Mother May I? Challenge, EFGT, 5/2-6/1

[lene]

Ack, so many good posts, and I can't keep up!

Zilla, I never have had my Vit. D level tested, and current doc acted like I was nuts when I mentioned it. I may force the issue. But I've been extremely pale all my life, and have always avoided the sun except in small doses. I started taking 4,000 units Vit. D3 (as per Dr. Davis) several months -- maybe even a year? -- ago, though, figuring it would be a good idea. I've been giving it to Jeff and Danny, too.

I've decided to stop weighing myself for a while and to just focus on eating well. I've been struggling with depression, blast it all, and I know darn good and well that illogical as it is, if I step on the scale and am not pleased with the number I see, it can send my mood into a downward spiral for the whole day. I know it's silly, but I also know myself well enough to know it has an effect, and it seems sensible to just circumvent that for a month or two while I get my emotional state back into harmony. So, I won't have weight gains or losses to report for a while, but I'll continue to chime in with other stuff.

I sure hope the ailing elders will be having a restful week this week. I think about them every day, and I always want to come in here to see how Sanndy's mom and Betty are doing.

Carolyn, even powdered feet are a far cry from babysmell, except perhaps stinky-babysmell. LOL I'll forgo the pleasure, but thanks for the offer. <g>

I took my friend out this morning, and we went somewhere new. We rarely visit downtown CR, and neither of us have been there for a few years, but we ventured downtown and parked in a parking garage, wandered around on foot, and then found a nice little coffee shop. Had SF mocha and soup and salad, and sat outside. It was a joy to sit and feel the breeze, watch people on the streets, and chat over coffee. Now that we know the place is there, we'll try to get back there again this summer.

I'm roasting a chicken for supper, and will probably just steam some frozen veggies to go with it, (with lots of butter.) I keep meaning to try that flourless orange cake, and even had Jeff buy a couple organic oranges for me the other day (since we'll be eating all but the seeds, I thought organic might be in order) but I haven't worked up the energy or the enthusiasm to bake. Maybe for the holiday weekend?

I just got a 5 pound bag of peanut flour, so will need to gear up for baking in order to try that out, too. I have read about it several times in the forum, and finally decided to give it a try. If any of you use it, recommendations or recipes are welcomed!

[TuscanGirl]

I shoveled more mulch.
I'm pooped.

Hi lene!

[wifezilla]

Ya know what? My first "Lowcarbiversary" was 2 days ago and I forgot!

LOL

One year for me staying under 60 carbs/day. Wow. There were times it seemed so hard but now it is sooooo easy and I know I can do this forever

So 40lbs lost on low carb. Down 70lbs total from my all time high of 280. Blood pressure is WAY down (from 149/95 to 101/62). Skin looks better but I am still 44 and wrinkled...so I really am happy for any improvement. No change in my monthly issues though. That apparently is NOT diet related...so I will keep hoping for menapause!

My goals for year 2 are to lose the last 20 pounds I am trying to ditch and to get my youngest fully in the low carb camp. He is out of school on Thursday, so no more junk like he gets at lunch now. His only snack food will be pork rinds and picante. That is a treat him and dad have every Wednesday while I am at dance class. We slowly switched him from chips and salsa to the pork rinds a couple of months ago.

Friday is pizza day and I just recently switched him to the egg and cheese crust pizza. He really likes it though I wish he would have liked the cauliflower version. He took one bite and said YUCK! The veggie crust is a bit cheaper, so maybe I will try using zucchini and see if he goes for that.

I need to weigh him and get his measurements too. I am guessing he needs to lose about 40 or 50 lbs. It will be interesting to see how low carb effects his autism. My adult friend with autism said it has helped stabilize her moods though she is mad it isn't helping her GAIN weight...LOL...poor baby

So yeah...more work for me and a total low carb conversion for my son.

[sjl330]

Thanks everybody for all the prayers and support. Mom is a little better today. She's getting antibiotics IV but her back is still hurting alot. She will have another epidural steroid injection tomorrow morning. If they get the pain controlled I think they'll let her come home.


