Coolness! Internet Frustrations and Gardening

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Yesterday, I blogged that I'd like an order of coolness. My prayers are answered, though not to the degree I want, but I am grateful. It feels a few degrees cooler today. This morning, I went to the landromat but I did not walk while my clothes washed and dried. I came home and continued watering the rose bushes, strawberries and other plants. I raced to get that done before the sun got too hot. I had asked my handyman to water when he came over to weed. I know he came over because the Roundup turned some of the weeds brown, but that appears to be all he did. In disgust, I watered yesterday and this morning. Everything got a drink, but I really hurt myself. My lower back is tweaked and my left knee is really, really sore. I will have to ask Ed (lazy handyman) to do it later in the week. I can't wait until my BF gets back in town (June 22) so he can take over. If he were here, we would have tomatoes and other yummy goodies in the yard!

I am at work on my own time accessing the internet. I went in to update a couple of my accounts and cannot do so. That means I get to make two calls to customer service during the week. This is really irritating. Sometimes the companies stumble over themselves trying to be oh-so-careful with my identity. I appreciate that - to a point. Today's frustrations are beyond that point!

I still don't feel "right". I wake up and reluctantly get out of bed after 8 hours of sleep. I can be pretty busy and active for 3 or 4 hours and then I completely run out of steam. I thought I would take a 15 minute nap after watering this morning and I was out for an hour! I lay there for almost another 15 minutes before I had the energy to move. I really hate this!

I have always fought against my disability, never wanting to concede an inch, but I may have to make one concession. I may need to turn my front steps into a ramp. My knees are fine until I have to do a deep knee bend (stairs) and, with the latest, my leg nearly gives out. It's scary and painful and it seems to be increasingly oftem that it occurs.

I could become a total couch potato and never do housework or yard work, but I would not like what that would do to my weight! My back yard has a sloping hill up to the back fence and it's hard to walk on when it's a good day. Ed has not raked up the pine needles and pine cones and wood chips, so it was downright treacherous for me today. But I did not like the thought of my plants suffering for lack of water!

I'm tired. I'm tired of fighting with everything. I'm tired of everything being a challenge!

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CMRAND54 4/22/2012 8:35PM

It's Ok to complain sometimes. My yard guy is named Ed, too, and he is about as reliable as yours. He does a good enough job when he comes by, but he's not reliable about showing up when he says he will. And he's promised to trim my bushes next to the driveway for months, but he hasn't done it yet. Well, after I retire I plan to do most of the yard work myself. The exercise and sun are good for me. I don't try to overdo it, though. I need plenty of breaks to cool down and drink water. Take care of yourself! Report Inappropriate Comment

I'd Like an Order of Coolness, Please!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

I got up super early this morning to do two things: drive to work to Spark (home laptop is 3 timezones away getting repaired or replaced) and to do as much as I can around the house before it gets too hot.

I need to:
water the plants
rearrange my living room so I can use my kettlebells
try to figure out why my room cooler is DOA
chop up celery and onion that came from a coworker's garden (!)
batch cook for the week

It is unseasonably warm in northern California and, living in a mobile home, it feels even hotter. My home is almost 50 years old, in very poor shape and lots of things don't work right
(including opening windows). I really worry about the fire danger because most people do not conserve water and utilities the way they should. Most of northern California's power is hydro, so even if you're not using water directly, by using power, you are using water. I grew up in New Mexico (and Alaska), so I understand the value of "blue gold" and am very conservative with water.

For the sake of my cats, animals who have no resource and for firefighters and me, I am putting in an order of coolness right now! (And praying really hard, too!)

I'm about to leave work which means no computer access until I return. (Tomorrow?)

Have a great weekend and, as Tim Gunn says, "Make it Work!"

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CMRAND54 4/22/2012 5:17PM

It is cold and rainy here on the East Coast today. A nice steady rain that is good for the garden, but doesn't leak into the basement. At least not yet. I hope you get some coolness soon. My daughter lives in Southern California and seems to get good weather almost all year. At least she never complains about it. Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 4/21/2012 4:27PM

Would love to send you some of our rain cold. One good thing about living in a cold climate -BIG incentive to work out and keep moving to keep warm LOL! So they haven't even told you whether its gone permanently or can be fixed. I wonder when they will even get around to looking at it. I know my brother fixes computers for a living and he is always behind as so many people do dumb things with their computers or don't protect them properly from viruses, surges, etc.. He wasn't even allowed vacations they were so busy and now they owe him ten weeks!! They better give it to him so we can go on a drive to Penticton BC (two day trip with overnighter in Calgary) Hope you have a good weekend!! Enjoy those kettelbells!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ISHIIGIRL 4/21/2012 11:45AM

I like your goals. I hope it all works out and it cools down for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

I May Be Out of Touch on Saturday & New Kettlebells!

