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AquaMarie
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Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
@Fremen @Mamatigerj @graoumia Thank you all!
October 5 - October 11: 30 Days of Cardio Light days 17-21
October fibro focus, week 2: No more protein powder. I read a paper last week showing that fibromyalgia patients tend to have high levels of glutamate in their bloodstream, and it causes an increase in nerve irritation and pain. Glutamate is a big component of protein powders, gelatin, and savory pre-processed foods, so my goal this week is to tweak my recipes that call for protein powder so they don't need it anymore. (I'll tackle the rest later - more than one change a week gets me overwhelmed
). Mostly it'll be a texture thing, I think; I can use vanilla extract or cocoa powder to adjust the flavor, but protein powders also make things stick together. I'm going to try using extra peanut butter in my peanut butter oat bars first. I'll let y'all know how it turns out!
Speaking of food, I went to our local Japanese pop culture festival yesterday and bought a box of Japanese snacks!
I tried a little iced rice cracker thing that I really liked, and a grape jelly stick that was, um, interesting. I associate grape jelly with butter biscuits, so just eating a stick of it was odd, lol. There's 23 more snacks in the box - a mixture of hard candy, snack cakes, crackers, Pocky, and gummies. I'm looking forward to trying everything!
Have a great one, Bees!
October 5 - October 11: 30 Days of Cardio Light days 17-21
October fibro focus, week 2: No more protein powder. I read a paper last week showing that fibromyalgia patients tend to have high levels of glutamate in their bloodstream, and it causes an increase in nerve irritation and pain. Glutamate is a big component of protein powders, gelatin, and savory pre-processed foods, so my goal this week is to tweak my recipes that call for protein powder so they don't need it anymore. (I'll tackle the rest later - more than one change a week gets me overwhelmed
). Mostly it'll be a texture thing, I think; I can use vanilla extract or cocoa powder to adjust the flavor, but protein powders also make things stick together. I'm going to try using extra peanut butter in my peanut butter oat bars first. I'll let y'all know how it turns out!Speaking of food, I went to our local Japanese pop culture festival yesterday and bought a box of Japanese snacks!
I tried a little iced rice cracker thing that I really liked, and a grape jelly stick that was, um, interesting. I associate grape jelly with butter biscuits, so just eating a stick of it was odd, lol. There's 23 more snacks in the box - a mixture of hard candy, snack cakes, crackers, Pocky, and gummies. I'm looking forward to trying everything!Have a great one, Bees!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
October 12 - October 18: 30 Days of Cardio Light days 22-26
Oct. fibro focus, week 3: trigger point massage. It has made SUCH a big difference in the pain in my ankle, oh my gosh. So this week I'm going to focus on finding a good time to do it every day (maybe right after I finish washing the dishes?) so I can turn it into a habit.
My cat has started sleeping at night with her head on my pillow and her paws on my arm, and it's adorable
. I can't hear her purring when she's sitting up and making biscuits to get the pillow juuuust right, but as soon as she lays down I can hear it through the fabric. I know she's finally asleep when I hear the purring stop. 
She's such a cutie, even if I do say so myself.
Have a good one, Bees!
Oct. fibro focus, week 3: trigger point massage. It has made SUCH a big difference in the pain in my ankle, oh my gosh. So this week I'm going to focus on finding a good time to do it every day (maybe right after I finish washing the dishes?) so I can turn it into a habit.
My cat has started sleeping at night with her head on my pillow and her paws on my arm, and it's adorable
. I can't hear her purring when she's sitting up and making biscuits to get the pillow juuuust right, but as soon as she lays down I can hear it through the fabric. I know she's finally asleep when I hear the purring stop. She's such a cutie, even if I do say so myself.Have a good one, Bees!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
October 19 - October 25: 30 Days of Cardio Light days 27-30 
, Daily Cardio Challenge days 1-3 (modified: march steps for high knees, step jacks for jumping jacks, all reps doubled)
Oct. fibro focus, week 4: sleep hygiene. Not only do I get night sweats (thanks, perimenopause
), my sleep is affected by fibromyalgia, too. Long story short, more often than not I sleep all night and still wake up exhausted. So this week I'm trying the 3-2-1 system: last meal 3 hours before bed, last beverage 2 hours before bed, last screen time 1 hour before bed. My room is already dark thanks to a blackout curtain, and I have a new (hybrid!) mattress coming on Saturday. Hopefully I'll start getting some good rest soon!
