Darkfoxx 73: Ramadan Edition

[darkfoxx]

Ramadan will hit around April 13 this year and stretch for that lunar month. This usually means gyms shift schedules around to accommodate later hours, everything pretty much shifts later, with shops and the like staying open until Midnight or 1 every night. Some things open as late as Noon; some actually later - or some shops have a big gap in the afternoon when they are closed. 

 

So. Were I not planning on pretty much staying home, this time of year is frustrating. Frustrating, getting hot, and you’re not allowed to drink or eat in public. So. No coffees or breakfasts out. Lots of dinner buffets to go around. 

 

I’m hoping to treat this year like last year and have it be a non-event. 

 

I’m not in the mental space to buckle down and add too much to my life fitness or weight watching wise - I’ll stay the course with nutrition (adding back in MFP tracking this cycle and macro adherence next cycle), and work on finding a better balance between foods that don’t piss my GI system off and foods that are healthy and nutritious. Again. I need some FODMAP veggie inspo. 

 

Goal 1: Nutrition

 

Staying the course on my more recent nutritional guidelines: Smaller portions, less meat, more veggies, nutrient dense food options, no GI issues. Drink enough water. Eat with an eye toward Base MFP goals for slow weight loss: 1,260 calories, 20% protein, 50% carbs, 30% fat but without judgement if I go over or under on calories. Basically, eat what I’m going to eat - but by the fact of tracking, that tends to be more reasonable. I’ll also be continuing on with my probiotics and digestive enzymes in an effort to help with gut issues. I haven’t yet seen any measurable difference I can pinpoint to those two things, but they haven’t hurt - and I’m not yet out of either thing. 

 

 

Goal 2: Fitness 

 

Staying my Druidy course of action (shocker) with 4ish yoga classes per week - hoping to continue my M/T/W/F schedule, with walking to and from the studio. We shall see what curveballs Ramadan throws me there. 

 

Goal 3: Fulfillment 

 

This goal encompasses a bunch of small things I have going on a daily basis already - with a couple tweaks. Some bloggy stuff, some creative stuff, some dog stuff. 

 

Checklisty Stuff

 

Daily

 

[ - ] Duolingo Arabic classes

[ - ] Digital art practice: 

[ - ] Enrichment for the pups: 

[ - ] Yoga class: 

[ - ] Breakfast: 

[ - ] Probiotic & Enzymes

  Lunch:

[ - ] Probiotic & Enzymes

  Dinner:

[ - ] Probiotic & Enzymes

  Snacks:

[ - ] Picture of the Day + Daily meal collage

 

Weekly/Challenge

 

[ - ] Promote W30 recipes e-Book in at least a blog post 

[ - ] Post weekly recipe 

[ - ] Schedule & post March/April Pins

[ - ] Stay connected with the world outside my little bubble - be it through keeping my regularly scheduled weekly chat or attempting to forge new connections. 

[Heidi]

And I'm here for it.

😎

[Big_Show]

I hadn't made the connection before, but lockdowns over here have actually reminded me a lot of Ramadan when I lived over there .  Bit worrying to think of all the big family gatherings still occurring at sunset etc. though.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

I may have told this story before, so forgive me if you've already heard it.

 

I was looking for a new place to eat and tried a Lebanese Buffet. It was awesome, and there was lots of food out, but I was the only one there. I commented to the staff when paying before I left that the food was amazing, I couldn't believe the place was so empty. They told me it was Ramadan, and after sunset the place would be packed. 

 

[Scaly Freak]

Here for the food pictures.  

[darkfoxx]

On 3/22/2021 at 9:24 PM, Heidi said:

And I'm here for it.

😎

Thx, friend! 

 

On 3/22/2021 at 9:54 PM, Big_Show said:

I hadn't made the connection before, but lockdowns over here have actually reminded me a lot of Ramadan when I lived over there .  Bit worrying to think of all the big family gatherings still occurring at sunset etc. though.

Oh yeah - they’re still threatening a lockdown, and things like kids’ athletics have been shutting down early or entirely. Schools right now are the big community spread points. 

