Mrs_Baker's Healthkicker

Going to delete you.

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:18:17 GMT

Hi guys,
Just wanted to warn everybody that I am about to delete all of my subscriptions and friends. Believe me, it is nothing personal, just that I've found that I like to keep my entries private, and comment on the featured blogs. That's really all I like to do.
Anyway, that's why.
Jeni

The Effects of Stress

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:13:34 GMT

I've lost nearly six pounds since Friday- my husband deployed that night and since then I have been nauseated and haven't had an appetite. *sigh* I can't be happy about that weight loss because I know it's unhealthy to lose weight that fast, and of course I'm not eating enough- one meal a day is about all I can hold down right now.
In addition to the nausea, I'm also breaking out A LOT and I have a bunch of ulcers in my mouth. Combine that with sleeplessness, lethargy, dizziness and loneliness, and you have the full combination of what happens when I am depressed.
I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow. I am hoping they will at least give me something to help my tummy.
My poor husband is worried about me. I don't want to worry him, but I have to tell him the truth. And the truth is, I want to go home more than anything. I feel very lonely and terrified here by myself- I have one friend here. I might try to do an extended leave to the States.
Right now I have twelve days before I go home to Austin for one month. I hope it comes quickly.
Anybody have any tips for dealing with extreme stress? Or dislocation?

I Need to Buy a Snow Shovel...

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:25:45 GMT

The weather is steadily getting colder, and I feel so lost about so many things. I grew up in Austin, Texas! When it's going to freeze we all panic, run to the store for bread and bottled water, and school is canceled. I remember when it froze over in 2007, we all laughed at the strange items people used to de-ice their cars. Credit cards, spatulas, and much more.
So here is my problem: I have never lived around snow. I don't know what to expect! What do people wear? I've been making do with under armor underneath my jeans and t-shirts. Is that how it's done?
How do I take care of my car? We don't have a garage. Do I need an engine warmer, and if so, how does it work? And the salt on the roads, will that hurt my car? Is there some kind of maintenance for that type of thing?
And then there's my house. We have heaters, not central heat, because we're in Germany. Now, in Austin when the temperature is expected to be very low we let the faucets drip to keep the pipes from freezing. I'm wondering, is that necessary in a place that has a lot of snow every year? Are their pipes built to prevent freezing. And another question: I'm leaving for one month. Should I leave the heaters on? I don't want it to get too damp, but I'm afraid of leaving the heaters on for so long, it seems like it could be dangerous.
My in-laws keep telling me I should stock up on canned food and battery powered lamps. Is it really necessary to make a survival kit for snow? I have no idea.
My last concern is this feeling of gloom I'm getting. It starts getting dark here at 4 in the afternoon and is completely black by 5. In the middle of the day, I have to drive with my lights on, it's so gray and cloudy. All of this has left me feeling a little depressed, when fall usually makes me feel invigorated and alive.
How do you deal with winter weather? Does anybody have any tips to help me get through this winter?

Incompetence

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:00:25 GMT

Two things happened today that have made me think a lot about people not doing their jobs correctly, or not paying attention, or maybe just not caring.
The first thing was, we got my husband's relocation pay. It was $137.62. Now, this concerned me quite a bit, because it was supposed to be more than $2000. So we made a trip in the middle of the workday to get this all straightened out. It turned out that whoever submitted his information, chose to submit the earliest copy of his orders to move- which were for a single soldier, living in barracks. We had to get his orders redone several times before they got everything right on them, but when in-processing, he has to show his original orders and all of the amendments. What happened was, the person chose to go by the copy that was easiest to read, NOT the latest, accurate copy. So, we have resubmitted all of his information and may see the money in as little as a month.
The second thing was that his ID was flagged this morning going in to work, because there was a problem with his vehicle registration. Well, that turned out to be my vehicle registration- we had to get my license plates changed. the reason for that turned out to be that the license plates they issued me in August were already in use- by the German police, for one of their undercover vehicles. What!? I don't know how such a mistake was made, but it happened to at least 120 people.
Now, these are big mistakes that make a great deal of trouble for soldiers and their families. They happen all the time- this is why I'm not a fan of the army, or most government run businesses. These clerks that mess up things like a soldiers' pay (example, my friend's husband didn't get paid once for three months in a row- and they had rent, utilities, and bills to pay) don't get fired, or even reprimanded.
I love private, independent businesses. I absolutely love working a job for a company or an individual that has the power to fire me. I enjoy being held accountable for my actions- I get credit when I do something great, and when I don't, I know I have no one but myself to blame. It has to do with self-respect, and respect for your job, your employer, and your customer.
Sometimes I think that people who can do a job poorly and not care are lacking some appreciation of their humanity. They hold a deep belief in their hearts that man is no greater than any animal out there. Deep-seated incompetence is much different from a learning period- a time when a person is perhaps new to a task and making mistakes- that person will do their best and take responsibility for their actions. Whereas an incompetent, self-hating drudge will eternally cry out, "It's not my fault!" and "I can't help you with that! That's not my job!".

