working out for Disney

[Sans Souci]

Hello-

I have been lifting weights with YouTube videos and NOT walking because there is still so much snow everywhere and it's been bitterly cold. It's been so cold that the pipes that go to my bathroom froze, even though I had the tap dribbling out a thin stream of water. We had an issue with a thermostat in the garage, where the pipes are. The app said 50 F, where we keep it in the winter to prevent the pipes from freezing, but the thermostat in the garage said 30. Then the thermostat in our room was going up to 80 F in the middle of the night. So, we had to get the HVAC guy out to fix our thermostat or whatever. However, the pipes did not burst and I am so relieved about that. Phew.

I had my ENT appointment and he told me I needed a tooth extraction bc the root tip of a molar was poking into my sinus and I need a septoplasty to fix my deviated septum and a turbinate reduction. He said I could go in either order. So, I am having sinus surgery at the end of the month and once I get the go ahead from him, get the tooth pulled. I am just getting a bone graft where my molar was, instead of an implant. It's my first molar, so nobody is going to see it. But it leaves an option open if I change my mind about getting an implant and I don't have to worry about my jaw shifting from bone absorption. I have a dental implant in my lower jaw. The whole process is an ordeal plus it's expensive. Maybe next year I will consider it. My focus is my sinus right now. I just want to get the gnarly part out of the way first. I figure this is a good time to have surgery, since the weather is garbage. I am not worried about the surgery, it's the recovery. lol

My FSA renewed on January 1st and I depleted it in January, too. lol. I am ready to move on from this sinus nonsense.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

For me, I found that I need to track my food every day to keep the weight off. In the past, I'd done WW, so many times and stopped when I hit goal. But I really need to hold myself accountable through tracking and weekly weigh ins.

I'm a bit confused. Are you walking a marathon this Saturday? If so, good luck.

That's similar to issues I've had in the past. I do well when I track and everything falls apart when I stop, especially when I stop weighing and measuring portions.

Thanks! The races are next month. I'm doing a 5k on the 8th, a half marathon on the 14th and then another half marathon on the 15th. The back-to-back races are part of a challenge. It's kind of like how Disney does their challenges where you get an extra medal by completing a multi-race challenge. So, I should come out of that weekend with three medals. The 5k we're doing is unrelated.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Hello-

I have been lifting weights with YouTube videos and NOT walking because there is still so much snow everywhere and it's been bitterly cold. It's been so cold that the pipes that go to my bathroom froze, even though I had the tap dribbling out a thin stream of water. We had an issue with a thermostat in the garage, where the pipes are. The app said 50 F, where we keep it in the winter to prevent the pipes from freezing, but the thermostat in the garage said 30. Then the thermostat in our room was going up to 80 F in the middle of the night. So, we had to get the HVAC guy out to fix our thermostat or whatever. However, the pipes did not burst and I am so relieved about that. Phew.

I had my ENT appointment and he told me I needed a tooth extraction bc the root tip of a molar was poking into my sinus and I need a septoplasty to fix my deviated septum and a turbinate reduction. He said I could go in either order. So, I am having sinus surgery at the end of the month and once I get the go ahead from him, get the tooth pulled. I am just getting a bone graft where my molar was, instead of an implant. It's my first molar, so nobody is going to see it. But it leaves an option open if I change my mind about getting an implant and I don't have to worry about my jaw shifting from bone absorption. I have a dental implant in my lower jaw. The whole process is an ordeal plus it's expensive. Maybe next year I will consider it. My focus is my sinus right now. I just want to get the gnarly part out of the way first. I figure this is a good time to have surgery, since the weather is garbage. I am not worried about the surgery, it's the recovery. lol

My FSA renewed on January 1st and I depleted it in January, too. lol. I am ready to move on from this sinus nonsense.

Glad your pipes did not burst but still no fun having to fix the thermostat. Still, that 'should' be a cheaper fix than what can happen with ruptured pipes.

