Things went pretty well in general last week -- I am feeling closer to my normal self. That is a building win for sure. At the beginning of the week I was down weight wise but I have not lost more the rest of the week. I am very bloated this weekend so I think I need to adjust my diet a bit. The one thing I added back into my routine is diet pepsi and I suspect that may be part of what is working against me. I will return to the iced tea ... and I am also looking forward to making some stevia lemonade.

Not much else to share .. how are you all doing?

I don't want to go back and look, but I think every time I post here, the word "frustrated" is involved, LOL.

I have been working out an hour every day. That's not my goal and I need to be careful about burnout. I am still trying to figure it all out. In the meantime I asked ChatGPT for some self-talk suggestions and they were good. Plus it never gets fed up with me. 😉

Still waiting to hit the milestone weightloss mark but I have made a decision about how to mark it ... well, a partial decision. I am taking a few days away. I would love to make a grander trip but given all the things going on, I am limited by how long I can take off ... and I don't want to be too far away. I am booking 3, maybe 4 days in a boutique hotel in July that feels like the perfect mini escape. Just looking at the courtyard relaxes me ...

Of course, this also means bathing suit shopping (ugh) but also a couple of fun summer pieces (few of my dresses fit).

I will also get a piece of jewelry -- but the mini vacation is the priority.

Funky, I truly love the way you think! A few days of R&R and a piece of jewelry sounds just right. You are prioritizing and rewarding yourself in a very nice way.

Nothing much new here. After DH’s big birthday party a few weeks ago and the subsequent bronchitis I went though, all is pretty normal again.

Today is our anniversary and we plan to go out for a light meal either at lunch or early dinner. It’s been raining heavily off and on since yesterday, flooding many roads. Who wants to go out in that?

Yay, funky! I’ll meet you there for a cocktail by the pool!

My heart monitor results came back. Since the results are almost identical to the last time (I wore a monitor when they were trying to figure out my long covid a few years ago) I guess it’s normal.

My money is on a salivary gland issue, or another nearby gland. How that causes headaches, I don’t know, but I am still working on my medical degree LOL.

At least you've ruled out the most serious things Sue, so that's great news.

Yes, I was thinking that right after I posted! At least I probably won’t collapse in Norway. 🤞🏻

OK that is definitely good news. Bummed that the mystery continues-- and more so that you still have the headaches and odd pains but I am very glad to hear it isnt anything related to your heart or brain!

Sue ... you SHOULD come down and join me! The rooms are quirky and interesting ... the hotel used to be a women's asylum LOL

Perfect!!

LOL.. that is what tipped the scale for me. It is meant to be!

I've written that I've had great success with Zepbound. I had hand surgery 3 weeks ago, so had to skip couple of weekly shots. It didn't seem to affect the good effects of the medicine, for which I'm glad. I havent weighed since the day of the surgery; next doc appt isn't until the end of July, so we'll see. Two different nurse friends gave me my last two shots, but last night I managed to administer it myself. Progress.

Preparing food has been challenging...ever try to cut a cabbage or broccoli one handed? And forget about peeling anything, lol. Or cutting meat. I've been to two daylong summer parties, but was able to make some reasonable food choices and not go crazy over the Costco Tuxedo cake, tho I had a small piece. It is as good as I'd heard!

Nice to read of the good self-care happening among you: that hotel, Funky! Maybe some good jewelry sources nearby?

Glad to hear your hand surgery went well and that you had support ... and that you are now getting by on your own! I would imagine that food prep is definitely a challenge .. do you have any market sources that will provide pre-cut veggies? My local farmers market has some ... and I am also confident that if I asked, they'd cut some up for me!

I am a big tomato lover so the little tomatoes are always what I reach for when I don't have time to prepare veg. Also, pre-trimmed green beans.

I cant really help much with meat-- but I would probably lean into fish and shellfish until you are more healed.

Olychick, I have two words for you: rotisserie chicken :-)

Funky, your plans sound wonderful... and that hotel looks to be perfect for your celebration!

Sue, you must be so relieved.

Mtn, workout burnout is a real thing. Are you planning on scaling back? I do some sort of movement every day, but I do not "work out" every day. I definitely would hit the burnout stage.

Happy anniversary, OutsidePlaying! Enjoy the day, even with the rain.

