I hate restless legs!

One change at a time and each change becomes mine.

 

Monday...

This was a very achey day. I haven't a clue if it was the fibromyalgia acting up or if there was something else going on. I just know I hurt.

 

I got our tickets to Hudson Player's BINGO. I know it's going to be good. And the cool thing is I called a friend who is in it and she sort of helped me get prime seats. To us at least. I guess where we're sitting we will be hassled a lot. Cool! That should be fun!

 

Breakfast was oatmeal with blueberries and milk. And half an apple.

 

Lunch was rigatoni, broccoli salad and some blueberries. Just a couple.

 

Dinner was leftover goulash over noodles. And just to pack the protein I finished up the rest of the smoked brisket Rusty did.

 

I've also been drinking a big glass of Ovaltine milk each night when I think about it. Ovaltine has no caffeine and does have just a bit of protein.

 

~~~~~

 

Tuesday...

 

I do enjoy being spoiled, and I definitely appreciate my gifts but I don't care a lot for all the hoopla of Hallmark holidays. I know Valentine's Day does have a legitimate history, but I still consider it a Hallmark holiday. I love my plant and card though. Very nice! But mostly I look at this day as a good day to reflect on all the loves in my life.

 

Long day today. We had a split shift with Emmi today unexpectedly. When someone calls off work as happened at Rusty's job today, someone has to pinch hit. It doesn't just put the boss in a pickle, it jerks around the schedules of people who have to fill in and then dominoes down through others many times. One call off changed the schedules of many, People should really think twice or three times before calling off work.

 

For breakfast this morning, I had an egg scramble. It had several veggies and some bacon in it. Not a lot of bacon but enough to lend to the flavor. Also had a little bit of cheese in it.

 

Our Valentine's dinner was at Red Robin with Rusty and Emmi. My sister had given us a gift certificate for Christmas and we put it to use today. We both got the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken wrap. I only ate a few of my fries. I'm not counting calories, but I do try to do the best I can to at least cut down on carbs.

After we ate, I had the first part of the psych evaluation required before the bariatric surgery. I felt like the doc thought I would be intimidated having to see a psychologist. Nope. No way. If things had been different, I'd have been sitting in his seat. THAT is what I'd have gone to school for. I feel quite at home talking to most anyone,

 

Today's appointment was pretty much a fact gathering mission. I was to fill him in on medical history, family status through the years, we talked of possible triggers to eating and just some general things about weight loss. 99% of what was said was things I already know and have implemented. I think everyone expects that since I'm this big lunky fatso I should also be stupid about nutrition, proper eating, etc. Not so. Hear ye, hear ye. All fat people are not stupid and uninformed!

 

Since we'd had so much already for the day, I made a salad for supper. I had that and some strawberries. Miss Emmi had lots of fruits. She grabbed a banana and some blueberries too. And...an eggie. :-)

I wish my eye wasn't feeling like it is. It just feels like it's on the edge of getting pink eye. MAN I hope it doesn't! We have a lot going this week.

 

~~~~~

 

And YES I hate restless legs.  Makes me not want to do anything but SCREAM!

 

~~Mama Sage

Bloggin' a-long...singin' a song...

Great each day with a sunshiny smile and a song in your heart. I try. Really I do. There are days I'm putting on a big fake, but I try. You know if you fake a good mood long enough, you eventually fall into believing it's true and you ARE in a good mood!

 

~~~~~

A smile is like tight underwear -

 it makes your cheeks go up.

~~Author Unknown

~~~~~

 

Tuesday ...

Emmi was so tired on Tuesday. Cliff said, "What are you doing?" as she emptied a box full of blankets. "Making a mess." was her very honest reply. And she cried and cried until I got down on the floor with her. I spend most of every day on the floor with her. It's fun to be down on her level playing. Tiring, but fun.

 

~~~~~

 

Meals Tuesday were fairly simple. I had Raisin bran for breakfast. For lunch I made a sandwich and supper was leftovers. Easy peasy.

 

Then the general cleanup and dishes. Not a real eventful day.

 

~~~~~

Anticipation. Not nerves. Just anticipation. I tried to just plain not think about it, but all day long my mind get floating to the fact that my first appointment with my weightloss surgeon is tomorrow. I'm excited about it. I'm not even considering bugging out. Nope. No way. I have a mission to accomplish if I'm going to see my grandchildren grow up. I want to dance at all their weddings. I want to hug their firstborn. I want to live to be an old, old woman.

 

~~~~~

 

Wednesday...

 

Even though I wasn't upset about the appointment, I spent the whole night last night up and down. I tried to stay cool, calm and collected so after I took my morning meds, I checked my email. Then it was time to shower and get ready to go.

 

The appointment went very well. We talked about diet. I'm to eat high protein. They aren't interested in me keeping a calorie count right now. Just keep up the protein. 60 grams a day. I'm still trying to be careful on the other things too. Salt, fat and sugar are still things I need to watch. I'm to try and stick to three meals a day with no snacks.

 

The model for meals is to be a 9" plate. 1/2 should be veggies and fruits. 1/4 should be 3 oz. of lean protein. 1/4 should be good carbs, starchy veggies and beans and legumes. That's going to take me a while. I'm working on it. And I am still losing weight. I have lost a total of 31 pounds since May 15th.

 

I am working on changing to more and more fresh items. I'm to trade my raisin bran for oatmeal often. But combining what I'm learning here and what Dr. Oz says, I think I'm going to be working on starting more mornings with protein.

 

My next appointment will be with the psychologist. All patients are screened to be sure they are ready for this massive life change. I think I am. I hope the good doctor agrees.

 

The appointment after that will be with the dietician for what I think is a group meeting. Then finally, the appointment after that I should meet Dr, Chlysta. I'm sure I'll like him. He was the surgeon for at least two of my friends. They both have done well and each chose a different surgical route.

 

Speaking of that, the only surgery that my insurance will allow is the Roux en y. Thankfully that's the one I was wanting anyhow. That's what our son Rusty had. The band isn't something I'd even consider and the sleeve just wouldn't be for me.

 

~~~~~

 

Since tomorrow will start the real diet, we decided on Applebee's for dinner. It's not really that bad a place. Except...we do an appetizer. We do the spinach dip. I generally do most of the salsa and a good lot of the dip. But that's my "blow the diet" part. I usually do double veggies. Today I opted to do the potato anyhow. I wanted one. I don't very often. And I got the steak. I was feeling kind of lousy because the appointments were throwing me off my regular eating schedule. Finally eating a good meal for the day did make me feel better.

 

~~~~~

 

The evening was spent with a little bit of bill paying. And then I just had a sort of physical melt down. Got the chills and didn't feel good.

 

~~~~~

 

Thursday...

