Happy Labor Day, kids!
I'm a migraine girl, and with that, the silliest things can trigger a headache. That headache, if not treated in a timely manner, can take me out... quickly!!! Unfortunately, even when treated in a timely manner, the wrath still relentlessly persists. I typically know the triggers: periods (not every month, but enough to be aggravated by them), floral scented perfumes, air fresheners and such, spending too much time in bright sunlight and the improper set-up of my pillow. Yes, my pillow. If my pillow isn't folded in half, lengthwise and on the 'right' side up (yes, there's a 'wrong' side up)... it will lead to horrible headaches. Usually, as soon as I lay down, I know! Last night, it wasn't folded correctly, so I adjusted it and fell asleep. At one point through the night it must have come unfolded, because the headache that woke me was not good. However, I wouldn't adjust it. It would've taken all but a few seconds to raise my hands, adjust the pillow and return to my ZZZZzzzzz's. Instead, I (throughout the night) kept trying to reposition my head and neck. It's like when you have to pee at 3am. Your body is telling you that you have to pee, but you don't want to be bothered to get up, so instead, you try to trick your body by changing your position. Which only works for 8-10 minutes anyway; if you're lucky! I was trying to change my position. I failed myself miserably, because when I got up this morning, I had the worst headache. Not a great start to my day, but all my doing, just the same.
A decent day, with somewhat of a decent menu and some leg work (with ankle weights) to boot! Breakfast (9am) was a golf ball size potato, chopped and cooked in a splash of canola oil and water to just cover the bottom of the skillet. (water being added from time to time, so not to scorch) Two scrambled eggs and 4 Advil Liquigels I chased down with a half glass of Pepsi. Believe me.... I WaNtEd MORE Pepsi.... my head was rockin'! I had water instead (which is no biggie, I like water). Throbbing headache was gone 30 minutes later. Lunch (3pm) was 1/2 serving of leftover baked chicken breast, 1 1/2 c steamed carrots, 1 sm granny smith apple and a Breyers All Fruit Bar. Only to eat again at 4:30pm, when I had a bowl of Special K Blueberry Cereal. Enjoyed dinner at 7:30pm. Not too hungry... had a couple of bites of baked chicken breast, some green beans and some instant mashed potatoes. (I was visiting friends, and that's what they served) They also, very successfully, guilted me into a piece of cake! Truth be told, it was kinda dry... but my reasoning to indulge in the first place... it was Labor Day! I could've indulged, I mean really indulged, but I didn't!
It was a decent day of food choices. I'd give myself a B-... Like I said, I could have really indulged!!!
Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.....
No doubt, I'll sleep better tonight!!!
Showing posts with label psoriatic arthritis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label psoriatic arthritis. Show all posts
Monday, September 3, 2012
Sunday, September 2, 2012
120 DAYS
Hello September!
2012!!!
September 2012
Hummm?
I remember growing up and always being told, "You just wait, time flys by when you're older!" "The older you are, the faster it goes!" "You wake up one day and wonder where did all those years go, where did the time go?" It also seemed, the older the person was, the more they would share these statements. You certainly don't hear this from a 25 year old! Not a 30 year old! Although, you will hear it from them if they have children. They measure the days gone by, by how 'big' their child is now.
I'm not as old as some and certainly not as young as others. However, I am a firm believer of "Age is just a number." It's not your age that defines who you are, it's how you're living your life that defines who you are. How I live my life and how you live your life may not be the same. Although if you feel love (by either being loved or having loved), if you feel a sense of joy, a sense of purpose, a sense of fulfillment and maybe even a sense of self... I would have to say you're on your way. Maybe even those few things aren't on your agenda. Maybe they're not objectives of yours; that's okay too. I have several objectives as I live my life.... and believe me, there's not enough blog space. My list of lifes' objectives gets longer as I get older.
