Bast

Coping with final Weeks... Challenge Wrap Up This has been quite the crazy time...extremely stressful and annoying in SOOOO many ways! The irony being that my chosen theme title was eeriely appropriate!! In many ways I faltered in my abilities to cope, but in the end, I dealt with it all and did what needed to be done...and came out of it healthy and strong...both of us!! First of all, the so-called "medical professionals" around here haven't done their homework...the first Glucose Screen was poorly executed...turns out, they were supposed to give me a 50-75 gram bottle of glucose to drink (standard for the 1-hour test)...instead they had given me a 100 gram bottle (which is used only for the 3-hour test)!! So no wonder my results were high!! Secondly, they were using the WRONG test parameters...if my levels had fallen within their results requirements, I would be classified as Hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) by the American Medical Association (AMA), American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG).... They had me do daily blood glucose monitoring...I had to eat only 3 meals a day, and test myself after 2 hours of eating as well as when I first got up in the morning. Needless to say, this didn't work very well...I was STARVING (or "hangry" as my friend would say), I had NO energy and was loosing weight because I couldn't eat... A healthy pregnancy diet is very similar to a healthy hypoglycemic diet (I was hypoglycemic pre-pregnancy)...you are supposed to eat 5 or 6 small meals (or large snacks) throughout the day...basically graze...because between preggo nausea and pressure on the stomach from the uterus as it gets bigger, you don't have the ability to eat big meals...especially me since the kid doesn't like "sharing" space with anything and will push against whatever starts to "lessen" his/her area... So, of course, with such a lack of food, I was very lethargic because I didn't have the energy my body needed to be active. Just getting out of a chair to go to the bathroom was EXHAUSTING!! On top of THAT mess, I kept getting harassing phone calls from additional so-called "medical professionals" from both the Atsugi Clinic and the Yokosuka Hospital...only one was an ACTUAL doctor and NONE of them were MY doctor...grousing about an ultrasound that happened 3 months prior. They kept harping that my kid was too small and I needed more ultrasounds and blood tests (the SAME blood tests for STD's, Hepatitis <I'm current on vaccinations> and Toxoplasmosis <I already have the antibodies from a lifetime of exposure> that were negative in January!). They all refused to answer any of my questions (like "if it's such a big deal, why did you wait 3 months to contact me about it?" and "why are you ignoring the ultrasounds and blood tests that were fine before and after that one?"). Needless to say, between both of these issues, I had serious problems for the first time this pregnancy...I was stressed, I was having severe Fibromyalgia flare ups (which had been negligible up to this point), I had NO energy, my activity levels completely bottomed out and I was extremely fatigued and lethargic...and I had started LOOSING WEIGHT!! I finally had reached my breaking point when I weighted myself and was only 129 pounds!! Now, I never believed that I had Gestational Diabetes (GD), but I was doing as I was told...but I still couldn't quite get past the discrepancies...so I did some research... I discovered that they were testing and basing the results on a scale that would MISDIAGNOSE EVERYONE!! I knew my test results, and according to the AMA, ADA and ACOG, I was in the NORMAL RANGE!! They were basing the results against the diacritic for a HYPOGLYCEMIC, not a diabetic!! And according to ACOG, they had updated their guidelines and testing parameters for GD in August 2015 based on several studies that had been done earlier that year!! It was at that moment that I (aggressively) took my medical care back into my own hands!! I packed away all the testing crap and immediately resumed my normal eating habits...and for the first time in weeks...I started to feel better!! Well, that is until the phone rang again... The harassment continued, but I started getting a bit nasty right back at them...being stationed overseas and forced to only use Military Medical Care, our hands are tied...we can't sue for malpractice, but we can file reports to the Medical Regulatory Boards/Commissions... I went to see my regular doctor on a consultation (since I had just gotten a phone call from an OB in Yokosuka who belittled MY doctor when I asked what he had to say about it)...as it turns out, he had NO IDEA all that crap was going on!! I agreed to see the specialist from Okinawa (who only comes to the area once every 3 months) for an ultrasound to ascertain the kid's size (which is a "guess" anyway, with a wide margin for error) and to see the OB (who called me) on a consultation. I also gave him the results of the glucose monitoring I had done (on which I added my activity levels per my pedometer and weight...both reflecting steep declines) along with the research I had done proving that I was in the NORMAL range, not the GD range... He agreed with me, and advised me to keep doing what I was doing. The following week, I met with the Specialist...who said that the kid measured within the normal range...to which I responded "Duh, tell me something I don't know..." But then tried to lecture me on GD...I had to repeatedly tell her that #1 - I don't have GD and #2 - everything she was suggesting had already been done and handed over to MY doctor (she kept insisting that I give everything to the OB in Yokosuka and I kept reminding her that the OB was NOT MY DOCTOR nor would she EVER be!!). The day after that I had my follow up with MY doctor, and everything was hunky dory (duh). Then I had the consultation with the meddling OB from Yokosuka...while I struggled to maintain professional politeness, it was quite difficult!! I made sure she understood that I did NOT appreciate her or her manner, and that I would NOT be seeing her EVER for ANYTHING!! She "informed" me that the kid measured normal...to which I said, "no shit, Sherlock...I already told YOU that...". She tried to harp on the GD issue again...to which I informed her that the results were skewed and referenced the studies. She took offense and "reminded" me that SHE was an OB...to which I "informed" her that SHE was an IDIOT who obviously wasn't staying current with her Medical Journals!! She went on about doing daily glucose monitoring, to which I informed her that I had already done that, turned it into MY doctor and that I was in the NORMAL RANGE and for her to butt out of my medical care because I was just meeting with her as a courtesy to MY doctor (and personally to tell her off and put a face to the name so I would know whom to avoid in the future...but I didn't tell HER that...yet) and would NOT be seeing her EVER again after this. She stated (which I already knew) that in going to the Yokosuka Naval Hospital for the delivery, you get whomever is on call (duty) that day. And I told her that due to ALL my experiences with the Yokosuka hospital and what passes for "medical professionals" there, I had NO intention of going there to deliver. And IF for some reason, I did, I would call first to see who was on duty...and if they said HER name, then I would cross my legs and hold it until she went off duty before I'd go... She was stunned!! When she asked where we would deliver, she came completely unhinged when I said at home!! She went off on how she wouldn't advise that and proceeded with a bunch of jargon about how complicated a first delivery is and all the "required" medical interventions...then really got her nose out of joint when I started referencing specific medical studies to the contrary and expressed, that due to her current track record consisting of unprofessional behavior, misinformation, harassment and blatant disrespect, she was the last person who's "advisement" I'd EVER take into consideration! I told her that I would be continuing my care with MY doctor in Atsugi and that I had better not here another word from her or her staff or anyone else who isn't MY doctor about anything or our next meeting wouldn't be as pleasant. And in leaving, I suggested that she catch up on her medical journals... Needless to say, after that cathartic experience, I've been doing MUCH better!! My Fibro issues have ebbed, I'm not "hangry" anymore, my energy is increasing and my fatigue is lessened...however, I'm still worse than I was before all this fit hit the shan, but at least I'm functioning again!! Sadly, the holiday weekend (4th of July) was quite disappointing...the DOD (in it's infinite wisdom) decided to cancel ALL Independence Day celebrations on ALL US Military Bases in Japan...so no fireworks and no concerts...which really sucked because we were looking forward to seeing Three Day's Grace who was scheduled to tour ALL the US Military Bases in Japan around that weekend!! And they didn't get rescheduled...just flat out cancelled... The only activities over the holiday weekend were geared for families with children (toddler and up)...not single sailors, not married without kids, and especially not anyone who was pregnant (all the food and activities are on the pregnancy no-no list)!! So we spent the weekend at the house...not very fun when you have a 4-day weekend... To wrap up the Challenge, we took a road trip with friends to Gunma Prefecture to do some fishing...although we had lots of fun, we didn't catch a thing! We drove up with our friends, Skylar and Oto-san (Skylar's father-in-law) and stayed with our new friend, Edison... We ended up with many funny stories from the trip...one of the first was at a 7-11 pitstop along the way, Rowe (my Hubby) bought some One Piece drawing tickets and earned an extra raffle ticket and won a loaf of bread!! LOL!! Another was that I drove (my car was better suited for comfort and cargo space), and Oto-san had NEVER experienced an American woman driving...apparently he was a little shocked and nervous at first, but was impressed at how safe and well I drove and complemented me on it quite a bit! We gifted Edison our last bottle of mead (from our previous batch...we still have a 5-gallon carboy yet to bottle...and drink before our PCS in March...) for hosting and giving us crash space, and between that and the beer (we also picked up a case of American microbrew from the NEX to share with everyone), he got rather toasty and was too hung over the next morning to go fishing with us! He cooked a Brazilian meal for us that night (he's from Brazil) that was quite delicious! Sleeping was a bit rough...for me anyway...we slept on a raised board with a few blankets for cushion...so I woke up very sore and achy...but we had a good breakfast of Brazilian coffee, OJ, breakfast pizza, eggs, and Rowe's prize bread before heading to the river! It was rather cool and rainy (so luckily no bugs), but we didn't do very well...nothing was biting...we did see some minnows and a couple of fish jump, but nothing wanted what we were baiting... We met up again with Edison for lunch...he took us to a great Peruvian Restaurant...there we found the fish!! LOL! Afterwards, a quick stop at a Brazilian market (Rowe wanted some of the Brazilian coffee to bring home...) and then to an onsen bathhouse before heading home. Funny story about the bathhouse...when visiting an Onsen or bathhouse, you are to wash your body and hair