SLIMMERJESSE's SparkPeople Blog

Monsanto Protection Act

Tue, 2 Apr 2013 09:01:10 EST

Disgusting.

Got My Game On

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 16:57:08 EST

Today I went to do my traditional, personal welcome to April and the lovely weather (not that it isn't nice year-round, but this was a cold winter) - every year I buy a pink baseball shirt to go with my very sweet pink shorts. Also picked up a replacement for my old yoga ball that went to yoga ball heaven a couple of weeks ago. Big 5 had a nice sale on both.

Then, after my first walk of the day, got my bike out and pumped up the tires. Washed the bike. Greased the chain. And...

The Easter Pig

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:52:44 EST

Difficult to admit,but true...

The month of March, most of it, was spent with severe pneumonia and a couple of trips to urgent care. Feeling like I was on death's doorstep, I decided to give my body everything and anything that was edible. Couple this with very little exercise (compared with my healthy state of lots of exercise) and I now am faced with cleaning up the damage. One good thing, my clothes still fit. But it'll be awhile before I brave the gnarly scale.

T...

Beautiful Sunshine Walks

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:00:19 EST

For the past few days, I've donned my bright pink shorts and had beautiful walks in the warm sunshine. Just a brief rest as they are long. Today, no rest, so I can feel my body getting stronger. Thrilled.

Big bunny hugs for all. Hoppy Easter.

Lazy Bones

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:52:40 EST

Hard to admit,but true...

After a tough March with pneumonia, and now bouncing back, I feel very very (very) lazy about exercising. Yikes!

Have a lovely Easter/Passover.

SW Respiratory Infection

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:03:45 EST

Just heard on the radio that there's a bug that has been primarily on the increase in the SW area of the U.S. (where I am) causing a significant increase in the numbers of respiratory infections. It's air born and virulant. One baseball player talked about how he's recently had this and it took months to recover.

Interesting since I dealt with this almost all month and others have shared their experiences on how long it took for their body to return to normal.

Wishin...

Jello Legs

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:51:49 EST

After so long with this pneumonia this month, and just starting back to exercising, it feels as though all of my muscles have left town. If anyone sees them wandering around your community, please send them back home to me in San Diego. I DO feel lucky, however, to have beaten this awful bug I got - truly lucky.

Pneumonia All Gone

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:18:17 EST

Today's follow-up appt with the doc proved fruitful in that my lungs are clear. A little bronchial stuff left, and need to rebuild my energy level back up.

I'm thrilled to rejoin the human race again. And yes, Morticia, we are indeed among the lucky ones. Thanks for the reminder.

Big hug to all.

Pneumonia shot-Yes or No?

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:44:19 EST

Next year, I wonder if I should get a pneumonia shot? Although I don't get it often,this month has been awful for me. They say that once you get it, you're more vulnerable to pneumonia. So, I'm curious to know opinions on the shot. What do you think?

Have a good day.

My Faithful, Furry Friends

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 11:43:24 EST

During the past few weeks with pneumonia, it was touching the way my cats stuck by my side and followed me around like shadows, including waiting outside the bathroom door. What would we do without our pets and their unconditional love? They are so sweet. Now, if I could only train them to pour their own food and water, and clean the litter box, that would be purrfect. (smiling)

Wishing all a fun day.

Perspective on The Doc's Scale

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 08:00:48 EST

I've never been one to take my good health for granted, and after this bout with pneumonia, I am even more thankful for my return to a healthier state. Even though I've begun to get out a little at a time, I can feel how my body has a lot of healing to do in order to recapture my energy.

Last week, when I went into the doc's office for meds, they had me get on the scale. I don't even remember when last on a medical scale. I kinda panicked as I was wearing my heaviest shoes, a bi...

The News Saved My Heart

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:26:39 EST

I am a person who never (rarely) takes even an aspirin. FOR MYSELF (not speaking for others), I absolutely abhor drugs of any kind. However, I am not silly enough to deny their importance in times of need.

That said, last week there were repeated reports of Zithromax (Zpac) and its effects on the heart. There's good evidence it causes heart arrythmias (SP?) and other problems.

So, when I went in twice last week for pneumonia, both times they were about to prescribe ...

Call The Midwife

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 19:27:06 EST

I don't want all of my blogs about being sick, so here's my second of the day. I discovered this BBC series on Netflix and absolutely loved everything about it - acting, writing, topics, storyline, settings, etc. (and, oh yeah, the music!)

Has anyone else seen and loved it? Will there be a second season?

BACK TO URGENT CARE YESTERDAY

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 17:18:41 EST

First of all, I want to thank everyone for all of the responses on my last blog, messages on my page, and goodies. I wish I could respond to each of you, but I just can't right now.

I guess I waited too long to go to the doc. I rarely get sick, and this time when I did, thought I could handle it on my own.

