Damage Control

We are expecting up to 21 inches of snow today! so far we have 5 inches. Fortunately, we're not getting sleet or ice on top of it. Tomorrow will be shovel max I think. Good day for soccer and football.

I'm still just doing what I feel like doing. It's working out pretty good. I got to the pool on Wednesday after work and got a great workout in. Thursday I did a total body. Friday I took a brisk, brief 20 minute walk. Yesterday I did a good upper body/core giant sets workout. My quads are still sore from Thursday, so I'm going to do a glute/hamstring workout today.

Not a whole lot going on here. I've been boxing up stuff to get rid of. We may have enough for a yard sale come spring. I have sold on Facebook Marketplace before but I don't go on Facebook much at all and don't really want to get sucked back in to it. I find I don't really like social media much. I've been through the whole downstairs. It feel so much cleaner and lighter. One of the goals has been to get stuff off the floor/in the corners. I want the house to be easier to clean. Downstairs all that's really left is my step on the floor.

You were correct-DH going on medicare B,C, and D does qualify as a life even so after we see the doctors on Friday we will reevaluate what to do. I'm ok with him going on it even if it will cost a bit more. If he needs surgery I want him to feel like he's getting the best surgeon for it and it may not be a doctor in my system.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend! Go Broncos!

Beth
 
It's Thursday and I got to the pool again last night! Hoping to make that a weekly habit. Have you noticed it taking longer to recover from heavy weight workouts? My legs are still sore from Sunday. I hoped to do another total body today, but might just do heavy upper. What are you up to this week workout wise?

We got a foot of snow last weekend and it's been 20-25 degrees below normal temps. So it's COLD! We got all dug out Sunday and are just hunkered down trying to stay warm. Thank goodness we did not lose power!

My work is just rolling right along. Getting my hair cut today and then cards late this afternoon. DS2 and his girlfriend now live together in a two bedroom in West Los Angeles. He's drinking mushroom coffee and trying to eat better. It's nice to see him discovering how he wants to be healthy. He's been jogging to the gym then working out. Makes me happy to see.

Beth
 
The weekend is almost over, where did all the time go? We had groceries delivered yesterday. I'm really liking having our groceries delivered. I may need to go myself next week to replenish our freezer with meat and we need more vegetables. These are things I like to pick myself.

For February and March I will be spending 50% of my time on another team learning new stuff. I don't have a programming background so it will be a steep learning curve for me. Thankfully the person I'm teamed up with is a great trainer and I have a bit of experience working with her-although it was years ago. Hopefully it is not too stressful. It was only supposed to be a 1 month rotation, but that teams manager asked for 2 months due to the learning curve. I will need these skills at some point anyway. It's nice to get some on the job training and dedicated time to work on learning this stuff.

Yes, definitely taking longer to recover from heavy lifting. That is why the STS layout is so good. I've been doing some circuits and am really enjoying them. Things with kettlebell swings, dragon press, burpees, high knees, skipping, snatches, box jumps etc. Probably going to continue with some circuits for another week while I decide what to do next. I'm considering giving Iron another try. I think with my job rotation it might be nice to have some shorter workouts. Today was heavy legs. I did 114# squats, 94# rear lunges. My max squat is 124#. I may repeat this workout later this week. I also went walking around the lakes today and yesterday. Our temps are in the mid 50's to low 60's. If there is any breeze at all, it is very cold and I need ear muffs. Today was great. My legs are already hurting.

I had blood work done last Monday and have a followup tomorrow to review the results. I wish it could be done via zoom instead of having to drive down there again.

How did Dan's appt go? How is the weather? I'm sure it's nice seeing your son realize the benefits of being healthy. I actually just bought some Ryze coffee from Target to try it out. Only my middle son works out regularly and meal preps. My oldest works out when he feels like it. :)

ttyl
 
I decided to take a week or so off from working out. I don't know if it's the cold or what, but I do not feel like working out at all. So Monday I rode bike and that's it for this week! If I feel up to something over the weekend I might do something.

I've started another photo album. It's for DS1. He didn't do a lot of activities as a teenager beyond gaming so most of his book will be early pictures. Do I put in the first day he was born pic? So many decisions. My goal is to be able to give it to him for Christmas next year. I don't know how thrilled he will be, since he was not all that impressed with Aaron's, but I want to do it. Maybe one day he'll want to reminisce.

Dan is going next Thursday for a shot in his back. They will go up through the tailbone and inject anti-inflammatory meds. If it works-great. That's one reason he's looking to get full Medicare to be able to go elsewhere. Monday he has to stop taking the prescription anti-inflammatory-will be interesting to see how much pain he gets. He can still take Tylenol which helps some.

