Wednesday, December 31, 2014

And now, looking forward!

This morning I was down 1.4 pounds. :-)  I lost 5 pounds this month - 15 pounds so far.  I may be slow, but I'm moving in the right direction!

Yesterday might have sounded like a bit of a Debbie Downer, but that wasn't my intent.  Yes, I have challenges.  Don't we all? But I also have many blessings.

My biggest take-away from this year is that I started moving toward what I want.  Now in 2015 I need to finish.  I moved, now I need to find a permanent job and a new home.

I've lost weight and gained fitness, I need to continue down that path.

My son is doing well, I need to accept that he is a good, responsible kid who will grow in his own time.

As for my relationship issues, I've started - I need to continue down the path.

Oh, Mrs Swan - my husband works 4 hours away, so he's home on the weekends.  Not ideal, but he has a good job he enjoys, and is near his dad so he can check in.  So... there ya go.  Life of the sandwich generation! :-)

Happy New Year!  Set your goals, and make them a priority!

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Stuck and frustrated - Or, a year in review (AKA brain dump)

The weekend before Christmas I gained 1.6 pounds and the scale has been stuck there ever since.  No matter how much exercise or watching what I eat, it won't budge.  I'm pretty frustrated with the scale.

Honestly, I'm frustrated with a lot of things.  This has been a hard year and while some things have improved, other things have not.

I find myself at a bit of a crossroads here at the end of 2014.  

Work: Let's be honest, my job kinda went in the crapper.  I worked for a great company and I had a job I really enjoyed - until I moved to Florida.  Then I had a boss that had her "click", and I wasn't a part.  Then she left, but then we were re-organized, and I felt horribly under utilized as the department degenerated into a goat screw.  But new big boss waltzed out after 16 months and left us (and the company) holding the flaming bag of poop.  Our VP was invited to retire, and they tried to "fix" things - but people were fleeing the department like Pompeii.  

I was very nervous about leaving (I'd been with the company 14 years).  But leave I did and I'm with another very good company doing a job I like with a boss I like.  The issue is that I am a contractor.  I got to move back to NC, but with a substantial pay cut and cut in perks and benefits.  That's been tough.  Job security is pretty much an oxymoron anymore, so I'm okay with that part.  It's more just the sense that you are a second class employee.  So even though I'm pretty happy, this situation isn't permanent.

Living circumstances:  Again, mixed bag.  I moved back to NC from Ft. Lauderdale - and I'm very glad about that!  I managed to get my house leased out to a tenant that plans to buy it as soon as she gets her finances in order (another 6 months or so).  I am getting enough in rent to pay the mortgage.  Hopefully we'll even get a bit out of the house above what we put down on it. 

But because I own a big, pricey house AND have a temp job, getting a mortgage right now is pretty much impossible.  The idea when I moved up here was that I would stay with my mom temporarily until I found a house.  Eight months later, and I'm still in my childhood room.  While I love my mom and appreciate everything she does, this is NOT an ideal situation - for anyone.  The thought was that we'd save money while we're here, but that hasn't happened.  Between unforeseen circumstances (do you know how much an emergency room visit costs with crappy, temp insurance?) and a husband incapable of saving a dime.... yeah.

Son:  My son bought a houseboat when he graduated from high school.  He hasn't found a direction in life, and is drifting along, working a little and depending on his grandma for the rest.  I don't know what to do at this point.  I didn't know what I wanted to do either at his age, which is why I joined the Army.  Cause mooching off the parents was out of the question.  I hope he figures it out - he's a good kid, but he needs to get his shit together.  He's not in any trouble (drinking, drugs - thank GOD), but I worry.  I want him to be independent and mature.  He's 19 - maybe I'm expecting too much.  I dunno.

MIL: OMG, where do I even start on this one???  First of all, let me quote from Dear Abby, from a response she wrote to someone who was dealing with a mother that constantly criticized her, while praising her siblings to the skies: " It is not unusual for a dysfunctional parent to single out one child to treat poorly. You should feel sorry that your mother is so insecure and unhappy and resolve to do better in your own life."

