Check In June 16, 2014
KarenZen
Posts: 1,430 Member
Good morning, lovelies!
We're less than a week away from the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and what's on my mind are fresh strawberries, a swim date this afternoon with two silly seven-year-olds, tomorrow's double-dip (endoscopy and colonoscopy--my last hoop before bariatric surgery) and today's diet of clear liquids only (YAY broth!), and the weeks of summer unfolding ahead with so much promise.
What are you going to do this summer thanks to your healthier you?
Because my surgery is likely going to happen in mid-July, I'm losing four weeks of outdoor swimming weather, something I'm so bummed about because the season is so short here. This morning I've been trying to turn this into a positive and finally figured out how. After surgery, I'm going to work with one of the trainers at the YMCA to finally put together a strength training program for myself. I get lots of cardio but no real strength work. This will be so much fun, something I've wanted to do for ages, and a good distraction from not being able to swim.
So that's my summer plan start. What's yours?
Karen in Maine
We're less than a week away from the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and what's on my mind are fresh strawberries, a swim date this afternoon with two silly seven-year-olds, tomorrow's double-dip (endoscopy and colonoscopy--my last hoop before bariatric surgery) and today's diet of clear liquids only (YAY broth!), and the weeks of summer unfolding ahead with so much promise.
What are you going to do this summer thanks to your healthier you?
Because my surgery is likely going to happen in mid-July, I'm losing four weeks of outdoor swimming weather, something I'm so bummed about because the season is so short here. This morning I've been trying to turn this into a positive and finally figured out how. After surgery, I'm going to work with one of the trainers at the YMCA to finally put together a strength training program for myself. I get lots of cardio but no real strength work. This will be so much fun, something I've wanted to do for ages, and a good distraction from not being able to swim.
So that's my summer plan start. What's yours?
Karen in Maine
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Replies
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Hmmm.. the short walk around the dog park about killed me last night so I am really resolved to go to those water fitness classes and I have my bag packed already. It's Remy's last night at Obedience class and I think we get a week or two break which means I can do Aqua Zumba that night instead for that time. I don't deal well with the heat right now although we had a wonderful wind yesterday and I spent a lot of time sitting out on our stepsons deck. We don't have one and the dogs own our yard anyway.
So water classes and surviving the heat and for gods sake tracking food! LOL.0 -
Well, we are hopeful that we can get our pool up and running...yeah, I know its mid June already, but in Florida you can swim pretty much 8 months out of the year. We need to find someone to get it cleaned out and filled and then have someone maintain it.
And we want to take our son to the beach for the first time--need to do that soon. He is fair skin with red hair like me so we're going to have to slather him with sunblock, a hat and take an umbrella.
I had another disasterous weekend, foodwise and didnt even weigh myself this morning. I have a horrible sinus infection and somehow lost the script my doctor gave me between leaving the house and getting to the drugstore. I called them this morning--I think they are going to take pity on me and call it in. I can hardly eat or drink because of the pain.
I also officially stopped breastfeeding on Thursday and am having some discomfort associated with that. So yeah, I feel like I'm falling apart physically.
And today is my last day at this job--I thought I would be sad, but I'm just ready to go and get started on my new job. I'm looking forward instead of looking back and that feels good.
Julie, I've always wondered about Aqua Zumba. I've done the regular and can imagine how soothing it would be to do it in water.
Karen, good luck on your double dip!!
Everyone have a great day!
~Becky in Florida, where we've worked hard to earn the nickname "Flori-DUH"0 -
Good morning all! All of this talk of swimming has me itching to get into the water. I've been avoiding the pool at the gym I go to for no good reason. For the 4th, we'll be visiting my fiance's family and there's a lovely outdoor pool at their condo complex, so I'll have that at the very least!
I was an absolute mess foodwise this weekend, but I had fun, at least. I went to two parties Saturday (a baby shower and a housewarming) and of course there was food and drink at both. We also got garlic scapes at the farmer's market on Saturday (my absolute favorite super-seasonal-only-available-for-a-few-weeks-treat) and made pesto with it last night. Oh, and we were cleaning out our fridge/freezer/cupboard and the things we needed to eat were less than ideal. Oh well. Back to it today.