Saw my Dad last Friday after we got back from the doctor. He is not making much sense and is having a real hard time with thin liquids and swallowing. But they are managing.

Nice you are learning some new skills for work! What did you think of the Ryze? How did the doctor go? You totally should be able to have a virtual appointment for a follow up for labs-costs the same, but no travel.

Beth
 
My workouts have been pretty good. Tuesday was a full body circuit, Wed was Meso 2 disc 15 (CST), Thursday I walked around the lakes. Friday I had a hair appt, yesterday was lower body and today was disc 17 (B&B) and another walk around the lakes. I'm trying to do a few ab exercises everytime I workout If I can fit them in. The weather here is still in the mid 50's to mid 60's. It's been nice for getting out and walking when I can.

I'm already dreading the work week. I have to work overnight on Friday and am already stressing. That on top of having to learn new stuff that is not in my wheelhouse. I was talking to my MIL about how stressful my job is. I told her I really am trying to hold on until medicare kicks, but I'm not sure that will happen. She retired from 3M when she was 57. She was offered an early retirement package and severance. She thinks everyone should be able to retire at that age.

I haven't tried the Ryze coffee yet. I'll let you know when I do. My labs are all good, and my next pellet injection will be in April.

My MIL's younger brother (80 yrs.) passed away. They had the funeral on Friday. He had been in memory care for the past 2 years. He also had a lot of health issues on top of that. I'm glad he is at peace. My MIL is 87 and her sister is 86 and they are both in good health.

I've read where some people find that working out 2 or 3 days a week works best for them. It sounds like you need take a break and do what you want, when you want. Sometimes feeling like you need to follow a strict schedule can backfire.

You are way ahead of me on the photo albums. I started one for my youngest a long time ago but never finished it. I think he will enjoy the photo album. How did the injection go? Hopefully he's getting some relief. I'm sorry to hear about your Dad.

Off to watch the superbowl!

ttyl
 
I worked last night so I'll probably just walk today. If I get some energy, I might lift weights. I've done 3 weight workouts and walked twice this week. Feeling pretty good about that.

My new work assignment is going pretty well. Not as stressful as I was expecting. That's good.

My son and girls will be moving to their new place this week. He closes on Tuesday and plans on moving on Wed/Thursday. It works out well since those are his days off.

How was your week? Any fun weekend plans?
 
I am so glad that work is going better! You definitely needed a change. Did you have a good weekend? I had book club here on Sunday so spent most of the weekend cleaning and getting ready for it. My dad is back in the hospital so I saw him. He's very confused, but knew me and Dan which was good. He's loving being there and getting enough food and just being able to watch TV and rest. I think my mom is trying to get him placed in a care facility which after he adjusts I think he will like. We're hoping it's the one literally right in my back yard (our property borders it). They don't fight when he's not home which is nice for him. I really want his last few months to be pleasant. We'll see.

Dan had the procedure on Thursday for his back. Now we wait and see if it works. He's trying to not take an anti-inflammatory today, just a Tylenol. Time will tell.

I got back to working out and got some new heavy duty booty bands to use. Feeling good and strong. I did legs Saturday and was hoping to do them again today, but they are too sore. So I'm probably just going to get the weight vest out and walk for a while. It's gotten into the high 30's the past few days and I got a walk in Saturday. Sunday was upper body. I think I'm just going to have to eat clean and workout the days I don't work. It's too much adding in workouts before and after work-I'm just too tired. It will be nice when I can walk to and from work again for extra steps.

Beth
 
Oh no, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. It would be nice if he could be close to you, and it sounds like he is happy. How is Dan doing? Hopefully the injection is working and he isn't in any pain.

Some people find that working out 2 or 3 times per week is sufficient for them. We are just so accustomed to exercing 4-7 days per week than anything less feels wrong or like we are not doing enough. Although I think it is important to keep moving, we shouldn't stress about so much. As we age it is normal to start slowing down.

I was not feeling well on Sunday, so I didn't do anything. Amazingly, I have worked out everyday this week.I I started STS Meso 2 again for upper body and am enjoying that so far. I'm alternating legs and glutes from the other platform. Today is glute work and I try to add some abs when I can.

My son and girls are mostly moved out now. He has a few things left here that he plans on picking up on his way home from work over the next few days. We need to get the girls carpet cleaned and do some touch up paint in their room. Once that is done I will order a new bed. Then I can get the dresser that belongs in there out of the garage and a desk/hutch out of my office that also belongs in there.

