Emergency!

Down 2 pounds this morning - feeling better, mentally and physically.  (And not just because of the scale).

I am doing some picking up and general chores.  One of which was to try on my swimsuits.  I need a one piece for water aerobics.  I have 4 one piece swimsuits (you own a lot of suits when you have a backyard pool).  I could only find one.  Not a "good one", in the sense that this one shows a bit more skin  and is one of my smaller ones.

So, an emergency trip for a swimsuit is in order. It's always something.  Oh well.  First world "problems", right? I will get a suit I feel more comfortable with and in.

Not a super busy day.  I'm glad because I have to tell you guys, this jobs is SO hectic.  I know part of it is because I am new, but honestly, I am feeling very stressed.

I had planned to make a pot of soup for my lunches this week.  Uh, no.  I will buy the highest quality pre-made soup I can, but I cannot make soup today.  That's one shore too many, and I gotta pick my priorities.  I'll pay more, but it's worth it to get back that time and energy.

Have a good one!

Improvise, adapt, overcome

I had a difficult morning.

I saw a number on the scale that made me feel like I'm spinning my wheels.  But I knew I was going to the Y to sign up for swim lessons!  Got to the Y and the class was already full.

I got in my car and cried.  And called my mom.  And cried.  Then I went grocery shopping and called a friend.  She talked me off the ledge and gave me a couple of ideas.

Then I went back to the Y and signed up for evening water aerobics 3 evenings a week (Mon, Wed, Thur).  At an even more convenient time.  I was sure the class would be full, but I called and she said no, so I drove right over.

Starting next Wednesday, I have signed up for water aerobics for the month of July for 4 days a week - 3 evenings at 7 and then early Saturday morning.

It's a start.  Oh, and I had a salad for lunch. :-)

pretty proud of me

Yesterday was a tough day.  I left work stressed and grumpy. 

Today was another tough day.  A little before lunch I found myself frustrated and feeling teary.  I got up, walked to my boss' office, closed the door, and told her I raised my hand.

I explained that I was feeling a little overwhelmed and confused.  I spoke to my co-workers and expressed the same.  My boss was totally understanding and told me she was glad I had come to her.

Anyway, it was a big step because being new and being a contractor, it was hard to say I was having a tough time, or that I was having a tough time with the style of my mentor.  But I am proud that I did and I felt much better for the rest of the day.

I did what I had to do, and I know the rest will be there Monday. :-)

There is so much to do here at the house - multiple loads of laundry, cleaning the kitchen, planning the meals, shopping, blah blah.

I also need to get my toenails painted and color my hair.

Anyway, doing okay.  Tomorrow I am signing up for swimming.  Yay!

Workin' my way back to you, babe

Last night was pretty funny.  Hub and I were both SO exhausted!  We did what we had to do to finish getting ready for the work week (in fairness, his week starts Wednesday night).  Laundry, cooking - you know the routine.  Anyway, we were both so tired that he grilled the chicken for our salads and left it sitting out.  Oops!  Go to plan "b"! :-)

I was in an all day training class today.  Thankfully it got out an hour early.  I got home early enough to feed everyone (dogs and myself), reboot dishes, do a couple of loads of laundry, shower, and do a bit of food prep on tomorrow's lunch.  Amazing!

Have you ever noticed how much more energy you have if you eat plenty of fresh raw veggies?  Cooked veggies are good, but for me, a large daily salad is important.

Anyway, the point is that eating is largely on point.  I miss exercise - especially lifting weights.  I am excited - I was talking to my friend in the car on the way home and we were discussing how much we both enjoy lifting weights.  It has to be (for me) the most fun and satisfying form of exercise.

The fact that I miss it and am excited about getting into that routine again is great.  I feel like I am getting reacquainted with a long lost friend - me. :-)

Oh hello, is this about fitness?

See how easy it is to lose focus when life keeps happening?

But that's the point, isn't it?  Something is always happening - that's life.  The trick is to find the balance to do the things you NEED to do, plus a few you want.

IMO, part of the challenge is learning to tell the difference.  Some things are easy (tv), other things may be more nuanced (stuff around the house).  Anyway, any time your life changes to have to find your way again.  Nothing stays the same, does it?

Work is good, hub is happy, boy is .. well, 19 is a tough age.

I have signed up for swim lessons and water aerobics and am excited.  I continue to make good quality foods, and eating out is generally kept to a minimum, unless traveling.  And then I work to make good choices.