Wow.  That is my MIL perfectly.  Someone so broken, that the only role she is capable of playing in her own life is helpless victim.  Someone who expects to be cared for by everyone around her because she is incapable of doing so.  That is how she sees herself.  She didn't raise her children.  She allowed my husband to be abused, and constantly criticizes him, yet he is the only one who will do anything for her.  She eats like an unsupervised 5 year old, yet her out of control diabetes has nothing to do with the emergency eye surgery she is having in 2 weeks for macular degeneration.  

I pity her, but I also resent the hell out of the fact that I am expected (by her and the rest of my husband's family) to buy Christmas gifts, pay for medicines, buy gas, buy new tires for her car etc. etc. this month because victims don't balance their checkbooks or manage their money (granted, she has very little).  And all without a thank you.  Just like she expects my mom to care for her after the surgery because there is no one else.

And lastly, my husband:  I love him.  I've been careful about what I've written here - I don't want to say too much or go into details that aren't exclusively mine to share.  I will say this:  My husband was very resentful when my job transferred us to Florida.  He didn't want to go, he blamed me, and he punished me.  He says he's matured, but many things still feel very one sided, and that's something that I have to address in the new year as well.

Maybe its Peri-menopause, maybe it's circumstances, maybe it's a combination of a lot of things.  I've been blessed with some opportunities, I'm grateful for the support I've received, but I also have a lot of work to do on things in the coming year.

I'd like to lose a few more pounds too. *lol*

Take care, and thanks if you've stuck with this long-winded post to the bitter end!!

Monday, December 29, 2014

Definitely Sick

I am writing this from my bed, which is where I have spent the afternoon watching movies on my computer.

Definitely have a cold - voice is all hoarse, sinuses congested, throat scratchy. :-(   Left work after 4 hours to come home and get some rest.  I stopped at a Korean restaurant on the way home to pick up some soup.  I'm a firm believer in spicy soup to help with colds.

Gym isn't happening today.  I am drinking plenty of tea and water, getting rest, taking medicine as needed, cleaning out my sinuses.  You know, all the things to get better quickly.

My son headed back to the coast early.  He was planning to leave today, but was needed for a job today (crewing on a boat that was being moved), so he ate and then left last night after dinner.  That and work really make the holiday feel over, you know?

Christmas was freakishly warm - I walked in the park 3 or 4 times last week to enjoy the outdoors while the weather cooperated.

Okay, take care!

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Good morning

Good morning and happy Sunday. :-)

I think I'm trying to catch a cold - I took some medicine.  I plan to do what I need to today, but take it easy.

I went to visit my friend J yesterday (the manic depressive friend I posted about recently).  We drove down to her parents (she's down from Maryland) and had lunch and a nice visit. (Steak on a salad, dressing on the side).  She is doing MUCH better.  She knows she was in a pretty bad state, but it's an illness and you can manage it, but can't really control it.  It is good to see her doing better. 

I will tell you something funny.  She commented several times on how great I looked, how much she admired my dedication to going to the gym, etc.  She gave me Godiva chocolate for Christmas.  I appreciate the thought.  It is getting re-gifted.

Okay, off to Costco!

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Okay

Well hello.

This year the holidays have been hectic as I have had no extra time off.  I've tried to make the best of the  time I have had.

Sticking with my exercise regime has been easy - I love it now and count on that to help manage my stress!  I did a 5 K Wednesday and Friday in the park.  I would never have thought I could walk that far.  Now I'm working on my pace!  Thursday I took the dogs for a shorter walk in the park since the weather was so wonderful.  Today I did 30 minutes on the elliptical - tomorrow is weights.

Food has been more difficult.  As I posted about in the comments on Gwen's blog, I slipped with regards to my carbs last Saturday and have been struggling with cravings ever since.  I gained 1.6 pounds Christmas week.  I haven't lost any, but haven't gained any more either.

Today has been a good day.

My son got an electric pressure cooker for Christmas and he is practicing by making beef stew! :-)

It has been so nice having him visit.  The weather here has been freakishly warm.  I'm not complaining!

Have a nice evening! 

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Ugh

Wrote a whole post and accidentally deleted it.

I'm ok.  Water aerobics last night, weight lifting tonight.

