I finally get to say....
I'VE LOST A HUNDRED FLIPPIN' POUNDS, PEOPLE!
Monday, March 05, 2012
Progress on Miss Hope Time!
Gonna keep this post short and sweet. I have met my first major goal since the surgery. It hasn't been easy and there are more goals in my future I can't wait to meet and surpass.
I finally get to say....
I'VE LOST A HUNDRED FLIPPIN' POUNDS, PEOPLE!
I finally get to say....
I'VE LOST A HUNDRED FLIPPIN' POUNDS, PEOPLE!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Revamping The Edge
I still don't have curtains/drapes in my living room and dining room...or any of the bedrooms. We have lived in this house for two years now and I have naked windows. That's really sad, isn't it?
This is the Year of the House. The past two years, the priority list has been chiseled at until now we've arrived to doing stuff around the house. My Daddy, being the old fashioned guy he is, has always tried to instill in me this saying: If you can't afford to pay for it right then, don't get it. I scoffed at him until in the past two years I stopped and realized something. He may be right. Now, that doesn't apply to houses and cars because who really has the cash to go buy a house or car? (If you can afford that, then don't answer because there are many of us who will give you The Look.)
The Man and I started to manage our money a little better and have worked towards improving our home. Sure, it was new when we got it, but it was the model home so we didn't have any say in how it was built and there were really no bells or whistles like other new homes built from the ground up by the people who were going to live in them. We accepted that and made the best of it.
You all know my girl is graduating this year. *sob* We have family and friends who will be a part of this momentous occasion and will be visiting our home...some for the first time. Dude, I want it to look right. Maybe not the bedrooms so much, but the "living" spaces need to be done. Since the first of the year, I have made it my mission to see just what I can get done before May arrives in all its glory.
The first year living here we purchased a dining room set. The next year, we got rid of the carpet in there (seriously? carpet in a place where you eat??) and replaced the floor with hardwood to match the foyer. Nice. We painted that room last year and when I get drapes, I'll be finished with that room. One down.
Last year before my surgery and before The Man left for class up North, we purchased the paint for the kitchen and breakfast room. A lovely shade of pale yellow (Charleston, SC color palette) that I was thinking I was going to do while he was gone. How stupid I was to think I could recover from surgery and be able to do that. Suffice it to say, the paint is still in the garage and there are test splotches of it still on the walls in random places. I really hated the lighting in the kitchen, too. There was one cheap builder grade flourescent light (off center of the island= agitation of OCD) that really didn't help at all. My husband is a nuclear electrician and he and a few buddies have sat and studied that ceiling many many times trying to figure out how to put up more lights. Finally, he conceded defeat and called an electrician. Thank you, Jesus! Electrician came in and in thirty minutes, he told me exactly what I needed and where. I cringed as I waited for his estimate to come into the email box. It was such a relief to see that I know nothing about electricity and installation because if it were left to me? I would have made that man a fortune off of us alone. We opted to buy the lights instead of him doing so. The trip to the store showed we were way in over our heads because we had no clue what we were doing there or buying. I am so thankful for the older retired electrician working at the store who educated us (plus two phone consults-one to my Daddy, and one to the electrician) and helped us get what we needed. I finally went and bought the two pendant lights to go over my sink and matching chandelier for the breakfast room I'd been eye'ing for a year. We came out almost a hundred bucks cheaper purchasing the materials ourselves.
See, all of the lights have to be installed and done because painters are coming the second week of March! Yes, sir. Yes, ma'am. Miss Hope is going to have this two story living room painted! Finally! I can't tell you how tired I am of looking at this builder's standard beige/tan/yuck. We decided to let them go ahead and paint the kitchen with the paint I already have. Add in them redo'ing the half bath because that was a failed first attempt on our part at painting. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to have some color up in my house! We had to really work for this and many things had to be stricken from the list before getting here but here we are! I have a big boy 70 inch ceiling fan for the living room and will have a new foyer pendant light installed by the same electrician when the painters are here with scaffolding. Wait until you see the picture of the pendant light we have now. I have never despised a light like I do that one. I would almost rather have one lone naked light bulb hanging up there instead of the pendant light the builder put in here.
Finally, I will be replacing this living room carpet. I can't take this light colored, stain catching piece we got going on now. Every time I vacuum, I state how much I hate it. Ask my family, I really do state it every single time. I thought about putting hardwood up the stairs but have decided to go with matching carpet from the living room. My kids sound like a pack of buffalo going up and down now. Maybe we can do the lovely hardwood when they're older? Or gone? I haven't even begun to look at carpet places but this stuff we have now has got to go. Oh, and before you all tell me I can have it cleaned? I have. The pretty clean lasts a day or two until my son goes outside and comes back in with dirty shoes. There's just not enough clean to it, man!
Finally, the curtains for the living and dining room. I have no idea how I'm going to go about doing those. I know it bugs my Daddy that I don't have any so I'm going to make an honest effort to have some before he comes back for a visit. My living room drapes will have to be at least 104 inches long. Cha-ching. I'm really biting my nails on this one. Lord knows, I don't want to pay some interior designer to come in and charge me a car payment an hour for her/him to tell me what I need. I am so curtain challenged!!! I can't believe how unsure I am over material covering my windows.
As you can see, it's a busy time re-vamping The Edge a little right now. Big home projects finally hit the top of the to-do list here. I've waited patiently through braces for two kids, much needed furniture, paid off bills, and other things that came up unexpectedly for this time.
I even have a few pictures of what we've started doing around here. Hope you can see my vision and how much better it will be when all is said and done.
There's our start! I am giddy over how different I know things will look when I'm done. I had some help from the lady who owns the painting company with colors for my living room. It was such a relief to have someone who knew what I wanted in my mind help me pick the right colors. I can't wait to share that with you!
Today is Leap Day or whatever they call it. My boy is home sick with bronchitis. Who knew a nasty barky cough would be bronchitis? Shoot, I was taking him to the doctor yesterday for good cough medicine and left with a two day excuse for school, a round of antibiotics, and cough medicine. He is relaxing in Dad's recliner in his pajamas with his shows on the t.v., Dad's laptop in his lap, and a drink by his side. Kid's got it good and doesn't even know it.
I'm going to have an update on me very soon. I've been holding out because I've been waiting for one particular thing and we're almost there. It'll be a good post.
If you have any suggestions for the curtain issue, I'm listening! Help a sister out!
This is the Year of the House. The past two years, the priority list has been chiseled at until now we've arrived to doing stuff around the house. My Daddy, being the old fashioned guy he is, has always tried to instill in me this saying: If you can't afford to pay for it right then, don't get it. I scoffed at him until in the past two years I stopped and realized something. He may be right. Now, that doesn't apply to houses and cars because who really has the cash to go buy a house or car? (If you can afford that, then don't answer because there are many of us who will give you The Look.)
The Man and I started to manage our money a little better and have worked towards improving our home. Sure, it was new when we got it, but it was the model home so we didn't have any say in how it was built and there were really no bells or whistles like other new homes built from the ground up by the people who were going to live in them. We accepted that and made the best of it.
You all know my girl is graduating this year. *sob* We have family and friends who will be a part of this momentous occasion and will be visiting our home...some for the first time. Dude, I want it to look right. Maybe not the bedrooms so much, but the "living" spaces need to be done. Since the first of the year, I have made it my mission to see just what I can get done before May arrives in all its glory.
The first year living here we purchased a dining room set. The next year, we got rid of the carpet in there (seriously? carpet in a place where you eat??) and replaced the floor with hardwood to match the foyer. Nice. We painted that room last year and when I get drapes, I'll be finished with that room. One down.
Last year before my surgery and before The Man left for class up North, we purchased the paint for the kitchen and breakfast room. A lovely shade of pale yellow (Charleston, SC color palette) that I was thinking I was going to do while he was gone. How stupid I was to think I could recover from surgery and be able to do that. Suffice it to say, the paint is still in the garage and there are test splotches of it still on the walls in random places. I really hated the lighting in the kitchen, too. There was one cheap builder grade flourescent light (off center of the island= agitation of OCD) that really didn't help at all. My husband is a nuclear electrician and he and a few buddies have sat and studied that ceiling many many times trying to figure out how to put up more lights. Finally, he conceded defeat and called an electrician. Thank you, Jesus! Electrician came in and in thirty minutes, he told me exactly what I needed and where. I cringed as I waited for his estimate to come into the email box. It was such a relief to see that I know nothing about electricity and installation because if it were left to me? I would have made that man a fortune off of us alone. We opted to buy the lights instead of him doing so. The trip to the store showed we were way in over our heads because we had no clue what we were doing there or buying. I am so thankful for the older retired electrician working at the store who educated us (plus two phone consults-one to my Daddy, and one to the electrician) and helped us get what we needed. I finally went and bought the two pendant lights to go over my sink and matching chandelier for the breakfast room I'd been eye'ing for a year. We came out almost a hundred bucks cheaper purchasing the materials ourselves.
