Happy to report . . .

Success! Yes, the root canal was a grueling experience for a 7 year old who has never had a cavity. But, success none the less! One the "freak out" subsided, he did great! I can remember the screams and cries of the little one, "I wish this never happened", but he came out even braver than he was before! That's gotta say something.

Unfortunately, he'll still have to start school with 1 1/2 less teeth than he left with in June, but he'll get those fixed on August 31. I keep telling him that this way he GETS to tell his story and his friends HAVE to believe it because he has proof. After August 31, we're hoping you won't even be able to tell!

I, on the other hand, can dish out the positive thoughts and encouragement but I can't really get myself to be positive about the job situation. It's tough. I am now one of 4 people that have not yet found a job from my entire program. I'm trying to keep my chin up, but with the last school district starting on Monday, I'm feeling a bit discouraged. Sure, I keep hearing that once school starts they will realize that they need more teachers, but it's tough to start late. Of course, I'll take what I can get, but I want things to happen the way I want them to happen. Unfortunately, I don't get to control things and I get to deal with what happens. So, now, I learn a lesson in patience, faith, and trust! So, here goes! Let's hope I get an "A". :-)

I have a few other things I would like to vent or ramble about, I'm just not so sure I'm ready. After a trip to the library with the little one I may be able to sort out my thoughts! I hope we're all in for a fantabulous day and I look forward to posting good thoughts and words of encouragement that even I will be able to accept!

Happy Wednesday!

Another one bites the dust . . .

Happy Tuesday!

I'm back from the Family Reunion Adventure. We had so many catastrophes (most of them minor, thankfully) that I couldn't wait to get home, just to make sure I was safe. There were 45-50 of our crazy family members together and in 3 days we had 8 accidents/injuries/etc. NO JOKE! Maybe the whole reunion thing wasn't a good thing? Fortunately, all survived and all are improving (if they hadn't improved over the weekend). I can say, we had a blast, but we also had moments that we could've (and should've) lived without. From the forehead gash/infection, to the heat exhaustion, to the collision of boats, to the choking, to the tripping, to the falling onto the boat dock and the heart attack scare, we have created some serious stories - I bet there are more, I just don't care to remember them all. This was a weekend that showed us how much we love and appreciate our family. Believe it or not, we can't wait to be together again. Of course this will have to wait until everyone heals! I LOVE my family!!

In other news . . . I received a call yesterday stating that I was not selected for the job - again. This one didn't surprise me, based on the experience I had at the interview. I was told that the person that was selected had a lot of experience with this grade level. Again, back to the drawing board! Sure, I'm still trying to remain positive. Unfortunately, it's difficult. But, this too shall pass! I know that greatness is out there and that is what I will wait for. It will be worth it!

I've also decided that I need to get my rear in gear! I'm going to get back to my exercise & healthy eating. I figure that if I'm feeling great about myself, then good things can happen. When I'm feeling bloated, lethargic, and not-so great, people can see that. I want to be the best I can be because I want to get the best possible for me!! So, I'm making changes! I need more water, more exercise/movement, and less food. Can't be that difficult, right? Once I have a full plan, I'm sure I'll be sharing it!

I hope all are well and having a fantastic week! I look forward to hearing/reading what happened in your lives this past weekend! :-)

Procrastinate much?

Well, as a matter of fact I do! Thank you for asking!

I've procrastinated so much this week that I even thought I could do my Thursday - 13 on Friday morning. Then, I realized that wasn't right so I didn't post one at all. How's that for procrastination? Wait, wouldn't that just be failure to follow through? Hmmm, we'll have to think about that!

I'm heading out to a family reunion today. I'm super excited about the get-away. The whole family (probably about 50 - 60 of us) are meeting at a lake resort to ski, play in the water, boat, act like crazy people (which we are) & just be together. I can't wait to be there. I take that back. If I couldn't wait to be there - I would have been packed by now. Right? Thanks to procrastination, I'm JUST NOW starting laundry I need to take. Boy! Anyone out there have a cure for this procrastination thing?? Does that come in a pill form?

