Day 31 Post 25 - Best Laid Plans

 Today did not go smoothly at all.  I had a good morning until I got to work. There was a situation that needed dealt with immediately. Truthfully it should have been dealt with last week but with the audit, and the Survey results, all the meetings on Thursday and then the people being out on vacation, it didn't happen. 

I got the situation taken care of and then started in on the project I needed to get done today.  Leaving the daily paper work from last night for the supervisor. Then there was a whole issue of my supervisors missing mandatory training. One was out on for a death in the family, the other forgot. Then the one that forgot, called in sick 5 minutes after her shift started. I had to drop the project and get the daily paperwork done.

Today felt so very hectic and I am really done with it. I ended up working 10 and 1/2 hours.

Which brings me to Chapter 3: Let Go of the Idea that Gentle, Relaxed People Can't be Superachievers.  The author tells us that the opposite is true. People who are achievers tend to not be frantic and hectic. They tend to be more peaceful and loving. They don't waste a lot of energy being frantic and panicking.

Frantic, fearful people get immobilized when things fall apart.  Today, I could have become that person. Instead I accepted the fact that I was not going to get the project done. My boss will understand, if not then he should have given me more time to do it. I had no control over my supervisors being out. I did have control over how I handled it. I chose to re-prioritize and tackle those priorities.  I did end up working late but that gave me the opportunity to meet with the techs. 

I think having inner peace is really part of not being frantic. I agree that remaining calm and rational will take you farther than frantic fearful actions. 

Do you catch yourself getting frantic when things run into roadblocks or plans go awry?

Day 30 Post 24 - A Much Needed Day Off

 After the crazy long days of the past few weeks, I splurged and took today off.  Today was just for me. I did some EPP, ran an errand, folded the laundry and got a quilt about 3/4 of the way quilted. I also sent some financial information off to a financial advisor. And I worked for about 4 hours on a project for my boss.

So I still need to work on not doing work at home or on my days off. It just doesn't seem to work out that way for me. But I did ignore emails and such for most of the weekend. There were a couple of times I almost set up my computer during the 3 day weekend, but I resisted. So I think I am improving.

Now for the book. Chapter 2 is titled: Make Peace with Imperfection. Basically, we need to not get worked up over less than perfect results. We need to not dwell on what isn't just quite right and focus on what is good. It is easy to notice imperfections in ourselves - such as needing to lose weight, or needing to leave work at work. Maybe it;s a coworker that doesn't do things the way you think they should.

For myself, I am pretty much at peace with my imperfections. Whether it's my weight, or my hobbies, or my house, I can live with things not being perfect. I can even embrace the imperfections.  But when I get things working just so and someone comes along and does it differently, I struggle.

For instance, I like to organize the daily paperwork in a certain way. It makes it easier for me to find the information. I no longer do the paperwork on a daily basis. My supervisors do. But they put it in a different order and it makes it a little more difficult to find. I could make them do it my way but there isn't any real reason to do it my way. I am making peace with the way they do things.

It really does make for a more pleasant life if you aren't trying to make everything perfect. Still do your best, still strive for perfection, but be happy with what you can do and remember it's all just steps on the way to perfection.

Do you accept imperfection or do you struggle with it?

Day 29 Post 23 - Getting Through a Book

 I have been very open about my journey of self discovery. And the steps I am taking to reduce stress, be at peace, and fuel my inner joy.  Part of this journey is educating myself. There are lots of theories out there about how to find peace and happiness. All have worked for somebody at some point. Looking at these theories, lets me see what might or might not work for me.

Currently I am reading Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and It's All Small Stuff. It was written by Dr. Richard Carlson back in 1997. This is supposed to be the ultimate book in learning how to not be stressed. It is taking me forever to get through it. Not because it is a hard read. Quite the contrary, it's too easy. It's 100 chapters but each chapter is only a page and a half to two pages long. It tells you what to do but not how to do it. It's like a little book of mantras that have a synopsis for each one. I am just not engaged with the book.  

Now I am a reader, a compulsive reader at times, so not being engaged in a book is a new experience for me. I am also the type of person who needs to finish a book before starting another one. So I decided to start all over and write about each chapter.  I can find ways to implement the topics or describe experiences I've had that relate to them. Hopefully that will help me finish it and let my silly brain move onto something else.

