WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN~ SATURDAY OCTOBER 12TH, 2019

**This past week was for the most part the usual... Got in my activity, workouts,water, and sleep wasn't too bad. Last week I did the "Work-Week Hustle" challenge with 10 other people on FITBIT and "won"!... So.. I saw that there was a "Weekend Warrior" challenge as well (just for Saturday & Sunday)...So I invited others to that challenge (including my Spouse this time) and I won again..... But it was tough. Because while there wasn't much competition from the other competitors (as I do step alot)... My Spouse is pretty competitive with those things... so It was pretty close! But I took the lead lol... It was a fun challenge though.. A way to keep me "On Track" over the weekend when I really want to be "Lazy" in pretty much everything!~

**I had a great Brunch with some of my ZUMBA Girls from class last Saturday, it went really great! I had such a good time and hope that we can continue that each month as we all talked about........ The week itself on Monday started with some stressors at my Dance Studio with the owner. It just seems like we are all "butting heads" over things. And it doesn't seem like the owner really wants to "bend" on many things or "include" most of the instructors in choices/plans being made.... Guess we just kind of feel while we may not agree on everything, that it should at least take into consideration those that are keeping the studio running and bringing in the clientele (which is the instructors)..... Hopefully things will start to improve at this place and cause less stress, drama or anxiety since I LOVE my clientele, and teaching at this place. But we all need to be able to be on board with one another to make it work and continue to thrive.. Its just a sad situation at the moment~~

**The month is moving very swiftly, and the weather is changing a little. Its not as hot/humid, but it's still pretty amazing. Its been cooling off a little, but still in the 70's F each day. So being outdoors has been even nicer to enjoy with my dog.... This weekend is FALL BREAK & LONG HOLIDAY weekend, so... We are going to the Beach for the weekend for a last little "Quick" get-away and a "Pre-Birthday" trip~

ENJOY YOU WEEKEND~

"Gratitude helps us become happier and healthier. Three times a week write the date and 1-3 things you are thankful for. Simple as that!" :)

I am looking forward to spending time with some of my family & inlaws for Thanksgiving weekend. I'm still feeling unwell though so it's a struggle too, having houseguests, preparing a meal (although my husband only leaves a few things up to me) and even just socializing take away from resting time.

I do see one of my specialists later this week so I have some questions for him but he really just does maintance for one issue for me so I'm not expecting much, maybe so further investigating into my tests results, I know at least one has some more specific tests related to it.

Wow, I haven't been checking in for a while now! I'm currently warming up on the treadmill, so I'll make this relatively short and add to it later if I want to.

At the start of this month, I joined a campaign raising awareness for heart disease! I have to run 42km over the month of October- you can do it all in one go (a full marathon), or spread the kilometres out over the month. That's what I'm doing, and hence why I'm on the treadmill! I hate running, but now I think I'm starting to like it bit by bit! :) it feels so good to be able to run and then finish thinking you've accomplished something every time. Every time I finish, I always feel like I've conquered x kilometres I did that day.

@PoliteOcean GOOD MORNING!!! And what a gorgeous day it is! I am just doing so great this month! I did celebrate mental health day by taking care of myself and also providing support to my best friend because she had a really hard week! I meditated, read, walked, and stayed mindful and I could see the big change it's made on my brain! I've always had a hard time with waking up early in the mornings... I somehow always wake up in a bad mood! But I started using mindfulness to get me out of of my head and on with my day! It's really really helping!

Today, I am going to do pick a work out in my Abs Diet book and do it with my son. He loves to work out with me so I made it something that he and I could do together and bond over!

@PoliteOcean HI!!! I love the fall picture you chose for this post! The trees are beautiful! So I have been really good! I had a little issue with allergies because we've been having such bad wind storms over here but other than that it has been great! Today I plan to work out with my son and I am also going to work on my meditation blog I am trying to start!! I hope you have a beautiful weekend!

@PoliteOcean

*Hey Everyone!.. ~ How was your week?! Good work has been busy! Especially with winter coming.

**This month is already "flying by" and we are just a few short days away from the "middle" of the month already! How have things been going for you so far since October started? What new things have you done, or accomplished so far? I have been working out and my body looks so good!! My curves are looking so amazing. I feel younger and I was able to fit into an old style of jeans I used to wear. (skin tight very dark blue)

** What things are you feeling thankful or grateful for this month? Fall!!! And my friends.

**This past week was MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS~? What things did you do for yourself this week or for someone else that made you feel good? What did you do for your overall Mental Well-being? Working out makes me feel good.

