Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

September 16, 2014
238#
I removed turkey and bagels from my diet!
Cyst is better and I will see the doctor on Wednesday.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

September 11, 2014
Although I've stopped losing weight, I am sticking to my diet and people say I look good.  
I got a new sleep CPAP machine yesterday.
I feel valuable in doing necessary tasks and I relax between chores and pet the cats.
After my stitches are removed I can go swimming again.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

September 5, 2014
248#
Went swimming yesterday
BP is 121 over 62
Getting cyst excised on Monday
Wednesday I go to the Sleep Lab

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Monday, August 4, 2014

August 4, 2014
237#
Went swimming on Saturday
Got a CT scan for a nodule on my lungs-last time it was benign.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

July 16, 2014
239#
Pool closed this week, will go next week

Thursday, July 10, 2014

July 10, 2014
240#
Chest X ray and swimming tomorrow

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Friday, July 4, 2014

Thursday, July 3, 2014

July 3, 2014
245#
Going to the gym/pool today.
Toe still hurts and I will have nail removed.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

July 2, 2014
248#
Looking forward to swimming-I should get the swim card today.  They have a large pool and a therapy pool.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

July 1, 2014
245#
Good visit with psych, increased prozac, discontinued abilify
Will finally see podiatrist tomorrow

Friday, June 27, 2014

June 27, 2014
246#
Idiots tried to steal money from my check card.  Wells Fargo resolved it and is sending me a new card.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

June 26, 2014
246#
Psych on the 30th
Podiatrist on the 2nd 
Swimming on the 2nd

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

June 25, 2014
247#
I seem to have reached an impasse-I will start swimming soon.

Monday, June 23, 2014

June 23, 2014
248#
pedometer 5 miles
Little toe is killing me-nail is growing into it.
Waiting to get a card so I can use the VA pool.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

June 14, 2014
245#!!!
Spoke with psych and changed meds around
Enjoyed the full moon

Friday, June 13, 2014

Thursday, June 12, 2014

June 12, 2014
249#
Pedometer reads 5.6 miles
I have an ingrown toenail which is making walking difficult.  I'm going to the VA Clinic on Monday.
I'm happy with my weight loss-I was as high as 300 pounds a few years ago.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

June 11, 2014
249#
Using my pedometer, I walked 5 miles yesterday doing chores throughout the day and evening.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

June 10, 2014
250#
Had to hang out waiting for a repairman who didn't show.  Maybe today.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Sunday, June 8, 2014

June 8, 2014
249#!!!
Walked 2 miles
Sticking to diet

Saturday, June 7, 2014

June 7, 2014
251#!
Walked 2 miles
Valued Lisa's emails

Friday, June 6, 2014

Thursday, June 5, 2014

June 5, 2014
Happy BD Mom!
253#
Walked 2 miles
Finished with complaints about in home care agency.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

June 4, 2014
255#
Walked 2 miles
Started reading a novel-the cat peed on it!

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

June 3, 2014
254#
Walked 2 miles
Getting new CPAP machine today

Monday, June 2, 2014

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Thursday, May 29, 2014

May 30, 2014
254#
Walked 3 miles, including a walk to get my haircut.
I am re-inspired to walk everyday and continue to lose weight.
May 29, 2014
254#
I haven't been motivated to walk frequently-I'll work on it.
No miracle effects from Abilify yet!

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014
255#
Went to the dentist today to restore a crown.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

May 25, 2014
254#
I haven't been walking enough but I am sticking to my diet.  I haven't felt anything new from Abilify yet.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Thursday, May 15, 2014

May 15, 2014
256#
Started Abilify-we'll see how it goes

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

May 13, 2014
256#
Walked 2 miles.  Keep on keepin' on.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Friday, May 2, 2014

May 2, 2014
259#
Walked 4 miles
Met with psych on Wednesday and will start taking Abilify.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

April 30, 2014
259#!
I was starting to get tired of no results.
Walked 3 miles

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Monday, April 28, 2014

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Saturday, April 26, 2014

April 26, 2014
266#
Walked 4 miles
Spoke with weight coach and I just need to be patient.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

April 23, 2014
258#  Oops actually 267#, scale error
Walked 4 miles

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

April 22, 2014
262#
Walked 5 miles
The scale is being kind to me.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Sunday, April 20, 2014

April 20, 2014
267#
Had a bagel and only walked 2 miles.  I need to stay with it.  The current goal is to maintain my weight and not to gain weight.