Chapter 1 - Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. - He says we often let ourselves get worked up over insignificant things. Instead of letting things go, we convince ourselves we are justified in our anger and plan out revenge scenarios in our mind. Things like being cut off by a driver, instead of just letting it go we swear or gesture. Instead we should just let them go have their eventual accident someplace else and get on with our life. 

I admit I have done this. I am trying to get better about it. I have a friend that would handle being cut off by assuming they were rushing to the hospital with a wife in labor, or there was a family emergency and they were needed at home. By giving the perpetrator a valid reason for their actions, she was able to just let it go.  

Waiting in line can get frustrating, especially when people are not being kind to others.  I was waiting in line at the pharmacy and started to get a little frustrated with the woman in front of me, or I should say the cart and kids in line in front of me. The woman was wandering all around looking at or for stuff. Leaving her kids unattended in line. The man behind me was rather critical of the whole situation. At first I was annoyed too, but then I looked at the 4 kids between the ages of 8 and 2. I realized that she was trying to be as efficient as possible in her shopping, after all how long the kids were going to tolerate the boredom was anyone's guess.  The kids were well behaved and the littlest one was smiles and cuteness. As we moved closer to the counter, I suggested the older one tell their mom that it was almost their turn. He called her on his phone and she was there before it was her turn. She thanked me for suggesting he let her know. I was lucky that I rarely had to take all my kids with me shopping and usually when I did, my husband was with us. This was a single mother who was recently widowed. I found this out from her friend who just happened to be shopping too. No wonder she was trying to get things done instead of just waiting there.

We need to learn to not let the small inconveniences of life get to us.  Is it easier said than done? Sometimes. But that is when we need to work on ourselves and not worry about others.

Tomorrow Chapter 2 - Making Peace with Imperfection

Day 27 Post 22 - A Little Bit of Self Reliance

This weekend started off pretty decent. I picked Kim up at the airport last night. Our cider press  had arrived in the afternoon. (a week earlier than we thought it would.)  Kim and Killian spent a little time putting it together while Perigrine and I supervised. We discovered that we didn't have all the parts. WE debated about whether the other box would show up today or not. Then we just sat and talked before calling it a night. 

We slept in this morning. Then Kim and Killian ran some errands. Perigrine and I worked on the house. Fortunately, the rest of the press showed up this morning.  I ran to Bainbridge to pick up Perigrine's cake and came home to a fully assembled cider press.

Kim and the kids picked the apples. Kim estimates that we got about 8-10 bushels worth.  Currently Kim and Killian are pressing cider. We already have more than 5 gallons.  Some will be made into vinegar. Some will be bottled for later use. Some will be shared with friends and neighbors.

Kim says "This is what it is all about. The planting and tending the trees, keeping them watered and pruned, all the hard work paying off."  I have to agree. It is pretty satisfying.  Nothing like a little self reliance to make you feel accomplished.

I hope your weekend is amazing.

Day 25 Post 21 - Good Afternoon

My morning meeting went well. A lot better than I thought it would.  So that was a bit of a relief.  I took care of an unpleasant task that went better than I expected. And I left after 8 hours which was really nice.  I needed to though. I started wheezing this afternoon. I am not sure why but something triggered me and I decided that I needed to get on out of there.

I went and dropped off some pecans for Liz to use in Perigrine's cake and ended up spending a couple of hours just catching up.  I really needed that time with her. We are going to get together for a girls day soon. Just not sure when.

I am still very tired and I guess that is to be expected when you work 106 hours in 11 days.  One more day and I will have 3 days off. Maybe 4 days if I decided to take Tuesday off as well. I am really tempted to take a day before my month gets really busy. I told my boss I would let him know tomorrow if I am going to take it.

We'll see how I feel in the morning. If I am still wiped out, I will take it off for sure. Hopefully I will get to leave early tomorrow and have a good weekend.

Do you have plans for the Memorial Day weekend?

Day 24 Post 20 - Almost There

 The Audit is over and we got our excellent score. We are all breathing a sigh of relief. Now the harder part comes. Dealing with the VP of Human Resources.

To be fair, she is here to explain the Talent Keeper Scores. But these scores are the results of surveying our employees to gauge their overall satisfaction with their employment, and in particular their satisfaction with their bosses.  We are to take the feed back and improve working conditions in the plant. A great idea in theory. Putting it into practice is a little harder. But I believe, we are improving in our department. So hopefully the meeting my boss and I have with her in the morning won't be too bad. I have a feeling it is not going to be all bonbons and roses though. 

