Gwennaford's Journal

[Gwennaford]

Thanks so much, Terri.  I get by with a little help from my friends!  LOL

[Gwennaford]

Vinegar Cabbage Slaw

4 cups (packed down) Shredded Green Cabbage
1/4 cup Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup Mojo Marinade (no sugar)
1/4 cup Apple Juice
1 tsp. EVOO
1 tsp. Splenda granules
1/4 tsp. Kosher Salt
1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp. Herbes de Provence
1/4 tsp. Dried Basil
1/4 tsp. Celery Seeds or Fennel Seeds
1/4 tsp Coarse Ground Black Pepper

Whiz or shake dressing ingredients to emulsify.  Pour evenly over cabbage, mix well and pack into a plastic or glass dish with a tight-fitting lid.  Macerate in refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, inverting bowl occasionally.

[Gwennaford]

Sept. 9 -- Concerning today's food diary entry re details of taking charge of a deficit of "me" time because of other people's issues:

With Mike's help & encouragement, I'm developing the insight and fortitude to stand strong in making myself one of my priorities.  a/k/a: Other people will continue to have issues whether or not I'm bathed, rested or fed (the Big 3).

One of my strategies is to announce my intentions regarding each of the Big 3, the timing for said intentions, along with the fact that during this brief time I will not be available to jump to every yell unless I feel that life-threatening bleeding is involved or death is otherwise imminent.  This is not going over particularly well for all members of the household, but it seems to be working for Sandy (the dog) & me.

Hopefully this will forestall future incidents like the one where "someone" recently came into the bathroom, opened the shower curtain and asked me what I was doing.    (translated, that means, "I'm awake now, why aren't you cooking my breakfast?")  

I think of this as "60-2 behavior" -- a two-year-old in a 60-year-old's body. 

[Jazmyn]

Ok I am really liking this new take care of Gwen thing you have going on...that totally ROCKS! Keep up the great work Gwen...I am completely proud of you! 


~Jazmyn 

[tprouty]

Hi Gwen!

I love the new attitude! Those 3 B's are pretty basic necessities -- stick to 'em!

I know it's hard because you're committed to loving and caring for Neil, and you have a heart as great as Texas, and the will to succeed that's at least as great, and the fortitude to "git 'er done!" -- whatever needs doing.

In just a matter of a couple of days, your determination is showing good results in your menus -- I was concerned that you were putting off eating until you couldn't stand it anymore, and then just making do. Great improvements, and I KNOW you'll see the results in the continually dropping dress sizes, and in that dratted scale thing! Amazing what just a little me time can do!

You and Sandy keep up the good work!

Love and hugs,   
Terri

[Gwennaford]

Thanks for encouragement, Terri & Jaz. 

I'm encouraged by several inches (gallons) of fluid loss this week.  I can tell when I stand up and try to take a few steps when there less weight on my feet & legs.  Made several excursions out of my folding wheelchair this week while the power chair was in the shop.  My arms & legs feel stronger & flexibility is better from reaching over my head for things.  That doggone folding chair is so low to the ground, I had to stand up every time I needed to reach into the microwave, washing machine, linen closet, medicine cabinet, bookshelves, kitchen cabinets, etc.  And while it's a whiz on bare floors, it is a BEAR to roll across carpet under my own power.  So I got lots of upper body exercise, which I needed very much.

I was going to try using the folding chair several days a week at home, but instead I think I'll leave it at church & get the insurance company to buy me a rolling/sitting walker so I can roll & walk around the house & into church & not have to use the wheelchair transport service at all. 

[Gwennaford]

I was reading about people setting weight loss pound goals on the thread about jump starting your weight loss.  Niki made a good point about setting goals and I wanted to expound on it, but didn't want to clog up that thread with my ramblings, so I'm putting it here.

Quote from: julie409 on Today at 08:49:38 PM

And I am setting a new goal for myself. My next goal is 25 lbs and I am going to count it off until I reach it.

Quote from Niki:

in the past, whenever i set a goal like that for myself, i failed.......when i found this wonderful way of eating, i felt delivered from my compulsive eating habits...my goal, since i found out about let's do lunch, is to be craving free....once i manage that, i'm home free.....
don't any of you put that kind of pressure on yourselves.......focus on getting rid of the cravings so YOU can be the one to decide what goes in your mouth and losing weight is the side effect...........

