working out for Disney

[StarWarsGirl]

Yesterday, I went to the gym at lunch and just did 30 minutes on the elliptical. Today, I went and swam for over an hour. You have to make a reservation for the outer two lanes, and then the middle lane is first come, first serve. It took me ten minutes to convince myself to actually get into the water (it was very cold) so then I swam in my lane, and then did extra in the middle lane when my time was over.

After sitting in the hot tub, showering, and using hydromassage, I went to lunch at Panera, then to the pharmacy and grocery store. I thought my knee was okay through all of this, then partway through the pharmacy, it started absolutely killing me. I finished what I was doing, threw the cold stuff in the fridge, and then iced my knee. It's better now, although the rest of the groceries still haven't gotten put away.

My parents and brother left for California on Thursday. They then go to Hawaii on Wednesday. I join them in Hawaii a week from today. So I'm on my own for meal planning and such. My goal is to minimize the amount of takeout I do since a lot of times, I get lazy when they're gone and make multiple meals out of takeout, which obviously isn't the best thing for me. Today I obviously cheated by going to Panera, which I had to do because by the time I would have gone home to get something, I would not have felt good. But no more of that!

Tonight I'm making up a bunch of butter chicken in the Instant Pot. Tomorrow, I'm making Honey Garlic Chicken, also in the Instant pot. This should provide me with plenty of leftovers. I also have some leftover chicken taco meat and two lunches of garlic sesame chicken. I'm also trying to include veggies when I make up my dinners because I'm not very good about eating veggies. Fruit, yes, veggies, nope. I also bought a 32 ounce Britta bottle and have been forcing myself to drink all of it at least once through per day.

My next accounting class officially starts on Wednesday, so I will have to do some of it while I'm away. I have access to the class now, though, so I'm trying to get ahead on it so I don't have as much to do while I'm away.

 

[Songbird76]

Yesterday, I went to the gym at lunch and just did 30 minutes on the elliptical. Today, I went and swam for over an hour. You have to make a reservation for the outer two lanes, and then the middle lane is first come, first serve. It took me ten minutes to convince myself to actually get into the water (it was very cold) so then I swam in my lane, and then did extra in the middle lane when my time was over.

After sitting in the hot tub, showering, and using hydromassage, I went to lunch at Panera, then to the pharmacy and grocery store. I thought my knee was okay through all of this, then partway through the pharmacy, it started absolutely killing me. I finished what I was doing, threw the cold stuff in the fridge, and then iced my knee. It's better now, although the rest of the groceries still haven't gotten put away.

My parents and brother left for California on Thursday. They then go to Hawaii on Wednesday. I join them in Hawaii a week from today. So I'm on my own for meal planning and such. My goal is to minimize the amount of takeout I do since a lot of times, I get lazy when they're gone and make multiple meals out of takeout, which obviously isn't the best thing for me. Today I obviously cheated by going to Panera, which I had to do because by the time I would have gone home to get something, I would not have felt good. But no more of that!

Tonight I'm making up a bunch of butter chicken in the Instant Pot. Tomorrow, I'm making Honey Garlic Chicken, also in the Instant pot. This should provide me with plenty of leftovers. I also have some leftover chicken taco meat and two lunches of garlic sesame chicken. I'm also trying to include veggies when I make up my dinners because I'm not very good about eating veggies. Fruit, yes, veggies, nope. I also bought a 32 ounce Britta bottle and have been forcing myself to drink all of it at least once through per day.

My next accounting class officially starts on Wednesday, so I will have to do some of it while I'm away. I have access to the class now, though, so I'm trying to get ahead on it so I don't have as much to do while I'm away.

I always find it difficult to prepare meals if it's just me. I don't like to put in the effort for meals, and I don't want to have to eat the same thing every night by making a regular meal and breaking it into smaller portions. Is there room in your freezer that you could make several meals, put them into invidual-sized portions in the freezer, and just get a differet one out each night and leave the others for quick meals when everyone else is gone, or when you just don't feel like making something? Kind of like TV dinners, but homemade.

 

[Sans Souci]

Good luck! Are you planning on taking the PATH into the city or are you going to drive?

We drove in, stayed over night in Jersey City and never made it to Manhattan. My husband ended up applying for an apartment in Jersey City. I am hoping he gets it. It makes more sense to stay in Jersey. If he stays 181 days in NYC, he will have to pay NYC taxes, which is 9%. He is already paying NYS taxes. Since he works for the Treasury department, it's not a good look to evade paying taxes.

 

[Figgy1]

We drove in, stayed over night in Jersey City and never made it to Manhattan. My husband ended up applying for an apartment in Jersey City. I am hoping he gets it. It makes more sense to stay in Jersey. If he stays 181 days in NYC, he will have to pay NYC taxes, which is 9%. He is already paying NYS taxes. Since he works for the Treasury department, it's not a good look to evade paying taxes.

