Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 24

Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 24

by | Aug 4, 2017 | Trust Your Gut

 

Trust Your Gut is a series of stories about real people with weight issues, and complications arising from those issues.  It will explain what the person is facing, what their options are, what they have decided to do to take action, and why they chose the path they are on.  Each person’s story will be based on truth, so it won’t all be happy, but it will be real.  The goal of this series is to get people talking about options that are available for people who have weight issues, on either end of the scale.  If you would like to contribute to this series, there is a contact form linked on my Homepage for this blog.  I know there are people out there that want to help people like them; as I do.

 

The names here may or may not reflect the person’s real name.  If someone wants to remain unknown, we will choose a different name for that person’s story.  The goal is to help people, and anonymity is a valid personal choice for contributors.  I will use a person’s name only if they give permission to do so.

This week I am pleased to share another of my own stories.

Here is  Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 24

Life is funny.  Today when I got up I expected good news here on my blog, as I had published an introduction and my second guest blog post on another blogger’s site.  I was not wrong.  The day turned dark on me this afternoon, and I came home and posted on social media that I was having a hard time.  Friends asked if they could help.  One person sent a friend request.  That person I had never chatted with before helped me turn my night around.  I am not saying that I am not still having the feelings I had earlier, but just having a cry wasn’t enough, either.  I had to do something different.

I have been using this blog to help myself and to try to help others.  Whether it is to share a laugh, or tips, or explore my inner thoughts and demons, I have a purpose here.  It has grown since its beginnings under a different name until I was challenged to rethink things and make it better.  I like to write, that is obvious, and I have rediscovered my passion for writing since I started this adventure last November.  I am working hard at it, to set and keep deadlines, and practice my writing skills.  I am proud of what I have done so far.

I am working on myself too.  On a day like today, there were too many emotions to keep under the cork.  The cork popped, and my tears flowed.  I was sitting here unashamedly crying my beautiful blue eyes out, trying to understand why I wasn’t good enough for something else I wanted to do.  I am working on a lot of me and there is a lot of me to work on.  I am trying to find my gumption every day, not every other week.  I am trying to maintain the cleaning I have done thus far in my home, and improve on it.  I am doing well with the Blog writing, but not so well in the book writing.  I am busy socially, both online and in real life.  I am going to Zumba when I can.  I do some prep cooking, but admittedly not enough.  As I am often told, sometimes I am too hard on myself.  The truth is, and I think I have shared this before, I don’t know how to be any other way.

I have issues with self-esteem.  I often feel like I am good, but not good enough.  This is part of what happened to me today.  When I am rejected, it is like I am taking a kick in the teeth.  I try not to let things show all the time, but there are days like today that I am frustrated, and my only way to get it out is through my tears.  I try really hard to not speak out impulsively in anger. I lost that one today, on both fronts.  I really feel like I am being treated unfairly, with a few different things that are happening in my life.  All of these things added up, and in time, they have to be let out.  Some people yell.  Some people become quiet.  Some people hide.  People like me, well we cry and eat.  Trying to fill the hole caused by whatever triggered the feelings.  I am trying to change that.

The new friend I made today said to write a gratitude list.  Write down five things that I have gratitude about in my life.  In a private message, she also invited me to write down 3 things that are causing me to have my issues I posted about.  I did.  I shared what was going on with a few close friends.  My new friend agreed with me that I had a reason to be upset.  I didn’t need the validation, but there it was.  Without telling this person everything that was setting me off today, they still saw that there is a lot going on for one person to deal with.  Keeping those three things inside was a part of what made it so hard for me to cope today.

I need to make some changes.  I can’t fix every problem that I am facing right now, but I am trying to work on the ones I can.  Tomorrow is a new day.  I will try to face it with my best foot forward, but right now, I am feeling a little nervous about that.  People that know me know that I am not good at hiding how I feel.  It’s going to be a bad day tomorrow because what happened today was bad news for me, and it will be good news for some other people tomorrow.  That is going to be hard to swallow.  Considering I would rather avoid it all and just make poor choices for what to eat and drink avoid real life tomorrow.  I am going to end with my gratitude list.  It didn’t fix my problems, but at least it got me thinking about something else.  For a little while.

1. Discovering my passion for writing and realizing it is what I am meant to do.
2.My husband is my rock and my hero.
3. The joy I get from working on my blog and watching it grow.
4.My stubbornness.
5. Friends and family.
6. My blue eyes.
7. My sense of humour.

After I calmed down a bit, my final entry to the list for the day was:

8.  I still have my teeth. Nobody actually managed to kick any out yet.

My new friend was right. It’s all about perspective.

#TrustYourGut.

