Okay so here’s the deal. I mentioned that Bonaparte had surgery recently. It was oral and he needs to be on a soft diet for six months. And whilst I was in Cincinnati for a week enjoying my new grandson, I ate. I ate a lot.
And what I ate wasn’t necessarily the healthiest but wasn’t the unhealthiest. I’m lying. I nibbled at the trail mix. And nuts. And I consumed a few lactation cookies just to test them out. Brownies were also made—twice and I enjoyed them. As did I enjoy the chocolate chip cookies I made and a little cheesecake.
I ate Indian food and Chinese food and managed to cook a few meals. Am I guilty? Not really because my daughter needs to eat in order to keep that milk supply flowing. I was there to help eat the food!
But while I was away, the husband lived on soup. To begin with, he refuses to actually “cook” for himself so he went to Wegmans and purchased quite a few Karine & Jeff soups that happen to be imported from France.
These soups are supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! The nutritional value is very weight loss friendly AND they are filling. My newest obsession is the brand’s Thai Coconut soup!
He lost quite a few pounds without really trying. And over the course of time I was in Cincinnati, I gained one pound. Which, by the way, I’m thrilled about because I would have sworn I gained more.
Now that I’m home, I’ve become obsessed with these soups because they are all natural and quite filling. Still, it’ll take me a dog’s age to lose five pounds. And it just happens that when my husband went to the doctor two days ago, the doctor demanded he not lose any more weight. Trust me, I just about spiraled into a jealous rage! But my new project is to find soft foods that will fatten him up. Oh, if I had a mustache, I could twirl the ends in such a villainous way!
What did he do? He had oral surgery and his Frenchness allowed for a drastic weight loss while I………………
Anyway, (because we all know that anyways is not a word) we both registered with Montgomery County, PA to have our COVID-19 vaccine. What a bunch of bullsh….!
I registered over a month ago and receive these emails basically stating that Montgomery County has a shortage of vaccines and it’ll be a long wait. Most likely when hell freezes over!
Seriously. I’m vaccine ready. Unfortunately Montgomery County, PA isn’t ready to hand them out!
That being said, the wonderful Philadelphia-based Main Line Health sent a message to my husband that he could receive a vaccination! Imagine that! He didn’t even have to reach out to them. Main Line Health reached out to him with this illustrious offer simply because he had a heart attack and they have his health records.
Paoli Hospital part of Main Line Health. Can I tell you that being a hypochondriac, I love Main Line Health. All the doctors I’ve gone to are steller and this health company is a dream for any hupochondriac!
Believe me—I was incredibly happy that he would be receiving this shot and in my usual devious way, decided to accompany him to Paoli Hospital when he received the vaccination. My thought process was that since he was going in the evening and the weather was rather inclement to say the least, the old people (and by that, I mean those about ten years and upward from my age) would stay home. Therefore, I would be able to grandfather up and receive a vaccination because it would be best to give the shot to me than to dispose of an unused one.
I was doing the Vaccine Happy Dance simply because I was so sure I would be able to get leftovers!
Are you following me?
We arrived at the designated office for vaccinations. And there they came out of the building. An army of elders. Most walking very slowly due to the weather situation. And as we approached the entrance to the area where the check-in was, my doubts of receiving a vaccination grew stronger. The waiting area was chock-full of people who were quite older than I am. This didn’t look good for me.
Never underestimate the determination of those over 75! They will go out in any weather to vote and to get their vaccines!
The nurse greeted my husband while ignoring me! I asked her if I could sidle up to get a shot. She looked at me without even asking my age and told me I was too young. My reply to her was that I am, in fact, old. I’ll be 66 in two months. She chuckled and stated that I was still too young.
Now THIS is a young me. Note the car seat and I’m still here! In addition, I’m not this young anymore but this is how the nurse pictured me!
This was now my opportunity to entertain all those awaiting their vaccines!
“Can you believe it?” I said “When I was young, I had fake ID to make me older so I could get into bars” “Now I’m old and am told I’m too young” “Anyone got a fake ID?”
Forget the beer–I wan’t a fake ID to make me old enough to get vaccinated against Covid!!
But I couldn’t stop! I went on, just like a female version of Rodney Dangerfield complaining about no respect. I started griping about the fact that smokers are getting the vaccines before non-smokers. (And this is fact—at least in Pennsylvania it is. All those beer-drinking cigarette fans are now safe from COVID-19 while I’m a walking time bomb).
Sorry Charlie, but I just cannot wrap my head around the fact that smokers in PA are getting vaccines before non-smokers!
Teachers and first responders, as well as health-care workers definitely deserve to be vaccinated first. But smokers? Come on now..
Especially for those of us who don’t smoke!
Needless—or rather needle-less to say, I’m glad that my husband got his vaccine. Now I wait!
Back to the wait—I mean weight! I’m very punny today!
At 159 pounds, I’m feeling better but not quite there yet. With about 15 pounds to go, this is the slippery-slope time. The last ten to fifteen pounds are the most difficult. The weight comes off more slowly but I’m ok with it. Lord knows how many times I’ve been through this.
