A New Year's Prayer

I didn't write this, but I found it and really liked it so wanted to post this for my family & friends as my New Year's message/prayer for you:

A New Year’s Prayer

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

Happy New Year to you all. I love you and thank you for being part of my life!

New Year, New Resolve

Pleh! I have eaten so much "junk" this past week (or so) that I feel like I am what I eat. JUNK! However, last night I had a very delightful dinner at a re-visited local restaurant. Back "in the day" it used to be called the Shorewood. It is on the shore of the beautiful (I say that tongue in cheek) Moore Lake in Fridley. Me and my friends used to frequent it for their after work happy hour and when we felt really fancy, we would eat dinner there. The food was always pretty good and the ambiance was nice. Then they closed her down. Reopened as "The Crab Shack". I ate there a few times and it was good, too, but had a very different clientel. Not my kind of people. Smokers. Bikers. Hard core. But, I still had lunch there on occassion with some friends, one in particular who had moved to Florida and would come back once a year to visit. But I digress. My dinner last night was lobster ravioli. Mmmmmmm...in a lobster garlic cream sauce. And to my delight, it wasn't a huge plate full, but rather six very gently placed ravioli and covered with the very nice sauce. Just enough to love it and not so much that I had to make myself sick eating every last bite. Very good. Followed by a slice of "Fruit of the Forest" pie at Nona's afterwards. Also very good.

So I think I am going to resolve to eat healthier starting Friday. I hope. I didn't go through the surgery and this year of discovering what it's like to not haul an extra person's worth of weight around for nothing. I need to jump start myself again and choose the right things to eat. No more crap in the house. So there I said it, and now I plan to stick to it as best I humanly can!!

Do you make New Year's resolutions? If so, wanna share? If not, well, that's good too. Just want to wish that everyone has a wonderful year ahead!!

There's no business like SNOW Business...

Oh boy! Whoever dreamed up this "White Christmas" in Minnesota sure knew what they were doing!! We got it. Lots of it. Snow the likes of which I can't remember having seen for a long time. It started out as nice, soft, fluffy easy to shovel snow. And now it's the THICK, HEAVY, WET and HARD to shovel snow!! But it sure makes for a good snowman!!

This beauty (which I hope will copy over to this posting) is about 8' 10" tall and was constructed primarily by my nieces and nephews today at my sister's house. With all that good snowman snow out there on the lawn, they could hardly resist! I also saw their two neighbor kids having a good old-fashioned snowball fight across the driveway from their opposing snow forts! It made me wanna put on some snow boots, snow pants and heavy mittens and go out and join them. I think I should have. How often do you get that opportunity?!

Christmas 2009 is now behind us, but the wonderful memories will linger on. Hope you all had a wonderful day and look forword to many more to come in 2010!

The Year In Review

I know it's kind of early for this, but these thoughts are what woke me up early this morning (around 5:30) and so I guess the only way to get them out of my head is to put them down in writing.

It's been a very complex year. Ups and downs and lots of in-betweens. A lot of things happened that I'd rather didn't, but a lot of wonderful things happened as well. I have always wanted to send out one of those Christmas letters telling everyone about the great accomplishments for my year, but either I didn't have anything to write about, or I just didn't take the time to do it. So, instead I offer this reflection on 2009:

I started the year just out of surgery (RNY Gastric Bypass on 12/19/08) and so I was at home recouperating and not eating anything other than liquids. Last Christmas was very different for me because I couldn't eat a thing - just smell the wonderful smells and dream about them. But, I know that I did the right thing in having the surgery when I did. It all worked out for me and I'm down 168 pounds now. It really is "A whole new world" for me!

Later in January is when the news came that I would be losing my job by the end of the year. Our jobs were being sent to India. The saddest part of that day was finding out that some of my co-workers were let go that day, never to return. Some were given a date of October 2 and the remainder of us were given a date of December 18. I had thought that given 11 months I would find something else after 31+ years of service to Target, but that was not meant to be. And so as of last Friday, I am unemployed (but hopeful).

The year 2009 brought with it many deaths in my close circle of friends and family. First one of my best friend's, Nona, lost her husband and I lost a dear friend when Byron passed away in February. My dear friend Sandy lost her mother "June Bug". Later in the year my friend Linda lost her battle with cancer as did my Uncle Wayne and my friend Connie's sister Grace. We also lost family friends Gordy and Bev, a husband and wife who passed away within weeks of each other. My brother-in-law's mother Paula also passed away. A co-worker's father passed away. It was a bad year in that sense but they will all be remembered forever.

Cancer. I hate cancer. It enters a person's body and invades their life. Several friends/family were diagnosed with various forms of cancer in 2009. My friends Terry and Yvonne, my sister Trish, one co-worker's sister and another's mother-in-law. Several friends and family that had been previously diagnosed continued their battles including my sister Sandy, my dear friend Nona, my pastor/friend John and my Uncle Bernard. Many of my family members participated in the "Relay For Life" in Delano, MN this last July to help raise money and awareness of cancer. We had a great time and plan to do it again this year. In the meantime, constant prayers are sent up for those battling this terrible disease.

It wasn't all bad - there were a lot of wonderful times in 2009! My daughter Chelsea and her boyfriend Chris came to MN for a visit in February (yes, February). Chris got to walk on water across our frozen lakes. They came back again in September (no walking on water that trip). I was fortunate enough to be able to go to Seattle to visit them and meet Chris' son Mally, along with a bunch of their friends in October. We had a great time and I intend to go back when there isn't as much rain!! Chelsea is really keeping herself busy! She is enrolled at the University of Washington and she continues to serve several families as a Nanny, a private chef for one person and occassionally acts as a server at a local restaurant. All this while maintaining a family life with Chris and Mally! She wears me out, but I am so proud of her I could burst!

In September I had the opportunity to go on a road trip with my sister JoElla to visit my brother Rick and his wife Roxi in Indiana. I had been awarded $500 in books to donate to a school of my choice, and I chose the school that Roxi has taught at for many years. While I was in town I was able to meet the Principal and a couple of students who would benefit from the new books being added to their library. I also made friends with Bayleigh, Bitsy and Mousse (their dogs and cat).

My sisters and I had our annual "Sister's Weekend" in October. We had a great time revisiting a resort we had stayed at previously. However, the bad part was our sister Sandy was unable to be with us. She had just had a procedure on a cancerous tumor and didn't feel up to joining us. She was with us in spirit and we made several calls to her to make sure she didn't miss out on the fun! Hoping that next year she will feel better and can join us.

And finally, we added a new member to our large and ever growing family! My nephew Collin and his wife Krista gave birth to Colton in September! I was able to meet him over the Thanksgiving weekend. He is adorable and a great addition to our family. The love just continues to grow in my family!!

It's been a long year, sometimes exhausting and at times exciting. Emotional, thought provoking and requiring a lot of reflection. When you live it day-by-day, you seem to just go through it, however if you look back on all that has taken place, it's amazing to me that it's all been done in just one year.

I wish each and every one of you (and those who don't read this) a very blessed and eventful new year. As you go through what you will go through, I wish you joy, strength when necessary and much love!! Let's hope 2010 has more ups than downs! God Bless!

Day One/Won

Stardate 12/21/09. Woke up late (finally). Prepared for transit to torture chambers (Fitness 19). Arrived at said destination early. Initiated cycling routine (rode the darn bike). Embarked on mission of pain with designated humanoid ("my" Anthony)to flex, stretch and generally displace muscle mass. Results: felt great, however anticipating extreme difficulty in completing normal functions tomorrow.

Returned to place of residence and proceeded to morph into a couch potato. Watched Maurey Povich determine the fate of several men who provided DNA for a "baby daddy" test. Slept. Ate. Played Boggle on POGO. Watched Dr. Phil talk to girls about bullying. Wanted to go to the nearest Middle School and spank a few of them mean girls, but chose instead to take another nap.

Determined that I must not continue in this pattern of behavior tomorrow. Will set the alarm (oh, but for 7:00 maybe) and will attend the meeting of displaced team members at local Panera Bread shop. Will then proceed to visit with one of my best friends and perhaps have lunch with her. Will not take a nap. REPEAT: Will NOT take a nap tomorrow!

(This mission, which I didn't request to take, will be very interesting!)

Let the Bullseye Ban begin

It's official, today was my last day at work. I'm paid through tomorrow, but I took it off. I had my official final meeting with HR. Received my official separation papers (and a thick stack of legal documents to read over). Officially handed over my team member ID, company issued credit card and phone card to my boss. Had my official happy hour send-off with a few choice co-workers (and, yes, I even drank 2/3 of a Mike's Hard Lemonade). So I think that's official. I'm done. No need for any of my family or friends to shop at "the evil Red" any more!!

I feel kinda good about it. It seems odd to say, but I do. The way they treated me and others in my situation over the last 11 months has been horrendous. If anyone thinks this big corporation had any 'down home' Minnesota-nice in them, you are sadly mistaken. Granted, there are a few people in management there who are really nice (my old boss Dawn for example), but the ones that I have dealt with directly were not helpful, not supportive and didn't appear to give 2 craps about those of us on the chopping block. This is probably why it feels good to be going.

