Hello! Shari, I’m happy that you are having such a nice visit with your DS!! Paula, I’m happy that Greg’s surgery went well and hope his recovery is going smoothly! I’m also happy that Ed’s surgery went well and that he’ll be going to rehab!

I also have a lefty in the house- my DH, but I am not going to tell him that he’s in his right mind 😂

I’ve been exhausted all week, probably from working all last weekend. I slept in this morning and plan to sleep in Sunday as well but will get up in time to go to church. I’ve been doing better at logging my food this week but still didn’t get to the gym.

Paula, I hope your meeting goes well! I hope you both have a blessed Sunday!!

It seems that sleep continues to be a important issue for all 3 of us. Good that all 3 of us are focusing on its importance to our overall well being as well as in our daily lives. DW, congrats at logging your food! I know logging helps me but I still get lazy about it sometimes. Today was one of those days when I didn't log anything at all. It wasn't a horrible eating day, but I am sure I was over my points. Shari, glad you have a day to enjoy the outdoors. I know you like the outdoors, and it holds many benefits for all of us to make the most of it.

The meeting went very well today. The prez was on good behavior and wasn't really difficult today. Let's hope this trend continues. As usual, John and I ended up with the most work to do to follow up on the meeting discussions and plans, but I don't mind that since I think we do a very good job with what comes our way.

I spoke with Carol tonight and am concerned. She met with the radiologist and the oncologist and has no answers about anything. Both doctors told her that they won't develop a treatment plan (chemo, radiation, oral meds, etc.) until more "test results" come back. Carol is assuming that this means studying the biopsy samples but isn't sure. Her daughter went with her to both appointments, but they left with no answers or direction. Carol leaves next Sunday for a week of vacation so it could be 2 weeks before anything else is planned for her. Please keep praying for her.

I noticed today that the other discussions on our group page have been closed by FitnessPal. It makes sense since those topics haven't had any posts in quite a long time. I hope you area able to enjoy quiet relaxation from time to time Shari. I understand that with so many things to address you have a tough time sitting still. At the same time however I think it is important to focus on what I consider "me" time. I struggled with this when I worked. Now I just get anxious when I know I have more to do than my body agrees with.

I tracked all of my food today and used all of my points. I wasn't overly hungry and wasn't overly energetic either, sort of recovering from a busy Sunday I guess. I had a somewhat involved task to do for our church group, and it had to be taken care of by Tuesday. I asked the prez to drive to deliver it, but she out and out refused. She knows I don't drive much and how tough it is for me to get in my van. So I had to hire Craig to drive about 2 miles (at most), the same distance the prez would have had to drive. When it was all completed I called her to say it was taken care of. Her response was "ok." Sheesh, no thank you, no great, nothing. I don't think she has a grateful cell in her body. I actually feel sad for her.

Shari, it sounds like you have a good and reasonable plan approaching retirement. I could see how both options are appealing and yes, I think you will be ready at the right time. Life has a way of working out that way. I like the idea of chickens! Will you have fresh eggs?

My day was ok but not great. I cooked healthy meals but caved with a sweet craving that put me over my points….not off the charts but too many points to be helpful at the scale. I had a light to do list so no stress there. Tomorrow's list is not too demanding. Buster goes to the groomer tomorrow, always an exciting event for him!

It's fascinating how life works sometime. I loved reading that both you and Walter benefit from your visits. I'd say both of you are very special.

Yesterday Buster started panting and shaking a little in the afternoon after John got back from being out with a friend. Buster had no other symptoms but panted, shook, and wanted me to hold him. Over time he calmed down, and I attributed it to maybe a little anxiety because John was out for a while (but this has never happened before). Today Buster went happily to the groomer when she picked him up and came home happy too. But in the early evening he started with the same panting and shaking and wanting to be held again. The house is cool so it isn't likely heat related. Eventually I called Craig to come over in case we needed to take Buster to an emergency vet. I tried an online vet service that didn't work out…we waited too long and got no help. Over time again, Buster calmed down while Craig held him while I was working to get an online vet. Buster is fine now. Outside of the panting/shaking incidents he is fine…eating, playing, pooping, peeing, doing everything normally. These panting/shaking incidents are concerning and stressful to me and John. I might call our vet tomorrow just to see what they tell me. (The rest of my day was off too, except for my eating. I did fine with tracking and staying on plan.)

