Soup is a Wonder Food!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

When I woke up this morning, I did not want to get out of bed, but I felt ok, so I eventually dragged myself up and out the door for work. I had not felt great yesterday afternoon but I thought it was just the soreness from the yoga. A few years ago, I fell down two flights of concrete stairs (no broken bones!) and have had problems with my neck ever since. I had to undergo physical therapy afterwards and learned some great exercises that have helped. Before the fall, I could not sleep on my back because, in that position, I would feel nauseated. That nausea hit me this morning after threatening yesterday.

I took the afternoon off (vacation time as I have no sick time left), came home and slept and slept.
BF fixed a great soup for dinner and I am feeling much better.

Yesterday, I was over in calories. Tonight, I end the day under in almost all metrics and I am ok with that. Tomorrow will be a much better!

I have to give a speech tomorrow and I have not practiced enough. I hate "winging" it. Perhaps inspiration will come. The intro is weak. The content is ok and the conclusion ties in nicely with the title of the speech. The speech is about my experience taping the toastmaster show.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ULEWIJ 10/28/2010 2:50AM

haha, I read the title to your blog and thought about my GI who told me to have a cup of soup before every meal to feel satisfied and fill up Report Inappropriate Comment

JAKEANDNELLIE 10/27/2010 10:30PM

I hope the speech goes well. I also hope you're feeling much better soon. Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 10/27/2010 9:37PM

Good luck with your speech tomorrow. You are so brave to do that. I hate public speaking, although I will talk your ear off in private. Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 10/27/2010 1:00PM

The speech will be fine. You have compassion for it as at least you are worried about it .Hope you are feeling better! Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 10/27/2010 2:01AM

Glad you are feeling better, was it chicken soup? LOL. As you are speaking about an event that really moved you, you should do well, as you will be speaking from the heart with sincerity about your experience.. Report Inappropriate Comment

EMPTYNESTER60 10/26/2010 11:49PM

Glad the soup helped and you are feeling better. Glad your BF fixed it for you. Good luck on your speech tomorrow. Be sure to post tomorrow night & let us know how it goes. Report Inappropriate Comment

TURTLERAE55 10/26/2010 11:27PM

Yes, soup is a wonder food. Just keep and eye out on the sodium amount. Keep up the good work. Report Inappropriate Comment

Orange Monday and Yoga!

Monday, October 25, 2010

I wore my new Giants gear to work even though Monday is not casual dress day. I got lots of positive and envious feedback! it was fun! Orange is not a color I would wear except in support of the San Francisco Giants because orange is a color that was never meant for me!

Over the weekend, I dug out an old but seldom used pair of sweats and tried them on this morning. I had not been wearing them because they were so tight. But they were not tight today! Woohoo! I wore them to my first ever yoga class! The company allows this lady to come in twice a week during lunchtime to lead the class. The first class is free and it's $5 per class after that. I don't know if I can afford that, but I used the coupon today.

I was pleasantly surprised that I could do about half of the exercises/moves and was able to modify some of the others. Attempting to do one position, I rolled over but I was not even embarrassed! Imagine that! Wow! I ended up not doing some exercises, but, over all, I was really pleased with my first class.

I am sore in odd spots but very relaxed and feel great! Marti said that Monday yoga is harder, I forget the terms she used, but the Thursday class is more relaxing, I guess. The breathing was amazing! At some points during the class, it seemed to last forever and other times, the time flew.

We used a chair for some of the exercises and some of the exercises are things I can do outside of class and without the mat, strap, block and blanket.

I liked her comments about using some of the poses to open the heart, to share kindness (including with oneself) and so on.

I ended the day slightly up in calories, within range for everything else but low in fat. Ugh! All I can do is laugh!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JAKEANDNELLIE 10/27/2010 5:54PM

Good for you! I've always been curious about yoga but never brave enough to try it. Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 10/27/2010 1:57AM

Glad your first class went so well, and way to go fitting the old sweats!!! Lucky you, getting the harder class first LOL. Orange and pink are colors I would not be caught dead in.. Unfortunately, its means I can't show support for breast cancer research because I really can't stand the color and it can't stand me! Keep up the great work! Mixing up your exercise is a great way to go!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JGINTX 10/26/2010 11:38PM

