Mom Update and me, too

Saturday, May 30, 2009

She's having surgery on Wednesday to have stents put in two blocked carotid arteries leading in her neck. This is something that had to be postponed, of course, due to the accident last August. Now that she's recovered from most of those injuries, it's time. Supposedly, it's not a very invasive procedure and she'll be able to come home from the hospital the day after. Prayers appreciated - as always. Some friends have said this will help with the memory problems and confusion - better blood flow to the brain.

As for me, I took Exam #2 of 3 yesterday and I think I did pretty well considering the short amount of time I had to study. One more to go - June 12. I also have a paper to write for this course (Old Testmanet Prophets). Monday is a German holiday so I'm going to FOCUS and get as much of that done as possible. The other study work I can do in small bites, but for writing tasks, I like bigger blocks of time.

Eating has been off for the past couple of days. I gave myself a break from tracking and it's showing. Just too much going on with the exam and all the phone calls to the States concerning dparents. I need better strategies for handling those things! Being a long-distance caregiver can be tough.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HOMEBUNNY 6/1/2009 10:30AM

Michelle, I will be praying for your mom. I hope you are able to get some work done on your paper. Keep us posted about your mom. Tammie Report Inappropriate Comment

SKISINCO 5/31/2009 12:44PM

Prayers for your Dmom, I hope that it helps her and the the surgery is uneventful. Good job on the exam, I'm sure you'll do fine with the last one as well. Tomorrow is the start of a new month and a great time to get back on track! I too have been struggling and not entering my food. Time for a change! =) Have a blessed week Michelle. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGELBELIEVER 5/30/2009 11:37PM

Hi Michelle, I am praying for your Mom and for you to ace those exams and the paper you are writing. Report Inappropriate Comment

CTEMPLE 5/30/2009 9:06PM

Hope everything goes well with your mum's stents. Yes it's hard to have worries and exams at the same time. Thanks for the nudge , I started Treadmill on Friday. Claudia Report Inappropriate Comment

LASHERTHECAT 5/30/2009 5:42PM

What course are you taking? I have a Religious Studies masters, so I'm just curious... Report Inappropriate Comment

CGDINASIA 5/30/2009 5:14PM

Michelle, I will be praying for your mom's surgery as well as your peace during this time. I know how hard it is being overseas and something like this happening. Also will be praying that you will be able to organize your thoughts and get them written for the paper that is due. Keep us posted as to the progress of all this. Hang on to the Lord!! Aren't we glad He has hold of us? Report Inappropriate Comment

Peanuts

Thursday, May 28, 2009

I was eating them as a snack. I've decided that I'm not keeping them in the house anymore for awhile. That's all I have to say about it! LOL

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ZELLAZM 5/30/2009 1:30PM

They're a good snack - protein, good fat, but yep, it's the portion problem and I do like salt. One thing about that - the doctor says I don't have to worry about sodium content too much because of my very low blood pressure. But too much is still too much! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKISINCO 5/30/2009 12:29AM

LOL, hard to have just one portion huh?! Report Inappropriate Comment

LASHERTHECAT 5/28/2009 2:15PM

I feel your pain!! I'm so addicted to nuts! Any kind!! Here's an idea... Package them in 1-oz portions, in baggies. That's what I did and it seemed to work. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGELBELIEVER 5/28/2009 12:36PM

I have to be so careful with cahsews. They are not in the house very often. Besides the fat content, the salt ets to me too. Report Inappropriate Comment

LADY_DONKEY 5/28/2009 12:34PM

I hear ya. The positive side is, that I've learned, for me, is that it doesn't always have to be this way. Just sometimes, from time to time, they need to be out of the house. Good for you for knowing when to step away. :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

Sneak

Thursday, May 21, 2009

I "sneaked" a look at the scale today. I'm one of those who prefers to weigh in just once a week so the numbers don't become too important. But I peeked today, and think I'll have some good news to report on Monday. I expect that another plateau may be in my future - just wasn't too happy about one in the second week of regular tracking and staying in my ranges.

It's raining again so it looks like I may be indoors for exercise today. The alternatives are:

WATP with Leslie
A couple of Spark workouts with Coach Nicole on YouTube
A stint on the squeaky stairstepper
OR maybe just dancing around the LR to some good music!

Maybe I should start a Spark Poll of my own?!

UPDATE: It actually stopped raining for about an hour. Got in a 30-minute walk/jog while thunder was rolling in the distance. Humidity was about 200%!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BFITNHAPPY 5/27/2009 5:32PM

Michele..you are doing great. Congrats for sneaking in some exercise. Thanks for stopping by my blog..I really appreciate it. Hope the scale is kind to you..you deserve it! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKISINCO 5/23/2009 8:37AM

Glad to hear the rain let up long enough for you to get out and move! Have a wonderful weekend! Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGORA4 5/21/2009 10:56PM

Good for you, you didn't let those rain clouds deter you from making alternative plans. Report Inappropriate Comment

CTEMPLE 5/21/2009 6:53PM

Well done M. I 'm planning on treadmill today pain or not! You inspire me. HOw are you parents doing without you? It stopped raining, but windy. Claudia Report Inappropriate Comment

PIANO*LADY 5/21/2009 11:47AM

Good for you, Michelle! I'm trying to do better myself, and deciding that I want to has been the biggest struggle. I love your choices for a rainy day! Report Inappropriate Comment

RUBYSNANA 5/21/2009 8:11AM

Glad to hear that you are making progress. We are finally having some good weather here which makes getting exercise outdoors so pleasant, but it sounds to me like you have mapped out some great workouts for your day. Enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

JANETELIZABETH1 5/21/2009 7:09AM

Sounds like everything going well for you Michelle... I could easily send you some Spanish It's 27C Hugs Janet Report Inappropriate Comment

Already?