On the plus side, I finished Week 5 Day 3 of Couch to 5k and ran for 20 minutes straight yesterday. I wasn't feeling great so it was a bit of a challenge, but I made it. (Can't wait for you to get started, Pat!)0 -
Good Morning Everyone!
First weekday off work here. Not quite sure what I'm gonna do with my summer. Eat healthy, of course, but other than that my calendar is wide open until July 7th when I start a two week grad class, Then after that I have a little less than a month to work with until school comes back. All of this time would be great if hubby and I had money to do things. For now it will mean reading books we already own, watching movies, and watching TV. :-(
I'm having a little bit of a psychological crisis. I know I need to start exercise/activity...but I am so hesitant. In the past year I have started experiencing minor mobility issues. Nothing terrible, until you take into account that I am only 34 years old...then it is downright embarrassing. I now find myself in a place where I am scared to walk for exercise because I feel like I need to save what energy/muscle strength I have. I know it is the type of thing I need to get over...and I know starting will only help make me stronger...but this mental block is strong!
Swimming is the obvious solution (easy on the joints), but I have to drive to my parents house to swim and the gasoline budget is an issue.
Angie0 -
Survived the weekend okay. Super high in carbs due to cleaning out fridge/freezer and eating up all the leftovers, but I did okay calories wise Friday and Saturday I think. No idea about yesterday. In staying away from added sugars, ended up eating extra non-sugar carbs. Bad swap... I think this week I need to attempt to focus on my water and my sodium, because with this yo-yo-ing nonsense, it probably is mostly water weight...
As for this summer, the heat drives me inside, so I don't have any specific plans - other than to come up with a better one. I'm just going to focus on keeping on keeping on, if that makes sense...
Hugs, Carly in Oklahoma, where if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes, and it'll change!0 -
Mini-rant: Dear everyone, please shut the !*$& up about my wedding dress! I'm not trying to "fit into it." It's already ordered in the size that I was two months ago. It's also too late for me to CHANGE the order, so stop telling me about how I should try to get a smaller size. I *know* I'm going to have to pay a lot for alterations if I keep losing weight. Believe me. I KNOW. It's stressing me out plenty without your input. So please, unless you're planning to say, "You're going to look gorgeous in your dress," keep your dang mouth shut about my wedding dress. Sincerely, a bride with 10 more months of stressing out ahead.0
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Norah, good for you!!! I had to add a panel into mine...and BTW you are going to look gorgeous!!!
Hey everyone, I have been listening to a great podcast (The Smarter Science of Slim/Calorie Myth) They talk a lot about eccentric exercise...I think this may be my ticket to sneaking in the activity/exercise door without feeling like I'm going to hurt myself.
Check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ2F0FYcVsU
Angie0 -
I love to swim also like a lot of you. No pool here, but am heading home to AZ in July for a few weeks, so will be able to go to the pool there. Can't wait!! I was packed and ready to go 3 weeks ago!!! Continuing to work before and after my vacation....got to feed all these cats!! lol Started a 20 minute a day exercise program, so want to keep that up. Still tracking calories...have decided I need to cut back on the sodium. That pretty much sums up my summer plans!0
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Hi Norah,
I have start ouch to 5k on the calendar for today, so hopefully my legs and brain agree by this evening to give it a shot. Though that bike ride yesterday just about murdered my legs and they let me know how they felt about this when I woke up. Time to get out the muscle rolling stick and dig into those calf muscles (not a pleasant feeling).
You will look wonderful in your weeding dress, and the money will be worth it. The alterations just mean your doing the right thing. Perhaps you should have them take a picture of how much they have to remove, might be a nice bit of motivation.
Well I realized that If I want to get back in the pool I first need to be able to get myself via bike to the community pool. So that's my first challenge. Be able to ride my bike all the way downtown and to the pool. Thankfully the direction is all flat. As to whether I can get into the pool at that point is still up to me.
Anyone else getting onto the bike?
So Summer will be learning to run so I can do a 5k in a month or so, and hopefully do a race with my father wich will make him very happy, and build stamina and distance on bike riding. Two of the three things you need to do a triathlon.... hmmm.0 -
A triathlon? You go Ratpat!! Hopefully I can get myself as physically motivated by the time I am down in Twoderville!0
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Thanks Angie and Pat! I
Funny you would mention a triathalon at the end of your post, Pat -- I was thinking that just as I read you were thinking of biking to the community pool! Maybe something to add to those longterm goals...
