Ongoing Support
I have been placed on something called the restricted recipient program because my insurance thinks that I visited the ER too many times/unnecessarily during the pandemic. I had like so many months of wheezing and illness and the meds they gave me weren't working. Anyway...I've been sick and wheezing recently and couldn't get in to see my doctor so it was suggested that I go to the urgent care. I went and the xray showed that I have pneumonia. Now I have to wait for my doctor to approve my meds because the urgent care doctor isn't on the list of prescribers. So many hoops to jump through just to get the meds I need to feel better. I'm so frustrated.
I am glad to finally say that I am back! I apologize for missing so much. This is the first time in about 8 years of getting on 7 Cups that I have missed more than 2 nights in a row, I think. But trying to simultaneously grade like a madwoman and be on "vacation" was a bit too much for anything else.
The grading will continue for at least another week and a half, but we are now back home so I can get more done. The graduation went fine and we had a good opportunity to use a little bit of time to explore a national park and get out on Lake Erie. Lots and lots of walking that I didn't think I could do, but I did. It was also nice to see family.
It sounds like things were up and down for you. You are being so thoughtful with all of the family stuff. I hope today went well and that things are feeling fairly calm. How is the diet going?
@bestVase7265
Welcome back! 🤗 I'm glad that you had a good trip and that you're home again. It's always good to get back in your own bed, right? The diet isn't going that good. My appetite hasn't changed since I started taking the diet pills. The only thing different is that I swapped out mountain dew for sprite. I'm eating some Atkins diet meals, but still eating out. I can't seem to stop 😔 It's too convenient.
Today I had therapy and then PT. The lady massaged my knee and put some bio freeze on it. It felt good. Then I got 3 new exercises. The first 3 were stretches. These are strength building ones. CPS lady was over today too and I asked for respite during the first and through the third,so I can go by myself to Dad's memorial service, and the burial of the ashes.
Tonight I took my daughter to the park after dinner. Just the small one down the block, but it has sand so she could play with her bucket and shovel toys. There were two kids playing with her. It was so nice to see that. She usually plays alone. She needs a little friend. Maybe we can make friends this summer.
I am so glad that the exercises are going well and that the knee is feeling better. It is also really nice that you are getting out with your daughter to play. Those are all MAJOR victories. I also think that the respite care for your father's memorial service is exactly what you need to do.
Eating some Atkins meals and switching to Sprite are also steps in the right direction. Keep doing those things. You need to see them as counting and mattering, especially right now when you are also grieving. If you need to eat out occasionally because it is more convenient and you are tired, you can also make that work a little as well. It comes down to the choices that you make when you walk into the restaurant. Choose the healthiest looking thing that you can find on the menu.
I still believe that you can do this just fine.
My day was okay. I am still pretty tired from the trip, but trying to move forward on things. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
My knee is feeling worse today. I'm not sure what I did this morning. I think I stepped wrong or moved it wrong somehow. Today was my catching up on paperwork day. I started the online form for applying for disability, and watched some videos about weight loss surgery, and then filled out my forms for ilmedical insurance renewal. Borrrrrriing! But that's ok. Needed to get started. I'll continue tomorrow.
Apparently I have to give up carbonated drinks forever after I have the surgery. I wonder why? Goodbye Sprite 😥 That's gonna be hard. There all all these hoops to jump through to get the surgery. Then they make you wait 6 months. I'm nervous about it.
How are you today, Vase?
The knee isn't going to feel perfect every day. Sometimes you will tweak it and it will hurt more. But it sounds like you used the time wisely. That is great that you are handling lots of paperwork.
It is good to begin to figure out the surgery stuff. It is lots of steps but you were right to call them little steps. They are just that - little things. You do one at a time and you don't look down. You have managed the transfer to Sprite. That is a victory. I am pretty sure that you eventually have to get rid of carbonation because it irritates your stomach lining.
Ok, so how do you do that? You are doing good with the Sprite, but you can now start to vary that with other stuff. Do you like lemonade or ice tea at all? Or maybe some kind of juice? All that you would need to do for now is maybe go for 3 days of Sprite followed by 1 day of something different. Keep that up for a bit and then taper some more.