 

I'm supposed to work in some kind of physical activity and exercise. I think spending time with the kids definitely is just that! Plus I'm adding more stretching, wall push ups and stretchy bands. Just wish I knew the right way to use them. I've got a bunch downstairs and a bunch upstairs for whenever the mood strikes. Yes, eventually I will be on a scheduled regime of sorts. Just not now. One change at a time will make each change more successful for me.

 

~~~~~

 

I've started journaling food in the book the program provided. I need to document how many grams of protein I'm getting, how much liquid I'm taking in, what times I'm eating and what. It might be hard for some, but paperwork isn't a problem. lol I like paper!

 

I'm also tracking things on MyFitnessPal.com. I can access it both on my phone and on my computer. I like it because most of what I eat is easily found there and they will give me the correct number of protein grams. Plus it will keep me aware of how many calories I am eating (my benefit...they don't care) and how I'm doing on sodium, sugar and fat and carbs. Again for me. Another thing I've realized with tracking here and in the journal is that I honestly don't eat much.

 

I've been doing great with my sugar. My 30 day average is 105. Really good.

 

My meals for the day were pretty simple. Breakfast was oatmeal with blueberries and milk, lunch was very lean pork chop, sauerkraut and potatoes, and supper was leftover goulash. I had no snacks and just had juice at night with my meds.

 

~~~~~

My main blog will be here, but I'm going to attempt to also blog on MyFitnessPal as I begin the journey to bariatric weight loss surgery.


~~~~~

Friday...

 

Oh what deals we got at Acme today!! Awesome awesome AWESOME!

 

Canned goods were on sale. We came home with cases and cases. We picked up on some other things too, but our main focus was canned goods. Mama Sage likes to have a full pantry and it was weedling down. Time for a fill 'er up shopping trip.

 

After we loaded up everything into the van, we headed to eat. Papa mentioned Panera and I was all for it! I love that place! I got a Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich and had water to drink. It was fabulous. And the

bonus was it actually had quite a few grams of protein.

 

We headed on home to unload and then were on our way up to pick up Kennedy.

 

Supper was home made pizza once we were settle in at home. Multi grain vegan crust, spinach leaves, carlelized onions and Mexican cheese shreds went on mine. The great thing about pizza at home is everyone can do their own thing.

 

~~~~~

 

When all was said and done for the day, my protein intake was a bit low. They gave me the hint to just grab a spoon full of peanut butter for a protein fixit. I'm still eating the not as good stuff until it's gone, but once I open a new jar it will be the natural kind. Peanut butter is better for you if it separates and you have to mix the oil back into it.

 

~~~~~

 

Saturday...

 

First thing first. We had to go get the van. But holy moly that snow was crazy!! We could hardly see in front of ourselves the whole way there and back. And this wasn't our only stop this outing. We had to pick up a birthday girt and head to BJ's too. Oh boy. It's a good thing I learned to drive in the snow!!

It was a long, slow drive home in blinding snow. Once we unloaded and wrapped the gift, we headed back out to Corry and Angel's for Madison's birthday party.

 

It was such a nice party. I really enjoyed meeting some more of Angel's family. Very, very nice. And the cutest kids! The food was great too. Mmm good! And I still stayed within my limits.

 

We had Emmi overnight on Saturday. She's not quite into this all night thing. She loves being here, but she just has a very time settling into sleep. Papa got her asleep finally and then moved her into her little bed in Kennedy's room. Poor baby. She started out being so excited to have a sleep over with Kennedy.

 

~~~~~

 

Sunday...

 

We started the day with sausage and eggs for breakfast. I think it really does make me feel a little better to start with the big protein boost. I think I'll start trying to really keep track of how different breakfast meals make me feel.

 

Meals weren't going to be anything normal today and I new it. I didn't feel a bit bad having a snack. Kennedy brought me one of the fudge pops we'd gotten at BJ's. Good good good. Iala is the brand. They have probiotics so they aren't all bad.

 

My lunch was Five Guys. Burger and fries. It was fine. I still stayed way under on calories and it boosted my protein.

 

In the evening I had my other "meal". I ate a little bit of brisket, some strawberries, and skim milk with ovaltine.

 

I'm finding myself not eating nearly the calories I thought I was. So far all I've tracked have been way under the 1930 allowance MyFitnessPal allows me. Generally doing fine with the protein count but found that I don't mind that pleasant way for a making up the count...a good blop of peanut butter.

 

~~~~~

 

Missy and Melanie came over! Oh how I've missed those girls!! They'd gone on vacation one week and then we didn't see them the next. I was going through withdrawal!! I love my family.

 

It was actually pretty busy at our house. After Cait picked up Emmi, she ended up coming back. Missy had brought back Emmi's trains from Christmas. Emmi had stuck them into one of their bags and since then, everyone kept forgetting to get them back. lol

 

Kris came by too for a little bit. He and Papa both got some tools and it was pick up day.

 

Then on to BJ's with Missy and Melanie. I got to do a little more of the shopping I'd intended to do the day before. I just couldn't even think about staying there shopping yesterday while the snow was piling up. It was BAD out Saturday!

 

After we did BJ's, we took Kennedy on home and then stopped by Mom Sage's to drop off her meds.

Once home, it was dishes, coupons and other minor tasks. Exercising was mainly wall push up and stretching.

 

~~~~~

 

Monday...

 

Today we played and played and played. I'm telling you what, on days we play hard, that is plenty of exercise!!

 

Breakfast was oatmeal with blueberries. I got most of it I guess but Emmi did get her share of bites. We also shared rigatoni for lunch. I had the last of the goulash for dinner.

 

We got a heckuva a deal on some stuff to go with Emmi's wood train set she got for Christmas. About 70 pieces of things for $15. Not bad at all. We met the lady at a very public place. Anything we do on craigslist from here to forever will be in very public places.

 

After Papa went up to bed and Emmi was picked up, I cleaned up kitchen, went through the fridge, packed lunch for Papa and picked up the livingroom. I cleared email and looked for some files I need to send to a friend and did my daily do's on the computer.

 

And yes I did make my Valentine a Valentine. Did you?

 

~~~~~

 

So it's a wrap. My week has now been presented and tied up with a pretty bow. How was yours?

 

~~Mama Sage

Don't let me get behind!

BUG ME!!

 

Friday...

 

Emmi cracks me up. She sat in my lap peeling the paper off her crayons. Then she got an idea. She made "pictures" for everyone in the family! She took those tiny little bits of paper and tore them to ittsy bitsy pieces and would hand them to me and tell me who it belonged to. And she remembered the shapes and just who they belong to! I mixed two up and she caught me. Nooo! Aunt Darlene! lol Okay. I promise to do better. But we did not really deliver them. No, when the sweeper came out it gobbled them up. So sorry everyone. I love kids. What imaginations!

 

