Here is a picture of our new puppy (white) and senior dog (black).

I’m in Boston helping a family member transition through another phase of treatment for an eating disorder and depression. We started with 5 weeks of residential care, then moved to a partial hospitalization program (i.e., an intensive outpatient program 7 days per week with only one evening meal, one breakfast, and some day passes per week). This last ‘step down’ phase lasted about a month. So, I’ve been learning a lot over the past 9 weeks.

Now, there is a special program designed for mood and anxiety support three days per week, while the participants bridge back to a more typical daily routine with the help of a mentor. So, there is more independent decision making about how to spend time and there are also responsibilities that go along with the increased independence — like laundry, cooking, waking up on time, and catching public transportation to commute each day.

I also helped my mother with a bunch of household tasks and errands. I filed papers, paid bills, organized her tax documents, etc. My sister is a nurse and provides the most consistent care for our Mom, so I try to shop, maintain her car (which isn’t used much but is important to her), and coordinate with workers that need to be hired for general upkeep. My 3 siblings and I have unique roles, but I live the farthest away. Everyone else lives within a 30-minute car ride but I visit every month or two, and usually cover any longer-term care needs, like if Mom is recovering after surgery or something.

Today, I managed to carve out time from work, and ‘Mom care’ to visit my father-in-law, who has dementia and now needs 24-hour assistance at a memory care facility. We had a wonderful visit. He doesn’t remember much about his current life but we always have lots of fun talking about things he enjoyed— fishing, walking along the beach, Red Sox baseball! We seek moments of joy and there were many today (e.g., savoring a warm cup of coffee, remembering his favorite baseball player, Ted Williams, etc. We can learn so much by focusing on the moment like young children again.

Carpe Diem, Shape Shifters!

Cre804
Friday
PW 196.5
CW 195.0

I attribute a lot of this week’s success from limiting snacking and actually cooking meals. My steroid shot in my knee has helped for the first week so I’ve felt like doing more. But my knee feels a bit worse today; I noticed I started limping before I left the grocery store. I’m hoping that is not a sign of things to come; I was so optimistic after last week’s improvement.

nancyinmo
Saturday weigh in
PW: 183.0
CW: 181.2

After two weeks running around the tri-state area and having to eat every meal out, this is a major win for me. End of story: we didn’t find a condo, but we decided to retire to Miami, an area we’ve always been in love with, and a short direct flight to LaGuardia to visit family. We’re very happy and excited!

Pupowl
Saturday weigh in
PW: 218.8
CW: 218.3

Check-in ~ January 27
Steps: 17.600
Calorie deficit: yes
Workout: no
Vitamins: yes
Sleep: 8h 39m / 79 score

CasandraW
Saturday weigh in
PW 232
CW 226.6