Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas Eve! Over 2000 years ago in a far off land on a cold Winter's night we were given the greatest gift of all! It didn't come to us wrapped up with a pretty bow under a tree. We didn't need a gift receipt in case it didn't fit. No batteries or cables needed to make it work. It was the greatest gift the world has ever known, sent in the image of a sweet little baby. And the world has never been the same ever since.

Sometimes we tend to forget what Christmas is all about. It's not about presents, it's about presence. Be present in the lives of those you love...and in the lives of those you don't even know. Let them know that you represent the "reason for the season". Do something kind for someone and expect nothing in return for it. Help someone out. Lend a hand. Say a prayer. If we all followed the command to "Love thy neighbor as thyself", we would have no war and no strife. So let's try to do that one day at a time, one person at a time.

Wishing everyone a Merry CHRISTmas and a very peace-filled and healthy New Year to come.

* Watch for my year in review coming up!

Two Year Surgiversary

Yesterday (December 19) marked the two year "surgiversary" of my RNY. Yes, just two years ago I was under the knife and feeling like this was a big mistake! My first few days after surgery were not good. I had lots of pain and lots of (in my eyes) unexplained issues. Spent an extra night in the hospital, which didn't make me happy. Not to mention the fact that I was released just two days before Christmas. That year all I could do was smell the delicious foods my family created for our big festivities. I also wore out easily and didn't stay as long as I'd like to.

Flash forward two years: I am moving about a lot easier, able to exercise and able to eat most anything I want (except the dreaded "real" ice cream and cheesecake). This is both good and bad. I am able to exercise, but still need to make myself DO IT. I am able to eat most anything, but still need the willpower to say NO to things I know I shouldn't. And I have to admit, I am having problems in both areas.

I have gained a little over 10 pounds this Fall. A trend I am not happy about. I don't want to place blame, but I think it's a combination of boredom and stress. Still no job on the horizon for me, so I will most likely be going back to school in January. While it is a great opportunity, I am concerned that I won't be able to keep up with the 4 classes I've signed up for - along with homework. In order to meet the school demands, I have had to reduce my volunteer work. Volunteering is something that brings me joy and gives my life meaning. I worry about what dropping it will do for my well being.

All that being said, the decision to have surgery was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I do not regret it one bit. I just need to get myself back to the good mental place that I was a couple years ago. I need to remember the good habits that helped me lose the weight so that I can keep it off (and hopefully lose more). I need to remember that I am worth it and the hard work is worth it. So going to give myself a swift kick in the butt and restart this machine!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!

Great Recipes and Ideas (and contest)

I have followed the blog site "The World According To Eggface" since I first had my surgery done almost 2 years ago. Shelly owns the site and she is a great cook and offers many weight loss surgery friendly recipes and ideas that even non-weight loss surgery folks like. Most of them contain protein powder which everyone could use.

And now she is having a contest and giving away 5 bottles of sugar free Torani syrup! Just go to the link below and find the contest, leave a comment with your email address and you're included in the drawing. You must enter by Sunday night. But even if you don't want to enter, look at some of the nummy recipes she has (there are lists on the left hand side of the site). And enjoy!

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/

I am Thankful!

This has been what would normally be classified as a "crappy" year for me. I was laid off last December (as you may recall, one week before Christmas), a dear friend and old boss died in February from pancreatic cancer, my oldest sister died in March as a result of breast cancer, my dear friend recently found out her cancer has spread to her lymph nodes and she'll need more chemo, another dear friend's mother died recently (again, cancer), my Pastor John also died recently (you guessed it - cancer). All this makes me wanna kick the dog (if I had one). But what good would that do?

Instead I am going to try really hard to celebrate the good things in life and be thankful for them. I got to spend time with my sister before she passed away and learned a great deal about strength and perserverance from her as a result. I also benefitted from the Caring Page my Pastor had established early on in his battle. He fought hard right up until the end. My friend Terry also had a very inspirational Caring Page and his wife, Cathy, has continued to make updates including quotes from him on previous travelogs.

I am thankful for my absolutely amazingly talented and beautiful daughter, Chelsea. She continues to impress me with her kind heart and her incredible brain as she forges her way through school getting A's and writing very impressive papers. I often wonder where she gets that talent! She's become a woman to be admired! I wish I could take the credit, but all I did was supply the genes, she has done the hard work to get where she is in life.

I am thankful for my loving and supportive family - sisters, brothers, in-laws, nieces, nephews, Aunt & Uncle, cousins and all those cute little ones we have now! When I am having a bad day, somehow someone knows it and they call and offer some support or suggest a little diversion. They encourage me and keep me grounded!

I am thankful for my wonderful friends. Many of them are in the same boat as me (unemployed, losing loved ones). We commisserate, we laugh, we cry, we complain. But we know that we will survive. God works in mysterious ways and somehow these things will make us stronger in the long run.

I am thankful that I am able to get unemployment. No, it's not much and I've had to give up a few so-called "luxeries" (artificial nails, Netflix, Cable TV, etc), but I am glad it's there for me. Where would I be without it?

I am thankful that I am able to go to school for FREE! I will start classes in January (unless by the grace of God I find a job before then). When God closes a door, he opens a window and being able to go to school is my window. It's not something I would choose to do, but it's an opportunity and I have to take it. Who knows, it may lead to something bigger and better for me.

There is a lot to be thankful for if we just open our eyes and our hearts to the possibilities. I have my health (which is better than it's been in years), my family, good friends, a roof over my head and food in my belly. Life is good!

Math and Me - Not a good combination

Oh how I hate math! I don't remember hating it this much when I was in High School, but I sure do hate it now! Did they make changes to how math is done in the..umm...20?..uh..30?...well, since I left High School?

I took a placement test for college today. I scored rather high in English and Comprehension. So high that I don't have to take the "beginner" classes and will jump right in to college level writing class. Math. Now that is a whole different story! I scored low. Very low. So low that I think if they had a polite way of saying "Go back to Kindergarten" they would have. So now I have to continue to take these extra curricular math classes in hopes of improving my score so that I don't have to PAY for math classes to get me to a beginner college level math! Ugh. So I hate math!

But, I met with the advisor today and have all the classes I want to take for my first semester just sitting in my on-line cart waiting for me to register next week. My friend Cheryl and I are hoping to get into the same classes. We've got them all set up for Tuesday & Thursdays. All day. Will be long days, but then we only have to get up early two days! That's the plan anyway!

So kids, my advice to you is to STUDY those math skills and memorize your multiplication tables. Take notes. Keep the notes. Ask questions. And above all else, don't drink liquor as it will deteriorate your brain cells in the future.
Word!

(On another note: Getting ready for the big snow storm they have promised. I bought some goodies from Trader Joe's, gassed up the car and have a movie to watch. This all pretty much guarantees that we will NOT get snow! You can thank me later!)

The Very Blustery Day

Today is supposed to be a very blustery day. I guess that means it's good that I gained that 10 pounds over the summer/Fall? Not really, but trying to find something positive to say about this weight gain. I could blame it on a million things (stress, muscle replacing fat, being taken off birth control, did I already mention stress?) but the true reason is that I'm eating like I have no issues with food! WRONG! It needs to end! I want to lose those 10 pounds and more! So send me your good vibes and good thoughts.