I am handling lots of paperwork too - grading. Teaching is fun, preparing is fun, brainstorming with colleagues is fun. Grading is awful. And I have lots of begging students this time. They are really bold about it too which is somewhat shocking. Today I had a student who has appeared in class half the time but has done no writing journal assignments and no papers the entire semester. He has not opened one book. He begged me not to fail him because he might have to leave college. I feel bad for doing so, but all I have in my grade book is zeros. Sometimes they have to learn very tough lessons about responsibility. But that is also rough on me. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
I like lemonade. Never got into drinking iced tea. Perhaps I'll give it another chance.
That student should've known better than to ask you for a free ride. I've failed courses too. It never even occurred to me to ask the instructor to pass me when I didn't deserve it. Don't feel too bad, Vase. He made the decision to slack.
Today was unremarkable. I had zero appointments, so I decided to take a pain pill and slept while my daughter was in school. Now I'm laying on the couch dreading getting up to cook dinner. Oh well, I'm making Sloppy Joe's tonight. That should be good.
Lemonade is perfect. I like it much better than iced tea myself. Start with that once every few days instead of the Sprite. Sloppy Joes are also awesome to make at home. If you do them with ground turkey or chicken you can make them healthier. It is great that you are eating at home. We had some salad (from a bag mix) and a cheese spread I made with crackers. The cheese spread was only minimally healthy, but I like trying out new things.
Otherwise, my day was pretty much grading. But I am now working on the really great class, so the papers were actually pretty good. My husband also bought himself a guitar as a retirement present. So he was excited to play it.
@bestVase7265
I'm not doing so well. I hate getting up because my leg hurts. I hate showering, cooking, cleaning because of my annoying leg pain. I haven't showered since Tuesday. I need to do laundry. Everything is so hard every day. I over-ate some mini Milky Ways today.
I just don't see a light at the end of this tunnel.
I feel very negative right now :(
I know it is hard, especially when you are in pain. Sending lots of peace tonight. Remember that the shower, though painful, is going to help.
Let's make that the primary goal tonight. You can't feel good about yourself unless you are clean. It is the starting line. All you need to do tonight is get to that starting line.
Don't make the shower take too long and sit down when you can. You only have to stand for the actual shower. You can dry off sitting down.
You can do this. I believe in you. I am not going to stop believing in you. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
Thanks for your words of encouragement, Vase. I read your message when I was in bed, so I didn't take a shower yesterday. I just took one before writing this. It was hard, but I do feel better.
Another dull day of low energy. At least I get to go to my daughter's school play tomorrow. I'm looking forward to that.
I started a new job (another program for paid parents of disabled children) and I missed the deadline for a paycheck the past Friday. I really could've used that check as I'm getting low on money and have to make $50 of gas last for about two weeks and hopefully not run out of food.
How are you feeling? Is your health better these days?
You took a shower! That is great. Now don't go too long without taking another. Every other day is a good goal post. They will always make you feel a bit better and the warm water may actually help the knee. Keep telling yourself that.
I love the fact that your daughter has a play tomorrow. That should be fun! It is always good watching your kids.
I am doing fine. Still grading papers though. And I start a 4 day workshop tomorrow. But I will make it okay.
Sorry about the job/money issue. You will make it, I am sure but the next few days might get tighter. One of the cheapest healthy things that you can eat are those rice and bean mixes at the food store. They actually can taste pretty good and are easy to make. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
Well my day started off with my daughter's school play at 8:45. It was a fairy tale. My daughter had 3 lines and she forgot them all, but that's ok. She was cute.
I didn't take a nap today, but I laid down to rest my leg. My energy wasn't as low today and it was nice and sunny out. I've been doing my leg exercises and stretches. I think it's helping the range of motion a little, but the pain persists.
I got approved for a credit card, but it could take 7 to 10 days to get to me. Let's hope it shows up early so I can get some more groceries.
So glad to hear that you have a bit more energy and that you have been able to do some of the leg stretches again. Way to get back into things!
I am glad that you enjoyed your daughter's play as well. It is fun to watch them doing cute things.
I made a dieting error myself today and am really paying for it tonight. We started our four-day meeting at lunch today and they had chocolates on the table for snacking. I ate way too many of them and gave myself a nasty migraine tonight. I will have to be better tomorrow since they will still be sitting right in front of me, but this time for 8 hours rather than 5. So wish me luck. I need to be able to think clearly enough to finish grading and stay focused during the meeting which won't happen with a migraine.
@bestVase7265
Chocolate gives you headaches? That's terrible! I love chocolate. I have a small bag of hershey minis for when I want a little snackie.
