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Week #6 of My BL Challenge and what I have learned.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

This was a week I decided to try to discover some answers about my journey. I took stock of what I have been doing recently and what I have done in the past. I wanted to see if I could see a clearer picture of what changes I need to make, or go back to in order to make more consistent progress with my weight loss.
There are things I cannot change such as my health issues and my medications. I need to accept the things I cannot change and know that they will affect my weight loss and the pace that I can travel.
There are things I can change and I need to work diligently at those but not try to do too much at one time and become overwhelmed. I will tell you about my discoveries this week.
1. I need to track my weight each week no matter what the scale says. If the number goes up I will track it and accept that there is a problem and try to correct it. emoticonCANDOIT! I posted my weight gain the last two weeks and this week I had a loss, not much but a loss.
2. If there is bread in the house I will eat it. My son is staying with me as he transitions from Salina to further north to be close to his fiance. It will be a short stay and he likes potato bread and having some time with him is more important than my lack of willpower at the moment.
3. I cannot sustain long periods of exercise on a daily basis. My back and legs and feet will just not permit it. I was at the pool 2x this week and will try to increase to 3x soon. I did some other activities on the other days. I did find I needed to take 2 days off to rest my joints but chose work days when I knew I would be extra tired.
4. Housework counts. Yesterday I spent the day doing house chores. I did them at a pace my body could cope with including frequent breaks. It still burned calories and kept me moving .
5. Trips to Walmart counts. I usually put on about 2000 steps in the hour or more that I spend between buses. My heart is tending to race even when I do slow walking so as long as I do not hit any dangerous levels this is good for me because I can stop and stand supported by the buggy if I become winded.
These are my realizations for week 6 and finally the ticker is going the right direction. It feels good! emoticon

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

1COUNTRY_GAL 4/20/2011 10:49PM

    You are doing so well Nola,your blog helps so many others who struggle with various health issues and limitations on there fitness.We all need to take this kind of inventory of our abilities and accept what we are capable of. What we are not,let that go and love ourselves for what we can do.Thank you,you are a constant inspiration for me my friend. emoticon emoticon emoticonDiana:)

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CANDOK1260 4/20/2011 11:22AM

    love your blog you doing great, hety you right grocery shopping take a hour of walking so that is exercise as long as I don;t eat any samples LOl thank for ther comment on m y weight loss

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BMORGANSON 4/19/2011 3:40PM

    Everyone should be so good about self-evaluation and reviewing what works and what doesn't.

It is always an inspiration and a reminder of the ways that I could try harder on my own journey to read about your experiences. Your attitude of realism, determination, and firm belief in your ability to achieve your goals within the limitations you've been given always amazes me.

emoticon

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KLASSIE 4/18/2011 11:14PM

    You did well. Evaluations are valuable and yours was thorough. I'm going to read more about you to find out what's happening, but I can relate to losing willpower in the face of bread (especially hot bread) and I too found myself last year unable to walk more than a small distance without resting, Take care of yourself. You seem to have a good handle on what you need to do to win. I believe you have found your way. Good luck on your journey.

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GOOZLEBEAR 4/18/2011 10:14PM

    Great blog Nola, we really did an awesome job of assessing your goals and where you are now. I know you can do this and hope your health will continue to get better and you can do the things you love to do.

I'm very proud of you.

Hugs,
Sandi

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VAMANOS 4/18/2011 8:12PM

    I love that you took the time to assess, evaluate and make a plan! Sometimes we get complacent even when we have a great long-term goal. Those times are when we begin to slide, I think. You have inspired me to take stock and decide whether to formally change my goals to accommodate the slower pace, or pick up the pace. I'd better do one or the other!

Enjoy your son while he's there!

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KATHYJO56 4/18/2011 2:12PM

    This is awesome! Accepting what we can't change and changing what we can are the right steps in the right direction! emoticon

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FLMOM03 4/18/2011 7:55AM

  You ARE doing it! Keep up the great work, you are an inspiration to so many. All we can do is take it one day at a time and as long as we keep moving towards our goals we will get there. emoticon on your loss this week! emoticon

Comment edited on: 4/18/2011 7:55:52 AM

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DOLPHINE35384 4/17/2011 11:50PM

    WOW! What an awesome blog. You can do it, and your honesty is surly going to help. You have learned a lot this past week. Your an inspiration to so many.

Enjoy your visit with your son.

emoticon for the weight loss you had.

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MSLZZY 4/17/2011 11:18PM

    You have learned a lot so keep learning! HUGS!

