2016: First Quarter of January 1 through March 31, 2016

Helene610

I would hope you'd be able to get any future surgery on the same leg in 2016. You have more than 10 months left which would be a vry long time for the second surgery not to be healed up. Think positive thoughts.

KonaKat

Pam--Do you have a MicroPedi by Emjoi? It is so great at taking care of feet at home. It is battery operated and really gets rid of the rough skin. It does not permit the rollers to dig in too much. It is the greatest home gadget and does a job about as good as a professional pedicure. Some also are electric powered but I use the battery operated version. It removes the rough skin, callouses, etc.

PamS53

Jean, I don't have any tools other than basic manicure items and a pumice stone, which I can't use on the foot with the broken ankle as I only use it in the shower and I still have to keep that foot dry. I'll look into that tool, and I've seen some others advertised that might be useful. The dead skin is driving me nuts!

mdubbs1

Pam - I'm with Helene - what an ordeal! Because I do employee benefits I read tons of articles about the impact the high deductible plans have on decision making. You're smart to think about it. I was on one the last few years before medicare but my company funded the deductible into a health savings account which took the sting off. It's something almost none of our clients do.

BTW my feet were never pretty but after months and months in a cast and then a boot, well let's just say ugly would probably be an appropriate word. The fact that I go barefoot most of the year also probably doesn't help. Of course I can't wear sandals so I guess it makes little difference!

I lost a pound last week. So I'm turtling through (just made up a word).

The Biggest Loser is almost over. I don't know why they are showing two episodes each week. Obviously they are in a hurry to get to whatever show is on that channel/night/time next. The Voice maybe?

There are a bunch of new episodes of My 600-lb Life. I liked the first year better when they followed the folks over 5 or 6 years. Of course they can't do that now, they only show a year like Extreme Weight Loss does.

I read an article on the internet about the younger of the two doctors on the show My Weight Is Killing Me. Apparently what they've been airing are episodes that go back some years. They said he's come to believe much more in diet and nutrition especially for their patients that aren't morbidly obese (they've operated on people my size and even smaller on that show!)

It's pouring rain here now. I just opened the cat porch because the temp's in the 40's but I doubt any cat will be hanging out out there for long!

Helene610

They been showing commercials for The Voice starting the last week of February so I'm sure that's played into the double episodes of TBL. I like the double episodes because we can see their progress quicker. I think they lost viewer in the season when they were on twice a week and dragged things out. I have to say I liked all of this seasons contestants. There were no whiner/moaners or mean people in it. I even liked weighing 2 of them at once. I thought I'd miss Alison more but Bob has done a really good job as host.

mdubbs1

I wonder what the ratings are for TBL. And I wonder if they have to keep it going, even in this compacted format, to keep the sales of products and TBL resorts going. This has certainly been one of the lesser drama-filled seasons.

KonaKat

I have to say that I enjoyed this season of The Biggest Loser. It has always been sandwiched in between "seasons" of The Voice, another favorite of mine. As for Bob being host, I think he has done a tremendous job. I liked this part in which Bob talked to them about the realities of going back home and the possibility of returning to old life style:http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/video/facing-the-end/2984917?onid=192226#vc192226=1

I was getting tired of the childish stunts some of the TBL contestants were playing behind the scenes...the worst year being the one that featured that brother and sister. Can't remember their names but I just remember how people despised them. It is hard to believe that his show has been on since 2004.

Maryanne--I love your "turtling." A pound lost is a success!! That isn't "turtling" to some people.

mdubbs1

The sun is shining and I just got back from a grocery store run.

DH tells me that a couple were in the yard across the street trying to corral their cat who got out a couple days ago. He asked them what kind of cat it is - because it was so big - and they said a Savannah! Luckily they were able to get a leash on him/her and headed for home!

Survivor starts tonight! It's one of the very few shows I actually watch while it's on! I don't know who wins - haven't seen any spoilers yet.

KonaKat

My bad!! I was so tired that I went to bed to rest until the local optometrist appointment. I went to sleep and missed the appointment. Now, it is rescheduled for 4:30 tomorrow after work.

I haven't seen Survivor in a long time. The one show that I make a point of trying not to miss is "The Voice." I watched that dumb show "Naked and Afraid" for a few episodes when it first started.

mdubbs1

Right inside the grocery store there was a huge display for St. Patrick's Day. I had to go home and double check when it is. I could just hear someone at the store saying "made you look".

Jean - sorry you missed the appointment. I guess folks get a lot of missed appointments or they wouldn't make so many reminder calls. My dentist even wanted to do calls and cancel the appointment if you didn't call back. I told them to put a big note in my file - "if you ever cancel one of Mrs. Dubbs' appointments because she doesn't return your daggone reminder call, she will have a new dentist the next day." I notice they don't do that any more. LOL! I can't stop them from making stupid reminder calls but I will not respond. They found my line in the sand.

Helene610

Thanks for the reminder about Survivor. I'd seen the commercials but forgot it was tonight. I'll probably end up watching it On Demand since I have choir practice at 7. It will be in progress when I get home and since it's the first episode, I don't know who any of the contestants are.

