Reflections...

2010...  I can't beleive it's wrapping up.  This year has been full of some great moments!  The first big thing that happened in '10 was a new and exciting job opportunity!  I was able to start in a new position at work and I have really enjoyed it!  This year has been a year of "getting myself together".  I took control of my spiraling weight issue and decided to have WLS to help me accomplish my goals.  I am so happy that some others I care about took similar steps for themselves.  Nick and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary and it still amazes me that our love grows deeper every day.  My brother, Jacob, and his family are in the process of buying their 1st home and they hope to close in the next few weeks. My brother, Chris, took his GED in an effort to improve his life.  I couldn't be prouder of them!  I've made some great new friends this year!  We were able to have a really nice, low stress, holiday season.  I started crafting more on my own.  2010 has been really great!  I am excited to see what 2011 has in store!!

Great support group!

Last night I got to visit with lots of great friends!  I went to visit a friend that had WLS a couple of weeks after me.  It was great to see her and catch up!  She's doing an awesome job and losing like nobody's business!  We have agreed that we are going to be even more super hot very soon!  LOL!

I also got to visit with Matt and Trina.  If I haven't mentioned it before, Trina is a wonderful cook and she made dinner last night.  Delicious!  Are dinners with them are quite a bit different than they used to be, but Trina is still a wonderful cook.  I always enjoy our time with them.  Matt and Trina help Nick and I stay balanaced. 

Nick balled some cantelope the other day and I enjoyed a bowl for breakfast this morning. Mmmmm!  I am going to lunch with a friend from work and I am going to try some potato and cheese soup from O'Charlies.  It was one of my faves pre surgery, so I'm hoping it goes ok.  

We are going to see Wicked tonight and I am so excited!!  I am really looking forward to the show.  I've heard awesome things about it!  My aunt bought me the tickets for my birthday!  YAY! 

Other than that, I am just blown away by the fact that tomorrow is that last day of the year.  I'll do a year end wrap up post in the next couple of days, but suffice it to say that this year has been wonderful!  Now I'm just looking forward to what 2011 holds!

Back to "normal"

So today is my first day back at work.  I was a little nervous about how today would go.  I was afraid that I would be overwhelmed with people wanting to "catch up" and that I would not be gracious.  Then I was afraid no one would notice and I would be disappointed.  Really??  I am not sure why I waste so much precious brain energy worrying about things that DON'T MATTER!  LOL!  It was fine!  It's been a very nice blend.  I have gotten some really nice compliments and everyone has told me they can tell.  It's been nice to catch up with everyone.  I really don't feel like I've missed a beat. 

I am down 38 lbs since surgery and 68 total, so I am very happy!  My clothes feel good, my legs feel great!  I went shopping and was able to wear a 24 pant!  It's been a LONG time since I was in a 24!  Food is still interesting...  I am still stuggling a bit, but I am doing ok.  I am trying to get in all the protein I can, but I have been throwing up a lot more lately.  I am just trying to chew, chew, chew! 

I do feel pretty good.  It's been a lot of fun to see poeple's reactions to me.  I think they are suprised that I am still "Me".  I don't know what they were expecting...  LOL! 

Here's a picture of me at work today...

I am very confident that I will be able to keep up with this better now that I am back at work and I can't avoid the internet anymore.  :-)  So...  talk to you later!

Catching up...

Ok, so I am officially disappointed in myself for not keeping up with this better!  I know I will do better when I am back at work and I am on the computer more regularly.  It sometimes pains me to get on the computer when I don't have to...

Anywho...  Let me see...  Where to start.  It's almost CHRISTMAS!!  How exciting.  It's so different how Christmas as an adult is SO different than Christmas as a kid.  It loses part of the magic somehow and it seems you have to fight a lot harder to keep the spirit alive.  I love this time of year, though.  People seem to be more open to expressing their love for those important to them.  There is a fun current that seems to run through the air.  This is a great time to reflect on the blessings you've received in the last year and it's a time to be close to family and loved ones.

