[BillBlueEyes]

Diet Coaches/Buddies - Took on one of those minor repairs that should take a few minutes: the outside faucet leaks from its base when the water is turned on; doesn't leak when turned off. Got it. I need to replace the packing washer in the faucet itself. Start by simply removing the round metal handle held on by a single screw in its center. Simplicity ended there. The handle liked being attached to the rod it controlled even though it was only stuck on. Apparently, our hard water leaves mineral deposits everywhere in plumbing that 'cement' stuff together that isn't designed to permanently together. Off I go to mother google to find videos about solving my problem. Fix-it videos are beautiful - they always work with clean-from-the-box items that don't know about hard water and unwelcomed cementing. The good thing about mother google is that I quickly determined the exact brand and model of my 15" freeze-proof faucet. (For those of you in Arizona, a freeze-proof faucet extends 15" into the basement; that length of water runs out whenever the faucet is turned off so that no water is exposed to the outside air in winter to freeze and burst the pipe.)

The good news is that I can buy the washers I need for $9.99 for one end and $9.99 for the other end and $9.99 for a new handle; if needed I can get the rod itself of $35 since I've probably bent it by now. Or, stop by Home Depot where I bought it initially and get the whole thing for $43 and throw away the parts that I don't need. There are worse ways for a fella to amuse himself. I do enjoy being aware that I'm not paying a plumber's minimum fee of $150 per visit.

Eating was on plan with no daytime snacks, CREDIT moi. Dinner on the patio included DW's recounting of her visit from a dear friend who happens to be an accomplished, professional landscaper. They chatted about each tree and shrub, specifically dealing with the tendency of each to overgrow the small space it's allocated in DW's mind. "Just chop it back to the shape you want; don't be shy." Just the encouragement she needed.


Joy (gardenerjoy) - I remember the phrase "don't ruin your dinner" from my childhood. Until this moment, I'd not thought about how odd a phrase it was. Do have to admire the brain that can construe "deserved a little extra starch."

maryann - You are so ready for Ecuador! Pretty gutsy for you to do the mountain scramble at Palisades (my first time to use that word for your Palisades; we have a Palisades in New Jersey that's visible when driving into New York City.)

nationalparker – Kudos for recognizing that 90% is a great achievement.

Karen (karenrn) - Love the thought of seeing a javelina and baby just casually walking about. Still on my Bucket List to see one. Good luck with the physical therapy to deal with your issues.

curlyjax - What a neat weekend. Love that you played 'kids' while your elders bustled about.

Penny. - Tennis lessons with such a small class is nearly private. You'll be Wimbledon worthy in no time.

VertOlive - Ouch for that accident that lost a finger with Kudos for turning yourself around after the weight gain in its aftermath. I also hope that your password issues are history.

MommaMeli - Just reeling from the news. Continue to send supportive thoughts as your family and your DD face her medical challenge. It's so hard at this stage when you just don't know just what's going on. So glad that you can be in the hospital with her.

Readers -

Chapter 6 Stage 3 - The Challenging Situations Plan

challenging situation skills

Before the Event
4. Review your Advantages Deck.
Try the following: Every morning, take the top three cards from your Advantages Deck or choose ones that represent benefits you have not yet fully achieved. Visualize the scent in detail: For example, imagine what a wonderful time you will have at your sister's wedding when you are slimmer and more self-confident, attractive, sociable, and at ease. Return those three cards to the bottom of the deck; next time, pull out the next three cards and do the same exercise.

Judith S. Beck, Ph.D., The Complete Beck Diet for Life (Green book), Pg 134.

[maryann]

Good Morning, Coaches,

I came back from the mountain 3 pounds away from the line in the sand. Phew. If I analyze the week it was lots of exercise and no restaurants. Good. I can do that for another six days. Today I will pre pack for my trip and start to gather what I need. I will use the spare bedroom as a staging area. No testing is required to get into or out of the country. That makes things much easier. I am goin to start myself on a strict morning schedule. getting up at 9:00 am is not going to work on the trip. I will start with 7:00 tomorrow

I stopped by my counselor on the way home and double checked my thinking with DS. She agreed he is just "in process" and doing a fine job navigating himself. Another Phew! I will check in with him again just before I go . My job is to make myself available but send him the message that I have complete confidence in him.

