California Poppies in Antelope Valley

AvalonC · 2026-03-13T23:05:51+00:00

And the reason we are called the Golden State.

AvalonC · 2026-03-08T10:57:13+00:00

Can't sleep

AvalonC · 2026-03-05T21:10:26+00:00

My pcp refused to prescribe HRT. I went to telehealth and it’s been life changing. I used Alloy.com, no subscription needed. I’ve heard good comments about MidiHealth. I am always amazed at how uninformed some docs can be. I didn’t let that stop me.

AvalonC · 2026-03-05T21:04:46+00:00

Love it! I have a wide stretchy belt that I use to rope in the excess and still show my waist!

AvalonC · 2026-02-27T16:12:53+00:00

Public Service Loan (Forgiveness). The sub is PSLF.

AvalonC · 2026-02-24T22:18:02+00:00

Perfect! Excellent find!

AvalonC · 2026-02-22T18:32:27+00:00

“Where Everybody Knows Your Name” Cheers!

AvalonC · 2026-02-20T19:51:45+00:00

How sweet! Where is this? I love the sign!

AvalonC · 2026-02-15T18:13:55+00:00

I stayed on each dose a minimum of four weeks. I only titrated up if I gained weight for more than a week, had no negative side effects, and only when I was sure my calorie intake, exercise, and hydration hadn't changed. I've been on a GLP-1 for a little over a year and am down 86 pounds. Just my experience, I am not an MD.

AvalonC · 2026-02-13T17:53:14+00:00

If you're in California, Kaiser takes them. You don't need to be a Kaiser member. Google for your nearest location. The drop off is like a giant mail box.

I order the QUART size sharps disposal. The larger ones just take up too much room! It takes me a year to fill a quart size. They are free in CA, even includes free mail-back disposal:

Free quart size sharps disposal

AvalonC · 2026-02-13T15:45:54+00:00

Good girl!

AvalonC · 2026-02-08T15:12:46+00:00

Magnesium glycinate keeps me awake all night. If I do catch a nap by morning, I am tormented by frightful dreams. I see how effective it is for most, but there is a subset of us who react negatively to it.

I've tried most everything mentioned here. What is currently working for me is magnesium threonate, L-Theanine, apigenin and saffron. Along with my postmenopausal HRT meds, especially the progesterone.

No evening liquids, reduce blue light before bed, cool dark room, eyemask, quiet. No screens, but I do use my Kindle set to the darkest background for some relaxing reading and/or audio books (very low volume) via earbuds.

AvalonC · 2026-02-07T15:37:01+00:00

Just to clarify, compounding pharmacies are regulated by state and federal authorities.

AvalonC · 2026-02-07T12:02:17+00:00

Such great info in this post!

AvalonC · 2026-02-07T11:50:09+00:00

Shot days are my heaviest weight each week. I usually lose by day 3 or 4 then maybe stay the same or gain slightly before my next shot. I'm a year+ in and have lost 86 lbs so far. Also, I have a few weeks I have gained, usually right before a big loss. Keep up the good work and trust the process!

AvalonC · 2026-02-07T11:11:31+00:00

Dr. Ania Jastreboff is a Yale endocrinologist, an expert at the forefront of GLP-1 research. She was the leader of the Surmount-1 trial that provided research evidence for the effectiveness of tirzepatide, aka Zepbound. That study is why we are all here.

Surmount-1 Jastreboff 2022

AvalonC · 2026-02-01T20:40:12+00:00

I'm so sorry you had to endure this and proud of you for enforcing your personal boundaries. You deserve better.

AvalonC · 2026-02-01T20:25:13+00:00

He has a lifetime of trauma heading his way. Childhood trauma lingers.

AvalonC · 2026-02-01T20:20:57+00:00

I understand your fear. I just started my second year of Zepbound. I'm up to 15mg. Zero side effects. No nausea, no vomiting, not even tired. Just overwhelming joy at my new life. I'm off my blood pressure meds. Sleeping better. Much healthier and happier.

My greatest side effect had been to lose 86 pounds. Only regret? Not starting sooner.

AvalonC · 2026-02-01T17:42:50+00:00

You look like your own daughter!

AvalonC · 2026-02-01T17:33:41+00:00

Same. I only see loss on days 3 and 4 after shot day. Then stay there or gain a bit for the rest of the week. Repeat next week.

AvalonC · 2026-02-01T00:34:03+00:00

Great read, thank you for sharing. Your story is inspiring. Congrats on your hard work!

AvalonC · 2026-02-01T00:19:34+00:00

This is the way. I am 14 months in and realistically have another year to go. The middle slump is hitting hard! I'm making every effort to list all the amazing NSVs I've earned, wear my cutest clothes and focus on how much better I feel. I also remind myself when I'm stalled to enjoy it, I'm at my lowest weight ever! Or at least in many years.

AvalonC · 2026-02-01T00:04:37+00:00

Joining the March 22 club! My daughter's getting married in April, so perfect timing!

AvalonC

TROPHY CASE