 

Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 24

Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 23

by | Jul 27, 2017 | Trust Your Gut

 

Trust Your Gut is a series of stories about real people with weight issues, and complications arising from those issues.  It will explain what the person is facing, what their options are, what they have decided to do to take action, and why they chose the path they are on.  Each person’s story will be based on truth, so it won’t all be happy, but it will be real.  The goal of this series is to get people talking about options that are available for people who have weight issues, on either end of the scale.  If you would like to contribute to this series, there is a contact form linked on my Homepage for this blog.  I know there are people out there that want to help people like them; as I do.

 

The names here may or may not reflect the person’s real name.  If someone wants to remain unknown, we will choose a different name for that person’s story.  The goal is to help people, and anonymity is a valid personal choice for contributors.  I will use a person’s name only if they give permission to do so.

This week I am pleased to share another of my own stories.

Here is  Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 23

I really didn’t know if I was going to be able to write this on time this week.  I am fighting another migraine.  It started yesterday and hung on for the day today.  I am really hoping I can shake it off before the weekend. ( I love that song!) The last time I had a migraine the diagnosis was a sinus infection.  I am really hoping that it is not the same this time because I just want to feel healthy and well, not to have to take more antibiotics.

As I write I have done what I can and have taken what I can take. I will be taking another migraine pill before bed, which will likely be shortly after I publish this story tonight.

I left work a little early, which I signed up to do since I am not feeling so good.  I try to work my regular shifts and even do a little overtime when it is offered, so if I am looking to leave early, it is usually because I don’t feel well or there is something going on that I need to leave early for.  If I have company, for example.  That happened a few times this month.  I think today was the 5th time of the year that I left early.  Some people sign the paper to go home every day.  I can’t afford to go home early all of the time, but if it is necessary, then I make a decision to do it.

I have tried to stay on plan for the early part of the week, but when I am not feeling good, the lazy way wins.  I did not eat well for some of the meals I had this week.  Today was one of those days that I went off plan for supper.

If you haven’t heard of the phenomenon that is called “Chase The Ace” then you are missing out on something fun.  It is a lottery, so if you don’t gamble, it is not for you.  It does usually get run by a charity though, so if you wanted to donate the winnings back to the charity, that would be an option that you could still play if you don’t accept the prize for yourself.

There are a few of these events going on in the city, and all over the Maritimes.  You purchase tickets, and there is a growing jackpot.  There is a weekly prize amount, based on the number of tickets sold.  A certain percentage goes to the charity, and a certain amount is the jackpot.  The weekly prize is what you win if you don’t pick the Ace of Spades out of the remaining cards in the deck every week.

So if your ticket is drawn, you get to pick a card from the table.  If you pick the Ace of Spades, you win the jackpot. If you pick any other card, you win the weekly prize.  This week someone else picked another card, so next week we get to try again to “Chase the Ace.” The charity that is running the event that I go to is three local SPCA shelters and another animal rescue.  I am a person who loves animals, so I like going when I get the chance.

I took my migraine medicine and had a nap when I got home today.  I woke up in time to go to the Chase The Ace at Houlie’s Hometown Pub.  The food there is excellent.  I wasn’t feeling great, but I said to my husband, “Even zombies have to eat, ” and we decided to go.  He only has every third Thursday off, and we have gone a few other times.

I REALLY enjoy the Mozza sticks there.  In fact, I don’t even want to share them, they are that good.  I have had the nachos and a pulled pork wrap with sweet potato fries there before.  I have heard that the seafood chowder is amazing, and I wanted to try it tonight, but I will have to wait for another time, as it was sold out.  I opted to try the fish and chips and had sweet potato fries instead of traditional fries.  Sweet potato fries are on plan, so I sort of did OK. (I tried. I don’t feel good.  Eating with a migraine is a gamble in itself).

I have been watching MasterChef again.  I tapped the batter with my fork, and it sounded like it did when Gordon Ramsay did it on TV.  I cut into the first piece of fish, and just like on MasterChef, the fish was flaky and glistening.  It was really tasty, too.  I was eating my supper, and a thought occurred to me.  Pepere, my grandfather on my mother’s side, always said something when we were having a meal with fish.  He would always say, “Fish for brains!”  My hope is that the fish will help my brains feel better and lose the migraine.  It also can be loosely thought to reflect the zombie comment I had earlier said about going out for supper.

We didn’t have a jackpot winner this week so the chasing will continue at least for one more week.  The jackpot was around $4,800.00 tonight and will be higher next week.  I did get to see some friends and support a charity tonight.  I also had a delicious meal, and now I have a full belly to fuel me to start feeling better and work harder tomorrow.  Something was telling me to eat fish at supper tonight.  So even if it was off plan, it was a choice I made and I think it was the right one.

#TrustYourGut.

 

Weekend Warrior #22

Weekend Warrior #22

by | Jul 25, 2017 | Weekend Warrior

Please accept my apologies for posting this on a Monday. (Which is now Tuesday).  I was literally too tired to finish it before I went to bed last night.  The weekend was THAT busy and took ALL of my energy by the end of it. I started writing it yesterday morning and will leave it in its original format.

