Heather Shrinks in Houston!

[Houston Heather]

We're home now.

He is intolerant of BACTRIM now. More agonizing pain! More moaning! More tests!

We had to pay for cabs each way - $50 total. Ouch. I have to remind myself, it's a one-time expense, and I'm sure you guys are paying $50 a fill-up everytime your car runs empty.

The doctor took him off all antibiotics because his face is almost healed. Ron has decided to postpone his surgery until January.

He's too run down to do well, anyway, in my opinion.

So we're home. Ron's resting. He has a prescription for something that won't freak out his prostate (another issue with his anti-nausea drugs) if he gets queasy again.

My boss, my husband decreed tomorrow to be a day off. We are going to Walmart only because I'm low on my antipsychotics . Gotta have my pills!

I want a boring life. If I can't have that, I want the next 5 years to be peaceful and boring.

BORING! I WANT BORING!

Thank you, I feel better. I am hoping tomorrow will be a dull day except for maybe starting my period.

[Snowman]

Here's hoping you have a "dull, boring" day!

Glad Ron's home and they didn't have to keep him in the hospital.

Take care, Heather!

[Houston Heather]

It was nice and quiet. I did start my period.

Thank God. One of my medications causes me to retain water in my breasts. Very painful.

Tomorrow I go to work, get paid, go to the mall, and go to Walmart. A fun day.

Ron's doing better. I'll be ordering him a medical bracelet tomorrow once I make my deposit.

[Snowman]

Heather ~ Stopping by to say and hope all is well!

How was your day today?

I took a 2 1/2 hr. nap after work today, I was so tired!

Looking forward to our long weekend. We are off work Sat.-Mon.!! CAN'T WAIT!!

[Houston Heather]

Today was:

You get the idea. It started with Ron coughing all night (I can't clear my throat right, Heather.) Then I got up at 2:45 AM to go to work. I got a lot done at work, but it was hectic. I was absolutely drenched in sweat.

I asked Ron when our ride came, he said 9:30. He was wrong, it was 8:30. They left us behind (I was in the middle of counting all the money we'd made the last week) and we had to go outside and wait on them to come again.. .which made us late for our bank pickup.

I decided, well, Walmart has a little bank. I have $400 in $1 bills. I can just give them the ones and get twenties instead, like at B of A.

NO. I only had 1 hour at Walmart. It took them 20 minutes to do it! When she came out, she handed me 5 twenties and said "There you go!" I told her, I gave you FOUR hundred. "Oh, yeah, you did." She disappears for 10 minutes. Ron's calling me 'cause I have to get to the pharmacy to get our medications. I told him "They're holding the money hostage and having a tea party in the back!"

OMG. Then it got better at the pharmacy. I had to wait in line behind a woman who wanted to buy 30 items (I counted) and put them up slooowly on the counter. I turned on my music.

Finally, I got my pills (Ron's too). Can you imagine if we had a hurricane and I had no medicine?

I had 20 minutes left. I ran around Walmart flinging things into the cart. I got everything, except the plastic bags, canned cat food, cascade, and raw meat. I wanted some kind of beef to cook but nothing looked good. I even got all my veggies.

I managed to check out, get us some food, and stuff the veggies into an insulated bag. Then we got to sit around and wait half an hour because our cab was late!

We go home, I run in and put the cold food in the fridge, leave everything else on the floor. Ron called and begged, the guy will take us to the Doctor. After we go back to Walmart and pick up someone.

We get to the Dr an hour early. I write out his medical history. The doctor sees us. I did the right thing with the hot compresses on Ron's face. It's almost healed. Yes, Bactrim is some nasty stuff. He doesn't know when Ron will recover his "flavors", if ever. God, that was awful. Ron was so tired he didn't really get that.

[However, Ron did enjoy some bacon I cooked for him. Salty is OK, just not sweet.]

We got to wait an hour after our pickup. The guy was - incompotent. I hate it when someone "gets lost" and then wants to spend 10 minutes apologizing and you're supposed to go "Oh, you poor thing!". I just turned on my music. We got another client (the guy we picked up had a bad odor), and finally got dropped at home.

I went to take a nap, fell asleep, and all of a sudden I heard Ron saying how much he loves me, he doesn't tell me enough, etc. I mumble something. "Oh, you're ASLEEP! I'm so sorry, I thought you were on the computer!"

I laughed and told him, "It's not like you could see me napping". He told me he'd like to do just that. I thought it was very sweet.

[big sigh]

I ate properly. I waited a little too long on dinner but other than that I'm good. I did laundry, dishes, and cleaned up the kitchen.

WHEW.

