29 Days

Good Morning!!  Happy Wednesday.  My morning started at 3:30 a.m. after rounding up for bed last night at 10:15 p.m.  I’m working a special overtime shift today.  Hooray for extra money!

 

We are getting closer to our BIG vacation and with each passing day, I am getting more excited.  I have an out-of-town RV trip this weekend and a trip to our cabin in the mountains next weekend.  I’ll have to hunker down for a few weeks before I enjoy 19 glorious days off work.  Boy am I ready!  I am my true authentic self on vacation.  Facebook Memories shared a happy Ireland photo today.

 

We have officially entered the less-than-30-days mark, and we are able to check in next week.  I’m definitely getting excited.  There is still a lot of work days and other work commitments standing between me and my happy place.  We will be there soon.

 

I know I mentioned that we have sailed NCL Sun previously, during return-to-service following Covid.  While she isn’t a grand ship, we ended up with a balcony room at the aft as we have the NCL credit card and used our points to upgrade from ocean view to balcony.  With all port days and no sea days, it is sure to be busy days with little time on the ship.  On the other hand, I keep reminding myself that we don’t need to be go-go-go the entire time.  I am looking forward to some relaxing!  The ship has struggled with propulsion issues so I’m hopeful for no port interruptions. 

 

If you know me well enough, you know I have the drink package!  With my current status of reduction in alcohol, which is still going quite well, I haven’t 100% figured out my game plan yet as I do enjoy adult beverages.

 

Two weeks ago, I had a large spike on the scale.  I figured it was hormonal and although struggled mentally this week, the scale came back down.  Thank goodness!  With social on the calendar two weeks in a row, balancing my food intake will be difficult.  I also plan to get reacquainted with activity this week.

Day 1

I feel like I am sharing at an Alcoholic Anonymous Meeting (which I probably would benefit from AA).

 

“Hi, my Name is Lindsay and I am one day back on track.”

(all together) “Hi Lindsay.”

 

It feels so good to be back on track one full day.

 

I decided to go back to All In Mode.  I can’t say that I gave the Menopause plan enough of a real go and although I don’t mind having to use points for oatmeal and frozen potatoes, they are a daily staple in my life.  Now, if I am insulin resistant, I may need to cut those foods out.  What I have learned over time is I physically feel better when I eat some carbs along with my breakfast.  Relying only on protein usually leaves me feeling hungry all day.  The key could also be more protein.  It is always a gamble on how to find the right mix of each person individually.

 

I don’t love having to track my water and sleep but overall, All In Mode just makes me feel my best.  I love leaning into Zero Point foods and not worrying so much about going over my daily points.  It is exhausting having to track allllll the things.  Consistency is key and building that back up is my top priority.

 

I am on a 10-year gain cycle.  Let me explain –

·       January 2007 – 304.8 pounds

·       March 2009 – 175 pounds

·       October 2009 – 165 pounds

·       July 2016 – 253 pounds

·       July 2020 – 198.2 pounds

·       June 2026 – 236.8 pounds

 

One good thing that comes from tracking is a whole lot of data to look back on.  We discussed in both my Monday and Tuesday WW meeting that when we experience regain, we can’t realistically expect to take the weight off as easily and quickly as we once did.  The reason…we are simply not the same person we were when we lost the initial weight. 

 

I am now taking a low dose of antidepressant and while that could be contributing to weight gain, I am also not giving it my all.  I stand corrected…I’ve given it my all one day this week.  I don’t want to stop the medication even though it could be part of the equation.  I used ChatGPT to make an infographic from a question during our Ask Me Anything workshop this week.

 

Sometimes we can feel like we are doing allllll the things right and still do not see the results we expect.    

 

For now…we build back consistency.

Life In General

How the heck is it almost June?

…and where have I been?

 

As usual, it has been a whirlwind of craziness these last few weeks.  I think I’ve been slightly depressed.  I chatted with my doctor about my new meds, and we will continue to give it time to see how things shake out.  I think overall I am less anxious with work stuff and getting along with my co-workers and team better so that is a WIN!