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SUNNY332 4/17/2011 5:49PM

    I have faith in you, my friend and know that this is a journey and we learn as we go.

Hugs and best wishes on your journey forward.

Sunny

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CTEMPLE 4/17/2011 5:45PM

    Yes acceptance and honesty are the keys to everythnig!
Claudia emoticon for clarity!

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ILIKECACTI 4/17/2011 5:14PM

    Having the ticker move inthe right direction really does feel good! I sure wish my ticker would go that way too :)

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MOMFAN 4/17/2011 5:05PM

    “Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you.”

You can limit the bread! I know you can. Portion size!

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Week 5 and I'm glad it's over.

Saturday, April 09, 2011

I began the week with having a wisdom tooth extracted. My gum's were still tender from cleaning last week and I have been on soft foods all week. I can only chew on one side but hope that will improve soon.
I did spend Tuesday at home and nonactive also.
I made it to the pool on Wednesday for my only workout of the week.
Thursday was an appointment with my new DR. and she was very nice. We talked for quite a while and she has some new ideas but is waiting for my records which have not been sent.
Friday was my third work day and my 5th day with mouth pain. A little better but not enough to want to be out and about other than work.
Saturday, today I have had a flare up of my OA and so not moving well. I could be in part to the weather coming in. I think that has been the main problem with my OA of late. We have had so much rain and so many changes in temps.
All in all I am glad the week is over. I am happy to finally be able to do the dental work that needed to be done and make the changes in health care that needed to be done. I just don't want to do it again very soon.
Now I am just waiting to see if Congress is going to axe the job training program I am in completely or just keep chopping away at our hours. emoticon I am so happy that the military did not have to deal with delayed pay checks. emoticon
Have a great week #6 Divas!

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SUNNY332 4/14/2011 11:36AM

    I went through some extensive dental work last year and the first of this year so well understand. I was so over "soft foods" and ready for something that offered some crunch.

Hope you feel better now and well on your way to "crunchy foods".

Hugs, Sunny

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ILIKECACTI 4/10/2011 2:41PM

    Hope your mouth is feeling better by now!!

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MSLZZY 4/10/2011 8:40AM

    Take care! HUGS!

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LINDA! 4/9/2011 11:08PM

    Sorry you have had so many issues. It's tough! I am also very upset about the economic situation and the politicians at this time!!

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GOOZLEBEAR 4/9/2011 10:40PM

    Nola, I'm upset with the idiots in Washington too, just like Cheri. I think we need to boot them all out and start over!

Hope this Week 6 is better for you. I didn't realize you were still having so many problems although I know that is why you went "honorary" on the team. Just hang in there and do what you can. We are here to support you no matter what!!!

Hugs
Sandi

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VAMANOS 4/9/2011 10:05PM

    Don't get me started on the subject of Congress! I am very upset with them this week, even though they did manage to pull it out at the last minute.

You should start shooing that rain back to us...it seems to skip us even when it's forecast, and go right over to bother you! We could use a little of it back...

Glad you finally have a new doctor and health plan, hope they are better and more responsive to your needs than the last one!!!

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CTEMPLE 4/9/2011 10:04PM

    Very worried about your economic situation up there.
Claudia emoticon

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Week 4 My Diva update.

Saturday, April 02, 2011

This past week I decided because of my health issues to become an honorary member of the team. This was to lessen some of the stress I was feeling because I just wasn't able to keep up. It seems to have been a good decision. I am slowly resuming some of the challenges and posting as an honorary member. The challenges have kept me moving when I wanted to give up and I am not ready to give them up.
I discontinued the medications which were giving me so many side effects. I am still having several heart palpitations a day so I am taking it fairly easy. I see the new DR. on Thursday and maybe she will have some new ideas. I am losing about 2 oz. a day and hopefully can be back where I started at some point.
I am preparing a new recipe each day. I have so many good books and magazines full and I am in the mood. I am really enjoying trying so many new things that I never would have considered even a few months ago. Last night it was capers in a recipe. emoticon
I completed my retail therapy this morning, NCIS is on a marathon today and I am in a Spring cleaning mood so I should get busy! FUN!
Have a wonderful week 5 Dear Divas and let's enjoy the Spring Challenge! emoticonNola

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MELLYBEANS0919 4/8/2011 2:26PM

    Glad you are feeling happier and I see from your status today you liked the new doctor. That is great! Feel better, enjoy your weekend.
And thank you, I look forward to you seeing my progress too. And as always, you are a great friend!