I'm sorry the ENT is recommending all of this surgical work. I hope it provides relief but man, I feel your pain with medical expenses. The cost of care, especially testing and surgical procedures has become astronomical. David depleted most of my balance for a trip to the allergist. My employer contribution hit my HSA last month. I'm waiting on my annual next month just in case something unexpected comes up before I earmark some of it for my dietician plans. Good luck with surgery. Like you said, this is probably a good time of year for it. I have several friends who have had deviated septums repaired. Not saying it was fun for them, but the recovery didn't sound too awful.

 

[Songbird76]

I think I've mentioned it before, but it was a pretty shallow and superficial lifestyle. I had a lot of fun, but this notion they're selling of lifelong friendships doesn't really happen for most of the girls. Yes, I have sisters who still get together a few times a year and that's great, but most of us don't connect beyond social media. Not everyone in my house partied all the time or was a fashionista. We actually had a couple of girls who were on financial aid and used some of their work/study pay to fund being in Greek life. Still, most of the girls came from fairly wealthy families. There were always rumors that some houses had access to resources to get your parents' net worth so they could weed out anyone that wasn't ultra-elite wealthy. College, and even high school for that matter, sort of clouded my understanding of my family's socioeconomic status. I don't expect anyone to pity the poor little privileged girl, but when your friends have multiple vehicles for seasons and situations, multiple vacation homes that dwarf your family's summer house, boats that made my dad's look like a toy, designer clothes that cost thousands per garment vs. hundreds, etc. it makes you feel like the poor kid. Yes, I now know that it is not the case, but I still remember this one girl back in grade school belittling me because my mom "only" drove a Buick. My dad was OK because he had an upper end BMW as his regular vehicle as well as a full sized Bronco in case he needed to tow the boat. Yet, I recall this girl saying, "Couldn't she at least get something more respectable like an entry level Volvo or Peugeot?"

I do recall that song. I think we did that when I was a freshman in HS.



K is pre-med but she's shifted her career focus a bit after shadowing her allergist this past summer. His take on things was pretty enlightening and caused her to see a lot of issues with going the med school route.

That's interesting that they already have them doing thesis projects. In the US, you don't normally see that until grad school and it's often a singular thesis for the degree. It sounds like an interesting top though.

I would agree that having a minor can be beneficial. I know nothing of the field of interest but if she thinks it can help her, maybe one not so fun course could be worth it in the long run. I'm sure it's a lot but again, maybe it could be a good thing.

Yeah, I was the actual poor girl. My parents divorced when I was 6, and my mom started her own cleaning business, but we lived below the poverty level. Mom was REALLY good with budgeting and we had very good friends who gave me hand-me-downs to wear, and we had generous relatives who sent nice gifts for Christmas. We managed. But I've eaten expired mac and cheese with little bugs in it because that's what we had. I've eaten soy burgers for weeks straight because mom got a good deal on them and that's what we had. I had to buy my own clothes once I turned 13, from money I got for my birthday and Christmas, and I bought my own cheerleading outfit and my own prom dress senior year....junior year, my prom dress was my birthday present, and it was from a 2nd hand shop. When I was in 6th grade, this girl in my class told me she'd never be caught dead wearing my jeans....they weren't even Gitano!! I definitely wouldn't have fit in with the "rich" girls in a sorority.

Wow....pre-med! That's intense! Is she thinking she wants to change majors then?

Yeah, I thought it was interesting that they do a thesis for a bachelors here, too, and the bachelor degree is only 3 years. They take 2 years of courses for their major, and then the 3rd year is the thesis and your minor, or other classes if you choose not to do a minor. But they don't take any general classes at all. It's all strictly geared toward the major. So E has ONLY had Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and math courses. And I guess there was one course about how to do presentations or something in her first semester. She was so glad to be done with that class.

