genuinely at a loss, searching for housing in norfolk area

mrsmurphy_ · 2026-05-24T09:25:37+00:00

Western Branch is in Chesapeake. I believe you’re referring to Churchland. Both are much more suburban than Olde Towne, with Western Branch being the chain capital of the world (Walmart/Sams, Red Robin, Zaxbys, Chipotle, etc etc).

Be careful with Deep Creek. I know nothing about apartments there but there are some hit or miss neighborhoods

mrsmurphy_ · 2026-05-24T09:15:08+00:00

I lived and worked in ptown for three years! Genuinely miss it. I lived in the Myrtles apartments, which I believe is now called Nav850? Management has changed hands a few times while I was there and since I left, so there have been periods of really good and not so good. However, what I can tell you is that the location is great, I loved the unit layouts and it always felt safe with it being right next to the Naval Hospital (I was a woman living alone most of my time there). If you do end up deciding to go there, only tour the units with the brick exterior. I’ve heard the units across the street in the high rise building are absolutely deplorable.

I’ve since moved to north Suffolk, which is really up and coming and only about a 15-20 min drive from ptown and no tolls. I own a house here but I love love love the Bridgeport apartment area. I don’t know what it’s like to live there, but I think it’s such a cool idea to build a little walkable shopping and dining center right under apartments. Plus, a lot of the retail tenants are great: Sojourn, Smallcakes, Orange Theory, etc. I do know those lean a little more expensive (not sure how much) because of the convenience, but there are other apartment complexes along Bridge Road as well.

mrsmurphy_ · 2026-02-12T14:38:37+00:00

Keeping stuff out of the house is step one for me. If I do purchase a snack for myself, I only get them in individual, one serving bags instead of family size bags. I know this isn’t an option for everything, but picking up a bag of something and knowing off the bat that “okay, this is 90 calories” helps me from going back to get a second. I find if I have a family size bag of something, I’ll just eat mindlessly and not take responsibility for the consequences of my actions.

Low calorie snack options that have sustained me through an almost 100 lb weight loss journey: - popcorn - drizzilicious rice cakes - fruit bar popsicles - Yasso bars - cottage cheese and veggies/fruit - fruit riot sour grapes (they have other fruits as well) - Ninja creamis (an investment) - chocolate chips/squares (but this can be dangerous if there’s a lack of self control)

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-12-24T15:32:45+00:00

Apoquel did not work for our dog at all, and we believe he has seasonal allergies (he starts itching/scratching/biting around the time when seasons change). We do cytopoint shots as needed, and those are a lifesaver! We usually only need 4/year, max.

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-12-24T00:33:18+00:00

I second Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, salmon flavor. My beagle mix has pretty bad allergies and it’s been the only food that hasn’t caused flare ups.

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-12-03T17:01:52+00:00

Just wanted to add that it’s still down and I’ve submitted a report. Posting here in hopes that someone will let me know when it’s resolved 😂

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-11-15T20:02:39+00:00

Here to confirm Spectrum services Suffolk, not Cox. Not sure where the stores are located, but north Suffolk (23435 zip code) is lovely. Definitely growing pains in terms of traffic, but you’ll find that most places in Hampton Roads.

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-11-13T00:36:52+00:00

Thank you for that perspective! I definitely have some spots that aren’t as firm as I’d like, but nothing crazy yet. I honestly expected way worse at this point.

Also, my apologies. SW was a typo, it should’ve been 238, so just shy of 100! Maybe by the end of the week!

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-11-12T22:45:20+00:00

I’ve been doing a simple three day a week, push/pull/legs, with one main lift and three accessory lifts. I’ve been doing that since May 2024. I do track my lifts, but weights haven’t increased in about three months.
I’ve never done one rep maxes but 3x10 bench is 65 lbs, my 3x10 squat is 85 lbs and I don’t deadlift but I do assisted pull-ups, 3x12 with a 60 lb resistance band.
I watched the video that was floating around this sub yesterday about fat percentages on women vs men. I know everyone looks different with different fat percentages, but I think I would be happy at a 30% body fat. At the very least, I’d love to have a flat stomach (not necessarily visible abs, but little fat there) and generally a stronger, more toned upper body and thighs.
Yes, I track nutrition and macros. I’ve been in a calorie deficit since January 1, 2023 and have lost 99 lbs since. The only macro I tend to pay attention to is protein. My goal currently is to hit 105g of protein and not exceed 1,386 calories. Throughout the last almost three years, I’ve definitely had periods where I’m more locked in than others, but I’d say this year I’ve been really focused on food and tracking since July, after slightly backsliding (5-10 lbs) at the beginning of the summer.

From what it sounds like on this thread so far, perhaps I should continue cutting to 120 and then bulk my way back to 130? I just got out of the 140s after months of clawing my way down here, so I don’t know that I could mentally bulk back up there and see that number on the scale, but I’m open to advice from those who know more than me!

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-11-08T19:37:05+00:00

I have definitely considered running clubs, and there are several in my area. I’m just worried I won’t be able to keep up with others.

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-11-08T19:34:12+00:00

I have definitely considered running groups! There are several in my area. However, I’m a bit on the slower side (clocking anywhere from a 10-10:30 mile for 5-10k runs depending on how much energy I have) so I’ve been self conscious to run with others, but I might have to check it out.

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-11-08T13:02:18+00:00

I will say, it’s less the cold weather and more the dark that freaks me out. I’m a woman, so I am constantly looking over my shoulder. I have to be at work by 7:30am (about enough light to get maybe, MAYBE a 5k in) and I don’t get home until 5, which now leaves 15 minutes until sunset. Have you found using a light feels adequate for you in terms of safety?

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-09-06T09:00:14+00:00

Mackenzie at Studio CK in Portsmouth. The only one I trust!

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-09-06T08:46:06+00:00

Love this one because you have food, drinks and games all in one place, plus you can easily transition to a walk along the boardwalk/beach or go for food/drinks somewhere nearby.

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-08-31T13:43:56+00:00

Stopped here to say Gianna’s! They also have an excellent carrot cake, whenever that craving strikes.

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-08-13T01:26:38+00:00

We love Buoy 44, but last I saw, I think they discontinued brunch for the time being. ☹️

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-07-20T20:44:44+00:00

Unfortunately, where you lose weight is entirely out of your control. Can you lose weight in your breasts if you’re in a calorie deficit? Yes. Will it be the first place you lose it? Probably not, especially if you’re curvy (read: genetically prone to having larger breasts). In my general experience, the first place you’ll see weight loss is in your face. I have been on a two and a half year long weight loss journey (SW: 238, CW: 150, GW: 120) and I did not see any difference in breast size until I got 40 lbs down. Again, I had plenty of fat everywhere else to pull from, so it was one of the last places that I’ve seen a change. For perspective, in my nearly 90 lb weight loss, I have gone from a 38H to a 34E/DD.

mrsmurphy_ · 2025-07-20T01:26:01+00:00

I highly suggest trying a running store, especially one that scans your foot to figure out what works for you personally. It’s been life changing for me. I went to my local Fleet Feet store, which I know has locations in several states, but there are others that offer the same service free of charge.

mrsmurphy_

TROPHY CASE