See, all of the lights have to be installed and done because painters are coming the second week of March! Yes, sir. Yes, ma'am. Miss Hope is going to have this two story living room painted! Finally! I can't tell you how tired I am of looking at this builder's standard beige/tan/yuck. We decided to let them go ahead and paint the kitchen with the paint I already have. Add in them redo'ing the half bath because that was a failed first attempt on our part at painting. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to have some color up in my house! We had to really work for this and many things had to be stricken from the list before getting here but here we are! I have a big boy 70 inch ceiling fan for the living room and will have a new foyer pendant light installed by the same electrician when the painters are here with scaffolding. Wait until you see the picture of the pendant light we have now. I have never despised a light like I do that one. I would almost rather have one lone naked light bulb hanging up there instead of the pendant light the builder put in here.
Finally, I will be replacing this living room carpet. I can't take this light colored, stain catching piece we got going on now. Every time I vacuum, I state how much I hate it. Ask my family, I really do state it every single time. I thought about putting hardwood up the stairs but have decided to go with matching carpet from the living room. My kids sound like a pack of buffalo going up and down now. Maybe we can do the lovely hardwood when they're older? Or gone? I haven't even begun to look at carpet places but this stuff we have now has got to go. Oh, and before you all tell me I can have it cleaned? I have. The pretty clean lasts a day or two until my son goes outside and comes back in with dirty shoes. There's just not enough clean to it, man!
Finally, the curtains for the living and dining room. I have no idea how I'm going to go about doing those. I know it bugs my Daddy that I don't have any so I'm going to make an honest effort to have some before he comes back for a visit. My living room drapes will have to be at least 104 inches long. Cha-ching. I'm really biting my nails on this one. Lord knows, I don't want to pay some interior designer to come in and charge me a car payment an hour for her/him to tell me what I need. I am so curtain challenged!!! I can't believe how unsure I am over material covering my windows.
As you can see, it's a busy time re-vamping The Edge a little right now. Big home projects finally hit the top of the to-do list here. I've waited patiently through braces for two kids, much needed furniture, paid off bills, and other things that came up unexpectedly for this time.
I even have a few pictures of what we've started doing around here. Hope you can see my vision and how much better it will be when all is said and done.
See??? How sad is this? There is no light in this area. It was dark at the stove. Oh, and there's a paint splotch of the yellow we're going to paint.
This is a view from the living room. Crap, I promise I took the peppermint plates down before the electrician got here. I just didn't realize they were still up from Christmas! This is where you can see how dark it was over the sink. No light, people!!
This is as soon as they finished. (note the proper plates are in the plate holder). I got seven can lights. Four over at the stove and pantry area. Two over the island. Goooood Bye ugly flourescent light! Two pendants over the sink. Why, yes, they are pineapples! There's one more can light in the corner by the coffee pot. We are blown away by the difference and feel like we have a new kitchen. I do believe that if my husband and buddies had done this, there would be many holes all over my ceiling. To me, this was money well spent on a place that really needed some help. My Daddy suggested a dimmer switch. Good call....until the 13 year old discovered it. We had to have a talk about that.
There's our start! I am giddy over how different I know things will look when I'm done. I had some help from the lady who owns the painting company with colors for my living room. It was such a relief to have someone who knew what I wanted in my mind help me pick the right colors. I can't wait to share that with you!
Today is Leap Day or whatever they call it. My boy is home sick with bronchitis. Who knew a nasty barky cough would be bronchitis? Shoot, I was taking him to the doctor yesterday for good cough medicine and left with a two day excuse for school, a round of antibiotics, and cough medicine. He is relaxing in Dad's recliner in his pajamas with his shows on the t.v., Dad's laptop in his lap, and a drink by his side. Kid's got it good and doesn't even know it.
I'm going to have an update on me very soon. I've been holding out because I've been waiting for one particular thing and we're almost there. It'll be a good post.
If you have any suggestions for the curtain issue, I'm listening! Help a sister out!
Monday, February 13, 2012
What my new teenager did...
Tonight I was cooking supper and had Makenna in the kitchen helping me. In fact, The Man and I were out running errands when I called the house to have her start cooking some vegetables. I decided to make chicken and rice when we got home since it's quick and easy. Now, that's a good Southern dish that I have discovered that many outside of The Circle have not heard of nor do they eat. It's a simple filling dish of chicken, chicken broth, and rice, with salt and pepper, all cooked up in a pot. I don't cook it often, but my people enjoy it.
I can't have rice due to the surgery. While I was getting the stuff on the stove going, I decided I would boil some eggs and make myself some egg salad. Tasty and full of protein.
I got a small pot out of the cabinet and handed it to Makenna. I said, "I'm going to make some egg salad so please put me five eggs in the pot". (I can't eat but one egg but knew the rest would want some.)
After a few minutes I heard this odd sound I should not have been hearing.
I turned around and there she was.
My child.
Cracking an egg into the pot.
"What are you doing?!?" said I.
"Putting five eggs in the pot like you said!" she replied.
I walked over to the kitchen island to see four yolks floating in the pot and a fifth one about to join them.
I had to bend over I was laughing so hard.
Poor baby doesn't even know how to boil an egg.
She defended herself loudly in that I didn't specify exactly how I wanted the eggs in the pot. I was still laughing.
I finally explained the whole "boil the eggs and peel them and chop them for egg salad" deal to her. We are now clear in that if I give her a frying pan? Break the eggs. If I give her a pot? Then put the whole entire egg inside.
It took a little longer, but I had my egg salad. We did it the right way that time.
I can't have rice due to the surgery. While I was getting the stuff on the stove going, I decided I would boil some eggs and make myself some egg salad. Tasty and full of protein.
I got a small pot out of the cabinet and handed it to Makenna. I said, "I'm going to make some egg salad so please put me five eggs in the pot". (I can't eat but one egg but knew the rest would want some.)
After a few minutes I heard this odd sound I should not have been hearing.
I turned around and there she was.
My child.
Cracking an egg into the pot.
"What are you doing?!?" said I.
"Putting five eggs in the pot like you said!" she replied.
I walked over to the kitchen island to see four yolks floating in the pot and a fifth one about to join them.
I had to bend over I was laughing so hard.
Poor baby doesn't even know how to boil an egg.
She defended herself loudly in that I didn't specify exactly how I wanted the eggs in the pot. I was still laughing.
I finally explained the whole "boil the eggs and peel them and chop them for egg salad" deal to her. We are now clear in that if I give her a frying pan? Break the eggs. If I give her a pot? Then put the whole entire egg inside.
It took a little longer, but I had my egg salad. We did it the right way that time.
Thursday, February 09, 2012
A New Teenager has Arrived!
My kids keep growing and becoming more awesome and I just get older. What's up with that?
This past Monday, my Baby Girl officially hit the big 1-3 !!! Yes, Internets, I now have two teenagers residing in my home. Makenna has hit that mysterious age bracket where emotions run high and life has potential to be one huge drama filled adventure. We've all been there, right?
When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, the only thing she wanted was a gift card to that place where JoAnn sells fabric and may be some cash to spend at Michael's store of craft goodness. Seriously. She got that sewing machine for Christmas and is itching to teach herself how to make her own fashions. Who am I to stop a designer in the making?
The past weekend was a bit hectic. My mother is in the hospital and we had to go check on her. She is quite ill with another stroke and aspiration pneumonia. ~sigh~ I am so thankful that her mind is sharp and her speech is unaffected. I spent my allotted ICU visitation time with her and hated to leave her on Sunday to head back home. Any thoughts and prayers you can send her way would be greatly appreciated.
Back to the Birthday Girl. Saturday, after a visitation with Nana, we went to grab a bite to eat. Thank goodness for Aunts who figure out the where and when for such a great occasion. I just had to really just show up with the Birthday Girl and family and just enjoy. Makenna picked her place of choice and there was a decent turn out to celebrate. I wish I could have gotten everyone to go but I just didn't have my full mental thinking going on with worrying about my Mama. We all enjoyed a good meal and headed back to the hospital to spend another 30 minutes with the greatest Nana on earth.
The Man has to work evenings this week. Ahhhhh..gotta love the joys of getting a nuclear power plant up and running. I don't even try to understand all he has to do. I do know it's a great responsibility and I'm proud of him and so glad I don't have to know the wealth of information he has to know daily. (I solemnly state on a regular basis that if we depended on me to know what he knows? We'd be living in a shack.)
I did not put off Makenna's birthday supper on Monday night because of The Man's schedule. It was her day and we were going to celebrate! Her choice of restaurant was a Japanese steak house. Her siblings rejoiced because that's a favorite special occasion place to eat. It was my first time going since the surgery and I admit to being a little anxious about it, but I did just fine (that fried rice has potential to be my downfall!). We had a wonderful time and fully enjoyed the food.
Makenna, you have to know how proud The Man and I are of you. I am in awe of your abilities on a daily basis. You don't wait for knowledge to come to you. You seek it out and absorb it like a sponge. You are the peacekeeper of the family and we some times cling to your calming presence like a life line. Your sarcastic humor reminds me of someone...could it be me? I love how you're happy with people and being alone with just yourself. I'm so excited to see the woman you will become as I watch you grow day by day. But, you know, you could slow down just a little bit and I would be perfectly okay with that. You are so loved and without you, our family would be woefully incomplete.
And just so you know? Give me a few more pounds and I am totally gonna smoke you on that dancing W*i game. Where do you think you got that rhythm from?? Humph.
Of course, I took pictures to share with our friends! I can't let such a monumental day go by without pictures!
This past Monday, my Baby Girl officially hit the big 1-3 !!! Yes, Internets, I now have two teenagers residing in my home. Makenna has hit that mysterious age bracket where emotions run high and life has potential to be one huge drama filled adventure. We've all been there, right?
