Brenda C.

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Have you ever actually yelled out when you were told your resting heart rate?  Sheepishly, I have to raise my hand & say, "yes..."  I was going through the litany of questions always asked about my supplements, food portion size, the whole shabang, when I got to the blood pressure cuff portion of the pre exam. 

I really love chatting with all the medical staff at my surgeon's office, but one young guy always seems to make me smile a little bigger.  No, I am not in some weird stalker thing, I just really get along with him and we compare goofy websites & odd information.  Anyhow, he actually asks me before the cuff goes on, "So what's your number going to be?"  No one has ever asked me before, but I actually play this game in my head.  I said that I am pretty confident I know the number, tell him my Pawnxatony Phil Forecast, and damn if I didn't nail it!  My blood pressure is 108/72, which he adds, "dang, you have a strong beat that sounds so slow, what do you think you heart rate will be?"  I get a little embarrassed, and tell him that I am "keyed up, so it probably will be mid sixty but not higher than seventy-two.  Drum roll please... FIFTY-TWO beats a minute!

Sure I hollered, sitting there on the stupid paper covered table, I have an amazing resting heart rate, one that even Chuck Norris could find as being acceptable!  I told the medical assistant that it had probably been a decade since my heart rate was this low, and upon his high fiving me, I actually apologized for the hollering.  I guess this is sort of a NSV (Non Scale Victory) of a sort, I just know it is great to know my little blood pumper still loves me!!!!

For those of you who think it is just weight loss that gives you the incredible numbers, it is also the effort I put in each and everyday to exercise.  My age is finally to the point, I realize I am "no kid anymore," and that "grown ups" need to behave a certain way.  Between you and me, I tell folks the only reason I do not look my age is because I am immature -- I try to at my shoe size, not my age... Be like a child when you exercise -- do kids being active realize it is exercise?  NOPE!  I used to be willing to walk three miles to the muni pool in my hometown so I could swim from noon to six pm, then walk the three miles home.  Admittedly, I drive the nine miles to the aquatic center now, but I am looking forward to doing it by bicycle soon!

Chatting with folks at the beginning of their journey, I tell them that it does take work, but it is so worth it.  Another patient at my surgeon's office was talking to my favorite nurse (yup, I have a favorite nurse, but will never give a name, so as not to make anyone feel less loved), and I asked if she would mind my butting in.  I first apologized for listening in, but she was a hockey mom.  I told her how far I have come (did not blurt out my heart rate), and that one of my goals was to skate again.  She gave me an open invite to come to where she skates, and we both laughed about our love of hockey.  So many activities get set aside when we get fat, it starts to hurt when reminded of what we have lost. 

The good thing with losing stuff?  We get to search for it!  Hey, I like a challenge, so maybe I am weird?  There are so many positive thoughts that go through my head daily, and I love, "Anything worth doing is worth doing well!"  Face your journey with positivity, I promise it makes it easier.  Stop looking at, "I won't be able to have..."  "I'll have to..."  Look at 'I get to..."  I want to..."  I can..."  Pretty simple stuff, but it all adds up to making it another day.  Did you know that I celebrate every morning when I did not give into head hunger?  Yup, it is a little victory to start my day!

It isn't all about what it says on the scale, trust me!  I have been bouncing five pounds in both directions, but I still am lighter by close to 20 pounds since November.  It does get harder after a year, but "anything worth doing, is worth doing well!"

Stay positive!
Brenda : )~

Well, it is another day of swimming, and I have folks to thank!!!  There are two new suits and one cover up offered by fellow members here on Obesity Help -- Thank you to Jillian & Elaine for spreading the love!  Check my album marked Free Swimwear if you would like to get a suit that was donated, or if you want to add a suit - you can send me the measurements & a photo -- or send the suit to me, and I will find it a new home!  The only thing I ask, is that the receiver pay the postage, so lets "pay this forward" and get folks in the water!!  I presently have ONE men's 6X listed, first dibs to a male member, but if no one claims it, I will be happy to send it to a female who would like swim trunks.

Miles swam this year are now 56, and I am loving it!  The King County Aquatic Center is getting a fresh coat of paint, as the Summer Olympic Trials will be held where I swim -- to think, I could be sharing water with REAL athletes!  The pool was full today, and I actually had a great conversation with a new swimmer.  See, you can be fat and swim in public, I do it five days a week.  If you cannot swim very far, that doesn't matter, getting exercise is what we all need.  http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/pools.aspx  If you want to see where I swim, I have added a link.

