Suddenly September!

magic71755
magic71755 Posts: 3,967 Member


Indeed! And suddenly it's h25y0rbx61hx.pngA new day, a new week, a new month!

Fall is in the air...planning for an amazing season of cooler temps and cozy meals. Bring on the soups, stews and everything x1am5pqj0y9g.png

Enjoy each and every day, mates...it goes all too fast. Make those food choices align with your wanted the very best health for yourself and loved ones. It's all up to us!



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Replies

  • Carla_wfpb
    Carla_wfpb Posts: 1,372 Member
    Wonderful post for September, Magic! I have always loved fall. Great photo of you in Barcelona.

    Congrats on meeting your walking goals, Mihani. Do you have a large crowd coming for your party? It's fun that you have some high school friends attending! Are they coming together?

    Bisky, pickleball sounds fun. I would like to try it. A green aquatic thumb, I love it! I would find it easier to sell the plants, too. We are in Malaga for 1 day on the cruise, so we have to decide between staying in Malaga, doing an "on your own in Grenada" or going to Rhonda.

    I'm still having trouble with my breathing. My last attempt at a walk only lasted 15 minutes because it was making my breathing worse, which is unusual. So even though I haven't injured my feet this time around, my walking routine is on pause. I will do a few short, slow walks today and see how I'm feeling tomorrow.

    I am excited about going to Spain. I have a little over 6 months to lose weight. The great thing about the cruise line we selected is that they have lots of vegan options and a lot of healthy options. I will for sure get my steps in. I'm looking forward to wearing my fitness watch and seeing how many steps I get in each day.
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,098 Member
    Thanks for getting things started, Nanc. I love autumn as well, especially when the air is crisp and fresh and the leaves are falling.

    Carla, that is scary about your breathing. Have you talked to doc about it? I'm so happy for you booking that trip! I seem to remember your trip last year fell through. So far I have 36 people confirmed coming, and could be nearer 60 total. Yikes! LOL

    Slept in a bit this morning. I was in the office about 15 hours over the weekend but staying home today. I brought home a few files to work on, but we'll see. I want to get some things done around here. Laundry is in the dryer, japanese sweet potatoes in the oven. I want to get the kitchen counter and dining room table clutter cleaned up, straighten up the dressing area and closet in my bedroom, and clean up my office a bit although it's not bad. I've done better about making sure I scan and shred right away instead of letting paper pile up.

    Going to visit family later and then go to the wholesale club for party supplies. Once I do that should be all set other than buying groceries and prepping food the week of. Plan to have most of it done the day before since I'm taking that day off to get ready. I'm not making anything fancy and other people will be bringing side dishes/dessert as well. Keep it simple is my motto these days.

    Plan for today...
    B - ezekiel english muffin with tahini
    L - asian salad
    D - steamed broccoli, japanese sweet potato

    The salad I made last night was pretty tasty and simple. Chopped up napa cabbage, english cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Made a simple miso ginger dressing (miso, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, water) and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. It was kind of bland so I hit it with a little sriracha. I wasn't a big fan of sriracha at first, thought it was too spicy, but as long as I am careful about how much I use it adds a nice touch of heat to a lot of things. I tore up a nori sheet and added that in too.


  • bisky
    bisky Posts: 1,090 Member
    Mihani - did you take a pic of salad? It sounds delicious.

    Magic- My friends made us 3 different soups last week to help us with the business of moving. 2 were from my favorite recipes. Black bean soup, Minestrone soup from Veganomic (?) cookbook and a vegetable curry.

    I got the linen closet and 1/2 bedroom packed up. Then we gathered up the rest of the snails and more baby fish to sell to another aquarium store. They are going to move my big aquarium for us. Then dropped off food to my friend who caught Covid for the first time. She is immunosuppressed and still symptomatic day 10 despite the Paxlovid. Anyways, at 7:30, I got shaky and broke out in a cold sweat and felt dizzy. It was 7:30 and we had not had dinner or my usually snack. Glad we had soup plus some cut up watermelon.
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,098 Member
    Up and at 'em. Woke up extra early so I got in 1.25 miles and I'm already at 3,000 steps and got in my zone minutes for the day. I'll try to get some more movement into my days this week. Remember to get up and stretch and move around more often. Sometimes I get up and my whole body aches from sitting too long and it takes a minute to get my joints to want to move again.