When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, the only thing she wanted was a gift card to that place where JoAnn sells fabric and may be some cash to spend at Michael's store of craft goodness. Seriously. She got that sewing machine for Christmas and is itching to teach herself how to make her own fashions. Who am I to stop a designer in the making?
The past weekend was a bit hectic. My mother is in the hospital and we had to go check on her. She is quite ill with another stroke and aspiration pneumonia. ~sigh~ I am so thankful that her mind is sharp and her speech is unaffected. I spent my allotted ICU visitation time with her and hated to leave her on Sunday to head back home. Any thoughts and prayers you can send her way would be greatly appreciated.
Back to the Birthday Girl. Saturday, after a visitation with Nana, we went to grab a bite to eat. Thank goodness for Aunts who figure out the where and when for such a great occasion. I just had to really just show up with the Birthday Girl and family and just enjoy. Makenna picked her place of choice and there was a decent turn out to celebrate. I wish I could have gotten everyone to go but I just didn't have my full mental thinking going on with worrying about my Mama. We all enjoyed a good meal and headed back to the hospital to spend another 30 minutes with the greatest Nana on earth.
The Man has to work evenings this week. Ahhhhh..gotta love the joys of getting a nuclear power plant up and running. I don't even try to understand all he has to do. I do know it's a great responsibility and I'm proud of him and so glad I don't have to know the wealth of information he has to know daily. (I solemnly state on a regular basis that if we depended on me to know what he knows? We'd be living in a shack.)
I did not put off Makenna's birthday supper on Monday night because of The Man's schedule. It was her day and we were going to celebrate! Her choice of restaurant was a Japanese steak house. Her siblings rejoiced because that's a favorite special occasion place to eat. It was my first time going since the surgery and I admit to being a little anxious about it, but I did just fine (that fried rice has potential to be my downfall!). We had a wonderful time and fully enjoyed the food.
Makenna, you have to know how proud The Man and I are of you. I am in awe of your abilities on a daily basis. You don't wait for knowledge to come to you. You seek it out and absorb it like a sponge. You are the peacekeeper of the family and we some times cling to your calming presence like a life line. Your sarcastic humor reminds me of someone...could it be me? I love how you're happy with people and being alone with just yourself. I'm so excited to see the woman you will become as I watch you grow day by day. But, you know, you could slow down just a little bit and I would be perfectly okay with that. You are so loved and without you, our family would be woefully incomplete.
And just so you know? Give me a few more pounds and I am totally gonna smoke you on that dancing W*i game. Where do you think you got that rhythm from?? Humph.
Of course, I took pictures to share with our friends! I can't let such a monumental day go by without pictures!
Yes! This is the shirt I bought her in 2007. Little did I know the child would be able to wear it so much. Definitely a good purchase on my part. This year she snazzed it up with a cami underneath and pulling it tighter in the back. This was the morning before school. Paige let her wear her tiara (for all intents and purposes for the school and their dress code? This is a fancy headband.) and she was definitely a Princess.
Lawd, I love this Sugar Face. He is so tolerant when his Mama does stuff like this.
There is a plastic wine glass here at the house that I have no idea where it come from. Makenna loves to drink out of it and says she feels "all fancy" when she does. After a quick drop in at that Pier place, I thought it perfectly okay for her to have her very own real bona fide GLASS to be fancy. She, of course, adored it. *Note the kid in the background who loves to sneak in pictures.*
My reasons for living. Paige is gonna shoot me for this picture. If I disappear suddenly? You'll know why.
We were waiting for our table and I kept looking at her and marveling at how much she's grown and I just had to take a picture of the moment.
She will always be my Baby Girl.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
It's Gettin' Real Now, Folks.
It's finally to the point I can't hide my head in the sand like an ostrich and pretend time is passing by and I get to hide from it.
Paige found out this past weekend that she was accepted to the college of her choice.
She came running down the stairs Saturday with wide eyes and holding her phone in front of her like it was on fire but she wasn't going to let go because she was on a mission to show me something.
I looked and there it was on the screen. The status saying : accepted.
Whoa.
We shared the wide eye'd look with each other and then got ten kinds of excited.
My baby is going to college. My 3 lb. 7 oz. baby who has fought for her way in this world since the day she was born is going to college. All by herself.
I am nothing but a mass of emotions now. I'm so thrilled and proud of her as she gets ready to start a new and exciting chapter in her young life. I'm sad because she's leaving me and if I know this kid, she won't look back when she walks out the door. She's that independant and ready to take on the world.
I should have been more mentally prepared for this, people. I've done her Senior ad in the yearbook. I've ordered her cap and gown. I've picked out the caterer for the reception at my house after graduation. I've told people what date everything is happening so they can put it on their calendars.
But, college?
Big Girl and Big Boy school? Where there's parties, and a lot less adult supervision. Where many great first loves are found. Where many hearts are broken for the first time. Where lives are planned and futures started.
Now, The Man and I have to go attend an orientation and see exactly where our child will hopefully live for at least four years and graduate. I have to go check out this place my baby girl will call home ... a home where I'm not living.
And on top of all of that?? The child has had her license for a year now and has become this tremendous help with errands and such since then. Now, I've got to go back to doing all the running around on my own. She ENJOYS running to W*lmart for bread and milk. ~sigh~ Life, you are so flippin' funny. You get my kid grown to where she can do all this amazing stuff, then you take her away. Well, I'm not laughing, Life. Not at all.
Ohhhh...before I forget to tell you. My doctor's office had a Ladie's Night this past Friday night. It was a meeting of WLS patients who could bring a friend or family member to see vendors and such and have a nice stress free meeting. I was humbled and awe'd by the success stories I heard and saw with my own eyes. Paige went with me because I just didn't want to go there all by myself. Yeah, I'm not usually so wimpy, but I wanted to spend some time with just the two of us. Afterwards, we grabbed a late supper and sat and chatted while we ate. It was a wonderful time and a memory that I will cherish with her.
And...................we took some pictures in the car before going in!
Paige found out this past weekend that she was accepted to the college of her choice.
She came running down the stairs Saturday with wide eyes and holding her phone in front of her like it was on fire but she wasn't going to let go because she was on a mission to show me something.
I looked and there it was on the screen. The status saying : accepted.
Whoa.
We shared the wide eye'd look with each other and then got ten kinds of excited.
My baby is going to college. My 3 lb. 7 oz. baby who has fought for her way in this world since the day she was born is going to college. All by herself.
I am nothing but a mass of emotions now. I'm so thrilled and proud of her as she gets ready to start a new and exciting chapter in her young life. I'm sad because she's leaving me and if I know this kid, she won't look back when she walks out the door. She's that independant and ready to take on the world.
I should have been more mentally prepared for this, people. I've done her Senior ad in the yearbook. I've ordered her cap and gown. I've picked out the caterer for the reception at my house after graduation. I've told people what date everything is happening so they can put it on their calendars.
But, college?
Big Girl and Big Boy school? Where there's parties, and a lot less adult supervision. Where many great first loves are found. Where many hearts are broken for the first time. Where lives are planned and futures started.
Now, The Man and I have to go attend an orientation and see exactly where our child will hopefully live for at least four years and graduate. I have to go check out this place my baby girl will call home ... a home where I'm not living.
And on top of all of that?? The child has had her license for a year now and has become this tremendous help with errands and such since then. Now, I've got to go back to doing all the running around on my own. She ENJOYS running to W*lmart for bread and milk. ~sigh~ Life, you are so flippin' funny. You get my kid grown to where she can do all this amazing stuff, then you take her away. Well, I'm not laughing, Life. Not at all.
Ohhhh...before I forget to tell you. My doctor's office had a Ladie's Night this past Friday night. It was a meeting of WLS patients who could bring a friend or family member to see vendors and such and have a nice stress free meeting. I was humbled and awe'd by the success stories I heard and saw with my own eyes. Paige went with me because I just didn't want to go there all by myself. Yeah, I'm not usually so wimpy, but I wanted to spend some time with just the two of us. Afterwards, we grabbed a late supper and sat and chatted while we ate. It was a wonderful time and a memory that I will cherish with her.
And...................we took some pictures in the car before going in!
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| Had to take the "pretty" picture. Really like this one. |
 |
| Annnnnd you get this. Cuz it's how we roll. |
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Ups, Downs, the Good, and How It Is
I have many different ranges of issues going on over here. Some are mental and others are physical on the old body. I promised I would keep it real and that's how I roll...on a fairly regular basis.
The loss thus far is 84 pounds. Not so shabby for five months (well, on the 18th it'll be five months), right? I still feel like it's not good enough. Many of you scoff and snort and wonder why on earth I would think that. I think that because right now I am consumed with my eating, with my pouch, with my protein intake, with my water intake, and that blessed set of scales in my bathroom. I hope I can make 100 pounds by my six month surgiversary because, People? I still have a long ways to go to get where I need to be. I stall out on a regular basis once a month. You do the math on that one. Yay for being a woman. For a solid week, I crave chocolate and every morning that stupid butt scale sits right there on the same number. The first couple of times it did this, I would call Neighbor Debbie all upset and carrying on about having this surgery for nothing and all kinds of hormonal rantings. She would listen like the friend she is and offer whatever I needed to hear that moment. Now, we've put a pattern to it and I'm not allowing myself to carry on until I'm absolutely positive my stall has nothing to do with my hormones. Fair enough.