So where did I leave off? Oh yes, I was about to go on my sister's weekend. We went to our old stand-by, Grand Rapids, MN and Wildwood Resort. It was absolutely perfect that weekend. The weather was beyond wonderful and we spent a lot of time outside with walks, bonfires and just hanging out. The shopping was disappointing. Many of the shops have cut back on inventory due to the economy. So we didn't buy much, but had a blast. We each decorated our own wine goblets (which was a blast) and then we all had at least one alcoholic style drink from them. Another thing I could blame the weight gain on (alcohol - haven't had any since pre-surgery).

The weekend after that my friends Doug & Susan came for a visit. I had never met Susan but heard lots about her over the years. She and Doug had been friends for many years and finally got hitched a year or so ago (Hmmm..I think it was right about the time I had surgery, so we're approaching 2 years!). Had lots of fun with them and of course ate lots of good food.

I am a few steps closer to going to school this Winter. Finally got my approval processed and now have to take some placement tests (math - ish!). This is not my big idea of fun, but not too many alternatives for me. I continue to look for work and came close to getting a really great job, but they chose someone else. I know the BIG MAN upstairs has a plan for me, but not sure I am being very patient to find out what it is.

In the meantime, Halloween approaches with all it's candy and costumes! I'm going to one party and will be "hosting" the children at the shelter on Halloween night. This of course means being subject to candy and treats! I'll try my best to resist.

Wishing all you readers (uh..maybe both of you?) a happy and safe Halloween!!

Autumnal Bliss

Aaah...I love Fall! The leaves are so pretty, the air is crisp and cool and when the sun is shining it feels like all is right with the world! I had a great weekend with my "Fourever Friends". We went to Nona's cabin in WI. It was a bit chilly, but we managed. We spent a lot of time just hanging in the dining room talking about...well, nothing specific and everything in general. Had a bit of an issue with the furnace Saturday night (it stopped working). But we had help and made a roaring fire in the fireplace that pretty much kept the cabin lukewarm (around 58 when we finally rolled out of bed). Then in the morning, it was like a miracle and the furnace worked again! Go figure!

But all this fun also meant a lot of eating that I shouldn't have done! Ugh! Nona likes to provide lots of sweets and delicious croissants. But isn't that what friends are for? And this coming weekend I am going to be with my sisters which means more eating, shopping and talking!! Life is good!

The bad part is that once I returned home I had a letter from unemployment. As I expected, they screwed up again! They required that I re-register and so I did. Now they are stating that I made twice as much as I did last year (I think as a result of re-registering)! So - that entails another lengthy conversation with someone to correct this. It's as if being unemployed was my job because it takes a whole lot of time and energy to get it to work out right!! So that'll be my task for the week!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed the weather! I also hope that this weather holds out for at least one more weekend so that my sisters and I can enjoy it together!!

More baby steps...

I found someone at the school I plan to attend that will get a letter of acceptance to me! The problem was that I actually filled out an application to be a student there about 20+ years ago, and so the first person I asked said they couldn't send out the letter. This kind woman on Monday told me they do it all the time and she will send it out immediately. That was one more check on the "to-do" list I need for the forms for the government! Yippee! I am so close to completing the paperwork to see if they will pay for my schooling, I can almost taste it from here! Then I have to 'study' for the placement tests. I took a little looksy at the type of questions, and oh boy! It's hard. I forgot how to add fractions and algebra is just like a foreign language to me! They sure aren't making it easy on this old broad, but I will get through it!

I updated my unemployment file so that should be ready to roll. Found out that I won't get any payments from them until mid-November, so I am struggling to think of ways to cut back on my expenses. The obvious things have been done (changed my Netflix account to one movie out vs. two; removed my artificial nails - don't think that didn't hurt physically and emotionally; stopped payment on the student loan for my daughter - since she is a full-time student, it doesn't have to be paid). Now trying to think of other things I can do. Next to go will be cable TV (yes, it makes me cry but Chelsea told me to try hulu for watching my favs). The more I get through this, the more I hate "the Evil Red". What they did to me and to many others is just terrible. We were good, faithful and productive employees and they just dumped us like yesterdays news. But...I'm not bitter. Nope. Not me!

So I just keep taking baby steps towards returning to school. This is a good thing. Another good thing: spending the weekend with friends at my friend Nona's cabin in WI. The weather is supposed to be spectacular and hoping the trees will be displaying beautiful fall colors. Then the following weekend is my annual "Sister's Weekend" in Grand Rapids with my sisters. I always look forward to that. This year will be a little different now that there are only 5 of us, but we plan to celebrate Sandy's life in a very special way!!

Hope things are going well for you (anyone who reads this any more). If you have some seemingly impossible task before you - just take it one baby step at a time!

Wow - what a weekend!!

I had the most fun-filled, family/friend-filled, football-filled, volunteer-filled weekend I've had in a long, long time!

Started out Friday night with a nice dinner prepared by my little sister Trish. She made a delicious meatloaf with a family favorite, sugar rice and some carrots. It was Divine! Then she and I went to a play at a local community theater. While we were waiting for the play to start, I mentioned that my friend Sandy had season tickets for this theater, too, and I wondered when she was going to see the play. Well, next thing I know - in walked Sandy and her friend! The really cool part is that their seats were right next to ours! The play was good ("Cat On A Hot Tin Roof") but long. Three hours long.

Saturday I met my friend Cathy for lunch and then we went to the U of M Gopher's football game. She has season tickets and had invited me to join her. I have never in my entire life watched an entire football game! This was fun! The Gopher's didn't win, but it was an exciting game. But I guess to be honest, I didn't watch this entire game either. We left with about 3 minutes left and they were behind by 14 points. When we got in the car, we heard that they had made a last minute touch down, so only lost by 7 points.

Sunday I volunteered at the Pancreatic Cancer Purple Ride event. People signed up to ride bike either 8, 25 or 50 miles to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. My friend Terry (Cathy's husband) died of pancreatic cancer in February, so this cause is near and dear to my heart. I was assigned a corner where the riders doing the 25 or 50 mile ride had to turn. My job was to direct them in the turn. Tough job (Not!). It was sooooo nice outside, it felt great to be there. Then after that I did my regular Sunday night shift at the shelter. By the time I got home, I was exhausted!!

Today I had a doctor's appointment, just a 6 month follow-up with my endocronologist. All my blood work was great: cholesterol was 150, A1C was 6.1, good cholesterol was up, thyroid function was good. Only suggestion was to increase my vitatmin D intake. I also have to go see a neurologist about a droopy eye problem I asked him about. So that's not making me too happy, but we'll see what happens. Oh and my weight was 4 pounds lower than last time I weighed at home, so that was encouraging too!

All in all a great weekend and a good start to the new week!

Getting Closer

OK, so I am getting closer to becoming a student. I got the word that I can use the government program to attend two schools - first the community college for my generals and then transfer it over to the 4-year school for the bachelor's degree. So that's good to know. Thursday me and my friend (who also happens to be named Cheryl, I call her "C2" and she calls me "C1") are going to the community college to ask all our questions and see about getting registered. We can't start until the Spring Session (which, in tri-mester world is really winter - January). But that is OK, gives us time to study for placement tests and to get our backpacks and pencil cases!