Mrs. Baker

This post was inspired by Blue_Summer's post, "It's Time For The Soapbox".

Looming Deployment

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:58:40 GMT

Hey guys- Just want to let y'all know I am withdrawing from the challenge. I just can't get on the internet during the weekends- I only have one more left until my husband leaves for a year, and I don't want to sacrifice any time I can spend with him. I am also taking a vacation in December that I won't have a computer for, so you can see the difficulties.
But, I am still going to post my food and exercise. It really helped me stay focused and on track. I might not be updating every day, but I will as often as I can.
Right now all I can think about is my husband leaving. He's going to Iraq (second tour) and, while things are much safer there now, I am still worried. Many soldiers never leave the post, but he has a combat job and rolled out almost every day last time. He's not worried about his personal safety, like I am, but he is dreading this next year. He saw and participated in some pretty horrible things. Last night I woke up- he was crying in his sleep. He didn't remember it in the morning, but he did say he's been having some bad dreams, and is nervous about this deployment.
We need prayers. Both of us will need a lot of strength and help for this next year. We knew this was coming, so we can't whine that much, but it's not going to be fun.
This past year of being married to him has been the best year of my life, I am going to miss him so much, and he'll have it even worse. I hope and pray that he and all the men and women over there can return home safely.
Mrs. Baker

Day 2 of Healthkicker Challenge

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:56:29 GMT

Breakfast: 3 oz homemade low fat plain yogurt w/blueberries and honey
1/2 cup hot oat bran cereal w/ dried raisins and cherries, cinnamon
1 small orange

Lunch: mini sub- turkey on wheat, 1 slice American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, red onions, pickles, cucumbers, oil&vinegar, salt&pepper

Snack: 2 oranges, 1 oz parmesan cheese

Dinner: whole wheat pasta with steamed mixed veggies and marinara sauce- topped with a tablespoon shredded parmesan cheese, salad w/homemade mustard vinaigrette

Water: [x][x][x][x][x][x][][]

Exercise: 45 minutes on stationary bike, 20 minutes stretching

I woke up so late today- my husband had to leave at 4 this morning, and he accidentally shut the door to our bedroom before he left- our window shades are literally slats of metal outside the window, that have no slits when we let them down. So, our room was pitch black- I didn't wake up until 10:30! Craziness.
So, my weight is at 133 pounds as of this morning. I am hoping to lose 1-2 pounds a week until I hit 115 pounds.

My husband is leaving in two weeks exactly. I am getting very nervous about it, and I really don't want him to go. I think it would be a bit easier if I were in the States- anywhere in the States would be more familiar than this. Although I have lived here for nine months, I don't feel at home- it's like a vacation that's gone on way too long. I've got nothing against Germany, I just miss all the wonderful things about home- being able to speak to almost anybody, being able to get a job not on a military post, stores and restaurants being open every day, not worrying about transporting my dog overseas when I visit, two lane roads that actually are two lanes wide, drug stores like CVS and Walgreens- I've missed those so many times over the last nine months. My wonderful salon that enabled me to fake being well-groomed...
Those things were all okay to miss with him here. He keeps the home-sickness away, because I am so glad to be with him. I am afraid of being hit with a wave of homesickness once he leaves, and being depressed again. I think I will throw myself into working out every day to make the time pass more easily until I can get home for a month- and then when I get back I'll be finding a job and going to school online, and missing my honey more than I can say.
Mrs. Baker

Beginning of the Healthkicker Challenge

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:37:53 GMT

Yesterday was Veteran's Day, so I got to spend it with my vet. He was so exhausted from yesterday's drive that we just hung around the house- I didn't do any of my Tuesday chores, so the place is a wreck- and watched movies. We had our money talk, which is always fun for me (kind of like problem-solving) and decided to dump the $2900 coming to us for his relocation pay + refund from the car dealer into my student loan- that will leave us with only about $2600 to pay. Then we can finish that off in about 6 months. After that, we're adding the amount that we have been paying for the student loan onto the amount that we're paying for the car loan, and that will be taken care of in 10 months. After that- no more debt! We're not taking another loan out until we build our house. Yay! Personal finance excites me. :)
In other news, I am joining the healthkicker challenge, and I'm pretty excited about that. It involves keeping a food diary and logging exercise every day in my blog, and it starts... well, I guess it starts today, actually. I lost track of the days because of Mike's schedule being off. And I'm 7 hours ahead of US Central time. But anyway, here's what I've had so far- don't laugh!

Water: [x][x][x][x][x][][][]

Breakfast: 9 hershey kisses (trying to get rid of the bag- they're all gone now!), 1 hot dog (turkey weiner, whole wheat bun, 1 slice American cheese, ketchup, mustard)

Lunch: Kid's size subway sandwich- turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickles, black olives, red onions, salt and pepper, oil and vinegar
3 oz homemade low fat yogurt with blueberries and a squirt of honey

Dinner: Chicken, baked with sweet potatoes, zucchini, and red onion, couscous, and salad with homemade mustard dressing.

