[gardenerjoy]

I'm glad to see that Hurricane Lee is not disrupting life for BillBlueEyes and curlyjax and, presumably, my nephew who now lives in the greater Boston area.

I completed a "board" for my novel. The board is a trick that I think comes from screenwriters -- every planned scene gets a card or post-it note. Each card has just a line about what happens in that scene. It's a way to get a visual overview. If things change as I go along, I can easily move the cards around or swap one out for another.

The board was my last big step to complete before I started my commitment to write scenes for an hour a day each day for 90 days. I've already been spending that hour on course work to learn to write a novel, so I don't have to carve out any new time for that. I'll start on Monday!

Exercise: 75, 890/1500 minutes for September

silverbirch: I hope the moving day is going well.

onebyone: That's great to figure out and accept that outdoor shows just aren't for you.

BillBlueEyes: Realizing that the new computer won't have a DVD / CD player was the thing that stopped us from ordering yesterday. Since I'm getting a desktop computer, there's plenty of room in the tower for one but the computer company doesn't even offer it as accessory. DH says he can get one cheap off of Amazon and install it himself. So that's the plan. I don't use it a lot anymore, but I would definitely miss it.

curlyjax: I'm looking forward to here how it works to do decluttering with a friend.

maryann: We've been watching Ken Burns Country Music on the PBS app. I've been surprised by how many musicians have bad concerts -- often due to behavior that wouldn't be tolerated in most professions. But sometimes because they're getting old and don't know when to quit -- or can't because their lifestyle is too expensive to lose the income.

[silverbirch]

(My second go at posting this.)

A full day. Yet more emotion. Walking (it’s a good 10,000 steps from the DD’s place to town, around and back). Beautiful architecture. Church bells. Lots of liaison. Arrival of the removal van and offloading of the stuff. I’ve been dismissed early so that’s good. And for what’s been going on, food has been fine.

gardenerjoy, oh that new computer thing. One way and another it’s time-consuming and tedious and expensive. For what it’s worth, I’m very pleased that I bought a separate hard disc when the last computer was failing. Anyway, very best of luck with it.

onebyone, I’ve been radical, for me, with clothes decluttering. I say “for me” because I don’t have many clothes to start with. Having fewer clothes is good because I don’t have to waste time choosing, or clog up the house with lots of washing and ironing, or trying to find somewhere to store them in our tiny house.

Bill, I received my reminder for an eye test today, just as I was reading your post! Spooky!

curlyjax, a spirit week sounds interesting. What is it? I assumed whisky and other spirits but I don’t really think you meant that!

maryann, that was a marathon! Hiking and paddleboarding sound lovely.

[eusebius]

Hi folks,

LOL! Looks like Friday off was so successful that I overslept again on Saturday and didn't have enough time to post. This morning is a bit of a shock to the system as I need to get up early to go and sub at another church before I play at my normal one. Eventually this schedule will normalize but right now I feel a bit overwhelmed. Eating and exercise and water are all consistent so the slow downward trend continues. Hopefully tomorrow I will have enough brain for personals! Waving to all.

[BillBlueEyes]

Diet Coaches/Buddies – Eating was on plan with no daytime snacks, CREDIT moi. Dinner was eaten inside due to a constant wind - not hurricane strength, but just enough of the tail of Hurricane Lee to be felt. Entree was a new recipe using cherry tomatoes cooked with chicken thighs and lots of spices. Was good enough to be a keeper. DW had googled for a way to cook our abundance of cherry tomatoes. As much as I value them in salad, salads alone weren't attacking the stack fast enough. Even though it's end of season and it's the last stack. Sad thought.

Excitement was a neighbor dropping by with a gift for a small favor we'd done a month ago. Just as they were packing their car for a month long journey to the West Coast, their clothes dryer quit. Of course we let them run a few loads in ours so they could be on their way. Didn't expect a gift for such a small favor. It was a gorgeous canvas tote bag with bees design. And reversible to an all gold design. Never had a reversible tote bag before. It's too nice to delegate to my stack for hauling groceries. Will have to find a special use for it.

Achieved the review of three boxes of 'stuff', CREDIT moi. Still painful for me as if I'm giving up my life. Moved a bunch of things into boxes to be joined with similar items stored in other parts of the house. When I have all like items together, it'll be easier to declare that I can't use that much. Even so, there's a big box hauled to the first floor to make it to the curb to be picked over by folks passing by.


