My appointment with Very Cool Dude neurosurgeon for this afternoon was canceled due to weather. We have been under a Level II storm that has dumped 8 inches of snow and ice on top of the 4 inches we already had. Many offices were closed today in and around Columbus, OH.
I'm finally able to do some of the laundry, run the duster and dust mop over the furniture and floors, and cook - which I'm sure hubby is very happy about.
Re cooking: I've put myself on a strict diet of 1500 calories/30 grams of fat per day. Somehow, all this added weight has to come off. Before, 1700 calories per day would do it, but with enforced limited activity, this is the only way to go. I've never been this heavy and hate it. I'm the only one who can fix that.
My food diary isn't very imaginative. And I still have to cook for my Michael - who loves rich sauces, cheese, and fried foods. It's a challenge. However, I'm armed with low-fat/fat free foods, fresh veggies, and 100 calorie (treat) snack packs of chocolate.
Chocolate. My writer's veins flow with it...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Ode to Pizza and Cookies
We made it to Louisville in time to watch our son's oldest son play basketball Friday night. (I can't believe they have 8 year-olds scheduled to play at 8:00 p.m.) Had a wonderful time with the boys before the pain and stiffness from 4 hours in a car settled in.
We all had a grand time opening Christmas presents Saturday morning. Abigail (2 3/4) and Jacob (the birthday boy) must have played with the construction set Grandpa picked out for him for at least 2 hours. Her new Barbie doll's dress, earrings, necklace and shoes, worked great for loading into the crane's bucket...
On Saturday, I got to spend some quality time with son-in-law, who was to leave Sunday morning for two weeks in Seattle where he'll be around when his first grandchild is born. Evelyn is due on Wednesday and I'm sure her mom and dad don't want to wait any longer either. He'll have camera and laptop in hand to send photos.
Jeffrey saw how irritated my neck was from the brace and quickly found the "Cadillac version" from his neck surgery two years ago. Much better! Extra padding. Extra set of pads so I can keep them washed.
Then, daughter and I got to spend a few minutes together while she explained her Weight Watchers plan to lose 40 pounds while also strength training and spinning, to gear up for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. She's committed and hoping to gain as many sponsors as possible. This is her website: Ride to Victory There is a button that says “Support Raylene”. Be sure to check out the video while you're there.
Their 14 year-old son is strength training with her and keeping her on task. He and 8 year-old Hannah have gone through the refrigerator and marked the "points" on everything in there with a Sharpie.
Which, of course, meant that I had to stop procrastinating. My diet and commitment to lose 40 pounds before my birthday started TODAY. It will be even harder to do because I've yet to be cleared for exercise following spine surgery. (Walking is allowed, but I can't walk more than 50 feet before my arthritic hips lock up.)
I've carefully counted out each calorie and shred of cheese in tonight's enchiladas and divided by SIX, which equals the number of allotted calories remaining after my delicious and filling luncheon consisting of one cup of dry Cheerios.
Guess I'll need to remember fondly the pizza and cookies at Jacob's birthday party on Saturday.
We all had a grand time opening Christmas presents Saturday morning. Abigail (2 3/4) and Jacob (the birthday boy) must have played with the construction set Grandpa picked out for him for at least 2 hours. Her new Barbie doll's dress, earrings, necklace and shoes, worked great for loading into the crane's bucket...
On Saturday, I got to spend some quality time with son-in-law, who was to leave Sunday morning for two weeks in Seattle where he'll be around when his first grandchild is born. Evelyn is due on Wednesday and I'm sure her mom and dad don't want to wait any longer either. He'll have camera and laptop in hand to send photos.
Jeffrey saw how irritated my neck was from the brace and quickly found the "Cadillac version" from his neck surgery two years ago. Much better! Extra padding. Extra set of pads so I can keep them washed.
Then, daughter and I got to spend a few minutes together while she explained her Weight Watchers plan to lose 40 pounds while also strength training and spinning, to gear up for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. She's committed and hoping to gain as many sponsors as possible. This is her website: Ride to Victory There is a button that says “Support Raylene”. Be sure to check out the video while you're there.
Their 14 year-old son is strength training with her and keeping her on task. He and 8 year-old Hannah have gone through the refrigerator and marked the "points" on everything in there with a Sharpie.
Which, of course, meant that I had to stop procrastinating. My diet and commitment to lose 40 pounds before my birthday started TODAY. It will be even harder to do because I've yet to be cleared for exercise following spine surgery. (Walking is allowed, but I can't walk more than 50 feet before my arthritic hips lock up.)
I've carefully counted out each calorie and shred of cheese in tonight's enchiladas and divided by SIX, which equals the number of allotted calories remaining after my delicious and filling luncheon consisting of one cup of dry Cheerios.
Guess I'll need to remember fondly the pizza and cookies at Jacob's birthday party on Saturday.
