Wendi's Wacky World

Conquering the scale

2010-10-03T14:01:00.001-07:00

I used to fear the scale. I used to give it a wide berth and avoid it at all costs. My least favorite part of a Dr's visit was getting on the scale.

Not any more!

I do not fear it anymore. I know I am more then just a number on that scale. And I am BEATING it.

I have struggled a little the last couple of months. I was due for an adjustment of my lap band MONTHS ago. But, due to mistakes made by my Dr's office (NO, NOT my insurance company...unbelievable I know), I was unable to get my adjustment.

So, I could eat more then I should have. But, even then...I still LOST weight. I worked hard. I tried to eat better and watched my portions (most days). I worked out regularly.

I DID IT!

And as of today I have reached my first goal.

I have lost 55 POUNDS!

That's 5 (10 lb) bags of potatoes. That's the weight of a small child or two. That's the weight of a medium sized dog. It's 5 or more cats.

That's a lot of weight...and it's gone! Gone for GOOD!

I can walk better. Sleep better. Feel better in general.

Why did I wait SO LONG to take this step?

Who knows...but, I am SO glad I am on this journey now...and I am excited to see where it will take me.

Mind over....Munchies!!

2010-05-30T11:37:00.001-07:00

My husband and kids have been incredibly supportive of all the new changes in my life. They are my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. They have gone so far as to cook their own meals and choose meals that they know are not my favorites. They are using reduced fat cheeses, sour cream and more to help with the eventual transition when I can start eating real food.

Last night they made what smelled like some kick-ass chili. Even though I am not a huge chili fan...I would have chowed down on a bowl happily. Because they made so much they decided they would have Chili cheese omelets for brunch today. So Matt asked if I would help (cause he says he can never make omelets right and they always fall apart). Last night I said NO. I didn't want to have to sit and cook all that good food when I couldn't have any of it.

Then I woke up and I remembered how much they all have done to try and make this whole transition easier on me. So, I sucked it up, dug in my heels and made them each a chili cheese omelet.

Granted I had eaten my 1/4 c. of oatmeal for breakfast and I wasn't feeling physically hungry. But, the smell of the eggs, the chili, the cheese and sour cream made my BRAIN hungry. I always knew there was a link between smells and hunger. That the smell of food can kick in a hunger response. Even when you're not really hungry. It makes you want to eat, makes you feel like you need to eat whatever it is that smells so good.

But, I never REALLY GOT IT until today. As I stood there cooking for my family my BRAIN told me I was hungry, it told me that I needed those eggs and chili and cheese, it tried to convince me that I wanted it!

Today, I was strong. Today I realized that my new stomach was full. That the response I was having was to the smells not a response to REAL hunger.

I know I will have to combat that part of my brain on a regular basis, that there will be many times when it will tell me I am hungry even when I'm not.

But, I will be STRONG and make the right choices for me. I will move forward and I will survive.

Keep moving forward....

2010-05-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

(I loved this picture! It depicted the title so well, although I WON'T be chasing food on my journey forward.)

Today's theme is Keep Moving Forward...and I Will Survive!!

Today I started on my Full Liquid diet. What this means is that I can now have things like yogurt, thin oatmeal, applesauce, etc. I get 3- 2 oz. meals today along with 2 oz. of a protein supplement every hour and Water, Water, Water. So far I have not been feeling overly hungry. When time came for lunch I started to feel a little hungry but, my 2 oz. meal helped me feel better.

I worried that I wasn't going to feel full and that I would always feel hungry. But, I guess when your stomach is only the size of an egg...the food I can eat is sufficient.

Getting all the protein I need will be challenging but, I will figure it all out.

It's going to take time to work out a schedule and it will be a challenge to figure it all out when I am back at work too but, I will KEEP MOVING FORWARD and I WILL SURVIVE!

OH...and just cause I am excited...since my first visit to the Dr. on April 29th I have officially lost... 17 POUNDS!!!!

New friends

2010-05-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

Meet my new friend. She is a woderful friend. She has kept my internal pain at bay making surgery much more bearable! Of course I am required to wear her around all the time and she occasionally gets in the way but, I am grateful for her. I can't imagine how much more painful my abdomen would be without her.

This is my other friend. He is helping clear the anesthesia from my lungs and helping relieve some of the pressure from the air the pumped into my abdomen for surgery. We get together once an hour for 5-10 breaths each. He is going to help keep me from getting pneumonia.