    Bisky, I never think to take pics of my meals, but it isn't the prettiest salad. Next time I would add some purple cabbage or shredded carrot. As is, it's a bowl of green. I have enough left for dinner then it will be back to my usual boxes of spring mix for the rest of the week. That was nice of you to take food over to your friend.

    I got a LOT done yesterday. Sorted and put away all the clutter in my dressing area, kitchen counters and dining room table, cleaned the bathrooms, got laundry done, and made the trip out to the wholesale club for the party supplies.

    Plan for today...
    B - sweet potato and steamed broccoli
    L - oats with yogurt, berries, cinnamon, chia/flax, a few walnut halves
    D - last of the napa cabbage salad

    Sweet potato and broccoli (or sometimes cauliflower) has become my favorite breakfast. I look forward to it. Having the oats for lunch seems to be better for my energy and satiety levels to power through the rest of my day at work, and I can eat a lighter and more veggieful dinner.

    The gal I was working with on Saturday has covid so I'm a little anxious about that now. All this work to start getting caught up and now she'll be off for a few and if I come down with it we are just screwed.

  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 3,967 Member
    edited September 3
    60! HOLY CRAP...I do not even know 60 people. HOW in the world does one do that? I mean I get people have big parties, but man, that is a lot.

    Busy all weekend with my niece and her family...three times over at my sister's. Pita Jungle had cauliflower tacos...seriously? OMG, so good. Then on Sunday we went to a place called Soul Cafe in Scottsdale. Had an ACAI bowl, minus the yogurt and honey. And yesterday, I made a salad and picked up Banh Mi for the group...they have a veggie one...so good, and everyone loves it, especially my niece.

    PARTIES, PACKING, PORTS O'CALL! Lots going on!

    Doctor's appointments for me this week...meeting with my oncologist today...haven't seen her since 2020 and time to make sure I am still good. Thursday, seeing my GP...she moved after the first time I saw her...and loved her. So very happy to get really established with her.

    Next couple weeks go back to heart institute...need to find a new cardiologist...my super duper plant based cardio, left. Oh man! That totally sucks! I am meeting with her nurse practitioner to go over blood work and find another doc. Closing in on 76 next month, got to make sure everything is working nicely.

    Speaking of health, I am sure you will, but that breathing does need to be checked out, Carla. <3

    Today...

    coffee
    tofu, matzo and spinach mixture...I dampen the matzo and then fry it, with the tofu and spinach...really good...simple and delish. I need spinach in my life, daily, to keep things moving. TMI ahead: Years ago, in my 30s, I had a reoccurring fistula in my bum...my Indian doctor at the time was the only one that said, GET THAT SPINACH IN YOU! He was right of course. I did have to have the fistula surgically fixed, but I do know the doc was correct about spinach.

    nectarine

    salad with a bunch of stuff...herb lettuce, cukes, garbanzo beans, celery, carrot, blueberries, walnuts, raisins, bell peppers, croutons. YUM for sure.

    home for baked potato in the microwave...trying ZERO anything else...wish me luck.
    Later, mates. tbt3uqlijlkw.png YAY, it's almost here!

    Make it dddddddddddddelicious!
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,098 Member
    Mornin' all!

    Nanc, bigger parties are easier than dinner parties really. People bring side dishes and entertain each other and you just give them a place to hang out and provide some basic food and drinks. Sorry to hear you lost that doctor. I hate getting used to new doctors. My GP is in his 70s and I dread the day he finally packs it in. Been going to him for over 30 years. Glad you are enjoying time with family.

    Got in 1.25 miles again this morning and bumped it up to 3.2 mph for most of it. I really like getting in my zone minutes and most of my steps before I even take a shower in the morning. Seems to get my head in a better place to deal with the stressful days and stick to healthy food none of the salty snacky that tempts me.