I am in the middle of a busy weekend again!  I find that it happens a lot in the summer.  The sun is out, and people want to do more things together.  Family and friends gather around, yard sale season happens, and there is always something going on somewhere.  Usually too much to be able to participate in all that you want to do.

Back in April, we took a road trip to visit Nanny Webber in Nova Scotia.  Yesterday was her 109th birthday, and we went back on a day trip to visit and have some birthday cake.  We got there and she was very happy that we made it.  We didn’t commit because sometimes things happen, and just in case we couldn’t go, we didn’t want to make a promise that we couldn’t keep.  I am happy to say that she was surprised to see us step through the crowd of people.  In fact, I would say she was delighted.

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She and Roy’s father were happy to see us, but a little sad that it was just a day trip, and that we would be making the drive home the same day. She told me that she kept asking her son, Roy’s dad if we were going to make it.  He didn’t know.  She said she kept asking him because she knew that if Roy made the trip, that I would go with him.  What a nice thing to say.  Nanny Webber really is a special lady, and I like spending time with her.

I had made her a bracelet, for her birthday.  I made it too big for her wrist, but because I made it, I packed what I needed to fix it if I had to.  I asked her what colour to take out, and with a few minutes and 2 tries, I got it to fit better.

On the way back from the party to her place, we had a car full of party food, gifts, cards, and balloons.  I took a few selfies of me in the car with the balloons.  I mean, when I looked into the back seat, all I saw was balloons!  It was just screaming selfie!

We went back to her place and made a visit.  We had a plate of sandwiches and sweets.  Then we got her to open her gift.  What do you give someone for their 109th birthday?  Well, along with the custom made bracelet, we found a little crystal flower and vase decorative suncatcher in pink and green.  We also got her a piece of decorative art, themed with things grandma says.  She read some of it, as the words went in different directions within the frame.

Then it was time to go.  She said she had a good day, and I think she was a little tired but didn’t want to tell us.  So we said our goodbyes and went to our next stop.

We had a 4 to 5 hour drive in each direction.  We planned to have supper with a friend on the way home, to break up the drive. We had a nice visit and then got back on the road.  It was 1 am on Sunday by the time we got home.

We set the alarm and went to bed.  By 1 pm, we had divided to get some groceries and to start laundry, got a chicken in the slow cooker, put away the groceries, and started the dishwasher.  We were off and running to go see Spiderman Homecoming with friends. I enjoyed the movie, it was fun.

After the movie, we rushed home to get the house ready for company.  We were expecting guests and they were staying overnight.  We finished up after they arrived, and had a filling chicken supper.  We had strawberry shortcake for dessert and a visit before making up the bed for the guests.  I did not stay up much later than my company last night.  It was a full and busy weekend.

What did you do this weekend?  Were you a Warrior like me, running here there and everywhere?

Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 24

Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 22

by | Jul 20, 2017 | Trust Your Gut

 

Trust Your Gut is a series of stories about real people with weight issues, and complications arising from those issues.  It will explain what the person is facing, what their options are, what they have decided to do to take action, and why they chose the path they are on.  Each person’s story will be based on truth, so it won’t all be happy, but it will be real.  The goal of this series is to get people talking about options that are available for people who have weight issues, on either end of the scale.  If you would like to contribute to this series, there is a contact form linked on my Home page for this blog.  I know there are people out there that want to help people like them; as I do.

 

The names here may or may not reflect the person’s real name.  If someone wants to remain unknown, we will choose a different name for that person’s story.  The goal is to help people, and anonymity is a valid personal choice for contributors.  I will use a person’s name only if they give permission to do so.

This week I am pleased to share another of my own stories.

Here is  Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 22

Well, folks, it has been a fantastic day!  I didn’t start off too well, I started the day with a sugar low.  I didn’t let that stop me, not for too long. I ate my banana in the car and had a juice box when I got to work.  My sugars, of course, went up from there.  As usual, I chased the banana with a black coffee.  That’s how my days start.  I don’t usually have the juice box, and I don’t usually have the low at that time of day.  So what is going on?

I have worked hard this week to find my way back to working on me.  I have had to make some decisions and some changes.  I have started cooking meals that are on plan this week, and I am letting myself enjoy what I make.  That is how Trim Healthy Mama is supposed to work.  I’m not an expert, and I stray a little here and there, but I am getting my groove back, and the scale is responding the right way.

I am also happy to say that I am sitting here melting in my living room.  It is said to be the warmest day of the week, and it is more than warm.  I am not just warm because of the temperature in here, but also because I have made it to Zumba twice this week.  So when I write that I am melting, it is literal.  I worked out in this heat, hydrated, and now I am relaxing in my little almost sauna.  It sounds better than it is, but I am not here to complain.

