Weight 166/166.5
I can't remember if I wrote about my dilemma with blue jeans in this journal (and I'm too lazy to search) but in a nutshell...I want jeans that are 100% cotton denim, no words and/or nothing sparkly on the back end, and that don't cost more than $20. A few years ago I found Dickies brand to be exactly what I wanted, but they have succumbed to the stretchy trend that has infested so much of women's clothing these days. I searched and searched, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores to no avail. Then last week I joined a simple living forum, where one of the topics was how to save money on clothing. One suggestion was for the women to buy men's items (not only clothing either) because they're usually cheaper than women's things. And I remembered that I had saved a few pair of my husband's jeans from the last time he lost weight. I dug them out, 34 inch waist--yep, yep, that should fit, and held my breath as I tried them on. PERFECT fit! They're just a skosh too short, as his inseam is shorter than mine but otherwise, they are exactly what I want: 100% cotton denim, no fancy decoration, $10 a pair. So I am now the proud owner of two pair of Faded Glory men's jeans, 32" inseam. Who cares if they're men's?! --I sure don't! I only wish I had thought of this alternative sooner.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
10/28/2016
Weighty Matters
166.5 today
Got results back from the wellness screening; everything is good. According to the height/weight/BMI schedule, I am still "overweight" but I expected that rating. The cholesterol numbers are what I wanted to see...I don't believe in the big bad wolf of cholesterol myth--that the total cholesterol number MUST hit below a certain number or watch out! --you're going to die of a heart attack in 2 seconds. Years ago, I found a golden ratio formula, where you divide your triglyceride number by your HDL-C number. Anything under 2 is where you want to be, and I am there. Now, along with the screening results, we arebombarded with given tips and hints to help us get healthy, such nuggets as "eat more whole grains and eat more fruit". Of course I ignore these messages; I know what works for my body, and grains/sugar ain't on the list.
Other
We're still having some warm days here in Southeast Missouri. Usually we experience our first hard frost right around now, the last week to 10 days of October, but it hasn't hit yet. I have one stubborn tomato plant left that has 6 small fruit on it (everything else died and/or got taken over by weeds). I'm rooting for it, waiting to see if the tomatoes ripen before the first fall freeze happens. Then I've got to get the garden area put to sleep before winter hits. I've got to pick up all of that cheap, black mesh I laid down that I thought would control weeds (FAIL), mow the grass & weeds down as short as possible, then I'm going to cover the whole area in heavy duty (thicker) plastic. From what I read, this should kill everything, fingers crossed. I need to do more reading on the mulch method, which would start in early spring--there's a book I have my eye on.
Beyond garden things, the fall is always a time for winter stock-up. We lay in basic supplies, along with some non-perishable food items. For perishables, we're limited to what our chest freezer will hold, but it'll handle quite a lot. This weekend I plan on defrosting said freezer and doing a general purge. --More room for frozen veggies!! And we need to check our supply of firewood, see how much we have left after last winter. Need gasoline for the generator, too. Those are just a few of the to-do things running through my mind right now. Winter is coming and I don't want to get short-handed. It's this time of year when I really wish I didn't work a full-time job that pulled me away from the farm every day.
166.5 today
Got results back from the wellness screening; everything is good. According to the height/weight/BMI schedule, I am still "overweight" but I expected that rating. The cholesterol numbers are what I wanted to see...I don't believe in the big bad wolf of cholesterol myth--that the total cholesterol number MUST hit below a certain number or watch out! --you're going to die of a heart attack in 2 seconds. Years ago, I found a golden ratio formula, where you divide your triglyceride number by your HDL-C number. Anything under 2 is where you want to be, and I am there. Now, along with the screening results, we are
Other
We're still having some warm days here in Southeast Missouri. Usually we experience our first hard frost right around now, the last week to 10 days of October, but it hasn't hit yet. I have one stubborn tomato plant left that has 6 small fruit on it (everything else died and/or got taken over by weeds). I'm rooting for it, waiting to see if the tomatoes ripen before the first fall freeze happens. Then I've got to get the garden area put to sleep before winter hits. I've got to pick up all of that cheap, black mesh I laid down that I thought would control weeds (FAIL), mow the grass & weeds down as short as possible, then I'm going to cover the whole area in heavy duty (thicker) plastic. From what I read, this should kill everything, fingers crossed. I need to do more reading on the mulch method, which would start in early spring--there's a book I have my eye on.