I think if it was just one class in ecology, she'd love to do that as a minor, but it sounds like several ecology courses, and she hates ecology. But I don't think she's made up her mind entirely yet.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

There is no way I would have been accepted even if I had rushed. I was too poor, too and I was honestly such a misfit. I didn't dress like the sorority girls. I was wearing things like Doc Martens boots, black, crushed velvet baby doll dresses and I put red manic panic in my hair. lol I am too much of an introvert for Greek life. I could never do all the social stuff expected of you. I need a lot of time away from people. I found my weird, little tribe, anyway,

What's funny is that I had some sorority sisters that fit this visual. Although, they favored green and blue with the Manic Panic. They were major extroverts though. As long as you find your tribe, that's all that matters.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Yeah, I was the actual poor girl. My parents divorced when I was 6, and my mom started her own cleaning business, but we lived below the poverty level. Mom was REALLY good with budgeting and we had very good friends who gave me hand-me-downs to wear, and we had generous relatives who sent nice gifts for Christmas. We managed. But I've eaten expired mac and cheese with little bugs in it because that's what we had. I've eaten soy burgers for weeks straight because mom got a good deal on them and that's what we had. I had to buy my own clothes once I turned 13, from money I got for my birthday and Christmas, and I bought my own cheerleading outfit and my own prom dress senior year....junior year, my prom dress was my birthday present, and it was from a 2nd hand shop. When I was in 6th grade, this girl in my class told me she'd never be caught dead wearing my jeans....they weren't even Gitano!! I definitely wouldn't have fit in with the "rich" girls in a sorority.

Wow....pre-med! That's intense! Is she thinking she wants to change majors then?

Yeah, I thought it was interesting that they do a thesis for a bachelors here, too, and the bachelor degree is only 3 years. They take 2 years of courses for their major, and then the 3rd year is the thesis and your minor, or other classes if you choose not to do a minor. But they don't take any general classes at all. It's all strictly geared toward the major. So E has ONLY had Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and math courses. And I guess there was one course about how to do presentations or something in her first semester. She was so glad to be done with that class.

I think if it was just one class in ecology, she'd love to do that as a minor, but it sounds like several ecology courses, and she hates ecology. But I don't think she's made up her mind entirely yet.

Let me preface this by saying that this is not a statement seeking pity. I have learned over time that I was extremely privileged. I just was the "poor" one among a sea of really really wealthy girls. The reality of our situation was a little bit better in my hometown but everyone still liked to draw attention to who had what. College was just such an extreme example.

She still needs to stay pre-med with the modified career path she's considering. It's just that she is no longer looking to full on med school.

Well, you have noted that their college programs over there seem to be more advanced and rigorous than many over here. So, it would make sense I guess to see all of that for her at this stage. I guess if she's got time, she can think about ecology and the pros and cons of toughing it out.

 

[Sans Souci]

Hello-

Checking in with a kettlebell workout. I haven't been walking as much bc there is still so much snow. I did walk on other days over the weekend, but there were lots of tall "snow" mounds (it's more like Snow Cone ice at this point) I had to trudge/climb through. It kind of ruins the walk lol. I keep hoping for a day of rain to melt all of this. It's been here forever. It's dirty, crunchy snow that's overstayed its welcome. lol

I am thinking of cancelling my sinus surgery. I had my pre-op appointment on Monday and I had to sign papers. One of the potential, but allegedly rare outcomes from turbinate reduction is Empty Nose Syndrome. The paperwork made it sound like it was just weird sensation when breathing. I googled it and it's life-altering. People feel like they can't breathe even though everything is clear and people say they can't sleep because they feel like they are suffocating when they lie down to sleep. They can't carry out their daily activities of life anymore. People become anxious, depressed and experience suicidal ideation. Then bc I looked this up, I started getting You Tube videos recommended to me about people who got this from turbinate reductions. It sounds like maybe their ENTs took too much from the turbinates and they think that's what causes it. OMG, the comments--"Every day is torture." "My life is forever changed." It's supposedly a rare complication and I am trying to remember that. I am seeing people who have had poor outcomes--not all the people who have successful surgeries. I don't know. I need to think about it. My husband said I can't be on antibiotics every other month for the rest of my life and this will probably be a good thing overall. Maybe I will stop waking up at night with sinus pressure and have to sit up for a while to let gravity do its thing.