Tomorrow, all we do is go to the GOOD bank, and go to KFC. Ron will see how fried chicken tastes now (he loves the stuff), and I'll go to Petco and get the boys (cats) their food. I want extra just in case we do have a hurricane.

[Snowman]

Just reading about your day today made me tired, Heather!!

WOW, good thing you knew you gave them $400 and didn't trust them to count your money!

I sure hope you guys don't end up with a hurricane!

I live in PA and we're "suppose" to have nice weather for the weekend. We are going away for the weekend, so I won't be back until Monday! Have a great weekend, Heather!

[Houston Heather]

It looks like we're going to get some of the hurricane.

I assume, when there's something in the Gulf, that it COULD always get us. I got a few little things over the last couple days - extra soda and such. I had a pretty bad headache today but I still went to Petco and bought cat food. The boys were almost out and I want to have it now. They love their "Catkins" food (the brand is Wellness, the food is "Core" - it's very low carb and meaty).

As the hurricane approaches, if it's headed for Houston, it's going to affect our paratransit service. We will not have rides for a day or two before, and at least a few days after, the storm. I have plenty of cat food, people food, and my medication. We may experience flooding in our area, but unless we get 3 feet of water in 12 hours like Tropical Storm Allison, we ought to be OK. Even then the house was OK until peabrain drove by in his airboat.

Right now it looks like we'll get something. I'll work on eating up the perishable stuff in the fridge. I have plenty of canned foods, no worries in that regard.

At any rate, my headache is finally gone. I think I'll work on the housework the next couple days and see what happens.

Tomorrow we go to work for a few hours, we can bring home some soda then too. In fact, Dr Pepper screwed up and sent us 6 cases of caffeine free diet dr pepper instead of regular diet dr pepper.

I didn't eat much today because of the headache. I'm holding right around 188 and my measurements are all stable too.

to everyone.

Worst case, a hurricane does hit Houston. I might get some flooding and damage to our fence. I might not have power for a week or so, so if I don't post for a while we just lost power. I'll get back as soon as I can.

Of course I will be posting between now and whenever the storm hits, but I'll just say all this now.

[Houston Heather]

I'm feeling very good, even though today at work was pretty awful. Air Conditioner #10 is down, that covers the cafeteria, our stockroom, and the front office. It must have been a very humid 85 degrees in all of the above. Our candy bars will probably be a little mushy.

Our poor compressors (refrigeration units) are all working overtime in the soda and cold food vendors. I had a janitor yell at me because the other vendor's drip pans are overflowing - I wonder why it's so hard for them to understand WE DON'T TAKE CARE of those machines. They never see me out there. Why would I take care of machines I never service? I think they go after me because I'm there while the other vendor is there for 4 hours a week, total. They come in, take the money out of the machines, and leave.

One of our food machines was acting up, while troubleshooting it I accidentally slammed my middle finger in the door. I have a lovely, painful purple nail. Makes it fun to type.

Ron felt LOUSY. He was up all night coughing again. He says it's a side effect. I got him some pillows to help prop him up; hopefully they'll help. Ow. I won't be doing much posting today with this finger.

We were supposed to get 4 hours at work but we ended up with 2. Ron dropped a case of soda on the floor, then he lost his keys. The janitor that yelled at me moved a bunch of tables in front of the soda machine while "Mopping" and Ron had to ask her to move them.

I filled up the snack machines. They needed some work but not much. We had 2 avalanches in the stockroom - 2 pallets of merchandise, quickly unloaded = disaster. It was just the kind of day where I have to laugh my butt off or scream and bang my head into a wall. I had a migraine yesterday, I don't want another, so I'll laugh.

Ron's still really weak and tired; it's awful to watch. I'm trying to take care of myself, listening to my music (currently I've got Jump by Van Halen), and doing fun for Heather stuff.

I'm going to mow the yard later, it needs it.

Right now I need to eat some lunch. All I've had today are peanuts and a slimfast low carb.

[Houston Heather]

Ron was up and down today, mostly down.

I tell him "I wish I could make you better" and make the appropriate nurturing noises, but that's all I can do. Now I know how he feels when I'm depressed.

[wisnowbird]

Hey Heather! I was thinking about you earlier. How is your kitlet doing on the catkins & new kitty food? Mine is still on wet food in the evening & dry in the mornings. She hasn't lost any weight as of her weekly weigh in this morning (been 3 weeks), but her dandruff has gone down by at least 50%, so I'm happy we're making some progress. Hope yours is liking the new meal plan, too

[Snowman]

HEATHER, where are you?? I hope everything is ok with you and Ron.

[Houston Heather]

I'm sorry, Snow.

