Athaclena dusts off.....

[Athaclena]

Yeah - I fell off the boards.  I'm making progress with the diet.  Making progress with the going the *expletive*  to bed.  No progress on working out.

Full disclosure - I'm not in a good place right now.  I had a hellacious travel schedule last week.  Came home to my oldest kitty not feeling well.  Long story short - very aggressive cancer and had to say goodbye on Monday.  He had a good, long life with nary a problem before that.  We took him in when he was only a couple weeks old - almost 16 years ago.  He'd been with me 1/3 of my life.  But it still hurts dammit.  The other 2 kitties are definitely confused and are comforting me because they know I'm upset.

So this week is kind of regroup week.  I'm eating veggies - but not really "working" on anything else.  I'm just holding it together (thank the gods I'm not traveling this week).

This coming weekend I'm heading home (6 hours away) for 2 weeks to take care of Mom.  Her 2nd knee replacement is scheduled for Monday morning.  I'm not worried about the surgery - I'm worried about me losing it with my cousin who's basically spent the last 10 years harassing her trying to get her to move out of her house (she has a life estate) - and I swear by all that's holy that I will f'ing snap him in two if I see him while I'm there - or he chains the electric gate HE insisted be put in.  I'll be down there with our big ass truck - and I'll pull it out.  I'm not even kidding.

Ok - venting done for now.

So - my main focus the next challenge is MOVING - while keeping up with the rest.

So - the first 2 weeks I'm at Mom's - weather permitting, I'm walking around the family farm.  Every. Day.

Mom will insist on veggies - that won't be an issue.  I'll have to somewhat be on HER schedule, so going to bed at a decent hour shouldn't be an issue.  Try to relax - I need it.  And staying out of jail - that might be an issue.  I'm kidding - sort of.....

[Pherales]

I'm so very sorry for your loss.  Keeping moving is a great goal to have with everything going on right now.  Hopefully no major issues arise and your Mom heals up a-ok.

[GardenGeek]

Oh, the loss of a pet is so hard! I'm so sorry! It looks like you are treating yourself pretty well in light of all of that. Hugs!

[Miw_Sher]

I'm sorry for the loss of your kitten. It's really admirable that you are putting effort in impriving yourself while you are in such a difficult situation.

[Vibrantella]

I'm so sorry about the loss of your beloved kitty!  They hold a special place in our lives and hearts, and it's always hard to say goodbye.

 

Good luck with your challenge and your Mom's op!

[shadowmoonsedai]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your kitty and compounding family drama. Why are some people so GD awful? 

 

Hang in there! It sounds like you're definitely validated in snapping at your cousin, especially if you can do it productively. If he tries to lock the gate (electric fence wtf), call the police and tell them that he's impugning on your mother's right to shelter in her own home. Have an officer meet you at the gate while you contact your cousin and ask to have the gate opened. 

[Athaclena]

On 2/9/2017 at 11:15 AM, shadowmoonsedai said:

Hang in there! It sounds like you're definitely validated in snapping at your cousin, especially if you can do it productively. If he tries to lock the gate (electric fence wtf), call the police and tell them that he's impugning on your mother's right to shelter in her own home. Have an officer meet you at the gate while you contact your cousin and ask to have the gate opened. 

We have.  And they say it's a "family problem" they can't do anything about w\o a court order.  Which Mom was working on - but cousin agreed to stop chain\padlocking if an electric gate was put in.  So - they put in the gate and dropped the lawsuit a year ago.  I just found out he's started chaining\padlocking it again.  She's 68 with arthritis FFS.  She's already had to call law enforcement\fire department several times for help with the chain\padlock because she's physically unable to unlock the chain.  It's MADNESS!  I understand the family is actually getting back together after the last incident (involving 4 policemen on site) and getting together a new lawsuit for an injunction.  But the whole thing just has me boiling....

But hey - lots of nervous energy to blow off steam - that's a plus.  Always look on the bright side.  It might be a freight train - but it's bright.....