Friday, April 18, 2014

April 18, 2014
266#
I have a long appointment soon concerning bariatric team assessments.  I'm told it could be as long as a year before surgery.  They want me to make sure I avoid gaining any weight.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

April 17, 2014
265#
Walked 3 miles
Communicated with my primary care team and they are happy with my progress.  Especially noteworthy is that I don't smoke anymore.
I have a phone consult with Bariatrics tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

April 16, 2014
266#
Walked 4 miles.
Having a phone consult with a Bariatrics doctor on Friday.
My primary care doctor is happy with my progress, i.e. losing weight, no cigs or e-cigs.  This is an important part of my qualifying for surgery.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

April 15, 2014
266#
It will be several months before I can qualify for bariatric surgery.  I prefer the Sleeve Laproscopy which doesn't change absorption of nutrients.
Giving up coffee will be tough but doable.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

April 14, 2014  267#
Bariatrics Seminar today.  Also having a consult about a cyst on my upper right arm.
I'm preparing for a radical post surgery diet that includes only liquids for the first few days, then gradually regular foods in small, frequent quantities.
April 13, 2014  264#
Walked 5 miles
In preparation for post surgery, I have stopped drinking wine and eating cheese.  

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Friday, April 11, 2014

April 11, 2014  264#!!!
Walked 5 miles
For post-bariatric diet, I have to stop drinking real coffee and switch to decaf or ixnay coffee.
The first few days will be the most difficult with strict guidelines concerning liquid diet.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

April 10, 2014  267#
Walked 4 miles
Completed 9 weeks with the VA weight coach
Waiting for a Bariatric phone consultation
Bariatric Seminar on Monday

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Monday, April 7, 2014

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Friday, April 4, 2014

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

April 2, 2014  268#
I will attempt to walk 5 miles per day in order to bust through an impasse on weight loss.  Diet is good but I'm not losing weight.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Sunday, March 30, 2014

March 29, 2014  269#
I seem to be stuck at 269-I'll have to walk more.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

March 26, 2014  269#
Spoke to my weight coach and she said keep plugging away.  I'm getting a digital pedometer in the mail.
I believe I need to walk more and the pedometer will help motivate me.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

March 23, 2014  271#
Studied the UCSF bariatrics post surgery diet guidelines-they are pretty radical.  In one procedure they make your stomach the size of an egg and you have to eat many small meals and drink lots of fluid.
It seems inevitable that my best choice is to have the surgery as I am not going to be able to lose the weight by dieting.
My ultimate goal is to be 185 pounds so that I can get throat surgery to help with breathing and hopefully end my use of a sleep apnea CPAP mask which is uncomfortable.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

March 22, 2014  270#
Cutting back on cheese and avocadoes
Calories about 1500
Protein about 140

Friday, March 21, 2014

March 21, 2014  270#
Doing portion control and snacks like apples and small carrots.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Spring!  268#
International Day of Happiness
Watching calories

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

March 19 2014   271#
I seem to have reached an impasse and will keep on keepin on.
3 apples 336
1 Avocado  234
Tuna 50
Whey Shakes 170
6 Olives 100
Large slice cheese 160
Peas 100
Turkey in two salads per day  240
Greens  -  negligible
Wine 100

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

March 18, 2014
269#
Walked a mile today without much effort.
Watching calories and portions.  

