Reflections of My Life

This year I am not decorating at all in my apartment. Just not worth the trouble of getting all that stuff out and putting it up and then later taking it down and putting away. I will do the Christmas cards though.

Today I will try again to bring my rugs up from the storage area and put them back in place. The floor is too cold (even with carpeting) without them.

Going to do some food preps so I will have something ready to eat (think fast food) when I need to eat. Dr. Atkins always recommended having things like chicken, ham, turkey, salmon, tuna or egg salad ready in case you get hungry. Hard boiled or deviled eggs are useful too. That works for me. One thing that does not work for me is having nuts for snacks. I will eat the whole package (or at least more than I should). I use them for ingredients but not for eating straight. A couple different keto casseroles are good to prepare in advance and just heat and serve.

I have also cut down on keto desserts. The only sweets I plan on having from now until January first will be Keto Chow replacement shakes as ice cream and Zevia sodas (only 1 a day but not every day). Other than that, I am good. Except for the sodas, I do not have anything as a snack anyway. Just two meals a day. Sweets and specifically ice cream is my weakness and I know I have to be strong to not have any. The Keto Chow ice cream has been a game changer as far as that goes. It helps that it is really good even as a shake. A lot of people in my KC group use it in various dessert recipes but I don't really want to do that. That was not what I missed. Ice Cream.

The other thing I must do today is take that walk to the dumpster. I like to do it later in the morning after the walk is not so icy. Do not want to chance slipping and sliding my way to the dumpster.
 

I am trying to stay positive while others come to me to talk about their problems, illnesses and grief. I listen and try to give them comfort the best I can. No longer can I say "everything will be alright." Because it won't. Sometimes I will do research on the computer for them. Yet when I tell them they have to change something, especially their diets...........no they don't do that. I give up. It appears like I have become the person everyone comes to, though I do not know why or how that happened.

Solving my own problems never involved talking it over with anyone. I have always done my own research. Before the computer and online research, I just about lived in libraries. Sometimes I will purchase the books on Amazon. You have to check out the resources that are cited in whatever article you read. Most times the ones people follow are not ones that I have confidence in. Anything coming from the government agencies are biased toward certain industries that pay them in some way to promote false results.

When I have a health problem I have to deal with, I work with my doctor, therapist or whoever. I do not put my health choices in their hands and follow what they say. I research it, then when I have an appointment, I can have equal say in the conversation. So I will be going to my first physical therapy appointment this week and am anxious to see if they can help me. This is for my knees and Lymphedema, even though I go regularly to a Lymphedema certified therapist. Tomorrow I have to arrange the transportation to that appointment. Even though it within walking distance I cannot walk that far. I do not want Sonny to have to drive that far to take me to an appointment that is that close.
 
Today has been a weird day for me. Twice, two different times I have laid on my bed with my feet up (above my heart) on my wedge for 1 hour each time. Maybe I can sleep there the whole night but not sure about that. I think this will help. Also today, I got out my "Fit Guide" which is a contraption that Bob & Brad demonstrate often on their videos. I can use it while sitting here at my table working on the computer. Keep moving is what they say! I have had it for awhile and kept it in the closet but never really used it (who knows why).

I got my rugs all back in place on the floor. Looks much better and I think it already feels warmer. Walked out to the dumpster and came right back. It is misty and gray, not a day to linger outside. My new shoes came but I did not wear them out there because it was wet since it rained all night. I know they will get wet eventually......but not the first day. I am real happy with them and found a pair by the same company and same style that is made for men who have swelling feet too for Sonny. Just not sure on his size. It has directions on how to measure but he says he can't do it.

I fixed my television so I can watch it from the bed again or out in the chairs. I don't know that I will watch it much from the bed as it seems to hurt my neck when I do. But if I was stuck in bed for some reason I could. I just need to turn it to face the bed or the chairs. Easy to do.
 