**What are your weekend Plans? How many of you will be celebrating a 'Long' Holiday weekend? Halloween Party at my house filled with dancing, drinking and fun.

I've done a lot this October already, wow! For one thing, I finally had enough money to buy myself some new clothes. Everything in my closet has holes in it or is too small now. I didn't get everything I needed (because a whole new wardrobe is expensive!) but it's remarkable how something simple like a good, comfortable bra improves my health! I don't have shoulder or back pain as much, I don't fidget when I sit at the office, etc. I also bought my first-ever pair of sweatpants; wow! It's wonderful to be able to lounge comfortably in my own home. I can't get over it!

I'm so grateful for Halloween, and candles!

Serendipitously, my job went to an aquarium for a research trip this week. Aquariums house all of my favorite animals! I had a splendid time and I felt so happy, humbled, and peaceful. Additionally, I've been being really gentle on myself mentally lately because my new boss is a stressful person to train under. I've also organized my days (after work) into a program of self-health:
Mondays are my business days to start the week off right, I'll pay bills or clean my room, that sort of thing.
Tuesdays are commission days! I work part-time as a freelance artist, so I'll grind on my art business then.
Wednesdays are for hanging out and doing something fun with my brother (who is also my roommate!). Last Wednesday we went ice skating!
Thursdays are my portfolio days, where I beef up my resume by making more fine-quality artworks.
Fridays are me days! I'll do therapy exercises or arts and crafts, play video games or do whatever makes me feel good. Saturdays are just plain old Saturdays: Grocery shop if I need to, or go to the beach! Watch cartoons, or mow the lawn! That sort of thing.
Sundays are days I hang out with my boyfriend, and those are all fun!
The only thing I'm still figuring out is my exercise regimen...

I've struggled with eating healthy. I've excelled in making sure I get enough rest!

This weekend I'm gonna take it easy, and sort my life out a bit. My room is terribly messy, and I need to prepare for the week ahead! I'm also gonna see that new Will Smith movie with some friends!

Thanks for letting me ramble a lot on this one! I had a lot to say!

@Polite Ocean Here is how my week went. On Monday, I went to see the chiropractor but it could have gone better. Since the previous Thursday my ride bailed out on giving me a ride to my massage, my back muscles were really tight and the chiropractor had a hard time adjusting my spine. Wednesday I got a massage for the first time in about 5 weeks.I should be getting a massage every week if I want to get better. I discovered that my caretaker doesn't like to drive, so I may have to terminate her. This is aggravating because she is only been working for me for 3 weeks. Now I'm going to have to go through the process of finding someone different. Friday I took myself out for a hamburger again. I'm okay with doing it by myself, but it would be more enjoyable if I was with someone who could tolerate being with someone who is chronically ill. I got my blood test results back and my T3, T4 and TSH are all normal. My creatinine has improved, so that is very good news. The bad news is my hemoglobin, red blood cell and platelet count are all below normal.

How have things been going for you so far since October started?

-October has been rough. There are a lot of things my spouse and I have to get done this month. Registered for nurse aide class in November, having a yard sale, getting ready to travel, baking pumpkin flavored stuff, having to put down one of our cats, being terrified of my health because my system is acting weird, and more. Probably need to schedule a doctor's appointment on that later note.

What new things have you done, or accomplished so far?

-My spouse got a new job and I got a raise at my current job. This was much needed. Also, so much happiness over registering for classes again. Can't wait to get finished and get into an even better job.

** What things are you feeling thankful or grateful for this month?

-That our travel dates are finally coming closer and closer. We really need a vacation and I honestly just need it all to be over with so I can get myself back in gear to get my life together.

**This past week was MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS~? What things did you do for yourself this week or for someone else that made you feel good? What did you do for your overall Mental Well-being?

-I really haven't been doing anything much different other than buying more seasonal stuff to make more food. It's made me really happy to expand my baking skills.

**What have been your "Highlights" Or "Struggles" over this past week?

-My highlight was that raise and our struggles were having to put our cat down. We both loved her. It was for the best though as she was only getting worse and starting to not eat.

**What are your weekend Plans? How many of you will be celebrating a 'Long' Holiday weekend?

-I've been relaxing on my day off, fixed some pumpkin bread and slept in late. Not celebrating a long weekend here.