 

On 3/23/2021 at 12:34 AM, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

I may have told this story before, so forgive me if you've already heard it.

 

I was looking for a new place to eat and tried a Lebanese Buffet. It was awesome, and there was lots of food out, but I was the only one there. I commented to the staff when paying before I left that the food was amazing, I couldn't believe the place was so empty. They told me it was Ramadan, and after sunset the place would be packed. 

 

I can imagine! And yum! 

 

On 3/23/2021 at 5:50 AM, Scaly Freak said:

Here for the food pictures.  

W00t!

[darkfoxx]

Mini Update Of Things 

 

While I balance my iPad keyboard on my knee because my sleepy boy has his head on my other knee/thigh. 

 

Soooo .... we’re moving! Still in the same part of town, but into a brand spanking new (not even open yet) building with a bunch of amenities + not only a dog-friendly walking area, but a private beach + boardwalk that are also dog friendly. So. Hoping this will be a good move and that my anxiety about all that can calm the F down after living there a few months without incident. Fingers crossed that we aren’t jumping from the frying pan into the fire. 

 

This place is smaller and has a layout that can either turn out to be frustrating or great. Less just completely open area, and it feels more like our favorite Brooklyn studio, but it’s bright, we actually like the furnishings, and the leasing agent has assured me that they haven’t received any dog complaints in the open buildings yet (there are currently around 20 dogs in residence), and that if there is an issue, they’ll shift one of us into another unit. He also looked at me like I was cray - like: uh, yeah, it’s a dog-friendly building ... people understand that. 

 

We shall see. I’m very cautiously optimistic. We should be moving in June. 

 

I’ve mostly yoga-ed - Monday was good; went out for the team dinner with DH’s work that night. Tuesday skipped yoga in favor of going to see the apartment and then ate delivery hummus, saj bread, fries & grilled chicken. Today’s yoga was good and I walked over for a second look at the place to measure things before committing. 

 

Have snuggled the pups a bunch, talked to my girlfriends about my big decision, and napped lots. Tomorrow’s Self-Care Thursday is definitely still needed. I may just nap all damn day. 

[Terra]

the new place sounds amazing!  I hope it works for you!!!  

 

 

[Heidi]

2 hours ago, darkfoxx said:

Tomorrow’s Self-Care Thursday is definitely still needed. I may just nap all damn day. 

This has been a big week!

Please take care of you -- nap as much as you want!

❣️

[Scaly Freak]

3 hours ago, darkfoxx said:

This place is smaller and has a layout that can either turn out to be frustrating or great. Less just completely open area, and it feels more like our favorite Brooklyn studio, but it’s bright, we actually like the furnishings, and the leasing agent has assured me that they haven’t received any dog complaints in the open buildings yet (there are currently around 20 dogs in residence), and that if there is an issue, they’ll shift one of us into another unit. He also looked at me like I was cray - like: uh, yeah, it’s a dog-friendly building ... people understand that. 

 

That's exactly what I was thinking when I read the paragraph above this one... the building attracts dog people, who are a lot more likely to be understanding about dog problems, as long as it's not an aggressive dog that attacks people/pets. This is a good thing, if it holds!

[Loveable_Bouncer]

Yay for hopes with new place!!

Here to follow along also!

[Renate]

12 hours ago, Scaly Freak said:

the building attracts dog people,

 

And, hopefully dissuades non-dog people from coming?

 

I know I am not used to pets in general anymore, and I am very aurally sensitive, so noise from dogs and such is definitely smth I would look out for. Then again, I am very conflict averse and checking if I can be comfortable without ASKING for it is smth I do anyway

 

So good to read, Darkfoxx ❤️ Hope it holds and your anxiety can be soothed by that!

[darkfoxx]

Have spent the morning alternating between pre-pre-pre storage furniture shopping & making my island trailer for Animal Crossing:

 

 

I’m pretty ok with how it’s turned out. Wish I could add 3 more scenic spots, but maybe I’ll just have to make an alternate version with my B-Roll locations ... 