Monday, March 17, 2014

March 17, 2014  271#
I'm limiting my avocadoes to infrequently due to 234 calories per avocado.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

March 16, 2014
267#!  Very exciting.  I think Taurine is helping.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

March 15, 2014
272#
Cats almost ruined my scale by vomiting on it-they own everything as the old proverb goes.
Sticking to my diet and walking 15-30 minutes per day.

Friday, March 14, 2014

March 14, 2014  272#
My psychiatrist got me approval for Abilify, which is an anti-depressant/psychotic that may provide some weight loss help.  I am hoping it will help. 

Thursday, March 13, 2014

March 13, 2014   270#
My MRI was negative which is great.
I'm planning on going to a bariatric seminar next month.
The taurine supplement seems to be helping with metabolism.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

March 8, 2014  272#
I've started to eat three meals a day:
Breakfast:  whey shake and tuna
Lunch:  medium salad and whey shake
Dinner:  medium salad and whey shake
Snacks are apples and baby carrots.
Calories - 1000 plus
Protein - between 125 and 150 grams

Thursday, March 6, 2014

March 6, 2014  274#
Weight coordinator says I need to switch to decaf after surgery and eat small balanced meals three times a day.  There is a bariatrics seminar next week that I may attend.  

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

March 4, 2014  274#
Getting optimistic finally.
Daily protein:
AM:  11 from tuna, 30 from whey shake
1PM:  11 from tuna, skip shake
Dinner:  Salad with turkey, peas, one slice of cheese, etc.  Red Wine Vinegar dressing - about 50
30 from shake
Total:  132 grams.  Calories:  Tuna 100 plus whey shakes 340, Turkey 240, Cheese and miscellaneous 100 -call it 1000

Monday, March 3, 2014

March 3, 2014  275#
I'm going to try Taurine for metabolism and stress.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Friday, February 28, 2014

February 28, 2014  278#
Walked three miles yesterday-still waiting to make a breakthrough in my weight loss quest.  The hearing aids are wonderful-I hear everything and more clearly.  I will get used to them for awhile and see the doctor again in a month.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

February 27, 2014  277#
So many products for weight loss and I have yet to find one that works, so I'll focus on as much walking as I can tolerate and stick to a hi pro, low cal, low carb diet.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

February 26, 2014  273#
Making progress according to new scale.
I'll get my hearing aids on Friday.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

February 25, 2014   276#
Hydroxycut seems to be helpful-we'll see.
Alli is a fat blocker and an appetite suppressant.
I haven't had success with Garcinia as others have.
Perseverance is in order.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

February 22, 2014  276#
Making progress with Garcinia, Alli and Hydroxycut.
I will get my hearing aids on Friday-my left ear has the worst hearing loss.
Next month, I will do a follow up appointment on my MRI, ordered by the Ear Nose and Throat Clinic.
I make weekly reports to the VA MOVE program that is required if I am to get bariatric surgery.
My psychiatrist is trying to get me approved for the new medication - Abilify.
I'm walking, doing lots of chores regarding our cats and household cleaning and am sticking to a low cal/high protein diet.

Friday, February 21, 2014

February 21, 2014  279#
The VA is referring me to bariatric surgery.  I'm hopeful about this, then I can get throat surgery for sleep apnea.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

February 18, 2014  279#
I'm dieting and staying very active, however I don't think the supplements work. 

Sunday, February 16, 2014

February 16, 2014  279#
My current mindset is to try supplements and whey powder for one more month and if I don't get significant results, I'll just do diet and exercise.  Many claim dramatic results from Garcinia and Alli-I've yet to have any dramatic results.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

February 15, 2014
279#
Now trying Alli pills from CVS

Friday, February 14, 2014

February 14, 2014  278#
I'm walking a mile or so per day and it is helping me make a breakthrough in my weight loss goal.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

February 13, 2014  277#
Walked about a mile today and will keep it up-I'm filing weekly health reports with the VA, initially a 9 week program.  Still no word on new meds that would help me lose weight.
Sticking to a good diet.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

February 12, 2014  282#
I've tried Garcinia for over two months without significant progress.  I am seeking to change some psych medicines that are causing me to gain weight.  I've joined a VA outreach program to assist me in losing weight.  My diet has been prescribed by the health food store owner and it seems to be proper and satisfying.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

February 8, 2014  282#
February 11, 2014  282#
I'm participating in a VA program to help me become more active and especially to lose weight.