FM AWARE site for FM Patients
If you or someone you love - or even dislike - has symptoms of Fibromyalgia, or has been diagnosed with FM, this is a great place to find information:
http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8337
My daughter has some of the symptoms of FM, but not the pressure points. Yet. She checks herself often. This website has also helped her to understand what her mama goes through and deals with.
http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8337
My daughter has some of the symptoms of FM, but not the pressure points. Yet. She checks herself often. This website has also helped her to understand what her mama goes through and deals with.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Loooong Car Ride
Have to make this short. Son and his girlfriend will be here soon to take me to see the Grandkidlets in Louisville - where we'll finally be able to celebrate Christmas. The g'kids were sick in December, and I couldn't be around sickies because of the recent spine surgery.
Not looking forward to a 4 hour drive packed in pillows, but happy to go. Neck brace in place. CPAP packed. Yeah!!
Just added a new page to my gift store and FR*E classes to the Links for Writers page at my website. Enjoy!
Check out The Review Hutch for comments about a thank you I recently received.
Off to the shower, where I'm allowed to take off the neck brace ...
Not looking forward to a 4 hour drive packed in pillows, but happy to go. Neck brace in place. CPAP packed. Yeah!!
Just added a new page to my gift store and FR*E classes to the Links for Writers page at my website. Enjoy!
Check out The Review Hutch for comments about a thank you I recently received.
Off to the shower, where I'm allowed to take off the neck brace ...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
No Brace = Pain/Burning
Thought I could take my neck brace off for awhile yesterday while I lazed on the sofa to watch the inauguration. Bad idea. I'm paying for it today. The base of my skull burns. All the way down.
Still need to rifle through the stacks on my desk to find the Rx for the X-ray I need to get done next week before the scheduled appointment with my neurosurgeon. I must be a very good patient to convince him to move on to the next section of my spine that needs a major renovation.
So much work to do professionally. I've taken to grabbing the Swiffer duster on my way to and from the bathroom to zap furniture dust as I pass through. One of the downfalls of working from a home office. This is while I'm grazing through ODOT offices looking for a story due a week from Friday and Tweeting/marketing Linda's Gifts and Decor.
Recuperating from this surgery is taking much longer than I expected. While realizing that I'm no longer 30, I'm also NOT 80. Forcing myself to hold my head "UP", "UP", "UP" as I've been directed to do by Cool Dude neurosurgeon, causes severe muscle spasms from the base of my neck to mid-back. I'm re-thinking his "Cool Dude" status.
I'm sure going without my brace while clapping my hands and cheering during Obama's speech didn't help.
Still need to rifle through the stacks on my desk to find the Rx for the X-ray I need to get done next week before the scheduled appointment with my neurosurgeon. I must be a very good patient to convince him to move on to the next section of my spine that needs a major renovation.
So much work to do professionally. I've taken to grabbing the Swiffer duster on my way to and from the bathroom to zap furniture dust as I pass through. One of the downfalls of working from a home office. This is while I'm grazing through ODOT offices looking for a story due a week from Friday and Tweeting/marketing Linda's Gifts and Decor.
Recuperating from this surgery is taking much longer than I expected. While realizing that I'm no longer 30, I'm also NOT 80. Forcing myself to hold my head "UP", "UP", "UP" as I've been directed to do by Cool Dude neurosurgeon, causes severe muscle spasms from the base of my neck to mid-back. I'm re-thinking his "Cool Dude" status.
I'm sure going without my brace while clapping my hands and cheering during Obama's speech didn't help.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Snow. Cold, white, icy, snow. I don't even think it's pretty anymore. Yep, we got more snow yesterday. Today's high is supposed to be 28. Being cold makes the pain of FM and OA worse.
I stay inside as much as possible. I'm thankful our dog's bladder is expandable so the back door doesn't get opened as often.
My neurosurgeon was right. I hate to admit this. When I take off the neck brace, even for just enough time to brush my hair, my shoulder muscles begin to spasm. I've decided to quit fighting it. The brace stays on, as I've been ordered.
I don't much like taking orders. Never have. Two of my uncles were in the military, one army and one navy. Each of those uncles produced a daughter who served in the military, one army and one navy. I'd have spent most of my time in the brig.
Fifteen days until my next writing deadline and I've already started contacting people for interviews and information. I don't remember writing last month's contracted article. My editor emailed his "thanks" and there is a check sitting on my desk so I know it got written, sent and published. My editor was warned a month ahead of time about this surgery. I'm sure he did a heavy edit rather than the usual publish-as-received. I'm thankful for that.
Finished the critique/review of Hope Clark's mss yesterday. It's a good read and is certainly better than many of the books on the big-box shelves. I'm hoping she lands a great agent and a nice advance. I'm also hoping she'll send me the mss to the second in the series and that the sales figures for both will put them at the top of the charts.
Oh, yes, I'm still working on getting my online store set up. About half is up and running. Step #1: Go to my website, www.lindajhutchinson.com and, Step #2: select "Enter Gift Store" from the menu on the left. Step #3: Find all the bargains on goods you've been looking for. Step #4: Slip your credit card out of your wallet. #5: Type in where you want it sent. #6: I'll notify you as soon as the companies let me know the items have been shipped - usually the same day. #7: Please accept my heartfelt thanks for doing business with me.
I sure can give orders though, huh?
I stay inside as much as possible. I'm thankful our dog's bladder is expandable so the back door doesn't get opened as often.
