Heather Shrinks in Houston!

[Houston Heather]

I'm down to 170! Whee-hee!

Still pretty tired from the whole gallbladder thing and dreading what might happen today, but I'm happy, I'm taking it.

Off I go to put on my makeup - see how important you are?

[skeopple]

YOU are important. Ain't it great? I only wear a little eye makeup, blush, lipstick. But can't be seen in public 'naked'.

[COLOR="Purple"]170[/COLOR]

Wow, Heather. It's so inspiring to watch you shrink. Your attitude is just awesome!

You have a nice day now, y'hear. Our windchills today and tomorrow are in th 30-40 below zero. Catch some rays for me.

[Zer]

Originally Posted by Houston Heather

I'm down to 170! Whee-hee!

Always gives me a lift to visit you here, Heather, as you let go of fat and paint your face with that miracle makeup. I too recall having makeup float off my face, back when I tried to wear makeup. I like what you report about this new stuff that stays with you no matter how hard you work. KUTGW!

[Houston Heather]

I had an AWESOME day.

Ron made a trip for Metrolift to take us to Burger King, then he'd come home alone. I can walk to the hair place, thrift store, etc. Then I'd take the bus.

I woke up, ate some breakfast, gave Frosty his num-num (Tuna and shrimp canned food), and put my face on. I went with a purple t-shirt and jeans.

No pain from the old gallbladder, so it seems to be happy now. I guess I passed the stone or it settled. I KNOW I have gallstones, I was diagnosed at 18. My HMO told me, if it wasn't an emergency, they wouldn't take it out. I get attacks - and I deal with them for now.

Anyway, a nice driver picked us up and took us to Burger King. I think the driver said something about how too many burgers would make "you" fat, a general statement. Ron told the driver I'd lost 57 pounds. "58" I corrected him. I showed him a before picture.

We got to Burger King and I got out. The same driver was taking Ron home. I called Ron a little later to thank him for the delicious burger and trip - he saved me about an hour total. He was touched and said I was welcome. He also mentioned, oh, by the way, the driver and his wife are going to do Atkins now. I told them all about how you do it and he's going to try it. While in the cab, I had mentioned how my cholesterol dropped.

Did I ever tell you "guys" about that? It used to be 240. When I'm eating clean, it's in the 140-170 range, consistently. My triglicerides and all were so great that a life insurance company gave me a 100,000 policy (on me) for $9 a month. Pretty awesome!

So, I ate the burger, it was good, no bun of course. I showed before photos to the Burger King employees, too. They all did the jaw drop thing. Very gratifying!

Then, off to the haircut place. Tiffany was there! She does an AWESOME job with my hair, she's very intiutive, a great listener, and very kind. I did a happy squeal and bounce in the chair when I put my glasses on, I looked AWESOME! Another hairdresser remarked that she'd never seen someone so delighted.

I said, that's the nice thing about my disabilities, I can take a lot of joy in very small things. I love that about me. Anyway, after a good tip, off to the thrift store.

I saw ANOTHER manic guy. He was talking nonstop, very agitated, literally could not shut up, obviously delusional, talking about how important he was (it's called grandiosity), and how he was giving advice to the federal government. I stood there in line, with an adorable crocheted tank top, filled with a mixture of empathy, pity, and disgust. As he babbled and raved, gesturing wildly and getting into everyone's personal space, the disgust won out. I was absolutely dying to to a "takedown" and foricibly medicate him with a handful of lithium tablets. I was talking to my aunt at the time on the phone, so he ignored me. As soon as I hung up, I put on my headphones quickly. He had a couple of "chums" in the back of the line. I quietly showed my medical alert bracelet to the woman ahead of me, pointing at the word "bipolar". "It takes one to know one" I murmured. She smiled ruefully. Oh, God, it was horrible.

I know we are all like that when we're manic and unmedicated. Looking at that man, I was struck. How can ANYONE love us when we're like that? After I got out of the store I called Ron and described what had happened.

"I didn't call to tell you about him, though, but to thank you for sticking with me when I was like that. I would have run screaming and you stayed for years. Thank you! I couldn't have done it." He was very flattered. I'm dead serious. I don't see how he stayed. He must really love me; I was worse than that man, I was outright MEAN to Ron.