Being a firm believer in accountability, I am seeing my bariatric nurse practitioner on Tuesday.  She laughed that I am willing to come every three months, I just smile and tell her I am in this for the long haul... My weight loss is pretty much stalled, but I am actually seeing SMALLER swimsuits and other clothing that fits, maybe it is time to bring out the measuring tape?!  So, when you get angry, frustrated, or overwhelmed with stalls, plateaus, or even the up/down of a couple pesky pounds, do not just check the scale, get out the measuring tape.  I am 14 months out, and have already lost over 165 pounds.  It hasn't been easy, but anything worth doing is worth my effort!  When the scale stops going in the downward direction, you really need to look at a few things: Am  I getting enough exercise?  Am I keeping track of ALL my calories?  Do I get enough nutrition, protein, and WATER?  Trust me, I know how easy it is to think, "That looks like a cup..." until I pull out a measuring cup and see I am just kidding myself.  As we lose weight, our bodies do figure out ways to hang onto those calories, so you just may have to change things up - or just double check your calories/exercise/nutrition.

For those of you just considering surgery, I always tell folks to TRY EVERYTHING, FIRST.  Okay, surgery is serious business, and many of us can achieve success the non-surgical route, but you really have to be willing to make the lifetime changes -- same as those of us who have had surgery.  If you have food addiction issues, you really need to conquer them before you will ever succeed - whichever route you take.  I still deal with "Head Hunger," and wish I knew why I still have that stupid little voice calling me at night.  My usual way of confronting the voice - I go to sleep.  Ha ha, you cannot entice me with food while I sleep!  I have many friends who have yet to conquer the night eating, but I am working diligently to conquer mine.  So, what do you tell yourself when you give in?  How about, "Hey, that kind of sucks, but if you stop now, you won't have as much guilt to deal with later..."  Just putting off your "diet" for another day, since you've already "blown it" today is NEVER going to work.  Stop while you can, and work for turning it around, immediately.  If you have over eating issues, maybe consider looking into OA, it is a peer group with folks who understand what you are going through. I am also a BIG supporter of SUPPORT.  If you need to find a support group in your area, look in the forums here on OH in your region - I actually post occasionally in the WA Forum.

Oh and support is good for weight loss - the under garment type!  I am so loose and floppy, I make sure I have a good supporting bra & usually a body firming garment of some sort.  Look on eBay, Slimpressions, I even saw some great support under garments at Sam's Club - under $20 for two!  If you have less jiggle, you will be happier walking, even sitting.  Panty girdles, support hose, it all helps.  Trust me, not only does if physically feel better, you feel a little sexier -- well, I know I do...

What is keeping you from parking at the farthest end of the parking lot?  I laughed at all the fools, driving around in circles like sharks, I drove to the far end, grabbed a cart, and was pushing my way to the store entrance while some fools were still jockeying for the closest spot.  Take it in small steps, if you cannot cover too much ground, but get those steps in!  I am also making every effort to taking the stairs everywhere I go.  Yup, even with my janky leg, I slowly creep up those stairs, and stop when I need to.  No shame in taking a breather!!!  Just start somewhere, and build.  Taking the stairs, I am now up to 20 flights a day, no kidding!  My old goal was 10 flights a day, so I slowly doubled it.  Look into a cheap pedometer, you will enjoy watching the steps add up.

Okay, have I motivated you yet?  Let me know!  If you need support, I am usually here, and happy to offer an ear & even some positive words.  Check my swimwear album, and if you have shrunk out of a size, consider giving it to another OH member who is where you used to be!

Stay positive!
Brenda : )~

For those of you looking for a support group that meets in the general area of Seattle - Tacoma Washington, this Saturday is the South Puget Sound Support Group Meeting in Covington, at the Library -- 3pm.  To find out more about SPS - http://spssupport.info/AboutUs.htm -- SPS is also on Facebook -- just ask to friend me -- Barbarian Brenda ([email protected]), and I will send you the invite to join the FB group.  SPS meets twice monthly, first Saturday of the month, and third Thursday of the month.

