November 19-25, 2025
LW: 133.2
TW: 133.8
Well, definitely not what I wanted to see. I had hoped to at least hold steady this week. But I just have to report whatever the scale says.
I knew it was going to be a bit of challenge because of some food-related social things going on and colder, darker weather. Regarding food, on Thursday we had friends over for dinner and so I fixed foods that are a little different than our ordinary fare, including a special dessert. Then on Saturday evening we met with friends for dessert and coffee just so everyone could debrief from the week. We all do lots of volunteer work and the holiday season is very stressful. One of the stresses is managing people who do not volunteer other times of the year. Then on Sunday evening we took some of our neighbors out for dinner to thank them for all they did for us back in the summer when the "kitten" was hitting the fan. We asked them to choose the restaurant and they chose an Italian one. And for some reason, both hubby and I noticed a dip in our energy levels this week. At first we blamed the time change. It's so much darker now that 6 p.m. feels like 10 p.m. But I noticed that we're both sneezing like crazy, so I wonder if we're also reacting to something like leaf mold. The streets are lined with piles of leaves that people have raked out of their yards waiting for the leaf collection trucks to come by. And as the holidays approach, both of us are wondering how well we'll do, given that things we did for many years will not be possible this year. And hubby's back is really acting up, which affects his sleep, and in turn affects mine. (He did finally see the pain doc this week and got some trigger point injections, but they have done nothing. So he's seeing him again on Thursday. I think the fear of being in bad pain for his post-Thanksgiving trip is finally getting him motivated.)
But regardless—I need to stop looking for excuses and just start planning on how to deal with current reality and get the scale moving downward again. We are going out to dinner again on Sunday night, so I need to think ahead about that. We are treating a second set of neighbors who stepped up back in June and July to water our new lawn and all our plants while we were in NC and then dealing with my surgery and hubby's TIA. Thankfully, their favorite food is seafood, so I should have some better choices. And I am going to set a calories burned goal for this week. One thing different about this past week was fewer days when I could do my super-hilly outdoor walk. And equal distance on the TM does not produce equal kcals burned. For this week, my 7-day averages were:
Steps = 11,210
Kcals burned = 1,750
So I am not going to focus entirely on steps, but instead try to get my 7-day average for kcals burned up to at least 1,850. Then on to plans for handling Thanksgiving.
Hope everyone else is doing well, staying well as we're forced inside more, and having some fun along the way. I appreciate all the words of encouragement as I've struggled a bit with keeping my mood up.
Replies
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LW: 125.8
TW: 125.6I've felt like I'm hitting a plateau, so I may have to mix things up, like maybe adding a HIIT workout. Sunday, we had the Utah kids for dinner, including the 4 yo and almost 2 yo . . they keep me moving all day. I made a pot roast with veggies, and we had a nice visit. Monday night, I met friends for drinks. So, the additional calories this week explains a small reduction, even though I've been logging and moving. Hubby has come down with a sore throat and congestion, so I've been trying to keep my distance. I can't afford to get sick because I'm having family here for Thanksgiving.
Sarah, you've been socializing a lot so the increase is probably because of that. You're so right that the TM doesn't burn as many calories as outdoor walks, and being outside is important for my mood as well. It's hard when it gets dark earlier in the evening. And the colder weather isn't helpful either. Were you able to find a class to attend? And, I'm sorry about your hubby's pain. I hope he can get some relief tomorrow at the doctor.
Lois, I hope Cameron's team does well Friday. And that you're getting everything set for your DL trip.
I have my trainer tomorrow morning. Still have things to finish up tonight, so I'll check back tomorrow.
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Happy Thursday Ladies!!!