Wisnowbird, Bubba's doing GREAT! No more puking on the floor. He used to get sick on the floor, in my bed, pretty much anywhere at least a couple times a week, always after eating the Purina One cat food. On the Wellness Core, he is doing fantastic. Both the cats have nicer fur, it's smoother. Bubba hasn't gotten sick once and I feed him people food tidbits (cooked meat) now and then. He's even started sleeping with me once I told him how much it cost, and that I'd spend 4X as much if I had to. He's got way more energy. My only regret is not doing this sooner. He used to sound so miserable as he'd gag and retch.

Ron is still doing poorly. He is very weak and debilitated, it's like he's lost 20 years off his life. His usual work motto is "Work until it's done". Now it's "I don't want to work 3 hours, can you make it two?" We've worked just about every day this week as a result. I'm doing all my job and part of his - all the heavy lifting. He almost killed himself trying to get a case of water onto his cart and told me he'd never do that again. He is so independent, it's absolutely ghastly to watch him like this - so weak.

It scares the crap out of me - what if he doesn't improve? What's he going to be like in 20 years?

Everything still tastes terrible to him. He wanted to go to Cracker Barrel today - normally he loves Cracker Barrel. I thought it was a bad idea, but he said "I want you to get something nice to eat even if everything I eat tastes like crap."

He decided to get 4 side dishes and some biscuits (I am seriously worried about him getting enough to eat). Anything sweet is especially awful for him so he just had water. I had my lowcarb chicken tenderloins with cheese and bacon, and a salad. I also got a small serving of sweet potato casserole.

He ate a little of everything, and ended up eating fries, biscuits, and water. He almost cried right there at the table during lunch. He was drooping over like a plant you've forgotten to water for weeks. Everyone (servers, etc) kept coming over and asking if he was OK.

No, he isn't, but people don't really want to hear that. I have decided the worst pain you can suffer isn't your own pain, it's the pain of watching someone you love hurting.

He says my Atkins Dark Chocolate Shakes (I found them ghastly migraine triggers, but I was too cheap to throw out the other 3 drinks) are "Alright! Not bad." so he's been living off them. After Cracker Barrel we went to Walmart and bought him more, and some other flavors too.

At least he can get adequate nutrition, by drinking a couple shakes a day. I did enough research to figure out that Bactrim has really bad side effects on people who are folic acid deficient. Folic acid is found in leafy green things - I can't remember the last time he wanted a salad. Not surprising, really. I got megadose doses of folic acid and had him take them. Hopefully they'll help him bounce back.

While we were at Walmart, the Indian guy who works the door came over to me. Ron must be sick, he told me, because he isn't eating. Yeah, but it's not catching.

I'm being as strong as I can. I just need to love him, that's all I can do, and that's plenty. God's let me know that. I have my tunes, which really help my mood. I've been listening to everything from a steel drum tune "Peanut Vendor" - I told Ron it's my theme song - peanuts are about the only snack item I'm proud to sell, to "Strong Tower" and "Praise you in this Storm". I have a lot of "I'm down but I'm not beat, and I've still got my faith in God" type songs.

I've started getting pretty intense side effects from my lithium, which I believe means I'm about to lose another chunk of weight. The last time I got like this I dropped about 10 pounds in a month. I've had to fiddle with my dose a little, odd days I take 2 tablets, even days I take 3. I'm "good" that way. I just have a lot of fatigue and my mouth has a metallic taste all the time. Ick.

I'm not working out, I'm really hauling for a couple hours a day at work, unloading and loading heavy cases of junk food. I don't want to risk hurting myself. I'm still losing so I'm alright.

I did get into a little trouble with a large jar of peanut butter, so when I finished eating it I didn't buy another. I like to think I learn from my mistakes.

I just clicked on "Never Alone" by Barlowgirl. Good tune.

When I was at Walmart, I saw they're putting all the $10 bermuda shorts (I've worked my way down from a 20W to a 14 this summer) on clearance for $5. I bought a 12 and a 10. Walmart is a little oversized so my goal measurements of 30 Waist/40 hips will probably be a Walmart 10.

Oh, God, it's hard. The last time he was so weak was right after the accident. If he falls on the floor like he did back then I'll get him up. I'll love him and spoil him as much as I can. I'll take my pills and take care of myself... but it's hard. I'm glad I can be completely honest here, in my blog.

His face is just about completely healed now. Not worth it!

Tomorrow he wants "To try to go to the BBQ place". Want to guess how that'll end?

Who knows, maybe the folic acid will do it's thing tonight but I'm not holding my breath. The longer it takes for him to recover, the more I worry this might be permanent.