I'm a little behind on my reading goal this year. I calculated it out last night, and I'm pretty much going to have to read a book a day to hit 285 books by New Year's. I have plenty of manga to read in November, and I have lots of short storybooks I read every year during the Christmas season. Between those and my full-length novels and non-fiction, I think I can make it!
, Daily Cardio Challenge days 1-3 (modified: march steps for high knees, step jacks for jumping jacks, all reps doubled)Oct. fibro focus, week 4: sleep hygiene. Not only do I get night sweats (thanks, perimenopause
), my sleep is affected by fibromyalgia, too. Long story short, more often than not I sleep all night and still wake up exhausted. So this week I'm trying the 3-2-1 system: last meal 3 hours before bed, last beverage 2 hours before bed, last screen time 1 hour before bed. My room is already dark thanks to a blackout curtain, and I have a new (hybrid!) mattress coming on Saturday. Hopefully I'll start getting some good rest soon!I'm a little behind on my reading goal this year. I calculated it out last night, and I'm pretty much going to have to read a book a day to hit 285 books by New Year's. I have plenty of manga to read in November, and I have lots of short storybooks I read every year during the Christmas season. Between those and my full-length novels and non-fiction, I think I can make it!
Mamatigerj
Well-known member
Happy Badge Day! 
astro_lizard
Well-known member
Congrats!!!
from
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
@Mamatigerj @astro_lizard @Fremen @graoumia Thank you!
October 26 - November 1: Daily Cardio Challenge days 4-8
My new mattress was delivered yesterday!
I got an expensive hybrid mattress; and I bought an expensive, name-brand neck support pillow, too. So much money! 
But I got better sleep last night than I have in the past two weeks - my Garmin watch classified it as Good when it's been Poor/Fair for the past 16 days. I'm still tossing and turning at night, and I'm a little sore in my upper back and neck today, but I'm hoping that will ease up as I get used to the new bed (and start taking the magnesium supplements my new therapist recommended). Hooray for sleep! 
October 26 - November 1: Daily Cardio Challenge days 4-8
My new mattress was delivered yesterday!
I got an expensive hybrid mattress; and I bought an expensive, name-brand neck support pillow, too. So much money! But I got better sleep last night than I have in the past two weeks - my Garmin watch classified it as Good when it's been Poor/Fair for the past 16 days. I'm still tossing and turning at night, and I'm a little sore in my upper back and neck today, but I'm hoping that will ease up as I get used to the new bed (and start taking the magnesium supplements my new therapist recommended). Hooray for sleep! 
Wiaaam
Well-known member
Ah yes a good mattress is expensive but it looks like it was money well spent! Hooray for sleep indeed! 
Mamatigerj
Well-known member
Magnesium has helped me so much with leg pains at night; i hope it works well for you!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
November 2 - November 8: Daily Cardio Challenge days 9 - 13
Between the magnesium supplements, the hybrid mattress, and the neck support pillow, I am sleeping SO much better. I'm actually getting some REM sleep and dreaming again! The dreams aren't nice (my dreams are always anxious/annoying), but REM sleep is important, dang it!, so I'll take it.
My doctor recommended I start trying to eat more "Mediterranean, you know, lots of olive oil, lots of fish."
That's not what I think of when I think Mediterranean food, and I don't really like fish (that's why I take a fish oil supplement - so I don't have to taste it) but I do like trying new recipes. Long story short, I found this recipe for a 'Mediterranean' cucumber salad online, and it's really good! It made really good leftovers, too, with some olives and feta cheese on the side. 
Between the magnesium supplements, the hybrid mattress, and the neck support pillow, I am sleeping SO much better. I'm actually getting some REM sleep and dreaming again! The dreams aren't nice (my dreams are always anxious/annoying), but REM sleep is important, dang it!, so I'll take it.
My doctor recommended I start trying to eat more "Mediterranean, you know, lots of olive oil, lots of fish."
That's not what I think of when I think Mediterranean food, and I don't really like fish (that's why I take a fish oil supplement - so I don't have to taste it) but I do like trying new recipes. Long story short, I found this recipe for a 'Mediterranean' cucumber salad online, and it's really good! It made really good leftovers, too, with some olives and feta cheese on the side.
