LUNADRAGON's SparkPeople Blog

Crazy busy bunch of stuff wizzing by

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:43:01 EST

Today was hot, and the A.C. in the van quit working again. I went to my spine orthopedic surgeon for follow up to the emg, and I guess there is no new nerve damage. I was not really happy with the EMG doctor's inadequate report, but glad nothing new has shown up. (The EMG dr didn't even send my doctor the full report, and I never got the report.)
Actually, considering everything, my back has been a bit better (knock on wood), since the allergy thing is kicking my butt. My medications are...

Breathing Easier

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:44:05 EST

Today, other than coughing at various times, I do feel like I am breathing easier. I have made mindful healthy eating choices.

snack - oatmeal and coffee
Breakfast - home fries, bacon, fruit cup and coffee
lunch - ham and cheese roll up - no bread
dinner - beans and franks, salad, potatoes, milk
snack - cherries and chocolate cream cheese dip

Not perfect, but not bad, keeping in mind to not eat eggs, and try to avoid soy.
I also walked at least ...

walking workdays

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:35:16 EST

There is a healthy living program going on at work, and the company is encouraging healthy living, eating, walking, fitness etc. I have been walking at least 1.25 miles, and today walked about 1.5 miles. I try to wear my pedometer, but today it popped off my jeans pocket and sat in the car all day, so I guesstimate.

Although I have had some bouts of coughing, I do feel as though the congestion is easing up some. I did have to use my inhaler, and keep ricolah cough drops handy (the...

Allergies, Coughing, doctors continue

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:35:22 EST

Well, I met my deadline, but did not lose the weight I intended to.
I lost two pounds according to my scale since my last check up but not at the doctor's. At least I did NOT gain.
Positive notes: my blood pressure is terrific. To me, that is a good portion of my battle - keeping that healthy, so that makes me a winner.
Regarding my coughing and congestion, the doctor said these viruses are lasting 6-8 weeks, and yes, the dizziness too. Ok, I am not as dizzy, but I still get di...

Skin-o-meter

Wed, 5 Jun 2013 11:06:21 EST

Last night I realized I must have eaten something that had something in it. I checked all the labels, no eggs. There is still something else in the food affecting my skin breakouts on my cheeks and around my chin area. I put vitamin e on it, and it helps, somewhat. Not really enough. I am so frustrated with it.

Augh! Need to be such a sleuth.
At least now that the eggs were found to be criminal in the case, my doctor was much more willing to accept my facial breakouts as the a...

Turning a corner

Mon, 3 Jun 2013 19:45:39 EST

It has been a week since the dizziness started. It is mostly better, though I still experience some if I move too quickly, bend over, get in or out of bed, look up.
The cough is finally subsiding, though I had a low grade fever yesterday. I have laid low all weekend, not doing much at all. Yesterday I did bicep curls no weights for about 3 or 4 minutes. Today, I danced to a country song for about 3 minutes, and I actually felt well enough to unload and load the dishwasher, since I am no ...

Cause of my dizziness

Fri, 31 May 2013 13:17:35 EST

So I went to the allergist, again, and got the low down on the egg allergy. I stay off eggs or egg products for a full year, then he will retest me. Next step - allergy testing for wheat and soy.
Finding food to eat has been a challenge. No bread. no eggs. Getting creative in gear.

Regarding my dizziness - there is a virus hanging around going right to the middle ear, and that is my current "friend". The dizziness is improving, or rather getting less. Now, it is moving into my...

Dizzy

Mon, 27 May 2013 12:44:19 EST

This morning when I woke up and tried to get up to use the bathroom, the room started spinning big time. It even woke my husband up because I kept talking to myself to stop falling over. I dug out my cane from its special place leaning behind the bed that I keep there in case of emergencies. I got up, got another bottle of water, and went back to bed and slept some more. Got up an hour later, more of the same. Went back and slept til about 11, when I decided to get up and face the music. I am...

Today I feel overwhelmed

Sat, 25 May 2013 15:32:06 EST

Yesterday was the last of three days of needles. The first was the allergy testing where they found out I am allergic to eggs, the second were my regular allergy shots for molds and trees, etc Then yesterday I had a new nerve conduction study - EMG done on my lower extremities. So today, I am feeling the aftereffects of having my nerve endings barraged with electrical impulse. I hurt all over.

Top that with thinking about what has eggs in it. I have already filled one bag full of g...

Detective work pays off

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:28:23 EST

Today, I finally got some results from allergy testing done today. Remember I have cut out wheat and eggs? Well, I AM allergic to eggs. Although I don't wish allergies on anyone, I am glad that by eliminating food, then trial reintroduction I found what I thought was causing me to break out. I had the blood work a couple weeks ago, then the skin testing today that showed a positive result to an egg allergy.

