Goodbye 2008 Hello 2009

2008 has been a rough year medically for my husband. I am praying that 2009 will be only preventative medicine, other than my arm surgery that I hope I can get this year!

So, for the start of 2009 I'm faced with the decision of a plea bargin for the guy that hit my husband. The attorney says that we need to "make an offer" if we want, or if we choose he can move forward full blown.....so what to do. I have never dealt with anything like this and have no clue what is acceptable, so what do we do?!?

I have absolutely no plans for the evening, I'm sure I'll be in bed before midnight. It's funny how 10-12 years ago this night was such a big deal and now it's just another day. Just another thing that makes me realize I'm older. Oh well, I have accomplished quite a bit for a 32 year old!

2009 Goals/Plans

*Maintain my current weight
*Try to get more protein in
*Try to work out more regularly
*Spend more quality time with my family
*Try and budget money better and not shop so much
*Keep my head held high and be proud of my weight loss
*Try and get my family more active

Hope you all have a wonderful, safe New Years Eve and a Happy healthy 2009!!

Is It January Yet?!?!?

I am so glad the holidays are over. We had a really nice Christmas this year, but I'm just glad it's all over and done with and I can get my house back to normal and get back into a normal daily routine! My brother and mom came out Monday and left today. We hadn't spent a Christmas together in 11 years, so it was wonderful having my entire family together (husband, kids, sister, brother, mom, dad, grandparents). Let's see, quick overview...they got in late Monday night, Tuesday we did some last minute shopping in the ice and freezing cold, Wednesday, bummed out then had Christmas at my grandparents house, Thursday Christmas and dinner at our house, Friday shopping at the crack of dawn for bargins then Christmas at my dad's house, Saturday, dinner again with all the family then friends over for the UFC fight, Sunday.....nice and quite afternoon!
The other Amber posted about presents for your kids and how they have so much. It was absolutely ridiculous the presents my kids had. I mean just completely crazy! Granted, the were getting from my mom, my dad, my grandparents, my sister, my brother, and us, but even so, it was like Santa's workshop blew up in my living room. They got so much stuff I still don't know where to go with everything! But how do you not give your kids a great Christmas? I love that we can do that for them, just sometimes when I look at it and think of others and what they don't have I feel guilty. Guess that's the way it is with many things in life.
Most of my Christmas stuff is upt away. There are a few ornaments left on the tree and the tree itself, and the lighs outside, but that I have to call the company to come take them down. Other than that and the random toys/gifts laying around, everything is pretty much back to normal, thank goodness.
I got lots of goodies for Christmas, however most of the ones from Steven I bought myself. Ii got some new clothes and jammies, which I was totally excited about, but even those I picked out while shopping with my grandparents. All in all it was a nice holiday. We ended up with a white Christmas. It snowed Christmas Eve and by the end of the day Christmas day it was all melted.
Well, I have to work tomorrow, so I'm off to bed. Not doing anything for NYE, Steven works, as he has every year for the last 10 years. I'm sure I'll be in bed before the ball drops!
Also, had tons of crap around the house and I did graze and eat stuff I know I shouldn't have, but thank goodness I'm sitting at 138. Want to try and get back on my protein bars at least once a day and get in more water and commit to working out at least 4 days a week. Those are my goals for 2009!

Not sure what's going on

I don't know what's up with me, I'm just feeling blah the last few days. Maybe it's PMS or something. I should be excited that my mom and brother will be here in two days and Christmas will be here in less than a week, so I'm not sure what my deal is. One minute I'm in a good mood then the next I'm feeling blah. Anyways...nothing new to report here, Jacob has a friend sleeping over tonight. I have to work all day tomorrow and Sunday and Monday.....eh....not so much enjoying the job anymore, I just don't like having to commit to being somewhere at a certain time! :) I'm spoiled, what can I say! Anyways, that's it for now, just thought I'd post about being in a crummy mood! :)

Seriously, Could it BE any colder

OMG, I'm so ready for summer!!! I don't think it got to 20 today! It is just so cold outside. We got about 4" of snow Monday, so no school Tuesday, which now pushes the last day to the 27th of May. There's a 90% chance of "freezing rain" tomorrow, so we'll see if there's school tomorrow. I'm starting to freak b/c my sister's wedding is on the 30th, so not sure how we're going to do the wedding if Jacob's still in school. Just FYI, I'm one of those parents who does not let my child miss school for anything, unless he was super sick or something. But he's in 5th grade and has never missed a day of school, which he prides himself in! I finally worked out today, just wasn't into it though. Not sure why. I actually started my day doing a few final Christmas purchases, then worked out, then came home and cleaned (my mom and brother get here Monday and I work all weekend). Then I showered, got dressed and went back out with both the kids. I think it was like 15 outside when we finally got home! Anyways, I'm finally going to sit down and relax and watch Y & R. BTW, Susy, I LOVE the video. I've watched it like 3 times already....cracked me up!

Remembering Life 2 Years Ago Today

It is hard to belive it has been 2 years since my surgery. I got on the scale this morning and was at my normal, 142, which made me very happy. So far I'm doing good with maintaining, I just pray I can make that same comment in another 2 years.

I can run
I can run up and down stairs 4-5 times in a row without huffing
I can paint my own toe nails
I can get up off the floor without having to use my hands or bracing myself
I can get in/out of the car like a normal person
I can run errands (we're talking 6-7 stores) and not think twice about it
I can feel confident when walking around
I can smile for no reason at all because I'm proud of myself
I can do anything I put my mind to

2 years ago today I made a choice to change my life and boy oh boy has my life changed!