Next stop, Beauty Supply store. The area where I shop has more of a "Black" demographic. They had a whole lot of wigs, hair weave stuff, and all. All the plastic heads staring at me made me glad I'd taken my pills. That could really screw with me if I let it. I felt somewhat guilty for my wash-and-wear hair. It seems a lot more difficult to care for ethnic hair.

I found a great bus pass holder and an awesome collection of belts. One belt, a cobalt blue with grommets, caught my eye, but I wanted to think on it for a bit. I bought the pass holder and some rose incense - that will be so awesome while I'm showering - rose incense in the bathroom. I could tell I'd been properly medicated - I didn't even go to the craft store and I walked out of the next 2 places without a single purchase.

As I was walking away from the strip mall, across the parking lot, I could hear the cobalt belt calling me "Hea-ther! Hea-ther!" I went back in and got it. I told them I could hear it calling me. The nice thing about the grommets, it will work well past goal. It'll also work well with turquoise, one of my favorite colors.

By this time, I was hungry again. I got a double burger and planned to eat it at the bus stop. But wait! There's the bus, stopped at the light. I ran and got it.

A bus seat was filled with... liquid. I avoided it. Perils of public transit. Someone told me a passenger spilled a beer? A man behind me was talking, he used to be a judge, for 14 years! He was invited to the inauguration! Wait a minute, didn't he know me? Oh, God, I thought, here we go again! Thankfully I was at my stop and literally felt like I escaped.

I went to the sporting goods store. They have cute seasonal tshirts but nothing cute for Valentines' day. I didn't think "Still Looking for Mr Right" was exactly appropriate, eh? Because I found him.

I thought about buying a little tackle box to organize my makeup, but the lady in front of me took so long with her return I just put it down and walked out. As I did, I saw the bus. Another quick bolt and I had it!

I got off and went to the grocery store. I was hoping they had Honeycrisp apples, I bought some, somewhere, and Ron loved them. I didn't find them, but I got some berries and cream. I sampled a cherry and it dropped my blood sugar. ACK. I went to the deli. All they had was fried chicken. I don't like fried chicken, even when I'm not lowcarbing. I did find a smoked turkey leg.

I paid up and left, gnawing contentedly on my turkey leg. I kept checking the main drag to make sure I didn't miss the bus. I got to the stop, had a few more bites, and AHA! There it is! I felt kind of mean getting on with my delicious turkey aroma. Poor driver.

As I walked home from the bus stop, a couple of neighborhood dogs barked very aggressively. I believe, if I spoke dog, they were asking for some turkey. I didn't share.

Another pair of pants failed (passed?) the pull-down test. I have gone down one size in the sporting goods slacks, but not in my other brands. I still have a pair of pink jeans, a pair of "easy-care" flat front slacks, and a pair of black jeans. That's plenty for me.

I was down 1/4 inch on my waist this morning, very exciting. Funny thing, last night, while feeling sorry for myself, I ate a bowl of no sugar added ice cream. Say wha? I won't be eating it again but it's nice to know it sure didn't hurt!

Off I go to take a little nap.

[skeopple]

You sure do get a lot done in one day! What time do you get up?

I don't have much time right now but wanted to stop and see what you are up to. You've inspired me to knit again. Yesterday, I made a neck scarf (purple) for a friends daughter who is turning 5 years old. Tonight I'm going to start a couple of premie hats for our DD's BFF who had a 3# little girl by c-section this week.

BBL

[Lil Donna]

Hi Heather!

I was told I could find you here. I was wondering what happened to you on the PG. I don't go in there consistently but I always have read your posts and updates about Ron.

Hope you both are doing well.

Donna

[Houston Heather]

Hi Donna! I asked the mods to turn off PG for me.

Yay Sharon! I have been lazy, no needlework recently. I got up at about 8. We got to Burger King around 10. I got home around 3. I took 3 buses total but it really worked well for me, very little waiting.

Of course it was a nice day. If the weather had been lousy it would have been a half an hour waiting each!

Tomorrow we get up around 6, and Friday is a fun delivery day! Up at 2 AM! But, we'll be home by 9 or so, maybe later if we get a bite to eat.