So our weather has dipped and gotten super wet!!! We've had some steady rain over the last few days and our high went from high 80's to low 60's in a snap… and 50 at night. My vertigo and low back are driving me insane!!! I've been to chiro 3x for my right hip/low back. And that has triggered my vertigo. A friend referred me to a mobile pt, and they came to the house Tuesday. First maneuver went well, but still a tiny bit swirly. Second maneuver sent me to hell and if you ever watched Dr. Strange and how the world twists and spins, that's my world when my vertigo triggers. I also had my 3 hour tour hair appt last night (and usually that triggers me slightly) so I have PT coming again today. He's going to help with my back and also work on vertigo if it triggers again. So hoping it will be ok after he's done. Short post as it's challenging to focus this morning. Check back soon. And no, we're not on target of decorating before we leave, and therefor, behind on packing as well. EEEK. We leave in SIX days. eeek.
Be well everyone!!
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LW: 150.3 - TW: 150.6 (5 day average 150.18)
Ahhh. That sucks. lol On Sunday and Tuesday, I was 149.7. Oh well… I'll report what it is today. And then I ate a smile cookie someone brought in 🙃 I still struggle with the all or nothing mentality a bit. I need to not let it throw me off like I usually do. And I won't… I'm determined.
I'm still waking up and walking on the treadmill.. plus walks with the dog… plus my weight workouts. I'm feeling good in that aspect of things. I have let my food tracking slide, so I need to get back to that, even on bad meals. I'm doing better with water this week and sleep though, so that's a plus.
Other than that, we've been busy with life as per normal. We picked up the new truck on Monday. Shawn was still trying to sell his truck "as is" and had a couple of offers but nothing worked out so he has now decided to get the work done to get a safety on it so he can list it higher. Then on Monday afternoon, our pup was outside with us chatting with the neighbour lady and her couple of dogs were outside. Her massive big dog (who's normally quite calm) got into a scrap with our dog and we ended up having take him to the vet because he had a big gash on his leg. We thought maybe it would be fine as it had stopped bleeding, but he started limping and becoming snappy when we went near his leg, so we thought we better bring him in. He was ok but needed to get a staple, some pain meds and some antibiotics to help it heal better. Poor guy. So we've had a sock on his leg so he wouldn't pull out the staple. Luckily Shawn was home with him Tuesday and I worked from home Wednesday, so today is the big test. Hopefully he's ok. Both dogs have big personalities. We thought it was the neighbour's dog protecting their smaller dog at first, but this time it wasn't that. I think our dog gets frustrated that this dog comes to our house and steals his toys all the time. Since we don't have a fence yet, this dog will literally come and knock at our doors and wait for us to let him in. It's cute but I guess we won't be letting him do that anymore.
Today we have Ella's next gynecologist appointment to find out more details about what she has to go through with her body going forward. Her Mom and I are taking her. I'm sure it'll be a tough appointment, but likely hardest for her Mom. 😥Ella is a positive person and just takes things as they come. On a positive note, she's leading her team in points so far and is 3rd in her division 🤩
Sarah - That sounds like a great plan about focusing on your calories burned, rather than just steps. I'm sure one small change will help that scale move a bit for you. I am jealous of all your social gatherings though. I honestly feel like we could do better in that area, but it's just so easy to stay home.
Lois - I can't keep up with your DL trips 😆 It seems like you just got back from one and you're off again! So jealous. How long of a drive is it for you guys again?
Sheesh - Oh I agree that being outdoors is really important for mental health. We haven't had sun in DAYS here because our temps are sooo above normal for this time of year and I really feel down during those times. I think everyone does. Today is the 1st sunny days in forever and everyone seems much more happier at work.
Ladies - I need some help on supper ideas. What are some things you make in your regular rotation? I know I'm not alone with how frustrating it is trying to figure out what to eat on a daily basis for everyone. We like simple but we've run out of ideas and always seem to have the same things over and over.
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Kelly - stay focused. Don't let the number of the day throw you off track. Prayers for Ella's appointment. I hope all goes well and YAY for her scores in hockey!!!
Fall/Winter meal ideas: Pasta Fagioli soup (there's an olive garden copycat recipe online), or the zuppa toscana soup. Both of these are very tasty, easy to make and very filling. And I LOVE them in the winter. If you have an instant pot pressure cooker you could easily make both soups on a weekend for the week. I often make one batch that we eat right then, and then another to have during the week. Hubby LOVES these soups. serve with some french bread of Texas Cheese Toast. A green salad also complements the meal.