Does it look as if he'll be in NY long enough to make it worthwhile for both of you to move up?

 

[Sans Souci]

I'm certainly trying. The last time I had a gym membership, it wound up going unused for the most part. It wasn't that I didn't want to go...it's that the gym location was so popular that it was often impossible to find a parking space. Even when you did find a space, the inside was so crowded that there were lines waiting for pretty much everything. Cardio machines had a 20 minute limit and a sign up sheet simply because of crowd control issues. When they opened a second location, machines were always broken. They also made it unreasonably difficult to terminate my membership. My weight has done more than creep, but it is what it is. I've been trying to measure myself to track changes the scale may not reflect.

I really don't care. Honestly, tank tops and sports bras have never really bothered me. It's my kids that thing the whole just a sports bra look is too revealing! The only thing I don't love are the ultra short shorts.

Her thumb is much better. I'd say she was back to 100% by some time in January. Her Achilles isn't as bad as it was, but it's so frustrating trying to get into specialists. I still cannot get over how little common sense the dr's office had when calling to cancel...not to mention how rude the girl was. I think it's probably just something that needs some rest and she may be getting to the tail end of that period, but it's going to be tough for a dr to properly assess when he's going to be seeing her 5 weeks after I called for this appointment.

We are stopping in St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and their private island in the Bahamas...at least that's what currently planned. It's a big family trip to celebrate my parents' 50th anniversary, so it should be fun having the 10 of us together. While my parents and brother's family are avid cruisers, we've never cruised before, so I'm a bit anxious.

I was anxious about cruising the first time I went. It's just a little different than a regular vacation, but nothing drastic. I packed dramamine and I didn't even need it. Is Coco Key the private island? I've seen videos on Youtube. It looks nice. I had to cancel our cruise for Sept. We thought we were going to go to England to visit my husband's family and it would have been hard to do a cruise and go to England, so we dropped it. Now airfare to the UK is astronomical and so that's a no-go.

 

[Sans Souci]

Does it look as if he'll be in NY long enough to make it worthwhile for both of you to move up?

No, he needs to be up at least 2-3 days a week. He wanted "a hotel room with a kitchen" so he is renting a studio. It's just a place to put his head down for a couple of nights a week. I will definitely go up from time to time, but I can't live in a studio with him. I am too old for that.

 

[Sans Souci]

There was a thing a year or two ago in the news here about some guy who was trapping cats in his yard and then taking them out into the middle of nowhere to release them. A whole bunch of people's cats went missing, and this guy said he didn't want cats in his yard. If people didn't want to lose their cats, they should keep them at home, and if they went into his yard, he felt he had a right to dispose of them. I don't know whether or not the law agrees with him, but I do get not wanting to find cat feces in your yard, or mangled birds, etc. I was thinking that in the States, people keep their cats in the house....I never knew cats to just roam around freely until I moved here, but that seems to be the norm here....free range cats, I guess? People think it's cruel to keep them inside when their natural habitat would be outside. But if you think it's cruel, why do you keep one as a pet at all?

Yeah, I understand that guy's frustration, but I don't think I would go to those lengths to remedy the situation. Honestly, I would be so worried about a cat getting hit by a car, getting in a nasty fight with local wild life. I'd also be worried about fleas, ticks and other parasites.

I have noticed that we don't see as many birds, chipmunks, squirrels since we started feeding this cat, so my husband is pressuring my son and me to stop feeding it.

 

[Lilofan]

No, he needs to be up at least 2-3 days a week. He wanted "a hotel room with a kitchen" so he is renting a studio. It's just a place to put his head down for a couple of nights a week. I will definitely go up from time to time, but I can't live in a studio with him. I am too old for that.

Some Wall Street investment bankers live in these tiny studio apts not far from their work. These studios are very popular. Work 9am-12am Mon-Fri then fly to visit wife and kids on Sat Sun repeat every week barring any work projects ( big mergers and acquisitions ) that Sat and Sun in the office or on West Coast for business trips catching red eye back to East Coast. One perk is food / drink is provided at work 3 meals a day.

 

[Figgy1]

No, he needs to be up at least 2-3 days a week. He wanted "a hotel room with a kitchen" so he is renting a studio. It's just a place to put his head down for a couple of nights a week. I will definitely go up from time to time, but I can't live in a studio with him. I am too old for that.

If he's going to be doing this for a couple of years you may want to look just a few towns west where he'll be able to get a cheaper place in a quieter area with just as good access to public transportation into the city and easier access to the outlet malls/stores
Not now but maybe next year.

 

[Sans Souci]

Good morning.