Later I'm going to Target and Costco. I need to get new bathroom towels, rugs and trash can for the guest bath. I let them take their teal towels, rugs and trash can. They picked it out for here, but now I can put what I want, of course it will be blue!

Did you see Cathe is having a big sale. I'm looking at the bands and loops. Mine are pretty old.

Enjoy the weekend. I'll check back later.
 
Funny-I just got some new glute bands from Amazon. We have this rewardo platform at work and you can earn points and then get swag from the company or gift cards, etc. I ended up using 21 points for new bands and love them! I've been getting in weights and a little cardio. We just had another dump of snow so back to waiting to walk to work.

Are you lonely without the girls there? Is blue your favorite color? The countdown is on for me for our Sedona trip! Less than 2 months away!

My dad is failing quickly. My mom opted for no antibiotics or hospitalizations. So, I think he's got pneumonia now from aspirating on liquid. He's on oxygen and resting comfortably. I'll go over later today to see him again.

Dan is back to researching surgeons since he feels the shot did not work. He's taking anti-inflammatories and Tylenol and managing his condition now. (Sounds familiar!). So we wait and see what happens.

Beth
 
Well, my dad passed yesterday. He was on morphine for the last few days and just passed in his sleep. As sad as it is, he's at least out of pain and at rest. His quality of life was not good and I'll remember all the good times. I've never blamed him for what happened and tried to spend as much quality time with him as I could. Two of his sisters were up to visit Thursday and he had music going in his room. I drove my mom over last night and we said our final good-bye. The wheel has turned...

Beth
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you had that time with your dad. It sounds like it was as peaceful as it could be. Hugs to you and your family.
 
How are you doing? I'm sure last week was very busy for you.

My workouts have been okay. I did 3 weight workouts last week and walked around the lakes twice. Yesterday was STS CST and another walk around the lakes. The temps have been very nice here, but it does put us in a drought.

I finally booked my flight this morning. I get in at 10:25, clost to the time you arrive.

We hope to clean the carpet in the girls room and get a new queen size bed to put in there. DH's cousin is coming for Easter so we would like to have the bedroom ready by then.

ttyl
 
I'm ok. Back to work tomorrow and am not looking forward to it. I'm ok. He's out of pain and the service was lovely.

I did a few total body's the past week and some walks. It's been nice enough here and with the time change I'm planning on walking to work again this week. It might rain Wednesday and Friday...play it by ear.

I get to Phoenix at 11:50. I'll probably book the car for 1 PM. That gives me time to disembark, go to the bathroom, and find you and the place to pick up the car! Can't wait!

DH goes to see a surgeon this Friday-it was supposed to be today, but they rescheduled. He's pretty set on getting the stenosis cleaned out of his back. It's getting worse. He's using a can now for longer walks than to the car and back. Always something!

How is work going? Still learning a lot of new material?

Beth
 
Naturally, Dan's appointment with neurosurgery has been rescheduled until April 7th. So, we wait some more.

How was your week? Are you on call? Mine was pretty normal. I was able to walk to work Tuesday and Wednesday and do a total body weight workout on Thursday. Today I'm going to do a cardio-bike or low impact and then total body tomorrow. I've also been doing Devi Daly on You tube to stretch my fascia. It's been very helpful. It forces me to hold the stretches longer than PT and is definitely increasing my flexibility.

Otherwise, just rolling along here. I hope you have a good weekend. I'm getting the itch to spring clean

Beth
 
I mostly walked this week. I took yesterday off, just needed a break from work. I did the next STS disc, back and biceps. Finally got around to cleaning the girls carpet. It was really bad. We will probably replace the carpet before I retire. Today is legs and abs, and hopefully a walk around the lakes.

On the agenda for today is grocery shopping (or tomorrow) and returning the carpet cleaner. Tonight we are going to a surprise party for my SIL and BIL for their 40th wedding anniversary. It will be nice to see friends and family. If I have time, shop for a queen size bed for our new guest room. :) DH also mentioned that he wants a new mattress for us too. The last one we bought was 4K. I don't want to spend that much again. We've just spent so much money recently and have a huge tax bill to pay next month.

Not sure I mentioned it or not, but we had some permanent lights installed on the house. I've been looking at them since we moved in. They were pretty expensive so I put in on the back burner. They came around again and DH got them down to 50% of the original cost. Glad I saw that the price was negotiable in our neighborhood FB group. I'm very happy with them!

