Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013

Subject: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Nov 13 - 11:59 AM

Here is the last thread that spanned 2 months.

The first day of November. The clocks change for many of us in North America this weekend. Sleep an hour later as you switch back to standard time.

I finished a project last month, the dresser conversion to a buffet is now painted, topped with glass, has a cabinet with doors where the kneehole used to be, and is finished with beautiful antique wheat pattern brasses and knobs. Other chores await, and I'm still clearing out. My daughter Moonglow loaned me a dress form to use to photograph some articles of clothing to sell on eBay, and I'll do those soon.

Many other things are underway but not in the general discussion until they are completed - I suspect I'm not the only one who feels that sharing projects before they are finished is a way to jinx them.

Moving forward into the colder season, more introspective, more focussed on making the house comfortable and planning for the holidays. What do you have planned that you can share?

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Nov 13 - 01:57 PM

Pity my body stays on its own clock -- so gaining an hour, alas, does not mean an extra hour of sleep. Perhaps an extra hour of peace, though...

I'm hoping that two days without anything scheduled will help get me back in whack. I promise I won't over do as I did last Saturday which had nothing scheduled. I've been, uh, "snappish" lately and I really don't like that. I've been screaming at the cats (lot of good that does) and snapping at Tom...and last night blew up totally. I had a reason but it really wasn't what I'd call a "good" reason...just overall burntoutedness. I only had one nerve left and everybody and everything was getting on it...

My project for the weekend is being nicer to Tom and the cats and reading down the pile of magazines next to the bed so I can declutter them to Lee Walk-In, and maybe taking a nap (or watching another movie).

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Nov 13 - 01:58 PM

Sigh. "Pity" not "pitty"...my inner proofreader ran away from home, screaming.

Linn

---

........................................Got it! --mudelf

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: ranger1
Date: 01 Nov 13 - 02:28 PM

Realized that I have gained some unneeded and unwanted weight. When Bandit was sick and unable to walk further than the corner down the street, I got out of the habit of long walks and became a couch potato. I am paying the price for that now with few pairs of trousers that fit. However, I have discovered the miles and miles and miles of trails directly behind the cottage, so Bandit and I have been exploring and getting in at least one hour of vigorous hiking a day. I haven't weighed myself since I started, but I think I've lost some of the flab already. My wind has certainly improved. Also doing a very physical job for a friend of mine, the family compound sold a bunch of mature trees to a logging company and they left all the slash behind. My partner in crime and I have been cleaning up the brush and hauling it off to the family stump dump. Think I'm burning a bunch of calories there, too.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 01 Nov 13 - 05:17 PM

I didn't do much today. Picked up some half price candy...M&M's for Jeremiah and Peanut Butter Cups and York Peppermint Patties for Pete.

Then I did some laundry and made a few business calls. Fell asleep with my cat in the sunshine, had some photos printed up for Jeremiah's class from the party yesterday, an 8x10 photo of something that will be auctioned off on Sunday for a good cause, picked Jeremiah up and now I'm home.

And I'm sick. Fever. Red face. Chills, headache, sore throat and general ick. I'm calling it a day. Jeremiah is playing cars on the couch with his kitty, tv is on (bad Mommy) and I'm in my recliner with my feet up hoping Pete comes home early. I just want to go to bed.

First cold in over 4 years.

BLAH.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 09:32 AM

I'm beginning to think that my constant to-ing and fro-ing getting stuff for Tom, etc. AND horsing a wheelchair around are actually starting to "count" as exercise. I had several pairs of black pants -- the exact same size and brand as several pairs of khakis -- that have been tight in the tush since purchase. At last Sunday's meeting I had to keep tugging a black pair up -- indicative of at least some change in inches if not in poundage. (Actually, I haven't a clue what I weigh, but I'm sure I'll find out next week at a check-up -- maybe I should pay attention this time.)

Good thing the activity is registering as "exercise"...my regular exercise routine (a round of exercises with hand weights and morning leg raises) keeps becoming irregular (or non-existent) and then it's difficult to get back into the habit.

Woke up at 5 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep, so turned on the light and decluttered a few of the magazines my hairstylist loaded me down with last time I got my hair cut. Not the sort of thing I regularly read (fashion magazines), but I like glancing through them every year or so to see what the vapid are up to. I prefer "house porn" ("home decorating" porn) and I've got a few of those to go through, too. Then I'll take the pile to the walk-in medical facility at Lee Circle so they've got something besides drug company handouts to read.

Anything actually accomplished this weekend is gravy. I'm concentrating on resting and smoothing out my brain. And maybe poking around in drawers to see where I left my patience. I hope I didn't accidently throw it out or take it to Goodwill or the library sale... (Speaking of which, I have a few more books to contribute to the sale on Monday.)

Thanks, Mud Elf, for correcting my typo! 'Preciate it!

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 12:11 PM

I'm bringing home some of the clutter at work so it's out of the way but in my records, and working on another box there for the archivist that will offer clues to photos in the boxes I already gave her.