We went for afternoon tea for Valentine's Day. I had dinner reservations at a restaurant, but I didn't feel like going. There is a small tea room in a strip mall, just down the street from me. I've passed it by so many times. It was so cute inside. There were even some heart-shaped macarons for dessert. It was very reasonably priced, too. The one I go to in Phoenix is priced like a steak dinner, but it's a different experience. There is live music and it's in a resort with endless glasses of champagne. lol This one I went to had none of that, but I would really like to go back. They also serve sandwiches, salads, appetizers, so you could go in for that and not afternoon tea.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Hello-

Checking in with a kettlebell workout. I haven't been walking as much bc there is still so much snow. I did walk on other days over the weekend, but there were lots of tall "snow" mounds (it's more like Snow Cone ice at this point) I had to trudge/climb through. It kind of ruins the walk lol. I keep hoping for a day of rain to melt all of this. It's been here forever. It's dirty, crunchy snow that's overstayed its welcome. lol

I am thinking of cancelling my sinus surgery. I had my pre-op appointment on Monday and I had to sign papers. One of the potential, but allegedly rare outcomes from turbinate reduction is Empty Nose Syndrome. The paperwork made it sound like it was just weird sensation when breathing. I googled it and it's life-altering. People feel like they can't breathe even though everything is clear and people say they can't sleep because they feel like they are suffocating when they lie down to sleep. They can't carry out their daily activities of life anymore. People become anxious, depressed and experience suicidal ideation. Then bc I looked this up, I started getting You Tube videos recommended to me about people who got this from turbinate reductions. It sounds like maybe their ENTs took too much from the turbinates and they think that's what causes it. OMG, the comments--"Every day is torture." "My life is forever changed." It's supposedly a rare complication and I am trying to remember that. I am seeing people who have had poor outcomes--not all the people who have successful surgeries. I don't know. I need to think about it. My husband said I can't be on antibiotics every other month for the rest of my life and this will probably be a good thing overall. Maybe I will stop waking up at night with sinus pressure and have to sit up for a while to let gravity do its thing.

We went for afternoon tea for Valentine's Day. I had dinner reservations at a restaurant, but I didn't feel like going. There is a small tea room in a strip mall, just down the street from me. I've passed it by so many times. It was so cute inside. There were even some heart-shaped macarons for dessert. It was very reasonably priced, too. The one I go to in Phoenix is priced like a steak dinner, but it's a different experience. There is live music and it's in a resort with endless glasses of champagne. lol This one I went to had none of that, but I would really like to go back. They also serve sandwiches, salads, appetizers, so you could go in for that and not afternoon tea.

The like is for the Valentine's fun. That is a tough call about the surgery. Complications can happen but probably more people have had the surgery successfully. Would it help to talk to your doctor about your worries? They can't guarantee that there won't be complications but maybe they could share their success rate or something. Best wishes for whatever you decide.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Hello-

Checking in with a kettlebell workout. I haven't been walking as much bc there is still so much snow. I did walk on other days over the weekend, but there were lots of tall "snow" mounds (it's more like Snow Cone ice at this point) I had to trudge/climb through. It kind of ruins the walk lol. I keep hoping for a day of rain to melt all of this. It's been here forever. It's dirty, crunchy snow that's overstayed its welcome. lol

I am thinking of cancelling my sinus surgery. I had my pre-op appointment on Monday and I had to sign papers. One of the potential, but allegedly rare outcomes from turbinate reduction is Empty Nose Syndrome. The paperwork made it sound like it was just weird sensation when breathing. I googled it and it's life-altering. People feel like they can't breathe even though everything is clear and people say they can't sleep because they feel like they are suffocating when they lie down to sleep. They can't carry out their daily activities of life anymore. People become anxious, depressed and experience suicidal ideation. Then bc I looked this up, I started getting You Tube videos recommended to me about people who got this from turbinate reductions. It sounds like maybe their ENTs took too much from the turbinates and they think that's what causes it. OMG, the comments--"Every day is torture." "My life is forever changed." It's supposedly a rare complication and I am trying to remember that. I am seeing people who have had poor outcomes--not all the people who have successful surgeries. I don't know. I need to think about it. My husband said I can't be on antibiotics every other month for the rest of my life and this will probably be a good thing overall. Maybe I will stop waking up at night with sinus pressure and have to sit up for a while to let gravity do its thing.