Baked penne pasta…box of penne pasta, mozzarella cheese, ricotta (mix with 2tbs of parsley and one egg and 1/4 c of shredded parmesan and 1/2 c mozzarella) 1lb of Italian sausage (hot if you like spicy or mild if you don't ) Prego Spaghetti sauce, garden vegetable (it has small chunks of bell pepper in it. More like a dirty lasagna. Cook the pasta, toss in the spaghetti sauce (save some sauce for the topping. Layer 1/2 of the pasta on the bottom of the baking dish, spoon in the ricotta cheese mixture, layer of the italian sausage. Remainder of pasta, one more layer of Italian sausage and cheese mixture. Top it off with remaining sauce with chunks of mozzarella on top. Filling, and has the protein as well. Can use ground beef if you don't like Italian sausage (sacrilegious in my house).
Lighter… the spaghetti squash, pesto, grape tomatoes and feta cheese was delicious. A little harder to make as i prep it in the pressure cooker so it's easier to cut open and then bake it with all of the other ingredients so it's super tasty. You would need to do 2-3 of them to feed everyone (one fed hubby and I with just a little bit of leftover and he wanted protein, so maybe chicken breast, meatloaf or steaks and use the spaghetti squash as a side dish.
And yes, we go to Disneyland about once a month whenever the weather and time permits. We try to go more often during the cooler months For us it's a 6 hour drive. We break it up by hubby driving 4 hours overnight (arrive about 2am) into Palm Springs. Sleep and then we're less than 2 hrs to Disneyland from there (if it's me solo, I just drive straight in early in the am. The hotel in Palm Springs isn't too expensive so it's worthwhile for us. During our Christmas break, hubby and I need to assess what we want to do next year. We have our grandsons graduation in May and so that may impact a major weekend for us (four days in the park). So I'm analyzing buying a new pass this winter (as long as it's still available) but not activating it until later in the year (you have a year). Running numbers to see what makes sense for us. But yes, we are still going to be going next year. The DL trips have altered our living room area as well. We have a 6 foot folding table that forever has our "bins" with our hotel "necessities" in them ready to leave at any time. Suitcases underneath, overnight bag ready…. we're in perpetual "packing" mode it seems…
Sarah - stay positive my friend. I know winter plays a toll on you with the weather and dark so early. You've got this!! Visit with your friends and enjoy those dinners.
Sheesh - Hoping hubby gets over his cold quickly. On FB I see so many reels about the teas - lemon, ginger, thyme, and something else as a immune booster and keeps the lungs clear. I bought a huge thing of ginger and lemons planning on making it, but I haven't done it yet. My hubby won't drink it until he's sick but I actually like some of those in the winter. Maybe this weekend.
Well PT is on his way. Vertigo is pretty settled but I can't get my leg and low back to stop hurting/burning when standing. Chiro hasn't been too much help so far, so hoping this will help. If it does, I need to get into my regular PT person, this guy is twice as much and doesn't go towards my in network out of pocket. WHEW! But worth it to be healthy for DL next week.
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Happy Saturday! Everyone is doing so good that I kind of feel like the one who is lagging. I'm still trying to figure out why what worked well for me pre-surgery is not working very well now. And unfortunately, my plans to try to get my kcal burn up has not been very successful so far this week. For some reason, I have no energy by mid-afternoon. Hubby has complaining about the same, and we're both still sneezing.
Kelly, I hope Ella's appointment yesterday went well. She has so much courage and such a good attitude. And I also hope that the pup's leg is healing well. You've had a lot on your plate. And mentioning plates, We enjoy Ellie Krieger’s recipes because they are usually easy to fix and healthy. (although we do tend to increase the salt and just salt to our taste.) We have two of her cookbooks, but many of her recipes are available on line. (Food Network links are not cooperative, so you may need to just copy and paste into the browser.)In cooler weather, we often fix her White Turkey Chili recipe. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/white-chili-recipe-1953095
If you don’t like or can’t find hominy, it’s fine to leave it out. We do like it, but last time we just forgot to add it and didn’t realize it until we finishing up the leftovers.