KonaKat

Maryanne--I like the reminder calls in which one is tactfully reminded that a missed appointment results in a charge of x dollars.

Helene--I just checked the cable info for Survivor. It is Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty with the first episode entitled, "I'm a Mental Giant."

mdubbs1

Survivor. I printed out my cheat sheet of contestants. There tend to be so many people the first night that I don't notice a lot of them. Not as true for this cast - there are a LOT of characters! I was surprised at who went home (won't give it away if anyone is going to watch and hasn't).

Had a minor victory yesterday. I had my mind set to get DH a sandwich and soup at the grocery store but couldn't find a sandwich I thought he'd like. So I ended up making him a grilled cheese. I wasn't sure I could do that - I do love grilled cheese - but I did it - and had my JC dinner and vegetables.

PamS53

I had a fun afternoon today. My sweet friends from my book club came over today and had lunch with me. One brought a delicious salad, another brought drinks, and another who just returned from ten days in Hawaii brought fresh pineapple and shortbread cookies she brought back with her. We ordered pizza and had fun chatting and catching up with each other. It made a nice break for me and for DH since he was able to leave and run some errands.

Not much else to report. I have a new home health nurse assigned to me and I don't like her as well as the previous nurse, but she's OK. It's more of a personality issue, but as long as she is competent I won't complain. I'm hoping I won't need the services that much longer since both wounds are closing well. One is already off the wound vac and the other is making good progress, so maybe it won't be too much longer. I think when the wound vac is completely discontinued, I may be able to drop to seeing them only once a week to change the dressing on my picc line, instead of three times a week as I have now. That would be a very welcome change!

Maryanne, congrats on resisting the lure of the grilled cheese!

Helene610

Pam, You have the sweetest friends. is this the first time you've seen them since the accident? Being home recuperating has to be pretty isolating. Having company must have felt like normal life.
I'm hoping to get a haircut and a mani/pedi today. My nails are getting embarrassing as the gel chips off. And I did a little strategic snipping of bangs the other day so U could see where I was going. The proce difference off island is like when jean shops in the city versus local shopping. I can get a mani/pedi for less there than the cost of just a pedi on island. we're going to look at carpet for the bedrooms while we're there. I hope to have new crpet install in the next week or two. Other than that, not much esle is happening here.

mdubbs1

Pam - sounds like you had a good time! I bet when that nurse only has to come once a week you'll have a celebration.

Helene - good luck on the carpet!

I decided I couldn't face the JC mixed berry bar for breakfast this morning. I'm home all day and that - while tasty - isn't filling. So I switched it out for weight control oatmeal and 45 calories of raisins.

Tomorrow I go to get my hair cut/colored. It's always fun to see Julie. I've been going to her at least 25 years. In some ways we're as different as night and day but we make each other laugh. And she's an animal person, although for her it's big dogs.

I was surprised who went home on Survivor. Usually they keep the big guys around a little while. This season really has a bunch of characters! Often the first night there are so many people I don't know who's who but between a cheat sheet I made myself before the first episode and the fact that these folks are quite memorable I didn't have the same issue. Right off the bat, though, you could see just how miserable the conditions were.

PamS53

Helene, it wasn't the first time I had seen them since my accident. They've all brought over dinner for us and all visited me in the hospital, but this was something they planned just to include me in an activity. These ladies go to movies together, happy hours, lunch, etc., and some do volunteer work together. When I'm mobile, I usually do most of those activities with them, and I have really been missing spending time with them. I was really tired after they left, but it was worth it to spend time with them. Enjoy that mani/pedi -- I'm pining for a pedicure but it will be awhile before I can get one.

Maryanne, I'm envious of your haircut and color appointment as that is something I am way overdue to take care of. Unfortunately, my hairdresser's salon is not wheelchair friendly, so it will have to wait until I can use a walker or cane.

Tomorrow my manicurist is coming over to do my nails for me. I don't know if I mentioned it but she came over about 4 weeks ago and did them because she works out of her home and I can't get up the steps of her front porch to get in her house. We assumed that I'd be more mobile and able to come to her the next time, but it hasn't worked out that way. I'm looking forward to the appointment tomorrow as my nails are getting much too long and really need some attention.

I used to watch Survivor, but I got tired of it after several seasons. Maybe I should try it again.

Helene610

I ended up getting my hair cut and I got a mani. I was running too late for the pedi and my nails looked a lot worse than my toes. My fingernails were all chipped and it was embarrassing enough I wanted to hide my hands when I'd see people I know. They look pretty good now. I'll get the pedi during the week. We didn't get that far with the carpet shopping. Finding a color we like is going to be hard. We painted the walls green and the trim will be white. DH doesn't want anything beige. We look at various shades of gray and many were too dark with the paint color. We'll do some more looking and hopefully find something we like.

Pam...That's nice that your manicurist will come to you. Is she the same person who does your pedi? If so, I'd be tempted to have her just do the good foot. I rather have one good looking foot rather than 2 ugly feet but maybe that's just me. have you heard anything from the library? I hope they at least send a card or called to see how you're doing.