So anyway - next steps for me include relaxing, visiting California, relaxing some more. Maybe buying myself a Kindle (as a sort of 'retirement' gift for me). And then maybe look for the perfect job. My brother wants me to move to CA, my daughter wants me to move to WA, I want to have someone tell me what the future holds so I know what to do. In reality, I need to take a few steps back, survey the situation and figure out really what I want to do. I can't rush this decision. I feel like I'm too old to be making drastic changes in my life, but at least the finding a new job part of it has been thrust upon me against my will. The other changes or non-changes are up to me.

Wish me luck. And pray me through! Thanks!

One Year Progress Report

It's official (sort of). I had my one year post-op with the surgeon. Not MY surgeon, mind you. He has some how slipped into oblivion. I haven't seen him since the day of the surgery when he wrote right on my tummy - marked it with "RNY" and his initials. This is a precautionary step to prevent him from doing the wrong surgery, or from some other doctor finding me in his OR and trying to do surgery on me. Isn't that scary that they have to write on you to make sure? But, I digress.

I saw the "other" surgeon who I have been seeing for my post-op appointments all along. He said all my blood work was good (except that my glucose was a little high, but not terrible and my A1C was 6.2). He was pleased that I have lost 168 pounds (and so am I) and pleased to hear I have been exercising. My status went from "Super-Super Morbidly Obese" to just plain "Obese" - which I guess is encouraging! My BMI went down by over 35 points and I've lost 65% of my excess weight. That is according to what the insurance companies want me to weigh (131 lbs) which he said he does NOT want me to weigh. So all in all, things are good! I don't have to go back for 6 months.

I'm celebrating my surgiversary on Saturday by having an "Ugly Sweater Party" with some friends and family. Wear an ugly sweater and you may just win a prize!! It also would have been my parents anniversary (cough-cough) and is also my friend Jan's birthday. And it's the first official day of my unemployment! There is lots to celebrate! Party on, Garth!!

Is it the weekend now?

I'm losing track of the days. Only because I had last Monday off (to do the Project Homeless Connect thing - see previous post) and then worked at the store Holiday Helpers event Tuesday morning. Then, well, it snowed Tuesday and Tuesday night so naturally I had to call in a "vacation/snow" day on Wednesday. Worked all day Thursday..I mean I was there all day. Today I had a shopping event for a nursing home we work with at "The Evil Red" and that took me into lunch time. Went to work for a couple hours and had to leave early so I could get some help hauling 3 more boxes of my personal effects to my car. And now, here it is Friday evening.

Tomorrow I am working out with "My" (Shared) Anthony. This will be the 3rd time. The trouble is, I haven't had time in-between visits with him to get into the gym. So I feel like a slug. That will change, however, as I only have 3 days of work left. Later tomorrow I am going to the play in Anoka followed by a late lunch/early dinner with friends. Sunday is the cookie bake (really, it's a cookie decorating party) at my sister's farm. I just watch - the kids do the decorating! I have Monday off and no big plans. Then I work Tu-We-Th and that's it folks!!

I've already realized that when I am not working I am going to have to force myself to get up at a reasonable time (like I have a choice, my body rarely allows me to sleep past 6:30 any more), get showered and get dressed and DO SOMETHING productive or I shall become a 400 pound couch potato. I was pretty impressed with my productivity on Wednesday, however, I didn't get showered/dressed until around 2:00 - just in time to go out and shovel the steps. That can't become my norm.

So I'm accepting any and all suggestions on how to motivate myself off the couch. I know the usual: go to the gym, go shopping, to the library, volunteer, but is there any other valuable tid bits? Please note that I will accept them, but not necessarily follow through with them. I just want to see if anyone is reading!

Deep Thoughts

Well, probably not so deep but profound.

I just came back from Project Homeless Connect and again it made me feel a bit overwhelmed. Picture a large ballroom type room filled with chairs set up facing each other in pairs. Now picture 1,400+ people in black T-shirts sitting in one of the chairs facing an empty chair, waiting for it to be filled by a total stranger who, by the way, happens to be homeless or near homeless. When they meet, they become instant friends and the person in the black T-shirt helps the other navigate through an area a couple city blocks long that provides them with medical care, eye care, dental care, help with housing, employment, legal issues and something as simple as getting a pair of boots for the Winter. That's what I did this morning. I wore the black T-shirt and helped "Jan" get a voucher to get her state ID card for free, we got her a pair of reading glasses and she was seen by a doctor who gave her some anti-biotics and some meds for asthma and she also got her H1N1 shot and a tetanus shot. Then we had lunch together and talked about our plans for the Holidays.

This is the 2nd time I've done this and it really makes you realize how fortunate you are. Yes, I will be unemployed in a couple weeks, but I still have a nice home, transportation and the hope that I will find another job. So many out there are not as lucky. Please say a prayer for the homeless and under-employed people living in poverty in our country. So many of us are just a few paychecks away from something horrible happening to us. No one deserves to live on the street or go to bed hungry each night, but so many do.

On the brighter side, I am preparing for my 2nd appointment with my new trainer. I didn't hurt as bad as I thought I would after Saturday morning's session, so that's a good thing. Hope I can say the same after this one!!

Tomorrow AM I will be helping with the special shopping event at the store for the Seniors and disabled. Then I have to go back to the 'real world' and work again! Oh well, can't all be fun and games now, can it? :o)

The Ranks of the Unemployed

Well, I think it's official. I will be unemployed as of 12/18/09. Today I got the turndown for the last job I was able to interview for at my company. With only a little over 2 weeks left, I know that is not enough time for this place to accept my application, interview and hire anyone! So my 31+ year relationship with them is now over. It's kind of like leaving your spouse, except lawyers won't be involved (most likely)! I am going to take some time off, go to CA to visit family and friends and decide what I want to be when I grow up (again). Don't cry for me (yet) because I'm looking at this as a door being forced open for me!

I signed up for a trainer - joined my sister's gym and now have her same trainer. She likes to refer to him as "MY" Anthony, and now he'll be "MY" Anthony as well, or maybe "OUR" Anthony. Nonetheless, I did a trial run with him on Monday night and my arms are still sore today! No pain, no gain, right? I am seeing him again on Saturday morning and hope I'm still able to walk on Monday because I'm volunteering at the Project Homeless Connect on Monday. I volunteered there earlier this year and it was wonderful - it's a bunch of different agencies all in one place to provide services for the homeless population. I gained a whole new respect for them last time and sure this time will be the same.

And this weekend is going to be fun and full of adventure too! Training with "MY" Anthony Saturday morning and then off to training for Project Homeless Connect, followed by a reunion lunch with my friend Terry, his wife Cathy and a bunch of people we used to work with. Sunday I am attending a luncheon/play with my "Fourever Friends" Carlene, Sandy and Nona. It's our Christmas tradition! And finally Sunday night my niece, Marissa, is spending the night while her folks get a much deserved overnight break. I used to babysit Marissa when she was still a baby (she's 15.5 now) and we used to watch COPS together. Wonder if she still wants to do that?? :o)

SO that is all the news that I have for now. Thanks for your continued support and prayers for my future career, and please pray for all those who are battling cancer: Sandy, Trish, Terry, Nona, Pastor John, Yvonne and so many more!! Thanks!

Update by Special Request*

The Holiday weekend is almost over. But what a weekend it was! I got stuffed with turkey and fixin's on Thursday at my sister JoElla's house and then had turkey & noodles at my brother Chuck's house that night (can you say food over-load?). Woke up Friday morning and went to Target to get the adjustment to my new comforter that was on sale (saved $30) and then did some power shopping before returning home to prepare for the trip to Owatonna, MN to meet the newest member of our family, Colton! Of course prior to that, my garage door had a melt down. Tried to shut the door and it wouldn't have it. Apparently I had snapped a cable. Lucky for me the first place I called was able to come within the hour and fix it so I could still make the trip to meet Colton.

We had a wonderful baby shower for Colton and after the baby shower a bunch of us went to the hotel for an "after party" (how my room was chosen for this, I'll never know). We had a blast. Then this morning we all met for breakfast in the hotel before taking off and doing a little more shopping. Made it back home around 2:00, had some lunch, uploaded pictures (see attached), talked to my lovely daughter - hope you're feeling better, and then went to church. After church it was back over to JoElla & Bill's to see the family again. Unfortunately my crazy brother decided to take off for the trip back to Indiana tonight instead of tomorrow morning (*this is where the "by special request" part comes in -- he said to me, "I suppose you're going to blog about this!"). So the visit was cut short and we have to worry about them driving back late at night. He's nuts I tell you, nuts. But, this isn't something we just realized, he's done this many times before with no dire consequences. However, I want it known and established in writing that he is officially nuts. So there.

The photo attached is me holding baby Colton - and he's not crying. He tended to either be crying or start crying while I held him. I'd like to think it's because he knew that we wouldn't get to see each other often enough and that made him sad. But he is just adorable and looks just like his daddy, Collin. Even has the same haircut.

I had a wonderful long weekend and have one more day to enjoy. Tomorrow I am going to go join my sister's gym so I can take advantage of her personal trainer and get my guns. I'm also going to entertain my friend Marylee by allowing her to kick my butt at Scrabble again. I think maybe she cheats, but maybe I'm just worn down by the time we play? She's retired and I am still struggling to work and keep a job. The stress is too much perhaps? We'll see.

Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving and were able to enjoy time with family and friends. That's what it's all about!

Let me give thanks..

