It sounds like you are happy @swenson19d . I'm glad for you.

That's great to hear @swenson19d . My favorite fast meal that I make is a bean burrito. It doesn't take long to make and is really feeling. I snack and eat meal. LOL Love chips and dip, but am trying to limit those. Nuts or popcorn is my go to snack when I'm being good. LOL

@CMorning99 - I hope you were able to get the reselling tech issues straightened out! What a mess!
I really dislike the little barky dogs. I do believe you can work with them when they are young to teach them not to bark or bark so much. Even Hobbes knows 'no bark' as well as 'enough' for when I want him to bark but not go on and on.

Hi @swenson19d! I am so happy you are doing better. Do you have all the pups with you? Did Alexis get her own place? How much more do you have to go to finish your degree now? Sorry about all the questions - I have been thinking about you and wondering how it is going.

I also snack and have meals especially now. I am still trying to get my weight up or at least not lose anymore. My favorite 'fast' meal isn't fast necessarily, but it is easy. I make a meat spaghetti sauce in the crockpot and just dump in whatever sounds good and I have on hand. It could be ground beef or turkey, maybe with some Italian sausage and all kinds of veggies. I let it cook all day or overnight and then have lots to freeze to pull out for a quick dinner.
Snacking - I have been eating dried fruit, apricots, strawberries, etc.. I also like nuts and popcorn or peanut butter pretzels. Of course cheese and crackers are always good especially with a glass of wine which I can't really have much of anymore.

I had an ok week off. It was great to see our friends but I got really sick while we were there. The oncologist thinks I probably caught a bug and that it wasn't treatment related. Of course once we got home I was fine. I start chemo again tomorrow, 1st week of 3 in a row.
Have any of you had acupuncture? I started it for the neuropathy in my hands and feet and it has been amazing relief. I just wish it lasted longer than a couple of days. The acupuncturist says it will get better. Finally my hair put up a valiant fight but it lost and was coming out in handfuls so I had it shaved. I have lots of hats, scarves and wraps but I may also consider finding a wig I like. For now I am going with the bald is beautiful look when at home and wear a hat or whatever when I go out.

@shanaber you have been in my thoughts as well. Always sending healing vibes to surround you. It is good to hear that you are doing well despite the challenges. Nothing wrong with the bald & supershort look. I see it on many young women here and am envious. I have yet to see it overwhelm the natural beauity of countanance. It is the sign of a cancer warrior and awe inspiring.

I have none of the animals. Eric agreed to take care of them while things get settled then retracted, offering to rehome my dobie girls. I have sent them to Nina's Doggie Daddy and trainer through May. It will help if they need to come stay in the apartment where they need to have a bit more manners. DD is still at the house. Eric brought a young girl (23ish) to stay with him who is the daughter of an ex of his. His claim is that she is his daughter, but paternity tests in duplicate say other wise. She is pregnant, has lost her kids and is a drug addict. DD saw them in bed together, sleeping I assume. I requested a photo for intimidation. He has been extrodinarly uncorporative. Thus, I bide time. Court May 29th. I have adopted a cat named Trevor, still have the foster dog, Tulip, and an emotional support human four years senior.

I finish the DNP May of 26. Busily chipping away at each insanely busy day. It is exciting to let the trauma and hate fall away, now yeilding the slightest return of happiness.

@swenson19d I hope you can get your animals back with you soon. I know that has to be hard on you. I agree that Eric "isn't thinking." SMH

@shanaber I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I am sure that was extra hard for you! I am glad that you have reconnected with the family and aren't going to let them go again. I'm sure your DD is happy that everyone is back in touch too. I don't know if your husband would do it or not, as I know women and men are wired differently, but when my husband was sick and I didn't feel like I had an outlet, I started journaling my feelings. I've journaled ever since. It gave me a safe place to get my thoughts out of my head and helped me work through some things. I didn't want to talk to my parents or his kids about how I was feeling because I didn't want them to worry about me too and they had their own emotions to deal with. Just a thought.

I'm glad you are journaling when you need to get things out @shanaber . It really is helpful. And, of course you have fears and frustrations. Anyone going through all the things you are going through would. Huge HUGS!