Working Out

It seems like I'm an "Every Other Week" person. Last week, I went Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri working out, now this week, it's like I have stuff to do so it interfers with working, which is a sad excuse. Actually today, it's super snowing outside, so I was not about to go out in this. So far it looks like we've had about 2" and it's still coming down. It's 27 out but feels like 13 and is windy. I did get a lot accomplished around the house today. I finished up our Christmas cards, finished up cards for all of Steven's employees (84 to be exact) then finished up the presents for his employees (60 of those). I bought coffee mugs last Christmas so I got candy and filled them then wrapped them in celephane. It took FOREVER...I hope they appreciate it. Wish we could do more for them, but even a $5 gift card for each would be over $300 and that just isn't an option for us right now. Anyways, just thought I'd post. Also, went looking for a size 4 dress pants at Sams Club and guess what, they don't carry size 4, smallest they carry is 6...nice, so now I have to go spend more money and buy some at a department store. Maybe Wal Mart or Target will have some. My size 6 literally hang on my hips.

Just to Clarify

OK, so just so we're clear, I LOVE getting comments on my blog. It reminds me that people out there do read it! Also, ZAMY, I tried to comment on your blog, but it said only team members were allowed or something, so not sure what that's about!
Let's see, nothing new going on here, worked all day today. It's a little busier, but nothing great. I just enjoy getting out and being around other adults. OK, before I forget, I got an awesone new bra that makes the ladies look awesome! The Balconette from Lane Bryant...it is amazing! I love this bra. It makes me look great, plus they stay put and don't fall out the top/sides/etc! Anyways, just wanted to share. And they're pretty reasonable price wise, they're like $32 and they're almost always buy one get one 1/2 off! So I ordered 2 more today...I love them! I measure at a 34, but I can totally do the 36 in the first hook! So don't let the sized detur you!
Anyways, that's my big news. We went and saw Santa last night, Athena was not interested at all. Posting a picture for everyone to see...I had to hold her b/c she was ready to take off and wanted to be no where near him! We went to Bass Pro and the picture was free, which was even better. At the mall they want like $25 for 2 pictures, so since Athena wasn't interested, I figured why waste money on a picture that isn't all that great, plus has me in it! :)
Well, I think I'm going to go read for a while and then off to bed. Steven is at work, Athena is crashed, and Jacob is having a sleepover with my grandparents!
Night everyone! :)

Blah Blah Blah

Nothing really new to blog about, just thought I'd post something. I finally worked out today, it had been over a week! I probably won't be able to move tomorrow! I did a mile on the ellipticle then did upper body! Eating wise I'm not doing too good. I just can't get my protein in and I'm so done with shakes and bars. For breakfast I had a breakfast taco, lunch, a slice of buttered bread and a few bites of apple pie.....nice! Dinner is chicken and rice, so at least I'll get some meat in somewhere today!

Quick Sunday Post

Just a quick little Sunday post. I'm heading to work at noon. It is cold and snowing here today. Not a whole lot on the ground b/c it was so wet yesterday it just melted, but overnight some of it stuck. We got all of the Christmas stuff put together, I didn't put some stuff out this year, not sure why, just didn't feel like trying to "figure out" where things should go. The kids each have a tree for their rooms, but neither of them have asked about putting them up, so not sure if that'll get done either. You'd think I'd be excited and wanting to decorate b/c my mom and brother will be here, but I'm just not in the decorating mood I guess. I crashed Friday night about 9:30. Jacob had a friend over so we decorated the tree then they played video games. Yesterday I worked all day, it was pretty busy so the day went by rather fast. I came home and b/c of the weather we didn't go visit my grandparents like we normally do on Saturday, so we just bummed around the house. Finished up with getting Christmas stuff out then I was in bed by 10:30, so needless to say I've gotten 2 good nights of sleep! Anyways, nothing new to post about really, going to boost up protein today with a protein powder in my water and maybe a protein bar later today.

Shopping Addict!

I really think I love shopping! So, my sister got here at 4:45 and off we went. The outside mall is like a mile down the street, so here's where we went.....

5am doors open, we walkin Old Navy. I got jeans jeans jeans....3 pair for Jacob, 4 for Athena, 2 for me, 2 for Steven, a T-shirt and a sweatshirt jacket....$130! WOW! All the jeans were 1/2 off!

Next stop...Khols, Target, Starbucks, Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Dollar General

We were home by noon...I'm shopped out! Got a lot of good deals and really lines weren't too bad, worst was Khols and Toys R Us....we had to wait about an hour at each to check out.

Came home and put all the Thanksgiving decor away and drug out all the Christmas stuff. Steven put the tree together, so tonight the kids and I are going to put the ornaments on. I'll probably crash by 10! Have to work tomorrow, should be really busy hopefully, so the day will fly by! :O)

Happy "Green" Friday.....Green b/c I spent lots o' money today

Gobble Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

So let's see, a day of cleaning, cooking, eating, family, football, and shopping!