 

 

 

[darkfoxx]

Whelp, gyms have shut again. 

 

The latest round of restrictions: 

 

All the restrictions will be effective from Friday, March 26, 2021, until further notice.

1. WORKPLACE

• No more than 80% of the total number of employees allowed in government and private workplaces, while the rest of the employees should work from their homes, and only go to the workplace upon request and depending on the circumstances.
• No more than 5 employees allowed in meetings in the governmental and private sectors, while taking precautionary measures.

2. RESTAURANTS & CAFES

Restaurants and cafes to provide food and beverages according to the following:

• Capacity does not exceed 15% for all indoor restaurants and cafes.
• Capacity does not exceed 50% in restaurants and cafés certified by the "Clean Qatar" program, with a capacity of no more than 30% for the rest of the restaurants and cafes in the open spaces.

3. TRANSPORTATION

• The number of people who are transported by buses to be half of the bus’s capacity, while taking precautions and precautionary measures.
• Capacity in Metro services and public transport should not exceed 30% on weekdays and 20%, on Fridays and Saturdays. Designated smoking areas will remain closed and not allowing food and drink to be consumed in other ways of mentioned transport.
• No more than four people to be in the vehicle, including the driver of the vehicle, with the exception of family members residing in the same house.

4. EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING CENTERS

• Private educational centers and training centers allowed to provide their services through remote communication programs only.
• Capacity of nurseries and childcare facilities to remain at 30%.
• Capacity of public museums and libraries to be reduced to 30%.
• Individual educational sessions to be continue in centers designated for people with special needs.
• Driving schools closed until further notice.

5. SPORTS

• Not to allow the training of sports teams, whether in closed or open spaces, with the exception of preparatory training for local and international tournaments approved for teams within the bubble system.

6. COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS

• Reducing the capacity of commercial complexes to 30%, not allowing children under 12 years old to enter, and closing all prayer areas in these complexes, while continuing to close all food courts inside the commercial complexes, and allowing these restaurants to make external requests or deliver them inside the restaurant only.
• Reducing the capacity of cinemas to 20%, not allowing entry to persons under (18) years, and not organizing theatrical performances except after obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Public Health.
• Reducing the capacity of popular markets to 30%, and not allowing children under 12 years of age to enter.
• Salons and barbers continue the operation of with a capacity of no more than (30%).
• Closure of amusement parks and all recreational centres until further notice.
• Closure of health clubs, physical training clubs until further notice
• Closure of massage services, saunas, steam, Jacuzzi and Moroccan and Turkish baths until further notice, except for the use of lounges in hotels for guests.
• Close all swimming pools and water parks until further notice.
• Reducing the operational capacity of services provided by cleaning and hospitality companies during the working hours of contracting establishments to 30%, allowing their services to be provided with a full capacity outside the working hours of those facilities, and allowing their services to be provided at home through only one person.

7. BEACHES & PARKS

• Closure of playgrounds and exercise equipment in public parks.
• Beaches and the corniche, with gatherings being restricted to family members residing in the same house or two people as a maximum.

8. MOSQUES

• The continued opening of mosques to perform the daily duties and Friday prayers, with the continued closure of toilets and ablution facilities.

9. SOCIAL GATHERINGS

• Preventing social gatherings and visits in closed places in homes and councils, and permitting the presence of a maximum of 5 people in open spaces. 
• Permitting the presence of family members residing in the same house only in winter camps.
• No wedding ceremony is allowed.

10. EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

• Obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health to hold exhibitions, conferences and various events.
• Obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health to organize local and international sporting events.

11. HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

• The capacity of private healthcare facilities reduced to 70%.

12. BOATS

• Boat rental services including tourist yachts and other boats will remain suspended with the exception of rental services for family members residing in the same house.
• It is the responsibility of boat and yacht owners to ensure that only the family members residing in the same house are on board.