I am worried about my son - that's part of parenthood.  But mostly I'm in a really good place right now.

A good friend rode to Wilmington with me for the weekend. We fished and laughed and it was so nice to be around a good friend.  Lord how I have missed that.

Be well. :-)   

what's beyond pooped?

Had a good weekend in Wilmington.  But I am tired.  I can't believe I have to go to work tomorrow! ;-)

Anyway, just a quick check in to say hello.

Have a good night.

Too pooped to pop

Hub butt dialed me at 5:20 and I never went back to sleep.

I'm tired.

Going to bed early so I can get up - Heading to Wilmington to visit my son for the weekend.

Take care, have a good weekend, be safe out there. :-)

More of the same

Mom and the boy headed to Wilmington.  He's up and down - sometimes ok, sometimes really down.   The producer of "Sleepy Hollow" wanted to use his houseboat in the show, but apparently the writers decided on a sailboat instead.  Oh well. :-)  fyi, they film quite a few movies and shows in Wilmington.  Not sure if he's disappointed or relieved - or a little of both.

My great aunt is ok I guess - she is slowing down, like I said.  Her daughter has early onset Alzheimer's, her grandkids don't do shit for her, so mostly she sits in the world's most boring assisted living facility, doing very little.  It sucks.  There is a great place in town but she can't afford it.  Why?  Why do people work hard their whole lives, only to be warehoused until they die.  I wish we could do more.

A society is only as good as it treats its most vulnerable citizens.  America is failing.

Ok, sorry to be a downer.  On the trip home I promised my mom I wouldn't slap anyone at Alma's funeral. :-)

Work is good, hub likes his new job, we actually have money for stuff.  I'm kinda lonely, but its cool, cause I'm home.

Take care.

A lot to say

Still here.

Busy taking care of things here while mom was out of town.  Then we went to Georgia for the weekend to visit my great aunt.  Very bittersweet - she is beginning to slow down some.  Anyway, we had a good visit.

Keeping busy, doing okay, life is busy.  Good though.  The boy is doing a little better.  It helps she's acting like a horses ass - it makes is easier for him to be angry and not just sad.  I think we've all been there.

Take care.

Good morning

Just wanted to say good morning and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

I did more yard work today, exchanged a workout top, and my plan for the day is food prep and laundry.  Lifestyles of the rich and famous! *lol*

Mom went to Wilmington.  The boy and his girlfriend have broken up - she did the breaking and he is VERY upset.  This is his first serious relationship.  I wasn't thrilled when they moved in together, I thought they were too young

He's going through a rough time anyway, and this is just so hard.  I hate it for him.

Anyway, mom went down to be with him.  We're going to Georgia next weekend and if needed, she will go back the week after.  I was planning to go down the following weekend anyway.

It doesn't get any easier once your kids get older.

Change of plans

Park near the house.

So, due to an unforeseen change of plans, we are headed to Georgia NEXT weekend.  Today I did yard work (there is still loads more to be done, but its a start).  Then I went to the farmers market.  And just for the record: I've been going since before it was the hipster thing to do. 

Did a bit of grocery shopping (since I now have to feed myself for the next week), and bought workout clothes and stuff for lap swimming.  Yes, I am a baby and require a nose clip.  And goggles.  And a swim cap.  Don't judge me.  Also, I need cute workout clothes to motivate me because I can be shallow that way.

I am signing up for water aerobics and intermediate swim lessons for July, and plan to try Body Pump next week.  In my cute clothes.

Have a good day!

Why do I feel this way?

I woke up with a nasty headache.  My first thought was "I need a nap."  My second thought was "Is it Friday yet?"  For real.

I have felt out of sorts all day.  Like when you wish you had an of switch so you could turn yourself off until the random crankiness had moved on.

What I'd really like is a bacon sandwich and a beer (alas, no bread or beer).  I took a walk.  It isn't the same.

I ate a healthy dinner, but I have a pit in my stomach yet I feel bloated.  Grrr.

This will pass.

In the end, only people matter

Thanks for the comment Plum Petals, my husband is doing ok.  A kidney stone is probably the most painful not serious thing that can happen to a man. :-)

Although I whined a bit yesterday, I'm not really upset.  Life happens, and I'm thankful we are in a position where we can help family. 