My honey went into work super early today so he could get home for early dinner. My day started around 8am and was non-stop. I got up, got breakfast for the kids, brought in wood for a fire later, cleaned out the fireplace, swept the kitchen floor, vaccumed around the fireplace, then started cooking. We had a super yummy dinner. I made all but 2 things. We had turkey, gravy, cornbread stuffing, bread stuffing(compliments of my Pop-Pop), sweet potatos (compliments of my sister), mashed potatos, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls. YUMMY! I love all of that food, however I skipped the mashed potatos and rolls and endulged in a little more stuffing than I normally would have. For dessert we had 2 pumpkin pies, and apple pie, and some pumpkin spice bread. After a big yummy dinner, my sister and I went through the ads to figure out where we were shopping tomorrow. We realized Michael's was open tonight, so we grabbed the 20% off your entire purchase coupon and went to Micahel's. I really didn't need anything, but I ended up buying a ginger bread house kit, a card shop for our Christmas Village, some Christmas stickers for my scrapbook, a Christmas gift for one of my husband's employees, and "Make Your Own Golden Book" for Jacob to make Athena for Christmas. Then the lady at the check out said Wal-Mart was open, so we headed over there to see if they had any of the Thanksgiving decor marked down. The had NOTHING left! Not even paperplates! So, I bought some cinnamon rolls and a frozen pizza for Steven to cook tomorrow since I'll be out hitting the sales!

Anyways, fixing to take my contacts out and rest b/c my sister will be here at 4:45 tomorrow....are we nuts or what?!?!? First Stop......OLD NAVY for some jeans! After that....I have no clue!

Answer to Lisa's Questions

I'm not sure if this was really for me b/c it was addressed to Susy, but in any case I figured I'd answer anyways.


How long has it been now? It will be 2 years on December 12! (Wow, hard to believe it's been 2 years already) How much can you eat at one sitting now? It scares me because I can eat so much more than I could a year ago. The best way to sum up what I can eat sizewise is a McDonalds Cheeseburger with only the bottom bun and about 10 french fries. What is a typical daily diet for you? Breakfast, usually a breakfast taco with 1/2 the tortilla thrown away (egg, sausage, hashbrowns, cheese, salsa) Lunch, 2 thin slices of turkey, 2 thin slices of ham 2 slices of salomi, 1 slice of swiss cheese, mustard. (I Take one of each and 1/2 a slice of cheese, and roll it up then dip in mustard. Yummy and no carbs from bread!) Dinner depends on what we're having. I still struggle with snacking at night, which is totally mental. I try to just have nuts or seasalt bagel chips, or pretzles, but I do have stuff I shouldn't sometimes. Have you gained any weight back? Thank God so far I've been stable between 137-142. When I get to 141ish I freak out and usually eat protein bars/shakes for the next day to get back down to about 139. I jumped on Monday and was at 138. I'd still love to see 135 but I've let that pass, if it happens it happens, I'm not goingn to stress over it, it's just a stupid number and not a clothing size. Dropping down to 135 isn't going to put me in a smaller size, and I DON'T want to be in a smaller size....I'll NEVER BE A SIZE 2.....NO THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Just A Quick Nothing Post

Well, let's see, I'm being lazy this afternoon, watching Season 2 of Grey's. I really need to clean the living room but I'm just not in the cleaning mood, I'll do it tomorrow since everyone will be over Thursday for Thanksgiving. Athena and I did a lot of running this morning. We went to Khols, PetCo, Michaels, Post Office, Toys R Us, Walmart. I actually parked at PetCo and we walked to Michaels. It wasn't a super far walk, but far enough and the funny thing is I would have never done that 2 years ago! It's cold outside, but sunny, you'd think by the looks of it it's about 75 ouside, but it's not, it's 50 outside, which for me is cold. Heck 70 is cold for me these days. No more body fat to keep me toasty! I came across a Turkey Analogy on Kristy's blog. It said American's turkey's for Thanksgiving are an average of 22lbs, so when putting that on me, I've lost almost 8 turkeys. I really can't imagine lugging around 8 turkeys. Just picking up the one at the store is heavy. I really tortured my body, you just don't realized how much weight that actually is until you try and lift it. There is ABSOLUTELY NOOOOOOOO way I could carry around 170lbs on my back. I'd die, it would just never happen, so how in the world did I do that 2 years ago? Anyways, guess I'm going to work on my Christmas cards. I have about 60 I have to do, then I'm making individual cups of candy for all of Steven's staff (about 75) so I need to work on those too. They're taking way more time than I planned. Filling with candy then wrapping with that celephane and putting a ribbon. Lots to do! :)

10lbs and A Year Later

Man I've gotten old! We went and did family pictures tonight and gosh my face has aged since we did pics last year. I'm only 10lbs lighter than I was a year ago, but I have so many more wrinkles when I smile. Yikes what happened to my smooth young face! So, now instead of being fat and looking my age, I'm skinny and look 10 years older...nice! There's always something isn't there...why can't I just be happy with the way I look.

A Close Up

A quick upclose snapshot of me and the princess! See below for a full body pic! :)

Photo Update-FINALLY!

OK, so it's not the most flattering picture, but hey, it's a picture. I look much better and thinner in Jeans. These are a size 4 pants and a medium shirt. I love that I can wear stripes now and not feel like a fat cow! Anyways, nothing new to report on my end. Gotta get eating right, I've slipped for like a month now. No protein bars, no shakes, just nuts, at least I've been eating those. Working out tomorrow, hadn't worked out at all this week, running like crazy shopping for Christmas, doctors appts, etc etc, always something. I swear I should live at Target, I've been 6 times in 3 day and not once have I walked in and only gotten what I went for!