before soaking in any of the tubs...no biggie...and most provide body soap, shampoo and conditioner...but at this particular one, the soap they provided reacted with Rowe's deodorant and turned BLUE!!! His skin all around his armpits, including part of his chest, back, under arm, and down his ribs (as well as his white towel) were all stained BLUE!! LOL!! We indulged in some fruity soft cream (Japanese version of soft ice cream) at a small farmer's market beside the Onsen (as well as picked up some numma produce to take home) before hitting the road to head home. We all made it home safe and sound (but totally exhaused!) a little later than expected, but no worries...it was still a great trip! With everything that I was dealing with, I'm not stressing about my points, cuz I know I didn't even come close. I'm just happy that I survived, the kid's OK and I'm back on track...so I'm still considering myself successful because I did what I could when I was able. There's no use in berating my self for shortcomings that are beyond my control. Perfection isn't success, being healthy and baking a healthy munchkin is what I consider successful...and we are both doing good! Quest 1: Controlled Weight Gain... First of all, yeah, I know that there were only 4 weeks in the challenge, but I have 5 weeks listed...keep in mind, my pregnancy weeks start on Wednesdays, which differs from when the Challenge Weeks start...Week 29 was on June 8th (before the Challenge started) and Week 33 is July 6th (before the Challenge ends). So please bear with the discrepancy... There was sadly an extremely high level of stress that I was dealing with (beyond my control) as well as health hiccups (also beyond my control) that contributed to substantial weight loss during this period. Between the harassing phone calls (highly stressful) from so-called "medical professionals" from both the Atsugi Clinic and the Yokosuka Hospital (none of which were my actual doctor and were doing these things without his consent or knowledge) and the crazy "blood-sugar monitoring diet" (which caused health issues) they put me on, it's any wonder I didn't do so well... Since I got my doctor on board with what was going on (he was PISSED to find out from me!!), and I told all those other people where to go and how to get there (Hubby was gonna if I didn't...he backed me up 100%!!), I've been doing much better. Luckily, there doesn't seem to have been any "real" damage done...I'm a little worse for wear, but otherwise OK, and (most importantly) the kid is just fine! And I'm pleased to say that I'm back on track for my weight gain...I'm still working to maintain not gaining more than a pound a week (which is the healthy way to gain while preggers...slow and steady), I'm finally back up to where I was before all the fit hit the shan...and as of this morning, I'm at 131.5 pounds...right on track! Week 29: 131.0 pounds Week 30: 130.0 pounds Week 31: 129.0 pounds Week 32: 130.0 pounds Week 33: 131.0 pounds Quest 2: Don't be a slug... This was a hard one with everything that was going on...so I didn't do anywhere near as well as I would have liked... Bon O'Dori Practice: I made it to the Bon O'Dori Practice on the first day (June 14th), but wasn't able to return since...mostly due to unexpected trips to the Clinic for follow-ups or consultations...and last week, well, Rowe was off that day so we decided to go off base on a little outing. Buoy Training: We tried to go to the Outdoor Pool last Monday, but it closed early because of a pop up storm...we tried to go to the indoor pool instead, only to discover that it was closed for the Summer since the Outdoor Pool was open...and then we got caught in the storm walking home! LOL! We did make it to the Outdoor Pool on Wednesday when Hubby got off work...and I kinda over did it...I was so sore I could barely move the next day! Prenatal Yoga: I didn't do any of the Prenatal Yoga...but I did do some gentle stretching as I was able.... Mileage: For the first three weeks, my pedometer dwindled...I was walking and being active less and less...but in this last week, I clocked 14.2 miles!! So hurrah for being properly fed and rested!! Extra: Not much for extras this time around...had a lot of unexpected (and unplanned) medical excursions, including to Yokosuka...and lack of proper 4th of July celebrations for the Holiday Weekend...but I was uniquely active last weekend with the attempted fishing trip...although I was exceptionally sore and tired afterwards from walking around the riverside and to/from the public toilet at the park near where we were... Quest 3: Necessities... Yeah, this one was a mess as well... Food & Meds: With all the hoo-haa going on about the blood glucose and Gestational Diabetes disaster, I didn't eat like I normally would...and frequently missed my meds. When I did eat, I did make very healthy choices, and I worked hard to be sure to take my meds as best I could...but I did have an occasional lapse...and a couple times when we went out to eat, I forgot to take my pill pack with me...oops... But all in all, I did OK...the worst part was how screwed up my eating schedule got...but now that the GD confusion is behind me, I'm back on track and doing well! 60+ oz of Water: This one still plagues me... While I did drink more when I couldn't eat (water can be filling), I was so tired that I slept quite a bit (and didn't drink while sleeping), and sometimes was too tired or in pain to get up to refill my water bottle...and then there's the times I'd just flat out forget! So definately one to work on more...which becomes more and more difficult as my belly gets bigger and puts more pressure on my stomach and bladder (especially my bladder since the kid likes to hang out down there and use it as a punching bag...)! 8-hour bedtime: Between the lethargy for most of this Challenge, holidays and last weekend's outings, this has been all over the place. It was "technically" easy to fulfill, yet not exactly streamlined...did a bit of staying up later than I probably should have, but for the most part, slept in...on those days, most of the time I woke up on my own...sometimes after 8 hours, some times more and some times less...and then there were occasions where I was awake against my will... Either the girls would decide I needed to be awake or Hubby would forget to turn off his alarm on a sleep in day and while he could sleep through his alarms...I could not!! Pampering: If you consider telling of meddling medicos and thumbing your nose at absurdly (and inaccurately) imposed diet schedules pampering, then yes...it took a while, but I did that! LOL! Honestly, while neither would be considered "pampering" oneself, but it made me feel good...real good...both physical and attitudinal! LOL! I did do some soaking...occasionally at Hubby's insistence. I also tried to keep my fingernails nicely filed...especially when I started to catch them on things and rip them (or me). Last weekend, after our fishing attempt, we visited an Onsen bathhouse...it wasn't as nice as the one we normally go to, and I still had to drive us 2 hours (or so) back home, it was still a little bit of pampering... I did a scouting trip to the base salon to inquire about waxing...I'm looking at what I can do in my last month to make my life easier and to properly prepare for not being able to do certain things after I deliver... Since it'll still be Summer here (and very very hot...), I am considering waxing (legs, pits and bikini line) so I don't have to worry about shaving for a while... I've also priced manicures and pedicures...especially since it's getting harder and harder to reach my feet... I also want to see about getting a hair trim and a teeth cleaning as well as getting my car washed and detailed... While all this may seem extravagant, we've been saving up and these little things can make my life a lot easier when the kid arrives...besides, while I could give myself a manicure and wax my pits and get my Hubby to wax my legs and bikini area, the rest of it I can't do myself (some due to the belly in the way)...mainly the dental cleaning, hair cutting, pedi and car detailing... Life Quest: The Clock is Ticking... I was able to get some of these done...so I'm pleased with that!! Prep Work: Take photos of stroller and model info... done. Follow up with company on the stroller/car seat research... still need to do this... Register for July Childbirth Class done. Confirm date and register for private Breastfeeding Class in July... done...it will be in home on July 25th Discuss and adjust budget with Hubby... partially done...still need to revisit and adjust accordingly... Research Breastpumps... done. Order Breastpump... done...delivery date July 19th Add at least one Freezer Fodder Meal to the Weekly Menu... sort of done...put up 4 casseroles (2 of 2 kinds) and 2 containers of pasta sauce Finish Beef Bone Broth & Freeze... sort of done... I made the broth, but the medical fiascoes happened, and it went bad... Package and Freeze Chicken Bone Broth... sort of done... it's still in the fridge...need to check it and freeze if not spoiled... Clear off DR table from friends' PCS "gifting"... sort of done... put away most of the PCS "gifts", still need to get rid of the rest Remove JATA "Summer" party supplies & decor from storage room, distribute at BBQ, and trash what no one takes... done. Work in garden (doubles as activity)... sort of done...still a lot that needs to get done... Post sale items on Base Craigslist... sort of done...posted a few items...will post more once those things sell... Work in Project Room to clear some space... still need to do this... Work on Calendar Pages... still need to do this... Continue NF updates... need to be better about doing this... Finish NF Character Sheet... still need to do this... Support the Assassin's Guild: ~ No Power In The 'Verse Can Stop Us ~ Mini Challenge Welcome Abooard the Assassin's Pride! Yeah, I tried...I got off to a good start, but ended up stranded on some remote rock...I'm hoping they come back for me so I can try again the next go around...LOL! Et Al... Yup, totally bombed this one...and I know it was all me... Everyone was in my thoughts, and I prayed that they were doing well, but I was in such a rough place that I struggled for me and the munchin, and couldn't step up for anyone else. I know everyone will understand...at least I hope they do. The Plan for Next Challenge... Now that things seem to be approaching some semblance of normality, I look back and am pleased at how things worked out and grateful that I am strong... It took all the facets of my strength to overcome all that has happened recently...my strength of mind, body, will and character all working together to persevere and come out on top with both of us healthy and doing well! I am also grateful for my Beloved Husband's strength...he let me lean on him, he held me up so I would not fall, and was ready (and willing) to fight by my side for our family's well being. I believe that we are truly blessed because we also have the strength of our love and faith and family that never falters, and it is all these things that will be our child's greatest asset and inheritance... In thinking ahead, my plan for the next Challenge will be a reflection of these last couple. However, since this will be my last full and complete Challenge before the estimated arrival of our newest family member, there will be a bit more focus on preparation...for birth and for newborn care. Hmmmm...and now to think of a title and perhaps theme...

