Daily Check In: Are You On Track Today?

Paulawilldo

I am hoping to hear from Craig on Saturday. I called him today, but his phone is not in service, a common problem for him and I am not sure why. He stops by to see his mother just about every morning. I called her and he was there today so when he stops by tomorrow she will have him call me. He is fine as far as she knows. I sure hope he is able to come on Saturday as I am expecting company on Sunday and Craig is helpful taking things to the garage and getting things for me from the basement.

I had another very good food day today, didn't even use all of my points! I got a lot done around the house with John's help, but I did rest and nap in the afternoon for a while. I am expecting a busy weekend with what I need to do tomorrow and then my friend (the retired nurse practitioner) visiting on Sunday. She is an easy guest but still I know I have to exert myself a little more when we have company.

Let's enjoy the weekend!

DW2022

Hello! I’m glad you are both doing well! Paula, I hope that you were able to make contact with Craig! Shari, I hope that you are having a good weekend! They fly by so quickly!
We had quite a bit of snow yesterday. Throughout the day today, most melted but not all. I ran errands with DD for much of the day and had another good time with her. I feel like I am prepared with healthy foods for next week .

I must head for bed- the clocks spring forward tonight and I want to be up in time for church. Have a blessed Sunday!

Paulawilldo

DW, I sure hope your snow is over for the season. We had some wind but no snow.

Craig eventually got here today after my calling his mother twice today. He said he forgot to come on Wednesday and then forgot to call when he was at his mother's Friday. I still think something else is going on with him, but he says he is fine and his mother says so too. He is still having phone trouble so it is difficult to reach him except through his mother. By the time he got here today John and I had done as much as we possibly could without him. John was a tremendous help, as usual, and loves being able to help in this way. By the time Craig got here, his "to do" list here was minimal, and he got it all taken care of quite pleasantly. Maybe he is just a super scatter brain these days.

I had an excellent food day again today. Again I was so busy I didn't really have time to stray and I made wise choices when I did eat.

shariletts

Hello! I spent Friday night and Saturday at my eldest's painting. DH was with us too. He is the roller, I cut in and we all did various other tasks to make room to paint. It looks soooo fresh and we swapped out the colour on the feature wall. i think it looks great! It was a blessing to spend the time together and to work on this project together.

Today will be a day of rest, we need it after all the physical labour. I see it was raining and now snowing. Since I have nowhere that I need to go today, I am fine with that.

I hope Craig is alright Paula. I hope you can figure out what is going on. Maybe God will provide someone else that can help you out. I know how much Jim helps out our neigbours in this season of life, they must have had others help out in the past. I see God at work in it all.

DW- I didn't have to get up with an alarm today. Not sure how easy it will be tomorrow with the time change. I honestly wish we didn't have to deal with it at all. It doesn't seem worth the hassle and impact on my sleep patterns to change the time twice per year. I hope we all adjust quickly.

Paulawilldo

Shari, I so admire how you and your DH are talented with home improvement skills. I am sure your DS appreciated the outcome but also the time spent with 2 loving parents. You sure earned your Sunday day of rest! I think we can depend on Craig to a certain extent as long as his sweet mother is alive (she is in her mid 80s). I worry terribly about him if something happens to her. He currently lives with his sister who isn't really a nice person, but he would be homeless without her. (His mom lives in a low income elderly apt. and cannot have him live with her.)

I didn't adhere to my food plan today and didn't log my food. I took a day off and think I didn't do too much damage and am sure I will be back on track for Monday. I had a wonderful visit with my retired nurse practitioner friend. She is one of the kindest sweetest people on the planet. Our friendship goes back almost 50 years when we met in college. We live 2 hours apart so don't get to see each other as often as we'd like. She did say that she plans to get back here more often now that winter is winding down.

shariletts

That sounds like a hard situation for Craig and does offer insight to his situation. We can pray that God will provide for Craig now and in the future.

I really did have a day of rest. I was very unmotivated to do much of anything. It snowed lightly all day and not much accumulated. I got outside for a short walk to feed the cat. I know she will be happy once it warms up outside. I think she actually wants our company now. She has come a long way from when we first got her.

Another week ahead! I want to plan something with some of my vacation time. Perhaps another trip to Mexico or Vancouver (to see our youngest).