Regarding the weight - OMG, I don't know what is happening here! I weighed today and now I'm up about 8 pounds from pre-summer. I haven't had a McDonald's sweet tea in over a week! What's up with this (besides my weight)?? I am going to start doing the protein drinks in the morning to see if that helps fill me up. I switched from my protein infused cereal to Cheerio's and maybe that wasn't a good idea. I've been working out 3x week for the last few weeks, so don't think I'm slacking in that area. I still want to blame some of it on my doctor taking me off the depo shots. OK, that's probably some of it. Guess I'll pump up the protein and see if that helps. Very frustrating!

Not a whole lot of other stuff going on. I have a very busy and fun-filled weekend coming up: A play with my sister on Friday night (community theater), Gopher's football game on Saturday with my friend Cathy and volunteering at the Pancreatic Cancer "Purple Ride" event on Sunday. Hoping for nice weather for both Saturday and Sunday's outdoor events!! Soon I'll be getting prepared for the 12th Annual Sister's Weekend! It's always a special time for us to be together. Although Sandy wasn't able to be with us last year due to her health, it will be different this year with her in heaven. We plan to salute her with a drink (not that she ever drank, but we thought it would be fun). More about that to come!

School Daze

Ugh. Why is school so confusing? I met with the advisor at the school of my choice, and he suggested that I first get my generals completed at a community school. It makes sense, the community school is closer to home, they offer CBE (Competency Based Education) meaning I could just write a paper for some courses and get credit for them. But the question now is - will the Federal Program allow me to go to two different schools? So I have a call into the Feds, we'll see how long it takes for them to get back to me. Not holding my breath!

I also changed my mind about what I want to get my degree in. I was leaning towards Social Work, but after some conversations with a friend who is already in that program and the advisor, I am thinking it's not for me. Instead, looking at a bachelor of arts in Human Services Administration. I'd be more 'behind the scenes' at a non-profit organization doing grant writing and/or other office type things. Still doing good, but not dealing face-to-face with clients on a daily basis.

My baby girl completed her independent study on Iceland and she got an "A" on it! Yeah! I knew she would do well with that! I'm so proud of her! She will graduate next Spring. Now she is deciding if she wants to go for a masters or get a double major. I know she can do whatever she puts her mind to, so we will see!

A cool and cloudy weekend ahead! I'm going to facilitate an information table for the shelter at a wellness event in our city tomorrow. My first official 'speakers bureau' assignment since I completed my training. I'll be with another volunteer so I am sure it will be a snap! Wishing everyone a great weekend.

One final note: Prayers requested for my sister-in-law and family on the loss of her sister Lisa. It was sudden and unexpected, which makes it all that much harder. I know first hand how hard it is to lose your sister. Sad!

As Per Your Request....

OK, so here is an update!! I apologize to you, lone reader (aka Schmidtdahl) that I haven't made frequent updates to the blog. There has been a lot going on and at the same time - nothing going on. Not much note-worthy stuff anyway! But here we go!

I have decided that I need to be more strict with my caloric intake. I became addicted to the McDonald's sweet tea this summer (and I mean the "REAL" stuff, not the unsweetened stuff). I was grabbing a large one at least 3-4 times/week this summer because they are delish and they were only $1. However, I also gained 5 pounds this summer! I have to think that there is some correlation between the two. So, no more sweet tea. I'm thinking it's gonna be a 12 step program for me to get off it, but I'm trying!

My summer of "Chaunty Eryl" days are now behind me as well. We had so much fun, me and my three nieces (Marissa, Amanda and Grace). We did a lot: movies, lunches, mini golf, Coon Rapids Dam, Feed My Starving Children, site seeing in Mpls, the Mpls Art Institute, "Free Hugs" and much more! Each day was an adventure and I really enjoyed spending time with the girls. We may have a 'grand finale' sleep-over sometime in October (depending upon their busy schedules). You never regret the time you have spent with special people in your lives!

Today is the first day of school for most kids in Minnesota. It's a cold, windy, rainy blustery day. That's not fair! It's supposed to be cool and sunshiney on the first day of school! Just the smells of the new supplies (notebooks, crayons) and thinking about what you will wear that first day, who you'll sit by, which classes you'll have with your friends, etc. I wish I was able to go back to school for just the first day experience! Well, I am going back to school, but I get the feeling it will be a lot different than what I am thinking! I have a meeting with the advisor on Thursday so hope to get all my questions answered! Will probably start school with the Winter session (January).

I completed a training course to be on the Speakers Bureau for the shelter that I volunteer with. My first "gig" is at the Blaine Wellness Fair this weekend. I won't be speaking, but will be representing the shelter at an information table. Stop by if you're in the neighborhood!

I think that's about it for now. Wish I had more entertaining words to share, but if I did then I'd be making it up! Anyway, thanks for reading!!

Happy Birthday to me!

I turned 50 last Sunday (oh, but I hate to use the word "turned" - makes it sound like something rotting). Anyway, I am now 50! I threw myself a most wonderful picnic party on the most hot and humid day of the year so far! Ugh! But it was still fun. My family and friends were there, and so were a few unexpected guests! My daughter Chelsea came home to surprise me!! What a wonderful surprise her visit was. She stayed through Wednesday and so we had a lot of quality mother/daughter time together! The only problem with seeing each other is saying goodbye again! I miss her more after we've been together, but I guess that's normal.

Needless to say I didn't fulfill my gym time this week, but I did go Thursday and today, and may try to drag myself there tomorrow morning too. Had dinner with a friend I haven't seen in awhile last night and she commented on my "little arms" (not really so little as they still have that never ending 'goodbye' wave thing going), but it was nice to hear the compliment. So maybe the pumping of iron is doing something! I was never measured "before" so I don't know how many inches I may have lost, but I do feel things are a little less tight, so something has happened.

Soon it will be back to school time for all good children, and now it's going to be back to school for this old broad! I am excited about the opportunity, but nervous about the actual function of going back to school. Hoping that I can keep up and do well. It really is harder to focus and stay awake the older you get. But it's a great opportunity (100% paid) and so I can't pass this up! I'll keep you posted on the progress. Probably won't start until Winter session (paperwork!).

The weather finally broke here and it's supposed to be less hot and less humid for the next few days! I have no plans whatsoever for the weekend and looking forward to NO obligations (well, other than volunteering Sunday night). Feels like I have been going non-stop for weeks now! Time for a slow summer weekend! Wishing you all a great end to the summer!!

Been a week...

Well, the Relay For Life went absolutely wonderful. The weather was mild, slightly damp, but not hot. It rained a little bit, but nothing we couldn't handle. I managed to walk much more than I did the previous year, that was good. I don't have the totals yet, but I think our team raised over $5K! And we had fun!

I had my "annual" check-up today (women, you know what this means - men, you'll just have to wonder). The doctor wants to take me off my depoprovera shots and it worries me. She wants to see if I am menopausal (sorry men who may be reading this). I don't care if I am, I just like not thinking about it!! But she won the arguement and so off I go. If I turn into a screaming banchee, you'll know why!

This is also my birthday weekend! Going to be turning over to the big 5-0 on Sunday. Yikes! I remember when I thought that was old. Now it seems..well, it still seems old, but like something I shouldn't be! At least I feel better than I did when I turned 40. Healthier. And that alone is cause to celebrate! I'm having a big party that I planned myself on Sunday. I didn't want to have to deal with the "surprise" parties that may come at those significant ages, so I figured this would prevent that. I've rented a park and have brats & burgers to grill and about 50 friends/family are supposed to show up! Sunday is also supposed to be the hottest and most humid day of the ENTIRE YEAR so far - doesn't that just figure!? I hope to stay cool and have lots of fun!!

