Doing Better

Wednesday October 22, 2008 Phase Two Day 184:
Nice morning to walk with friends. Came home and had a bowl of cereal. You can sure tell it is fall because it is kind of chilly in the house. I have a lot on my schedule today. This morning I help Karissa with the day care at Shannon’s. After that I need to get in to the office to start my annual report that is due next week. As soon as I’m finished there I want to get out to the ball field and begin cleaning up the eating area and restrooms. I set the last of the stew aside for lunch today and will probably have it between day care and work. I have a few minutes now, so I think I will get my menu for this week written down.

OK, I have good news and I have bad news…the good news is that today the b-day celebration did not happen because one of the honorees is out sick. The bad news is that tomorrow is movie day and Gaye is bringing homemade peppermint ice cream. My Favorite!! Ice cream is always in order but peppermint?? I have decided to put some in a container and take it home to put in my freezer. Good for me.

I did eat stew and cracker for lunch. I had a granola bar for mid morning snack and another one for mid afternoon snack. I followed the menu for dinner by making stir fry with chicken. It turned out very tasty. I had a yogurt with it. Sonnet is here now so we are off for a power walk.

Thursday October 23, 2008 Phase Two Day 185:
Step class first thing then to Wal-Mart to pick up a b-day gift for Jared and two baby shower gifts. Back home I ate cereal, dressed then headed out to movie day at Rinez’s house. We watched, “The Pride of the Yankee’s”, a wonderful story about Lou Gherich. Gaye brought home made peppermint ice cream and but some in a container for me. It is in my freezer for later. I had some popcorn and a few grapes but that was all. When the movie was over we all went to the Prop 8 rally downtown. I ran a few errands and returned home about 3:00. I was hungry so I had another quick bowl of cereal and made myself a nice cup of hot chocolate then settled down to read. Of course that lasted only about 4 pages and I fell fast asleep. I got to bed kind of late last night, so it was a welcome rest. Luckily, Cheyenne called at 5:10 to get a recipe. I jumped up, got dressed and dashed to the gym to meet Sonnet. We had a nice workout then hurried home to clean up before going to a baby shower. We were late but it was so packed with people no one noticed. At the shower, I ate five meatballs, some carrots and mixed berries. Lastly, at home before bed I drank a hot chocolate.

Friday October 24, 2008 Phase Two Day 186:
Had some yogurt then met at the church to walk with friends. Ate cereal and now am headed off to work. Only stayed in the office for a bout an hour. Came home to change then pick up Karl’s truck. I feel much more relaxed now that I have picked up the sound equipment and generator. Hopefully I can meet with Danny tonight and we can make sure this music thing will work. For lunch I ate the leftover chicken, a yogurt and the last of the Cheerios. Tonight I have the spaghetti dinner with Mom at the senior center – that does not even sound good. I would really love to have a hearty salad, but what are you going to do - when it comes to your Mom, you just do it. Tonight, Stephen and I will go to the ball field to get things ready for tomorrow. I am happy the stake picnic is almost here. There comes a point when I get tired of thinking and talking about a thing and just want to do it!

Saturday October 25, 2008 Phase Two Day 187:
Oh boy, it’s picnic day! My day started at 5:00. We were not scheduled to wake up until 7:00 but I could not sleep and at 5:30 I got up and went down stairs. I think I was keyed up/excited about the picnic. I snatched a yogurt from the frig and took the opportunity to read. I made some real progress in the latest book I’m reading. Usually I am so tired by the time I go to be I only manage a page or two before falling asleep. When the alarm did go off Stephen came and found me. It begins – he hopped in the shower and I went to the kitchen to fix bacon, eggs, toast and cantaloupe. Then we were off to the ballpark.

First thing, I met with Danny and began experimenting with the sound equipment. Then the Pitts and Sonnet showed up to cover tables and decorate. A slew of Monica ward brethren came to fill their assignment and set up all the tables and chairs, build the hay mountain and do whatever else I asked them to do. We got it all together in no time. Sonnet & I had a baby shower so we left. Because the sound equipment was out there, the place could not be left unmanned. Stephen had plenty of puttering to do and offered to stay. I called Shelby Munn to ask if he would bring him a sandwich. Meanwhile, the shower was fun. Sonnet and I looked the luncheon table over and decided we would have half a croissant chicken sandwich, and a big helping of spinach salad. We also thought one small piece of pumpkin pie (without whipped cream) would be OK. I went back to the ball field to spell Stephen if he needed to go home, but he said there was plenty to keep him busy so I left.