Monday, February 10, 2014

February 10, 2014  279#
Still waiting for medication change to help me lose weight.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

February 5, 2014  284#
Still trying to make a breakthrough
Walked yesterday
Stuck to diet
Lotta chores in the house
Other people are having success with Garcinia but I am struggling, probably due to psych meds, which I am attempting to change.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

February 4, 2014  282#
Still taking 5000 mg of Garcinia and 2400 mg of Green Coffee Extract.
Walking today.
Lotta chores, especially the cats.


Sunday, February 2, 2014

February 2, 2014  283#
Keep on keepin' on.
I'm getting used to eating all the right foods-still have not made a major breakthrough, partially due to meds, which will change soon.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

February 1, 2014  281#
Doing good-bought lots of apples.
Small salad with cheese, turkey...220/26    
Apple   100/3 -3/300                              
Whey Shake 100/18 - 2/200                      
Small can of tuna  50/11-2/100
Dinner Salad:
Turkey 120/16
Greens 200/5
Peas  50/5
Avocado 200/7
Olives 60/0  
Cheese  200/20
Nuts  100/5


Thursday, January 30, 2014

January 31, 2014  280#
Making progress!
Went out to dinner with my sister and nephews and SB and had steak and salad, no dessert.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

rantawaytoday 2




LOSE WEIGHT!!!
January 30, 2014  283#
 The change in meds should help me lose more weight.
Remember to walk and drink lots of water.
Still anxious to make a significant breakthrough in my quest that will last at least a year.


January 29, 2014  281#
Woo Hoo!  Making progress
 Still looking for impediments to my losing weight-one is psych meds.  The VA psych is seeking approval for me to take Abilify instead of olanzipine.
She told me to cut back on olanzipine and take 1/2 pills of clonazepam - one at night and one during the day.
She mentioned stomach bypass surgery but I need to lose a lot of weight in order to qualify for it.  Just like with throat surgery.



January 28, 2014  285#
Ate a little extra food yesterday, yet it was still on my diet.  Sometimes I get hungry at night and have a can of tuna and/or a whey protein shake
My psych meds cause weight gain and I will see about making a change at my psych appt. tomorrow.



January 27, 2014  283#
Appts. today
Keep walking and stick to the diet

January 26, 2014  282#
Did well yesterday.   
Remember to walk everyday.
Today:
2 cans tuna
2 whey protein shakes
Large Salad with turkey
Nuts
 


January 25, 2014  283#
Weekly shopping.
My salads consist of mixed greens, mushrooms, avocado, turkey, radishes, onions, peas, sprouts, celery, cheddar cheese and vinegar dressing.  It is satisfying.  For lunch I have a can of tuna, or two.  I am now taking two whey protein shakes per day and relying on food for  a significant amount of protein as the health food store owner told me to.
Family and friends are cheering me on, as I make progress.  I didn't expect it to be as easy as eating Subway sandwiches every five minutes.  I feel energized and interested in walking.  I have ALMOST conquered the urge to binge by buying only diet friendly foods.
In other news I am vaping now (e-pipe) and have cut smokes back to two or three per day, which has REALLY helped me get going-it's been over six months already.

January 24, 2014  283#
Making progress-I've lost 6 pounds in 3 weeks
Sticking to a strict diet and walking has helped.
The health food store owner told me to rely on food for protein as well as whey shakes and it has worked.  I now take two or three whey protein shakes rather that 4.
Walked a mile or so-it's working!!!