On Monday, February 13, CARE will be meeting at the Poodle Dog Restaurant in Fife, WA.  This meeting is usually the Second Tuesday of the month, but not so in February.  The guest speaker will be Rose Cowan.  Contact Tina Brown for more information about CARE: https://sites.google.com/site/mynewlifejourneycom/  Tina Brown also works with the Puget Sound Bariatric Group: http://pugetsoundbariatrics.com/

Virginia Mason offers group meetings in Federal Way and Seattle that does not exclude anyone. You will be welcomed in no matter what surgery or surgeon - this is SUPPORT.  Please check their schedule to see if any of the dates and/or locations work for you: https://www.virginiamason.org/workfiles/bariatrics/Support_Group.pdf  There are groups for VSG, RNY, Band, and anything in between.  I go to the Federal Way Group that meets fourth Wednesday of every month.

There are also groups who post on the WA Forum - so if you are looking for a certain area, that is a great place to find a group!

Brenda : )~

For all you folks looking for some inspiration, and/or a support group, I have one for you in the Fife/Tacoma, WA area!  CARE meets monthly at The Poodle Dog every second Tuesday of the month - except February -- when Rose Cowan will be a speaking guest.  Come out for some inspiration!  Come out for some support!  Come out if you want to meet me, I actually attend the CARE Weight Loss Support Group!

Have you ever heard of Rose Cowan?  She is a life coach who lost over 150 pounds without surgery is going to be speaking at a local Support Group - CARE.  http://rosecowan.com/ is Rose Cowan's site, and she has been on Dr Oz, New Day NW, and weight loss conferences, and in general is VERY motivated and wants to share her motivation with you! 

If you live in the area, or can easily travel to Fife, WA (North of Tacoma, South of Seattle) the CARE Weight Loss Support Group would LOVE to have you for the evening!  Monday, February 13th at 6:30pm at The Poodle Dog Restaurant, 1522 54th Avenue E, Fife WA 98424 

 

Coming up with topics to share at support group meetings isn’t always easy, and sometimes takes a little thinking.  While I have had a headache for over a day, nothing major, just a nagging pain that makes me want to NOT do my daily routine, it made me aware of a great topic: Five things that you really need to succeed while losing weight.  Okay, truth be told, this could probably work in other areas of your life, but I’ll try to stay on topic.

What is the one thing your teacher told you that you should do every morning?  I know in second grade this was really stressed, as it was my first real nutrition class of my life: EAT BREAKFAST!  We all try to justify why we won’t, can’t, it’s just too hard, and I only get hungry sooner, so breakfast is out reason for not eating first thing in the morning.  Okay, so first we usually shower, take our supplements and/or medications, get dressed, so it really isn’t the first thing we do.  Take a few moments each day just to get some sort f nutrition.  It doesn’t have to be a traditional egg or oatmeal, it could be a meal replacement drink, protein bar, or even just some sandwich meat – you really need to get fuel in you before you start your day.  Trust me, I was one of the worst offenders before I finally “saw the light”, so you can adapt a new habit just as easily as I have.  Your body needs nutrition, especially protein, so find something easy if you do not have time, even a cup of yogurt – you can add protein powder to it, or just be happy with what is already in it.  Quick oats with flax seed is something I throw into my microwave many days, and for added flavor & nutrients, I put a scoop of meal replacement in it.  I start by “nuking it” just 45 seconds, stir, and zap it another 30 seconds – wham, bang, you got a fabulous hot meal you can eat in under 5 minutes (I know, we are supposed to eat slowly, but I am just making a point of time & convenience).  Your body & brain will thank you, as well as co-workers, because when you get into the habit of having a nutritious breakfast, I guaranty your mood will be a good one.

Exercise maybe that one word you loath or maybe you really dig it, but don’t feel like you have the time.  MAKE THE TIME!  It is simple math, calories in minus calories burned, equals a weight gain or a weight loss.  Yup, I believe in this theory, as well as the “theory of positivity,” that may become the best Brenda-ism yet!  I grew up a very active and fat child.  I look back; my mother even complained I wouldn’t sit still in her womb, so how was I so fat?  Well, I found out that without all my activity, not only did I get fatter, I got unhealthy and made my life a very negative.  I know, I try really hard to face the world with a smile, but even I had days I did not want to face the world, and would prefer the company of myself.  Now that I am on the move seven days a week, all I really can be is a positive force to be reckoned with.  It did not happen overnight, but movement will set you free, I promise.  Find something that doesn’t hurt, and that will not make you feel like the world is staring at me – unless you are like me, “Hey, I am exercising here, out of my way!”  Swimming has saved me, maybe yoga, Zumba, or walking will save you.  Even a mild headache did not keep me from my laps this morning.  Make it a daily ritual, just start with at least 15 – 20 minutes a day, and you will find over time, you will enjoy an hour or more of sustained movement!