Maryanne..I was surprised at who left too. The team must have really been irked about the face mask. While he slowed them down, they pretty much caught up and then Blondie couldn't do the puzzle. I think it should have been her. I don't see her adding much to challenges. The woman with the bug in the ear really grossed me out. I was surprised they didn't call medical to get it out. Or I might have tried drowning it by dunking my head in the sea. Her team didn't seem too sympathetic. they just wanted to face the challenge with 6 people.

mdubbs1

Pam - Maryanne, I'm envious of your haircut and color appointment as that is something I am way overdue to take care of. Unfortunately, my hairdresser's salon is not wheelchair friendly, so it will have to wait until I can use a walker or cane.

Boy that suddenly brought back a memory I hadn't thought about in aeons. After my accident I hired a friend to do stuff for me. She drove me to a hair appointment. I can suddenly see her wheeling me in to the salon!

Helene - I read the Fishbach blog. Both he and MIchele on the NS Refugees site think there must have been stuff they didn't show us. OW made no sense to send home a strong man and keep Blondie.

I'm going to make eggs this morning and then head out to the hairdresser.

Forecast for the week has changed here from snow to rain. YEAH! I know we've had a short winter but I'm still SO ready for spring.

KonaKat

I worked the past two days and overslept this morning. I had the Kellogg's Special K breakfast sandwich for breakfast, which has been alternated with the Quaker Weight Control oatmeal this week. Lunch is a Pure Protein meal bar when working and usually Progresso Light soup or an NS entrée for lunch when at home. Dinner is usually an NS entrée or a Lean Cuisine item with a WonderSlm product or a Pure Protein bar for dessert.

No weight loss this week. I tried to watch The Survivors but kept getting phone calls, so after the first 15 minutes, it was non-existent.

I have to go to the podiatrist on Monday. I need a hair cut, etc. but couldn't get an appointment for today when I called at the beginning of the week. Since the hair stylist isn't open on Mondays, I have to wait until next Saturday as that was the first appointment I could get.

Helene610

Maryanne..You're probably right that more was happening on Survivor than they showed. otherwise, it made no sense sending a strong guy home and keeping Blondie. He must have done something beyond losing the mask to gather such wrath on the team.

Jean...Sorry you have to wait so long for the haircut. When I decide I need a cut I need it yesterday. Is your hairdresser local or in the city?

mdubbs1

Jean - I was picking up soup for DH and noticed Progresso has a turkey noodle soup. I had to buy a can but haven't tried it yet.

I've decided Sammy is our first cat in a long time who'd rather have chicken/turkey than fish so I picked up an assortment of chicken flavored cat food at the store today.

Thanks to Julie my roots are now gone. Again. Temporarily. She keeps wanting to make me blonde. Today she framed my face with her blonde hair. She tried to tell me it looked good. I keep saying no. LOL!

So far today I had eggs/whole wheat roll for breakfast, salad with turkey for lunch and skinless chicken thigh/small sweet potato/anti oxidant vegetables for dinner.

KonaKat

Helene--The hairstylist is in the city; isn't everything? I haven't gone to anyone local for over 30 years. The people who frequented the place liked to gossip and were always asking me about things in school about which I was not permitted to discuss. I ran across this person when in a department store that also had a styling salon. She was fabulous, so I've followed her everywhere she has gone in the city. There is just pleasant chit chat and no malicious gossip; it is a pleasant place to visit.

Maryanne--Midnight doesn't like fish products so Sammy is not alone. I can definitely tell you don't want to go blonde. You had a great menu for today.

I did a NS switch today. For lunch, I had the NS lasagna with meat sauce and some steamed veggies. For dinner, I had one of those NS luncheon cups with steamed veggies. For dessert, I will have a Wonderslim pancake made as a waffle topped with an individual cup serving of unsweetened applesauce for a pretend apple pie.

KonaKat

A reason to have a glass of wine before bed?
http://totalsororitymove.com/drinking-wine-before-bed-now-officially-makes-you-skinny/

mdubbs1

Wine prevents you from nighttime snacking???? NOT ME!! I used to have one great glass of chardonnay every evening but it gave me the munchies. I could easily down a bag of chips or a pint of ice cream (or both). Now I have diet root beer and the nighttime snacks are still tempting but not nearly as much.

Helene610

My cats were chicken fans as well/ They really like the foods that come in gravy. So Sammy has plenty of company.
I would think going blonde would be a lot more upkeep. I'm happy with my natural salt and pepper. It's nice not to have to worry about roots.

KonaKat

It is pouring the rain and flood warnings have been issued. Right now, I'm getting my exercise by watching a "Cize" infomercial. As soon as I finish this cup of coffee, I'll be downing a serving of Quaker Weight Control oatmeal.

mdubbs1

Jean - we're supposed to be getting rain too but I haven't heard of any flood warnings. DH has been working on some things he thinks are causing the water in the basement during the last couple hard rains.

mdubbs1

My stepmother died last evening. Cancer. I wonder what Dad will do now. They were living in her home. I guess he might have to move back to the family home.

KonaKat

Maryanne--I am so sorry. Hopefully, your father will bounce back. It is a difficult time.