I have so much to be thankful for this year. Yes, there have been some very bad things that happened this year - lost friends/family, friends being diagnosed with cancer, my sister being diagnosed with cancer, learning I may lose my job, and I could go on, but why? I'd rather celebrate and be thankful for the many blessings in my life this year:

• Chelsea and Chris visited in February (cold hands, warm hearts) and again in September!
• I was able to visit Chelsea, Chris and Mally (and friends) in Seattle in October!
• The American Cancer Society "Relay For Life" was a great success (despite the storm) and we all participated and raised money for a really great cause
• My friend Terry beat the odds and surpassed the 'end of the road' date they gave him - and he's still doing well and going ahead with life!
• My sister Sandy is coping very well with her cancer, fighting it all the way and hasn't had to have chemo since August! She's stronger than she's been in a long time!
• My sister Trish had her lumpectomy and they found no further signs of cancer cells in her lymph nodes or surrounding tissue. She is doing well and ready for battle, too!
• I am surrounded by so many amazing friends, even some who live far away like California (and whom I haven't even met in person yet) that support me and pray for me and my family on a regular basis. They are truly angels.
• I am blessed with a wonderful and close-knit family, we love and care for each other and support each other in many ways. I never feel alone!
• I have been blessed with the most wonderful daughter - she's beautiful, talented, charming, incredibly strong and resilient. I'm so proud of her I could burst!

My list could go on for days. The point is, as long as I am still taking up space above ground and sucking in air, I am blessed and thankful for all the blessings in my life!!

I wish each and every person reading this a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving. Remember to count your blessings and love your family and friends because you can!!

I'm feeling kinda yucky! :o(

I don't know if I have a flu bug, or just something that I ate, but I feel yucky! Started last night shortly after I ate dinner (some pork steaks with pineapple & carrots - was yummy). I don't know if the food just didn't 'digest' or what, but I felt bloated all night. Tossed & turned all night and didn't sleep much. When the alarm went off at 5:30, I decided to call and leave a message at work that I would be late - try to sleep one more hour to see if things improved. But, no. It was just as bad when I woke up an hour later. So I didn't go to work. Ended up having a little puking session of just bile (sorry to be so blunt!!). And all day long I've still felt bloated. Maalox doesn't seem to help. Drinking tea isn't helping. It's a mystery to me, but I am afraid to eat anything. I just hope it's better by the morning.

Tomorrow I have a phone screening/interview for one of the 9 jobs I posted for internally. I've never done a phone interview, so I hope it goes well. Wish me luck.

That's it for now. Back to the couch!

When does the countdown begin?

So another week has passed. One week closer to my last day. One more job application failure. That's 7 so far that have resulted in nothing but a "sorry, but no go" response. Six were internal, the last one was an external one. The crazy thing is, the external company gave me an actual Email and said some nice things about me (perhaps it was a form letter, but it still read nice). My own company doesn't have the decency to call or even Email. They just update the status of my internal application to read, "No longer being considered". Nice, huh? I think that's what technology has done to our society. A company can't even write a decent kiss off letter. Oh well.

So my question is, how soon does one start to count the days before one is dismissed from one's 31+ year career at ones current place of employ? Does one wait until the days are less than 30? I guess that would be today (since D-Day is 12/18). Or does one politely wait until there is less than one week? Perhaps it makes more sense to wait until there are a reasonably countable number of hours remaining? And, it's been a great debate in the office as to does one include weekends/holidays and/or vacation days in ones count down, or are those excluded. It's questions like these that keep me up at night (or wake me at 4:30 AM on a perfectly good Saturday for sleeping in).

I guess I won't count down. Not yet anyway. I just keep saying I have a few weeks left. I am not relishing the idea of entering the unemployed ranks, but I am in some sick way looking forward to not having to get up at 5:30 AM, not having to pretend like I have something important to do or say, and not having to hear myself and my commrades complain bitterly about our situation all day. Yeah, that's right - I complain about it all day. Well, not all day, but a good portion of the day. And where does that get me? It gets me all riled up and makes me wake up at 4:30 thinking about it some more.

Ugh! It's the weekend and tomorrow I told my sister I'd meet her at her gym to get a freebie with her trainer. If I decide to have him train me (SIT!! LAY DOWN!! ROLL OVER!!) I would then have to join her gym and pay him. Still trying to figure out if that's something I really want to do or not. Hope it doesn't wake me up at 4:30 to think about it!

Have a good weekend and try not to count how many hours remain in it!!

Another "Wow" moment (and my "Surgiversary")

They say after you have weight loss surgery, you will have a lot of "wow" moments as your body changes. I've already had a lot - like fitting into an airline seat with no problems (and no seat belt extender), walking all day at a craft event or on Sister's weekend, fitting into MUCH smaller sizes is always a "wow". Today I waited in line for the Cities 97 CD Sampler and didn't even need my chair to sit. I brought it along just in case, but didn't use it. For me, that is almost a miracle. I couldn't stand around that long (about 1.5 hours) pre-surgery without my legs going numb or my knees giving out. So this was a good thing!

So I got the CD (2 of them - so if anyone needs one, let me know) and while I was waiting, I thought about how important music is in our lives. There were a LOT of people waiting in line for this CD and while I know some of them won't keep it or even listen to it, they will just try to sell it on Ebay for ridiculous amounts of money, there are some that were in line because they really love the music. Can you imagine a world where we had NO music. No humming in the elevator. No singing in church. No Christmas caroling. No children's choirs. No belting out show tunes in the shower!? I just can't imagine it. I don't have the greatest voice (although I do sound incredible in the car)...but I love to sing. Sometimes there are days where every conversation I hear brings to mind a song. Try that some day - as you are talking to someone or eaves dropping on a conversation in the booth next to you - think of what song it brings to mind. It might drive you crazy, but it's kind of fun!

So today I am thankful once again that I went through the surgery exactly 11 months ago today (12/19/08) and I am also very thankful for music. ALL music from Liberace to Lynard Skynard (however you spell that) and from ACDC to Zeplin. I may not like it all, but I am very glad we have it!

Update for Cheryl (S-D)

I found out someone else is reading this blog site on a regular basis. My sister's friend (and also considered a 7th sister) Cheryl S-D. Hi Cheryl! (we call her by her last names, but oddly enough, we have them reversed - using her married name followed by her maiden name, it's just easier to say). So anyway, she reminded me yesterday that I haven't updated here for awhile, so here it is!!

Yesterday was my jewelry party and it was fun. I sent out something like 20 invites, but only had 6 faithful friends/family show up! At least the important ones were there!! :o) And I had two outside orders from wonderful friends who couldn't be here. To me it wasn't about the orders, but more about getting together and having fun. Which we did. So mission accomplished!

My sister Trish is doing well. She found out there were NO cancer cells in the lymph nodes and also in the 'fringes' of the tumor! All great news. She met with the oncologist and he's given her some things to think about for further treatment. LOTS to think about. So prayers continue for her to make the best decision. My sister Sandy looked great yesterday and she's doing well, too. I believe she starts a new chemo treatment on 11/30 - so gets to go through Thanksgiving without the chemo. It's been since August! So that's good too!

Today I am venturing a bit North to Cambridge to meet my old High School buddy, Brenda, for lunch! We "found each other" last year and have only seen each other a couple times since then. I am looking forward to today. Seems like we never parted..we pick up right where we left off (and of course we talk a lot about the 'good old days' too).

After another wonderful weekend, it's back to 'the place' again. I'm still searching for an inside job, but not having much luck. I applied for a job outside of the company, and haven't heard a word back on that either. I know there are lots of people looking, so I'm trying not to be too frustrated over this. Looking for the positives and trying to be thankful for what I do have. And that's a lot to be thankful for!!

Whew..whatta week!!

Been a fast moving week for me since I last posted! I'll try to recap!

Thursday I was at the hospital all day while my sister had her lumpectomy. At one point, all of us sisters were in the waiting room together (except Trish, of course, who was in surgery). We kind of scared the surgeon when he came into the family conference room to update us! All went well for her and they didn't see any signs of the cancer spreading to her lymphnodes and feel they got the entire tumor (with no fringes of cancer lingering). She is doing remarkably well post-surgery too. I stayed with her Thursday night and Friday. She was doing so well on Friday that she suggested we go to a movie! So we went to "Christmas Carol" - the new Disney version with Jim Carrey's voice as Scrooge. It was good, but not recommending it for small children (or timid adults) who may scare easily!

Saturday the sisterhood (most of us anyway) and 2 nieces Amy & Val, did the craft show circuit. All the area churches have craft sales and so we went to 5 of them! We broke for lunch and met up with our sister-in-law Beth at Olive Garden before hitting our last one. The weather was just perfect for this outing, sunny and low 60's. We all had a marvelous time and Trish did well, as did my sister, Sandy, who is also battling breast cancer. So glad we all had the day together!

Today I am going to maybe go to one more craft sale and then start cleaning and preparing for a jewelry party that I am hostessing next weekend. It's supposed to be equally as nice today as it was yesterday, so perhaps another walk around Springbrook Nature Center is a good idea. I did that last Sunday and just loved hearing the leaves on the path swoosh and crunch underfoot. Fall is my favorite time of year and October didn't provide too many nice/dry days! Have to take advantage of these November days!!

While I'm not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow, I feel refreshed and renewed having spent so much quality time with my family! Oh, and a little shop therapy never hurts either!! :o) Have a great week ahead!