Source: Qatar News Agency, Qatar Cabinet

[darkfoxx]

The yoga studio has posted videos, but are not offering live classes via Zoom, so I’ll be checking with the Zoom gym I was attending classes through during the last gym shutdown. I should be able to get 3 classes in via that source per week; hoping my favorite functional teacher will be offering more classes via the other platform during the day. And I’ll be supplementing with Ring Fit on days there is no class to attend. I’ll be extending this to my “day off” - Thursdays - to do at least something to offset the lack of walking to and from class. 

 

I should also be going out for walks, but realistically I won’t be forcing myself to do so unless I actually want to do it. 

 

We should still be able to go out on Sundays for our mall walks, and I should be able to get groceries either then, or I can designate a day to grab groceries and maybe have breakfast out. 

 

I’ll be keeping my Tuesday coffee date via Houseparty as well, too. 

 

Since I’ll be in lockdown light (not like I’m leaving the house a lot anyways tbh), I’ll also likely go through the apartment and purge a bunch of shit in advance of the move and for something to do. 

 

 

[Wild Wolf]

23 hours ago, darkfoxx said:

Soooo .... we’re moving! Still in the same part of town, but into a brand spanking new (not even open yet) building with a bunch of amenities + not only a dog-friendly walking area, but a private beach + boardwalk that are also dog friendly

Well that sounds lovely! I hope it effects your anxiety in a positive manner and you’re able to be a little more stress-free while enjoying the new crib  

 

Following! Lockdown Light ain’t got nothing on you, girl!

 

Wolf

[Rurik Harrgath]

8 hours ago, darkfoxx said:

so I’ll be checking with the Zoom gym I was attending classes through

 

I should also be going out for walks, but realistically I won’t be forcing myself to do so unless I actually want to do it. 

 

Daily walks have actually stuck with me for the most part (my natural human aversion makes me want to get up earlier and beat the walking path crowds too) but I'm somewhat missing the Muay Thai class structure... so that is something I might start looking into!

[darkfoxx]

19 hours ago, Wild Wolf said:

Well that sounds lovely! I hope it effects your anxiety in a positive manner and you’re able to be a little more stress-free while enjoying the new crib  

 

Following! Lockdown Light ain’t got nothing on you, girl!

 

Wolf

Thanks! I’m hoping so - I know that now that particular anxiety gremlin is out, about, and has hella power from being fed for so long that wrestling its ass out of existence (or at least back into its tiny box) is going to be an uphill battle. Hoping that with time and people not being dickwads + a change of scenery away from said place where people have been dickwads + a hopeful shift to more actual sunlight in my living situation (Hue lights have been a damn lifesaver but apparently I’ve turned into a houseplant in my old age), it’ll be easier to move past that shit. DH helps where he can, but he’s 99% clueless on either what’s going on, how to help, or that help is even needed or possible. 

 

17 hours ago, Rurik Harrgath said:

 

Daily walks have actually stuck with me for the most part (my natural human aversion makes me want to get up earlier and beat the walking path crowds too) but I'm somewhat missing the Muay Thai class structure... so that is something I might start looking into!

We shall see. I get so damn anxious about leaving the house that I spin myself up and get vaporlocked thinking about it. Add to that being terrified that if i leave the house by myself + the dogs bark we’ll get thrown out of our apartment, have to move back to the states with 2 unemployed people + the ton of expense that would incur will land us in a crappy van down by the river - well, it’s no wonder this is a .... thing. 

 

Fully acknowledging that my anxiety is a hyperbolic asshole who deserves to be starved to death. 

 

Also fully acknowledging that parts of me super don’t wanna do that. 

 

#itsfuninmyhead 😆

 

As for Zoom classes, I really like my Zoom yoga. I don’t feel like I grow as much in my practice with a solely Zoom-based approach (partially me, partially injury, partially instructors who rail against Zoom), but I enjoy not having to leave the house + all the barriers keeping me from being consistent with my own practice (i.e. schedule, location and accountability) being removed. It was - and will become again - my jam. 

 

Did I tell y’all that we got our vaccine calls? Just got the SMS last night with the appointment details - both of us are scheduled for our local medical center on April 11th about an hour apart from each other. We’ll both go for the earlier slot to see if he can be seen at the same time on his side of things (men and women are segregated into areas from what I’ve heard). 