January 23, 2014  286#
No major changes in diet
Walked a mile or so
 Lettuce wrap with turkey for snack
Making the transition to whey protein shakes AND large salads, including cheese, turkey, avocado and mushrooms and celery and sprouts.
I need to be patient because very few people have immediate results-it takes months to lose substantial weight.



January 22, 2014  286#
The health food store owner said to use turkey with salad so I bought turkey today.
Yesterday I had the following:
2 whey protein shakes
two large salads with cheese, turkey and avocado
3 apples
one muffin
garcinia and green coffee extract
small amount of pistachio nuts, one glass of wine
one small can of tuna




January 21, 2014  284#
The new diet is working:
Garcinia, shake
Tuna
Garcinia, shake
Garcinia
Large salad with avocados and cheese
This weekend I will get turkey to have in the salad
Snacks: small amounts of cheese, pistachios and tortilla chips.
I had a great talk with SB last night and we are making a lot of progress.
I will go to a hearing aid appointment today and get an MRI concerning ears, next Monday.
The trick to the diet seems to be no sugars or sweets and a balance of proper food and whey protein shakes.  Of course exercise is also important.


January 20, 2014  288
Due to my impasse, I am deleting almond milk from my diet and drinking whey protein shakes with water.
I am switching to black coffee and tea sometimes
I need to lose at  least two pounds per week.
The health food store says to stay away from all sugars or sweeteners.
Also to eat tuna every day and take two shakes per day and eat lots of vegetables.
Current daily calories are less than 1500
Drink lots of water.
Cheese, apples and nuts and chips for snacks
Cheese with salad.


January 19, 2014  288
Still waiting to make a breakthrough on weight loss
Go Niners!  Great Football Sunday!  I say Denver and SF win.
SB was very kind last night and shared that I am the only person she has ever trusted with her cats, so that she can have more freedom in her life. I was grateful to hear this.
Walked around the block several times.
 Drinking tea for a change from coffee once in awhile.



January 18, 2013  287 - calorie list is at January 6, 2014 (under 2000)
Did weekly food shopping
 SB is mildly concerned about the money we spend.
SB and I had a great taok with my sister last night-I think SB finally got it that she doesn't have to "change" me and one must accept one another as they are.  This doesn't mean we don't evolve, it just means we aren't the same and there is enough on our own plate such that we don't have to concern ourselves constantly with others and their issues.
Remember pistachios and tortilla chips are high in calories.
 Somehow, it always turns out I never make SB wait for the bathroom and she frequently is in there for 20 minutes-a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do so I have to pee in a jar.
 I wrote a note to SB about expenses and I think we are doing well.
Keep upbeat and busy during the afternoon.
Rest when I can.
 .,



January 17, 2014 287
Did ENT appt. today at the VA
They referred me to MRI to rule out middle ear tumor
Appt. for blood draw on the 21st
Appt. for MRI on the 27th
Appt. for Audiology on the 21st
Appt. with psychiatrist on the 29th
Return to ENT in March
Lotta appointments but gotta do it.
Before I can get throat surgery for sleep apnea issues, I need to lose 100 pounds!
:Picked lemons for SB
I must help out SB more than usual as she has tendonitis, requiring medication.
Don't over do it with protein shakes-get protein from other sources like salad, avocado, apples, nuts, chips, etc

January 16, 2014  288
Patience
My diet and calories are ok.
Keep walking
Lotta chores and cat care.
Typical SB:  You should savor your apple in slices rather than attack it.  She doesn't eat apples.  You should chill your v-8, and she doesn't drink v-8.  Other people make eating noise and it bothers her.  I don't know whether to laugh or just keep quiet, it's bizarre.  Let's just be friends and get over the Virgo trip.