No sense in dwelling on it though. We will know soon enough what is up. 

Still it is Wednesday and I only have 2 days left to work before a 3 day weekend. A much needed 3 day weekend after working 12 days straight. I am tempted to take Tuesday off as well, I will have to think about it.

Right now I am just going to enjoy the good audit score.  And take pride in our team for everything they accomplished in the past few weeks.

Enjoy your Hump Day

Day 23 Post 19 - Good Start

 Today went well. We are about 1/2 way through the audit and don't have any findings yet.  Getting up at 4:00am was rough and I am paying for it tonight. But I should sleep well. Some of the stress is off as my part went pretty well. Tomorrow it is more facilities and employee interviews than anything else. Hopefully those all go well.

I need this week to be over with so I can stop the stress eating.  Pretty sure I am going to have to get really strict with my diet again.  Oh well, Summer is salad season after all.  I should be able to get back to veggies and protein fairly easily. I just need to focus on it. But after this week, not now.

Day 22 Post 18 - Down to the Wire

Tomorrow is the big audit. Things are coming together. I will need to be at work at 7:00am to do a walk through. Auditor should be there at 8:00am. Fingers crossed that it goes well and we pass with a high score.

I find that I have been stress eating. Meaning I have been craving and eating starches and sugars. I need to stop doing that but it isn't going to happen this week. I am hoping to get back on track next week.  

I also have not been drinking enough water. I need to drop the diet soda and drink more water. But I have been wanting the caffeine. The long hours of the past 2 weeks and working the weekend has taken a toll on me. I am going to try and get to bed early since I will be getting up an hour earlier.

So now it's time for me to do my de-stressing routine so I can sleep.  Have a good night.

Day 21 Post 17 - Time to De-Stress

Well, Today went pretty well. I was one of only 4 managers present at work today. I worked about 7 hours and then left. I got done what I needed to do. I still have some stuff that I need to work on tomorrow but with the cleaning of the PB roaster, I was working up front. Which was limiting what I could get done. But I have all day tomorrow to take care of things.

I took my husband to the airport this morning so it was an early morning for me. I was so tired when I got home. But about the time I was trying to take a nap, work was calling. Stress is so high over the audit and tempers are short and irritability is high. I just need people to take a step back and think before they react.

I really hate playing peacemaker between two people who are assuming the worse of the other.  I am sure it's just a little bit of stress and overreaction and a lot of frustration. Plus a little bit of forgetting the new policy. I will be smoothing things over between the two of them tomorrow.

Now I just want to chill and unwind before then next round of stress. The next five days could be pretty brutal. Hopefully not, but they will definitely be long. So I need to prepare breakfast and lunches the night before. I will also need to make sure I am doing my routines to keep the stress down.

It's going to be a fun week one way or another. For now I am going to run a hot bath and soak for a while. I am also going to do a little hand stitching to relax. 

Hope your week goes well.

Day 20 Post 16 - Saturday Work

Today was not as bad as I was anticipating. I worked 7 hours today. I was able to get all my spreadsheets updated and ready for the audit. Tomorrow I will sort out and organize some papers and I should be good to go. I'll need to do some swabs and some other administrative tasks but It shouldn't be too bad.

I am still sorry that I didn't get to spend the day with my husband and grandkids. But sometimes the job just needs to take precedence. The trick is to recognize when it needs to and when it doesn't. Then to keep it all in balance.

Day 19 Post 15 - Perspective

 So I am sort of, kind of, reading the book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. It's what I am currently picking up to read when I'm not totally exhausted at bedtime.  I'm about 1/3 to 1/2 way through it. Basically each very small chapter is a thought or motto or mantra.  Nothing too eye opening, but it's a good reminder.  Today, I was thinking about all I have to do and some unpleasant tasks that need taken care of at work, when the title caught my eye. The subtitle was an especailly good reminder as well. it states And It's All Small Stuff.

 It is so easy to get caught up in: "the things are going wrong," "I have so much needs to be done," and "I can't catch a break," modes of life. When we get in this self defeating cycle, we lose perspective. We forget all the good things that are happening to us.

