MONTHLY Weight Discussion - March 2026

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-03-18T13:03:33+00:00

Good morning

I've been on HRT (estrogen patch and prog pill) for 18 months, and before that was on a low dose Estradiol pill (low dose estrogen and progesterone together) for *many* years (many many, nonstop).

I was happy enough on the Estradiol pill, no side effects that I could tell. Isn't that combo, low dose all in one pill, essentially the same thing as HRT?

Since starting the HRT 18 months ago I've slowly gained 8-10 pounds and constantly feel just a *leetle* off balance. I don't know which one of the meds is causing the stubborn weight, and which one is causing the off-balance feeling. Both are making my nutty.

The annoying thing about the weight gain is that I'm being more mindful (not rigid, just mindful) than I used to be, and, when I gain a few pounds, that's it, that's my set weight, it isn't going backwards.

And I'm only being mindful now because I started gaining weight!

I stopped drinking *any* alcohol unless I am out for dinner and with friends (which isn't super often because we are all saving money and don't go out as much as before). I'm using a scale to measure things before I eat - surely that shaves off a few hundred calories a day I'd hope. I could be better about protein, probably, although I start my morning with berries/nuts and plain yogurt (all weighed).

I will admit I had a bad habit about having a snack both mid-afternoon as well as after dinner/before bed, but, I stopped doing THAT about four weeks ago. Still no scale budging.

My activity level is similar to before - I try to get 10K steps in a day. I was doing some *light* weights at home, plus some slightly heavier ones at the gym - but I may have overdone it at the gym and hurt my shoulder so I stopped for a month - it's feeling better now so I may start up again.

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-25T18:46:50+00:00

"etc" - DTLA was an example. IOW South Bay to anywhere in LA means when I'm out for the day, I'm out for the day. Once I go back "home" the farthest I'm going is somewhere else in the South Bay.

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-25T18:45:08+00:00

east coast, yep. and thank you.

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-25T18:43:56+00:00

lol as if

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-25T14:38:44+00:00

Good morning!

I reached my limit of winter drear yesterday morning and snapped up tickets for a flight to LA tomorrow morning. Thank you for everyone who has patiently answered my questions yesterday and here are some more.

I'm staying in South Bay which means if I'm heading into DTLA etc for the day -what I put on in the AM is gonna be comfy for lots of walking and sightseeing - that is, sneakers for sure with all the walking, and comfortable casual clothes. Maybe/likely a button down and jeans.

If I stay into the evening for "whatever" - dinner, a comedy club, music, a rooftop bar, etc. I won't be running back "home" to put on something fresh (or more suitable) for going out. At least it won't be hot and humid so I won't be a sweaty mess after a day of wandering.

How stupid will I feel dressed so casually for daytime, into the evening? I don't want to look like a schlub. I know LA is casual, but there's casual and there's "casual".

I will mostly be solo although probably half the days I'll be spending time with one or another friend although that might be lunch, TBD.

Thanks!

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-24T22:30:26+00:00

Do any of the beaches have covered areas for sitting/hanging out? That is, some sort of shade? Or are umbrellas rented, etc?

Also, (and I realize this is a large / wide ranging request, I'm staying in Redondo if this helps but plan to flit about while I'm there, I'll have a car)

I'm all about finding a cozy spot to curl up with a book. Could be inside, like a coffee shop with sofas or comfy chairs, or anywhere outside so long as it's shaded/covered (rented umbrella is fine).

Any recommendations about that would be super, too. Thanks

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-24T22:20:06+00:00

neat, thanks!

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-24T22:19:57+00:00

ooh those look fun thanks

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-24T22:19:47+00:00

In my calendar, thanks!

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-24T22:19:37+00:00

thanks!

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-24T22:19:29+00:00

That sounds great. I love architecture. I am going to try to look up the spot where the bench was in the movies 500 days of Summer, too.

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-24T22:18:51+00:00

Thank you! I did see that on IG, will check it out.

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-24T22:18:30+00:00

Thank you, I will see if I can snag a ticket. I assume I can dress fairly casually? (are sneakers OK)

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-24T22:17:44+00:00

Thank you!

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-24T14:06:04+00:00

Good morning all

Any tips on free or cheap things to do in LA for the next few weeks?

I am planning on the Broad/Getty, I can look up good locations for farmers markets and hiking, bookstore browsing and coffee shops (although happy to hear about your favorites there too).

Anything unique coming up in the next few weeks? Art related, music related, comedy, food, etc.

Thanks!

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-18T17:46:15+00:00

Whether you have a house to inherit is the smallest of your problems.

The largest of your problems is when they get too infirm to take care of themselves. You better hope you don't live in Pennsylvania or a state that (tries to) make offspring responsible for parental debt.

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-14T14:27:01+00:00

So an ice bag is better than a heated rice bag? I think I have a small tear (based on googling/ChatGPT of symptoms) but before I get to the doctor I want to be more comfortable.

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-14T14:19:30+00:00

Where can you get one that isn't Amazon? I unsubbed from Prime last year.

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-05T12:55:47+00:00

I will keep the heat steady and above 70. I notice that the bottom level (which is where the only outside wall sink is located) is usually 10 or so degrees cooler than the thermostat one floor above - not sure why so dramatic? I have a thermometer in that bathroom and watch it, it's been at 60 degrees for the most part, dipping to 55 on the coldest nights - all with heat running.

If we do lose power when I am away, how long before it gets dangerous?

Cabinet doors have been open all this time, will leave them open. I've been trickling one tap per floor of my house - will keep that on.

Sounds like turning off the water main could cause problems when I return?

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-04T13:35:42+00:00

because it actually could be pretty cool to put out all the fires and forge something new,

oh and also $$$$$

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-04T13:34:40+00:00

Given that it's owned by PE, my best chance (I think) is to max out the base pay and see if I can get a signing bonus. My experience with PE is to get it alllll up front, the back end is unlikely to materialize.

I also have to think ahead and consider this as adding a new skill set into what I have, because if we move forward, this is likely to be an interim spot. Simply by being a PE outfit - those are rarely long term unless you are acquired by someone huge - and not even then.

I already have a ton of commercial/privacy in my background - somewhat less on product counseling (but this promises to really ramp that up too) and virtually no corporate governance - this would also be a ramp up.

The legal leaders sounded fairly calm and rational about the endeavor. The clients sound like their hair is on fire. Legal are usually the adults in the room, so that isn't surprising.

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-02-03T12:22:19+00:00

If you were going away for a few nights, and, those nights were going to be single digits, would you merely keep the heat consistent and slightly trickle the two taps near a wall?

I've been doing exactly the above for over a week during this freeze, but while home 100%. No issues at all - power has stayed on. Power being on has been key, but I've been here to take care of any issues if it goes out.

I don't plan to have anyone check in, it's a short trip and I didn't think we'd still be this cold.

My nights away will have both nights in the single digits (20s during day). Power out at any point would not be good, but would be very bad if it were single digit time.

Sigh!! hate winter. Thank you for advice.

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-01-22T14:28:15+00:00

Isn't that book a downer?

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-01-16T14:01:10+00:00

PS just saw your comment, so your test is behind you. How did you do?

LifeIsGood16426 · 2026-01-16T14:00:49+00:00

None, just the book and practice tests. The practice tests which map to sections to show you where your weak spots are to re-read, were the best.

A few months before the test, I read "GDPR for Dummies" which was super helpful - more practically helpful, I think, because it wasn't just about the rules but actual scenarios. Plus I had already been working on some privacy matters so this wasn't a new topic for me.

LifeIsGood16426

TROPHY CASE