Joy (gardenerjoy) - Fun to think that behind a good novel is a story board that shows all its links. Would imagine that the story board behind the Harry Potter series would be densely linked within one book and then through the series. Wonder how J. K. Rowling did it.

Erika (eusebius) – Overwhelmed is a problem that I hope comes with extra income. A downward trend is a good thing however slow.

Silverbirch - I take it that being dismissed is a good sign that your DD is taking charge of her place.

maryann – Your industrial line simulation class sounds so powerful; it's no wonder the kids want to attend your classes. It reminds me of the conversation with the neighbor with a fifth grader in one of the areas better schools. He says they're designed for girls; his son, like many of the boys, gets restless just sitting in one spot all day. Too bad that a favorite performer wasn't exciting.

curlyjax - Great to hear about a positive trip to the DMV - even with a polite employee. Your movie, Peace by Chocolate, will be added to my list. Such fun to buy a Halloween costume.

Readers -

Chapter 7 Stage 4 - The Think Thin Lifetime Eating Plan

Staying Within a 5-pound Weight Range

To remember that these small fluctuations are normal and temporary, draw a red horizontal line all the way across the graph at "Base Weight," which will now stand for your initial maintenance weight, and another line at 5 pounds heavier.

Judith S. Beck, Ph.D., The Complete Beck Diet for Life (Green book), Pg 184.

[curlyjax]

Very productive day despite not sleeping well. I went to BFF and sorted out expired food products from her pantry as she worked on emptying some cubbies. I also strongly encouraged her to let go of some things. I went home and did some prepping, then she came over later and cleared a bookshelf in the basement while I sorted through things to donate and things to trash. Then we went to the dump and gleefully through out stuff. I felt a little pang letting go of some childhood books, but they smell horrible from years in the basement. I have problems with musty, old smelling stuff and cannot keep anything that reeks. Then she stayed for dinner and we and DD had a fun time. I need to do something about the basement though-I didn't run the dehumidifier this summer which I should have so its worse than usual, and its where a lot of stuff resides that needs to get decluttered. I was coughing quite a bit after so that's a concern, there's probably all sorts of mold etc down there, sigh.
Today is figuring out food for the week, doing some prep, doing some financial stuff,and I'm determined to do something fun. There's a local quilt show I will peruse, that will qualify.
Silverbirch- that's too funny! That kind of spirit week would be very popular indeed. It's a way to promote community and bonding, usually at schools. For us, it will be dressing up with a theme like Monday is sports day, Tuesday is PJ day etc (which I'm not doing because my PJs aren't fit for public) Yay for lots of walking and being dismissed early!
Eusebius-Great job being consistent!
Gardenerjoy- we each gave each other a task that didn't involve a lot of consulting from the owner (like expired food). it would be a challenge otherwise to do it with someone else. I guess you could get rid of obvious trash, and then cluster like things to make it easier for the other to sort of. Sometimes just having someone else there to make you keep going is all you need. Very cool to create a board for your novel.
Maryann-sorry the concert wasn't good. Great job on splitting the meal.
Bill-how lovely that your neighbor gifted you something useful. Good job with the continued sorting-it is hard to feel like you're giving up your life.

[maryann]

Good Morning, Coaches.

Yesterday was a wonderful day. Lots of outdoors. I chose a big chopped salad of very fresh greens for lunch and added a side of potato skins. I ate 3 half skins and left the 4th for DH. Despite the homemade cookies and clean ice cream, the scale dropped. I am wondering if I am not eating enough calories. In any case, I notice that everything I do eat is absolutely delicious. The greens and fresh veggies were a great treat. I am attempting the most difficult short hike I do up here. It is a 2,000 plus elevation gain in about 2 miles. The best part is I get to take a tram down and save my knees.

Today is 2 months on my non Ultra food processed challenge. It feels good.

Curly: Great idea to team up to declutter.
Eusebius: I slept 12 hours last night. It takes what it takes.
silverbirch: wandering the village sounds heavenly.
Joy: I'll have to check out Ken Burn's. The teachers in our department are passionate about his history documentaries.
BBE: Are any of you classes in person. The bee tote could be a book bag.

[silverbirch]

Quick post to say that I'm back home now. I left the car with the DD and came back by train and bus. Food was OK. I seem to have lost my computer glasses, though, which I was pretty certain I had in my rucksack. They might be with some things I left at the DD's though, so fingers crossed as my other glasses aren't so good for the computer.

