Geez I'm tired..

Why is it that the short weeks always seem to take forever to get over with? I am exhausted. Of course, the fact that I am having issues with falling asleep don't help. I spent Tuesday night (or was it Wednesday night)..wait..it was both...I spent both nights not able to fall asleep. So Wednesday night I bought some Tylenol PM to help. Oh boy..it didn't. Someone at work on Thursday told me it can have the opposite effect on some people (raising my hand!). I tossed and turned and my whole body felt like it just "had to move". Freaky. And I remember that Tylenol never helps me with pain, just makes me hyper. Duh. So, Thursday night I purchased something that did not include the pain reliever part. It helped a little bit, but still had a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep. I am blaming this on either stress or the fact that since I've lost some weight, my C-Pap machine is too hopped up for me. But, I don't want to pay another $250 co-pay to have another sleep study done just so they can turn the "volume" down. And that's what it would take. So I suffer (but never silently)!

My nephew Keith and his family are coming to MN for the week. We're having a family BBQ at my sister's on Sunday. That will be fun. Haven't seen him in a couple years, haven't seen his kids in about 3.5 years and have never met his new love. Looking forward to seeing all of them!

My sister Trish brought over a butt-load of clothes for me!! Most of them fit now, some will have to wait until I go to the gym! But what a nice thing! Losing weight is great, but it gets expensive to have to replace clothing. Now she's losing more weight and so her clothes from last summer don't fit (but they fit me!). I had an idea today of opening a 'transition' shop where women could borrow clothes for a period of time while they are losing weight (or gaining) and transition their wardrobe every few weeks as necessary. Just have to figure out how I would make money on this!!

OK, I'm signing off now. I'm really tired and need a nap before bedtime! LOL! Maybe that's why I can't fall asleep!? Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

P.S. I know people are still having a problem posting comments. I just don't get it! I'm sorry, but please keep trying. It's more fun to do this if I can see your thoughts!!

How to post a reply

I've heard from a few of you that you try and try to post replies here, but you can't. Here are some step by step instructions on how to reply.

First, click on the link below this message that says "Comments" (now mind you I am doing this from a different page, so I'm going on memory here). Then it will show you a space to leave your comments. When you're done, go down that space a little more and there is a 'secret word' that's kind of scrambly looking. You have to type that word in the little box provided. Then, when it asks for your name/ID, click on the "Name/URL" button. Just type in your name, or whatever name you wish to be called. You don't have to fill in a URL. Then, I believe at the bottom it will say "OK" or "CLOSE" or something like that. Choose that and it should accept your comment.

Thanks! So - now go give it a try!!

Memorial Weekend

This is the weekend where we are supposed to remember all those who fought (or are fighting) the battle for our freedom. I, like so many others, really don't do anything to recognize that fact or to thank those people. I feel bad about that. I looked in the paper to see if there is anything going on around here that I could attend and take care of that guilty feeling. There is something tomorrow in Anoka, so maybe I'll try to muster up my courage to attend (alone). But, in case I don't - let it be known that I whole heartedly thank all the veterans and current military that are fighting for our country.

That being said, it's been a lovely weekend so far. The weather has been great. I got my butt whooped in scrabble by my friend Marylee. We've had 2 scrabble days and I've yet to even win one game against her. I think she cheats, but I can't be certain. She's just too smart for me I guess. Maybe I'll sleep with the scrabble dictionary under my pillow before the next game day.

I canceled my membership at the YMCA today..and then trotted right over to LA Fitness and joined up. The Y was $60/month and the LA is $24.99/month (after I paid $175 joiner fee). It's an 'adult' gym so no lil kids running around. In fact today when I signed up and he gave me the tour, there were approximately 6 adults (yes, only 6) working out there. Kind of odd, but he said it was because of the weekend. I think I'm gonna like it. Some friends from work go there and they attend the water aerobics class, so more motivation for me to attend that. And in the long run it will be cheaper. The $24.99/mo is for as long as I am a member. No increase. No annual payment, etc. If I go at least 12 times/mo, I will be reimbursed $20 by my insurance (as long as I have insurance - thank you Target). So that brings it down to $5/month. Now I have to go, right!?

Went shopping for some capri pants and found 2 pair. Then bought some more undies, a new top and a pair of dress pants. The dress pants are the most shocking. They were at Kohl's and were on clearance for $8.20 (from $44). That's not the real shocker - the real shocker is they are a size 20!! And they fit. Too long, but they fit. WOO HOO! This is a miracle to me. I can tell you now that I was wearing a 30/32 and those were getting tight (that's a woman's size 30/30, not the waist size). I'm thrilled! Can't wait to get them hemmed and then wear them. Maybe I won't remove the size tags! LOL!