On Friday I got meds, but by the end of Saturday, I got way worse and had to go get stronger stuff. Today I'm taking it easy and telling myself that I really am a...

Pneumonia

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:49:36 EST

Okay, I thought this was bronchitis and that I could fight it off by myself since I'm usually healthy. WRONG.

Caved in and went to the doc. It's pneumonia. No wonder I'm so worn out trying to fight this.

Now I hope these meds work. Yikes!

Wishing all a fun weekend.

A New Pic - Dedicated to My Dear Cousin

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:36:48 EST

It is time for a new pic after 4 years of seeing the happy clown, which was also a recent pic. But, honestly, I thought I'd include my cousin (in black top) who left me recently and I miss her soo very much. (she was very ill with cancer that had spread when this pic was taken at the hotel by the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA)

So, here I am, a smiler in life, but with a very broken heart having lost 12 in 4 years and now my mother ailing badly.

But I always manage to gl...

Smiling for Heart Health

Wed, 6 Mar 2013 09:19:57 EST

I heard on the news the other day how smiling promotes heart health. Having always been a smiler, I realized that I was doing less during times of recent loss. Joining the facial muscles team here on SP helps remind me to not only smile, but also exercise the 80-plus muscles in the face. I usually do this when using the bathrooom. I call it multi-tasking. (smiling)

Wishing all a good day.

What Does Your Spark Name Mean?

Tue, 5 Mar 2013 09:10:36 EST

Of course, there are those of us who have chosen SP names using our real names and they are easy to figure out. But I've often wondered about many of the names I see on SP and what they mean. Not sure if they are called names or handles or what. But you know what I mean.

What does your SP name mean? Just curious.

Checking In To Say Hi

Sun, 3 Mar 2013 11:21:10 EST

Hi, spbuddies! I haven't been blogging much, but I will try to stop in weekly to catch up. Things are going fine; still enjoying Fitbit, and just ordered the new SP book as I like to show my support as a way of giving back to them for providing this free site for the past four years.

Haven't had much to say - thus, no blogs.

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy week ahead. Oh, and I can't believe that it's March already.

ANOTHER POUND BITES THE DUST

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 08:29:42 EST

3 more until goal. I'll enjoy that achievement for a minute, but already know that I'll reset it to a lower one shortly thereafter.

Wishing all a wonderful day.

Maybe I Won't Have to Pay My Bills

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:04:28 EST

I was just going to do my online bill paying when I realized that I'll wait for another half hour. The asteroid is supposed to pass by pretty close to the earth; maybe I won't have to pay my bills after all. (smiling)

Wishing all a good day.

I Won't Allow "What If"

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 08:13:15 EST

Yesterday, I cleared away clothing (that is now too big) to put out for pickup today by a local charity. I've done this throughout my four years in this healthy lifestyle change, but this time, a small nagging thought started to creep in. "What if you need this larger size someday?"

I banished it immediately. This has been the first time in my life that I was overweight (hormones, overwork, less exercise, stress, and yes, over eating), and I never want to go through this again. ...

The Irony of My Confession

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:47:14 EST

The other day, I poured my heart out, but forgot that my body often varies up to 6 lbs for no apparent reason. After talking about how I've overeaten healthy stuff, and getting back on track, I weighed myself again.

ONLY 4 LBS UNTIL GOAL!!!! So, it was one of those crazy variations that motivated me to blog about overeating. But it was a good reminder to myself to keep on keeping on.

Wishing all a good day.

Cats Going On Carpets!!!! Why???

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:09:41 EST

There is nothing new in diet or emotional situations to cause what I thought was an "accident" and now finding more of on the carpet. And why? Absolutely nothing going on. And the tough part is, when you have more than one cat, which one is the culprit? I'm not about to let the entire house become their litter box. Anyone gone through this? Any advice?

Have a great day.

Sparked My Optometrist

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:35:51 EST

Over the weekend, I went for my eye checkup and my doc is great. Been going to him, like, forever.

We were talking about good health at one point and he said he eats healthy, but doesn't exercise. I explained to him the SP suggestion of doing 10-minute increments throughout the day - including my idea of walking in place while watching TV (hey, it's a start). He said sure, I can do that. And seemed genuinely excited to start moving. Frankly, I could see the difference two year...

GOAL SABOTAGE (NOT AN EASY BLOG TO WRITE)

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 10:24:59 EST

It's very easy to write the blogs about progress or happy little gadgets like the Fitbit; it is NOT very easy to write about my backslides. However, before I continue, four years into this process, I am not as devastated as I once was when this happened. And I immediately get back on-track. Plus, I'm still done with sugar (and have been for a long time now), so the backslides don't include dessert type things. Overeating healthy stuff, though, is still overeating (and gaining).

...