We have a running lists of things to get done before I retire. They include things like paint the exterior of the house, change our shower to a curbless shower (add sauna if $$ allows), replace the dishwasher, probably replace the carpet also. I feel like it is never ending and we will just keep adding to it. Right now my goal is to re-save the money we gave to DS1 for his house. It's stressing me out. We had the money, but I didn't realize how much stress it would cause to see our savings go down by that amount. I want that balance back where it belongs before have any big expenses.

For some reason I thought your flight got in at 11:15. Are you reserving the car for both of us? Only 5 more weeks.

How was your week? How did Dan's appt go?

ttyl
 
My flight gets to Phoenix International Airport at 10:00 AM on Monday. I am flying Delta. You get there at 11:50. What time do you want to get the shuttle car? Is 1 PM good? That gives you time to get off and for us to find each other. Also, what time is your flight on Friday? Mine leaves at 11:50 AM ( I get to Detroit at 6 PM with the time difference!). Let me know so I can plan the return trip. Yes-the car is for both of us!

Otherwise, thing here are good. I took today off and love having a 5 day break once a month.Yesterday was total body and fascia stretching. Today I plan to walk at noon (warmest part of the day) with the weight vest for a good 40 minutes then fascia stretch. Monday I did the pool.

Wednesday night Dan and I went to see the musical "The Book of Mormon". It was fantastic! The theater was great and we could hear and understand all the words. We both liked it better than the NYC shows we saw last summer.

Any weekend plans? I want to get the taxes done and continue cleaning. 3 cats is a lot of hair!

Beth
 
My flight arrives at 10:25am, and leaves on Friday at 11:05. I'll text you my flight details. Noon would work for the car.

What a nice break for you. Enjoy having 5 days off!!! I have heard great things about The Book of Mormon musical. How is Dan's hip holding up?

I've walked around the lakes a few times this week, and did a lower body workout. Today is the next STS disc, back and biceps and some abs. I'll probably walk around the lakes afterwards.

My special project assignment ends at the end of thos month. It hasn't been too bad and I'm learning a lot. I've been asked to work on another project for 2 months. It's a very stressful project and I said I would do 2 non-consecutive months. We agreed on May and July. I already have PTO scheduled for April and June.

My weekend plans include visiting my sister. She is going sew/stitch witchery the inside pockets on a jacket so they can be used. I don't know why they put in fake pockets that are open at the bottom. This is why I love men's coats. They always have usable inside pockets. Since my sister lives near my MIL, I'll probably stop by and see her too. Looking for a bed for the girls old room is also on the agenda. We have some guests planned in April and May so I really need to find something soon. DH also wants to get a new mattress for us.

Our taxes are done, but we owe almost 5k. I'm sitting on them until the last minute. :) My car is pd off and we just got the title! One more thing checked off.

ttyl
 
Have you gotten anything on Cathe's latest sale? I just picked up a new yoga mat and the little step mat. It was $30 with shipping, but I think I'll get a lot of use out of both. Dan and I have been trying to do a 15-30 minute stretch routine daily and this way we'll both have a mat! Plus the mat for the step I'm hoping will be good cushioning for glute raises on the step. Even if it's not, everything from Cathe is usually good quality. I wish they had t shirts for sale. I still have the one I got on the last Cathe trip!

We had a productive weekend. I got my training done for my nurse license renewal as well as the taxes. We will net about $1400 after paying turbo tax. Not bad! Based on our income I get $981 dollars a month help if I go with Pennie. Always thinking about it!

It's back down to 30 degrees, feels like 13. The weather is crazy! It was 61 here yesterday and I got a walk in!

I'm always jealous of Dan's coats, too. He has way more pockets!

The show was so fun! Dan was sickish so saw it from the back. It's always something.

Have a great week!

Beth
 
So happy it's Friday. I've been sick off an on this past week. I was supposed to go to my Sisters last weekend but I wasn't feeling well. It tends to happen from time to time and the GI doctor says it is normal after having your gall bladder removed. I just want to feel better.

I've been getting in 3 to 4 weight workouts in most weeks. Walking has been my only cardio and I feel okay about that. I'm just sticking with STS and the other platform until our trip. I'll change it up after that.

Yay for getting a refund! I'm happy if I break even. Is Pennie insurance? Is the coverage as good as what you have from work? My insurance is okay, and I have the HDHP with the Health Savings account. We basically have to pay everything out of pocket, but I max out my HYSA. It's invested and doing pretty well.

My sister sent me a orange creamsicle cake recipe. It's made with orange sherbet. I'm going to make it for Easter.

Nothing going on here this weekend, especially if I'm still not feeling better. I do have my scheduled 3 day juice coming up the beginning of April. I'll probably do it after Easter.

How was your week?

ttyl
 

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