And one more new bit of news: I am going to go back to school! Found out that a Federal program (TAA) will pay 100% of my schooling for 3 years. In addition, if I am a full-time student, they will extend my unemployment for 3 years as well. Can't pass it up so I am going for it! I'll keep you posted (and when I say "you" I mean any stray person who may still be reading this - hello?! Are you out there?!).

Life if like a box of chocolates...and I prefer the caramels!

Relay For Life!

Tonight is the Delano Relay For Life event. All of my sisters and I, along with 4 nieces, my brother-in-law and two friends of the family will be there doing our part to raise awareness and donations for the American Cancer Society! This is my 3rd year of participating and hopefully the year I can FULLY participate (meaning walk more frequently)! Last year was my first year of walking post-op and I did OK, but not as much as I feel I can this year.

As you know, I lost my dear sister Sandy to breast cancer earlier this year after she fought a courageous battle for 3 years (one of the photos above is of her and her grandkids). I also lost my friend Terry to pancreatic cancer after he fought for over a year, beating the odds of his 6 month sentence(the other photo above is the old "Target" group w/Terry - he's in the baseball cap). My friend Connie lost her sister Grace almost one year ago to breast cancer. My other sister Trish also faced breast cancer head on this year. She had a lumpectomy and radiation and seems to be doing well now! My friend Nona is battling 3 different cancers right now (breast, lung and liver). They removed the liver and breast cancer tumors, and she's still recovering from that surgery. My pastor John has been battling lung cancer, which lead to brain tumors for about 3 years now. My friend Sandy's brother is also battling cancer. The list goes on and on. I wish there was a magic way to make it stop, but we all know that's not happening! So the alternative is to fight with everything we've got, support those who are in the battlefront and do what we can to raise money towards research and a cure some day!

So wish us luck and wish us good weather (last year it stormed on us!!). Also wish all those battling cancer a victory! And say a prayer for their families and care givers - they need it as well!

...and life rolls on...

I just returned from my trip to Seattle. The weather was just about perfect, sunny and warm almost every day. I think it only rained for about 30 minutes one afternoon. Lots of quality time with my girl. She's heading for Iceland on July 19 for 5 weeks. We'll have minimal contact, so it was good to have all that time together in Seattle. (photo is of us at the waterfront near Gas Works Park)

Also had a wonderful Holiday weekend with my family. My nephew and his wife and baby came up from Illinois to go to a Twins game and so we got to see them and spend the 4th of July with them. The weather here in MN is as usual hot and humid. But we're kind of used to that in the summer. Doesn't stop me from complaining though!

Had my 18 month post-op check-up with the doctor. Nothing new to report. He just said he thinks my current weight loss is fine, but if I want to lose more I will have to increase my activity level to at least 30 minutes/day EVERY day and reduce my caloric intake (makes sense, huh?). I know I should be better about both and hope to get to that point in my life soon. I think I've been feeling sorry for myself a lot lately with the losses I've been through. Time to kick myself in the butt and get busy!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer so far. I know I am!!

It's Official - It's Summer!

Can you believe it's summer now? Warm days. Thunderstorms. Tornados. Picnics. Pools. Sweat. Graduation parties. Weddings (none for me!). Oh it's just too much!

I'm having my first official 2010 "Chaunty Eryl" day tomorrow with two of my nieces, Grace and Amanda. My brother used to do "Chuncle Uck" days with the kids when they were younger. Now they are all teenagers (or almost teenagers) so I assume it's going to be harder to entertain them cheaply. We are going to the Walker Art Center and maybe the new Twins Stadium (NOTE: I am not calling it by it's given name for a reason). Hoping the weather is as gorgeous as they are telling me it will be!

Still shooting for 3x week at the gym. Not always successful, but trying. Also still trying not to buy bad things to eat at home all the time! I'm having a harder time with that task. I think it's a form of depression and/or boredom. But it has to stop! Any tips or tricks would be welcome!

Hope you all enjoy your summer. They go by much too fast.

Where have I been?

Wow, I can't believe it's been that long since I posted anything! Been pretty busy I guess. This past weekend was a busy one. I attended my niece Grace's dance recital on Friday night, Saturday morning I was volunteering at the shelter, Saturday afternoon/evening I attended my friend Brenda's 50th birthday party, Sunday morning was church and a visit to my friend Nona who is in the hospital recovering from cancer surgery, Sunday evening was back to the shelter for a few more hours of volunteering. Today I hung around for the 2 guys and truck from the American Cancer Society to pick up some donations from my sister's estate. They had to make 2 trips, but it's all gone now.

Summer is in full swing with lots of weekends already booked up with graduation parties and the like. Next Saturday I have 2 grad parties the same day - one in the early part of the day the other (for my nephew Andy) in the late afternoon/evening. The following weekend I leave for Seattle to see my baby girl! Can't wait! Then it will be July already! What's up with that?

Since I no longer have training sessions at the gym, I have been more lax in my routing (well, that and the fact that I've had a lot going on - that's my story and I'm sticking to it!). Have to make a real effort to get back into things. Heidi said she will try to get me tomorrow night for the 2.2 walk around the neighborhood (if it's not raining like it has been for about the last week!).

Not much new other than that. Please say prayers for my dear Nona, she is still in the hospital and not feeling too good. Also for Jennifer's Dad who had a heart attack on Friday and quadruple bypass surgery! YIKES! He's not much older than me! He's doing well, but still very scary for him and the family!

I'm up!

Well, the scale somehow fixed itself. And I'm up about 3.5 pounds. Ugh! I know we shouldn't judge ourselves (or others for that matter) on the number showing up on the scale, but I still give it lots of thought! I know that I have been eating things I shouldn't. Just can't seem to stop though. It's when I'm sitting around bored, watching TV or playing on the computer that I feel compelled to have a snack nearby. So I am going to try to spend less time doing those two things and more time reading (I have about 20 new books that have yet to be read) and exercising (walking). I never snack when I do those activities!

Had a great Memorial Day weekend! Spent it with family for the most part (when I wasn't with my beloved snacks!). Went to my sister's cabin on Saturday, went to another sister's for dinner both Sunday and Monday evening. In between I managed to watch a movie (Grizzly Man -- Chelsea, we'll have to talk!) and finished my book that I had started and put down several times (Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler -- my favorite author!). Now I'm working hard on finishing 25 luminary bags to bring to my sister today for the Relay For Life event in July. We have to turn them in by a specific date - sometime in June.

Also going to attend Diva Day at Lillian's in Buffalo tonight! The shop is donating 10% of their sales tonight to our Relay team! I'm going to go all Diva'd out - wearing my tiara (yes, I have one - don't you?) and maybe I'll try to find a pretty pink feather boa to wear with it. A girl can never have enough feather boas, can she?

Happy Memorial Day!

It's already Memorial Day weekend! Where is this year going!? I mean it's 1/2 over already (pretty much). Memorial Day marks the 'unoffical' start of summer to most people and that means 3 months of heat and humidity to me. But, it also means my trip to Seattle is coming up soon! Yeah! Looking forward to that a lot!

I'm not always making it to my 3x week at the gym. This week I only did 2. But if I go tomorrow, then I will count it as 3. There is something odd going on with the muscles in my upper right arm. Very weak! I can tell the difference between the two arms and the right is really much weaker. I'm not sure what would cause that, but it's very frustrating. I mean, I can barely lift 10 lbs. with that arm. So what's up with that?