Things are going well for Nick and I.  I am at a point where the day to day routines of life after surgery are getting easier and easier.  I am doing much better with my food, protein, water and supplements.  I am feeling stronger and much more normal.  I am noticing small changes in my body.  My legs are looking great!  LOL!  And my chest and face are changing.  My old clothes are very baggy.  I get on the scale and always expect to see a weight close to what it used to be and it's not!  It's lower every time I step on the scale.  I am down a total of 60 pounds and it really does feel different.  I am 29 days out of surgery today and I've lost 29 lbs since the day of surgery!  LOL!  Literally a pound a day.  I know it will slow down, but it's pretty fun for now! 

Nick is doing well and I am so grateful that he is!  He did get a pretty severe case of gout in his foot, but he's on medication now and getting over that.  Other than that, things have gone very smoothly for him.  He's in good spirits and he's recovering well.  He is such a trooper.  I just adore him.

I also got some great news yesterday.  I got approval to be off work until Dec 29.  I was going to have to take next week off anyway because of my Mom's surgery on the 22nd, but if I didn't get approval thru short term disability, I was going to have to take the week unpaid.  Not much fun this close to Christmas.  I was so excited to hear that I'd been approved!  Now I will have a little extra money to finish up my Christmas shopping!  YAY!

I also have to mention my 2 younger brothers.  Jacob Allen is graduating with his associate degree on Saturday and Christopher Michael took his GED this week.  I am so proud of both of them!  I know this will really open up a lot of opportunities for both of them. 

I will finish today by saying that the love and support we've received over the last couple of months has been simply overwhelming and unbelievable.  We've had people from all areas of our lives reaching out with kind words, love, hugs and concern.  I can't tell you what that has done for our spirits and I know that the prayers and love have helped to make this whole process as wonderful as it's been.  I am so grateful for the amazing people in my life.  Thank you is not enough, and there are no words to express my gratitude.

Love and hugs!!

Home!!

YAY!  Nick is home and he is doing AWESOME!  He's up and about and being a real champ!  He's not having too much pain at this point and I am so GLAD! 

I am doing ok.  I am still having some severe pain in one of my incisions, but I am feeling a bit better everyday.  I am hoping that will work itself out in the next week or two.  I am down a total of 50 pounds already, and about 15 from the day of surgery.  Not too shabby!  I had my first pureed chicken today and it was wonderful!  It tasted so yummy!  My wonderful MIL and FIL got us a Magic Bullet and it is awesome!  You can just throw stuff in there and it purees the food in about a minute!  Super nice!!  My DFIL brought over another recliner chair for me to use since I haven't been able to sleep in my bed yet.  Very nice!!  I am so spoiled!! 

Things are going well so far!  Nick and I are both very optimistic about the future!  This is going to be fun!!

November 30th - I'm thankful for...

more than I can even say.

I am so sorry I have been such a slacker the past couple of weeks!!  I am not keeping up with my blog very well!  I am doing fine.  Thanks to all that have asked!  I just haven't felt up to getting online for anything.  So....  Now I'm feeling better and I can tackle getting caught up with my life! 

Nick's surgery is tomorrow and I am definately more nervous about his than I was about mine.  Dr. Clark is an amazing surgeon and Nick will be in great hands.  I just know what he has to look forward to over the next few weeks.  It's been different than I was expecting.  Physically and emotionally.  I am doing great now, but there have been a few hard days and I am sad Nick will have to deal with that!  I will say that I already feel like it's totally worth it, though!  I have lost a total of 50 lbs since July and I was "officially" down 14 lbs from my suregery date at the doctor's office yesterday.  :-)  14 lbs in 2 weeks!  Not too shabby!  I am still having a hard time with my water and protein, but I am confident that it will only get easier.

One thing I definately need to mention is how very thankful I am for all the well wished, love, prayers and support I've gotten over the last several weeks!  It seems like people have come out of the wood works to tell me they are thinking of me and praying for me.  I appreciate the support more than I could ever say! 