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1COUNTRY_GAL 4/3/2011 3:39PM

    I am happy you stopped that medication,quality of life is so essential and really is important.Hopefully this other doctor will help answer what you seek about your health..Be persistent and ask to be referred to a Cardiologist,your heart being enlarged is cause for examination.I agree with KathyJo,you are a diva and always will be.When you belong to a team,you are part of an extended family and whether you are up or down you still belong and it's the teams job to help you and support you.Enjoy the new recipes,it's fun to try new things,like food. emoticon emoticonDiana :)

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ILIKECACTI 4/3/2011 1:49PM

    I love TV marathons! Have fun with that and cleaning! Take care of yourself!

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LOSLUWOM 4/3/2011 11:54AM

    Glad to hear that you are trying new recipes and staying motivated.

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VAMANOS 4/2/2011 11:23PM

    It's good to see you're feeling spring-y. I can almost 'hear' the smile in your voice through this blog. And I saw your post in today's challenge thread, so we won't have to miss you, because you're still with us as an honorary member! I'm glad you decided to stick around!

I've made Chef Meg's Feta, Tapenade and Tomato Stuffed Chicken twice now, even though it's quite a production to first make the Oven Roasted Tomatoes and the Tapenade. The latter has capers, along with garlic, green olives and black olives. The recipe makes enough to have leftovers to go with hummus on Triscuit crackers, a favorite lunch of mine. We love the chicken recipe, which was good even though I accidentally got chicken thighs instead of breasts last time I was at the grocery store. Better with chicken breast, though. Have fun trying new recipes!

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SPARKINGINMASS 4/2/2011 9:57PM

    I hope the new dr will come up with some new ideas for you.

I love NCIS!!
emoticon

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CTEMPLE 4/2/2011 6:03PM

    Dear Nola sometimes it takes so little to lift our spirit, just a bit less pain or side effects and we're up. So good to hear that you're better.
Claudia

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SUNNY332 4/2/2011 5:55PM

    Good for you listening to your doctor. Good also to hear you are seeing a new doctor. Some times, it just takes doing that to get a new perspective.

What did you fix with the capers? I love Chicken Picatta.

Take care and best wishes to you this week. Do keep us posted.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Sunny

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CATHYJR73 4/2/2011 3:53PM

    You will be missed on your team sweet sparker!! Hope and pray all goes well in your journey!! Come on back when you are ready and you will still find many good friends!! emoticon

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BMORGANSON 4/2/2011 2:41PM

    Your attitude is inspiring, as always. :) I hope your new doctor has different solutions so you don't have to experience the problems OR any bad side effects.

I LOVE capers! emoticon

Comment edited on: 4/2/2011 2:41:19 PM

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KATHYJO56 4/2/2011 2:25PM

    Nola, YOU ARE A DIVA!!! I hope that everything goes well with the new Dr. Take it easy and enjoy your NCIS Marathon. emoticon

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Determined to find my Determination.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

I seem to have lost my determination the last week. I have missed my Sparking and have allowed my anxiety and some depression to creep in. I gave up on believing in myself. emoticon I am not going to let the latest setback derail all my efforts. I will just have to set a new starting point and push ahead.
I am setting some new goals to deal with the new issues and take myself away from some high stress obstacles. emoticon
I am going to make some hard decisions and proceed on my journey. emoticon
I am going to reward myself for emoticon and support myself when my challenges become hard. emoticon
I WILL DO THIS BECAUSE I AM A SPARK AND I MUST BELIEVE IN MYSELF AS MUCH AS MY SPARKFRIENDS BELIEVE IN ME.
emoticon

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CHRYS13 4/2/2011 11:21AM

    Great affirmation!!
emoticon emoticon emoticon

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LINDA! 3/31/2011 10:57PM

    We do believe in you. I certainly understand depression. But you need to know that you really can do it. Come here for support anytime. emoticon

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SPARKINGINMASS 3/31/2011 12:12AM

    The same thing happened to me a couple of weeks ago and I have slowly battled my way out of it. I know you can do the same thing. emoticon emoticon

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1COUNTRY_GAL 3/30/2011 12:48AM

    Nola, emoticonYES,look at yourself emoticon emoticonYou see a strong independent and kind and caring person and you have the support of your Spark family,I hope this helps comfort you and you know how to get in touch with me and I do care. emoticon emoticonDiana:)

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VAMANOS 3/30/2011 12:01AM

    "I MUST BELIEVE IN MYSELF AS MUCH AS MY SPARKFRIENDS BELIEVE IN ME.." That's not only a good affirmation, but it's a tall order! We DO believe in you. emoticon

emoticon emoticon emoticon

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LIGHTHOUSEGIRL1 3/29/2011 11:53PM

    emoticon You're worth it...Hang in there emoticon emoticon emoticon

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SUNNY332 3/29/2011 4:44PM

    Know that we believe in you and know that emoticon. It is hard at times but if it were easy, no one would find the satisfaction of making the journey. The reward is in the journey - one day at a time, one # at a time, one exercise at a time, and one accomplishment at a time.