I did a kettle bell/bodyweight work out this morning. It was pretty sweaty. I'd like to get out for a stroll once this stormy weather clears up.

My husband found an apartment. It's just a studio. It's right by Liberty State Park and the light rail station, so it's good for commuting. It's also right off the exit of I-78, so he doesn't have to drive in a lot of city traffic to get to and from his place. The building is an old warehouse that was converted into apartments. It is cute. I would have loved to have lived in such a place 20 years ago. He applied yesterday when we got home, so I am hoping he gets it. He does have a back up place if that happens. It's a shame United didn't hire me because this place is 20 minutes from Newark Airport.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I was anxious about cruising the first time I went. It's just a little different than a regular vacation, but nothing drastic. I packed dramamine and I didn't even need it. Is Coco Key the private island? I've seen videos on Youtube. It looks nice. I had to cancel our cruise for Sept. We thought we were going to go to England to visit my husband's family and it would have been hard to do a cruise and go to England, so we dropped it. Now airfare to the UK is astronomical and so that's a no-go.

I'm sure it'll be fine, but just anxious about all of the things that have kept us cruising in the past as well as some new hurdles. My biggest concern is getting there and one of us testing positive for Covid. I have Bonine and ginger chews for potential nausea. I wasn't comfortable having the girls in their own balcony room and wanted connecting rooms, so hopefully the special ocean view I picked with the larger windows will ease my claustrophobia issues. Still debating about how I want to handle the bed firmness concerns. Also hoping me bringing extra documentation will help any issues with me never legally changing my last name. I'm the adult on the room with my older daughter and I understand they could want proof that I'm the parent due to the name difference.

Coco Key is one of two of their private islands. I think Coco Key is preferred over Labadee. I'm not a beach person, so it's a concern with Coco Key as well as one of our excursions. I love going in the water, snorkeling and will surely enjoy visiting things like the pool area and the floating bar off the beach. I just hate the feeling of sand...especially wet sand. My husband wanted a tropical trip this summer and my parents wanted a cruise that worked for the 10 of us, so it's just something I'll have to deal with.

I'm sorry that air prices have impacted your UK plans. Prices on so many things right now are impacting all kind of spending and travel. In some cases, prices are literally changing by the minute. I was looking into air prices if we were to fly vs. drive for something and in the short time between me picking my return flight, I got a notification that the fare had gone up $40.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I always find it difficult to prepare meals if it's just me. I don't like to put in the effort for meals, and I don't want to have to eat the same thing every night by making a regular meal and breaking it into smaller portions. Is there room in your freezer that you could make several meals, put them into invidual-sized portions in the freezer, and just get a differet one out each night and leave the others for quick meals when everyone else is gone, or when you just don't feel like making something? Kind of like TV dinners, but homemade.

That's basically what I do. Since I work from home, I also need something during the day, so I make up big batches of stuff and then freeze it. I made butter chicken last night and made it into four dinners. Tonight I have a honey garlic chicken recipe I want to try that I'll also freeze. I also have some sesame chicken stir fry I made that's frozen for lunch this week.

The chicken for chicken tacos is super versatile because it can be used on a salad, for soft tacos, for hard shell tacos, on a quesadilla, or with rice in a bowl. It takes about 30 minutes to make and makes several portions.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I have noticed that we don't see as many birds, chipmunks, squirrels since we started feeding this cat, so my husband is pressuring my son and me to stop feeding it.

Birds I'd be worried about. Chipmunks...well, I've had three cars now that have had damage thanks to chipmunks. Vermin. We have barn cats around and they are welcome to take care of that problem!

 

[Sans Souci]

If he's going to be doing this for a couple of years you may want to look just a few towns west where he'll be able to get a cheaper place in a quieter area with just as good access to public transportation into the city and easier access to the outlet malls/stores
Not now but maybe next year.

He is moving on a relocation package, so none of the rent is out of pocket. He's budgeted for power/water/tolls, etc. from that, too. I really love this house and its yard. Plus, he wants to do his last years of work in DC, so I don't want to move right now unless I absolutely have to. I moved three times between the end of 2014-mid 2016, which included a transatlantic move. I wanna stay put for a bit.

 

[Sans Souci]

I'm sure it'll be fine, but just anxious about all of the things that have kept us cruising in the past as well as some new hurdles. My biggest concern is getting there and one of us testing positive for Covid. I have Bonine and ginger chews for potential nausea. I wasn't comfortable having the girls in their own balcony room and wanted connecting rooms, so hopefully the special ocean view I picked with the larger windows will ease my claustrophobia issues. Still debating about how I want to handle the bed firmness concerns. Also hoping me bringing extra documentation will help any issues with me never legally changing my last name. I'm the adult on the room with my older daughter and I understand they could want proof that I'm the parent due to the name difference.