Love to you all and I will do much better with keeping up!! 

November 20th... I'm thankful for...

My surgical team!


Hi, everyone!  I am sorry I've missed the last few days.  I have been in a bit of a drugged stupor.  I got home from the hopsital yesterday.  Everyone at the hospital was so nice!  Everything went well.  I am a bit sore and getting up and down is a bit tough, but for the most part, I'm recovering well.  Nick has been so helpful!  I am hoping this painful stage doesn't last long.  I have been walking as much as I can.  I am doing well with my vitamins and protein.  I am trying to get in all the water I can.  I have had about 5 ounces of food in the last 5 days.  It's a weird feeling to not be hungry at all and to actually have to make myself eat!

I had lots of visitors in the hospital.  I got a lot of very pretty flowers. There is no way to express my gratitude for everyone's support.  Ok, it's sleepy time for me!  Hugs and love to all!

November 17th - I'm thankful for...

my amazing support group!  I have probably done this one before, but I need to do it again today.  I was absolutely overwhelmed yesterday with texts, calls, facebook messages and emails from so many people wishing me luck.  You all truely give me strength and I feel so loved.  I've thought of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" a lot the past 48 hours.  It's amazing to me just how many people had something to wonderful and beautiful to say to me and it makes me feel very blessed to be part of your lives.

This morning I am just making some last minute preperations and trying to stay in my happy place.  I am more nervous than I would like to be, but I also know that all the prayers being offered up for me are helping my nerves a lot.  Nick, DMIL, DFIL and my Mom will be there when I wake up today.  I am very glad they will be there with Nick while he's waiting for me. 

Wish me luck!  About 4 and a half more hours and I'll be ready!!  Love to you all!!

November 15th... I'm thankful for...

my washer and dryer.  Can you tell I'm doing laundry today?  LOL!  I HATED having to go to the laundry mat when I lived in apartments.  I don't like doing laundry, but I am very glad that I can at least do it at my house on my time now!

Today was my first day off work and I got a lot done.  I cleaned out my closet of all the clothes I can't/don't wear to make room for the new ones.  I read thru my surgery book and took lots of notes to prepare for the next 2 weeks.  I did laundry.  I watched a couple of movies.  Good day so far.  Tonight I am going to dinner with my DMIL and DFIL and DH for my birthday celebration.  Always a good time! 

November 14th - I'm thankful for...

My wonderful in-laws.  John and Kathy are two of the greatest people I've ever met.  John is an amazing father and is one of the most special men in my life.  He and I connected almost instantly and he treats me just like the daughter he never had.  He is a strong, loyal and devoted husband and father and I am very blessed that Nick is like him in so many ways.  Kathy is the most creative and thoughtful person I've ever met!  She is a joy to be around.  She has a way of bringing everyone around her to her level, even if there's no way we ever could be.  She is a very loving and supportive Mother and she is a consistant and generous friend.  I am also very blessed that Nick is so much like her.  John and Kathy have been there for Nick and I from day one in whatever way we needed them.  I am so glad that Kathy and I share the relationship we do.  I am so grateful to have them both in my life.
I love you guys!

November 13th - I'm thankful for...

My Mom.  I think she definately deserves a whole  post all to herself.  My mom is a really amazing person and I am so blessed to have her in my life.   She is a lot of fun and she has so much love in her heart.  Her smile can light up a room and she has the best laugh.  She was my very first friend and I am so glad to call her my friend today.  She is so supportive and I love all of the time I get to spend with her.  We talk just about everyday and she always knows just what to say to make me feel better.  She always says that her life is better because of me, but I can't imagine my life without her.
I love you, Mommy!

November 12th - I'm thankful for...

well wishes and kind words.  Today is my last day at work for the next 6 weeks and I have been overwhelmed with all the well-wishes I've received!   I am blessed to have some amazing co-workers and it is so nice that everyone's been so supportive!  I feel really lucky to have such a close knit group of people at work that really care about me.  I feel like I should be wearing a tu-tu today.  I am dancing through the office! 