Today is slightly frustrating. I had 2 tasks I wanted to complete, but couldn't because I gotta wait for someone to get back to me. I went back to finish my Disability application after looking up all 4 of my doctor's info and I guess my app was submitted, not saved. Even though it gave me a number to enter to continue. So confused. And then I wanted to do this really long form called the Patient Intake Form for my bariatric surgery, but can't proceed until i have my insurance info. They just moved me off of my Blue Plus and now I don't know what to enter so I called my local office and of course had to leave a message because nobody can ever help a person on the spot. I have a phone appointment to continue the Disability app on June 9th. Hopefully the person gets back to me about my insurance info.
Normally, I don't get headaches at all. But I think the combo of long meetings, the grading, the IUD trying to work to stop my cycle and the chocolate did me in. Anyway, today was a little better and I only had a slight, momentary headache. I had just two pieces of chocolate from the table today so I did better. But the meeting itself was very long and the essay grading is slow. Another similar day tomorrow.
I too dislike those days when I want to get stuff done and I can't because I am waiting on someone to do something. Usually all the pieces then fall into place gradually though. I hope that happens for you. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
Thanks. Is the IUD helping? I haven't had my cycle now for 3 months, but I'll probably get now that I'm talking about not having it lol. Isn't that the way things go?
I'm still waiting on someone to get back to me about my insurance so I can complete the Patient Intake Form. Tomorrow the school is taking my daughter's 3rd grade class to the zoo. It's a half an hour drive so I hope my daughter doesn't have to pee during the trip. They said they're not stopping. I think that's terrible. They should stop for a bathroom break halfway. I'm also nervous about getting up earlier to get her to the school by 7:45. We usually get there at 8 or a few minutes after because I'm incompetent when it comes to getting her to school on time. I just can't get used to getting up and going early in the morning. My leg hurts so i don't wanna get out of bed and I take heavy meds at bedtime that make me feel groggy in the morning. I hope I can get her to school on time so she can go to the zoo tomorrow.
You are going to get her to school just fine and she will have a great time. When you know that she has to be there, you will push her and you a bit harder. If you can set out anything that you can tonight in terms of clothes, etc. The zoo sounds awesome.
I think that the IUD is helping. Not quite at the pace that I would like and with occasional headaches, but it is slowing things down. Another long day of meetings today. Down to two papers left to grade and meetings for about 2/3 of the day tomorrow.@SweetPea321
That sounds like a lovely day. So glad that you clicked with the PT person. I think that will help on multiple levels. The zoo also sounds lovely. I think that people can stand most temperatures if there are fun animals to look at.
My semester is now mainly done. Yay. I still have one student who got a semester extension after her dad died that I need to grade and then some details from the refugee organizations that I worked with for my course to wrap up. But first, I will ignore work for a day or so to go and visit my parents with my youngest son. It should be nice.
@bestVase7265
Today was alright. I opened a line of credit at my bank so I won't be without money until my first paycheck. That's all I did today for errands. I took an afternoon nap and dreamed that my Dad was still alive. It was nice until I woke up and realized that he's gone. I listened to an old voice-mail of him asking me to give him a call and saying love you. It brought me some comfort to hear his voice again.
I'm currently trying to keep my daughter because it's too early to go to bed. I think I'll wake her up to take a shower. They had field day at school today.
Another semester about to be done. What will you do for summer break?
Have fun visiting your family.
I am glad that you got to remember your dad in such a nice way today. I am sure that was special.
The last few weeks of school have lots of excitement for kids but they can be exhausting. I am sure that she is quite tired. Hopefully the weekend will be relaxing.
The first bit of my visit to my parents was a bit hard. My mom is really resistant to getting help, but she complains tons about taking care of my dad. It is pretty frustrating for me because her final response was "I will just stop talking." Anyway, the day got better after that I think. We had a nice dinner and went on a short walk.
I don't really call it a summer break. I am going to try to not look at stuff today and tomorrow, but I will be back prepping a short summer class, my fall and spring classes for next year, and evaluating 50 essays by Sunday. I move at a slightly slower pace during the summer, but it is constant. We hope to get away for a long weekend in Chicago in early August. That will be it. I start my semester as soon as we get back. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
I meant to respond last night. Then I got sidetracked. I should've just said "summer" rather than "summer break". I guess I'm thinking about my daughter having summer break from school. Sounds like you'll stay busy. I'm not looking forward to my kid being home all day because all she'll want to do is play video games. It's already too hot for her to enjoy the park. She doesn't like sweating.