We went for afternoon tea for Valentine's Day. I had dinner reservations at a restaurant, but I didn't feel like going. There is a small tea room in a strip mall, just down the street from me. I've passed it by so many times. It was so cute inside. There were even some heart-shaped macarons for dessert. It was very reasonably priced, too. The one I go to in Phoenix is priced like a steak dinner, but it's a different experience. There is live music and it's in a resort with endless glasses of champagne. lol This one I went to had none of that, but I would really like to go back. They also serve sandwiches, salads, appetizers, so you could go in for that and not afternoon tea.

Agreed that the Valentine's tea sounds fun and like a really nice experience.

Also agreed that it's a tough call on the surgery. I can see both angles. While a complete apples to oranges comparison, there is a part of that wishes I skipped the sentinel lymph node biopsy with my cancer surgery. It wasn't required, and while it confirmed some things and provided peace of mind, I went into it knowing that I would come out with a slight risk of permanent lymphedema. My case is mild, but I still hate that I'll have this for the rest of my life. Still, like your husband noted, going on antibiotics all the time is also no way to live. It makes me wonder if there are any common themes/characteristics among those impacted by Empty Nose Syndrome. I know my weight at the time and family history with circulation issues made me a higher risk for mine.

 

[Sans Souci]

The like is for the Valentine's fun. That is a tough call about the surgery. Complications can happen but probably more people have had the surgery successfully. Would it help to talk to your doctor about your worries? They can't guarantee that there won't be complications but maybe they could share their success rate or something. Best wishes for whatever you decide.

I stopped watching videos with people who had this outcome. It's been raining since yesterday and my whole face is in pain bc of it. I'm going through with it. I've been self-managing it for so long, thinking this was just how I am. This is a solution for it and I am going to take it.

 

[Sans Souci]

Agreed that the Valentine's tea sounds fun and like a really nice experience.

Also agreed that it's a tough call on the surgery. I can see both angles. While a complete apples to oranges comparison, there is a part of that wishes I skipped the sentinel lymph node biopsy with my cancer surgery. It wasn't required, and while it confirmed some things and provided peace of mind, I went into it knowing that I would come out with a slight risk of permanent lymphedema. My case is mild, but I still hate that I'll have this for the rest of my life. Still, like your husband noted, going on antibiotics all the time is also no way to live. It makes me wonder if there are any common themes/characteristics among those impacted by Empty Nose Syndrome. I know my weight at the time and family history with circulation issues made me a higher risk for mine.

I would have gone for the node biopsy. too. I am someone who needs that certainty to stop ruminating on it.

What is bothering me about the empty nose thing is it's supposed to happen to less that 1% of people who get turbinate reduction. But I am also reading 14-20 out of every 100 patients That's not rare at all. There is no centralized reporting and they are only speculating on what causes it. They think it's removing too much of your turbinates. They have mucosa and they think maybe removing too much of the mucosa layer removes receptors that tells your brain air is being inhaled. They think the method used might matter too, I am hoping that I come out ok. I'd feel better if the incidence was less than 1%, but 20% gives me pause and makes me wonder if this procedure will fall out of fashion, like how we don't put people in insulin comas anymore to treat mental illness.

 

[Sans Souci]

Happy Friday!

Checking in with a CrossFit-style workout. I think it was pretty tame for a CrossFit workout, but it was good. I am hoping to get out for a walk. It's been raining and about 85% of the snow is gone. But there is another snow storm just around the corner. BooOOoooo. lol

I've been watching videos of ppl who have had the septopasty and turbinate reductions just to get an idea of recovery. People recover at different rates. Some people were like normal after a few days, others a little longer. But I got some take aways from these videos. I am stocking up on gatorade bc you're breathing out of your mouth for a while and I am digging out my cool air humidifier. Other ideas were changing sheets before your surgery (b/c it feels nice to come home to fresh sheets), keeping chargers on your night stand and wearing button down shirts, so you don't have to pull a shirt over your head and accidentally touch your nose while it's healing. I just want to get it over with so I can start the healing process and get back to normal.