Some filing this morning, and I'll clobber the bank account by paying bills. More eBay work this afternoon, after a mid-day trip to the vet with Susie's largest dog, Puddin, who needs a follow-up check for her bladder infection.

I tried to post last night but the ether seems to be gobbling up a lot of posts. It sounds like you have a good variety of exercise figured out, Tami. I've never thought it was a smart choice to pay someone else to mow your lawn while you also pay to go to the gym for boring repetitive exercise.

Good news on the trousers, Linn! I'm about to retire all of the size 14 that were good-looking work pants. They started out really snug and now they hang on me and have to be worn with a belt. I'm fully into size 12 and aiming at size 10 before I'm finished. (These are "normal women" sizes, not tiny slips of skin and bone sizes.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 05:46 PM

Size 13 was what I wore until I met Tom. And a 36B bra. Nice, healthy curves. Now I wear a bra that looks like a swimming cap for Siamese twins and size 24 pants.

Sigh. I was having a lovely day reading and trying to nap (no go, so I read through about two inches of magazines instead).

Then Tom whistled me downstairs about a half hour before I would have come down to fix supper. He needed a couple things done -- no prob. But...he turned on the downstairs hall lights (2 recessed lights and a cannister lamp). He KNEW the switch is faulty (we discussed it on Thursday when the lights were fixed by the handyman...and again yesterday) and I didn't want to use it until I got an electrician in to fix it. Now I can't turn it off. Unless I fiddle with it enough to get it to shut off, it will leave him with the lights on overnight while he's trying to sleep and me nervous because, well, the switch IS faulty!

I just wish every time I come downstairs or into the house it isn't to some sort of small crisis.

On the stress level I guess it's one step forward and, if not two, then at least one step back. Wish me luck on turning the #@%# switch off.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 06:55 PM

Okay. One positive thing is I got some of the unlabeled breakers labeled.

I can't get right up to the box (it's between the washer and dryer and they're at right angles to each other with about 6 inches in between) unless I move the litter box and wedge myself in. I've been punches the breaker buttons with Tom's cane.

I already had the main (top) and the four big bottom ones (Jenn-Air, stove, pump and well, and dryer) labeled. The water heater is in a separate box. I started labeling things out of sheer frustration when Tom started losing his eyesight. I'm going to wedge myself in there and see if I can read the antique labels that are on a couple of the breakers. The writing may actually be worn off.

I HAD the hall lights off (those are the ones on the faulty switch), but then the living room lights went off. I don't know which switch because it was at that point that Tom realized he couldn't see if the lights went off, so he couldn't whistle -- so I had to run out there each time I pushed a breaker to see what it did.

The good news is I managed to get the kitchen, living room, laundry room, and the outlet that the computer's UPS is plugged into turned back on.

The bad news is now the damned hall lights are still on and I've been through ALL the breakers.

I'm not really in the mood for supper, but I suppose I should heat up the lovely spanakopita that a friend made for us yesterday (and chop up some tomatoes and onion for a salad).

I think Tom and his first wife split up over building the house. You know what? I can well understand it...

I love him, I love him, I love him...but I think he thought he was going to be 35 forever.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 07:14 PM

Every so often I get started to do some home repair or investigate something like you're doing and I have to grump back into the house or the kitchen to get my glasses or a flashlight. Needing to wear glasses has been the thing that makes some of those projects annoying - do I need my office glasses to see close, or do I need the regular ones with the bifocals.

I set up the dressmakers form and have photographed a couple of unlined jackets. I'll package, weigh, and measure them then list them on eBay, then I need to knock this off and start on the Secret Santa list.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 08:27 PM

Well, I still don't know which breaker works for those lights, but the switch worked long enough the last time I tried that it shut off. Whew.

The electrician will just have to throw the main breaker for the house when he replaces those two switches. I've got a whole list of switches (mostly rheostats to be changed to regular switches) and outlets that need to be replaced. The house is 40 years old. Tom started replacing switches before he lost his eyesight. I think he was still in denial about his worsening vision when he tried to replace that switch and couldn't do it. Couldn't give me an explanation at the time why he couldn't, but in retrospect, it was probably that he just couldn't see the wires well enough, but couldn't admit it...especially to himself.

Oh, and those paper labels on the breakers were totally useless. At least I didn't get trapped between the washer and dryer! And I got a few more on my chart identified.

I still feel as if today was one step forward, then one step back. At least it wasn't two steps back. But I'm still physically and mentally drained even though I had a more or less pajama day this afternoon. (Working around the house clothes instead of pajamas, but I didn't put my contacts in...so that counts, right?)

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 09:14 PM

So...we had dessert. I got Tom's evening meds set out for him. I set up tomorrow's coffee. And I went upstairs to read and under-react until I have to come back downstairs and put Tom to bed.

And found that I have no lights in the bedroom.

So...here I am again at the computer with the breaker box chart. At least the only ones I have to push are the ones labeled ???. But, of course, I have to go upstairs after pushing each one to see if it worked. Arghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Okay, today was one step forward, TWO #%@# steps back! (I'm in worse shape than I was this morning.)

