NON WW & WW NEWBIES, OUR NEW LIFE, THE START OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL

Hello! Sorry been AWOL.
Work got manic & then we quickly introduced on on-line platform for revision which we then had to use for students who self-isolated with pre-conditions or symptoms. We had half the dept off by the end- 2 were covered, 1 self-isolating left work & a 4th was random day-to-day cover, plus exams plus above! I kept going but everything else went!
Then announcement for what is essentially National Lockdown- through external exams into termoil. Just crazy times. My OCD brain couldn't cope- been off routine, off plan, off normal life!
Taken a week to get my brain & body around it.
Had 2 "better" days so tomorrow (it's today now but I'm still up) is a fresh start.
I got my school planning sorted after a week, so I've sat down tonight with my Happy Planner & booked stuff in.
I've started on my craft room/study today- nightmare job- using Marie Kondo principles. I was planning on it being my mission at our Easter School Holidays but my back is killing using dining table as a desk every day- 1st task to be able to have home & school laptops set up to work with space to work & scrapbook.
Sorry been away so long- I just needed to get my head in gear & avoid social media/phone as so much negative & fake news/advice out there.
Hope you are all staying safe. Xoxox

@nighthazel01 I'll start over tomorrow has been a favorite of mine this last 3 weeks. One of the things I'm supposed to do daily is read my response cards and I've been very lax on that. So I did it and lots of great wisdom in there. That motto is one of my favorites. Another one of my favorites is you can be loose with your food or you can lose weight, you can't do both. Your meal sounded nice and healthy.

@teresaw1020 Yes, I've not totally returned to my July 31 weight but getting awful close. In my mind I've reverted back to my old ways and old weight but reality says I'm still down 12 lbs from where I started. But I did gain 7 with the prednisone and 4 with quarrantine. Remember the old GPS gadgets that would say Recalculating every time you made a wrong turn and weren't going in the right direction. That's how I feel right now. OMG, I just found the funniest meme.



Until we can get more masks for the healthcare workers, I don't want anybody in the general population wearing masks. If we have a surplus okay, then people can wear one. I see both sides of the argument but if it reduces my chances of getting the virus even by 50%, I'd take it. I'm afraid I would be one of the fatal statistics. I don't want anyone coughing or sneezing around me. People with allergies and people like me who are getting over bronchitis aren't looked at too favorably right now. I still have a cough. I'm just wondering why everyone is at Lowes. Food we can't live without but anything at Lowe's I'm sure we can til this thing is over. The more people that are out, the longer we are all stuck inside cause the numbers keep growing. Just think Georgia heat will help slow down the virus. Silver linings to everything.

@trooworld I have an inversion table. Although I don't use it as often as I probably should. Because of my high blood pressure they say be careful on it. But I love hearing the disks in my back go click click click as they lengthen and separate. It's also amazing how light my legs feel too. When I first get on I feel all stiff but then after 3 inversions, my lower half is just a different story. I think on the "defeating the craving" is the attitude and wording of it by saying that it's an enemy, a battle to be won. It gives more power to the food/craving. Versus, I want that cookie. I'll just go do a couple of my mini habits and see what happens after that. I think he is referring to changing our thoughts and attitudes. So our mind doesn't see it as a big deal. Because our subconscious is always trying to win. It will figure out our weak points so it can win. If it's not a big deal, then nothing to win. I don't know, but that's how I'm taking it. See how you used the word "challenging"

@mswatson0777 Thank you for sharing your low carb options. You sound a lot less stressed now and I'm so glad things are coming together for you.

@cbabie Glad you got a diagnosis for her. Plus the telemed thing is nice. I think alot of good things are going to come out of this shutdown. Look how much time and gas you saved by not having to take her to the doctor. But you still got a diagnosis. Good for you for getting on the treadmill.

@joannadavison Glad to see you. All of this takes a bit of readjustment and getting back into a routine. Part of it I think is we were in denial about how long this was going to take. So no need for a new normal but now this is the new normal so readjust it is. I'm not used to be having to provide 3 meals a day. Haven't done that in 30 years. Plus my dh doesn't seem to know what the words "schedule" means. So I'm learning to be flexible. Which is hard for me because I have a hard time finding the gray area there. I'm gray in my entire life except for schedules. Because I'm either doing it all or doing nothing. Lately it's been more of the do nothing. So we are all still processing.