[Miw_Sher]

5 hours ago, Athaclena said:

We have.  And they say it's a "family problem" they can't do anything about w\o a court order.  Which Mom was working on - but cousin agreed to stop chain\padlocking if an electric gate was put in.  So - they put in the gate and dropped the lawsuit a year ago.  I just found out he's started chaining\padlocking it again.  She's 68 with arthritis FFS.  She's already had to call law enforcement\fire department several times for help with the chain\padlock because she's physically unable to unlock the chain.  It's MADNESS!  I understand the family is actually getting back together after the last incident (involving 4 policemen on site) and getting together a new lawsuit for an injunction.  But the whole thing just has me boiling....

But hey - lots of nervous energy to blow off steam - that's a plus.  Always look on the bright side.  It might be a freight train - but it's bright.....

 

That's horrible. I'd have lost my temper at him years ago. Isn't htere some kind of "elderly protection" thing in the USA?

[Athaclena]

7 hours ago, Miw_Sher said:

 

That's horrible. I'd have lost my temper at him years ago. Isn't htere some kind of "elderly protection" thing in the USA?

In theory - but in practice - it's LITERALLY unenforceable unless there is actual, physical assault\abuse.

Anyway - all packed, just need to pack up the truck and head out.  I'll try to post next week - may not be able to until Mom is back home (so Wed-ish  )

[Miw_Sher]

In theory - but in practice - it's LITERALLY unenforceable unless there is actual, physical assault\abuse.

 

Anyway - all packed, just need to pack up the truck and head out.  I'll try to post next week - may not be able to until Mom is back home (so Wed-ish [emoji4] )

 

That is sad. :/ in France the law is really strict about this kind of crap. At least according to my sister.

 

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[Athaclena]

Made it safely to Mom's. I get to talk to her new lawyer this week. It sounds like THIS lawyer will actually get things settled. So that's one less thing to stress over.....

 

I ate a veggie today. Huzzah!

[Pherales]

Hooray for competent lawyers and veggies!  Glad you made it safe

[Athaclena]

Sunday was a good day. Got in a nice walk and are veggies.

 

I'm at the hospital with Mom. She's going back in a few for her knee replacement (her second). Here's hoping all goes well. And truly, this is good incentive to lose the weight because knee replacements are a family thing I'd like to avoid for as long as possible.

[Miw_Sher]

Happy t9 hear things are sorting get themselves out!

 

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[fleaball]

I'm so sorry about your kitty.  And all the family ridiculousness. But I'm glad to hear there might be progress coming. 

 

Sending hugs and positive vibes your way. 

[Athaclena]

Mom is home. Definitely in pain, but home. We'll call the doc tomorrow as I don't recall her being in this much pain last time and see if he can add something for a day or 2. I swear there was an additional pain med last time.

 

While I haven't had a chance to walk the property the last 2 days, I've gotten some steps in hiking through hospitals and running around the house, as shown in my phone step counter. I'm also eating my veggies.

 

Tomorrow I should be able to get in at least one walkabout, 2 if I don't have to drive into town for meds. Fingers crossed the pain is better tomorrow.  It sounds like she's sleeping at least. Here's hoping we all get some sleep tonight.

[Miw_Sher]

Sorry to hear about your mom. :/ but hey, at least things will get better for her now.

 

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[Athaclena]

Mom has had a rough day. Lots of nausea to make her miserable on top of the pain. My hubby is trekking out now to the pharmacy to pick up a new prescription to help. While there are certainly perks to living out in the sticks, there are definite drawbacks. I think once that is settled she'll be more comfortable. Hopefully she can get more rest and keep some food down before rehab REALLY begins on Friday.

 

While I didn't get a walk in today due to weather (rain storms and lots of puddles/water where I'd be walking), I've already had my veggies. Sleep is wonky because I'm getting up to make sure mom is medicated on schedule because once they fully wear off, it's no bueno. And 2 to 3 doses to knock the pain back. Learned that the hard way last time.

 

I'll try to post an update tomorrow. I hope everyone is doing well on their challenges!

[Miw_Sher]

I'm so proud of you for going on despite all your troubles! Keep at it!

 

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[taymonsta]

I'm so sorry you are dealing with so much!  And I am very sad to hear of you losing your kitty... Losing furry family members is one of the most difficult losses. 

 

One reminder is that nutrition is 80-90 % of weight loss, so don't beat yourself up if you are unable to take a walk/ be active on a given day. Just remember to be both good and kind to yourself, and keep eating those veggies!  