Wish me luck at finding it quickly.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 09:17 PM

I lucked out -- first one I pushed.

G'night.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 10:14 PM

Linn...I love the visual of the Siamese twins wearing a bra on their heads....oh I can relate my friend....LOL...I can totally relate!!!!

We have been busy with firewood all day...from 7am until 7pm with a break in between for lunch. Dinner at 9pm, our own t-bone steaks, steamed broccoli and leftover cornbread stuffing. I'm so tired that I could care less what was on the table...and I was cold.

Pete indulged me by watching Jeremiah for a solid 40 minutes so I had a HOT shower for a good 30 minutes...alone and uninterrupted (I never shut the bathroom door fully when I'm in the shower so Jeremiah can come get me if he needs me). My hair is dry, jammies fresh out of the dryer and I am finally warm (I have been cold to my spine for the last 4 hours...dampness and temperature drop...hard for me to recover from).

I am all snuggly warm and ready for bed...eventually.

:)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 10:32 PM

Rough Friday with my friend. Her Parkinson's was worse and I did some lifting and shifting of body parts to help her be comfortable. When her son came home before 5 I headed to city house to gather stuff to take to country - Perishables travel back and forth --- until they are eaten or perish! R and I went to cafe and then to mill in my car only as it seemed safer with the heavy winds.

The music was good and when we got to the mill there was a small raccoon waiting for us and a mess! He had not escaped into the other area. He had found a "raccoon home" under the kitchen cabinets. He had used the litter box consistently - thankfully! He had found the bag of puppy food. BUT he had had no water and had dug up and chewed up all the succulents in the sunroom in search of water! Poor little guy was franticly happy to have a pool of clean water. He was not happy when we finally went to bed and he was still up and wanting company. I repotted plants that survived and swept the dirt into a tidy pile, leaving it for him to play in if he so wished. We felt so badly for his abandonment. And tonight he will get up and we are not there because we had to come back to the city. But he has clean water and litter and plenty of food.

Today, we spent a long time getting a very large wire bundle through a hole in the ceiling, through the attic to the hole down to the electric box. FOR THE KILN!!! It was tough for me to get it to go through the hole into the attic and poor R up in that dreadful space pulling it on through - about 100 feet of 3 inch, rubber coated wire! Not finished but that was the worst part. Maybe tomorrow.

I also did some organizing in the studio, washed a lot of dishes, made a nice breakfast and triaged stuff to come back to the city! I revel in having cabinets and drawers! We drove by a friend's home where a large tree fell yesterday, missing their home! Stopped at the nice bakery for a scrumptious choc mousse cake and delicious cranberry/orange/dark choc muffins! We ate two each on the way. Stopped at the rehabber's. No help there so we are at a loss re poor little guy. He needs a peer group so he knows he is a raccoon. He was quite interested in seeing himself in a mirror. Also stopped at a building supply store for a few minutes.   

I dropped R at his truck and came home (5:30) for a hot bath, put perishables back in frig, cooked rice in case R comes home hungry - a packet of Indian on rice is quick and easy.

My cough continues - with ups and downs. Mostly not at night, gratefully, but quite a lot during the day. Air in living space at mill seems OK - air cleaner working on it - but not as good in the studio. That may have exacerbated today's coughing.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 01:05 AM

I'm glad that little raccoon came back to the surface again!

I have a rudimentary list for Secret Santa and a couple of queries out to participants. That should become a usable list in the next day or two.

One garment listed on eBay, another almost ready, and a couple of other items that have been running for a few weeks. I want to keep up a steady pace adding new and always have several items in play.

Michelle, that sounds like a huge day of work. No wonder that shower felt good!

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Maryrrf
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 07:41 AM

Maggie, I think I remember that you posted some tips on ebaying, but I can't find that thread. I want to start selling on ebay. I have sold a few items in the past, but that was some time ago. I guess the first thing is to invest in some kind of scale in order to determine shipping costs. The things I would be selling would range from lamps to small pictures, I have some baseball cards, clothing and designer purses (bought at an estate sale)and different odds and ends. They're taking up space and not being used so I might as well get rid of them.

What about books? I have tons and tons, some of which I could bear to part with, but I see so many books being sold for less than $1.00! What's up with that?

Advice for Ebay newbies would much appreciated.

Thanks,
Mary

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 09:56 AM

Michelle, gotta keep a sense of humor!

Hope we can get through today with no drama. I'm rather tired of drama...

Got laundry drying right now and intend to wash and dry Tom's sheets and pillowcase. Have to dress his wounds sometime this morning and organize his meds and work out the system to lay out his morning, afternoon and evening meds -- he decided yesterday that he can no longer do it himself. His eyesight definitely got worse yesterday.

Mostly today I intend to rest and go through magazines. Got a few things to bring in from the car, maybe plant those 4 daffodil bulbs and dump out and put away a few more deck planters. And, if I have the time or energy, cull and organize some more stuff around the "media center" and set up a CD player by Tom's side of the table for him.