[Snowman]

Heather ~ YOU are a very strong woman!! I can tell you are really worried about Ron. (rightfully so) Be sure to take care of yourself, so you can take care of him!!

I found the Low Carb Slim Fast at Wal-Mart the other day and thought of you when I was buying it! Haven't had one yet, but I do know I like them. I think mine is chocolate, that's all they had.

You got into trouble with the peanut butter and I got into trouble with chocolate peanut butter cookies!! I made them to take when we went away this past weekend!

Take care and keep the faith!

[Houston Heather]

Oh, I would have been right there with you, Snow. OMG those are my favorite.

I lost another pound and half an inch off my waist. Yum! I mean, Yay! I'm still thinking about chocolate PB cookies.

3 inches to go off my waist, and 2 off my hips, until I hit goal. I am guessing 150 pounds is going to be smaller than a size 12? We'll see. Once I get down around 180 I will officially go to OWL, even though I've been eating peanuts for a while.

Ron loves the Atkins Dark Chocolate shakes. He says the Milk chocolate tastes "watered down" which was a complaint often heard on the board. Maybe his flavors are coming back. He tried to eat bacon this morning and hated it. So much for bacon. He cancelled the BBQ trip which I think is a great idea. He would have been miserable.

He also found he likes the Strawberry flavor. Tomorrow, after work, we'll get him a couple more of each.

After his accident, he lost his flavors (he couldn't taste anything for months), and I had a terrible time getting him to eat anything. At least this time, I don't need to worry about him starving to death.

The shakes have pretty complete nutrition. I told him he needs at least 3 a day.

He's decided he wants to go to Popeye's chicken after he gets his flavors back - he wants their beans and rice. That's his comfort food. When he had the flu last year he had me go get him some.

We have today off. I plan to clean up a little, housework, and maybe some cooking later.

Tomorrow we go to Sam's club to get more soda for work, take it to work, stock it, usual work stuff, Walmart for more shakes, and home.

He's coughing again. I'll be SO GLAD when he's better.

[Houston Heather]

Most of today was fine. I worked on putting all my photo CD's onto my hard drive and flash drive.

We even went to Starbucks (a freind gave us a ride). I had a heavy whipping cream latte (a little one, and decaf). Ron was able to have regular coffee with cream and a little bit of splenda.

We came home. I was very tired and I took a nap.

I woke up, we talked, he wanted me to listen to something. I did. Then I asked him a question and he made a very hurtful, demeaning reply. He thinks he did nothing wrong; he's listening to his music and having a good old time.

I am incredibly hurt and angry. I am also sick of hearing his music over and over. I can't even hear the TV.

This is the kind of moment where I'd start eating the bad things. I don't have any.

I don't know what's in his head and right now I don't want to.

Feeling very unappreciated,
Heather

[Houston Heather]

SIZE 12!
SIZE 12!

I CAN'T FREAKING BELIEVE IT!

My 14's (bermuda shorts) are a little baggy so I decided to try on some size 12's today at Walmart. Pair #1 - ick. Yucky muffin top. Pair #2, perfect, beautiful jeans. Petite length (even though I'm 5'7 it's all in my torso apparently, my legs are 28 inseam), a little bit of stretch, all cotton otherwise.

It was wild enough that I found cute purple underwear on sale, (Hanes) in a size 6. I tried them on before I put 'em in the washer and they fit great.

I had bought the size 12 bermudas, right? Well, they got down to $3 each, and I thought why not buy a size 10 and an 8? So I did. Then I tried on the jeans.

OMG they fit perfectly! I tried them on again! I really didn't want to take the tags off but I want to wear these AWESOME jeans so I did. Finally. Although I paraded around for a while in them with the size tag - at home.

I called my aunt while I was half naked in the dressing room to tell her the good news. I went to voicemail. Then I called Ron, he was very happy for me.

I FIT INTO 2 SIZE 12 PANTS AT WALMART! TOTALLY DIFFERENT STYLES! My goal, one of them, was a Walmart size 12. I'm there! I'm at my first goal and it HASN'T EVEN BEEN 6 MONTHS!

I am stoked and shocked at the same time, but getting happier now.

So, lemme tell you about my day. I got up at 5-something, shower, went to work. Put away over a ton of soda, literally. Well over 100 cases at 18 pounds each. Both food machines were down. Some twit broke them. I helped Ron fix them. I helped Ron put heavy cases on his cart and into the fridges. Mainly, I put away all the soda.

We went to Walmart, absolute insanity. But we had to because Ron needed more shakes. We got more shakes, and I went shopping.

They had my sugar snap peas in stock, with nice long codes. Yummy! I forgot to get more of the precooked chicken but I have some raw in the freezer. I'll thaw it tonight in the fridge and cook it tomorrow.