Coping with final Weeks... Better late than never...that has sadly become my motto over the last few months..6 1/2 months, to be exact... Anyhoo...I successfully completed the last 4WC (YAY!), and now for a new one... I ended the last Challenge with the Glucose Screen...and during the break, the results were "abnormal"...so I had to do the 3-hour Glucose Tolerance Test...it will probably come back "abnormal" as well...they have you drink 100 grams of pure glucose (sugar) within 5-10 minutes, then see how long it takes your body to process it. First of all, the stuff is NASTY!!! Second, I don't consume that much sugar in an entire day, much less all at once!! And to make matters worse, what passes for "medical professionalism" in the Navy skew their data criteria..according to the AMA (American Medical Association) and the ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) have "normal" range set as between 140 and 180 (blood glucose levels)...however, here, they say there is no "window"...it MUST be less than 120 to be considered "normal"!! So this may come back to bite my butt this Challenge, and I'll have to make some adjustments... This Challenge will be very similar to the last one...tracking my weight gain, being active, eating right, relaxing, and preparing for what is to come within the next 10 weeks (or so)...however, I'm adding drinking more water...I've noticed that I've been a little lax in that capacity, so I definitely need to work on that... I will also continue the same weekly increments I set up from my Lessons with Dr. Frankenstein 4WC at the start of the year, since those weekly increments keep me on track with my physical progressions. Although each of my weeks actually "start" on Wednesdays, I'll keep with the Sunday through Saturday schedule of the 4WC...so each of the 4 weeks will begin in one progression and end in the next...confused yet? I sure am... Once again, I'm not focusing on much of a theme...I don't have the time, and can't come up with one cute or clever enough... For now, I'm putting down some bare bones...I'll figure out grading scale (do or don't, pretty much), point allocations (based on new NF format), and rewards (besides getting healthier!) and add them in as necessary. I will try to update daily..hey, the key word here is "try"... Quest 1: Controlled Weight Gain... Although technically, I'm well under the "recommended" weight gain..(5 pounds in 29 weeks), but the Dr. says no worries...I'm healthy and the kid's healthy and that's what matters! However, I do need to make sure that I don't gain more than about 1 pound a week and definitely don't loose any, either!! So I'm just going to monitor my weight (which does fluctuate a bit due to occasional large meals and random bathroom inadequacies...) to make sure I don't gain too much too fast nor loose any. <1 point for each week on track> Week 29: 130.5 pounds Week 30: Week 31: Week 32: The Plan for Next Week: I'm going to weigh myself every morning when I get up...after I go to the bathroom (mainly cuz the kid ain't waiting for me!) and before I eat... Quest 2: Don't be a slug... As I get bigger, and the fatigue gets worse (and life gets in the way...), it would be easy to just be a bum and stay in a comfy position...However, that won't do me or the kid any good... I need to get up off my fat ass and do SOMETHING!! So, several things I had planned (hoped?) to do last Challenge didn't happen (or didn't happen as much as I would have liked...). However, some new things are coming about to make it easier to be more active... First of all, Bon O'Dori season is upon us..and once again I have signed up to participate! This will be my third (and final) year to do it (we will PCS before next Summer), so I'm going to take full advantage! Dance practice starts on the 14th, and will be every Tuesday, with performances in late July and August. This will be a once a week goal. <1 point> Second, the Outdoor Pool is now open on weekends, and will be open everyday starting on the 17th. This will (hopefully) inspire me to do better at my "Buoy Training"...I just hope they let me on the water slide! LOL! My goal here is to do this at least once a week. <1 point for each session> Last, but certainly not least, @Alexandrite sent me a great Prenatal Yoga video that she said did wonders for her! I plan to use it at least once a week! <1 point for each session> Last challenge, my goal was to clock at least 15 miles per week on my pedometer (non workout related), but I didn't do so well. It seems that using the handrail for balance (which becomes more and more "off" the bigger I get), or pushing a cart, or carrying something (a bag, arm purse, etc.) seems to keep my pedometer from registering those steps (my pedometer is part of my wrist watch). I've also noticed that when I'm sore or tired, my gait is a little off (I start to waddle more), which also throws off my pedometer... So this round, I may lower that goal to 10 miles per week (non-workout related), until I figure out how to account for all those steps my pedometer isn't counting... <1 point for 10 miles> So as it stands, I have three activity goals per week, plus 10 miles of "extra" walking on the pedometer...and of course there's always room for "extras", like outings, and I do want to work on doing my Belly Dance...I know it will be helpful in the weeks and months to come...I would like to at least try to do some modified Barre and Pilates, since they are both highly recommended. <1 point for each "extra"> Bon O'Dori Practice: <1 point each> Buoy Training: <1 point each> Prenatal Yoga: <1 point each> Extra: <1 point each> The Plan for Next Week: I'm going to attend the first Bon O'Dori Practice on Tuesday, do the Prenatal Yoga video, do Buoy Training (either at the indoor or outdoor gym), and keep up the pedometer tracking and extra walking. This Saturday, we have the JATA BBQ Party, so I figure between Friday and Saturday, I'll be doing a lot of moving and lifting! Quest 3: Necessities... As always, this one's easier said than done...I'm already pretty good about eating healthy and taking my meds with my meals...but I do forget sometimes...or I just don't want to eat when I'm feeling particularly queasy... And when I do eat, I can't eat much..no room with my tummy's downstairs neighbor vying for more living space! LOL! This may also get "evolved", depending on the Glucose Tolerance Test results... <1 point each day that meals and meds are covered> I need to increase my water...recommended is at least 64 oz per day...or 1/2 your body weight in ounces (which puts me currently at 65 1/4 oz). I do have limited precious space in my belly these days...so I may have some trouble getting all that water...much less increasing the amount as I gain weight!! My water bottle is my buddy...I carry it with me pretty much everywhere! It holds 20 oz, is very durable (metal) and keeps my water COLD!! So if I aim to drink three of them a day, that'll give my 60 oz of just water...I think that's pretty darn close enough (especially since we aren't counting tea, juice or milk...)