Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Six Days!
They will be here in six days - I can hardly stand it! I miss them so very much and I can hardly wait to hold Brian in my arms again! Although I know he's grown quite a bit! This is one of two of my all-time favorite photographs of the two of them. Here's the other:
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I am back...
...not quite in the saddle just yet. But I cannot describe to you how WELL I feel. I just had my hysterectomy yesterday morning and I arrived home today at 3 this afternoon. I have some aches and a bit of cramping, both from the gas they put into my abdominal cavity. I am walking slowly and surprisingly upright. I feel a bit light-headed from the medications (which my doctor INSISTS that I take for the next few days) but I have no pain and I am quite alert which is another surprise given how low my tolerance for narcotics have been in the past.
My surgery was done laproscopicly and I have four incisions that are approximately one inch each. I am so thankful that Dr. Bryant was able to do the hysterectomy this way. She said my ovaries looked beautiful and seem to have at least 20 more years of life which was another relief because that means NO HORMONE REPLACEMENT!!!
SO I just wanted to give a quick update - I promised to rest and walk slow for the next few weeks. I also promised not to lift, drive or do housework (how hard is that gonna be?). Brad is home for a week with me so he gets all the fun jobs - everyone I know knows he's better at them anyway.
Talk again soon!
My surgery was done laproscopicly and I have four incisions that are approximately one inch each. I am so thankful that Dr. Bryant was able to do the hysterectomy this way. She said my ovaries looked beautiful and seem to have at least 20 more years of life which was another relief because that means NO HORMONE REPLACEMENT!!!
SO I just wanted to give a quick update - I promised to rest and walk slow for the next few weeks. I also promised not to lift, drive or do housework (how hard is that gonna be?). Brad is home for a week with me so he gets all the fun jobs - everyone I know knows he's better at them anyway.
Talk again soon!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Bubble Boy
How can I stand it? He's absolutely precious. He reminds me of his mommy so much. What a gorgeous grin.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A Change in My Life
So I am sitting here contemplating that in 3 weeks and 5 days, I will have a hysterectomy. I am not sad about it - I actually feel relief that it is about to finally happen. One of the concerns I have is that it's major surgery; regardless of the method they use to remove my uterus. I am hoping for the Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal removal but am mentally preparing for abdominal. I have had 2 C-Sections so I know what it will take for recovering from this type of surgery - and I was 20 years younger and about 70lbs lighter. I also plan on keeping at least one of my ovaries so I don’t go into menopause but am also preparing for the possibility that I may not be able to. I still need to do further research on the pros and cons for keeping or removing my cervix. I am pretty sure my tubes will be removed and since they have been tied since 1989, don’t really see the point in keeping them. I have some anger about this whole experience; not because I am going to have a hysterectomy, but because I have been through a lot over the past 9 years; tons of tests, procedures, hormones and repeating medical history to over a dozen medical professionals, not to mention all the radiology techs that have had the wonderful job of looking at my uterus and ovaries and cervix. Until 2 weeks ago, no one could actually give me a solid answer or prognosis. I still won’t have an accurate diagnosis until my uterus has been removed and examined but at least I have a possibility that makes perfect sense. Adenomyosis, a medical condition characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue (the inner lining of the uterus) within the myometrium (the thick, muscular layer of the uterus). The condition is typically found in women between the ages of 35 and 50. Patients with adenomyosis can have painful and/or profuse menses (dysmenorrhea & menorrhagia, respectively). Adenomyosis may involve the uterus focally, creating an adenomyoma, or diffusely. With diffuse involvement, the uterus becomes bulky and heavier. Then I begin to read about the symptoms and that’s when I realized, this is what I have! I am relieved to have an answer and when I came home and read about it - I swore all the case studies could have been written about me! The condition manifested itself with me on my 35th birthday weekend (which is the age at which most women start to produce less progesterone and begin having an excess of estrogen) and I was doubled over in pain from the cramping and subsequent ULTRA HEAVY bleeding. I went to the doctor thinking I might have a tumor or cancer or BOTH; to which I was told No, you're just experiencing hormonal changes and what you need is birth control to regulate and minimize the bleeding. BTW, I had had a tubal ligation so I wouldn’t have to be on birth control pills. 