I also have a friend in my liquid vicodin, she helps my external pain and the pain caused by the placement of my port. She and I only get together when absolutely necessary. Thankfully that has not been too often since leaving the hospital and I managed the whole night without her. I am hoping I won't need her much today.

Resting, relaxing and following my clear liqiud diet. Today these are my goals.

Tomorrow I get to start the Full liquid diet (creamy soups, oatmeal, applesauce and the like) for 35 days. The real work begins now! Wish me luck, I'll need it!

And here we go......

2010-05-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

T-minus 10 hours until surgery. The big day approaches FAST. So very fast.

While I am very nervous about going under anesthesia for the first time, I am excited for the new adventure that looms.

I am concerned about how difficult the next weeks and months will be, but looking forward to the positive changes that will come about.

I'm ready...let's GO!!

Conquering the scale

2010-05-20T11:21:00.001-07:00

There have been numerous times in the last 22 years when I thought I had conquered the scale. Many times when I thought I was finally on my way to a healthy weight. Many times I have been wrong.

I was not a "chunky" child. In fact until I hit puberty I was a little scrawny. But, then those all so wonderful hormones kicked in and suddenly it was all TOO easy to gain weight. Couple that with an under active thyroid and a long bout with depression and you can sort of track where my struggle with the scale began.

I went through middle school and high school hating the way I looked. I developed earlier then a lot of the girls in school. I spent a lot of time wishing I had their small breasts, tiny hips and thighs and cute little butts. I wasn't so "lucky". I was wearing a C cup in middle school, I had thick legs, wide hips and the infamous "Watson Butt". I wasn't blond and outgoing like so many girls in school. I hated my dull brown hair and I hated that I was shy and quiet.

So, instead of getting involved in a sport or choir or drama I hid in the background. Hoping no one would notice me and trying to convince myself that "I didn't care" what anyone thought!

And I gained weight. Slowly at first but, then more and more as the years went on. I struggled through high school with the same self loathing and tried really hard not to let the taunts of my "peers" make everything worse. I wasn't very successful.

And so I kept gaining. Occasionally I would try to lose. Slimfast, Nutrisystem, Weight watchers, various diet pills and "magic cures". Some worked for a while, some didn't. And my weight went up and down. Then one day, I gave up. I got tired of trying and barely making progress, I got tired of denying myself the things I wanted and the food I loved. So I just stopped.

Until about a month ago. Until for some reason it became TOO hard to be FAT anymore. Until my health got worse, my joints gave out and my back felt like it was breaking. Until the thought of not being here for my kids and the important days in their lives got to be too much.

So, the journey began. The decision to make a change and take more "drastic" measures was made. Research was done. Family and friends consulted. Dr's seen. The choice to take back my life for good was made.

The decision has not been easy and the journey so far has had it's struggles. But progress is being made.

The pre-surgical diet has been tough. Making myself (a born & bred meat and potatoes girl) eat a lofat/nofat NO MEAT diet has been beyond hard some days. I have to fight against the hunger, both physical and mental. I have to make myself stronger then the cravings. For whatever reason, in the past, I couldn't do it. I would have given in. But, this time is different. This time somehow I have found the inner strength to follow through. And it's working already.

At my pre-surgical appointment with my surgeon my blood pressure was normal. In the last week I managed to walk around Walmart without needing to stop because my back and knee wanted to give out. AND when I weighed in at the doctor's office yesterday I had lost....

9 POUNDS!! 9 pounds?? I didn't believe it at first, I had to ask if the nurse was sure. Where had I lost 9 pounds?

So, it has begun. I am on the way! I CAN DO IT this time around. I can become the healthy woman I have always wanted to be.

When this journey began I had days of doubt. I didn't think I could go through with the surgery, didn't think I could handle the restricted diet before and after. But, as I see and feel the positive changes I am making, I am EXCITED. I can't wait to continue. I can't wait to take the next step and see more positive changes. I am encouraged and motivated.

It's 5 days until sugery. My new life is coming and I can't wait!!

Struggling....

2010-05-16T15:52:00.001-07:00

I WANT A HAMBURGER! A big, thick, juicy hamburger. Fries. Coke. I want to eat some meat! I want some fat, some sugar, something bad for me!

Yes, today I am struggling a little. Struggling to eat well and not give in to the craving. To fight the voice in my head telling me to eat the things I know I shouldn't.

Instead I will eat an apple. Drink my water. I will find something else to do. I will make it through the day and accomplish my goal for yet another day.

I will do my best. And it will be okay.

9 days until surgery. I know I can make it.

Pre-Op Testing

2010-05-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Blech...Blech...Blech...Blech...BLECH!!