! <1 point for 3 water bottles consumed (60 oz)> And speaking of the gizzard denizen...that's where sleep issues come into play as well...apparently my bedtime is it's party time!! Hell, lately, ALL the time is party time!! LOL!! We've been pretty lax about our bedtimes lately...especially during the week! So my goal is to go to bed at least 8 hours before I have to get up...so since the "regular" alarm goes off at 0600, I need to be in bed by 2200 (10 pm)...but I'm going to try to shoot for 2100 (9 pm), which will give me time to get into bed, situated and comfy (which gets more and more difficult as the days go by...)! <1 point for in bed no later than 8 hours before wake up/alarm> I've been OK about resting, putting my feet up and taking naps when I have the time...it does help...some. But I would like to get better about relaxing, resting and doing little things to pamper myself while I still can...like soaking in a tub, doing my nails, etc. <1 point each pampering activity> Food & Meds: <1 point each> 60+ oz of Water: <1 point each> 8-hour bedtime: <1 point each> Pampering: <1 point each> The Plan for Next Week: I'm going work on drinking more water, try to start fixing dinner earlier so I'm not eating so late, go to bed earlier each night (Hubby needs this one too!)...I will set my phone alarm to remind me when to start cooking dinner as well as gear for bed... I'm going to try to soak at least twice, and see if I can still reach my toes to give myself a pedicure (my toe nails are becoming talons!!)...and, of course, sit and rest with my feet up if I feel too tired or at least every evening after dinner to help reduce swelling in my feet and lower legs before I go to bed... Life Quest: The Clock is Ticking... Here's another repeat...and just like last Challenge, this one's interesting...this will include multiple aspects of preparation...laying the proverbial ground work so that either the action is one that can make life easier later or will provide proper information to be utilized at the appropriate time... One way to prepare is by registering for / taking a class, watching a video or reading a book/magazine/article about what's going on now, and how to prepare for what all happens in the coming stages! I do read the daily articles via the Baby Center and WTE apps on my iPad...but I'm not going to count each article, just that I've read them for the day. Maybe an "extra" point if I am able (and do) actively utilize the information. <1 point each "educational" activity> Another is meal prep...basically stocking the freezer with pre-prepared meals that are "heat and eat"...when I cook a meal that is freezer friendly, make a double or triple batch and freeze the extra for later. And since I cook healthy and from scratch, I know these will be exponentially better that what one might find in a store's freezer section!! I also means that when life gets painfully hectic (in more ways than one) once I get closer to the 40th weekly increment, I won't have to worry about cooking...or relying on Hubby's cooking! LOL! Towards the end of the last Challenge (end of May), our deep freezer had an "accident"...and we lost pretty much EVERYTHING...including ALL the pre-prepped freezer meals I had already done!! So, my ultimate goal is to have at least 30 pre-prepped freezer meals prior to Week 40...that's 10 meals per month (June, July and August)!! <1 point each meal prepped and in the freezer> One more preparation is in regards cleaning and organizing...We've got too much stuff here and our spare room is PACKED!! So for starters, I need to clear out clutter...sell, give away or trash what we don't need/want/love and ship home what we won't need in the next year. Next, organize the "stuff" we do need/use...especially the things that will be useful around the 40th weekly increment and after... I definitely got behind on this between the Freezer Fiascos and PCSing friends "gifting" what they couldn't (or didn't want to) take with them...so now I have even MORE to deal with!! <1 point for each decluttering/organizing activity> I still need to re-examine our budget (with Hubby) and plan for the upcoming expenses...and purchase what needs to be purchased in advance so it can be set up with time to spare before it becomes necessary...I like to have a little wiggle room (read relaxation) before the "have-tos" set in and take over! <1 point for each pertinent fiscal activity> ...and then there's the garden...this will be our last season in this house (PCS due by next Spring)...so I need to downsize what I've got. I also need to stay on top of my succession plantings and weeding so that by the time the 40th weekly increment comes along, it will be pretty much self-sustaining with minimal effort...just harvest and enjoy! And, like most everything else, I'm behind on... I may count the physical gardening as part of my activity "extra", and only the downsizing and organizing here...we'll see... <1 point each garden activity> Prep Work: <1 point each> The Plan for Next Week: There's still sooooo much to do!!! Take photos of stroller and model info... Follow up with company on the stroller/car seat research... Register for July Childbirth Class Confirm date and register for private Breastfeeding Class in July... Discuss and adjust budget with Hubby... Research Breastpumps... Order Breastpump... Add at least one Freezer Fodder Meal to the Weekly Menu... Finish Beef Bone Broth & Freeze... Package and Freeze Chicken Bone Broth... Clear off DR table from friends' PCS "gifting"... Remove JATA "Summer" party supplies & decor from storage room, distribute at BBQ, and trash what no one takes... Work in garden (doubles as activity)... Post sale items on Base Craigslist... Work in Project Room to clear some space... Work on Calendar Pages... Continue NF updates... Finish NF Character Sheet... Support the Assassin's Guild: ~ No Power In The 'Verse Can Stop Us ~ Mini Challenge I may not be as able-bodied as I used to be, but that doesn't matter...I'm here to support my guild!! This Mini's theme is Firefly..which is amuising since Hubby and I just started re-watching the show! LOL! These are always a do or don't, which includes posting and updates as necessary. I'm just hoping I can keep up!! So this week's mini is to choose berthing (sign the "crew" roster) and learn the ship's layout by wandering around (walk or run for a crew cumulative of 100 miles). That's easy enough...I don't know if I'll have the time to go for any formal walks (no way I can "run" while smuggling this beach ball! LOL!)...but I'm sure I can put a dent in the crews required mileage!l Welcome Abooard the Assassin's Pride! Week 1 Mini: Find a Berth and Settle In - Walk/Run: Week 2 Mini: #2: - Goal: Week 3 Mini: #3: - Goal: Week 4 Mini: #4: - Goal: Et Al... No PvPs or Accountabillibuddies, but I have been able to sign up for the Guild Mini this time!! I'm also going to try to be better at lurking, um, I mean, supporting...yeah, supporting Alexandrite and black_daquiri. They are great at giving me pointers and suggestions to help me along the path they have tread before me, I want to do my best to cheer them on as they go the road ahead! I also want to do a Weekly Inspiration...perhaps a little less Fibro, and more to remind me that all this "suffering" is worth it...