Paulawilldo

I would like to have a cat, but I am highly allergic to them. I get a very severe asthma attack if I am anywhere near a cat. I like your enjoyment of traveling Shari. My cousin (her name is Sharon, close to your name) who is like a sister to me, left tonight with her husband and 3 other couples for a trip to Ireland. It sounds like a fun trip to me.

I did much better today with food choices and completing my to do list. Unless something unexpected happens, the rest of the week looks good to me, not too many demands or stressors. I hope this week allows me more reading and relaxing time.

shariletts

I have been terrified of cats my whole life. I am getting better, but I am still wary. I am very much a dog person. Our cat is our mouser to keep the mouse population out of DH's workshop. She does a very very good job.

DH was at the doctor yesterday and will be needing further testing. Please pray for him. The main concern is to determine why his red blood cell count is low. He will booked for a CT scan to check for tumours/cancer. I am not in panic mode yet, but I am finding my thoughts wondering off to see what a cancer diagnosis looks like. It goes all over the map. I will take one day at a time with him and not get ahead of myself. This may seem selfish, but my biggest worry is how much work this farm is. I can't do it on my own. But again, I am getting way ahead of myself.

Paulawilldo

Shari, Be assured you and your DH will be on my prayer list. I understand your concerns, which are natural. It's good to try to not get ahead of yourself on these things, but I would likely be feeling much like you do under these circumstances.

I am not happy with my food today even though I didn't make any horrible choices. I know I can do better. I will have groceries delivered tomorrow so will have the makings for a big fresh salad. I ran out of our fresh salad veggies and really missed having them today. My cleaning service was here today. The worker wasn't the gal I request, but today's young lady did a fine job and worked quickly and efficiently. I am so grateful to have this service on a monthly basis.

shariletts

Thanks for praying! That is what we can do while we wait.

I could have done better with my food too. I will be eating two meals out today which isn't ideal. We have a work conference, so lunch will be provided. For dinner, I am meeting up with my friend Larissa. We have a rotation of restaurants that we go to, and we typically share a meal. I am hoping I won't be going too far over my daily calories and macros. Once Thursday comes around, I should be good again.

Paulawilldo

I have been wondering about your friend Larissa. I hope you two had a good time together. I continue to pray for her and to think of her.

I had an excellent day today, very much on track and not even close to going over my daily points. I am happy to be stocked up with more healthy groceries again. The day went by quickly, but I don't have much to claim in terms of accomplishments. Putting the groceries away took some time, and then we had church tonight at 6 pm. Our church services during Great Lent are typically Wednesday evening, Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning. John and I attend all of the services online of course and are grateful that we are able to do so. But we do truly miss being physically in church.

shariletts

Larissa and I had a really good visit. We hadn't seen each other for a few weeks as she was away on vacation.

I didn't have a good food day yesterday. I do so much better if I can be at home. I will work from home until after lunch, but then I need to head into the office. I am sure I can be back to tracking and choosing well today. I just have to let yesterday go and strive to reach my goal's for today.

DW2022

Hello! Shari, I'll be keeping you and your DH in my prayers! I'm happy to hear that you had a good visit with your friend! Paula, I'm glad that Craig showed up and hope that everything is OK with him! Also happy that you had a nice visit with your nurse friend!!

I went to church last night for a Lenten Bible study and really enjoyed it! I've been feeling led to give my Faith journey extra attention this Lenten season. The goals that I've been led to for this season are to prioritize my morning devotions, participate in the Bible study, and get rid of 5 things/day through Lent. I think that "lightening the load" around here will allow me to focus on more important concerns. Initially, the items I'm moving out aren't a big deal but as I get toward the final week or two, there may be some tough decisions and sacrifice involved.

At work I've been surrounded by coworkers who are sick-sick enough to miss several days of work and they come back coughing. I am hoping to avoid it but am not sure that is possible-so far, so good!. DH and I have volunteered to do a home visit for a potential foster to adopt home for a dog of our breed. We have an appointment to meet the family on Sunday afternoon. That's everything that has happened here this week. Have a great Friday!!

Paulawilldo

DW, Bless you for working to help the foster to adopt process. You know I have such a huge special place in my heart for animal rescues! Your Lenten commitments sound great and rewarding. Praying for a blessed Lent for all of us. Be careful around those sick co-workers! So much illness seems to be going around these days. John and I take Zicam to help keep us safe from bugs that might be brought to us from visitors and from any exposure John has when he goes out, like he did today with a friend.