Note To Self

OK, so I decided this morning to make my protein shake using strawberry jello mix. Yea, not such a good idea. I was like drinking liquid jello before it gels. GAG! Plus I don't know what Jello does, but I had 6 ounces of water and when I mixed it in it's like I ended up with 9 ounces! Crazy, anyways, when mixing protein shakes, stick to pudding mix! Nothing really new on this end. Been working out and working in the yard. Sunday we raked and picked up 15 yard bags of leaves, then today another 7. I still have 2 large piles, but ran out of bags. Going to get more tomorrow so I can pick them up at least. Then there is still the remainder of the front yard and side yard, then starting all over again with the back yard. It's like a never ending cycle. Rake, pick up, leaves fall, start again. It's suppose to rain Friday so I want to get the front finished. We have a tierd yard so the leaves pile up when the wind blows. Going to try and remember to post a new pic when I'm dressed Saturday. That's all the excitement here. I'm super sore from working out. I've been doing a mile and a half cardio then lifting weights.

Sill Questions

I snagged this from Susy today! I normally don't do these things, but I'm in a typing mood today! Have fun reading and have a wonderful weekend!

What are your nicknames?
Mom, Babe, Have a couple specific friends that call me Ber (in HS it was "Bouncy")

What was the first movie VHS/DVD you bought?
Yea, OK, as if I'd remember that. The most recent was Grey's Season 4

What TV game show or reality show would you like to be on?
Crazy as it sounds, I think I'd love to go on Survivor. Just going through that for a couple days would be amazing!

What is your favorite scent?
Vanilla or Apple or Pumpkin

If you had one million dollars only to spend on yourself, what would you spend it on?
Shop Shop Shop! Pay off all my bills and cars, then get a boat and do some remodeling to our house, I'd have to come up with something because I pretty much love my house how it is. Could redo some things in the yard though!

What is one place you've visited, can't forget and want to go back to?
Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean. It was just an amazing vacation and so so beautiful! I think I'd enjoy it even more now that I'm 170lbs lighter!Vegas.

Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?
I think before I act.

Do you have a good body image?
I've gotten better. I can look at myself clothed and think dang I look hot and I love the way my boobs look in these new padded push up bras! It looks like I had a boob job!

What is your favorite fruit?
Strawberries

What websites do you visit daily?
All the blogs I follow and the soap cheat page.

What have you been seriously addicted to lately?
Breakfast Tacos & Lunchmeat (not together)

What's the last song that got stuck in your head?
Striped Sweater (it's a Spongebob song, that is like 30 seconds long so every time we get in the car we crank it up and sing at the top of our lungs. Athena just laughs and laughs when it's over)

What is your favorite thing to wear?
I love my dark blue Calvin Klein Jeans, a fitted sweater, and some boots.

Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy?
Mixed with butter and marshmellows and turned into treats they're great, but I'm not a big cereal eater.

What would you do if you saw $100 lying on the ground?
Pick it up and go spend it!

What should you be doing right now?
Laundry, my month end financials for clients, instead I'm watching the last episode of Grey's season 3! I love this show!

Amber Lost & Found

I'm still here! I apologize for not posting in 2 weeks! Life had been crazy! Let's see, my Vegas trip was good, a little boring and sad because I was alone, but all in all it was good. It was an exhausting trip, but I did get to go shopping at the outlet malls with a friend. The only bad this was I didn't have much room to pack things in so I was very limited with my purchases! Let's see, that was the weekend of the 24th, also, how pathetic am I, my birthday was the 25 and I spent it alone in my hotel room and was asleep by 10! Let's see, last weekend was Halloween. The kids got a TON of candy. Jacob went with a friend and they ended up at 96 houses. Athena lasted about an hour. Other than that there really isn't anything new going on. Same ol' Same ol'. I've been working out. Everyone in Vegas said I look healthier. Maybe it's the weight lifting and working out. I feel "buffer". LOL. Anyways, my life is boring as always. The weather is starting to really change here now. We cleaned up all the leaves on Monday and today, you can't even see the grass because of all the leaves. We went shopping at the mall yesterday with my grandparents. They wanted to get Christmas gifts, so I shopped for clothes and they'll keep them until Christmas. I ended up with 2 cute tops and 2 pairs of pants/jeans. It's fun to shop on someone else's dime and my grandparents don't look at price tags, while I totally do. They were like if you like it just get it and I was like, yea OK, $60 for a sweater, I'd never let anyone pay that much for a sweater for me! LOL. Anyways, I voted yesterday! I was surprised with the outcome, but it's a pretty amazing thing!

Let's Try To Post Again

OK, I'm going to try and post again, since the internet ate mine this morning! I don't really even remember what I typed. I'm off to Vegas on Friday for business. I really didn't want to go but my one client wanted me to come out and help with an event she's having. My birthday is Saturday, so I'll be spending it alone in Vegas how fun is that! LOL I really don't have a lot of friends there, I'm sure I'll go see a couple that we hung out with but that's it.
Let's see, I worked out today and had a protein shake for breakfast. I'd been slacking for the last week. I feel so good after working out but gosh getting myself to actually do it is a whole nother ball game. If I know I'm going to feel good why don't I want to do it. Oh well, guess it's no different than knowing what we should eat and then eating junk.
I went shopping Monday. I ended up getting some new bras. Padded ones. I never thought I'd need those lined/padded kind, but man did my boobs look good in that bra! I got a demi cup too which makes a big difference. Since I'm not full anymore the dimi only covers 1/2 instead of the whole breast. Anyways, I love my new maidenform bras. 1/2 the price of VS and my boobs look much better! I also got some cute dk blue trouser jeans and a cute satin shirt. I'm going back today to pick up a black long jacket/sweater. I shopped at Kohls and earned some Kohls Cash so the sweater will be practically free. I only had a sweat jacket and a heavy coat, so I needed something light but dressy.