Sorry, life totally blew up on me...kept up with my challenge and finished strong, but didn't have to the time to post updates...gonna work on that! LOL!

Tuesday... Today was a recovery day...well, on the Home-front, anyway...The weather cleared (it had been cool and drippy all day yesterday), so I needed to open up the shed doors to let it air out. Hubby accidentally popped the drain plug in the bottom of the freezer when cleaning it, so some of the nasty food drippings tainted defrost water that was puddled in the bottom leaked out and into the shed. I worked on getting caught up on some of my NF posts, I worked on reorganizing the updated menu plan...to incorporate more Freezer Fodder meals since now I have only 3 months to stock the deep freezer with at least 30 meals!! I was able to put 3 meals that will make 2 freezer fodders each on the menu for this week. Thursday's will be a Crock Pot meal (Thursday is supposed to be a very busy day) of Chicken Enchilada Soup...which will put at least 2 quarts in the freezer...but needs bone broth! So since I need to also replace all the bone broth I lost...luckily all the bones and scraps are in the kitchen freezer...I decided to start a batch of chicken bone broth so it would be ready for the Crock Pot Thursday morning... During Hubby's lunch break, I went over the menu plan with him, and he's cool with the current plan... However, in doing so, I discovered that Loki and Murphy weren't quite done with me yet...it was at lunch time that we discovered that the dishwasher (which the base installed a brand new one only two weeks ago...a style we DON'T like...) had flooded the kitchen!! OK, turned off the dishwasher and down went towels to sop up all the nasty dishwater (which was full of the emptied freezer tupperware from the day before...) and called NAVFAC (base housing maintenance office)...I am SOOOO glad that I forgot to turn it on before I went to bed the night before!! So now, instead of going to the market to do all the shopping before my English Lesson, I get to wait on the workers to arrive to fix the problem. After they did, I got to work to get the chicken bone broth started...when I discovered ANOTHER attempt by Loki and Murphy to disrupt my world for their amusement...apparently, when Hubby put the BBQ pork back into the kitchen freezer, he left it cracked open...luckily not enough to defrost anything, but just enough to create a lot of partially frozen condensation around EVERYTHING!! So as I dug out all the chicken bits for stock, and took mental note on how much beef and pork stock fodder I had, I cleaned the mess in THAT freezer... I have plenty of bones and scrap for a good batch of beef bone broth, but nothing for pork. I was also a bit short for a good batch of chicken, but my friend had offered me the chicken carcass from her freezer since she's PCSing in a couple of weeks & won't use it. So I messaged her to see if I could swing by, dumped what I had into the pot, and then prepped for my lesson. I picked up her carcass on my way to collect my student, and dumped it in the pot when we got back. After I dropped off my student, I went by the Japanese market to get a couple of raw carcasses, and then to the Commissary and grabbed their last Rotisserie chicken. I also did the rest of my shopping while I was out. When I got home, I tossed the two raw carcasses in the pot and worked on removing all the meat from the rotisserie bird and tossed the rest into the pot...so far, a pretty good potful!! By that point, I was so exhausted and achy, I didn't want to go to JATA, but Hubby insisted...so went, ate sushi, did the meeting and got back around 9:30...I didn't relax, I was too tired...I just crawled between the sheets...well, lumbered and flopped like a beached whale...and passed out...with a prayer of warning that if Loki and/or Murphy rear their ugly heads at me again tomorrow, I'll cross the planes of existence with my hair on fire and remind them why it's best not to piss me off too much... Weight: 130.5 # - Yep, downloaded the Raumen Baby... Activity: 1.98 miles logged on the pedometer A lot of walking to handle house disasters, to get a carcass from my friend, shopping and JATA... Fooding: Meds - done! Dinner was late due to JATA... Resting: No nap, and no rest and relaxation... Went to bed a little late, again...about 10:30ish... Pamper: nothing... Prepping: NF catch up on updates... Weekly Meal Plan with 6 freezer meals and bone broth on it... Started a batch of Chicken Bone Broth... Tomorrow: I have my Yakitori Lesson tomorrow, and need to do some research for upcoming JATA events... Weight: Weigh in first thing in the morning... Activity: Walking to/from Yakitori Lesson and during JATA event research... Fooding: Dinner will be Baked Ziti, with 2 for Freezer Fodder, at 6... Resting: Maybe a nap, but definitely another busy day between Yakitori Lesson, errands and cooking... Put feet up after dinner and before bed... Bedtime by 9 pm... Pamper: Attempt to soak... Prepping: Follow up on the stroller/car seat research... Update NF... Work on Calendar Pages... Register for July Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes... Discuss budget with Hubby... Research Breastpumps... Baked Ziti for Freezer Fodder (x2)...

Monday... Today, Loki and Murphy decided to conspire against me... Hubby came in at about 0800 (2 hours later than he was supposed to get home from duty), and I had just woken up...feeling pretty lousy, I might add. He laid down for a nap while I did some catching up on NF updates and emails...when he got up, he was feeling pretty rough too. So we vegged out on the couch and started watching the Netflix show on How to Train Your Dragon (Race to the Edge, I think it was)...after lunch we weren't feeling any better (really tired and achy and my bump was crampy)...probably had over done it over the course of the weekend with all the outings. So I called my friend to raincheque Yakitori...she understood and was fine with it..so we vegged some more. Around 2:30 we started discussing what we were going to do for dinner since we weren't going out anymore...we decided to go with a "freezer experiment"...I do these from time to time...I take a favored meal I made, and freeze part of it. Then take it out later to see if it can be added to the "Freezer Fodder" category or is a "Fresh and Leftovers Only" meal. This round, I froze some leftover BBQ pulled pork that we had made...I was hoping that it would still be good, so we could smoke several pork butts at a time (which takes about 8 - 12 hours) and then enjoy it all year round (without having to hover around the smoker for a whole day...). Anyhoo, the pork was in the kitchen freezer, and the rolls were in the deep freezer in the shed outside. So I sent Hubby to pull some rolls while I pulled the pork so they could all thaw in time for dinner. Well, I got distracted with hand washing up some dishes...when Hubby came in asking when was the last time I was in the deep freezer...because everything in the top levels were thawed...OH...CRAP...It had been over a week since I was out there!! Turns out, the entire thing was totally defrosted and everything completely thawed!!! Turns out, a camp chair had shifted and flipped the surge protector switch to off...but we couldn't figure out how...a friend later reminded us about the big earthquake that had happened late one night the week before, so we think that may have been how it happened... Anyhoo, we grabbed garbage bags and started going through it to see what was salvageable, if anything. I have an amazingly strong sense of smell...I could tell that milk was going bad 2 days before it actually did...and that was before the added sensitivity that came with Pregnancy...now I know when the neighbors kid is eating a candy bar in his back yard while I'm sitting on the living room couch!! LOL!! So I got to pull everything out and give it the "nasal appraisal" to determine if it was trash or salvageable. We lost most everything...all the pre-prepped freezer meals I had already done, several quarts of bone broth (chicken, beef and pork) and stewed tomatoes, all my jams, jellies, and sauces, all the veggies and meats... The bread was OK, but couldn't be refrozen, the Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs were still good...and we rescued the steaks...14 to be exact...10 filets (2" thick that we cut for doing Blue Cheese Stuffed Filets, from the great deal I got on a tenderloin primal), 2 ribeyes and 2 eye of round...the downside was that the steaks needed to be cooked up that night! Well, we can't eat that much steak in a sitting...and that would be waaaay too much for leftovers, so I put out an APB to all our friends to come and help us eat steak...only 3 people came...one came early and helped Hubby wash the inside of the freezer (it's a deep chest freezer, and I can't get in there to clean it like I used to because of the Belly...), while I prepped the steaks to go on the grill. We each ate two steaks, they all took home bread (there was too much for us to eat in a week or two), the one who helped clean took a steak home to his wife (who didn't come cuz she wasn't feeling well...), and I still had one filet for leftovers later in the week. I did give the two eye of round steaks (raw) and some bread to our neighbors because we ended up filling up their trash can as well as ours with all the spoiled food. I explained the situation, and they were pleased by the gift! I surprised our friend (who came early) at the fact that we hadn't gotten angry at the situation...I told him that while I was saddened by the loss (over $600 worth of food and countless hours of prep for the broth and meals), and even had moments that I wanted a stiff drink and a good cry, I was glad that we had to cancel our plans, because if we hadn't, we wouldn't have even been able to salvage what little we did, and that I was grateful for having friends who came over to help us clean the mess and enjoy the rescued steaks with us! It totally could have been much, much worse...besides, if I fall apart at the situation, then Loki and Murphy get entertained by it all, and then will feel justified to wreak havoc on my world again... They all thought that that was an interesting perspective... Needless to say, when bedtime rolled around, we crashed hard...but sadly, it wasn't as early as we would have liked...but it was still before 11... Weight: 132.5 # - I think this was the Raumen Baby from the day before, luckily lots of downloads during the day... Activity: 1.21 miles logged on the pedometer I'm surprised at this, I supposed it's mostly all the walking back and forth dealing with the Freezer Fiasco... I suppose I could count all the bending and lifting and shifting from cleaning out the deep freezer as extra activity... Fooding: Meds - done! Dinner was on time and protein rich... Resting: No nap, but some rest and relaxation...that is until we discovered the freezer... Went to bed a little late, but not too bad... Pamper: nothing... Prepping: NF catch up on updates... Can I count cleaning out the Deep Feezer? I know we'll need to do it for our PCS in the Spring... Tomorrow: Back to regular schedule...English Lesson, JATA Prep and revise the Menu and Freezer Fodder plans... Weight: Weigh in first thing in the morning... Activity: Walking for shopping and JATA... Fooding: Dinner will be a little late, out with JATA... Resting: Maybe a nap, but definitely a busy day recovering from the Freezer Fiasco... Put feet up after dinner and before bed... Bedtime by 10 pm...JATA lasts until 9... Pamper: Attempt to soak... Prepping: Follow up on the stroller/car seat research... Update NF... Work on Calendar Pages... Register for July Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes... Discuss budget with Hubby... Research Breastpumps... Weekly Meal Plan... Freezer Fodder restock plan...