Support!  I say to many folks here on Obesity Help, “I get support by GIVING support!”  Maybe the old “It takes a village,” wasn’t too far from my support notion.  Okay, if you cannot find a weight loss surgery support group close by, I am sure you can find a TOPS (Take Off Weight Sensibly – tops.org), Overeaters Anonymous (oa.org), or even check your local Craigslist or even local newspaper for support groups in the “community activity” section.  Maybe you should start a group?  Trust me, whether it is religious based support, weight loss based, or just someone who can understand that you cannot deal with emotions by eating them away, we all need support.  Just having human contact – not just Internet contact – will help you succeed.  I actually am a leader of one support group, and attend two other support groups as a member; it really helps to keep my mind focused and makes me also accountable for my actions.  If all the support you can get is here on OH, feel free to contact me for your very own cheerleader!  Check the State Forums, various Forums that pertain to what you are dealing with (I go on Over 50 BMI and RNY most the time, but also cruise other Forums that my friends are in).  Especially now that I am a year out from surgery, the weight loss has slowed, and I am struggling to get the rest off, so support is going to be a key for me.

Nutrition!  Not just meals, but also supplements are very important for you to succeed.  I laughed the other day when I was getting my blood drawn, I asked the phlebotomist if she knew how long blood could be stored, as I will be having surgery on March 29.  I made her laugh, “My blood is high grade, I take lots of supplements, and I don’t want some generic blood!”  We got into a conversation about nutrition, and we both agreed that what you take in your mouth ends up showing up in your blood.  If you have had surgery, are thinking about getting surgery, or just want to have the best hair, skin, nails, it takes a well balanced diet with added supplements to round the whole thing out.  Did you know that vitamin D deficiency can lead to Multiple Sclerosis, mood issues, bone & muscle pain, even can contribute to Diabetes?  Yup, just one little vitamin can change your outlook, and is easily obtained.  Niacin is another vitamin that can change your mood, improve your energy, keep your memory going strong, and in general make you a positive person.  Since many of us “dieters” have given up breads and many processed grain products, niacin - riboflavin - thiamin - iron is easy to become deficient in, as bread in the United States began to be fortified in 1941 with niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and iron to help reduce diseases related to nutritional deficiency.  I could go on for pages of what you really should know, now that you are a “serious diet professional,” but I want to just leave you with this: Take your supplements DAILY, get quality protein, drink lots of water, and check with your doctor at least once a year for blood work.

My last piece of advice that rounds out my five things I follow to succeed is this: Positive Outlook!  Hey now, it isn’t always easy for me to face the world outside of my bedroom, but I love the old saying, “Smile, it’ll drive’em crazy!”  I had a moment where I was almost ready to cringe, but was pleasantly surprised today.  I was sitting on the blocks, waiting for the Life Guard to come out, and here comes this little kid about 5 years old.  I am still very large, and when I am wearing my swimsuit, I sometimes still feel pretty vulnerable.  I was just smiling at him; he looks over at me with a great big grin, “HELLO! Are you going to swim in the big pool?”  I grinned and told him I was going to.  He then said that he could not wait until he was big like ME, so he too could be in the big pool.  Guess what, not everyone looks at fat people with disdain, so try not to be on guard, try just being open to others.  Maybe you have had more times where it was easier to avoid making eye contact, but let me tell you, facing the world with a smile on your face shows people you are friendly and self assured.  Many times when I am out and about, I get folks that will stop and ask me questions.  I think it is just because it is easier to ask a smiling stranger a question, then to wander around aimlessly.  When you have a positive outlook, others can tell.