I'll be cheering you on for C25K! If your legs need to rest today, that's okay, too. You've got to listen to your body. (Then again, when my legs were super sore from weight training last week, running actually seemed to help (or maybe it was the good stretching after). I know it sounds kind of counter-intuitive, but the first week really was the hardest for me so far. You're going to rock this! 0 -
Hello all. Long weekend here with several visits to the ER. I do believe Cody is finally on the road to recovery. Do you believe that the other doctor (that I called on Friday morning) finally called me back at 11:00 this morning? Supposedly she didn't get the message till now but I was told all day Friday we were at the top of her priority list. Whatever!!! I politely informed her that we no longer were in need of her services and that I found a doctor who gave a ****. Sorry but I don't tolerate that kind of **** when it comes to my son. Unfortunately all that time at the hospitals meant a lot of sitting and not getting my water intake in. My legs are really showing it too. I also went over calories yesterday but only by 60 calories so I'm not going to allow myself to stress about it. He has to go back to the doctor again today so I may not get all my steps in but I'm working really hard on my water intake. I have to get the water out of these legs so I can get my steps in. As for my summer plans, I'm looking forward to getting some pool time (was going to start today but since Cody can't go I didn't want to torture him). I also HAVE to get my behind back to the Y on a much more consistent basis. Walking is great but I also need to be working out on the weights for strengthening and toning. Sounds like everyone is doing great. Hope you all are enjoying your day!!0
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Hi Angie. I have the same anxiety issues about exercising and running out of strength/energy. This also happens when I get invited to participate in an event that involves a lot of walking. My only suggestion is to start your exercise program slowly. Set small goals. You don't need to walk 5 miles your first time out. Then gradually build up your program. As you accomplish small goals, you will get stronger and your endurance and confidence will improve. One step at a time.
Andrea in Pennsylvania0 -
Angie,
Try doing a walking video at home. YouTube Leslie Sansone (I think that is her name), she does "walking" videos that literally you can do in just a 2-3 foot area at home. I've done a couple of them. At least you would be home if something were to happen or you need to stop. She has different lengths too, 1 mile 2 mile etc.
Waiting for the kids to come home from last day of school so this is just a quick check in. I'll check back later. Hope everyone has a good day!
Diana in ME, where it is finally nice on the last day of school!0 -
Thanks guys!! :-)0
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Hi y'all late check in as our AC went out again last night and I have been dealing with the repair people all day trying to get them to get back out here. I also decided to keep my daughter home thinking it would stop me from just laying around and wanting to eat all day. Well that mission has been accomplished. But now we are two hours passed nap, have done our mani/pedis and dressed up as Cinderella....the meltdown has started. So off I go to put a cranky princess to bed. Will try to check in later. What was I thinking?0
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Norah, The smile that lights up your face will always fit perfectly. I have faith that the alterations you get as you near your event will make the dress perfect - and it will literally be made for you! You will look amazing in the dress, and you can tell all the naysayers to politely butt out! Your inner glow will be what everyone sees! ((hugs))0
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Doing pretty ok. Big changes recently.
I've been sent to Seattle for work over the summer, and am very much enjoying the lovely weather here over the scorching heat of Texas. So great to be bale to go out for a walk and have it be a bearable temperature.
However, is this city filled with amazing food or what? It's been very hard to resist all the super authentic Asian and seafood- so I've been trying to keep it restrained to the weekends.
Also noticing just how much socialization really revolves around food. Happy hours, dinners, post-volunteer events; it's hard to get away. But, I'm getting better at gracefully declining, and my coworkers are particularly kind and sensitive, which is great.
Another problem: loneliness. In the past, I've eaten a lot of food as comfort, and I'm trying to break that habit this summer. Still, I've met few people and it's been rough. Hell, I even went to mass at St. James Cathedral seeking some meditation time/comfort(was actually amazing, and I hope to return soon).
One more thing; I'm without a proper oven/stove for the summer as well. I have a mini fridge and microwave in the place I am renting, however I've had to change my habits drastically. Time will tell if that is a good thing.