60 pounds later I went off of them and decided to deal with my “problem” on my own. But it got worse and back to the doctor I went. Two D&Cs and more pills, then we moved to Alaska and I had to start all over with a new doctor, who wasn’t actually a doctor at all. She was a Physician’s Assistant and said I needed to lose weight and I would feel better. I lost about 20lbs and did feel better except during my cycle, which had begun starting to occur every 15 days. I saw another doctor who put me on a new pill and had me take it 12 weeks in a row, stopping for a week for a cycle and then back on for 12 weeks. This worked great initially and I was maintaining my weight at 200lbs not gaining but not losing. But then I went in for my yearly checkup and my blood pressure was through the roof. I had no clue! Of course, I was offered BP medication, to which I said NOPE – I wasn’t going to take a pill to take another pill. I was already taking NSAIDS to deal with the pain and taking Aciphex to take the NSAIDS. I wasn’t about to take anymore pills. So I asked again about a hysterectomy and was sent to a surgeon. She suggested an Endometrial Ablation and after reading about it and talking with a couple of women who had it done in October 2006. I was upbeat and encouraged that this would be the solution without major surgery too! I had 8 months of NO PERIODS and was ecstatic! My BP was back to normal and life was good. But then the spotting started happening and then the cramping, the pain and then the feeling of having the flu for 2-3days. Then more weight gain. Needless to say, I was getting discouraged. So during my next yearly exam I discussed with my doctor about having a hysterectomy and then my husband got orders to move. That was back last November. Now I am in Kentucky with a wonderful doctor who has listened and reviewed my records and given me some hope and answers. I cannot say I am EXCITED about it, but I am looking forward to being pain free so I can get on with my life. I have read a lot about the life after hysterectomy and I am doing all that I can to be as healthy and physically ready to resume my activity as soon as I am able. I try to focus on what I will be able to do once this surgery is done and I am back to normal routines. I am defining normal for me. I have always been active and engaged and I am looking forward to having my days back to do all that I can. I am so fortunate to have my loving husband who supports me and rubs my back and legs when they hurt, who will take vacation time to nurse me, to walk with me to gain strength and to someday run with me when I am ready. He has totally embraced my challenge to change the way we eat and live so we can BOTH be healthier and live longer. The reason I wanted to share this today is because this morning I was talking with my neighbor who I just met and had mentioned that I would be having surgery and she asked me why and then I told her. Then she said she had been experiencing the same symptoms and because of our discussion, she is making an appointment with her doctor to get help and answers. That’s when I realized that I had had few women to talk about this with over the past nine years and maybe the reason it had taken so long was I did not know what to ask. So if my story helps anyone to ask those questions and not suffer in silence anymore, then it is all worth it!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Bittersweet Day
I am having a bittersweet day. My son is leaving this evening for the US Army. Yep, that's right, he's joining the Army. He is going to basic training in Missouri and then to Texas for his advanced training. He's going to be a firefighter. Now, I am happy and proud of him for making these choices and it's a great sign that he is growing up. I have been waiting for this for awhile now.
But I am still sad that he's leaving. He's such a great kid with a great heart and as any mother would, I feel very protective of him. I don't want him to get hurt even though I know he will. I don't want him to be lonely but he will at times. I know this is a right of passage for him and it's not much different than if he went off to collgege (which I really wished he had done, but he isn't ready for it yet) but then again, his father and I weren't either.
Ok, it's August 15th and yesterday was one of the most difficult days of my life. I woke up crying and felt incredibly sad all day. I miss my son. I worry for him. I love him so much I cannot even describe. He sent me a wonderful message on my phone and it means the world to me. He said the exact words a mom longs to hear her children say to know that they have become that amazing adult you always knew they would become.
I feel a little better today. I still miss him and worry for him, as I probably will for the rest of my life. I know we will see him in 9 weeks as we will be there when he graduates Basic Training. I know he will come home for Christmas break and we will see him when he graduates from the Firefighter's school in February. But I will miss him every day.
