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I know it has been months since I've checked in. The truth is, I've not really been working on many decorating projects over the last several months.

Back in July, I found out that I had high blood pressure and pre diabetes. I decided to do something about it- which meant changing my whole routine to include regular exercise and taking the time to plan menus so I could eat more healthfully. That cut dramatically into my decorating time!

Having the grandson living with me has also made things difficult. I can't pull out a project and work on it for several days. He's always into everything! So as a result- the Mudroom-in-a-box is sitting unfinished in my family room. Someday I'll have time to actually work on it again.

Until then, I don't have a lot to share- but I do miss all of you and seeing all of your projects!

I'll try to check in more often in the future.

TQ

Hi Tomatoqueen, really great to see you! I've actually been wondering about you. I'm sorry to hear about your health concerns but I'm glad to hear you've made some changes that will help.

I can certainly understand about not being able to do projects with the little guy around. When I babysit my twin 1 year old nieces, I can't even leave my purse around without them getting into it.

Thank you for checking in with us. Even if you're not doing projects (I haven't for a long time either) it's fun to see familiar names!

TQ,

It's nice to see your post.Yes, delays happen with decorating here also.


Best wishes for your healthy habits. Please check in and let us know how you are doing!

Glad you checked in. Have been thinking about you and wondered if you had been working on your tardis shed. Have a great holiday season. Miss your posts.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MyLifeVacation1,

Glad you checked in. I too have wondered where you've been.

Grandchildren will keep you VERY busy but in a fun way I sometimes wonder how I ever raised my children My energy level just isn't what it used to be.

Hopefully with a healthier diet/exercise program you will be able to keep your BP and diabetic condition under control.

Keep in touch.

quote:

Having the grandson living with me has also made things difficult. I can't pull out a project and work on it for several days.

Makes me think of when my DD was about 18 mo old. I decided to paint her portrait in oils in a two room apt!

Not my best idea!

Good luck TQ with the new diet. I recently had high bp and went on a diet. What is working for me is counting calories and it is working but slowly. More difficult for you as you have many people to cook for, but still it can be done and once you learn how many calories are in food items it becomes much easier to control the number you consume

Best wishes to you on your health, TQ. Little ones grow up so fast. It's frustrating in the early years to keep everything that's not safe out of their busy little hands, but before you know it, they are off to school and you have a few hours for your projects again.

I had those types of health concerns too, I worked hard at it and reversed it all. My surgeries and sitting around a lot had caused my health to go down PLUS having a DH who cooks with comfort foods, I was unable to cook so I got what was given. Not complaining, but whenever he takes over the cooking, I go right downhill! LOL

Stick to it, the energy and health gain is so WORTH it!

Tables are turned... now it is DH who has to cut back... so that will help both of us!

Thank you for all the well wishes and words of encouragement.

I've permanently changed the way I eat. (no fad diet here) and it has made all the difference. I'm using a version of the DASH diet (dietary approaches to stopping hypertension) which was developed by the NIH. It includes a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains etc. Lower sodium, lower fat, smaller portion sizes.

I've lost about 26 pounds since I started. (would have been more, but we went to Disneyland for a week and it was difficult to maintain the healthier eating 24/7.) My blood pressure is down and according to everything I've read, losing 7% of one's body weight usually corrects the pre-diabetes. I have definitely done that!

I have more energy, fewer migraines, and am a size smaller (and still working to improve even more)

So yes- life is pretty good right now.

I do miss the projects- but I think I'll be able to get back to them in time. I just need to figure out how to keep things in balance.

Good for you TomatoeQ. We miss you here but it's more important to take care of yourself first. Keep up the good work.

Kudos to you for taking charge of striving for better health...You are an inspiration; I need to do the same!

Enjoy that grandson...mine lived with me for about a year...now he is in the military; time goes toooooo fast...

I was wondering where you went. Take care of yourself, the decorating will always be there.

And 26 pounds! That's awesome.

Send me that diet would ya?