On a plus: farmer's markets galore in this city. Cherries, strawberries, and pickles, oh my!0 -
Doing pretty ok. Big changes recently.
I've been sent to Seattle for work over the summer, and am very much enjoying the lovely weather here over the scorching heat of Texas. So great to be bale to go out for a walk and have it be a bearable temperature.
However, is this city filled with amazing food or what? It's been very hard to resist all the super authentic Asian and seafood- so I've been trying to keep it restrained to the weekends.
Also noticing just how much socialization really revolves around food. Happy hours, dinners, post-volunteer events; it's hard to get away. But, I'm getting better at gracefully declining, and my coworkers are particularly kind and sensitive, which is great.
Another problem: loneliness. In the past, I've eaten a lot of food as comfort, and I'm trying to break that habit this summer. Still, I've met few people and it's been rough. Hell, I even went to mass at St. James Cathedral seeking some meditation time/comfort(was actually amazing, and I hope to return soon).
One more thing; I'm without a proper oven/stove for the summer as well. I have a mini fridge and microwave in the place I am renting, however I've had to change my habits drastically. Time will tell if that is a good thing.
On a plus: farmer's markets galore in this city. Cherries, strawberries, and pickles, oh my!
Just died a little inside from jealousy!!! So much fresh seafood you can get there and eat healthy. Skip the fried and I'm sure you already know walking Seattle itself is quite the workout. Not to mention, omg, the outdoor activities you can do. I encourage to get out of the city and explore the hiking trails. If you can make it to Mt Rainer, that would be awesome. Take a ferry, walk he Piers. Go Kayaking! Take pictures of it all!
Enjoy! I can understand living out of a mini fridge can be hard but man, what an awesome experience. My favorite city. ❤0 -
Just died a little inside from jealousy!!! So much fresh seafood you can get there and eat healthy. Skip the fried and I'm sure you already know walking Seattle itself is quite the workout. Not to mention, omg, the outdoor activities you can do. I encourage to get out of the city and explore the hiking trails. If you can make it to Mt Rainer, that would be awesome. Take a ferry, walk he Piers. Go Kayaking! Take pictures of it all!
Enjoy! I can understand living out of a mini fridge can be hard but man, what an awesome experience. My favorite city. ❤
It's so great so far. Trying to get lots of outdoor time in without killing myself too much at first(many of the day hikes are 13+ miles) as I'm so out of shape. Gotta checkout Rainier. Any specific ferries/piers/hikes in mind?
I'm always looking for things to do around this great city. So far I've loved walking around the Japanese garden, farmer's market, and off leash park with my tiny dog. Hoping to walk around Capitol Hill and Downtown a bit this weekend- and resist drinking too much beer doing so!0 -
Just died a little inside from jealousy!!! So much fresh seafood you can get there and eat healthy. Skip the fried and I'm sure you already know walking Seattle itself is quite the workout. Not to mention, omg, the outdoor activities you can do. I encourage to get out of the city and explore the hiking trails. If you can make it to Mt Rainer, that would be awesome. Take a ferry, walk he Piers. Go Kayaking! Take pictures of it all!
Enjoy! I can understand living out of a mini fridge can be hard but man, what an awesome experience. My favorite city. ❤
It's so great so far. Trying to get lots of outdoor time in without killing myself too much at first(many of the day hikes are 13+ miles) as I'm so out of shape. Gotta checkout Rainier. Any specific ferries/piers/hikes in mind?
I'm always looking for things to do around this great city. So far I've loved walking around the Japanese garden, farmer's market, and off leash park with my tiny dog. Hoping to walk around Capitol Hill and Downtown a bit this weekend- and resist drinking too much beer doing so!
I always start at the Aquarium which you should go to if you can. It is Pier 59. Everything is right around there. Shopping, ferries, food, etc. They have regular ferries that will take you across Elliot bay or up farther to Bremerton. Be careful going anywhere at night. I would Google easy park and hike trails.0 -
Just died a little inside from jealousy!!! So much fresh seafood you can get there and eat healthy. Skip the fried and I'm sure you already know walking Seattle itself is quite the workout. Not to mention, omg, the outdoor activities you can do. I encourage to get out of the city and explore the hiking trails. If you can make it to Mt Rainer, that would be awesome. Take a ferry, walk he Piers. Go Kayaking! Take pictures of it all!