    Plan for today is the usual breakfast and lunch. Dinner will be a big ol' salad of spring mix, beans, sauteed mushrooms, steamed kale and red onion. That's all I have in the house and not sure I will have time for a veggie run tonight. I was in the office until after 7:00 last night.

  • bisky
    bisky Posts: 1,090 Member
    Carla - any chance you are anemic? How is your heart rate when you are short of breath. Have you ever had a stress ekg? Please call your Dr.

    Mihani - Yay getting your steps in! I wish you could find a sweet dog like Obi. The obedience classes were simple but helped him to listen to us. Barking has stopped and much better on leash. He is such a cuddler. My favorite activity is to take dogs to big parks and explore…does not feel like exercise.

    Magic - I love that article and it describes my 71 y/o friend who totally inspires me. She is the one who got me playing pickleball. This weekend she took a paddleboard lesson for first time. She belongs to a hiking group. In June she went to a woman’s yoga retreat. She lost her only child NY’s eve due to an autoimmune disease. She is deep into grief but honoring her daughter’s life by living her best life.

    Walked dogs then 90 min. of pickleball. So fun. A lady invited me to play with her group on Friday. She is 78y/o and rides her electronic bike the 10 miles to pickleball to “warm up her legs”.

    This Obi on my yoga mat while I was doing stretches. Look at that fat little boy with the shiny coat. He is so soft.

    Back to Pack. Ciao for now. wbx75vjcgowa.jpeg


  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,098 Member
    Obi looks great, Bisky! He sure found a good home and settled in quickly. I wish I could get a dog, but it's not happening until I at least semi-retire. I'm in the office so much that it wouldn't be fair. It took a long while to get used to having no pets though. I have always had at least 2 dogs and sometimes 3, and usually a couple cats as well.

    Slept in a little and got a late start on the treadmill so I only did a mile.

    Got out of the office around 6:00 last night and stopped at Fresh Thyme. Have stuff for salads but last night I just had a wrap with a little baba's hummus and a whole lot of arugula. Tonight I'll chop up veggies for salads.

  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 3,967 Member
    Ladies, lots of doctor's appointments...oncologist check up (hoping it is all good), Heart Institute, GP...

    Rushing to get to today's. More later

    coffee
    matzo, spinach, tofu, mixture
    salad
    bean burrito
    may stop at sprouts and get more nectarines...soooooooooooo flipping expensive but so good. Only once a year...so splurging.

    later, dolls! Make it ddddddddddddd elicous!
  • Carla_wfpb
    Carla_wfpb Posts: 1,372 Member
    Just wanted to say I'm doing okay. I am sleeping better and not getting short of breath. The walking that made me short of breath made me nervous to do it again, but since I feel good overall, I will give it a go today. I have been taking antacid pills and they seem to be helping. It takes them a bit of time to kick in.

    Excessive heat warning here today with a high of 92 degrees. Staying inside after a stroll outside for some fresh air.

    Mihani, I don't think I know 60 people that I could invite. But I bet it will be a lot of fun! May as well go all in.

    Magic, I am adding nectarines to my shopping list right now. thanks!
  • journey2zen
    journey2zen Posts: 16 Member
    Hi all- I just joined this group, I have been on and off mfp for so many years. Trying again today because I’ve been struggling to lose even a pound since becoming vegan at the beginning of August. I am positive it’s due to excessive calories, because although my meals are pretty healthy and usually Whole Foods, I am still hooked in snacks like chips and oreos and excessive amounts of sweet coffee. This month I’ve started to avoid sugar and have improved. But i feel i need to count calories until I get used to a smaller amount of food.

    So this group generally does one thread a month and we reply to that?
  • Carla_wfpb
    Carla_wfpb Posts: 1,372 Member
    hi @journey2zen Welcome! We always have a thread of the month for day to day updates. I have to confess that I don't even check for other threads because I'm so in the habit of our monthly thread. Nice job on avoiding sugar! I find my cravings get better when I avoid sugar, processed food, bread and white rice.
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,098 Member
    Hiya @journey2zen glad to have you here! I'm just going to start off by saying you shouldn't be eating smaller amounts of food. If you are eating all WFPB you can eat a lot. It's all about calorie density. Load up on lots of veggies, potatoes (stick to sweet if they affect your blood sugar), whole grains, fruits, etc. Eat some healthy fats with every meal (nuts and seeds). If you aren't eating processed sugary foods you'll find fruit to be so sweet and satisfying.