I got the clothes! Size 12! Then we came home.

I'm still in shock. Wow.

[pennylovesdarren]

[Houston Heather]

Yeah, pretty awesome! I wore them today at home. I can't believe how comfy they are. It's starting to get into the low 60s in the morning (to me that is "cold") so I can really use them.

Ron told me today how he feels - truly lousy. He aches all over, can't stand for long, he says he feels like he's 80. Everything tastes horrible but he keeps "trying". I remind him it did take a couple months for his flavors to come back after the accident and nerve damage takes a while to heal. It's horrible to watch.

He had me downloading some songs. One of them was "When Something is Wrong with My Baby". VERY APPROPRIATE!

When something is wrong with my baby, something is wrong with me
And if i know that she's worried, i know i'd feel the same misery
We've been through so much together, we stand as one, that's what makes it better
When something is wrong with my baby, something is wrong with me

And just what she means to me now, oh, you just, you just wouldn't understand
People can say that she's no good, but she's my woman and i know i'm her man
And if he's got a problem, whoa, i know i gotta help him solve them
When something is wrong with my baby, something is wrong with me

When something is wrong with my baby, something is wrong with my baby
When something is wrong with my baby, something is wrong with me

I figure it's got to be some kind of nerve damage. It's awful to hear him confiding all this but I am happy he feels like he can tell me. I would hate for him to do that "I am a rock" thing and shut me out.

I cooked myself some dinner. I fried up some ground sausage, onions, and eggs in a skillet and added some cheddar cheese. He said it smelled delicious and asked for a bite. I gave him one, and he shook his head with a sad expression as I took it away. He ordered pizza, garlic bread, and chicken kickers from Dominoes in a desperate attempt to see if anything tasted right.

I would normally have ripped him a new one for ordering garlic bread, a favorite, but considering... I let him. You can guess what happened, it all tasted horrible. He said it was "awful" and begged me to at least eat the pizza "If it won't make you fat". I told him no way was I touching the garlic bread (we're going to give it to the guys at work tomorrow) or chicken, but I'd eat the top off the pizza. I did. It was good.

Ron was happy that SOMEONE got a good meal. He drank a strawberry Atkins shake and took something to knock himself out.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better for him. I'm actually doing OK. I'm taking care of myself and keeping a positive outlook.

And I made myself breakfast so I have something tasty tomorrow.

[Houston Heather]

Ron asked me to bring the wheelchair today because he needed it. I brought it and he was very impressed with my driving. He kept thanking me, but I told him I love him and it's not a big deal. I'd rather push him in the wheelchair than watch him hobble along very slowly, groaning in pain.

Watching him hurt makes me want to pound something. I know I can't; all I can do is love him. I'm happy to help him get up out of a chair, it's not a big deal to me. God made me a nurturer because He knew Ron would need it.

I'm happy to use my God-given gifts but I hate watching him hurt! He's so weak! So tired! Always hurting! Can't enjoy his food.

Speaking of food, I had to get the wheelchair setup this morning so I had a Slimfast lowcarb for breakfast. I got hungry at work and ate a bag of peanuts, when we got home (we were only at work for a few hours) I ate my sausage-egg-cheese casserole. Tasty.

I'm glad I have another one for lunch. I want to make more. I told Ron I want to get him more shakes in case we do get a hurricane. He doesn't feel up to Walmart tomorrow (even in a wheelchair, sitting by the door while I shop), so we're going Wednesday. I'll get him more shakes and maybe some ice in case we do get bad weather.

See, I don't see us as getting much damage, but we will lose transportation for at least a few days, and it took Walmart almost a week to restock last time.

I'm trying to plan for everything. Ay, yi yi.

I sure signed up for an exciting life.

[Snowman]

OH HEATHER, BIG !! I feel for you and Ron!! It must be a very difficult time for both of you. I will remember you two in . I hope and pray that Ron is feeling better FAST! What a good idea, getting the shakes to have for Ron in case of a hurricane!

I'm glad your taking care of yourself so you can take care of Ron!

Yesterday, I made cubed pork for dinner and thought of you! I know you like your cubed steak! How do you make it?? I dip it in flour, then egg and then bread crumbs! I know, I know, flour and bread crumbs aren't LC!

Take care, Heather!

[Houston Heather]

Hi Snow! I use vegetable oil in my big iron skillet, on my gas stove. I throw in like 1 t chopped garlic for each steak and let it cook for a minute while I put loads of black pepper all over the steaks. I throw in a couple and brown them. They do look a little gray but my husband's blind and the cat and I don't care! Tasty!