Coco Key is one of two of their private islands. I think Coco Key is preferred over Labadee. I'm not a beach person, so it's a concern with Coco Key as well as one of our excursions. I love going in the water, snorkeling and will surely enjoy visiting things like the pool area and the floating bar off the beach. I just hate the feeling of sand...especially wet sand. My husband wanted a tropical trip this summer and my parents wanted a cruise that worked for the 10 of us, so it's just something I'll have to deal with.

I'm sorry that air prices have impacted your UK plans. Prices on so many things right now are impacting all kind of spending and travel. In some cases, prices are literally changing by the minute. I was looking into air prices if we were to fly vs. drive for something and in the short time between me picking my return flight, I got a notification that the fare had gone up $40.

I don't think you having a different last name from your daughter will be an issue. So many people do family trips like you are doing, you could be an aunt or a cousin staying with her. Plus, you said you are bringing additional documentation to prove you're the mom. You could always call and ask, if nothing else, it will be one less thing to worry about.

I don't like the feeling of sand, either! But I love walking along beaches.

Air fares are crazy. We are going to WDW in Sept and we looked down our airfare in March when it was still reasonable. My husband is bringing my MIL here at the end of the summer. It's cheaper to that and upgrade her into a better cabin than the three of us going there. She asked if we could go to Washington, so we booked a 2 BR at the Residence Inn and my husband is going to take her to NY. I know it's not the same for him as seeing the rest of his family, but it's better than nothing.

 

[Sans Souci]

Birds I'd be worried about. Chipmunks...well, I've had three cars now that have had damage thanks to chipmunks. Vermin. We have barn cats around and they are welcome to take care of that problem!

Oh, wow. I didn't know they could do that. I have had chipmunks around my house here and in IL. Knock on wood, we've never had issues. I'm going watch out for them now. What did they damage, so I know what to look for?

 

[Sans Souci]

Hello-

Just checking in with a lower body workout. It was from one of the apps I use. I also went out for a stroll. It was very pleasant at the beginning, but it got steamy towards the end. It really great not to have to bundle up and wear two layers of gloves, so I can't complain too much.

My husband went to NYC for work for the day. He hasn't been in an office since March 2020 and he was hired for his current job last June. He's never met the people he works with in person until today. It's been weird for me because he has been working from home every day since March 2020, so it felt a bit lonely and quiet.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Oh, wow. I didn't know they could do that. I have had chipmunks around my house here and in IL. Knock on wood, we've never had issues. I'm going watch out for them now. What did they damage, so I know what to look for?

They chewed through the wiring which set off the check engine lights. Then in my Civic, like three months after I got it, they got in and chewed around the gas tank. That would have been a $3k repair if not for insurance.

 

[Songbird76]

I don't think you having a different last name from your daughter will be an issue. So many people do family trips like you are doing, you could be an aunt or a cousin staying with her. Plus, you said you are bringing additional documentation to prove you're the mom. You could always call and ask, if nothing else, it will be one less thing to worry about.

I don't like the feeling of sand, either! But I love walking along beaches.

Air fares are crazy. We are going to WDW in Sept and we looked down our airfare in March when it was still reasonable. My husband is bringing my MIL here at the end of the summer. It's cheaper to that and upgrade her into a better cabin than the three of us going there. She asked if we could go to Washington, so we booked a 2 BR at the Residence Inn and my husband is going to take her to NY. I know it's not the same for him as seeing the rest of his family, but it's better than nothing.

It CAN be an issue, though because of parents abducting children from the other parent. I know when my dad died and we came for the funeral, I had to stay there for a few weeks afterwards, but my husband had to get back to work and the kids to school. I had to make a photocopy of my passport and write a note on it that said I was the mother of the children and I had given my permission for my husband to travel with our children alone. And I think I also had to sign photocopies of their passports as well. I don't think they actually asked for it, but that was what was recommended to us if he'd be traveling with the kids. Although it might have also been because it's usually the mom who has custody in a divorce situation, so maybe they thought statistically it's more likely that a father is abducting the kids than the mother? I have never traveled with the kids without my husband, so I don't know if that would have been recommended to me if it was the other way around. Better to be safe than sorry, though. Have the documentation and then if you don't need it, great.

 

[Figgy1]

He is moving on a relocation package, so none of the rent is out of pocket. He's budgeted for power/water/tolls, etc. from that, too. I really love this house and its yard. Plus, he wants to do his last years of work in DC, so I don't want to move right now unless I absolutely have to. I moved three times between the end of 2014-mid 2016, which included a transatlantic move. I wanna stay put for a bit.

I'm sorry but even I am trying to forget that nightmare but happy it worked out in the end