Here is a photo of Callie watching birds.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Happy Friday!

Checking in with a CrossFit-style workout. I think it was pretty tame for a CrossFit workout, but it was good. I am hoping to get out for a walk. It's been raining and about 85% of the snow is gone. But there is another snow storm just around the corner. BooOOoooo. lol

I've been watching videos of ppl who have had the septopasty and turbinate reductions just to get an idea of recovery. People recover at different rates. Some people were like normal after a few days, others a little longer. But I got some take aways from these videos. I am stocking up on gatorade bc you're breathing out of your mouth for a while and I am digging out my cool air humidifier. Other ideas were changing sheets before your surgery (b/c it feels nice to come home to fresh sheets), keeping chargers on your night stand and wearing button down shirts, so you don't have to pull a shirt over your head and accidentally touch your nose while it's healing. I just want to get it over with so I can start the healing process and get back to normal.

Here is a photo of Callie watching birds.
View attachment 908564

She has such beautiful eyes! It's amazing how far she's come in all of this as well. I know she's still technically feral but she comes off as more domesticated than many of my friends' house cats that are more outside cats.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Sorry I haven't been posting much but I've been juggling a lot of life. Managing my fitness routine with Sam's school ball schedule has me pretty busy...and drained. I'm still getting it done...body still changing in good ways (even though the scale still has not moved)...and I'm continually feeling stronger. I wish my race goals were for 26-27 instead of having to wait until 27-28 but it is what it is. Maybe long range is better anyway.

Speaking of races, I've had to shift some focus on Sam. I got her fitted for shoes and they finally came in. The store didn't have any good colors, so we ordered something more to her liking. I can't fault her. I would have done the same and have regretted when I didn't. I just should have ordered online vs. through the run shop. I also invested in new bib belts so we don't damage our clothes. I also think I'm going to have finally bite the bullet and buy new AirPods. I've been using Sam's old ones but the battery life and connectivity isn't great, plus she needs them for her two races. We have several pairs of earmuff style ones with great battery life but they cancel out too much of the surrounding noise.

Other than that, I've had some interesting experiences in my recent walks. I guess it's an omen that I'm consistent and say hi to everyone I pass because one of my regulars stopped me a couple of days ago and informed me that the creeper is back. I think I shared that I was approached by a creepy guy last year. Long story short...she was also approached by him last year and said he's back after a long departure. I have not seen him and changed up my route and pepper spray, but I've also been jumping through hoops to try and get the word out in neighborhood groups. It's also been pretty warm here so wildlife is waking up. I see armadillos all the time but yesterday, I had one shadow me for a while...which was cool. Today, I had a venomous snake encounter. I'm not afraid of them and knew exactly what it was once I zoomed in, but it's just a reminder that I need to be extra careful if I have to jump off the paved part into the leaves for any reason. These guys are masters of camouflage! I just gave it some distance and let it go off into the forest to do snake things!

 

[Sans Souci]

Sorry I haven't been posting much but I've been juggling a lot of life. Managing my fitness routine with Sam's school ball schedule has me pretty busy...and drained. I'm still getting it done...body still changing in good ways (even though the scale still has not moved)...and I'm continually feeling stronger. I wish my race goals were for 26-27 instead of having to wait until 27-28 but it is what it is. Maybe long range is better anyway.

Speaking of races, I've had to shift some focus on Sam. I got her fitted for shoes and they finally came in. The store didn't have any good colors, so we ordered something more to her liking. I can't fault her. I would have done the same and have regretted when I didn't. I just should have ordered online vs. through the run shop. I also invested in new bib belts so we don't damage our clothes. I also think I'm going to have finally bite the bullet and buy new AirPods. I've been using Sam's old ones but the battery life and connectivity isn't great, plus she needs them for her two races. We have several pairs of earmuff style ones with great battery life but they cancel out too much of the surrounding noise.