~~~~~

 

Our meal Friday was a good one. I made homemade spaghetti sauce and did a big pan of rigatoni.

 

RIGATONI - sort of

 

I didn't have the right kind of noodles, not even penne to substitute. Instead I used the little bit of rotini I had and the little bit of elbow macaroni I had.

 

I didn't have a hunk of mozarella or provolone, but I had a hunk of co-jack. Good substitute.

 

The sauce was good. I had some leftover crushed tomatoes I needed to use up. I mixed that with browned hamburger, mushrooms, sauteed onions and peppers (red, yellow and green). Of course I put in a good glob of minced garlic (from the jar in the frig), and Italian seasoning. And fennel. Like the taste that throws in.

 

And that's it. Mix it up, bake at 350 until bubbly and enjoy!

 

~~~~~

 

I wish this cold weather would invade my bedroom! I've had the window open all week and four fans going. The heater vent is closed. And we keep the thermostat set on 66 anyhow. Our room is STILL the hottest in the house! ugh

 

~~~~~

 

I've been spending my wind down times watching Christmas and Halloween movies I have recorded. Who ever said that you can only watch them during the holiday season? I'm enjoying them!

 

~~~~~

 

Saturday...

 

We still had lots of coupons for meal deals for Cliff's birthday so we decided to pick one for our brunch. The IHOP one was a good one. Free Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity meal for him. I got one of the new Hashbrown Stacks. It was great! The hashbrowns were kind of skimpy on the bottom, but that's fine. I'm not cutting out all carbs, but I'm cutting down. It was piled with a tomato slice, spinach, mushrooms and onions, cheese, an egg, and hollandaise sauce. They called it that. It was really a light cheese sauce.

 

When we got home, I spend the rest of the day working on one of the books I'm writing. I had so many jumbled notes!! I organized it and have it on a flash drive to work on wherever I am. I was tired, but felt very accomplished.

~~~~~

 

Sunday...

 

I just couldn't sleep Saturday night. It made for a really tough time. Sunday was the 4th anniversary of Mom's death. I don't think I'll ever get to where certain days, certain things, don't bring me to tears.

 

It would have been easier to get through if Cliff hadn't had to work. We'd have done something to keep busy. I couldn't even concentrate on the Superbowl. And I LIKE football, the commercials, halftime show and general hype. If I'd been with a crowd it would have been better.

 

We did take Mom Sage her meds, but I was way too upset to even go in. Some people think I'm nuts to get so upset still, but they just don't understand how close my family is/was.

~~~~~

I've got a pretty hard week ahead, but I plan to do my best to stick with all the cooking and cleaning I've been doing. For supper, I made a sort of marsala. It was a Macaroni Grille brand mix I picked up for pennies.

 

The chicken was dredged in seasoned flour, then browned in a little olive oil. Add wine, water and a seasoning pack. I decided to also add some fresh spinach and mushrooms.

 

I had a can of seasoned cabbage in the cupboard that needed to be used so that's what I used for a veggie to go with it.

I had a "decadent cinnamon swirl cake" in the cupboard to make and Corry had dropped off some over-ripe bananas so I did the cake and banana bread.

 

By the time I sat down to eat, the day had gone long. I was a wreck. I broke down and drank a coke. I've only had two since October. I'm not sure I even like them any more!

 

And...my sugar was still very, very low when I took it.

 

~~~~~

 

I did start the filing. I HATE that job! I did the fast sort. All the things to be shredded are now in a bag waiting and the things to actually go in the files are in another. One step at a time. Especially when you've procrastinated to the point you'd easily be name queen of the procrastinators!!

 

I also clipped coupons and put them in my coupon file. And in the middle of it all, I found the book for the convection oven. Just might do some changing and bring that baby upstairs.

 

~~~~~

Blog 164 was to be about negativity. I was sure I'd be doing one on that subject. But every time I sit down to start, the only thing that goes to my mind is that I HATE NEGATIVITY. Nothing else. I just hate it!

 

~~~~~

Monday...

 

Today was Goulash day. Cliff and I got to thinking we hadn't had it in a while and it got me really hungry for it. And it's easy to make.

 

Goulash

 

Brown 2# hamburger.

Add a thinly sliced onion.

After it's all brown, add a glop of garlic, 3/4 c. catsup, 2T worchestershire, 1T brown sugar, 2t paprika, 1/2t dry mustart a dash of cayenne pepper and 1 1/2 c. water.

I had to thicken it a bit so I added a little cornstarch.

Sure tasted good! Emmi will like it tomorrow. She loves pasta.

 

~~~~~

 

Mystery solved! The package to my brother for Christmas was returned. Wrong address.

 

~~~~~

 

After watching Hawaii 5-0 tonight, I got to wondering. Don't parents still set up a code word for their kids? Our kids had a code word. If a stranger tried to pick them up and didn't know the code word, they knew we hadn't sent them. It just seems that because the world is so much more dangerous and scary these day that all families need to have a code word. Do you?

 

~~~~~

 

I am way beyond tired tonight. I need to "hang up" and go to bed. Night all...

 

~~Mama Sage

What crazy weather!

Wednesday...

 

I can't believe it. Who ever heard of so a winter this mild and this short? It's just nuts! I guess I really can't say "this short" just yet. Punxsutawney Phil hasn't had his say. And we all know what THAT was. I wonder if Phil, his buddy Buckeye Chuck or our weathermen will come closer to an accurate prediction.

 

I've been getting little things done the last several days. I did have Emmi a little during our four day break, I had CJ one day and Madison today, but for the most part I kept productive.

 

One of my biggest accomplishments was getting the attic cleaned up after the Christmas chaos. Boy oh boy I had a mess. Couldn't even walk up there! It's all straightened up now to the point I could actually enjoy scrapbooking again. As soon as I get time.

 

I did some other sifting around and tried to start the filing. I gave up on it for today when I ran out of staples. I want pages stapled together from purchases, from bank statements, etc. and so on. Instead, I knitted some, cleaned little areas and did some work in the bathroom.

 

~~~~~

 

Every father should remember

that one day his son will follow his example

instead of his advice.

~~unknown

 

~~~~~

 

Okay now loved ones. Can I just say this one more time? My 8,is your 4! My body clock is a few hours off from yours. I respect your body clock, please respect mine. I've grown tired of being told I should follow normal body clock hours. No. YOU follow MINE!

 

Now I'm not really going to ask you to follow my hours, but can you please try to remember that I do not get up early. I've just gone to bed. You got to bed at 10 or 11. I go to bed at 2 or 3 most nights. You get up at 7 or 8. I get up at 10 or so depending on how many interruptions I got and when I actually fell asleep. I eat breakfast when you eat lunch. I eat lunch when you eat supper. And just like you eat 4 or 5 hours before you hit the sack, so do I. We are so different. We're just a few hours off from being just alike!

 

Why do I write this? Because it never fails that my phone doesn't start ringing bright and early. No I won't turn it off. I have a quiver full of grandkids, five kids and an elderly mother-in-law. ANYthing could happen! No, I need to stay connected.

 