All right, nothing you didn’t already know, but sometimes even I need to be reminded what I need to do to succeed.  Why not make a list of five things you use to succeed?  Share it with others, you never know, you may make a new friend!  Living with a smile on my face makes every day end on a high note.  Be optimistic enough to sell a pessimist a dream – that was something I used to say as a kid – and I actually have tried to live my life by that Brenda-ism.  Just remember, the person YOU spend the most time with, is YOU…

 Brenda : )~

The power is back on, and I THANKED the workers when I ventured off my hill to go to the store.  I actually wished I was flush enough to buy them all coffee & donuts, then I stopped to consider that most the workers would be getting an incredibly fat check, so I think my thank you was probably sufficient ;) 

During the power outage I discovered the funniest thing, I had enough clothing of various sizing to wear FOUR layers and not look like the Michelin Man!  My boyfriend joked when telling friends about my antics, but I still think I looked smartly warm, so there!  Nothing like wearing a scull cap & gloves in your bed, and NOT be making a fashion statement.  How do people live with this kind of snow?  I salute all you folks out there, and trust me, I am joking as I whine about the recent storm that NO ONE saw coming.  My overall temperament was actually pretty upbeat, so that is another thing I learned about myself, I do take "hiccups" pretty well.

To all the kind folks who sent me fun notes while I was having a trying time, thanks!!!  I will get back to all of you, I promise.  To those who are waiting on swimsuits, I DID get two in the mail, and will figure out what I have to get out in the next day or so.  I haven't had mail service since Tuesday, so I actually went to the Post Office and discovered that First Class Stamps went up while I was snowed in -- check your Forever Stamps.

Going without swimming was not fun, and I will admit I did not have as much enthusiasm on the exercise bike.  I just had so little to look at -- snow on my deck, that was a little frustrating.  So today, I finally got back to the pool, and finished mile 38 -- that makes 562 to go for this year.  I am proud that I did not get so bored that I went into the cupboards, so high marks on keeping the Head Hunger at bay!  I did figure out some goofy ways to make oatmeal fun on a propane burner... I actually made FACES with fruit chunks and flax seed to stare back to make my family smile.  So what? I already know I am a goof, if the world finds out, I doubt it will hurt my political career... I drank more tea over those five days then I think I drank in the entire month of December, so I am a little bored with tea at the moment.

My world is coming back into order - if you could call my life orderly at any stretch of the imagination - so happiness is having a warm shower after waking up in a heated house!  Sadly, I was HAPPY to finally vacuum!  I think I may need a psychiatric evaluation, after all is said & done. The things one takes for granted: a clean floor!!!!  Stay positive!

Brenda : )~

 Well folks, snow is not only rough on head hunger caused by boredom, without power for almost three days, I am now considering eating my phone! 
Sorry for not getting back to people, but I may have to leave my cold home for a motel, and Internet, hot showers, a bed with a normal amount of blankets!
Western Washington got hit hard, so it maybe a day or two before I can really chat!
On the bright side, our power company says we get fifty dollars if our power stays out two more days! B
Stay warm & Positive!!!!
Brenda : )-

Third day at home, and the Governor has declared a "State of Emergency" for Western Washington.  Maybe all the fools who still try to drive on icy roads should just realize that it doesn't snow too often; just sit it out, and keep warm at home; should check out a news report.  Duh.  I haven't heard any traffic yet today, but I live in a hilly residential area, so I am happily content.  My satellite dish isn't in the mood to work, but I have lots to keep me company, including an exercise bicycle.  Don't let weather keep you idle, it will ruin your waistline!

The simple math of weight loss, calories in, minus calories burned, equals weight loss/gained.  Already having severe second thoughts for having breakfast cereal instead of an egg & protein shake... At least it wasn't ice cream, or worse.  Being stuck at home is a good way to tell if you still have "eating issues," as food is available, too available.  No worries, I just remind myself, "Whatever I eat in private, will show up on the scale at the doctors office... Do I REALLY NEED to be eating THIS?"  Okay, so maybe guilt is the wrong approach, but it seems to work in this case for me.  I am facing another follow up appointment on February 7, and I want to continue to be "consistent" as my surgeon's Nurse Practitioner called me on my last visit.

One of my suggestions to folks about wanting to lose weight is to do it for YOURSELF.  Yup, how many times did you say "I want to lose weight for" - insert name - and it wasn't yours???  I am doing this for me, but admittedly, I also am a people pleaser, and hate looking like I cannot do something.  Do you think I have control issues? I'll be the first to admit my short comings, and the first to point out I would make someone a GREAT life coach -- just don't look at my life, ha ha!  Either way, I try to be honest with myself, and if it takes my vanity to get me to stay motivated, well, then LOOK AT ME, please!