January 15, 2014  288
Keep on keepin' on
 Perhaps I need to change whey powder to the one at the health food store.
 Otherwise my diet is ok and I need to walk more.
Why is it taking so long for me to lose weight.
My calories are about 2000 per day, which includes whey protein shakes.
I don't see any red flags-I don't even use olive oil on large salads, just balsamic vinegar.
Try to focus on losing 1-2 pounds per week and don't get too excited about a quick fix.
caloriecount.about.com says I can have 2158 calories per day and reach my goal of 200 pounds by February of 2015  To reach 150 should take another 8 months.
I am comfortable with about 2000 calories per day.
.






January 14, 2014  287
Still struggling to make a breakthrough with weight loss.
I was able to rest today, after a rough day yesterday.





January 13, 2014  290
Still struggling-ask health food store about cortisol status-found out it relates most to stress reduction
I've started using green coffee extract which helps control sugars.
Sticking to correct diet, it takes time
Lotta chores as I do shopping cooking, cleaning, cat care and apartment complex maintenance
Niners played a good game, nothing spectacular like what they'll need to beat Seattle.
 SB is like Dr. J. - obsessive about re-doing what I do instead of chilling out, it's spooky.
Fortunately I am pretty indispensable by doing all that I do so that she can go to work without worries about the house or the cats.
Among other issues, I have COPD, back injuries, aspberger's syndrome/bipolar, sleep apnea, and poor hearing.
I'm getting hearing aids soon.
I am limiting myself to a few smokes per day and using an e-cig vape pipe.
Woke up early today with severe neck pain from my sleep apnea mask-still hurts-I want throat surgery.
I have struggled with the mask for years now.
I crawl, reach, lift and almost stand on my head, keeping up with chores and cat care.





January 12, 2014  289
Bummer but still trying.
Go Niners
Southern Belle talked about cat odor for two hours last night-enough already.  With many cats there will be odor.
  Whey shake
1/2 avocado
Drink lots of water
Walking
Painting touch-up
We got a new potty trainer tray for a cat that is not litter trained-she wets her bed and our beds!



January 11, 2014  287
Still no breakthrough yet.
I must persevere!
The good news is I am feeling much better as a result of the new diet.




January 10, 2014  284

 Things are lookin' up.   I have lost five pounds this week.
In total, I have lost ten pounds in two months.
Now, to keep making progress!
It has been a struggle for a couple of months, but I will eventually prevail.
Pistachios are 700 calories per cup, so I have to use them sparingly.
No soda or soft drinks or Starbucks, as they have as much as 40 grams of sugar per large serving.
Continue resisting to binge-have an apple or a few chips or nuts.
 Laundry
Cleaned under beds
I must continue to walk in order to burn off calories.
Avocados are a good snack.
ENT appointment next week to look at skin sores and discuss throat surgery.
Picked lemons for the ladies that Southern Belle takes care of.





January 9, 2014  286
I had a great conversation with Southern Belle last night and we reached a milestone of communication.  I must do everything possible to amaze her in some way each day.  She is a Virgo and very critical of laziness or failure.
I am sticking to my diet and while others may get quicker results than me, I will keep up the good fight until I lose substantial weight and continue to keep the weight off.
Cleaned the litter pans.
 shave, shower.
 Checked the store room, yard and parking lot
Checked everywhere to see if CA has left a cat mess.
Southern Belle took a picture of me and the Foot and sent it to my sister.  We were relaxing in the easychair/recliner.  Southern Belle has been in cohoots with my sister about my progress and I had a great conversation with my sister recently.
I haven't called my other sister for a long time and am preparing my remarks.
Listening to Patsy Cline and Hawaiian music-Led Kaapana
Perseverance!
Coffee with almond milk!

                                      

Saturday, January 4, 2014

rantawaytoday

rantawaytoday chronicles my daily thoughts, projects and weight loss diary.. Also see rantawaytoday.com, about Southern Belle and me, and the lives of two elderly ladies she cares for.  They are doing well in their own home, receiving 24/7 in home care services.