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
November 9 - December 2: Daily Cardio Challenge days 14-30
A quick note to declare victory! That's my fourth (I think?) challenge of the year completed! Up next will be the Re:Center Challenge - my core could use some work.
Have a great one, Bees!
A quick note to declare victory! That's my fourth (I think?) challenge of the year completed! Up next will be the Re:Center Challenge - my core could use some work.
Have a great one, Bees!
Mamatigerj
Well-known member
Happy Badge Day!
astro_lizard
Well-known member
Congrats!!!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
@Fremen @Mamatigerj @astro_lizard Thank you all!
December 3 - December 8: Re:Center Challenge, days 1 - 5
Well! I learned something very useful last week. I got really discouraged and completely stopped doing all my physical therapy for about 10 days. That made my ankle feel...better!?
Like, going from limping every day to being able to do calf raises again. 
My therapist's conclusion was that apparently my body needs extraordinary amounts of recovery time, so she cut me down to home exercises 1-2x a week and office visits every other week. Less effort, less cost, and less pain? I'll take it!
In other news, my dad sent me some money to buy my Christmas presents this year, since he lives so far away, and package service at my apartment is so iffy. My first present is a board game called A Place For All My Books. It's a puzzle/strategy game, and it looks adorable. I love the concept and the artwork, and when I saw it had a solo mode I was sold. I can play even when it's not game night! After Christmas, of course - no digging into presents until Christmas morning!
December 3 - December 8: Re:Center Challenge, days 1 - 5
Well! I learned something very useful last week. I got really discouraged and completely stopped doing all my physical therapy for about 10 days. That made my ankle feel...better!?
Like, going from limping every day to being able to do calf raises again. My therapist's conclusion was that apparently my body needs extraordinary amounts of recovery time, so she cut me down to home exercises 1-2x a week and office visits every other week. Less effort, less cost, and less pain? I'll take it!In other news, my dad sent me some money to buy my Christmas presents this year, since he lives so far away, and package service at my apartment is so iffy. My first present is a board game called A Place For All My Books. It's a puzzle/strategy game, and it looks adorable. I love the concept and the artwork, and when I saw it had a solo mode I was sold. I can play even when it's not game night! After Christmas, of course - no digging into presents until Christmas morning!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
December 9 - December 14: Re:Center Challenge days 6-8
I put out my Christmas decorations yesterday. I didn't put up the tree (it's only 1 foot high; the cat would absolutely destroy it), but I did get something in every room. My favorites are the dish towels that I hang in my kitchen. One says "I just want to listen to Christmas music and bake stuff." The other says "Baking Spirits Bright." I do love the Christmas treats. 
Have a good one, Bees!
I put out my Christmas decorations yesterday. I didn't put up the tree (it's only 1 foot high; the cat would absolutely destroy it), but I did get something in every room. My favorites are the dish towels that I hang in my kitchen. One says "I just want to listen to Christmas music and bake stuff." The other says "Baking Spirits Bright." I do love the Christmas treats.
Have a good one, Bees!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
December 15 - December 21: Re:Center Challenge days 9 - 12
Christmas workout track of the week: Christmas Waltz, Michael W. Smith and Sandi Patty.
What can I say, I really like the big Broadway sound of this particular cover. And the cheeky lines 'this song of mine/in three-quarter time' makes me laugh.
Have a good one, Bees!
Christmas workout track of the week: Christmas Waltz, Michael W. Smith and Sandi Patty.
What can I say, I really like the big Broadway sound of this particular cover. And the cheeky lines 'this song of mine/in three-quarter time' makes me laugh.
Have a good one, Bees!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
December 22 - Re:Center day 13, 114 side jacks (dodging snowballs 
)
December 23 - Re:Center day 14
December 24 - Re:Center day 15
December 27 - Re:Center day 17
December 28 - Workout of the Day (Walk It Off) and Exercise of the Day (30 sec. rear leg lift balance hold)
Alright, I gave it two weeks, but I am calling it quits on the Re:Center challenge. I've been hurts-to-sit sore and dreading my workouts the whole time, so I think this is just too intense for me. I hate to do it (sunk-cost fallacy, y'know), but I think it will be better for me in the long run to do more general fitness that incorporates abs (and cardio) than concentrated abs work.