Still haven't replaced the batteries in the scale yet either. I think I'm avoiding it? Maybe later today! Today I am going with two of my sisters and my niece to my other sister's cabin for the day. It's supposed to be very hot, but hoping there will be a nice breeze off the lake. I already have a nice sun rash going on my left side (due to sitting at an outdoor restaurant for lunch yesterday). Maybe I will even out the rash on that weak right arm!

Enjoy your weekend and that extra day (for most of you). Remember to honor those who have given their lives for our country!!

Hot Stuff!

Man..it was hot yesterday! We broke the old record of (I believe) 88 and it got up to 95! It's MAY for cripe sake! Not July! Today is supposed to be 'cooler' - only about 89. One good thing about the heat, I've noticed it makes me want to eat less. Even though I am inside an air conditioned home, for some reason I don't feel as compelled to eat like there is no tomorrow! Wonder why that is?

I still haven't looked into fixing my scale. Maybe today. I guess my weight isn't as important to me as I may have thought. Or maybe it's the heat? I'm assuming I will weigh the same as I have weighed the last 4-5 months. Up a pound here and then down a pound next time. So why do I care?

I don't have much to report here. Just wanted to say it's hot enough for me. I am worried that this is a sign of things to come this summer. Hot. Humid. Icky!

Summer is creeping up like a cheap pair of underwear!

It's supposed to be near 90 by the end of this weekend! So we celebrated the wonderful weather we had in April, cursed the cold (and snow) that came in early May and not I'm going to start complaining about the heat and humidity! All in the span of one month! Uff da - dats Minnesoooooota fer ya!

My friend/neighbor Heidi has been stopping by to grab me when she is out on her walks. She measured one trail and it's 2.2 miles from her house (I chose to add .10 of a mile for me to get home from her house to mine). So far I've walked the 2.3 twice. This in addition to my sessions at the gym. While the walking does do a bit of a job on my knees, I feel it is helping strengthen my leg muscles. This is a good thing! It will help with my endurance for walking in Seattle at the end of June and also for the Relay for Life at the end of July (where I just know it will be hot and humid and require much whining on my part).

Other than the weather, walking and whining - I've been spending time with friends and family! Lots of dinners and lunch dates and I haven't always made the best choices! Example: yesterday an impromtu call from Carlene to join her and Nona for a late lunch at Baker's Square (** FREE PIE WEDNESDAYS **). Who could resist? Not me. I had a slice of my favorite strawberry/rhubarb! I guess it's better than some of the cream pies I could have chosen?

Today I am going to prepare to buy back my leased car from the dealer. I still don't have a job and so I am pretty sure no one in their right mind will give me a loan for a new car, so this is the alternative. Hopefully this car will provide me with many, many years of service and no car payments! If things get real bad, it may become my "home". But let's pray it doesn't come to that.

So there you go! That's my week in a nutshell. The weekend looks great (except for that hot and humid weather to whine about). I am attending a birthday party for my friends husband who is turning 80 (him, not her). No real big plans beyond that!

My Scale is broken..

Hmm..it's either tired of weighing me, or the batteries are done for. I haven't figured it out yet, but when I stepped on it this morning, nothing. Then some cryptic message came across. I guess I'll have to check the batteries next. I haven't lost/gained a pound in the last few months. I guess that's good, but I would like to lose about 30-50 more pounds to really see what it's like to be "normal" weight. I am sure I have lost a few inches from working out, but would be fun to see the scale go down a bit, too. Oh well..life isn't measured in numbers on a scale, it's measured in what you do with it!!

And speaking of "doing with it" - I am preparing for a number of journies this summer. First, I will be going to Seattle the end of June. Can't wait to spend some quality time with Chelsea and also see Chris, Mally and other various Seattlites. Then the end of July brings the Relay For Life. I am looking forward to it again this year. We're going to focus more on walking and less on selling and gabbing this year. I'm happy for that. And after that, I am having my big 5-0 birthday bash! Can't believe I am going to be that old, but it does happen. I want to celebrate the fact that I have lived that long and also having a party to thank everyone that's in my life. Chelsea can't be there - she will be in Iceland, but she is always in my heart! I can't imagine my life without her!

In between all the fun and events of summer, I am still looking for a job. Going to try some new techniques that I was given and see how that goes. I don't feel a whole lot of pressure to find one, but every so often it will just hit me "You don't have a job!" and I kind of freak out! I think I'm more worried about not having health insurance more than I am about the job! So the search continues!

This weekend weather has been wonderful. I fully intend to take advantage of it today and going on a walk with my friend/neighbor Heidi. Can't miss out on the nice days in Minnesota - it could snow at any time!! :o) Hope everyone reading this is having a nice weekend and anticipating a wonderful summer ahead!

Happy Mother's Day!

I know it's a little early, but just needed to put that out there for all the Mother's and "like" Mother's who make the world go round! You know who you are! You're the ones who wipe the noses (and butts), the ones who read the books even when the little ears aren't listening, the ones who plan the fun things to do with the kids who think that life just happens like that on it's own, the ones who almost have a heart attack when you see a child dash towards a busy street, the ones who shed a tear when you find that long lost cassette tape your daughter made for you one Mother's day back in the 80's even though you have nothing to play it on now (oh, did that happen to you, too?). To everyone who has kissed a babies neck, stayed up all night making sure the baby was breathing, was the 'meanest mom in the world' for not letting them do whatever they wanted and who let them fly away from the nest when it was their turn to go (even if it broke your heart)...happy Mother's Day!!

Merry Merry Month of May

Wow, it is May already. I can't believe how fast this year is going. So much has already happened in these 4 months. Lots of bad things - friends dying, my sister dying, people I know being diagnosed with cancer. Time just rolls right along regardless of what we are going through. There are days that I wish I could stop time and savor the moments, and then there are days that I wish would just get done with already! But, we can't wish our lives away! We have to live in the moment and enjoy it for what it is. Makes me think of a saying one of my previous co-workers used to say, "If 'ifs' and 'buts' were candy and nuts, we'd all have a merry Christmas!". So for today, let's try to not wish or regret something, let's just DO IT!

Still having that snacking problem at night. I am not sure how that food gets into my house (ha-ha), but I have to stop it. I bought a whole bunch of fruit (strawberries, grapes, pears, watermelon and bananas) the other day so hopefully that will lead me to eat something healthy instead of something not so healthy. Wish summer coming, I am hoping that I will continue to be drawn towards the fruits and veggies aisle instead of the snacks and crackers!

I didn't stick to my 3x week at the gym rule last week either. Only went twice, but I did spend most of the day Saturday walking around Anoka - shopping! And resisted the urge to buy/eat the most delightfully sinful chocolate covered desserts (but did have a taste or two of my sister's and her friends). It is good to know that it's there, just a few miles away in case of emergency!!

So I am going to try to eat healthier this week and get to the gym at least 3 times. That's my promise to myself!! What are YOU going to do this week (if anyone is reading this - I swear I am typing all this out just for my own sanity)?

Nothing to see here...

Nothing new to report. Nothing to see here. Just thought I'd put that out there. Another week...nothing going on. :::SIGH:::

What is "normal"?