BBE: Very impressed with your plumbing work. beyond my arena.
Momma Meli: Words fail me in any attempt to express my sorrow for your family's situation. As others have said, bless the strength of you and your husband as you guide your DD through.

[karenrn]

Good morning coaches,

Food was on plan yesterday. I do feel like I'm working a bit hard at it right now, but only because I have too much time on my hands. This morning it was a bit cooler so I hiked Bell Pass with a backpack with about 20 pounds I it. I need to be pack ready for my Banff trip although there are only 3 days where we will actually have a full backpack. I checked the itinerary when I got home and realized the miles and elevation gain I did this morning is more than any of the three days. Whew, I can do it. It took me 30 minutes longer than usual since I was slowing down with the weight. It was pretty warm when I finished and I was in the sun which made it harder for sure.

Today I'll do a Costco run and also continue to work on packing for my trip. I am really looking forward to seeing my friends and I think my Vancouver BC friend is a bit depressed and the visit will do her good. We will have a week to walk around the city and also do some hiking before I head to Banff.

Bill Yes thank goodness for the fix-it videos. They are real money savers and I think the plumbers still have plenty of business. Believe it or not we do put covers on our faucets a time or two in the winter due to possible freezing.

MommaMeli I can't tell you how sorry I was to read the bad news. I keep a prayer journal at my bedside and I'll put your little one and your family at the top of the list. I hope you get some answers and a plan soon.

Penny I'm glad you enjoyed the tennis lesson. It seems like so many down here are playing pickle ball which I'm sure anybody who plays tennis would find quite easy. I'm thinking I may reverse diet a bit after I hit my goal if I find a good strength training plan. Maybe not really reverse diet, but a slight increase to build more muscle. You'll have to keep letting us know how it goes.

Maryann My friends and I used to look at each other at the top of big climbs and say "you are strong as bull". You, Maryann, are strong as bull! What a day you had. I'm sure you are ready for your trip. What will you be doing in Ecuador?

GardenerJoy I don't think I've ever admitted I "ruined my dinner". I have just always eaten it anyway. Hmm, I wonder why I have had weight problems.

VertOlive Welcome back. I'm so sorry to hear about your finger. That has to be darned tough. I'm glad you're having success with Noom and feeling better.

Waving to Nationalparker and Curlyjax.

[Penny.]

Good morning!

Today I am making a plant based potato salad (with the junk food of nuts: cashews!) and a pasta salad. That should keep me flush with options for several days.

My 11yo went with me to practice hitting the ball on a tennis court and it went just about as ridiculous as you might expect from two newbs. I need a lot more than three tennis balls if I am going to be able to practice serving without so much running, but maybe the running is good too.

Mommameli!!! I am so sorry! It's hard to even imagine the stress you are going through. Sending lots of love and supportive thoughts your way. I know some friends have come out the other side but picked up some medical PTSD along the way, so a good support group that doesn't add to the trauma would probably be helpful.

Karen, you ARE strong as bull! I like the words of affirmation at the top of your climb.

Bill, yay for DIYing the plumbing job. YouTube is such a great tool of our time.

[gardenerjoy]

I'm late checking in. I got sidetracked following the news of the Prime Minister's resignation, since there are a handful of Americans who rely on me for their understanding of British news. That blog post will go up tomorrow. Fortunately, it kept me involved and busy and away from food. Next up, exercise.

Exercise +60, 325/1600 minutes for July

MommaMeli: So sorry to hear of the diagnosis for your little one. I'm a 37-year cancer survivor (non-Hodgkins lymphoma when I was 23). I know that it was reassuring to me to know that there were long-term survivors out there.