Other than that, I've had some interesting experiences in my recent walks. I guess it's an omen that I'm consistent and say hi to everyone I pass because one of my regulars stopped me a couple of days ago and informed me that the creeper is back. I think I shared that I was approached by a creepy guy last year. Long story short...she was also approached by him last year and said he's back after a long departure. I have not seen him and changed up my route and pepper spray, but I've also been jumping through hoops to try and get the word out in neighborhood groups. It's also been pretty warm here so wildlife is waking up. I see armadillos all the time but yesterday, I had one shadow me for a while...which was cool. Today, I had a venomous snake encounter. I'm not afraid of them and knew exactly what it was once I zoomed in, but it's just a reminder that I need to be extra careful if I have to jump off the paved part into the leaves for any reason. These guys are masters of camouflage! I just gave it some distance and let it go off into the forest to do snake things!

That's crazy about the creeper. It makes you wonder why he disappeared and reappeared after an extended absence. A woman my husband works found an air tag in her back pack. She lives alone. I always let either my husband or my son when I am going out for a walk and what time to expect me back. My husband bought me some pepper spray, but I was always worried about it being used against me, so I never carried it. So, he bought me a Birdie, but I am not sure how effective it is at deterring a would-be attacker.

 

[Sans Souci]

Hello-

I went for a rainy walk today before the snow starts. Most of the snow from 3-4 weeks ago melted the past couple of days and now a blizzard is supposed to hit. This is the gnarliest winter I've seen in NJ since I moved here. It's been very snowy with unsafe temperatures.

I've been using this app for the past week and it's pretty good. There are quite a few different programs to choose from. I've been trying them out. It's AI powered, but it asks for feedback at the end of the workout and then makes adjustments for future workouts. I did a biceps and triceps workout yesterday.

In keeping with the wildlife encounters theme, Friday night, my husband and I were watching TV and we kept hearing this tapping on the glass sliding door. Callie was on the couch with us, so we knew it wasn't her. My husband got up to see what it was, he said it was a raccoon trying to reach the door handle. The audacity! I'm kind of scared of them, because I know they are rabies vectors.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Hello-

I went for a rainy walk today before the snow starts. Most of the snow from 3-4 weeks ago melted the past couple of days and now a blizzard is supposed to hit. This is the gnarliest winter I've seen in NJ since I moved here. It's been very snowy with unsafe temperatures.

I've been using this app for the past week and it's pretty good. There are quite a few different programs to choose from. I've been trying them out. It's AI powered, but it asks for feedback at the end of the workout and then makes adjustments for future workouts. I did a biceps and triceps workout yesterday.

In keeping with the wildlife encounters theme, Friday night, my husband and I were watching TV and we kept hearing this tapping on the glass sliding door. Callie was on the couch with us, so we knew it wasn't her. My husband got up to see what it was, he said it was a raccoon trying to reach the door handle. The audacity! I'm kind of scared of them, because I know they are rabies vectors.

I've seen all kinds of pics and videos from friends and family. The snow looks ridiculous! Be safe and hopefully it'll clear soon.

Ahhhh...good 'ol trash pandas. I think they're adorable but they are so incredibly destructive if they think your home is comfy. Many are also rabid, so it's not something you want around your home. I came pretty close to buying these the other week but went in a different direction.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Happy Monday!!! Hoping all of you in blizzard conditions are keeping warm, have power, plenty of food, etc. I've seen pictures, videos and have been getting all kinds of conditions reports. I know one cousin was sharing that she wound up in white out conditions. I'm sure you're all eagerly anticipating spring.

I know I weighed in recently...Friday or Saturday...and am still in that same 5lb range I've been in for the last 2 months. This time I was at the lowest weight in that range. I'm still being super consistent and trying to challenge myself where I can. Every day, I try to push myself a little more on at least one thing or another while maintaining status quo in other areas. Yesterday, I upped my weight on triceps. The day before, I carried my 14lb camera bag for 10.68 miles...the longest I've ever gone with intentionally added weight. The day before that, I boosted the tension on the elliptical. So, it's always something. A little over 2 weeks until I see the dr for my annual, so I'm hoping she can help weigh in (no pun intended) on my current numbers. I have been allowing some treats here and there, but it's nothing regular or routinely in excess. Just enough to keep myself living life and enjoying, while teaching myself that it's possible if I'm consistent on the more healthful stuff most of the time.

