SBF Reboot Boogaloo! Week of April 4

mechanicmom

Good morning!
I wasn't paranoid that someone had already started the thread this morning since it's the middle of the night there.

I didn't get as much sleep as I wanted last night, but apparently I got some. Steve said I was sawing logs. And I found out I must have a mood meter when I sleep. I was dreaming it was on the happy face when I was sleeping good. :laugh: This is what happens when I lose a lot of sleep. I get goofy.
I think I might possibly be feeling a tiny tiny bit better sinus wise. I'll have to see as the day progresses.
I think the only thing we have planned today is to go sightseeing and we need to go to the grocery store. I am looking forward to seeing St. Basil Cathedral again (It's probably one of my top fave buildings in the world) as well as the other new places we are going to check out. We plan to walk a lot in hopes of adjusting to the time change tonight. Being as it is midnight back home, I am really wanting to crawl back into bed. I feel as if I could sleep for a week, nonstop.
I do like being in Russia, but the time change and jet lag (and sickness and AF on top of that) are happy meter killers. I am really understanding the term "fighting sleep" right now. Oi.
Hope you all are well. I will try to check in often to see how you guys are doing!

Must.Stay. Awake. boogaloo.
MM

lotusfromthemud

Morning pebbs far and far-er,

I have always wanted to see that Cathedral, MM. It's on my list. (I am a huge fan of places of worship, old things and awe inspiring natural places for vacations. I hate gift shops, tourist traps and Disney type places. I blame my mall filled childhood.)

Today, I have the following intentions: to get to dance class, to do some writing, to do some food shopping and to get some resting in. I also have a physical therapy appointment in my new strategy "go as a preventative measure". Other than that, I'm just thinking forward-ly, and concentrating on what feels good and works, versus what feels bad and doesn't work.

April,:noway: whoa, no way, boogaloo.:flowerforyou:

yoginimary

It's raining, and there is much rejoicing. A little more would have been better - something to wash the pollen down the gutters, but we'll take anything. DFW got rain too, as far as I can tell, MM.

Can't say I share y'all's like for places of worship - or old buildings of any kind. I like staying in old hotels (I like anything ornate), but "this happened here", never really interested me. I go to art museums, but I don't really get into them - I think I go because I should. :laugh: I hated history and art in high school, so that's where my blame is going. I usually like lots of walking and just being in the place.

Today: teach and take yoga, walk. There will be a short window where the weather will be cool and the pollen still low, but it might be when I'm eating lunch.

Glad you're checking in MM!

Travels, boogaloo!

mechanicmom

You all are sleeping right now. This is just weird. :laugh:
Just a quick post here.
I think I am adjusting to the time change sleep wise. For the most part. I did wake up at 2 and couldn't go back to sleep for awhile. We did that last time too. Steve did not sleep at all. I think he's slept a total of maybe 6 or so hours in the last three days. I am still pretty sick. I'm not even sure if the antibiotics are helping at this point. I hope they are or at least will be soon. But I've noticed other people have been sniffing and blowing noses as well so at least I am not the only one.
We walked yesterday, sightseeing, from 11 until 6. Some of that was spent on the metros and at lunch. Ate Russian food for the first time. Wasn't sure what I was ordering. It wasn't bad but it was very bland. I'm used to Mexican. After all that walking, I have four blisters on my feet. It's not fun. And we will spend most of the week walking. I decided that next time, forget appearance and wear tennis shoes. :laugh:
We just took care of the first order of business...going to the MOE to get the papers to go meet Miss I! We are leaving for the orphanage in about an hour or so, walking mind you, to meet her. I finally got excited! :laugh:
I need to go, Hope you all are well!

Taking care of business boogaloo!
MM

yoginimary

Can't wait to hear how everything goes, MM.

Nice and cool here. We didn't get enough rain to wash away the pollen, but we'll take anything.

I agreed to sub tonight. I shouldn't have, but at least the instructor owes me. Will walk this morning.