I haven't tried yoga yet, but am wanting to really bad! Everyone I know who does it regularly swears by it. I am bad about not stretching after exercising and it's taking its toll on my muscles. Way to go!! I hope you are able to continue it! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 10/26/2010 4:53PM

Glad you enjoyed the yoga. there are so many different variations around it can be quite confusing. There is yoga on u-tube. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHAOTIC-KITTY 10/26/2010 8:34AM

that is awesome that you at least gave yoga a try! :-) Comment edited on: 10/26/2010 8:39:52 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

EMPTYNESTER60 10/26/2010 7:45AM

I haven't really tried a yoga class but my daughter does yoga & has several DVDs that we have done together (she has done well & I have tried to do). It is something I enjoyed when I did it and have thought that now that I have lost some weight I should pick up some beginners DVDs just to try to relax. on taking that first step! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSY455 10/26/2010 12:11AM

Sounds like you did awesome in the class!!! Congrats! There was a lot in the class I took that was way out of my scope of doing. At one point the instructor brought over a yoga brick and suggested I "try" with that. She was very nice about it, but I definitely could see I was in need of much work! I felt muscles the next day that I didn't even know existed, so be prepared. Sleep well! Margie Report Inappropriate Comment

I Did My Part for the Local Economy

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Thank you, everyone, for your comments on my blog from yesterday. It was a really low day. Today was not a stellar day, but it was, in terms of choices, better than yesterday.

I did a lot of standing and walking today. It was rainy but that was welcome! We have needed it. I did not bring my pedometer, so I had to guess steps and time.

We went to the Giants Dugout store to get some National League Championship products. I was astonished to see the line! It was down almost the entire length of the shopping center! They allowed only a few people in at a time. We stood outside in the drizzle and chatted with the other fans. We waited two hours and the last 45 minutes were stressed because the clerk came out and announced that they were out of one shirt design and color and had low stock and sizes on the others. I was so afraid they would be out of everything!

I bought
and a couple more that don't have pictures. They don't have pins yet. I collect pins, so I was disappointed. I did get some pins, but not specific ones for the NL championship or the World Series.

This week, I will be going in to work early, especially on Wednesday and Thursday so that I can be home in time for first pitch!

I'm going to do a yoga class tomorrow - a first.

Thanks, everyone, for sustaining me through yesterday! I cannot do this journey alone. I look for opportunities to "pay it forward".

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CMRAND54 10/25/2010 9:46PM

I'm doing yoga Tuesday night after work. I love it. I love your excitement about your team, too. Good luck in the World Series. Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 10/25/2010 8:56AM

I wish you well with the yoga. I love it when I get round to doing it! Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 10/25/2010 12:47AM

Good luck with your yoga class -it may be just the thing to relax you and loosen you up! I envy you being able to try it! Its not even on the page for me as I can't get up and down off the floor or put any weight or pressure on my hands and elbows :(( I have heard from many others how much it benefited them.. Enjoy your ball games! Playoffs are always so exciting. Keep up the great work!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSY455 10/25/2010 12:35AM

Ohh let me know if you like the yoga class. I took a beginner's class before I went to Montana this past summer. It was tough, but I would like to try it again soon. I see my Dr. mid-November, so will ask him then if he thinks my back is up too that type of regular exercise yet. You are a much better fan than me! I would never have stood in the rain for gear. I am glad you weren't completely disappointed after your wait. Hope you enjoy the coming games and they go your way! Margie Report Inappropriate Comment

Ready to Quit and Other Musings

Sunday, October 24, 2010

My mother's birthday was this week and I did not comment about it on the day or until now. As bad as our relationship was, the fact that we have not had a relationship since 1971 has been equally bad. This was her choice. She missed out on seeing me grow up and become a person. I missed out on seeing my sisters grow up, see them get married, know their spouses and their children. She is the source of a lot of my emotional relationship with food, but, knowing that does not solve things. I still have to make my daily decisions in that regard. 'Nuff said.

I stepped on the scale this morning and was absolutely STUNNED to see a 2.9 weight gain! The tortilla chips earlier in the week probably led to water retention and it could be that TOM is approaching - at my age, it's hard to tell. But I was stunned! I have been HUNGRY, not just a little, but a lot for most days this week. I did not pig out and still this happened! As slowly as I lose, this gain sets me back to a couple of weeks before I graduated at the end of June!