@shexio So you had a cookie and tomorrow you'll have an apple. It happens. Just a momentary pause in your program and now you've hit play again. I watched the biggest loser.

Yellow Day- Stayed OP 163/164 Exercise-45 min walking

March goals-Drink 3 glasses of water Declutter

Good morning everyone! Yesterday was a great day for me in my health journey. I stayed under my points for my day and even ended up 5 points under for the day so I had 4 rollover points! I also rode my spin bike and drank 78 oz of water. It started out going to be a disastrous day: I had planned to have what I had for dinner for lunch, which would have put me over in points by about 8 points for the day. But I thought, "Wait a second. I can do better." and my husband suggested I had a pita pizza (8 pts) instead of the meatloaf (15 pts). Yay, teamwork! My new goals for April are down below. What are yours?

@mswatson0777 Yes! In my condo complex, most people actually let their dogs play OFF LEASH! It infuriates us. Our dog is leashed the whole time because like I said, he's not good with other dogs or people. And so if I see one of their dogs coming towards us, I actually have to pick up our dog and start walking away. I get sooooo mad. And there are so many loose dogs in our neighborhood. I don't get it. I've never seen anything like it. I don't know if they get loose on their own or if their owners let them loose. Grrrr! Ok, I'm sorry for that rant lol! I'm glad you are back into the groove of grad school. If it makes you feel better, I haven't done a ton of stuff either.

@cbabie Oh no! That doesn't sound fun. I'm glad you could do telemed and could get on the treadmill. I hope you have a better computer day today.

@joannadavison HELLO!!! Good to see you. I understand about needing to avoid the negative. Welcome back!

@Shexio Yeah I hear you about that update. I watched the Biggest Loser earlier in the day, the early episodes. It motivated me to get on my spin bike.

@theslightedgeforever That's a hilarious meme! I know what you mean about the masks and I see tons of people wearing them. Thought work is complicated!

@TeresaW1020 Oh that's great that you just bought those. Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine!

COMMITTED.
April goal: track 2 meals a day, do some form of exercise once a day, drink 52 oz of water per day

Hi all..another beautiful day, should go for a walk, but may wait awhile. Around here, the teachers have been decorating their cars & parading through their school neighborhoods so they can see the kids & the kids see them. Dd's school did theirs yesterday(she is a kindergarten teacher) & our neighborhood's is today at 2. So I think people are probably out in their yards waiting for the parade, so I think we will go later.

@mswatson0777 Our dd in OK has an American bulldog. It worried me when the gkids were little because he is so big, but he is so gentle. She also has another, not sure what kind of mix, & she nips at the kids when she thinks she is playing, so don't trust her as much. Glad you are able to relax a little.

@Shexio I think I missed the Biggest Loser. We had been watching it, but forgot last night. We are out of apples. Really need to get some more, been eating cookies, too, instead.

@trooword Good job with your eating!! I wish they would make up their minds about the masks. I thought I heard that someone was shipping the US a bunch.

@joannadavison Good luck with online teaching. Dd still trying to figure out how to do that with the little ones.

@TeresaW1020 I was just looking at my flower pots yesterday, wondering if I would even get them out this year. I used to love it in GA, with all the pansies blooming all winter long. We definitely don't have that. Remember that yellow pollen..so sticky to vehicles, etc.

@theslightedgeforever making 3 meals a day..that is what retirement is like, lol. Although dh pretty much makes his own breakfast. He used to make protein smoothies for both of us, but since I am trying to avoid dairy, he has made it a few times for himself, & otherwise has had oatmeal. I have been having oatmeal, but I like steel cut so been making 4 days worth at a time. I add blueberries (antioxidants), walnuts, & a little sugar sprinkled over the top. He has been eating "quick oats". I really don't like the texture of them. I like that graphic, I am always arguing with the "GPS lady" when we go somewhere.

Re: the people that won't clean up after their dog...it makes me so mad to have it in our yard, especially since we no longer have a dog! When we lived in the small town, there was a cat that liked to use my flowerbeds also. That really made me mad!!