As I open up Fall storage containers and admire clothes I know I was going to fit into this season (yeah, they don't flippin' fit, but they look cute on hangers)... As I stumble into September, knowing I do more for others than for myself (yeah, why did God make me so damn kind and selfless).... As I come to the realization that after three years of not having a full time job, I start one in less than a week (I've waited a long time for the best fit, this is a GREAT fit)... As I'm acknowledging that 43 is a mere four months away...FORTY-THREE..... I may look like my Mom, but I do not look 43. I'm not even sure what 43 looks like, I just know when people find out how old I am, they think I'm 28-36. Hot damn!!! I'll take it! Yes, age is just a number... but, when you have others thinking your number is LoWeR than what it really is, then HOORAY!!! No, these aren't drunk people, or people who owe me money, or people who are trying to get me into bed... these are sober, truth telling, 20/20 seeing people!!! I'm pretty sure the day I'll look 43, is the day I turn 56! I can hear it now, "You're 56??? You don't look a day over 43!!!" (i've been practicing my 'Thank You face' for this)
So, the moral of my story today... everything is finally falling into place. After several years of trial and error with jobs, poor choices of friends, overall lessons learned and stress weighing me down- one pound at a time... I say.... NOW, let's move forward!!! Financially things are improving! Now it's time to improve physically! I am sometimes hindered by psoriatic arthritis, but it's my reality, not my excuse. I do allow stress to dictate my menu; not everyday, but more than it should! I do know how to eat right, I do know how to exercise... but, don't we all? It's safe to say, I'm not consistent! Well, except for the last three years, I've been a Consistent Hot Mess!
So, for the next 4 months, I shall channel consistency!
The goal: to lose 75 lbs.
16 weeks.... Hell, I just looked it up.... Make that 17 weeks!
I turn 43 on Dec 31, which is a Monday.
Sunday Sept 2-Sun Dec 30 is 17 weeks!
120 days...................... Bye Bye Pepsi- I will miss you!!!
2012!!!
September 2012
Hummm?
I remember growing up and always being told, "You just wait, time flys by when you're older!" "The older you are, the faster it goes!" "You wake up one day and wonder where did all those years go, where did the time go?" It also seemed, the older the person was, the more they would share these statements. You certainly don't hear this from a 25 year old! Not a 30 year old! Although, you will hear it from them if they have children. They measure the days gone by, by how 'big' their child is now.
I'm not as old as some and certainly not as young as others. However, I am a firm believer of "Age is just a number." It's not your age that defines who you are, it's how you're living your life that defines who you are. How I live my life and how you live your life may not be the same. Although if you feel love (by either being loved or having loved), if you feel a sense of joy, a sense of purpose, a sense of fulfillment and maybe even a sense of self... I would have to say you're on your way. Maybe even those few things aren't on your agenda. Maybe they're not objectives of yours; that's okay too. I have several objectives as I live my life.... and believe me, there's not enough blog space. My list of lifes' objectives gets longer as I get older.
As I open up Fall storage containers and admire clothes I know I was going to fit into this season (yeah, they don't flippin' fit, but they look cute on hangers)... As I stumble into September, knowing I do more for others than for myself (yeah, why did God make me so damn kind and selfless).... As I come to the realization that after three years of not having a full time job, I start one in less than a week (I've waited a long time for the best fit, this is a GREAT fit)... As I'm acknowledging that 43 is a mere four months away...FORTY-THREE..... I may look like my Mom, but I do not look 43. I'm not even sure what 43 looks like, I just know when people find out how old I am, they think I'm 28-36. Hot damn!!! I'll take it! Yes, age is just a number... but, when you have others thinking your number is LoWeR than what it really is, then HOORAY!!! No, these aren't drunk people, or people who owe me money, or people who are trying to get me into bed... these are sober, truth telling, 20/20 seeing people!!! I'm pretty sure the day I'll look 43, is the day I turn 56! I can hear it now, "You're 56??? You don't look a day over 43!!!" (i've been practicing my 'Thank You face' for this)
So, the moral of my story today... everything is finally falling into place. After several years of trial and error with jobs, poor choices of friends, overall lessons learned and stress weighing me down- one pound at a time... I say.... NOW, let's move forward!!! Financially things are improving! Now it's time to improve physically! I am sometimes hindered by psoriatic arthritis, but it's my reality, not my excuse. I do allow stress to dictate my menu; not everyday, but more than it should! I do know how to eat right, I do know how to exercise... but, don't we all? It's safe to say, I'm not consistent! Well, except for the last three years, I've been a Consistent Hot Mess!
So, for the next 4 months, I shall channel consistency!
The goal: to lose 75 lbs.
16 weeks.... Hell, I just looked it up.... Make that 17 weeks!
I turn 43 on Dec 31, which is a Monday.
Sunday Sept 2-Sun Dec 30 is 17 weeks!
120 days...................... Bye Bye Pepsi- I will miss you!!!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
41 and Counting
Inches VS Pounds?!?
