Athaclena - Reinforcing the Basics

[Athaclena]

Last challenge I barely kept my head above water - because life happens.  I'll go into that below for those that are interested.

 

Travel looks to be a bit lighter this go 'round - but life things are in force!  So I'm going to focus on the basics and continue plugging away at that workout thing!

So - my goals this challenge:

 

1) Back to food journaling - I did virtually NONE the last couple of weeks - when I was at near 100% with it for the previous 4
2) Continue to take my probiotic (can't let this fall off - it's KEY to me feeling well while traveling)
3) Walk.  Just Walk.  Gonna make 5k steps\day as my goal and just work it in somehow.  Dammit.

4) Do my best to keep a sleep schedule\get enough sleep (doing well here, but need to monitor)

5) Try to check in here at least once per week - since I'm home - try to check in on a couple of other threads.  I've been good about not falling COMPLETELY off grid - but didn't check on ANYONE ELSE's threads last go 'round

6) Put these goals in Habitica and keep track

OK - life.  I have some friends who were in Central Florida that lost their jobs a couple of months ago and could NOT find new jobs.  They were part of the crew that were in town and stayed with us a week a month or so back for a big Lan Party for the online gaming group my husband is affiliated with - and they have a little 4 year old daughter.  They were about to have their power cut off and get kicked out of their trailer (and we're talking classic, every horror story you've heard, trailer environment) - even after cashing out their 401k's.  Her mother - who convinced them to move down there in the first place - away from good jobs - with offers of "we'll help you out" had a crap ton of strings attached to that help.  I spent many hours talking to my friend and pretty much determined that her family needed to get out of the environment - including her ultra controlling Mom.

So - while down in Central Florida (week before last) taking care of hubby's family stuff (putting his father's ashes with his mother's at their church, wrangling with county government figuring out what - if anything - we need to do to sell his dad's property, wading through the container that's been sitting on the property for 10 years to see what - if anything was salvageable), we packed up her, her family, and what we could reasonably salvage from their trailer and moved her up to Atlanta.  Hubby's dad's house has been sitting empty - they're now mostly in it - have lines on jobs and until they have them - food stamp assistance.  We'll make sure they have a place to stay with the lights on until they can pay rent (fingers crossed - not long) and fed until they have assistance and jobs (I've been doing some SERIOUS bulk cooking).  It's been exhausting - and will be a bit of a financial bind until they can pay rent - but it'll be worth it to break them free of their situation. It just pisses me off to NO END that any parent would do what her mother did to try to force her will on her - and making her child and granddaughter (because the son in law is a complete non-entity to her as far as I can tell) live the way they were.  Hopefully they can quickly put their life back together here - and if her mom wants to see them, she can driver her ass 7 hours up here to visit.

[Wobbegong]

Sounds like a lot of tough stuff going down, but I just want to say that's really spectacularly awesome that you can do that for your friends. I hope they get back on their feet soon, and I hope things even out for you too!

 

Your challenge goals look great! Hang in there and take care of yourself first, and the rest will fall in line. Sounds like you may not be around the forums much, but if I may ask, how do you like Habitica?

[Athaclena]

1 hour ago, Wobbegong said:

Sounds like a lot of tough stuff going down, but I just want to say that's really spectacularly awesome that you can do that for your friends. I hope they get back on their feet soon, and I hope things even out for you too!

 

Your challenge goals look great! Hang in there and take care of yourself first, and the rest will fall in line. Sounds like you may not be around the forums much, but if I may ask, how do you like Habitica?

We do what we can - we believe in paying it forward to those that need some help.  I think they'll get on their feet quickly here where there are more jobs available in their industry.

 

As for Habitica - it's cute.  I don't REALLY gamify stuff - but it's good for keeping track and letting me know how I'm doing.  It's something else I haven't logged into for a few weeks  

[fleaball]

Wow you're a super awesome friend. Good for you for doing all that. Sorry about all the accompanying stress but hopefully it comes back around for you. 

[Vibrantella]

Keep up the great challenge work!

 

You sound like a wonderful friend.  What goes around, comes around!

[Bean Sidhe]

This sounds like a great challenge and you are a wonderful person for helping them. It can be a bit straining having extra people in your home for a long period, but it sounds like they really needed the help and they are lucky to have great friends in you and your husband.

[Hymnusal]

On 6/26/2017 at 3:05 PM, Athaclena said:

As for Habitica - it's cute.  I don't REALLY gamify stuff - but it's good for keeping track and letting me know how I'm doing.  It's something else I haven't logged into for a few weeks  

 

I just checked it out and may start using it to help me keep the task list of doom in check... thanks for mentioning it!

 

Life things sound intense, they're really lucky you were able to help them out. Hope you continue to keep your head above water

[Wobbegong]

Hey Athaclena, how's it going? I know you've got a lot of life stuff going on and I'm not sure how much you intend to be around NF, but it's been a while so I thought I'd check in. 

 

Keep us posted on your progress and let us know if there's anything we can do to help!