Cases here are going up, but we seem to be testing a decent number in this state...considering... I thought it was only ones hospitalized, & now expanded to people with symptoms over age 60. We have done about 7500 tests. Dd keeps complaining about the lack of testing in OK. She sent me a data report & I think they have only done about 500 tests for the state. So their number of cases & deaths are way high compared to ours. She said she thinks she may have to ship the gkids up here. (I love them, but kinda hope she was joking)

Been trying to drink more water, but now they say you should be drinking hot beverages. Guess I will just have to do hot water. My sis does that all the time, but I think kinda blah. She & bil were going to go work at the food pantry this am. I know it needs to be done, but with some of the younger ones out of work, I wish she would let them do it. (she & bil are both 66)

Well, heading down to sewing room. Still making masks, lol.

@RetiredAndLovingIt we have various on-line platforms we use. One is from our book publisher so Science, RE and Maths subscribe to it. Another is whole school. So we set tasks on these platforms & use the bulk email system to send out other web-based work. We also have MS Teams which we could use as video link- we are for meetings at work but the kids & parents can email us too. Some teacher friends in other schools or universities are using Zoom (we used this for pur housegroup & my sister is giving my youngest trans-Atlantic cello lessons using it) and google classroom. My school already had these platforms in use although one was new and we quickly rolled it out to all senior year groups.

@teresaw1020 So did you get in a workout today? Stay within your point boundary? We are losing weight in April. I bet Pinterest has a DIY for clorox wipes. I know flowers are pretty at this time of the year because it's spring time and renewal, rebirth, and all those fun things but we have 216000 cases. Growing every day like flowers. I think about it's not so much if a person dies but what will the hospital bill be once they recover. Plus your dh and your mom. Does your mom like to walk around outside? I've been sitting way too much too. Once this all clears up a good mission project would be teaching the seniors email and all. I mean they dont have to get on TikTok but a what's app group would be an instant way to keep in touch with people and help relieve the loneliness. Plus if people helped set up groups of 4 on a Snapchat account or Messenger then they could sit and visit with people right in their own homes. I had always wished my dad had something like this. Not that he would have done it because he was stubborn but had he died first and my mom was still sitting there, she definitely would have.

@trooworld What a great way to start off April. You have taken EVERY DECISION MATTERS straight to your heart. Good for you. So I'm guessing your neighborhood doesn't have leash laws. I just learned today in a book that now they are calling spinning classes Flywheel. I'm still back on stationary bike. lol

@mswatson0777 How was your low carb day? Biggest Loser: I think it's a more toned down version of the show or maybe I've changed and that's how I view it. They tried to include balance I think more in this season. I like to watch it for the motivation and you can see how we give ourselves excuses. Well, maybe just me. lol Quarrantine: lots of good things have come out of this and families spending more time together. People going out more to walk.

@retiredandlovingit Did you get any walking in today? I love parades and wish I was there to see it. What a great idea. My hubby was telling my son he ought to go do his grocery shopping in Newton or Grinnell where there are less people. lol He's been watching your numbers grow too. Boo on the 3 meals a day. Good for you for making the masks.

@joannadavison Woohoo on having a great day with food and exercise. Remember the little black dress you talked about when you first joined us. Keep that in mind. I'm glad your country looked ahead to see what was needed and are working on the ventilators. Right now I think our companies are still selling to the highest bidder even if that means overseas. Profits over people still seems to be the mantra in some places. Oh that's good your city has slowed. Comforting to the people there. I think there are a few states in the US that is not on lockdown. Well this has ruined my little trip to your neck of the woods this year. My dd still thinks we have a chance. No. It's been there for thousands of years and I can wait one more.

@renaegry I wonder what it is about the beginning of a new month that gets me more motivated. Probably a new beginning. Hooray on your completing your exercise today. Have you been sticking to the 1400-1500 cals? I had been good this week and then went over today. The spaghetti was just too good. I would have been better to have a salad with it. But I was in a hurry and if I'm in a hurry the family is getting spaghetti. I've hit that DONE button too many times too. They should change the wording of it.

Yellow Day- Went over 183/164 Exercise 35 min walking

April goals: Drink 4.5 glasses of water Decluttering: Exercise 200 calories

Good morning everyone! Yesterday started off to be a good day: I got up on time, actually did some Bollywood-style dance workouts that I found on YouTube (these were fun and here are the links in case you are interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqb6Uu1_N7Y and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5M6AF_3lcI ). But then in the afternoon, work got stressful. Very, very stressful. I had an anxiety attack (not a panic attack) and pretty much shut down for the day. I had to take anxiety medication and a hot bath and now I'm thinking I need to take a few days off next week to destress and recuperate.