I ate the rest of my casserole, pizza top, and some bacon and another Slimfast lowcarb for dinner. I'm running a little depressed (not surprised) and managing it by doing nice things for myself (watching favorite TV shows, etc).

Tomorrow we do 3 hours at work for him. I hope he is smart enough to sit down before he falls down. I'll get him up if he does, but AY YI YI.

I really hope he DOES bounce back. We both feel it will take months to do so. I hope we're wrong, boy I hope we're wrong.

Tomorrow's bound to be better. He is so grateful to have the wheelchair. In many countries he'd be SOL. No wheelchair, no Medicare to pay for it, nothing. It's actually kind of fun to drive him around. The postal workers sure jump out of the way when they see us coming!

[Houston Heather]

Another wheelchair day. Ron could only stand up for 10 minutes at work once he got out of it. I could tell by his expression he was in pain so I got the wheelchair and pushed it over to him. He collapsed into it, thanking me.

Then he proceeded to do as much as he could, from the wheelchair, while I did his standing up work, my own work, got a delivery, and helped the repairman. He looked a lot like this:



I really admire and respect him, he's a REAL man. Not many guys would go to work and actually work in his condition. On the other hand, even he admits "it's" aged him a good 20 years. He can barely walk at all now. Before he could walk a good third of a mile. Thank God we're not back to using the commode chair. One word for that - ew. I was nice and didn't let on but ew. It's absolutely horrible to watch him suffer so.

Even our paratransit drivers are shocked. "What, back in the wheehchair?" It's been a good couple years. They watch him struggle to get into the vehicle, their expressions sad. AWFUL! I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

THANK GOD I've got my medication. I have a metallic taste in my mouth and some dizziness but I'll take it. I know I couldn't be "A big help" as Ron puts it, if I were off my pills. I'd probably be off under a bridge raving somewhere.

Today we went to work, filled 'em up, took care of our business. I need more candy bars, and tomorrow is an off day, so we'll be going to Sam's club on Thursday morning, getting our candy, and going to work to fill it. God forbid I run out of Peanut M&M's. Other than that the machines are great.

The repairman came out and fixed our down food machines. Ron filled the bottom half, I filled the top half. We make a good team.

After work we came home, put up the wheelchair, and went to Starbucks. There's a Radio Shack near our Starbucks so I offered to walk over and buy Ron a component he needed. He loved the idea.

When we got to Starbucks, more shocked and sad expressions (in the photo above, taken 9 months after the accident, Ron looks BETTER than he does now). Where have you been? Are you OK? How do you answer that "NO" while being polite? Ron says "Not so good". He tried their new oatmeal. He ate most of it and had some coffee with cream and splenda.

The no sugar added banana nut bread, his favorite, tasted "horrible". He looked about ready to cry so I reminded him "We can freeze it, like I did your birthday cake". I made tiny little birthday cakes for him - two, about 4 inches in diameter, for his birthday. I cut them up and froze them at his request. He'll eat a little bit every month or so until "it" happened. I brought home the banana nut bread, stuck it in a ziplock, and froze it too. When he feels better he can eat it.

I hate coffee. Can't abide it. I tried something new, though. I asked for some steamed heavy whipping cream with a shot of sugarfree vanilla syrup in it. It was delicious! I know it won't stall me, either. As long as I don't eat it every day.

When our ride arrived to come home I propped him up and got him out to the cab. Then we came home and took a nap.

We each have our own bedroom because he has trouble sleeping and likes to listen to TV on his headphones in bed. Noisy. Anyway, I laid down and both cats got into bed with me.

When I woke up, I had a soft white cat pressed up against my right leg, and a handsome black cat pressed against my left side, stretched out. They were so sweet I gave them some treats.

Tomorrow we go to Walmart. I need to get them more treats!

[Houston Heather]

We're about to go to Walmart. No one knows where the hurricane's headed so we need to get him some more shakes just in case it hits us. If it does, we won't have transportation for days. He needs to "eat".

Right now he's eating Gold'n Cheese crackers (we sell them at work, like cheese nip but better) and shakes. We'll see how he loses on this diet.

I'm still battling a mild depression. If I just sit for a while it gets worse so I'm trying to focus on other things.

I need to cook some food for myself, I don't have anything "ready to go". I plan to get some more sausage and eggs so I can make more "casserole". I also want to get some kind of beef (maybe the carne picada) and cook that up too with some onions. Get it all done today, over with, bam. If the hurricane hits I can eat it, if it doesn't hit I can eat it. And Ron only has to suffer through "Good food cooking" smells one day.

Uggghgh. I'm going to get through this.