When I first met my MIL, she was a much more selfish person.  She's still lacking in people skills, but she is a lot more caring of others.  Like her desire to take hub to the emergency room so I could sleep (since I had work the next day).  And the fact she is always willing to dog sit any time we go out of town.  I wouldn't want to board my dogs, and it would cost a fortune.  But thanks to her they get to stay home and they love her because she showers them with affection.

Our family is close knit and loving and we do for each other.  My quest for fitness is about optimizing my health so I can live to the fullest and enjoy my family the longest.

Life isn't perfect, but after being so isolated, I am so grateful to be with them.

This weekend mom and I are going to Georgia to visit my great aunt.  She is 94 years old and her mind is better than mine! :-)  We always have a wonderful time.

I am reading your blogs and checking up on you guys!  Glad to be back!

Take care.

I don't like sandwiches

I think I am now a part of the "sandwich" generation.

Mother's day we spent over $500 fixing my MIL's car.  She doesn't have the money, so we did it.  Two weeks ago, we bought our son a car.  It's a 2003 Honda Civic.  (He needed a reliable vehicle and he's in that school/work/ trying to grow up but not there yet phase.)  We spent about $5000 plus a few hundred on repairs.  The kids came up for the weekend, and we spent a couple of hours Sunday fixing food to send home.  Monday hub spent the day running errands with his mom (getting her food stamps fixed, banking stuff).  Last night I showed her how to balance her checkbook and set it up in Excel so I could check it every week.

Last night she spent the night in the emergency room with hub - kidney stones.  Unfortunately, the good insurance with his new job doesn't start until August.  The crappy insurance with my contractor job doesn't cover much, so I'm sure last night will be pricey.  (A CT scan runs about $2000 by itself).

Pulled in both directions, bleeding money in every direction.  That's the "sandwich".

Having said all that, I'm glad we're here.

The time and place I miss th emost

Going to the Y tonight to sign up.  Time to admit that walking in the 'hood isn't enough and that there is no place at this house to work out.

This is the new reality

Hub drove to Asheville yesterday for the new job.  Today is the new reality: living here while he is there.  The dogs moped, it was ridiculous.  At least I understand it. I moped too.

Anyway, work was fine, eating was mostly fine.  I have GOT to figure out exercise people.  UGH.

I had baked fish for dinner but I really wanted pizza.  Apparently I am five now.  Oh well, suck it up sister.

Hope you are all doing well.  Despite a bit of griping, I am so thankful we are both in NC and we both have jobs!  That's no small thing.

Hello from my new laptop

At my old job, I spent my entire day at the computer.  That's true of my new job as well.  The difference was that I was able to use my lunch break to check blogs, occasionally post, pay my bills, etc.  As a result, I had an old as the hills, rarely used laptop at home, complete with Windows XP.

I didn't feel comfortable paying bills etc. on a computer that was no longer supported.  So we got new computers.  Then hub went out of town and mine wasn't set up.  Then we spent a week looking for a used car for our son.  Which we bought and I drove to Wilmington yesterday.

Hopefully things will begin to settle down. 

Hub starts his new job tomorrow.  There are plenty of positives and one big negative: it's 4 hours away.  So he is staying with friends during his work week and coming home on his days off (which aren't the weekend).  It isn't ideal, but it'll be okay.

Eating is okay, but I need to join a gym.

Happy Memorial Day.

A feeling of peace

Hi there!

Work is still very busy, and even if it weren't, no blog surfing allowed.  I am checking in the evenings, but haven't been commenting.  I miss you guys, and I am working on getting back into a routine.

I am so happy to be here with my family.  Things certainly aren't perfect, but mostly I am just so thankful that we are all together.  I feel blessed.

Take care. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Just a quick note to wish you a happy mother's day (if you celebrate it), and a nice weekend.

We went to Wilmington yesterday and spent the day with the boy & his girlfriend.  It was very nice.

Today I am cleaning, doing laundry, etc.  But we (mom, hub, MIL, and I) are hanging out, having a nice lunch (at home - I don't go out to eat on this holiday!), and puttering around the house.

I feel like that next weekend we'll be fairly settled in and I plan to just enjoy a quiet weekend at home!

Work is still tough, but I am enjoying it.  Not the level of work politics & stress of the old job.

Take care & have a good day!

Some days you're the windshield, some days you're the bug

Today I was the bug.

MIL's car is going to cost nearly $600 to get it running - and that's before she tries to get it inspected. 

Since she's broke, that's one heck of a Mother's day gift.

Le Sigh.

I ate a healthy dinner anyway. :-)