All part of learning to listen to my body, I guess.
I hope you all had a fabulous holiday! I cooked two dinners, so I have leftovers enough to last me to New Years, yay! The menus:
Christmas Eve
Ham and swiss sliders with a mustard, onion, and poppy seed sauce
Baby carrots with Cedarburg veggie dip
Chex Mix
Soft peanut butter cookies
Christmas Day
Ham with a homemade honey and brown sugar glaze
Broccoli salad
Cranberry goo
Forward! deviled eggs
Brioche dinner rolls
Sweet potato pie
If anybody is interested in recipes, let me know!
Hope you have a good one, Bees!
)December 23 - Re:Center day 14
December 24 - Re:Center day 15
December 27 - Re:Center day 17
December 28 - Workout of the Day (Walk It Off) and Exercise of the Day (30 sec. rear leg lift balance hold)
Alright, I gave it two weeks, but I am calling it quits on the Re:Center challenge. I've been hurts-to-sit sore and dreading my workouts the whole time, so I think this is just too intense for me. I hate to do it (sunk-cost fallacy, y'know), but I think it will be better for me in the long run to do more general fitness that incorporates abs (and cardio) than concentrated abs work.
All part of learning to listen to my body, I guess.I hope you all had a fabulous holiday! I cooked two dinners, so I have leftovers enough to last me to New Years, yay! The menus:
Christmas Eve
Ham and swiss sliders with a mustard, onion, and poppy seed sauce
Baby carrots with Cedarburg veggie dip
Chex Mix
Soft peanut butter cookies
Christmas Day
Ham with a homemade honey and brown sugar glaze
Broccoli salad
Cranberry goo
Forward! deviled eggs
Brioche dinner rolls
Sweet potato pie
If anybody is interested in recipes, let me know!
Hope you have a good one, Bees!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
Time for the end of the year wrap up! So, yeah, only 2.5 out of the 5 goals for 2025 (my health and spending goals, and only part of my reading goals) actually got accomplished. Still, objectively speaking and no exaggeration, 2025 was the worst year I'd had in a decade. Between my mom's passing and my major health issues, I'm grateful I did get those 2.5 goals met, and I'm not going to beat myself up about the rest.
Onward to the new year!
AquaMarie's 2026 Resolutions
1) Read 275 books, 50 of them non-fiction. Even though I met the higher goal last year, it was more stressful than I thought it would be, and I'm in it for fun, dang it. So I'm going to pull the goal back a bit so it's fun again.
2) Complete 4 Darebee Programs and 4 Darebee Challenges. Now that I have a good routine down and understand my body a bit better, I think it's reasonable to increase this goal some.
3) Have 17 no-spending days a month. That was my average for 2025, so I'm comfortable increasing it this year.
4) Complete 180 minutes of crafting a month. I WILL do some crafting EVERY month this year, even if I have to knock it out all in one weekend every month.
5) Support the public library every month. Either attend a program, donate money, or just buy something at the Friends sale.
Alright, 2026, here we gooooooo!Happy New Year, Bees!
Onward to the new year!
AquaMarie's 2026 Resolutions
1) Read 275 books, 50 of them non-fiction. Even though I met the higher goal last year, it was more stressful than I thought it would be, and I'm in it for fun, dang it. So I'm going to pull the goal back a bit so it's fun again.
2) Complete 4 Darebee Programs and 4 Darebee Challenges. Now that I have a good routine down and understand my body a bit better, I think it's reasonable to increase this goal some.
3) Have 17 no-spending days a month. That was my average for 2025, so I'm comfortable increasing it this year.
4) Complete 180 minutes of crafting a month. I WILL do some crafting EVERY month this year, even if I have to knock it out all in one weekend every month.
5) Support the public library every month. Either attend a program, donate money, or just buy something at the Friends sale.
Alright, 2026, here we gooooooo!
Happy New Year, Bees!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
January 1: House of the Valkyrie, day 1, level 1 - every day is on level one, because I am besieged by the Affliction 
January 2: HotV, day 2
January 3: HotV, day 3 - I'm dusting off my 5 lbs (2.3 kg) weights and going with the Stormhammer
January 4: HotV, day 4
Yaaay, an RPG program I can do, it looks like! My ankle is holding, and none of my other problem areas are complaining at 4 days in, so I'm hoping I can stick with this one.