@mswatson0777 Yes! Exactly. Mine isn't friendly when he's off leash either lol so it's a losing situation either way! Thanks re: my April goals. You know, I've liked keeping up on housework and dishes and playing with my dog. That's what I've liked about quarantine!

@RetiredAndLovingIt That's wonderful, what the teachers are doing! I do hope someone does ship the US a bunch. I hate when people don't pick up after their pets. It makes all of us pet owners look bad!

@joannadavison Great job, Joanna! Yes, WW is going well for me. The pita pizzas are my favorite! The pitas are a little more sturdy than wraps. Give it a try! We here in CA, as you know from your sister, are in a stay-at-home order.

@renaegry I do not but I should get one. My back is feeling better, I took some ibuprofen and that helped.

@theslightedgeforever Oh no, they do have leash laws. People just choose to DISREGARD them and I'm not going to call the cops on them (the cops are too busy doing other things in this neighborhood anyway). Flywheel...hahaha I just started calling my bike a spin bike recently. I am with you on stationary bike. You are doing great!

@nighthazel01 We've been watching Tiger King as well. About halfway through it. It's fascinating! Happy birthday to your DD.

COMMITTED.
April goal: track 2 meals a day, do some form of exercise once a day, drink 52 oz of water per day

Hi @Shexio well happy birthday to your DD. 19 is a big deal here (Canada) because that is the drinking age. Although I can’t remember my own 19th birthday, but most of my milestone birthdays were anticlimactic. …I’m sorry you’re having to stay in. We are allowed to go out for groceries, and/or for a walk etc. But the city is starting to fine people if they don’t follow the guidelines.

@theslightedgeforever yes it would be good if seniors were more comfortable with technology. Some definitely are. The libraries here (normally!) have classes I think where they teach simple things like email….yes I think I have been/am in denial about this lol. Yesterday they just said we should be prepared to be in lock down for 12 weeks. I just couldn’t take it tbh. I had a terrible day. I still kind of don’t believe that will be necessary but I am staying in as
much as possible and following the guidelines as much as possible.

@RetiredandLovingIt that is a neat idea with the cars….yeath the online shopping. It is impossible here they are all booked up. Tomorrow I will have to bite the bullet and go.

@mswatson0777 I don’t think you’re the only one enjoying it. I mean I’m not, but I have read that other people are enjoying it. It is certainly time to do things differently, get caught up on things, or learn something new. I’m just not motivated enough to do any of those things lol.

@trooworld that is great! I’m so glad you’re having some success, it sounds like WW is working out well. Yeah that is a pain with the dog. ….I’m sorry you’re having such a hard time anxiety wise. Work is stressful but I think everything is harder right now too. I feel like every 2 or 3 days I just go off a cliff emotionally. That was yesterday, or maybe the last 2 days actually.

@TeresaW1020 I hope you had a nice drive. One thing that is a shame is that this is happening now just when the weather is getting better. Also the nicer it gets here the harder it is for people to stay in and I get worried about the virus spreading.

Well I tried to go for a run today and my Achilles was/is sore but I just put up with it. It seemed ok after. We’ll see how it feels tomorrow.

I had a busy day with work so on the one hand I’m glad it just helped passed the time. On the other hand I feel kind of anxious and edgy. I did do a bit of strength training with the weights I had.

I’m tired of trying to figure out what to eat or everything seems the same so I’m breaking down and getting takeout Chinese food today. Not good for the waistline but I just can;t bring myself to eat or do anything else.

The weather is getting nicer- it was nice to get out for a jog. I managed to avoid people, but they are cracking down here and starting to issue fines to people if they are in large groups.

@cbabie is she still teething? You are so right, we need self-care now.

Take care all.

@trooworld I'm sorry, hopefully today is a better day.

@mswatson0777 It sounds like you have a lot going on. What are you studying in school?

@Cbabie Computer issues are so frustrating. MY DD has been trying to register for fall/winter classes and her schools registration this year has been a mess. She has had to call and send multiple emails for something that usually goes really smoothly. Is your daughter still teething?