Happy Halloween!

It's scary how fast the end of October came up this year!! I remember thinking back in January (when I got the notice that I would be losing my job as of December 18) - oh that's a loooong way off. Well, now I'm down to a number of weeks left (7) and it seems like a runaway train!

But Halloween has always been a fun time for me! I love seeing all the little kids dressed up! I used to love to work with Chelsea to create a fun new costume each year. Oh sure, sometimes we would buy one, but the homemade ones were always the best! I love handing out the candy and knowing that the little piece of candy puts a smile on their faces!

This year I've already been to one party and have another tonight. The one last night was at my friend Angel's house! He's the most creative person I know and he had the entire house - outside and inside - decorated to resemble a pirate shipwreck. Unbelievable! I will try to post some pictures. There were probably 100 people at the party, most in pirate garb, but a few other interesting costumes (a whoopie cushion, a seagull, Fidel Castro and even a cockroach!). We had a blast. Tonight it's off to an IABW (In A Big Way) dance/party. No theme, but I'm sure lots of fun! Followed by a midnight swim in the hotel pool! Can't wait.

And don't forget that today is also All Hallow's Eve where we honor and remember those loved ones who passed away this year. Unfortunately, I have a long list this year - my dear sweet friend Byron Eliason, Linda Beal, Gordy & Bev Murphy, Paula Dykstra and my Uncle Wayne Ruud. May God bless all their families and friends with the peace that only He can impart.

On a happy note - we get to set our clocks back one hour tonight!! Yeah! One more hour of rest and maybe a little more daylight each day!! Have a great weekend!

Whaaazzup?

Gees, has it been that long since I posted here? I guess it's not even a week, but seems like a lot longer. I'm still battling the cough/cold that I got while on vacation. Not sure if it's a result of flying on an airplane with stale, germ-filled air, or from being wet and cold most of the time I was in Seattle? In any event, I've been coughing a lot and I swear one eyeball almost popped out this morning from a coughing fit. Ugh. Now I'm listening to a neighbors dog bark his head off and it's giving me a headache on top of things. He's a big dog, so I won't confront him/her, but sure do wish it would stop!!

I weighed myself sometime last week and was surprised to discover that I actually LOST 5 pounds while on vacation! That's a first! I think it was due to the fact that I walked a lot - more than I would at home, and I also didn't have access to eat whatever I could shove in my face! In any event, I feel inspired to walk more now. If I can get rid of the cough, and if it stops raining here I will do exactly that. (oh...the dog stopped).

Getting ready for a fun-filled Halloween weekend coming up! I am going to two different parties. The first is at my friend Angel's house. He's one of the most creative peopel I know and he is having a pirate theme party - and I'm sure the house will be decorated to the nines! Then a group I belong to is having a party/dance at a local hotel. That'll be fun! Staying overnight at the hotel and taking part in a midnight swim! Good times! (oops...the dog started up again).

But between now and the weekend, I have a lot going on too. Monday night I'm volunteering at the shelter, Tuesday night is dinner with friends, Wednesday night is LOGOS at church and Thursday night I am going to go back to the water aerobics class. I haven't been in a couple weeks and had every intention of going last week, but the cough really held me back.

So that's whazzup with me. Whaaazzup with you? (and he's still barking)

Vacation Update - Part II

I'm back from Seattle and already miss seeing Chelsea! Time went too fast and we were super busy the whole time. We went to all the places she's told me about - where she's lived, where she has worked, places she goes to, spent one morning at her school (while she was in class, I was trying to look like a student in the coffee shop and then went to the museum), spent a day at the pier watching them throw fish and shopping at all the cute shops, ate at a lot of different and fun places, got to meet Chris's son Mally and went to a movie with him, had dinner with lots of her friends and had a picnic brunch with the families that she Nanny's for! Played a little scrabble and watched a movie and talked! Had a lot of quality time and a lot of fun time with my girl!!

I realize that probably none of this would have been possible for me a year ago! I had a lot of "WOW" moments - starting with the plane ride and being able to fit into the seat comfortably and not needing a seat belt extension. I had less anxiety during the flight (but I think part of that has to do with my treatment for the Graves Disease more than the weight loss). Other "wow" moments were with all the walking we did. I didn't really tire too much, just still hard to go down stairs due to my knee. We walked a lot! And I didn't get out of breath.

Not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow. I guess it's something I have to do, but a person sure could get used to not doing it!! Better be careful what I wish for though.

Vacation Part I - Complete

The first part of my vacation (Sister's Weekend) is now complete. Had a great time with the 4 other sisters that were able to go. I missed having my sister Sandy with us, but hopefully she will feel much better next year and we can get back to 'normal' (whatever that is for us!). We ate a lot, played games, went to a casino, watched a movie, had dinner out one night, had 2 bon fires and saw the first snow of the season all in one weekend! Now I'm unpacked, washing clothes and re-packing for the next leg of my vacation - the trip to Seattle! I can't wait!

I bought a new cabinet/telephone stand for my kitchen at one of the shops in Deer River. It was on sale and it's exactly what I have been looking for! I love it. I'll try to post a picture of it, but you know I am not technically savvy and so it may not happen! I'll also try to post the picture of my sister's and me..but again..don't hold your breath!

Tomorrow I have some last minute things to do and then I'm going to a hotel near the airport to prepare for a 6:35 AM (yes...AM) flight to Seattle! I'm a little nervous, but can't wait to see Chelsea, Chris, Mally and all their friends as well as what Seattle has to offer!

I'll see what I can do about pictures from that trip, too. Have a great week ahead!

Where does time go?

I can't believe it's been that long since I last posted here. Wow. And this week ahead is going to be very busy, so not likely I will post again. I just had a wonderful, but fast passing weekend. Friday night I went to Nona's cabin for the night. We had a very adventurous night with the furnace, fireplace, a petrified (not scared, petrified) animal in the flue (sp??) rain, cold, cards and lots of fun. I could only stay one night and we shopped and had lunch on Saturday before I came home. Today (Sunday) was busy - had to get my nails done!! Also had to go shopping in preparation for my Sister's Weekend coming up on Friday and went to Target to stock up on some necessities. I feel like I should get another free day!

This week is going to be horribly busy:

• Monday: Accompany my sister to her appointment with a surgeon. She was just diagnosed with breast cancer and I know it's best to have another set of ears there. Please say a prayer or two for her. After that I have a dental appointment (cleaning). Then off to my other sisters for a dinner with my aunt & uncle and cousin from Texas before she heads back. Then after that - hair appointment! After 40 it's patch-patch-patch!
• Tuesday: Normal day at work (whatever that is now?). Followed by water aerobics. Haven't been there for a week!
• Wednesday: Accompany my other sister at the hospital for her surgery. More prayers, please. Then that night is LOGOS at church. Oh boy -the group I have this year is VERY spirited. Let's leave it at that for now!
• Thursday: Work..followed by volunteering at the shelter from 6-9:00 that night. When I get back I am going to have to try to pack
• Friday: After a breakfast/brunch/lunch with my sister Sandy (who won't be able to come with us this year - breaks my heart)...we're off for SW 2009. We'll return on Monday! I'm hoping the weather cooperates and we have some beautiful leaves to look at. This has been a tough year for some of the sisters and hoping for a relaxing time.

Then the following week I am home on Tuesday, going to a hotel that night and bright and early Wednesday morning I fly out to Seattle! I'm there until Sunday night (late). I'm looking forward to meeting all Chelsea's friends and the kids she nanny's for. Seeing all the sights and places she's talked about will be fun, too.

So that's my week or week and a half in a nutshell. Going to be busy, a mix of emotions, too. Please say prayers for my sisters, prayers for my travels as well. Thanks!

A new weekend...a new awakening

Had lunch with an old boss (really, my old bosses boss - 2 levels up from me). I thought it had been 10-15 years since I've seen him. He reminded me that it's really been more like 20. Ugh! Where does time go?

We had a wonderful conversation about my current employment situation. He's a big mucky-muck with IBM right now and gave me some good advice. Told me that I should talk to someone in our HR area and just lay out my cards - I've been a great employee for 30+ years, always had great reviews (and insert: I'm a white/female/approaching 50) and now all of a sudden Target doesn't want me around!? Hmm...smells of discrimination to me. (I'm not supposed to say that - I just inserted it here for dramatic affect). He also told me to go out on "Linked-In" and make as many connections as I can. And he also told me he wants to help me and will get me connections that he knows of in this area. All in all, a great lunch not only for that advice/assistance, but because we caught up on our families as well. And it's good to be reminded that there is indeed life after Target.

Also had my final phone consultation with the Health Partners people as a follow up to my surgery. Got some good advice from them about exercise and a new website to try out. It's http://www.sparkpeople.com/ and it gives helpful advice about exercise, diet, etc. I took a peek and it's kind of interesting. I have to get more/different exercise than just the water aerobics if I ever what to lose the fat and some of the 'hang'. With winter fast approaching, I know myself well enough to know that once I get home on the couch, it's going to be hard to jump up and go out into the cold/snow and jump in a pool! Yippee! NOT! So alternatives are a good thing to have.

Today I am going to a book launch at my church. The author is a local woman who is involved in domestic violence prevention and the book is a series of her writings and poems about the subject. It's a field that also interests me and so I want to support her. Then I'm off to a silver jewelry party at my sister's house. Cha-Ching. I can not usually resist jewelry. And that's about it for today (other than church service tonight). Tomorrow if the weather cooperates, I'm off to an apple orchard in Wisconsin for a combined apple retreat/art show.