Friday, April 20, 2012

I blogged about overeating yesterday at lunch. Despite better intentions, I did the same at dinner. I had a wonderful slaw that included fresh and garden fresh ingredients. Then I ate too much of other stuff, almost as if I were watching someone else do it. Yes, I could have measured out a portion and put the rest away. I ate the whole thing. I know better!

Then today came. It could be as a result of two days of overeating or any other factors, but I have not felt well today. I took part of the morning off, came in to work and worked for a few hours and took the rest of the afternoon off. I am still at work on my own time but will leave soon after finishing this blog.

Because of my laptop being out of state for repair or replacement and the fact that IT will have the network down for maintenance tomorrow, unless I come in EARLY, I won't have access to the internet tomorrow.

It is unseasonably warm here and I cannot figure out why my room cooler is not working. It promises to be a hot weekend and I am dreading it. Those of you who live in mobile homes know how hot they can be without even trying. I bought another fan last night purely in self-defense. It could mean a somewhat unproductive weekend if it remains this hot because the fan does not cool unless you're right in front of it. I plan to be very creative - get up EARLY and do stuff, maybe spend the day outside where it will likely be cooler than in my home.

OH! Last night, before I went to get the fan, I had stopped at Target to pick up miscellaneous things and increase my step count. I was not looking for them, but I found two Kettlebells on sale! WOOHOO! Kettlebell afficianados will scoff at their small weight, but I was thrilled! A 7# and a 10#. They were the last ones, too! LUCKY ME! It was too hot sans fan for me to play with them, but I hope to do that tonight. If it's still too hot, that is one of my early activities tomorrow morning.

I now have 3, 5, 7 and 10 pound kettlebells! I will work up to handling the "real" kettlebells. Women are supposedly supposed to start with something around 18 or 21 pounds. I know I will have to work up to that level.

I need to do some major reorganization in my living room so I have room to swing, lift, clean and jerk.

Thank you, all, for your comments on my Starting Block blog. I treasure your support!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CMRAND54 4/21/2012 8:52PM

Your kettle bells sound like a good find! Report Inappropriate Comment

_LINDA 4/21/2012 2:05AM

As I sit here freezing as usual, with my windows open to the sub zero temperatures to try keep airing the smoke out, I can't imagine it being too hot. I get so stiff and sore from the cold, but anytime I can get heat, I really loosen up and feel loads better. I hope it at least cools down overnight for you. Great score on the kettlebells, its nice to have a range you can work up to. Have a great weekend! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSY455 4/21/2012 12:44AM

Congrats on the great score on the kettlebells! I am always excited to find workout gear/equipment on sale :-) It is really warm here in California. It was definitely cooler outside than it was in my house today. I opened up the windows and back doors to try and cool off the house a bit before bed tonight. I hope the new fan helps. Report Inappropriate Comment

RHEYNKLAW 4/21/2012 12:00AM

18 or 21 pounds? Eeep! I have a 15 that mocks me from the corner: I got it several years ago but don't like using it because wimpy ol' me thinks it's too heavy. These women must be machines. (I should get a 7 and a 10 like you!) Report Inappropriate Comment

Still Not at the Starting Block!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Last night's visit to the new Best Buy Geek Squad team was far shorter and far more pleasant than I anticipated. Alan expedited my computer so, in theory, it was shipped last night to "Geek Squad City" as he called it (Louisville KY). I should learn Sunday or Monday if they will repair or replace. Bottom line - I am still offline at home for at least 2 more weeks.

I was home before 7 pm! WOOHOO! I was able to get up this morning at 4:30 and get my day on track in much better fashion.

Today I ate way too much at lunch. It was one of those situations. A coworker who is a really good cook made too much food and brought me some to share. The food was so yummy, I ate more than I should have even though I know better.

All I can do is make smarter decisions for my next meal and so on.

Reading comments and blogs throughout SP, I realize that I need to get much more serious about this exercise business. One person lost 45 pounds in six months! WOW! I have more than that to lose and know it would take much more time. But....I DO want this tonnage gone!

Now I have to live, eat and move as if that is true!