The scale will be moving slower now but it’s a pleasure to see the 150’s again!
Calories are continuing to be counted with the Nutritionix App and I’m finding this app to be incredibly helpful. I prefer it to the WW app that I was using while on Weight Watchers. Calorie-counting is making me far more accountable than counting points but to each their own. Whatever works for you is the best solution!
I’m really diggin’ this Nutritionix App! I downloaded it to my iPhone via the App Store and this is the free version!
Clothing is definitely fitting better but my problem area remains my pufferfish gut. And in all honesty, it’s my own fault through lack of exercise. We’re presently buried underneath a foot of snow that has accumulated over the course of two weeks. But with March and Spring knocking at the door-it’ll be good to get out and walk.
Ugh. We’re buried in snow. It would have been nice around Christmas but in February? Nope!
Pants are definitely fitting better but the jeans are still a bit too tight. It’ll be awhile..
In the meantime, the Gretchen Scott Designs printed stretch jeans are fitting nicely–they stretch!
And speaking of Spring……………….two nights ago, after relaxing in a nice hot bath, I ended up applying fake tan to my fish-belly white legs. I simply couldn’t take it anymore. Tired of wearing tights (because I refuse to wear pantyhose) with skirts and dresses and tired of looking at my blue veins, I grabbed leftover tanning mousse and went to town. The smell has dissipated and I’m now looking forward to being bare-legged for the winter’s remainder.
I just couldn’t take the pale legs a moment longer. Luckily I had fake tanner left over from last summer…
And….was able to go bare-legged to the office yesterday! Granted, I wore boots–still, no tights made me happy. Besides–I love the feel of being bare-legged!
How are you dealing with the vaccination dilemma? Are you waiting? Did you get your shot? Do tell!! And have a great weekend or what’s left of it!
Congrats with your weight loss success! Even though it’s slow, it’s still worth celebrating. Also, you’re baby pic is adorable!
Ang | https://loseweightwithang.com
HI Ang! Thanks so much! XOXOXOXO
Move to NJ! Those 65 and older are on the priority list and so I have had my first vaccine. That being said, I do think we will start to see things speed up soon with more availability, so hang in there! I so envy people who easily lose weight. The cold and the snow are getting to me and I have gained some. Next week promises to be warmer so my disposition and my exercise routine will improve!
Maryellen. I am kicking myself in the ass for moving out of Pennington NJ to the Philly area! (Shhhh. Don’t tell my husband–he’s the reason I left NJ). My best friend Marybeth’s husband is a doctor and has been vaccinating many in NJ. Ugh. PA!! Oh yeah, my husband was eating full-fat ice cream last night and I swear I gained weight by osmosis! X
OXOXOXO
Hi Catherine – Keep up the great work on the weight loss. If you can swing it – a treadmill is awesome. Where we live it’s cold in the winter and super hot and humid in the summer. The treadmill is the answer and the bonus is I can watch junk tv while I work out! I hope your husband is on the mend. Your sweet grandson is adorable – what a blessing!
Hi Kathryn. I want a Peloton! But it’s really pricey. In the meantime, I’ll wait for the better weather to stop by so I can walk! Thanks–Bonaparte is doing very well! XOXOXOXO
Two hospitals in Chicago reached out to us to get the vaccine because we’re in their system. IL is currently vaccinating 65+, but, of course, each state is different. My husband and I received both doses and are still self-quarentining. My physician said to wait a few months to see how the variants affect the efficacy of the vaccine, if at all.
Your turn will come!
I am in Chicago too and had the same experience – the hospital contacted me and husband. So easy., I feel for those, such as you Katherine who have to go looking for the shot
Bonnie and Sandra! You’re so lucky! I’ll tell you, I”ve never liked living in PA. I really miss NY and NJ but this entire vaccination issue makes me really despise PA more than ever! XOXOXOXOXO
I totally sympathize with your vaccination frustration. My husband and I are considered too young; I was able to snag a couple of shots for my EMT son but still haven’t had any success scheduling for my 87-year-old mother. ☹️
Terry the entire conundrum is a disgrace and I continue to blame the past administration on this. Every American SHOULD be vaccinated by now . I truly hope things get better and it is absolutely horrific that your mom hasn’t yet been able to receive that vaccine! XOXOXOXO!
I’m in Georgia and 2 weeks past my 2nd vaccine. Whew! So happy! However, the whole vaccine scheduling process was akin to Hunger Games – think I was registered on 5 sites in as many counties when I just happened to catch an open slot on a new site set up by our mayor. Many elderly who are much older than I aren’t tech savvy though and continue to wait. Just madness!
HI Lynn! I’m so glad that you received your vaccination! And you bring up a great point. Many MANY elderly aren’t tech savvy at all. I see it at work–they don’t want documents sent via email or through the net. They want mail–and we all know how bad the USPS is at this point! Because I work during the day my husband is working from home and trying to sign me up on various sites. So far…………….I wait!