Wishing you all a very wonderful and wonder-filled weekend. Big hugs all around!!

Bye bye love..

Said goodbye to Chris and Chelsea today. Didn't get to spend as much time with them as I would have liked, but I know that when I'm in Seattle I will get them (almost) all to myself, so that'll make up for it! They said they had a lot of fun here - saw lots of family and friends and did a lot of walking/scavenger hunting around Minneapolis. We had one last brunch at French Meadow today and took them to the Wedge for airplane snacks and now they are at the aiport. I just checked their flight schedule and unfortunately it's looking like 1 hour late! I hate that. I am sure they will be exhausted when they get home. And then I'll be there in 20 days!! :o)

Kind of a lazy day for me. Doing some laundry right now (as I was playing some boggle on line). Going to the water aerobics class later and that's about it. Tomorrow I work for 1/2 day and then having lunch with an old boss. Haven't seen him in probably 10 years or more! Will be very fun and interesting (and maybe he'll have a lead on some jobs for me!?). After that I have a hair appointment. The weekend is pretty full - a book launch for "Beyond The Mirror" - a book of writings and poetry regarding domestic violence. Then a jewelry party at my sisters. Maybe a trip to an apple orchard on Sunday (if the weather cooperates). One "normal" week ahead and then preparing for Sister's Weekend and then Seattle!! Next will be the 2 Halloween parties I'm going to. Thinking of being a pirate's wench (for the parties, not in real life). We will see!

I thought last night was Thursday night and was upset that "Project Runway" wasn't on when I got home from the hospital training. Didn't realize it was only Wednesday until I woke up this morning. Duh! Is it old age or just too much going on? So tonight I am rewarded with watching it!!

Hope you are all having a wonderful week and have exciting weekend plans!

Sleepy from Seattle

Well, Chris and Chelsea arrived safe and sound on Saturday night. Picked them up from the airport and we came home and just sat around talking. Sunday morning they woke up early to go meet friends for breakfast at the Seward Cafe in Minneapolis. Then we went to Delano for the family eggplant fry. (Word of advice: just because you love hot dogs and used to be able to eat them along with a lot of other stuff, don't try to eat them after you have already had eggplant and other misc. foodstuffs - especially if you are a recent RNY patient. Not a pretty picture).

After we got home from Delano, we played 3 games of Scrabble and Chelsea won all 3. No fair! Went to bed..and I think the time change is really effecting poor Chris. He's been sneaking in naps in the car whenever we go somewhere. But that's OK. I can relate!

Today we went to the Pine Tree Apple orchard and just looked around, had a cookie, some cidar and some tea and then bought some apples. Then we went to French Meadow cafe for lunch and played another game of Scrabble (Chris won this time!). Now they are off with friends for a couple days. They are hoping for a thunderstorm tonight, so let's keep our fingers crossed for them!

I have to go back to work tomorrow and Wednesday, but I'm off again on Thursday (to take them back to the airport). Hoping they are having a fun and memorable trip!!

Seattle is coming to MN

Yeah!! Chelsea and Chris are coming to Minnesota tomorrow! Well, late late tomorrow, so let's call it Sunday. Looking forward to spending time with them and the rest of the family. They also have plans to spend time with lots of friends while they are here, too. They go back on Thursday, so it will be a fast but fun trip I hope.

Tonight I am having a couple friends come over to look over some of my old clothes to see if they will work for them. I got rid of about 8 bags of clothing (and one 3-piece yellow vinyl luggage set from 1979) to the Lupus Foundation on Monday. That felt good. The clothes I have left are the nicer, more expensive and/or never worn things. Just can't see tossing them in a bag for charity yet.

Tomorrow I am doing some last minute cleaning and then going to Marylee's for a Scrabble tournament. Then I'm off to church..and then to the airport to pick up the kids!! Sunday I've been invited to breakfast with them and their friends, but who really wants their old Mom hanging out with them (although I might like to see her old High School friend, Adam who now has a wife and a baby -- Adam once told me that Chelsea was to 'weird' for him!! I almost passed out!). Then we're off to Delano for the traditional "Eggplant Fry". A family favorite!! As far as I know, we have no plans for Monday, but I have the day off and hope we can do something fabulous! I have a surprise idea in mind, but not going to tell it here. We'll see.

This weekend and most likely next week will go by fast. They always do when you want time to slow down. Oh..and last night I had a 'reunion' of the "Original Keene Team" - people who used to work on my team. One of them was let go in January, a few are being let go October 2, some (like me) are going December 18 and a few get to keep their jobs. It was fun to see everyone together again and having fun. The guy who was let go in January still hasn't found a job, but spent the summer with his twin daughters and helping with his wife's daycare. I couldn't help but think how wonderful that is for him. If they hadn't laid him off, he wouldn't have had that time with his kids. Yes, it would be nice for him to get a job, but when else would a person make themselves afford that kind of time with family? Makes me think that maybe it wouldn't be such a terrible thing if I don't find a job here.

Have a great weekend. Appreciate your family and friends. And hug 'em while you got 'em!!

And now for something completely different..

(Any of you Monty Python fans recognize that line?)

Thought I'd change up my blog site background. This one looks so cheery, and it's also the one that the "Eggface" lady uses. Hope you like it and I hope I didn't confuse anyone (if anyone is reading this).

Had my doctor's appointment on Thursday. Most of my blood work numbers were good (although he didn't have them do cholesterol numbers, which was odd since he had specifically changed my meds at the last visit - wouldn't you think he'd want to know how it's doing? I know I sure do). But my A1C (3 month blood sugar number) was higher than 6 months ago. It was 5.0 in March - which is great - this time it was 6.5. They want it at 6.4 or below. I figured it would be higher than in March because I am now able to eat "food" and back then it was just mush. So, he put me back on one of my diabetic meds (Metformin). Only one/day, but still was disappointing. He lowered my thyroid meds and told me to take 1/2 of one blood pressure med (because he now feels my BP is too low!). He forgot to go over the results of my bone density test, but I had already gone to the internet to review what it meant and it's all good. So all in all a good appointment (and, I'm secretly in love with Dr. Salama so it was nice to see him - oh, no secret now, is it?).

I also had my permanent crown put in on Thursday. Piece of cake. But why do they cost so much? I have to pay $400 for this because my insurance coverage exceeded the max for the year after the root canal. How do they think you can have a root canal and not get a crown to go with it? I paid somewhere around $250 for the root canal (I think) and now $400 for this. I will be showing everyone this fancy crown so I can get my money's worth!! Ask me about my new crown next time you see me!

And finally, the job scene. It is dismal. I had another informational interview for my old job and was told that now it requires a degree. I applied for another job which would be a lateral move for me, it didn't require a degree, but they still decided not to interview me. Nothing on the horizon. I am thinking I may become a bag lady. Trying not to be discouraged. If nothing comes up before my termination date, look out California because I'm coming for a LONG visit in January!!!

Today I am thinking of going to try to sell some of my fat(ter) lady clothes. I heard you don't get much for them, but I need to get rid of them and if I can get a few bucks, why not. I also have about 6-7 bags of clothing that I know the consignment store won't touch that are going to the Lupus Foundation on Monday. Clean sweep! Also starting to clean/prep for Chris and Chelsea's visit next week!

Have a good weekend. And try something completely different!

Kiss Summer Goodbye!

I can't believe it's Labor Day weekend and the end of it at that. Where did summer go? Did we really have a summer? I did a lot of fun things this summer, but it still feels like it should only be June right now.

I had a great weekend with the road trip to Indiana. My sister JoElla and I made the trip Thursday, stopping in Rockford to see my good buddy Doug (who I haven't seen in years!). Then we had to go around Chicago at rush hour. Ugh! That was a pain. But we made it to Plymouth around 7:30 (their time). Had a nice authentic Mexican dinner with Rick & Roxi and then went home to relax before the ever popular "Blueberry Festival"! Roxi, JoElla and I spent several hours at the park taking in all the different craft booths, food booths and some of the best people watching around!! Same thing on Saturday. Oh, and I tried ice cream for the first (and last) time since my surgery. Let's just say that ice cream is not good for me and leave it at that. Live and learn.

I also made some new BFF's. Bitsy and Bayleigh, the two sweetest dogs I've met in a long time. I'll try to post their pictures here. Bayleigh is a 75 pound rottweiler who thinks she is a lap dog and Bitsy is a real charmer with eyes that make you feel guilty if you don't share your meal with her. There is also a kitty named Mousse, and she is a cute cat but basically wants to be left alone to roam and attack at will!

The drive home was a little easier with less traffic. For as fun as it is to be on vacation and enjoying your family, it's still nice to get home and just do nothing...which is my plan for today!

Hope you all had a safe and fun holiday weekend. That extra day helps, but have to go back to the real world tomorrow!!

This girl is beat!!

Oh man..what a long week! I have been in training for the Women's shelter almost every night this week, and the one night I wasn't in training, I was volunteering. M-T-Th was training from 6:00-9:30 and Wed was volunteering from 6:00-9:00. Tonight I did nothing. N-O-T-H-I-N-G I tell you (OK, so I lied, I went to Bob's Produce Ranch to get some Colorado peaches and the fixings to make a delightful cucumber dip!). Tomorrow is more training from 9:00-4:00. Yep, all day. I just hope it rains all day. And then next Monday and Tuesday nights. Oh, and two more nights later in September!!!