I'm awaiting so many emails before I can do the next step of stuff. I hate that. The kind of things that I want to just take care of, and I'm waiting on someone else. Things like taxes. :grumble:

Like to check things off the list, boogaloo.

mechanicmom

Mary, glad you got some rain and good weather.

I'm threadhogging again. I have to tell you all about MIss I. She is adorable! And I mean it! Even the orphanage workers commented about how much she and Alex look alike. One of the workers was sure we have Russian in our backgrounds because we looks so Russian. Alex and Miss I really do look alike, even facial expressions. She speaks very little but she knows what she wants and can let you know. She will probably be a handful because she is into everything, but she also tries to clean up after herself. She is very busy, one thing to the next. We learned quite a bit about her, but it's too much to tell right now. We will be walking to the orphanage and back twice a day, which is 1.2 miles one way, so 4.8 miles a day. I don't walk this much on a regular day at home. :laugh: This is not fun with a huge blister on my foot but oh well. I am eating this time, which I did not do last time. So my nerves and fears are down. :happy: It's been a more relaxed trip this time. We have to walk to the store now and get some much needed things. I look forward to writing in my journal about Miss I when I get back. And FaceTiming with my mom and Alex on the phones.
A good day boogaloo!
MM

lotusfromthemud

So exciting, MM. Keep us posted.

and good news on the rain, Mary.

I seem to be adjusting back to my summer sleeping schedule, or just sleeping more. I slept until 9 a.m. this morning, really late for me. Right now I'm trying to get organized and think about working, but my brain is not with it. I think I finished a (pretty rough) chapter draft. Feels a bit weird. I think the next thing I'll do is go through and fix my citations, as this doesn't take a whole lot of actual brain power, but will be quite a chore. I wish we had a department-wide idea about how we do this. We don't, which seems a bit batty. My supervisor's rule is "be consistent" but I've discovered that another committee member actually wants it a certain style, which is not the one I used. THAT would have been nice to know a bit earlier, as it's a pretty time-consuming change. Breathe in, breathe out, make the changes. Go after calm.

Other than that, a pretty restful day planned. The dance class teacher I was expecting wasn't the one who was there yesterday, so I got a more intense workout than I was planning. Felt good at the time, but I'm sort of recovering from it a bit.

Recovering, boogaloo.:flowerforyou:

cp005e

I'm so excited for you, MM. And it's good to see you smiley. :flowerforyou:

It's late so that's all I really have time for right now. My pants are tight and that motivated me to get to the gym Sunday and Monday, then to dance tonight. I tried day 1 of C25K yesterday, but I think it might have been a bit too much too soon for my ankle. Also, since I was wearing my Vibrams - sore calves! I hope to go back to the gym again tomorrow, but I may try something different like rowing or biking. Stupid ankle!

My husband is starting a new job tomorrow! Wish him luck - he's nervous.

New start, boogaloo.

lotusfromthemud

Morning, pebbles

A quick check in

I once again slept in today. I think my body is just in crave extra sleep mode. :ohwell: I'm in the luxurious position of not having to argue with it. I was intending on dance class , but have slept too late to make it. Interestingly enough, CP, my backup workout plan for the day was to go do day two of C25K in my vibrams:laugh: Synchronicity, we has it. Through a strange set of circumstances, I ended up doing Zumba Monday barefoot, and was only a bit sore from it, so I figured I might be ready to try to work up to running.

Other than that, therapy downtown, sleeping when the body says sleep, more citationing/editing and working on being more comfortable with "releasing" my work. My goal right now is to send a draft to my supervisor on the 15th, in whatever shape it's in. Deadlines are important in my world. The world of my brain, anyways.

Brain world, boogaloo.:flowerforyou:

yoginimary

I've never felt my calves after any type of workout. Maybe that's why I took to the vibrams right away.

Hope all goes well with the new job for your husband, CP.

Glad everything is going well, MM.