THANKS TO ALL YOU WONDERFUL PEOPLE

Sat, 9 Feb 2013 10:19:11 EST

I really appreciate all of your kind wishes and goodies. It's amazing how the virtual world can contribute to making a day more special. Thanks a mil!

Have a fun,happy weekend.

Born on Grandma's Birthday

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 08:53:40 EST

Born on your day and given your name.

Happy Birthday, dear grandma. I miss you very much.

One Fitbit Week Equals 4 Badges

Tue, 5 Feb 2013 10:52:17 EST

This Fitbit was the most fun b'day gift I got for myself. In the first week of use, I've earned 4 badges - just by doing what I normally do. It's fun and helpful in knowing what I'm doing and how it translates to miles and calories. I resisted getting it for so long; glad I did.

Just for clarification for those who said that the calorie count measures everything, even just being alive. I have the Zip, so I don't wear it to sleep. In the morning, when I put it on, everything is...

One Third of Americans...

Sun, 3 Feb 2013 10:52:21 EST

...don't watch the Super Bowl game. If you do, enjoy! I enjoy empty freeways and a virtual ghost town to travel through with no crowds whatsoever since everyone else is watching the game.

Have a fun day.

Two Fitbit Missteps

Sat, 2 Feb 2013 10:52:18 EST

Okay, two things that I've discovered about Fitbit:

-I thought it was reading the pedalling I was doing on the exercise bike, but last night I discovered that it's not. Disappointing since I do a lot of that.

-I noticed that the number of daily calories seems to run high. So, this morning, I checked to make sure that everything automatically resets to zero. Steps- 0, miles - 0, but the calories started the day at 421 before I even put it on!!! No wonder this number ru...

Fitbit Almost Went into The Wash

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 09:06:33 EST

It's great that the Fitbit is so non-obtrusive, but the downside is that it's easy to forget it's there. I was falling asleep last night when I suddenly realized that I'd put my bra into the hamper to be washed today. I had to spring out of bed to retrieve the Fitbit that was still attached! Yikes! If it goes the way of the washing machine, there will be no replacing it. So it's something to put on the "must remember" list.

Wishing all a happy day.

Comical Fitbit Thoughts

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:56:53 EST

So here I am in, like, the 4th day of using this cool new Fitbit. And I caught myself with some thoughts that, if left unattended, could be absurd and ridiculous.

1. I forgot to put my Fitbit on, so there's no sense walking since it won't count.

2. Oh, my! Look at all the steps I did today and, since I burned so many calories, I can eat more.

3. I won't get competitive with myself with this Fitbit. If that's the case, why am I unhappy with today's numb...

"You've gotta try Nutella," she said.

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:06:36 EST

I walked into my fave little grocery store (fresh and easy) to find strawberries on sale. My store friend (you know how you make friends by shopping regularly at a place) grabbed my arm and excitedly advised, "oooooh, you've just gotta try Nutella with strawberries. It's amazing."

I smiled and laughed softly, thanking her. But I good -naturedly explained that I don't need one more thing that is delicious in my life. I've worked hard to recently get rid of sugar after being a li...

Enjoying the New Fitbit

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:09:23 EST

Lest I mislead you with my last blog about being confused about my first day of Fitbit, let me clarify. As a non-tech person, it is VERY easy to set up. However, I just had a couple more "steps" to do in the set-up phase that I had missed. Nothing complicated at all.

With that said, I am really enjoying this cool little thing. I ordered the Zip because I don't need/want my sleep monitored (and have many other things to use the $100 for). I had no clue as to how many steps equa...

Confused after 1st Fitbit Day

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 00:48:10 EST

What was disappointing was that, upon checking the Fitbit site and having used the dongle, only calories showed up. Not number of steps or miles. Why? I don't know. I was looking forward to a grand total.

It has already reset, so I can't read the numbers for the day off the Fitbit itself Disappointed.

(p.s. ROCKMAN saved the day! Thankyou!)

(another p.s. Fitbit seemse to give a huge number for calories burned. Someone said they halve that number for a ...

INITIAL FITBIT IMPRESSIONS

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 10:17:50 EST

I received my new pink Fitbit Zip late yesterday afternoon. Easy to set up, I was surprised at how small it is, yet how much it can calculate! Even with the few hours I had it on in the house, it was amazing how many steps I took! Too bad it doesn't measure spinning as well. (smiling) BTW, clipped to my bra, it has a very secure clip and case.

Seeing actual numbers is eye opening; kinda like the time when I started here on SP and began paying attention to reading calories on ...

Changes During My Time w/ SP

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:47:59 EST

I tracked my package and Fitbit is due to arrive today. So, if I can set it up tonight, I'll start using it tomorrow. Usually my mail arrives late afternoon.

Since this is my SP anniversary week, I've pondered what has changed over these four years.