Have a nice evening!

Sunday, December 21, 2014

The weekend is almost over

Well, the weekend is coming to a close. 

It's been busy with the usual but also has some time to relax.  I have gone to the gym every day.  Today was swimming laps.  It was lovely.

Food's been fine, exercise is good.  Splurged a bit last night, but back to normal today.

Off to wash the chlorine out of my hair.

Have a good evening!

Friday, December 19, 2014

Sisterhood of the traveling pants

So, first up:  Lost 1.2 pounds this week.  Not too shabby for the holiday season.

So, I've been navigating the office food mine field.  It's pretty ridiculous, you know?

What else?  I've got some pants that don't fit - for the good reason! :-)  They are now too large.  Woot!  There is a lady at work that is also losing weight and is currently about a size larger than me.  We were talking the other day and she was saying she hated buying clothes that wouldn't fit for long.  I told her I'd been buying stuff at the thrift shop - and she has as well.  Anyway, I asked her if she wanted the pants and she was thrilled!  She offered to pay me, but I told her to pass them on or donate them.  Anyway, she was happy and I felt good. I was going to donate them, but hey - if I can help a co-worker, even better, huh?

So that's all for now.  Have a good evening!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Cool stuff

I know I mentioned yesterday that I decided to do some different fitness stuff next month.  I like my trainer, but I wanted to do something different next month.

I got my husband and I a groupon for a month of Bikram yoga.  We've done it before (several years ago) and enjoyed it, so I thought it might be nice for both of us.

In addition to that, I bought a groupon for 2 massages - 1 for me, 1 for mom.

AND (this isn't a groupon), but I found a kettlebell instructor over in Raleigh.  I told him I was coming from out of town and could we schedule a session or two and he said "Of course!"  Some people want you to buy a package - which I understand, but doesn't make sense if you are driving 2 hours for a session.  So I am going to do a couple of sessions with him to make sure my form is still good.  Woo hoo!

I love these kind of physical challenges!  And I am thrilled that my fitness is improving enough that I can do this kind of stuff!

Okay, off to water aerobics.

Have a nice evening!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Update

Hey there.

Doing a bit better.  Plopping stuff down helped, spending Sunday afternoon with a good friend helped.  I gave myself the last 2 nights off from the gym to wrap gifts, bake pumpkin, balance checkbook, blah blah.  We try to keep the holidays fairly low key, but there is still some extra work involved.  Since I was feeling overwhelmed, I decided 2 days off from working out were acceptable.

A note about my friend:  She is a great lady and she isn't always manic or depressive.  When she's "normal", its easy for her to be a good friend.  When she's in an extreme mood swing, it's tougher.  But she can't help that.  Luckily those times are not that frequent.  We all have our challenges I guess.  I wouldn't be much of a friend if I bailed on her when she was going through a tough time.

Food has been good.  Took broccoli salad for the work lunch - ate that, green beans, eye of round, and some chicken.  Took a pass on all the desserts.  No one commented! Woo hoo!  Lunch was good and I didn't feel deprived.

Anyway, I hope you all are doing well.

I decided to change things up a bit next month.  Instead of working with the trainer I have signed up for a month of all you can attend Bikram yoga.  I'm doing that plus working out on my own - walking & weights on my own.  I wanted something to challenge myself - I'll start after the holidays.  I'll keep you posted!

Sunday, December 14, 2014

What's going on

I have been teary, angry, and most of all - stressed this weekend.  What is going on?

I'm not sure.  So forgive my brain dump while I think about it.

Things that are making me nutso right now:

  • Work is crazy
  • I resent that I work as hard as the full time people - but without any of the perks
  • I have a lot to do before the holidays
  • I haven't felt like my friends are being very supportive*
  • I don't feel like my husband has been very supportive - but he IS trying, and that counts
  • I feel overwhelmed
  • I don't have my old comforts to help me through (you know, the caloric kind)
*I am thinking specifically of 2 good friends.  One has been very busy with training and classes (she has her own business).  It's no reflection on her - it's just timing.  The other one....  Well, I like her very much, but here's the thing:  she is manic depressive.  When she's depressed she's needy, and when she's manic she's so spazzy that you literally cannot get in a word edge-wise while she tells you ALL KINDS of random stuff. She is a good friend, but right now I'm finding her tough to handle.