I'll settle for a day with no drama...

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 11:30 AM

Marsha Collier had a special that ran on PBS a few years ago and that is where I picked up the most useful tips. I think she has an eBay for Dummies book. If you want one stop shopping, I'd look for that. I have posted eBay tips, but rather than repeat them I'll look for any traced threads in my personal page next time I'm over there.

Lovely cool fall morning here in North Texas. So many things to do, I think I'll make a list to keep myself on track. It's better to start and finish something rather than start a whole bunch of things and finish none.

I just realized (sob!) that November was the month that Kat always used to plan for, and ask us if we were going to participate in #NaNoWriMo. She wrote one of her books during that writer's challenge. There would be radio silence at Mudcat and other places while she focussed on her writing project. I have a couple of things I have intended to write, and there is one that is all but ready to write itself. I'm going to start it this month, and remind myself that it is an homage to our Katlaughing.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 12:45 PM

Oh - I forgot to mention, I have been "shopping my closet" some more. I've pulled out several size 14 trousers to donate and I'm in size 12 now, heading to size 10 (more or less my goal). And I'm looking for my sweat shirts. I can't remember where I stashed them last spring when it warmed up.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 02:05 PM

Friday, I hit the motherlode of great sweaters at a thrift shop we'd never visited, and saved its location on our GPS. Got one dressy sweater to supplement the only one I had, two fleece pullovers that will work for dressy casual, and a sweatshirt to replace a beloved but too worn baggy sweatshirt I had. Will be on the lookout for old, tired stuff to pitch to make room.

A new phase in thyroid treatment is about to begin-- adding back in the raw veggies that are said to by goitrogenic (anti-thyroid). I trust the doc to monitor my thyroid levels now and prescribe higher doses of meds if needed. My body is asking for more raw food and I trust that as well.

I spent some time this AM prepping the ramp for winter outdoor exercises and walking. Tuesday I will take photos of that and other outdoor space available, as well as pix of the health club's machines, to my PT for her winter Rx.

I found an online source for a poster I had been looking for, that demonstrates a whole lot of exercises using resisitance bands or tubing, as a free downloadable PDF which I will print and laminate to go out on that ramp. There are windows lining it that I can tack 'em up on.

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 01:06 AM

Two loads of laundry done. Dishwasher waiting till I get more detergent tomorrow because I forgot it on the shopping run I made this evening. Fridge cleaned out. Bills paid. Clocks reset. A few other chores underway. Not an exciting weekend, but several things crossed off of a list.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 10:37 AM

It's Monday morning...and it all starts in again.

Got a call from a different visiting nurse who knows nothing about my call yesterday to scheduling or about his nurse Jeannie planning to call the wound clinic AGAIN today for clarification of orders since they didn't return her phone call of last week (and that I talked to her on Saturday) or that I was changing Tom's dressing today and Jeannie said she would be here on Wednesday. We don't even have some of the new supplies yet.

And then a call from ANOTHER nurse from a DIFFERENT agency wanting to come out this morning to evaluate Tom and to sign some paperwork -- this is for the housekeeping help through CFI, but I had to drag THAT information out of her after she only minimally identified herself and not who she was with.

These people all seem to think that their particular little tiny part of Tom's care is the ONLY thing we're dealing with and we should immediately know what they're calling about even if it's the first time we've heard from them. Last week I got a call about an appointment for ME and it took a whole bunch of questioning to ascertain that basic (and pretty important) piece of information. 98% of the medical calls here are regarding Tom. If people don't identify themselves properly AND who they're calling from and what it's about, it's not only frustrating but time-consuming. I really don't have the time for time-consuming.

Called the electrician that my handyman recommended and left a message. And then I got a phone call from someone with a strong Indian accent looking for Tom. He said they (not saying directly but implying it was Medicare) were calling to say new Medicare cards were being issued. I said he did not sound like he was from Medicare and asked to speak to his supervisor. He said his supervisor was busy. I said I wouldn't talk to him, but wanted to speak to his supervisor. He said his supervisor would call me back "within 2 minutes"...uh huh.

Where do I report a call like this? I just tried calling our town offices for advice, but I'm getting a recording. (I'll call later or stop by on my way to drop more books off at the library for the sale.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 12:05 PM

Reported that Medicare card phone scam to New Hampshire HHS - Bureau of Elderly & Adult Services.

And got all set up (the supervisor came out and did Tom's medical assessment and we signed all the paperwork) for an aid to come out once a week and do some light housecleaning around here. THAT will be absolutely WONDERFUL. Besides reducing the dirt level in the house it will reduce my GUILT level at not being able to find time to do basic weekly house cleaning chores.

Called the electrician and left a message. Now I can change Tom's dressings without being interrupted and then I can go pay the mortgage and drop off books at the library sale.

Moving right along...

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 01:01 PM

Got those warm fuzzy tops just in time-- it's COLD here now!

Ramp refitting continues. Also continuing is taking over all house chores bit by bit. Incredibly tiny baby steps hurt SO MUCH.