I cancelled my physical therapy appointment. Right now I am having a hard time walking and leaving the apartment has been hard enough. Yesterday I worked on keeping my legs up and will try again today. It is just difficult to do that when I have chores to do around here. And Sonny is sick so do not want to put too many demands on him. He went to the ER last night per his doctor's instructions. Since he was sick they did not want him coming to their office. Turns out he has Bronchitis and they gave him a bunch of meds and sent him home.

So today, I will probably place an order with Instacart since I am out of some things I need. Even if I had someone to take me to the store, I would have difficulty shopping. I have to improve by Friday, since I do have to do my son's money and other errands for him that day. Since I am running low on Rabbit's food (spring mix and fruit) is eating like he is at the country buffet. Most of the day yesterday, instead of napping as usual, he was on to me for more food. Since rabbits do not speak, they have other ways of communicating. One being is to chew on something that you do not want them chewing on. It makes noise and gets your attention immediately! He does that. 😠

Today I will try to walk at least once for fifteen minutes up and down my hall. My goal is going to be to do this four times a day. Not going to worry about going outside except to get to the dumpster. Plus I started using the "Fit Glide" right here at my table. I like using it.

Bingo is today so I will be going to that as far as I know. This morning though, I will try to do a load of laundry.
 
katlupe said:
I cancelled my physical therapy appointment. Right now I am having a hard time walking and leaving the apartment has been hard enough. Yesterday I worked on keeping my legs up and will try again today. It is just difficult to do that when I have chores to do around here. And Sonny is sick so do not want to put too many demands on him. He went to the ER last night per his doctor's instructions. Since he was sick they did not want him coming to their office. Turns out he has Bronchitis and they gave him a bunch of meds and sent him home.

So today, I will probably place an order with Instacart since I am out of some things I need. Even if I had someone to take me to the store, I would have difficulty shopping. I have to improve by Friday, since I do have to do my son's money and other errands for him that day. Since I am running low on Rabbit's food (spring mix and fruit) is eating like he is at the country buffet. Most of the day yesterday, instead of napping as usual, he was on to me for more food. Since rabbits do not speak, they have other ways of communicating. One being is to chew on something that you do not want them chewing on. It makes noise and gets your attention immediately! He does that. 😠

Today I will try to walk at least once for fifteen minutes up and down my hall. My goal is going to be to do this four times a day. Not going to worry about going outside except to get to the dumpster. Plus I started using the "Fit Glide" right here at my table. I like using it.

Bingo is today so I will be going to that as far as I know. This morning though, I will try to do a load of laundry.
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Kat, can I ask, when did you first become disabled .. and how long ago ?.. I know you've talked about having an active life in a large home and acreage.. and now since your divorce you're in a completely different situation in a studio room... but can I ask were you disabled at your old home ?:)
 
hollydolly said:
Kat, can I ask, when did you first become disabled .. and how long ago ?.. I know you've talked about having an active life in a large home and acreage.. and now since your divorce you're in a completely different situation in a studio room... but can I ask were you disabled at your old home ?:)
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I starting getting bad knees in about 2005. It was a slow process. At first I could still do stuff by using a cane or/and a walking stick. I had no insurance so I wasn't sure what it was. I just figured arthritis and aging. I was not able to go up the stairs so started sleeping on the couch. I still gardened, canned food and cared for 3 horses. I even went for walks in the forest and helped with firewood. Just paced myself. The hardest jobs for me (and still are) is when I stand in one place like doing dishes or cooking at the stove. I take breaks, going back and forth.

My feet were swelling often, especially in hot weather. Now I know that is not due to eating salt (most likely not enough salt) or not drinking enough water. Lymphedema. One thing I thought was that I was diabetic (runs in both sides of my family) but I was not. I am diagnosed as having Osteoarthritis and Lymphedema presently.

The main reason I left there was so I could get medical care. Living with my husband I was not able to get medicaid and the insurance was too much money for us. He made too much money on his SSD. Even though I did not have any income I was not able to get anything because of being married to him. He had too much debt to pay for insurance for me. So I left.
 