~~~~~

 

I put another one of my Christmas gifts to use. Cliff got me a laminator and sleeves for it and some page protectors. I took the cookbook I did for the kids and put the pages in plastic protectors. Wish I could afford to get some for all the kids' books. Just too expensive.

 

~~~~~

 

Thursday...

 

Lunch today was chili. Since it was homemade, it had been skimmed of every bit of fat and had no added salt. I didn't do crackers or anything with it. I had my breakfast/lunch ration of carbs with my breakfast. Bran flakes with raisins. And I only got half the bowl. Emmi likes chili! :-)

 

My snack was mandarin oranges. I'd already taken my sugar and it was pretty low. I figured the sugar in the oranges wasn't going to hurt. And I love those things.

 

~~~~~

 

We had Emmi today and we also had Madison, Haydn and CJ. They play so good together. I love watching kids pretend. This group really uses imagination. Today the box I got from Kris and Darlene for Christmas was a car!

 

~~~~~

 

I just HAD to! I watched what they did on The Chew today and decided to mess with my strata recipe. This is what I ended up with...

 

Not a Stata

1. Spray the bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 pan

2. Go to freezer and find those overcooked biscuits. Take them out and tear into pieces and layer in pan. Didn't seem like quite enough bread so add 4 leftover hot dog buns also torn into pieces.
3. Sprinkle feather shredded cheddar cheese. For variety add a little feta.

4. Fry up a pound of that 99cent a pound bacon. Drain it good, cool it and chop it into bite size pieces. Sprinkle that next.

5. Saute an onion, red and yellow sweet peppers and 1/4 of a bell pepper. Plop it around evenly.

6. Slightly beat 10 eggs, paprika, pepper, glug milk. Pour it evenly over top.

7. Take a spatula and squash it down.

8. Bake at 350 until top starts to brown and eggs have cooked.

 

~~~~~

 

You were born an original.

Don't become a copy.

~~unknown

 

~~~~~

 

Well, I finished another scarf. I don't know why I'm even making them. It's not cold. And they're not selling.

 

~~~~~

 

I can't stand my feet right now. They are in so much pain and so is this knee. That isn't good. The injections need to last six months. I can't have any more until that point. I have medicine to take, but I don't want to take it. I don't want to rely on a pill to take this awful pain away. It makes me too, too tired! And since they're being so bad tonight, I'm going to end this.

 

~~~~~

 

Hoping to keep blogging regularly...somewhat...

 

~~Mama Sage

Wow what a weekend!

And it's only Sunday!

 

Friday, after picking up Kennedy, we dropped Cliff off at the house to sleep and high tailed it to Kent to Mike's Place to join lots of Brandi's friends and some of the family to celebrate Brandi's 19th birthday.

We got to sit on the bus.  Since most of you don't know what that is, you're probably not as excited as I was. 

 

Mike's Place is made up of lots of strange elements for areas.  They have their regular dining area, they have a castle, there is a boat, and the bus and I don't even know what else.  The bus is special to me.  It was made at Twin Coach, a place my grandfather worked many moons ago.  It was started by two brothers who were part of the Fageol Motor Company.  It's kind of cool to connect with something like that.  The company manufactured buses from 1927 until 1956. 

 

Anyhow it's a pretty cool place if you're in the mood for unique.  

Check out MIKE'S PLACE 

 

~~~~~

 

It was a Happy 60th Birthday for Cliff Saturday.  I thought I had him confused, but in the end he probably knew what was up.  We had a meal at Corry's, bratwurst, pasta salad, potato salad, cheesy potatoes and sauerkraut.  Then cupcakes and ice cream and chocolate mint chocolate chip cookies.  All the kids and most of the grandkids were there.  Yep even Adam via face time. 

 

Cliff got some of the funniest 60 year old gifts.  Most just aren't able to be put in my "family friendly" blog.  lol

 

 

Some of the kids went on to Eldorado's after for karaoke fun.  Kris and Darlene were DJing.  I'd have liked to have gone, but they were crowded.  There are only a couple booths I can sit at.  I just can't do those really high chairs.  Dangling my leg pulls on that knee and kills me.  Don't want to undo the progress it has made.

 

~~~~~

 

Our little CJ cut his first tooth the other day.  I love watching babies after that first little foreign thing pops into their mouth.  They are so amazed by it they can't keep their tongue off it.  I got him smiling, even with his mouth open, but not one of the pictures got that cute little tooth.

 

 

~~~~~

.

Sitting and relaxing last evening I did little jobs of organization.  I decided to go back to my old coupon box.  I had given it to Missy a while back and she didn't find it as convenient as I did.  I do keep it in the grocery card seat while I'm shopping though.  With a baby to tote, that space isn't available to her.  That's fine.  I was really glad to have it back. 

 

When I was done with that, I cleaned out-to-eat/store coupons in my purse.  We didn't end up buying the entertainment book this year so I'm fast into hunting for other coupons sources and cutting and printing and grabbing.  I keep them in a little envelope pouch in my purse so they're always with us. 

 

Sorting the magic socks was also in order.  You just can't have too many.  Who knows when an owie will happen and you need to slip on a pair for comfort. 

 

~~~~~

 

Now.  All those carbs?? you say.  Yes.  Lots of carbs.  I did fine.  I had a bowl of my chili for lunch so no carbs there.  Missed breakfast.  I did eat a good helping of the pasta salad, some potato salad and a good helping of Missy's cheesy potatoes.  I ate one cupcake minus bites Emmi took, a bit of ice cream and one of Kris' chocolate mint chocolate chip cookies.  I tricked myself on the ice cream.  I scooped three little half scoops and made it look like more so I could fake myself out.  I didn't eat the sauerkraut.  I was afraid of the salt since I'd done myself in with carbs already.  No sense rattlin' with two no-no's.  I did eat one brat after we got back home.  And to make myself feel okay to party, I had no snacks at all Saturday. 

 

Not every day is carb free.  Not every one is caffeine or sugar free.  But I'm improving.  The gigantic portions and seconds of some things I would have had months ago don't happen now.  I try to improve on old habits.  And ... I'm not hungry now.  What I have to concentrate more on is eating slower.  I know that will be something I will have to be diligent about after surgery.  I will need to learn to eat slower and chew longer.  It will happen.  The slower I make changes, the longer I believe those changes will last.

 

~~~~~

 

Success is steady progress

toward one's personal goals. 