 

[darkfoxx]

Thursday

 

Had a mild pout as I tried to figure out what’s going on with my next — probably month? — while things are locked back down a bit. I’m assuming we will remain at this level until after Ramadan is over, with the potential for full lockdown either halfway through or right after depending upon how well behaved Ramadan celebrants are this year. 

 

The regular schedule is up for the gym that had good Zoom coverage, and I can cobble something together there. My studio has posted something about Zoom, but it looks like they’re just replay videos, so that’s not really Zoom class. One of my Olakaola instructors isn’t currently teaching anything but yin; the other has at least 1 class a week listed, but it’s adjusted for UK time. I’m not yoga-ing at 7:30pm. 

 

So. We shall see what pans out there in the next few days. I’m going to worry about it again come Sunday when I’m planning next week and make my adjustments accordingly. 

 

I also need to kick my ass into gear this next week and start cranking out some good recipes again - I skipped a week posting a recipe a couple weeks ago because I’ve been in such a rut food-wise. I’m tired of the same few veggies I keep buying, miss the high FODMAP veggies I know kill my bowels, and am in the generally annoyed with my life and all food in it space I pop in and out of - especially when I’m eating garbage. Which I have been quite a lot - too much damn brown food and mostly carbs. 

 

Well, no wonder I’m not thrilled about my body. 

 

I’m a houseplant and need at least diffused sunlight (I love me a good white mist wall) but feel like an actual serotonin tap has been opened when I can feel a bit of ouchless sun on my body.

 

I’m scared of vegetables that are going to aggravate my GI system. 

 

My favorite vegetables do just that - and I miss them. 

 

Pretty bright colored veggies: same. 

 

Other dark leafies like kale and chard: hard to come by here. 

 

My entire week centers around walking to and from - and attending - yoga; and 2/3 of that equation is not happening right now. 

 

I’ve steadily let myself overeat foods I know don’t serve how my brain feels about my body (carbs may not hurt me, but they tend to pack on the pounds).

 

I’m generally unhappy with the slubbiness in my surroundings - of which clothing plays a part - and weight. 

 

And more shit, I’m sure. 

 

Steps to pull myself out of this small trench before it becomes a yawning chasm: 

 

Plan some more veggie-packed and colorful meals that don’t necessarily start with roasting a sheet pan of veggies.

Plan some more finger foods with crunch and fun snacks so I don’t need to eat full meals. 

Re-start tracking through MFP. If I’m thinking of eating something and don’t want to go through the drama of adding it into MFP, I don’t need to be eating that. Choose differently. 

No more appetizer + meal with delivery - Yes, it may be 6 months before DH agrees to eat at X place, or it may be a year - or never - before we remember it exists at all, but So. Freaking. What. Stop using that as an excuse to over-order. 

Being more conscious about eating the least amount to be full. 

Finishing a full drink with a meal (eew). 

At least spending time on the porch each day. 

Getting my workouts in - and kick that up to 5x a week. I no longer have being outside the house among humans as something that’s going to drain me, so I need to at least do some Ring Fit if I don’t have a Zoom yoga class. 

Keep things around the house at least surface tidy. 

Take some time each day to play with the dogs and/or work on some form of training that doesn’t involve sitting on the couch. 

Keep up with my daily art practice. 

Keep up with my daily Animal Crossing. 

Keep up with my physical crafts as possible. 

Keep my Hue lights up on max and either in the yellow light spectrum or the galaxy setup that also makes me happy. 

Purge some shit. 

Pre-shop for the new place. 

Strategize how to deal with the space and storage allotment provided by that place. 

Make a point to go out with DH at least on Sundays for our mall walks, but also try to get him to add in some time out together on Saturdays as well. He usually games the second he gets home & dinner + all day Saturday + a chunk of Sunday; he can cut back Saturday afternoon pre-stream. Or, if he’s not having it, I can leave him and the dogs home and go for a walk after breakfast until he wants to break for lunch. 

Take care of the things on my body that I know how to address with my PT exercises and trigger point massages so I’m not limiting myself even more because I’m broken. 