I love the sun and probably get too much of it, but I love a tan. I just later up good with CO day and night to try to keep the wrinkles at bay. I think some are slipping by though, lol.

[lil miss]

hi all!

I am here, computer was sent away for repairs and then DH took his work computer on a trip. BUT computer is back and so am I! Didja miss me?

Lene-Hey sweets, I am right htere with ya regarding the depression. I went off lexapro a couple of months ago bc it made me gain 10-15 lbs this last year and I am really feeling the effects of not having it lately. I LOVED hearing of you and your friend finding that restaurants, I could really "hear" you living in the moment and enjoying that experience-keep going there!

Zilla-interesting abou the vit D....

MK-we're coing to your place for Memorial day? Kewl! What can I bring? Or was that not us you invited Seriously, you are cleaning your house already for your guests? I am MOST impressed!

Carolyn-Oh poor Betty...I am sorry, I know how hard it is to watch a loved one struggle. Will keep her and you and Gary and the kids in my prayers. You must of burned some serious calories with all that moving!

Sandy-Oh, your poor mom! I will keep her in my prayers too! YOU hang in there too and make sure oyur bro does his fair share, it is too much for one person to handle!

Shonmarie-Please post oyur chocolate egg cream recipe here...PLEASE! Jeez, your poor, poor sis, I will pray for her too!

Prozak-personal Q here, are oyu on prozac? Wondering if you think itworks well. I am MOST envious of your loose clothes! You go girl!

Must run!

Have been SICK lately so not actually running but have done some walking so tryign to stay in shape, gotta train for my half marathon you know! I am ALL conflicted about how to eat for this thing...

[Prozak]

Actually I feel kind of bad about the Prozak name, i registered here while I posted elsewhere and never really planned on posting with it. I hope nobody takes offense to it. I have never been on prozac but I did paxil and think it is the devil incarnate.

I considered asking to change my name to my other low-carb moniker, but i have had people track me down on the internet because it is a one-of-a-kind name.

Personally for me, sunshine is the best medicine, my S.A.D. was pretty non-existent this winter thanks to my lamp.

[TuscanGirl]

Originally Posted by wifezilla

Ya know what? My first "Lowcarbiversary" was 2 days ago and I forgot!

Congrats!!

And I know you'll have another great year!!

Originally Posted by sjl330

I just later up good with CO day and night to try to keep the wrinkles at bay. I think some are slipping by though, LOL.

Those aren't wrinkles, they're character lines!

Originally Posted by lil miss

Didja miss me?

MK-we're coming to your place for Memorial day? Kewl! What can I bring? Or was that not us you invited Seriously, you are cleaning your house already for your guests? I am MOST impressed!

I did!!!! Glad you're back!

Yes, you're all invited - dinner is about 4:00!

You can bring salad or dessert - your choice!
I'm cleaning the outside right now - if the weather is warm tomorrow I need to wash the patio furniture and sweep.
The gardens look good at least!

Originally Posted by Prozak

Personally for me, sunshine is the best medicine, my S.A.D. was pretty non-existent this winter thanks to my lamp.

Maybe you could change your name to Sunshine!


I'm tired.
This outdoor work is hard!

See you all in the morning!

[CarolynF]

Hi friends,

Just an update..We got a call from the Hospice nurse and dh and I have been with Betty all afternoon and I just left at 9:00 when Glen's bro came from Wichita. She is on and off being coherent. We had some hugs when she was awake..It's all in God's hands..She told her pastor last week that she was ready to go. But, she was worried about her kids.Gary is 62 and Glen is 55..

Keep you posted..Glen will be staying with us.

[TuscanGirl]

Oh Carolyn!!

I'm so sore this morning!
I've got to leave the mulch alone!

Today is DD21's first day of her immersion class and DS15's first day of finals.
She's excited to start and he's ready to be finished!

[sjl330]

Carolyn, I'll be praying and thinking of all of you and Betty today. Even when we are prepared I'm sure it's still going to be so hard. But what a blessing that she's ready. My mom says she is too. I think she's worried about my dad managing w/o her.

[lil miss]

{HUGS} Caroyln and Sandy!