[nationalparker]

A long day and I'm ready for bed. Actually was IN bed after finally got the DGS to sleep. He fought it hard and just kept chatting, "Hey Nana, you know what?" Time with him is precious and I let it slide tonight. Tomorrow we'll be on more of a schedule. Then read something that brought up a lot of emotion and thought, I should get something to drink. Then, I should have a cookie with that almond milk. And why not a couple? SO ended the day with 300 calories I completely didn't need, after a day with a fair amount of effort and achievement.

Maryann - I'm so looking forward to hearing about your Ecuador trip. I pictured the temps you'd face being like Karen's but I guess it's milder? Or I just looked at cooler cities?

MommaMeli - I hope you got some answers today and that you are able to begin speedily. I feel wait is interminable when it's known that cancer is hard at work.

Karen - The woman I walk with just picked up pickleball a few months ago and asked if DH and I would learn as well. I said I'm all for it but need to wait until DH's efforts aren't needed at his folks. We'll see if he does want to give it a try. I'm not athletic in the least, though. Walking is my jam. No scrambling up or sliding down.

Joy - I JUST used the "you'll spoil your dinner" line on DH a few evenings ago. I've turned into my mom. I can't understand someone eating peanut butter or a fruit/granola type kind bar when dinner is ready to be served. More and more I have to realize I'm not his mom despite me thinking my way is better.

Bill - Credits for the youtube task info resource. DH is a fan, as well. Our water is so hard that we have similar issues. I had hard water in Florida, and a water softener, but the only thing I noticed was the salt pellet bags were HEAVY. Repair work still was next-to-impossible as it was as if pipes were welded together with the sediment. I felt I got scammed in a way because the damage was not going to be undone.

Penny - i'm going to give a new recipe for homemade baked beans from Navy beans a try this weekend if it cools off a bit (It's Linda McCartney's recipe) ... but then thought I'll scan the internet as well for a highly rated recipe first before committing to this one.

Made two more plans with friends to connect in August. I am happy about that.

[MommaMeli]

Can’t sleep. Found out it is non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

We have to stay in the hospital 2 weeks, then in the city 4 months. Logistics with a family my size are unbelievable.

Baby is suffering and it’s hard.

Gardernjoy- your message was timely. Thanks.

[BillBlueEyes]

Diet Coaches/Buddies - Subway Sandwich shops is having an event. To celebrate their new menu, the first so-many people can walk up to their store starting at 10am on Tuesday to receive a FREE 6" sub. I'm psyched. I do love the notion of a FREE sub sandwich. And I can claim that it's healthy for me to get forced into a 6" sub when a 12" sub is calling me. Unfortunately, that's the exact time of the next televised Congressional Select Committee about January 6 that I am scheduled to watch with DW. I told her, "It's not like I'm really deprived of food in need of a FREE sub." "And, my dear, you can actually afford one if you want it," she helpfully replied. It's so annoying that my brain yearns for a FREE sub as if I was a kid with little money for whom that would be a treat.

Eating was on plan with no daytime snacks, CREDIT moi. Dinner on the patio of reheated grilled salmon, pasta salad, spinach, and the always green salad. Our garden is done with lettuce; we're back to supermarket lettuce, but it's also summer-good. Excitement for today is the early arrival of two deliveries that were both scheduled for next week. Still my beating heart.


Joy (gardenerjoy) - Look forward to reading your blog post about Boris Johnson since I'm one of those who has a hard time distinguishing between normal-British-political drama and crisis-British-political drama.

maryann - Glad that your counselor was able to confirm your belief that your DS was plowing through normal stuff. Neat that you're getting your body used to waking up early. Don't you also face a three-hour time difference in Ecuador?

nationalparker – Love the DGS keeping it going with one more "Hey Nana, you know what?" No question you're good for that kid.

Karen (karenrn) - So much to see in Banff - wish I was going. It's great that you feel in shape for the trip.

Penny. - LOL at "with the junk food of nuts: cashews!" Yes, yes they are. I can't have them in the house because, for me, they're also the by-the-handful snack food.