Why Yes, I do feel a little BLECH after all the pre-operative testing. How did you ever guess?

I KNOW it's done for my safety and it was a necessity and all. But, Really? Is it necessary to torture people days before surgery? Isn't the upcoming surgery enough?

So, just because I am feeling the need to complain...this is how my torturous morning went:

Woke at 5:10 AM so I could shower and get ready.

Arrived at the hospital 15 mins early to start check in paperwork.

Paid a $300.00 co-pay for today's testing and my surgery that I am not entirely convinced I had to pay but, I wasn't sure. So, we may have to call Tricare and get a refund but, oh well!

#1 test: Chest X-ray. Not really bad and went by quickly.

#2 test: UPPER GI. What a FUN bit of testing! First you must drink these crystals (similar to alka-seltzer) so they can expand your stomach. But, whatever you do DON'T burp...even though everything in your body is SCREAMING at you to do it!

Then you get the 1st of 2 bariums to drink. #1 is warm and thick! Just what you want on an empty stomach! Then you are asked to roll around the table and made to hold weird positions while they look at how everything is functioning. About half way through barium #2 is offered, at least it's cold and thinner. And you do more rolling around until they are satisfied. Believe me, you are very glad when testing is over and you can burp!

#3 test: Blood tests. Yes, this does involve a poke and it's not usually too bad (unless like me you are a hard stick and get a stubborn nurse who is determined to keep trying the same spot, over and over!) 5 vials of blood finally drawn and ready for the lab.

#4 test: EKG. No biggie. Other then being shirltess in a freezing cold room for a few minutes, this test is ok.

#5 test: Breathing test. For most people probably no big deal. For me a little bit of a panic fest! To explain, I have a REAL problem when I feel like I cannot breath. Yes, I know most people do. But, it tends to send me into a little bit of a panic. So, this test was tough because they clamped off my nose and made me inhale and exhale into a tube. The first few minutes were the worst while I tried to fight the panic in my head because I could not breath through my nose like normal. I got to do this for 10 minutes. Yes, I have rarely been so happy to leave a room in my life!

And now...the headache, nausea and gas from not being able to eat. But, being forced to drink barium and alka seltzer.

Oh yeah...and not being able to drown my sorrows in a really bad for me lunch (I SO wanted a hamburger, fries and a coke after testing today). But, I stuck to my water and a couple of pieces of wheat bread with reduced fat Peanut butter and grape jelly.

Cause no matter what and no matter how tough it might sometimes be...I WILL MAKE THIS WORK and I WILL SUCCEED!

Good Nutrition

2010-05-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Appointment #1 -Done! Saw the Nutritionist @ the hospital today. We talked over what my habits are and the things I will need to change.

Tons of information to process but, it was a good visit and gave me a clear idea of how things need to change.

Today is the official start of my pre-op diet. I did pretty well today and even managed to turn down my FAVORITE girl scout cookies (Samoa's) and the yummy brownie's sitting in the break room. AND...(this is a big one for ME)...I abstained from ANY soda today! I drank nothing but water and water with crystal light mixed in.

Okay...so it was only the first day...but 1 day at a time, right! I have to celebrate the little successes along with the big ones.

Pre-Op diet Day #1-- deemed a success! Here's to many more along the way!!

It's a reality

2010-05-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

First visit with Primary Care Dr. to talk about referral for Bariatric surgery, Friday April 23rd.

Referral accepted, Thursday April 29th.

First visit with Bariatric surgeon for consult and approval paperwork submitted for surgery, Thursday April 29th.

Approval to perform surgery accepted, Monday May 3rd.

SURGERY SCHEDULED!! Tuesday MAY 25TH!!

I am excited, freaked out, nervous, elated, a hundred different emotions going through my head and heart.

A lot to do the rest of this month. Many pre-surgical appointments to go to...pre-surgical diet to follow...so much to do!

It's been a whirlwind of emotions and paperwork but, it's all gone incredibly smoothly.

All I can think is that it's meant to be. This is the road I am supposed to take at this time of my life. I am ready to travel and find success at the end of the road!

1st Approval

2010-05-02T21:13:00.000-07:00

Now that the decision to go ahead with the Lap Band procedure has been made, the waiting process for the approval of each step begins.

Anyone who has ever had to deal with Tricare (Military Insurance) knows this can be a long and convoluted process. They are notorious for taking their time to make a final decision.

So, imagine my surprise when I got the approval to see the Bariatric surgeon in LESS then a week! I was floored to say the least and even more suprised when they actually approved the Dr. I wanted!