It's been a long stressful week and next week will be just as long and stressful. But I have a job that I like. I have a boss that I like. I really like my employees. So yes, there is stress but I get to deal with it with a great team of coworkers. And yes I am tired but I'm not sick and I am not going hungry and all my bills are paid.

On top of all that I have been able to recognize the Lord's hand in several things lately. So Yes, I am not getting the time I want to do the things I want to do right now. But I am blessed and I am loved and I am cared for.

It's all about perspecitive and keeping your mind in the right place.

Day 18 Post 14 - Audit Prep

 It has been a very long week. And it's not going to be over tomorrow.  I have to work the whole weekend.  They have asked the managers to work the weekend since They are asking the hourly workers to work it. It is a good idea. I will help to show the workers that we aren't asking them to do anything we won't do. 

It's just that I have put in 53 hours on this pay week, which is Friday through Thursday.  I took half a day last week and still had 43 hours. But alas, I am salaried and the number of hours doesn't mean extra money.  I'd take a day or two off after the audit but the VP of HR is going to be there and wants to meet with my boss and me. So, it's going to be a very long couple of weeks.

I probably need to work it it anyway. I have a lot of records to get straighten out. I thought the supervisors were putting things in binders but they were just stacking them in the cupboard.  I hate to go to the effort of putting them in binders now. We will need to take them out and put them in boxes for  storage in about 6 weeks. So I'll probably just start packing them away in a storage box. But in an organized way so I can access them easily during the audit.

I got home at 7:00pm tonight. I left the house at 6:30am this morning. I am beat and I think I will do my scripture study and then stitch a little bit before bed. Probably take a hot bath as well. That is the best way I know to relax.

Have a good night.

Day 16 Post 13 - Too Much To Do

This is going to be a long week actually it's going to be a couple of longs weeks at work. I have lots of things that I need to get pulled together for the Audit at work next week. On supervisor is on vacation this week and the other will be on vacation next week. Then there ia all the things we need to get done at the house. 

Killian is sick and struggling to just get up and go to work. Perigrine is going to sit with another elderly lady while her family goes to the temple this weekend. I will be working 9-11 hours each day. 

There is not enough time to do the things I need to do and also do my spiritual/emotional routines. I can't let the routines go though. I will be in a worse place if I do. So my sleep is being compromised. That is never a good idea.  

I need to take some time off to just work on the house and also do some quilting. But I hate to use vacation time to do every day things. Or at least what should be everyday things.

All of this is evidence that I still have a long way to go before I reach a work/life balance.

How about you?

Day 14 Post 12 - Fun Day Yesterday.

Yesterday was a good day. Killian got up and took 3 goats to the sale. Perigrine and I got up and finished prepping for the Relief Society activity. Killian ran the errands that he wanted to get done while we were at the activity.

The activity went really well there were 10 of us there. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Lots of Shower Fizzies were made. Someone even asked if we could do it again closer to Christmas. I am calling it a success. 

Our RS president thinks we should cut back these activities back to once a quarter or at the most every other month. She feels that we will get better attendance if we don't try do it every month.  That just seems counter intuitive to me. We are a small congregation. We have our regulars, who always come. The other some when they don't have things happening.  I know that doing activities on a Saturday is not always the best time, especially for the younger women with kids. But I am not in a position to do these activities on weeknights. Plus a lot of our older women would just as soon not drive at night. I still think the way to get attendance up is to have it routinely every month and the same day every month if possible. But she has the calling and I have to support her decision.

After the Activity, Perigrine and I unloaded the car grabbed Killian and drove to Adel for the Day Lily Festival. It's not a huge festival but it was fun. We had Tamales and fried Oreos. We also bought a lot of freeze dried candy and snacks at the festival.  

I told the kids that more and more I think we need a freeze dryer. Killian corrected me and said we don't need it but we would have a use for it.  Reminding me that Needs, Wants, and Uses are 3 different things. Still in my mind I am debating using my annual bonus (if i get one) to buy a freeze drier instead of paying off debt. I am sure the sensible me will win out and I'll pay down debt. Still I want one.

We were all worn out after our adventure and had a lazy evening. It was a good end to a long stressful week. Today will be busy as well but that's okay. Tired from doing something else is not a bad thing.