I thought that after Sandy's memorial service things would get back to "normal". But, the more I think about it, I don't really know what "normal" is for me. Since I was laid off back in the end of December, I haven't had a normal schedule. At first it was like a long Christmas vacation. Movies, family, eating, parties. It was all fun. Then I went into somewhat of a care-giver mode, helping Sandy with her appointments and visiting with her. I also spent a lot of time hibernating from the winter cold and snow. Then as Sandy became more ill, there were hospital visits and visiting her at home and ultimately her passing away. Then we spent time preparing for the memorial service and attending the service and finishing the thank you cards for that. Now I know that eventually we will have family gatherings at her house to clear it out and prepare to sell it (that could take LOTS of time). For now, I don't know what to do with myself!?

I did have an interview for a job last week that I feel went really well. I thought I would hear back from them by now..but not yet. Maybe I'm too anxious. I'd like to know what the future holds for me. In the meantime, I keep looking for other jobs and not finding much out there for me.

So what is "normal" for me now? I'm still trying to figure it out.

This morning I had a training session with Kolby at the gym. Then later I dropped off 2 bags of "professional" women's clothing at Edina Realty for the "Dress For Success" program. It helps low income women prepare to enter or re-enter the work force and clothing donations is just one part of that. I had lots of clothes that no longer fit and I felt were 'too nice' to just give to the Goodwill, so that's where they went. I also have the DAV coming this week to pick up the other clothes and some household goods I have cleared out. Suppose I could clean more closets and find more stuff for that?

Tonight I am volunteering with Alexandra House. Tomorrow night I have a meeting at church for the Endowment Committee. Wednesday night is LOGOS at church. Thursday night is back at Alexandra. Friday night I'm in charge of bringing my niece to her dance class. So the evenings are 'full', but what to do with myself all day long? I am addicted to new games on the computer. Listening to Maurey in the background and slowly going insane!!

Let's hope I get that job. I need something to bring me back to a "normal" state of being!!

In Memory of my sister Sandy

My dear sister Sandy passed away on Thursday, March 25 at about 8:30 PM. She fought a very long and courageous battle against a recurrence of breast cancer for the last 3 years. She was my oldest sister and life was not always easy for her. I hope that now she can find the peace and comfort that evaded her in life. Rest in peace, my dear sweet sister. The following are lyrics to "This Is Not Goodbye" by Melissa Etheridge. I think of Sandy when I hear this song, so this is in tribute to her:

This Is Not Goodbye
By Melissa Etheridge

Bravely you let go of my hand
I can’t speak yet you understand
Where I go now, I go alone
This path I walk, these days of stone.

And the angels are calling…

(Chorus)
I must go away
Wait for me here, silently stay
And don’t ask me why
Only believe this is not goodbye

All of my strength, all my desire
Still cannot melt this breath of fire
I go to meet some kind of test
Bury the truth that scars my chest

And the angels are calling and calling…

(Chorus)

I gathered all my courage
I shaved off all my fear
With this banner on my shoulder
I hold your essence near

And the angels are calling and calling and calling…

(Chorus)

Only believe this is not goodbye

Stress & Eating

Since my last post, life has become even more stressful. My sister Sandy is still in the hospital and she's been told she has about 4 weeks left here on earth. This is emotionally stressful to all of us and the days have been exhausting for me as well. I can't even imagine how she feels and what this is doing to her emotionally (physically we can see the changes). We prepared her home yesterday for home hospice and today she will be transported via ambulance to her home to begin her journey to her "real" home with Jesus.

My old ways of coping (ie: eating) are coming through. I know that I'm not eating what I should or as timely as I should. I am eating a lot of junk and skipping meals or eating them very late and very irregular. I know in my heart that this will not make me feel better in the long run, but at the moment it makes me feel good to just eat JUNK. Crazy!

Today I am taking somewhat of 'day off' and having lunch with friends. Not going to the hospital unless something changes. My two other sisters will be greeting Sandy at home when she arrives. I will probably go over after my lunch to see if they need anything.

It's been a very rough couple of weeks. I pray that Sandy will find comfort and peace and that if this is her time, it will come quickly and with no complications. Please pray for her. Thanks!

One of those weeks..

Ever have one of those weeks where some things were just so great that you wanted to dance for joy out in the streets? But there were other things that were so awful you wanted to curl up into a ball and cry?! Well, that was my week last week!

Started out with a very pleasant shopping day with my sister Trish on Sunday. We had fun and I found the special chocolate tea I had been looking for. We also found a couple of fun new stores that we didn't even know existed! However, when I got home I heard that my sister Sandy was having a major melt-down. Good thing for family, others were able to reach her and calm her down somewhat.

Monday and Tuesday I accompanied my sister Sandy to her appointments to have fluid drained off her lungs. While this is in no way fun for either one of us, it does give us some time to talk to each other more. This was important to me since she had just had the melt-down over the weekend.

Then I found out that "my" Anthony (my trainer) had been fired! Him being fired would have been bad enough, but I found out that his manager had used my sisters name "in error" and unprofessionally in her little speech to fire him!! This triggered both of us (my sister Trish & I) to deliver a 'one-two' punch to said manager on Wednesday morning (after rehearsing Tuesday night). The woman was a monster! The good part of this is that we both got what we fought for - Trish was reimbursed for her remaining sessions and cancelled her membership, I was able to transfer my remaining sessions to a closer gym.

Had a lovely dinner with some former co-workers/friends on Thursday night. It was great to see everyone and talk about what's been going on in our lives. Some are still working and of those who were laid off, none of us have found work, but we all seem to be hanging in there.

Friday I accompanied my sister Sandy to her doctor's appointment and sat with her through her chemo treatment (first time for me). The doctor gave a little more background as to why he thinks her legs and lungs are filling with fluid so quickly. This was good as I have many questions and concerns, as does Sandy.

Saturday was another great relaxing day. I attended a luncheon theater production with three of my closest, long-time friends! The play was wonderful, funny and very touching at the same time. The food was OK, but the company was delightful.

Sunday again delivered a blow! Sandy wasn't feeling well all day Saturday and so she ended up being admitted to the hospital on Sunday. I brought her there and eventually all of our sisters and a couple nieces were there, too. One great thing about our family, we are THERE for each other! They ran a bunch of tests and are still determining what is the ultimate cause and what they can do to make her comfortable.

After spending the day at the hospital, I came home to get some things done around here (laundry, dishes, etc) and watch the Oscars. I have only seen about 5 of the movies that were nominated, but some of my favorites were awarded (Precious, Blind Side and UP!). I managed to watch the whole show! It was a much needed relaxing evening.

Not sure what this week ahead will hold. I know there are a few happy surprises in store! Probably a few disappointments, too, but I do know that I will get through it!! God is with me and I have the love of a great family behind me!!

Time for an update?

I haven't been real good about updating this, and for that I apologize. However, I think one two people are reading this (and they are very important people to me - don't get me wrong). I'll have to sex it up or something to get more attention. Don't make me post naked photos here! It's a family show!

Today I was all psyched up to get some treats from Trader Joe's and then watch the Oscars tonight. My sister Trish called to remind me that - HELLO - the Oscar's are not until NEXT Sunday. So I am going to get some treats and watch something else tonight to practice for the Oscars. So there! Ha!