So on Thursday I took the first HUGE step and went to a seminar run by the Dr. and afterwards had my intitial consultation.

I have to say that so far, I am very impressed with the staff and Dr's at the office. Everyone was very personable and helpful and they have what looks to be a great aftercare program in place.

They have started the paperwork for surgical approval from Tricare. Their experience with Tricare approvals of bariatric surgery has been surprisingly fast as well. They are telling me they could have approval in as soon as 2 weeks.

While we wait for the surgical approval from Tricare my next step is to have a consult with a nutritionist. They will help me set up an eating plan pre & post surgery and guide me through the necessary supplemants, etc. that I will need to take.

I am surprised at how quickly things have gone so far but, I am also pleased. I am ready to move forward. Ready to embrace my new and healthier life!!

Life Changing Decisions

2010-04-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

As some of you know I have struggled with my weight for a LONG time. Partially due to heredity & thyroid issues but, let's be real here, also due to my own stubborn nature and refusal to change. I have spent over 20 years fighting the battle, gaining and losing (OKAY...MOSTLY GAINING) a ton of weight.

I have gone through all these years trying to ignore the looks, snide comments and little indignities that have gone along with my weight. I tried to take on the attitude of...If people are going to judge me purely on my weight, then they aren't worth my time. But, really...it has bothered me.

In the past 3 years or so my weight has become a major health problem. Leading me to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and joint problems. In the last few months I have learned I will require knee replacement surgery AND am beginning to have major back issues.

SO, after doing some research...talking it over with my family and friends and consulting with my Dr.... I have decided....

To have... BARIATRIC SURGERY & more specifically... THE LAP BAND PROCEDURE.

I struggled with how I would tell everyone and how I would feel when they knew. I worried about what everyone might think. Would they think I was copping out or taking the "easy route"?

But, after doing the research I realized that those thoughts didn't matter. This is not an "easy route" and was not an easy decision. I will still be required to make drastic changes to my eating habits and I will have to exercise in order to be successful. But, what this can do for me is give me the boost I need to lose the weight. It will help take pressure off my joints and help me to be more successful while trying to exercise. It will work to help get me off blood pressure & cholesterol meds.

It WILL help me change my life!

I am scared! I have NEVER had surgery before, I have to make HUGE changes in my life, I have to follow through.

But, I am also excited! Excited that I will be able to take walks again without back pain. Excited that I may be able to stave off knee surgery longer if they are not having to support so much weight. Excited that in time I will have more energy to do the things I want to do.

This will be a tough journey and I am only just beginning...but, I hope to share with you many successful milestones along the way.

Mostly...I just have HOPE!

Happy Father's Day!!

2009-06-21T17:43:00.001-07:00

MY DAD. I grew up a major Daddy's girl. He could do no wrong in my eyes when I was little. As I grew I learned he wasn't perfect but, he did his best. Yes, he worked a lot but, he did it to ensure that we had the things we needed. He frustrated me to no end as a teenager because he was a therapist...he liked to TRY and analyze WHY I did the things I did. I wasn't a talker...so it didn't work well. And there were times I wished he would just yell and get it over with.

But, he loved me and would do anything for me. Perfect or not...he is my Dad...I Love him and appreciate all he has done. I am glad he is the man I call DAD!

My Kid's Dad. My Husband. Matt. Always there for his kids. Ready to talk no matter what the subject. Loving. Kind. Strict when needed. Expects a lot but, understands that everyone makes mistakes. Everything I hoped the father of my children would be. I am very lucky to have found him.

They grow up TOO fast!

2009-05-29T18:02:00.001-07:00

Three little girls...adorable cousins...such a joy to watch them grow...

And grow they did...into incredibly beautiful and intelligent young women!!!

My sisters and I are VERY Lucky!!!

Memorial Day

2009-05-24T23:55:00.001-07:00

5 Reasons Memorial Day holds an extra special place in the McDonald family's hearts

In the center: PFC Richard McDonald who proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War.

Top left: Gunnery Sargeant Robert McDonald who recently retired after proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years.

Top right: Corporal Kelly McDonald served 4 years as a United States Marine and is currently still serving in the United States Air Force Reserves.

Bottom left: Gunnery Sargeant Patrick McDonald also recently retired after proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years.

Bottom right: Staff Sargeant Matthew McDonald medically retired from service in the United States Marine Corps after 10 years.

Each of these incredible men made the choice to serve their country. Each of them served with honor and pride. Each of them has made an impact in the lives of every citizen of the United States of America.