That's pretty awesome. The neighbors have been quiet, too.

[Midnight Blue]

Just wanted to stop in and say hi!

I got wind you were hanging over here these days -- great journaling. You seem so busy with everything, I don't know how you find the time to do it!

[Houston Heather]

Howdy!

Well, the secret is...

Y'all are a priority.

Don't tell.

[Midnight Blue]

The secret is safe with me!

So glad to know you and Ron are doing okay and that some of Ron's taste for food is returning. Wonderful!

[Cryssi]

Heather! I wanted to drop in and say hi!

Miss you tons!

[Zer]

Originally Posted by Houston Heather

I asked the mods to turn off PG for me.

Might do the same myself, if I cannot stop wasting time there. Got some bruises and... well, it's just not a safe place for an Aspie to hang out. We tend to be too earnest, a little too easily bruised - like peaches! I'm peachy!

What a schedule you keep! No wonder you are dropping pounds so fast!

[Houston Heather]

Well, we brain damaged people gotta look out for each other. You're one of my favorite, people, Zer. I really admire you.

Got up at 6. Went to work, way busy. I did fun things like dump coffee grounds and take out 16 cubic feet rolling dumpsters. I also put away 24 cases of soda. I got pretty sweaty, but good old miracle makeup stuck around.

One of the Postal Workers mentioned the blood pressure machine to Ron. Ron wanted to try it. But he decided he wanted me to try it first, see if it worked, and then he'd try.

I tried it. 95/60, pulse 65. Pretty low! No wonder I felt a little goofy, and that was after a LOT of caffeinated soda. I helped Ron take off his coat and push up the sleeve of his sweatshirt, only to have it say "out of range" for him. I am guessing his was low, too. A couple of postal workers came by and gaped at my numbers as I told Ron "It's the antidepressant".

I'm glad I am so open about my illness and brain damage. It is far easier for me to just be open and honest about it than to have a bunch of secrets. Besides, I truly believe there is nothing shameful in admitting I have "mental illness" and an oddly wired brain. I didn't do it to myself. It's biological. I refuse to feel ashamed of it. I take an antidepressant, mood stabilizers, and an antipsychotic for bipolar disorder. So what? Ron takes an anti-seizure medicine for nerve pain. No difference.

The only shameful thing, in my book, would be to refuse medication. I know my medication causes the low blood pressure, but it's a lot better than being sick. I can handle low blood pressure. So can everyone else. Me delusional and raving with a mixed episode is hell for everyone.

About this time I got hungry. I got out Mr Turkey Leg and heated it up. An acquaintence walked by as I killed the poor turkey all over again, commenting that if I weren't a girl, he'd mug me for the turkey. I told him "I bite, and I haven't had my shots". I love my Postal Workers!

I had to do candy bars today, and cookies. That can be so hard for a former sugar addict like me, but I was full of turkey and green beans so I did it cheerfully.

I also placed an order for more supplies. $711 worth, to be delivered tomorrow at the crack of dawn. Ron already called in out trips. We have to get up at 2-something AM to get the order. We also receive more sandwiches.

After work, we go to Walmart and get more pills for me (lithium and lexapro). I love my pharmacy. I call them, give them my info and ask for the medication. I get there and it's ready with a smile. Ron said they're not going to screw up a medication order for "crazy". He then quoted Pink Floyd at me "Got to keep those loonies on the path". I was laughing my head off.

The other client on the van - we were going home - smiled at me. I came home, naptime.

But first Ron forgot to close the bag of treats. He gave Frosty his treats and left the bag open. Frosty, when I came in a minute later, had his head in the ziplock, gobbling one treat after the other. He was so funny I hated to tell Ron, but I did. Ron's like, what? He reached over and saw Frosty gobbling, scolded him, and put the treats away.

I believe the cat would follow that bag of treats into a burning building.

[Cryssi]

@ Frosty. I had a cat that would do that with Ruffles potato chips. When he was really little we couldn't find him one day. Searched every.where. Finally found him sound asleep IN the open Ruffles bag on the table.