All is pretty good on my end. I'm down 6 lbs since tracking, but still maintaining muscle. I'm trying to decide what, exactly, I'm chasing. My mindset has changed away from the scale and toward how strong and healthy I feel. I say this because 2 of my siblings, as well as 2 other family members, have health issues. We're all in about the same decade age-wise. It has me viewing my health in a new light.

I've got an impromptu road trip this week, so time to reflect on all this. And time to remind myself that road trip calories do, in fact, count. I have found what looks like a delicious farm-to-table restaurant along the way that I'm looking forward to trying. I rarely eat out anymore, so I've become rather picky when doing so. This spot looks hopeful.

Funky - yay, so happy you're going to treat yourself to a mini vacation. That pool looks fabulous! Do you mind sharing the hotel? I'm always looking for any type of vacations and soemtimes just a few days is what I need. I understand if you don't want to share until after you go.

Sue - that is great news! I hope the ENT/PC docs get to the root cause this week and you can enjoy Norway to the fullest.

Nothing new for me. I've been bad. End of story.

@feathers...that means a trip to costco (ugh) and a zip lock bag to open one handed. but thanks for the idea. :-)

I think you are wise to find good restaurants along the way;it really lessens the temptation for fast or snack food in a new area. Enjoy your time.

eta: @Funkyart It's a lttle early here for many of my veggie faves at the farmers market, except for bagged greens - carrots are just appearing , which I usually prefer peeled. It won't be too many more weeks that I have to baby my hand.

Of course, Jsk! It is Anna & Bel in the Fishtown area of Phila. https://www.annaandbel.com/ 

I don't know the area at all so that will be an adventure too. When I was there in the 90s it wasnt a nice area but I am told it is much loved these days.

We had a wonderful Lebanese brunch in Fishtown.

Native of Phila. from "way back" just shake their head at what Fishtown has evolved in to! Prob the same way my DH feels about Boston's South End!

I know, right?!

There are nicer hotels in phila ... there are phila hotels with more amenities and rooftop pools. I had an imagine in my head of what I wanted ... and the courtyard nails it.

Thanks, funky. It looks really nice! And it has great reviews on TripAdvisor. Putting it on my staycation list.

Mtn, workout burnout is a real thing. Are you planning on scaling back?

I have decided a few things. I started working out an hour a day to break a weight loss stall. It hasn't yielded impressive results. So I had to remind myself what I have always believed for myself; there are many reasons to exercise but shedding pounds is not really one of them. I mean even best case a daily workout is maybe a pound a week. ... 500*7/(3500)

Therefore, while an hour a day (or more) can be approrpiate if you are doing it to burn calories, if you are exercising simply for overall good health than an hour a day is not necessary. I am shooting for 3 days a week, and I am "allowed" to do more if I like.

I have heard it before and it makes sense to me, the exercise you’ll stick with is one that you actually enjoy. For example, this time of year I just love to go for walks outside. Am I sweating, maybe not, but I am moving and the fresh air is good for me. And admiring gardens, etc, is good for my mental health.

I do not enjoy weight lifting, but I like it a lot more when I can do it near a window with a view and a breeze — and listen to music or a podcast.

I also try to add movement to daily activities, which is so basic but I still need to remind myself sometimes! Park farther away from the store, walk to the post office (or wherever, within reason) instead of driving, take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.

I am listening to The Placebo Effect audiobook — fascinating!

I enjoy working out with my trainer; he has a great vibe and I like seeing my progress. Bringing DH along has also made it more enjoyable. I also really like my spin class ... the bikes, the venue, the music, the instructor. I tried classes at 3 places and this one fit me best.

Yep, enjoyment is huge! There are many ways to get there. And a variety of activity is important because they all have their own unique benefits being caridac, metabolic, strength, bone, balance, etc. But the biggest thing is the one you will do.

Did Pilates today so that was fun. I came into the office and walked on the track. Was about ready to head home and it started pouring, so I will wait on a bit.

Interesting article:

https://katiecouric.com/health/aging/what-are-the-best-exercises-for-seniors/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Body%20and%20Soul%20June%2010%2C%202026&utm_term=Body_and_Soul

Some interesting info there ... especially the activities that spark bone tissue generation. Thanks, Sue!