Thanks...sadly, Yakitori didn't happen...I'm about to post the "lazy adventure" that was our Memorial Day... I'm noticing that my schedule keeps blowing up, so I'm not getting as much "extra" activity as I would like...but at least I'm keeping up on my pedometer! I've also noticed a lot more aches, pains and discomfort...especially in my lower back/hips area and low abdomen/pelvic region, and frequent bouts of painful "pressure" in my bump...mostly around the middle and lower sections...I'm wondering if those are the "practice contractions" called Braxton Hicks... Any thoughts?

So how was your Week 3? Ready for the home stretch?

...YAY! Made it to Week 4... Sunday... Today, we got up kinda early...Hubby has the midnight to 0600 shift tonight, so we're going to the Raumen Museum early. We have several friends PCSing in June, but one couple we are particularly close to, so we are helping out with their "Bucket Lists"...the things they want to do before they leave as well as doing their favorite things "one more time..." For Laurel and Nate, the Raumen Museum is on that list...Laurel loves it, and Nate's never been... We left a little later than usual, but we still got there at a reasonable hour...pigged out on delicious Raumen (as usual!), enjoyed the "Kid's shoppe" with games and snacks, and finished up with delicious soft cream!! Soft Cream is what the Japanese call their version of a soft serve ice cream cone...the "plain" version is NOT vanilla (like it is stateside), it's actually whole cream frozen and whipped on a rice cone!! Very delicious and not very sweet!! We stopped on the way back at the "Bunny Store" (as the local Americans call it because of the cute bunny on the sign)...a baby and small children's store...Laurel needed a portable, table mount "high chair" (which I think I may get one too...) and she showed me the good kind of brushes for cleaning bottles, nipples and the breastpump. So we got those, along with a convertible onsie/sleep sack (complete with "hood") of Tony Tony Chopper...Have I mentioned Hubby is addicted/obsessed with One Piece? Once home, Hubby had to lay down for a long nap (since he'd be up all night), and I laid down with him...but I only slept about 1 1/2 hours...I rousted him at 9 pm so he'd have time to eat, shower and get ready to go to work. In the mean time, I puttered...I got 2 NF update catch ups done, cleared out some emails and toodled on FB. When Hubby got up, I ate about half the Chili's to-go box from Saturday for dinner...yeah, pretty late, I know, but I was still REALLY full from all the Raumen!! He was still a bit full, too, so he just had a snack and took the rest of the to-go box for his dinner later at the office. I did some basic clean up and went to bed not too long after he left...it was still after midnight, but that's OK...I had a nap and get to sleep in tomorrow... Weight: 130.0 # - keeping pretty steady... Activity: 1.06 miles logged on the pedometer Just from walking, mainly at the Raumen Museum...would have gotten more, but we drove instead of taking the train... Fooding: Meds - done! Dinner was very late, due to belly full of Raumen...Chili's leftover to-go box... Resting: Got a nap and some rest and relaxation... Went to bed late, but I got a nap and can sleep in tomorrow... Pamper: nothing... Prepping: NF catch up on updates... Tomorrow: Relax during the day and Yakitori in the evening with friends... Weight: Weigh in first thing in the morning... Activity: Walking to/from Yakitori-ya, maybe some buoy training...hopefully at the Outdoor Pool, if the weather is nice... Fooding: Dinner will be a little late, but not by much... Resting: Maybe a nap, but definitely a lazy day until time to go to dinner... Put feet up after dinner and before bed... Bedtime at 9 pm...back to regular schedule tomorrow... Pamper: Mani / Pedi...my nails are starting to look pretty heinous...and my fingernails have some nasty sharp edges from where they've broken... Attempt to soak... Prepping: Follow up on the stroller/car seat research... Update NF... Work on Calendar Pages... Register for July Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes... Discuss budget with Hubby... Research Breastpumps... Weekly Meal Plan...

Awww...thanks!

Week 3 Wrap-Up Well, I got a bit behind this week with waaaay too many favors being asked of me...and me actually DOING them!! Anyhoo...I finally caught up on all my daily updates, so now, here's my Week 3 Wrap-Up... Quest 1: Healthy and Adequate Weight Gain... Still on track...but it is a little confusing since my Preggo weeks start/end half way through the Challenge week (Wednesdays)... So for now, most of the way through Week 27, I seem to be holding around 130.5. I've been better about eating more fiber, but downloads aren't regular...pre-preggo, I would download first thing every morning...now, if the kid shifts (or doesn't shift) just right, I go (or don't go)...and I'll go a little bit here and a little bit there, all throughout the day, so it makes life interesting! Week 24: 127.5 pounds Week 25: 128.5 pounds Week 26: 129.5 pounds Week 27: The Plan for Next Week: I'm going to continue to weigh myself every morning when I get up...and continue to keep on the fiber intake... Quest 2: Find something to do... Not as good as I would have liked...but life happens! I figured out the issue with my pedometer and stairs...I step too lightly going up and down, and tend to walk on the left side, with my left hand on the rail for support and balance...which is the wrist my pedometer is on!! So I definitely saw some improvement there! My activities only included walking...but I was able to incorporate more walking...with going to the theater, and all the weekend outings, I didn't do too bad. I do need to get back on to doing "Buoy Training"...and I didn't make it to the outdoor pool...the one day we had free and it was open, it was nasty weather... Pedometer: 17.20 miles for the week Buoy Training: none Extra: Walking: LTO, to/from friend's house, Yakitori Lesson, Washi Class & Library, to/from theater - twice, and Green Tea Picking outing... The Plan for Next Week: Continue to do extra walking to keep pedometer numbers up. Go to indoor pool at least once for "Buoy Training" during the week and the outdoor pool once on the weekend (it's not open daily yet). No planned outings for the weekend as of yet...it's Hubby's duty weekend, so we usually have to stay on base...or at least very close to it... Quest 3: Eat, Sleep and Pamper... I had to do some improvising on some meals this week...but didn't miss any of the meds, so that was good. I didn't nap as much as I would have liked...but I really wanted to!!! I did at least rest with my feet up every evening, which helped. I slept pretty good, but wasn't as good as I would have liked about going to bed early. Same goes for pampering...only got one soak in for the week... Food & Meds: Mostly on time and done... Rest: limited naps, only put feet up in the evenings, and slacked a bit on bedtime but still slept well... Pamper: one soak... The Plan for Next Week: Schedule has relaxed a bit, so I should be able to do better about real dinners by 6. I should also be able to nap and rest more, no just before bed. Work harder on going to bed by 9 and at least incorporate soaking more often. I still want to try to give myself a mani/pedi...if I can still reach my toes to do so... I plan to to start using an alarm again to remind myself to start dinner by 5, begin bedtime routine at 8 (time for a soak!) and go to bed at 9... Life Quest: Prepare for the Inevitable... I didn't get as much done this week...too many other things on my proverbial plate... Added a ring to my teething necklace Watched a Lamaze Childbirth Class DVD with Hubby Got Hubby's schedule confirmed for the July Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes Cleaned the house Caught up on NF updates The Plan for Next Week: There's still sooooo much to do!!! Take photos of stroller and model info... Follow up with company on the stroller/car seat research... Register for July Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes... Discuss and adjust budget with Hubby... Research Breastpumps... Order Breastpump... Add at least one Freezer Fodder Meal to the Weekly Menu... Work in garden (doubles as activity)... Post sale items on Base Craigslist... Work in Project Room to clear some space... Work on Calendar Pages... Continue NF updates... Finish NF Character Sheet... Et Al... I am truly grateful for the ladies who have been following me and cheering me on here despite the craziness of this week!! I hope to support them better in the future...