Not too much is new with me. I am still working out 2-3 days a week. Should be more, I know. I have an appointment with my endocronologist (thyroid/diabetes) doctor next week and am anxious to hear what comes of it. I am hoping that my A1C number is down from last time. It wasn't high, but he wanted it lower. So he put me back on one of my diabetic meds (one pill/day). I hope it helped and I hope that all the crap I ate between appointments didn't ruin it for me. I really want to be off meds, not on meds. We'll see.

Had a really great week last week and hope the upcoming week is just as great. The weather is supposed to be nice (upper 30's = thawing). What more could we ask for in Minnesota in March??

For the Love of Ice Cream!

I love ice cream. And as some of you know, I can't have the "real" stuff any more. It does bad bad things to me. Too much fat and sugar combined. Even so, I have tried to make it work a couple times, both with somewhat devastating after effects.

So I bought some sugar free ice cream and can eat that. I also make the protein ice cream found on the Eggface blog site. I like it. And it "works" for me. May have to make some of that tonight.

But, the photo attached herein is from the original Fenton's in Oakland, CA. If you have seen the movie "UP!", the last scene where the boy and the old man are sitting on the curb holding balloons, they are outside of Fenton's. I love the scene and so I just HAD to visit it when I was on vacation. My dear friend Sandy obliged me and took me there. I took some outside photots and we went in and looked, but alas, I could not have ice cream. Kind of sad, but at least I was there.

I guess giving up 'real' ice cream to obtain a healthier body and the ability to travel and move about freely isn't the worst thing in the world. And I could eat it if I didn't mind spending a great deal of time tied to a toilet afterwards. But, I will make do with the fake stuff and keep my memories of the good stuff.

One final note: Please say some prayers for my friend Sandy's brother Steve. He was just diagnosed with leukemia. Pray for his healing and strength and for his family as well. Thanks!

In Memory of Terry

Sadly, my friend Terry passed away on Thursday. His wife Cathy posted to say that at 9:30 am, he closed his eyes as he held her hand. A solitary tear fell down his face and he squeezed her hand as he took his last breath. He was at home and they were together for the last of his days. It's sad, but I am so happy that he is now at peace and no longer in the horrible pain the pancreatic cancer had caused him.

Terry was my former boss. He was always a little "different" than any other boss I had previously had or have had since. He was REAL. He cursed. He yelled at people (but only once at me..and it was because I was laughing with someone else too loudly while he was on the phone - kinda funny situation). He was honest. He gave you honest feedback and honest performance reviews. But, aside from being a boss, he was a friend. He shared his thoughts and feelings with me. He told me about the really cool places he wanted to visit, and then he'd visit them and share his pictures and slide shows and all his thoughts about the place.

He loved his wife Cathy like no one I know has ever loved another person. He called her "The Babe". She is a bit younger than him and I always teased him about that. Told him he robbed the cradle. He adored her. They did everything together. Traveled to all those wonderful places together. When she was out of town for work, he hated it. He hated eating dinner alone, so he would invite one of the women from the office to join him for dinner out. I went a few times. We'd usually go to Murray's (one of the nicest places in Minneapolis). He'd talk about Cathy most of the time.

He also loved the Gopher Women's basketball team. A LOT! He and Cathy ran their fan club, The Fast Break Club, for about 7 years. He was passionate about the team. He tried for years to get me to go to a game. I wish I had done it sooner, because when I finally went for the first time last year, I had a blast. Loved it. I even attended a special lunch for members of the FBC and got to meet the coaches parents and see the players 'in person'. I attended 2 more games this year, using Terry and Cathy's personal season ticket seats. He gave them out to friends when he realized he wouldn't be strong enough to attend.

Sometimes we put a person on a pedestal after they pass away. We make them bigger than life and more saintly then they were in life. This is probably true of Terry, also, but I think it's partly because I didn't really fully appreciate him while he was here. I should have visited him and Cathy more often. I should have called more and EMailed more. Kept in touch better than I did. But there you go. He's gone now and I have fond memories of him. He was a helluva guy and I hope he's keeping a travelogue of his final journey that I can read when I see him again!

Rest in peace dear friend, rest in peace!

Blah! It's still winter :o(

I'm back from my vacation to California. I had a great time even though the weather wasn't all "that"..it was usually in the upper 50's and there was some rain, but there was NO SNOW (well, except in the mountains, but that was pretty marshmallow fluff snow). When I came back on my late, late flight to Minneapolis, it was snowing and my car was buried under about 12" of snow. I slogged around it in tennis shoes with snow up to my knees trying to brush the snow off with a small scrapre/brush. Then the car was stuck in the parking spot and someone had to push me out. Yep, it's still winter in Minnesnowta. Hatin' it.

I did see a lot of California, spent a lot of time at the ocean front. I love the water and hearing the waves crash against the rocks. Went to Tahoe and the breath taking scenery there was amazing. Went to the original Fenton's in Oakland (where the final scene in the movie "Up" takes place - where they are sitting on the curb outside the ice cream shop). Did a ton of fun stuff and hung with a bunch of fun people (my family and friends).

But now it's back to the real world. Had to bring my car in today for the repairs after my little spin out that took place right before I left for vacation. And I just filed my taxes online. That's a good feeling, and hopefully the money will come quickly! I am trying my best to get the pictures from California loaded and posted, but as usual, my system isn't being cooperative. I hate technology!

Tomorrow is a VERY special day - my baby turns 28. I can't hardly believe it's been that long. She still feels like a little kid to me, although I know she is a wonderful grown woman. Where does time go? And why does it have to go so fast? Anyway, happy birthday to my lil sweetie pie. You are the light of my life!!

Now if only winter would move along so fast!!

I'm stuck

Well, not literally. My weight has been the same exact number for a long, long, long time. I guess that can be good or bad depending on how I look at it. I was up over the holidays (who wasn't?). Then lost it to get back to where I am most days. I don't weigh myself very often, just once a week maybe if I think of it. But I am always in a 2 pound range. I'm not discouraged really, because I think of where I have been and how well I've done. However, I want to get over this 'hump'. I know I don't always eat as I should, and that's got to be part of the problem. Hoping that I can get a handle on it and just STOP eating what I shouldn't be eating.

That being said, I am preparing for my vacation to California! I don't plan on eating myself crazy, but you know how vacations go. I want to just relax and have fun in the sun (hoping that the sun makes an appearance, as of late it's been pretty scarce).

Going to the Gopher Women's basketball game today if the weather doesn't turn nasty and icy. I know that "other game" is on later today, but I have never ever in my entire life watched an entire football game and probably won't start now. I do wish the team well, though. I know a lot of freinds/family will be happy if the Vikings win!

The week ahead will be filled with pre-vacation activities! Yeah!! Can't wait!

Late to bed..early to rise..makes me..well...tired!

So as an adult I figure I can stay up late to watch some late night TV? Well, now, don't get crazy. Late to me was midnight. And, oh, by the way, I fell asleep before I saw any real "Late Night" TV. But never-the-mind. So I crawl into bed around the midnight hour. And then proceed to wake up at 3:45 AM. Yep. That's about 3 3/4 hours of sleep. WIDE AWAKE! So I got out of bed to watch some really crappy early morning TV hoping it would make me sleepy enough to fall asleep again. It did. Right around 6:30 or so. Heard the lazy neighbor using her automatic starter (only heard it because she's apparently also too lazy to turn the volume down on her car radio before she parks it for the night). So I get up off the couch and go back into the bed. Sleep until about 9:15. I figure if I ever do get a job, it's going to take me a good month or so to get into a normal sleep pattern.