Beyond garden things, the fall is always a time for winter stock-up. We lay in basic supplies, along with some non-perishable food items. For perishables, we're limited to what our chest freezer will hold, but it'll handle quite a lot. This weekend I plan on defrosting said freezer and doing a general purge. --More room for frozen veggies!! And we need to check our supply of firewood, see how much we have left after last winter. Need gasoline for the generator, too. Those are just a few of the to-do things running through my mind right now. Winter is coming and I don't want to get short-handed. It's this time of year when I really wish I didn't work a full-time job that pulled me away from the farm every day.
Monday, October 24, 2016
10/24/2016
Weighty Matters
168 this morning
I've been Leading With the Diet for 6 months now, having lost 31 pounds. I totted up the amount of pounds lost per each month. Aside from the first couple of months, I seem to average a loss of 3 pounds monthly--and that's fine by me. I believe slow weight loss is better, healthier in the long run. I feel good; I feel skinny. My daughter said to me the other day, "I think you've lost enough weight now", to which I replied simply, "Nope." I didn't tell her my goal is somewhere in the 140s. (Actually, between you and me, I have a secret goal of 136; that's how much I weighed when The Mister and I married.)
Other
I don't know what it is about Fall weather that makes me want to wear lipstick and paint my nails. Autumn is my favorite season, and the cooler temperatures seem to breathe life back into my parched soul. Otherwise, I could care less about paint and polish. Last week the urge for lipstick was so strong that I actually left work to buy some! Ironically, by the end of that day I had a headache--something that rarely happens. It could have been the weather front that moved through; I don't know. And I haven't varnished my nails since before my granddaughter was born (and she's 4 now). But again, the urge to slap paint on my nails was so strong that I gave in and bought some this weekend. My nails are now Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Black with a clear top coat and, boy howdy, they shine like diamonds. My granddaughter wanted her nails to look like mine, so we are both rocking the black. Here's the thing... I'd forgotten what a pain in the arse it is to care for painted nails. LoL You gotta be careful not to scuff 'em, not to chip 'em, not to blah, blah, blah. I'm actually looking forward to seeing that first chip on my nail job so I can remove this polish, cut my nails shorter, and return to being the earth (grand)mother I am. It's fine to play dress-up once in a while, but give me natural and bare anytime!
Gardening must have taken root in my soul (HA!) because I'm already planning next year's plot. What to plant, weed control, what to do differently...I really can't wait. Also, the hummingbirds have all gone now, so I took down the last 2 feeders yesterday. They'll be washed and ready to go for next April. Safe journey, hummingbirds!!
168 this morning
I've been Leading With the Diet for 6 months now, having lost 31 pounds. I totted up the amount of pounds lost per each month. Aside from the first couple of months, I seem to average a loss of 3 pounds monthly--and that's fine by me. I believe slow weight loss is better, healthier in the long run. I feel good; I feel skinny. My daughter said to me the other day, "I think you've lost enough weight now", to which I replied simply, "Nope." I didn't tell her my goal is somewhere in the 140s. (Actually, between you and me, I have a secret goal of 136; that's how much I weighed when The Mister and I married.)
Other
I don't know what it is about Fall weather that makes me want to wear lipstick and paint my nails. Autumn is my favorite season, and the cooler temperatures seem to breathe life back into my parched soul. Otherwise, I could care less about paint and polish. Last week the urge for lipstick was so strong that I actually left work to buy some! Ironically, by the end of that day I had a headache--something that rarely happens. It could have been the weather front that moved through; I don't know. And I haven't varnished my nails since before my granddaughter was born (and she's 4 now). But again, the urge to slap paint on my nails was so strong that I gave in and bought some this weekend. My nails are now Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Black with a clear top coat and, boy howdy, they shine like diamonds. My granddaughter wanted her nails to look like mine, so we are both rocking the black. Here's the thing... I'd forgotten what a pain in the arse it is to care for painted nails. LoL You gotta be careful not to scuff 'em, not to chip 'em, not to blah, blah, blah. I'm actually looking forward to seeing that first chip on my nail job so I can remove this polish, cut my nails shorter, and return to being the earth (grand)mother I am. It's fine to play dress-up once in a while, but give me natural and bare anytime!