Hubby also loves her Pork Medallions with Cherry Sauce. It’s made with a pork tenderloin so it’s low fat, pretty inexpensive, and quick to fix. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/pork-medallions-with-cherry-sauce-recipe-1950648
Two of my favorites are Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/baked-shrimp-with-tomatoes-and-feta-recipe-1937288 and Garlic Basil Shrimp https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/garlic-basil-shrimp-recipe-1953140.
I like these because we always have a bag of shrimp from Costco in the freezer and the second recipe uses grape tomatoes, which are easy to find, even in winter.
Lois, I hope the back pain and vertigo have lessened so that you can have a good time at DL this weekend. And Sheesh, I am so envious of your being at the mid 120's mark, and yet so very happy for you, too.
Well time to get productive. We're getting together with a few friends tonight and so I need to either put on the layers and walk outside or get downstairs to the TM.
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Happy Monday ladies!!! Vertigo was hazy most of the weekend. Back was twingy. I have PT on schedule for tomorrow. I was hoping to cancel, but I think I'm going to need it. Rhea and her parents were here on Saturday to wrap up the last of our shirts - 16 custom press shirts - whew. The neighbor kids a few doors down came over while Rhea was outside "helping Grandpa" place the holiday deer. And then the three were inseparable for the next couple of hours. Haha. We continue to have chilly weather and rain. The little boy came over the next morning looking for Rhea and was so so sad when we told him she wasn't here and won't be for a couple of weeks. I think he's 4ish.
Another not so good story about grocery delivery. I swear, I don't know what's happening lately. I ordered for Sunday delivery 11-1. My shopper was texting me about selections, so all was going well. Then I get the text that she's here. But no car out front, no groceries on the porch. I'm standing in the front yard and no sign of them. I see someone parked in front of a neighbor a few doors down…. but she's on the phone and in her car. Then my neighbor comes out and I walk over and what do ya know - she's delivered my $200 worth of groceries to my neighbor. Must not have looked for the address. Then my other neighbor is out front….and I think she's trying to catch my attention, turns out she ALSO ordered groceries (her first time after all of my raving of convenience - haha). Anyhow, my other neighbor helped the shopper reload the groceries and hubby came out and we got all of our stuff. Well except for a couple of things delivered with my neighbor's order. UGH. The shopper had done 3 simultaneous orders and couldn't keep them straight. Anyhow, once we got all of the groceries put away, I prepared a nice pot of pasta e fagioli soup. Oh YUM!!!
Hubby and I spent the rest of the day packing. We have a lot of stuff we're bringing for room comforts (3 bins - ugh - fans, shoe dryers (possible rain while we're there) and holiday decorations). We also have most of our clothes packed…just waiting for my pants to all dry. I had to buy some jeans to wear so I will have a pair of jeans, yoga pants and shorts for each day. The weather app temps have been all over the place, so we have no idea what to anticipate! UGH.
My daughter also reached out last night. They are not going to be able to come for Christmas. Too many concerns with the in-laws that are living with them and leaving them solo, arranging care for the horses and stress on their cat, Ella Bella. So since Rhea and her parents are going to be up north with their great grandma, hubby and I are now going to head to daughter's house for Christmas and a couple of days. So I need to cancel our Christmas Eve luminaries and stew night at my house. A few disappointed people will be notified sometime today, but ah well. We were also supposed to take our oldest grandson to DL for New Years, and now those plans might be undone. He's almost 18 and growing up. So many plans he makes. Here's a surprise, hubby and I might still go solo, but come home a day early. When I told my son-in-law, he texted back that I could easily take him instead of the grandson…haha.
Best wishes to all for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
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