My neurosurgeon was right. I hate to admit this. When I take off the neck brace, even for just enough time to brush my hair, my shoulder muscles begin to spasm. I've decided to quit fighting it. The brace stays on, as I've been ordered.
I don't much like taking orders. Never have. Two of my uncles were in the military, one army and one navy. Each of those uncles produced a daughter who served in the military, one army and one navy. I'd have spent most of my time in the brig.
Fifteen days until my next writing deadline and I've already started contacting people for interviews and information. I don't remember writing last month's contracted article. My editor emailed his "thanks" and there is a check sitting on my desk so I know it got written, sent and published. My editor was warned a month ahead of time about this surgery. I'm sure he did a heavy edit rather than the usual publish-as-received. I'm thankful for that.
Finished the critique/review of Hope Clark's mss yesterday. It's a good read and is certainly better than many of the books on the big-box shelves. I'm hoping she lands a great agent and a nice advance. I'm also hoping she'll send me the mss to the second in the series and that the sales figures for both will put them at the top of the charts.
Oh, yes, I'm still working on getting my online store set up. About half is up and running. Step #1: Go to my website, www.lindajhutchinson.com and, Step #2: select "Enter Gift Store" from the menu on the left. Step #3: Find all the bargains on goods you've been looking for. Step #4: Slip your credit card out of your wallet. #5: Type in where you want it sent. #6: I'll notify you as soon as the companies let me know the items have been shipped - usually the same day. #7: Please accept my heartfelt thanks for doing business with me.
I sure can give orders though, huh?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Minus 15 degrees here this morning
I didn't get the new Home Fragrances page up on my website yesterday because I was so cold and achy and tired. It's up now because I've spent the day wrapped in an afghan as I work at my desk. http://www.lindajhutchinson.com/2008_linda_j_hutchinson_lindas_gifts_and_decor_home_fragrances.htm
Dear husband and I got up at the usual time this morning to have our coffee and quality time together. When he left for work I asked him to look at the thermometer on the back porch. He did. It was MINUS 15 degrees! No wonder we've been so cold. Our back porch is covered but not enclosed.
It is sunny and beautiful and very white today. The last five inches of snow we got will be around for a long time if the temperature remains in the sub-zero zone.
Son came by to check on me yesterday afternoon. I told him I needed a nap. He asked why I didn't take one so I proceeded to tell him what HIS bull mastiff does when I try to nap.
If you aren't familiar with bull mastiffs, they have about 10 inches of tongue that won't fit inside their mouths, so it is always dragging around on everything. Tamia, the dog we're discussing here, has found it possible to curl hers in just the right way to stick it up both of my nostrils while I'm sleeping. Unless, of course, I'm napping in a room with a door that locks. She's learned how to open all doors that don't lock, no doubt by wrapping her tongue around the knob and twisting her head.
Son took Tamia with him as he headed back over to his girlfriend's. It is so peaceful without her here. She's sweet and kind and loving, but a total attention whore. I swear she has a built-in alarm clock and expects her treats at exactly 5:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. If son's big rig is parked in the back yard and he isn't here, she has to go outside to pee every 15 minutes - no doubt in hopes he'll appear as if he'd just driven in. She fails to realize the truck has been sitting for a couple of days.
Or that info just doesn't fit into her schedule.
Even though I've managed to stay warmer today, the ache-all-over has settled into my bones and joints. At least I've gotten something productive done today - about 1/4 of what I was able to accomplish before being blessed with OA and FM.
Dear husband and I got up at the usual time this morning to have our coffee and quality time together. When he left for work I asked him to look at the thermometer on the back porch. He did. It was MINUS 15 degrees! No wonder we've been so cold. Our back porch is covered but not enclosed.
It is sunny and beautiful and very white today. The last five inches of snow we got will be around for a long time if the temperature remains in the sub-zero zone.
Son came by to check on me yesterday afternoon. I told him I needed a nap. He asked why I didn't take one so I proceeded to tell him what HIS bull mastiff does when I try to nap.
If you aren't familiar with bull mastiffs, they have about 10 inches of tongue that won't fit inside their mouths, so it is always dragging around on everything. Tamia, the dog we're discussing here, has found it possible to curl hers in just the right way to stick it up both of my nostrils while I'm sleeping. Unless, of course, I'm napping in a room with a door that locks. She's learned how to open all doors that don't lock, no doubt by wrapping her tongue around the knob and twisting her head.
Son took Tamia with him as he headed back over to his girlfriend's. It is so peaceful without her here. She's sweet and kind and loving, but a total attention whore. I swear she has a built-in alarm clock and expects her treats at exactly 5:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. If son's big rig is parked in the back yard and he isn't here, she has to go outside to pee every 15 minutes - no doubt in hopes he'll appear as if he'd just driven in. She fails to realize the truck has been sitting for a couple of days.
Or that info just doesn't fit into her schedule.
Even though I've managed to stay warmer today, the ache-all-over has settled into my bones and joints. At least I've gotten something productive done today - about 1/4 of what I was able to accomplish before being blessed with OA and FM.
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