[Athaclena]

Checking in.  Kept the diet in check.  Mom is doing VEEERY well.  Now to keep the diet in check now that I'm back home and prepping for traveling all over tarnation the next few weeks.  Trips are already on the books (from the east coast) to Northern CA, Southern CA, Denver AND London.  With more trips to Denver\Northern CA right afterwords.  And I thought I was going to be jetlagged in January.  That's a lot of time zones!  I'll have Gold status locked in for next year by the end of April - and I'm betting I make Platinum this year.  I'm really wishing I'd made it last year.....

[Athaclena]

Mom update: off the walker and cleared to drive - her last at home PT is tomorrow!  New lawyer is now fully up to speed and plan of action is ongoing.

 

My update:  It's official - I'm going to be living on the road for the next 5 weeks and crossing ALL SORTS of time zones (4 solid weeks of east coast to west coast followed closely by London - like fly back to ATL Thursday and fly to London Friday).  So my goals are going to be majorly tweaked.

1) Eat better.  Eat Veggies.  And eat MOAR veggies.  A MINIMUM of 2 servings per day.  Caveat - if the options are CRAP - I need to not get sick - so err on not getting sick.  Make the best choices I can.  Limit the bad carbs - eat WHOLE GRAIN where possible.  Don't default to burgers\fries - or at least toss the bread and don't eat ALL the fries.

2) Probiotics.  Pack them.  Take them.  I do NOT want to rely on Zantac\Tums.  Eat yogurt if it's available.  But seriously, pack the Zantac\Tums - because tummy issues are bad.  Just try to do everything to avoid taking them.

3) Sleep.  I'm going to be crossing 3+ time zones every week.  Just sleep - and stock up on the Formula 303 to help.

4) Walk.  Exercising will help.  Just do it!  And it'll be good before my London trip and for my day at the British Museum.  Yes, I'll do the Big Red Bus thing to get the highlights (Big Ben, Parliament LOL) - but I cannot remember a time that I haven't wanted to go to the British Museum.  Literally.  It's been on my bucket list since before I knew what they were.  This will be my first trip to London and I'm checking it off - if I have to crawl to do it (and seriously - after 5 solid weeks of flying coast to coast - I may be).

I don't know how often I'll be able to check in - but I'll try!

[Athaclena]

So, I've come down with a cold.  I pretty much hibernated yesterday - but managed to get clothes washed.  Feeling a BIT better today - although still have a headache from stuffed sinuses - alleviated a bit after some quality time with my neti pot.  I managed to clean the kitchen (well, dishes, need to find the energy to wipe down the counters), give the kitty boxes a good refresh and pack for travel marathon week 1.  I've been eating better and will try to keep that up - I know I need my vitamins!

I think I'm going to take a nap before making dinner though.

I'll try to check in once or twice this week - but don't hold me to it.  I am committed to making better food choices.  I'll be in airports and locations where that is possible this week at least

[Vibrantella]

On ‎02‎/‎03‎/‎2017 at 10:24 PM, Athaclena said:

Yes, I'll do the Big Red Bus thing to get the highlights (Big Ben, Parliament LOL) - but I cannot remember a time that I haven't wanted to go to the British Museum.

You're going to love it, I'm sure!  Is there a particular area/period you're especially interested in?  The BM is big! (Not as big as the Louvre, though, but it would still take a couple of days to see everything).

[Athaclena]

14 hours ago, Vibrantella said:

You're going to love it, I'm sure!  Is there a particular area/period you're especially interested in?  The BM is big! (Not as big as the Louvre, though, but it would still take a couple of days to see everything).

Ancient Egypt! My first choice of career as a child was Archaeology, but I realized early on that making a career out of it probably wouldn't pay the bills so I just enjoy the exhibits. The British Museum houses the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities outside of Egypt - and is a hell of a lot safer to visit. Some day I hope to make it to Giza, but I've made do with a few large ziggurats in Mexico. Macchu Picchu is also on my bucket list and more likely to happen if the Middle East doesn't calm down. 

 

I had a good travel day, all things considered.  Stayed on point with food and got my steps in. I could have done without the 5.5 hours in a middle seat while the plane felt very sauna like, but I've managed no middle seats for the rest of my 5 week zig zag across the US (and across the pond) so I made it through. The decongestant did it's job and no head exploding. I brought my neti pot and am glad I did. I can breathe! So here's hoping for a good night's sleep!