The next 2 week are going to be hectic and long as well. I really need to get back on my schedule but that is not going to happen for at least 3 weeks. But I am going to keep up my stress reducing activities, eat healthy, and try to get enough sleep. And on the weekends do things we enjoy.

How was your Saturday?

Day 13 Post 11 - Rough End of the Week

 Yesterday was horrendous at work. Lots of tension and contention. It was not pleasant. Our church leaders constantly remind us the contention is a tool of the devil and I can't say enough how true that is.  I also was walking all day long. So I was beat by the time I got home at 8:00pm. Long day, lots of responsibilities, and lots of movement left me tired and sore. Oh and the stupid compression socks would not stay up all day, so the were absolutely no help at all.

The worse part of yesterday, I forgot it was Perigrine's birthday. When I got home Killian commented that we were making Perigrine work on her Birthday. I felt terrible. The whole day I was operating on it being the eleventh not the twelfth. I sent a list of things I wanted Perigrine to do for me to prepare for our activity this morning. She didn't get a birthday dinner or a birthday cake. Killian and I will have to make it up to her today.

Killian used his pulse massager on my feet and legs last night. It definitely helped. Perigrine turned the sweet roll dough, I was going to use to make apple dumplings into Heath sweet rolls. Perigrine also made up a bunch of shower steamers / bath fizzies for examples. I hope we get a decent turn out for her sake but I am not sure that is going to happen. I did not get the word out like I should have.

After the activity we may go to the goat sale or we may find something else to do. 

What are your plans for the weekend?

Day 11 Post 10 - Stressful Afternoon

 When you're a manager, you sometimes have to have difficult conversations. Today was on such day. I hate confrontation. I also hate hurting people. This particular person lashed out at me and at the HR rep in attendance. Ancient history was brought up. It was just exhausting. But it is over now. 

I still have to write up the discussion but I will do that tomorrow.

Tonight I am going to relax and enjoy my evening.

Hope you have a good night.

Day 10 Post 9 - Hump Day

 I don't know why today was so exhausting. I worked in the training room because they were cleaning the peanut butter line. But I did have to go back to the lab for things and to communicate with the tech on duty. I made one trip too many and had to use my inhaler. But I am feeling better now.

Tomorrow is the wellness fair. They want me to man the ERG booth. Since they will still be cleaning the peanut butter line, I think I will just take my laptop to the table and work there. I'm not sure how many people are going to be there. only half the plant is scheduled to work. They are holding this fair outside. I think I better plug in my laptop tonight to make sure it is charged all the way up.  I will need to make sure I have plenty of water as well.

Stopped off on the way home and picked up the new prescription. It is suppose to help with bladder control. I hope it works. I also picked up the compression socks the doctor suggested. I only got 2 pair today. I want to look around a little bit before buying more. Then I fueled up. Killian called me at 6:30 to see if I was alright.  I hadn't planned on a long day and then going to the store. But I was just about on my way home when he called.

I got home to a Pineapple Mango smoothie. It sure is hitting the spot. My kids spoil me. Today I am just glad to be home. Looking forward to a hot bath and a good night's sleep.

How was you Hump Day?

Day 9 Post 8 - Dr Appointment

Today was my doctor's appointment. It went well. Issues I was concerned with are being address. Of course, it means referrals.  A rheumatologist for achy joints and possible inflammation. A gynecologists for hormones for libido, energy, and bladder control issues. 

She did not try to say the issue was my weight. She did however brought up age a lot.  I do realize that aging, and lack of estrogen are a big part of the issues I am having.  So I was more willing to hear what she is saying this time around. Not that I wasn't willing to hear what she was saying last time, but the weight loss did not solve the issues I was having and  I knew they wouldn't.

But I am feeling more empowered this time around.

When was the last time you went in for a check-up?

Day 8 Post 7 - Exhausted

It was a rather lazy weekend. Despite the sore legs from cramps Friday night, the weekend was fairly restful. But that all went to heck last night. I had to take Kim to the airport this morning so it was going to be a 2:30am wake up alarm.  Try as we might, getting to bed early doesn't equal going to sleep early. We fell asleep sometime after 10:00pm. 4 hours sleep isn't so bad but unfortunately I got a work phone all at 12:30am. Then I had heartburn and couldn't get back to sleep for a while. I got maybe 3 hours of interrupted sleep. 