Fortunately, I only mildly procrastinated yesterday. I had an interview. The interview was at 1:30pm and I was up early to prepare. I had put together packets of my resume, letters of recommendation, and all the other things that make me look great (on paper). I washed my car, gathered my portfolio, and was ready to take on the day. I got to the interview and it was the strangest experience yet. I was in a room with 4 strange people that I did/do not know and they each asked me four questions. The questions were read, I answered, they moved on to the next. I was trying to be energetic and bubbly (like I typically am) but it didn't change the mood in the room one bit. I didn't get smiles, affirmations, nods or anything! Can we say "awkward"? I can, and I did! I have to say, I did the best I could and if being "me" doesn't get the job, then I don't want it. I should hear more by Saturday.

I hope you're all in for a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend. I hope to have a wonderful weekend and have some amazing stories to share from the family get-a-way. I look forward to reading your fun stories too!!!

Happy Friday!

How can I make a difference today?

I'm sitting here "playing" on my computer while my son is sitting (just a few feet away from me) playing a video game. I started thinking, "hey, this is what we did yesterday." I'm nearly ashamed to admit it, but it was a sad day. I was obsessively searching for jobs, submitting applications, and checking to see if anyone had read or responded to those. Sure, we got up and away from our technology for an hour to clean. But honestly, one hour to be up and at 'em in an 8 hour time frame? This is not acceptable! Yes, I did get up, shower, and take the little giant to karate, but really? Do you know what we could've done with those 8 hours? A LOT!

So, today, this will change. We will make a difference and a change in our lives today. I haven't yet decided what we will do, but it's going to be something and it's going to be active! I'm thinking about hitting the roller rink, the library, or the craft store (by the way, I'm always up for suggestions). Something so that the little one doesn't have to say, "I just played video games all day long." What kind of a summer would that be??

Here's to creating a very fun, eventful, and happy Friday! I hope you are all able to make a difference in today too!!!

Happy Friday!

Maybe I was wrong?

Who knew that a 10' (diameter) pool CAN be a form of exercise. Of course, the seven year old that wouldn't let me sit down certainly helped. Together we made that pool an exercise pit! We were throwing balls, chasing each other around, running to make whirlpools, and doing what he calls "yoga poses" in the pool. We were out there for 2 and a half hours and I loved every minute of it! I think you're all right. I'm coming to terms with the fact that it's all about the attitude! And boy, is mine changing fast! Thank goodness!!!

I have to thank Kristin for the comment yesterday. Two years ago I wouldn't have gotten in the pool. In fact, I would sit out in the back yard (fully clothed) and watch the poor, little guy play in the water all by himself. What fun is that? I don't even think I owned a bathing suit then. This time, I was in it! I was playing! I was running! I was having a blast and he loved every minute of it too! I cannot even explain the feeling that came over me yesterday when I realized that. Thank you Kristin for bringing me back to reality, and "bringing the pretty back". My son is going to benefit, even more than I am, from my physical changes. How in the world can you be negative about that??

More good things happening . . . I received a call yesterday in reference to one of the many job applications that I have submitted and they want to interview me! The job is for one of the schools that I was placed for student teaching and I loved it! I was so excited on that I had received the call that I did a little excited gushing (hopefully it wasn't too much). Apparently, this principal has talked to a lot of people and heard nothing but good things about me. I can't tell you how good it felt to hear that. So, I'm doing lots of praying, finger crossing, and whatever things I can to send out good vibes. I am super excited about this opportunity. The interview is next week. Let's hope I can calm down a bit between now and then so I don't appear TOO eager (i.e. - desperate).

Now on to today. We have more fun to conquer, houses to clean, pools to swim in, things to do, and more adventures (without excuses) to embark upon. Who knew that my own son would be some of the best motivation ever? I sure love that little man!

Summer has started . . .

It's official, the little muffin (my son) is off for summer! I'm actually excited about getting out and finding fun things to do. We were supposed to be in Southern California, but an unfortunate event with friends caused us to turn around to come back. It's probably better for all of us, so that my friends can rest and recuperate, but now we have an empty calendar that we can't wait to fill. Today, we will be hanging out in the little pool I purchased yesterday. We won't be getting much exercise (it's a small pool just big enough to cool off), but it should be fun.