I have lost around four sizes in clothes. Pants are what astound me the most. I have, at the moment, four pair of regular pants that fit (one of those being a pair of jeans). I have three pair of work out pants that I have washed nearly to death. And fashionistas out there? Kiss my entire still big butt. Yoga pants are the flippin' bomb and I big as you can get pink fluffy heart them. They are comfortable and flatter what I got going on here. Shirts are starting to get a little scarce, too. I went to an outlet this evening with the hubby to buy a couple of shirts to see me through for a while. I have found myself shopping in my daughter's closet and there might be a few shirts that didn't make it back to her closet after laundry day. I'm just borrowing, man, that's all.
While losing sizes in clothes, the fat is falling off of my face somewhat. Yeah, about all of that. Every day finds me discovering a new wrinkle. I know I'm now officially in my forties. I don't need a reminder, thankyouverymuch. I knew this was coming by having RNY. What I didn't expect was the turkey gobbler I have hanging from my neck. Oh, sweet Baby Jesus! I hope this issue under my chin gets a tad better. IT'S FLIPPIN' WRINKLED! I am moisturizing like a fool and I secretly sit on the stool in front of my bathroom mirror pulling back my skin on my face just a smidgen. I'm trying very hard not to be vain about the new wrinkles emerging or the turkey gobbler hanging down on my neck. I am a female, though, my friends. While I am thrilled beyond belief that I am down from a half dozen chins to around two to three-ish....what I got going on just isn't attractive at the moment.
Let's talk about jewelry, shall we? I am now wearing my wedding rings on my middle finger so I don't lose them. My poor ring finger looks naked and it has this pitiful indention on it where I wore my rings no matter what size I was and if those suckers got tight in the summer? I took it like a woman and kept wearing them. I was able to wear a ring yesterday my parents gave me for Christmas ten years ago. I loved that ring and hated to put in the jewelry box when it wouldn't even go past the first knuckle of my finger. Out of curiosity, I picked it up yesterday and when it went all the way on my finger, I may have done an unwitnessed happy dance in my room in front of the jewelry box. I told my husband that when I get to the weight where I'm supposed to be, I may need a new wedding ring set. He hasn't disagreed. My father in law informed me that I could get my rings re-sized. I told him that no, I couldn't. He must have thought I misunderstood and told me again that I could get my wedding rings re-sized. Again, I told him no, I couldn't. Once more he tried to explain that the rings I was wearing that were too big could be made a smaller size. This time I responded, NO, they can't because I need a new set. His reply? Oh.
I keep waiting to lose a shoe size. I read where everyone has lost up to two shoe sizes. My feet must be hanging onto every bit of weight they can. Only one or two pair are a tad loose now and I am just wondering what's going to happen there.
The gym and I will never be good friends. I know this and accept this. The forums I frequent where RNY people gather all talk about how they LOVE going to the gym and working out and blah and gag and whatever. I don't quite hate the gym, but I sure don't skip out to the vehicle when it's time to go get on the dreadmill. Since I got that virus back around Thanksgiving, it's been hard to get back into a hard groove. I'm still going but it's just a chore, people. When I'm there, I don't skimp and put in almost two hours of cardio and weight machines. I figure if I drove there and am wearing the cute work out clothes, the least I can do is get my money's worth and try to tone up the bat wings my arms are carrying. I tell people I know the gym is a necessary evil to help me get to the good side. Being able to drop two medications because of exercise and weight loss keeps me motivated. Yes, I know this is something I need to do forever and ever, amen, in order to maintain weight loss and health. I just don't think I'll ever be one to skip with happiness to the gym because I get to work out and sweat.
There's an idea I'm toying around with, but am not sure I will go forward with putting it in action. First off, I appreciate all the comments on my FB (book of faces) after blog posts. (You all do realize you can post at the bottom of each post, right? You click on the word comment and you can talk to me all day long. Bloggers love comments about as much as they love the counter on the side and seeing where everyone is from. That's just a rumor I heard.) What I appreciate more is the private messages I've received from people who have family members who have had WLS (weight loss surgery). Messages from people who have thought about having the surgery their own selves. Now, this is where some of you will think, "OMG, she's talking about me!" I've received no less than a dozen of these private messages. I try to respond in a positive honest manner. Some people have even come out of the WLS closet and admitted that they've had a WLS, but have told no one. All of the above has touched me and I want you all to know that my "door" is always open for anyone that needs/wants to talk about this subject. Because of this, I am toying with starting a FB page for my blog so people can like it and really talk to me if they want to do so. This is for those who aren't my BFF on FB (and the military thought THEY had the corner on acronyms) and might have a question or comment they wish to share that's private. I'd appreciate some feedback on this if you don't mind.
I am such a slacker. I didn't put up my Christmas decoration pictures. Ya gotta give me some sympathy here, please. I'm a little hyper-focused on my self right now and it's hard to shake that. I also kind of can't shake it right now because I HAVE to stay that focused in order to make all of this a success. My children aren't being neglected, nor is The Man. If I'm not thinking about how much fluid I've drank so far that day, I'm eye'ing my living room trying to figure out what color I'm going to paint my two story living room this Spring. (I'm thinking a nice neutral green that's not too dark or minty bright- any suggestions?) I'm also shopping online at the moment for a foyer pendant light because the one I have is awful and I can't get it on Gregslist fast enough. I will give that bad boy away. See? So many things going on and not enough time to get it all done before my itty bitty baby girl graduates high school in May.
I'm still here and chugging right along in my new life journey. Again, all your positive remarks and encouragement have helped me more than you could ever know. This is hard and it's not easy, and when I feel a little down? You all help me up. Thank you.
The loss thus far is 84 pounds. Not so shabby for five months (well, on the 18th it'll be five months), right? I still feel like it's not good enough. Many of you scoff and snort and wonder why on earth I would think that. I think that because right now I am consumed with my eating, with my pouch, with my protein intake, with my water intake, and that blessed set of scales in my bathroom. I hope I can make 100 pounds by my six month surgiversary because, People? I still have a long ways to go to get where I need to be. I stall out on a regular basis once a month. You do the math on that one. Yay for being a woman. For a solid week, I crave chocolate and every morning that stupid butt scale sits right there on the same number. The first couple of times it did this, I would call Neighbor Debbie all upset and carrying on about having this surgery for nothing and all kinds of hormonal rantings. She would listen like the friend she is and offer whatever I needed to hear that moment. Now, we've put a pattern to it and I'm not allowing myself to carry on until I'm absolutely positive my stall has nothing to do with my hormones. Fair enough.
I have lost around four sizes in clothes. Pants are what astound me the most. I have, at the moment, four pair of regular pants that fit (one of those being a pair of jeans). I have three pair of work out pants that I have washed nearly to death. And fashionistas out there? Kiss my entire still big butt. Yoga pants are the flippin' bomb and I big as you can get pink fluffy heart them. They are comfortable and flatter what I got going on here. Shirts are starting to get a little scarce, too. I went to an outlet this evening with the hubby to buy a couple of shirts to see me through for a while. I have found myself shopping in my daughter's closet and there might be a few shirts that didn't make it back to her closet after laundry day. I'm just borrowing, man, that's all.
While losing sizes in clothes, the fat is falling off of my face somewhat. Yeah, about all of that. Every day finds me discovering a new wrinkle. I know I'm now officially in my forties. I don't need a reminder, thankyouverymuch. I knew this was coming by having RNY. What I didn't expect was the turkey gobbler I have hanging from my neck. Oh, sweet Baby Jesus! I hope this issue under my chin gets a tad better. IT'S FLIPPIN' WRINKLED! I am moisturizing like a fool and I secretly sit on the stool in front of my bathroom mirror pulling back my skin on my face just a smidgen. I'm trying very hard not to be vain about the new wrinkles emerging or the turkey gobbler hanging down on my neck. I am a female, though, my friends. While I am thrilled beyond belief that I am down from a half dozen chins to around two to three-ish....what I got going on just isn't attractive at the moment.
Let's talk about jewelry, shall we? I am now wearing my wedding rings on my middle finger so I don't lose them. My poor ring finger looks naked and it has this pitiful indention on it where I wore my rings no matter what size I was and if those suckers got tight in the summer? I took it like a woman and kept wearing them. I was able to wear a ring yesterday my parents gave me for Christmas ten years ago. I loved that ring and hated to put in the jewelry box when it wouldn't even go past the first knuckle of my finger. Out of curiosity, I picked it up yesterday and when it went all the way on my finger, I may have done an unwitnessed happy dance in my room in front of the jewelry box. I told my husband that when I get to the weight where I'm supposed to be, I may need a new wedding ring set. He hasn't disagreed. My father in law informed me that I could get my rings re-sized. I told him that no, I couldn't. He must have thought I misunderstood and told me again that I could get my wedding rings re-sized. Again, I told him no, I couldn't. Once more he tried to explain that the rings I was wearing that were too big could be made a smaller size. This time I responded, NO, they can't because I need a new set. His reply? Oh.
I keep waiting to lose a shoe size. I read where everyone has lost up to two shoe sizes. My feet must be hanging onto every bit of weight they can. Only one or two pair are a tad loose now and I am just wondering what's going to happen there.