I planned on working 8 hours and leaving. I worked 11 hours. Crap was hitting the fan all day. I was in the middle of it, trying to work the problems. By the time I left I had not had enough caffeine and the drive home was a little drowsy. Thankfully my friend called and talked to me the last part of the way.  But when I parked, I drifted off to sleep for a bit. I was dreaming that I was talking to my husband when the logical side of my brain said "Hey, you're still in the car. Get up and go get into bed." I listened to it.

I know that a regular sleep schedule is important to my health. I know that as I get older pulling these long days is harder on me than it was 30 years ago. But sometimes you just don't have a choice. I should have left after 8 hours, I never do though. There is always something to take care of.  Here once again, I am putting my job ahead of my health. I need to find away to stop doing that. I need to learn to delegate more. I need to learn to let things sit for a day.

Anyone have tips for doing that?

Day 7 Post 6 - Preparing for the Doctor's Appointment

Saturday was a very lazy day for me. I had no energy after a miserable night of leg cramps. I would no sooner get a cramp to release in one area than I'd get another one in a different spot. I was on the verge of tears several most of the night. I don't know why, but the cramping is getting worse and seems to affect me longer.  My legs hurt all day Saturday. I couldn't stand for long periods and I had to move after sitting for a little while. A few weeks ago, after having particularly strong cramps in my lower legs, it felt like I was walking on a sprained ankle for 3-4 days. I take a potassium supplement as well as a magnesium supplement. So I am not sure what to do next. 

I am going into the doctor on Tuesday and I plan on bringing a list of concerns. The constantly aching in various parts of my body, like my shoulders, and wrists despite wearing my wrist braces. The lack of energy despite losing a bunch of weight. The bladder control issues that only occurs during the day. The lack of a libido.  And of course, the leg cramps. 

Last time I went in for a physical, the PA could only see my weight. Everything prescribed and every test ordered was all tied to weight. I pushed for referrals to an endocrinologist and a cardiologists. The issues have continued despite the weight loss. In fact they seem to be worse. I am going to push for root cause. And the answer is not going to just be lose weight. Because having lost 90 pounds in the last 30 months hasn't solved the issue and in fact it seems to be getting worse

I still have weight to lose and I have been back sliding lately, but so many doctors look and my size and make up their minds that is the whole problem. I am not putting up with that this time around. I am going in with my list and going to demand they look into all possible factors. 

We take for granted that Doctors are well trained and know what they are doing. We forget that they are human and overworked. New advances and developments are coming out everyday and many doctors, especially those in small towns and rural areas, don't always get updated on these things right away. We need to educate ourselves. When we get a diagnosis, we need to learn about it and the possible treatments. When we get a prescription we need to find out about it and what it's side effects my be.

We need to advocate for ourselves. And women especially need to push for answers. Women in general often fail to question "pat" diagnoses. I know two women who were hypothyroid and their symptoms were put down to menopause. Fortunately, they didn't stop looking for answers and finally got the right diagnosis and treatment for their condition.

Are you looking after your health? Do you push for answers? 

Day 5 Post 5 - TGIF

 My computer wasn't cooperating this morning, so I didn't get to blog before work. The morning started out pretty good but my mind was on some personnel issues at work. 

I got to work and met with a supervisor, we talked about the possible new hires, upcoming cleans, and some issues we are facing in the department. I was overcome with just how easier this meeting went than the one the day before with the other supervisor. There was just a whole different attitude about things. A more upbeat outlook and a more cooperative demeanor. It was just a much better meeting and I know we both walked out of there with an understanding of what needs done and how to get it done. 

I had so much to do today. When the second shift supervisor came in, more than 2 hours early, she was surprised that I was still there. We had discussed her coming in early. I had said that I might leave early as well. I just had so much came up during the day that I wasn't able to leave 2 hours early. As it was I didn't finish all I needed to do. The second shift supervisor made herself scarce until after I left. I think she is upset with me for calling her out on  a couple of things the day before. 

But I did come home an hour early and proceeded to do absolutely nothing until the grandkids arrived for the weenie roast. It was a very pleasant evening. I hated for it to end. But I am tired and my bed is calling me.

I hope your Friday was enjoyable.

Day 4 Post 4 - Social Media or Rabbit Hole

Yesterday went well and I did a decent job of sticking to the no starch diet. Perigrine found some yogurt covered nuts that were technically still within my diet and let me have a little bit of sweet. That helped a little with the cookie cravings.