I thought this would be easier, to let him go, than it was to leave my daughter and my grandson in Alaska. It isn't. I never really realized how much of myself has been defined as their mom. I thought I was the woman who had many definitions, a degree, a successful career, individual interests, etc. But when it's all said and done, I am their mother and that is who I am. It's the biggest role of my life and for now, it's completed. Most mothers would envy me to have raised two high school graduates who have made the transition into adulthood and self reliance (for the most part anyway, the economy is killing our young people). I even dreamed of this day when my house would be a quiet sanctuary, or when I cleaned, it woul remain that way. It's not all it's cracked up to be. And it's harder than I ever thought it could be.
Add to all this drama, my wonderful husband got promoted, which means we will not be retiring and most likely means we'll be moving within the next 3-6 months. The silver lining? I haven't finished unpacking yet. I feel like a feather (I wish that was literal by the way) in the wind. I am surrendered to these events. Talk about powerless over that which I cannot change. My dad would be proud.
But I am still sad that he's leaving. He's such a great kid with a great heart and as any mother would, I feel very protective of him. I don't want him to get hurt even though I know he will. I don't want him to be lonely but he will at times. I know this is a right of passage for him and it's not much different than if he went off to collgege (which I really wished he had done, but he isn't ready for it yet) but then again, his father and I weren't either.
Ok, it's August 15th and yesterday was one of the most difficult days of my life. I woke up crying and felt incredibly sad all day. I miss my son. I worry for him. I love him so much I cannot even describe. He sent me a wonderful message on my phone and it means the world to me. He said the exact words a mom longs to hear her children say to know that they have become that amazing adult you always knew they would become.
I feel a little better today. I still miss him and worry for him, as I probably will for the rest of my life. I know we will see him in 9 weeks as we will be there when he graduates Basic Training. I know he will come home for Christmas break and we will see him when he graduates from the Firefighter's school in February. But I will miss him every day.
I thought this would be easier, to let him go, than it was to leave my daughter and my grandson in Alaska. It isn't. I never really realized how much of myself has been defined as their mom. I thought I was the woman who had many definitions, a degree, a successful career, individual interests, etc. But when it's all said and done, I am their mother and that is who I am. It's the biggest role of my life and for now, it's completed. Most mothers would envy me to have raised two high school graduates who have made the transition into adulthood and self reliance (for the most part anyway, the economy is killing our young people). I even dreamed of this day when my house would be a quiet sanctuary, or when I cleaned, it woul remain that way. It's not all it's cracked up to be. And it's harder than I ever thought it could be.
Add to all this drama, my wonderful husband got promoted, which means we will not be retiring and most likely means we'll be moving within the next 3-6 months. The silver lining? I haven't finished unpacking yet. I feel like a feather (I wish that was literal by the way) in the wind. I am surrendered to these events. Talk about powerless over that which I cannot change. My dad would be proud.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
The Joy of My Life
My baby boy grandson, Brian Christian - cutest boy in town. Just not mine. I miss him so much.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Among Friends
Yesterday, we took our son Jimmy to the airport because he went to Alaska for a week before he goes to basic training. Yes, he joined the Army and the only reason I am not TOTALLY depressed about it is that he will be a firefighter, which in itself is a dangerous job, but one in which he will be able to help people.
So we took him to the airport and I helped him check in and everything and I give him hugs and kisses goodbye; yes, he still is affectionate with his mommy and daddy. Then Brad and I start on an adventure to get the lay of the land of Louisville. It was raining which made things even more fun. Our first stop was a quilt store called Among Friends which was bright, cheerful and the staff were friendly. But I was not inspired - I don't think it had anything to do with my experience there - I just was not inspired. It felt like the same old stuff. It could have been that I have been so desperate for a quilt store (first one in 2 months) that I had way too much expectation or maybe it was due to the fact that it's not accessible and I do not want a casual relationship with a quilt store. Who knows.