I understand what you're saying, Niki. I have faithfully eaten LDL foods, but didn't always eat them at the right times, in the right combinations to accomplish rapid weight loss. Therefore, if my only goal had been a specific number of pounds lost according to the scale, then I should feel like a failure right now because the number hasn't dropped in such a long time.

However, I don't consider this plateau time as wasted and I don't feel like a failure AT ALL because it has proven to me that eating only LDL foods for the rest of my life is possible, preferable, and greatly desirable as a permanent way of life. It's fine to SAY that I've adopted this as a permanent lifestyle change, but to be eager to continue it even without the tangible reward of weight loss, I believe is a testament to how firmly the Lord has set my mind like flint to stay on the path He has set for me with Let's Do Lunch.

Maybe this is an excuse, or a cop-out because I didn't lose, or denial of responsibility. I don't know.  I'm HOPING it has been a test of my resolve to stay on Let's Do Lunch even if I never lose another ounce, like I said I would do.  If it is, then I'm passing, so far!

[heretotheend]

Hi Gwen, I have been on LDL for three months and I would like to tell you how much I enjoy all of you imput......reading these boards often to me is one of the things that help me stay on track....thanks for all of the support I get from your journals.....  

Cookie

[Gwennaford]

Cookie, thanks for saying so.  Sometimes I feel like my journal is nothing more than a self-indulgent exercise in agonized rambling and that I should just keep it all to myself.  However, my hope is that by sharing my journey instead of keeping it private, that it might help people understand that it is possible to do Let's Do Lunch successfully when it seems like all other parts of your life are in the toilet.

The main thing that keeps me going is that the Lord knew the end from the beginning, and all parts of my life are part of His master plan.  And I KNOW -- deep down in the innermost depths of my spirit that He gave me Let's Do Lunch when He did as a lifeline to get me through the tough times ahead.  That, more than anything else is what keeps me on track.  Since it is a gift, given through His grace, if I didn't try to stick with it, it would be like throwing His gift back in His face.  That wouldn't be a good idea, would it? ? ?  

[Gwennaford]

THIS WAS THE BEST DAY EVER ! ! !  I was SOOOO excited today when Michelle & I went clothes & shoe shopping.  She was trying on athletic shoes at Foot Locker and I decided to get some new ones, too, as I plan to be doing so much WALKING in the near future.  So anyway, while Michelle was busy with the salesgirl I was helping myself trying on socks & shoes.  It was hard for me to reach my feet from my wheelchair without falling out on my nose, so I moved over onto a bench where I could spread out a little.  I was busily struggling into the shoes when Michelle whirled around and said, MOM -- LOOK WHAT YOU'RE DOING ! ! !

I had one ankle propped up on the other knee, all intently tightening the laces, just like everyone else on the planet does it.  EXCEPT, I haven't been able to bend my knees very much for the past 10 years and since the first arthritis flare, I've NEVER TWISTED THEM -- AT ALL -- without excruciating agony.  But today here I was, with my leg all twisted up & my foot in my lap, almost to my waist like a pretzel . . .

with NO PAIN

So this is what Michelle & I look like in our new Nike Shox:

------------------

WARNING - THE FOLLOWING CHAT IS ABOUT WOMEN'S UNDERWEAR.  DON'T READ THIS IF IT WILL MAKE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE.

We were cracking everyone up in the fitting room trying on ahem - "foundation garments."  It was a HOOT!    

OH! -- I have to tell you about a new (to me) brand of underwear made by Dr. Rey, the cosmetic surgeon from cable TV.  I guess he does so many boob jobs & tummy tucks & butt lifts that specialized gear is needed to hold all those new parts in place.  He has a line of s.e.x.y, pretty, & REALLY REALLY well-made bras, body slimmers & girdles big enough AND tall enough to fit Michelle & me, and that's a major accomplishment.  Seriously, if you've never had a well-fitting bra, I encourage you to try them.  They were reasonably priced to begin with - around $32.00 and Sears had them buy one, get one 50% off today.

[LittlePrincess]

Gwen,

I don't know why I popped into your journal today.  I never read journals.  But for some reason I did and I'm sooooo happy for you!!!!  ((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))  I also needed the tip on the bras.    I'm so glad you are feeling better hon!  I love you so much.