I am a better person for knowing each of them. I am proud to call them my Father-in-Law, Brother-in-Laws and most of all MY HUSBAND!!

PLEASE take a moment this Memorial Day to REMEMBER the sacrafices that have been made by people in our past, THANK the people you know and those you don't know that are serving and protecting our country now, and encourage the future generations who have the desire to serve.

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Mother's Day

2009-05-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

This is my MOM. She passed away almost 3 years ago now. I miss her very much.
Mom wasn't perfect but, she tried her best. She loved us kids with all of her heart.
She would do anything within her power to make her children happy. She could be tough at times and expect you to figure out your own way. But, she was also there to cry with you if nothing else could make things better.

I miss her all the time. I think about her often. Especially this weekend when everyone is out buying something, making something, or doing something special for their Moms. I feel sad that I don't get to do that anymore. Sad, that I can't call her.

But, I am glad I had her as my Mom for as long as I did. She was an incredible woman and I can only hope my kids will think as highly of me as I do of my Mom.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM...THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME GROW AND LEARN...I LOVE YOU!!!!!

And a quick shout out to a couple of other great Mom's I know....

To My sister TONI...a great Mom, fiercely protective of her children...loving...raising an incredible family.

To my sister Debbi...another great Mom, fun and loving...involved with her kids...raising a couple of awesome children!

And last but not least....

My sister Keri...no biological kids of her own...but, an awesome step-mom of 4...treating everyone of them as if they were her own...without a second thought...helping to raise great people!

I feel very blessed to know each and every one of these wonderful Mother's. Happy Mother's Day to each and everyone of you Mother's out there!! You deserve a special day!

VISIT THIS BLOG!!!!

2009-04-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

GO HERE:

READ through the blog...

LEARN more about adoption and the adoption process...

CRY with them...

LAUGH with them...

PRAY for the r house...

SEND them your love...

BECAUSE they are family and...

WE LOVE THEM!!!

On Death and Dying....

2009-03-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

When the heart weeps for what it has lost,
the soul laughs for what it has found.

~ Sufi aphorism ~

Why does it seem that when you know death is imminent the grieving feels unending.

To me if death comes as a surprise, the initial shock is heart-wrenching but, you find you have to come to terms with the loss so you can move past it and start to celebrate life.

But the process of watching a loved one slowly deteriorate, being there to see the changes, to go thru the pain, to watch them slowly lose their battle....seems to magnify the grief ten-fold. It feels like you will never be able to get past the grief. The ups and downs are heart-breaking, the loss of the relationship takes forever.

I don't think death is something that anyone looks forward to but, there are times when I think it would be better if it came quickly. If it didn't linger and play games.

If a soul could be left in peace. To move on and let those who love them move on too.

13 facts about Friday the 13th

2009-02-13T07:15:00.001-08:00

1. The British Navy built a ship named Friday the 13th. On its maiden voyage, the vessel left dock on a Friday the 13th, and was never heard from again.

2. The ill-fated Apollo 13 launched at 13:13 CST on Apr. 11, 1970. The sum of the date's digits (4-11-70) is 13 (as in 4+1+1+7+0 = 13). And the explosion that crippled the spacecraft occurred on April 13 (not a Friday). The crew did make it back to Earth safely, however.

3. Many hospitals have no room 13, while some tall buildings skip the 13th floor.

4. Fear of Friday the 13th - one of the most popular myths in science - is called paraskavedekatriaphobia as well as friggatriskaidekaphobia. Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13.

5. Quarterback Dan Marino wore No. 13 throughout his career with the Miami Dolphins. Despite being a superb quarterback (some call him one of the best ever), he got to the Super Bowl just once, in 1985, and was trounced 38-16 by the San Francisco 49ers and Joe Montana (who wore No. 16 and won all four Super Bowls he played in).

6. Butch Cassidy, notorious American train and bank robber, was born on Friday, April 13, 1866.

7. Fidel Castro was born on Friday, Aug. 13, 1926.

8. President Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel on the 13th day of any month and would never host 13 guests at a meal. Napoleon and Herbert Hoover were also triskaidekaphobic, with an abnormal fear of the number 13.

9. Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.

10. Mark Twain once was the 13th guest at a dinner party. A friend warned him not to go. "It was bad luck," Twain later told the friend. "They only had food for 12."