Gardening must have taken root in my soul (HA!) because I'm already planning next year's plot. What to plant, weed control, what to do differently...I really can't wait. Also, the hummingbirds have all gone now, so I took down the last 2 feeders yesterday. They'll be washed and ready to go for next April. Safe journey, hummingbirds!!
Friday, October 14, 2016
10/14/2016
I feel as if this blog will be going in a different direction soon. Initially I began writing here to talk about hair stuff--growing it long and strong. But long hair is no longer a viable option for me (long hair that looks good, that is). Therefore the name "Hair and Nonsense" simply doesn't seem to suit. I want to focus and talk more about my weight loss journey, and of course life in general. So I'll probably just change the name of this blog. I really don't want to create a new blog, not after copying and pasting all those entries from the Lead With the Diet site!! Although...I do have those entries labeled. I guess I could create a new blog and place a link there back to this blog here. Argh, decisions, decisions...
Thursday, October 13, 2016
10/13/2016
Hair
It's been a week since the cut and I still love my shorter hair. Honestly, I am a bit surprised; it is usually around this point after getting a cut that I decide to restart the growing-out process. It sort of feels as if a switch has been flipped off...that I finally realize how much easier thin hair is to disguise with a shorter mane. I'm still using Pantene shampoo for body, but I've added some lightweight mousse and hairspray to the routine. (Still washing every other day.) I'm also trying an apple cider vinegar rinse in place of conditioner; we'll see how well that works. I've even started using a blow dryer again! So the lineup goes like this: wash, vinegar rinse, water rinse; towel dry, apply mousse, blow dry to just damp; comb into place & let air dry. An hour or so later, after I'm dressed for work, I brush out my hair where I want it & then I use a little hairspray to keep everybody in their place. I'm not worried anymore about my thin spots showing; this hair style is a winner.
Weighty Matters
Current weight 167 1/2, and I'm on the 6th notch of the belt. Yesterday was the wellness screening. My weight registered at 169 1/2, fully clothed, shoes and all. I was so tickled! I don't think I've ever weighed that little at a wellness screening. I'm very happy with my progress. And yet...as I explained to my friend/mentor Adele, I'm having a weird reaction to being in the 160s. It's almost as if there's a part of that thinks I don't deserve to weigh this much. --And if I'm having trouble dealing with the 160s, what's going to happen when I reach the 150s? --the 140s?? I'm not going to stop, that's for sure. So that scared little girl inside me will simply have to learn to deal.
It's been a week since the cut and I still love my shorter hair. Honestly, I am a bit surprised; it is usually around this point after getting a cut that I decide to restart the growing-out process. It sort of feels as if a switch has been flipped off...that I finally realize how much easier thin hair is to disguise with a shorter mane. I'm still using Pantene shampoo for body, but I've added some lightweight mousse and hairspray to the routine. (Still washing every other day.) I'm also trying an apple cider vinegar rinse in place of conditioner; we'll see how well that works. I've even started using a blow dryer again! So the lineup goes like this: wash, vinegar rinse, water rinse; towel dry, apply mousse, blow dry to just damp; comb into place & let air dry. An hour or so later, after I'm dressed for work, I brush out my hair where I want it & then I use a little hairspray to keep everybody in their place. I'm not worried anymore about my thin spots showing; this hair style is a winner.
Weighty Matters
Current weight 167 1/2, and I'm on the 6th notch of the belt. Yesterday was the wellness screening. My weight registered at 169 1/2, fully clothed, shoes and all. I was so tickled! I don't think I've ever weighed that little at a wellness screening. I'm very happy with my progress. And yet...as I explained to my friend/mentor Adele, I'm having a weird reaction to being in the 160s. It's almost as if there's a part of that thinks I don't deserve to weigh this much. --And if I'm having trouble dealing with the 160s, what's going to happen when I reach the 150s? --the 140s?? I'm not going to stop, that's for sure. So that scared little girl inside me will simply have to learn to deal.