I did purchase a pattern and talked to Betty about a couple of events and I may try to make it there for one of them, but somehow, I doubt it. I am finding that I am lacking my usual outgoing energy to go out and meet new people and get involved. I think I am looking at this next several months as a roadside rest area rather than making a home here. It's not that I can't handle goodbyes, I seem pretty experienced at it; it's that I don't want to invest the energy to say hello right now. I am not depressed, although I do find myself a bit melancholy at times; it's that I feel like I have too much to do to get ready to move again and I need to conserve my strength and ration my energy for the next place.
Which in a weird way makes sense since the next stop will probably be the last one for a long while and I really want to get that one right. I have to say, I have NEVER ever had this experience before. I have always embraced the experience of moving and have always looked at the adventurousness of a new destination. Just not here yet.
So we took him to the airport and I helped him check in and everything and I give him hugs and kisses goodbye; yes, he still is affectionate with his mommy and daddy. Then Brad and I start on an adventure to get the lay of the land of Louisville. It was raining which made things even more fun. Our first stop was a quilt store called Among Friends which was bright, cheerful and the staff were friendly. But I was not inspired - I don't think it had anything to do with my experience there - I just was not inspired. It felt like the same old stuff. It could have been that I have been so desperate for a quilt store (first one in 2 months) that I had way too much expectation or maybe it was due to the fact that it's not accessible and I do not want a casual relationship with a quilt store. Who knows.
I did purchase a pattern and talked to Betty about a couple of events and I may try to make it there for one of them, but somehow, I doubt it. I am finding that I am lacking my usual outgoing energy to go out and meet new people and get involved. I think I am looking at this next several months as a roadside rest area rather than making a home here. It's not that I can't handle goodbyes, I seem pretty experienced at it; it's that I don't want to invest the energy to say hello right now. I am not depressed, although I do find myself a bit melancholy at times; it's that I feel like I have too much to do to get ready to move again and I need to conserve my strength and ration my energy for the next place.
Which in a weird way makes sense since the next stop will probably be the last one for a long while and I really want to get that one right. I have to say, I have NEVER ever had this experience before. I have always embraced the experience of moving and have always looked at the adventurousness of a new destination. Just not here yet.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
My Townie
Those who know me know that I have working on ways to reduce bulk (junk & waste), streamline my waistline, enhance my world and lessen my carbon footprint. Well, here's my next step. I got a bike so I can run the errands I need without having to drive my truck. We have analyzed the cost of replacing our SUV with a smaller more fuel efficient model and we have decided based on our traveling needs, it is cost prohibitive to replace a perfectly sound, working vehicle (it's not like someone will buy it and take it off the road) with yet another vehicle.
The Art 21 - Purple Poem
Me with my Townie 
This is Brad's bike - a road racer
Just another cool shot!
My bell.
We will continue to make sure all maintenance is completed in a timely manner (changing filters, getting oil changes, tune ups and checking tire pressures) and consolidate our driving trips (ones that are necessary to drive distances) in order to reduce our gas consumption.
Okay, one could make the argument that buying a more fuel efficient car would be better for the environment but we are also trying to reduce bills and spending and it would take approximately 10.2 years to see the cost savings in purchasing a new vehicle. We can see more immediate savings by using our bikes and legs to make the short daily trips that make up the bulk of our vehicle usage.
One of the main reasons we decided to live on the installation was to save time, energy and money by living so close to work, shopping, library, and fitness facilities. So many people who work here live anywhere from 5-35 miles away and that takes a toll on the environment. Money was the deciding factor for us as I am not planning to work since we're not going to be here very long. It's cheaper to live closer to where you work and shop and yet so many Americans commute long distances for work.
My daughter's fiance for one commutes approximately 40 miles each way to work so the raise he receives has gotten lost in the increase in fuel expenses. My sister-in-law's hubby commutes almost 60 miles each way a day (he leaves for work at 5am to arrive by 7am) in Washington, DC traffic. She was commuting the same distance for a $14/hour job. It's insane! None of them drives with anyone else. How wasteful.
Brad and I have always tried to live close to his work, mostly to save us money (since I was a stay at home mom) and until I went back to work, we only had one vehichle. We are going back to one vehicle shortly. So what's all of this got to do with my Townie - well here she is!