 

How has life been?  This image pretty much sums it up.

 

The reason I think I’ve been slightly depressed is that I just am not motivated to do anything.  I went out for a few days over the last few weeks for a walk but the energy for eating well and logging activity minutes is lacking.  BIG TIME!  I’ve also gained weight over the last few weeks.

 

With sad news to report, my father-in-law passed away.  He wasn’t well and we didn’t want him to linger.  We were able to celebrate his 90^th birthday in April.  We will travel to New Mexico soon for the funeral service.

The only other thing on my radar…vacations!

Coming Out The Other Side

 Holy Cow.  I was hit hard with a nasty virus/cold and after 12-days, I think I’m finally coming out the other side.  It has been rough y’all.  Real rough.

I was really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things after starting a low dose of generic Lexapro a couple of weeks ago.  Now, I’m not saying this is a magical pill but I was hoping it would make me start feeling “normal” again.  You know, maybe, get some energy back, be less tired, and just overall want to start working on my health and fitness again.  Then…WHAM!  This darn sickness came on like wildfire.  I had just been to a conference session on stress and burnout where the presenter talked about taking care of your body or your body will take care of itself.  I’ve been burning the candle at both ends and it finally caught up to me.

The good news is I’ve seen a loss on the scale for two weeks in a row.

 

This has lit a little fire under me to work harder at meals at home this week.  In addition to helping me focus on my points, we need to spend less money on eating out.  I had one planned social event and another after work today.  Other than that, I’ve been making meals at home and taking leftovers for lunch.  This chicken, green bean, and stuffing casserole was so easy and so good.

 

The hotel chain where we hold our Monday night Weight Watcher’s Workshop abruptly closed admit Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  I am now out of a gig on Monday nights and I feel so sad for my members.  My WW manager is working through logistics and will perhaps find another place. 

 

 

Where's Waldo

I feel like I’m in an episode of Where’s Waldo…

…Where’s Lindsay?

 

Oh boy, have I been neglecting this space for quite some time now.

 

I had my wellness visit with the general practitioner I established last year.  I found out I could cancel my visits with both the general practitioner at the OB office, I really liked her, and my endocrinologist, whom I hear may have moved to North Carolina.  I really liked him too but never really liked his staff.  In one doctor’s visit, I went from three doctors to one.  Not a bad set up!  Good thing I really like my new GP.

 

Last year we discussed some medication to manage anxiety.  I was struggling with some stress at work, and it started to manifest as panic attacks.  We agreed I’d give counseling a try and I really love my counselor.  I found a great fit and routinely check in with her bi-weekly.  I’m just still feeling “off” and I’ve been feeling that way for a while.  My doctor prescribed 10 mg of the generic for Lexapro. 

 

Bi-bolar runs deep in my family history and I don’t feel the lows as much as my siblings.  I do believe for a long time I have been functioning “high” a lot.  Manic phases got me manifest in the crazy impulsive stuff I do, probably because it is an escape from something I am avoiding.  I have always been a nail biter and for a while now I’ve been tearing apart my cuticles…. connected to anxiety. 

 

Lately, coming to work has felt daunting.  I’ve also been taking a lot of time off which makes coming back to work equally difficult.

 

It doesn’t help that I over-schedule myself and after a while, that “high” starts to feel too difficult to manage.  With limited commitments this week, and some cancelations (extra doctor’s visits) I spend time during my weekend (my days off are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) sleeping a lot and resting more.  I am also on day three of my new medication and feeling good.  I hope this is the turnaround point to getting my mojo back.

 

On a lighter note, we celebrated National Telecommunications Week!  Sunday was Hawaiian Day.

 

Today is pajama day.  It feels weird to be at work in lounge clothes and a robe.  I was watching a Hallmark movie and drinking my coffee before work.  I almost forgot I had to be responsible today!

Oh Boy...It's Been A Rollercoaster

Hello and Happy Easter Sunday!

 

We celebrated our Easter with a family brunch yesterday at Chuck A Rama.  I love that place and the breakfast offerings were good.  I had wished I didn’t eat as much so I could enjoy lunch when it came out.  Maybe another time.

