Yoga

>> 12/29/11

I bought myself two pair of yoga pants for Christmas.  They're so relaxing.  Now I have to get off my duff and actually use them for what they are intended for - exercising. Maybe I better wait until I have some yoga socks to go with them. Ha ha.

 Exercise and healthy eating starts after the holidays are over. I briefly thought about starting the food changes before Christmas but why deny myself everything good and fattening and sugary during the holidays?

Exercise - AFTER the New Year.

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Less Stress - Disengaging Stepmom

Another step to good health - disengaging from my adult stepchild.  I will not be disrespected repeatedly.  Do it once - shame on you.  Do it again, shame on me.

Less stress!

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Don't Weld the Ex's Presents Together

>> 12/20/11

Five days until Christmas.  Is everybody ready?  I just reminded myself that I haven't taken care of Christmas dinner yet - oops.  Better do that after I get done playing on the computer.

I was even nice to my husband's ex this year and bought her a present. Not that she deserves it after her behavior but we model appropriate behavior for all of the kids anyway. I thought about getting some welding equipment from smith equipment and welding all her gifts together into one big pile of expensive, specialty chocolate goo, but I didn't.  See, I'm being nice!

Hope everybody has a Blessed Yule and Merry Christmas!

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Need to Lose Weight Again

>> 12/9/11

Well, the six months of my doctor lowering my dose (resulting in hypo symptoms) and then giving my correct dose back to me (the memory issues from his lowering my dose is affecting my memory to actually TAKE the corrected dose, ugh), has taken its toll.  I have about ten pounds I need to lose.  Again.

I am starting to feel a little better - more energy so that's a good sign.  I actually felt like cleaning my house yesterday.  My hair also isn't falling out like it was - another good sign.  Can't stand that "love handle" look though!!  My skin - eh.  Needs help too.

My sexy new brown heeled boots just arrived today.  I am going to have to get back on my 17 Day Diet (awesome diet if you didn't see my previous posts about it - not a diet, a healthy way of eating that just knocks the pounds off - see this post) so I can wear those heels the way they were meant to be worn!


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Women's Jewelry for Christmas (and me)

>> 11/17/11

This year has been a big year for me - I got my thyroid disease under control, lost weight, turned 40, accepted a cheer coach position for next football season at our local school (*wow!*) and it's not over yet! My 16th anniversary is next month.  I think I deserve to buy myself a little something.

I have been looking at women's jewelry and keep coming back to this Fornash Infinity Circle Wrap Bracelet by Lauren Klein. It's not pricey or screaming "bling" (though there is definitely nothing wrong with that) - it's more the feeling I get when I look at it.  This is me. I could stack a few of these together and really wear this wherever I wanted - with jeans or with a skirt and heeled boots.  I could go from PTA to date night with my husband and I LOVE date night!

Lauren Klein has some really great jewelry on their web site that I really like (children's jewelry too).  They are offering so many great reasons why to buy now, it's too hard to pass up.  I'll list all the reasons why now is a great time to get your holiday shopping done at Lauren Klein and you'll see what I mean.

  • Free ground shipping (does not include international shipping)!
  • "Like" them on Facebook and receive 15% off the order.
  • Post a picture on their Facebook wearing Lauren Klein jewelry, and get 15% off a future purchase via email after the picture is posted.
  • The bracelet I picked out above is a new arrival (and there's plenty more new arrival merchandise to look at too). 
  • There is a 20% coupon code for all kids' jewelry by Lauren G. Adams, if you are a Facebook fan, so I can also shop for my girls for the upcoming holidays now and save big. What little girl doesn't need a new pair of earrings?  I know all three of my girls do.

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Coupons for Online Shopping

>> 11/12/11

Who uses coupons religiously?  I do! I am not as extreme as that television show (who needs 100 candy bars or 100 of anything?) but if I have to pay more than $0.25 for toothpaste (usually, I get it free), I'm not buying it.  I will not run out of laundry detergent, deodorant, shampoo, or toothpaste anytime soon.  I donate the extras so I don't become a massive hoarder.

I also look for coupons for online shopping as well at sites like this one for an urban outfitters coupon. You can usually get a percentage off or free shipping for your online shopping. It's definitely worth a search for those online coupons. I ended up getting my daughter a $30 shirt for $5. I bought my husband a $200 coffee maker for $130 for Christmas plus received $20 store bucks back to spend next time.