Thanks for the link Shari. I was pleased to see that it also provides an online chat with a vet for those who have Chewy accounts, which I do. Fortunately Buster had no episodes of panting today. He is back to his normal self. Hope this lasts.

I was very tired today and wonder if it was from the stress of Buster over the past days. My pain level wasn't bad so I don't think the fatigue is related to a flare. I didn't do much today and tried to rest and nap but did have a few phone interruptions. I feel much better now and well rested finally. My eating was on track today. I planned what I wanted to eat and stuck to the plan and tracking. I have planned tomorrow's meals as well as my to do list. I don't want to get too far behind in my "to do" items.

I also enjoy days when I don’t have to have an alarm wake me up.

I had another good day today. I tracked everything and stayed in my point range. I have had one somewhat time consuming task to do and have been avoiding it for well over a week. Many of those days I felt too tired to tackle it. But today I didn’t feel tired or fatigued. I am so happy that this chore is done. I have no major plans for Saturday. I hope to read and watch some documentaries or movies that I have put on hold for a while.

Oh my Shari, I was hoping you would enjoy a later wake up. I hope that after your meeting you were able to do something in the area of "me time." You'll get back to full tracking. I am confident you will, as I am back to tracking after quite a few "off" days. I didn't get to read or watch documentaries today. My neighbor Jane came to visit in the afternoon. It has been a while since we talked at any length. I enjoyed her visit and didn't care about reading or anything else while she was here. She is such a sweet gal. Buster loves her and snuggled with her all the while she was here. I made tacos for supper using ground turkey because of the lower points involved. I haven't really planned tomorrow's main meal but I think it will be chicken. On days when we eat meat it is almost always chicken or turkey.

Shari, You and your team member were angels to help that poor woman who was in such distress. We never know when we will be called on to help someone in such need. Your concern and help likely made a huge difference in what sounds to be a very fragile life. Congrats on tracking and also going to the gym even when you could have found reasons not to go. That is commitment! Hope you enjoyed the Sunday you were aiming for.

My Sunday went by quickly. I spent time with Ed on the phone trying to help him deal with some post-op issues, including what he thinks is an allergic reaction skin rash of unknown origin. Ed is typically a highly negative person who can be very frustrating, and today was no exception. He found many things to complain about regarding the surgery, doctors, the medical community in general, etc., despite that he is doing remarkably well except for this rash. I finally told him to stop admiring the problem and do something to try to help it, even if it is something simple like applying an over the counter cortisone cream to see if that helps the rash. I sure hope the cream helps because I know how uncomfortable skin problems can be.

Hello! I started this note last night and promptly fell asleep. When I woke up, I went to bed 😂

I’m glad that you are both doing well! Shari, I hope your day went well after your unexpected extra sleep. Paula, I also enjoyed your line “ stop admiring the problem “. I have not heard that before.
Things here have been hectic as always. Both dogs had their annual exam and immunizations today so yesterday we did nails and a bath for each. I did get to church. Our minister just got back from a week as director of church camp and he showed slides and talked about his experience. I was practically in tears because that is the same camp I attended through Jr. high and high school. It was a life- changing experience for me and I’m so happy that it still is for others!
DD ran errands with me on Saturday and came over to help with dog baths yesterday. She is starting online counseling tomorrow and I’m happy about that! Nothing else is new here. I hope you both have a great week!!

Hope you got your gym time in today Shari. I am sure your effort with Walter and Tony was its own special kind of work out!

I tracked everything today and stayed in my point range, despite some snacks being high in points. I am aiming to focus on more healthy choices on Saturday. I have some work to do for our church group and haven't been in the mood to do it. I am promising myself to get it finished tomorrow.