~~Jim Rohn

 

~~~~~

 

Until next time...

 

~~Mama Sage

And the journey has begun

I'm dragging you all along on my journey as I take the first steps on the road to weight loss through bariatric surgery. I'll be sharing whatever comes to mind to share. We all know how Mama Sage's mind works, so look out!

 

Wednesday evening was my informational meeting for the surgery. I'd been to one with Rusty before he began his journey and knew pretty much what to expect. The crowd was small this time so it was a bit more intimate than the one I'd previously attended. Rusty and Papa Sage went with me.

 

I was very impressed with how thorough the entire process was covered. We saw a slide presentation that was mixed with actual video of the operations. We learned about the two band types, the roux-en-y and the sleeve type. At the end of the presentation and the question period, a young woman who had the sleeve a year ago came to talk.

 

I've decided that when the doctor asks me what my choice would be, I will tell him the roux-en-y. After weighing all the info, it's what I would prefer. Of course I will listen to his advice and will probably go along with what he recommends.

 

I know for sure I don't want the band. I didn't know a lot about it until this meeting but already had a knowing it wasn't going to be my choice. They showed two types, both pretty much the same. The band goes around the stomach and is then inflated to make the opening smaller. It is adjustable. And THAT little fact made it a no go for sure for me. Ever think about just how it is adjusted? There is a tube from the band that has a port on the end. The port remains inside your body somewhere between your ribs and your pelvis. Nope. No thanks. This flabo fatso body would hide it now, but it would still out and show possibly as I lost weight. Plus having something foreign in my body just isn't for me.

 

The sleeve would be an option but I don't like it. About two thirds of your stomach is removed. Removed. Totally. And the pouch created is much larger. I think it would be way too easy to fall into old habits if you have that big of a pouch.

 

The roux-en-y is a much smaller pouch, the size of your thumb. Your stomach remains in your belly and it is reattached via part of the small intestine. I don't understand all the whys and wherefores enough to explain them to someone else yet. It's going to take some time and more education.

 

I'll be seeing a dietician regularly and will need to get on some sort of good exercise regime. That will still be hard with my knees but should get easier as I begin to lose weight. They will also do regular checks of my vitamin levels. With the roux-en-y, I will have to adjust my vitamin intake.

 

They have a wonderful system.  The group support meetings are monthly and I plan on going.

 

I was very impressed with the real people, area people who they showed us. One man in particular was very impressive. Not only had he lost tons and tons of weight, he went from a list of meds as long as mine down to only taking his vitamins. And he was no longer on a c-pap.

 

So my journey has started. In two weeks I'll be seeing the doctor for the initial evaluation. Rusty and Papa are going with me to that too. It's so good to have this much support. And the support that y'all are giving me in comments here, facebook and via email, etc. will also get me from start to finish. I appreciate every one of you.

 

~~~~~

 

Today my Brooks AFB family lost a beautiful family member. Dixie Bonomo passed away today. Dixie was very important to so very many people. She was another "other mother" to so many kids who lived there through the years. I was lucky enough to have worked along side her at the youth center on base. She taught so many so much. She will be missed. RIP Miss Dix

 

~~~~~

 

Perhaps they are not the stars,

but rather openings in Heaven

where the love of our lost ones pours through

and shines down upon us to let us know

they are happy.

~~Author Unknown

 

~~~~~

 

Tonight's "supper" wasn't really supper. We had breakfast tacos. Sometimes having breakfast for dinner is perfect.

 

~~~~~

 

We made a second trip down to the R Store today. (Grocery outlet in Hartville) This trip we filled a few extra bags. I was glad to find fat free sugar free puddings to use for special desserts and recipes and sugar free lemon and sugar free lime jellos. Also got some things for when others are here. Pillsbury grands biscuits and crescents and less fat cinnamon rolls. Great deals! The cinnamon rolls were .69 and the grands were .50 and the crescents were .35. 1/2 off. Also some food pantry items like lasagna hamburger helper (I hate using it, but it's quick when things go completely whacky around here) were on the 50% off shelf. Got two boxes at .45 each. .50 for hot sauce. Can't remember how much the tortillas were, but they were the healthier kind.

 

Our trip the other day we didn't get a whole lot but found some great deals. Neufchatel, 33% less fat cream cheese, was .75. Can't remember if we got any other super deals.

 

We did find steaks marked down at Sam's. You have to hit it just right to find the discounts. I always scout out the meat to see. I make it a habit to check the mark down area in the back too before doing the rest of my shopping. And I do the same at BJ's. They have theirs at the back ends of the aisles. Sometimes you can pick up some really good bargains.

 

~~~~~

 

Well this will have to be my blog tonight. I need to get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day. It's a weekend of birthdays. Hugs to everyone. Until next time....

 

~~Mama Sage

Behind. Why am I always behind in my blogs?

Life. I think that sums it up in one word. L I F E

 

And these days it's been quite interesting. Let me start with my feelings today and then step in to the past a minute or twenty to catch up with the last couple weeks. It's been tough.

 

I've had quite a wake up call. Fat as I am, I've always stayed on the decent side of healthy until the last few weeks. Now, I am diabetic, I have heart problems and Lord only knows what else. But they're hunting. I've been in the hospital via the ER. I've had echocardiagram, I've had a heart halter on for 48 hours, I've had part one of a lexiscan stress test and will have the second part on Wednesday. I'm seeing a rheumatologist. That appointment was to rule out Sjogren's. The doctor is leaning towards me actually having it and they are going to do a biopsy of a gland in my lower lip next in the diagnosis regime. My knee is so bad now I can't walk on it sometimes. The gel injections have been approved but won't start until the 4th. I've decided to see if I can get approved for weight loss surgery. Our insurance says yes so it's a matter of seeing the doctor and getting all the medical approvals now. Then hopefully I can begin the process. I'm told it won't fix things but hopefully it will slow the progression of what's going on now.

 

I have heart rhythm problems. The bottom of my heart has started to harden. The top part of my heart is enlarged. And if I heard right, that has something to do with my lungs. I'll know more about that after the next test. It's very, very scary. Low to no salt...no caffeine at all...low fat...and of course watch that sugar.

Why? Because remember that they decided I'm not pre-diabetic, I'm diabetic.

 

So that has really filled my days. appointment appointment appointment appointment

 

And we're selling our campers. One, the annex, has sold. Done and gone. We have been packing up all the things inside and out at both campers and bringing them home. My basement is now playing the part of basement instead of rec room. I want it back from being a wreck to being a rec by the holidays. Not going to happen. It can't. Health will slow me down.

 

We did finish up today and ours is now on Craigslist. 1998 Sunnybrook .. blah blah I can't remember. Too much there to remember it all. I'm sure hoping it sells. We need it sold and behind us so we can move forward. Many, many thanks to the kids for helping us get it ready to be on the market. Without their help I don't know what we'd have done.