The Art 21 - Purple Poem She is a 21 speed, commuter bike with a rack and a basket for carrying items like my camera bag, groceries and library books. She's ergonomically designed to be able to sit with both feet flat on the surface of the road and when pedaling the rider (that's me) sits comfortable with the legs forard reducing the stress on the knees. Now the reason I got this bike is below:
Me with my TownieThe picture should at least say a thousand words. - 'nuff said.
This is Brad's bike - a road racerWhy didn't I get one? Look above to "Me and my Townie" - 'nuff said.
Some close ups of the beatiful poem and writing - it's truly inspiring - "is a choice you make from moment to moment" and another "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
"dare to change"
my bike rack - I have a satchel that straps to the back to carry things like more books, a bigger camera, etc.
Possibly the view from whe I may fall of it in the future.
Just another cool shot!
My bell.Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Six Feet Under & Dexter
I just finished the fifth season of Six Feet Under and I have been emotionally drained for the past few days. The HBO series stars Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Rachel Griffith, and Richard Jenkins.
From the HBO, Six Feet Under website:
Los Angeles, Christmas Eve, Nathaniel Fisher, owner of the Fisher and Sons Funeral Home, is killed when a municipal bus broadsides his new hearse. The tragedy casts a pall on the holiday homecoming of son Nate (who works for an organic food co-op in Seattle), as he must not only deal with the death of a father, but the fragile egos of mother Ruth (who has been having a secret affair with her hairdresser, Hiram), brother David (a closet homosexual seeing a black policeman named Keith), and a sister Claire (a rebellious high-schooler who receives the bad news after dropping crystal meth with new boyfriend Gabe). The only good thing to happen to Nate is Brenda, a passionate women he met on the plane, just before learning of his father's death. At home, David eschews the talents of his young mortician, Fredrico, to personally undo the damage of his dad's accident. The ensuing funeral leaves the family's deepest emotions exposed, and calls into question some of our more absurd rites of passage. At the grave site, David is not amused by the advances of Matthew Gilardi of Kroehner Service Corporation, a funeral- home conglomerate looking to buy out the Fishers business. As for senior Nathaniel, he may have been laid to rest- but has plenty left to reveal to his family.
Of course, how could I RESIST, I had to watch this series and much to my surprise, I LOVED it! What an innovative show; excellent writing and wonderful characters, best show I have ever watched! (And that means better than LOST.)
Now there are some provocative scenes in this series and they push the envelope, but they serve the series well and quite honestly, I was more shocked by Nate Jr.'s (straight brother) behaviour than I was with David's (gay brother) mainly because of the pain he seemed to cause the loves in his life. But I digress; you should watch it simply because it is one of the best shows ever and if you are tired of the same old same old - it is worth putting on your Netflix list or DVDs to buy. I rented it from the library but I know some of you just HAVE to have it on your shelves.
A side note - I discovered this gem by way of catching an episode of Dexter on CBS. It's a series about a serial killer who only kills other serial killers. It stars Michael C. Hall (whom I just love) and I was so intrigued by the episode I rented the entire season from Netflix while I was still in Alaska. Thank goodness I did because the Showtime original series is much better than the "edited for broadcast television" and the bonus of course, NO COMMERCIALS! I looked up Michael on the Internet and discovered that he was in Six Feet Under and after reading the above excerpt - just had to go there.
We just rented Dexter Season 1 again to watch with my son because Season 2 comes out in August and Season 3 begins on Showtime in September (which we got a year free when we signed up for Direct TV, which my hubby could not live without his ESPN and FOX sports; another story).
Anyway, here's my summer watching recommendations if anyone should care. I plan on started The Wire (another HBO series) next all courtesy of my local library. Just a small step in reducing clutter and waste, thereby reducing my carbon footprint on this earth.