@swenson19d Hugs for you. I know the birthday's can be hard. Maybe you can have DD over for a belated birthday dinner, or go out somewhere this week. I'm glad things have settled some for you and glad your foster dog got adopted.

Sounds beautiful @shanaber. Are councelling services offered as a part of your treatment? As part of an assignment this semester I became aware of the shockingly low prevalence integrating mental wellness with cancer treatment There is a profound impact and help should not be overlooked. I am sympathetic to the struggle. may the sun and crashing waves renew your hearth and soul.

@swenson19d - yes counseling services are offered and are part of my care team. I see the palliative care PA at least once a month and he is also available by phone or text. He has encouraged us to get away, not think about the treatments as much as possible and just have a few normal days; a nice dinner, a glass of wine and a hike or walk or whatever is manageable.

We did have a nice time in Cambria, well it was nice after the 1st night there. Details of that 1st night under the spoiler - TLDR Hobbes ate things he shouldn't have including foxtails and had to go the the ER Vet. Apparently with all the rain we have had they are really bad this year. Since I planned to go hiking/walking on the preserve we got Hobbes a foxtail mask. It prevents him from being able to eat anything and also protects his ears and nose.

The next day I planned to go for ~2 mile hike/walk to the preserve and down to the cliffs where DH would pick us up. With Google maps help though I got completely lost and it ended up being over a mile just to get to the preserve and then we were on the wrong trail and I couldn't figure out how to get down to the cliff trails. By the time we finally made it down it was over 3.5 miles! It was a beautiful day and we saw hawks and deer frolicking in the (foxtail) fields. Oh and also lots of wildflowers. Hobbes' fashion statement evoked lots of comment and questions but he didn't seem to mind it at all and I was just happy he was safe. There rest of the trip was pretty chill. We walked around town checking out the shops, had a really nice dinner, went to a renowned local nursery (yes I bought lavendar plants and a garden sculpture made from recycled wine barrel rings) and returned to the preserve to sit on a bench in the drizzly fog before driving home.

Hi folks!

Just checking in on everyone!

@shanaber It is so good to hear about your adventures! Glad you are getting through it and this too shall pass. Foxtails are CRAZY this year. I was joking with the guy who mows the property that every year is something different...last year was thistles, the year before...mustard. Glad Hobbs is ok, so scary. Did you go to the Sea Chest in Cambria? That was/is my favorite place... Mom and I used to go after our big trip and now DH and I go a couple times a year.

Everything is fine here. If I have to be honest, I am in a funk, but it is just me and there is absolutely nothing I can complain about. I am pretty sure I am depressed to some degree but not motivated to do the research to find a doctor (TBH I don't even know what to look for). We have medical care on base still (I am shocked they offered because of manning) and to no surprise the summer moves are happening and they told us to got Urgent Care for the next few months. I am pretty sure DH is in a funk too...we are both so empathetic that one of us goes down...the other one does as well. We have started taking a 25 min walk after he gets home everyday, he says he enjoys it. Our eating is still pretty haphazard though and we both continue to gain weight.

I am running errands today for my trip up to Bishop CA ... my annual trip that I took with Mom every year and now I go by myself. I begged DH to go with me and he just won't; I know he really isn't into it but he is grumpy at work and I thought he would enjoy just sitting in the sun and reading for 10 days LOL. My usual anxieties are coming up (looking at you gas stations) about hauling the trailer up there... I just remind myself I have done it before and I have my routine and I have done everything I can to make sure the truck and trailer won't break down. I am sure once I get up there though, I will be happy. Some of Mom's friend are coming up again this year to see me, so that is nice.

Legal: We had our "restitution" hearing for mom's death. We had nothing we could claim really...other than maybe her phone and iPad...no other of our expenses were eligible to be paid for by LS. After the hearing he was transferred to North Kern Prison about 3 hours north of us and maybe an hour or so from his family. I registered with the prison to be notified of any changes of status (death, transfer, parole) and was told he will have his first parole meeting in 2038...so 17 years after the crime. I also asked to not be contacted by him while in prison or on parole and it will be a condition. I 1000% do not expect him to...he is to wrapped in his self and pity party. I applied to have her personal belongings (they took her purse, phone, iPad, truck keys) returned...and the "evidence" be destroyed. I had to wait till 90 days after sentencing and now being told it is up to another 90 days for the "order" to be filed. Gak.