 

~~~~~

 

Cliff had his surgery Friday last week to remove the screws in his heel. The one was stripped and had worked it way on through the foot. They tried to get them from the heel but ended up cutting through the top of his foot to remove it. He's quite sore, but is a trooper.

He went back to work on Monday.

 

~~~~~

 

Now let me jiggle a little and see what day comes up next.  Mind you NOthing is in order!  lol

 

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

 

Taking it back a bit to the week I was in the hospital. That would be the weekend of the 7th, 8th and 9th.

It was really good to be home. I did have moments of nerves, but I was able to be distracted with things enough to calm me quite a bit. Saturday was the hardest day to stay calm because they had me so worked up. It was questionable whether or not they were going to release me. The second part of the test hadn't been done. They planned it for Monday. Trouble was there was really no justification to keep me the extra day. The insurance companies are extra picky now and it would have been unpaid leaving the whole bill to us! That had my nerves on edge.

 

On Sunday, we went to the birthday party for Mark and Morgan at Corry and Angel's. I really enjoyed being there with the crowd even though it was hard to stay calm. It wasn't the crowd or the kids that made me nervous and upset, it was the fact I couldn't get my mind off the fact they told me I had heart problems. That really, really had me shook. They did a BBQ and I couldn't have much of the food but I did have some of the cauliflower dish. Love the stuff. Steamed cauliflower with bread crumbs and sour cream on top.

 

We left the party and headed on to the airport to pick up my sister. Got there, went in and found out her plane was delayed at least an hour. Houston had been socked with a blinding rainstorm and they didn't get off the ground for quite a while.

 

We stopped at an ice cream place and got sugar free fat free ice cream. Soothed my soul a bit that I could still even have a treat of some kind.

 

I had no idea what I could eat, but after we got Judy we went to Melt Bar and Grilled. I was sure I could find something on the menu that would be okay but even if I couldn't I had decided not to eat and would eat a salad at home when we got there. Judy thought it was a great idea when we told her some of the story of the place. I was happy I'd found something entertaining for her. She's such a great hostess when you go to her place I wanted to reciprocate.

 

We walked in and the wait was 1 1/2 hours! No no no. We couldn't do that. It was late, everyone was hungry and we still had to get Kennedy back home. We got back in the car a bit disappointed and headed down the road.

 

Then...we found entertainment. Two people wearing purple shirts and...racoon tails a-swingin! Yes. I am serious. I don't have a clue why they were dressed that way but it gave us all a good laugh.

 

We ended up getting on the GPS and seeing what else was nearby.  When I read the list of restaurants, the Winking Lizard caught Judy's ear.  So the Lizard it was.  We definitely weren't sorry.  The building was awesome.  A century place I'm sure.  Beautiful inside.  Even if it did have a real live lizard inside.  Yes.  For real.  The group of kids there for some kind of party got a big kick out of it.

 

I got the Greek salad...which wasn't.  But it was good.  The only Greek thing in it was the cheese.  I ate half and took the other half home and drank water.

 

When we were done eating, we got back in the van and headed to take Kennedy home.  She didn't get to visit much but at least she did get to see Judy.

 

Then on back to Corry's to introduce Judy to little CJ.  After a little visit, we headed on home, talked a while and then headed to bed totally whooped!

 

~~~~~

 

Monday the 10th--

 

Monday was filled with more phone calls.  And at this point I wasn't sure I could ever catch up on all the appointments and tests being required.  And with the insurance run around, I had to grab tight to the little string and hold on for the ride.  [It ended up taking next to forever but I finally got it all authorized and set up.]

 

Judy and I at leftovers for lunch and played cards on the front deck.  We didn't like the rules that came from the game so, being the soosters that we are, we made up our own rules and had a great deal of fun!  lol  It's how we roll. 

 

Mid-afternoon, we headed out to Lake Varsity Diner for a meal with some of the kids.  Kris, Darlene, Dusty, Shirley, Missy, Melanie, Rusty, Cait and Emmi met Cliff, Judy and I there.  Food was fabulous as usual.  Judy wasn't disappointed.  We had everything from a Rueben to bacon cheddar burger to portabelisimo to a gyro and beyond. 

 

On the way home, we stopped to get cake and ice cream to take to the house.  We were celebrating Judy's birthday.  Corry, Angel and CJ joined us at the house.  Leon came too after he got off work. 

 

We had a fire in the pit, but no one ended up sitting out there.  Instead we talked and talked and laughed and laughed in the house. 

 

~~~~~

 

11th

 

We decided to start the day picking up Emmi instead of having Rusty bring her to us.  Judy was anxious to see what all home improvements Rusty had done so this was the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.  Judy's trip was a little short and we tried cramming in all we could.

 

After we got Emmi, Missy called.  She wanted to go to Hartville for lunch.  Judy said YES almost before I finished my sentence!  lol  Hartville Kitchen has always been on the top of the "do" list when she comes up.  Awesome food. 

 

I got the chicken breast smothered in onions.  Oh man it's good.  I don't know what they marinate in, but it gives their chicken an awesome flavor.

 

Rusty and Cait invited us over for dinner.  Good good good.  Steaks, Greek salad and pouch potatoes on the grill.  And the best smoked gouda for an appetizer.

 

12th

 

When I got up, I was craving protein so I ate a leftover piece of chicken.  Lunchtime was my leftovers of chicken with the onions, green beans and squash casserole.  Good stuff.  I'll post the recipe next time I make it.  Can't find it right now.

 

We got Judy to the airport just in time.  Didn't matter though.  Her plane was delayed getting out.  I'm glad I wasn't there waiting for all that time going in both directions.

 

14th

 

I saw the rheumatologist and was very impressed with him.  He was very thorough and very caring. 

 

I made a big salad and enjoyed it.  It's good having lots of fresh stuff to work with. 

 

broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, romaine, spinach, asiago, green onion, tomato, cranberries, almonds, sweet bell peppers, banana pepper, celery, apple salsa instead of dressing.

 

For supper, we had meatloaf, cauliflower, mango applesauce.  Good food day. 

 

I finished the last of the main style of Cleveland Browns scarves.  I've got some fluffier, softer ones to do too and who knows what else I'll get done by the 13th of next month.  I hate to plan because it's almost like setting myself up for failure.

 

Sunday the 16th

 

So this was an interesting day to say the least. We started out going out to camp to finish up and close up the annex. We wanted to get pictures taken and get it on Craigslist. Once that was accomplished, the deck we had there was moved to Kris and Darlene's camper, right next to the annex.

 

The plan was to have chicken and sausages for our meal once the deck was moved. It smelled so good cooking! And then it happened. I'd gone over to see how they were coming. Corry headed over to check the food. Then we heard it.

 

THE GRILL IS ON FIRE!!!