November 11th - part two... I'm thankful for...

Our veterans.  I would feel very ungrateful if I didn't mention our vetrans and US Armed Forces today.  I am so grateful to be a part of this country.  I am a "military brat" and had the amazing blessing of getting to travel the world thanks to the army.  I've lived all over the states and in Germany.  Being privy to some of what the military does for us causes me to feel a great deal of humility.  Our soldiers are men of honor and deserve the respect of every member of our "free country".  We ALL owe a debt of gratitude to these men and women that freely protect us, knowing that they risk their own lives to protect us.  I wish I could hug every soldier I see.  I would love to thank them all personally for their devotion and courage.

November 11th - I'm thanful for...

my house.  I will confess that some days I look at my house and see all the clutter, the dust, and the other signs of thorough useage.  But I also see a cozy, comfortable sanctuary for Nick and I.  When I enter the door after a long day, it's like I've entered my own little private shelter.  It houses my memories and my treasures.  It keeps me warm/cool and protected from the outside elements.  I love my house and I am so blessed to have it. 

November 10th - I'm thankful for...

the internet.  It is so fun to me that we can find answers to so many questions in less than 10 seconds.  I had to research a cure for hiccups this morning and found one that worked like a charm!  I use Google search at least 10 times a day.  I also love being able to email and keep in touch with people all over the world with instant messaging and chat.  I enjoy blogging and Facebooking.  I can pay my bills and do my banking online.  And those are just some of the things the internet does for us.  It has certainly changed life.  I know it can be used in "bad" ways, too.  But I am so glad it's a part of my life. 

So.... 1 week from today!   It's getting close!  I get asked everyday how I am feeling about it.  The answer is complicated.  I am feeling so many things.  Mainly excited and anxious.  A little nervous.  A little overwhelmed.  It is a big blob of feelings and thoughts.  At this point, I am just ready for it to be here so I can start to move on to the next stage of life!  It is coming fast, but in other ways it feels like it can't get here fast enough. 

November 9th - I'm thankful for...

My husband.  Let me start by saying that these posts have been in no peticular order.  I can say that of all the things I am thankful for, my husband is at the top of the list.
When I was a kid, about 9 years old, I have a very vivid memory.  I was living in Germany at the time and I remember a clear night.  It was a beautiful evening and I was outside.  Across the street from our house was a playground and a big field. I loved to play there.  Well, this peticular night I was looking up at the sky.  It was just getting dark and I saw the first star.  So I said, "Star light, stat bright.  First star I see tonight.  I wish I may I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight."  Then I proceeded to make the most earnest, the most genuine, and the most hopeful wish I have ever wished.  I wished that someday I would meet a boy that would love me the way I loved him and who would be ready to open his heart to me.  I wished that we would meet and the timing would be just right for both of us.  I had no specifics about anything other than wanting him to have beautiful eyes.  I am so thankful to say that I got my wish.  Nick couldn't be more perfect for me if I'd had a lifetime to design him myself.  He is my best friend.  I am so glad to be going on the adventure of life with him.  And he does have beautiful eyes.  I have no doubt that we were destined to be together.  We were made for each other.  I often ask myself what I might have done to deserve him.
He supports me in all that I do.  He encourages me to be myself and be happy, whatever that means.  He helps me delevop myself and makes me better and more whole.  He encourages me to have friends that make my life better.  He is always there to listen when I'm having a rough moment.  He holds my hand in public.  He loves my family and is thankful for them.  He has given me the amazing blessing of being a part of his family.  He is the perfect blend of strong and manly and soft and emotional.  His smile melts my heart.  Catching his eye from across the room still gives me goosebumps.  His kiss can still turn my knees to jelly.  We sometimes joke that we share a brain.  I don't think it gets any better than Nick.
I love you, babe.

November 8th - I'm thankful for...