I have to do something about my uncontrollable snacking!! UGH! Somehow the crappy snacks end up in my cart and then ultimately in my house! Mainly I'm into the salt stuff - crackers, chips, crackers w/peanut butter, those stupid little fish crackers...why? I think I need to eat more protein foods that stay put and so I won't feel hungry. Yeah, I know what to do (I always have known), but putting that into practice is the hard part. And on top of the snacking, I haven't been able to go to the water aerobics this week (see 1st paragraph for my excuse). Maybe I will walk to the training tomorrow (but..then it might rain?).

By this time next week I will be out-of-state (Indiana wants me). Road Trip!! Hoping for good travel weather, good weather for the Blueberry Fest and that the baby doesn't come (my nephew and his wife are expecting soon) because then the "Gramma & Grampa" might wanna leave. I'm thinking the 9-9-9 baby birthin' date sounds good!!

So anyway..this chick is beat. Gonna sign off and hit the sack. Catch some Z's. Check my eyelids for leaks. Visit dreamland. Call on Mr. Sandman. And start it allllllllll over again tomorrow!! Ciao!!

Good news and new tooth!

The good news is my dear, sweet, wonderful friend Nona had an excellent report from her cancer doctor! The cancer tumors have shrunk and he thinks she's doing well! She won't have to go back in for 3 months (unless something bothers her)! This is the best news I've heard in a long, long time!!

And I got a new (temporary) tooth. A crown. Third from the end on the upper left. I knew you'd want to know. Get the "real" one in 2 weeks or so. This will most likely cost about as much as a trip to Seattle..if not more!!

And tonight is session 2 of the "Sexual Assault" training - not HOW to sexually assault, but rather how to counsel/talk to those who have. The place I volunteer for is being given a grant to cover this for our county and so now all direct volunteers must have 40 hours of training in how to talk to the victims that will call. Every night this week except Friday, all day Saturday and then Mon-Tues night next week! It's hard, but it is interesting and at the same time a little depressing. Tonight's topic is "child victims". Not fun.

And...that's about it. Warm and slightly humid here. Waiting for that cold front they promised.

Ode to the weekend..

Oh, you were a good weekend
Spent along side many a good friend.
But alas, you pass far too quickly,
And now it's warm and a little stickly!

OK, so I am not a poet. But the weekend was good. I went to Nona's cabin in Luck, WI Friday night (after battling stupid drivers on 35W who don't know how to react to a lane closure when they are warned 3 miles ahead of time). Nona and I had a really good, deep conversation on Friday night when it was just the two of us. I love those times together.

Saturday was a perfect weather day!! Sandy and Carlene arrived around 10:00 and we hung around chit-chatting for awhile and then eventually went to lunch at "Hog Wild" (a BBQ joint) in Luck. Her daughter and her family joined us! It was fun. Went to a couple garage sales and then headed back to the cabin for a pontoon ride. While we were out on the lake, the two visitors from Norway showed up. Yep - REAL Norwegians!! So we got them on the pontoon and went back out. It was real fun talking to them about Norway and found out they have almost the same last name as my maiden name (they are Rud, I am Ruud). Had a wonderful dinner with the whole family and the REAL Norwegians and then I came home.

Today was a lazy day. I went to church and then didn't do much else. I did manage to go to Target and spend $46 on various things which I probably didn't need. Now I'm 'doing laundry' and getting ready for a fun-filled work week. I am in training every night this week for the shelter, so will be exhausted! And then all day on Saturday, too. Ugh!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend, too. Can you believe it's almost the end of August already? I will be going to Indiana in 2 weeks and Chelsea and Chris will be here in less than a month. Then I go on Sister's weekend and off to Seattle. The next thing you know, it will be Christmas. What happened to this year??

Gee..is it Friday already!?

I couldn't WAIT for this day to get here. Just came back from my hair cut and now I'm packing to go to Wisconsin for a quick over-nighter at Nona's cabin. Looks like the rain is gone and we're going to have sun and cool breezes. PERFECT!

My friend Katy surprised me after water aerobics class last night with 4 cute little protein donuts she had made (they are made with protein powder). OMG..they are soooooo good! I am going to have to invest in a pan and break down and bake some. I made the mistake of sharing one with our friend Margie, but gobbled down 2 last night and one this morning. They are tiny little donuts (think of the size you get at the fair) and have chocolate icing on them..and yet they are still "good" for me. Oh heaven! (which reminds me..the State Fair starts next week. I haven't been in years, but maybe I can con someone into going with me this year??)

But I digress.

Hope you all have wonderful weekend plans. We don't get too many perfect weather weekends in MN so "Sieze the day" or "crap the diem" -- whatever!! Enjoy yourself!!

Gloomy, Rainy Day..

But it's still better than being at work! I had scheduled 1/2 day off today to go to the Farmer's Market in Delano to sell more cookies for Relay For Life, but...alas...it's raining all day. So we decided to try for a different week. I had thought about staying at work and not taking the afternoon off, but as you can see, that was just a fleeting thought.

An update from my appointment with Dr. Leslie: First of all, the guy shows up 1.5 hours late! I had a 9:00 appointment and he waltzes in around 10:25. Something about a surgery. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Didn't have too much to say. I was down 157 pounds from my start weight. He talked about ensuring that I try not to eat "slippery" foods - things that will slide right through your pouch (aka: stomach) and out. Such as ice cream, yogurt, soup. All the things I love!! He said if you eat foods that have more 'stickiness' to them, you will stay full/satisfied longer. Hmm. He is a doctor...maybe he is right? I don't have to go back until December for my one year check up. Same week I get the big "kick in the ass" from Target. How fun!!

So anyway - I'm off this afternoon. Already took care of one menial task that I had to do. Going to maybe READ some of my book on this rainy, dreary day. I have so many new books, I am a great buyer of books, but not making the time to read them. Kind of like my love of recipes, but not so much the cooking part. Going to call Nona to talk about my visit to her cabin this weekend. The weather is supposed to be phenomenal so I am excited about that!

And so that's it for now. If anything uber exciting should come up, I'll update you all.

Farmer's Market

Today my sister Susan who lives on a farm in Delano with her husband Fred, is bringing a bounty of farm fresh veggies to us "city folk". I love fresh veggies, most of them, with peas being a favorite. However, peas are now out of season. But there will be corn and beans and those are just as good.

I had a good scrabble day with Marylee yesterday. We each won one game (although the first game should have been mine, too, but in her last move she found a double letter spot for her Q and so she beat me). But we noticed that we tend to graze mindlessly on 'kibble' when we play. Oh, I'd be lying if I said it was ONLY when I played scrabble. It happens when I play Boggle on POGO, it happens when I'm watching TV or watching a movie. Why is that? Does my mouth just get bored? No matter what the reason, I have to make it stop! I haven't gained weight, but I am not losing much either. I know I could do better if I would stop the snacking. So that is my goal now. STOP SNACKING! First step: STOP BUYING THE JUNK!!

The week ahead: Tuesday is my 8 month post-op check up with Dr. Leslie. Should be uneventful. Aqua aerobics on Tue/Thur night; possibly selling cookies at the Delano Farmer's Market on Wednesday (please don't let it be too hot or stormy); hair appt on Friday afternoon and possibly making a trip to Nona's cabin for an overnight Friday-Saturday. Maybe if I keep myself busy enough I won't be tempted to snack non-stop? We'll see.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and hoping all who read this (there are some who read this, right?) have a great week ahead!

Hump Day Ramblings...

Here it is Wednesday. And just last night, it was only Tuesday. Had dinner with Nona, Sandy and Carlene last night. Afterwards I went to Nona's and we had a loooong conversation about life, death and everything in-between. It was good for both of us. She has lots of tests coming up on Monday to see where the cancer has been. She's obviously nervous and we talked about how to not dwell on something we can't do anything about! Just pray for a good outcome or if it's not good, pray for the strength to get through it.

My knee has been causing me pains this week. I'm hoping it's just the weather (hot and dreadfully muggy). I resorted to using the cane again because the knee just 'gave out' on me a few times already. Good thing I wasn't so smug as to discard the old cane. I don't like to have to use it, but I also don't like falling down flat on my face!!

So I guess tomorrow will be Thursday and then before we know it, it'll be Friday and on with another weekend! Time sure does fly when you're having fun, doesn't it?? Hmm....

Happy Birthday to me!

Wow, another year has passed by and what a year it's been!! It is hard to believe this is the last year of my 40's. Next year is 'the big one'...not sure I'm ready for that. But I will say that this has been a great year for me. Lots of changes, lots of challenges, lots of smiles and far too many tears. I feel better than I have in years and that is a good thing!!

I have a lot to look forward in the year ahead, too! I look forward to my upcoming trips to Plymouth, IN over Labor Day weekend, to Grand Rapids for Sister's weekend in early October and finally to Seattle to see Chelsea, Chris and Mally right after Sister's weekend. The best part will be I'm in better shape to walk and shop and be a tourist!! Can't wait.