 

We didn't react right away. We all were thinking, yes, there might be a few spurts of flame. It's chicken. The fat burns off and the flames shoot up. Someone looked up and saw smoke. We knew it was burning pretty good so we all moved a little faster. FLAMES!!

 

Yes. It was on fire. And something on the grill was melting onto the tank. Brian got the tank off and away, Kris grabbed the pressure washer we'd been using and put the fire out. The raccoons got a good feast tonight. We were pretty sure the meat was unsafe. We could smell paint and plastic and thought the meat had probably been completely ruined with the fumes. Soooo

 

I headed out to Ianazone's for chicken and jo jo's while they all finished moving the deck. The meal was good. Their chicken rocks! Beans, mac salad and chips and spinach dip rounded the meal. The spinach dip was okay for me and so were the chips. Low, low sodium and sugar.

 

My knee has been bad all weekend and the little hills at camp didn't help. By the time we left, I was a wreck. We headed to Mom Sage's to deliver her meds. I couldn't even get out of the car.

 

Then home we went. Got to our street and found two police cars and a crime scene van at the neighbors. I guess some guy went on a rampage of break ins today and their house was one of his targets. The side door was kicked in and the second floor trashed. What in the world is happening these days???

 

I spent the evening working on my own scarf for the Browns game we're going to in November. I'm really liking it. A very soft, fluffy, yet warm mix of brown and orange, Once it's done and the others have their fringe I'll have to take some pictures.

 

Yes I am making scarves again.  If you are interested in a particular color, feel free to let me know. Special orders challenge me.

 

Monday, 24th

 

Alrighty then.  That didn't work.  I tried hard to stretch the pain meds I got in August.  Never thought it would get this bad!!  Thankfully, I'll be getting the gel injections beginning Friday the 4th.  Anyhow...  Tried to go pick up a new prescription and the doctor's office was closed.  Waste of gas.  sigh

 

We then went with Missy to Spaghetti Warehouse for the coupon special.  BOGO lasagna or spaghetti.  I got veggie lasagna with half marinara and half alfredo sauce.  GREAT idea!  The waitress suggested it and I just loved it.  I went easy with the alfredo scraping off a lot of it.  But the flavor!  mmmmmWHA it was good!

 

Wednesday, 26th

 

I had the second part of the lexiscan on Wednesday.  Really wasn't bad at all.  The anticipation was much, much worse than the actual testing.  I'll see the doctor for the interpretation on the 2nd.

 

Thursday, 27th

 

We did BJ's with Missy and Cait and Rusty then went to eat at Red Robin.  I ate about half of a BBQ chicken wrap. 

 

I know I can't eat NO salt, but I'm trying to cut way, way down.  NO soft drinks at all.  NO cooking with any salt.  Choosing the best I can when we're out and only eating part of what I get.  It just makes me sick that I've done so bad with this body.  If you're young, TAKE CARE OF YOURS NOW!

I'll have a new blog soon, but until I do....

I'd love for y'all to like my new facebook page.

Made by Mama Sage

I have a few scarves listed now including Cleveland Browns and Ohio State scarves.  Please take a look and tell me what you think.  Thanks.

I will have a new blog soon.  I'm working on it and it's getting later and later.  Health issues have been holding me up. 

Hugs to all.
~~Mama Sage

Wishing things were different

But they're not.

10/6

 

So the days aren't perfect.  That's fine.

 

I'm learning to deal with what is reality.  And reality seems to change each day. 

 

Yesterday, our reality was that we both had some testing for our hearts.  Cliff had seen a cardiologist to get okayed for his foot surgery later in the month and was scheduled for an echocardiagram.  I was scheduled for one too by our PCP and also for a 48 hour halter.  The appointments pretty much took up any free time we might have had in a day.

 

After we were done, we traded meals with Corry and Angel.  They had made too many pork steaks, potatoes and cauliflower and I'd overdone it with chili.  It was fun to have an awesome meal that I didn't even have to cook!  Maybe we should do that on purpose sometimes.

 

Then out to camp to load up some more.  We're selling both campers (shout out if you are in the market and we'll talk about it) and I want to get all the things in them both home.  Of course there isn't a place to put it all so for now, it's in totes and crates and will probably be in boxes and bags too in the basement.  I'll deal with it as I can through the winter.

 

We took the load home and then took the flatbed to Rusty.  He's doing his siding and was going to load the old on it to take for recycling.  Gotta hand it to him.  When he decides to take on a project, he digs in with both hands and keeps on keepin on till the job is done and done nicely.  It's really looking good!

 

Finding a way to sleep was real fun.  Sure it was!  I'm already hooked up to the C-pap and then add to that all the wiring of this halter....  I look like a construction project!  And the little tabs are making me break out and itch.  I knew they would.  Last one I had, about 15+ years ago did too.  Most adhesive does.  I ended up feeding the strap on the little bag that holds the machine part through the arms of my nightgown.  Good thing we don't have company!!  The wire pulls the front of the gown up and the pouch through the gown holds the top of it down.  Real cute. 

 

I slept okay though not real good.  But you just can't stay in bed forever.  So up and at 'em!  My mouth was so, so dry.  I hate that.  It glues shut and it's hard to get it wet and normal.  And yes.  I do have an appointment about that too.  I think I have an appointment for everything!!

 

I made some of the doctor appointments I needed to and have just a couple left to make.  I was disappointed that the doctor Rusty had for his surgery isn't part of the doctors I'm able to use for bariatric surgery.  I'll have to see another guy.  I know he's done good for a couple friends.  I just really, really wanted Rusty's doctor.

 

I saw the knee doctor today.  She is going to get the okay from the insurance folks to do the gel injections.  It's a serious of three injections.  Hopefully it will last a while.  We talked about the knee and also a little about the back and hip and decided waiting until after weight loss surgery would be best.  So the gel will hopefully get me through it.

 

Got the office done today too.  Snacks are there, juices there, bed made.  Still want to find a little lamp for by the bed and sweep.  Then done.  I think the lamp on the piano will work.

 

Piano.  Sounds like it's gone to taker #2.  #1 had to back out because the landlord said no.  #2 will be calling to come by soon.  She also wants the changing table.

 

I didn't do cooking today.  Just warming up.  Except for the apple cinnamon bread.  Took three muffin mixes and made them a loaf instead.  Tasted good even if I only ate a little, little bit. 

 

I'm having a really rough time of it tonight with this knee o' mine.  Oh boy.  When she asked if I felt like the pain was calling for another shot, I told her no, I could make it until the gel injections.  I am rethinking that right about now.  I think I needed it. 

 

10/7 and 10/8

 

Let's roll this into one.  Some of you know why.  For others this is brand new news as it was for me when it happened. 