I'm teaching two classes this morning, then I have yoga tonight. I might just do a 20 minute walk today - my legs are feeling tired, so maybe it's time for a break.

That's all I know, as my Grandmother-in-law says, boogaloo.

mechanicmom

CP I'm joining you in the sore calves dept! Oh my goodness are they sore! I brought two pairs of boots, one has a one inch heel, the other 2 inches. Both are giving my calves an amazing, painful work out! And blisters. :P

We had a really good day with Miss I today. We learned a lot about her and she's rather fascinating. We have a lot of work to do with her but that was expected. She us getting used to us so that helps a lot.
Most of the time my fears are gone! I've been able to eat, even dining out! This is huge for me. It also helps that I am feeling better. Still sinusy but each day is better. Seems like hormones might be calming down too.
We recalculated our walk and it's about six miles a day plus any extra walking. So we are getting good exercise! If I don't Lise weight this week the there is something wrong with me!
I miss Alex but we've been able to chat and he's being spoiled by grandma. I think I've mostly adjusted to the time change. I still wake up around 2:30 but I am sleeping at night and staying awake during the day.

I hope there aren't any typos. I'm on my phone. So glad I can still check in with you Pebbs!

Pretty good day boogaloo!
MM

mechanicmom

Good morning/afternoon!

Not a whole lot more to report today. More walking to the orphanage and back. Can't decide which boots hurt less. Lol. I will be glad to have tennis shoes on again. I don't think there's a part below my knees that doesn't hurt. Oh well it's temporary.
Picked out a name for Miss I. We will keep her Russian name and give her a middle name. We are going to try to adopt her! She is going to keep me busy!
My neighbor is checking on my cat and she said Nikki is hissing at her. I guess she's mad that we left. It's not like her to hiss. Grouchy old cat. Lol.
Going back to the orphanage at 3. hope you have a good day!
MM

lotusfromthemud

Wow, MM, this is exciting! I hope that everything moves along quickly and smoothly. I feel that you've paid all your dues in advance.

Mary, Chicago is fun in the summer/spring time. . .but I like museums and meat. I'll see if I know any veg goodies there.

Getting geared up to go to Zumba at ten, followed by working and laundry. Ended up not working out yesterday, although I did get some good walking in. Therapy yesterday involved what I think they call a "breakthrough",which involves a pretty exhausting reliving of a memory. Oof. Felt like a workout, anyways. I'm also transitioning back to a summer sleeping schedule or something, going to bed/waking up later. Trying to keep up with the new goal of "don't fight the body". Challenging, that.

I also need to make sure to get my water in today, as I think I've been slacking a bit there.

Hey, CP, how did your husband make out on the new job?

H2O, boogaloo.:flowerforyou:

yoginimary

I second V wish for smoothness for you MM. You've been through enough.

I can finally turn in my taxes today. I got the final piece of paper, yeah! Our return will pay for our hotel and most of our food in Chicago. We won't have a lot of time to go to museums, but Thursday evening the art institute is free from 5-8 - and it's about 2 blocks from the hotel. We can pop over and see if we need to go back on Sunday (when we have 1/2 a day). We will also have Thursday afternoon to explore. I found a few veggie options. happycow.net is my friend.

Today is still up in the air. I need to make muffins (Charlie eats these everyday, I make them every few weeks and store them in the freezer), and do the taxes. I also need to get yoga and walking in.

Yes, planning a trip that is 5 months away.