My cat is getting less subtle. It was an two hours before suppertime yesterday, and she was calling loudly and trying to lead me to her kibbles dish. I knew very well what she wanted, but how do you explain time to a cat, right? I went and sat down at my desk to journal a bit and resigned myself to ignoring her yelling for the duration.
She came over, sat down next to me, and meowed very politely; so I looked down and said, "What do you want, Annie-Annie?" in a sing-song, as you do.
And this cat. Looked me in the eyes. And started CHEWING. 
(No, she didn't get an early supper. Yes, she did get a snacky treat - I'm strict, but I'm not made of stone.)
Have a good one, Bees!
January 2: HotV, day 2
January 3: HotV, day 3 - I'm dusting off my 5 lbs (2.3 kg) weights and going with the Stormhammer
January 4: HotV, day 4
Yaaay, an RPG program I can do, it looks like! My ankle is holding, and none of my other problem areas are complaining at 4 days in, so I'm hoping I can stick with this one.
My cat is getting less subtle. It was an two hours before suppertime yesterday, and she was calling loudly and trying to lead me to her kibbles dish. I knew very well what she wanted, but how do you explain time to a cat, right? I went and sat down at my desk to journal a bit and resigned myself to ignoring her yelling for the duration.
She came over, sat down next to me, and meowed very politely; so I looked down and said, "What do you want, Annie-Annie?" in a sing-song, as you do.
And this cat. Looked me in the eyes. And started CHEWING.
(No, she didn't get an early supper. Yes, she did get a snacky treat - I'm strict, but I'm not made of stone.
)Have a good one, Bees!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
January 5: House of the Valkyrie, day 5 - Stone path. Gonna play to my strengths here. 
January 6: HotV, day 6
January 7: HotV, day 7
January 8: HotV, day 8
January 9: HotV, day 9 - just Stormhammer for me, thanks
January 10: HotV, day 10 - First Feather trial complete!
January 11: HotV, day 11
I just finished reading Drawn Testimony: My Four Decades as a Courtroom Sketch Artist by Jane Rosenberg. It was really interesting! I'd never thought about courtroom sketch artist as a career, and her writing describes how unique and challenging it is. (I was surprised at how fast-paced the job is. I got stressed out just reading about it sometimes!) The book was an easy read with a good balance between prose and art. I can recommend it to anyone interested in portrait sketches or in unusual careers.
January 6: HotV, day 6
January 7: HotV, day 7
January 8: HotV, day 8
January 9: HotV, day 9 - just Stormhammer for me, thanks
January 10: HotV, day 10 - First Feather trial complete!
January 11: HotV, day 11
I just finished reading Drawn Testimony: My Four Decades as a Courtroom Sketch Artist by Jane Rosenberg. It was really interesting! I'd never thought about courtroom sketch artist as a career, and her writing describes how unique and challenging it is. (I was surprised at how fast-paced the job is. I got stressed out just reading about it sometimes!) The book was an easy read with a good balance between prose and art. I can recommend it to anyone interested in portrait sketches or in unusual careers.
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
January 12 - January 24: House of the Valkyrie, days 12-23
Woof, it's been a rough couple of weeks. I flew up to visit my dad for a week, then I came home to a endometrial biopsy (YEOWCH!) and a cold snap
. I took yesterday and today off from working out and chores to rest - blanket forts are glorious, just saying - and I don't feel too uncomfortable. Hopefully tomorrow I can do a few slow punches for the Battleground, and soon I'll be able to jump back into House of the Valkyrie.
Have a good one, Bees!
Woof, it's been a rough couple of weeks. I flew up to visit my dad for a week, then I came home to a endometrial biopsy (YEOWCH!) and a cold snap
. I took yesterday and today off from working out and chores to rest - blanket forts are glorious, just saying - and I don't feel too uncomfortable. Hopefully tomorrow I can do a few slow punches for the Battleground, and soon I'll be able to jump back into House of the Valkyrie.Have a good one, Bees!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
@Rissa @graoumia Thank you!