...another catch up... Saturday... Today, we got up early...Hubby had to meet his travel group to the Kanto Special Olympics in Yokota by 0630...I still needed to double check Hyperdia to see when I needed to be at the train station. Turns out, I didn't need to head out until 0900...so I had time to enjoy some coffee, fiber cereal and do a catch up here on my NF updates! The travel to the Green Tea Farm and Factory, took quite a while...over an hour in train travel! I had time to grab some bento for my lunch (needed to bring lunch). The company provided us a shuttle from the train station to the area we would be picking...which was a good thing, cuz it was a fair distance away! We were given bags and a quick tutorial on what/how to pick. We picked for about 30 minutes or so, then they shuttled us to another area for photo opps...we even got a rare Summer glimpse of Mt. Fuji!! Then then took us back to the factory, where we relaxed and ate lunch...no one sat with me at my table, so I was able to put my feet up on the chair across from me! The guides had picked some green tea as well, and cooked it Japanese Tempura style and brought it to us to try...it was really good! I was able to get their recipe and saved some of my fresh leaves so I could make it at home for the Hubby!! After lunch, they consolidated the tables into small groups (I got put with another table with only two people) and we learned how to dry our leaves for making tea. Our group was so efficient with it, we also got to learn (and do) roasted green tea! They then took some of what we had dried (and roasted) and made tea with it for us to sample what we had done...they also made fresh tea using the rest of the fresh leaves that they didn't tempura at lunch for us to try as a comparison!! They gave each of us a washi-wrapped tea tin to put our tea in to take home! Then we cleaned up, and toured the factory before collecting our stuff and going across the street to the gift shop. We had more samples of green tea and green tea products (cakes, cookies, and candies) and got to purchase some goodies (I got some tea, and the cakes, cookies, and candies to take home for Hubby, friends and to send home...). Then we walked back to the train station...it took about 30 minutes...and headed home. Turns out, Hubby's travel group decided to have dinner at Chili's before they left Yokota, so he brought me home a to-go order for my dinner. Actually, I ate his leftover container of the appetizers...I was still pretty full from all the green tea and snack samples!! We both soaked, then relaxed with a few shows before bed...we were exhausted!! Weight: 130.5 # - pretty much on track here... Activity: 4.66 miles logged on the pedometer Walking...lots of walking...and picking green tea... Fooding: Meds - done! Dinner was Chili's (early for Hubby, not too late for me)... Resting: Didn't nap, but relaxed at lunch, on the train and once I got home... Went to bed relatively early... Pamper: Soaked...a much needed soak... Prepping: NF catch up on updates... Tomorrow: Raumen Museum with friends... Weight: Weigh in first thing in the morning... Activity: Walking at the museum, maybe some buoy training... Fooding: Dinner will be late leftovers (Hubby as midnight duty)... Resting: Maybe a nap, but rest and relax after museum... Put feet up after museum, but at least after dinner and before bed... Late bedtime, after helping Hubby out the door for overnight duty shift... Pamper: Attempt to soak... Prepping: Follow up on the stroller/car seat research... Update NF... Work on Calendar Pages... Register for July Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes... Discuss budget with Hubby... Research Breastpumps...

...one more day to catch up on... Friday... Technically, today started at the movie theater with the midnight showing of "X-Men: Apocalypse"...and the walk home at about 0230!! I went to bed shortly after getting home, and got to sleep in...a little bit. The plan for the rest of the day was for it to be a lazy busy day...our main focus for the was to clean the house...not a major "deep cleaning" but a Flylady's Home Blessing...I hadn't been on top of the housecleaning, not even the Flylady version, as much as I would have liked over the last few months...between the Preggo symptoms, fatigue and an ever-growing to-do list, something had to give, and that was the house. Now, while I did stay on top of the laundry, dishes and picking up after ourselves, the dusting, vacuuming and moping went to the wayside. We got up after sleeping in, had a leisurely breakfast, then got started. We tag-teamed our way through the house...Hubby handled the vacuum (it's more difficult for me now with the burgeoning belly...) and I did the rest...he vacuumed the mounted oscillating fans, then I feather dusted all the rooms...then he vacuumed the bedroom while I cleaned the bathroom fixtures...then he vacuumed the bathroom and I mopped the bedroom, bathroom and back hallway. Then we took a break and had some lunch... Then came the front portion of the house...he vacuumed the office area, front hall/entrance and living room (including moving the couch to find all the "stuff" the girls had "lost" under it...)...then I mopped all those areas, and we took another rest break... By that point, we had gotten 2/3 of the house done...all that was left was the floors (vacuum and mop) the dining room and kitchen...but now it was time to get ready to go to see the free show at the theater...the comedian Sinbad... It was to be our reward for a productive day...but Hubby changed his mind and decided he didn't want to go. He insisted that I go and he'd finish the dining room and kitchen floors while I was gone. It took some persuasion, but I finally got cleaned up and went without him (I was really looking forward to enjoying it with him). I walked, for the extra activity (not that cleaning the house isn't highly active!), and luckily, ran into friends who I could sit with and enjoy the show. Well, it started about an hour late!! And it lasted an hour longer than I expected (normally these shows are only about an hour long)...and I was sadly disappointed...while some things were cute, he wasn't nearly as funny as he was in the shows I've seen in the past. He seemed vastly unprepared...he kept asking the audience for topics, subjects...essentially soliciting prompting from the audience to comment on because he didn't have a plan or routine...very disappointing. I did stick around with my friends (who all thought it was the greatest show they had ever seen), for the meet & greet and photo opp. Then picked up some to-go for dinner (it was too late and I was too tired to cook) and walked home. We ate, relaxed and went to bed relatively early because we both had to be up early the next day for our respective outings...Hubby was volunteering at the Kanto Special Olympics in Yokota and I was going Green Tea Picking with JATA... Weight: 130 # - walking may have helped the downloads... Activity: 2.95 miles logged on the pedometer Walking home from the movie, to and from the theater again after Sinbad... Housecleaning... Fooding: Meds - done! Dinner was late and take out after the Sinbad show... Resting: Didn't nap, but relaxed between housecleaning activities... Went to bed relatively early... Pamper: Does a disappointing comedy show count...? Prepping: I suppose house cleaning counts... Tomorrow: JATA Green Tea Picking... Weight: Weigh in first thing in the morning... Activity: Lots of walking during the outing... Fooding: Dinner will be contingent on outing end times and subsequent exhaustion... Resting: No nap, but rest and relax when able... May not get to put feet up during the day, but at least after dinner and before bed... Reasonable bedtime since an early start for Raumen Museum the next morning... Pamper: Attempt to soak... Prepping: Follow up on the stroller/car seat research... Update NF... Work on Calendar Pages... Register for July Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes... Discuss budget with Hubby... Research Breastpumps...