The true objective is overall improved health. Though I've decreased in inches, the pounds are hanging on with all their might. They are relentless. However, being almost 42, I know age does play a factor. My age is not an excuse, it is my reality. The psoriatic arthritis can also hinder, which is also my reality. The results are showing, but they are taking their sweet time with their arrival.
Age...... Don't even get me started!
I'm not bothered by my age at all. I'm not spending dollars right and left trying to defy the aging process. Botox doesn't interest me in the least. I am a fan of hair color. I often ask myself, am I more grateful for hair color or make up? Always a tie, as I love them both! I think a decent moisturizer does wonders for the face and complexion; that's about all I invest in, besides true make up. I'm not a fan of my surplus neck, but what woman is? I've not met her yet.
Plastic surgery... To each their own! If you have the money, the insurance, the time, the faith and a good doctor.... then order up! Personally, I'm happy with what God has given me to work with. That's exactly what I'm doing too, working with it. I'm a firm believer that if you're not happy, it's your fault. So, with that, I myself have been striving to improve.... not because I'm not happy, but because I would like to be the best version of myself. Life is too short for that to be optional.
No matter what the age, some advice I could offer:
Don't get fat.... It's not good for your joints, your organs and your overall health. It's not good for your self esteem, your self worth or your confidence.
Don't stay from the gym too long...... Make new friends, challenge yourself with new machines or classes, enjoy the YOU time while you're there.... No children, No spouse (typically), No demands... Just YOU taking care of YOU! (no need to complain about membership prices. add up what you spend in a month for dining out (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and your gym membership will likely be less than your dining out total)
Shop the perimeter at the grocery store..... Read the labels before you buy...... Know what you're putting on your plate and putting in your body!
Spend more time in the Produce department.....Try something new! and Don't fry it!
Drink more water.... Add lemon or other fresh fruit!
Eat a donut..... Do not eat a dozen donuts!
Drive past the Drive Thru's!
A friend asked yesterday, what I was doing. She could tell I had lost some weight. When I told her I was eating better than ever and in the gym at least 4 times a week, I think she was disappointed it wasn't a magic pill or shake doing the 'work'. I've been doing the' work'. And yes, there are some days I do take time off 'work', but overall, I'm happy with the progress.
We're all a work in progress, in one way or another.
The true objective is overall improved health. Though I've decreased in inches, the pounds are hanging on with all their might. They are relentless. However, being almost 42, I know age does play a factor. My age is not an excuse, it is my reality. The psoriatic arthritis can also hinder, which is also my reality. The results are showing, but they are taking their sweet time with their arrival.
Age...... Don't even get me started!
I'm not bothered by my age at all. I'm not spending dollars right and left trying to defy the aging process. Botox doesn't interest me in the least. I am a fan of hair color. I often ask myself, am I more grateful for hair color or make up? Always a tie, as I love them both! I think a decent moisturizer does wonders for the face and complexion; that's about all I invest in, besides true make up. I'm not a fan of my surplus neck, but what woman is? I've not met her yet.
Plastic surgery... To each their own! If you have the money, the insurance, the time, the faith and a good doctor.... then order up! Personally, I'm happy with what God has given me to work with. That's exactly what I'm doing too, working with it. I'm a firm believer that if you're not happy, it's your fault. So, with that, I myself have been striving to improve.... not because I'm not happy, but because I would like to be the best version of myself. Life is too short for that to be optional.
No matter what the age, some advice I could offer:
Don't get fat.... It's not good for your joints, your organs and your overall health. It's not good for your self esteem, your self worth or your confidence.
Don't stay from the gym too long...... Make new friends, challenge yourself with new machines or classes, enjoy the YOU time while you're there.... No children, No spouse (typically), No demands... Just YOU taking care of YOU! (no need to complain about membership prices. add up what you spend in a month for dining out (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and your gym membership will likely be less than your dining out total)
Shop the perimeter at the grocery store..... Read the labels before you buy...... Know what you're putting on your plate and putting in your body!
Spend more time in the Produce department.....Try something new! and Don't fry it!
Drink more water.... Add lemon or other fresh fruit!
Eat a donut..... Do not eat a dozen donuts!
Drive past the Drive Thru's!
A friend asked yesterday, what I was doing. She could tell I had lost some weight. When I told her I was eating better than ever and in the gym at least 4 times a week, I think she was disappointed it wasn't a magic pill or shake doing the 'work'. I've been doing the' work'. And yes, there are some days I do take time off 'work', but overall, I'm happy with the progress.