And one more exciting tid bit. I finally made some of the "bites" that there are tons of recipes for on the "eggface" blog site. Basically they are mini quisch (or however you spell that). The one I made is a philly cheese one. Really tasted good. Now I have some in the freezer for future use. I don't have to live on chili any more.

Oh..and I finally opened up my new camera and tried it out. Still can't figure out how to easily send photos to other people. Sucks. But I'm going to try to submit a self portrait I took today of me and Sophie the sofa cat. We will see.

Busy weekend..and we still have one more day to go!! YEAH!

5 month Anniversary!

Today it's been 5 months since I was "surgically enhanced"! And when I weighed myself on Sunday, I was down 135 pounds (from pre-surgury weight). Of course that changes day by day (and sometimes hour by hour!)..so I generally go with about 130 pounds down! YEAH! It feels sooooooooooooooo good, I can't even put it into words. Some things that have changed for me:

• No more cane!! (but it's still in the trunk just in case)


• No more diabetic medications - none!


• I am down about 4-5 sizes in clothing, depending of course on the clothing!


• Less pain in general. The knees still hurt sometimes, but nothing like before.


• A little less hair (yeah..it's thinning - need more protein)


• I discovered I have a collarbone!

I can't believe that 5 months ago I was in that icky place..wondering why in the world I did this to myself! But now, I am so happy that I did. I feel like a whole new person in a whole new world!! And I thank all of you for your support and prayers! I couldn't have done it without you.

Happy "Surgiversary" to me (I stole that from the 'Melting Mama' site!!).

P.S. That picture is me taken last week as I was calling BINGO at the Nursing home in Osseo. Not the best picture, but for some who have been asking for one, tis the best I can do for now!! (I'm wearing my old clothes, so I still look bulky)

Family Happinesses

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses.
Joyce Brothers

This is the quote of the day today (in case you missed it). I have to agree. Most of the happiest times of my life were in the midst of my family. One of the best days I can remember having was when Chelsea was a little kid. We were in Florida, having done all the Disney stuff, we decided to spend one day at the beach just doing NOTHING. I have never been a 'beach babe', but there we were with my friend and her son. The kids were splashing and playing in the water close to shore. She and I were sprawled out on towels in the warm (not too hot) sun with a nice breeze blowing over us. I remember this distinct feeling of calm and peace, watching my child enjoy herself and feeling so content with my life. It was wonderful! Chelsea and I have had many wonderful memorable times together. Usually our times together involve some sort of stress (finding a 'suitable' parking spot, bees, rain, too hot/too cold, etc) - in fact she even mentioned that in her Mother's day card to me (wishing we were together looking for a place to park with the bees buzzing around us). It makes me laugh and laughter is sooooo good!

The rest of my family is great too. Never a dull moment with us. I think someone should video the times that me and my sisters get together to plan ANYTHING. A trip to the supermarket can take a good 15-20 minute discussion ("who is driving?", "what do we need?", "who's going to pay?", "Should we split the cost?", "Which store should we go to?"). And yet we plan an annual weekend trip and have done so for going on 11 years without killing anyone! When the brothers and the in-laws are involved, well - we're talking marathon decision making!! But we always have fun and laugh about it (later). I couldn't ask for a better family! Maybe I should plan a family reunion - wonder how long that would take?!

I have a rather quiet weekend planned, which is good because I have had to wake up to the alarm every day for a good two weeks. I look forward to those mornings where I don't have to fear the alarm. I can wake up whenver I want to! Sunday is a potluck at church to celebrate our 50th anniversary and then I'm off to Delano (which is slowing going to become my 2nd home) for a fund-raiser Tupperware party. My niece Val scheduled it and 40% of the profits will go to the American Cancer Society - part of our Relay For Life team. Next Wednesday we start to sell cookies at the Delano Farmer's Market. Stop by and see us and buy some good cookies (don't worry, we didn't bake them!).

Enjoy your weekend and most importantly, enjoy your family!! Love & Hugs!

Project Homeless Connect

Today I volunteered at Project Homeless Connect. It's a project the City of Mpls. puts on twice a year. I've wanted to do it for a number of years, but didn't feel I could with my bad knees, etc. Now that I've lost weight and can walk OK, this was the year. I was overwhelmed! There were about 1,400 volunteers today and about 2,500-3,000 homeless guests that were served. To see so many people who are homeless or on the verge of being homeless is unbelievable.