Actually reach out to the couple friends I do have in the same (or similar) time zones if I’m having a particularly rough day. 

Keep up my Self-Care Thursdays day, adding in either a yoga workout or Ring Fit workout before I take my shower - and having some sort of pamper day elsewise. I need to grab some more face masks, because that was nice in lockdown 1. Also: play with makeup that day. And put on real (or at least real-ish) clothes. Not whatever lounge set I’m wearing as my primary outfit for the week. 

With the above, I still want to add a little variety into my loungewear wardrobe - maybe a third new outfit? Ooh. This may be a good opportunity to pull the trigger on that Black Craft long tee I’ve been eyeballing but probably won’t wear outside .... 

 

I’m sure I’ll think of more things to add, or adjust as needed. 

[sarakingdom]

1 minute ago, darkfoxx said:

Other dark leafies like kale and chard: hard to come by here. 

 

But grow easily on a windowsill...

[darkfoxx]

25 minutes ago, sarakingdom said:

 

But grow easily on a windowsill...

I mean ... yes. In theory. Had one a windowsill or anything but the blackest of thumbs. Theoretically and for those plant goddesses that can get things to grow, hells to the yes. On my sandy af balcony in 120F temps - with my plant murderyness - I’ll leave that to those more capable and continue to pine for my favorite leafies when they can’t be found at my local grocery (or when they cost over $10 a kilo). 

 

But - thanks for the reminder. I had completely forgotten to see if the garden center had tomatoes this winter. Bummer. The local CSA is winding down for the year soon as well - I should make it a point to have my system in line enough to join next year. 

 

Ooh. I wonder if I can get an appointment slot at the local “farmer’s market” (read: “healthy” junk food stalls + Pinteresty wares + a sad veggies guy that most likely sources from a local grocery store but somehow always makes me feel equal parts excited that things are available here anyways and exhausted from the litany of bitchiness coming from the direction of DH the yearly time I drag him there). I’d like to see what new products have popped up this past year. 

[darkfoxx]

Also bummer news: We may not be able to make the timing line up between the new place and this place, so the move may be off. Aaaaaaaaaaaand we won’t know that until late next month. 

 

Yay, walking the balance between launching myself into planning as a distraction & pre-mourning the vision of shit I’d seen a path toward realizing. 

[sarakingdom]

4 hours ago, darkfoxx said:

I mean ... yes. In theory. Had one a windowsill or anything but the blackest of thumbs. Theoretically and for those plant goddesses that can get things to grow, hells to the yes. On my sandy af balcony in 120F temps - with my plant murderyness - I’ll leave that to those more capable and continue to pine for my favorite leafies when they can’t be found at my local grocery (or when they cost over $10 a kilo). 

 

I cannot give advice on black thumbs, as mine is merely somewhat brown, but I can help with lack of windowsill. The way to think of your apartment is as a perfectly climate controlled greenhouse that just needs light. If the windows can't provide it, a plant light can. And is way cheaper than $10 a kilo.  

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

5 hours ago, darkfoxx said:

Also bummer news: We may not be able to make the timing line up between the new place and this place, so the move may be off. Aaaaaaaaaaaand we won’t know that until late next month. 

 

Yay, walking the balance between launching myself into planning as a distraction & pre-mourning the vision of shit I’d seen a path toward realizing. 

[darkfoxx]

Friday 

 

Yay. My primary yoga studio got their ish together and has most of my classes available va live Zoom now. I’ve signed up for my regular Monday & Tuesday classes - I know one of those instructors absolutely hates Zoom, so we will see how it goes there and I may readjust in the latter half of the week. 

 

Ate too much in the way of snacks and Outback fries that I wasn’t actually enjoying, but so it goes. 

 

Saturday update early 

 

Made it a point to go walk to the end of the marina circle between breakfast & lunch. Grabbed a coffee while out and coordinated my eyeshadow look with the Indian print skirt I was wearing - orange/red/blue. 

 

Now waiting for DH to go live on Twitch for his weekly bad game play through.