Wave to all!

[onebyone]

Coaches: A quick check-in tonight. Wound seems to be mending. I am so careful you wouldn't believe. Still not sleeping in the bed. I'm still on the loveseat in the living room. I tried to sleep in bed and did manage about 90 minutes but woke up to my hair pulling on my scalp and I just got up and came out to the loveseat. Soon I'll be able to. Ive started taking a morning walk now. I went yesterday and today. I just walk around the block. And then when I get back, I make and drink 1 to 2 cups of green juice. I made enough today for tomorrow morning, so that's a plus. I think it's better to drink it right after you make it. One day would be all I would leave it for. Today I juiced 2 stalks of full size bok choy. They are as juicy as celery. Maybe even more juicy. That was fascinating. Not much else to say. I appreciate the comments about getting rid of clothes. Tomorrow morning is the day for that. Thanks for reading.

[eusebius]

Hi folks,

Back to early mornings. I was pretty wiped yesterday but took a nap and then batched my food, so I’m prepared for the week. Today is a whole bunch of students. It’s a bit nuts but at least I’m done by 7 today. I have a bean and veggie chowder for lunch which I’m pretty excited about. 🤣 It’s the little things!

BillBlueEyes - sounds like a great use for cherry tomatoes. It is indeed sad that we’re at the end of the season. Kudos for your continued valiant decluttering efforts.

curlyjax - nice job helping out BFF with her decluttering! The quilt show sounds like great fun. Kudos for organizing your food for the week!

maryann - love how your non-UPF foods are revealing their deliciousness! Being outdoors is just the best, especially where you are.

silverbirch - welcome home!

onebyone - hoping your healing continues at a good clip. I hope also that the fresh juice is helping!

Waving to all! Happy Monday!

[BillBlueEyes]

Diet Coaches/Buddies – Exercise, CREDIT moi, was chasing the (3 yo) DFGD around a playground. She was only with our DS; DDIL had a thing to do. There was a little tension as little bit missed her mom - just three adults tending to her every whim wasn't enough. Once again I learned that a game invented by a kid can be played over and over. She'd invented being pushed in the swing, ONE, TWO, THREE, BOOM with the BOOM push being very high. Giggles beyond. Then, "Again." Our DS pushed her higher than I'd have had the nerve to push since I'm only the granddad. My job was to hold her boots. She wore boots because every single pair of her two-dozen pairs of shoes have just become too short. She is the most over shod kid I know, yet spent playground time running about in her socks. Even her Crocs are too small. They'd almost bought some shoes this summer, in her now outgrown size, but DS intervened to wait until the week before school. Smart dad, him.

Eating was on plan with no daytime snacks, CREDIT moi. Dinner was gazpacho with a baguette and my green salad. Was a pleasant outside sit. Wish gazpacho was a year-round item but we only make it when our garden is abundant. Besides, it would feel weird to sip gazpacho wearing an overcoat. I was vegetarian for the day.


onebyone - Good news that your wound is healing. Juiced bok choy would be new to me - it's so good sauteed.

Erika (eusebius) – Yay for catching up on your sleep.

Silverbirch - Ouch for the juggling of proper glasses for the computer. I was asked how far from the screen my eyes were when I was on the computer. Told my doctor I'd have to go home and measure. Not a number I carry around in my head.

maryann – That's a lot of elevation in a short distance. Great to be motivated by having a tram to take you down. Yep, book bag is a good use for my Bee bag.

curlyjax - Great idea to help a friend sort expired stuff - since you have no emotional attachment. Neat that your DD can have a good time at dinner with your friend.

Readers -

Chapter 7 Stage 4 - The Think Thin Lifetime Eating Plan

Staying Within a 5-pound Weight Range

Every day, plot your weight, and give yourself credit for staying between the two lines. If you drift up toward the top of your weight range for more than a week, check your eating habits and make sure you haven't gotten too loose.

Judith S. Beck, Ph.D., The Complete Beck Diet for Life (Green book), Pg 184.

[maryann]

Good morning, Coaches.

The hike was a success although I have lost a few steps since training for Machu Pichu. SIL called and invited me to hike with them for a backpacking night in Tahoe is 3 weeks. Good. That gives me something for which to train.
Enjoyed A Haunting in Venice at the theatre. I do love an Agatha Christie. I brought sunflower seeds and dried watermelon in favor of popcorn. Credit.