I think I am going to be doing a lot of my Christmas shopping online this year.  I love the deals!

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Funny Things Kids Say and Do

>> 11/6/11

My six-year-old has decided to go live with a friend because she has a pool and hot tub.  I'm being tossed aside for some water.  She has also decided that we should cater to her as of this morning ("bring me this") because she said, "That's how I roll."

She's such a funny girl.

I have actually considered getting a pool but we would have to put up pool fencing to lock my kids, and the neighbors, out safely. Of course, since she's threatening to abandon us for a friend's pool, I am not so keen on getting that pool just now and giving into the little tyrant's demands.

She's lucky she is so cute.

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Reduced my T3, Not Good

>> 11/3/11

A few months ago, my thyroid doctor reduced my T3 medication by 20mcg per day.  Let me tell you what a HUGE difference it made - negatively.

Prior to the reduction, I felt great, weight was awesome, periods were right on time and not painful, my memory was great, I wasn't losing abnormal amounts of hair.  (So, why did the doc want to reduce it?  He thought my T3 was high - I think it was lab error myself because I had no symptoms of excessive T3 and felt the best I'd felt since being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis).

After he reduced it, my hair started falling out - again, my weight increased - again, my memory loss came back - again, and my periods were late and whacked. I went through two bad periods before I said to heck with it and increased my own dose back to what it was (they come in 5mcg pills so it's easy to do).

So, my current thyroid doses are:

  • Synthroid (T4) 75 mcg
  • Liothyronine (T3) - 45mcg, twice a day
I absolutely need that T3 at the higher dose.  I have a Reverse T3 problem. I finally felt great...and then it all went to heck.  Now I wait for it all to get back to what it was before.  My problem now is the memory lapses while trying to get back to how I felt before - - I keep forgetting to take my medicine! 




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Wild, Exotic Animals Loose in Ohio

>> 10/19/11

The big news this morning in our state is all about the exotic animals that were set loose.  I'd be real worried if that was in my backyard.  I can't imagine looking out and seeing a big lion in your backyard or bear lumbering down my road. If I were those residents in the area, I think I'd find a vrbo and hightail it out of there for awhile on a short, last minute vacation. They've closed the schools and are telling people to stay inside.

I feel bad for the animals - not their fault.  Rumor is the owner let them loose before taking his own life but that's not confirmed yet that I know of.

Jack Hanna is there to help.

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Snow by Halloween?

We are supposed to see snow by Halloween! That is weeks too early!!  I'm not ready for snow yet.  I want to enjoy the Fall in its entirety. Winter isn't good for me mentally or physically - dry skin, eczema...who needs it? I'm not ready for my Lowa boots for snow. They can stay in the closet for just awhile longer. Please?

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Skin Problems

>> 10/14/11

My skin is a mess and winter hasn't even hit us yet! I can't stand my sensitive skin that breaks out with eczema as soon as the heat comes on.  Plus, I've developed allergies to facial make up (like the foundations and powders). What a pain!  I think all this skin stuff is related to my thyroid disease but that doesn't make it more acceptable when soft, smooth skin is preferred.

I also have Keratosis Pilaris so parts of my skin are rough (attractive eh?).  I need a good sugar scrub to smoothe and soften the rough spots.  I found a pure fiji coconut sugar scrub in mango - sounds yummy doesn't it?  I can't wait to try it!

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Worst Part of Doctor Exams

>> 9/19/11

How many of you jump during your vision screener exam when the doctor uses that equipment that blows a puff of air into your eye?  That is one of the worst parts of the exam for me (besides the dilation drops - can't stand those).

At the family doctor, it's the blood tests I need a few times a year for my thyroid disease management.  I'm afraid of needles.

At the gynecologist, it's everything.  Come on, from the time you walk into the exam room and clothing starts to come off, it's mortifying until you walk out again.

At the hospital emergency room, it's the wait!  It's crazy!

When I'm admitted to the hospital, it's definitely the IV - again, hate needles!  When they put something into the IV they don't tell you about, that makes me very angry.  An adult in a hospital bed shouldn't be rendered unable to make or participate in decisions unless they are physically unable to.