Back To Vegas

Just a hello.....I just typed like a long blog and the stupid thing dropped it! I hate when that happens! Anyways, I'll post more later!

It's been almost a week

Didn't realize it's been almost a week since I posted, there is just absolutely nothing going on here. I haven't had a protein shake all week b/c I gave my shaker to my grandmother to try, I need to go get it. I've been eating OK this week, trying to do mixed nuts when I feel snacky. It's really weird because over the last 6-8 months I've got strange food obsessions. I LOVE breakfast tacos and lunch meat. Not together, obviously. I eat breakfast tacos anytime of day! I make them with hashbrowns, sausage, egg, cheese and lots and lots of salsa. Then there's my obsession with lunch meat. I love turkey, ham, salomi, and swiss cheese. I take one of each and roll it up and dip in mustard. So yummy!!! :) Odd how our desires change! I use to love cheetos, or dorietos or something junkie, but now I'm starting to actually like things that are semi-good at least. I can eat lunch meat with no bread. Anyways, nothing new going on. I worked out Tues/Wed. Next week I should be able to get back on Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri. Anyways, I'm watching Knocked Up, totally not worth the time watching it, it's stupid and I'm glad I didn't go out and buy it! Anyways, off to finish it, thank goodness it's almost over.

Friday Night Post

So, let's see, my life is boaring and I really have nothing new to report. I have made $25 selling stuff on craigs list though! :) I have baby stuff and was like why hold onto it and sell it at a garage sale next year, why not try and get rid of it on craigs list! So, sad, that's the excitement of my day waiting for people to e-mail me if they're interested in my stuff! LOL

I got on the scale this morning, 140.1 so I'm pleased. I bounce from 137-142 normally, so I'm right where I want to be (ok so I really want to be at 135, but I swear that's never going to happen)!

I got the entire house cleaned today. I thought we were getting company, change in plans, so I was frantically cleaning. Oh well, at least I have a nice clean house now! I also did 3 loads of laundry then went to my dads, with Steven and the kids, and sawed down some trees. My dad's house backs up to a wooded area like ours, but he had a ton of dead trees, so he wanted help cutting them down, plus we get firewood! Anyways, that's it for now, have to work tomorrow and have to get to the store, Jacob is going to a slumber party, so it'll just be me and little A!

I swear when I get dressed for work tomorrow I'm going to have Steven take a picture! :)

Just A Post To Post

Nothing new to report really. Just thought I'd post to give some of my followers something to read! I worked out today, did something different. I got on the treadmill at a 5 incline and at a 3.5 pace. Every 2 minutes I went up one on the incline until I got to 10. WOW, what a work out. I did a mile then a 1/2 mile on the ellipticle, then did weights on lower body and sit-ups. Will do it again tomorrow and lift on upper body. Eating wise, I do good for like 1/2 the day then blow it in the evenings or afternoon. I got some more banana pudding mix today so I can resume my protein shakes for breakfast tomorrow. Going to cut back to only 1 tbs of pudding mix b/c with 2 just makes it super thick after it sits for about 10 minutes. That's it for today! Have to get a new pic to post, just never think about it when I'm "made up".

Banana Cream Pie Protein Shake

So, I finally got my protein powder and tried Amber's Banana Cream Pie Protein Shake

http://vanityandvexation.blogspot.com/2008/09/mmmmmm-tasty.html

OMG, the girl is a genius, I'm so negative when it comes to protein powder, no matter what it taste like it's gross in my eyes. Well adding that vanill and pudding mix what a difference!

I did the banana yesterday and it was so good! I tried chocolate this morning and it wasn't as good as banana. I might get some cheesecake flavor or strawberry next time! But for now I'm all about the banana! :)

Protein Tube Shot

Well, I tried the fruit punch protein tube shot this morning, not to sure about that! I refridgerated it and all in all it didn't taste too bad, but wow it was sweet. I drank about 1/2 of it then waited to drink the other 1/2. Well about 15 minutes after I drank the first 1/2 I started itching and burning and feeling tingly in my face and arms. I never actually broke out with anything but man did it feel weird. After about 20 minutes it went away so I finished the drink and was OK. I got some sf banana pudding and sf chocolate fudge pudding so I'm going to try a drink tonight. We'll see how it tastes, I won't hold my breath! :) Haven't been on the scale in a while, not sure why just haven't felt the need, so maybe tomorrow morning I'll get on.

I worked out today, did 1 mile on the treadmill (walking and running) incline of 5 and speed ranging from 3.6-9 (wow, up from 7 to a 9 for sprints, talk about a difference!) Then I did 1/2 a mile on the ellipticle at a 25 grade and on a level 8. After that I worked out with weights on my upper body. I actually benched 70lbs 2 sets of 15 and 1 set of 5 then did 40lbs for 1 set of 10. I felt like my arms were going to fall off. After that I did the other stuff I normally do, incline, and the rest of my arms and shoulders and chest! I probably won't be able to move tomorrow! Anyways, my grandparents celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary today, so we went out for lunch. So much for protein, I had a baked potato/salad for lunch. I did have broccoli on the baked potato though! LOL. Now tonight we're going over there to give them their gift and have french silk chocolate pie...OMG.....seriously there's always something!