I went to the store to get a roast for tomorrow and a few other items. Back home I had the luxury of getting the roast in the pot for Sunday dinner ahead of time. One great thing – I found my yummy granola bars, yea. Food Max caries them - hooray. The picnic was great fun!! It exceeded my expectation! For dinner I ate, as pre arranged with Sonnet, some beans and a hot dog without the bun. That was fine. Mostly I just wanted water. Later, I grabbed another hot dog. At the end of the evening I was worn out. Our ball field is very big and even though we did not formally exercise, we got a workout toting things back and forth most of the day as well as running from venue to venue throughout the night. I am ecstatically pooped.

Sunday October 26, 2008 Phase Two Day 188:
Sunday, oh, Sunday, day of rest. Awake again at 5:30. Got up with Stephen. Reflecting on yesterday, I cannot say enough how much I appreciate Stephen & Sonnet. They are always right there helping me all the way when I have an assignment. Stephen was up and out to meetings and I am at the computer catching up. I had cereal this morning. I have noticed the last week or two, when I wake up I have an uneasy stomach. I usually have some yogurt right away and that seems to help. Today it was the same. Then after a few hours I was in Sacrament meeting and my tummy started feeling poor again. During Sunday School I ran home - partly because I forgot to put the roast in but mostly because I thought I needed something in my stomach. I had a warm cup of hot chocolate and a granola bar. It really helped. I returned to church for the third hour.

I love to hit the door on Sunday and be delighted with the delectable smell of roast. I will put together a salad and be ready when Stephen gets home. I also love to hear him sigh when he come through the door and say how wonderful dinner smells. We ate dinner out by the pond, it was very relaxing.

Stephen was so worn out from the week of working each evening at the ball field and then being on his feet all day Saturday, that he went to lay down for a while before getting up for an evening priesthood meeting. I had a visiting teaching appointment. When Stephen left for his meeting I went to the stake center with him. I have shifted gears and must move on to the stake Christmas program. This year we are performing a play. I had a couple girls read some parts for me. This week I will be hearing people and getting the cast together. Came home an enjoyed an evening stroll with Sonnet. We reviewed the week and reported on our eating. Sonnet had a brain fade yesterday but overall had a good week. So did I. I stuck to the no white flour (except the half croissant that we agreed upon) and stayed away from all desserts. I have enjoyed following the menu as well. Having something planned really alleviates stress.

Monday October 27, 2008 Phase Two Day 189:
Tummy ache again this morning. Could not really sleep past 5:00. Walked with friends then picked up Mom and it was back to the pool. I am so glad her toe infection is all healed up. At home, I enjoyed a breakfast of cereal and Andy Griffith. Went in to the office and worked all day on a state report. Mid morning, my stomach reminded me it was there so I had a little 100-calorie cracker snack. For lunch I packed leftover salad, a granola bar and hot chocolate. On the menu tonight was taco salad. Stephen loaded up his bike and took the Jeep to the shop downtown then rode home. I was finishing up dinner when he arrived so we ate outside at the pond while he cooled down.

Tuesday October 28, 2008 Phase Two Day 190:
No stomach ache this morning. I did not take my vitamins before bed last night. I occurred to me yesterday that I started taking my vitamins before bed a couple weeks ago. Maybe that is the reason for my discomfort. I got up and going to step class. I had cereal for breakfast. Today was my deadline to turn in my state Medi-Cal report for work. I went in and was bust all day with it. I took my lunch of leftover taco salad, a granola bar and hot chocolate. Mid morning I had a 100 calorie cracker snack. By the time I left work, I was late to a rehearsal with Jenna Ricks and her friend Paige. They asked me to help them with their oral language presentation. They are quit good and it was a pleasure to work with them. We were almost finished when I remembered my 4:30 weight lift class. I checked my watch and noted the time as 4:20. I made my excuses and hurried away. I was late again. When I came in to class Sonnet mimed over the loud music the question, “were you sleeping?” I guess I have been late because of that. This time, no.

We came home and Uncle Mike & Stephen were just pulling in from their excursion setting out a large 4’ X 8’ wooden ‘Yes on Prop 8’ sign. Sonnet & I fixed Fajitas and we all had dinner outside by the pond. I cooked the steak strips with seasoning, red and green bell peppers and onion. Sliced and ready to add were tomatoes and avocado. We served them with salad. It was very pleasant. After dinner, I had a cup of hot chocolate. Oh, I forgot - Today is weigh in day. Our Pow-wow rendered good results for Sonnet, she dropped 3 pounds. Unfortunately I did not. I am not discouraged though. I know I showed restraint. I will simply continue on this good path and patiently await the results.