After: 1 plum

Exercise:

20 minutes on treadwalker, 2.5 mph, maximum incline + 2 minute cool down, 180 cals.
15 minutes on stationary bike, 1:1 intervals + 5 minute cool down, 45 cals.
No stretching- soldiers using both classrooms.
Total = 42 minutes cardio, about 225 calories burned.

I'll finish up the list as the day goes on.

Mrs. Baker

I Hate The Army With The Burning Passion Of A Thousand Fiery Suns....

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:23:36 GMT

I told you guys that I would not be writing until Wednesday... boy, was I wrong. I am so unbelievably angry.
Last night, my husband got a call when we were hanging out together- he had to work today. He threw his phone (and broke it), and I started crying. EVERYBODY that is deploying in 2.5 weeks is supposed to have today and tomorrow off. I am so sick of the army doing this.
I can understand deployment. Yes, it will make me sad, but I knew it was coming. What makes me so angry is him having to work when he is supposed to be off. Like weekends. Extended weekends. BLOCK LEAVE. (Yes, they called him in to work during the unit's vacation time, when his parents were in from the States visiting us.)
I have to rant a little here.
Through July and August, he did not have a single day off. No Sundays, nothing. He had to leave early in the morning and get home late in the evening.
Then came his training rotation. A month in the field, doing a war game, about 1.5 hours away, and they are not allowed to come home, and wives are not allowed to visit.
Then block leave. The official time off. Two weeks where the soldiers don't have to put on their uniform and go to work, yet he had to make multiple trips to Frankfurt and back to pick people up from the airport.
And the month and a half since then... He's been able to work pretty regular hours. True, he sometimes has to go in Saturday morning, or stay a bit late, but it's been much better. And then today happened and we are both counting the minutes until we are free from the army again.
I love my husband, and I am incredibly proud of everything he has done. He believes that as a citizen of the United States, he should spend some time defending and serving her. I admire his reasons behind enlisting, and I know all of the things he has done to make a difference in the world.
But we are leaving the military life as soon as his contract is up, and never looking back. We have both earned ordinary civilian lives. We have both earned a life in which we can truly be free, and not answer to any but each other, and the law. He has earned a job that he can say "no" to, a job that he can quit if it makes him hate his life, a job that doesn't come with a contract and steep penalties for violations.
Have you heard about the army's re-enlistment problems? Nobody wants to, and I'll tell you why: They do not take care of their soldiers. They make everything a trial, and then don't give them time to wade through it. Hah. There are so many other things that have happened to us that I won't get into here.
*sigh* I'm done here. Felt good to get it all out. Now I need to do some cleaning around the house, and hope that they don't spend too long in Kaiser Slaughtern.

Mrs. Baker

Taking the weekend off...

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:24:28 GMT

My husband and I have three more weekends together before he deploys, therefore, I will probably not be updating this weekend. I think he really only has to work on Thursday and Friday this week, so look for an update from me then!
Not that I don't love xanga/healthkicker/lovelyish/dollarish, but.... time with my husband I just can't pass up.
Later!

Mrs. Baker

My Plans...

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:41:03 GMT

My last two entries weren't really about health issues... Today I feel the need to plan, and make lists. Do you ever get that urge? Something in me is restless and I need to list things to control it. Anyway, here are some things I am going to do over the next year to be healthier.

My Exercise Plan

Before my husband deploys, I am working out every week day, focusing on cardio- alternating rowing, stationary bike, and the moving treadmill thing. That thing is tough! Also intensive stretching and floor exercises.
After he deploys, I can work out every day, including the weekends. I want to add in strength training- every other day I will focus on either strength training or cardio, abs and stretching every day.

My Food Plan

Make all grains whole.
Eliminate soda and juice- water and tea only for beverages.
Include protein, fiber and good fat at every meal- limit saturated fat.
Snack on more fruits and veggies!
Enjoy chocolate in moderation.
1 serving of yogurt daily.
Meat in moderation.

What I hope to accomplish:

I want to get back to my 115 pound body. I'm 5'5" and small-boned, and I've consulted a doctor- 115 is perfectly fine for my height.
I want to be stronger, especially in my legs, but everywhere, really.
I want to have more energy, and sleep better.
I want to be able to run with my husband when he gets back, and do other sports and work out with him.

I think my plan is reasonable and doable. It certainly requires will power and dedication on my part, but I know I can do it. I know that the hardest part will be the food- when Hubby is away I tend to not think about making balanced meals as much, and end up eating a lot of things like boxed mac and cheese. I need to find a way to make healthy, balanced food quick and easy. Maybe making things ahead of time and portioning them out for a week? Any ideas are much appreciated.

Mrs. Baker