Putting my story out for "all the world to see," has made me more honest with myself than I may have been in the past.  A person can only get away with, "But I really do not eat THAT MUCH..." before someone sees them chowing down at a fast food restaurant.  If you live by what you say, you don't have to lie to yourself.  Oh, I do go out with friends to eat, but I still box at least half of every meal, and try to remind myself not to eat THAT MUCH, or it will show up on the scale.  Keep a food diary, it will blow your mind.

Idle minds do not need to be anywhere near the pantry-- Brenda-ism number 492 - I just made it up!  What is it about not having a routine that makes for Head Hunger???  Man, I think if someone could come up with a pill, they would make more money then could be printed!  I hate Head Hunger.  Boredom, the Head Hunger's Best Friend -- another Brenda-ism... Maybe I have had too much coffee?  What I am trying to do is to remind myself, and anyone reading, to not let the kitchen call your name.  Come up with something productive, or in my case, write.

I weighed myself this morning, clothing on, figuring if I liked the number, I am doing all right.  You wouldn't believe my internal math, "How much does my shorts & top actually weigh?  Five pounds?  I wish!"  Then came the, "You are on your period, so that adds a little weight..."  I then chuckled, bent down to pick up the scale, and told myself, "Shut up, you need to ride the bike an extra half hour..."  Inactivity is the worse thing for those of us who are usually battling weight and eating issues.  Hello, my name is Brenda, and I have an overactive imagination that allows me to eat too much... Try not rationalize eating, trust me, I could come up with infinite reasons to eat any given item.  Try to eat in a "mindful" way - be aware of why you are eating - for sustenance, not just for the pleasure of eating.  Eating while I am bored is a dangerous combination, so I now know why you can buy "single serve" portion sized food! 

Okay, enough sitting in one place for a long period of time, it is time for me to walk around my house!  I will be upstairs getting my supplements, then down two flights of stairs filling the one pellet stove, then I will walk the main floor looking for chores.  Three days later, I am happily home & not going to binge out of boredom!  Don't let weather give you an excuse!

Stay positive!
Brenda : )~

This is what I see out the window into my back yard, from my main floor.  No Mail, no swimming, just a whole lot of coffee drinking & work on projects I can accomplish at home.  Hello Winter, nice to see you finally made it!

Brenda : )~

Wow.  I finally am seeing snow for the first time this winter - unusual for me, as this is the first winter were I wasn't already tired of snow by January.  Leaving the house this morning for a few more supplies - kitty litter, milk & fresh meat - it was like driving in a snow globe.  Pretty, but glad I had four wheel drive, just the same.  Trust me, I could easily live off the food in my pantry, but it is nice to be able to get a few things before I am completely snowed in.  One thing I loved to see, kids - in SHORTS - playing in the snow.  I shook my head, "I remember when weather meant NOTHING to me, sigh."  Sunday I was just laughing to a friend that I would swim outdoors into December while I went to college in Sacramento, CA (it gets COLD in Sacramento by November). 

Doubtful that my mail will be delivered today, I actually trudged down the hill on foot to ask my mail carrier if she could dig mine out now.  I live on a hill, with two separate hills to get to my street -- but I'll have to wait and see if she will find conditions good enough to deliver to me later.  One advantage to being on a hill: you can see everything below you.  One disadvantage: you can see others moving around below you without worry of sliding down said hill.  My stairs & exercise bike will keep me company for the next couple of days.

Like some folks take their dogs out for walks, I take my cat, Killer aka Tubby Tabby for walks when it snows.  He likes to crunch in the snow, loves rain, but strangely he likes having company when the weather gets like this.  So if you see a silly bundled up woman talking to her cat, just wave and smile.  Oh, and I have replenished the food outside for my "friends" with fur & feathers.  My boyfriend just shakes his head, "They look hungry, and the weather is terrible...'  I guess I am deep down inside, an easy touch.  I am just glad the weather keeps the kids from pedaling their cookies for donations... I usually just give them money & tell them to keep the swag.  I am a sucker, plain and simple.  Although, I did see the Girl Scouts have a new APP to find Girl Scout Cookies, ha ha ha.  You can buy Girl Scout Cookies for The Troops, someone told me...

Anyhow, do not weather keep you down & inactive, find something to do, even if it is organizing that spare room... Not having something to occupy yourself is setting yourself up for grazing.  Stay warm, and stay positive!

Brenda : )~