The gym and I will never be good friends. I know this and accept this. The forums I frequent where RNY people gather all talk about how they LOVE going to the gym and working out and blah and gag and whatever. I don't quite hate the gym, but I sure don't skip out to the vehicle when it's time to go get on the dreadmill. Since I got that virus back around Thanksgiving, it's been hard to get back into a hard groove. I'm still going but it's just a chore, people. When I'm there, I don't skimp and put in almost two hours of cardio and weight machines. I figure if I drove there and am wearing the cute work out clothes, the least I can do is get my money's worth and try to tone up the bat wings my arms are carrying. I tell people I know the gym is a necessary evil to help me get to the good side. Being able to drop two medications because of exercise and weight loss keeps me motivated. Yes, I know this is something I need to do forever and ever, amen, in order to maintain weight loss and health. I just don't think I'll ever be one to skip with happiness to the gym because I get to work out and sweat.
There's an idea I'm toying around with, but am not sure I will go forward with putting it in action. First off, I appreciate all the comments on my FB (book of faces) after blog posts. (You all do realize you can post at the bottom of each post, right? You click on the word comment and you can talk to me all day long. Bloggers love comments about as much as they love the counter on the side and seeing where everyone is from. That's just a rumor I heard.) What I appreciate more is the private messages I've received from people who have family members who have had WLS (weight loss surgery). Messages from people who have thought about having the surgery their own selves. Now, this is where some of you will think, "OMG, she's talking about me!" I've received no less than a dozen of these private messages. I try to respond in a positive honest manner. Some people have even come out of the WLS closet and admitted that they've had a WLS, but have told no one. All of the above has touched me and I want you all to know that my "door" is always open for anyone that needs/wants to talk about this subject. Because of this, I am toying with starting a FB page for my blog so people can like it and really talk to me if they want to do so. This is for those who aren't my BFF on FB (and the military thought THEY had the corner on acronyms) and might have a question or comment they wish to share that's private. I'd appreciate some feedback on this if you don't mind.
I am such a slacker. I didn't put up my Christmas decoration pictures. Ya gotta give me some sympathy here, please. I'm a little hyper-focused on my self right now and it's hard to shake that. I also kind of can't shake it right now because I HAVE to stay that focused in order to make all of this a success. My children aren't being neglected, nor is The Man. If I'm not thinking about how much fluid I've drank so far that day, I'm eye'ing my living room trying to figure out what color I'm going to paint my two story living room this Spring. (I'm thinking a nice neutral green that's not too dark or minty bright- any suggestions?) I'm also shopping online at the moment for a foyer pendant light because the one I have is awful and I can't get it on Gregslist fast enough. I will give that bad boy away. See? So many things going on and not enough time to get it all done before my itty bitty baby girl graduates high school in May.
I'm still here and chugging right along in my new life journey. Again, all your positive remarks and encouragement have helped me more than you could ever know. This is hard and it's not easy, and when I feel a little down? You all help me up. Thank you.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
New Year, New Goals, and a New Car!
I hope you all had yourselves a grand Christmas and New Year's Eve. My husband got home and had time off until the New Year and I sat back and enjoyed him tremendously. This year my Mom and Pop in law got to spend Christmas with us. It was so nice and it was also the first time my husband has had a Christmas with both parents in ten years. I won't bore you with the Santa goodness my children received. Suffice it to say, Santa is a flippin' loon at our house. My kids don't get stuff all year long. They get birthday presents and maybe one other little thing around Labor Day, but other than that? Nope. My son doesn't even get to peruse the toy aisles at stores during the year except at his birthday and in November (to get ideas for Santa). He doesn't even ask to go look because he knows he won't get anything. I won't let him look and suffer because his Mama is a hard case and won't give in to the "I want" mentality kids get when going through toy aisles.
My favorite gift from Christmas was a medic alert bracelet. Yep, no kidding. It is highly suggested that bariatric surgery patients wear one because we have a few new issues. I'm not supposed to have a blind NG tube now. (That's when they shove the breathing tube down your throat.) Shoving one in blind can rupture my pouch (stomach) if it goes down the wrong way. The tag has my name, surgery type, a few details, and my husband's cell phone number on it. I know some of you are thinking, "those bracelets are so unattractive". I beg to differ! Miss Hope's is all fancy-like. My husband ordered mine from Lauren's Hope. I do love me some jewelry, friends. The joy of these bracelets is that I can use one tag and get many many bracelets to jazz it up. This one is what he got for me that I love love love! He also got this one so I can change things up a bit. Of course, I've been shopping a little bit and found a few more that I think would be excellent additions to medic alert bracelet collection. It has been decided that we're going to get one for him since he has a little bit (understatement) reaction to penicillin. I am not being paid to advertise for this site...I just love the product.
Between Christmas and New Year's Eve, we had to go buy a car. The teenager is ecstatic she now has the Loser Cruiser (2000 Chevy Impala) to call her own. She has a few stickers purchased at the beach on vacation last year that she is dying to put on the back window and now she can.
Our vehicle buying expedition was fun. I love to go car buying! My husband had researched vehicles the whole time he was up North in class and he was ready to go decide which one was going to be his very own. I went along as The Negotiator. Oh, yes, my friend, Miss Hope steps in and stares down a salesman and his manager without blinking.
We had narrowed our selection down to two vehicles by the second day. The Nissan Altima and the Hyundia Sonata. Mr. Sonata salesman started out on the wrong foot.When we arrived at his dealership, he walked right past me to shake my husband's hand. *blink* *blink* I then said, "What's your Mama's name?" He paused in shock and told me before he even thought about it. I told him, "Well, I am going to call her because you walked right by me, THE LADY, to shake my husband's hand when you should have come to me first. Are you from around here??" The poor guy, still in shock, told he was from the area. I then sniffed and said, "Then you should have known better."
I think it turns my husband on when I get into negotiating mode. The salesmen and managers try to talk to him and here I am, leaning in to get into their line of sight, making them look at me, and talk to me. My husband sits back in his chair and doesn't say a word, but grins this smug grin at them. Many times I caught them looking at him with this "is she for real??" look on their faces. I flat out told them that we were going to drive off of a lot that day with a new car. It could be their car or their competition's car down the street. The manager comes in to sit down behind the desk in front of us. He was just precious with his big bald self. He starts into the re-sell value and such. I put my hand on the desk and politely said, "That's all fine and dandy, but I have a vehicle at home that is going to be twelve years old. I don't intend on buying a car and turning around and selling it in two weeks, Let's move past this conversation, please." After a few more minutes of extolling the virtues of the Sonata, he was back to holding its value. I looked at my husband then and said, "Are we back to THIS tired conversation??" He then stopped with that thread of thought. He finally conceded to my stubborn self and put down his absolute best offer. As the manager, he threw in car cleaning and detailing twice a month for however long we own the car and one year of free oil changes. That made me raise my eyebrow in appreciation because my husband is NOT one to keep his vehicle clean which drives me and my teenager insane. I stood up, shook his hand, and told him if we were buying his vehicle, we'd see him again within an hour or two.
The Man and I rolled down the street to the Nissan dealer. We had been there the night before and had gotten an idea of the offer they put on the table. We strolled in and waited for the guy we had spoken with the night before to come in. I must also mention that the night before, I also told him we were going to be purchasing a vehicle within 24 hours and he needed to give me an offer that would knock my socks off. I left with my socks still on my feet. Great offer, but still wearing socks. Since our guy was busy, the manager came over to talk to us. I flat out told him we were down to his car and another and he could make the difference. He asked me what he needed to do and I told him I was glad he asked. I told him that I wanted a car cleaning and detail once a month. The other place had offered twice a month, but I would be satisfied with one visit a month to keep the car snappy looking. I also wanted a year of free oil changes. He sat there a second and left to crunch some figures.
That morning before we left out to make our final decision, I found my husband at the breakfast table with some consumer magazine in one hand, laptop in front of him, and USAA on the phone for insurance quotes. The man knew what a decent price would be for both vehicles and really? Both vehicles were comparable in price and features. I asked him before we reached the dealership what a fair price would be per all his research and he told me. Those were the prices I was aiming for and maybe a tad lower.
Mr. Nissan Manager came back with what I asked for and an even lower price than the night before. I looked over the paperwork, asked a few questions, and stood up to leave. I told him that my husband and I were refusing to make a snap decision and we were going to go to lunch to discuss it. If we went with his car, he would know in about an hour.
We sat down to lunch and grinned at each other. The Altima had beat the Sonata by over $3,000. Maybe the Sonata had a couple of features that were cooler than the Altima, but really? My 6 foot tall husband fit better in the Altima and felt a little bit more comfortable riding in it. It didn't matter to me as this was going to be his vehicle to carpool with and only mine a little on the off days to drive to the gym. I told him to go ahead and call our sales guy and tell him to start the paperwork and get fog lights (a must for my husband) installed.
By the time we arrived back after lunch, the fog lights were installed and it was about to be taken to be detailed. I was bored then because I had done what I was there to do. We got the paperwork taken care and my husband had to take off for a doctor's appointment. I got to drive the new car home. Oh, and I got the car cleaning and detail work once a month and FOUR oil changes (with no time constraints) in writing to go with my paperwork.
This year is going to full of negotiations (in February we will have TWO teenage girls under one roof), new situations (said oldest teenager heading off to college), and who knows what else?? Maybe I need to up my nerve medication until next New Year's?