I am still doing the scripture study and blogging in the morning. It seems to help with maintaining my peace. I didn't do any EPP last night though. My hands have been achy lately despite wearing my braces at night. I have been doing a lot of typing at work so that might be part of it. The weird thing is that they don't hurt all that much until I am basically resting them. Like driving home last night, my left wrist was just throbbing. The other day, I went and laid down because I wasn't feeling well and my wrists throbbed so much that I got up took some Ibuprofen and put icy hot on them. It was weird and I will talk with my doctor about it when I go in next week.

Instead of stitching, what I have been doing is spending too much time on social media. This is a huge time buster. Last night, I was on it for a half hour after everyone had gone to bed. I had been trying to not get sucked down the rabbit hole of Memes and endless negative revenge stories and other peoples "Karen experiences". but I am right back where I was a few months ago. These things do nothing for my peace of mind. I need to start limiting my social media to things that benefit me and not burn up all of my time and emotional energy. Not sure how that looks though.

How do you avoid rabbit holes?

Day 3 Post 3 - One Day at a Time

Two days down without cheating on my diet. I am having to do this one day at a time. But I am doing it.

With Kim home this week, I changed up my routine a little bit. I am blogging and doing my scripture study in the morning. That way I can be with him in the evening. The only problem is I am not doing as much stitching as I would like. I guess I just need to work on EPP in the evenings.

Morning scripture study is working out really well. The house is quieter and I there are less distractions. I may keep this routine. We'll see how things play out.

Speaking of scripture study, I've come to realize one of my biggest downfalls is pride. I am prideful and I seek recognition for what I do. I need to learn to be more humble. Truly Humble. Recognizing that my gifts are from God is not the same as recognizing that my abilities and all I have is because of God. And they can be taken away if I don't use them as I should. 

Just something to think about.

Day 2 Post 2 - Getting Back on Track

Yesterday was a busy day. I played catch up all day.  I was only out 1 day last week. But I probably went back to work to early. I ended up using my inhaler twice yesterday. I think I am in a flare right now, which means the slightest thing will set me off. I'm glad that my asthma is considered moderate to mild. I can't imagine how bad it would be if I had severe asthma.

I went shopping to pick up some healthy food options. I managed to stick to the no starch yesterday. I struggled the whole day. I packed for a no starch day today. Hopefully I stick to it. I am craving sweets though, specifically cookies and brownies. I don't know why cookies and brownies, but that is what I want. Perigrine made some Blondies for me on Saturday. She put salt on the top and they were so good. There is still some left but I didn't touch them. 

I am hoping to increase my water intake as well. I have been bad about that lately. I barely get in 2 quarts, if I even get that. Some days I'm lucky if it's a quart. I drink plenty of other liquid, I just need to go back to water.

What do you struggle with?

Day 1 Post 1 - New Month

 It is the morning of May first. May Day in some parts of the world. Here in south Georgia it is Monday morning and I get to go back to work after being sick all weekend. I am still feeling weak and would rather stay home in bed. But there is lots to do and not enough time to do it. 

I am sitting at my computer trying to convince myself to leave early. I can see the quilt top, that I plan to quilt next, draped over my long arm and I think I could call in and get that quilted today. Finishing the quilt last week has given me some of that "finishing energy" Unfortunately that finishing energy doesn't translate to work energy. At least not "going to work energy."

I am also trying to get back to no starches this week. I have back slid to the tune of 15 pounds since last November. I need to get things back under control. And I need to find a way to work in some exercise.  But between the rain and the pollen walking isn't practical. At least not outside, if I want to breathe that is. I am not buying a membership to the YMCA to just walk their track, especially since their hours don't work with my schedule. I don't have the place to put a treadmill either. So that problem is on the back burner for now.  I do know that both Killian and I felt a lot better that week in the hotel, when we walked on the treadmill each day.

I think this week I may start tackling the locked up 15-91 Singer. Or maybe just get the tension fixed on the one I am using right now. Either way one machine is getting worked on this week. I just don't know which one yet.

And one quilt is getting quilted this week. The cobbler stones and pinwheels quilt is about ready to go on the long arm. So that is very doable.

Now just to find the time, space and energy to do all of that.

What are your plans for the week?