I suppose your mom might feel as though she's stuck between a rock and a hard place. She doesn't want to give up caring for him, but it's getting hard for her to continue to do so. Maybe she'll reach a breaking point soon and finally accept help.
I feel like I'm doing the bare minimum in life. Barely doing chores, taking care of my kid and myself. I finally took a shower just now and feel better. I should've done so earlier in the day, but I lack energy and motivation. I wish I wasn't so fat.
You are going to get to a better place with all of that. Each day is a fresh start. You did get a shower so that is good. Your body is beautiful no matter what your weight is. The weight just makes it harder to move.
How is the exercise and dieting going? Focus on minor victories with those. Are you able to get some stretches in?
I know that you are worried about summer vacation. Maybe we can try to think of some inside things that you can do with your daughter each day for just a bit that are different than video games. What about a little art or music? Do you ever get to the library to grab a book to read together? Does she like board games at all? One little thing each day might keep you both more active. Don't think about the whole length of the vacation. It is really one day at a time.
My day was okay. I am back to doing some work, but I am also trying to read a novel. It is the one time per year that I read something for myself. I also made some nice roasted vegetable mac and cheese for dinner tonight.@SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
I've been doing my PT stretches and exercises, but that's all for exercise. I hate standing and walking. It just hurts too much right now.
My diet isn't going so good. I just binged on some mini candy bars. I feel like the appetite suppressant isn't working at all. I'm still eating as I did before. I wouldn't be surprised to see weight gain when I go to the doctor on the 13th.
My daughter doesn't like reading, but I have some kid books at home that have short stories in them that I may make her read with me so she doesn't lose her skills over the summer. She does like board games. I'll get her to put the electronics down for that. Summertime feels so boring to me and then I get to be irritated by the neighbor kids screaming by my window and turning on the garden hose to waste water and it makes such a loud noise through the wall when they turn it on. I was thinking about planting some flowers by my living room window to hopefully keep them away from it.
There are actually a number of good things that you reported in there. It is so nice that you got to visit the cemetery. I always enjoy visiting them because there are such great stories there.
I also wasn't expecting that you would say that you had walked. I know it is painful right now. But doing some of the exercises at home is great.
I can understand the diet challenge. Can you work towards not purchasing the mini-candy bars? If they aren't in the house then you can't eat them. I know that it is tough to imagine it as one giant project. Keep breaking it down into smaller ones. Are you still just doing the once a day Sprite?
I think reading with your daughter might be fun even if she doesn't like to read by herself. If it is a good enough story then she might sit and listen to you read it. Even 15 minutes a day would break things up a bit. And a game a day is also a great goal. I love the idea of planting the flowers or something. You have mentioned the neighbor kids before.
Anyway, the big key is that I am here to cheer you on each and every day throughout the summer. We will come up with a plan to make this summer better than last summer. Focus on the moments like the good cemetery visit today.
@bestVase7265
Thank you for your continued support, Vase 🤗 I hope you're doing well. Today was annoying. The babysitter flaked on me and now I might not have enough time to find anyone else. CPS is trying to find someone for me. If she goes she'll just complain and make a scene at my Dad's funeral. It'll be embarrassing for me and traumatic for my Dad's wife, who we're going with. I don't want to upset her anymore than she already is. I hope I can get someone. I have to leave this Thursday after school gets out at noon. I hope I get some good news tomorrow 🙏
I am going to be sending lots of prayers your way that a babysitter can be located. You really deserve to be able to mourn without having to worry about your daughter. Is there anyone else (like your older daughter or the adult she is living with) who is near where the service is who might be able to watch her for a few hours in a pinch?
Little things like a single Sprite and eating fewer mini chocolates are great starts on the dieting piece. Every little bit helps.
My day was okay. I had to have a dental filing done, but it wasn't too traumatic this time. I do hate dental stuff though.@SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
I hate dental work too 😒 Are you all better now?
Guess what? I have a babysitter! Yay! Now I can go by myself tomorrow. The only thing is I have to come back and pick her up by Friday night, so not much time. I am grateful for some time though. I'll be at my Dad's house tomorrow night so I probably won't post until Saturday. I hope you have a good night, Vase. Life is good. Has the husband played any songs for you on his guitar yet?