11. Woodrow Wilson considered 13 his lucky number, though his experience didn't support such faith. He arrived in Normandy, France on Friday, Dec. 13, 1918, for peace talks, only to return with a treaty he couldn't get Congress to sign. (The ship's crew wanted to dock the next day due to superstitions, Fernsler said.) He toured the United States to rally support for the treaty, and while traveling, suffered a near-fatal stroke.

12. The number 13 suffers from its position after 12, according to numerologists who consider the latter to be a complete number - 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus, 12 days of Christmas and 12 eggs in a dozen.

13. The seals on the back of a dollar bill include 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 stars above the eagle's head, 13 war arrows in the eagle's claw and 13 leaves on the olive branch. So far there's been no evidence tying these long-ago design decisions to the present economic situation.

I LOVE THESE KIDS!

2009-02-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

Chances are I am a "little" biased in my opinion. But, I think these 2 kids are incredible!

25 random things

2009-02-01T14:39:00.000-08:00

1. I come from a family of six kids. I am stuck in the middle (#4) but, #1 of the younger group. Mom had 3 kids then was told she would not be able to have anymore. SURPRISE I came along about 7yrs. later then 2 more followed me.

2. Because of the family dynamic above I was not very close to my older brother and sisters when I was young. Things are better now but I'm still not as close as I'd like to be with everyone.

3. I lost my oldest brother to a motorcycle accident over 15 yrs. ago. I still hate that I didn't get more time to build a better relationship with him! I miss him.

4. Mom passed away just a couple of years ago. To date it is the hardest loss I have ever experienced. I still have days where I pick up the phone to call her, I want to email her, etc. Those day suck!

5. I was a horrible teenager! I have apologized to everyone the best I can for my stupidity. I hope I am making up for my trangressions now that I am older.

6. I did not graduate from High School at age 18 (see #5). It took me 20 yrs. to finally get up the courage to finish. I started from scratch and took all the classes again (I opted not to just get my GED, I wanted the diploma). It took me a couple of years to get through it but, I DID!! It was a very proud moment in my life!

7. I met my hubby in March of 1989. I married him in November of 1989. This year we will have been married 20 yrs. Sometimes you don't have to date for years before you "know". I look forward to the next 20 yrs. He is the love of my life!

8. I supported my hubby while he served in the United States Marine Corps for 10 yrs. We would have stayed for another 10 but, medical reasons forced Matt to retire early. We are still part of the Marine Corps family. We always will be! SEMPER FI!

9. I have the most AWESOME kids ever! *nuff said*

10. The greatest accomplishment in my life so far has been raising my kids. I am incredibly proud of the people they are and can't wait to see where they will go in life. They are the most important things in my life!

11. I gave birth to 2 kids but 4 call me Mom. My daughter's 2 beautiful BFF's are like my 3rd and 4th children. I worry about them, care for them and want the best for them. Just like my own.

12. I am on the advisory board for my local animal shelter and have been on the board for a local animal rescue group. I have 3 dogs and work in a Veterinarian's office. To say I "like" animals...might be an understatement!

13. I love to visit Zoo's, animal sanctuary's, aquariums, etc. My goal in life is to make it to BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SANCTUARY near Kanab UT. I want to go, spend a week, volunteer and support them. They are doing awesome work!

14. I am a very visual and creative person. I am NOT a very organized person. I hate this aspect of my personality!

15. I love to draw, paint, sketch, doodle...etc. I am rarely without a pen and paper in my hands. There are magazines, bills, random papers around my house with doodles all over them. I am the "go to" girl for posters, etc.

16. I love flowers, trees, bushes. But, I have a "black" thumb!!! I forget to water and feed them. I wish I was better at this. I'd love to have a gorgeous yard full of beauty. I don't!

17. I have hypothyroid disease and arthritis. Both of these conditions make losing weight more then an uphill battle. I am losing that battle on a daily basis!!!

18. I was recently diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) which makes the need to lose weight even more important then ever.

19. I am obsessed with mexican food. I could eat it...all the time. It's crazy! It also doesn't help with the whole weight loss thing!

20. I change my hair color and style frequently! I get bored with the same old look! Sometimes I love it...sometimes I regret it...I still do it, ALL THE TIME!

21. I love to watch horror movies!! I like to be scared, on the edge of my seat, anticipating the scare. On the flip side I also love comedies. I like to laugh just as much as I like to scream.

22. I also like crime novels, horror novels, thrillers, and true crime stories. I am sure some people think I am morbid and weird...I don't care! LOL!

23. I have 5 friends that I met thru an online Mom's group years ago. I have only met 1 of them in person. I still consider them some of the most incredible and important women in my life.