Protein High

Well, I finally made it to GNC and picked up some Vanilla protein powder and I picked up one of those protein tube shots. Going to try both tomorrow, so we'll see. I forgot to get pudding though to add to the powder, so I'm thinking maybe I'll skip that b/c if I do just vanilla and it tastes bad I'm going to just mentally think everything no matter what flavor tastes bad! Anyways, scale isn't moving, but I haven't either. I drove to Texas and back last week for a funeral, so I didn't work out Wed/Thurs/Fri, then I went back to work on Sat and worked Sat/Sun/Mon then today ran errands and did grocers shopping. Hitting the gym tomorrow though! :) Will post about the protein shot tomorrow...it's 110 calories and like 25 grams of protein.

Feeling Blah

So I'm bummed b/c I've been busting my butt working out and I haven't lost anything! My eating hasn't changed either, so I'm not sure if I'm building muscle and that's the reason, or if my body just doesn't want to give up any more pounds! I think I'm going to start doing Slimfast once a day and a protein bar once a day then a normal dinner and I'm really going to try and stop snacking. I think that is what's killing me. If I didn't snack I'd probably be 130 by now. Anyways, that's my goal...we'll see. I think I'm going to try the other Amber's Banana Cream Pie Shake...it sounds good, but after watching Susy's video on sugar substitute, I'm going to just go with the regular pudding. Anyways......nothing really new to report, just feeling blah today for some reason, didn't have time to work out so maybe that's why.

Whey Liquid Protein

Do you guys know anything about this stuff? It looks too good to be true! I get maybe 30g of protein a day which I know is way way bad, but I don't eat meat and I don't like protein shakes. I'm thinking if I did one of these a day it'd bump me to close to where I should be, plus it might help me with those last few pounds! I'd love feedback and opinions from anyone before I go spend $40 on this stuff!

Worked out today, OMG, I walked/ran at a 5 incline, what a difference from the 3 incline! Thought I was gonna die! Also did the ellipticle and weights......getting nice and buff under all this flab! LOL

Tuesday Tuesday

Nothing really new, our BBQ yesterday went nice. We only ended up with about 14 people which was nice. We did chicken and sausage. It was yummy but totally crazy. You know no matter how much you try and organize and plan so you can visit, you still end up running around like a chicken without a head! I finished cleaning up the house this morning, then went to my dads to work out. We took the ellipticle over there yesterday since I never use it here. So, when I worked out today, I did 1 mile on the treadmill (Incline 3, walked 1/4 at 3.5, ran 1/4 at 5, ran 1/4 at 3.5, ran 1/4 at 5, then 5.5, then 6)...then after that I did a 1/2 mile on the ellipticle at an incline of 15 and resistance of 4. Then I lifted weights and did some situps. I probably won't be able to walk tomorrow! I'm going to work out again tomorrow. The doctor gave me the OK to start lifting on my arms, so tomorrow I'll probably do that. It's been a long time since I've lifted on arms. I ate soso today. We had leftover pizza in the house, so I ate the last slice for lunch today, then I snacked on some Hillshire Farm Beef Summer Sausage and Cheese. Other that that and a few dove chocolates I did pretty good. I had a protein bar for breakfast, it was good. I'll have to look up the brand. It was only 170 calories and very little sugar. Anyways, that's it for now! I'm going to try and post at least 2 times a week!

Quick Weekend Update

Well, I didn't work out today, but I did quite a bit of cleaning! I cleaned the living room and most of the kitchen. I must say, my body is hurting from belly dancing class on Thursday. We had a sub and boy did she kick our asses. We did like zero belly dancing, it was all working out. I was sweating, which is not normal for that class. Anyways, just ran a few errands today and cleaned. All I have left is my kitchen floors then my whole house will be cleaned. I have to run to the store to pick up a veggie tray tomorrow, then I'm going to help Steven outside. I think he's going to pressure wash the house and widows and do the yard. We have tons of cobwebs. I just don't get where all the spiders come from! There are a tone of them, everywhere!

Anyways, I think our group is going to be smaller than I thought, only 13 adults and 4 kids.

We're doing chicken, sausage, mac & cheese, baked beans, warm bread, veggie tray, chips & salsa, cheese, crackers & meat, then brownies and cookies for desert! That's a lot of food!

Anyways, off to bed!

Official Weigh In & 2 Things I Hate But Love

So, Jumped on the scale this morning. I've been between 137-142 most of the time. Today, weighed in at 137.4, which is the lowest I've ever been, but I was already there back in June, so no new low....dang where is that 135......I laugh when I look back, I think my original goal was 175, then 150, and here now I want 1.6more pounds, what is wrong with me?!?! Like I've always said it's just saying I hit that number once in my life! I'm completely happy with being 137.4. I don't understand one thing though, I swear I need to buy a size 4...but I don't get why. If I haven't lost any more weight why are my pants too big?!? Any of you guys notice that?!?

OK, so 2 Things I Hate But Love.......

Pizza....eventhough I can only eat maybe 1 slice of thin, I can still put a lot down throught the day. I hate having pizza in the house, because it is so good right out of the fridge....I LOVE COLD PIZZA!

Candy....I've learned that having those bite-size pices of candy around the house is a bad thing. While eating one completely satisfies me at that given time....you lose track of how many you stop and eat one at a time throughout the day!

I haven't forgotten about my list I'm suppose to be working on......just haven't had time to sit down and think.

Also...big day, we pooped in the potty for the first time! She freaked though, not sure why! Doing great with peeing in the potty though! Now if we can just master the night time.....not going to rush that yet....just happy that we're peeing during the day!

Hope you all have a nice long weekend!

The Weekend Is Almost Here!

It's hard to believe it is almost Friday again and that Monday is the first day of September, seriously where does the time go. In December I'll be 2 years post-op. That just doesn't even seem real to me.