My car.  I had a humbling moment yesterday.  You know, one of those moments where your heart could literally explode because of all you have to be thankful for.  I was sitting at a stop light on a busy road and I saw an older man walking down the side of the road.  It looked like he was on his way to work.  I watched him try to stay out of the way of the cars zooming past him and thought about how richly blessed I am. Specifically and for the purposes of the post, I will say that I am thankful for my car.  I like to walk... on a treadmill.  Not in heavy traffic to get to work. 
I will be doing a seperate post for these, but I don't think you can tell people you love them too much.  I am grateful beyond words for my husband, my family, his family and our friends.  I am grateful to live in this country and to have the freedoms our amazing military defend.  I am grateful to have a nice house, a good job, plenty of food, and lots of other thinks that make life easier.  I am grateful to be loved.  There are no words to say how blessed I feel.
I hope you have a terrific day!

November 7th - I'm thankful for...

music.  I love music.  All kinds of music.  Music can envoke in me things nothing else can. I FEEL music.  I like to sing, I love to lose myself in beautiful melodies.  I can find music in all sorts of things.  Music can change my mood signifigantly.  I am so glad I can hear it and I am so grateful the talented people that create music.

November 6th - I'm thankful for...

My girlfriends!  I have been blessed with some truely amazing women in my life.  They inspire me, they uplift me, and they give me strength.  I love them all uniquly and with devotion.  I draw so much from them.  I have friends that I talk to daily, and others where the time passes between our talks, but we never miss a beat.  They accept me for who I am and love me in spite of my flaws.  I am so lucky to have a Mother and a Mother in law that are amazing women and I hope to be like them.  I have new friends that have a already made a place in my heart.  I have the most supportive and loyal and beautful friends that make my life happier just by being in it. Ladies, I love you!  Thank you for blessing me with yourselves.

November 5th - I'm thankful for...

My job.  I am really grateful to have a job during this really difficult economic time.  I am even more grateful that I have a job I really enjoy.  I get to use a lot of my skills and my strengths.  My work is challenging and rewarding.  I am lucky to work for a company that has taken really good care of Nick and I.  I have a lot of flexibility day to day and I work with some really great people!  I've made some great friends at work and I am paid well for my time.  I know those are rare gems and I am very blessed.

Happy Friday!  I hope everyone has a great weekend!  Nick and I are going shopping to get all of my stuff.  Protein powder, vitamins, small storage containers, a good blender and some magazines and slippers for the hospital! 

November 4th - I'm thankful for...

My health.  I am working on improving it now, but generally speaking I am blessed with good health.  I have all 5 senses, I have all my extremities, all of my organs work.  I am really grateful for the health I have. 

On another note, I met a new friend last night.  She and I met on an online support group, renewedreflections.com and hit it off right away.  We met for a "healthy" night last night and ended up walking 10,000 steps around the Metropolis Mall!  She is wonderfully sweet and I swear we are the same person.  I felt instatly comfortable with her and instatly knew we were starting what has the potential to be a wonderful friendship.  We laughed and joked with ease.

Here is a photo of us as we start our journey together.

Today was our all-day nutrition class and we learned about about what to expect the day of surgery, the weeks after and the months after.  It was very informative and it made it all feel very real!  We signed all of our hospial consents and everything.  I also had my official weigh in and I am pleased to say that I am "officially" 22 pounds down from July 26th!  I am pretty proud of myself!   I also started my "Pre-op" diet yesterday.  It consists of 2 protein shakes (one for breakfast, one for lunch) then 4-6 oz. of meat and a non-starchy veggie for dinner.  It's actually going ok so far.  I don't feel too bad.  I am thinking I may drop a few more pounds pretty fast!  YAY!!  

November 3rd - I am thankful for...

Pictures.  I love them!  Pictures freeze a moment in time and you can always look at them to remember.  I have photos all over my desk at work and all over my house and I love to sit and look at them.  I can remember what was happening in them.  I can see people I haven't seen in a long time.  I can enjoy beautiful scenery on a dreary day.  I am thankful for all the photographs I have and all of the memories they evoke.
Here are a couple of pictures I like:

My wedding day - One of the very best days of my life...