Exercise is fine.  Food is fine.  My emotions ... not to fine.

Okay, I am spending time today with another good friend.  I am looking forward to it. 

Be good to yourself. :-)

Friday, December 12, 2014

Friday update

Even though I weigh most days, I count Friday as my 'official' weigh in day.  I didn't weigh last Friday since we were out of town, but I am down 4 pounds since the Friday before last. So doing pretty good! :-)

I'm giving some thought to fitness stuff I'd like to noodle with.  I'm thinking that in the new year, I may alternate months of weight training with trying other things - a month of personal training, a month at the CrossFit gym, personal training, Bikram yoga, etc etc.

I also found a good kettlebell trainer in Raleigh - I may email and see if I can go over for a couple of sessions on some weekends.  I'd like to get my form check by a serious kettlebell instructor.

I have found a good groove with food.  I'm thinking my goal may be to change up my breakfast & lunch every 3 weeks.  That way I enjoy them without getting overly bored.  OTOH, too much variety isn't a good idea either.  We'll see.

Anyway, that's what I'm thinking.  Take care & have a good weekend!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

A case of the sads

I came home feeling mildly sad.  I am taking over some responsibilities from a lady that will be leaving in mid February (her contract will be up).  Anyway, eh.  After the holidays I think I will put some feelers out for whats available around here.  So, eh.

Anyway, lots of stuff to do this weekend.  Feeling tired.  Need to make the grocery list and then go to the gym for swimming.

That's all I got tonight.

Have a good evening!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Just 'eh'

So, I found out Monday that I didn't get the job.  There were folks with more experience.  I didn't get any negative feedback and I was asked to apply again if they convert any more temp positions to perm.  So there's that.  Kinda bummed.  I hate contracting, even though the pay is good and the company evens offers some 401k matching and benefits. 

And the past two days at work have been INSANE.  A project sorta blew up while I was gone, so I came back to that.  Then yesterday I spent the day setting up accounts in the mainframe for a massive project that just installed.

By the end of today I was beginning to feel caught up.

Last night I went to the gym to take a spin class with my fave instructor, but I got the time wrong and missed the class.  Are you sensing a theme here????

Okay, good stuff!

Christmas cards are mailed.  All gifts are nearly bought and I am finishing my homemade gifts this weekend so I can get those suckers in the mail!

Eating is good and I am navigating the holiday food landmines with little to no issues.

While the scale has bounced some, the overall trend continues down and I've already lost around 2.5 pounds this month.  Woo hoo!  I plan to keep THAT focus!

Tonight I am lifting weights, which I LOVE!

We had a wonderful visit with my great aunt.  She's still doing well, but definitely beginning to slow down quite a bit.  The sense that our time is running out was a lot stronger this trip.  She's 95 and in good health, but at that age you never know.  My grandmother (her sister) was in great health, right up until she quit eating and died.  So I think we may plan a trip back to rent a cabin in the spring rather than going up to New England.

Have a good rest of the week!

Tuesday, December 09, 2014

Alive

Hello, I'm back from our trip.

Work has been brutal the last couple of days.  I am exhausted.

More later.

Tuesday, December 02, 2014

New Eats

I've been eating the same salad made with grilled chicken thighs and homemade ranch for work lunches for AGES (a year or more).  And basically alternating between different types of meatloaf and burgers with vegetables for breakfast for months.

Since I didn't need to do any food prep for my husband this weekend, I put a bit more time and effort into planning my meals so I could have something different.

Breakfast is some baked salmon with roasted tomatoes and zucchini.  For lunch I bought a rotisserie chicken.  I added chopped vegetables, 2 tablespoons of homemade vinaigrette dressing, 1 tablespoon of feta, and 1 tablespoon of kalamata olives.

I'm looking forward to getting a bit more creative with my food!

I am headed to Georgia tomorrow.  We will be in a cabin by a lake until Sunday.  Have a lovely rest of the week, but don't expect to hear from me until after we get back and unpacked! :-)