Nothing on the plan for today. I should get the oil in the car changed, but I know that when I do that I also want to have that conversation about my lease ending in May. What happens to a woman whose lease ends and she doesn't have a job? Does anyone give her a loan to either buy this car or another one? Or does she have to use her severance pay (which she just got) to pay cash for a lesser car and then hope she gets a job? I am not looking forward to that conversation or the decision making that comes with it.

I also am invited to a BWW outing tonight (Buffalo Wild Wings). The group I belong to used to have them every Tuesday, then once a month on Tuesday..now it's whenever someone is craving them. Since chicken and I are no longer friendly (post-surgery), I am thinking of the stuffed mushrooms. Love them. However, we're getting freezing rain today off and on. So my trip depends on the weather! Bugger!

I'll update again before I go to (hopefully) sunny, warm and friendly CA!! Until then, stay warm and breathing (I know you're out there - I can hear you breathing and you're fogging up my screen)!

It's good..it's bad..it's a week in the life..

Kind of a mixed emotions week! Attended the unofficial meeting of the laid off Target employees on Tuesday. Not much new there. Still sounds like no one has gotten a job, but at least one person had an interview and was offered a job (but at a very sucky hourly wage). So still looking. Personally, I applied for at least 3 different jobs this week. No good outcomes to report.

Volunteered at the shelter on Tuesday night and got to work on a very simple Excel spreadsheet. At least I had some quality time with a spreadsheet - trying to keep my skills up! Wednesday was church and I kind of 'lost it' on the kids. They just have no respect for the church and for the people who are trying to work with them. So I'm sure they are all hatin' on me this week! Oh well, it had to be said!

Thursday night went to the Gopher's Women's basketball game. Great seats (courtesy of my friends Terry & Cathy) and the team won (74-47). Had a blast with my friend Heidi - she found an excellent restaurant in the area and we had dinner before the game. Bought myself a hat and T-shirt to wear to the next game on the 24th.

Friday - oh Friday!! Started with a work-out with "my" Anthony (3rd one this week) and then I went to see "The Book Of Eli" starring none other than Denzel Washington! The movie was good, not great, but Denzel was his usual fabulous self. I'd see it again just to see him (but it was violent and too much cursing!!).

Friday night my sister called very upset over the results of her cancer counts. They are up again. Not sounding good. So I went to sit with her and hopefully gave her some comfort. It's a horrible thing she is going through and I don't know how she does it. She started a new chemo yesterday, too, so hoping this one will work and bring the numbers down. Also found out that my friend Terry's cancer count is WAY up - astronomical (35,000). He also started a new chemo, so hoping and praying his will work for him. He just got over pneumonia and is rather weak along with this cancer crap.

Today (Saturday) I had lunch with some old work buddies. Had a great time, laughing and remembering 'the old days' and catching up with each other. We all need to do more of that. Life gets too serious sometimes. Take time to laugh!

Tomorrow I'll be going to the first Relay For Life meeting in Delano. We're planning to do the all-nighter again this year. Looking forward to a hopefully fun and profitable night for the American Cancer Society. Watch for more details to come from me!!

And then the week begins again! I am scheduled with Anthony M-W-F. Volunteering Tuesday night, church Wednesday night. Lunch with friends on Tuesday. And have lots of things to do before my trip to California!! Time just flys by when you're having fun (and unemployed!).

It's been a week and then some!

Whew! This has been a long week between posts! Where to I begin?

Well, had a problem getting some meds delivered via the USPS. They told the pharmacy company that the package had been delivered on 12/28. Uh..nope! I have a locked box for mail and it's not there. So I had to go to the post office (which, by they way has moved!!) and confront the postal man about it. He tells me it was delivered. Uh..nope! Then he gives me a phone # to go home and call. So I do. They connect me back with him! He says maybe one of my neighbors has it and will bring it to me. Uh..nope! (I'm thinking maye the one that thinks I "yelled" at her mother on Christmas has it and they are holding it hostage). So long story short, I had to convince the pharmacy to send me a new package (free of charge of course). They did, but I had to stay home and sign for it. No problem, nothing going on here!

Then the cat gets sick. She puked more puke on Tuesday than I would have ever thought a cat could puke. Big mess that I walked in on at the top of the stairs on my white carpet. Ish. Then Wednesday morning as I was leaving the house, I found another "gift" from her downstairs. Not as big, but just as gross. From there, she proceeded to go limp on me. Sleeping all the time (more than her normal 22 hours a day). She wouldn't eat or drink or poop. Hiding from me. All bad signs. So I finally took her in on Friday. After $340 of tests and x-rays, they say they find nothing. But, let's give her another $100 worth of shots, pills and food to take home and see if that helps. Well, fortutely for her and me, she did start feeling better. I think it was a "kitty" stomach flu, but what do I know? I'm not a Vet, I just pay one!! So she is all better now. Thank God!

To top things off, my furnace basically died on Saturday morning. It had been making odd noises for awhile, and I had planned to call and have the gas company come out and listen/fix it. But, it sounded like an airplane in my basement when I woke up on Saturday (and it was colder than normal) and then it made one last heavy sigh and it died! Good news is that the guy was able to get there within 2 hours and fixed it and it didn't cost me a thing (thank God I was smart enough to have Service Plus coverage!). SO now it's warm and quiet!!

The dishwasher is leaking and so while I was arranging for the furnace to be fixed, I arranged to have that fixed, too. Of course they can't do it the same day or with the same guy, so now I will be sitting home on Wednesday waiting for the other gas man to cometh. But again - what else am I gonna do?

Wondering if any other appliances want to speak up and poop out? They are all original equipment (other than the clothes dryer), so I imagine it's about time!

Yesterday I made arrangements for my trip to California. Today I made arrangements for my cobra insurance (insert a *perk* here: Part of the economic stimulous package allows for the government to pay 65% of my cobra insurance!! So I only have to pay 35% of it - there are some good things happening!). Tomorrow I think I will decide if I want to extend my life insurance policy. I can't make too many decisions in one day, the brain hurts.

And finally, I applied for another job today. That makes 4 so far (since December 18). It's a tough market out there! I'm not expecting to get anything soon, but I am still looking and thinking! You can't just sit and watch Maury Povich all day!!

Hope this week is a little quieter than last week. But I'm ready for whatever comes my way!

Uh..it's 2010 now?!

Wow. It's 2010. Remember back 10 years ago when everyone was so worried that cars would stop running, furnaces wouldn't work, cash registers would go crazy? I was dating a guy at that time (yes, I used to date) who had to work on New Year's Eve 1999 because he worked at a bank and they thought everything would go nutz at midnight. Well, as we all now know, nothing went nutz!!

Makes me wonder why we put so much energy and thought into what "might" happen? Most things that happen in life are pretty much out of our control anyway. We can't control the weather. We can't control the stock market. We can't pick and choose who will get sick and who won't. Yet we live our lives worrying about those things. I wonder if I can train myself to only worry about the things are I can have some direct control over.

For example: what I eat (or don't eat); how much I exercise; who I choose to be friends with; where I choose to spend my money (and on what); how I choose to spend my time - and with whom. I've said it before, life is all about choices. We can only blame ourselves if we make the wrong ones. And we can only hope to learn from those wrong choices!

May this be a year of new adventures, new learnings and filled with love and friendship!!