Shari, hope you got back to your healthy choices today. It sounds to me that you will do that readily and keep strong.

My day was mediocre today, not over my points and made more healthy choices, but I had to fight off some strong cravings. I had more fruit to help keep me on track, but even that didn't satisfy me. Tomorrow a friend of ours is coming to visit and bringing Chinese food for John's birthday celebration, a day ahead of his birthday. I asked for shrimp and veggies and brown rice. I will have to check on the points on my WW app. Saturday will be another challenge with his birthday cake and his choice of any delivery meal he wants. I know I will be tempted to order something less than ideal for myself when we order that delivery. John is still deciding about what he wants and where we will order from.

shariletts

So glad that everyone is doing so well. We are still focused on healthy habits and hopefully creeping towards our goals.

I woke up feeling quite hungry this morning. That is a good sign that my metabolism is working. I am excited for breakfast and a cup of coffee. Then I will put in a full day of work before we plan to meet up for Bible Study. It snowed quite a bit last night, so I am not sure if DH will be available for the study, if he has to do snow removal, I will most likely stay home. I don't want to drive on the country roads in the dark with that heavy snow fall. I haven't looked outside to see how much accumulated yet.

I trust all will go well with the foster visit DW.

It will be fun to celebrate John over the next few days Paula!

Paulawilldo

Shari, it interests me that morning hunger is a good sign that your metabolism is working. I haven't heard that before. I am usually hungry upon waking up. Perhaps that is a good sign for me. Thank you for sharing that. Please pray for Craig's mom Cora. She is in the hospital again, feeling weak and unstable on her feet. As of this afternoon they haven't identified what is causing her current problems. Craig was here today to help me with a small issue. I am concerned for both of them. We had a wonderful visit with my friend (and former co-worker) celebrating John's birthday. The Chinese food was excellent, and we have plenty left for tomorrow. Another friend dropped off a huge plate of homemade potato pancakes for John for his birthday. No shortage of good food here this weekend.

shariletts

I believe that eating in the morning helps us to break our overnight fast and gives our bodies the fuel to get our day going. Breakfast is the easiest meal for me stick to my plan. I am working on having the same consistency with my other meals.

I am praying for Cora! And for Craig. Keep us posted on how she is doing.

Love that you are able extend John's birthday food over a few days. Enjoy!

Paulawilldo

Your prayers for Cora and Craig are much appreciated. I will check in with Craig during the coming week. John enjoyed a wonderful birthday. He had many phone calls and birthday cards from friends and family. He also had a visit from a friend. The most amazing thing to me is how very grateful and appreciative he is for everything. We watched one of his birthday movies, purchased on Amazon prime, Mr. Holland's Opus. I had seen this 1996 (I think) movie many years ago, but John never saw it. I like Richard Dreyfus a lot. John and I loved watching the movie today. He also got The French Connection (1971) from Amazon Prime, but we didn't watch that one yet. John enjoys old movies. I didn't track any food today and will get back on track tomorrow. John will still be celebrating tomorrow as planned, and maybe we will watch The French Connection.

shariletts

I hope that Craig will stay in touch with you while his mom is the hospital (or has she been discharged?). And It's so good to hear about how well John's birthday went.

I am going to a menopause seminar with a friend today. She asked me to go with her as she has a friend who is one of the presenters. It will be interesting and I do like to learn about health. I don't think that I have been very troubled by menopause, at least not yet. I am trying to eat well and exercise to minimize any of the symptoms that accompany menopause.

Paulawilldo

I haven't heard from Craig but will call him tomorrow or Tuesday at the latest. His mom is an amazing and special lady. She has had a tough life but doesn't dwell on that or complain. How did your menopause seminar go, Shari? I'll be interested in any insights you might have gained. We wrapped up John's "birthday weekend" today with a dinner from one of his favorite restaurants. I had a salad topped with shrimp. It was very good, and I wasn't very hungry. We had a relaxing day and didn't watch anymore movies. John just wanted to chill and watch some TV. So that is what we did.

shariletts

The seminar was very well run. They spoke about all of the typical things you would expect them to talk about regarding menopause. I don't think that I learned anything new. Eat right, excercise, and if you have severe symptoms, consider taking some hormones. I am thankful not to be on any menopause hormones.

Back to work today, but until I enjoy a cup of coffee with breakfast!

