Mkess’s Posts
Good morning all and Happy Tuesday,
It's rainy, the sky is cloudy, it's a brisk fall day. The trees in my backyard have just starting to change colors. Awesome. And it is treatment day. I'm looking forward to resting later today. Maybe I'll even be able to get some sleep.
QOTD- scented candles but I do have a couple of wax melts. I currently have a burning leaves scented candle.
B: Dannon Light and Fit Coconut yogurt. Coffee.
L: ??? Prolly skip
Snack after treatment: chicken salad.
D: Rib tippers.
Last night, I did a thing:
Vegas calling.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Tuesday,
Hope everyone had a good extended weekend. My weekend saw book club, blue hair bingo with a new friend, trip to the South side for rib tips and the beach, where I ate with the seagulls, lunch with Mom-1st time in a month+, met with sponsee, dog park x2, and played spades.
QOTD- Haunted houses are great. I'm going with that same new friend on the 24th and looking forward to it. When I was using a cane a couple years back, I was assured it was safe to visit a haunted house. Within a few feet of entering, I was immediately knocked down by an overzealous actor. I'm looking forward to a return visit now that my balance is much better and I'm back on two feet.
B: Dannon Light and Fit Coconut Yogurt, tangerine.
L: leftover meaty skillet. Broccoli.
D: burrito in a bowl. Salad, jicama.
Dessert: cotton candy grapes.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Tuesday,
It's currently rainy, dark, and depressing outside this morning. The weather matches my current mood.
I don't want to get into politics of the current environment but thought someone might appreciate an experience in one of the targeted neighborhoods for mass deportation.
It's really tough right now. I'm having a relapse with PTSD, due to ICE / CBP Wreaking Havoc in my neighborhood every day. Throughout the day, there are gov't helicopters flying overhead, unmarked cars speeding around, with unidentified people with masks jumping out with semi-automatic weapons throughout the day. Everyone is on edge and staying inside. The next block over, a Black, 72 year old, American citizen was zip tied by ICE and detained for hours over the weekend and then released. I'm dumbfounded how this could happen in America. I never thought our rights as Americans could be compromised so quickly and easily.
Friday, children from the local elementary schools were confronted on school grounds, which is known as a safe zone, by firearm brandishing, uniformed ICE officers. These children are scared and scarred from the interactions and they definitely delivered the message to their parents to get the **** out of America. For most kids, this is the first time in a contemptuous situation with the authorities and they did not have their parents with, to protect them. We now have neighborhood monitors on every block to make sure school children can get to/from school without being accosted. I'm off right now to walk a couple blocks away to stand on the corner, smile, say hi, and pretend like everything's ok as children walk to school.
Sorry to be a big bummer. Unfortunately, it's the current reality for me and others while we normally live in peaceful neighborhoods, co-existing with people of all shapes, colors, believe and walks of life.
Anyway, today is a gift that will never happen again. This is real life and it's not all roses, puppy dogs and rainbows. This too shall pass. I'm trying to be optimistic but also a realist. I am so grateful to even have these issues. To me, these are wee problems compared to many other countries of the worlds' human beings. We have fundamental rights. I am so lucky to have been born in the right place at the right time to the right ethno demographic parents, with these advantages.
QOTD- I like exploring unique and unusual things. Curiosity keeps life exciting and is true to my desire to constantly learn.
Accountability- handful of chocolate covered banana cups.
B: Oikos Triple Zero Berry yogurt, salmon, cream cheese, dill, and tomato on a couple cucumber slices.
L: 1/2 Bacon Turkey Bravo from Panera and maybe a couple chips.
D: Something delivery. I don't have any desire to be outside when I don't need to be.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Friday,
It's going to be a beautiful day. 80s and sunshine. Maybe the last one of the year?
I'm a big mess right now. I have a lot of challenges and my motivation is almost non existent.
That said, I am trying to do some self care along the way. This weekend, I'm going on a nature walk, Hyde Park Jazz Fest, speaking at an event Friday, some folk/country music at a new venue Sunday night. I haven't seen my mom in a while so may get together with her and my sister for a meal.
QOTD- What are your biggest eating challenges of the fall and Halloween season?
I have pumpkin spice, which I allow myself two pumpkin drinks. Halloween candy is my love and nemesis. I like that you can try different types without committing to a whole candy bar. My mind sees that as an invitation to eat everything in sight. I end up binging if I'm not careful.
Accountability - 3 Buffalo wings, one Korean wing.
B: lox, cream cheese, cucumber. Yogurt.
L: Al pastor Taco in a bowl.