My spine is suffering from the condition that caused the need for the surgery, and I'm off for an x-ray to see how bad it's gotten since the last one (2004?). It will help the doc advise on pacing myself. Some folks think I'm not doing enough. Others think I'm doing too much. I think I need to be allowed to monitor that myself, and not get a lot of crap for it, but TBTG the doc is the doc and I trust her guidance!

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 01:12 PM

Decluttered of a couple of dental caries. I went in for my 6-month cleaning and the tech announced that they had a free appointment if I wanted to do the filling. It wasn't so involved as the other side I did during the summer, and it wasn't nearly as expensive (a new benefit year helps). So I'm just getting over the numb stroke-face feeling of the filling on my lower jaw. It's good to have that out of the way.

Bills are all paid, and now my goal for the rest of the month is to spend as little as possible. To go by a shopping list and not stray into stuff I don't really need. That's the best way to avoid cluttering the place again.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 01:49 PM

Dishes are done and laundry is all caught up to date...might toss a few blankets in just to refresh things. :) Floors will happen tonight when Pete fixes my vacuum cleaner. I don't know why they sell things labelled as Pet Friendly because MOST of them are NOT. I can't tell you how many I have caught on fire..LOL. I had a Sharp in the early 90's that I paid $400.00 for and that thing was a WORK HORSE. At the time we had 6 dogs and at least that many cats and it worked GREAT. It was designed so that all hair passed the engine so no fear of it getting gobbed up, clogged or catching fire. I have an Eureka now and it does OK but it clogs up frequently. We are now down to one dog and 4 cats so the fur is MUCH less than it ever was.....I think if we still had so many dogs, this machine would have bit the dust after week 2. Anyway, the belt broke on it. I'm sure I could figure it out if I really wanted to but Pete already knows how to do it and doesn't mind fixing it so I'll leave that to him. I did get myself a smaller vacuum for upstairs last week. The pets are not allowed upstairs so there is no need for that kind of mega vacuum up there. The new machine is lightweight, has a cup and filter to collect dust and dirt, is easy to use and empty with some fun accessories...I like it! I also like not having to haul the big, heavy vac upstairs.

I did a sleep study last week and was stunned at just how many times I stop breathing during the night....approximately 150 times an HOUR. So I am now the proud owner of a CPAP machine and am currently working hard to get used to it. So far, I have found it on the floor when I wake up every single time...LOL. Most nights I am up 2 to 4 times and so I just put it back on. Last night, for the first time in a few years, I slept ALL NIGHT (no sleep aids either) but still found the mask on the floor. They tell me this is normal and in addition, I am using a temporary mask until mine arrives..hopefully tomorrow. The one I have for now is larger, bulky and I don't like it in general. The new one is MUCH smaller and lighter and will be smaller to fit my face (I think its the FIRST time in my LIFE that I have ever needed ANYTHING in petite! LOL) a bit better so I'm hoping that will help. No wonder I have been dragging for so long. The thing is, I have complained to every single doctor for nearly 3 years at how TIRED I am. Not sleepy tired but dragging my bones through 3 feet of mud TIRED...EXHAUSTED. First they said it was to be expected from the chemo, then it was because I have a toddler..ha ha ha (not so funny to me) and then the latest is that I have thyroid issues. Well...I've had thyroid issues for most of my life and my levels are right on the mark so I knew that wasn't the issue. I finally requested a sleep study for myself (Seriously wondering if any doctors think too far out of their box...I love my team but come on people!). So yeah...I stop breathing 150 times a night and am twitching at least that much....maybe not noticeable to myself or Pete but it is to the several of the 60 or sensors that I had hooked up to me the other night. It was explained to me that the twitches are the body's way of making itself breathe. Oxygen levels have been dipping pretty darn low at night too. They also told me that my blood sugars won't be stable and I won't be able to lose any amount of weight until I have my oxygen levels more stable. Also, BONUS....cancer cells can NOT thrive in WELL OXYGENATED blood. TAKE THAT ANY STUPID STUBBORN linger cells that might exist!!!!

Sooooo........I am doing my best to sleep with the nasal mask on (can't do the full mask...it feels WAY too suffocating and I am getting what I need from the smaller nasal mask). They tell me that in a month or so I am going to feel SO much better. I hope so because this is a little trying for me. I will say that even though I've only had this thing for less than a week, when I wake up in the morning, I am awake...no fog, no body screaming for more sleep....I am alert and almost perky!!!!   LOL It's how I used to wake up all the time when I was in my 20s.....maybe this UGLY, RIDICULOUS, DARTH VADER, HIDEOUS, ANNOYING thing is a GREAT thing in disguise!!! I have high hopes!!!

I am not going to continue beating myself up for not losing as fast as I once did or for being so tired that things around here sometimes got left undone. Our bodies can tell us so much if we just know WHAT to listen to.