Here's a secret: Whenever things suck I always remind myself that soon this will all be a horrible memory. It's just a nightmare I have to get through, but one day I'll look back and go "Things are so much better now!"

[Houston Heather]

I just read one of our local guys is predicting a 1 in three chance of Houston getting a direct hit from Ike. Yesterday, I told Ron, "Assume the hurricane is headed here, what do you need?"

I got him about 20 different shakes today, and more batteries for his MP3 player. I also got him a foam ice chest to store them in. I got myself some soda, backup meds, and food. I plan to cook it all up tomorrow, including well over 3 pounds of bacon (assuming that it's still headed here). Cooked food/bacon ought to store pretty well. I'll freeze bottles of water and use them. As they melt, I'll drink 'em. I'll empty the icemaker tonight and tomorrow, putting it in plastic bags in the freezer. If I clean out all the elderly frozen veggies, I'll have room.

The cats have plenty of food. I even put a backup can of treats in the disaster kit. Can't run out of them, and I wouldn't dare.

Ron did something incredibly sweet and romantic today. He was listening to his MP3 player while I shopped. When I told him I'd finished shopping, and I got him some fries, he started singing UB40's version of "The way you do the things you do". Loudly. At lunchtime. Directly to me.

I thought it was the most romantic thing ever. Everyone was stopping and staring at us. And he kept on singing. He's a sweetie. I'm glad he can still surprise me like that.

I never would have thought he'd do that, ever! Normally he's a very proud, private kind of guy. I guess he was just "overcome".

I'm holding steady at 185.5. I'm happy.

Tonight I'm going to cook myself some food! And store it! I get into trouble when I get hungry.

My disaster kit is full of lowish carb foods that are good for eating in a disaster. I even have a stash of paper plates, bowls, and plastic utensils.

[Snowman]

OH Heather, I sure hope you don't need the disaster kit! It is great that you are so prepared though and got stuff for yourself, Ron and the cats! I'll be praying that the storm doesn't hit you guys!

That was sooooooo sweet of Ron to sing to you in the store!! I can tell you my DH would never, ever do anything like that!! LOL That's ok, cause I wouldn't either.

I can remember when I first started coming to your journal, you weighed more than me, now your less than me!! GO HEATHER, GREAT JOB!!

Take care!

[Houston Heather]

Awww, thanks Snow.

We're going to get it, for sure. I am well inland but we are looking at 100 mph sustained winds, with higher gusts. EEK.

On the plus side, unlike the 7.1 earthquake (Loma Prieta, 1989), I have plenty of time to get ready. I discovered the batteries in one flashlight were dead, and took over an hour to find my second battery operated lantern. I've got lamps/flashlights all over the house now.

I expect to lose power. It doesn't look like we'll flood, THANK YOU JESUS. We are going to have some nailbiting high winds and rain, maybe hail? I don't know.

We are already seeing some flooding and gusty winds, about an hour away from us.

I am still battling the depression but we went to work. We had to turn off my number one snack machine - it wasn't giving proper change. I would much rather lose sales than have a bunch of angry customers. Ron needed a lot of help. I had to fill the surviving snack machines, assist Ron, and take the money out of the machines and count it. All done.

Then we went to the bank. On the freeway, I saw some people who were obviously evacuating. I got paid and even rolled Ron (in wheelchair) over to the mall.

It breaks my heart that he is back in the wheelchair again. I am very glad we have it, and I am honored to be pushing him around, but it hurts me to see him struggle.

I am so glad I am taking care of my own health. He needs me at 110% right now. Eating this way helps manage my moods, my side effects, everything's better eating this way, even if I hadn't lost 42 pounds.

Oh, my driver this morning gaped at me, looked me up and down, looked me up and down again, stared at my face, gaped. I said "42 pounds".

"I KNEW IT! You look GOOD!". She told me she loved the way I look now. Ron staggered up and told her I went from a 22W to a 12. She got us loaded (wheelchair and all), and off to work.

After I got paid, I pushed him to the mall. He tried to eat at his favorite Cajun place, but it was awful. I got a bowl of blackened chicken meat only. I'm eating it for dinner, too. Along with a large salad because I know that won't keep without power.

I chilled up a bunch of his shakes and we've got ice to keep them cold. When the power goes, we just dump 'em all in the ice chest, ice on top.

I went to Sears. Mom sent me a check to get some cute nightgowns (birthday present). I got 2 cute nightgowns, size L. I looked at them. I still have that "Attitude adjustment" - "It's too small". I was too lazy to go to the fitting room, and the store was dead, so I just took it off the hanger and put it on over my clothes. Even on top of my clothes, I had plenty of extra room. I got them.

When I got home, I tried on a nightgown that had been "too tight" about a month ago. Sure enough, it fit great.