I think this is beautiful!  It reminds me of the journey of life, with hills and valleys.

 This is one of my happy places.  I would love to find this place someday!

This is another happy place.  I love the colors in this one.

 This is our engagement picture.  This reminds me of when we were just starting out and how much we've grown together since then.



Thanks for reading and have a good day!

November 2nd - I am thankful for...

Modern conveniences!  I am so grateful to live in this age of technology.  I don't embrace it the way SOME people I know do.  (no names, ahem).  I do love the little things I take for granted.  I have an alarm clock to wake me up, a hot shower, a hair dryer, washing machine and dryer, a microwave, a phone that allows me to carry it around with me in my pocket and play online, a computer that holds all kinds of information and allows me to keep in touch.  I have a air conditioner/heater that keeps me warm or cool as needed.  I have a car to take me any where I want to go.  I have electricitiy and toilets.  I have a camera that I can take pictures with.  It just blows my mind how much we have today to make all that we do so much easier.  I can't imagine living without the conveniences we have today.  I would NOT have made a very good pioneer woman! 

What are YOU thankful for today? 

Thankful for...

So I am blatantly stealing this idea from my DMIL's blog, Kathy's blog. She did this all of last November and I LOVED the idea.  The plan is to post everyday something that you are thankful for leading up to Thanksgiving.  Kathy posted a very cool digital card with each of her posts, but I am afraid I haven't played with My Digital Studios enough to be as cool as her! 

So, today, November 1st, I am thankful for...
My wonderful support system.  I have a great group of friends and family that are there for me no matter what! I am richly blessed to have such a close group of amazing people in my life and I learn from them constantly.  I feel very loved in all that I do and I know how rare it is to have so many people who love you unconditionally and in spite of your flaws.

So a special shout-out today to all of you.  I love you guys!

Happy Halloween

I have had a hard time getting into the spirit for Halloween this year.  Normally I love getting dressed up and handing out candy and everything.  Maybe it's because I can't eat any of the yummy treats this year.  Maybe I've officially out grown it.  I hope not.  I didn't carve a pumpkin or anything this year.  I am actually working today.  Ah, well...  I am looking forward to getting a super cute costume for next year, so maybe that will be more fun. 

I hope that you are all enjoying the day!  Eat some candy for me!  Be safe out there!

Happy Halloween!

I love Halloween!  It's not only that I love fall and all the colors.  I love the crisp air, the mums, and the cute and creative costumes!!
Nick and I are dressing in a couple costume this year... sort of.
Can you guess what I am?? 

My eye is black and I have a "P".  We are the Black Eyed Peas!  LOL!  I found this idea online and it was super easy! 
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend! 

tests and more tests...

So today was my all-day testing for pre-op clearance.  I arrived at the hospital at 7 am and my first stop was bloodwork.  They drew 9 tubes and luckily I had a great tech.  I don't even have a bruise.  Next I went to do my liver and gallbladder ultrasounds.  The gel was nice and warm, so that wasn't so bad.  Next I arrived for my upper GI.  My friend had this test done recently and told me about the test, but I don't think anything could have really prepared me.  I had to swallow crystals that filled me with air and then drink whole bottle of thick barium.  Yuck!  I wasn't sure I was going to make it though that one.  Then I had to roll around in my very flattering hospital gown and drink even more barium.  The whole thing took about 20 minutes and was definately the worst part of my day.  I moved on to a very simple EKG for the last test.
Later in the day, I met with an internal medicine doctor who gave me the all clear.  That was quite a relief!  I am glad to be done with that part!
I am still trying to wrap my head around 19 days left until surgery.  It's coming fast.  Being in the hospital for most of the day today certainly made it feel more real. 
Onto other news...  Tomorrow is the annual Matis Halloween.  It's always a great time and I am really looking forward to it.  Saturday we are going to Anderson Orchard with my Mom's family.  I am sure that will be a lot of fun!  I am working Sunday, Halloween day, to make up for missing next Thursday, so my weekend will go very fast. 
I also found out, through a series of strange events, that I am getting a WII for my 30th birthday from my wonderous hubby and my DMIL and DFIL!  I am very excited about it and I am sure my recovery will be much more fun with my new toy!!  I don't have it yet, but I was very excited to find out that I was getting it.  I've really been wanting one!  I like the games so much more that any other system out there!   YAY!!

