AHASRADA
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Posts posted by AHASRADA
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My experience with my own immediate family (self, dh and kids). If it doesn't smell bad or have other obvious signs of spoilage, it's probably fine ( for us).
We regularly leave leftovers out for a few hours before refrigerating, occasionally have forgotten a pot of soup out overnight, and groceries sometimes wait in the car for 6 hours until we get home to put them away. None of us has ever gotten sick from any of it, ever. I am aware of proper food handling and try my best to follow the guidelines within reason, but I won't waste food that appears fine based on arbitrary guidelines. Yes, I've eaten several cartons of yogurt that were expired by a month. It smelled and tasted fine, and it's yogurt, it's supposed to have bacteria in it, come on!
That said, my mother's system is quite sensitive due to her health issues, and takes food handling seriously. I am very careful with the food I serve to her and to others, since I know not everyone's stomachs are as strong as ours, and I would not want to be responsible for making anyone else sick.
When answering "Would YOU eat this?" I answer for myself, knowing what my system can handle.
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I clip mine to the waistband of my underwear. I've found this to be most accurate, since it is actually against my hip and moves with my body, rather than relying on how much my pants move (which varies with style, fit, etc.).
Mine is also quite accurate, especially on the treadmill or walking around the block. It doesn't always register small, slow steps, like turning from the sink to the fridge and back. I consciously try to put more effort and movement into those small steps so they'll count.
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I also got a Fitbit Zip a couple of months ago. I thought the thing was broken when it said I only walked 5k steps/day, LOL! But, then I realized how much of the day I really am sedentary, doing school work, etc. I always work out for an hour in the AM, but that wasn't enough to offset all the sitting over the rest of the day.
I started by pacing around the house for 10-15 minutes after lunch and supper, usually reading my Kindle. I slowly upped that to 20-30 minutes. Then dh got me a treadmill for my birthday! Now I walk for about 40 minutes (watching TV shows on my iPod) after lunch and another 20 (reading my Kindle) after supper. These are activities I would have done anyway (watching TV and reading) but it is now subtracted from my sedentary time and burning more calories!
These devices are super motivating to get off our behinds!
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I use 40% carbs, 30% fat, 30% protein. It works well for me, but a lot of people start there and make adjustments as they get to know their body.
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We spend more on food than rent too.
I wish that made me feel better, except I only have 3 kids, not 10 :). Of course, we also live in a small 3-bedroom townhouse, so your rent might be a bit higher. So many variables...
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I'd say a bit over 25%. We spend slightly more on groceries than on rent.
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We pay $125 for 3 months of unlimited classes (up to 4x/wk). The instructor is excellent, and I find his rates extremely reasonable.
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I have both the Fitbit Zip and the BodyMedia Fit arm band (the successor to the Body Bugg which isn't made anymore, but it's basically the same thing). I've had the Fitbit for 2 months and the arm band for 3 weeks.
Long story short, I actually think I like the (much cheaper) Fitbit better. I am able to check my steps, distance and calories on the screen at any time without needing to be near technology (Wifi, etc.). Also, everyone is different, but comparing how much weight I should have lost based on the tracker data and the amount I actually lost, I found the Fitbit to be extremely accurate. I do have a heart rate monitor, so I use that to get an accurate reading for workouts (since the Fitbit can't accurately measure non-step-based exercise). The two combined have been perfect. I have a MyFitnessPal account for logging food, and my Fitbit is paired with it. I log my workouts in MyFitnessPal with the calories reflected on my heart rate monitor. This info. automatically syncs to Fitbit, where it adds those calories to my daily total (reflected on the device too!)
All that said, I thought the grass would be greener with the BodyMedia band. I can wear it all day so I don't have bother with my heart rate monitor. It records all activity, so I know I am getting credit for washing dishes and making dinner, even if I'm not taking steps. Unfortunately for me, it overestimates my calorie burn by 250-300 calories over the Fitbit/heart rate monitor combo. So, while the activity tracking is more accurate, the calculated burn rate seems to be off for me. I've solved this by setting it at a higher deficit than I want to account for those extra calories. It may be more accurate for others. Also keep in mind that it is worn on your upper arm, definitely at least partially exposed when wearing short sleeves, and the bump is visible under moderately-snug long sleeves as well. Only an issue if you are shy about advertising the fact that you are counting your calories!
My main annoyance is the $7 monthly fee with BodyMedia without much benefit over Fitbit in the way of charts, graphs and data analysis. Fitbit emails me a free weekly report detailing my data for the week as well as daily averages. You can also see a week or month's worth of data at a glance on the website or app. With BodyMedia, you have to download the report, it is not visible on the app (past days' data is visible, but not in a weekly or monthly format).
If you really only want to have one device that is fairly accurate, have regular access to a smart phone to check data and don't mind the monthly fee, BodyMedia might be the easiest, "wear-it-and-forget-it" device.
If you aren't such a stickler for accuracy and/or don't always have access to syncing technology and want something discreet that you can wear in multiple locations, the Fitbit Zip or One are the best options. The Fitbit is very motivating as you check it throughout the day to see if you've met your goals. Having three goals (steps, distance and calories) pushes me to keep walking until I've hit them all (I'm 5'4", and I can easily hit 10k steps without reaching 5 miles). I haven't tried the new Fitbit Force, which is worn on the wrist. This is handy if you don't want to check under your clothing to peek at the Zip or One, but it does take up space on your wrist that you might prefer to use for a watch or jewelry. It is also somewhat less accurate because it will record some arm movements.
If you don't mind putting on a heart rate monitor chest strap for workouts and then logging that info., that combined with a Fitbit, at least in my experience, is the most accurate combo.
HTH!
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I NEVER take mine off. I wear a sporty waterproof style, so it stays on until the strap breaks (usually 18-24 months). Then I immediately run to Walmart to buy a new one!
I glance down at my watch a zillion times a day. I use the timer and stopwatch function to time everything. I also have my iPod with me at all times, checking mail etc. constantly, but I've never paid any attention to the time display on it. I don't want to have to turn something on or even glance any farther than my wrist to check the time.
So, no, the concept of watches becoming obsolete is completely foreign to me.
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I never told anyone (except dh) before the 12 week mark. At that point, I told my parents and grandparents. Friends and acquaintances waited until 16-20 weeks.
I guess I feel that pregnancy is a sacred, personal experience that I don't really want to share with the general public until I am obviously showing.
As for adding to a large family or unexpected pregnancy, I didn't even tell dh about #3 until 10 weeks! She was so unexpected, he was under stress about uncertainty in his career, and put off telling him until I needed his help getting to my 1st Dr. appt.!
If I was worrying about negative comments from friends or family, I wouldn't tell them until 20 weeks or so. Save yourself a few months of headaches.
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I am low-carb on Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri. I allow myself beans, starchy vegs and a small amount of whole grains on Wed. and the weekend. This keeps me from feeling deprived of healthy carbs, since I know I can have a moderate amount on another day (called Carbcycling).
I avoid bread, pasta and sweets altogether because I find them addictive and do better if I don't even taste them at all.
So, I cook carb-heavy meals on the weekend (stew with meat, potatoes and carrots or a brown rice-based dish) and fish or chicken on low-carb days. If I cook pasta for the family, I do it on a low-carb day since I don't eat the stuff anyway.
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I tried to use the code, but it said it can't be applied to my order (for a Paperwhite). Maybe it can only be used for Kindle tablets?
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We're a family of 5. I said "other system" because I don't do laundry on a set schedule.
I have 3 baskets in the master bedroom (next to the family bathroom). One each for darks, mediums and whites. Everyone puts their dirty clothes in the appropriate basket, and I take a look at how full they are when I get up in the AM. I'll do a load or 2 as necessary. It works out to 1-2 loads over 2 days, then a day or 2 off.
I prefer to fold the same day, but sometimes if the 2nd load isn't dry until late, it waits until the AM. I put each person's clothes in their room, and they are responsible for putting them away in drawers.
I also love folding, since it gives me a reason to watch TV (basically the only time I do!).
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My dd~3 doesn't have her own Touch, but she has used mine and her sister's since just before her 1st birthday. At that point she was just looking at family photos, then we added educational apps, and now she has a higher Temple Run score than her teen sibs! Of course we restrict her usage, but the Touch has been a life-saver in public situations where we need her to sit still and wait for a lengthy period, or on long car trips. I think it's a better investment than the V-tech or Leap Pad type educational game systems for kids, because there is such a wide range of very inexpensive or free apps, and they won't grow out of the device.
All that said, she did throw mine in the toilet 2-3 times when she was a young 2yo. Fortunately I saw/heard and got it out quickly enough. I have always used Otterbox Defender cases and they have thoroughly protected my Touch through multiple drops from shopping carts and down the stairs.
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I've been following this thread, eager to hear the outcome, since I can see myself caught in a similar predicament.
Nothing as extreme as your situation, but I do after school tutoring in my home. I regularly have students (parents) cancel on me at the last minute, ask if the child can come 15, 20, 30 min. late when they are already supposed to be here, and just not show up at all.
They are always very apologetic, often including a sob story. I am gracious, though annoyed, but dh is furious that they walk all over me. He is pushing me to institute a late cancellation/no-show fee to try and curb that frustrating scenario, but it's hard to face the parents and imagine trying to enforce such a policy.
I wish you luck in what I know will be a very trying and uncomfortable situation.
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Mine reduced drastically around age 30, but I still get them very occasionally now at 40, usually due to oil build-up.
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I can feel your pain. Your plan sounds exactly like one I would dream up; well thought out, taking all aspects of your life into consideration, fully justifiable from all angles.
That said, I don't believe there is any justification for drastic, dangerous and unnatural weight loss methods. I know you're desperate, I know you have a plan, but don't do it, not like this.
#1: drugs = no way. This will not teach you healthy habits, portion control, beat emotional eating or anything else to help you make a life-long change. It's a crutch that will make it that much harder to lose weight once you get off it.
#2: shakes = monotony, lack of taste/texture pleasure which will make it difficult to stick with for 3 months (not to mention it's not real food!). Once you go back to normal food after your jump start, you will be so deprived of real, tasty, satisfying food, it will be even harder to stick to healthy habits.
Honestly, my only success has been strictly counting calories, cutting out sugar, limiting carbs, and exercising. I have used shakes or meal bars for convenience, but only for one meal with a salad or veggie soup, not twice a day every day.
I don't have time to prep a lot of special food for myself, and don't have $ for Jenny Craig food. So, I compromise on some pre-prepped items. I buy steam-in bags of veggies like broccoli and zap one every day for lunch. I have flavored fish fillets and veggie burgers in the freezer, and canned or boxed soup in the pantry. I have a box of pre-packaged 1 ounce bags of almonds for snacks.
I also have a basic blue print for every meal, so I don't have to think too much about what to eat. I enter everything I eat into a calorie-counting app to keep tabs on my calories. I eat veggies with every meal, and take very small portions of family meals.
I know you want something easy and automated, but you can create a system for yourself that meets those needs while eating real, natural food and without medical interventions.
I needed to lose 70 lbs., and I've lost 40 of those so far. Feel free to PM me if you want to see my meal blue print, etc. I sincerely wish you well on your weight loss journey.
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Dealing with, working around, picking up CLUTTER!
I actually enjoy laundry (especially folding; it gives me an excuse to sit and watch TV!). I don't really mind cooking, I love grocery shopping, and meal planning is a bit of fun.
I'm not a fan of vacuuming or cleaning bathrooms, but I wouldn't mind any form of cleaning if I could actually find the floor and counter tops that need cleaning!
The daily stream of mail, school work, sweatshirts and socks, toddler toys, etc. left everywhere that need to be dealt with overwhelms me!
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Twice a week. 3-4 days worth of food is manageable to plan for, fit in the cart, bag and carry into the house, put away and fit in the fridge.
A full week of groceries would be overwhelming, and we would never have room in the fridge for all that produce. Plus, the fruit would be mushy half-way through the week.
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My mom made my dress! We happened to be in an upscale fabric store when I told her dh had proposed.
We started looking at patterns and fabric right then and there. Of course she had a bit of input around what she was capable of sewing, but otherwise, it was all my decision.
We had a small wedding, paid for by mom and dad (dh and I were in college), but I had full control over choosing the dress, venue, flowers, menu, invitations, favors, etc. within their budget. I am very opinionated and strong-willed, mom isn't, so it all worked out.
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About $8 a day. My budget seems high to most people (and dh!), so it makes me feel better to know I'm only spending $1-2 a day more than you all.