 

Upon our return from New Mexico, I checked in on the scale to an unpleasant large gain of 2.4 pounds.  My heath score also took a BIG dive.

 

I have not been as on plan as I had originally planned.  My health score came back up…

 

…and back down.

 

I also celebrated 100 days of tracking!

 

My April Apple Watch Fitness goal is to walk at least 5 minutes three times this month.  I love this goal but it feels as if it is screaming at me…MOVE YOUR BODY! 

 

I had CPM class on Thursday and Friday where I wore my tennis shoes, packed my dress shoes, turned on the watch and walked every chance I had.  The goal has been met but I do plan to continue moving my body this month.

 

We are in a bit of limbo headed back to New Mexico this week for my father-in-law’s 90^th birthday.  We had planned this trip before we got ill.  Upon our return, it is time to really get back to the healthy habits that have made me successful.  Our next cruise vacation is in 130 days.  I had better get moving!

I Think I’m A Bit Depressed

A few weeks ago, one of our troopers received an award.  Since he started his career as a dispatcher, the command staff were on the hunt for photos.  A prior co-worker found a photo taken at a work BBQ/picnic, many, many, moons ago.  I was lucky enough to be in the photo with Jeff.

 

I’ve been reflecting on this photo ever since and my thoughts are “why didn’t I work to protect my progress?”  I really took it for granted.

 

My Goal Anniversary is this month and in April is my Lifetime Anniversary. 

 

Prior to the last few weeks, I was feeling really energized and motived to finally kick some of these extra pounds.  I really want to get back into the 220s.  Sadly, while small, I’ve gained over the last three weeks.  This week will be a large gain as I’ve been very sociable.

 

I also think I’m a bit depressed this week.

 

I was chatting with a member via text.  While I’m not where I was when I reached goal, I have kept off 77 pounds and for that, I am proud of my accomplishments. 

 

I spend a lot of time feeling down about my weight loss journey and those types of thoughts are not self-serving.

All In Mode

Good Afternoon and Happy Wednesday!  I am about to finish my workday, working today in exchange for having last Sunday off, and I stayed up waaaaay too late last night.  I’m tired.

 

::yawn::

 

I had lofty goals to go home and log some activity minutes but that was early morning Lindsay.  Afternoon Lindsay is too tired.  Thankfully we have a dinner plan in place to keep me semi-on track!

 

The Weight Watcher app updates have not rolled out as far and wide as our members would like.  I barely got the update around launch day.  I decided this morning to try the All In Mode.  I’ve been debating back and forth for a week or so.

 

The only downside to the new All In Mode is having to track everything.  It has literally been one day I am tired of weighing, measuring, and tracking my Zero Point foods.  The other side of the coin is perhaps I need this extra effort to make the scale move back down.  I was thinking this morning while getting ready for work, I would love to lose just 10 pounds.  Boy would my clothes fit better!

 

I started my CPM (Certified Public Manager) course last week and we snuck away for a few days to Vegas near the end of the week.  Vacation was not nearly long enough but the temps were brutally cold in Vegas.  I’ll give you a quick recap soon.

 

I need to utilize this space more and once I am in a better headspace, I hope I’ll also get my spark back with weight loss, activity, and blogging!

 

Good Mood Items

A member shared on Monday night an analogy about a table: Why when one table leg is wobbly, do we feel the need to make the other three wobbly too?

When one Weight Watchers Pilar is not strong, why do we need to weaken the other three Pilars?

I’ve been thinking about that a lot this week and as of Tuesday morning, I have straightened my Activity Pilar with daily walks, either on the treadmill or outside when the weather is decent.

It has really helped my mood.  

I find I can easily get depressed this time of year.  My counselor and I talked about healthy coping strategies and when you practice these on a regular basis, when needed, you are more likely to turn to the healthy behaviors vs. the unhealthy ones as they are a part of your normal routine.  