This stubborn Norwegian feels like quitting.

I did not do anything today. At all.

This evening ends on a wonderful note! The San Francisco Giants beat the Phillies and will host the Texas Rangers in the World Series starting Wednesday!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JAKEANDNELLIE 10/25/2010 7:34PM

This small emoticon has such a powerful message. Stay focused on your goals, determined to reach them, and positive that you will. Take every day one day at a time, sometimes even one hour at a time. Forgive yourself when you "slip" because we all do that. The trick is to forgive yourself and continue forward. Spark says to take two steps forward for every step back. You CAN do this because you are a strong person. Stay positive, Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 10/24/2010 8:54PM

I also have a difficult relationship (or more accurately, non-relationship) with my mother. May I suggest that both the extra hunger & the weight gain are related to thinking about your Mum a lot this past week? Our thoughts & how our bodies function are so closely related. This week, try to refocus on the good things that are in your life right now. Remind yourself that you are worth the effort it takes to live a healthy lifestyle. Take a few extra walks to help clear your head and get air flowing through your lungs. You can take care of yourself now in the ways your mother never did. Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSY455 10/24/2010 8:16PM

Don't let the define how you feel. If you need to put it away for a few days...do. The important thing is too do what you know is right. Eat healthier, get in your steps, drink at least 8 glasses of water. The weight will take care of itself. you have been so strong all this time, don't let a number on the scale discourage you. Report Inappropriate Comment

ULEWIJ 10/24/2010 7:01PM

Hang in there lady! I feel you on the emotional eating train. Just think about the long term. The bummer would be completely giving in and letting this stupid little 2.9 lbs have that much rule over you. Nope, you have total rule over it! You can make it go away just as much as it appeared....but that 2.9lbs...don't let it make YOU go away. Just from what you shared about your mom, I'm thinking you are a strong person to keep going. Just like SEASTAR71 said...think of our dear giants.... Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 10/24/2010 6:06PM

Sounds like water retention! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHAOTIC-KITTY 10/24/2010 5:23PM

You are NOT allowed to quit! Remember what we said before to one another? I can't quit and neither can YOU!!! You can do it beautiful woman. Just try to be patient with yourself. We all have days that we cave in and eat things like those tortilla chips... and, we gain weight.... but we have to push through all that .. and win this battle once and for all! WE ARE WORTH IT! Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 10/24/2010 4:03PM

Don't give up on yourself. Scales are just fickle creatures. You may be losing inches. You're making really good food choices, and getting in lots of steps every day. You can do it! Report Inappropriate Comment

SONICSIESTA 10/24/2010 2:15PM

if you quit then you will not even know that you added the pounds. if all you do is weigh then you are doing something. You Can Do This one step at a time. Report Inappropriate Comment

IXCHEL23 10/24/2010 12:57PM

I agree with everyone, don't quit! It must have been the chips, you are retaining water. Make sure you are drinking enough water, I find when I don't I feel more hungry but I"m really thirsty. I agree with CEGRUBE too, you are going to now get stubborn to finish what you started!! It happens just get back on the wagon!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LOSTPENNY321 10/24/2010 11:45AM

Congrats on the Giants victory. Report Inappropriate Comment

MAGGIENCALI 10/24/2010 10:57AM

No, don't quit! Just look at the Giants. Look how many times they were down, out, and nobody thought they could pull it off.Where are they now? Going to the World Series! Sorry for the cheesy baseball analogy. Sometimes we struggle, struggle and struggle but at some point it eventually it pays off. Hang in there and Go Giants! :) Comment edited on: 10/24/2010 10:59:03 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

ELSEEBEE 10/24/2010 10:19AM

Keep on going! There are a lot more ways to judge your health than just the number on the scales. As someone who's suffered from bad family relationships and depression most of her life, I can assure you that you will get through this! Take some walks and enjoy the beauty around you. Stay away from the scales for a while, track your food and get in your exercise! That will dissipate the funk you're in- guaranteed! We are all cheering for you! Report Inappropriate Comment

JENIMI 10/24/2010 3:21AM

: not to be morbid but, as someone with similar shoes, you are not dead yet keep fighting and hopefully there will still be a sun tomorrow ^_^ Report Inappropriate Comment