...almost caught up, just a few more days to go... Thursday... Today was the final day of the "Week of Favors"...whew!! Got up early so I could bake cookies for Hubby's potluck lunch at work (another "last minute favor" for him...) and was ready when Chopper dropped off his paperwork. Took all the vehicle paperwork for both friends with me to Washi Class, along with the DVDs I checked out from the library and all my current Washi projects (the last class of the month is Lacquer Day...). Got all my finished projects lacquered in class, and finished another project...returned the Lamaze DVD and re-checked out the Prenatal Yoga DVD (didn't get to try it out with the crazy schedule I had all week...). Went home to grab some lunch...leaving my freshly lacquered projects in the car (where it was hot and dry) to finish drying. Hubby was home from work (day ended for them after their potluck), but opted to lounge and play video games while I did the LTO run...so got that done, and went by the VRO office to get a parking pass for the friends on vacation so their car didn't get ticketed or towed for being out of compliance with base regulations (new base decal must be on the windshield by June 1st...but I can't do that for them without a POA... Came home and relaxed with Hubby for a bit...ate an early dinner and we both went to bed for a nap...got up at about 10pm and worked on waking up, dressed and walked to the Theater for the midnight showing of "X-Men Apocalypse"...so that's how we ended our Thursday and started our Friday (which Hubby had off)!! Weight: 131 # - limited downloads and not eating "properly" may be an issue...I need to keep up on the fiber... Activity: 2.76 miles logged on the pedometer Just walking...around the room for Washi Class, up stairs and down for the Library, around the LTO and to the Theater... Fooding: Meds - done! Dinner was early with extra snacks before the movie... Resting: Didn't relax much, per se...a little bit before we but took a late nap so we would be awake for the Midnight Movie... Technically didn't "go to bed" today... Pamper: Does a movie count...? Prepping: Nothing again... Tomorrow: Day off, so plan to clean the house together and relax before a busy weekend...and a show featuring the comedian Sinbad at the Theater... Weight: Weigh in first thing in the morning... Activity: House cleaning counts, right? Maybe "Buoy Training" if we get the house done early enough... Fooding: Dinner early... Resting: Take a nap after cleaning... Put feet up when able, but at least after dinner and before bed... Reasonable bedtime with major outing starting early on Saturday... Pamper: Attempt to soak... Prepping: Follow up on the stroller/car seat research... Update NF... Work on Calendar Pages... Register for July Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes... Discuss budget with Hubby... Research Breastpumps...

His went ok...he got cornered by what he called "Sea Lawyers"...Navy slang for a know-it-all...which derailed him because he had not actually done these things, I was always the one do to them. I had offered to sit in on his class so I could give him critique and pointers (I taught these very same classes once a month for over 2 years), but he didn't want me there, so unfortunately, I couldn't be much help to him cuz I didn't know what he did or didn't do... I am now...well, kinda starting this Friday...I had been on 4 week appointments, but my last one on May 20th, the Dr said to come back every 2 weeks...and my next one's gonna suck...I get the Glucose Screen...I'm a "true" hypoglycemic (low blood sugar due to a naturally over active pancreas rather than diet-induced over active pancreas - which can lead to diabetes), my diet is very healthy and I'm not showing any symptoms so my Dr doesn't think I have GD, but "it's procedure" and I have to do it...BLARG!!! I hadn't heard about water injections...that sounds terrible!! We're going all natural because I don't always react well to drugs...sometimes they work, sometimes they don't and sometimes I have an "odd" reaction...so I don't believe in "better living through chemistry"! I manage my Fibro as drug-free as possible...and had been totally med-free for almost a year before getting pregnant (with the exception of the occasional aspirin for a headache), so we're hopeful it will go relatively smoothly. But in the mean time, we're looking at natural techniques to see where we could possibly improve...

Week 27 Wednesday... This has been the "Week of the Favor"...pretty much EVERYONE I know has asked for a favor...I've even gotten phone calls out of the blue from people I haven't heard from in over 6 months asking for favors!! My own hubby has even been piling on "extra" crap on me...knowing that my plate is already overflowing... So now, I've reached the point that the next person who says "Hey Cat, can you...?" is gonna get throttled... Relatively uneventful day...but hella busy! Hubby insisted that it get up with him at 0500 so that I could work on his PowerPoint for his class that afternoon...WHAT?!? I thought he had let me off the hook the night before...I supposed not...so with coffee on the desk warmer and a bowl of dry fiber-rich cereal to munch, I got to work at 0600...but I only had until 0900 to get it done because I had an English lesson at 1000 to prep for (dress, fix hair, set out materials). Needless to say, it wasn't my best work, but it would do for a quick 30-minute instructions on the basics. Was a little late getting ready for my lesson making sure Hubby got the email and it would work for him...but my lesson went well, and after it, I went straight to my Yakitori Lesson. That ended up being shorter than expected...my Sensei had to take his mother to the dentist, so we wrapped up early...but it was still a good lesson! Lunch for me was on-the-go between my two lessons (thank goodness for Ensure and Naked Fruit drinks...). The afternoon poofed on me...I spent some extra time dealing with some arrangements...turns out the friend who changed his mind about me doing his Road Tax had changed it again...it seems he took my suggestion that the problem with his car might be his alternator to the mechanic and I was right! So now he needed his Road Tax done...I told him to bring it to me first thing the next morning (Thursday) and I'd do it that afternoon (Hubby had only a half day on Thursday and would be off on Friday...). Since I hadn't done the LTO run for my other friends yet, I could do them both together. So I had to run to the insurance office to update their (expired) insurance, so all I had to do was go straight to the LTO after my Washi Class the next day. I also got the email from Hubby confirming that his availability for the Childbirth and Breastfeeding classes would be in July...I made the call, but they only take reservations a month in advance...so I'll have to wait another week to register. Dinner was the last of the leftovers...nothing special, but this week's meal plan has gone right out the proverbial window... We also watched a DVD of a Lamaze Childbirth Class that I had checked out from the library...we didn't realize until it had started that it was filmed in the 1970's!! Needless to say, we found it more amusing that it was intended to be! Besides cracking jokes and Hubby passing out (partly from exhaustion and part boredom), we did realize their tips really won't work for us...or rather me. I've been dealing with drug-free pain management because of my Fibromyalgia for well over 10 years...so I'm well practiced at coping with severe pain when it strikes. I tried their techniques, but they didn't work...I found myself automatically falling into my Fibro Pain Control habits...which DID work!! And the "test" pain of having the husband grip as hard as he could on the woman's leg above the knee really didn't hurt me...not even when my Hubby used both hands and all of his weight...I'd felt MUCH worse during a Fibro Flare!! But I did discover that using their techniques were not nearly as useful as the ones I had already developed, which was probably why I automatically slipped back to those habits. So while the Lamaze Techniques they teach may be helpful to others, I am trusting my body and sticking with what I know and already use successfully. I also got a call in the late evening from an old acquaintance from a club we were members of that got shut down over 6 months ago! I had been voted in as Treasurer, but only served a month before an investigation on my predecessor was imposed. He gave me an update on what they had...asked me if I would be willing to serve as Treasurer for a club they are organizing in Atsugi (it was a Sportsmans Club on the Zama Base...I was the Archery Safety Marshal and Instructor) and if I would do the archery again. I pointed out that I could only do it interim since I was pregnant and due in three months and would be PCSing in about 9... apparently that was fine with him (and quite a surprise), he just needed someone to help get things started until they could gain membership and have a formal vote. He also wanted bank info from the previous club...primarily if I was still on the account. I told him I didn't know, but could swing by the bank to find out the next day....UGH!! More "Cat, can you...?"'s... I didn't relax much...no nap, but did get my feet up after dinner, and went to bed at a reasonable hour (sorry, I forgot the exact time)... Weight: 130.5 # - I think the liquid lunch at Yakitori samples from my lesson are the culprits... Activity: 2.08 miles logged on the pedometer I didn't do my planned "buoy training" and no extra activity or workout, mainly due to hectic scheduling... Fooding: Meds - done! Dinner was leftovers...but at least the fridge is getting cleared out... Resting: Didn't get a nap, I tried to relax as much as possible, which wasn't much, but was able to put my feet up a bit and again for a little while before bed... Made it to bed much earlier than I had been all week... Pamper: Nothing...again... Prepping: Got Hubby's availability for Childbirth and Breastfeeding classes Watched a DVD on Lamaze Childbirth Tomorrow: Last day of scheduling for the week...need to at least wrap up the essentials and work on the rest during the long weekend between play times... Weight: Weigh in first thing in the morning... Activity: Probably won't have time...again... Fooding: Dinner early... Resting: Take a nap with Hubby (to prep for the midnight showing of "X-men: Apocalypse"... Put feet up when able, but at least after dinner and before bed... No bedtime...Friday is day off, so weekend starts early... Pamper: Attempt to soak... Prepping: Follow up on the stroller/car seat research... Update NF... Work on Calendar Pages... Register for July Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes... Discuss budget with Hubby... Research Breastpumps...