I am doing well with my new lifestyle in the eating world. I am now down 81 lbs!! I still have a ways to go, but I'm seeing results and smaller sized clothing. The holidays were hard with food, as I'm sure they always will be, but I made it through to the other side. I saw my surgeon a few days before Christmas for a check-up and we got along much better this time. I don't know if it's because The Man went with me so as to meet him and see his face, or if both he and I were in a better place. I got kind of whiny over missing rice, bread, pasta, and sweets. He shrugged and told me it was okay to TASTE something. Oh yeah? Then he told me I could have apples and I kind of zoned after that and a few minutes later I told him, "I'm so excited over apples, I can't hardly think straight right now!" I think the ability to taste something has helped me out so much. I know I can't have a piece of pie, or a huge helping of mac-n-cheese. But, I can TASTE it!! Since then, if I feel I "need" to, I get one small taste, just to get the flavor on my tongue and in my mouth and I'm perfectly fine after that. I find that I don't want a big helping or half of a cake. I just want to literally taste it and I thoroughly enjoy that little taste and have been fine. I was told to keep my carbs at no more than 18 grams a meal. Yeah, Miss Hope can't go that high without getting really sick feeling. Keeping it at around 10-12 keeps me from getting sick so that's where I'm going to stay for now. Doc told me to eat steak. I wrinkled my nose and told him that was like eating a sock. Apparently, that's normal and I have to work past it because steak is good for us WLS people as it's good protein and will stay in the pouch longer and provide that "full" feeling. We'll see how that goes.
I'm going to head on out of here. Neighbor Debbie and I have plans to catch up on some shows this morning since I'm waiting to go to the gym this evening with Paige. I'm kind of doing that so the B12 shot I got yesterday will have enough time to really kick in and give me the boost I need to work out. I have been a hot mess the past week waiting to get that shot yesterday. Now, my doctor is out to figure out a way to help me out. More details on that later. You all take care of yourselves now. It's been chilly out!
My favorite gift from Christmas was a medic alert bracelet. Yep, no kidding. It is highly suggested that bariatric surgery patients wear one because we have a few new issues. I'm not supposed to have a blind NG tube now. (That's when they shove the breathing tube down your throat.) Shoving one in blind can rupture my pouch (stomach) if it goes down the wrong way. The tag has my name, surgery type, a few details, and my husband's cell phone number on it. I know some of you are thinking, "those bracelets are so unattractive". I beg to differ! Miss Hope's is all fancy-like. My husband ordered mine from Lauren's Hope. I do love me some jewelry, friends. The joy of these bracelets is that I can use one tag and get many many bracelets to jazz it up. This one is what he got for me that I love love love! He also got this one so I can change things up a bit. Of course, I've been shopping a little bit and found a few more that I think would be excellent additions to medic alert bracelet collection. It has been decided that we're going to get one for him since he has a little bit (understatement) reaction to penicillin. I am not being paid to advertise for this site...I just love the product.
Between Christmas and New Year's Eve, we had to go buy a car. The teenager is ecstatic she now has the Loser Cruiser (2000 Chevy Impala) to call her own. She has a few stickers purchased at the beach on vacation last year that she is dying to put on the back window and now she can.
Our vehicle buying expedition was fun. I love to go car buying! My husband had researched vehicles the whole time he was up North in class and he was ready to go decide which one was going to be his very own. I went along as The Negotiator. Oh, yes, my friend, Miss Hope steps in and stares down a salesman and his manager without blinking.
We had narrowed our selection down to two vehicles by the second day. The Nissan Altima and the Hyundia Sonata. Mr. Sonata salesman started out on the wrong foot.When we arrived at his dealership, he walked right past me to shake my husband's hand. *blink* *blink* I then said, "What's your Mama's name?" He paused in shock and told me before he even thought about it. I told him, "Well, I am going to call her because you walked right by me, THE LADY, to shake my husband's hand when you should have come to me first. Are you from around here??" The poor guy, still in shock, told he was from the area. I then sniffed and said, "Then you should have known better."
I think it turns my husband on when I get into negotiating mode. The salesmen and managers try to talk to him and here I am, leaning in to get into their line of sight, making them look at me, and talk to me. My husband sits back in his chair and doesn't say a word, but grins this smug grin at them. Many times I caught them looking at him with this "is she for real??" look on their faces. I flat out told them that we were going to drive off of a lot that day with a new car. It could be their car or their competition's car down the street. The manager comes in to sit down behind the desk in front of us. He was just precious with his big bald self. He starts into the re-sell value and such. I put my hand on the desk and politely said, "That's all fine and dandy, but I have a vehicle at home that is going to be twelve years old. I don't intend on buying a car and turning around and selling it in two weeks, Let's move past this conversation, please." After a few more minutes of extolling the virtues of the Sonata, he was back to holding its value. I looked at my husband then and said, "Are we back to THIS tired conversation??" He then stopped with that thread of thought. He finally conceded to my stubborn self and put down his absolute best offer. As the manager, he threw in car cleaning and detailing twice a month for however long we own the car and one year of free oil changes. That made me raise my eyebrow in appreciation because my husband is NOT one to keep his vehicle clean which drives me and my teenager insane. I stood up, shook his hand, and told him if we were buying his vehicle, we'd see him again within an hour or two.
The Man and I rolled down the street to the Nissan dealer. We had been there the night before and had gotten an idea of the offer they put on the table. We strolled in and waited for the guy we had spoken with the night before to come in. I must also mention that the night before, I also told him we were going to be purchasing a vehicle within 24 hours and he needed to give me an offer that would knock my socks off. I left with my socks still on my feet. Great offer, but still wearing socks. Since our guy was busy, the manager came over to talk to us. I flat out told him we were down to his car and another and he could make the difference. He asked me what he needed to do and I told him I was glad he asked. I told him that I wanted a car cleaning and detail once a month. The other place had offered twice a month, but I would be satisfied with one visit a month to keep the car snappy looking. I also wanted a year of free oil changes. He sat there a second and left to crunch some figures.
That morning before we left out to make our final decision, I found my husband at the breakfast table with some consumer magazine in one hand, laptop in front of him, and USAA on the phone for insurance quotes. The man knew what a decent price would be for both vehicles and really? Both vehicles were comparable in price and features. I asked him before we reached the dealership what a fair price would be per all his research and he told me. Those were the prices I was aiming for and maybe a tad lower.
Mr. Nissan Manager came back with what I asked for and an even lower price than the night before. I looked over the paperwork, asked a few questions, and stood up to leave. I told him that my husband and I were refusing to make a snap decision and we were going to go to lunch to discuss it. If we went with his car, he would know in about an hour.
We sat down to lunch and grinned at each other. The Altima had beat the Sonata by over $3,000. Maybe the Sonata had a couple of features that were cooler than the Altima, but really? My 6 foot tall husband fit better in the Altima and felt a little bit more comfortable riding in it. It didn't matter to me as this was going to be his vehicle to carpool with and only mine a little on the off days to drive to the gym. I told him to go ahead and call our sales guy and tell him to start the paperwork and get fog lights (a must for my husband) installed.
By the time we arrived back after lunch, the fog lights were installed and it was about to be taken to be detailed. I was bored then because I had done what I was there to do. We got the paperwork taken care and my husband had to take off for a doctor's appointment. I got to drive the new car home. Oh, and I got the car cleaning and detail work once a month and FOUR oil changes (with no time constraints) in writing to go with my paperwork.
This year is going to full of negotiations (in February we will have TWO teenage girls under one roof), new situations (said oldest teenager heading off to college), and who knows what else?? Maybe I need to up my nerve medication until next New Year's?
I am doing well with my new lifestyle in the eating world. I am now down 81 lbs!! I still have a ways to go, but I'm seeing results and smaller sized clothing. The holidays were hard with food, as I'm sure they always will be, but I made it through to the other side. I saw my surgeon a few days before Christmas for a check-up and we got along much better this time. I don't know if it's because The Man went with me so as to meet him and see his face, or if both he and I were in a better place. I got kind of whiny over missing rice, bread, pasta, and sweets. He shrugged and told me it was okay to TASTE something. Oh yeah? Then he told me I could have apples and I kind of zoned after that and a few minutes later I told him, "I'm so excited over apples, I can't hardly think straight right now!" I think the ability to taste something has helped me out so much. I know I can't have a piece of pie, or a huge helping of mac-n-cheese. But, I can TASTE it!! Since then, if I feel I "need" to, I get one small taste, just to get the flavor on my tongue and in my mouth and I'm perfectly fine after that. I find that I don't want a big helping or half of a cake. I just want to literally taste it and I thoroughly enjoy that little taste and have been fine. I was told to keep my carbs at no more than 18 grams a meal. Yeah, Miss Hope can't go that high without getting really sick feeling. Keeping it at around 10-12 keeps me from getting sick so that's where I'm going to stay for now. Doc told me to eat steak. I wrinkled my nose and told him that was like eating a sock. Apparently, that's normal and I have to work past it because steak is good for us WLS people as it's good protein and will stay in the pouch longer and provide that "full" feeling. We'll see how that goes.