[adamantlycaustic]

It makes me sad to hear about your friend but I'm immensely glad she has such a great friend in you. It's nice to see a little southern hospitality in action It looks like your goals are manageable so I hope we hear back from you soon.

[Athaclena]

Just a drive by check-in.  Work has become insane and I'm holding on by my fingernails.  This quarter is FULL of needy, big clients.

I've actually lost some inches (well, maybe not PLURAL) - my jeans fit better.  But I think it's stress and not eating right (but not going completely off the reservation) rather than anything else.  For instance, I completely forgot to eat breakfast this morning....

Working on getting enough sleep (which travel is interfering with - or did last week) and step goals aren't happening.  But I didn't want to completely fall off the reservation and report in that I'm still focusing on the basics.  Sleep. Keeping up with eating better. Moving more (which I am - just not enough).

Anyway - back to my next con call.  I swear earbuds are permanently attached.....

[Wobbegong]

Keep it up Athaclena! We all have a week or two during a 4WC that doesn't go as planned (or even come close) but it's great to hear you're sticking with it! It sounds like you may be making progress regardless (even if it may not be for the reasons you'd like). As long as you recognize that high-stress skipping breakfast isn't a sustainable weight loss program for you, I think it's ok to let it happen when it does and get back on track when you can. 

 

You got this!

[Bean Sidhe]

1 hour ago, Athaclena said:

Just a drive by check-in.  Work has become insane and I'm holding on by my fingernails.  This quarter is FULL of needy, big clients.

I've actually lost some inches (well, maybe not PLURAL) - my jeans fit better.  But I think it's stress and not eating right (but not going completely off the reservation) rather than anything else.  For instance, I completely forgot to eat breakfast this morning....

Working on getting enough sleep (which travel is interfering with - or did last week) and step goals aren't happening.  But I didn't want to completely fall off the reservation and report in that I'm still focusing on the basics.  Sleep. Keeping up with eating better. Moving more (which I am - just not enough).

Anyway - back to my next con call.  I swear earbuds are permanently attached.....

 

*hugs* You are doing something and you haven't given up with all you have going on, that in itself is a win.

[Athaclena]

Drive by update.  HOW IS IT ONLY WEDNESDAY!

Keeping on, keeping on.  Somehow getting my sleep in.  Doing more steps - better than nothing.  Keeping a handle on the food.  I think I'm recovered from last week's travel fiasco.  Which is good because I fly across the country Monday.

 

Hope everyone else is hanging in there!

[Wobbegong]

1 hour ago, Athaclena said:

Drive by update.  HOW IS IT ONLY WEDNESDAY!

Keeping on, keeping on.  Somehow getting my sleep in.  Doing more steps - better than nothing.  Keeping a handle on the food.  I think I'm recovered from last week's travel fiasco.  Which is good because I fly across the country Monday.

 

Hope everyone else is hanging in there!

 

You're doing great! Keep it up! (Most other people are also hanging in there, although we've got a few who've hit their early challenge stumbling blocks. It's natural at this point in the challenge. We got this.) 

[Severine]

Just wanted to check in and say it's good to see you here, especially with everything you've got going on. Also, as someone who grew up in a family that benefited from the generosity of my mother's friends, I want to say that you rule   It's always good to see people willing to help each other when there's so much bleakness in the world.

[Athaclena]

Another quick drive by.

 

Since when did lots of stress change to not eating from eating?  I'll take it.  My clothes are fitting better.  Just need to figure out some stress relief things that are not calorie based (and hopefully maybe burn some calories).  I HAVE been making better food choices - even when starving and in a time crunch so I think that has helped.  I'm considering switching back to smoothies for breakfast almost sheerly out of convenience.  And pack pre-measured packets for when I'm on the road to avoid bad breakfast food choices - or at least have that as an option.

 

Meeting schedule has been insane.  Like - I'm looking forward to a 5.5 hour flight tonight so NO ONE CAN TALK TO ME insane.  I'm packed and ready to head out.  I'll try to update Friday with how I do this week...

 

Oh - and on the Supernatural front - I have now binge watched (over the last 6 or so weeks) every episode.  I am now bereft.  Can't wait for the new season to start in October!  At least I'll have a few weeks of GOT - but I haven't watched last nights episode - so NO SPOILERS!

[Wobbegong]

I'm very envious of people who are stress not-eaters instead of stress eaters. Congrats on the shift? Not that undereating is good for you, but as long as you're aware of that (and it sounds like you are) and are trying to lower your stress, you might as well enjoy the benefits, right? 

 

Good luck with your meetings and your flight, and congrats on your good food choices over the past few days. Definitely convenient is the way to go, so whatever works for you on that front is what I'd recommend, whether it's smoothies or pre-packed grab-and-go breakfasts. 

 

Keep it up! 

[Athaclena]

30 minutes ago, Wobbegong said:

I'm very envious of people who are stress not-eaters instead of stress eaters. Congrats on the shift? Not that undereating is good for you, but as long as you're aware of that (and it sounds like you are) and are trying to lower your stress, you might as well enjoy the benefits, right? 