D: ???
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Tuesday,
The weekend went alright. I spent time with a new friend and that was really nice. I also checked out a farmers market and started walking an additional block/walk. A good friend got up to 5 miles and I hope to walk with him eventually.
I'm still grieving my relationship ending. Paula sent me an email yesterday, which is the first communication door in a month. It was asking how much money she owed me and was short.
QOTD- I love Ethnic food in general. My favorite is usually whatever is in front of me. I'm going to go with Northern Thai; vibrant, simple, herbaceous, bright mix of ingredients. I've also been digging Chinese Food from Chengdu, the capital in the Sicuan province. I'm so blessed to be living in a city where you can find any ethnic food you can think of.
B: Coffee with protein shake, 1/2 bagel and lox.
L: 3 baby back ribs, tomatoes& salt.
D: Maxwell's Trading. Talking my sister out for a nice dinner. I'm excited to have dinner with my sister. I'm grateful that we're close.
Speaking of rodents, there is a rat hole in the Roscoe village neighborhood. Today, we bow our heads to the rat immortalized in the pavement.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Monday,
Let's all have a wonderful week. It's a great day to be alive.
Music, movie, and dog park were in the cards for the weekend.
QOTD- I'm a Scorpio and don't really know anything about it. I know that there are matching signs for a good or bad match with different peoples' signs.
Accountability- 6 Coconut cookies.
B: everything bagel with chive cream cheese, tomato, as well as a fresh picked apple
L: Corned beef and brown mustard. Carrots.
D: Chicken breast baked with onions and thyme
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good afternoon all and Happy Monday,
This weekend was fun but I pushed my body too hard. I slept 9 hours last night, which is unprecedented nowadays. Also, rare these days, I danced four hours and stayed out until 2am.
QOTD- Yellow.
B: Dannon Light and Fit Coconut Yogurt, peach, coffee with pp
L: 1/2 Subway BMT pecking at the bread. Flan. Wasn't planning on it but an old lady made me promise to eat the whole thing. I don't want to let little old ladies down so...
D:Nigiri, sashimi, and Edamame.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
I'm excited for you. You're going to kick butt and take names.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Fri-yay,
We made it to the weekend! Finger pistols to the sky. Pew! Pew! Pew! Does that qualify as attempted imaginary assault with a figurative weapon?
I'm buried under to do's but I'm focusing on completing just a couple tasks today. A new aide is starting to help.
This weekend, I don't have anything important planned so everything is fluid.
QOTD- What is one healthy habit you can add to your routine next week to improve the successful weight management that you already practice.
An extra couple flights of stairs in the AM and PM. Taking my dog to the forest preserve instead of the dog park. Both things are easy and won't take up any noticable additional time.
Accountability- cinnamon roll. I cut it in half and really enjoyed it. Then I ate the other half and really enjoyed it more. That is before the amount of calories crossed my mind.
B: Coffee and Oikos triple zero cherry, peach.
L: Chicken shish kabob, grilled veggies.
D: 4 Buffalo Wings, blue cheese, jicama sticks tossed in buffalo sauce, salad
Pics- a really big tree and me; Burger for breakfast & hand cut fries; Pajun Pancake w Brussels, some sort of teriyaki oyster soy sauce, potatoes
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Wise words. Thanks for pointing that out.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Humpty,
I broke up with Paula. It's for the best, despite me questioning the decision. I have found myself in a quagmire of life at the moment. Lots of reflection, and much growth ahead.
Last night, I did some self care and treated myself to the nine inch nails concert at the United Center. Tickets were a fraction of face so I scored good seats.
I'm currently on my way to the doctor. It should be routine. The rest of my day is blocked in 15 minutes increments with a spare fifteen minutes weaved in.
QOTD- What would you do for a Klondike Bar?
Steps: 10,460
B: breakfast in the car - premier protein shake
L: Italian beef in a bowl w sweet peppers and hot oil. Carrots sticks and cauliflower. Salad
D: Rib tips and Cole slaw.
Have a great, productive day all!
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Friday,
We made it! The weekend. I'm doing some social stuff this weekend. Festa Little Italy, annual picnic with my club, bringing a newcomer to a different AA meeting in hopes of introducing him to fellowship with like minded folks. I'm also going to hit up a farmers market and the beach, if time allows.
QOTD- I have boggle on my phone. Mainly, I play with my mom and have been for years.
B: Dannon Light and Fit Coconut Yogurt, cherries, half pp shake.
L: Half deli sandwich on lettuce.
D: BBQ at my Aunt and Uncle's. Ribs or chicken. Cole slaw.