Blessed said:
Do you do any at home self massage to help your lymphatic system work better? My husband had bad lymphedema in his left arm from cancer. Not only did I wrap his arm everyday, they also taught me to massage not only that arm but other parts of his body to stimulate the whole lymphatic system.
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I do. And also the dry brushing which really helps a lot. Magnesium oil too. Plus I go regularly to a Lymphedema therapist and she is really good. I do a lot of self-care which is pretty consuming........but I've got the time.
 
katlupe said:
I am trying to stay positive while others come to me to talk about their problems, illnesses and grief. I listen and try to give them comfort the best I can. No longer can I say "everything will be alright." Because it won't. Sometimes I will do research on the computer for them. Yet when I tell them they have to change something, especially their diets...........no they don't do that. I give up. It appears like I have become the person everyone comes to, though I do not know why or how that happened.

Solving my own problems never involved talking it over with anyone. I have always done my own research. Before the computer and online research, I just about lived in libraries. Sometimes I will purchase the books on Amazon. You have to check out the resources that are cited in whatever article you read. Most times the ones people follow are not ones that I have confidence in. Anything coming from the government agencies are biased toward certain industries that pay them in some way to promote false results.

When I have a health problem I have to deal with, I work with my doctor, therapist or whoever. I do not put my health choices in their hands and follow what they say. I research it, then when I have an appointment, I can have equal say in the conversation. So I will be going to my first physical therapy appointment this week and am anxious to see if they can help me. This is for my knees and Lymphedema, even though I go regularly to a Lymphedema certified therapist. Tomorrow I have to arrange the transportation to that appointment. Even though it within walking distance I cannot walk that far. I do not want Sonny to have to drive that far to take me to an appointment that is that close.
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I am similar to you when it comes to doing my own research, @katlupe! I also have mentioned things to family/friends who came to me for advice, but if they are not ready to listen, they won't. Also, you/we are competing with so many other sources of information (other friends, doctors, social media) and it's not easy to persuade them. I have found that taking care of me, my health, my life is the most important thing I can do, and can help others through my own example of healthy living. I also do my research before seeing a doctor. Good luck! :)
 
palides2021 said:
I am similar to you when it comes to doing my own research, @katlupe! I also have mentioned things to family/friends who came to me for advice, but if they are not ready to listen, they won't. Also, you/we are competing with so many other sources of information (other friends, doctors, social media) and it's not easy to persuade them. I have found that taking care of me, my health, my life is the most important thing I can do, and can help others through my own example of healthy living. I also do my research before seeing a doctor. Good luck! :)
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Thank you! It is rare that I meet anyone in person who agrees with eating keto. It is like with many things that people do not want to give up anything even for good results. Every time I eat anything with sugar, grains or starchy vegetable, I can't walk for a week (and other things). It is not worth it for me. Today with my friends downstairs playing Bingo they had a table full of coffee cakes and pumpkin doughnuts. I was the only one who did not eat any. I brought my own keto homemade yogurt and drank black coffee. I was also the only one there that was not on prescription drugs. Even with what is wrong with me, I am not as bad off as most of them. I stopped preaching to them long ago.
 
katlupe said:
Thank you! It is rare that I meet anyone in person who agrees with eating keto. It is like with many things that people do not want to give up anything even for good results. Every time I eat anything with sugar, grains or starchy vegetable, I can't walk for a week (and other things). It is not worth it for me. Today with my friends downstairs playing Bingo they had a table full of coffee cakes and pumpkin doughnuts. I was the only one who did not eat any. I brought my own keto homemade yogurt and drank black coffee. I was also the only one there that was not on prescription drugs. Even with what is wrong with me, I am not as bad off as most of them. I stopped preaching to them long ago.
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Eating keto has helped me in so many ways. Everywhere we turn, including grocery stores, social media, etc - we are being pushed to eat carbs and sugars, and I think it's the biggest crime of the century. Carbs are inflammatory, and put a load on the liver and heart, to say the least. Carbs and sugars also feed cancer cells (I know, I grew cancer cells in the lab). Keep up the good work! I enjoy reading your postsI
 
palides2021 said:
Eating keto has helped me in so many ways. Everywhere we turn, including grocery stores, social media, etc - we are being pushed to eat carbs and sugars, and I think it's the biggest crime of the century. Carbs are inflammatory, and put a load on the liver and heart, to say the least. Carbs and sugars also feed cancer cells (I know, I grew cancer cells in the lab). Keep up the good work! I enjoy reading your postsI
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Thank you so much!
 
