Two things are my biggest stressors right now: my health and money.  I just feel crappy most of the time.  And my medical and vet bills are already over $6000 so far this year (with some unknown bills still outstanding).

To find comfort:  mostly watching tv and eating.  Most days I find it an effort to do anything.

To ward off boredom:  I’d real…[Read more]

Sorry I haven’t been checking in. I’ve been prepping for my grandson’s birthday party this weekend. Today’s actually his second birthday but Sunday was picked for his party as no one has to work that day.

Breakfast was a Celebrate chocolate mint shake

Lunch was some cooked out link sausage and a cheese stick

Dinner will be chicken fajitas

I used to put mine on a spreadsheet, but have become lax on that.  Last year I had other medical problems, and had different blood work from different doctors, and never realized my B levels weren’t checked.  And I just realized my D wasn’t checked this time.  This fall, I’m going to take my recommended blood test list from my Bariatric center in…[Read more]

My B12 was also elevated, but only slightly. My B6 is supposed to be around 21 at the highest level, and it is 81.

Exactly! It’s all in how you use it.

And some folks (and it sounds like you’re one of them) use technology appropriately.

I can’t say the same all the time but I’m certainly working on it!

It’s good that you’re able to identify those!

I would say, though, that both of those are more in the realm of symptoms. The origin would be more like what CAUSED you to get off schedule or what CAUSED you to let sugar creep back in. The root cause. But it’s good that you know those barometric signs that things aren’t right and correct them!

I…[Read more]

I feel like I’m pretty on track right now.  But if/when I don’t, it’s usually because my schedule is off (which impacts my sleep, which impacts my energy, which impacts my eating and working out, blah blah blah) OR because I’ve let sugar creep in and I crave more.

I’d like to think that it depends on whether I’m using tech for my purposes or if I’m a slave to it.  For example, I like to read – sometimes it’s easier to get the book electronically, but I don’t feel like I’m a slave to my device if I’m reading a book.  But yeah, I also use it sometimes to cure boredom as I have a hard time just being chill.

Good reminder!  Because I’m a data nerd, I spreadsheet all of my lab values along with the recommended levels.  I’ve found it’s best to be my own advocate and watch closely.  Even though I may be within a normal range, there could be a significant change that is worth looking at.

Question: Were your b12 levels high as well or just b6?

Question: What exactly is the source of your fear about succeeding and then failing? In other words, what’s the worst that will happen if you put forth effort and it doesn’t work out?

I have other thoughts, but I’ll start there. If you wouldn’t mind, be as detailed as you can about what you think will actually happen if you are “successful then…[Read more]

I think this is a work-able list. Because you so dutifully attend support call, I know what you are doing to manage the depression. But questions:

What is your greatest source of stress right now?
What are some things you are doing to find alternate comfort?
Lastly, ideally what kinds of things do you think you’d like to do to ward off…[Read more]

Depression, stress, trying to comfort myself with food.  Boredom at times.

Iiiiiinteresting…

I find the unplug challenge (I’ve led a whole month of unplug for an hour a day type challenges) tend to teach you where technology fits into your life. For most people, it’s ok and fine and nothing to worry about. And then there are some of us (like me) who probably needed an intervention!

I typically go device free for at least 30 min as I get ready for bed, except for music on Pandora which I’m not counting because I could just as easily use an actual radio!  Last night I tried to go longer but I got bored and just decided to go to sleep 🙂

Congrats on the no eating before bed!

Yeah I gave up tech for Lent the year before last with the intention of stopping my bad habit of distracted driving. (My daughters are learning how to drive and I REALLY do not want to think about them following my lead!) It’s tough. I listen to NPR though. That usually keeps me sufficiently engaged (or…[Read more]

I’m glad you were less sore and that you pushed through to get stuff done!

Yesterday was a pretty good day, water and food-wise. I didn’t do too much in the way of exercise. Here’s what I ate:

Greek yogurt w/ fruit
Chili w/ Greek yogurt, cheese and jalapenos
A little square of a club sandwich at an office party
A lunchmeat/cheese…[Read more]