Willie the Wimp(Pimp) was buried in his Cadillac. Kinda.
I love Dale Chihuly and his glass masterpiece.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Tuesday,
We're already one day closer to the weekend!
We had severe thunderstorms last night and the rain was torrential. I sat with the dog, watching as the storm wrapped it's tight grasp around Chicago. It was Awesome.
The storm is setting the stage for lower temps, which are very welcome.
Twenty minutes ago, I snagged a coveted , elusive DMV appt for 9:30. My morning will now be spent waiting at the DMV to get a new license with my current address. My license expires in November so two birds, one stone, one happy Matt.
QOTD- As Summer is starting to be on the outs, how does your outdoor physical activity change to reflect the new weather, amount of daylight, and changing of seasons?
In the summer, getting physical activity in is easy, as I don't need to count steps when being at fests, farmers markets, beaches, parks, walking the dog and casually strolling around different neighborhoods. I'm a lot more active in summer, knowing the Chicago 100 days of summer goes very quick.
B: Dannon Light and Fit Coconut Yogurt, cherries.
L: Rib tips and beans. Salad.
D: Chicken marsala and mushrooms, green beans.
Have a Vünderbar Tuesday y'all.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Monday,
It's been warm. I like AC and breezy nights and they have been abundant.
Saw Naked Gun and it was as stupid and enjoyable as expected.
Went to Lincoln Park zoo, green city farmers market and North Ave Beach Saturday. Saturday night, I went to a rooftop party for a friend's 50th. It was... Interesting.
QOTD- I wanna be a yachtboy.
B: Lox and cream cheese on a tomato.
L: barbacoa hand pie, salad.
D: Rotisserie Chicken and BBQ sauce, donut peach and Rainier cherries, green beans.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Fry-Day,
It's Fry-Day, it's Fry-Day. This is the day that fries the week solid and unlocks the weekend wildness. Ok, maybe they're not so wild anymore.
This morning, I'm picking up Roeser's Donuts, working out, meeting with my sponsor, and then running a meeting with him. After I have lunch with a couple of close friends. The rest of the day should be juggling pressing to-do's. Tonight, Paula is coming over and we may do second Fridays at the Fine Arts Building.
Emily, for those that remember, popped back into my day to day yesterday. She was borderline breakdown yesterday and I spent the morning over at her place with my pooch. I was really worried and her sister called me freaking out, too.
QOTD- I'm a baseball guy. Played for 12 years, umped for 5 years, Fourth Generation Cubs' fan, and die hard Cubs' fan for 45 years. Playing catcher for those years has some responsibility for my physical problems and hip replacement.
B: Oikos Triple zero cherry, strawberries, coffee.
L: Dining out
D: Whatever the SO wants.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Friday Junior,
It's looking like it's going be a full, productive, exhausting complete day by the time I get to take a breath at 7:00 p.m. I'm having a new assistant start today and I'm hopeful that they're going to be able to help greatly. I'm way behind the eight ball with new host stuff and unpacking. However, there is really no rush since it's on my own timeline.
Thanks for understanding Lady Godiva about starting the daily post. You do a great job and think you for carrying the torch. I know it's not easy and it's also time consuming. Starting a daily thread isn't's going to happen often but it will help me with my accountability. I really, really appreciate you taking the reigns and steering this ship. Please let me know if I am stepping on your toes at all or if anyone objects.
QOTD- Golf. I'm horrible but would like to play again, after my shoulder surgery.
B: Coffee. Breakfast was cut short by a friend in immediate need.
L: PP shake.
D: A bite out - maybe something greasy.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Hump Day,
I moved Monday and am posting this from my new apt deck, coffee in hand. I'm so grateful to be done with the actual moving part, the last apt and landlord. This was the worst move of my life due to the moving company and my current physical health. Onward and upward from here.
I'm just starting to open boxes and identify what will go where. This is always exciting. My dog seems happy with the new digs.
I'd like to try to post more often but the daily thread isn't always active at the desired time. If no one minds, I'll start the daily post if it's not up yet.
QOTD: Neither. I don't see either materializing in my future.
B: Premier Protein chocolate, cherries.
L: Rotisserie Chicken
D: Taco in a bowl, jicama
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Wednesday,
Quick rundown... I'm still packing for a Monday move. It's been hot here but a needed 20° drop is in store today. I finally got MRIs on the right knee and right shoulder. I see the Orthopedic tomorrow to find out if surgery is ahead for either. I think I read the results as tearing in the rotator cuff, no meniscus knee tear, fluid in the knees, severe arthritis in both.