I've got to admit, I've been in a much better mood lately. I think that the book (Women, Food & God) is really addressing some things that I've been dealing with. The author states that if we're not happy with who we are, we will never be happy once we lose the weight, get the tummy tuck, get the bat wings removed, etc. This is something that I was JUST talking about at the last support group meeting I went to. I keep thinking that things would be better if I wasn't so self conscious about my flabby belly, my no longer present chest, or my flabby arms that continue to wave long after the arm stopped. But lets be honest, if I get a tummy tuck then I'll focus on the imperfect arms, if I get those fixed, I'll focus on the flabby thighs, then the chest, and so on, and so on. It will NEVER end, unless I stop it now. No one is perfect. Not even the seemingly flawless super models and actresses. But some people are great when dealing with it. Others are confident, why do I struggle so much? Do we think it's really possible to let it all go? Can I (we) come to terms with the great things about us and let the other imperfections go? I want to, I really, really want to. I will continue with this book and see how much closer I can get.

That's the update for today. I know that some of you are in for an excellent day (Jil's hubby is coming home today - she HAS to be stoked) and I am just as excited to hear about them. Thank you all for stopping by and providing support. I really do think there's something positive in being involved with some community - even if it's in cyberspace. Thank you!

Now off to the pool! Yippee!

She's back . . .

Barely!!!

It's true, it's true! I'm back from vacation! Unfortunately, now I REALLY need a vacation. I'm exhausted! That's not exactly how I had planned for things to work, but what can you do? Right?

So, last Thursday 26 of my family members and I took a cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. It was a great time! I did learn a LOT from this weekend. I'm not sure if I can/should blog about it all, but it was definitely a learning experience (from various perspectives).

Today also happens to be the day that I do my weekly weigh in. Sure enough, I LOST WEIGHT! What? I know! It's true, it's true, there is a way to lose weight on a cruise. Unfortunately, it's probably not the healthiest way to do it, but it happened. I probably drank more than I ate (not a good thing). Sometimes, that's what family and having fun will do to you. This is just one of the things I had learned (there is no need to consume so much alcohol! It makes me crazy).

Another thing that I learned about myself while I was away was how much I depend on my WLS cyber friends & blog postings. I honestly almost felt lost not being in contact with what was happening. I kept wondering what you all were doing and how I was going to share about my experiences. I even wondered, if I were more connected, would I have gotten so carried away?

Anyway, I did end up having a fabulous time. I didn't get nearly enough sleep and haven't been able to sleep well since I've been back. I'm hoping that (now that I'm back to work & the routine) I'll be able to catch up and get some good sleep tonight. I certainly need it, before I go pulling my hair out.

I will say, it's strange, when I do fall asleep, I have crazy dreams about the ship that I was on, people that were on it and how many ways I lost my camera. Yep! I lost my camera on the first night! I'm devastated and I really think it's taking a toll on me (even emotionally). Doesn't that sound crazy? I so wanted to have new photos to post and be able to share about my experiences and have things to back them up, but I recklessly lost the camera and it's really getting to me. I don't even really know why it's affecting me so much, but it is. I just keep praying that it will be found and returned to me. I know that the camera is replaceable, but the photos on it are not.

I do have so much to say, share, ponder and really get a grip on - but I have so much to do and catch up on that I just can't concentrate on it right now. Maybe it'll be a multiple-post day? Besides, I have a ton of reading/catching up to do to find out how everyone else has been while I've been out.

I hope all is well and I can't wait to hear about all the stories I've missed since I have been gone.

My very first December weigh in day!

It's true, it's true, I haven't posted in a whole week!!! There's been a lot going on in the last week with Thanksgiving and all. So, I decided to catch everyone up (everyone that reads, that is).

First things first - I was down another 2 pounds this week. That's with a big, fat, holiday in there! Ok, Ok, I kind of cheated. My family and I went to Disneyland for the weekend. So, we were NOT sitting around eating turkey, watching football, and stuffing our faces until we passed out. No, No, we were walking and standing and playing at the D-Land and it was great! We had a wonderful time!!!! I think we took about 300 pictures (That was just my camera - Sheila, how many do you have?), it was great! I'll change my album at some point today!

