Day 11: The Quality of My Life Depends Entirely on Me

Deep thoughts this frigid morning. But it’s true. I believe paths are laid out in front of us and we have to choose which one we want to take. Instead of sinking into despair I’m clawing my way out and looking forward to the future, whatever it may hold for me. After all, at least I have a future. I’ve read of so many tragedies in the past few day. A mother of 3 died in a snowmobiling accident. Someone died in a car accident a couple of miles from my home yesterday afternoon. Three young boys lost their lives in a fire last week. Several police officers across the nation have been killed in the line of duty within the past week. Lives lost and lives changed. I could sit here and wring my hands and cry poor me all day long but that won’t change anything. Last weeks plumbing issues gave me the time I needed, at home and alone, to wallow in pity and sort out my feelings. My family was right there to offer their support too. I didn’t expect to be at home today but another round of plumbing issues made that decision for me. I had intended to just leave my back door open so they could come in while I was at work but that just didn’t sit well with me. I have a lot of vacation time and my future is uncertain so I may as well use it.

On the Nutrisystem front, I can tell you that last nights 270 calorie frozen chicken parmesan meal wasn’t bad. It consisted of a tiny piece of breaded chicken and pasta. I was afraid the pasta sauce would be sweet like the pizza sauce but it was not. A dash of romano cheese and we were good to go ! Breakfast today was a 150 calorie cinnamon bun bar with black coffee, which is now cold and headed to the microwave.

Considering it is 10 degrees out I guess this is a good day to be home on the couch. I’m waiting to hear what time the plumbers will be here. I’d love to be a fly on the wall for the conversation between them and Paul Davis. I’m sure nobody is happy.

EVENING UPDATE: Unbeknownst to me there was a piece of siding missing that used to cover where my house and foundation meet and that was allowing cold air into the basement. Now I know why I had such a draft in the kitchen ! The plumbers put the new cold water line farther away from the foundation last week (which is why it didn't freeze) and they did the same with the hot water today. They also packed some more insulation in that area. I don't know why they didn't do all this last week. So again, things happen for a reason. Had I not taken a vacation day today I probably wouldn't have been able to get the siding fixed so fast. Hot water has been restored (bye bye galvanized pipe) and the house is SO much warmer now. I am amazed ! Apparently cold air was leaking in all along the side of the house. My handyman would only take $40 ($13 of which was materials) so it did not cost me much. He also plows for me, mows my lawn and he cleared the fence and jungle from my yard last summer. This man is a life saver !

For lunch today I had 220 calorie white cheddar mac & cheese. It was very tasty but I have to say the meals that come in a cup where you have to add water and microwave are a bit of a pain because they’re usually multi step. That’s ok at home but I will not take these cups to work for lunch because they’re too fussy for that setting. For an afternoon snack I had 150 calorie Sweet Jalapeno Chips. They were really good and a great substitute for potato chips. For dinner I had a 260 calorie chicken enchilada with rice. It was pretty darn good for a frozen entree. I would definitely have this one again !

It dawned on me today that this time last year I was struggling to get over the flu ! I haven’t been sick in quite a while and I had my flu shot so hopefully this will be a healthier winter for me ! I also realized that since I’m in week 2 of Nutrisystem I’m supposed to be adding “Power Fuels” and “Smart Carbs” to breakfast and lunch. Instead I’ve been eating the same as week 1. I don’t know if that will help or hurt but I don’t feel hungry or deprived, so I’m not going to force myself to eat more. I may need them once I add the treadmill to my day. I haven’t done that yet and there is a reason. The skin on the bottom of my feet tends to get dry and crack in the winter and right now both of my feet are very sore because cracks have opened up. So I need to pick up some cocoa butter and start slathering that on until they are healed.

Back to work tomorrow, hopefully for the rest of the week !