January 8, 2014  285
 When I quit smoking so much, then completely quit, I began to have much more energy and wasn't out of breath when walking or doing things.  I hope vaping is healthy because now I vape frequently.
Southern Belle got a wine decanter and a back stretching machine this week. I'm continuing to walk every day. Had trouble with pandora but fixed it.
Went for a walk.
Finished laundry and chores
Busy on the computer today.
Cats were good and I cleaned up after CA and gave her a new throne-she has been hiding all day..
Apple for a snack
Southern Belle got a new back exercise machine.
Tonight I am hungry and am having a huge salad and cheese with a glass of wine.
This weekend I will change all the litter boxes and replace with new Swheat, which is biodegradable.


January 7, 2014 285
I feel that I have made a breakthrough and am quite happy to lose 3-5 pounds per week.
I had a great conversation with my sister last night.  She is also a vegetarian and had some good insights.
 She told me that my nephew is doing well at a high tech company,eedar.com, having received promotions after an internship.  One of my other nephews is struggling with autism, though he is high functioning.
Today I walked a mile to the store and back.
I walked by several eating joints without pigging out!  A local joint has a Kryptonite sandwich for $20!
I am starting to get grossed out by most food, which is helping me keep to my diet.
I'm happy with pandora music and have chosen my current favorite 100 stations.
Today's diet remains pretty much the same as I first outlined it.
Calorie facts show that Starbuck's has turned coffee into a monstrosity with some of their concoctions reaching nearly 1000 caloriies for a 16 oz drink.
I drink coffee with almond milk and no sugar.




January 6, 2014
285 - Woo Hoo!
Walking everyday.
Calorie chart:
Whey Protein Shakes -\2@ 170 calories and 36 grams protein
Tuna - 1 can per day @ 40 grams protein
Nuts-700 per cup - 100 calories
2 slices cheese - 208 calories
Salad-9 calories per cup...3 cups  27
2 apples-232 calories
Avocado-234 per cup...234 calories
Tortilla chips-146 per 10 chips  73 calories
Supplements and Meds
Miscellaneous-one glass of wine, olives, sun dried tomatoes, peas
Total calories:  less than 1500

 It's encouraging that some states and cities  are raising the minimum wage.  A livable wage is difficult on a national scale because of a do nothing Congress.  Even if the Democrats control both houses, a livable wage is not likely to pass anytime soon.

I'm starting to get inspired about walking.  I'm not lazy but with my previous diet/meds, I was not inspired to walk and it was a struggle to do my chores.  I have mild COPD which is a problem, as well as sleep apnea, which is very uncomfortable and I am considering throat surgery. I also have bipolar disorder and take meds for it.  Some of the meds cause weight gain and having recently stopped smoking has caused weight gain, in my opinion.  I feel that the garcinia, green coffee extract and whey protein powder have empowered me to be more upbeat and active.  I am determined to lose substantial weight no matter how long it takes!


January 5, 2014
Still 288
Health Food Store said to be happy with a 4-5 pound weight loss per week.
It took me two months to remove all diet impediments and I am optomistic.
Yesterday was my best day for following the routine.
I remain a little frustrated as I know some people who have had dramatic immediate results.
Lunch:  Avocado, chips, apple, pistachio nuts, coffee
Go Niners!
Dinner will be a large salad, apple and one glass of wine
I get plenty of protein from the whey protein shakes



January 4, 2013 288
garcinia, green coffee extract, whey protein, almond milk, apples, salad/vinegar, no more ranch dressing,
I stopped smoking and am now vaping with a pipe-I feel much better.
walk around the block
did weekly shopping
cleaned carpets yesterday
taking care of the cats
listening to pandora music
took care of weekly complex garbage/recycling
cleaned the house
shave/shower
 The North Koreans' recent executions were comprised of feeding the people to starving dogs, and it was a slow process!
Soaked my feet in saltwater because I wear flip flops and it cleans my feet
.Fed the cats
Listening to Circle Game by Joni Mitchell
Played the cat DVD for the cats
Cleaned the air purifier
Coffee