We're all a work in progress, in one way or another.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
PMS Pepsi Motivates Shannon
August.... Done! September...... Outta Here! October..... Almost 5 days in........ Welcome! Welcome October!
I love Fall! Love it! The slight drop in temperature is more than welcome. The air is crisp! The leaves are changing! Football, Chili-Cook-Offs, Craft Fairs and Fall Festivals. Then there's the really FUN stuff.... Hayrides, Corn Mazes and Everything Pumpkin!!! Pumpkin, a true Fall staple; whether carving it, bedazzling it, drawing faces on it or cooking with it; we'll see it and more than likely be tasting it, for the next three months. Yummmmmmm!
Time to spend more time outside. A favorite mantra of mine, "Step outside and take in the view." Of course, this time of year, you should grab a sweater first. Stepping outside is easier said than done. Hectic schedules, demands of children, spouses, career.... etc........ Before you know it, October is November. Much like my August and September.... GONE!!!
Here's hoping that October doesn't pass us too quickly. May your October be a memorable one.
I spent some quality time in the gym in August and throughout September, not only for weight loss benefits, but for true conditioning. Humira is a Godsend for my Psoriatic Arthritis, but, keeping the body moving is just as essential. October will be no different. It can be discouraging to see loss in inches, but not pounds. The inches are definitely decreasing, but the pounds have found themselves a home and are reluctant to pack up and move out. I've even presented an eviction notice, but my certified delivery has been returned to sender! Damn freeloaders!!!
Menu, also a work in progress, is also improving. I stumble upon new favorites from time to time; Sabra Hummus, Stacey's Chips, fresh red grapefruit and a delicious mexican soup recipe with chicken breast, brown rice, red onion, avocado, cilantro and lime. Then I find myself returning to old favorites and sometimes old habits; Chobani Greek Yogurt, Tilapia, Laughing Cow Cheese and PEPSI! I still love Pepsi! I love my water too... with lemon. But, I LOVE Pepsi. I love the way it talks to me when it hits the ice and when it tickles my face from the carbonation. It just makes me happy! Although, I'm happy to report that my Pepsi intake has decreased substantially. Except that dreaded PMS week...... because Pepsi Motivates Shannon. There's a PMS for you!!! And ironically, that week is this week. I find myself feeling bloated and blah! (and no, i haven't guzzled the Pepsi like i've wanted to, i had ONE today) Weight: a very robust and assy 224. Assy, as that's where the weight is parked. Note: not in neutral, but parked!!! I can gain anywhere from 3lbs to 12lbs the week of my period. So far, I'm up 8! EIGHT!!! Feels like EIGHTY!!!!!! However, inches are still absent!!! So, another favorite mantra to share, "It's all good!" (and getting better)
I love Fall! Love it! The slight drop in temperature is more than welcome. The air is crisp! The leaves are changing! Football, Chili-Cook-Offs, Craft Fairs and Fall Festivals. Then there's the really FUN stuff.... Hayrides, Corn Mazes and Everything Pumpkin!!! Pumpkin, a true Fall staple; whether carving it, bedazzling it, drawing faces on it or cooking with it; we'll see it and more than likely be tasting it, for the next three months. Yummmmmmm!
Time to spend more time outside. A favorite mantra of mine, "Step outside and take in the view." Of course, this time of year, you should grab a sweater first. Stepping outside is easier said than done. Hectic schedules, demands of children, spouses, career.... etc........ Before you know it, October is November. Much like my August and September.... GONE!!!
Here's hoping that October doesn't pass us too quickly. May your October be a memorable one.
I spent some quality time in the gym in August and throughout September, not only for weight loss benefits, but for true conditioning. Humira is a Godsend for my Psoriatic Arthritis, but, keeping the body moving is just as essential. October will be no different. It can be discouraging to see loss in inches, but not pounds. The inches are definitely decreasing, but the pounds have found themselves a home and are reluctant to pack up and move out. I've even presented an eviction notice, but my certified delivery has been returned to sender! Damn freeloaders!!!