I decided I needed to get a pedicure!  This time of year I don’t were sandals so I don’t often paint my toes.  When I think of something that makes me happy, seeing my ruby red chrome nail polish makes me smile.  The day I visited Wynn, my go-to-gal, I wore sandals around the house looking at my toes all day.  It is the little things that can put some brightness in a dull season.

I have to say the Christmas lights are a nice addition too.  While the weather can feel dull, leading up to the festive BIG day, I love seeing all the lights. 

I must continue to find the good-mood items and practice them daily!

Weekly WI: Official Monthly Check-In

Good Sunday Afternoon! 

 

I am quite late in jumping in with last week’s Weekly WI.  My days off just flew by and here it is Sunday about to start a new WW week.

 

I lost 2.8 pounds last week.  Taking a step back from tracking all my zero point foods has been nice.  I am doing that again this week. Since this week is also busier with more social outings, I have been focusing more on the quality of food vs. trying to eat ZPF so I don’t go over budget.  If I go over, I go over.  Instead, I want to fuel my body with healthy low point foods. 

 

Tuesday, I had a new crown put on my tooth after my old one broke eating a tortilla chip before Halloween.  It was over 10 years old and yet…I had to pay a fortune!  I now have a second purple-ish crown in my mouth.  Later that night I had my lodge meetings.  Thankfully they didn’t have to numb my mouth for the crown replacement.

 

Wednesday was a volunteer day at the Meridian Senior Center as part of the Beacon Grant.  We need to log 24+ service hours with meals on wheels.  We also served lunch.  I really enjoy visiting the senior center as they have live music during lunch.

 

Thursday, I attempted to visit my friend at the Idaho Veterans Home as part of the Adopt a Vet program.  He wasn’t feeling social so after a quick hello, I ran some errands before relaxing a bit at home.  I met some WW friends for lunch at Old Country Sausage than went with Stacey to the Caldwell Elks Lodge meeting.  Sadly, they changed the meeting date and we missed it!  We had some beers at the Caldwell Lodge then visited the Nampa Lodge before heading home for an earlier evening.

Friday was our annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner and program at our lodge with over 150 in attendance!  I helped in the dining room with the Columbia High School students who are part of the Nampa FFA.  What a fun group.  The guest speaker was incredible, and we had a 103-year-old female WWII veteran as one of our special guests.  She was a combat nurse.

 

Saturday, I took the day off work to help with Rake Up Nampa where we wrapped up early.  We had a beautiful day with sunshine and perfect temps for a day outdoors.  After I attended a celebration of life for my dear WW friend and college Donna Burch.  She lost her battle with pancreas cancer only 19 days after diagnosis.  She was one of many WW coaches that are a big part of my journey.

 

Whew…I’m tired recounting all that!  I am not sure what the scale will show this week as I am over my weekly points.  I have also only logged a few days of activity as I keep working towards eight walking workouts this month.

Week Ends Tomorrow

Good Morning! 

 

Today, I am thinking of all who lost their lives serving our country.  Each person made the ultimate sacrifice, and their loved ones miss them terribly.

 

My week has been going great, and I am very pleased with my commitment to the WW program.  What seemed like a very busy social week turned out to be manageable.  I am also patting myself on the back for staying the course on Sunday after what is a typical busy Memorial Holiday weekend.  That was a huge turning point!

 

My Mom got this cute cupcake bouquet for Hailey's 21 birthday.

Food: I have been committed to tracking this week including my high point days to the best of my ability.  I was able to find low point foods to off set the high point days and some meal planning and preparation also helped keep me on track this week.

Activity: I returned to the gym with weight training three times this week.  I also hit the pavement with some walks as our weather has been beautiful.

Mindfulness: I found some really great looking mocktails and bought in the ingredients to test them out.  OMG they are great!  This really helped me with my goal to drink less alcohol this week.  I have a bachelorette party on Saturday and plan to make up pitcher size batches for mixers and a way to slow down the alcohol intake!  I modified the recipe and dropped the points. I’ve been drinking these all week.

 

I will check in with home scale on Tuesday and plan to complete my employee weigh-in the first week of June.