    That's not to say I don't have my temptations. I'm not big on sweets, but I love salty crunchy like crackers, pretzels, etc. and bread in any form. Some days it is really hard to stay out of the snack cabinet at the office. I don't keep them around my house. I also like to have a few cocktails on the weekends which are calorie bombs and not good for me. I've cut down more and more over the past few years though.

    If you haven't checked out any of the vegan doctors, recommend you read some books by John McDougall, Joel Fuhrman, Caldwell Esselstyn to start out with. My personal favorites are Super Immunity and Eat to Live (Fuhrman) and Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease (Esselstyn). I don't have heart disease but I really like that book. I also highly recommend the Engine 2 Seven Day Rescue Diet for newbies to WFPB. It outlines really easy ways to dive into WFPB way of life and not as technical as some of the ones by the doctors. Oh, and How Not to Die by Dr. Greger is another favorite.

    There are a lot of vegan bloggers and youtubes of course, but they can become overwhelming when you are just starting out. That's why I like the seven day rescue. Very simple and straightforward.

    Like Carla mentioned, we just started doing the monthly threads years ago so it was easy to keep up with each other and check in, but new threads are perfectly fine too. The alliterative titles started out for fun and now it's a challenge to be met each month. LOL
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,098 Member
    edited September 5
    So after I posted, I went to eat one of the pluots that I bought because I remembered after the mentions of nectarines. So glad I bit into it over the sink because it was like biting into a water balloon!

    Got home too late to fuss with salad. I'll chop veggies tomorrow which will last me through the weekend.

    B - sweet potato and steamed broccoli, a brazil nut
    L - oats with the usual goodies added
    D - hummus wrap with lots of arugula, and the aforementioned pluot

    Carla, very happy to hear that you are feeling better.

    Nanc, how'd the doc visit go?
  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 3,967 Member
    @journey2zen This is the food journal I use: https://www.loseit.com/ It's great...I love it...I think I must have paid for the upgraded version...think there was an offer too good to pass up after I had been using it for awhile. Lots of things on it to make logging food really easy. Do check it out. And welcome! p49w3wm0yyua.png
  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 3,967 Member
    Morning all...slept great, just not enough. Good visit with my GP...I really love her and she works at Oak Street Health. They only take medicare patients (with supplemental or advantage)...so it's really geared to ME! (76 in October) Blood work next month. Then a follow up to go over everything. Appointments can be up to 40 minutes. Patient advocate on board. Amazing. If you have a parent or elderly friend...do check out OAK STREET HEALTH...they are across the US.

    Today...

    coffee
    matzo, tofu, spinach stir fry kinda thing I came up with.
    bean burrito
    salad with herb lettuce, cukes, carrots, celery, walnuts, raisins, bell peppers, croutons, OUT OF BLUEBERRIES, FYH dressing just a bit, not drowning in it...not particularly low cal but very satisfying and easy to throw together since I did meal prep on Monday.
    Tea and crackers for after work to wind down.

    the end. make it deeeeeeeeeelicous.
  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 3,967 Member

    Oak Street Health's philosophy is to rebuild the healthcare system by providing personalized, preventive primary care to meet the needs of patients, especially older adults:

    Focus on quality: Oak Street Health focuses on quality of care over volume of services.

    Value-based model: Oak Street Health is a full-risk, value-based primary care model.

    Social determinants support: Oak Street Health's model incorporates social determinants support.

    Behavioral healthcare: Oak Street Health's model incorporates behavioral healthcare.

    Accessibility: Oak Street Health offers a mix of in-center, in-home, and telehealth appointments, as well as a 24/7 patient support line.

    Values: Oak Street Health strives to embody trust, empathy, and integrity.

    Communication: Oak Street Health communicates with candor, provides direct feedback, and expects the same of their colleagues.

    Oak Street Health's model began in 2012 to address the shortcomings of the US healthcare system, which are especially exacerbated for older adults.
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,098 Member
    Glad to hear you had a good visit with the doc, Nanc.