[lil miss]

"But, she is worried about her kids"

Isnt that just like a mother? That is just so beautiful, makes me cry.

[Shonmarie]

Originally Posted by CarolynF

Hi friends,

Just an update..We got a call from the Hospice nurse and dh and I have been with Betty all afternoon and I just left at 9:00 when Glen's bro came from Wichita. She is on and off being coherent. We had some hugs when she was awake..It's all in God's hands..She told her pastor last week that she was ready to go. But, she was worried about her kids.Gary is 62 and Glen is 55..

Keep you posted..Glen will be staying with us.

Hi Carolyn - I'm so sorry to hear of Betty's difficulties. You know, when my dad was in the hospital, he told me he was worried about all of us. Well, one of the nurses told me that letting him know we would all be ok would give him the comfort he needed in order to "leave". Well, I told him, then my siblings did the same. He had lingered for a week; after our wonderful conversations with him, he passed away a few hours later. It happened with my sister, too. When she was in hospice she kept telling us she "wanted to go home". Of course, she couldn't and we kept telling her that. Then the nurse said, "she's asking permission from us to die". When she asked again, we told her that it would be ok for her to "go home" - she died the next day. It's amazing how we really aren't aware of what they are concerned about, but when we reassure them that we'll miss them but we'll be ok or give them permission to "go", they are at peace. Just a thought - keeping Betty and your family in my prayers.

Sandy, my prayers are still with you and your mom, too. This is such a difficult time for all involved. Hopefully they can relieve her pain and get that nasty pneumonia out of there.

Hi Lil. My chocolate egg cream is:

2 large eggs
1 scoop whey protein powder
2T coconut oil - melted
1T cocoa powder - I use Hershey's Special Dark
8 drops liquid splenda
1tsp cinnamon
1tsp instant decaf coffee

Place all ingredients except coconut oil into a large measuring cup. Using a hand mixer, begin whipping slowly adding the melted coconut oil. Add a little water if too thick. I also put some of the fiber - Colon Care Formula by Yerba Prima. It thickens it a little so I just add more water, but it's a good way to get the fiber in. It's amazing how this keeps any hunger at bay for 4-6 hours. And I don't get the "shakes" midmorning like I used to.

My sister is doing better today. Hoping she gets to come home. Thanks for all the prayers. We just need to get her through the next couple of months.

Hi to everyone - going to the store and library. BBL

[pooticus]

Morning ladies. Wow so many new pretty faces!

First off, Carolyn so sorry to hear of Betty's decline. I know though, with your faith, that God will bring you comfort as you deal with the grief of her passing. It just never gets easy.

Sandy, again, so sorry to hear of your mom's health situation as well. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as well as Carolyn's.

Sorry to be AWOL. I haven't been "very good company" lately. So have kept my blue mood to meself. I will try to be a more attentive and supportive member and am vowing to kick the blue to the curb!

Weight is up and down 4lbs. Sigh. I think that is what is bumming me out. I just get tired of not seeing any results and get very tired of feeling bad.

[TuscanGirl]

Poot - Hi!
I missed you!
It's always better to be among friends when you're blue!

[Shonmarie]

Hey Poot! So glad to see you! I know what you mean about feeling like you're not good company. But I think I'm doing better now that I'm posting with friends again. Hope the same goes for you!

[Prozak]

Poot I was a tad blue yesterday too.. and crampy (ovulating??)

My weight is up and down 3lbs too (193 yesterday 191 today)

I think our bodies are adjusting to this WOE and in time will give in and start to work the way it is supposed to. I need to keep in mind that my body has been abused for 40+ years with the wrong types of fuel, and I certainly cannot expect it to give up that easily.

Also... think of all the toxins and hormones that are stored in our fat cells, the residue of the crap we have eaten over the last few years. That stuff is being released into our blood stream and can only have those negative effects on us until they are gone!