I'm going to head on out of here. Neighbor Debbie and I have plans to catch up on some shows this morning since I'm waiting to go to the gym this evening with Paige. I'm kind of doing that so the B12 shot I got yesterday will have enough time to really kick in and give me the boost I need to work out. I have been a hot mess the past week waiting to get that shot yesterday. Now, my doctor is out to figure out a way to help me out. More details on that later. You all take care of yourselves now. It's been chilly out!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
A Thought from a Kid
I love my Makenna. She has been such an easy child to love and raise. She is by no means perfect because that sister is lazy as all get out and hates cleaning and has high aspirations of being rich and hiring a house cleaner for me and her later in life. I'm not going to argue with her thoughtfulness.
She's the kid who sits in the background and observes everyone and everything around her. Trust me, there are times I have to look around and see if she's listening because her eavesdropping will come back to haunt you later. *shudder* Trust me on that one.
Remember I had a talk with her before I had my surgery? She has moments when she is sad for me because of certain foods I can't eat anymore. We both gravitate to the chocolate during that time of month and while she eats her monthly quota, she will look at me with sad eyes because without that chocolate goodness, she is a hot mess. I only get to enjoy sugar free chocolate pudding. I know...it makes you sad, too.
The other day, out of the blue, she shocked me. She casually mentioned she had read my blog. I raised my eyebrows in question. I know my kids read my blog but after so many years of blogging, they kind of shrug it off and may go months without reading. It's cool, I don't mind.
She told me that she was worried when I had the surgery. When I asked her why, she said she was worried I wouldn't look like her Mama anymore. She went on to tell me that when she got to the progress post with the pictures, she was just blown away. She said..."You still look like my Mama, but you look so much healthier!"
I heart that kid.
I laughed and said thank you. I then commented that I think we favor more now my double chins are starting to recede. All my kids (and my niece Toot!) and I have the same pointy chin and cheeks. I can see it more now that my face isn't so swollen and puffy looking. It's the little things, friends.
I have to keep a closer eye on that sister. As calm and laid back as she looks on the outside..she worries on the inside. I need to make more of an effort and communicate better, I believe. The other two? If they are worried, you know it. There are no doubts what's going on with those two.
I wish I had a picture of the two of us, but the new phone (that wasn't dropped in the toilet) doesn't have one. I'm excited to take pictures this year and compare to last year. I promise to take pictures to share.
Speaking of pictures. I haven't taken any of my Christmas decorations. Can you believe that? I will, of course, take care of that soon. See, my husband has been out of town with a class for 15 weeks. Yes, 15 weeks. That's longer than a dang sea patrol. Sure, he's been home a few times for short weekend visits, but I need him HERE. I still can't believe I had this surgery and two weeks later he took off and I've been on my own healing with three kids. What was I thinking?
Anyway, he will be coming home this weekend. I am so excited I can't hardly stand it because he's taking Monday off to take me to Atlanta to a certain store that starts with the letter "I" with "ke" in the middle and an "A" on the end. My love knows no bounds for that place. I intend on doing some serious shopping and will be wearing the good shoes that day. No, the kids are not going. I don't have time for that mess. I need complete focus!!
I have now lost 73 pounds. When The Man and I went to that first initial visit with the doctor, Doctor C casually said that he bet I could lose 75 lbs before my husband got home from up North. I remember thinking, "Dude, you are high." Wow. I kind of wish I could lose those last two pounds before Saturday, but overall? I'm good. I still have a ways to go, but I'm chipping away at it every day.
If I don't see you before, you all have yourself a Merry Christmas.
She's the kid who sits in the background and observes everyone and everything around her. Trust me, there are times I have to look around and see if she's listening because her eavesdropping will come back to haunt you later. *shudder* Trust me on that one.
Remember I had a talk with her before I had my surgery? She has moments when she is sad for me because of certain foods I can't eat anymore. We both gravitate to the chocolate during that time of month and while she eats her monthly quota, she will look at me with sad eyes because without that chocolate goodness, she is a hot mess. I only get to enjoy sugar free chocolate pudding. I know...it makes you sad, too.
The other day, out of the blue, she shocked me. She casually mentioned she had read my blog. I raised my eyebrows in question. I know my kids read my blog but after so many years of blogging, they kind of shrug it off and may go months without reading. It's cool, I don't mind.
She told me that she was worried when I had the surgery. When I asked her why, she said she was worried I wouldn't look like her Mama anymore. She went on to tell me that when she got to the progress post with the pictures, she was just blown away. She said..."You still look like my Mama, but you look so much healthier!"
I heart that kid.
I laughed and said thank you. I then commented that I think we favor more now my double chins are starting to recede. All my kids (and my niece Toot!) and I have the same pointy chin and cheeks. I can see it more now that my face isn't so swollen and puffy looking. It's the little things, friends.
I have to keep a closer eye on that sister. As calm and laid back as she looks on the outside..she worries on the inside. I need to make more of an effort and communicate better, I believe. The other two? If they are worried, you know it. There are no doubts what's going on with those two.
I wish I had a picture of the two of us, but the new phone (that wasn't dropped in the toilet) doesn't have one. I'm excited to take pictures this year and compare to last year. I promise to take pictures to share.
Speaking of pictures. I haven't taken any of my Christmas decorations. Can you believe that? I will, of course, take care of that soon. See, my husband has been out of town with a class for 15 weeks. Yes, 15 weeks. That's longer than a dang sea patrol. Sure, he's been home a few times for short weekend visits, but I need him HERE. I still can't believe I had this surgery and two weeks later he took off and I've been on my own healing with three kids. What was I thinking?
Anyway, he will be coming home this weekend. I am so excited I can't hardly stand it because he's taking Monday off to take me to Atlanta to a certain store that starts with the letter "I" with "ke" in the middle and an "A" on the end. My love knows no bounds for that place. I intend on doing some serious shopping and will be wearing the good shoes that day. No, the kids are not going. I don't have time for that mess. I need complete focus!!
I have now lost 73 pounds. When The Man and I went to that first initial visit with the doctor, Doctor C casually said that he bet I could lose 75 lbs before my husband got home from up North. I remember thinking, "Dude, you are high." Wow. I kind of wish I could lose those last two pounds before Saturday, but overall? I'm good. I still have a ways to go, but I'm chipping away at it every day.
If I don't see you before, you all have yourself a Merry Christmas.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Miss Hope's Progress
I'm sick as can be right now. I got myself a nice little nasty virus, most probably from the gym. I have been banned from that place of torture til the end of the week because I go in the mornings and there are older patrons who do NOT need what I have going on right now.
This morning I had to drag my sick butt up and out to take the middle kid to get a full brand new set of braces. I have pictures to share in a different post for you. I bought a new shirt that is in a size I haven't seen in about, ohhhh, eight years. Same with the pants/jeans. I think wore this size after about a year of dating of my husband and eating out on date nights. I may have felt like poop on a stick, but thought I finally looked okay enough to take a picture for my progress.
And now I get to share with you my mini collage that Paige helped me make because I am STOOPID when it comes to operating anything on this blessed laptop.
This morning I had to drag my sick butt up and out to take the middle kid to get a full brand new set of braces. I have pictures to share in a different post for you. I bought a new shirt that is in a size I haven't seen in about, ohhhh, eight years. Same with the pants/jeans. I think wore this size after about a year of dating of my husband and eating out on date nights. I may have felt like poop on a stick, but thought I finally looked okay enough to take a picture for my progress.
And now I get to share with you my mini collage that Paige helped me make because I am STOOPID when it comes to operating anything on this blessed laptop.
I'm making some progress, Internets. And you should really pardon those Crocs I was wearing the morning of surgery. I knew I was going to have to walk a mile after the operation and my feet were going to swell. Best decision to make on footwear. Totally wore cute brown Mary Janes with a heel today.
Hopefully it'll look better by next progress picture!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thanksgiving this Year
How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was dangit hard. In more ways than one.
This was my last Thanksgiving with my Paige where I knew she was going with us to her Nana's. Next year, she may have a boyfriend who will whisk her away to spend the holiday with his people. College sucks. I want her to grow up but on my terms, Internets. Yes, I know this is impossible and improbable, but I can think whatever I want in my head, thankyouverymuch.
I got a small taste of the future this Thanksgiving. She has a very close friend from childhood (Wait..she's still still a child, right? So they've been friends since they were 11 and 12 years old.) who was home from college for the week. They simply adore each other and always try to see each other when in the same area. She asked to go with A. on Wednesday evening to see one of his friends perform somewhere. I said sure and told her to be home (at Nana's) by midnight. I love A. He had her home and she was in the door by 11:34. *snort* Not me. I would have made it in the door at 11:59:59. The next day, Thanksgiving, I was making my list for Black Friday and checking it twice, when I received a phone call from A. He politely asked if Paige could accompany him and his mother and Aunts shopping that night. *sigh* This was to be the first year she was to go with us. Family rule states you have to be sixteen to go Black Friday shopping and we didn't go last year. I was looking so forward to having her go with us this year. (Family rule was just made last year. It's our family and our rules, man.) I told him sure she could go and have a blast. And she did. She hung out with A. and friend N. and they did massive people watching and laughing. I wasn't worried because we were all in the same area shopping and I even ran into her around 3 a.m. She made it home by 5:30 and we weren't far behind at 7:30 a.m. Some of you may think that's alot of freedom to give a teenager. She's a good kid. A. is a good kid. She doesn't go and do much because she hates high school. I loved high school and find this sad. I want her to love high school like I did, but she's an old soul. Always has been. High school is just a chore that has to be done in her mind. She's so excited for college and I can't really blame her. I think that's when she'll bloom and blossom and become even more fabulous than what she is now. (Is that possible??)