That is why I have been breaking out. Who knows what else it has caused. Th...

Workday Perks

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:45:43 EST

Today there was a company cookout and meeting. We walked over to the other building in the industrial complex for it, so I got in extra walking (1.75 miles). I brought a gluten free dessert to share, and ate sensibly. Then in the afternoon, after doing some work...

Can anyone say Massage?

Today we were offered chair massages at work (again), though this time we had to pay for them. Only $10. Luckily, my appointment was scheduled for half an hour before I would leave to g...

Retail therapy

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:00:05 EST

My dh took an extra day off this week, so we got to go out to the plant place today and to the grocery store. But before all that, I did 20 minutes of my basic weights (1 lb.) and physical therapy routine.

We are being mindful as to how we are doing our little garden. We spent the little extra and got a patio cucumber (pickling). We are going to get a large pot and put our tomatoes in it so we have a patio tomato as well. We are planting green beans and zucchini in our little squar...

Crazy weeks

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:22:57 EST

Yesterday I did get to log in, then couldn't get back on SP due to their technical difficulties. The last few weeks have been hectic. But...

I have been maintaining healthy eating choices (except for my choice of banana split for mother's day lunch - but it was my choice, and I am fine with that).

I have been walking more, especially now that my pedometer is telling me what is happening. (Yes, I long for a fitbit... maybe one day).

I have been driving and with...

Walking with the monkeys

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:32:02 EST

Mother's day was lovely.
It was a great day to fellowship and worship with my Christian family, and on our way home, my husband was sorry he had to go sleep and not spend time with me. He asked what we could do, as we couldn't go out for lunch or dinner. I said "How about a "Sundae" lunch?" Yes. I know. Off the diet and all that, but since I wasn't planning on eating a dinner, it would be my lunch.

We went to a neat little local dairy that features homemade ice cream. We had b...

How about it SparkPeople? New buttons?

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:06:18 EST

Every time I go on either my food or fitness tracker page, I really think I would like to be able to track something else. These things are meaningful to our fitness.

How about adding the following buttons to either page?

How many hours did you sleep?
We are told repeatedly that sleep is crucial to weight loss and health. I believe it would encourage a lot of people to tackle this problem if there was an actual button saying "How many hours did you sleep?" Like the ...

Little steps

Wed, 8 May 2013 22:35:07 EST

Tiny baby steps mean I should be wearing a tutu and dancing around.
I did my ten minutes of fitness this morning, and aimed to do a regular workout today.

Welllll, it didn't happen.
Life happens, got busy, the "y" is sticking on my keyboard, wrote a few notes, did some study, paid some bills, Wrote a poem, wrote a couple blogs (here and elsewhere),
Got a haircut (ooh la la!) - happy with my haircut.
Went out to eat with my hubby.
Went to Bible study tonight...

Adding balance to the mix.

Tue, 7 May 2013 17:52:31 EST

Yesterday I felt accomplished. Last night I was tired, slept, but not enough.
Today, I did get in my ten minutes before work before getting up. I even ordered a salad with chicken for lunch (only ate about a third of it - it was way too big.)
But, by the time 3 p.m. rolled around, I was exhausted and my back was aching. Still had an hour to go, and so I got up a few times and walked around - went to the ladies room, went to get a new box of tissues in the cafeteria area, put my stuf...

I did it.

Mon, 6 May 2013 11:54:42 EST

This morning I was determined to do something.
Anything to get my body going in the right direction.
I had a Banilla yogurt and fresh strawberry smoothie for my breakfast.
And I wondered what fitness I would try and succeed at today. I had dressed appropriately and even put on my shoes.
I got an e-mail from Jonathan Roche No Excuses workouts. It was how I started the weight loss machine before. So I clicked the link. There was a in your chair interval exercise video.
...

Smashing the boundaries

Sun, 5 May 2013 17:38:55 EST

Point of view.
From inside my little brain.
What are the possibilities?
What is the future?
What does God hold in store for me?
Limitless! Who knows!
It is an adventure.

You are loved.
That smashes all the boundaries.
247

With God, all things are possible.
God, the ultimate accountability partner.
The Word says He is with us always....

Woh, stop the emotional rollar coaster

Fri, 3 May 2013 20:55:54 EST

Sometimes life gets moving when you least expect it and throws you a wild and curvy ride. Sometimes it is not even your own life that gets the loops, dips, and turns, but it affects you nonetheless.