Speaking of food, that Trader Joe's that went in next to them gym is sort of a blessing and a curse. I have fallen in love with their mahi mahi burgers, they have some of the cheapest ultra lean ground beef, they have really good prices on smoked salmon, and I'm a big fan of their frozen ake mushrooms. On the flipside, they finally got in cookie butter over the weekend and it was delicious! It's been out of stock since they opened and I think theirs is a bit better than Biscoff. I actually have found a really satisfying dessert that should keep me happy for a little while. It's really nothing revolutionary, but I add sliced apples to a lidded container with peanut butter powder, pumpkin pie or apple pie spice, some vanilla bean paste, and maybe a little bit of Bryers low cal carb friendly vanilla ice cream. I shake it up and I've got these glorious apples. It would probably taste good baked too but I'm usually too hungry to wait.

 

[Sans Souci]

I've seen all kinds of pics and videos from friends and family. The snow looks ridiculous! Be safe and hopefully it'll clear soon.

Ahhhh...good 'ol trash pandas. I think they're adorable but they are so incredibly destructive if they think your home is comfy. Many are also rabid, so it's not something you want around your home. I came pretty close to buying these the other week but went in a different direction.

View attachment 908917

These leggings are adorable.

 

[Sans Souci]

Happy Monday!!! Hoping all of you in blizzard conditions are keeping warm, have power, plenty of food, etc. I've seen pictures, videos and have been getting all kinds of conditions reports. I know one cousin was sharing that she wound up in white out conditions. I'm sure you're all eagerly anticipating spring.

I know I weighed in recently...Friday or Saturday...and am still in that same 5lb range I've been in for the last 2 months. This time I was at the lowest weight in that range. I'm still being super consistent and trying to challenge myself where I can. Every day, I try to push myself a little more on at least one thing or another while maintaining status quo in other areas. Yesterday, I upped my weight on triceps. The day before, I carried my 14lb camera bag for 10.68 miles...the longest I've ever gone with intentionally added weight. The day before that, I boosted the tension on the elliptical. So, it's always something. A little over 2 weeks until I see the dr for my annual, so I'm hoping she can help weigh in (no pun intended) on my current numbers. I have been allowing some treats here and there, but it's nothing regular or routinely in excess. Just enough to keep myself living life and enjoying, while teaching myself that it's possible if I'm consistent on the more healthful stuff most of the time.

Speaking of food, that Trader Joe's that went in next to them gym is sort of a blessing and a curse. I have fallen in love with their mahi mahi burgers, they have some of the cheapest ultra lean ground beef, they have really good prices on smoked salmon, and I'm a big fan of their frozen ake mushrooms. On the flipside, they finally got in cookie butter over the weekend and it was delicious! It's been out of stock since they opened and I think theirs is a bit better than Biscoff. I actually have found a really satisfying dessert that should keep me happy for a little while. It's really nothing revolutionary, but I add sliced apples to a lidded container with peanut butter powder, pumpkin pie or apple pie spice, some vanilla bean paste, and maybe a little bit of Bryers low cal carb friendly vanilla ice cream. I shake it up and I've got these glorious apples. It would probably taste good baked too but I'm usually too hungry to wait.

I don't go to Trader Joe's as much as I used to bc I don't have the patience for their parking lots (and I would buy too much snack-y stuff), I've never tried their extra lean ground beef. My husband bought a quarter of a cow and it's grass fed. I can't stand the way it smells when it's cooking or the flavor. So, I go out and sneak a pound of ground beef here and there. I might have to endure the universally inadequate parking lot to try it. My husband bought these Thai Yellow Curry flavored potato chips I wish he hadn't...and I am who can take or leave chips.