My landlord is being creative with passive aggressiveness and I welcome the challenge to not engage. Paula and I had totally unnecessary flight. She asked me to do something, I did it, and was angry because I followed through. I just chalk it up to being a hard day for her and taken out on me. While it ended fine, it brought up questions about future conflict resolution.
QOTD- I would have started going to the gym and have a set routine earlier
B: Dannon light and fit yogurt, cherries.
L: ??? Maybe hospital cafeteria after today's treatment.
D: ??? Maybe leftover chili or wings or brats. Green vegetable.
Passed by this fella on the road.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Friday, It's a beautiful day to be alive and a nice week that is wrapping up. Patience, calmness, tolerance, and grace have really really helped.
I hope to sign a lease today. I am waiting for one lease seeing two apartments and have one application in.
My garage sale is not happening this weekend. It is not worth the time or physical effort at this point.
QOTD- I would choose lamb. Deciding factors: Food, clothes, mutton chops and help falling asleep.
B: Dannon Light and Fit yogurt, 1/3 bagel, lox.
L: ?? Something quick. Maybe rotisserie chicken.
D: TBD Date night.
Someone painted those stone lion statues and it's a little less ferocious. Red snapper ceviche. My parents wedding night bill.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Monday,
Weekend was good. I enjoyed life. Yesterday, we went to a BBQ at Paula's Parents' house. It was enjoyable but strange since I'm dating Paula and have established personal relationships with attendees and now I'm dating my friend's sister, his parents' daughter, and other friends that have known Paula from birth. It's a weird dynamic.
QOTD- YES. I will stop the day if I next to rest, meditate, or take 15min to lay down.
B: Yogurt, half bagel, half cup coffee.
L: BBQ with Mom and sister.
D: salad with yesterday's chicken.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning all and Happy Little Friday,
Yesterday was a mental health day for me. I got a couple appts done in the morning. Then the last week caught up with me and I had to lay down.
QOTD- Kinda. I have a sequence for medical, financial, and business stuff. It's a combo of words, letters and numbers. So I really just have color coded everything, as there are a vast amount of colors.
B: Nothing yet. I'll probably do a yogurt and lox w dill and Greek yogurt.
L: ???
D: Teriyaki Chicken and broccoli. Salad.
S: string cheese.
Today, I'm grateful for beautiful weather, grateful for bad weather, which is beautiful in it's own right. Grateful for not engaging with the landlord's instigating more than absolute necessary. Grateful to catch up with my brother. Grateful to know each day is a new start and independent of the previous day. Grateful for this forum.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Good morning and Happy Hump Day,
It's a really nice day. Since I got out of the habit of posting daily, I'm having trouble incorporating it back into my routine.
Drama with the landlord. Same old story; I'll be out in 3 weeks and done with him. My health stuff isn't going great but I'm addressing it. I saw wu-Tang and run the jewels Monday and it was one of the worst concerts I've been to, in recent memory. The sound was so bad that it ruined the concert.
It's going to be a great day.
QOTD- A woman.
B: Half bagel and lox.
L: Pulled pork and g. Hughes BBQ sauce, vinegar coleslaw with ez sugar.
S: frozen grapes
D: Leftovers, salad and something green.
Dessert: 1/2 Cannoli donut.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Happy Friday Friday Friday.
It's a beautiful day to be alive. Tough week. From what seemed like 9 days, I'm Ready for the weekend. It's my sister's 40th today and we went to dinner last night. She had a massive cut of prime rib and I had shrimp dejonghe. For a present, I gave her money for the next cruise she takes. I hate giving cash as a present. It's always seemed like a cop out.
Weekend was great. I lived my best life.
QOTD- I live in a section of Chicago that is extremely popular with filming. Between Chicago PD, Chicago Med, Chicago Hope, Chicago named shows, other series, movies and superhero bat movies, the city issues filming permits almost everyday every year. My favorite movie with Chicago in the background is The Color of Money. The city is portrayed very accurately, if you ask me.
Chicago is the Key West of Toronto.
B: Dannon Light and Fit Coconut Yogurt.
L: Roja Vieja Jibarito.
D: Chicken cordon bleu green beans w almonds
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Congrats to Em.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
Sounds like you are a busy bee. If I can lighten your load at all, including by being boots on the ground, let me know. I'm happy to help.
HW: 371 SW(8/9/21): 324 CW: 208 lbs 0 lbs til goal of skin reduction surgery. I'm still looking for a new plastic surgeon.
"I wonder if pizza thinks about me, too."