So do not...
I mean DO NOT fall for the overeating emotional binging grabbing anything that is not nailed down answer.
After all, that is really NOT the answer.
Chocolate is not the answer.
Salty junk food is not the answer.
Any form of alcoholic beverage is not...

The blurr

Thu, 2 May 2013 20:00:29 EST

Yesterday was truly a wonderful family day. After spending the morning with my older son, his wife, and our grandson, we relaxed until supper time, when my younger son came over with his girlfriend. He was excited about his first week training for his new job. We had a good visit with them, and had a mini banana split - 1 banana split 4 ways, 1 small scoop of frozen yogurt each, and mostly fresh strawberries that my hubby got that afternoon.

It was a rich, blessed peaceful family d...

The Meme Workout

Wed, 1 May 2013 15:12:43 EST

Today Connor came for his monthly visit to our house. My husband made waffles, and we made sausage, and a little bit of bacon (there were 6 of us at the table). We had orange juice, coffee, blueberries, bananas, nutella, and syrup to choose from.
Connor came running to me and gave me a huge hug when he arrived. He couldn't wait to go outside to play.

He had a little basketball, a pop up tent, a ride on car, little cars, little people, etc.

The Meme workout

April Endings

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:47:40 EST

Good afternoon my friends.
For some reason, today was long for me at work. Perhaps because it was my first Tuesday in a couple weeks, or maybe it is the very nice weather. I know my back and sciatic was kicking, and I am sure that was part of it. I brought the rest of the peanut butter cookies I made to work. I made them last night along with the applesauce I cooked. My son and his girlfriend had come over, and we had a nice supper together. He got the job he was waiting for, and had his...

Sunny Monday

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:45:23 EST

This morning -
Woke up with a doctor's phone call, regarding scheduling a new emg to assess the continuing nerve damage. Just diagnostic, to see if it is getting worse (feels like it - as sciatic creeps back into my ankle).

Low back was kind of funky. I wake up that way. Neck feeling good. Slept pretty well, first in the chair, then in bed. Slept through, which is good.
Day off. Not a lot of energy.
Breakfast. I sat there watching my husband eating a muffin, and I t...

Moderation

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:24:20 EST

Spark Coach word for the day - Moderation.
Funny you should say that.
Today I practiced moderation.
I took a friend to lunch, and had fish and chips and a salad because the restaurant I took her to has the best around. Usually, when I go with my dh, we split a dinner between us. Since he wasn't there, and I didn't want to be rude, I didn't suggest we do that, although I still chose moderation.
She recently lost 50 lbs due to a bunch of health issues and practicing moderati...

Defining Wants and Needs. I WANT...

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:10:33 EST

A massage.
Yes.

I want a massage.
Yep.
That is on my mental agenda.
Perhaps I will attend a virtual massage therapy session and gently ease it all that way.

Push it into the realm of needs? Maybe.

Wants: (aka 20 wishes or Bucket list)
to go to Paris
To go to the National Parks
To go to the British Isles
To go to Bermuda
To go to San Jose, CA
To California, and to visit my brothers and friends across the states ...

Defining the Enemy

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 11:23:48 EST

Yesterday I had an "aha" moment. I won't call it a woohoo, but perhaps you could say that. At work the book I was second proofing is based on Buddhism or zen, but it had some truth even if it is not my leaning. It presented the idea of identifying your top ten hits - your obsessive thoughts - aka defining the enemy (my term). Interesting idea.

I identified my main enemy.
PAIN

I know, I know. You can identify. We all can. We call have feelings. We all hurt. Physical,...

Quarter past a blog

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:12:39 EST

Whew! What a night.
Woke up nightmarish after a night full of nerve pain.
Seeing the light in the living room, I dreamed it was my son coming in and leaving the door wide open. I yelled "NO!" and of course, promptly woke up my sweet husband. Hoo boy. I slept some in the chair, and some back in bed, and Peaches kept following me everywhere. Dear old Peachy cat had his job cut out for him last night, as he kept trying to make me feel better. He meowed in my face this morning to get m...

From the heart of the week

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:21:56 EST

Slept well last night, but it seems like still not enough. Allergies are kicking butt. Although my back feels mostly better from the nerve pain, it is just out there on the edge, and I can feel the shoulder/neck inching their way in, though the low back is not in intense pain (at the moment). It is my last day to lie low before returning to work, and I do intend on doing that.

When we had to get out yesterday late afternoon, we stopped at the grocer and I made a huge amount of heal...

On pins and needles

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:35:27 EST

Perhaps not.
But that is what you think of when you hit a nerve. The old funny bone, and that odd tingly pins and needles sensation that runs up and down your arm even to your hand.