[Zer]

Frosty gobbling those treats reminds me of myself snarfling carbs in a crinkly bag, almost stuffing my head inside to get that last crumb of carbalicious toxic stuff. Not too far distant for me to relate to Frosty, head stuck inside the bag!

Chiro just left me at 3pm... and I'm off to report on that at my "home thread" - Deb's 300+ Support thread. Almost stuck it here, in your journal. Caught myself just in time!

[Houston Heather]

Your posts are ALWAYS welcome!

I forgot to mention a couple of little things. I wore my new belt today, belted around a black top at my waist, with black jeans. I got one compliment after another on my weight loss! It was great!

I've also noticed my face is getting leaner. I'm trying to get used to it. I keep doing double takes when I look in the mirror.

I've got to go check on our trips for tomorrow.

Your Scheduled Time is: 4:00a
We currently estimate your actual pickup time at: 4:00a
Requested Time: 4:00a
Start Window: 3:45a - End Window: 4:15a

Meaning, the driver could be here anywhere from 3:30 to 4:30. Time to go to bed.

[Cryssi]

What kinds of things are you eating Heather? I have been busting my butt for TWO WEEKS and have lost .8 (yes 8 tenths) of a pound.

I can't figure out what the heck I am doing wrong.

[Houston Heather]

Mainly meat, a few ounces of cheese - between 4-8 ounces, 2 cups of salad, and when I'm "good" a cup of cooked veggies with that. Every couple of days I have 6 ounces of heavy whipping cream with 1/2 of berries, and 2 slimfast low carbs. About 1/4 cup of salad dressing, I like to drown it, and a couple of hard boiled eggs. Oh, yeah, about a cup of unsweetened soymilk every day too - I use the 4 grams per cup stuff (Silk in the green carton). I'm trying to add more veggie carbs, I have a bad tendency to eat them all at night before bed.

I had someone at work tighten up my medic-alert bracelet. It kept sliding down across my palm, very annoying. The other vendor's wife, and some other people, made nice comments about the weight loss. I think part of it's that I'm actually dressing to flatter my figure instead of wearing 2x Men's tshirts.

Got up, way, way early. It's so surreal when I've been at work for hours, look out a window, and it's still dark out. UGH.

Got my order early, they actually got it right. Put it all into the machines. All of it, stuffed to the brim. A lot of helping Ron, getting deliveries, etc.

I checked my blood pressure twice and it was about 110/70, my norm. I guess yesterday was just an odd day.

Really hungry today, I keep eating and eating. I'm going to go whack some cream cheese before my nap.

Ron had considered buying a blood glucose meter but changed his mind. However, I bought one. It was only $12 (they don't have the strips in stock yet) seems easy to use, and only needs a teeny weeny drop of blood. I told Ron I'd practice on myself first and master it, then we could do him on occasion. He doesn't want to get on some "Medicare diabetic" list, and I don't blame him. That's why I paid cash.

I can't find the strips online, so I'll have to wait. My blood sugar can run pretty unstable with my medication so it would be nice to be able to monitor it. Ron's got some wierd phobia that buying a meter will make him sick.

Not buying a meter will do that.

I'm so tired I can't see straight, more later.

[Houston Heather]

I only slept about an hour, and I woke up FREEZING. I checked my temperature, fine, put on some wool socks and my bathrobe, and brewed up a pot of decaf coffee. Hopefully that does it.

[Snowman]

How "freezing" was it Heather??!! It's about 1 (one) degree here right now....now thats freezing!!!!

I thought of you yesterday when I went to Wendy's as I sat there eating my bunless burger! YOU really inspire me more than you know!!

LOVE your new avitar!!

I'm back to the gym and back to LC eating (finally)!

There is no shame in who you are, you are one smart lady, I can see that!!!

Stay warm!

[Houston Heather]

It was upper 40's.

Hey, picture time! Here's Ron mowing the yard about 2 years ago.



That's Ron lighting firecrackers 4th of July.


Let's see if THIS works. Click here for a link to a slideshow.

Let me know if it doesn't work.

I had a lot of fun putting it together. It's all pretty self-explanatory, photos of us over the years, my half marathon photos, some of Ron after the accident. It didn't work but it does NOW.

