Finishing the Loop

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Finally, I was able to walk the full 2 mile loop in my neighborhood this morning (with the pooch). I had damaged the ligaments in my right knee just before Christmas - very painful and debilitating. It really got me down that I couldn't walk, and I started feeling old and sorry for myself. Exercising not at all and eating more, I gained 8 lbs. between then and when I started SP in early February.
Slowly it healed and I was able to hobble short distances, then longer and longer. It's still not 100%, but it was great to be able to travel my old route and only have a little tenderness at the end. I'm thrilled!

  

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NORAB52GOOD 3/10/2010 11:42AM

Congratulations!!!!! What a wonderful accomplishment. The body has an innate healing capacity which is truly amazing. Thanks for sharing your struggle and your success! Report Inappropriate Comment

Positive Self Talk in the Dentist's Chair

Monday, March 08, 2010

Had one of my three times a year dental cleanings this morning. I have diabetes; so my doctor recommended I go more often than the usual twice a year.
I was in the chair, gripping the arms as if I were about to be tortured on the rack, when it dawned on me that this would be a great time to give myself my daily positive self talk I have as one of my goals.
I focused on that, and voila! - I did not mind the scraping, probing, and general mouth stretching. At the end, I noticed at some point I had released my grip on the chair, and my hands were resting in my lap.
I wasn't ready to leap up and kiss my hygienist, but this was a big improvement over last time. I left feeling upbeat rather than drained.

  

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CATLADY_56 3/8/2010 1:21PM

That's an awesome way to approach something you dread. I hope I can do that next time I am in the dentists chair. Report Inappropriate Comment

To sleep or not to sleep

Sunday, March 07, 2010

Have been wide awake since 4 AM. Regardless of when I go to sleep, I only seem to be able to sleep for 6 hours, and then - bingo!, I'm awake. No trouble going to sleep, just staying asleep.
I read all the info and see Dr. Oz on TV say that we need a minimum of 7 hours or else we endanger our health; so over the last couple of years I've been obsessing about this. I've followed all the tips/advice with no marked change in results.
I wonder now whether meds I am taking are causing this, or some other metabolic process happening is waking me up. Or, maybe, 6 hours is all I am supposed to get?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ROX525 3/7/2010 6:34AM

I have the same problem. I fight for 7 hrs. I am retired and every morning, every day of the week, I get up between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m. I read all the articles for tips about this problem. Report Inappropriate Comment

BO42SOX 3/7/2010 6:19AM

I can fall asleep, its waking up every hour or so. I can usually go right back to sleep, but still its not a good,solid, nights sleep. Yes I would check out your meds, as they may have an effect on your sleep, alot do.------But hey if I were "home" I wouldn't be sleeping, Id be at the ocean or clamming at the bay - Ive been known to clam in any and all wheather!!!!!-Kathleen Report Inappropriate Comment

SANDRAFIVE 3/7/2010 6:01AM

There are a lot of us in the same boat with you. I'm on here now because I have been awake since 4 also. Report Inappropriate Comment

NUTRON3 3/7/2010 5:41AM

I have the same problem Report Inappropriate Comment

Restaurant Bites

Saturday, March 06, 2010

Tonight I'm joining friends for dinner at a local restaurant. Since joining SP, I have eaten out only once, and learned my lesson about ordering. Recently, a friend and I went to lunch where I confidently ordered a grilled salmon, thinking the calories would be around 300. While we were waiting for our entrees, I used my phone to check the nutritional value list the restaurant had on their website. The salmon was 592 calories! Yikes!
So, I learned - check the restaurant menu out ahead of time ... doesn't assume. And, don't be shy about special ordering.
Fortunately, the restaurant tonight specializes in fish and will prep it any way you want... but I'll still see what their website has to say before going.

  

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TINKYMOE 3/6/2010 2:47PM

Good for you! That is something I plan to be better at too -- planning and knowing the nutritional info BEFORE I eat it and avoiding those YIKES moments. I am sure that those few minutes of preparing or planning will go a long way! Have fun tonight! Report Inappropriate Comment