April 19, 2017

Mood journaling and weigh-in

Okay, how much does Phoebe look like a kangaroo in this picture?! I thought she looked so odd in that position, and Eli said she looked like a kangaroo. Once I saw that, I couldn't UNsee it, and it makes me laugh every time I look at it!



It's finally starting to feel like spring here in Michigan. We've had gorgeous weather for about a week now, and it's been SO nice to open up the windows in the house and work on spring cleaning. A few of you mentioned that I seem to be doing better mentally lately--happier. And it's true :)

After seeing the psychiatrist and starting a new medication, I decided to keep track of my moods using an app on my phone (my friend Emily suggested it, and I had never thought to see if such an app existed before!). I downloaded a few different ones to try out and see what I like best, so maybe once I use them a little more, I write a post about them. But so far, they've been really helpful to keep track of my moods!

I basically just choose an emoticon/mood to represent my general feeling at that moment, and then I write a few notes about it. It's easy to see at a glance my overall moods and to look for patterns. I'm hoping it will help me to see how the new medication is working (or not working). I always used to think that I could "keep track" in my head of how my moods have been, but after tracking it for a week, I realized that there was so much I would have forgotten. This will be useful to look over before I go to therapy, too, so I can remember specific events or things that changed my mood.

The first few days of the new med involved a lot of ups and downs; but now, I have very few "downs". So, I hope that means it's working, and I won't have to try any other meds! The only side effect I've noticed so far is that I'm having trouble falling asleep at night. I've even stayed up until 1:00 AM watching movies on a few occasions! But the psychiatrist said that the side effects will diminish as I get used to it. I can deal with a little insomnia if it means I won't feel depressed ;)

The kids are on Spring Break this week, but we don't have anything major planned. A lot of my friends go on family vacation for spring break, but we're going on our vacation in July to my sister's property in the upper peninsula of Michigan. (And Joey gets to go with us!)

Tomorrow, I told the boys they could each invite four friends over for a little "party" for spring break. So, we'll have 10 boys over here--God help me ;) No, their friends are actually really well-behaved, so it should be fine. I bought them some snacks and drinks, and I think I'll order pizza for dinner.

On Friday, I'm going to visit Caitlin in Boston (just for the weekend) and I'll be home on Sunday night. It all came about when I was visiting John, and we were chatting (over margaritas). John said we should go visit Caitlin in the spring, so we immediately made plans. I'm really excited to see both of them! Jerry and the kids have some fun "boy stuff" planned--I'm sure they will have a blast. (Because I used to be too scared to fly, I didn't start traveling until 2011. I did drive to Indy for the half-marathon each year, though. Every year, my kids would get so excited for me to go to Indy! They kept asking me how much longer until I leave--hahaha. I love that they have so much fun with Jerry, though.)

I think I'm going to try to get in a long walk again tomorrow morning. I know I'll be doing a lot of walking in Boston, but probably not the "training" kind of walking I need to do for the Indy Mini. I'd like to get in a 10+ mile walk at least once or twice before the race. It won't hurt to burn some extra calories before blowing them all on a piece of carrot cake in Boston ;)

Speaking of which, today was Wednesday Weigh-in. Wednesday seemed to sneak up on me this week! But I was down 1.2 pounds today.


I'm a little nervous about going to Boston, because I've gotten into such a routine with eating that it may throw me off. But, obviously, I want to enjoy my trip and not worry about my weight--so that's what I'm going to do. I'll also be doing a lot of walking while I'm there, and hopefully that will help minimize any indulgences. I'm only going to be there for two nights, anyway.

With 10 boys here tomorrow, I may not get a chance to write again before I leave, so have a great weekend everyone!

13 comments:

  1. Great weigh in!! So glad to hear you're doing better <3 enjoy your trip to Boston!! That's such a great city, I would love to go back someday.

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    1. Thank you Amanda! Boston was very fun, and it went by so quickly. I can't wait to go back someday!

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  2. Yay Katie! You are doing amazing!

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    1. Thank you Catherine! I appreciate the support :)

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  3. Katie! Are you by any chance going to have any opportunity for a meet up in Boston? I live right by Boston College and would love to take you out for coffee or a drink! I know you're visiting a friend so might have limited time, but I'm a long-time reader/fan and would love to meet up! Otherwise, hopefully next time :)

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    1. Caitlin is in charge of our itinerary, but I'm sure we could work it out! Send me an email, and we'll figure out details :)

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  4. I've been reading for a while now and just wanted to say how upbeat you "sound" in this post - yay for you!! I also struggle with depression in an atypical way and remember how good it feels when you have the right medication! I'm just starting my weight loss journey and your writing is a great help to me - thank you!

    And since you are open to meet ups :-) let me know if you are ever in NYC. I have an amazing niece who just happens to work for NYRR!!! (No pressure lol)

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    1. Thank you so much! I've been feeling more upbeat and hopeful, so I will be thrilled if this is the correct med for me :)

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  5. You are doing so well!! I am curious why you choose Wednesday's as a weigh in day?

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    1. Thank you! Originally, when I started losing weight, it was a Wednesday--August 19, 2009. So, I started weighing in every Wednesday. I like the alliteration, too! :)

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  6. I'm just curious, maybe I missed it before, but are you just walking and not running anymore? This isn't meant to be rude or anything, I was just wondering:)

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    1. Not rude at all! I was feeling SO burnt out on running, and just completely unmotivated. I've been running 3-6 times per week for 7 years (except when injured), and I think it caught up with me. I decided to take a break for a while. I'm not sure how long--but instead of running the Indy half, I'm going to walk and try to enjoy it as much as I can. I will get back to running, but I just need more time first :)

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    2. I totally get it! Good luck with Indy and enjoy yourself:)

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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