Nerves are funny things, in a not so funny way.
Though they can tingle. burn even. vibrate. feel funny. pins and needles from tickle light sensations to downright aggravating. Make you wriggle, writhe, squirm in discomfort. That's me alright. Nothing like tickles and fun.

So I let i...

I got some nerve

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 16:01:50 EST

Quite true. We all can get a little nervy at times.
It seems my own body tries to sabotage me.
All I did was add five minutes to my morning routine yesterday, and do my light one pound weights. That's all. I promise. But when I got out and about yesterday afterward, I could feel it in my upper back, neck, and shoulder. My nerve damage decided to start screaming. Or at least whispering sweet nothings to my spine. Or not so sweet, actually.

That is the problem with trying t...

I deserve it

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:11:51 EST

Hey what about you?
I went clothes shopping. I only intended on looking for something slinky sexy for my husband. Well, for me to wear FOR my husband, he rather see it on me, believe me.
Actually, I went in the store only planning to get shoestrings for him, and plastic storage bags for the kitchen. And to take a peek at the clothes for a slinky kind of hang around hey come on dress just for my husband's perusal. I did intend on buying him a shirt, but didn't find any dress shirts ...

Looking for 199

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:59:51 EST

Hey, Did you see it? I still can't seem to find it, but I know it's in there. Somewhere. I tell my bulges, settle down, or rather, get moving. Enough is enough. I try to look glamorous with the bulges poking out and making fun of me.

Funny. I used to think I was heavy when I weighed 114 (way back when I was 12, and my mom said I was getting fat.) After being the skinniest of tiny kids, I hit puberty, and my mom, who was 98 lbs (when she first got married, but 145 when I was 12)and ...

Friday - welcome to the weekend

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:32:42 EST

Thinking of all my friends, everywhere, with prayer.

Glad it is Friday after four days in a row at working, I am tired.

Slept pretty good but was still tired. More tired now that work is done.

Did my 10 minutes of exercise this morning, and walked 2 miles at work. Brought lunch, at healthy. Breakfast - toast with the gluten free bread my dh made, with peanut butter and a cup of coffee, lunch, rice pasta with sauce and meatballs (leftover from last night's supp...

Quick blog - time for R & R

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:04:44 EST

Day three of four days in a row at work. Kind of tired. Hubby made another gluten free bread this afternoon - still doesn't rise much. He is experimenting too. He tried the eggless egg substitute. Will have to try it. He used that to make turkey meatballs tonight, with the rice pasta and sauce for supper. Yum.

Work was a blast, as I was listening to a cool story about a chef, and had to listen hard to recognize the audio errors that needed to be fixed.

Went to the allerg...

Rambling Blog

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:08:22 EST

I was given an extra work day this week, four hours today (I usually have Wednesday off). I am tired, and will be more tired by Saturday, but it makes up for being sick and missing out most of last week. I work 6 hours tomorrow and on Friday. Glad I have a nice little job, even if it is not in a library. Grateful I still get to work with books. I get to listen prior to publication as a second proofer, to catch any errors or background noises, etc.

Recently at work, I had the opport...

Eggless Flourless treats - for the rare occassion

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:08:44 EST

1. Flourless Eggless Peanut Butter Cookies

kirbiecravings.com/2012/07/flourless
-eggless-peanut-butter-cookies.html/pr
int/

2. also Gluten Free Five Layer Bars

oven 350 and grease a 13 x 9 pan
put 2/3 of 7 oz bag of flaked coconut in pan
sprinkle on 6 oz of chocolate chips
sprinkle on 1 cup butterscotch chips
sprinkle with slivered almonds...

Quiet moment of reflection

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:51:11 EST

Handle with prayer.
Lots of prayer.

I really am a little speechless today.
Let that suffice.

The subject at the ladies Day - Blessed are the brokenhearted

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Praying for the families suffering right now, praying for Boston. Grateful that the three people I know who were participating are safe.

Just pray.
Sometime...

A funny thing about cravings, cutting out wheat, eggs and such

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:35:09 EST

If you have been reading my blogs, you know I have been experimenting with cutting certain foods out of my diet for my complexion's sake, also to get to the root of what may be triggering allergic types of reactions.

I started cutting out wheat products in February (that long already), and more recently, eggs, after my definite outbreak after eating eggs last weekend.

Chocolate is one of my biggest downfalls, once I start eating it, it can be a downward spiral, or in my ...

Just saying no

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 21:49:01 EST

Today was the culmination of a lot of work. I presented the lesson I had been preparing for the Ladies Day at church. There were 70 women, and I gave two talks. First time I ever gave two in one day.
Now, I am satisfied, but truly totally exhausted. Spent. Like I ran a marathon.
My legs, back, sciatic are pretty much screaming tonight, and I have been falling asleep since I got home this afternoon in my recliner with Peaches cat doing his therapy stuff, purring and sending out good...