Anyone else here ever used a CPAP? I'd love to hear about your experience. I go back next month for another sleep study with a full titration.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 01:52 PM

*That should read that I stop breathing 150 times an HOUR, not a night!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 02:34 PM

Michelle,
My brother's entire life changed when he started using a CPAP. Depression gone; more energy; less cranky.
Enjoy the improvements.

I, on the other hand, broke a tooth. The dentist fixed it and says it will need a crown BUT another tooth is in much worse shape. So Crown 1 at the end of the month. Crown 2 after the first of the year. Dental insurance will cover about half. So all is good.

Finally had some money saved for a dishwasher but...
LOL
Not meant to be.
SINS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 03:21 PM

Oh SINS....YOUCH.

I can relate to the money saved. I had a hefty amount set aside for a sewing machine that I could use to do some quilting on smaller items (my Featherweight is perfect except it only stitches in one direction...can't drop the feed dogs). I spent a few weeks researching, found a dealer within 2 hours, made plans to go try it out and BAM...my car needed close to $900.00 in repairs. *sniff* The sewing machine just has to wait!

Glad to hear things improved for your brother!!! HOORAY!!!! They tell me to get ready to feel SO MUCH BETTER!!!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 03:54 PM

You may recall that Katlaughing was using a CPAP and it helped her. Until other things intruded, at any rate. I have a co-worker whose life was probably saved by being told he needed to use one of them.

There is something about machines figuring when you have cash saved up that is uncanny, isn't it? My hot water tank did that when I was saving for something else a few years ago, and my truck has been doing it to me repeatedly lately.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 04:14 PM

I remember that Kat had one. Missing her in more ways than one.
<3
Michelle

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Charmion
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 05:56 PM

Checking in after a long absence ...

I'm down to 156 pounds today, from 201 on the first of January. Of the clothes that I wore then, the only garments still in service are some LL Bean turtleneck shirts that were kinda snug then and are kinda big now. Everything else in regular rotation -- from underwear to trenchcoat -- had to be replaced.

I still can't quite bring myself to part with the long purple raoncoat that made me look like Barney the Dinosaur; I can't have worn it more than a dozen times, and it's one of those wool-lined H2OFF ones that repel everything that's nasty about November. But it's swimming on me, so I look like a kid dressed up in her mother's coat.

I also have real muscles again, and no more batwing triceps.

A big part of all this change is the new asthma drug I started this summer. I feel better than I have in many years, perhaps better than at any time in my life. Thank God for the supplementary health insurance that provides drug coverage; the co-payment alone is more than $175 per month.

The house-repair prject is nearly finished, after having clobbered nearly half our savings account. For that, we got four new exterior doors, rather a lot of new siding, and healthy new framing timbers and Aspenite sheathing to replace the rotten stuff damaged by water seeping where no water ought to be. Next, we probably have to do the roof!

I'm no better at vacuuming and dusting than I ever was, but our diet has improved significantly since I quit my full-time job and now have time to shop carefully and cook more complex meals. We bought a book of "no-knead" bread recipes designed to produce dough that keeps in the fridge for upwards of a week, so I'm back to baking our bread. Edmund gets a proper home-made lunch now, too.

I can practically hear my mother's eyes rolling in disdain -- "For this you quit a well-paid job?" But both of us are healthier and happier, the requirements of daily living are taken care of without scrambling, and the loss of my salary is not causing us to go short of anything we need -- or indeed anything we really want, except maybe a European vacation.

Come to think of it, the last time we took a European vacation, I came home with a two-month dose of bronchitis and lost my voice for ten weeks.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 06:49 PM

YUP
Healthy and happy. Everything else falls into place.
Well done, Charmion. Any dieting secrets to share?
SINS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Rumncoke
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 07:24 PM

I have been using CPAP machine - aka 'the snozzelizer' for some years now. I recently obtained a smaller and less noisy air pump and nose cone which is an improvement. In order to minimise the noise of the escaping air I got into the habit of pulling the duvet over my head. I have a small blanket which I put over my neck and shoulders to keep the cold air off me, and I put a loop of the hose between it and the duvet to try to warm up the air a little.

I asked that the controls for the air pressure on the new box be shown to me and left unlocked, as I find that I need to vary the pressure if I have a cold, otherwise I can't sleep as my nose stays blocked. Sometimes I have to wait until I can breathe then turn down the air.

I still find waking up without that weary weight still on me such a relief.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 07:45 PM

Wow! A couple of great accounts! I know a lot of people read this thread, and I am always glad to see lurkers contribute. Charmion, congratulations! My target weight loss is 50 pounds, that would put me at my former "light" weight of 144 (in the summer when I was more active). In the winter I usually weighed about 5 pounds more. It is nice to get rid of the clothes you're swimming in, isn't it? I am at the point where things I bought last year that were snug are now baggy, and I'll be making a trip soon to pick up a couple of things to tide me over to the target weight. Also good news about your asthma management.

Rumncoke, thanks for the encouraging news of the CPAP. Kat told us about it when she was getting fitted and getting used to it, she had a lot of troubles before the apnea was diagnosed. My daughter's roommates thought my daughter might have something like that and one even contacted me - I'd been after my daughter for years to see the ENT about her tonsils because they were huge and after that we all worked to get her to the surgeon - and I think that took care of a lot of her snoring and sleep problems.