MommaMeli - Continue to send supportive thoughts as you transition from the pain of not knowing to the massive challenges of 4 months away from home. Hope there is a MacDonald's House equivalent that can handle a large family.


Readers -

Chapter 6 Stage 3 - The Challenging Situations Plan

challenging situation skills

Before the Event

5. Create new and review old Response Cards. Continue to read them each morning. If a challenging situation is coming up, take the most relevant cards and put them on top.

Judith S. Beck, Ph.D., The Complete Beck Diet for Life (Green book), Pg 134.

[maryann]

Good Morning, Coaches.

I did set the alarm for 7:00 but didn't get out of bed until 8:00. OK I'll get to bed early tonite and have feet on ground at alarm. There is a two hour difference ahead. So I have five days till I adjust. I fly first to LA on Sunday and then head to Ecuador with SIL on Tuesday. We will fly into Quito, ferry to Isabela, Tintoras and then Santa Cruz before heading back to Quito 9 days later. We will be hiking into the second largest Caldera in the world (Sierra Negra), snorkling, and kayaking. We will tour to the equator line Mitad del Mundo which is exciting. There will be much beach time and breeding centers. I am bringing 2 bathing suits (one is the swim leggings we talked about awhile ago.) I have to get out of my mind that I am not backpacking. Machu Pichu was a very different trip.

So last night I jumped into the rabbit hole with a super red light food - one that would send me into bulimia when I was in my twenties. It is so baffling and discouraging. I took my Mom out to dinner with DH. Maybe being with her gave me "permission." It was good to see her. She is visibly slowing down at 87. But she is still doing well living alone, driving to lunch, church and such. So yes family is a trigger. Today is Day 1. I have several "to-dos" and will absolutely exercise.

OK springing into action. Wave to all.

[gardenerjoy]

We've decided that we like our home-made foods better than anything that we're getting from take-out, right now. For months, we've been getting take-out on Thursday evenings to make it easier to include the weekly family Zoom. Last night, we experimented with cooking leftovers after the call and that went well. Healthier, too. CREDIT!

Exercise +55, 380/1600 minutes for July

BillBlueEyes: Here's my blog post: Boris Johnson Exits #BreakingNews #BriFri – Joy's Book Blog (joyweesemoll.com). This does seem to be crisis-level drama, albeit entirely self-inflicted.

MommaMeli: Continuing to send love and light to your family while dealing with the non-Hodgkins lymphoma diagnosis and treatment. Let us know if we can help you think through logistics. One thing about a group of Beck adherents: we're all experienced problem-solvers!

[karenrn]

Good morning coaches,

Food was on plan yesterday and my plan is made for today. I have today's plan logged in to MFP. This morning I hiked Sunrise alone and started listening to a Nora Roberts novel. I decided I need some easy fiction for a nice distraction. I ordered a new pair of hiking shoes this morning and I'll continue doing some packing today. I really like the Salomon Speedcross 5 Trail running shoes I've been wearing, but they don't last long. They have a good lug on the sole, but as much as I hike and on the rocky terrain, they wear down pretty quickly. I was trying to wear the older ones to save the newer ones for my trip and then decided that is stupid and unsafe. It's the lugs that keep me from slipping on the steep gravelly trails. So a new pair will be here in a week.

GardenerJoy Yes ordering out is nice at times, but when it comes from home you know exactly what is in it. I'll read your post about Boris as soon as I sign off here.

Maryann Your trip sounds like so much fun. Your Mom sounds like she is doing very well for 87. I am planning to do the same, fingers crossed. I'm sorry you headed down the rabbit hole. It seems at times these things happen and then are over before one can even see what is happening . . at least that's what it seems happens to me once in awhile. I can even be thinking "Gee I'm doing so well" and Bam it happens.

Bill Early deliveries is good these days. My most recent delivery was an Apple AirTag that I'm going to put in my checked bag when I travel. With all the luggage problems lately at least I'll know where it is. Have any of you used one of these?