Friday, October 7, 2016
A friend named Bob
Hair
Recently I had been stressing over my thinning hair. Even though hair weighs virtually nothing, the thinness seems to worsen when my length hits a certain measurement. Around shoulder length is apparently as long as I should go now. *sigh* I had so wanted to grow out my hair to terminal length just once, but the reality is that is not going to happen. So yesterday afternoon I got a cut (with my usual scissors lady, Cheryl--she's a gem), a collar length bob...and my hair feels and looks amazing. I love the way it moves! I truly am at a point in my life where I need to keep my hair shorter. Of course, I will continue to take good care of the hair I have, and I will probably always have a fascination with hair products. I just need to change my mindset with regards to thinning hair and ego. I do not require long hair (or any hair, really) to be me.
My "muchness" comes from within. :-)
Weighty Matters
168 today. I'm down to the 5th notch on my belt.
Recently I had been stressing over my thinning hair. Even though hair weighs virtually nothing, the thinness seems to worsen when my length hits a certain measurement. Around shoulder length is apparently as long as I should go now. *sigh* I had so wanted to grow out my hair to terminal length just once, but the reality is that is not going to happen. So yesterday afternoon I got a cut (with my usual scissors lady, Cheryl--she's a gem), a collar length bob...and my hair feels and looks amazing. I love the way it moves! I truly am at a point in my life where I need to keep my hair shorter. Of course, I will continue to take good care of the hair I have, and I will probably always have a fascination with hair products. I just need to change my mindset with regards to thinning hair and ego. I do not require long hair (or any hair, really) to be me.
My "muchness" comes from within. :-)
Weighty Matters
168 today. I'm down to the 5th notch on my belt.
Monday, October 3, 2016
10/03/2016
Hair
Those of you who have read this (or the previous) blog know that my hair is thinning on top. Most of the time I pretend it's okay...that I'm okay with it. I am not. I try to pretend that the thin spots are covered if I comb my hair a certain way, or if I use thickening shampoo it helps. It does not. Just in the past couple of weeks I've noticed my hair, well, the hair on top of my head, looking thinner, and I'm wondering if its because of length. Most hair weighs very little, yet when one is dealing with thinness/baldness issues then I guess even an extra ounce has enough pull to cause problems. My hair is now bra strap length and I'm considering cutting it back to shoulder length or even shorter. I mean, my hair looks okay (sort of) when I pull it up into a clip. But I have the feeling I'm doing harm to it by wearing it that way almost every day. So I'm dealing...well, TRYING to deal with the harsh reality that I may never be able to have long hair again. I'm very sad about it. I'm trying NOT to be sad, yet I am. I think I should make an appointment with my stylist and get her opinion. *sigh*
Weighty Matters
I've been "Leading With the Diet" for 5 months now. This way of eating gives me the clarity I need to get through situations like what I described above. Next week The Mister and I are participating in a wellness screening sponsored by the university where I work (free through my insurance) and for the first time in a long time, I am actually looking forward to getting the results. I'm especially eager to compare this year's results (such as weight) with those of my last screening, which happened so long ago that I can't even remember the year. I'll share those numbers here when I get them.
Those of you who have read this (or the previous) blog know that my hair is thinning on top. Most of the time I pretend it's okay...that I'm okay with it. I am not. I try to pretend that the thin spots are covered if I comb my hair a certain way, or if I use thickening shampoo it helps. It does not. Just in the past couple of weeks I've noticed my hair, well, the hair on top of my head, looking thinner, and I'm wondering if its because of length. Most hair weighs very little, yet when one is dealing with thinness/baldness issues then I guess even an extra ounce has enough pull to cause problems. My hair is now bra strap length and I'm considering cutting it back to shoulder length or even shorter. I mean, my hair looks okay (sort of) when I pull it up into a clip. But I have the feeling I'm doing harm to it by wearing it that way almost every day. So I'm dealing...well, TRYING to deal with the harsh reality that I may never be able to have long hair again. I'm very sad about it. I'm trying NOT to be sad, yet I am. I think I should make an appointment with my stylist and get her opinion. *sigh*
Weighty Matters
I've been "Leading With the Diet" for 5 months now. This way of eating gives me the clarity I need to get through situations like what I described above. Next week The Mister and I are participating in a wellness screening sponsored by the university where I work (free through my insurance) and for the first time in a long time, I am actually looking forward to getting the results. I'm especially eager to compare this year's results (such as weight) with those of my last screening, which happened so long ago that I can't even remember the year. I'll share those numbers here when I get them.
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