Plan everything, boogaloo.

mechanicmom

Thanks. Miss I had her first tantrum tonight. It wasn't that bad. She didn't cry and she came out of it quickly. But it made me a little emotional and anxious about bringing her home. This happened with Miss M too. The day we said we would adopt Miss M we saw her not so nice side. I think we saw a little bit of that today and it just made me realize that I don't know how to communicate with this child. It was just a fear moment. I know it will all work out. Other than that it was an ok day. A Russian social worker is meeting with us in the morning. I'm trying to take it all in stride but steve panicked and that didn't help me. Lol.
Steve said he's had to tighten his belt a notch. I don't think I've lost anything. I don't feel any different. Oh well. I'll blame it on my thyroid. :P
So glad I can check in and see your posts. Helps me get through my day.
Hogging the thread boogaloo!
MM

lotusfromthemud

Happy Friday, pebbs,

Today is:
Work stuff. I seem to be settling in to a groove with this. I printed out what actually looks like a decent draft yesterday. I've decided on a format for my bibliography that should be significantly less time consuming (for now, as it will involve appendixes) so I need to start that part, but I should be able to send off my draft by my self imposed deadline. I feel semi stable, which is my goal right now.

I'm pondering what that means in a lot of ways to be semi stable. I've always been solid or a mess, and not too comfortable existing in between. I feel a blog post brewing.

Anyways, intentions are work sessions, time with my trainer (we're doing rehabilitative type stuff) and hopefully an actual social engagement.

In between (new blog about it) boogaloo.:flowerforyou:

yoginimary

I got everything done yesterday but yoga practice, so that needs to happen today. I haven't heard to see about group practice so it may be a session at home.

This is the last weekend of learning - the weekend of the 30th is graduation and new teacher taught classes. I'll be glad when this is over.

Almost there, boogaloo.

mechanicmom

V, I envy your semi-stableness. I could use that right now.
Mary, yay for one more weekend!

We had a better day with Miss I today. She seemed more focused and played with us more. The social worker meeting went fine. She only wanted to know how we plan to care for Miss I when she goes home.
It is cold and rainy here. This weather in Texas would make most people stay inside drinking hot cocoa and bundling up in blankets. Here kids have been out riding scooters and adults carry on as if it's a sunny day. I'm a Texas girl. Give me a blanket and a hot drink. But I have had to walk the 6-8 miles everyday rain or shine. Ther are no fat people in Russia. Period. All the younger ladies look like models. Babushkas are a little overweight I suppose but they walk a lot so they are still in good shape. Fast food tastes better here, less greasy and not as many preservatives. They use real sugar in sodas instead of other junk. But they smoke and drink a lot.
I guess that's it for now. Gonna try to get to bed a little earlier tonight so I can get up on time. It's our last full day here tomorrow.

Time flies boogaloo!
MM

yoginimary

Hope you enjoyed your last day, MM.

I found out yesterday that my 5'9" dad weighs about the same as I do. Ugh. Usually, I don't care that much about weight, but every once and awhile there's a rude awakening.

Anyhoo, I'm off to SA today. I don't think I'll get much yoga in this weekend, but you never know. I'm getting my picture taken today as well. The teacher is giving us free yoga pictures as a graduation present. Apparently, light colors are more slimming in professional photographs than dark colors, but dark colors are better live. I have a light top and dark pants, so I'm splitting the difference I guess. Actually, I don't have any light colored pants, so there wasn't a lot of choice. I picked side plank for my pose. Nothing too fancy and something no one else would pick.

Planning on a walk tonight as well as some good Indian food.

Picture, boogaloo.

mechanicmom

Mary, I think you look great. I know the numbers can play with the mind but you look like you are in really good shape.

Well, today kind of stunk. lol. We had a good meeting with Miss I this morning. Then after lunch we went to the notary to get papers stamped and sign a paper for court. Sounds easy right? It took over three hours! And it cost 3 times the amount we were told. And my stomach got really upset from what I had for lunch. It was just not a pleasant scenario. I have had the roughest week physically that I have had in a very long time. Besides my own bodily complaints we did not get to see Miss I this evening so we did not get to say good bye. Sorry. I'm a little cranky. I'm tired, ready for comfort in my own home/country, and ready to see my little boy. Get this: during my cycle this past week my hormones have been more normal. The last two days, since it is going away, I feel like bawling! :noway: Tell me something is not screwed up. lol. That would explain my cranky post.
Things are not bad. I've just had a rough week on all counts.
We are leaving the apartment at 7 am and leaving Russia at 11. Tomorrow will be a 36 hour day for us. We will get back to Houston at 2 and drive 4 hours to San Antonio to get Alex. Monday morning the plan is to leave at 5am to go home so Steve can make it to work by noon. Yeah, we're crazy. At least he is.
Sorry I'm so cranky. I need sleep and hormone pills. lol

