So great to reconnect. I have to say it has been so supportive to have you guys remember me from the time I went MIA.
Cyan, the iron level is currently a mystery, which I think I have recently solved on my own in the past few months. Dr's asked a lot of questions and did some tests, but what it comes down to is that I think I am having 2 full menstrual cycles per month--YIKES!! I never really had that before because I was using the pill--Diane was the name. My sister sent me a lot of damaging research on Diane and although it was working for me the health risks totally spooked me and so I went off it and decided to go Birth Control Pill free and use alternate methods of Birth Control. Since going off the Pill my periods hadn't totally stabilized. After the Dr. asked me about heavy periods, I had said no. But when I sat down and calculated things I now realize that I have had about 2 period cycles every 30 days. They last a short period of time and are not heavy but not light. I think I have been losing a lot of blood and therefore a lot of vitamins and nutrients. I realized this just a few days ago ironically when I decided that I was running out of Pads awfully fast and calculated it all out. Not sure what to do about it yet or how to resolve what is happening to my system as I have been off of the pill for about 7 months now and it has not yet normalized. I think what I will do is make a trip back to the Doctor's.
The result is that I am getting sick a lot. I am tired a lot. I have no energy to exercise or even get up early in the morning and when I force myself to I am not 100% there. I am irritable a lot because I am tired and really want to do the activities but feel like I can't. I am not as hungry but also not awake or exercising as much so I have not really gained weight but lost tone. The iron tablets make me feel nauseous so I have to convince myself each day to take them and frankly sometimes it is a losing battle because my stomach gets just too upset. Right now I am just focussed on getting over this flu/cold and getting caught up on the work I have been falling behind on.
So back to the Doctor's it is. I also have to say that my nutrition hasn't been tops because I don't have the energy to cook or shop for the healthier things. One good thing though is that I just moved to a new office area where we have a salad/sandwich bar so I order spinach salad (which is available every day!) for lunch or a grilled veggie and hummous sandwich on wholewhat pita. So I am at least getting one healthy meal per day. I end up eating a lot of canned soups for dinner because they are quick as well as pasta--not much preparing. I have been finding the steamed soy beans good because they require no work at all other than putting them in a steaming pot. Rice is the same.
When I went skiing for the week I was great. My fiance dragged me out of bed each morning earlier than I wanted to and I was miserable on the slopes for the first hour but once the adrenaline was pumping I was good for the day--so I know it is achievable. I also know that because we were on vacation I took my iron each day and also ate a lot of steak and lean red meat which gives me an instant boost.
PHEW THAT WAS A LOT OF WORDS!
Cyan, congratulations for sticking to the supports. I have to say that you have always been on my mind as you have been a good support network for everyone and constantly. You should be very proud of yourself for all of your hard work and perserverance--and like you said it shows because you are healthier than ever before!!! I admire you for the dedication you show to helping your mom daily as well as caregiving even for a loved one can take its toll on our physical and mental health at times--that is very normal.
Debee, you have a great plan with a lot of things that motivate you that are similar to mine. I love the part about wearing your "skinny pants" so that you will know when you have gained weight. I do that often and it does help me when I realize I am having trouble breathing in them. You have enough energy to carry you and I both!!! I can feed off of that energy of yours and I thank you for that. I also am shorter--which is why I asked your height. I am 5 feet 4 inches and weight about 140 ish give or take the time of the month. I carry all of my weight on my hips and thighs as well but now I am starting to lose my tone in my belly and it is putting on the fat. That started happening in my early thirties. I feel the best at about 125 as well and I know I am healthiest at that weight as physically I can do a lot more. Perhaps we can goal weight to success together!! I tend to lose the first 5 pounds fairly quickly with basic habitual changes --ie. reduce sugar and cream in coffee, cut back on sugared drinks and weekend occasional glasses of wine to 1/2 a glass and beer to light beer, cut out junk food as much as I can and ensure regular exercise. The remaining 10 pounds I tend to lose with vigorous regular exercise and a vigorous diet caloric reduction. I find it hard to stick to that regimen for a long period of time so I am looking for a lifestyle change that is attainable and perhaps a happy medium.
Miki, Lisa, Newee and Betty---look forward to talking to you all and us supporting one another.
Lobocal, Reina and Deena--come back too!! there is support and no shame to be had (I was worried about feeling ashamed and quickly realized there is no need to be--we are all human!).
As for the engagement we are not sure when we are getting married or how. My fiance is a truly adventurous guy and would like an unusual and adventurous wedding. We are up for suggestions and are looking to wait at least a year or so while our work situations get on track. Here are some of the things we both like to do--and no they are not made up!! (when I am not so tired--looking forward to getting back into those things).
1. flying--we have bought into a small power plane (shares) and my fiance has his pilot's liscence as a hobby. We also own a glider (plane with no engine). I hope to get my liscence some day.
2. Rock climbing--in spring/summer/fall we like to rock climb outdoors and in the winter we will at times go indoors although we did not this winter.
3. Scuba diving--we both have our advanced certification liscences and have done about 50 or so dives in total.
4. Kayaking--we both own our own whitewater kayaks and kayak in summertime.
5. Canoeing--we love to canoe camp.
6. Backpacking-we have full backpacking gear and go at least 2x per summer/fall.
7. Skiing downhill--my fiance has been skiing since age 4. I just learned last year but we have just started doing some winter trips.
8. Camping/Hiking--we love camping and hiking a lot.
9. Swimming--a passion of mine is to swim (he hates it). It is like meditation for me and I usually swim throughout the winter to keep myself in shape although I haven't this winter (because I have been unwell). I used to swim 2-3 times per week at 1hr each time.
10. Team sports--I enjoy team sports like baseball and volleyball but my fiance is not a fan of them. I plan to join a co-ed baseball league this year but I have to vow not to drink beer after games because that is kind of counterproductive.
Here are some sports I want to try/learn:
Mountain Biking--I haven't rode a bike since I was about 10
Running--I hate running whenever I try it but I think I might like it if I didn't give up right away and let myself progress slowly.
Tennis (I found someone at work willing to teach me and we have tennis courts nearby--spring here I come!)
Squash--never understood that game and would like to learn it
Golf?? Not sure yet if I am interested but will have to give it a try
Gotta go,
Cjunk
HAPPY ST.PADDIES DAY TO EVERYONE!!