MommaMeli Continued prayers for you and your family. It sounds terribly difficult, but it does sound like a plan has been made quickly (or at least the medical plan).

Nationalparker Oh your little guy is keeping you busy. I'm not athletic either and I'm not sure I have any hand eye coordination, but the people I know who have played pickle ball, even if they haven't done any athletic things for awhile just love it and it's quite social.

Penny The potato salad sounds delicious. Cashews wouldn't be safe in my house. I bought some *****in Sauce at Costco yesterday and I though maybe it was cashew based, but it's almonds. It's nummy on steamed greens.

Curlyjax Waving to you and hoping you've had a good week. Now it's the weekend. Yay!

I've got to say this site is still acting up for me and I'm getting kind of tired of it. Is there anyone who is not having any problems with it?

[VertOlive]

Greetings!

It’s been a couple challenging days such that, while I logged all my meals, walked 5 miles, and did my X3 workout, the foods logged were not high quality. I’ve been entangled in paperwork for 1. Medicare 2. Property Tax Protest 3. Jury duty summons protest for my now completely disabled husband who is flat on his back 18 hours a day. They require more documentation for this than for someone simply going on vacation during the proposed trial dates !!! Lots of bewildering paperwork and time spent on hold with government “help” lines.

That and homeschooling my 16 yr old and working full time has me just grabbing easy things to eat as I rampage through the kitchen.

That said, I had a good prayer time and am headed toward my X3 set up to move some weight around.

Best to all!

[nationalparker]

We finally had rain today, and tomorrow night will be cool enough to open our windows for fresh air. I'm looking forward to that, and the window fan doubly cooling me off. These hot flashes are tough in the summer. Of course, I said they were tough in the winter when I was all bundled up, too. I guess these power surges just will happen whenever.

Food was OK today, lunch was heavier than normal but balanced it with light dinner. I baked up the Gardein spicy "chicken" breast filet and put on a bun with lettuce, tomato and hot sauce. I hadn't tried one before, but Target had a $2 off a package deal last week but it was still expensive. It was SPICY. Probably something, due to the calories and cost, that we'd do maybe twice a year if a hankering for a chicken sandwich. The filet alone had 300 calories.

We didn't go to the Minions movie with DGS today; he wanted to just stay here and play. Despite me trying to bribe him with popcorn, I'm embarrassed to admit. He said "tomorrow" which sounds like "tomaahhto" so I hope so. I placed a small Target pickup order to take advantage of a few sale grocery items and selected the store near the theatre and will plan on getting them after the flick. Both he and DH will be happy to see the order includes chocolate almond milk. DGS hasn't seen my sister in 2.5 years, and only on a video call a couple of times during that span. But I talk about her to him, and he's now really excited that she'll be visiting us in two weeks, and he'll be staying with us a couple of those days. he talked on the phone to her for 20 minutes today - ALONE. His mom calls and she barely gets a hello. But my sister was engaging him and asking good questions (not just "do you miss mommy" ... and "mommy misses you sooo much") and he got off the phone and was bouncing all over. That will be good for him. And her.

MommaMeli - So many good vibes are going your way. So often I think I wish I knew our 3FC group in person to help with some things - meals, rides, etc. ... I like the anonymity but at times wish for the connection to support as well.

Karen - I, too, continue to have difficulty loading 3FC on phone and kindle so have turned to my laptop if I want to post. But it takes so long to load on the other devices, just reading for a checkin for support has diminished. It seems like something changed about a month ago. Thank you for posting about pickleball - I want to remember to check with DH on it this autumn. I don't think we'll have time to jump at it yet, but it might be something he'd enjoy. I think I'll like most anything where I'm not in danger of drowning or falling down a mountain.

Bill - I completely understand your enchantment with the free 6-inch sub giveaway! I went to mark on my calendar the next hearing and saw I'm walking with my friend then. Will have to watch it delayed.