I am so glad that you got a babysitter. That will make the next few days easier. Post whenever. I won't worry since I know where you are. May the day bring peace and healing.
The dentist thing got funnier today. My son had an appointment so we had to go back. My dean (so my boss) was there. It turns out she hates the dentist too, so much so that she doesn't go often. It was just a relief to see someone I respect actually doing worse with the dentist than me. I at least force myself to go for cleanings.
My husband has played some songs for me, but usually he just talks about what he is learning. Right now since we are going to Chicago in early August, he is learning a song about it.
I will be thinking about you tomorrow. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
It's always nice to find someone to relate to. I don't even go for cleanings. I go once a year.
I'm so tired from the driving. I only got two days for the babysitter and I had to turn around and leave after the funeral lunch, which started at 2 and ended at 4. I had a rock hit my whildshield on the way down there and it got glass on my dashboard. It's a big crack. So I guess I'll call my insurance and see if that's covered.
My Dad was buried in a mausoleum, his ashes. His crypt was right above his wife's parents. Then we went to the Cowboy Church for the funeral. The church is really neat. It's cowboy themed and even the preacher wears a cowboy hat. So many people showed up for the service. Some people I haven't seen since I was a little girl. Lots of people loved Dad. He was a great guy.
There was a part of the funeral where you got to stand up with the microphone and speak about Dad. My Dad had 7 children. 3 are biological (including myself) and I was my Mom's only child so I didn't grow up with siblings. My steps and halves are all older than me. Most of them got up to speak about Dad, but I didn't because I didn't have anything prepared. I didn't know we could speak about him. My stepbrother's wife asked my eldest daughter why she didn't get up there and talk about the go carts and stuff. Somebody already mentioned them. I thought that was rude of her to go on and on about my daughter not going up there. I said, "she's shy" and left it at that. I wasn't about to argue at my Dad's funeral. What a dumb lady. She didn't go up there either. Other than that everything was good.
So how's Vase doing?
I am doing fine. I am glad that you had a good memorial for your dad. Sorry that you felt a little pushed to speak. Some people mourn that way and others do not. I like listening to other people speak. The Cowboy Church sounds great. What a nice way for everyone to remember him.
The insurance should do the auto glass. I know in our state that they send someone to the house to do it. You just need to tell them within a week of it happening.
We are now organizing my mother-in-law's memorial service for next Saturday. I think that it will really just be my sister-in-law speaking about memories. My husband created a slide show. The grandkids have all bought a book in honor of her (she loved to read and you could not get her out of a library or bookstore) and they will present that during the service. It should all go well.
@bestVase7265
I spoke to my insurance today and I'll have to pay for the windshield replacement myself. What a bunch of crap! Thankfully I have the $1000 credit card now so I can pay for it. I did not need this extra expense. There's a dead bird stuck in my grill too. Ugh! Poor creature, but I don't want to touch it.
I already feel down about not having my school time break. It's 90 here today and she didn't want to play at the park. I don't blame her. I hate the heat too.
Life sucks with this painful leg. Everyday I look forward to the end of the day when I can lay my leg down. My daughter wants to go back to the babysitter because it was fun there and I feel like a boring sh1tty mom.
Feeling very pessimistic today, sorry.
Sorry about the car. It is amazing how different car insurance is from state to state. But we do pay through the nose for our car insurance. It is just about to go up again when we add my youngest son onto the policy after he gets his license.
The beginning of the summer is really hard because you can't see it as ever ending. I felt the same way a bit with my kids. I had to come up with things that we were going to try to do each day so I wouldn't go crazy. They were really short things but having a plan helped. If your daughter likes board games, plan on doing one a day with her. Then maybe read her a story once a day too. I know that she doesn't like reading that much, but we can brainstorm some books based upon her interests. There are some great stories out there for kids her age that are easy to read. How close is your library? Outside time can be on the days that aren't too, too hot or in the early evening when it is cooler.
You aren't the uncool mom. She simply had something that was different and she liked the newness of it. You can find that too whether your leg is bothering you or not. We will figure out a plan together so you don't have to dread the entire day, week or month.
@SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
Today was my weight and blood pressure check. I gained 3 lbs after being on the "appetite suppression" med for a month. I was so upset at myself I cried right in the office. I feel like a big fat failure. I also asked about applying for a handicapped permit. I said eff it and parked In a handicapped spot today at Walmart because I had to go in to get something. Luckily I didn't get in trouble.