Paulawilldo

I agree with you about menopause hormones. I never too any either. My menopause symptoms were relatively mild. I went through one summer (about 16 years ago) of hot flashes and night sweats, but that was it. I think I was fortunate compared to some stories I've heard about. Today I had a very good day all around. I was quite well rested and had no trouble with cravings. I stayed on track and did well with my points. I had a rather time consuming project to complete for the national office of our inter church group. It is due April 1, so I am delighted to have it completed already. It will go out in the mail tomorrow.

shariletts

I was able to stay on track yesterday too Paula. It felt really good to achieve that. I can't complain that I feel hungry, it's more of the cravings that I need to be mindful of.

I am seeing a periodontist today. I am quite nervous. I have some gum recession and today I will find out if I should try grafts. This will be something new for me.

Paulawilldo

I hope your periodontist appointment went well Shari. I, too, would be nervous. I am not a very good patient for anything really.

I called Craig today but he didn't answer and there was a message saying he doesn't have voice mail set up (which doesn't surprise me). I will call him again tomorrow. If necessary I will call his mother, as I don't know if she is at home or still in the hospital. I had another good food day and stayed within my points. I didn't accomplish a whole lot of to do items, and again the day went by very quickly. We had an extra church service tonight, then our first class at 6:30 and our 2nd class at 7:30. Fortunately I had all of the reading done and should be in good shape for next week's readings too as I read ahead a little. My to do list for Wednesday is very ambitious.

shariletts

The appointment went well. The outcome was what I expected and I will get a gum graft on one tooth on May 5. I am super nervous, but in the end it will help that tooth stick around for a long time.

Paula, I hope Craig will be available to pick up your call. I also pray that his mom is at home again.

Today is my long day and I decided to sleep in an extra half hour. I weighed in and saw a slight loss. That is always motivating to stay on point with my calories. Maybe my body is ready to start losing some weight!

Paulawilldo

Glad your appointment went well Shari. Will continue to pray for you as you approach this procedure. It sounds like a wise choice you are making. Congrats on the downward movement at the scale! Make the most of that motivation.

No news about Craig. I called him again today and same old no voice mail message. I will keep trying and then call his mom on Friday if I don't hear from him by then. I am most concerned about how his mom is but of course concerned about Craig too. I was very good today with my points and my to do list. I can't believe how much work I got done today! I have more to do tomorrow of course but many of my more annoying tasks are already crossed off my list

DW2022

Hello! I’m happy that you are both doing well with your eating plans!! I wish I could say the same! My weight has been creeping up slowly.Other than that, things have been busy as usual. Paula, I’m happy that John’s birthday celebration was so nice and long! Shari, I’m glad that your appointment went well ! Tonight I had my study group at church and it was very interesting and challenging again. I’m still working toward getting rid of things. It is already becoming challenging!That’s it for tonight- I’m falling asleep. Have an awesome Thursday!!

shariletts

My weight was back up today, but I am pretty sure it's just water. I was up too late, up early and it was a pretty stressful day. I can put all of that behind me for today. I didn't eat poorly, so I know I didn't put the fat back on due to poor food choices.

Nothing exciting going on today. Which is just fine! I will work and and then work out. This week is slipping by quickly.

Paulawilldo

DW, I feel for you with weight creeping up. I know that being tired is never good for me in many ways and especially for my weight. I sure hope you are able to get the rest you need. Shari, your stress likely did impact your water weight gain too, especially since you know you made good food choices. Fortunately tomorrow is Friday so perhaps you and DW will be able to have a restful weekend coming up. I treasure being able to rest when I need it for the most part, unless of course some demand or commitment gets in my way. I have been striving to manage my RA fatigue for many years, and some days it is easier to do than others.

Good news from Craig. He called today, and his mother is ok. She spent 2 days in the hospital. Some of her blood work showed an issue with her thyroid. She was prescribed meds, but Craig was just going to pick up the meds today….not sure why it has taken him several days to get the meds for her. I didn't ask. His phone issues continue. I urged him to set up his voicemail. He said he'd try!

shariletts

I do look forward to the weekends so much! It's nice to have to have to tied to a schedule. Now we just need the weather to warm up and get rid of all of the snow laying around. It doesn't feel like Spring at all yet. I think we have a warming trend coming though, and that will be so wonderful.

We always pick up our meds the same day the prescribed, maybe the meds for Craig's mom were costly and they had to wait for funds to come in. Let pray that they are helping now.