24. I have at random times collected Barbies, penguins, and nutcrackers. I still pick up the occasional penguin if I find a cute one. My barbie collecting sort of died off when Mom passed, she got me a new one every year...it's was one of our connections. I buy a new nutcracker every year at Christmas time, I have 18. They adorn my living room at Christmas, it's a tradition now.

25. I would like to travel. I want to see the castles in Europe and the pyramids in Egypt. I want to travel around the United States. I need to win the lottery!! LOL!

I have fallen prey to the obsession!!

2009-01-29T18:16:00.000-08:00

Friends have raved about it...Family write about their obsession with it....A coworker of Matt's insisted he needed to watch it....What is it that I speak of????

It's 24!!

Yes, we just started on Season ONE...way behind the curve when it comes to the series I realize! But, I am beginning to see why everyone is so enamored with it! It sucks you in and won't let go...

I can't wait to see how it all ends...

And then we'll have to start on Season TWO!!!

Sick Days

2008-12-09T07:30:00.001-08:00

I have spent the last 3 days sick. Sick, sick, VERY sick! And I am very tired of being sick!

I don't get sick that often. I really hate it when I do!

So off to the Dr. I will go today in hopes of getting some relief and getting to a point where I will feel like a human being again!

I can't wait!!!

yippee...don't you wish you were me?

2008-11-19T16:47:00.000-08:00

THIS:
is my new best friend for the next 24 hours.

I get to lug it around with me while I am hooked up to THESE:

Don't you wish you were me? It's so VERY comfortable and I am sure it won't be annoying AT ALL while I am trying to sleep tonight.

BUT, on the bright side...all my other tests at the Cardiologist turned out okay! I definitely have high blood pressure but, my heart looks good and strong. The monitor is to see how my heart works during a normal day and while I am sleeping.

The first trial of heart pressure medicine didn't work. Made me sick, light headed and miserable. I start a new one tomorrow...hopefully this one will work better.

I feel much better knowing that my heart is okay...now I just have to work on the blood pressure to keep it that way!!

Taking Control

2008-11-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

I suffer from an affliction that many other Mother's tend to suffer from as well. It's the "kids and the hubby are more important" way of thinking. Because of this I have neglected my own health a bit. I worry about every little ache, pain, sneeze, etc that affect my kids and the hubby. But, I tend to push those things that are bothering me to the back of my mind and just deal with them later.

Well, later finally caught up with me and I decided I couldn't just push it away any more. So, I took a trip to see my Doctor today. The resulting visit revealed:

I have High Blood Pressure. An EKG came out okay but, with some changes so I will also be going to see a Cardiologist to have a stress test done. Doesn't that sound like fun?

I am also starting back on this: My thyroid levels are almost non-existent so a lifetime of supplements are in order to try and keep it working at the level it should be.

None of this is too scary or inconvenient at this time. But, I am also one of the worst people in the world about taking medication. I know it's there, I know I am supposed to take it...but, I always forget!!

So, this time I am going to try...try REALLY hard to do what I am supposed to..to follow my Dr's orders and take my medication.

It's time to take control and take care...of ME.

Happy Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

My Hubby, his Father and his brothers. A family full of Veteran's. How proud of these men am I? Words cannot express! Happy Veteran's Day to all the men and women who have chosen to serve their country. YOU ARE MY HEROES!

Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps

2008-11-10T16:40:00.000-08:00

November 10, 1775 is the celebrated birthday of the US Marines. After several attempts by the American colonies to work out some sort of reconciliation between the Crown and the American people, the Colonial Congress decided to take a sterner attitude. A committee of the Congress drafted a resolution to create a new military unit, called the Continental Marines.

Captain Samuel Nicholas This resolution was drafted in a popular Philadelphian inn called Tun Tavern, and was later approved by the entire legislative body. The owner of the tavern, Robert Mullan, was named a Marine Captain, and the owner of another tavern, Samuel Nicholas, was designated commandant of the Continental Marines.

1776, March - Nicholas' Marines land on New Providence Island, Bahamas. In 13 days they secure 2 forts, occupy Nassau, control the Government House, seize 88 guns, 16,535 shells and other supplies. Returning from the raid, they encountered a British ship. Marines engaged the ship with muskets and assisted in manning the broadside cannon.

1776, December - Nicholas' Marines assist Washington's Army in the second battle of Trenton (the first recorded joint Army-Marine engagement). Later that spring, Washington incorporated some of the Marines in to artillery units of his reorganized Army

1778, January - Marines sail down the Mississippi and secure New Orleans to keep British traders out.