A bump on a blog

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:31:19 EST

Good Morning friends.
It has been a week of allergies, back spasms, and working through my preparations for a lesson I am presenting for the ladies at church tomorrow.
Already the day is fraught with interruptions, but am pressing onward.
Despite how I felt, I did at last manage to get in 10 minutes of official routine this morning. I woke with phone calls, backs spasms, and coughing/hacking. It is cloudy and rainy out.
I am here, but not all. I have checked in, but barely...

Discovering a Possible Culprit

Sun, 7 Apr 2013 15:42:42 EST

Over the last couple of years, since all my surgeries in 2011, I have frequently lamented about my face erupting like a teenager. My allergist suggested Rosacea, but I don't think that is the main problem.

I have since eliminated most wheat from my diet, excepting anything that gets in that I am not aware of. I do not have celiac disease, I am just trying to get to the root of the problem.

It seems to have reared its lovely little head, quite literally.

I thi...

Winning over a craving

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 11:25:32 EST

This past week, I wrote how I did not let the Bunny get me down, and was able to keep my cravings in check until last night. Why last night? I don't know.
I was sitting there, with my bottle of water and thinking "chocolate." Then the thought popped its little head up again - "Chocolate!" I got up and walked around the house - "Chocolate. CHOCOLATE!" Oh shut thee up little voice in the head, there is none. I dared venture to peek where I thought my dh would have hidden a little bit. But ...

Allergy or cold?

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 16:51:05 EST

That is the typical question.

I know allergy season is about to erupt - the trees, the mold, etc.
But yesterday I had my injection from the allergist - mold and pollen. It is the 2nd in the new series. I am therefore unsure whether this is a reaction, or I caught something, or what.

Went to bed kind of yucky last night, woke up with sore throat, aching, headache, stuffy.

Right now it is mostly in the head, but the allergy meds have dried it up, just heada...

Middle of the Week Weekend aka The Middle

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 12:19:30 EST

I get two weekends, kindof sortof. I work Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, so I get Wednesday off in the Middle. Maybe I should call it long weekends and middles.

I can tell allergy season is beginning to kick in, as my breathing and stuffiness have begun. I think that is why I am sleeping lousy, and breathing lousy, and feel sluggish. It makes my get up and go kind of say "Hey, leave me alone. We're busy just breathing!"

So here I am on what would be someone else's hump...

Put a check mark by that one Jack

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 18:30:40 EST

Monday.
April Fool's Day

But I am not fooling.
Walked about a mile (at home, at store, day off)
Got to see my grandson.
Made gluten free chocolate chip muffins for my family breakfast.

FINISHED. COMPLETED. April 1 Goal - finish my middle grade novel and submit to contest. I also sent it out to an agent.
I also sent out text only to a picture book I've written.
I did not send out the one with pictures, as I did not feel ready with that one. <...

Getting a head over the Easter Holiday

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:48:55 EST

I have been really good. Really really good.
Normally: (in the past) I would have bought malted Easter eggs a few weeks before Easter and eaten them all by Easter morning, without giving any to my kids, who don't really care for them. Since I am avoiding wheat, I didn't think they would be good anyway, so I did not buy them.

I bought peeps. I made a "peep" show with my husband for a contest at work. The theme we chose was the Annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

Just a number: Rewarding my action plan

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:45:34 EST

Thinking of the things that can define us.
It's ALL just a number.

Weight
BMI
Height
Telephone
social security
birthday
age
shoe size
dress size
waist
hips
thighs
bust

Numbers or bust

I like the commercial that shows other things on a scale besides weight, and I am tempted to paint things all over mine. I may still do that eventually. Maybe I should paint it with acrylics and make it a work of a...

First Four Weeks of Commitment: Portrait of progress

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 10:13:07 EST

It is four weeks since I kicked it back in gear.
Rather than brow beat myself about what I didn't do, I am looking at what I did do, and the progress.

20 out of 30 days I did an official set of physical therapy exercises, and have reinstated using weights.

I lost one pound.

I lost 3 inches.

I have gotten on my recumbent bike 3 times.

I have used the wii fit balance board 4 times.

I have used Wii Bowling twice.

I...

Just because

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 23:23:17 EST

I didn't write today, does not mean I did not think of you.
It was a day of aching, but I did get my 10 minutes of fitness in this morning, actually 11 minutes. And I did walk nearly 2 miles at work. Now it is just time to take advantage of my cat who will use his heat to make me feel better. chat tomorrow.
Blessings.
Deborah