Better

Woke up at 8 AM feeling better so far. I had a cat (Zara) on my shoulders. Then she started circling me, which is Zara body language for "feed me," so I did.

Got to remember to pay for the Italian class. (Done.) And get up on time for it tomorrow.

I'm looking at purses on Mercari, but not seeing anything that I like. I like big purses with lots of pockets.

Nap time. I was talking to Mimi, telling her that she'd be warmer if she burrowed under the blankets, but no. Then it was belly rub time. She's only one of two cats that I've had who liked belly rubs. The other was Chaos, who passed away early on my time on Live Journal. He loooooved people and made friends wherever he went. That was close to 20 years ago? Wow. I think that the only person still on my friends list from then (who's still posting) is bandicoot.

Oh, I forgot to mention that yesterday, I finally got in touch with the people who administered my Flexible Spending Account, and they said that my former employer doesn't have a contract for a COBRA. I contacted my former employer, and they said that I should still have access to funds that are in there. I need to log onto the account and see if it's still active. I also moved my vet appointment forward two weeks.

Hmm. Sweet potatoes and black beans are high carb, so there goes my plans for lunches when I low carb. Maybe I'll have salads with ranch dressing. I need to get wraps for scrambled egg and cheese breakfasts. Or I could just allow time to make it. I tend to like to microwave stuff in the AM. I got a keto diet plan on the Internet. I hope that I like the recipes. I downloaded my keto cookbooks. I printed off some lunch recipes that I liked, but wow, pricey. Salmon, steak, shrimp....I suppose that if you're eating mostly protein, food would be more expensive. But there also was a "low budget" book.

Printed off Java articles to read on the exercise bike. When I retire, I'll plant a forest in reparation.

Discovered that I forgot that I was soaking a litter box in the tub. Went to take a shower and oops. I learned that Aldi is open until 8 PM, so I'm going to lie down for a little while before taking my shower.

Got up and was hungry. I decided that I'm not going to the store tonight. I'll make oatmeal with water instead of milk tomorrow morning. Had some leftover gnocchi and some ice cream. Looked to see if Walmart had low-carb ice cream (the app says yes), low-carb bread (yes), riced cauliflower (yes). Good deal.

Talked to Mom. The growth in her bladder was cancer, but the doctor thought that she got all of it. She just wants to monitor Mom. Mom was venting about politics a lot.

The only thing is that I lose my momentum talking to Mom. Now I'm thinking of just eating some soup and going to bed. I need to get up early and throw myself together for my Italian class anyway.

Did a little work on the kitchen. I got my food journal and Decluttering at the Speed of Life.

Oh goody, we're getting snow. Not a lot though.

I was looking at Thrive Market, and they have Shirataki Spinach Fettuccine and non-dairy Alfredo sauce. That would be a way to get my pasta fix while dieting.

Food, Glorious Food

Got up on time for my Italian class. I'm trying to explain to Zara that it's a little disconcerting to have a cat on your shoulders while you're eating, but she doesn't care. Mimi is a little put out that I'm not taking a nap right now. (Soon, Mimi.)

I looked on Walmart's app for a garlic press, and they appear to have them in the store. Good deal. There are Rosemary Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce in my future. (It calls for crushed garlic.)

I had my Italian class. The teacher was a little late and a little disorganized, but he does emphasize conversation. And I can't beat the price (4 Euros per one hour lesson). There are five people in the class, so we all have time to practice.

Started soaking a litter box and lay down for a nap. Mimi is now mollified.

Had a nice nap. My Italian teacher has sent the materials from the class so that I can study them.

Found some more low-carb recipes on an app. This person has more similar tastes to me, except for loving bacon.

Shopped until I dropped, including three reams of printer paper and 12 legal pads. That should hold me for a little while. I also scoped out low-carb possibilities at Aldi and Walmart. Aldi had two low-carb loaves of bread (and they really were low carb), so I snatched them. They also have wraps. They have a cheaper meat, fish, and seafood selection, which I knew. Walmart wins for the variety of seafood, including frozen stuff. They have small shrimp, which I like. Walmart had riced cauliflower. It also had celery and spinach dip, which probably will be a go-to snack. And it had almond flour, coconut flour, even cashew flour. Between the two stores, I should be set.

When I got home, the cats were like, "Mom, aren't you forgetting something IMPORTANT?" I fed them after I got the groceries in. I want to sit for a moment, put the groceries away, put the garbage out, and make something to eat. I found some Hormel chicken dinners at Walmart that sound good. I also got a deep-dish pizza at Aldi :) I'm going to carb my way out in style.

DietDoctor.com has some great Keto ideas. They had a list of "what to make when you don't feel like cooking," and smoked salmon and avocado sounds yummy.

Oh crud. Winter weather advisory that includes ice.

I'm thinking of rewards for losing weight. When I lose 25 pounds, I'll get a massage? When I lose 50 pounds, I'll get my hair professionally colored. 90 pounds, and I go to Hawaii.

I'm feeling physically exhausted, so now I'll do homework.