(In Faith)  LP

[crickadoodle]

Gwennaford, I just feel that God is doing something awesome in you and you are going to reach new victories soon.  You have been diligent and now that you are re-evaluating what you've been doing you're ready to try a few new things to get that weight moving off again.  I like how you got those new shoes in preparation for walking. 

I totally understand what you were talking about having another person need you so much, but you need to care for yourself too.  Taking care of my mom, she can be so dependent on me that she thinks she needs me more than I know she really does.  I have had to tell her "no" sometimes, when she asks for help.  Like getting into bed at night, I know she can do it by herself, if I "help" her she is really going to not use the muscles she needs to use to stay somewhat active.  By "helping" her, I really am hurting her.  Also, she does better mentally when she sees she really can do it.  She actually is sharper in her thoughts if I don't let her be quite so dependent.  (I have to fight that feeling of guilt that comes with telling her "no.")  My mom has a drop foot that requires special shoes and a little brace.  She can put her shoes on herself, but she will ask me to "help" her.  Sure, she has to struggle a little more than if I "helped," but she gets it done.  This morning I was getting ready for church and was further from being ready than she was and she asked me to help her with her shoes.  I told her that I had something I had to do, but once I got it done, if she hadn't gotten her shoes on I'd help.  Yes, she was finished before I was.    I'm learning more and more that it is OK to say "no."  I am learning to care for myself too, so I am more able to care for those around me.  We need to be rested and we need to eat properly and we need to be bathed (and relax and soak a little too) -- also for me, I need to get some exercise to become stronger.  I have to make that time for myself and this is good for the others too. 

Thank you for sharing from your heart like you do.  We are all pulling for you and I just know you are going to start losing lbs. again.  I know it's great that you've been able to stick with LDL in spite of that 8 month stall, but it's time to see those good fruits and we'll all be rejoicing with you because it is going to start happening again.  Don't you just sense that?  It is going to happen for you again. 

[Cyndy]

GWENNFORD: HIP HIP HORRAY!!!  WOOO-HOOOO!  YYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! I am so happy for  you! I know what's  it's like to be immobile and in pain!  I am so happy for you!!!    You so deserve to be pain free! 

Keep on truckin!!!!

Cyndy

[mom]

Oh Gwen, congrats on the pretzel like twist, and with those new shoes, you'll be trucking around in no time.  I know that a well fitting foundation garment is important, the young lady at Layne Bryant was telling me that statistically about 50 % of women wear the wrong size bra.  now if we wear the right size bra, we obviously look better, because those girls are kept in the right place.  so with all the weight we are losing, we probably should all go have a good bra fitting.  hugs and flowers going your way, for all you do for those around you, not just at home, but here on the boards as well.

[Gwennaford]

Truckin', like the do-dah man. . . (But I'm not 'Grateful Dead', I'm GRATEFUL LIVE!) 

Truckin' ...

Sort of like Robert Crumb’s Keep on Truckin’ poster.  Remember this?





Thanks, Mary, but I think I'll stick with Grape Girl.  It would be too easy for Pretzel Lady to turn into Pretzer "Girl" and I DON"T want to be known as "PG"  HA HA HA!  Thanks to all my great friends for sharing your wisdom and insight during my journey.  And thanks for not giving up on me!  *love*

Doodlebug - You are SO on-target with your analysis of how much care the "cared-for" really need, vs. how much they want.  Sounds like you are very wise in your interactions with your mother.  I have tried to start saying things like you suggested, but Neil is wise to that tactic & HE has figured out that if he acts out with inappropriate behavior that he can force my hand.  Last night was a perfect example.  He was uncomfortable and there was nothing I could do to help.  He decided there was no way he was going to sleep, and apparently he decided that if he couldn't sleep, then nobody should sleep.  He made a big-old production of flopping around and groaning like he was suffering the tortures of the damned.  I felt that petting on him would only validate his bad behavior, so after making sure he was really okay, I left the room and got busy elsewhere.  If there had been anywhere else to go to sleep, I would have gone there.  I seriously considered going around the corner to the Comfort Inn (nice name, huh?) but it was storming & I didn't want to get my power chair wet.