Next thing to catch up on . . . dating. Yep, it's true. I've been dating. And my feelings still stand - I HATE DATING!!!! It's so awkward. It's uncomfortable and you have to be very careful. Not to mention the roller coasters that accompany dating. You know all the questions, right? "Do they like me?", "Do I like them?", "Does everyone have something I'll complain about?", "Why didn't they call when they said they would?", "Why do they all expect me to call them?". I'm beginning to think that there's no chance for me. One guy looks/acts too old, one guy is a grandfather (and I still haven't given up the thought of more kids), one guy is still not over his ex, one guy has a problem with the town I work in, one guy works in the "Adult Entertainment" field, yaddah, yaddah, yaddah. What in the world? What happened to all of the old fashioned people and dates? Am I just looking for reasons not to like them? Maybe Craig is right. Maybe I should be in the Mid-West? Is it really worth "up-rooting"? Maybe. Where's the man of my dreams when I really need him? That boy better come quickly before I give up all together!

Now . . . for an update. I'm going to my very first WLS support group meeting tonight! I'm actually super excited about it. I'm not quite so super excited about the possibility of driving in the fog, but I'll get past that for what I'm planning to be and thinking will be a great time. Let's hope that it's all I want and more. If nothing else, it'll be fun hearing and sharing experiences. I'm really looking forward to it.

So, now it comes down to this. I have about a week and a half to lose 2 lbs (a goal to be 190 by my Company's Christmas party). I have to keep myself up and active. The 10 miles a day at the Disneyland really kicked my butt - I need to keep that up! I need to watch my eating and my portions. Yes, Yes, these things are the usual, but I have to keep reminding myself how important they really are! I am excited about the continuing changes and progress. I can't wait to see where this journey is taking me (hopefully away from the dating pool at some point).

It's Tuesday weigh in day . . .

So far, it's been a good morning! Here's the recap . . .
This weekend we had a great time with family and friends. We had the "Family Fall Festival" at Uncle Carl's on Saturday. What a great time! We got together for a full day, the kids played hard, the adults played hard and we ate as if there was nothing else to do! I didn't feel really great by the time we had gotten home because I was not doing what I should've. I guarantee I didn't get enough protein, water, or exercise (but I did get some). All that being said, I had a fabulous time and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, all that fun I had on Saturday led me to a difficult Sunday. I wanted to do nothing but rest. Sure, I got some rest in, but when it was time to go at it again for a gathering of more food, fun, and friends, I was struggling. I had a huge headache (probably dehydration) and I was NOT up for eating. But I went, and enjoyed myself. It was a "last supper" type of deal for a friend of mine that is going through WLS tomorrow. I am wishing her the best and a quick, happy, healthy recovery!

So, the next obstacle - My surgeon's appointment yesterday! It went almost as expected. Their scale (which I had guessed) weighed me a bit heavier. Not to mention that I had jeans and shoes on (I typically weigh in my PJs), but they still showed a 65 lb loss! I wanted it to be more, but I'll take it. I'm still tracking my progress on my personal scale at home, but it's fun to see that we're close. The Dr. said I am doing great. He's encouraging me by telling me that I'm over halfway to a goal that some don't reach for 18 months and I've done it in 6. Well, that is exciting and encouraging. I'm just glad it hasn't stopped!

The other exciting thing was that I got to see 4 of the 7 people that had surgery on the same day as I did! It was GREAT to see them all and see the differences. It was also fun to share about the things we are doing and the things we can tolerate (or not). Everyone was SO different that it was just strange to hear. I loved it though. We were all grateful to have gone through the experience (even considering how hard the first 2+ months were), but it was amazing! I think we should all schedule our appointments on the same day for the rest of our lives! It would be great to see them all and catch up! I wouldn't trade those times for anything!

To top it all off, I was down on the scale today! So, I'd have to say that I'm off to a good start for the day and the week! I'm excited and empowered. I can't wait to see what happens next!!