Property: Le sigh. I am not sure we will build this year. The county keeps throwing $h1t at us. I had to pay a $220 fee to apply for a "tax bond"...I then had to pay said bond equal to 1 years taxes...then I had to pay $77 to release said tax bond because there were no liens on the property. At least the bond will be applied to next years taxes. The worlds WORST survey company is holding up everything now, we have been waiting 8 weeks for them to make some changes to the map the county wanted. I asked my project manager what his opinion was and he said he doesn't get it, the company is popular and he thinks they are just over stretched and we are "small fish" on the priority list. The good thing is that they are so far stretched...I have only ever received 2 bills from them in 3 years LOL. We are too far along to start again and it would cost a lot to redo everything...so we wait and email and call every 2 weeks. The good thing is we have a house with a flexible lease so no rush. I feel so bad (guilty) about my architect busting his butt to get are plans done and now they sit waiting for 5 months.

Reselling: It goes but TBH I don't know about doing it full time. I think I will always sell since it is set up and it currently maxes out my retirement accounts for me...but I think I failed to realize how isolating and monotonous it really is. I am lonely and I am bored. Yet I can't seem to find anything else I want to do. I have looked at going back to school, or looking for a job. Van's company is still "waiting" for me LOL. But oof, to put up with the BS he does...IDK. There are a lot of jobs in the area but they really are run of the mill (retail, fast food). The county does have a lot of admin jobs and some are part time that I have looked at...but they don't spark joy when I think about it. So I guess I will just keep watching and see what comes around.

Well, I best get to it.

Wishing everyone well and have a great Memorial Day!

Shoot. Lost my post. Synopsis below.

@CMorning99 That's a lot going on. I'm surprised anyone builds in CA.

@swenson19d I'm glad you are happy with your current living situation.

@shanaber Thanks. We had a great time on our trip. We got back late last night, so I haven't picked up Tippy from the boarder yet....going to do that in a few minutes.****I hope you are enjoying your trip to Montreal! Sounds like a lot of fun! I look forward to hearing all about it. ***** Sorry to hear the news from your CT scan. I hope you are able to get into a clinical trial soon. I know you have probably looked into it, but are you a candidate for immunotherapy? ****** Great big hugs to you. I love your attitude! I'll continue praying for you and your family and that they find a treatment that will help more than what you have had so far.

Hi Folks!

Time flies doesn't it? Even when things are just status quo.

My vacation was lovely as usual, no issues, and had lots of rest and talk time LOL. It is always so nice to catch up with everyone. It is funny though how we are all content to just see each other 1x a year LOL

I have been back just over a week now and really tucking into my reselling, I am very behind on my semi-annual inventory (I have 2800 items) so I have been really trying to catch up on that. I am not going to make my boss's mean 30 Jun deadline, but should maybe be done by mid/late July.

I bought I white board for the living room and I started writing down all the "to do" stuff right there where DH can see it. Not much he can do but hoping it might jog some motivation LOL. This week I checked off getting all the recalls fixed and transmission flushed on the big truck. I tried to schedule my annual medical appointments but alas the insurance still hasn't updated their fax numbers for providers this century and it was 2 days of calling and getting numbers and having referrals resent...so half win? There are about 10 more things on the list of varying priority.

Still waiting on the court order to release mom's personal property...45 days and counting

No movement on the property despite "nudges" from the project manager. Oh I did get a bill from the county ... so something happened LOL. Surveyor has now had map corrections for 12 weeks.

DH and I fell off the walk wagon but we have been doing well with meal planning using our giant binder of Home Chef recipe cards. It is so tempting to go back to Home Chef...they send me so many offers and there is a veteran discount. It still comes out to $10 per meal per person though...I am tracking all our grocery receipts this month to see what it would do. DH pointed out he thinks we would spend the same but the value would go down since we get individual servings vs buying ingredients and having extras.

I have successfully tracked calories for 3 days now...staying around 1700 and not hungry at all. I went for a walk today. Scale is not moving yet...so annoying LOL. DH said I should run again because the "weight fell off"...bahahaha! IDK what reality he was living in...but I worked hard to lose weight even when I ran!