Now, we are starting to do early admissions for college. Graduation announcements have been ordered and her page in the yearbook in school has been designed by yours truly. I have to order her cap and gown this week and I already know who is catering her graduation reception here at the house.
Life is here. It doesn't matter if I'm ready or not. That kid of mine is sprouting wings and it won't be long before she spreads them and jumps from my nest.
Side note on me personally now. Thanksgiving was hard with the food. I won't lie to you. There was a lot I couldn't eat because carbs are not my friend at all. My sis-in-law and Mama made the sweet potato casserole with splenda, God bless 'em, but I still couldn't eat it. It's really hard to explain, but when you take a small bite, you'll know within minutes if you can handle it. I took two small bites and my system told me "Yeah, not now, girl." So, I listen. I was able to enjoy a piece of ham with giblet gravy on top so I was happy. My awesome husband wouldn't eat red velvet cake in front of me. How cute is that? All in all, I lost 2 pounds last week because food and I aren't the greatest of friends right now. Maybe next year I can have a taste of all that I missed out on this year. I am loving having more energy and being able to walk. Black Friday shopping was flippin' great because I could stand in line without my back breaking. I could walk and look as long as I wanted without desperately seeking out a bench to sit upon. So, all in all, Thanksgiving was great. Just the food part was hard.
I didn't take pictures like I intended to do because...well, it just didn't happen. I snapped a few with my camera phone but haven't put them on the laptop yet. I have a few games on my phone for the kids, especially The Boy. His favorite is a states game. (Stack the States on that little "i" phone thing.) Who would have thought that a trivia game about the United States would be a seven year old's obsession? Anyway, I let him play from time to time and the Thursday before Thanksgiving he asked to play with my phone. I said sure. Little did I know he was going to take it to the bathroom with him and try to pee and play the game at the same time. Yep. It fell right on into the toilet. I didn't lose my mind. No need and because I didn't want a mouth full of fever blisters from stress. I put it in rice and did all the suggestions that was given to me on the book of faces. When it wasn't working again by Saturday evening, my husband ordered another one because we pay an obscene amount of insurance on that piece of technology and an even bigger obscene amount to replace it. I had it by Monday before we left out on Tuesday but many things were lost because Miss Hope didn't sync like she should. (She does now.) Hey! You should all go one day without your phone. Seriously. Monday, the kids were already out of school for the holiday and I had a dental cleaning. Afterwards, I met Neighbor Debbie and Sherry-Do for lunch. I had to run get some makeup from MaySee's when we were done. After that was done, I decided to wander around the store a little bit. I didn't buy anything, but just wanted to look. It was kind of nice not having my phone go off every few minutes from kids wanting/needing something or the hubby checking in. Don't get me wrong, I feel all naked without my phone and really hate to be without it but I did find out that I can survive and do well without it. Side note: We were all sitting around chatting at Mama's last week and I made the comment to my Daddy that I don't know how on Earth he let me out the house as a teenager without a phone. His reply? "I don't know how I did it either!!" Ahhh...the advances of technology!
Look how my explanation for not putting a picture on this post turned into some long rambling paragraph. Methinks I may have had just a tad bit too much coffee to drink this morning.
I am in the process of decking my halls. There will be pictures. I promise. Just a piece of useless information to put out there. Last year my whole budget went to the fabulous 12 ft. tree that graces my living room. I wasn't able to decorate my banisters and such but this year? Miss Hope pretty much spent as much in decorations as I did the tree last year. The Man is still recovering from me taking decorating classes and HAVING to have certain things to deck my halls. My mantle is giving me fits. I want elegant and gorgeous and it's not heading that way at the moment. Inspiration is eluding me right now with my mantle. Hopefully, it will all be done in the next day or two so I can share with you!
This was my last Thanksgiving with my Paige where I knew she was going with us to her Nana's. Next year, she may have a boyfriend who will whisk her away to spend the holiday with his people. College sucks. I want her to grow up but on my terms, Internets. Yes, I know this is impossible and improbable, but I can think whatever I want in my head, thankyouverymuch.
I got a small taste of the future this Thanksgiving. She has a very close friend from childhood (Wait..she's still still a child, right? So they've been friends since they were 11 and 12 years old.) who was home from college for the week. They simply adore each other and always try to see each other when in the same area. She asked to go with A. on Wednesday evening to see one of his friends perform somewhere. I said sure and told her to be home (at Nana's) by midnight. I love A. He had her home and she was in the door by 11:34. *snort* Not me. I would have made it in the door at 11:59:59. The next day, Thanksgiving, I was making my list for Black Friday and checking it twice, when I received a phone call from A. He politely asked if Paige could accompany him and his mother and Aunts shopping that night. *sigh* This was to be the first year she was to go with us. Family rule states you have to be sixteen to go Black Friday shopping and we didn't go last year. I was looking so forward to having her go with us this year. (Family rule was just made last year. It's our family and our rules, man.) I told him sure she could go and have a blast. And she did. She hung out with A. and friend N. and they did massive people watching and laughing. I wasn't worried because we were all in the same area shopping and I even ran into her around 3 a.m. She made it home by 5:30 and we weren't far behind at 7:30 a.m. Some of you may think that's alot of freedom to give a teenager. She's a good kid. A. is a good kid. She doesn't go and do much because she hates high school. I loved high school and find this sad. I want her to love high school like I did, but she's an old soul. Always has been. High school is just a chore that has to be done in her mind. She's so excited for college and I can't really blame her. I think that's when she'll bloom and blossom and become even more fabulous than what she is now. (Is that possible??)
Now, we are starting to do early admissions for college. Graduation announcements have been ordered and her page in the yearbook in school has been designed by yours truly. I have to order her cap and gown this week and I already know who is catering her graduation reception here at the house.
Life is here. It doesn't matter if I'm ready or not. That kid of mine is sprouting wings and it won't be long before she spreads them and jumps from my nest.
Side note on me personally now. Thanksgiving was hard with the food. I won't lie to you. There was a lot I couldn't eat because carbs are not my friend at all. My sis-in-law and Mama made the sweet potato casserole with splenda, God bless 'em, but I still couldn't eat it. It's really hard to explain, but when you take a small bite, you'll know within minutes if you can handle it. I took two small bites and my system told me "Yeah, not now, girl." So, I listen. I was able to enjoy a piece of ham with giblet gravy on top so I was happy. My awesome husband wouldn't eat red velvet cake in front of me. How cute is that? All in all, I lost 2 pounds last week because food and I aren't the greatest of friends right now. Maybe next year I can have a taste of all that I missed out on this year. I am loving having more energy and being able to walk. Black Friday shopping was flippin' great because I could stand in line without my back breaking. I could walk and look as long as I wanted without desperately seeking out a bench to sit upon. So, all in all, Thanksgiving was great. Just the food part was hard.
I didn't take pictures like I intended to do because...well, it just didn't happen. I snapped a few with my camera phone but haven't put them on the laptop yet. I have a few games on my phone for the kids, especially The Boy. His favorite is a states game. (Stack the States on that little "i" phone thing.) Who would have thought that a trivia game about the United States would be a seven year old's obsession? Anyway, I let him play from time to time and the Thursday before Thanksgiving he asked to play with my phone. I said sure. Little did I know he was going to take it to the bathroom with him and try to pee and play the game at the same time. Yep. It fell right on into the toilet. I didn't lose my mind. No need and because I didn't want a mouth full of fever blisters from stress. I put it in rice and did all the suggestions that was given to me on the book of faces. When it wasn't working again by Saturday evening, my husband ordered another one because we pay an obscene amount of insurance on that piece of technology and an even bigger obscene amount to replace it. I had it by Monday before we left out on Tuesday but many things were lost because Miss Hope didn't sync like she should. (She does now.) Hey! You should all go one day without your phone. Seriously. Monday, the kids were already out of school for the holiday and I had a dental cleaning. Afterwards, I met Neighbor Debbie and Sherry-Do for lunch. I had to run get some makeup from MaySee's when we were done. After that was done, I decided to wander around the store a little bit. I didn't buy anything, but just wanted to look. It was kind of nice not having my phone go off every few minutes from kids wanting/needing something or the hubby checking in. Don't get me wrong, I feel all naked without my phone and really hate to be without it but I did find out that I can survive and do well without it. Side note: We were all sitting around chatting at Mama's last week and I made the comment to my Daddy that I don't know how on Earth he let me out the house as a teenager without a phone. His reply? "I don't know how I did it either!!" Ahhh...the advances of technology!
Look how my explanation for not putting a picture on this post turned into some long rambling paragraph. Methinks I may have had just a tad bit too much coffee to drink this morning.
I am in the process of decking my halls. There will be pictures. I promise. Just a piece of useless information to put out there. Last year my whole budget went to the fabulous 12 ft. tree that graces my living room. I wasn't able to decorate my banisters and such but this year? Miss Hope pretty much spent as much in decorations as I did the tree last year. The Man is still recovering from me taking decorating classes and HAVING to have certain things to deck my halls. My mantle is giving me fits. I want elegant and gorgeous and it's not heading that way at the moment. Inspiration is eluding me right now with my mantle. Hopefully, it will all be done in the next day or two so I can share with you!
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