Terrible night of sleep. The good news is that I'll be able to sleep again tonite.

Wave to all.

[onebyone]

Hi Coaches

The plastic surgeon called this morning asking to reschedule my follow up to this afternoon. DH and I both went.

My bump was a malignant melanoma, an unusually deep one. Deeper than what the plastic surgeon treats so I am being referred to Sunnybrook Hospital (world class facility) for further treatment. He said docs there will go back into the wound and remove more stuff to ensure the melanoma is all gone. As it stands the borders are.clear. Its just that there is a "___ (neither of us can remember the word) in situ" and if allowed to stay it will grow. Also on the horizon will be testing lymph nodes to see if there is any sign of cancer.spreading. Lordy I hope not. One step at a time this too shall pass.

On a very positive note I walked this morning and drank my green juice. I need to replace my running shoes. I"m aiming to do that today. Im also about to make some bone broth in the instant pot. Oh and I removed about half of the clothes from the bottom drawer in my dresser tona.donation garbage bag. 5 more drawers to go. Pickup is Sept 24th.Today I was unable to let go of sentimental tshirts that hold memories but don't fit. Later I'm going to attempt to clear the space in front of my bookcase in my "office" and then look at.clearing out one bookcase.cubby.

One by one, one by one, it will get done.

[silverbirch]

A recovery day today with no duties other than picking the SO up from the station, on his return from cleaning the DD’s flat and handing in the keys. It’s been very nice indeed not to feel on the run. Let’s see what the next few days bring but today’s rest has been much needed.

onebyone, my goodness. Big hugs to you as you deal with this news. A world-class facility is great and very positive. Also very positive, as you say, taking a morning walk (sounds so lovely and will set you up for the day), green juice! new running shoes! And amazing decluttering and clearing.

eusebius, I laughed when I saw your comment about “the little things”. St David is the patron saint of Wales. In his last sermon, in 589, he told his followers: “Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd” (”Do the little things in life”). Something people still say here today! And in Canada too!

Bill, being pushed in a swing is such a great invention! Kudos to that little girl for pushing forward the boundaries of knowledge, or getting them pushed forward for her! Some time ago it took me a while to work out why my reading glasses were no good for the computer. The distance eyes-computer was greater than the distance eyes-book. Getting that straight with the optometrist has made a big difference to me. I must get another pair pronto, even though I've been in touch with the railway lost property offices.

maryann, always good to have a purpose in training.

[Glider]

TLDR:
What do you personally give yourself credit for?
How do you personally remember all the different things to give yourself credit for?

Hi, first post. I'm on week 4 of the first book. I have trouble remembering what to give myself credit for and I find the suggestions in all 3 books to be a little vague. Also, giving myself credit for something internal like resisting temptation is a good idea, but I need more concrete and external triggers, at least for now. So today I listed a bunch of concrete things to give myself credit for - not everything, but enough things, I think - and put them on a card. There are 3 sections, roughly for every meal, every day, and every week. The exact text is idiosyncratic to me, but here it is:


Credit!

• all planned since (this means I ate only planned food since my previous meal)
  
• ate at table (I aim to eat every-other meal at a dining table)
  
• ate slowly
  
• didn't add to meal (I modify my meals a lot, this gives me credit for not doing that. It overlaps with the first bullet.)
  
• didn't finish (I'm not trying to do this at every meal, but my meals are sometimes too big, and I need to experiment with not finishing everything)
  
• tracked it
  
  
• read Beck cards
  
• recorded weight
  
• exercised
  
• filled checklist
  
• read or did daily (meaning I read Beck for the day and/or did what it said to do)
  
  
• contacted coach (I have a weekly call)
  
• planned meals (I do weekly meal planning)
  
• read book (extra reading/studying beyond the daily exercises)
  

I'll give this a shot -- I'll read the card along with my other cards and try to remember to give myself credit for all those things, which I do by saying "Nice!" to myself. I might remove a few items if there's too much overlap, or if they otherwise feel like something to streamline out. I'm not sure if there's anything important I'll need to add.


I'm interested, for all of you:

1. What do you personally give yourself credit for? Beck tells you to do it for quite a few different things, so many that I find it overwhelming.

2. How do you personally remember all the different things to give yourself credit for?

Thanks for any answers. 👍🏼

[BillBlueEyes]

Glider

And, in honor of your first post,

How did you come to read the books of Dr. Judith Beck?

And how did you find our forum here on 3FC?