Menu, also a work in progress, is also improving. I stumble upon new favorites from time to time; Sabra Hummus, Stacey's Chips, fresh red grapefruit and a delicious mexican soup recipe with chicken breast, brown rice, red onion, avocado, cilantro and lime. Then I find myself returning to old favorites and sometimes old habits; Chobani Greek Yogurt, Tilapia, Laughing Cow Cheese and PEPSI! I still love Pepsi! I love my water too... with lemon. But, I LOVE Pepsi. I love the way it talks to me when it hits the ice and when it tickles my face from the carbonation. It just makes me happy! Although, I'm happy to report that my Pepsi intake has decreased substantially. Except that dreaded PMS week...... because Pepsi Motivates Shannon. There's a PMS for you!!! And ironically, that week is this week. I find myself feeling bloated and blah! (and no, i haven't guzzled the Pepsi like i've wanted to, i had ONE today) Weight: a very robust and assy 224. Assy, as that's where the weight is parked. Note: not in neutral, but parked!!! I can gain anywhere from 3lbs to 12lbs the week of my period. So far, I'm up 8! EIGHT!!! Feels like EIGHTY!!!!!! However, inches are still absent!!! So, another favorite mantra to share, "It's all good!" (and getting better)
Friday, July 22, 2011
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
BlogSpot I've missed you!
Wow... March! Has it really been since March?
I'm not even typing this now. I will officially be returning to That Shannon in August. Consider this your That Shannon 'teaser.'
I haven't been feeling well. Only now, have I been feeling better. If you've read my previous posts, you know I have psoriasis. My psoriasis had evolved into psoriatic arthritis. I had had minor symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in the past. However, more recently, the symptoms were not so minor. Painful! Exhausting! Debilitating!
I'm blessed to be on Humira, which seems to be improving everything. The skin, the joint pain, the swelling, the nails; well...... all of it. My doc was convinced that because I was such a hot mess, Humira would give me a quicker result than my previous prescribed drug, Enbrel. "Why did you go off Enbrel?", you ask. Lack of a full time job (thanks to budget cuts in 2009 with a company I had been with for almost 10 years), resulted in lack of health insurance. Lack of health insurance, resulted in no Enbrel.
I was actually testing my body too, to see how long before the drug would be NEEDED. The answer... One year. Thanks to Cobra I could continue for a while, but, ran dry of coverage May 2010. Been on Humira since May 2011. I am so very grateful. The joint pain and swelling have decreased tremendously, the skin looks almost flawless and the nails are coming along too!
I went to the gym today. Not my first day back, but still felt foreign to me. Not as comfortable as I once was. I am going more often though, so, in time...
I'm thankful for the Advil I have on hand, every time I go. It assists with the inevitable swelling.
I missed the gym these last several months. I missed looking and feeling normal. I do NOT miss feeling like I was beat up every day in a boxing ring. I know there are worse things to be diagnosed with. I would never try to make light of someone diagnosed with a serious illness or disease. I can only make light of and make fun of myself and my experiences.
Laughter really is the best medicine! And Advil!!! And Humira!!!!!!
Wow... March! Has it really been since March?
I'm not even typing this now. I will officially be returning to That Shannon in August. Consider this your That Shannon 'teaser.'
I haven't been feeling well. Only now, have I been feeling better. If you've read my previous posts, you know I have psoriasis. My psoriasis had evolved into psoriatic arthritis. I had had minor symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in the past. However, more recently, the symptoms were not so minor. Painful! Exhausting! Debilitating!
I'm blessed to be on Humira, which seems to be improving everything. The skin, the joint pain, the swelling, the nails; well...... all of it. My doc was convinced that because I was such a hot mess, Humira would give me a quicker result than my previous prescribed drug, Enbrel. "Why did you go off Enbrel?", you ask. Lack of a full time job (thanks to budget cuts in 2009 with a company I had been with for almost 10 years), resulted in lack of health insurance. Lack of health insurance, resulted in no Enbrel.
I was actually testing my body too, to see how long before the drug would be NEEDED. The answer... One year. Thanks to Cobra I could continue for a while, but, ran dry of coverage May 2010. Been on Humira since May 2011. I am so very grateful. The joint pain and swelling have decreased tremendously, the skin looks almost flawless and the nails are coming along too!
I went to the gym today. Not my first day back, but still felt foreign to me. Not as comfortable as I once was. I am going more often though, so, in time...
I'm thankful for the Advil I have on hand, every time I go. It assists with the inevitable swelling.
I missed the gym these last several months. I missed looking and feeling normal. I do NOT miss feeling like I was beat up every day in a boxing ring. I know there are worse things to be diagnosed with. I would never try to make light of someone diagnosed with a serious illness or disease. I can only make light of and make fun of myself and my experiences.
Laughter really is the best medicine! And Advil!!! And Humira!!!!!!
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