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Husband Healthy, Me - Not so Much

>> 9/10/11



My husband stays healthy by road biking. (I, on the other hand, refuse to get on a bike with him because he'd leave me in the dust.)  When I met him, he was racing cross country on mountain bikes and placing first all the time.  He's since aged a bit and found that all that bumping over cross country terrain (and flying over handlebars to land on your head on that cross country terrain) isn't so kind of his body anymore so he's switched to a smoother ride - road biking.  I've looked at an suv bike rack at cracksandracks.com to add to my SUV for him but haven't gone there yet.  Maybe for Christmas!

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No Diet Yet

A couple weeks ago I posted I was three days away from starting my diet.  I haven't started it yet.  I've been procrastinating:(

Part of it is my doctor reduced my T3 meds to see how I'd feel (even though I felt GREAT where I was) and it's brought back symptoms - including a couple pounds.  Kind of discouraging.  I'm calling my doc next week and telling him I'm going back to my old dose because getting thyroid disease symptoms back - no way, not going to accept that!

Part of it is school started (for my kids) and instead of having a lot of time to myself, I find myself running MORE with my kids out of the house and busier than ever with going back to work (work-at-home but still working).

The rest of it - let's face it, I love chocolate and certain foods that would not be acceptable on this healthier eating plan so I've been putting it off.

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Computers and Kids

>> 8/19/11

My six year old is asking for her own computer!  Geesh! At six years old, I can't believe she expects me to start looking at acer desktops for her. She uses mine now to play games but every time she uses mine, it ends up crashing so maybe it's in my best interests to set up a computer in a public family spot but at six? Kids sure know their technology at an early age.

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Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

I'm trying to figure out why my kids' mp3 headphones seem to go extinct in this house so quickly.  Cat chews up one pair, another pair stops working, can't find one set, left one set at somebody's house - ack!  I need a great sale to find out where are ipod nano headphones on sale. I also like skimming the clearance racks in stores so I can stuff their stockings at the holidays with them.  Yes, I am already thinking about Christmas.  With school starting next week, Christmas will come riding up sooner rather than later!

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Decreased Sexual Interest with Thyroid Disease

I've heard that some side effects people see with thyroid disease is reduced interest in sex.  I am wondering if that is hormone related or if it has more to do with the fact that some of us just don't feel well and don't like the way we look if we've been packing on the pounds due to our thyroid.

I didn't notice any decrease in interest myself personally, but my husband loves me no matter how I look and showed it so while "I" didn't like the way I looked, he loved every part of me - big or small.  I wasn't running out looking for burlesque pasties for sale but a sexy nightie, and stuff, wasn't out of the question.

I wonder how many people lack of interest is because most doctors just don't know how to treat thyroid disease!  If they'd open their ears and start to listen to people who have figured out how to manage their thyroid disease, maybe more people would be doing better.

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3 Days Until Diet

In three days, I will start my diet.  I really hate to call it a diet because it really isn't.  It's just a healthy way of eating that enables you to drop the pounds.  I decided to start it when my kids go back to school because with them home all day now, it'd be harder to follow the first 17 days of it while preparing three meals a day for them.  With them gone during the day, I'll be more apt not to graze on their food.

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Waiting for Season to Change

>> 8/16/11

Summer will be over soon! I am so excited. I am not a summer person at all. I love cooler temperatures.

Now, that's not to say I like winter. I don't. Perhaps if I had some winter toys, like a Polaris with Polaris Ranger Accessories, it'd be different, but I am not a cold weather person.  I like it cool enough to throw on a light jacket  or long-sleeve shirt and enjoy the day.

I am really loving these cooler mornings!  Right now, the kids are all sleeping still, I have my glass of hot Organic India Tulsi tea and am just soaking up the quiet.

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Last Phase of Weight Loss: Starting Aug 23rd

>> 8/11/11

In a little more than a week, I am going to finish up with the weight loss.  This is my last step to my final goal!!  After getting the correct thyroid medication, I lost about 20 pounds.  Unfortunately, the rest of the weight was being stubborn.  I followed The 17 Day Diet: A Doctor's Plan Designed for Rapid Results earlier this year and lost nine pounds in 17 days (could've lost more if I hadn't cheated).  I wasn't sure if I wanted to lose anymore or keep going.  I've kept it off this year AND don't need sugar like I used to.  I don't put it in my tea or cereal.  So happy!

So, when school starts, I will start my final step in my weight loss goal.  My kids will go to school and mom will go to work - literally, I am back to working from home and working on my health/weight!  I turn 40 in October and I REFUSE to turn 40 out of shape.  It won't happen.  It can't happen.  I'll be crying enough on my 40th birthday as it is:)

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Doing Great!!