Vase, I can't see the good in life right now. Every single day is too hard.
You are most definitely NOT a failure. The fact that a medication didn't work is not your fault. Yes, you can work on diet, but there are also body chemicals and types that make things more difficult. Your dad also just died which made dieting more difficult.
As I have said before, what is great about all of this is that tomorrow is a clean slate. So you start and try again.
Start with what you buy from the food store. If you only have healthier stuff in the house, then you can't eat unhealthy things. There are actually lots of very tasty, healthy options out there.
I know how bad it all feels right now. But you can take steps forward. I am not going to stop cheering you on because you do deserve better. You are a very strong person in how you care for your daughter. I admire you.
I just watched Michelle Obama's interview with Oprah on Netflix. Do you get Netflix? It is really inspirational. It is called "The Light We Carry". You need to start watching some inspiring things. It will help.
@bestVase7265
I'll have to look for that interview on Netflix. I'm feeling a little better mentally today, but physically worse. My knee has been really hurting. Worse rhan usual. I finally asked my doctor for Vicodin. I sent her a message on the patient portal so we'll see what she says. I've been holding off asking for that, but I can't take it anymore. I'm in so much pain, I hate my life and I don't want to hate my life. It's gonna take awhile to lose weight for it to feel better.
My daughter is bugging me to play with her right now, so I'll cut this short and wish you a good night of peace and happiness.
I hope that you had fun playing with your daughter. Use that time to distract you as much as possible from the pain.
Are you still able to do the physical therapy? I know that helped a bit.
What kinds of things did you eat today? Sometimes diet can also improve pain. Here are a few healthier things to buy to limit physical pain like your knee: blueberries, pumpkin seeds, salmon, tuna, and tart cherries. You can also try ginger, turmeric and mint in tea. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
Thanks for the tips, although I don't like tuna or salmon. I ate poorly yesterday. Fast food. Last night I ordered groceries and picked them up today so I have stuff to cook now. No excuses to eat out.
I had PT today and I couldn't do all of my exercises. I was in too much pain. I'm kind of frustrated because I've been waiting for my doctor (for almost 23 hours as I'm typing this) to answer my message asking if I can have Vicodin. My current pain meds aren't cutting it and I'm tired of suffering. I want to be able to stand to cook and walk without the cane. She usually gets back to me fast, but not this time I guess. I hope I can get the pain meds today. I'm laying down now to rest my leg.
And yes I had fun playing Restaurant with my daughter the other day 😁
There is lots of good news hiding in there. First of all, I didn't expect you to like all the foods that I listed. Choose any that you like. Experiment and have fun with them.
You also got groceries so that you can eat in. That is also a plus. If you do end up feeling a need to eat out, there are also healthier options there as well. You just have to choose wisely.
It kind of goes back to your daughter playing restaurant. Have fun and play with eating by choosing stuff that you like but is healthy above all. This is doable. You just have to experiment first.
What did you eat today?
I also loved that you had fun with her. Look for those special moments this summer. They are there.
I am sorry that the pain continued today. I am hoping that the new meds will help. Again, experimentation and learning about your body is key. There is a good chance that the new med will help with the nerve pain. Every little step forward is good. You also at least tried the PT. Keep trying.
You are strong enough to find a better spot. I believe in you.
@bestVase7265
I really appreciate you offering suggestions to help, Vase. That's very kind of you. I just got done exercising. Nothing strenuous. 500 strides on my Cubii machine, my PT exercises and my hand weights. I even had my daughter do some exercises. I told her every day at 1 o'clock we'll do them. I think I can keep up with this because it's so easy. As long as I feel decent anyway. Today is better than the past couple days. I just started taking the Gabapentin last night. Maybe it's already helping with the nerve pain.
Lunch will be ham and cheese sandwiches with yogurt and a few chips. Tomorrow we have my daughter's first swim lesson. I hope that goes well. I really want her to learn how to swim, so we have something fun to do for the summer.
I'm feeling ok right now. Not depressed today and not in too much pain. Up and doing things. Doing laundry right now. How's your day going?
If you have a day with less pain then I say that the medication is working! A little better is great. It probably won't be perfect but if you are able to exercise every day at 1 that would be great.
That is what I really found with my own kids when they were home for the summer and I was dreading it. If I could set up a schedule of things to do each day, the days went quicker. And putting exercise on your list is even better. I also love the idea of your daughter learning to swim. It will be great for you to get out there and watch her a bit.
