May 1- Happy May Day

No dancing around the Maypole today!

This morning is a trip to Mom's Dr., using precautions of course!

I got a call from my PT, and they are opening up, that makes me happy! Now I can start the lymphodema therapy and maybe get some relief from the swelling in my legs. At this point in time I am just grateful that I am able to move a bit without crutches or canes! I have tried compression stockings, so far they have been too uncomfortable to wear for any length of time. I am still searching for one that work !

It seems that the world is easing back into our new normal, whatever that is going to look like. I spoke with my boss and the 15th of May the State of Arizona is lifting the stay at home order. I will only have to be in the office two days a week, since working from home is working so well. So I picked Wednesday and Thursday. It will be nice to get out of the house a bit, I know not too exciting but it is something!

It has been hot here, this is the earliest in history for these temps. The temps have been over 100 all week, but it does cool down at night.

I know I should be more diligent with my food plan, right now I am OK with just maintaining where I am. 20# heavier than last year- but I am struggling and a bit overwhelmed with the process of planning, cooking . I don't seem to have a problem reaching for the comfort foods, which in an of themselves aren't horrible, but not too friendly on the weight loss spectrum. A bowl of cold cereal isn't the best choice nutritionally (and my "serving size" is way more than the label recommends) . It isn't so much what I eat , but HOW much I eat. And a bowl of soup is OK, but the whole sleeve of crackers to go with it takes it over the top.

I know, it is laziness on my part! That is one of the reasons I love Sparkpeople. The accountability and support are amazing!

Little steps lead to bigger accomplishments, right? So my intentions for this week:
1. Take the hour to plan meals, shop the pantry and then order groceries. ( Estimated time 3 hours)
2. Batch prep this weekend, so during the week with all that is going on, the food will be ready to grab and go. Prepackage into reasonable serving sizes! Zip locks and Rubbermaid storage container make this a pretty easy project.
3. Start walking! Ringo is a good walking buddy, and if we get out before 9 am it isn't too hot. The goal is to make it around the block. ( Baby step! ) The goal is to be able to walk a mile without stopping! I will be taking the walker for just in case!

New shoes! My old walking shoes were separating at the sole, so I ordered another pair, same brand, but different color, and they fit, even with the swollen feet! They are lightweight and cute! Ryka brand, fairly decent support, I got a size bigger and wide, and orthotic friendly. Then I remembered when I bought the other pair- in 2007! OMG seems like yesterday! No wonder they were falling apart!

New Masks! I met a neighbor, also lived in AK.- appropriate social distance of course. She made masks out of her fabric stash and they are so comfortable. They have strings instead of elastic and are lined with flannel, much more comfortable. Masks are required here if you are outside of your home, going to public places, Dr offices etc. Totally washable! Never thought I would be excited about wearing a mask! LOL. I bought 5 for $20- a really good deal.

Ongoing projects: The next project is to replace the flag stone sidewalk with a concrete sidewalk. This is a safety issue that needed to be addressed. Walkers catch on the flagstone creating a safety hazard. So I have the drawing, have saved the $ to pay for it, in the process of getting park approval, and have Team Neal set up to do the work.

So I am signing off for now and getting dresses to my shoes and going for a short walk. Everyone stay safe and stay healthy!

HUGS