I've done good this week. I worked out hard Tuesday and today. Today I actually RAN 1/2 a mile without stopping! I was totally stoaked! I ran at 5 and at a 3 incline. I also ran another 1/4 of a mile before that, but the 1/2 mile was non-stop! I just couldn't believe I did it. Goal next week....maybe shoot for 3/4 mile. Who'd a thunk it! LOL

I didn't work out yesterday, but I cleaned my entire basement, with the help of the princess of course! I dusted all the furniture, pictures, counters, then windexed the glass, vaccumed, cleaned the 1/2 bath and straightened the couch cushions! Oh, also today in addition to working out, I dusted the office, dining room, entry way, and swept and vaccumed the hard wood floors in those rooms.

We have like 20 people coming over Monday for a BBQ so I'm trying to get the house in order so I don't have to worry about cleaning this weekend. I'm trying to meal plan for Monday so I can go to Sams Club to shop.

Haven't been on the scale in a few days, I think the last time I was on I was at 140, which is good, but dang I just would love to see 135 ONE time!!! My eating has been not so hot though, so guess that is what's holding me back. I need to get some protein, wish you could take a protein pill! That'd make life so much easier!

Have Belly Dancing again tonight...can't wait! Today is super work out day!

Hope you all have a nice long holiday weekend!

Weekend Update

Nothing new or exciting going on really, just thought I'd do a qucik post. Jacob has pink eye so he's been banished to the basement and told not to touch anything! I took him to the doctor this morning, so I told him after tomorrow he'll be fine. (FYI, our basement is nice, couch, flat screen, Xbox 360, so it's not like he's suffering!)LOL. One good thing, I took him to one of those Minute Clinics at CVS and while we were waiting for the prescription I went and looked for these silicone sheets that are suppose to be good for scars. I've looked all over and nobody has them nor can they order them. Well low and behold, CVS has them right on the shelf! So I'm starting them tonight on my arm. You have to wear them for 12 hours per day for 8 weeks. We'll see how they work. I started with that Maderma when I couldn't find these, but I guess I'll hold off on that until I try the silicon sheets since that's what my doctor recommended anyways.
Potty training is going good, although the pooping part is another story. She hasn't had a pee accident, so I'm greatful we seem to be doing good in one area at least.
Bellydancing Thursday was good, I can't remember if I blogged about it. My sister is going with me, so that makes it more fun. There are only 4 of us in the class, so it's practically like private lessons. It's not a technique class though it's a work out class. I like it, if anything it's something fun. I'm going to hopefully work out again this Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri. I figure if I can do it 4 times a week that's good. I'm actually going to super treat myself tomorrow and go to the spa. Steven got me a nice gift certificate to some fancy spa in KC, as a thank you for taking care of him while he was home after his accident. I'm going early to use the mineral pool then having a110 minute massage and stretch etc etc. We'll see how it goes. I'm usually done after 90 minutes, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to tolerate someone touching me for that long! I'll post tomorrow to let everyone know how it went. I'm off to bed! Hope everyone has a nice week!

Back on the Computer

Well, I've been without my computer since Tuesday. OMG, it sucked! So, in any case, I lost all of my favorites, so please e-mail me with your blog address because I can't find everyone I normally read! I'm doing good, have been working out every day. Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri.....go me! I've done a mile and a half daily plus light weights on my legs, can't do arms yet. I've also been doing situps and yesterday I started my bellydancing class again. School started Tuesday, so it's just me and Athena. We also started potty training Monday, and wow is that a lot of work! Anyways, that's it for now, need to snap a new pic and get on the scale for an official weigh-in! Remember e-mail me blog addresses!!!

amber@sics.us

Birthmark Pic

So, here is a picture of my birthmark. It was about 2" in diameter. I had looked into having it removed years ago, but they were going to insert a "balloon" to stretch the skin then cut it out and sew the skin back together. Well with my weightloss I had an abundence of extra skin in that area, therefore eliminating the stretching process. I hadn't thought about it in years, but when I went in for my consult on my arms he saw the birthmark and mentioned removing it. Plus the insurance covered all but my deductible. Anyways, here is what it looked like. Once the wound heals more I'll post the after surgery picture.

No Title Today :) Just Having A Smiley Saturday

Not too much new to report on my end. My arm is doing good, still a little sore, but I don't have to wrap it anymore, only at night so I don't rub it or anything. I'm still not suppose to be using it, but man it is hard to not do things, especially when you're use to going. I was reading an old high school friend's blog about her cleaning ladies, and I laughed because I loved when I had my cleaning ladies, but now I love cleaning my house. It just amazes me the way I can go and clean and not get worn out now. Plus I just feel so good about myself for doing it. Oh, by the way, not sure if I've blogged about the deck, but long story short, Steven was surprising me and going to sand/stain it while I was in Vegas in May, well, he got it partially sanded b/c the weather wasn't working with him. Then his accident, so I found someone on Craig's list who finished sanding it. Then we pressure washed it. Well, the day after my surgery, I got a wild hair and wanted to start staining it. Nut Case! Hello, you just had surgery, what are you thinking! Well, I can't use my left hand, but I'm right handed, so what can it hurt. In any case, I did a little, then did a little more Tuesday, then more yesterday. It is looking good. I still have a lot to do, but like cleaning, I'm enjoying it and just so proud that I'm doing it. I think once it's finished I'm going to appreciate it even more because I'm the one who put all the hours and sweat into it! So, that quick note brings me to my ongoing list. I read everyone's lists about what they can do now or what they have done now or what they want to do now...so I figured I'll do one of those. I'm working on it. I'm not doing a set amount like some...10...15...etc etc....I'm just going to make a list of things I've done since surgery that I would have NEVER done at my weight before! Hope you are all having a nice weekend!