[BillBlueEyes]

Diet Coaches/Buddies - The two packages arrived as predicted; I was notified in my second-floor office by email the moment they hit the front porch. DW got the 100 4-inch plastic pots for the plants that she's growing for the sale by her gardening club; that should last her several years. And I got the washer kit to stop the leak in our outdoor freeze-proof faucet. Was an easy fix once I accepted that WD-40 was the answer to separate the hard water cemented parts. The fun part is that I got five small parts that sold for about $10 each in a kit together for $15. And I was ready to replace the whole faucet for $45 because that would still be less expensive - and less hassle - than a plumber. Felt like a hero for making it all better. The serious heroics was discovering through the Internet the exact brand and model of my faucet and finding the appropriate washer kit to order. The plumbing mechanics were the easier part.

Eating was on plan with no daytime snacks, CREDIT moi. Bing cherries have become part of our evening meal - just the best. They ABSOLUTELY must be counted out and served in a one-serving bowl for me to have any hope of rational relationship with then. They slide down so easily. And I have the thought that their season is brief so I'd better get them while I can. First class entitlement on display.


Joy (gardenerjoy) - Sounds like a healthy step to use your own leftovers rather than takeout. It is a rare benefit of aging that our need for less food decreases the need for the generally large volume of takeout stuff. Thanks for the link to your summary of the Boris Johnson situation. I could be pretty neutral on the subject except that Vladimir Putin cheered his demise and I'm stuck in the old adage, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

maryann - I continue to be excited about Ecuador - such a neat trip. It's impressive that your mom is still making it living alone at 87 years old - hope I can do that well.

nationalparker – Love the story of your DGS talking to your sister for 20 minutes on the phone, ALONE. It's always exciting to be able to open the windows for fresh air.

Karen (karenrn) - Kudos for recognizing that wearing our hiking shoes is what keeps you safe. Love the notion of an Apple AirTag in your suitcase so you can follow its progress around the globe when its lost.

VertOlive - You sound super busy. I wish you well with the burdensome paperwork that seems so unnecessary. For encouragement in your Property Tax Protest, my story: We were assessed highest property on our street when we clearly weren't the grandest house; I submitted some comparisons and got a sizable adjustment that continues now for years. All without a lawyer.

MommaMeli - Continue to send supportive thoughts to your whole family. Do hope your 2-yo DD won't be separated from her siblings while going through her therapy.

5. Create new and review old Response Cards.
If applicable, make new cards that apply to the particular situation. For example, Brian made the following card for his son's upcoming birthday party:

I will feel so great when I stick to my plan at Max's
birthday party. Eating extra will just make me feel
weak and guilty. Besides, I want to be thinner at every
single one of Max's birthdays in the future, so it's
worth it to stat now.

Judith S. Beck, Ph.D., The Complete Beck Diet for Life (Green book), Pg 134.[/QUOTE]

[curlyjax]

I wrote out a post separately for 2 days and then I forgot about actually posting it because it is taking SO long to load, grr.
Work has been so slow and boring, I’ve been getting into the chocolate stash. But Monday we are back open to the public, and the 3 folks who are on vacation will be back, so that will be great. I’ve been dealing with my dad having problems using his new med machine and various memory issues in general, which is frustrating. If I was closer I could see what is going on. And Ilast night I was trying to buy a plane ticket to Toronto for November, and the airline site kept saying it couldn’t process my credit card, and the phone system is down so you can’t reach anyone. GRRR.
Anyhow the weather is going to be beautiful this weekend. I have no formal plans but need to do things like empty the bathroom because my shower is going to be redone this week, hooray!
I actually had a dream about CBT last night, isn’t that bizarre- I was trying to explain it to someone but they weren’t interested
Mommameli-I’m so, so sorry you’re going thru this. Thinking of you and your family. It sounds like you have a great medical team, and hopefully there is a lot of family support available thru the hospital too.
VertOlive- so sorry about your finger, goodness. Yay for getting exercise in during this challenging time.
Wave to everyone else and I’m going to make sure this posts!