@Retiredandlovingit I love the idea of the House Party app, what a great way to interact with people while still isolating

@its_cleo I wish they'd fine people here gathering in large groups.

I figured out yesterday that my two walks a day add up to 2.6 miles. I took the day off yesterday, but since the office is in my living room I still worked half a day.

We celebrating by DD 19th birthday at home. My Mom dropped ribs, cake, ice cream, wine (for me), cheese, and a gift off on our porch. I had bought her a few gifts before all this went down, so we celebrated together.

My DH is keeping busy redoing our laundry room, he's changing the cabinets around.

@mswatson0777 It is! I don't follow what they do exactly, but I figure as long as I'm moving, that's what counts! Thanks re: the anxiety. It was so very stressful. How fun to celebrate your one week anniversary! Good idea to get your paper done NOW so you can relax.

@cbabie Great job, getting on the treadmill today! Sorry you were having computer issues. I hope the new router and modem help.

@RetiredAndLovingIt Great job on the treadmill! Aw, poor gd! I am uncoordinated as heck, I just moved my body and did the best I could! lol

@its_cleo Yes it is, thanks! re: the anxiety thanks. It's a bit better today I think because I know it's Friday. I hope today is better for you, too. I broke down and ordered takeout last night, too: I had a vegan quinoa burger...not too unhealthy but not ideal. Still, was over my calories because I shared fries with my husband. I'm glad the weather is getting nice. It's getting nice here, too.

@theslightedgeforever Yes, it is working for me even in quarantine. This week has been pretty decent. I have ordered food delivery twice: two nights in a row. Weds night, it was a poke bowl and last night, I ordered a vegan quinoa burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun and shared fries with hubby. I could have made a lot worse choice and any other time I have. Yeah, I think people have discovered new shows since there is nothing else to watch lol.

@nighthazel01 Thank you so much. Today is a better day, it's FRIDAY! Yay! That's nice you celebrated DD's birthday.

@TeresaW1020 It was super fun. Thank you, it was not fun to have that anxiety attack. Yeah, if bad language bothers you, it may not be for you, but it is super fascinating to watch! Stay safe!

COMMITTED.
April goal: track 2 meals a day, do some form of exercise once a day, drink 52 oz of water per day

@mswatson0777 That's great, congratulations on sticking with your goals! Have a great night!

COMMITTED.
April goal: track 2 meals a day, do some form of exercise once a day, drink 52 oz of water per day

Pattern for the best mask pattern I’ve found so far. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a31902442/how-to-make-medical-face-masks/

Good morning everyone! Well, my hard work paid off this week! Despite work stress and an anxiety attack, eating take out twice this week and all that, I lost 3.2 lbs for a total loss of 7.9 lbs since re-joining WW on March 1st!

@huskymarie That sounds very frustrating. I hope you get the tech you need soon. That's impressive that you have drank so much water for a year! That's great you can make the masks. My sewing machine is buried in the black hole (my spare room) and I can't get to it, so I can't make anything.

@nighthazel01 That must be very stressful. I'm sorry. Your mom is wonderful!

COMMITTED.
April goal: track 2 meals a day, do some form of exercise once a day, drink 52 oz of water per day

@trooworld Congrats on the loss, that's fantastic!!!

@joannadavison I've found even the most popular paths are pretty chill in the mornings before work, so that might be something to add if you're a morning person? I love taking my dogs on an early morning walk and watching the sun rise before the rest of the people are out.

@nighthazel01 Sorry to hear that some people are getting laid off at your job, that's always so stressful. I hope you find time to do something fun this weekend and not just house projects!

Thanks @huskymarie! And thank you for all the masks you're making for those who need them.

Happy weekend all! I woke up at 6:30 this morning and got the dogs out for a long walk before heading to the store. I really need to switch around my shopping times since so many people are doing early mornings now. I used a scarf as a makeshift mask. It probably didn't do much, but at least I tried.

I think I'm going to take today as a lazy day. Stretching, yoga, Disney+, adult coloring books. Maybe some laundry and another dog walk.

Tomorrow I'll actually do a workout, cook for the week, and work on my paper, but I think my brain just needs a day to relax. I got my lit review and methods section done yesterday and outlined my data section, so I've just got to wrap that up and then do my analysis and conclusion. Piece of cake, right? Okay, not so much, but I'll keep chipping away at it.