Monday, May 18, 2009

I just got started on my way down again, lost a pound the first week and now, this week - no loss? Have I already hit the dreaded plateau? My eating has been pretty good, although I've gone a little bit over my calorie range several days this past week. Seems like all the exercise would have compensated for that.

Guess I need to do something to "surprise" my system. I have the day off from the language school tomorrow and am thinking of doing two workouts - one AM to get the day off with a burst of energy and one PM. We're supposed to have nice weather, so it will be fun to get out in it, maybe explore a path I haven't taken before. In between, I've got oodles of studying to do!

(Forgot to say there was a little loss of inches, so I must be doing something right!)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CTEMPLE 5/19/2009 1:26AM

Dear M don't worry about the weighing numbers, there are so many variables in the body. I'm sure the pounds will drop in time. Lovely new pic! Claudia Comment edited on: 5/19/2009 1:42:28 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

SKISINCO 5/18/2009 7:40PM

Love the new pic! Hope your studying goes well. Report Inappropriate Comment

JANETELIZABETH1 5/18/2009 3:48PM

Hi Michelle, I have read (in passing!) that SP, Coach Nicole I expect, was recommending short bursts of 10 mins exercise as the best way to go! I really hope you haven't hit a plateau so soon....maybe just tweak those calories too. Hugs Janet Report Inappropriate Comment

Sleep Fan

Saturday, May 09, 2009

I made my fresh start on May 1 and have been doing well since then, tracking food and fitness. It feels good to be back into my Spark routine, and it's been fun catching up on old friends and making new ones on the boards and blogs. The support here is awesome! I know I'll see some good results on Monday, weigh-in day.


One thing that I'm especially happy about is that I've gotten at least 7 hours of sleep each night, usually 8. My sleep rhythm had been off since I got back from the States and last Saturday's 12-hour sleepathon seems to have gotten me back on track. I know we all KNOW this, but it makes such a difference in my attitude, thought life, stamina, motivation, ability to control my appetite - um, well, LIFE! I am a fan of sleep.

Mom and Dad are plugging along. We got to talk on Skype, complete with webcam on dad's birthday on Thursday. That was fun. They are still both looking for a new primary care physician. Mom's is moving to a new location, farther from home - and Dad hasn't had one for ages. *sigh*

I've signed up for a 7K race on June 13, one day after the deadline for my Prophets course, and smack in the middle of the weekend celebration of our church's 10th anniversary. This may be the craziest, or the sanest decision I've made in awhile!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GINILEE4 5/12/2009 8:09PM

Michelle, It's so good to know, that some things just don't change. LOL Run your race and get caught up in your weekend celebration. Make that deadline, I know you will. You continue to amaze me, Blessings, Gini Report Inappropriate Comment

OASIS1223 5/12/2009 1:35AM

Fresh starts indeed. Me too! Since late April. It's nice to be back in a routine and nice to see what you're up to. Report Inappropriate Comment

BFITNHAPPY 5/11/2009 12:05PM

Wow, its sounds like you are on a roll. I SO know what you mean about the sleep..I finally caught up too. Congrats on signing up for the 7K..good luck with your training. thanks for your encouragement.. Report Inappropriate Comment

HOMEBUNNY 5/11/2009 11:23AM

I know all about those fresh starts. Glad to see you have caught up on your sleep. I have never been over seas. I bet it would be hard to get back into the routine again. Good luck on preparing for the race. You are a trooper!! I am sure you will be able to do all that you need to do. Tammie Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLIQQ 5/10/2009 8:45PM

Don't you love it when the "Craziest Thing" is in your Heart as the Best Thing! Good Wishes for all you have scheduled! You will have to post some more pictures for us. We are FINALLY getting Spring here ... the crabapples, tulips, daffs are all blooming ... and the Lilacs are going to start Soon. Happy Snoozing ... I'm joining you (no more all nighters !!) ... L Report Inappropriate Comment

SKISINCO 5/10/2009 10:23AM

I'm a fan of sleep too. I'm glad to read that you seem to be getting back on track. Good luck with your 7k, sounds like it will be a memorable one. Report Inappropriate Comment

REYNJANET 5/10/2009 10:10AM

Michelle, You do like challenges! You'll do great. Just keep getting your sleep! It is good to have you posting again. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGORA4 5/9/2009 11:29PM

Good for you! Sleep is so important! Sounds like you're going to be busy for a while! Good luck in the race! Report Inappropriate Comment

CTEMPLE 5/9/2009 9:19PM

Dear Michelle glad to hear about all the positive things. The race will keep you grounded, I'm sure! Claudia Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGELBELIEVER 5/9/2009 12:19PM

Glad you're back on track with your sleep. It sure makes a difference/ Report Inappropriate Comment

SWPETITE 5/9/2009 9:28AM

Good for you for getting your sleep Zella! And signing up for that race - impressive. Can' t wait to hear how it turns oout. Report Inappropriate Comment