!

Good Morning All :) FriYay here and Im thankful. Winter is turning cooler which Im not a fan of - I still go out and work in it at the farm but its less pleasant indeed.

Been hectic as always but work is slowing to a reasonable pace. We have another staff member so thats helping to clear the backlog of jobs. I have taken Monday off work as leave as we are flying to Sydney tommorrow for a few days to meet Liz and Mike. Im very excited. It will be wonderful to share a meal and hear all about their amazing trip. Just hoping Sydney delivers reasonable Autumn weather...

Still kicking and screaming re my weight gain - I did hop on the scales this morning and groaned. Im up 15.8 lbs and NEED to stop this destructive cycle of eating. I just cant seem to get my head in the game - all the while knowing I need too..... My daily battle. The carb monster needs to get out of my life but I need to have the strength to bani****

Family is all well. I am spending lots of time with my grandbabies and they truely light my being. There is nothing like the feeling when you pick them up and they come running and launch into your arms for a cuddle while telling you they love you. My heart is full. I am picking them both up from school and child care this afternoon and will bring them back to our place till my DSS comes. I made a blackberry and lemon cake last night so they can have a treat for afternoon tea. Nannas mean food right and I love spoiling them with homemake cooking. Our kids are all well - busy with their lives. I cant believe we are already in May. This year has flown.

I have my 4th COVID booster at noon today and Flu Shot in a fortnight. The preparation for winter starts. Hoping I dont have a reaction as I need to be up at 3am to head to the airport.

I need to catch up on everyones news but know you have all been missed very much xxxx

We will post pics on TT from Sundays dinner

Take care lovely Tribe

S

So wonderful to hear from you here! I think we can all identify with the regain blues. Argh. I could rail on the unfairness of the tastiest and most comforting food being the most calorically cruel, but reality is so often very unfair.

Have a wonderful time in Sydney with Liz and Mike! So sweet of you to fly down there!

Shirl, so good to hear from you. Can't wait for pictures of your meet up.

We are so looking forward to meeting Shirl and her DH as well! It should be fun!

Greetings

Oops looks like I forgot yesterday. I worked at the gallery in the afternoon. Not especially busy but some visitors. I was able to play tour guide to some folks camping in the area and did not know where the best beaches are etc. Anyone else notice how no one listens any more? I start giving directions to the beach and they interrupt. They have the map but don't consult. Guess I need to put in my application to rule the world.

Yay Liz and Shirley! You guys will have such fun. Cant wait to read about it. Whirlwind of travel! Liz if you cant pack the rain jacket why not just give it away? I knew someone who packed old underwear on trips and tossed each piece as it was used. Trail of panties across Europe.

I actually cooked mac and cheese last night plus broccoli. A lot of broccoli plus a little mac and cheese makes a good dinner.

Another gallery day today so I won't get much else done. The usual banking and such. Cheers.

Diane S