[Zer]

Heather, what a cutie you are! I bet R glows when he hears a compliment on your figure or weight loss. That new belt is a great way to show off a waistline that is no doubt evident when R hugs you, but I'm sure he is proud of you when anyone compliments you. Men take a LOT of pride in having a trophy wife! And you are clearly turning into quite a fox as you buy clothes that display your new figure. Hiding in voluminous garments is something I think I shall have to face when I lose more weight. I'm so used to wearing HUGE floats and shirts and all that I am not sure I shall be able to wear formfitting snug shirts or a cute belt (when and if a waistline shows up).

[Houston Heather]

Aw, you'll be a HOTTIE Zer. I'll have to go to the Juniors store and buy you some goodies, send you a box.

My mom used to do that - I had older cousins and sisters. As they grew, I'd get a big box of hand-me-downs periodically in front of my bedroom door. I'd have a fashion show. My birth mother also liked to send me fun clothes on occasion.

When you get down to a 24, I'll send you a box, OK? You can have a fashion show and decide what you want to keep, and donate the rest. I love to spoil people.

I took a spiritual gifts inventory once and I came up very high in "Nurturing". Ron just called me and I helped him out for a little bit. Case in point.

I got up around 6 today. Took a shower, too lazy for makeup. As I was drying off, I heard a horrible noise, kind of like an air raid siren. I looked in the bedroom, Frosty was up against the sliding glass door using some horribly profane cat language. I figured we had an "intruder" but I didn't see 'em until I let Frosty out.

It was Fluffy, a gray and white longhaired cat that lives a block or two over. Bubba likes Fluffy but Frosty hates her. They took off through the hole in the fence and I heard cat fight noises. Frosty was very jumpy and subdued when when we came home so I'm pretty sure he got his butt kicked.

Off to work, with a driver who gaped as she saw me. "You cut your hair!" Immediately I knew she hadn't seen my body. I opened up my long, puffy coat "AND I lost 60 pounds!" She almost fell over.

She wanted to know "How I do it". I told her. Then she tried to tell me that "Everything is OK in moderation, the way you're eating is too extreme". I wanted to say, I've lost 60 pounds and you're not happy with your weight. I don't think that rice pot is doing you any favors. She kept going on about Asian people are thin, and they eat lots of rice. I told her, all they eat is fish, rice, and vegetables. They eat very little fat, that's why they're thin.

Basically, it ended up that she wants to lose weight like I did, without losing weight like I did. People always seem to have that one food they refuse to give up. If you try to suggest it, they get extremely defensive and downright angry.

I don't teach the unwilling, so I let it drop. We rode around for over and hour with a very large lady. She has one leg - lost the other to diabetes, and is in an electric wheelchair rated for 700 pounds. It said so on the back. Her husband is in the hospital, he just had a stroke. She clutched a clear plastic sandwich bag, holding a white-bread sandwich. It had very little meat.

She kept going on about her husband in the hospital and how she was "having" to get into all these confrontations with the nurses. In my opinion, if you go into a situation with a confrontational attitude they won't like you and they won't like your loved one. Your loved one will not get good care as a result.

I always stay with Ron, for one. I am always courteous to the nurses and let them know I'll be happy to do whatever I can to make their jobs easier. Do they need me to keep track of his fluid intake? Stuff like that. I bring them candy and offer to pick up something in the cafeteria. Ron is an excellent patient, his only flaw is that he has a real reluctance to ask for pain medicine. Ron always has excellent hospitalizations as a result of our collective "Good attitude".

I feel, personally, if you go into a situation with a bad attitude that's what you'll get...bad attitudes. I read some Dale Carnagie years ago and How to Win Friends and Influence People is my Bible of interpersonal relations. You can always find something to appreciate in someone. Let them know you appreciate them! Do it with a kind, sincere attitude and it will take you far.

When I'm gone during the first break at work, people ask after me. I find that very flattering. I remember details and I'm always happy to look at pictures of someone's little dog - whom I've remembered by name.

A little voice in my head says I'm bragging on myself. No, I'm explaining my attitude.

Anyway, we had less than an hour at work. I filled up some soda machines, feeling like a woman who sells herself for money. I know all that corn syrup laden crap is poisoning my postal workers and destroying their health, but they would have a fit if I didn't sell it.