I left work early today. My jaw was aching from all of the little injections to numb it and I can feel some swelling. I shopped a little on the way home, dog food, dishwasher detergent, apples and veggies. I can hear the reassuring swish swish of the dishwasher running as I work now.

Stay warm and dry, everyone! It's getting to be that time of year.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Charmion
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 08:07 PM

There is no secret to losing weight, damn it.

It's a lot easier, however, if you stay out of restaurants, cafeterias, coffee shops and snack bars, and if you walk everywhere you go. A gym membership is a big help, too.

A particularly useful tool is a website where I track everything I eat and drink. In combination with an accurate kitchen scale, it's close to a secret weapon.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 08:21 PM

I've taken a different tack, alternate day fasting, with the fasting day modified - it's a 500 calorie day. The law of averages works. You eat regular stuff (don't go crazy) on your feed day, and on your fast day, make it more veggies and fruit in the afternoon, and be careful about eating too much protein on feed days (or you'll get constipated). I watched this program and realize I could do this - I adopted the method described at about 38 minutes into the program. This is Dr. Michael Mosley who hosted some programs on "Horizon," a UK science program that was broadcast here in the US on PBS.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Nov 13 - 07:53 AM

My current challenge: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27213/

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Nov 13 - 10:32 AM

A few years ago I poked the side of my thumb, right at the nail bed, and there was this spot that wouldn't heal where the skin was pulled back a bit from the edge of the nail because a little flesh protruded. I did that by poking myself with a piece of metal when putting the dog's rabies tag onto a split ring on a collar. I stuck my hand in my pocket last week and somehow hit my index finger nail on a rivet and seem to have done the same thing - it's a silly problem but it doesn't heal. I'm gong to have to go to the doctor and have this treated. At least I remember what worked last time (silver nitrate, I think, or liquid nitrogen to kill that little patch of flesh so the skin could heal over it.)

Darn. Like I need another doctor visit.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Nov 13 - 02:21 PM

Linn, the interview with Howard Mansfield just concluded on our local Dallas/Fort Worth NPR station. It was very interesting, and more than that, it shows how we are networking on Mudcat to share things across communities. Soulful Shelters will be a podcast later today or this week, and it will replay this evening on the station if you want to stream it.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Nov 13 - 06:47 PM

Strategy for the above link:

I walked an hour at a store ydy and another hour today (even after a rough PT), plus I made dinner tonight (45 min standing). Painful, but I think I can handle that much without causing an arthritis flare-up, so it is my new "standard" daily walking assignment. These both included short sits as needed; I carry a folding stool in my grocery cart; I use it to ponder brands on the shelf when I need a short break for my back. Very handy to spot low-shelved gourmet or nbargain items to try as well.

I also use it when the cashier line stalls, so I can be patient with the cashier and shed sunshine to other waiting line-peeps (especially parental beings), without exacerbating the back.

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Nov 13 - 07:04 PM

Ach! I don't don't if I'm frustrated, depressed or just tired. Maybe all three.

Handyman was back this morning to put the finishing touches on the deck stair rail. I got the trash up to the road early and the frost off the windshield before Tom and I headed to York, Maine to get his defib read and have a consultation with his cardiologist. I LIKE Tom's cardiologist a lot -- he's a very cautious man. Maybe too cautious. I just couldn't get him to give me any real answers about Tom's congestive heart failure and his vascular problems. All I really want to know is general realistic expectations. I don't think Tom will drop dead next week or next month...but he could, I guess. It's highly unlikely he'll challenge his cousin's longevity...she's 93. But nobody seems willing to even suggest a ball park. All his cardiologist would say is, "One day at a time..."

On the up side I took the shore road through York (stopped at Nubble) to Ogunquit. It was a beautiful day and high tide. The ocean was blue and blue green and green...lively and lovely. Then we stopped at a friend's antique shop in Cape Neddick for a nice visit.

But I had to pull the car over a couple times on the way home to help Tom find whatever it was he was looking for, or do whatever I needed to do to keep him from, I don't know. Fidgeting and doing whatever he was doing that was distracting my attention from the road. The other half of the time his head droops and I have to ask if he's okay...

Then when we got home, he made it from the car to the steps (about 6 feet) and needed to sit down. I convinced him to WAIT while I got a chair and stabilized it so he could sit down. If he'd sat on the steps as he started to, I'd never be able to get him to his feet. As it is, I still had to call 911 to get a lift assist.

And now I think it's realistic to get a wheelchair ramp or something (which we certainly didn't think he needed last year after he broke his ankle). I haven't a clue as to how it can be designed to be effective, to be a gradual enough slope that I can actually push him up the ramp, and not be in the way of the driveway. Whatever the solution, we can't continue to get frequent flyer miles for lift assists...

And the ongoing family crisis (my family) out in the Midwest is, well, ongoing...