I broke my rule about blogging on my food diary, but I thought it was important to note WHY I ate such weird foods at such strange times yesterday.  Saturday/Sunday's eating was a perfect example of why, I believe, I haven't lost weight recently, even though staying true to LDL foods.

Well, he just woke up from dozing in his recliner, whining, "Are you STILL logging your foods? How much did you EAT today? ? ? "  Since he's had a nap he probably won't be sleepy tonight.

I'm going to find out about the current rates at the Comfort Inn.  It's not storming tonight!

[Gwennaford]

I was just chatting with another member who was concerned about possibly sharing TOO much of her journey on her journal, making her post too long.  As far as I'm concerned, there are no restrictions on what we put in our journals, as long as the content is appropriate.  Am I off base here?  I don't THINK it uses up much site memory as long as it's not loaded with graphics.  If I'm off base here, somebody PLEASE let me know, ok?

That said, I got a very strong impression that the Lord wanted me to share the following, possibly as a reminder to MYSELF:

I think it's important to remember our early perceptions of our new lives on Let's Do Lunch.  Just in case we are ever tempted to stray, or the "new" wears off as we say, we can look back at why we joined in the first place and remember how far we have come on our journey since starting LDL. Sometimes when things get better we have a tendency to forget how bad they were in the beginning.  Going back to refresh our memories of those early times can help us decide to avoid repeating the behaviors that contributed to them.

Thanks for expressing your concerns, in my food diary, MrsJ.  I feel better today.  Got some rest and not having quite so much pain.  I'm going to trek overland to the store today to see if they have any fresh cranberries & pumpkin.  Cranberries to stave off a possible UTI and punkin' 'cause you inspired me with your craving for R.M.'s Made Rights & Gingerbread Brownies.  Will get some more fresh ginger, too.  Chewing a cube of the sugared stuff to settle the nausea works for me, but I should find a more LDL solution.  I love the taste of fresh ginger, but chewing it straight would be too strong.  Brewing it into a tea should do the trick.  Maybe I can find some papaya tablets and cranberry capsules too.  I know Ocean Spray makes cranberry juice with Splenda but sometimes it's hard to find.  I resisted eating a bag of craisins yesterday because, even though cranberries are good for UTI's if KNOW the craisins are just candy in disguise and I didn't want to use feeling sick as an excuse to eat candy.  It's bad enough that I overate protein AND had white rice yesterday.

The good news is that eating right, and eating more regularly have kick started my elimination and my weight loss.  I'm certain I will have lost this time when I weigh at the first of the month.  IF NOT . . .  I'll do it again for another month, and another, and another ... until I either get it right, or Roger Troy comes over here & bops me in the head for messing up his program!

 I'll give ya a nickel (to the first person only, please!) if you can tell me who this is & why I posted it here.

[Gwennaford]

Well, now I know what caused the nausea, because it happened today, too.  Standing on my head tying Neil's shoes and struggling to get him dressed.  WHEW! Breakfast is still trying to come back up two hours later.  Yucko mucko.  Ate another ginger cube. 

Don't think I'm going to the store, but will still try to get some bean soups made after I lie down for a while. 

[mom]

Oh Gwen, I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well.  if you are trying to short circuit a UTI, you can buy cranberry pills at both the health food store, and walmart.  if you have the burning, urgency, you can also get a bladder antiseptic at wall mart its called pyridium, and makes you pee orange, the stuff I got at wall mart is called azo standard. but if you think you really have a UTI, you really need to see your primary care physician for a perscription of antibiotics, so that you don't get really sick.  Hopefully you will feel better soon, but drink lots of water, at least 8 ounces every hour, to flush out the urinary tract.

[crickadoodle]

Oh, Gwen, sorry about the UTI.  I so hated getting those.  I have an old book about doctors' home remedies that I went to after getting that twice and one recommendation was to take 1000 mg of vitamin C daily to prevent it.  I haven't gotten one in five years, since doing that.  Now, that is how to prevent it once you've gotten rid of it.  Listen to Mom, I know she is a nurse and knows best. 

It is good to think back on where we've come from.  It just adds to the grateful feelings I have in finding this way of eating.  Gwen, I'm pulling for you and so hoping you'll register weight loss on the 1st.  I think you are onto somethings that will help you end the weight stall.  Watch that white rice, though, which I know you already know.  You can do it.  Look how far you've come.