We had something similar for dinner: a ham and cheese spread that I made with some cucumbers and lettuce as sandwiches. I tend to make stuff based upon the leftovers that I have. I had a few pickled onions, some lowfat sour cream, and some lettuce and cucumbers. But now of course we have leftover ham. But it is all good.
We will be going to my parents tomorrow and then to my mother-in-law's memorial service on Saturday. I should be able to get on to 7 Cups tomorrow night, but if not you will know where I am. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
Ok Vase. I'm feeling mentally good today and the leg is not so bad. It was awesome to watch my daughter have fun at her swimming lesson. She did pretty good. Then we had our 1 o'clock exercise and meditation time. Jasmine fell asleep after the meditation, so I let her have a short nap before 2 o'clock lunch. We are eating on a schedule. For lunch I had one of my diet microwave meals with a piece of cinnamon sugar toast. I have this cinnamon sugar butter spread that is so good. I could've eaten more (I was still hungry), but I didn't.
We're getting ready to play a new video game called ARK Survial Evolved. My daughter wanted it because she watched someone on YouTube play it.
Maybe we'll go out on the patio and blow some bubbles later if I can get her to go outside.
You do have plenty to look forward to. There will probably be bumps along the way, but you have a plan and that really, really helps.
And I love the dieting that you are doing. Each day that you stop yourself from eating extra is a plus. You will begin to get the hang of it the longer that you do it.
I am now with my parents as we prepare for my mother in law's memorial tomorrow. My father hasn't been well for the opposite reason - he isn't eating enough. He will have two bites of yogurt and call that a meal. He had a period where he kept throwing up which made him nervous to eat. So last week he fell and ended up in the hospital. Now he is throwing up less and is eating only a little better. But better is better. But he gets really upset when you ask him to take a few more bites. He also has really little energy. So we will see where things go next. He is starting to need more help than my mother can give. She feels pretty hopeless when he gets angry at her for trying to encourage him. @SweetPea321
Hi Vase. I know you're busy so I'll keep this short and sweet. Today is another day of exercise and not eating out of meal times. Tomorrow we'll go the circus, yay!
I'm sorry to hear about your father. Maybe he'll go into a nursing home soon so he can get the help he needs. I hate ro think of elders falling down.
I hope the memorial service is nice and that you have a nice time with family.
Today was a good day overall. The memorial service was really well organized and my sister-in-law gave a beautiful talk based on some journals that my mother-in-law had written as a teenager during WWII. We had a good time talking over her life. My parents also did okay.
So I am tired tonight but back home.
The circus sounds great. I hope that you see some lovely performances. It is great that all of the exercising and dieting went well. You are moving a good direction. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
I bet those journals are fascinating. We just got done with dinner. We had breakfast for dinner from Perkins Family Restaurant. French toast, bacon and hash browns. The circus was fun. My butt was hurting sitting on the hard metal bench. I almost couldn't do it, but I made it for an hour and a half. I got Jasmine two stuffed animals and a light up sword. I am tired now. How about you? Are you resting now after the family gathering?
I am glad that you had a successful outing. Yes, those benches can be hard but you made it!
Overall today was good. The morning was rougher with church because some of the church leaders who I had problems with were there and spoke, but I am hoping it is the final time that I see them.
The afternoon was better. My oldest son was very excited by the Across the Spider-verse movie so he made us all go and see it. It was his third time. It was really well done especially with the graphics, if somewhat confusing at points. But it was the kind of movie that you didn't want to see end. I didn't even realize that much time had passed. But the seats were more comfortable than yours. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
Good evening, Vase. I hope that's the last time you see those particular church people. Today I got my windshield replaced. It only took an hour and costed $250. That was half the price of the other quote. We didn't really do anything else today other than our exercises. Right now we're watching a Netflix show called Life In Color With David Attenborogh. He narrates so many good nature documentaries.
Tomorrow I have the doctor and we're gonna drop my membership application off at the YMCA.
Great that you are still doing your exercises! Keep up the good work. And it is good that the windshield didn't cost too much.
I love nature documentaries. David Attenborough is great, particularly with birds. There is also a really nice one that Obama narrates that goes to national parks around the world (not political at all just great images).
How is the diet part going? I did semi-ok with our dinner because I made something with pineapple cottage cheese and oatmeal in it. But it was pancakes. They actually tasted surprisingly ok. I like to experiment with cooking a bit. It is the best way to keep my diet interesting.