Enjoy! I can understand living out of a mini fridge can be hard but man, what an awesome experience. My favorite city. ❤
It's so great so far. Trying to get lots of outdoor time in without killing myself too much at first(many of the day hikes are 13+ miles) as I'm so out of shape. Gotta checkout Rainier. Any specific ferries/piers/hikes in mind?
I'm always looking for things to do around this great city. So far I've loved walking around the Japanese garden, farmer's market, and off leash park with my tiny dog. Hoping to walk around Capitol Hill and Downtown a bit this weekend- and resist drinking too much beer doing so!
I always start at the Aquarium which you should go to if you can. It is Pier 59. Everything is right around there. Shopping, ferries, food, etc. They have regular ferries that will take you across Elliot bay or up farther to Bremerton. Be careful going anywhere at night. I would Google easy park and hike trails.
So jealous!!! I love Seattle!!!0 -
Aaarrgghhh!
Nothing went as planned today!!!
I had to go to the hospital for a pre-colonoscopy appt., was sent to the wrong building, now I'm late, the nurse looks at my crutches and says, "we'll get you a scooter because it's a good 20 minute walk," the scooter has a hypersensitive toggle and is stuck in fast, so I hit six walls, get stuck in a corner, almost fall off a ramp, get my pants legs caught in the wheels, abandon the scooter in the lobby in the care of a pink lady after I run over her foot, and arrive in the right office bathed in sweat only to be told that I can't have the procedure tomorrow because no one scheduled my meeting with the anesthesiologist. Now it's 1:00, I've had no food, no coffee, I'm exhausted and Still's flaring. On the way home, I inhale as much Taco Hell as possible, get home and fall into a carb-grease coma and sleep for three hours, waking up with that awful food hangover, feeling disgusted.
So no colon blow tonight--hopefully rescheduled for next week. Instead, I look six months pregnant and keep burping salsa fumes. Jim comes home and says what do you want for dinner? I don't want to admit I binged on junk, so I say I'm just doing fruit and yogurt, only he heads out and brings home greasy takeout and I am off to the races again, stuffing my face. Now WHY do I do this??? I hate this monster inside me that wants to be fed. Not just fed but STUFFED. GORGED. So full that I am nauseous.
Not only did I waste money on crap food, but because I felt like crap and slept, I didn't get to the post office, didn't clean the deck, didn't vacuum, basically killed my day.
I am so sick of this fight, but at least I can look back and see progress. Two years ago, I was binging 2-3 times each week. Now I can go weeks, often months without one. So I'll log it in my food diary and tomorrow is another day.
Oh, thanks for letting me vent!
Karen in Maine0 -
Sorry all that happened today Karen. It is so hard! I did okay today...think Ill be 4 calories over once I log...but it took me forever to decide what to eat for dinner because I wanted to have what would make me feel fullest!!
I just want that sensation...and it is hard to avoid seeking it out even when I am in control. :-(
Angie0 -
,,Sorry all that happened today Karen. It is so hard! I did okay today...think Ill be 4 calories over once I log...but it took me forever to decide what to eat for dinner because I wanted to have what would make me feel fullest!!
I just want that sensation...and it is hard to avoid seeking it out even when I am in control. :-(
Angie
I know... to feel FULL, sated.
I'm hoping that after the sleeve gastrectomy I won't have such a problem. I'm sure my stomach is huge after years and years of binging. I know the volume of food I can eat at a sitting is scary, and I don't feel full. Instead, post surgery, I'll have a much smaller stomach that will produce no appetite stimulating hormones for at least six months. Wow.0 -
Karen, oh honey, for a second there I thought you already did the colon blow and when I saw you went to Taco Bell in almost screamed OMg, is she trying to torture herself!? So thankful you hadn't drank that yet..Whew, now that would've been bad. The binge, well, like you said, it was an a event, but one that is happening less and less. You absolutely will not be able to do that after the sleeve. Doesn't matter how big you think you stretched your tummy now, I can notice just have 2 months with no sleeve how much my tummy holds now. I bet you hurt now more then you did when you were eating like this all the time. Back then, it was probably normal, now you feel sick. To me, that is progress, my Dear.