More photos from our trip...

I couldn't add anymore photos to my last post...  Sorry about that!  Here are some more pictures from Gatlinburg...

Back home again...

We are home again.  We had a wonderful trip!  The drive was really amazing!  The trees and colors were really spectacular!  We had just thr right blend of rest and adventure.  Apparently we weren't the only ones that decided to go to Gatlinburg this weekend!  It was very crowded, but not too bad any where we went.  We had a great time with our friends and our cabin was great! 
Here is a photo of the cabin and our room:

I am pretty proud of myself!  We did have some great meals, but I made good choices and only snacked a little.  I didn't end up gaining any weight while I was gone.  I was nervous about that.  We did walk a lot one day, but we were in the car exploring most of the time.

I am three weeks out tomorrow and it's starting to feel a little more real.  I have my all day testing on Thursday with labs, an upper GI, and gallbladder ultrasound.  I have to be at the hosptial at 6:30 am!  Yuck!  I am still a ball of random emotions about everything, but I am doing a lot of research to try to prepare myself both mentally, physically and emotionally.

Fun times!

So, I may not be on for the next few days.  I will be in Gatlinburg!  With no computer!  I am so excited about it!  I hope it's all I am dreaming it will be.  We are going with some really great friends and I am sure we will have a great time together.

My Mom got her surgery date today!  She'll be having surgery on Dec 22!  She'll get out of the hospital on Christmas Eve!  So, Christmas is going to be interesting this year.

It's another beautiful day in Indy.  Enjoying the weather and hoping it's just as nice on our trip!

Tuesdays...

Have you ever thought about how random Tuesdays are?  They don't really have a "thing".  Monday is the dreaded day.  Wednesday is "hump day", a half way point.  Thursdays are a celebration for Friday.  Fridays are a day of winding down.  Tuesdays.  Nothing.  I guess it's not Monday anymore. 
Random thought for the day. 

On another note, Happy Birthday to my Daddy!

Monday, Monday...

So I missed my post for yesterday.  I had a good day.  Laundry, yuck!  But then customary dinner with my Mom's side of the family.  I love our Sunday lunches.  My mom made turkey meatloaf and it was delicious!  Legal, too! 
We were up very late last night for the Colts game, so we didn't go the gym.  I've felt off my game all day today.  It's amazing what a difference it makes to start my day with a workout and high protein breakfast!

Spectacular!

Had a great day today!  I went to a Christmas Stamp-a-Stack this morning and came a little closer to meeting my Christmas card goal.  Then my DFIL, DMIL and DH and I went to Nashville and Brown County State Park!  What a BEAUTIFUL day!  Sadly, we were NOT the only ones to have the idea to go today and it was a tad crowded!  But the colors were really worth it!  I just love fall in Indiana! 

(a bit blurry... the car was moving)

Tomorrow is my DMIL's birthday, so we took her to Logans for dinner.  Thanks, John and Kathy, for spending the day with us!  

Happy Friday!

Oh, Friday...  You are such a loyal and wonderful friend.  Burdens seem lighter, the world looks brighter and all because you're finally here!  I do love Fridays.  That seems so funny to me.  It's just a day.  It happens every 7 days, just like clock-work.  Why are they so special? 

I have 4 weeks of work after today for the rest of the YEAR!  That seems funny to say!  I haven't had that much time off work since I was 17!  I am looking forward to a bit of a vacation.  I do love my job and I adore the people I work with, but I think having some "me" time will do wonders and it sounds glorious! 

This weekend will be fun!  I have a Christmas Stamp a stack tomorrow morning and then I am going to Brown County to see the leaves tomorrow afternoon.  It's one of my very favorite things to do in the fall.  Sunday is my DMIL's birthday, so we will be celebrating tomorrow.