Thank you, all, for your comments and support. You enrich my journey more than I can express and more than I can ever repay.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

_LINDA 4/20/2012 10:59AM

Perhaps this time away from the computer will be a Godsend. Its amazing how much a person might accomplish when their electronic gadgets are taken from them. I know I spend way too much time online (its the only thing I do for recreation) and I might actually find healthier pursuits if it were to be lost or shut down for a while. So use this break to get into more healthier activities. As for exercise, yes its vital to well being, but you have to find something you actually enjoy doing or there is no motivation to do anything.. So be creative and think of ways to get moving. Try focus on doing one thing on a regular basis. To get to the starting block you have to first try. You have it in you to do this. You must put yourself first. Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSY455 4/20/2012 1:51AM

I hope your computer issues are resolved quickly. It is scary how much we rely on them. I spent 90 minutes on the phone with a Dell rep this past week because I did something dumb on mine, and made it worse by getting frustrated and turning off the computer. Luckily, he was able to walk me through fixing it, but sent me a Recovery and Restore USB key for the next time. He actually said that too, LOL! I think you have come very far on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. You may not be at the weight loss you want yet, but you will get there. You are aware of the roadblocks, and conscious of your choices, don't compare your journey to anyone else's because there is only one you! I hope the rest of your week goes smoothly. Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 4/19/2012 8:28PM

You've definitely made a start. You're thinking about what you eat and why, and planning exercise. The exercise really is key. I ate too much today, too. I finally threw out the rest of the peanut butter M&M's because I wouldn't stay out of them. I made a really good supper and ate it all. So, I walked on the treadmill for an hour after supper. I burned 200 calories. That should make up for the M&M's. Hang in there. You can do this. Report Inappropriate Comment

KARENCRANER 4/19/2012 5:25PM

Sure you're on the starting block; you're evaluating your choices, right? Just make sure to remember that this is a never-ending race to better health and not just a sprint. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

Feeling "Off"

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Last night, I went to the Best Buy near my home that is closing next month so I could pick up my still-not-working laptop that was fried as a result of last week's thunder and lightning storm. I waited for over an hour while the Geek Squad guy at the counter tried to get my receipt to print. He kept being interrupted by the techs in the back and by a few other customers. He seemed to be the only person allowed to man the counter.

I did let him know that I did not appreciate the way my situation is being handled, but I also told him that my beef is with Best Buy corporate and not him. Neither of us knew when I brought my computer in on Friday that the closure would be announced the next morning. So I got that off my chest but there is nothing to be done about it.

By the time I left there last night, it was after 7. I heard sirens on the free way and could see that traffic was seriously stalled. I elected to go home and will take my dead laptop to the other store tonight so they can ship it off and have it evaluated for repair or replacement.

My routines are being scrambled. I stay late at work after work to Spark, but it means I get to deal with the traffic and, with errands, I get home with just enough time to pay attention to my furbabies, maybe eat dinner, maybe do a chore and off to bed.

I am exhausted in every possible way. I may take a half day tomorrow as "mental health". My boss is working from home and he had approved my request for a day off. Our student does not work on Thursday, so it is the perfect day to do that. We'll see.

I am pretty certain that I am in perimenopause and have been having an interesting time with unexpected and intermittent symptoms. Nothing terrible, just disconcerting. The sleep issues and the mental fog coupled with the lack of energy are driving me nuts. But, from what I hear other women going through, I have zero to complain about.

I just don't feel right. Nonspecific. Unrelenting.

Diet changes are not working, my lack of energy continues regardless, save for the rare day like Sunday when I was busy for most of the day and felt pretty good. I suddenly ran out of gas and was nearly somnambulent by 6 pm!

My joints hurt, my sense of balance is weird and I feel drained from the constant vigilance to guard my tongue so I don't take out this weird mood on anyone...

The other day, all I wanted was protein. Usually it's carbs. I have been enjoying my veggies even more than usual, too, so that is a wonderful thing. I bought asparagus very cheaply last week and have been loving it. Besides the taste, it reminds me of happy times at my Grandmother's house out in the country. Her irrigation ditches were lined with wild asparagus and I loved it fresh from the ditch! I did not even know there was such a thing as canned asparagus until I left home!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LIBBYFITZ 4/20/2012 6:36AM

Just love fesh asparagus! Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 4/19/2012 8:30PM

Do try to get in some exercise. it really is energizing. Report Inappropriate Comment

BYEFATNANNY 4/19/2012 11:18AM

Hope you enjoy your day today. Move a little, that always helps, maybe a pretty walk somewhere. Yep the peri and the real menopause is no fun. I went through a stage where I just said anything I wanted! The Dr. laughed and called it the "no edit" phase. It was awful. Hot flahes were the worst and then the losing my keys phase (I'm super organized, so that was odd) Hang in there. Asparagus comes in a can? What? I've never had it from a can. I've been eating it every week, the price is good now. Best wishes as always. Report Inappropriate Comment

DWHARLOW 4/18/2012 8:19PM

I understand what you are going through with menopause thing. I have been going through it for years. Eventually, it will get a little better. There are many days when I feel a little off. I think sometimes you just need a mental day off. Read a book and do things just for yourself. Yea! I have been liking those vegetables a lot lately. I have days when I just want protein. I have never had wild Asparagus, sounds really good though. Report Inappropriate Comment