XOXOXOXOX
Hi Katherine, I am just a little bit south of you in Baltimore. Our snow accumulation is somewhat less than yours, but still a bother, as I relate our vaccine saga to you. My husband and I are well qualified for the “65 and older group” by at least 15 years! We registered with 5 sites and no response. Called our local senior center, of which I am a member and bingo! That said, they scheduled our shot for this past Friday, then due to inclement weather, changed it to Sunday. Just got a call that the vaccine won’t arrive by Sunday, so they will call us back. What a fiasco. Patiently waiting, hah!
I so enjoy your blog, keep on keeping on! Cheers, Claire
Hi Claire! I spent quite a bit of time in MD when Oona attended U of MD! I’m reading more and more of what a pia it is over this vaccine issue. It is absolutely appalling! And brings me to the point of shouting to politicians that the senior community needs to have more attention paid to us. Jesus H. Christ–everyone talks of inclusing yet ignores the older demographic. Ageism at it’s worst! BTW, thank you. I’m glad you are enjoying the blog! XOXOXOXO
Here in California they are vaccinating 65s and older, health care workers and I think, I heard teachers, too. I’m telling you, it is really difficult to keep up with the VAC. information as it seems to change on the daily. Also, we have a huge population with 58 county Health Departments (I believe handling the distribution/vaccinations). Anyway, my husband age 68, and mother age 87 both received the vaccine through our Health Dept. (Contra Costa County). Took about 2 weeks after registering for it. My dad (88) got his through the Veterans Admin. I’m 64.2, and damn, I missed the age requirement by 10 months, lol!
Congratulations on being a Grandmother!!
Have a great weekend!
HI Renee. Kudos to your husband, your dad and your mom for getting vaccinated! And you’re lucky you live in California. So many states are vaccinating 65 and overs. Unfortunately PA (the lousy state) is not! And thanks for the congrats! I swear Owen will be vaccinated before I am! XOXOXOXOX
Michigan is a mess. My local health department says go to your health provider….and my hp says go to the health department. It doesn’t really matter because now there’s only enough vaccine to give out second doses. I registered my husband and I at the local pharmacy and he must have appeared more decrepit than I because he was contacted for a shot and I am still waiting! He did manage to finagle a shot for his twin brother who accompanied him to the clinic! I finally found an opening at a RiteAid after spending two hours online. Looks like I’m in for a road trip next Friday- it’s 2 1/2 hours away! Yikes!
HI Nan! It’s incredible at how poorly certain states are handling this. I just received an email from my Aunt Terry. 79 years the proager and she waited in line for 4 1/2 hours. It’s insant! Glad that you found an opening but 2 1/2 hours away. SMH! XOXOXOXO
Cathe, I feel your pain as I too am waiting for my vaccine. Here in the UK it seems it’s a postcode lottery. My cousin who lives 20 mins away had hers yesterday and she’s only 53, I’ve friends who are in their sixties and still waiting. I saw on the news that two young women in the US dressed up as old ladies so they could get vaccinated! So pleased to see that all your commenters (so far) are going to take it.
Keep going with the diet, you’ve done so well. I am thrilled with my 11lb weight loss, (now125lbs) and the gut has greatly reduced in size.
HI Fi! I”m intrigued by the young women dressing up as old ladies. I need to check that story to see if they did end up getting the vaccinations because everyone needs to show ID. It’s a disgrace that we cannot get vaccinated. IT’s more of a disgrace at the way it’s being done. Damn woman, 125 pounds–that’s great! XOXOXOXO!
I share your anxiety. Here in Oregon, we aren’t vaccinated yet. Probably won’t be for another couple of months, hub and I are both 65. My main source of irritation at the moment is getting things delivered – FEDEX claims they delivered a package, but they didn’t. I have something sitting at the UPS station a few miles away and it’s been there for 5 days. The delays are understandable with the nationwide weather issues, but don’t tell me you delivered something when you didn’t. Also the USPS is an absolute disaster, we haven’t received some of our tax documents and my husband hasn’t received an unemployment check for over a month. So many systems are broken. And then this disaster down in Texas – I have people down there who have been really suffering. I think it’s time for me to escape into a good book and just let the world swirl by for a few days.
Hey Vava! Don’t even get me started on FEDEX or the USPS! Every day at work I receive notifications from FedEx regarding delays. I want to scream at those asking me to send docs overnight because they ARENT going to be received overnight! And the post office-forget it. Pony express is faster! I’ll join you with that book! XOXOXOXO!
Great post Catherine….and I loved the visuals. No sign of vaccines here in Canada for older folks as we only have 2% of the population vaccinated, and they are still working on nursing home patients and health care providers. No sign even of anyway to register yet either, although they keep telling us it’s coming in a few weeks. I’m hoping my 95 year old mother can get hers by late March, and me maybe April or May, but that might be optimistic. We don’t have our own manufacturing facilities and have to rely on a supply from Europe. They are doing over 80 yr olds first, and then 60-80yr olds. They will leave it up to each health department how they want to roll it out, whether through clinics or pharmacies etc. I know no one who has had the vaccine yet. It’s very frustrating with the variant strains spreading. Staying in, reading lots of books.
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