I'm playing do all the laundry/housekeeping to keep myself from freaking out. I don't think the storm is going to be a major deal for us. But it's something I've never been through.

I'm stuck at home anyway. I might as well clean up a little. So that's what I'll be doing. Our paratransit service has said that it might operate Monday but that's it. No other rides.

Anyway, that's it for today! I ought to be able to post tomorrow but if you don't hear from me for a few days I just lost power. Frankly, I expect it.

[Snowman]

Where I live, near Pittsburgh, PA, we don't get severe weather like your expecting! We tend to get bad snow or ice storms and get snowed in or lose power. Hope the worst you get is the loss of power! STAY SAFE!!

Sounds like you and Ron had a big day today! It's nice getting new stuff! When is your birthday?

I'm sure it is tuff to watch Ron strugge. Just think if you had that extra 42 lbs. on you and had to push him!!

My tummy isn't feeling great today. I didn't really feel like eating dinner. I had an english muffin about 6:30. I "usually" don't eat them, but that is what I felt like having.

Take care and stay safe! Your in my thought's and prayer's.

[Houston Heather]

I used to love English muffins. The more butter, the better. That's actually one grain item I might try to add back after I get to goal.

I found some candy sticks (the 10 cent kind) and chocolate poptarts in the disaster kit. Goodbye! I'm eating a salad now - mixed greens, low carb ranch, shredded cheese, cooked chicken. Yum.

I cooked up the raw beef I had - I plan to freeze it and eat it as needed. I sauteed it in the skillet with some bacon grease and onions! Yum.

I have 2 chicken breasts I need to cook and freeze, then my bacon. I'm going to cook it all up in the microwave, save the grease, and yum. I have an opened package of pepperoni, I'm going to microwave it and store it.

My cheese sticks and shredded cheese will all go into a gallon ziplock, and then into the cooler with the frozen meat, cold packs, and frozen bottles of water. As the bottles thaw, I can drink icy cold water.

I'm not supposed to get overheated - which will mean a lot of fun if the power's out for a while. This way I can stay cool and hydrated. I also have 48 cans of cold diet soda, plus some bottles. They're all going to live in the cooler together.

Bubba cat is in his new spot, the computer room window right next to me. Frosty cat is under my bed in his usual spot. They've got lots of food.

I am a little concerned about 2 things - my back neighbor's oak tree. It's a big, mean looking one. If it falls towards our house we will probably $u$tain $ome DAMAGE. The owner is renting it out - I hope someone has insurance.

Another neighbor left without picking up his backyard. We share a very brittle, old wooden fence. They left a tricycle in the backyard. I'm a little worried about that. Worst case I'll go in their yard, pick it up, put it in MY garage, and give it back after the hurricane. Evil Heather says maybe it will go flying through their sliding glass door (mine is covered by burgular bars because I sleepwalk). I just yelled at their kids for going in my yard without permission so I probably won't get it.

Ron's watching Lifetime. I haven't heard from my parents, on vacation in Europe. I'd like to. But I understand. Mostly.

A very kind board member (not far from me), my aunt (about 40 miles away), and a good friend have all offered their help if we need it. I see "able" neighbors boarding up their homes. I get a little resentful that we can't. Not without paying big bucks.

But then I look at Bubba cat stretched in "his" window, looking outside, and I unwind. Either I'm a Christian or I'm not. Either I believe in God's protection, or I don't. Nothing will happen to us that God didn't permit to happen.

God has shown me that I am a far stronger, more resilient, and more loving woman than I ever guessed I could be. Everything that happens works for Good in some way. So I take a big sigh and turn it all over to Him, again!

I keep taking it "back", though.

Anyway, I'm going to finish my salad, take my pills, and keep busy. I even have a crossword puzzle book.

Oh, and my birthday is Sept 22. Hurricane Rita came in right before my birthday 3 years ago. That would have really sucked if this one had, too. I'm always looking for the positive!

[Houston Heather]

I'm going to go cook my chicken. I managed to get in a decent nap.

The sky is completely overcast but the winds and rain haven't started. Yet.

I'm debating when to lock the cat door. I don't want him outside during this and I don't want to lock him out by mistake. OMG that would be horrible.

[Snowman]

I see your light on, so you must have power! You sound so prepared.

I had a nap after work tonight!

We had a very rainy day today and it's suppose to rain all weekend here. It has been in the 70's during the day so we were able to turn the air off. Just had to turn it back on (10:15 pm) since the humidity was terrible!

I agree....lotsa butter on the english muffin!

I think your a very strong woman, Heather! I will be praying for God's protection over you, Ron and your home.

Take care!