There are things I'm not looking forward to. The unknown future of my career with (or without) Target. The more I think about this past year there, the more I wonder if I really WANT to keep working for a company that treats me and their other employees the way they have this year. I did make an appeal to the women's shelter I volunteer with in regards to the Volunteer Coordinator position they have open. It would be 1/2 what I make now, but far more fulfilling spiritually and emotionally than anything I could possibly do at Target. We'll see if they accept my proposal (and of course if I could swing it financially).

I don't know what the future holds. Only God knows that. I do know that I am in good hands and I have a great support team of family and friends to see me through. I thank all of you for your love and support and for making this another Happy Birthday to me!!! :o)

Me & The Cowardly Lion

OK, so it's not the REAL cowardly Lion, but it's a close 2nd. This is the guy that was dressed up for Relay as part of the "Oz Maniac's" team. They all dressed in character, but my favorite character from the Wizard of Oz has always been the Cowardly Lion. So I had to have my picture taken with him. So cute. He even had the curly mane!!

Surviving Relay!

What a night we had!! It was warm when we first arrived to start setting up (around 11:oo AM). Warm..and sunny. As things started to take shape and the campsites were set up, it started to get overcast. As family and friends arrived, things were pretty nice. We greeted them, sold a few stray cookies and then went to have our team photo taken. After that, we went to the stadium for the opening ceremony. Very touching - some young girls danced to the Melissa Ethridge song (the name of which I don't know for sure) about "why I walk". Made me teary eyed. Then Will's Mom talked (Will is a 4 year old who has leukemia and his family formed a team). Touching as well. Then the suvivors took the field and released the balloons that people had purchased to dedicate and send to heaven. The teams returned to their sites and then the survivors (including my sister Trish and my uncle Bernard) did the opening lap. My sister Sandy was there, but not able to walk it. That was touching. After their lap, all the teams did their first lap together. That was fun. We had "We Are Family" blaring from a CD player as we did our lap!

A couple hours later, the sky turned ugly! The organizers came around and suggested that we bring in the luminaries in case of rain. Later they came by and said we must get into cars or shelters. So we packed up just about everything and took cover. All of us were in different cars. And then the storm came. Wind. Rain. Thunder. Lightning. Tent roofs caving in or blowing off. LOTS and LOTS of rain. Sat in the cars for about an hour. But, the show must go on and so soon after the rain ended, the tents slowly came back together and the walkers resumed walking. And then it got cold...reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal cold! The kind that goes right through you! I made a few trips to the car to warm up.

I managed to do about 6 laps I think. I didn't count. And they weren't all at one time. My niece, Valerie, did 36 laps (which is amazing). All in all, we had fun. Didn't sell as many cookies as we had hoped for, but we'll do something with them (more Farmer's Markets?) to get more money for ACS.

After we took down the campsite around 5:30 AM, I went to my sister's for a power nap (from about 6:00-9:45). Then I went off to Litchfield (about an hour away) for lunch with my friend Terry and his wife Cathy. That was also uplifting - to see a guy who was told he has 6 months to live -- and he outlived that and is living life to the fullest. Recently returned from a trip to France. Just bought a new car. Just bought a new flat screen 42" TV (for football season of course). Has a trip to Egypt planned for November. Bought season tickets to the Gopher football and women's basketball games. Makes you think YOU need to start living like you intend to stay around!! Wonderful time.

Last night I went to church to read the Lesson and help with sound/lights. After that, had a few phone calls with family and went to bed around 10:30. And slept for 11 hours. Yes, 11 hours. I feel great today (although the legs are a little sore). And the best part is I have NO plans for today, and have tomorrow off with NO plans. Just playing it by ear and enjoying life!!

It's Relay Day!

Tonight is our Relay For Life in Delano. I'm excited, but wishing I had gotten more sleep last night. It's going to be a long day, but the event is so fun, I can't help but look forward to it!! We are selling mini cookies in a cup (and milk) and also having a "decorate the girls" (bra decorating) contest to help raise money. There's also a basket raffle, music, food, games and just about anything you could hope for! It's very entertaining and lots of fun. The weather is threatening rain/storms after 11:00 PM tonight, so please please please pray that we don't get it!!

This year is very important to me. First of all, I am in so much better shape that I can actually WALK the path a few times tonight. Haven't been able to do that in the past. Secondly, I just recently lost my friend Linda to breast and lung cancer, and my friend Connie just lost her sister Grace to a recurrence of breast cancer on Wednesday. I also learned that my Uncle Wayne died on Monday after a battle with stomach cancer. I will think about them and their struggles as I walk and know that my minor discomfort is nothing compared to what they went through. And finally, my sister Sandy is continuing her battle against breast cancer (Round 2). She's going through some difficult times right now, having her lungs drained of fluid almost weekly. She feels like giving up the fight, so I am also walking in her honor and know that my few steps are just baby steps when put up against all the steps she has been through. I don't want her to give up her fight..so I hope we can all provide some hope to her. She inspires me with her strength every day, I want to inspire her in some small way with this walk.

Tomorrow I'll visit my friend Terry in Litchfield (a stone's throw from Delano) as friends gather to celebrate him beating the 6 months they gave him back in January when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Since then, he's gone on a trip to Paris and has a trip to Egypt planned for next month. He's not letting this beast stop him from living. In fact, on July 19 (his 6 month date), he rode his bike to his grave site and laid down and reflected! Creepy, but that's Terry!

It's been an emotional few weeks and tonight will no doubt stir up some emotions as I think of all those I know who have cancer or who have lost their battle. I hate cancer and hope that some day future generations will talk about it in the past tense.

Enough is enough already!!

Today I found out that my Uncle Wayne died on Monday. His memorial service is planned for this Friday (although I can't make it). Also on Monday I found out that my brother-in-law's mother died! Her funeral is tomorrow afternoon. My Uncle marks the 4th person in 3 weeks, and tomorrow's funeral will be my 3rd funeral in 3 weeks! This is crazy! I feel like telling God, "Enough is enough!". But, things don't happen on our timeline.

On a brighter note, the Relay For Life is Friday. We've been planning and preparing and raising money for several months and now the day is finally here! I'm excited, and hope the weather will obey and be good! It is threatening rain/storms later Friday night into Saturday morning. I am hoping to take many laps around the event this year. Wish us all luck! This year I will be walking in memory of Linda B., my friend who recently lost her battle with cancer.

On Saturday I am going to a Target reunion of sorts. It's with my old boss Terry (who has pancreatic cancer). He beat the cancer diagnosis of 6 months and so we're celebrating! Lots of people I used to work with will be there. I'm looking forward to it, but will be tired from being up all night on Friday!

Sunday and Monday are set aside to do nothing. Reflect on the events of the weekend and on those who we've lost recently. Make plans for my trip to Indiana over Labor Day and my trip to Seattle in October.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead!

In Memory of Linda

I found out today that my dear friend, Linda, passed away on Sunday. She was fighting a 10+ year battle with a recurrence of breast cancer that also turned into lung cancer and lesions on her brain. She has been undergoing chemo for those 10 years, along with radiation and several laser treatments to her brain (wearing an apparatus that I believe weighed more than her!). She fought this beast very courageously but unfortunately, her little body gave up.

Linda was the kind of person that had a faith as big as a mountain. When I would have dinner with her (rare because of the cancer), I would think "I'm going to cheer her up!"...but would walk away being filled with awe and inspiration from her. You tended to forget that she was the 'sick' one because she always made you feel so much better! Amazing.

A week from Friday I will participate in the Relay for Life in Delano, MN. Along with several family members we have formed a team called "We Are Family" and we have been raising money for several months and will "Walk as one" that night in honor of several family members or friends who are cancer survivors or are currently battling cancer. I will also walk in memory of Linda, knowing that she showed me what real courage is all about!

Please say a special prayer for Linda's family and keep them in your thoughts on Thursday, the day of her service. Thanks!

Attitude is Everything (sometimes)

We cannot change our past. We can not change the fact that people act in a certain way. We can not change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.
Charles R. Swindoll

That is the quote of the day today (Friday - in case you missed it). This week at work has been a real "ishy" week. Seems like those of us who have been given a termination date all of a sudden realized that they mean it..and we kind of panicked! Some of the people only have until October 2, I am here until December 18. But it seems like everyone was talking about it this week for some reason. And not in a good way.

When I read that quote today I realize how true it is. I can sit here and piss and moan all day about what is going to happen...or I can be thankful for what I have in my life. It's really my choice. No, I'm not happy about what the future might hold, but I'm grateful for all the wonderful things and wonderful people that are in my future!

Last night while I was volunteering at the Women's shelter, I did an in-take on a new client. She is VERY young, only 19. Her long-time abuser/boyfriend of 4 years (do the math) kicked her out. And she called the police who brought her to the shelter. She had all of her worldly possessions with her - all packed into 2 duffel bags and 2 plastic laundry baskets. That was it. She told us that her Mother was also abusive to her and so when putting down an emergency contact, she put down a friend. Imagine being 19, kicked out of your home by your boyfriend, no Mom or Dad to go to..and hauling all your stuff into a shelter! She was obviously scared and lonely. My heart just went out to her.

The point of that story is that as we get older, we acquire so much material stuff and we really sometimes think it's the most important stuff we have. We'd be devastated if we lost it! But, in reality, it's not the "stuff" that counts, it's all the blessings of health, family, friends and the knowledge that God is watching out for us that really matters. I know that my future will be different no matter what happens, but I also have faith that I will be OK, thanks to all that I already have!