From the HBO, Six Feet Under website:
Los Angeles, Christmas Eve, Nathaniel Fisher, owner of the Fisher and Sons Funeral Home, is killed when a municipal bus broadsides his new hearse. The tragedy casts a pall on the holiday homecoming of son Nate (who works for an organic food co-op in Seattle), as he must not only deal with the death of a father, but the fragile egos of mother Ruth (who has been having a secret affair with her hairdresser, Hiram), brother David (a closet homosexual seeing a black policeman named Keith), and a sister Claire (a rebellious high-schooler who receives the bad news after dropping crystal meth with new boyfriend Gabe). The only good thing to happen to Nate is Brenda, a passionate women he met on the plane, just before learning of his father's death. At home, David eschews the talents of his young mortician, Fredrico, to personally undo the damage of his dad's accident. The ensuing funeral leaves the family's deepest emotions exposed, and calls into question some of our more absurd rites of passage. At the grave site, David is not amused by the advances of Matthew Gilardi of Kroehner Service Corporation, a funeral- home conglomerate looking to buy out the Fishers business. As for senior Nathaniel, he may have been laid to rest- but has plenty left to reveal to his family.
Of course, how could I RESIST, I had to watch this series and much to my surprise, I LOVED it! What an innovative show; excellent writing and wonderful characters, best show I have ever watched! (And that means better than LOST.)
Now there are some provocative scenes in this series and they push the envelope, but they serve the series well and quite honestly, I was more shocked by Nate Jr.'s (straight brother) behaviour than I was with David's (gay brother) mainly because of the pain he seemed to cause the loves in his life. But I digress; you should watch it simply because it is one of the best shows ever and if you are tired of the same old same old - it is worth putting on your Netflix list or DVDs to buy. I rented it from the library but I know some of you just HAVE to have it on your shelves.
A side note - I discovered this gem by way of catching an episode of Dexter on CBS. It's a series about a serial killer who only kills other serial killers. It stars Michael C. Hall (whom I just love) and I was so intrigued by the episode I rented the entire season from Netflix while I was still in Alaska. Thank goodness I did because the Showtime original series is much better than the "edited for broadcast television" and the bonus of course, NO COMMERCIALS! I looked up Michael on the Internet and discovered that he was in Six Feet Under and after reading the above excerpt - just had to go there.
We just rented Dexter Season 1 again to watch with my son because Season 2 comes out in August and Season 3 begins on Showtime in September (which we got a year free when we signed up for Direct TV, which my hubby could not live without his ESPN and FOX sports; another story).
Anyway, here's my summer watching recommendations if anyone should care. I plan on started The Wire (another HBO series) next all courtesy of my local library. Just a small step in reducing clutter and waste, thereby reducing my carbon footprint on this earth.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Unpacking
It's just as laborious as packing. In fact, one could even argue that it's more laborious given that you have to set everything up and find a new home for it all. We moved from 2500 sq feet into approx 1600 sq feet and I am realizing that I should have done a better job of getting rid of stuff on the Alaskan end. How ridiculous it is that I should have so much junk! I think my clothing reproduced in shipment (nothing better to do for 6 weeks) as I have a bigger closet and my hubby has his own now and we still can't fit it all.
My kitchen is smaller and the cabinets here are designed poorly. I have tall skinny cabinets that hold basically one or two glasses at the most. Okay, I just looked up and saw that there are six plastic wine glasses on one shelf, but what about the margarita glasses? The coffee mugs? Nowhere for the plates to go but I do have a counter. We won't even discuss my "sewing room" which is really the eat in dining area. All I can say is that I will be in this process for some time. I think I will take my sewing machine in for cleaning now as it will probably be done before I get everything unpacked anyway.
How long before he retires?????
My kitchen is smaller and the cabinets here are designed poorly. I have tall skinny cabinets that hold basically one or two glasses at the most. Okay, I just looked up and saw that there are six plastic wine glasses on one shelf, but what about the margarita glasses? The coffee mugs? Nowhere for the plates to go but I do have a counter. We won't even discuss my "sewing room" which is really the eat in dining area. All I can say is that I will be in this process for some time. I think I will take my sewing machine in for cleaning now as it will probably be done before I get everything unpacked anyway.
How long before he retires?????
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Bought a new scale
I was debating on whether to get a scale or not after ridding myself of the one we had in AK. I hadn't weighed myself since we left the house in AK and I know I have lost some weight during the trip and all, because my clothes were fitting differently. It was driving me crazy not knowing how much though. So I broke down and got one at Target. It calculates your weight, Water (Hydration) Precentage and Body Fat Percentage. It's useful in determining whether the weight you are losing is fat and if you are increasing muscle.