    I overslept this morning and didn't have time for treadmill but I got quite a few steps in throughout the day. I'll jump on the treadmill before bed to make sure I get to at least 5,000. It was a good day with just two of us there and the boss out. Pretty quiet and we got a lot done. Hopefully by Monday we'll have full staff again.

    B - the usual sweet potato and steamed broccoli
    L - the usual oats with all the goodies
    D - hummus wrap with arugula and cucumber (still using the baba's hummus which has no oil just tahini, but I will start making my own again after the party) and probably an apple or a small salad. Feeling hungry tonight.


  • journey2zen
    journey2zen Posts: 16 Member
    That sounds like some delicious meals you had!
  • journey2zen
    journey2zen Posts: 16 Member
    Today is day 2 back to counting. In my drive this morning I was thinking about how if i could just keep it up until my 50th birthday next may, I would be giving myself a birthday present of possibly reaching 250 lbs. I am at 305 right now

    My issue is it’s hard to believe in myself.
  • bisky
    bisky Posts: 1,090 Member
    edited September 7
    Welcome Journey. I struggle with my sugar/chocolate addiction. Fruits and nuts help tremendously.

    Magic - your medical care seems excellent. I go on Medicare/Tricare plus when Brooks retires. I hope I can find a Dr I can trust.

    Carla - glad you are feeling better. How was the walk?

    Mihani - Inhope you have a good weekend off!

    Played Pickleball for 2 hours with a new group that I was invited to..it was a blast. Came home and cleaned up to see my house and meet with painter. OMG…I forgot how nice my house is and how huge the refrigerator is. On base we have a tiny one. Renters took excellent care of house. Couple normal wear and tear issues. I think they even fixed the glass shower door that stuck. Two girlfriends came with me for pre inspection. We move back end of month. After small townhouse in Japan and very old base house here in San Antonio….it looked huge. I have got rid of a lot of stuff and am going for a bright clean look. Off white walls with white trim. Waiting on the painting estimate. Most excited about having a yard and dog door for pups!!! They will be so happy.

  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,098 Member
    Mornin' all... slept in until 6 am which was nice. Got in a little over a mile on the treadmill but started out kind of slow and don't have in all the zone minutes. Plan to be at the office by 9:00 and put in a full day. Hopefully I can just bring some work home for tomorrow. Things I want to get done around here.

    I need to try out pickleball, Bisky. A lot of my friends play. I just hate committing to anything when I'm always working. How exciting to get back into your house!

    @journey2zen the milestone birthdays do seem to motivate. I just turned 60 and my big focus now is staying active and mobile. I see so many older people who can't get around well and I don't want to end up in a nursing home before my time. I want to be like Nanc (Magic), still going strong on my own in my 70's and beyond! I lost 70 pounds about 12 years ago maybe? and still had 10 or 15 to lose. Then I slowly gained back 10 and need to lose 20 to 25 still. It has been a struggle because when I go off the rails, I really go off the rails. I don't do anything halfway.

    Plan for today will include all Dr. F's GBOMBS...
    B - the usual sweet potato, steamed broccoli and a brazil nut (have forgotten to mention, I'm also cutting up a mushroom or two and throwing in the steamer with the broccoli)
    L - the usual oats with all the goodies
    D - big ol' salad - lettuce, cucumber, orange peppers, steamed kale, onion, chickpeas sprinkled with pumpkin seeds, a little bragg's, some nooch and dijon

    Might have an apple if I get hungry this afternoon.
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,098 Member
    Got up early and knocked out laundry and some other housework. Hit my desk by 9:30 and worked until 5:30 just took a half hour break for lunch. Got a lot done. I love working at home with nobody bothering me. Then got in 1.25 miles on the treadmill. Met my steps and zone minutes for the day.

    B - sweet potato and steamed broccoli, a brazil nut
    L - a mushroom something shepherd's pie from the grab and go just ate half and it was delicious, plus some blueberries
    D - getting ready to dig into a big pile of spring mix topped with tu-no salad, will have a yogurt and maybe an apple after

    I decided to buy a few things every other week from the grab and go just for a change of pace, but stick to ones with no oil.