The sun will shine soon.... keep plugging along and let your body repair itself. I too need to take it easy and try to not overdo it.. LOL I sometimes have the energy of a 130lb woman and other days I feel like I am carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Ride it like the waves.... take it easy when you feel the signals. We are still women who are on a 28 day cycle no matter HOW much we weigh right? Imagine before when we ignored the subtle signals our bodies were giving us and did what felt good for the moment.... the signals never left us, we just learned to override them.

Chin up!

[wifezilla]

Yeah...TOM is trying to get here early. My hormones have been wacky for the last couple days and now I am spotting. My weight has been bouncing between 210 and 215. I LOOK smaller though...so I am guessing wacky hormones due to estrogen release in fat cells. Last time this happened I had 2 periods in one month. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[lene]

Looks like I'm not the only one dealing with the blues. It's a good thing we all have this group to come to!

Carolyn, I'm thinking about you and Betty. It sounds like she may be leaving soon. I remember so well how it was with my MIL, my grandma, my grandpa, and my dad... they all reached that point of simply being ready to go. It was hard for all of us, but in some ways harder for us than for them. I hope your hubby and BIL are doing ok.

And Sandy, I really hope your mom is feeling more peaceful and having less pain. I'm sure you're right about her worrying about your dad, just like Betty is worrying about her boys. I think we all care more about the ones we love, knowing they're going to be in pain while we've gone forward into a place of peace. When it looked like I might likely die from the embolism a few years back, I quite honestly wasn't scared or upset at the idea, but it hurt terribly to think about Jeff and Danny grieving on my account. Of course, I'm happy for *myself* that I managed to stay here longer, too.

I'm off to make a mug of coffee and spend some time sitting outside listening to the birds... I don't know why that makes me so happy -- it isn't that I can tell one bird from another! LOL I just enjoy the sunlight and the breeze and the birds, go figure. Later, I'm going to make that darn orange puree cake Carolyn has made before, see how it goes. Danny has such a love of orange cake, I'm hoping this turns out well. And tonight I think we'll watch some old episodes of Doctor Who on dvd while we have slices of lowcarb cake and a pot of tea -- that sounds like a perfect evening in our house. <g>

[wifezilla]

I'm off to make a mug of coffee and spend some time sitting outside listening to the birds

Great idea

Best wishes for all the moms out there and extra hugs for their wonderful daughters...and daughter-in-law. I am sure I will have to face this eventually. You guys are giving me a good example to follow.

[sjl330]

Mom update:
She got the epidural steroid and it eased the pain alot in her back. I hope it holds for awhile. But now she's having more heart trouble. Last night she went into V-Tac. She can never tell when she's in A-fib and she couldn't tell she was in V-tac either. Her blood pressure fell extremely low and she gave them quite a scare. So now she'll be in the hospital at least another couple of days so they can try to stabilize her. I actually think she has these spells regularly at home and doesn't realize it. She just has real low energy days when she feels really bad. Her poor old heart is just getting tired I think. The good news is she doesn't have pneumonia, just bronchitis. And the heart problem. Maybe now that the pain is eased she can start to bounce back.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support.

[CarolynF]

Hi lovely ladies.

Sandy: Prayers for your mom today, too. Betty has a great heart, but the rest of her is literally "shot"..lungs, etc..

Glen spent the night with her in the "home"..She was up all night..mumbling and talking and marching with her arms, etc. No wonder she sleeps all day. They got her up in the chair for breakie as they don't want to be in the room alone with food as she can aspirate. She can't feed herself now, but eats very little. She was cross with the boys
this morning as they were wheeling back to her room..She said, "That is what we pay the nurses to do"..LOLOL.

I went there around 11:30..she is in bed, telling me that she wants to go home and why can't she go home? I told her that God wasn't ready for her yet. She was pretty coherent..She asked why all of us were there yesterday..I told her Glen wanted to talk to her..She said, "Don't you know that I want to be alone?"..Oh well..Betty is still Betty to the very end, God Bless her. So, I kissed her and left..

I didn't eat dinner last night..but I didn't "starve"..just drank some water and had some apple cake/almond flour cake when I got home. DH loved this.

I was 142ish this morning...

Love you all..................

[TuscanGirl]

Prayers for everyone!!
Lene - I Dr Who!!
And birds too, of course!