The biggest change is an overall awareness of what I'm putting in my mouth and how much exercise I'm getting. There is a dramatic difference in the contents of my grocery cart. I read labels more often and pay attention t...

Belt Caper Irony & Misc. Thoughts

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:13:41 EST

Before 6 years ago, I had the luxury of never thinking about food and weight gain. I had years of collections of belts - all kinds, styles, etc. A belt diva. During this past 6 years, I gave them all away with other things to charity and figured belts are out and I'd never need them again. Fast forward to this week. I'd bought a few pairs of on-great-sale skinny jeans that were a bit loose in the waist. Not going to buy smaller pants, what did I race to Target for yesterday? Yup, a bel...

This Week Is The Official 4-Year Sparkversary

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:19:21 EST

Can't believe it's been 4 years since accidentally stumbling upon this site! WOW!

(p.s. I just went to the page that allows you to add Spversary icons - they only go up to 3!)

Why I Caved & Ordered Fitbit

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 08:54:02 EST

I don't jump on bandwagons, so I took my time and heavily weighed whether I'd really use the hefty-priced Fitbit. Honestly, I walk a lot. And I've always wondered what it translates to in miles and calories burned. I want to "step" it up, so I feel that Fitbit will help a lot in motivating me. Ordered a pink one yesterday and awaiting its arrival. Will share my adventure with it. (just the basic one, I don't need sleep monitored)

Have a wonderful day.

(p.s. I've rea...

DAILY WEIGHING-ANOTHER OPINION

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:48:17 EST

I walked into the room during the very last few sentences of a radio interview with an author who just wrote a weight loss book. He said that he'd heard many warnings not to weigh daily as it is too frustrating. But he felt the opposite to be true. He felt that those daily fluctuations helped motivate him toward his goal.

Which lead me to wonder if men's bodies vary as much as women's do. I can vary 6-7 lbs in a matter of hours with nothing happening in-between to cause it. Wom...

Convictions of Overweight Women

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:29:59 EST

On the radio, there were a few reports about how overweight women who are being judged by a jury in court are (oftentimes) perceived to be guilty with their excess weight seen as impulse control and, therefore, they probably did the crime. Not so with overweight men who are being judged. Another societal double standard? Thought this was interesting.

WIshing all a wonderful day. (Still deciding about the Fitbit purchase.)

Vitamins Added to GS Cookies!

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:43:53 EST

After reading that girl scout cookies are now going to contain added vitamins, I smiled wryly and thought that perhaps companies will now add vitamins to cigarettes and alcohol. Crazy crazy crazy world.

Wishing all a happy day.

38 Degrees in San Diego this Morning!!!!

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:24:28 EST

Yikes! It might as well be 0 degrees - I'm absolutely freezing, although it does warm up as the sun comes up. Wishing all a wonderful day.

Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Curiosity

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:21:31 EST

I've read about this for years and wonder if anyone else has, or even tried it. There are supposedly some health benefits to using a few drops in water daily.

Still considering getting a Fitbit, but not really sure I'd use it and really don't want to waste the money if I don't. Everyone here loves it, though, so I'm considering pros and cons.

Have a good day, sparkies!

3 LBS TO GO UNTIL GOAL!!!!!

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 09:44:57 EST

Four years ago, when I set out on this adventure and set this goal, it seemed like the impossible dream. It was the first time in my life that I had to deal with weight and I stayed at a plateau for the first three years after losing 34 lbs. Then, last November, I got totally serious with myself and tried something that I never tried before. Since November, I'm down 9 lbs. - 43 total. I was thin all my life, but hit a patch about 7 years ago where several factors really ganged up on my ...

1st LB LOST IN 2013, INTO NEW ZONE

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 09:56:02 EST

Into the new set of next lower numbers, and the first lb of the "new" year gone, yes, I'm excited!

Have a good weekend.

I SHOULD BE EXCITED, BUT NOT

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:33:19 EST

This is crazy, I know. I'm 5 lbs away from my goal weight and already feeling disappointed. Why? My goal weight is what I set for myself based on how I feel I look best. It is not the number on the charts of what I "should" weigh. I know, I know. Go by what feels best for ME, right? Well, sure, I know that. If I lose any more than the remaining 5, my opinion is that I look too thin and face gets gaunt. I guess I'll cross this bridge when I get there. Meanwhile, yes, I AM excited a b...

The ER Reminder

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:24:02 EST

As though I need a reminder when I'm a regular member of SP, the ultimate reinforcer, my recent visit to the emergency room shook me awake further.

I brought someone into the ER recently and, as a helper, was able to sit there while waiting and observe. It reminded me that the decisions I make today - both large and small - may help me stay healthy in the future.

I also had an interesting short conversation with a nurse about water. He said that the first thing most...