  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 3,967 Member
    edited September 9
    Just out of sorts a bit...bug guy came Saturday...I live in the desert, lots of creepy crawlers about...(one time the ants tried to escape the HEAT and make a "bee line" into my house)... guy keeps us safe.

    But Sunday, garage door died. Are you kidding me? Oh well, new garage door (door was fine, just the very expensive stuff that make it work) and it is really nice. And an outside key pad which I will love when walking Lulu. This door was from 2003...another thing the former owner did NOT maintain.

    My sleeping is jacked up again. Very frustrating. Tomorrow pet scan at 1ish. So no food after AM coffee. Then results on the 19th. A bit of stress going on I guess.

    Making carrot/pineapple juice today...and if ambitious, carrot/apple.

    Meals are super simple. Just mainly trying to get beans and greens in everyday.

    Mihani, did you have your party? Did I miss it. I am so behind on everything.

    Sorry, guys. :'(

    later, mates.
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,098 Member
    Sorry to hear you're out of sorts, Nanc. You have had a lot to cope with lately. How'd your juice turn out?

    I didn't get out of the office until after 7:00 so the drive home was quick without traffic. It's going to be like that the next 3 days then I'm off Friday through the weekend. Party Saturday.

    Today...
    B - sweet potato, steamed broccoli, a brazil nut (surprise right?)
    L - a little bit of a few things from the grab and go... cuban blackeyed peas, brussels sprouts salad, "fried" rice
    D - too late and too tired so just having an apple and some yogurt then heading to bed

  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 3,967 Member
    UP way too early, but in time for coffee. NOTHING after that until after Pet Scan at 1:00.

    Hope everyone is doing well. LOVE my new garage door. Other one was so loud and messed up, Lulu knew when I was home for sure. This one is super quiet...I think I take her by surprise. I will have to look on the camera today when I get home to see if she hears me.

    Yay, the party is Saturday. I did not make my juice. I have the carrots ready. So, maybe today...not sure...will see if I come home after the scan or go back to work. Most likely, back to work...so who knows when I will get to the juicer.

    Be well everyone. Later! Hugs to all.
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,098 Member
    How'd it go today Nanc?

    I have a miserable cold but I'll take that over covid. I have tested several times since my co-worker got it and have tested negative. It would just figure if I came down with it when the party is planned though. I'm going to test one more time tonight I think.

    Didn't stay too late at the office was out by a little after 6:00. Need to get some rest. I hope I can kick this cold before Friday because I have a lot to do, shopping and prepping and setting up.

    Today...
    B - the usual sweet potato and steamed broccoli
    L - same as yesterday
    D - last of the shepherd's pie
    S - Dr. McDougall hot and sour soup (helps clear my sinuses!)

    I am really happy about my habits lately. I have been getting over 6000 steps most days and haven't missed getting to at least 5000 in 10 days. Have hit my zone minutes 4 days in a row now. And food has been excellent. Not a bit of junk food in several weeks.
  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 3,967 Member
    5n81p0s3hyl5.png

    Oh crap! btsvrv49yoq8.png
    Really hope you can get home early today to get much needed rest...keep us posted. Fingers crossed for quick recovery!
    Major congrats on doing such a great job on exercise and food choices...63knnjpkoop1.png

    Some crying yesterday...just the whole procedure ... the smells, the IV the test...all brings back memories
    of a very challenging time for me. Thanks for asking. I did great, however. Results 9/19.

    Providing I get an all clear from the doc...and after my trip to Houston, I am thinking I am going to go look for a second pup...someone to keep Lulu company. I think it's time. I do not know when I can stop working, full time. I thought once the house was paid off, I could go down to 30 hours instead of 40, but that is 2 1/2 years away if all goes according to plan. Obviously, the latest set back was the garage door expense...and well, "It's always something" -gilda radner (RIP sweet lady)

    Today

    coffee
    matzo, just egg, spinach
    bean burrito
    chick pea mashed NO tuna salad

    Living life deliciously!
  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 3,967 Member
    Made 5, 16 oz of carrot/apple/pineapple juice. Yay, me!