I downloaded a fun drink water app/game. It has me drinking 75oz of fluids a day and it gives you credit based on what type of liquid...learned that whisky subtracts points. I have been doing that regularly and I can attest that drinking more water also does not make the weight fall off.

Well, best get back to my inventory...so annoying.

Have a great weekend!

Good morning folks!

All is well! I have been successfully tracking calories for 9 days now and lost a pound in that week! I am motivated now and the Home Chef recipe cards are making it easy since they have all the nutrition on the cards already...as long as I don't substitute ingredients.

I was looking at the Peloton "you can run" program again...I don't like how you can't take classes over in the program...like take week 1 a couple times. I can't find the classes in the individual lists either. Maybe because they changed their subscription and you have to pay for the tread running classes.

June Gloom is here in full force...haven't seen the sun in a week, but it is nice we are staying around 70 degrees.

Working away at my to do list. Trying to pace myself...I know me and I will try to get it all done in a week when there are a lot of things that don't need to be done asap and no need to stress myself (I miss my stress fix LOL). Last week I said I got the truck recall taken care of, but then added a car thing right back on when I took my car in for an oil change and the engine mounts are shot. Thankfully it is all still under warranty.

@quilteryoyo There are some things I like doing on my phone and to do lists is NOT one of them LOL. Maybe I just haven't found the right one yet. I do have a reminders app that does birthdays and important events, but I like my white board LOL.

DH and I are still going back and forth on making our bootleg run to Nevada or Arizona to buy Honda generators (they can't be sold in Cali due to environmental stuff). The whole reason to get them was for our camping trip to a reservoir near Fresno (for non Cali folks...that is middle of the state and a hellishly hot armpit). We don't want to go but my newly "found" half sister (DS) planned it (mind you she made reservations off her schedule, booked our spots...and then told us about it). I am 90% sure my brother is not going to come, I have been trying to drop hints that it is not worth it...I asked DS what the plan was for him since she took it upon her self to schedule everything without asking...and she said "he can sleep in a tent". Well who is bringing a tent? I don't have a tent! It is going to be hot as hell and you want him to sleep in a tent? This along with some other stuff IRT our mothers estate (which I 100% don't care about, but curious), she is displaying some behavior patterns that just really grind my gears. TBH right now, I really don't care about a relationship with her. I am hoping she will cancel the trip ... and if not, I might just need to stand up for myself and say no we aren't going. I really want to go camping, but this sounds terrible.

Well, time to get to work! I have to go sourcing today...20 listings short this week! Yikes!

@quilteryoyo - congratulations on an 8 day road trip and not gaining anything! That really is a victory!
I am glad your fingers are getting better and the swelling is going down.
Also I am really excited you are seeing success at the gym and seem to be enjoying it. I loved it when I started getting stronger and seeing the changes in my body.
@CMorning99 - great job on tracking and losing! Sounds like you enjoyed Home Chef. I looked at it because it is a sponsor for one of the podcasts I like and they had a good discount. The reviews I read weren't great though with complaints about spoiled ingredients and wilted veggies.
Camping in the Central Valley in the summer would be a big NO for me regardless of who was setting it up. I think I would choose to stand up for yourself.
I don't know what my daughter pays for her peloton subscription now. It was $14.99/mo when she got her bike and I don't think it has changed. She added me at no cost and we have access to all the classes and programs.
I use the notes function on my phone for lists and to take notes from appointments. It doesn't give me reminders though.

I haven't been out for a walk for a few days but I have done my peloton strength program and last night I walked 2 miles on the walking pad while watching a food network show. Then I had to 'cool down' 😁 for another .35 mile to see the end of the show. I also worked in the garden putting in some plants and digging up and transplanting a lavender plant from the back to the front yard. It was one I bought in Cambria that was being crowded out by more ordinary lavender plants that have taken over the planter area. I am hoping it will thrive where I put it because it is especially fragrant.
Today we had to be out of the house for the housekeeper so we went to visit some friends. Not a lot of activity but I am sore and tired from all of yesterday's work. Weight is still down but I am really working on getting in more quality calories.