1778, April - A Marine detachment under the command of John Paul Jones makes two raids on Great Britain soil (the 1st in 700 years). Depicted here is Jones and his Marines preparing to raid Whitehaven.
1783, January - Marines board and seize the British ship Baille in the West Indies
1785, June - After the end of the American Revolutionary War (Jan, 1783), the last of the nations warships are sold. The Continental Marines go out of existance, along with the Navy.

1798, July 11 - President John Adams officially signs a bill in to law, creating the US Marines

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS!! To all the Marines in my life...SEMPER FI and OOH RAH!!! I Love you! Thank you for serving in the Corps!

OMG! It's an update!

2008-10-27T17:43:00.001-07:00

It's been over a month since my last post...I KNOW! I must try to do better...but recently life has gotten in the way. So, a quick update on my Wacky World as it stands today.

For those who don't know (the 2 or 3 of you who have been here and might come back). My #2 child is a Son. A young man who recently turned 13 and is firmly entrenched in the joys of Teen-hood!

Now, you know that old "Mother's curse"...the one that says "I hope you have one child JUST like YOU!" Well, apparently MY MOM laid this curse upon me. I can see so much of my lovely teenage attitude in my son! And YES, I admit...I was a HORRIBLE teenager! So, as of late much of my time is spent in a battle royale over who REALLY is the boss around here.

It's been a BLAST!

NOT!!!

On top of having the joys of helping usher another child through their teenage years our #1 child is a Daughter who is currently attending school at Texas A&M University.

She is doing very well and loving the experience of being in college!

Mom and Dad are getting migraine headaches over the joys of paying for this wonderful college experience!

No one tells you just how much has to go into sending your child off to college. No one mentions all the little costs that come up. They also tend to forget to mention how much you will miss having your kid around all the time. I have to say...some days it really bites!

And to top off my month....

Last week and today I had the "pleasure" of participating in one of our country's most important civic duties.

YEP! I got called to Jury Duty.

Not only did I get called...I got chosen to be ON a Jury. For the 2nd time this year!! Yes, just 6 months ago I served on a Criminal trial that involved drugs. This time around I thought I had figured out how to get out of being chosen...not so much! Cause I was chosen to serve again.

This was a very different case. A civil case. A medical malpractice/wrongful death suit against a local Doctor. It was days worth of medical testimony, some of it quite tedious, some of it interesting. I currently know more about Intracranial Hemorraghes then I ever thought I would be privy to in my lifetime.

I know there are people who want to serve jury duty. I have never been one of them. I would just as soon be at work. But, I go and apparently do everything "right" so they choose me. While I complain about having to participate and the inconvenience it can cause, I am glad that I have had the experience. (Although right now, I think I have had enough experience!)

So, that's basically the gist of it.

Teenagers, College and Jury Duty. Not always fun but, a bearable part of my world...no matter how wacked out it may be!

Making a decision 2008

2008-09-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Election time is creeping up on us quickly. Where do you stand? Are you a supporter of Obama? Or do you root for McCain?

I am torn. There are things I like and dislike about both candidates. My concerns about the economy, our military and their families, the future for my children, it all weighs on my mind and heart.

This time of year is both enlightening and nerve wracking. So many issues come up, things I don't always think about. Things that I should but, life tends to get in the way.

In the end, I guess I just need to do my best to make the decision I think is right for me, for my country, for my family.

If you are interested in seeing where the candidates stand visit the links below. Hopefully they will help you make the decision that's best for you too!

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/

Hurricane Ike

2008-09-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Darling daughter is on her way home from college tonight. Stuck on the freeway going about 10 miles an hour. Her 3 1/2 hr. drive home will probably take her twice as long due to the amount of evacuees headed inland. They are expecting heavy rains and up to 60 mile an hour winds to reach us by Saturday morning/afternoon.

Gee, I just can't wait!!

But, I will be glad to have her home! It's her first visit since she started college. Okay it's only been a few weeks...but, I'm not used to her being gone yet...I miss her!

Now if we can just get thru the next couple of days...keep your fingers crossed for us! We're hoping IKE will pass us by without too much damage!

Blogging again?

2008-09-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

Another blog...will it last? I hope so. When I had my blog a few years ago I really enjoyed it. I met interesting people and learned a lot. It was a great outlet for my thoughts and opinions.

Of course, I was a stay at home Mom then with more time on my hands. Now being a fulltime Mom, wife and receptionist sometimes time is short. But, I hope to make the time for it again. We all need a place to connect and vent...hopefully this can be mine...once again.