January 25 - February 1: House of the Valkyrie, days 25 - 28
I can NOT catch a break. I went to a routine doctor's appointment last week, to make sure my blood pressure and cholesterol meds were still fine, and I mentioned I had some neurologic symptoms in my feet and legs that were new. She ordered an x-ray of my lower back, and it showed severe arthritis in my spine.
I've had lower back pain since I was in my 20s, and I've always chalked it up to my weight...because that's what my PCP told me at the time. Losing 40 lbs (18 kg) back then didn't help much, though, now that I think about it. Hmm. 
Anyway, now I have to find a spine specialist that won't completely ignore my pain because of my weight or want to immediately go to surgery (both situations my dad has had to deal with). UGGGGHHHH
I've been trying @SevenDeadlyExes excellent practice of naming 3 good things every day to keep from getting too anxious and depressed about everything recently - I have a goal set in the Finch app and everything, lol. One of today's good things is breakfast: a yogurt bowl with oats, fresh berries, and ginseng-infused honey. It's super yummy!
January 25 - February 1: House of the Valkyrie, days 25 - 28
I can NOT catch a break. I went to a routine doctor's appointment last week, to make sure my blood pressure and cholesterol meds were still fine, and I mentioned I had some neurologic symptoms in my feet and legs that were new. She ordered an x-ray of my lower back, and it showed severe arthritis in my spine.
I've had lower back pain since I was in my 20s, and I've always chalked it up to my weight...because that's what my PCP told me at the time. Losing 40 lbs (18 kg) back then didn't help much, though, now that I think about it. Hmm. Anyway, now I have to find a spine specialist that won't completely ignore my pain because of my weight or want to immediately go to surgery (both situations my dad has had to deal with). UGGGGHHHH
I've been trying @SevenDeadlyExes excellent practice of naming 3 good things every day to keep from getting too anxious and depressed about everything recently - I have a goal set in the Finch app and everything, lol. One of today's good things is breakfast: a yogurt bowl with oats, fresh berries, and ginseng-infused honey. It's super yummy!
Last edited:
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
February 2 - February 8: House of the Valkyrie days 29-35
Now that I can't have any coffee or tea (not even decaf), I've mostly been drinking chamomile tea before bed at night. When that gets old, I've just been mixing some honey in hot water - simple, but very tasty.
There's a place downtown called Bee Happy that sells flavor-infused and specialty honey, so I decided do a little shopping as a reward for reaching the half-way mark in House of the Valkyrie. I wasn't brave enough to try the mushroom or hot pepper flavored honeys, but I got a bunch of good fruit and wellness flavors. So far the ginseng is my favorite, with elderberry a close second. 
Have a good one, Bees!
Now that I can't have any coffee or tea (not even decaf
), I've mostly been drinking chamomile tea before bed at night. When that gets old, I've just been mixing some honey in hot water - simple, but very tasty.There's a place downtown called Bee Happy that sells flavor-infused and specialty honey, so I decided do a little shopping as a reward for reaching the half-way mark in House of the Valkyrie. I wasn't brave enough to try the mushroom or hot pepper flavored honeys
, but I got a bunch of good fruit and wellness flavors. So far the ginseng is my favorite, with elderberry a close second. Have a good one, Bees!
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
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Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
AquaMarie
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Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
February 16 - February 22: House of the Valkyrie days 42 - 46
Because I just finished a really good one, here are some of my favorite cli-fi books:
All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall (post-apocalyptic adventure)
Two Degrees by Alan Gratz (contemporary middle-grade thriller)
The Past is Red by Catherynne M. Valente (post-apocalyptic)
The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson (umm...odd. Part political drama, part action-adventure)
The Monk and Robot series by Becky Chambers (VERY philosophical, cozy, utopian road trip)
Because I just finished a really good one, here are some of my favorite cli-fi books:
All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall (post-apocalyptic adventure)
Two Degrees by Alan Gratz (contemporary middle-grade thriller)
The Past is Red by Catherynne M. Valente (post-apocalyptic)
The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson (umm...odd. Part political drama, part action-adventure)
The Monk and Robot series by Becky Chambers (VERY philosophical, cozy, utopian road trip)
AquaMarie
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Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
AquaMarie
Well-known member
Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
February 23 - March 4: House of the Valkyrie days 47 - 55 AND Girl Power Week days 1-3: The Path of Positivity! 