I am here to try and help people.  I have been lacking in that department, lately, because I was not trying very hard myself.  I have had enough of that noise!  I am back and working hard to make more progress than before!  I am seeing it, and when I see it, I know it is real.  I am cooking.  I am planning.  I am working with recipes that I really love because that is what keeps me going back to this plan.

My sugars are coming back around.  That is one of the most important things I can do for my health, is to monitor my sugars, and eat so that they stabilize.  I am working on that, and THM is the way for me to do that.  When I add in exercise, it is a remarkable difference in how I feel, and how I attack every day.  Planning is so important for me when it comes to food.  I have worked hard this week to make food that is on plan so I can start winning this thing called life we all play at here.

I am breaking away from the bad habits again.  Only I can do that, I have to believe that I am worth the effort.  Now that I am back in my routine, and back from vacation, it was time to start working on things that help me feel better, and live life better.

After my on plan supper, I was wanting a little something extra.  I tried the new Good Thins Beet crackers.  They are OK, but I saw the ingredients and decided to not eat too many.  I was debating making an on plan shake or smoothie when my husband showed up.  He had picked up his own supper, and cinnamon rolls.  But the best thing he brought home was a bag full of fresh cherries.  I indulged in a bowl full of cherries.  Because let’s face it, life really is based a lot on your perspective, and in what you make of it.  I am making the most of things tonight, and having the bowl of cherries, because who wants to choke on the pits?  Not me.  I’m back, and I am feeling great!

#TrustYourGut

 

Weekend Warrior #22

Weekend Warrior #21

by | Jul 16, 2017 | Weekend Warrior

This weekend is jam packed with so many things to do that I cannot possibly do them all.  I started off on Saturday with going to a few yard sales.  I found some great deals!  I got a Pampered Chef Meat breaking tool, for cooking ground beef. (I was SO happy when I found it, I have wanted to try one for a while.  I hope it is as good as I think it will be.  I am fighting the early stages of carpal tunnel in my wrists, and anything that helps me do more in the kitchen with less aggravation to my wrists is a good thing.

I found a Rankin Family cd, bought the DVD of Love, Actually, a movie I am interested in watching.  I bought a new to me Guy Gavriel Kay book.  He is a Canadian Author, and I have read other books by him.

After this, I bought a cheeseburger to go with my coffee as this yard sale was in support of a local SPCA.  We also visited the dogs and cats that were available for adoption.  One of the cats I really liked was adopted by the end of the day.  Good news for that beautiful tabby.

The next yard sale was in a parking lot and had several vendors.  I found a set of 4 margarita glasses, and my new wine glass, aka a Thundermug. Hee hee hee.  I will probably not use it for wine, I think it would hold a whole bottle! It sure got a laugh out of the lady I was buying it from!  I do like beer mugs for other drinks, and it will hold a lot of GGMS over ice, the way it is supposed to be enjoyed.

The third yard sale was a moving sale.  We were nearing the time of day when they start closing the yard sales by then.  I found a little stand alone cabinet for my Master bathroom.  It is wooden, with a door, and three shelves inside.  It has flowers painted on the door.  For $10.00 I consider it the deal of the day!  I was able to find a few jewellery display stands there too.  I was very pleased with my purchases yesterday.  Then we did some more shopping when my husband was done his overtime.

We went to the Scott’s Nursery, the local year round gardening store.  I wanted peppermint plants.  I bought six different types,( Spearmint, Pineapple Mint, Strawberry Mint, Chocolate Mint, Berries and Cream Mint, and Moroccan Mint).  They will be transplanted into their new clay pots today, and distributed around the mini home in an effort to keep bugs from wanting to be inside my home.  It does not seem to have any effect on the housefly that is buzzing around.  Time to buy an actual fly swatter, as the flyers are not packing a big enough punch against this stubborn pest.

I am working on a gift for someone very special.  I have taken the week off from writing my book, and I am hoping to have it finished in that time.  So I will write here when I get a chance, but it may be minimal because this project is going to take a lot of time.  I will also post about the finished project when it is completed.

I have to run out to the Freddy Beach Market, which used to be called The Northside Market.  I am visiting a friend there briefly and getting some ground beef.  We get it there once or twice a month.  It is a farmer we buy it from, and they are there every weekend.  My friend owns a yarn store and is branching out with a table at this market.  I hope it works well for her.

So other than missing out on a free movie downtown, and going to a bar to see an up and coming band with a friend, it has been a really busy weekend so far, and it’s not over yet.  We will be going to see Despicable Me 3 tonight, and I am looking forward to it.  I love the Minions!  And there is supposed to be an evil villain dance off in it too!

Why does there always seem to be more things to do than there is time for on the weekends?  What did YOU do this weekend?