They are adults and they know it's bad for them, I tell myself. No way could I sell this crap to children, though. Ugh. I don't know how those people can sleep at night.

Anyway, Ron was delighted at my assistance and filled 'em up to the last minute. Frighteningly enough, not only was our ride on time, he found us quickly, and we had a straight trip home! Hell has frozen over.

I have decided to cut out aspartame, one day at a time. It is not helping me. It drops my blood sugar. I'm not cutting it out for life, I'm stopping it for today. Tomorrow, I'll do it for tomorrow, and the day after that.

I don't need it. Off I go to dig up some lunch.

[*Pear*]

Originally Posted by Houston Heather

Mainly meat, a few ounces of cheese - between 4-8 ounces, 2 cups of salad, and when I'm "good" a cup of cooked veggies with that. Every couple of days I have 6 ounces of heavy whipping cream with 1/2 of berries, and 2 slimfast low carbs. About 1/4 cup of salad dressing, I like to drown it, and a couple of hard boiled eggs. Oh, yeah, about a cup of unsweetened soymilk every day too - I use the 4 grams per cup stuff (Silk in the green carton). I'm trying to add more veggie carbs, I have a bad tendency to eat them all at night before bed.

I'm so glad you posted that because I've been hopelessly stalled and needed a reminder what I should and shouldn't eat.

You are such an inspiration. I can't believe how you just keep losing and losing, like the energizer rabbit.

[Houston Heather]

And here comes another nurturer!

It's good to see you, Pear.

I think the secret is that I'm VERY strict with my diet.

No wheat, corn, rice, milk, or sugar in any form whatsoever. I only plan to eat rice when I do a blood sugar test (I have to eat 70 grams of fast carbohydrate).

I'd love to be able to eat english muffins and cornbread, but I accept that for me, they are out of the diet completely. I don't miss them when I'm eating a big salad, a cube steak, and some bacon. Yum, yum.

Ron's having a psoriasis outbreak on a leg. I got him some aloe gel, that seems to help.

[Zer]

Originally Posted by Houston Heather

Ron's having a psoriasis outbreak on a leg. I got him some aloe gel, that seems to help.

Love aloe. Don't overlook the healing properties of VCOil. I've got a small jar of VCOil with tea tree oil added, for a topical remedy. I just tip some tea tree oil in, mix, dab!

Hope R shakes this stuff fast!

[Houston Heather]

You should have seen him after the accident, Zer. He had a psoriasis outbreak under the cervical collar, and when they took it off he was all flakes from his head to his chest.

I'm going to get him some Milk Thistle, that always helps. I just read that sunlight therapy - easy, put him in his shorts, outside, on a sunny day for a bit, and some Apple Cider Vinegar on a cotton ball, applied to the skin (I have that!) is very beneficial too.

A study showed that the aloe was helpful in 25 out of 30 sufferers, and I think Ron would enjoy participating in his treatment with a sunbath.

It was upper 60's today, so it's doable. No wonder I see so many out of state plates!

[Houston Heather]

Bubba and I had a DELICIOUS dinner of cube steak.

After cooking, I cut it into bite sizes and allocated a couple of ounces for him. I salted my portion.

While he worked on "His" steak (he showed up while I was sitting down, he loves cube steak and I always share), I ate my salad. Ron didn't eat the whole bag of hard boiled eggs so I'm cutting up 2 and putting them in my daily salad (about 2 cups of greens, 1/3 cup shredded cheddar, and 2 cut up eggs). I don't mind salad like that.

I ate some broccoli and cauliflower for lunch, so I got my veggies. A cup of soymilk with dinner, I'm full and happy.

I'm making some decaf coffee for "dessert".

[Zer]

Frosty is not a steak-loving kitty? Probably too full of snacks, hand fed by R, eh?

[lisabinil]

Just chiming in with a tip on psoriasis. My hubby gets this on his scalp very occasionally. Chunks of skin & hair flake off. Upping his omega 3's helps this. Omega 3's are good for inflammation in the body. So he fusses & cusses when he sees me coming with the CLO bottle but he knows it helps. You can Google the effects of omega 3's on psoriasis.