So I got on it this morning and I weigh 223 exactly. It was a bit comforting to know that I have lost 12 pounds since the last time I weighed myself in AK. My BMI is 36, which means I am obese; my body fat percentage is 25.6%, not so comforting to know that since our body's weight is made up of anywhere from 55-75% water; and since excessive fat can mean increased dehydration because fat has less water than lean muscle, this in turn can hinder weight loss. So, I am obese and dehydrated. A great place to start.
Those of you who know me, know that I have spent the last five years working in a pool teaching water aerobics and swimming lessons so I am not necessarily looking forward to doing that again. It isn't working well anyway. I'm not a gym person either, I get totally insecure seeing all the buff people working out hardly breathing while I am sweating like a pig and puffing like I just smoked a pack of cigs (I don't smoke, quit on my birthday, 1999).
I have been walking the dogs here and there, but I need to be more consistent for all of our sakes. Yesterday, I discovered a path that's about 1.5miles around the neighborhood which I enjoyed and I think the dogs did too. I think I am going to start with once or twice a day because it takes about 25-30 minutes to walk the course and we do have to stop for them to sniff and potty and all the other miscellaneous stuff that dogs do. My biggest hurdle is controlling two 70lbs dogs who have the energy of 20. My shoulders feel like they are going to get torn out of the sockets and my hands and wrists get sore from gripping the leads. I have to say, they have gotten better but we need some more work. But I know I need to do it - it's part of the plan.
So that's my plan for exercise right now, walking and unloading 19,000lbs of household goods when they get here. Oh, and eat less junk and more vegetables.
So I got on it this morning and I weigh 223 exactly. It was a bit comforting to know that I have lost 12 pounds since the last time I weighed myself in AK. My BMI is 36, which means I am obese; my body fat percentage is 25.6%, not so comforting to know that since our body's weight is made up of anywhere from 55-75% water; and since excessive fat can mean increased dehydration because fat has less water than lean muscle, this in turn can hinder weight loss. So, I am obese and dehydrated. A great place to start.
Those of you who know me, know that I have spent the last five years working in a pool teaching water aerobics and swimming lessons so I am not necessarily looking forward to doing that again. It isn't working well anyway. I'm not a gym person either, I get totally insecure seeing all the buff people working out hardly breathing while I am sweating like a pig and puffing like I just smoked a pack of cigs (I don't smoke, quit on my birthday, 1999).
I have been walking the dogs here and there, but I need to be more consistent for all of our sakes. Yesterday, I discovered a path that's about 1.5miles around the neighborhood which I enjoyed and I think the dogs did too. I think I am going to start with once or twice a day because it takes about 25-30 minutes to walk the course and we do have to stop for them to sniff and potty and all the other miscellaneous stuff that dogs do. My biggest hurdle is controlling two 70lbs dogs who have the energy of 20. My shoulders feel like they are going to get torn out of the sockets and my hands and wrists get sore from gripping the leads. I have to say, they have gotten better but we need some more work. But I know I need to do it - it's part of the plan.
So that's my plan for exercise right now, walking and unloading 19,000lbs of household goods when they get here. Oh, and eat less junk and more vegetables.
Monday, June 16, 2008
First Steps
Okay - so I needed a new washer and dryer because mine crapped out in Alaska and we left them there. I have wanted a front load washer for a while and I had been researching which ones were the best in energy efficiency and reduced water usage. It was a toss up between 3 sets and we decided to go with this lovely set because the price was right, the energy efficiency ratings were excellent and the reputation of Maytag itself.
We got them on sale at Lowe's and the delivery was free. The energy cost for the year, estimated doing 8 loads of laundry a week, is $18 for the dryer and $27 for the washer. I figure it will be a bit more given all the fabric I need to wash from my stash. Maytag has an excellent reputation for durability and function. They look great too! My sister-in-law, Tracey, has an old set in her basement, probably at least 30 years old, and she says she can't kill it.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Healthy, Wealthy, & Wiser. And so it begins...