CEGRUBE 10/24/2010 1:29AM

Hey!! "That stubborn Norwegian" is going to use that stubbornism to finish what she started!! You've done great so far and you'll get over that little 2.9 bump in the road. Plateaus and bumps in the road happen. Smile - remember the Giants beat the Phillies! Report Inappropriate Comment

KIDDEN04 10/24/2010 1:21AM

Don't quit!! Just keep on keeping on...One day at a time Report Inappropriate Comment

HSHEAJ5 10/24/2010 1:19AM

Two steps forward. one step back. Don't quit! You can do it! Report Inappropriate Comment

The Area Contest

Saturday, October 23, 2010

I did not hear back from my supervising attorney today so I can guess that she is saving it up for our Tuesday meeting. I DID, however, find an executed document that she wanted, so that may soften the criticism on the statute search.

This evening was the district contest and, as it turned out, I was not needed for the evaluation contest, so I was a judge for the humorous speech contest. There is so much I could say about what I did not like about the evening...The quality of the speech from the various area governors and other leaders was, for the most part, disappointing. The top guy was very polished, almost too slick.

I finally got to hear the evaluation style of the guy who won the contest I entered. He is very flashy, very funny, but his humor is just a bit condescending and demeaning. I felt as if I were the only one to hear that. At the end of the evening, when he did not place, I felt perhaps my observatioins were not solo.

One of the humorous speeches was rather juvenile in the humor and used a razor and a container of deodorant. It went downhill from there. Another speaker gave a rather techncal speech with humor. It was an interesting speech, but not slapstick funny. I would like to work on that technique for a manual speech. Another speaker used oversized props for his magician-themed speech. He was quite good. And my coworker and friend did a wonderful job on his speech! He placed second. The winner was also the winner in the evaluation contest and both offerings were more show than speech.

I am not showy or flashy nor even particularly funny. I am discouraged about my place in Toastmasters.

They had Indian food for the dinner. I was glad I had eated earlier. I like Indian food, but I knew these dishes were loaded with high calorie sauces. I did have a couple of pieces of naan, the thin bread that's kind of like a pita. I had some chicken (I knew I was low on protein), and a tablespoon of curried rice. The guy in front of me commented about how little food I took. I was surprised! Even the little I took sent me over the edge on calories.

As I conclude this, I am hungry, but it is very late, so I am just going to bed. I got in over 11K steps and nearly an hour of walking. This is good - I need to be able to walk 5K for the fundraiser walk.

Speaking of the walk, I asked my VP of Legal about whether I could post a note in the company bulletin or if I may use the company email system to ask a few of my coworkers to donate. She asked me to send her what I drafted for the newsletter. I sent her the draft, the reply and the redraft. She is about to travel and did not, presumably, have time to reply. Because I work in the Legal Department, I do not want to do anything that would make it appear the company sanctions this event or that the strength of the department is behind a request for donations. I know I was right to ask the question. Now I must be patient.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JHADZHIA 10/24/2010 2:07AM

With your non biased, completely open and honest observation of the various speakers, I think you would make a great evaluator! I thought Toastmasters was about making speeches, not using props and things. I think you are staying true to what its original intentions were. Showy and flashy should be reserved for the comedy clubs..To hold someone's attention with nothing but a speech is a true skill. Sorry about your weight gain:(( That you are so hungry all the time is disturbing. Are you really getting enough calories for what you are burning? 11K steps is quite impressive. I hope you have not put yourself into starvation mode..Maybe you need to have several smaller meals throughout the day... Hope you have a restful Sunday.. Report Inappropriate Comment

BEACHFIT10 10/23/2010 3:42PM

Buffet style dining is such a slippery slope. Great job keeping yourself in line. I just completed my paralegal certification, so I am really enjoying looking through your older entries. It's nice to get an idea of what it will be like to work in a law firm or legal department. Comment edited on: 10/23/2010 3:54:12 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 10/23/2010 11:59AM

You are very observant. I think you must make a great judge. When my daughter did high school debate, I judged some of the competitions - never for her school - and I found it fascinating. Of course policy debate is quite different from what you are doing. I think you get a lot out of Toastmasters. You sound so confident. Congrats on all the steps you got, and the good food choices! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 10/23/2010 7:23AM

On the taking of a"little" amount of food at the function. I find it interesting that some one even commented on the amount of food you took! Well done on the exercise front. Have a great weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment