Well, there's pain and there's discomfort. As a young athlete, I ran through many a nagging injury, sometimes stretching out the duration of my injury as a result, sometimes it didn't matter all that much. Sometimes more rest would have been better. I had tendonitis, shin splints, that kind of thing to varying degrees, just like most distance runners experience. Eventually I ended up having very specific pain in a very specific region and suspected a stress fracture. I just *knew* it was different this time. My coach, who was new to our program, insisted on me training through my pain, racing 4 events every time we had a track meet, even though I knew this was serious, had discussed it with him, etc.. It was brushed off as shin splints. Long story short, I ran on a stress fracture until my fibula was fully fractured enough to show up on a regular xray. I *knew* this was different, I was brushed off, not allowed to decrease my mileage despite being a state medalist distance runner who had slogged through my share of more minor injuries. I had demonstrated my grit, but was not heard. My parents took me for a private evaluation and my fracture was very clear on xray. In my pre mommy days I practiced as a physical therapist. I do think there's a difference in *pain* and discomfort, and teasing that out is part of the job. I feel I can do that when I work out. I am currently resting a calf strain and doing alternative exercise as a result. I've also been battling tendonitis in my elbow (epicondylitis), so I have to modify for that too. Those overuse types of injuries are different for me than the general discomfort and soreness of getting back into shape, which I hate, but make myself power through. I really only got back to working out regularly in the last year, TBH. What made a difference for me this time was that I focused on the *habit* of working out at least 3-4x a week. In the beginning I sometimes only did 20 mins of lifting, walking, running, etc. But I did not let myself skip the frequency of workouts, even if the intensity was (for me) wimpy, and in fact, given my past history, they were really wimpy in the beginning. It is demoralizing for me to run slowly LOL. I really had to rebuild. Taking it slowly helped me not start things off with injuries and things that have discouraged and derailed me in the past. After 3-6 months, I found myself wanting to ramp up intensity, try new things, and challenge myself more. The routine of working out 3-4 x a week was no longer a real obstacle, and it became a habit finally. I used to be a serious athlete in my youth; it is in there somewhere LOL, but it took me a long time to get back into working out regularly and consistently. I am generally active and we are an active family, but I really wasn't consistent about workouts per se until the last year. Not sure if that is at all helpful.

I will echo others that for us it was not self-teaching initially and required more buddy work and parent support. We are now moving to it being more independent. Before starting, DS had covered SM 5 A and B, SM 5 word problems, LoF prealgebra with biology (as a supplement), LoF Fractions, Decimals and Percents. My DS just turned 11, and even at his age, the format, need to show work more clearly, etc. required an adjustment period. It is going much better now. Exponents took forever as several PPs said.

I think it would work well if you haven't studied poetry a great deal yet. The writing portion of the poetry is quite challenging IME, and I think it will challenge a sixth grader who is learning about meter, etc. for the first time.

I couldn't read without saying I'm sorry to read about your diagnosis, and that you and your family will be in my thoughts.

Picked up an apple crumb pie from Wegmans since we were there anyway.

Do you have them when you are outside in natural light? I sometimes think mine look awful, and then realize it is mostly when I look in our (low natural light) bathrooms with overhead lighting. In my car, etc. it isn't so noticeable. Lisa Eldridge has nice youtube videos. If you decide to go for concealer, look at Bye Bye Undereye (Sephora), Laura Mercier, or Skin Food salmon undereye concealer (I buy on amazon. It is an Asian skincare brand so light is quite light, just FYI when you choose a color. I like to use this with a beauty blender sponge's pointy side). A salmony color is good for purple/darker undereye circles.

My favorite is Bubbies! I could eat it plain :) With hot dogs, with a pork roast or tenderloin (traditional where I grew up), with deli turkey and thousand island (I've made my own due to being a low sugar person, not sure if that applies). With sausage, kielbasa, or bratwurst for a super fast dinner. Mashed cauli is good with it as a side if you don't do potatoes.

Strengths: -Small (4-5 families, 2-3 of the families have known each other for a decade) -Academic -Several of the kids are gifted or considerably accelerated. This works well for us as even though we are small, we can group in such a way that the kids are challenged, there is good synergy, exposure to kids of similar age/ability stretches them and exposes them to interesting ideas -Several of the moms have teaching experience and/or advanced degrees; overall they are organized and do a solid job -we get to things I personally have a tendency to sometimes put on the back burner. One year we had a music teacher mom who taught a recorder class (won't ever happen at my house LOL). We cover art history and a corresponding project, memory work, etc. Weaknesses -While I see benefits to remaining small, sometimes wish it was larger to widen my tween's circle there. The larger co-ops in my area are non academic, not sufficiently academic for me to justify a day there, or are something like Classical Conversations, which doesn't interest me. We do park days and other social events, we have kids in the neighborhood that he is close with, but I do wish there were more boys his age. -The primary organizer builds her entire curriculum on what we do in co-op. We all do additional work during the week to carry through what we are covering in co-op, but I do a lot more of my own stuff that I'm not willing to give up. The primary organizer structures co-op in a way that it tends to meet her needs more than the other families. So we all do work during the week related to co-op, but she adds additional related work for her kids so it functions as their main focus. THe primary organizer and host is excellent at the organizational and planning aspects, but I do have some frustration with how she tends to address her own needs first. I have sensed the other families have some frustration with this as well. Primary organizer tends to ask what we are looking for, we spend a lot of time talking, and in the end things end up being most customized to her family's needs. She's a long, long time friend, this won't change, but every year when we plan I feel a little tense. I speak up, but our end result is usually weighted favorably toward her preferences. I've tried and am no wallflower, but it will always be like this, so I just decide year by year if we'll continue, knowing what I'm getting into. -Sometimes more outside work than I'd prefer. Again, this comes back to primary organizer using co-op as her primary focus and then building her entire curriculum off of it. I don't mind having related work to carry through during the week, but it also isn't necessarily my primary focus, kwim?

toilet paper for each bathroom paper and tape to label what each room is for the moving help hand soap/shower soap paper towels dish soap basic tupperware/food storage of some type for leftovers garbage bags (lots of them) bleach, windex, whatever disinfecting and cleaning supplies you prefer dishwasher tabs or whatever you use paper plates, bowls (if you'll eat cereal, pasta, etc.), a few utensils or disposable stuff mugs for coffee or disposable cups a pot, a pan, a spatula, a strainer, big spoon a few basic food items (cereal, milk, cream for coffee, boxed convenience food, pasta, whatever you'll want in between take out/delivery ;) ) food for movers if you are feeding anyone cleaning gloves if you want vacuum if you want to vacuum before other items arrive (YMMV), or if you want to have it readily accessible to clean up messes coffee maker or instant coffee creamer (sugar if you use it) actual ground coffee (or tea) small thing of laundry soap so you can throw in towels, a change of clothes, whatever into wash. 2-3 changes of clothes, PJs eyeglasses contact stuff shampoo and other hair stuff (including blowdrier if you'll want or need it) deodorant makeup toothbrushes and toothpaste hair ties shower curtain and rings if you don't have enclosed showers or at least one enclosed shower pet food and bowls pet leash and collar, possibly a crate (to prevent animals from running out while doors are open) nightlight(s) for kids who might need them to orient themselves medication sheets for each bed, pillow for each bed flashlight basic tools: a few screwdrivers, allen wrenches, hammer, pliers, cordless drill, screws, nails for assembling, disassembling, hanging things a few toys or books, a DVD if you'll have a laptop, whatever you think is appropriate relevant keys a few bath towels (nice to get a shower after doing move in cleaning!) phones (if you are using a house line and want it asap) paper if you need floors protected (professional movers generally supply this themselves) paint, dropcloth, paintbrushes if you have any interest in painting before other items arrive (obviously depends on when you close vs. move, etc.) We have sometimes painted a few rooms before other items arrive list of phone #s (realtors, utilities, closing company) relevant contracts we always move our own computers/tech stuff, jewelry, photos, financial files/documents

I have taken progesterone periodically in the past to induce periods (PCOS). I learned very quickly that I can't tolerate provera (synthetic and makes me ragey), but I do okay on prometrium, which is peanut derived. Just tossing that out there, although it may not matter in terms of lightheadedness and so forth.

It is great that you have the info and can work with it. That is an enormous asset. I hate having PCOS, but it has been very helpful in piecing together some parts of my extended family's health, and I'm thankful I was diagnosed in my early 20s since it puts me at increased risk of type 2. I am not overweight, but am still insulin resistant to a degree, and I had been brushed off by many doctors over the years who thought I couldn't have PCOS since I wasn't overweight. Many tend to think the same of diabetes IME. Lower carb eating has helped my mom maintain a moderate weight loss for years and increase her HDL. My dad has lowered his triglycerides substantially. It has definitely been helpful info to have, even though it isn't a fun diagnosis and the long-term risks are serious (similar to diabetes: metabolic syndrome, heart issues, stroke, endometrial cancer, etc.). Have you tried increasing your fat intake as you lower your protein?

Yeah, that's not lowcarb flu. LC flu is more like weak, achy, headache, some nausea maybe. Have you tested your sugars? Just be careful you aren't dealing with something diabetes related like diabetic ketoacidosis. Might be worth a call to your doc to be sure. When you tried metformin in the past, how long did you give it? I had a really tough time when I first started on the regular metformin a decade ago. Incredible nausea, couldn't eat, felt like death. DIdn't have too much intestinal disturbance, but I know a lot of people do initially. But it passed after a few weeks and I had no further issues. Years later I went back on met (I was taking for pcos, not diabetes, and during my first pregnancy they had me go off after my first trimester), I asked my endocrinologist about doing extended release to see if it would be an easier transition, and it was for me. Just tossing that out there. My first go with it I was on 1500 mg, and took 500mg 3x a day. When I went back on, I started taking 2000 mg of XR, and was able to tolerate it and ease back in with fewer side effects.

I like my dutch oven for these types of dishes. One my kids like is lentils on the bottom, boneless/skinless chicken thighs, a jar of kalamata olives plus some of the brine, a big container of grape tomatoes, and as many greens (kale or spinach) as I can fit in the pot. I just dump it all in one pot and put it in the oven until the chicken is cooked and lentils are soft. Sometimes I add chicken broth if I have it. If not, add some water to cover the lentils a bit. I buy big jars of capers from costco so will add in some of those with some of the brine. I often add a whole bag of frozen green beans, sometimes I add some quinoa to the bottom with the lentils. Very adapatable and definitely a one pot meal. Sometimes I add some lemon slices or fresh herbs, or garlic. My kids are weird and really like this. White chicken or turkey chlii? Shepherd's or cottage pie? We like it with mashed delicata squash on top (when in season) instead of potatoes. You could sub in lentils for part of the meat I would think. Frittata? Easy to skip cheese in those.

I like my dutch oven for these types of dishes. One my kids like is lentils on the bottom, boneless/skinless chicken thighs, a jar of kalamata olives plus some of the brine, a big container of grape tomatoes, and as many greens (kale or spinach) as I can fit in the pot. I just dump it all in one pot and put it in the oven until the chicken is cooked and lentils are soft. Sometimes I add chicken broth if I have it. If not, add some water to cover the lentils a bit. I buy big jars of capers from costco so will add in some of those with some of the brine. I often add a whole bag of frozen green beans, sometimes I add some quinoa to the bottom with the lentils. Very adapatable and definitely a one pot meal. Sometimes I add some lemon slices or fresh herbs, or garlic. My kids are weird and really like this. White chicken or turkey chlii? Shepherd's or cottage pie? We like it with mashed delicata squash on top (when in season) instead of potatoes. You could sub in lentils for part of the meat I would think.

We have carpet over padding. Our basement is very dry, but our sump failed during Sandy and we had to rip out the carpeting. When it was time to replace, we did carpet again, because IMO, with substantial water, most types of flooring are going to be trashed anyway. We had to cut out some drywall, get the carpet and padding removed, etc. Fortunately it was covered by insurance since we had a sump rider. When we redid our basement, we found a nice remnant of berber from a local place, and it was something I would have picked out even if it wasn't discounted. If we had a regular water issue, I would not have gone that route. For a small leak, other flooring would be better, but with significant amounts, most forms of flooring will be an issue I think.

I assume you meant to type splint? I just used the one Tupler sells. The three arms allow you to bring together the two sides of your abdominal muscles in a way a regular belly binder will not. I ordered and a few weeks or months later had to size down as my diastasis started improving. Not a bad problem to have. So just prepare for that possibility.

Great update! It sounds like you are having a very positive experience.

Agree with the suggestion for the museums downtown and the Homeschool Gathering Place. If you are into driving a bit, there are lots of options like the Durham Museum of Life and Science and the Moorehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill. I would probably just stay in Raleigh for 2 days though. If you were going for a long weekend or a few more days, checking out the surrounding areas would be good. When we've considered relocating in the past, we have driven around some neighborhoods, etc. to get at least a little familiar with housing options, prices, neighborhoods. That way if you have to start looking for a home to rent or buy, you have *some* level of familiarity vs none at all. There's a flea market on weekends at the fairgrounds in Raleigh. Just something else if you have time to kill. The Triangle is a great area; I miss it!

Look for a fee based financial adviser. They currently have to meet a fiduciary standard, while a typical commission-based broker does not. The standard for commission based brokers is different and worth knowing about. (eta: there has been recent talk of changing this for 401Ks, so it has been in the news a bit) This is one organization that allows you to search for fee based financial advisers in your area. http://napfa.org/

I think ideally it helps to consult with a physical therapist who handles a lot of diastasis recti/postpartum issues. I used the Tupler Technique, which involves splinting (not just a "binder" but one that has three "arms" to it, allowing you to bring together your stomach muscles), working the transverse abs, and building from there. There are DVDs available so the nice thing is that while IMO it is beneficial to work with a professional, it is nice to be able to do some of it from home. I felt comfortable doing so given my background. I will be honest; splinting was an absolute pain to do, I disliked it immensely, BUT it made a big difference and that was motivating in that I could see positive changes from the splint and transverse ab work within a few weeks. From there I just worked on gradually building my transverse abs and progressed from there. I was a physical therapist pre-kids, but this was not my area of expertise specifically.) I knew I really just needed to do it, and I still hated splinting specifially ;) But it did finally get me back to a point from where it has been easier to rebuild my core, kwim? I don't regret it, but I did hate it when I was doing it. There are other programs as well that are targeted specifically to diastasis; Tupler has just been around a while and there were fewer choices back when I was starting off finally fixing mine...maybe 3 years ago? Whoever you work with, make sure they are very aware of the issues with diastasis. For example, traditional crunches, jack knife positions, planks, etc. can put a lot of strain on the connective tissue and can make a diastasis worse.

Have you ever tried working on your diastasis via conservative (non surgical) means? Tupler Technique, a physical therapist who specializes in women's health, etc.? Many people have some success without surgery. I improved mine pretty significantly. I still have a gap, but it is shallower, and I was able to close the top and bottom of mine substantially. I still have a two finger gap in the middle, but it is substantially better than it was, and I feel like I have my core back to the point I can do more varied exercise than I could before. I was a physical therapist in my premommy days and could feel myself substituting muscles all of the time when my core was weak. It was incredibly frustrating because it was like a vicious cycle. Some exercises were out entirely, some I couldn't do with correct form due to how bad my core was, and that all made it tougher to get back into working out. Depending on moves in something like PD90x, it can put more strain on a diastasis and worsen it (moves like planks, jackknife moves, etc.) You are probably aware, but just mentioning that in case it is something others want to consider.

Do you have diastasis recti? That is a split in your abdominal muscles that allows everything else (organs, etc.) to kind of bulge forward. It is quite common. Since it affects your core strength considerably, it is also helpful to remedy for non cosmetic reasons. There are videos on youtube (Julie Tupler for example) on how to check yourself. Traditional ab exercises, jack knife positions, etc. can make it worse. Working your transverse abdominal muscles actually serves as a corset of sorts and holds everything in. That can be improved and it is really quite common for women who have given birth to have diastasis recti. I am not overweight but gain any weight I put on in my stomach thanks to being insulin resistant (PCOS). Cutting carb intake makes my stomach flatter. Like a PP, I have overstretched, wrinkly belly skin that isn't going to resolve without surgery (biggish babies, I'm short, and have a short torso on top of that, so my belly was enormous in pregnancy. Everything got pushed way out in front of me). If I could get that cut off, I would probably drop a size in pants. Like another PP, I have a very short torso. When I was in graduate school, my anatomy professor was fascinated because I have like a half inch between the bottom of my rib cage and the top of my pelvis. That explains why I have always looked like rectangle with little waist definition. It really depends on so many things.

A glucose tolerance test WITH insulin levels, not just a regular GTT. With insulin resistance (which there's a good chance of to some degree given the pcos diagnosis), you need to see not just what happens with your blood sugar, but what happens to your *insulin* in response to a glucose load. I had a reproductive endo write me a script over a decade ago when I was getting tested, and he wrote GTT *with* insulin levels, and the lab ONLY drew my glucose levels. I had to have it repeated, which is not something you want to do, particularly when you have to fast and the test itself is 2 hrs! Hemoglobin A1C, thyroid, the panel common for pcos if you need any of that info for your doctor even though you were already diagnosed (androstenedione, lh, fsh, estradiol, free testosterone, serum sex hormone binding globulin, prolactin, progesterone, DHEA-s, etc.). Sometimes when they rule in or out pcos they also like to watch for Cushings and look at cortisol levels. You could ask about metformin given the existing PCOS diagnosis, even if your testing doesn't come back as full blown insulin resistance. Most doctors also watch lipids, hypertension, etc. in those with PCOS since metabolic syndrome is common in those with PCOS and insulin resistance. Any concerns about sleep apnea?

Sunday ran 40 mins, squats, lunges, transverse abs, etc Monday ran 20 mins, upper body lifting Tues took off Wednesday...about to hop on the treadmill for at least a half hr.

Well, many people lose insulin sensitivity as they age. I am vigilant about this since I have PCOS, which is usually accompanied by some level of insulin resistance. In any case, medpage today had an interview recently with an ob/gyn who specializes in menopausal women. She said for years her advice was to watch calories and exercise more. Long story short, her attention has shifted over the years after reading the research and seeing things play out in her office, and she was talking about how many women gain just 10 lbs. But that 10 lbs then spirals because accumulated abdominal fat promotes IR. THat furthers the cycle of the body desiring more carbs, more belly fat cells form, and so on until the person gains a surprising amount of weight. I realize you are not menopausal, but something to consider if you feel surprised by where you are. I will link the article but you need a login to read as far as I know :( http://www.medpagetoday.com/OBGYN/GeneralOBGYN/49865 Insulin resistance is not the same as diabetes, and usually fasting #s aren't great indicators. Those who are IR are more likely to eventually be diagnosed as type 2 diabetics, however. Many people don't really even know what insulin resistance is, and no one tells them until they get diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes. We are all somewhere on the continuum of sensitivity vs resistance, so it could be something to investigate. I don't agree with every point in the article above, but I absolutely see how it can happen. As someone who is not overweight but is on the IR end of things thanks to PCOS, I know that that cycle could easily happen to me. As a result, I have to be very carb conscious or I could steadily gain weight. I've never been overweight, but i could get there quickly thanks to having more insulin resistance than most people. I'm also not menopausal yet, but you can certainly be IR in your 30s. I was diagnosed in my mid 20s with PCOS and IR despite weighing about 115 lbs at the time. Sorry that isn't an easy fix, and it may not be what you are dealing with, but it is common enough that I thought I should mention. The article I had read recently came to mind as I think that's how 10 lbs spirals into more for some people without them realizing what is happening. Exercise, especially strength training, can also improve insulin sensitivity.