Good luck with the gym sign up tomorrow.@SweetPea321
Well my doctor visit was good. She really wants me to give up the Sprite because I won't be able to drink pop after my surgery. This is going to be hard for me. 40 years of eating and drinking how I do is difficult to change. Right now I'm focusing on an eating schedule like I said and smaller portions. I lost 5lbs since my last doctor visit. My doctor signed the paper allowing me to get a disabled parking permit for 1 year so that'll help. I already used it when we went to the YMCA. I'm exhausted after sitting an hour in the very warm pool area. I let my daughter play for an hour. She had fun. The music blasting gave me a headache, but it's gone now. I could go to sleep right now I'm so tired. Dinner is teriyaki chicken breast and green beans. I cook simple because I'm not a great cook.
It sounds like you did a good, solid job today. It was great that you got out to the YMCA. I am sorry that it was a bit loud.
The teriyaki chicken and green beans is great. It does not have to be complex to work. We had chicken too. I basically took chicken cut up, mixed it with a little kale (with olive oil, honey and lemon), added some parmesan cheese, and then wrapped it in a spinach tortilla. It was simple, but good.
5 pounds is also quite a victory! I knew that you would start moving in a better direction soon.
For the Sprite, a good next step might be to do the one sprite one day and then lemonade the next. Alternate between them for a week or so.@SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
Hello Vase 👋 Today hospice called me and told me my Mom had taken a turn and was unresponsive. The nurse told me I should consider visiting today so I did. My Mom briefly responded to me. She smiled twice and spoke a little before she drifted again. They said she could pass over the next days. Like she has days instead of months to live. The Chaplain was there when I arrived and she watched Jasmine while I visited with Mom because she was a little unruly. Tears were falling down when I discussed what to do when she passes. I promised to bring my daughter to the YMCA pool before they called me about Mama, so after the visit we went. I feel mentally exhausted now and my knee is hurting. Then when I got home I checked mail to find a big packet of forms I have to fill out for disability, but I'll do that tomorrow. Too tired tonight. Did I mention that my doctor approved me to get a handicapped parking permit? That's gonna be helpful.
How are you tonight?
That sounds like a very rough one for you. I am sorry. Once someone is in hospice care the time can come quite suddenly. Sending peace as you try to navigate the next few days.
It is great that you still got your daughter to the YMCA.
Give yourself lots of grace in the next few days and be in touch with extra help as you need it. Let your therapist know what is happening, for instance.
I am doing just fine with my normal summer stuff at the moment. @SweetPea321
@bestVase7265
Good evening, Vase. Today was better. I got my gel injection for my knee. I hope it works long. He said it could take up to two weeks to really start working, so we'll see. I did my daily exercises before the shot because I knew I'd be sore after.
Hospice called me and said Mama is having a good day. She was alert and ordering people around as usual. She thinks she's the owner of the nursing home. I'm glad she's having a better day. I want her to live as long as possible. The nursing home social worker sent me an email with some information today and will be getting back to me with more.
I just filled out the long forms for disability and put it in the mail. Tonight we're having pork chops with mashed potatos and green beans.
Tomorrow I take my daughter to the YMCA for her swim lesson and then back home. I ordered a swimsuit in my size because my daughter wants me to be in the water with her. I'll be self conscious, but oh well.
I haven't had my cycle for 4 months now. I wonder if it's going to continue now until I hit menopause 🤔
I am so glad today was better. I really hope that the injection will help some soon. It is also great that your mom had a better day as well.
The pork chops and green beans are good. We were actually much worse than you tonight and splurged at Culver's. I forget how salty their food is though. But I came back and walked a bit more than usual so hopefully that will help. But it was quite hot out there. I can only walk after the sun goes down.
I think it is great that you are getting a bathing suit. One of the best forms of exercise for you right now with the knee is in the water. It takes all the pressure off so you can move it better. The only thing that people are going to be looking at is a mom enjoying the water with her daughter. That is all that matters. None of us look good in bathing suits.
As far as the cycle goes, I would guess that it might come back a few more times unexpectedly. If it does come back, expect it to be really bad because of all the built up tissue. This is what I have read in a number of articles on menopause. But you are headed in the right direction. I still haven't had a month without myself, but the IUD is keeping things lighter at least. @SweetPea321