You are loved. You deserved to be loved. Your choices and circumstances do not define or diminish the awesome spirit you have. Everything is going to happen for you. It is going to come in time and all these setbacks are learning opportunities. Chin up. This time next year, you are going to dance your way into Doctors offices.0 -
Actually, as I'm lying in bed reflecting on my disaster day, I can see where I went wrong. I was Madame Pleasant, "Oh, it's okay!" "Don't worry about MY schedule!" "Why yes , you did send me on a marathon race on crippled horrible joints, but that's okay!"
Instead of acknowledging that I'm frightened, first time under anesthesia, who knows what's up there?What will being rolled around on a gurney do to the already horribly painful ruptured disk in my back? Instead of being upset over the screwed up scheduling and being told to go to the wrong building... I just smiled and sucked it up and was entertaining for everyone. Woohoo--Karen is the most AWESOME patient in the world!!!
Yah, well, I get in my car and cry because now I'm exhausted, in pain, thirsty, hungry, upset, etc. and all those emotions I've stuffed down? Well they want to be FED.
So it's good to see the cause/effect here. Maybe next time I can achieve a balance between being gracious and having my needs met.
Does anyone else have this problem?0 -
Karen, oh honey, for a second there I thought you already did the colon blow and when I saw you went to Taco Bell in almost screamed OMg, is she trying to torture herself!? So thankful you hadn't drank that yet..Whew, now that would've been bad. The binge, well, like you said, it was an a event, but one that is happening less and less. You absolutely will not be able to do that after the sleeve. Doesn't matter how big you think you stretched your tummy now, I can notice just have 2 months with no sleeve how much my tummy holds now. I bet you hurt now more then you did when you were eating like this all the time. Back then, it was probably normal, now you feel sick. To me, that is progress, my Dear.
You are loved. You deserved to be loved. Your choices and circumstances do not define or diminish the awesome spirit you have. Everything is going to happen for you. It is going to come in time and all these setbacks are learning opportunities. Chin up. This time next year, you are going to dance your way into Doctors offices.
Oh my gosh, thank you for this, Heather. You made me weep!0 -
Actually, as I'm lying in bed reflecting on my disaster day, I can see where I went wrong. I was Madame Pleasant, "Oh, it's okay!" "Don't worry about MY schedule!" "Why yes , you did send me on a marathon race on crippled horrible joints, but that's okay!"
Instead of acknowledging that I'm frightened, first time under anesthesia, who knows what's up there?What will being rolled around on a gurney do to the already horribly painful ruptured disk in my back? Instead of being upset over the screwed up scheduling and being told to go to the wrong building... I just smiled and sucked it up and was entertaining for everyone. Woohoo--Karen is the most AWESOME patient in the world!!!
Yah, well, I get in my car and cry because now I'm exhausted, in pain, thirsty, hungry, upset, etc. and all those emotions I've stuffed down? Well they want to be FED.
So it's good to see the cause/effect here. Maybe next time I can achieve a balance between being gracious and having my needs met.
Does anyone else have this problem?
Oh yes Karen, I can relate very well. I'm always pleasing everyone else and bending over to make everything easy for everyone else. Who cares if I'm inconvenienced or if I've now overloaded myself with too many commitments? We need to learn to stand up for ourselves and let people know when things don't work for us.0 -
Hi Karen,
Sorry to hear about your frankly sh**y day. Willpower can only take you so far, I wont make excuses but sometime it's just a perfect storm of events and you have nothing left to keep fighting. I know if I was in your position I would have done the same thing, smiled and been polite while cursing them all out in my head and then off to the nearest drive through to to satiate myself. That feeling of being totally stuffed is just, emotionally and physically, such a counterweight to everything that happened. It's very cathartic, even if it's not in a good way. To be fair, even if you gave them a good tung lashing It still might have happened. When I am tired, extremely hungry, and emotional the brain chemistry just doesn't seem to work. Theirs not room for the arguments. You can't be perfect every time, and one day isn't throwing in the towel, and it's nothing compared to the bigger gains you have maid.0