I think I need to under-react with a book for awhile...

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: ranger1
Date: 05 Nov 13 - 07:57 PM

Wheelchair ramps don't need to be straight, Linn, just wide enough at the angles to make the turns with the wheelchair. Got any boy scouts looking for Eagle projects in your area? That might be a good solution.

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Nov 13 - 12:18 AM

Back home after my late day at the library. I've about finished the last touches on the Secret Santa, and might get that sent out tomorrow. That always feels very good, to set the holiday cat among the willing pigeons.

Dishes were stowed in the dishwasher while my tea brewed. That's about all that is getting accomplished around here tonight, aside from feeding the dogs and myself.

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Nov 13 - 08:02 AM

To see if you can get a ramp made for you, free, check with your local Area Agency on Aging. In many communities this is where ramps come from, and a lot of folks do not know that AAA funded them.

If you do not qualify, you can ask any contractor for an estimate, and they will tell you how they plan to lay it out to be ADA compliant as to slope... and then you can use their design to build it yourself or more cheaply by friends.

Also Harbor Freight has metal automotive ramp sections you can use (about $125 each) to deck between stacked-shipping-pallet corners.

Be thou ramp-ed! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Nov 13 - 09:16 AM

Paying for it isn't an issue -- I think it's covered under CFI/Medicaid. I'm just having trouble envisioning one that would work and not be more in the way.

Mostly, I think, what's REALLY bothering me is the realization that Tom is not only not getting better (which I didn't expect anyway), but is -- subtly -- failing. And his problems getting back into the house after a doctor's appointment, session at The Press Room, whatever, is a key indicator.

Tom's cardiologist yesterday really didn't answer any questions other than HE wouldn't attempt any other procedures -- including swapping out Tom's existing (since 2004) defibrillator/pacemaker with a bi-ventricular one. And each of his doctors seem to want another doctor to explain risks -- including the risk of doing nothing. The vascular doc told me to ask his cardiologist -- yesterday the cardiologist told me to ask the vascular doc. Meanwhile, the doctors at the hospital never really gave me any answers, either, or even the suggestion of a plan.

Meanwhile, a heating crisis was averted this morning and a lot more quickly than expected. Right now I really need to wash my hair before making breakfast for Tom. His physical therapist and the visiting nurse are coming this afternoon. This evening I'M off for some R&R and music therapy at a singaround at friends in Dover. Couldn't happen at a better time.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Nov 13 - 03:18 PM

Good suggestions, Susan, about the ramp. I wouldn't have thought of Harbor Freight.

Sounds like a good escape for the evening, Linn.

I went to a talk at noon today, one I set up before my job changed. It was a spectacularly good lecture - but you have to be a tech teaching and pedagogy geek possibly to have been there in the first place. The woman who spoke about distance education brought some of her fellow collaborators - and made me wish I'd stayed in the teaching end of things back in the day I was finishing my master's. It was well attended and I could see wheels turning all around the room as people had ideas to follow-up on. This was a great plus for my week, and the speaker was a fellow graduate student with me back in the day, so it's always nice to make things like this happen for friends. Hump day. There's nothing that makes the week go slower than having an unhappy workplace. That helped a lot.

My lawn has grown a lot with the rain this week but it'll be too wet to mow until the weekend. I know how I'll spend my Saturday, mowing, weeding, and planting. This evening sewing seems to come to the top of the to-do list (a warm bathrobe is now in demand, so it's time to finish that collar.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Nov 13 - 04:27 PM

Did some "drive-by gardening" on my way home from the store -- on the way down the driveway I pulled the variegated vinca vine out of the planters at the head of the driveway and tipped them into a winter holding bed (the loam pile) where they'll have a good chance of wintering over. (Yes, I got out of the car both at the head of the driveway AND when I pulled in next to the house. I even remembered pots and protective newspaper for the floor of the backseat when I went to the store.)

Of course, now I have to scrub my fingernails before I go out to the song circle tonight...

Linn

Subject: RE: Fall into Winter Declutter & Fitness 2013
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Nov 13 - 07:59 PM

Linn, I didn't think I could have one that would not be in the way either. It took me years to realize that come hell or high water, I just needed to get it done.

So I finally decided on what I thought might work, and got an estimate to build that. TBTG I got a second estimate, because THAT contractor could see what I had missed and had a GREAT design.

Because it was his own vision, he was able to build it in a jiffy-- and got me into my house the night I was discharged from the nursing home-- Christmas eve-- when my bennies ran out. On 3 days' notice.

And it was the best money I ever invested. It MATTERS SO MUCH to know you can get in and out. It changes everything to know that this is handled. So----- I hope you go for it!

Also, strategies can be combined-- there are nifty and unobtrusive stair lifts now, too. A boardwalk from drive to house and a lift into it the house, for example. You can have whatever you need-- don't worry about not being able to see it. Someone else will!

It may not just be you who needs to use it. It will make house access easier for friends, emergency personnel, anyone who you want to come in and help or visit. I know my home health nurses loved it!

~S~