Life & Death

Went to a memorial service today for the husband of one of my Mom's best friends. He was 72. I remember him well, and while he was a good guy - he was also a very strict father (as I recall, and I used to babysit for the kids and so I was around him quite often). A task master kind of Dad who made them do things by his rules. The kids were afraid of him, and some of that came out today during the eulogies they wrote for him. But...they thanked him for teaching them right from wrong, how to persevere, that they could do anything they put their minds to. In the end, the "rough" way he raised them seems to have benefited them in life.

And it seems to me that when a person dies, we seem to immortalize them to a certain degree. We forget their failings and any heartache they may have caused us. After they are gone, it seems that we can only remember the good things they did. How much we will miss them. How they changed our lives. I suppose that's how it's supposed to be...but why don't we do that while they are still alive?

So how do you want to be remembered? As a tough leader who imparted wisdom in everyone they met? As a softie who let the world walk all over them, but was a friend to everyone? I wonder what people will say about me - what will they remember about me after I'm gone? Will I become an instant Super-Hero in their eyes, or am I already a Super-hero (do I even WANT to be a Super-Hero??).

Oh, and one more thing: I want people to wear name tags at my funeral/memorial service. I don't want my loved ones trying to figure out who is who. They'll have enough on their minds with trying to think of lovely things to say about me!! :o)

In Praise of weekends..

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I spend most of my week just waiting for the weekend to roll along! Why is that? Well, it's pretty obvious I guess. I (sort of) like my job, but as I told my boss, any day that I don't have to get up and come in to work is a good day - no matter what I am doing instead! I don't have any big plans for the weekend (other than kicking my friend Marylee's butt at Scrabble on Sunday), but it's just nice to know I don't HAVE to do anything.

Did the water aerobics again last night. I'm getting used to Tracy (the new instructor), but will never like the stupid thing she makes us do where we form a circle and trot around until she says "JUMP" and we jump up and reverse directions. It brings me back to Jr. High dance class for some reason.

Prayers are needed: For my sister Sandy who is having chemo today and also having her 2nd lung drained of fluid today (the other was drained of 2 liters yesterday). For my friend Connie's sister Grace who is also battling a recurrance of breast cancer and is having liver failure as a result. For everyone who is fighting cancer! And some good news, for my friend Sandy's niece who is getting married tomorrow in California! For my friend Sally whose birthday is tomorrow!

Wishing you all a wonderful, enjoyable weekend!

In Anticipation of Vacations!

Aah..summer! The season of heat, humidity, road construction, mosquitos...and for some, vacations. But not me. No, I prefer to wait until my favorite time of year - FALL. But I am preparing for my Fall vacation(s) this summer. Well, OK, to be honest I do have a mini-vacation planned for a couple weekends from now. An overnighter at my friend Nona's cabin with my other friends Sandy and Carlene. We call ourselves "Four-ever Friends". This is the first time we've done anything like this and it should be a lot of fun!

Starting with Labor Day weekend, I will be driving to Plymouth, IN with my sister, JoElla. We're going to visit our brother and his lovely wife and attend "Blueberry Festival". My other reason for the trip is to visit the school Roxi works at to see the $500 worth of books I won and donated to them! It was a contest at Target, I was one of the winners and I got to donate $500 of books to the school of my choice. I chose them because she's taught there for many years and I kinda like her, too!

Then it's "Sister's Weekend" time the 2nd weekend in October. We're going to a place near Grand Rapids, MN that we went to 2 years ago. This will be our 11th year! I look forward to this every year. Just relax and get reacquainted with my 5 sisters.

And my final trip will be to Seattle - right after Sister's Weekend. I haven't been there yet and Chelsea has lived there over a year (this time around). I finally booked my "VRBO" (Vacation Rental By Owner) and it's a cute, cute, cute place. Can't wait to meet all of Chelsea's friends and Chris's son Mally. And can't wait to see all of the places she talks about. For me this is the trip olf the century! Last time I had a plane ride was well over 8 years ago. Now that things are taking shape, it's getting very exciting to think about!!

Next year (depending upon my employment status) I am planning a trip to California to see my brother and his family and also visit my "California Angels" (Sandy, Sally and Connie). I have never actually met Sally and Connie, but feel like they are my "sistahs" in heart. So I have to meet them (because God knows they will NOT come to Minnesota!!).

So what are all YOUR plans for the summer or the Fall? Inquiring minds need to know!

One packed up weekend!

How much can a person pack into one weekend? Well, I know there are some who do a lot more than I did this weekend even in a day (my friend Sally or my brother Chuck for example). But for me, this was a busy and fun weekend!!

Friday was kind of a sad day for me (see last post). But did some shopping that day and that night watched the fireworks at my sister Trisha's house. We were surprised by my brother Chuck and his wife Beth...and then another surprise when my brother Rick and his wife Roxi showed up! So there were 7 of us there (along with my other sister JoElla). We oooh'd and aaahh'd and it was a fun evening.

Saturday was spent at my sister Susan's house in Delano. We had a family BBQ and every one of my siblings were there except for my brother Mo who lives in California! Lots of food and fun! We never lack for food when my family is together, and yesterday was no exception! After the days events, Trish and I decided to go to a movie. We saw "The Proposal". It was cute. Predictable, but cute.

This morning I went to church and got pulled into my usual position of light/sound tech! But that's OK. It's easy to do and I feel comfortable with it. After that I went to Target to pick up some things using my extra 10% off (for spending way too much on my Target VISA). I am going to do some cleaning around here and laundry and maybe watch a movie.

Another short week ahead for me as I have Friday off. I'm hoping it won't take as long to get through as last week did! Does anyone else find themselves wishing their weeks away!?

In Memory of my Mom

Ten years ago today marks the last time I saw my lovely mom alive. I went to her home thinking it was just another normal day. She was still in her nightgown when I got there (around 10:00 AM). That was unusual and should have told me something. She said she was so tired that she hadn't even made her bed! Another unusual thing (for her, not necessarily for me!). So I said I would make it for her, and I did. Asked her if she needed/wanted me to do anything else for her and she said no. Who knew that less than 24 hours later, she would be gone? Certainly not me. Had I known, I would have never left her side.

Sorry to post such a sad note, but the memory of that day and the days that followed are with me forever. We never know when our time will end, or that of our loved ones. So make sure your words are sweet, your time spent together precious and the "I love you" is never left unsaid. Try to live life with no regrets!

Happy Independence Day!

Longest Week in Recorded History?

Gees, this week is taking FOREVER to get done with already! I keep thinking it HAS to be Thursday today? But no..it was only Tuesday..and then Wednesday. Not going to be Thursday until tomorrow! Gees. Why are the short weeks so hard to get through?

I went to the water aerobics class again last night. Did I mention that the regular instructor, Lisa, took another job out of state? Well, she did. So they have this new girl, Tracy. She seems nice enough, but she has us doing weird things. These can-can kicks. Running in circles (like synchronized swimmers) and then she will yell "JUMP!" and we have to jump, turn around and go the other direction. Just feels weird. I can't go THURSDAY (if it ever gets here) because I am volunteering at Alexandra House. So won't go again until next Tuesday. Maybe it will get better?

Tonight I had dinner with my friends Nona, Sandy and Carlene. It's fun to see people who haven't seen you for awhile because they notice the changes where as I really don't see them looking at my old self every day in the mirror. I would be lying if I said I didn't appreciate the compliments, but really - I am most happy about the improvement in my health! I hope I can keep this up and continue to improve on it.

Big plans for the upcoming weekend (if it gets here, have to go past THURSDAY first). Friday night going to watch fireworks at Trisha's house. Ohh..ahh...... Saturday the family is getting together in Delano for the traditional BBQ - Parade - Carnival extravaganza. My brother Rick and his wife Roxi from Indiana are rumored to be making an appearance too! That will be special! No plans for Sunday other than rest and relax and perhaps watch another movie!

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend. Be safe and be happy!

Whew! What a weekend!

Saturday I attended the planning meeting for the Relay for Life. Always an adventure! I think we have things figured out (at least for now). We seem to change our minds an awful lot and I'm guessing it will change between now and July 31. So far our team has raised over $1,400 for the American Cancer Society and we're still not done! More cookie sales at the Farmer's Market and Cindy is going to have a Pampered Chef fundraiser party and then we'll sell stuff the night of the Relay! I'm guessing we will make well over $1,500 when all is said and done!!

After the Relay meeting, it was off to my cousin's house to celebrate the graduation of her son, Ryan, from High School. HUGE party - got to see lots of my cousins and my beloved Aunt and Uncle. Good food too - smoked, pulled pork on buns! YUMMO! I ate too much and didn't leave room for cake (which is OK because last time I ate cake, I had the dumps - which are no fun!).

Later Saturday night I watched a Netflix movie that I've had for awhile - "Ghost Town". It was pretty cute. Not fabulous, but OK.

Today I went out with Trish and Grace for some retail therapy at Avenue (and we both found stuff at great prices). Then we went for a walk at the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis. I just wish my knee would cooperate more on those walks - I had to stop about 1/2 way across the bridge while they went the whole length. Some day!!

Now it's back to work tomorrow. But we've been allowed to dress casual last week and this coming week, so it makes it seem not as horrible there. Plus, with the holiday coming up we get to have Friday off. I love a short week! The following week I have Friday off, too. Yeah!