 

Emmi and I decided we would ride with Cliff on one of his delivery runs that was called to him extra.  It would work out because it would be on our way to go get Kennedy.  We got ready and got into the van.  Oh MAN my knee hurt!  I took medicine because I could hardly even pull my leg into the van.  It was that bad.  Bone on bone is not a fun thing.  I really should have accepted that offer of another cortisone injection while we wait for the gel to be okayed.

 

I started getting sick about half an hour later.  Thinking it was my sugar, I ate three peanut butter crackers.  That didn't do it.  I dove for the one starlight mint in my purse.  Nada.  No help.  Cliff asked if I thought I needed something else.  I couldn't make up my mind but ended up telling him a cheeseburger.  We went through McDonald's, he got the burger and I was way out of it and couldn't look at it without feeling like I was gonna barf. 

 

He took me to the ER where he works, the closest place to where we were.

 

Well my heart was doing all sorts of weird things and I made mention of this little feeling in my chest at my sternum that felt like someone pushed me gently.  That was enough for them and they shipped me off to the hospital via ambulance. 

 

They admitted me to the floor right away and hooked me up to monitors.  I told them my sugar was probably way off since all I'd had that day was a piece of date nut bran bread and the three crackers and mint.  After a while of getting me settled and wired for sound, they brought me a tray that was a left over.  Welllll it wasn't what I should be eating but I ate some of it.  I gave the cookies to Cliff, ate the scalloped potatoes and veggies and a few bites of the fish.  I was afraid the fish might do me in like often happens.  I didn't get anything else until about 11PM.  Graham crackers and a muffin that was so, so sweet I didn't want it. 

 

Now naturally, with not eating properly, my sugar was whacked out.  Stayed that way all day today too.  I'll explain why in a few.  My blood pressure wasn't real good either since I was scared spitless!!

 

They scheduled me for a stress test for this morning.  I got down there, they started doing the first part, the ultrasound, and called the cardiologist.  Nope.  With blah blah blah on the echo I'd done Tuesday and bloah blah blah on the halter I turned in on Thursday, a better choice was a ....  I dunno.  Starts with an "L" and is in nuclear medicine.  I found out it's a two day test and they don't do it on Sundays so again I was stressing to the max.  I had SO much going!  [Looked it up.  Lexiscan is what it's called.]

 

It took a lot of people to okay it, but after doing the resting part of the test this morning, they decided I could do the second part on Monday as an out patient.  Yay.  I'd be able to go to the airport to pick up my sister AND I'd be able to actually visit AND I'd be able to go to the kids' birthday party tomorrow.  It's Mark and Morgan's birthday and I didn't want to miss it.

 

My meals today were wonky too.  I don't know what gives with the planning, but I made no choices so it wasn't me.  My breakfast, supposedly low sugar, no added salt, low sodium, diabetic, 1800 calorie was a dried up piece of French toast.  They brought smart balance, which would have been gross on it and no syrup of any kind.  I know they make diabetic syrup.  You'd think if they were going to give you the toast you'd get the syrup.  Nope.  They gave me a fruit cup with juice.  Really??  And turkey sausage.  Oh yea.  I forgot how loooow in sodium sausage is!  right  And orange juice.  Well that meal didn't cut it.  I ate the sausage because I was starved and ate the fruit trying to not get any of the juice.  Didn't do the juice and tried one little bite of the dead French toast and decided it was a no.  So I was still very hungry and had only had carbs pretty much!  NOT GOOD!  Then they gave me metformin and came to take my sugar 15 minutes later.  It was high.  Gee.  Wonder why.

 

Then came lunch.  It was very good but....  The meatloaf was covered in gravy.  Probably jar mix gravy which is filled with sodium.  The beans were good to me.  Very bland.  Could have added the Mrs. Dash but I chose not to.  I like them bland.  Then there was a roll.  No smart balance this time.  great  And there was a little thing of low fat ice cream.  Super.  But it does have sugar and sodium.  And a nice salad.  Fine except....  The whole meal had 685mg of sodium.  The dressing they send, fat free Italian, had 540mg of sodium.  So we didn't do but a couple drips of the dressing.  How do they figure that to be on the diet?  I don't have a clue.

 

The lady came up to plan my supper.  I was avoiding the carbs and asking for substitutions.  She looked at me and said, "You only have 3 carbs."  I wonder what her point was and told her I realized that but I'd like to go heavy on the vegs and not do all those carbs for choices.  She gave me a look and started writing.  Okie dokie. 

 

I didn't stay long enough to find out why my supper meal ended up being.  That's fine.  Didn't need to. 

 

I got home and we took the prescriptions to the pharmacy.  Super.  Can't get them until tomorrow morning.  I can handle the one but the nitro tablets better not be needed.  I think it was way better when the hospital actually sent you home with your first dose of things.  Doesn't happen anymore. 

 

I was pleased that I had a meal in the frig that was good for us.  I'd taken some very lean steak and crocked it with onion, mushrooms, garlic, carrots and thyme in red wine.  It was wonderful.  No salt.  Only carbs in the carrots.  No fat at all. 

 

We had contact with all the kids today.  It was great seeing pictures of the house Adam's girlfriend is building.  Even a little video.  Really enjoyed that.  Kris and Darlene stayed out at camp working hard to clean and pack up the campers.  That is an awesome help.  Time is growing short.  Corry and Angel brought us over another meal.  We'll probably eat it at noontime tomorrow.  Or I might have a little before heading up to bed.  We'll see.  Missy and Melanie came by to visit and Kennedy went back with her to do her homework (she'd stayed the night with her and left things at her house) after Kennedy went up and cleaned her room.  Rusty and Cait and Emmi came over to visit too. 

 

I love my family.  Ya, there are times when people piss and moan and argue.  We're pretty normal in that respect.  But I can count on everyone to really BE family when we need it to happen.  With everything going on this weekend and week, with my sister coming in tomorrow, the kids' birthdays tomorrow, all my doctor's appointments coming up and all Cliff's, all the unexpected excitement, my family stands strong and stands as one.  Thank you kids.  You are loved.

 

And so now you're caught up on life down Sage Lane.  The next weeks, maybe months or more, will be filled with doctor appointments.  This week alone, I have the test Monday, see a cardiologist Tuesday, have to go in for my new c-pap on Thursday and to the rheumatologist on Friday I think it is.  Next week looks busy too.  Couple that with Cliff's appointments and we will be spending a good part of our time with medical personel.  His surgery is the 21st to get the screws removed and it's none too soon.  He's really feeling them now.  I hope he gets some good relief once they're out.

 

Off I go now.  I've decided this will once again become my journal to keep track of all that's going on.  Mostly because I want to document all the things between now and me being skinny again.  Partly to remind myself that bad isn't all bad and good should be savored.

 

Hugs, all. 

 

~~Mama Sage

 

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning

But anyone can start today and make a new ending.

~~Maria Robinson