I don't usually buy organic, but I do buy a lot of fresh produce, whole grain bread and pasta, fish and seafood, and a few items from the health food store (veggie burgers, stevia, quinoa and millet, etc.).
We very rarely eat out (1x/2-3 months), and we don't do sandwiches for lunches; I make double at dinner and we eat the leftovers for lunch the next day. That means double the chicken, ground beef, fish, fresh veggies, etc. than if I was only cooking enough for dinner.
Also, I have 2 teens, including an almost 17ds who is 6'3" and likes large quantities of healthy food.
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What about supermarkets?
My parents volunteer at their local church food pantry. They have drop boxes at area grocery stores, so shoppers can put their donations in the box, and food pantry volunteers pick the food up on a regular basis.
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Mine was very accurate. We spend a bit more on food and a bit less on housing, so that evened out (in fact, we spend the same amount on both housing and food).
The total income seemed high, but if I subtract the childcare we don't need, it was about right (75k).
Sure, people can and do "survive" on less, but this is the amount needed to be stable and secure, not simply avoiding homelessness and malnourishment.
Considering a stable and secure lifestyle includes adequate food and housing, medical care, transportation, clothing, etc. on a consistent basis, plus a bit of savings for emergencies, I think the estimate is spot-on.
People making less aren't necessarily in "poverty", but could certainly benefit from some assistance. Those are the "working poor" being failed by the current system.
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My dc were 14 and 10 when our baby girl was born. Yes, it was a huge adjustment, and I don't know how their different ages and stages will pan out as they grow older (they are ~17, 13 and ~3 now). So far, homeschooling has been tough with a baby/toddler, something we hadn't experienced before. I feel pulled in completely different directions, making sure my big kids have social opportunities and transportation to activities, etc., while keeping the LO entertained with preschool projects, etc. I had been relishing in the fact that I could send my dc off to play and have quiet time to chat with my friends, etc. at get-togethers, now I have a toddler to chase.
That said, she has been an enormous blessing to our family. My big kids love her so much, are so kind and gentle with her, and really take an interest in her care and development. I was an only child and had absolutely no experience with babies when I had mine. My kids have had serious on the job training, so not only will they know what they are getting into if and when they decide to have children, but they will be well-prepared too. My dd13 is constantly talking about how she can't wait to take her little sis to the mall, etc. once she has her license, and hopes that when she has children, her little sis will help out babysitting them just as she did. She is imagining being a fun big sis, a mentor and a confidante. This is my hope as well.
There will definitely come a time when little dd will be an "only child" in the house, and that does make me a little sad, only because she will have known living with siblings, and then they will be gone. Since we homeschool, we are all together all the time, so there is always someone to give her attention and share caring for her. It probably will be hard for her to be the only kid in the house after that. Still, we don't know where the big kids will end up in adulthood, they could stay in the same area and continue a close relationship.
My dh has a little sister 12 years younger than him, and he left home when she was 6, so she basically grew up without him. They have still become very close as adults and have a great time together, talk several times a week, etc.
Sometimes it is overwhelming to think that I am about to start homeschooling all over again as I prep my eldest for the SATs, but I am also excited to have a chance at a "do-over", to use all the experience I gained while teaching and raising the elder ones. Having a toddler is tough, but it is a lot easier when you've "been there, done that" and have a clear grasp of the full cycle of child-rearing. While I don't have the freedom I did when the big kids were getting old enough to be left home alone, they are now old enough to stay home alone with little dd, so I can at least go grocery shopping by myself or go on a date with dh. It's challenging to have kids in such completely different stages, but it's much easier than having two little ones (and no helpers!).
There are a lot of things to consider, but the truth, as other PPs have said, is that there is no way to determine ahead of time how each of your children will react and adapt to their circumstances within the family, and that has as much to do with each of their personalities as their age gap. Think through the aspects you do have some control over (how your schedule, finances, homeschooling, etc.) will be affected depending on when and if you have another child, and don't worry about the variable stuff.
Good luck with your decision!
Shark vacuums
in The Chat Board
Posted
Just 2nding all the positive comments about the Shark. I've had two, a canister and now the upright, and both have amazing suction and its very quiet. We had a Bissel upright, and it barely sucked anything and was unbearably noisy.
Love, love, love my Shark'