The Finch self-care app is running two events right now that I'm absolutely loving. The monthly theme is Sweet Sakura, which is so cute and so pretty! I can't wait to unlock the sakura kimono for my birb - sakura pink is my favorite shade of pink. The other event is a new Spring cleaning challenge - complete 15 tasks by the end of the month and unlock a special challenge badge on your profile. I do love a profile badge.
Have a good one, Bees!
P.S. If you are already using the app and would like to add a friend, let me know!
The Finch self-care app is running two events right now that I'm absolutely loving. The monthly theme is Sweet Sakura, which is so cute and so pretty! I can't wait to unlock the sakura kimono for my birb - sakura pink is my favorite shade of pink. The other event is a new Spring cleaning challenge - complete 15 tasks by the end of the month and unlock a special challenge badge on your profile. I do love a profile badge.
Have a good one, Bees!
P.S. If you are already using the app and would like to add a friend, let me know!
AquaMarie
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Paladin
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Texas, USA
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Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
@AgileGrrl Oooo, good question. There's a lot to it, even in the free version. I love the aesthetic and how many fun things there are to collect and how easy it is to personalize.
I guess what I like best is that it is so positive. It never punishes you for skipping a task or missing a quest, no sad noises or disappointed scripts from your birb. No matter how much or little you can do, it's celebrated without shame.
I guess what I like best is that it is so positive. It never punishes you for skipping a task or missing a quest, no sad noises or disappointed scripts from your birb. No matter how much or little you can do, it's celebrated without shame.
AquaMarie
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Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
March 5 - March 9: House of the Valkyrie days 56 - 60 AND Girl Power Week days 4 - 7
That is my first program of the year complete! My path was Stone, Endurance, and Sentinel, which is absolutely true to type (even though I was choosing based on how I felt that day). My sensei used to tell me, and I quote: "You don't move fast, but when someone gets close enough, girl, you hit 'em like a Mack truck."
Next up: Soft Cardio program, and the Iron Arms and 1 Minute Meditation challenges. Doing Girl Power Week workouts on top of the Valkyrie workouts felt really good, so I think layering a program and a challenge will work nicely.
Have a good one, Bees!
That is my first program of the year complete! My path was Stone, Endurance, and Sentinel, which is absolutely true to type (even though I was choosing based on how I felt that day). My sensei used to tell me, and I quote: "You don't move fast, but when someone gets close enough, girl, you hit 'em like a Mack truck."
Next up: Soft Cardio program, and the Iron Arms and 1 Minute Meditation challenges. Doing Girl Power Week workouts on top of the Valkyrie workouts felt really good, so I think layering a program and a challenge will work nicely.
Have a good one, Bees!
Laura Rainbow Dragon
Moderator
Congratulations on completing Girl Power Week and House of the Valkyrie!
Congrats on finishing Valkyrie!! 
AquaMarie
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Paladin
from
Texas, USA
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Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
@Laura Rainbow Dragon @Fremen @AgileGrrl Thank you all!
March 10 - March 15: Soft Cardio, 1,000 Squats, and 1 Minute Meditation; days 1-3 for all
Ok, so, change of plans: I did not realize how much I would be using my arms in Soft Cardio. Doing Iron Arms on top of it is absolutely not going to work for me, so I'm switching to 1,000 Squats challenge. So far it's working out really nicely.
My mood the past couple of days:
"“I meant," said Ipslore bitterly, "what is there in this world that truly makes living worthwhile?"
Death thought about it.
CATS, he said eventually. CATS ARE NICE.”"
― Terry Pratchett, Sourcery
March 10 - March 15: Soft Cardio, 1,000 Squats, and 1 Minute Meditation; days 1-3 for all
Ok, so, change of plans: I did not realize how much I would be using my arms in Soft Cardio.
Doing Iron Arms on top of it is absolutely not going to work for me, so I'm switching to 1,000 Squats challenge. So far it's working out really nicely.My mood the past couple of days:
"“I meant," said Ipslore bitterly, "what is there in this world that truly makes living worthwhile?"
Death thought about it.
CATS, he said eventually. CATS ARE NICE.”"