I know - right?  When did this become me?  This weekend I decided it was too much trouble to go out for a burger, I didn't want another pizza - so f' it - I'll eat the salad in the fridge.  WHO DOES THAT?!

But seriously - my clothes are fitting better and my feet haven't been swollen (water retention has been a problem).  I've had some trouble sleeping the last couple of weeks - but I'm using some natural supplements to help me get that back under control - because I know when THAT truly goes - the house of cards plummets.

[fleaball]

5 hours ago, Athaclena said:

Oh - and on the Supernatural front - I have now binge watched (over the last 6 or so weeks) every episode.  I am now bereft.  Can't wait for the new season to start in October!  At least I'll have a few weeks of GOT - but I haven't watched last nights episode - so NO SPOILERS!

I'm so sad I missed my chance to say "spoiler: everyone dies" in Supernatural.

[Wobbegong]

5 hours ago, fleaball said:

I'm so sad I missed my chance to say "spoiler: everyone dies" in Supernatural.

Well drat, I'm only on Season 1. 

 

Just kidding, I know the Winchesters die more frequently than Goku.  

[Bean Sidhe]

On 7/24/2017 at 11:05 AM, Athaclena said:

I know - right?  When did this become me?  This weekend I decided it was too much trouble to go out for a burger, I didn't want another pizza - so f' it - I'll eat the salad in the fridge.  WHO DOES THAT?!

But seriously - my clothes are fitting better and my feet haven't been swollen (water retention has been a problem).  I've had some trouble sleeping the last couple of weeks - but I'm using some natural supplements to help me get that back under control - because I know when THAT truly goes - the house of cards plummets.

 

This is great to hear. Although it stinks it is from stress eating. I can do both. Sometimes all I want to do is eat, other times, food is not a thing and don't ask me to. Hopefully the sleeping is getting better and the clothes continue to fit better and you are eating?

[Athaclena]

It's Friday - and after a 5 hour delay (but I was awarded with a First Class upgrade - so I can't be THAT mad) I'm back on the east coast from Seattle.  BTW - if you ever have the opportunity for first class on a cross country flight - it's worth it!  Delta has reclining seats - feet up and everything.  IT. WAS. AWESOME.  Ok - American had better food (I ended up in First Class once when I was nearly stranded in Phoenix and that was the only seat left to get me home) - but I'll take OK food and a better seat any day!

 

I did VERY well foodwise.  Like shockingly well.  I need to keep that up. Still working on the workout thing.  But, babysteps (literally).  If I have food under control I'll feel better and have more energy and snowball it - for once - in the RIGHT direction.

 

I'm continuing down the path of protein shakes for breakfast.  Oh - I'll still do pancakes or something special on the weekends - but I think shakes will help immensely.  I'll keep using Almond Milk at home - on the road that'll be harder to come by - luckily I'm not lactose intolerant and milk pints are easy to find.  Quick, easy, I won't grab something bad for me instead and easily portable.  And the powder I use is packed with vitamins and actually tastes good.

 

2 more weeks of travel then I'm home for 2 weeks - then vacation (AKA Dragon*Con break) - then I'm sure I'll be flying all over while my co-worker is grounded taking care of his wife and newborn.

 

Just keep swimming!

[Wobbegong]

20 minutes ago, Athaclena said:

I'm continuing down the path of protein shakes for breakfast.  Oh - I'll still do pancakes or something special on the weekends - but I think shakes will help immensely.  I'll keep using Almond Milk at home - on the road that'll be harder to come by - luckily I'm not lactose intolerant and milk pints are easy to find.  Quick, easy, I won't grab something bad for me instead and easily portable.  And the powder I use is packed with vitamins and actually tastes good.

I wonder if there's almond powder you can mix with water to get almond milk, the way there's powdered milk that works the same way. That would make drinking almond milk on the go really easy. 

 

Sounds like you're doing really well, so congratulations!! Keep it up! 

[Athaclena]

*headdesk* Instant Milk.  WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT!  I can just add it to the mix I throw in my bag.  I'm sticking with Almond milk at home because it's fewer calories and we don't drink enough for it not to go bad.  I can pick up shelf stable almond milk for cheap (from TJ's) and keep it on hand.  It's not an avoiding dairy thing  

And you know - if someone else posted what I did - I'd probably have suggested it - because I have in the past LOL.  I'm blaming brain fog.  Yeah.... that's it.... I'm not getting old... it's all the travel.....

[Athaclena]

All packed for my flight to Tampa tomorrow morning (leave at 6:30 am - UGH).  I have my shaker bottle + portioned protein shake + instant milk (thanks @Wobbegong) packed for easy breakfast on the run!

 

I know we're doing Fogo (Brazilian buffet) one night.  I'll keep it to salad bar + lean proteins and skip the sides.  Although - there WILL be one caipirinha consumed.

 

I've been doing better on walking - need to keep that up.  Now to get the sleep back on track to get back to 8 hours per night.  7 just DOESN'T cut it for me!  Food has actually been on track even over this weekend.

Time to finish this challenge with a strong week!