...this is the home in which I will spend the next year (at least) working through a gazillion pounds (actually 19,040) of stuff accumulated in the past 24 years (possibly only the last 6 we were in Alaska). My goal is to become trim and slim, mean and lean, make fighting weight, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.
So I should start with the obvious goal - work through an obscene amount of fabric by making quilts and finishing them. I will apprise you of my plans here and will use my "Finally Finished" and "Unifinished Offerings" to post progress.
Another goal is to reduce my waste and I've already begun an aggressive recycling program here. I have my bins for sorting and I have already gotten the down low on what can be taken from my house and what I will need to take to the center on a weekly basis.
It's next to the commissary so I should be able to stay consitant on this goal. I have also installed a water filter on the tap so no more bottled water, only what I put in my nice alunimum refillable one. I even bought permanent straws to use until I fix that hole in my lip that causes liquids to drip on my shirt. I am going to be constantly searching for other ways I can reduce our waste and will post as I learn.
Another obvious goal is to reduce my wasteline, bustline and my triple chin. I have tried so many diets so I am going back to Weight Watchers online and I am going to get more physical. More on that later.
Another goal is to become debt free and to reduce my spending. I have made some headway, but I will become more aggressive in this endeavor as well.
I want this year to be about growth and seeing all the possiblities of my future, whatever that may reveal. I turned 44 a few days ago and I think Ihave been in the midst of a type of mid-life crisis. And no one can blame me, I mean, my God, I became a Grandma last year! Can't think of too many things that will shake a person up more than that. Now as you may already know, I love that little guy so deeply and completely and I am so over whatever sent me down that path, but I find it's helpful to know where you've been in order to help you go forward.
And going forward is the plan! Please feel free to join me in my adventure and comment whenever you feel like you want or need to. I am human and I can accept that I have many areas to improve in, so if you need to judge, be fair and be constructive, otherwise don't bother.
Well, wish me luck, say prayers for me, send postive vibes, or anything else in support - I'll take anything you send.
More soon!
Laura
So I should start with the obvious goal - work through an obscene amount of fabric by making quilts and finishing them. I will apprise you of my plans here and will use my "Finally Finished" and "Unifinished Offerings" to post progress.
Another goal is to reduce my waste and I've already begun an aggressive recycling program here. I have my bins for sorting and I have already gotten the down low on what can be taken from my house and what I will need to take to the center on a weekly basis.
It's next to the commissary so I should be able to stay consitant on this goal. I have also installed a water filter on the tap so no more bottled water, only what I put in my nice alunimum refillable one. I even bought permanent straws to use until I fix that hole in my lip that causes liquids to drip on my shirt. I am going to be constantly searching for other ways I can reduce our waste and will post as I learn.
Another obvious goal is to reduce my wasteline, bustline and my triple chin. I have tried so many diets so I am going back to Weight Watchers online and I am going to get more physical. More on that later.
Another goal is to become debt free and to reduce my spending. I have made some headway, but I will become more aggressive in this endeavor as well.
I want this year to be about growth and seeing all the possiblities of my future, whatever that may reveal. I turned 44 a few days ago and I think Ihave been in the midst of a type of mid-life crisis. And no one can blame me, I mean, my God, I became a Grandma last year! Can't think of too many things that will shake a person up more than that. Now as you may already know, I love that little guy so deeply and completely and I am so over whatever sent me down that path, but I find it's helpful to know where you've been in order to help you go forward.
And going forward is the plan! Please feel free to join me in my adventure and comment whenever you feel like you want or need to. I am human and I can accept that I have many areas to improve in, so if you need to judge, be fair and be constructive, otherwise don't bother.
Well, wish me luck, say prayers for me, send postive vibes, or anything else in support - I'll take anything you send.
More soon!
Laura
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Plans for the future
This is the year I commit to cleaning up my act; straightening my affairs; streamlining my house, my body, and my attitude; and preparing for my husband's retirement from the Army. Please be patient as I am in transition - literally moving from Alaska to Kentucky. More when we get there in a month.
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