Out of balance boogaloo!
MM

lotusfromthemud

Poor MM, soon you will be home. You're a trouper this week (and every week) for sure. How long is the process between now and finalizing? Or do you even know? What an amazing/stressful thing. . .again, you're a trouper.

Mary, I have come to/am constantly coming to the following conclusion: numbers are stupid. I currently have no idea how much I weigh, and think that is best. I know that my pants fit, I feel pretty good (usually) about how I look and have been headache free for almost three weeks.:happy: or even :bigsmile: But, I totally relate to how numbers can mess you up.

In other news, I just got back from lunch/a walk/feeling guilty that I took a day off from writing. I have an appointment for a massage at 3, and if I'm not too de-boned by that I might try for a short work session afterwards. I'll have to gauge.

Day off, boogaloo.:flowerforyou:

mechanicmom

Good morning from Moscow.
Quick post from my phone. Thank the Lord my stomach has settled. I ate some toast so hopefully it will stay settled.
V, we have two more trips. It has become increasingly for Americans to adopt from Russia because of all the dumb things people ate doing to adopted kids in the US. So here is how it should go. Andrei will go file for a court date on Tuesday. We ate missing a few papers so the judge may want those papers before she gives a date. We are guessing we might gave a court hearing in about five weeks. We come back to Moscow for court (about five days). We return home for ten days then return to get her. There is a treaty they are suppose to be passing the first part of May which could still completely shut things down. Or we may move forward as usual. It's so hard to say. If things go smoothly then we could have her home by June.
I need to finish packing so we can hurry up and sit at the airport for two hours.
Ready to get on the plane and come home boogaloo.
MM

yoginimary

Safe journey, MM.

I know weight is not what I should go by, but it is the easiest thing to measure. I still plan on losing some before September. I will recommit to fruit as snack, being more in tune to satiety, and keeping desserts to a minimum.
I did have a minor victory Friday night when Charlie and I were splitting a desserts. We were both still hungry and the dessert was really good, but I held back and let him have most of it.


I forgot my coffee filters yesterday, so I had to make coffee with kleenex - first time I've ever had to do so - it's not too bad.

Walk this morning, yoga this afternoon?

Tissue filters, boogaloo

lotusfromthemud

Morning. Getting up and around, trying not to be cranky that I have to go give an exam. There is something that feels so profoundly wrong about having to work on a Sunday. I think I'm just pouting. It will all be over soon.

On the upside, yesterday was a solid spring day, and we spent most of it outside walking around and then I spent some of it getting a massage. I feel a bit hungover now. It's hard to explain, but I think that the muscles are holding onto something gross and then my system is trying to flush it out. That's my theory anyways. The massage lady always tells me to drink lots of extra water in the days following, which backs this up. I'm also surprisingly sore from all of the walking. I tallied it up, and it was around four miles. That used to be a pretty average day, but that's the most I've been able to do in a long while. Victory!

Probably no workout today other than pacing around looking for cheaters. Ugh. This is why I'm not a prison guard. Oops. More pouting, sorry.

Less pouting, more victory, boogaloo.:flowerforyou:

mechanicmom

I had a pout day yesterday v. It's ok.
We are back in Texas. It was 32 when we left moscow. It's 90 here. Yuck. On my way to SA to see my boy!
My tummy still doesn't feel great but I have been eating. The plane ride wasn't the greatest. Some turbulence and rough landing. Glad it's over. Steve's not happy to be back but I am. It was a rough week. I need some recoup time.

More sitting in transportation boogaloo.
MM

cp005e

Welcome home, MM!