I have updated thyroid labs to post but I need to dig them out so I'll do that later.  I'm doing great.  My doctor is awesome in treating my thyroid.  I've kept the weight off that I lost earlier this year.  I've started making jewelry. I've made ear rings out of guitar picks and bracelets for girls' birthday gifts for my kids to bring when they're invited to birthday parties.  I can't believe I actually have jewelry making tools. I've never been handy. I think it is because I've not had the opportunity so now I'm learning. Last week, I even learned how to change the flapper and handle on the toilet all on myself. Boy was I proud of myself!

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Physical Rehab

>> 8/5/11

My husband has had major pain through his wrist and elbow in one arm.  We think it is from the repetitiveness from his job and from playing guitar.  One doctor said he needed surgery.  Another said just a cortisone shot.  One sent him for physical rehabilitation.  Another didn't know what was wrong with it.  It'd be nice to get the same answer!

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How did I lose the weight?

>> 3/14/11

Quick chat about your thyroid disease: 

This is very important about your thyroid disease and your symptoms that just won't go away - if your doctor isn't listening to you - FIND ONE WHO WILL!  If you don't know what those optimum levels are, read Overcoming Thyroid Disorders by Dr. David Brownstein or Stop the Thyroid Madness: A Patient Revolution Against Decades of Inferior Treatment by Janie A. Bowthorpe.  These books helped me learn what my body needed and gave me the confidence (by providing good information - knowledge is power) to find a good doctor.  I haven't felt this good in ten years!

OK, onto the weight loss I am experiencing right now:

I am on day 14 of my 17-day diet and have lost almost ten pounds. I would've lost more except I cheated a few times - kids wanted pizza, hubby ordered carrot cake - you know how it goes:( I am 2.9 pounds away from my first goal. Yeah!! After being overweight for almost ten years, I am feeling GREAT! Did I starve myself?  Nope.  Did I take pills that made living near the bathroom 24/7 a requirement?  Nope.  Did I fast?  Nope.  Liquid diet?  Nope.  Did I have to measure my food into small portions?  Heck no!  Did I eat all I wanted of the foods I was told to eat in phase 1 of the 17-day diet?  Yes!  (FYI - There are four phases to this eating plan, each phase is 17 days.  I will probably go right from phase 1 to 4 because I've done so well with the weight loss.) 


It has been coming off so easily too!  My sister, who started this eating plan first with her partner, was having such good success with it, that I had to try it.  My mother and my aunt are also doing it.  We're all reaching our weight loss goals easily and we are eating healthy. 

Diet isn't even the right word!  It's a healthy eating plan.  I am uber excited to have found a way to lose weight after being overweight for so long and without pills with warnings affixed to the bottle!  Struggling with thyroid disease, I  know how hard it is to lose weight and I know how depressing it can be to watch your body change and feel so out of control of it - that no matter what you do, you aren't losing weight.

This is what I used:


















Seriously, it's as simple as following what this doctor says to do in this book.  There aren't any diet pills or anything to buy. What you need is at your grocery store - in the fruit and veggie aisle, from the meat counter.  It was worth the price to be able to fit into clothes I couldn't fit into a few weeks ago.

Yeah, I better go change my weight loss ticker at the top of this blog now:)  Woo hoo!

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Lost 7.8 Pounds in 8 Days!

>> 3/8/11

I have lost 7.8 pounds in eight days without diet pills or starving myself.  Seriously.  I don't have time to write all about it right now but I wanted to put a reminder here for myself to post about it.  After years of struggling with my weight and thyroid, it's nice to start to see less padding! 

I'll post about it soon!

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Influenza Virus Hits

>> 1/22/11

This past month has been total hell.  I got the influenza virus (no idea which one since they didn't test for it) and it was a bad one for my respiratory system.  Then my kids got it from me, and then I rebounded and got really sick all over again.  Then my husband got sick AND threw his back out...and I rebounded again.  We've had a couple emergency room visits (one for me) and several pediatrician visits in the past month.  Fun, fun, fun.

How the heck are moms supposed to get better when they're taking care of everybody else and there isn't anybody to take care of them?  Geesh! 

I feel better today than yesterday so I take that as a good sign that it's on its way out. 

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