Here is wishing you success on your continued journey.

Sunny

Comment edited on: 3/29/2011 4:45:06 PM

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ITSTHENEWLAUREN 3/29/2011 3:59PM

  emoticon
YOU ARE WORTH IT! I love the positive affirmations woven through your post. This is tough and life does get in the way but the important thing is picking yourself up and moving on.

You deserve to be successful and you are so one the right track!

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BMORGANSON 3/29/2011 12:20PM

    Know you inspire so many others as well, dear. We're here to help and support one another as we all encounter setbacks and hard times. emoticon You've shown you have incredible strength to endure adversity that many of us will never know. Keep giving it as much as you can, we're with you to cheer you on and offer support in the struggles.

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JESS0107 3/29/2011 10:24AM

    emoticon You are becoming stronger! Keep up the great work!

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NANCYRUBIO 3/29/2011 9:07AM

    Good going, what a positive thought. Believe in yourself, please.

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60SIXTY 3/29/2011 7:53AM

    emoticon emoticon Yes you can.

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BABYTUXXY 3/29/2011 7:37AM

    With that attitude you're sure to make it! emoticon

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CTEMPLE 3/29/2011 2:55AM

    Dear Nola
Sometimes it's hard in the face of adversity, something that I 've thinking about quite a lot lately re my own problems, but I can't see any other option than to keep trying.
You have all my support.
Claudia emoticon emoticon

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Week Three of the BL Challenge

Saturday, March 26, 2011

This has been a very mixed week for me. As I have stated the new heart medications I am taking are having several uncomfortable side effects. I put on 5+ lbs. this week. I had constant headaches and my arthritis has been more painful to name a few things. I have changed my dosage without DR. approval and some are starting to ease. I have lost 2 of the three lb.s and am hoping to feel fewer of the side effects as time goes on.
I am between DR.s and hope that my new DR. will be able to change the medication when I see her on the 7th. I cannot go without the medication because of the racing heart but I really think that I was on too high a dosage.
I did go to the pool twice this week and had a nice workout both times. I am still learning what my limits are with the new issues but am trying to do something 2-3x a week. Sorry that I cannot do more but that is just how it will have to be until I can have better control over the side effects.
My computer seems to be having it's own issues. I have had several times that it has not been able to connect with the server. We also had 2 nights that we had thunder and I had to stay off. I will try to do better next week Divas. emoticon to you all.

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BMORGANSON 3/28/2011 3:06PM

    Glad you took the initiative to lower your dosage if the meds were giving you that severe of side effects. :( I hope you get it fixed and feeling better soon!

So proud of you for making it to the pool and getting workouts in with everything going on with your health. Take care of yourself!

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SUNNY332 3/28/2011 8:43AM

    Good to see you post. Sorry about all of the side effects from the new medications.
Hang in there and know they will get it adjusted in time.

Good to see you here.

Sunny

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VAMANOS 3/27/2011 1:09PM

    Nola, I was so relieved to see this blog after realizing we hadn't heard from you on the chat thread for quite a while. It will be good to get to the 7th and hear that your new doctor is more responsive, approves your dosage changes or has a better idea for how to manage your various health concerns. Sometimes it seems that the recommendations for one are terrible for another--a cruel joke. My daughter's mother-in-law has diabetes, failing kidneys, and congestive heart failure. For the heart she needs potassium, for the renal to limit it. For the diabetes she needs to drink more water, which is contraindicated for congestive heart failure. There are no good answers. I hope that's not true for you, praying for an answer that helps everything!

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1COUNTRY_GAL 3/27/2011 1:53AM

    emoticon emoticonBe well and take care of YOUrself dear friend Nola.Hugs,Diana:)

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CTEMPLE 3/27/2011 12:18AM

    Dear Nola I hope the medication gets better or that you can manage with a lesser dose.
Claudia emoticon

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FLORABEL 3/27/2011 12:06AM

    emoticon Take care!! emoticon

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