While we aren't supposed to share details, I will tell you that I met and helped 2 men today. One was from Somalia and he's about 30 and has been homeless for a number of years. He came here in 1996 because his family in Somalia was killed. He had no one here. He still is alone (other than friends) and going from shelter to shelter. The other man was 55 and he's originally from New Orleans. His children are still there. He has mental health issues and some physical issues. He's been homeless for about 8 years. He was promised housing effective May 1, but he had to be in Louisiana then because his mother died, and shortly after his mother-in-law died and he wanted to be there for his children. Since he didn't show up on May 1, they revoked his housing and he has to reapply. He ended up in jail last night (for tresspassing), and so the shelter he was in wouldn't allow him back again tonight. He had no idea where he was going to sleep. He said it's not safe for an "old man" to sleep on the streets. He worried that the younger kids would beat him up and take the $13 he had in his wallet. We were able to find a place for him for tonight...and connected him with an agency who will help him going forward. But it's just a band-aid.

Two different people today told me that God will bless me for the volunteer work I was doing. Both of them were homeless people. The 55 year old guy thanked me over and over again for spending the afternoon with him and for helping him. I know I will see his face time and again when I see a homeless person and I will wonder how he's doing.

There are so many people, and about 1/2 of them are children, who are homeless. One statistic that haunted me is that a person making minimum wage in Minneapolis would have to work 80+ hours a week just to pay for rent (if there were places available for them to rent). So say a prayer tonight for those less fortunate than we are. It was an eye opening experience for me, and I get emotional when I think about it even now.

And it's Monday again!

No matter how fun the weekends are, you always have to come back to 'the bad place' and all the fun you had is just water under the bridge! Not fair!

Just for the fun of it I went out to a website that lets you check your BMI. All you do is enter your weight and height. (Yeah, I know - sick sense of fun, huh?). But anyway, I did a "before" and "after" surgery BMI. I am not confident enough to tell you what they were/are, but suffice to say that my BMI has dropped 21.50 points since surgery!! Wow! I'm even amazed by that. This has been the best thing I've ever done for myself! NO regrets, only maybe that I didn't do it earlier. But God knows when the timing is best for us to make changes in our life, and this must have been my time!

I'm about 1/2 done with Monday, so I guess that's a good thing. I have a hair appointment tonight, too so hopefully my droopy hair will get a lift tonight. Have a "Marvelous Monday"!

Oh what a wonderful world..

I had one of the best weekends! The Diva Days with the sisterhood was a blast. I didn't tire out like I normally would on little shopping sprees (like on Sister's weekends) and finally bought my new tennis/athletic/gym/walking shoes! Got them on sale for 40% off. And they fit and are comfy. So guess what I just did!? No...I didn't go to the YMCA. Instead, since it's such a gorgeous day here, I went to Springbrook Nature Center and walked outside. I did the Beaver Pond Trail 3 times (it's about 1/3 mile long)..so almost a whole mile today! Not bad for a 'virgin' walker. But now one of my knees hurts like hell. I think it's wondering why I did that! I think I'll keep that path up and just try to increase my time and reduce my bench rests.

I also made the ice cream last night and it was a major success. Tastes so nummy! I am going to get a lot of use out of that ice cream machine I think! Wondering what I'll try next. Maybe get some fresh berries to toss in. Mmmmm...

I didn't watch the movie last night. Was kind of pooped out from shopping all day so I went to bed early. Maybe I'll watch one tonight if I get an early start on it. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is due to release on Tuesday and if I time this right, I can return one I have and I should be able to get Benjamin on Tues/Wed just in time for next weekend's viewing!

Hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend, too. We don't get perfect weather like this too often, so had to take advantage of it. In fact, I have some sunburn on my upper chest/back from sitting in the sun yesterday (waiting for others to get their free taro card readings!). It's itchy, but feels like summer!

I scream..you scream..we all scream...

My ice cream maker arrived yesterday and the portion that I'm supposed to freeze is now in the freezer (since last night) so I am making ICE CREAM tonight!!! Well, I suppose it's not really ice cream, but as close as I can get and still get some benefit out of it (without the poops). I'm very excited!! I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm also excited because a couple of my sisters (and maybe a sister-in-law) are going to take part in Diva Day's in Anoka today. I did a pre-shop yesterday, it was much more quiet there than I had expected. But I managed to find a couple things. Today should be busier and more fun. I'm bumming though because I can't find my tiara. I think it might be at work.
:o( And I don't have a feather boa either. What's a Diva to do??

My scrabble butt kicking session has been postponed so I won't be doing that tomorrow. I think that's God's way of giving me time to GO TO THE YMCA and/or CLEAN! That's yet to be decided, maybe both will happen depending on my energy level!

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Lots of sunshine and good times with friends/family!