― Terry Pratchett, Sourcery
AquaMarie
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Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
March 16 - 23: Soft Cardio, 1,000 squats, and 1 Minute Meditation, days 4-8 for all
Did I say things were working out nicely? Hahahahahaha, NOPE. My ankle and my shoulder have both mutinied, to the point where I'm limping and having trouble putting my jacket on. And I was feeling so much better! And Soft Cardio is such low intensity! And I STILL can't do it!!! I truly hate my body sometimes.
So. The plan is to stop Soft Cardio and probably 1,000 Squats. I'm going to give my body five days to rest - PT and light stretching ONLY - and then I'm going to try the Labyrinth, modifying to ease up on my ankle and shoulder as need be (Sorry, Darebee team, those butt kicks may have to be slow butt kicks or march steps for a bit). I'm hoping a general fitness program with more variety will be a little less intense on ankle and shoulder. If I start feeling better again, I'll start 1,000 squats again. We'll see. I'm keeping 1 Minute Meditation, though. THAT doesn't bother my muscles and joints, at least, grumble grumble.
Sigh. It's just so frustrating to push a limit and find out it's more like a brick wall.
Hope y'all are doing well, Bees!
Did I say things were working out nicely? Hahahahahaha, NOPE. My ankle and my shoulder have both mutinied, to the point where I'm limping and having trouble putting my jacket on. And I was feeling so much better! And Soft Cardio is such low intensity! And I STILL can't do it!!!
I truly hate my body sometimes.So. The plan is to stop Soft Cardio and probably 1,000 Squats. I'm going to give my body five days to rest - PT and light stretching ONLY - and then I'm going to try the Labyrinth, modifying to ease up on my ankle and shoulder as need be (Sorry, Darebee team, those butt kicks may have to be slow butt kicks or march steps for a bit). I'm hoping a general fitness program with more variety will be a little less intense on ankle and shoulder. If I start feeling better again, I'll start 1,000 squats again. We'll see. I'm keeping 1 Minute Meditation, though. THAT doesn't bother my muscles and joints, at least, grumble grumble.
Sigh. It's just so frustrating to push a limit and find out it's more like a brick wall.
Hope y'all are doing well, Bees!
AgileGrrl
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Rogue
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"The risk of failure is far sweeter than the regret of never trying at all. ~C Sanders"
Honestly, there are a lot of exercises in the various programs/challenges that I can not physically do because my ankles are shot and my knees have no ACL/MCL. So butt kicks are always slow butt kicks, jumping jacks are step jacks, lunges are step-ups, etc. As long as you are moving, regardless of the intensity, you are still going forward in your physical journey. Don't berate yourself or apologise for making an exercise doable. I hope you heal quickly and feel better. 
AquaMarie
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Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
@AgileGrrl You are absolutely right. I just get so frustrated with my own limits sometimes; it's easy for me to forget that slow progress is still progress. Thank you!
March 24 - April 5: 1 Minute Mediation days 9-21, The Labyrinth (path: START --> 6 --> 7 --> 2--> 3--> 4)
I finally finished my current craft project! I've been working on him off and on for about 6 months, and I'm really happy with how he turned out. Maybe one day I'll make a buddy for him in grey or white.
March 24 - April 5: 1 Minute Mediation days 9-21, The Labyrinth (path: START --> 6 --> 7 --> 2--> 3--> 4)
I finally finished my current craft project! I've been working on him off and on for about 6 months, and I'm really happy with how he turned out. Maybe one day I'll make a buddy for him in grey or white.
NancyTree
Well-known member
I love your fox!
aku-chan
Well-known member
That's an extremely cute fox!
Jaga
Well-known member
Witcher
Posts: 525
Posts: 525
"I don’t have a soul. I am a soul. I have a body."
I can’t handle how cute that is!
AquaMarie
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Paladin
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
from
Texas, USA
Pronouns: she/her
Posts: 372
"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water."
@NancyTree @aku-chan @Jaga Thank you all!
April 5 - April 12: 1 Minute Meditation days 22 - 29, The Labyrinth (path: 5 --> 10 --> 9 --> 8 --> 13)
Workout track of the week: Your Idol, from the Kpop Demon Hunters Soundtrack
Have a good one, Bees!
April 5 - April 12: 1 Minute Meditation days 22 - 29, The Labyrinth (path: 5 --> 10 --> 9 --> 8 --> 13)
Workout track of the week: Your Idol, from the Kpop Demon Hunters Soundtrack
Have a good one, Bees!