I am finally awake enough (after my first cup coffee, of course) to figure out what I want to do today. Every morning is like a blank piece of paper in a typewriter. Planning my day. The best part is planning it to do whatever I want to do. Nobody else telling me. If I can't do what I planned......well, tomorrow is another day (as Scarlet always said). I have learned though after living alone for four years, that I like to do things. Not as much as with others or going places but things I do for myself at home. Cleaning and cooking is a part of that. The very things I was tired of doing before I moved here.

Now I realize that I was tired of cooking and cleaning at my house and for a husband. I could not work at my own pace. I had to have certain things done by a certain time. For someone else's schedule. Be it a man, a son, cats or horses. Nothing was about me. I just did the work. When my husband was having temper tantrums due to so much physical work I had to try to calm him down. Inside I was burning with the thoughts that he created all that work himself. All I wanted was a garden and a house. He wanted wood stoves, horses and an alternative energy system........oh yes a business of his own (that I ended up doing the selling part which I hated) too.

I make a list of chores and projects I want to work on for the next day every night. It gives me something to look forward to (or to dread depending on the chore). My whole life I have always been a list maker. I have notebooks full of lists I had made in the past. Sometimes I like to read them to see how far I have come (or didn't). Doing things has become my life. That is why I have trouble laying in bed with my legs up. Now when I do that (I am supposed to do it off and on throughout the day) I read. I have a stand for my Kindle and can read for a bit. But need to replace my glasses soon and it will be easier. Sometimes Sonny or my friend calls me and I can talk the time away. At least..........not wasted time.
 
Yesterday, I made a double batch of "ranch chaffles" which is chaffles made out of ranch flavored pork rind crumbs. Zero carbs in those, but had almond and coconut flours in also. So total carbs were about 3 per chaffle. They are made on a mini Dash waffle iron, so very small. A double batch made 16 with one being very small. Now I can use them for breakfast, like toast or a breakfast sandwich. I like to have an open face sandwich on them for other meals. I find 2 slices of them on one sandwich is too filling. These are not as good as the cornbread flavored ones, but I am being frugal with the cornbread flavoring. I have to switch brands on that one because the brand I bought was originally $27 and has now (after a couple of months) has gone up to $48. on Amazon........YIKES!

chaffles_ranch.JPG
 
Today the Food Bank of Central NY delivered two boxes of food to everyone who lives in my building. Sounds nice. When I open the box it is mostly high carb, low fat foods which are not part of a healthy diet (it is the SAD diet). Low fat yogurt which contained sugar and other questionable ingredients. Plus two half gallons of low fat milk which I am dumping down the drain right now.

Some of the items I can give to my son....potatoes, red grapes, not sure if he will take the carrots or not. Plus dairy.....2 small cheddar cheeses which I do eat but already have enough stocked up. So giving that to him too. Sour cream too since I have a brand new container I just bought. One container of cottage cheese that I eat occasionally and Jeff will not. A bag of big carrots that I will give to Sonny (he cooks with them).

I am considering asking the manager to take my name off the list from now on. I don't really need the food and if someone else does offer it to them. Not only to do I not eat this type of food but I check ingredient labels. It would be different if they had meat in there. Last time the meat was in pasta or meatballs and hot dogs, which I gave to Jeff. So not worth my time to mess with it. Right now I have boxes to get rid of (and some of the food). Waiting for my son to come here to see what he wants of it before I throw it out.
 
hollydolly said:
Kat could someone in your building not have used the milk ?..seems such a waste !
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No, everyone got two half gallon cartons of it and people were asking if anyone liked low milk. I think that is the problem with giving boxes like these. Regardless of your health condition everyone gets the same thing. It would be better if you could choose what you want (like at the food pantries).
 

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