Next week is Gatlinburg!  We are going with some really great friends and we'll be there for 4 days.  I am really excited about our trip!  The next few weeks will be very busy and I am hoping it serves as a distraction so I don't have time to get nervous! 

Have a great day! 

Beautiful day!

I know this may sound odd, but I LOVE my drive to work.  Sincerly!  I am fortunate enough to get to take all back roads.  I drive by several fields and and this is my very favorite time of year.  The leaves are spectacular!  There are so many colors and the sky is such a beautiful backdrop!  I feel like every beautiful scene I pass is a gift just for me.  Then I get to work and I have a desks surrounded with windows, so I find myself staring at the sky more often than I will admit.  I have a cute little tree right outside my window that provides hours of entertainment.  There are always birds coming and going.  I try to take a few minutes everyday to see what's happening outside.  Just another part of slowing it all down.
Here's what I see everyday:

Things I hope for...

I was working out at the gym this morning and had some time to think...  I find that I really enjoy my morning walk and enjoy the time I have to think.  I can feel my lungs fill with air, feel my blood flow, feel the sweat beads as I push a bit harder.  I embrace the time I can spend alone with my thoughts.
This morning my thoughts were filled with some of my goals and things I "hope" for.  I say hope because these are goals I am setting, but we can fail at goals.  If I hope for these things, I won't ever "fail" them.

Just a few of the things I "hope" for:
1 - I want to be able to run.  Really run.  For a long time.
2 - I want to be able to go to a clothing store and buy single digit sized clothing.
3 - I want to be able to climb the stairs in St Louis (by the Arch) without getting winded
4 - I want to fly on an airplane without spilling over my seat.
5 - I want to be able to see my toes when I look straight down.
6 - I want people who haven't seen me for a while to not recognize me.
7 - I want to avoid EVER being on insulin.
8 - I want my queen sized bed to feel like a king.
9 - I don't want to use the handicapped stall in a restroom because I don't fit in a standard stall very well.
10 - I want to be able to sit in any chair out there without pausing to ask myself if it's sturdy enough.

Now, these are not even a fraction of all the things I hope, but it's a start.  Somethings are more personal, but almost all have to do with transforming myself into a more happy, healthy and complete me.  Not all of this journey has to do with weight loss.  I strive to be like Nick.  Really.  He is an amazing human being, good and wonderful to the core.  I hope to be more like him.  He will tell you that he's not perfect, but in my eyes, he's as close as I could hope to be.

While I am "hoping" for things, I am also embracing the place I am in now.  I've lost 18 pounds in 3 months.  On my own.  With old fashioned diet and excersise.  I've worked hard.  I've researched and changed my habits.  My brother stayed with us the other night and told me in a frusterated voice that we didn't have any snacks.  He said that all we have is health food.  I smiled because he's right.  We have removed everything "illegal" from our house.  I get up at 5 am to be at the gym by 6 am at least 3-4 days a week.  Me!  The perpetual night owl!  I have made choices to be the best me I can be.  And I can say that I am proud of myself.  Even when I stumble, I am getting right back in there.  It feels glorious!

Trying something new

I have been wanting to try this for a long time!  What a fun way to share your journey with friends and family.  I am an avid blog-stalker, so I thought it was time to try my hand at this.

I am preparing to have bariatric surgery and I have 5 weeks left.  I am a bundle of emotions already and I understand it only gets worse!  I have met some really great people on this journey and I consider myself very lucky to have an amazing group of friends and family supporting me on my way.  My surgery date is set for November 17, 2010.  My wonderful, amazing and inspirational husband is doing this with me.  He will be having surgery exactly 2 weeks after me and I couldn't feel more blessed than to be doing this with him.

All of my posts won't be about my WLS (weight loss surgery).  I am also a rubber stamper, amongst other things.  This blog may just be as random as me.  I would like to use this space as a sort of journal, so please feel free to cheer me on if you'd like.