Recovering

I'M TYPING IN ALL CAPS B/C I CAN'T USE MY LEFT ARM. I HAD MY BIRTHMARK REMOVED WEDNESDAY MORNING. IT WAS QUICK AND PRETTY PAINLESS, HOPEFULLY THAT'S A SIGN FOR WHAT THE ARM SURGERY WILL BE LIKE. IT IS PRETTY SWOLLEN AND NOT SO PRETTY BUT I KNOW IT WILL TAKE TIME TO HEAL. I HAVE IT ALL WRAPPED UP AND LIKE I SAID I CAN'T MOVE IT.

Baseball Baseball Baseball

I'm so ready for baseball season to be over! We're almost done finally. Jacob's team took first in their league this season. Now they're playing in the end of season tournament. It is double elimination. They lost their first game last Sunday, so we've had to play Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and tonight. Talk about taking the long route! If we win tonight we play tomorrow, then if we win tomorrow we play Tuesday. Hopefully we'll go all the way! Things around home are going OK. Steven is going back to work ont he 4th of August. I go in early Wednesday morning for surgery to remove my birthmark. I have to be there at 7 and surgery at 8:30. They're going to sedate me, not put me completely under, so I'm happy about that. I've been moving more and eating a little better. It's just so hard to eat right when people in your house don't. But I make my own decisions, so I have nobody to blame but myself. Once he gets back to work I can get my life back and do my thing again. Athena is now in a big girl bed. We bought the crib that converts to a toddler bed that converts to a full size bed with head/foot board. So, today we changed to the full size bed. She loves it. It's so big though and she's so small in it! Now I'm trying to sell the crib mattress on craig's list. I love that site! Anyways, off to shower, have to leave for the game in an hour!

Moving Again

Well, I'm getting my butt in gear and moving like I should. Let's see last Thursday I mowed the yard (thought I was going to die) it was so totally hot and humid out! After I mowed the yard, I blew the driveway and back areas. Then, Saturday, we had a parents vs. kids game for Jacob's baseball, so I played baseball for 1 1/2 hours Saturday morning (got 3 hits and scored twice, thought I was gonna die from running those bases, also, did I mention I caught a fly ball....go me!) I think Jacob was proud eventhough he acted "mad" because we were playing against him! Then after that game, I went to Bed Bath & Beyond, Michaels, Best Buy, Lowes, Pet Co, and Target. Then after all that, came home and spent 3 hours outside planting plants and working in the back wooded area. I was literally dripping wet when I came inside. From morning to that evening I dropped 5lbs, all water weight because of the sweating I did! Today, we went out for a 30 minute bike ride, again it was totally hot out, then I went swimming twice. Took Jacob this afternoon while Athena was napping, then when she got up we went back down to the pool. Gotta keep this up, I feel so proud and good about myself when I'm moving!!! We're hoping Steven will be back to work the first week in August....keep your fingsers crossed. I'm actually scheduled for surgery next Wednesday, the 30th, to have my birthmark removed. I looked into it years ago (it's about 2" round on my left elbow). They would have to insert a "balloon" into the arm then slowly insert something in it to stretch the skin. Well thanks to my being fat and now skinny, I have enough excess skin that that step can be skipped. When I went to the PS for a consult about my arms, he asked about my birthmark and I told him why I wasn't interested in doing it. He told me no stretching and insurance should be OK with it, so I said, well if insurance approves it then let's go for it. So we're going. I have to go under, which sucks, but it should be pretty much like having a large cut on my arm, no nerves or muscles will be touched. I go for my preop consult Friday with Steven (same PS who did his surgery)!

Just Another Day

I'm so ready for Steven to get back to work. He's totally thrown a wrench into our daily function. I have caught up on a lot of my work, which is good, but I just watch TV all day and do nothing. I'm going to mow tomorrow and I guess I should try and clean house some, I just am like, well, I'll just sit around and hang out with him and that stuff can wait! We go to the eyedoctor today, so we'll see what he says about him going back to work. I think in the end it's up to the PS to release him and I can't see that happening anytime before the end of next week when we go back to see him.

Maybe We're Heading In The Right Direction

Well, let's see. Steven came home last Saturday, the 5th, but his eye swoll back up a little under the lid. We went to the doctor on Monday and he said to just watch it and if it gets worse call. Well, we went back on Thursday for another follow-up and it had gotten worse. So, they ordered a CAT scan Friday plus we had an eye appointment Friday. So the CAT scan showed the blood was pooled in the lower lid under the eye, not in or behind the eye which was what they were worried about. So far it maybe has gone down a little, but we go back again tomorrow to the PS, so hopefully he'll be pleased with the way it is looking. I'm just so ready for him to get out of my house...it's driving me nuts. I'm not use to sharing my house during the day! Plus this whole thing has got my eating and exercise totally wacked. I haven't worked out in weeks and I'm eating like crap. Frozen foods, Subway (a lot), frozen pizza...just not eating how I should be. I'll just be so glad when we get done with this mess and at least get Steven fixed up and back to work. I've given up on trying to figure out when that will be. On a positive note, I did do some yard work today. More work in the wooded area in the back. I got 4 bags of yard waste and a bucket of logs and sticks. I was out for about 2 hours. Then, I'm so happy, I posted on Craigs' list for someone to sand my deck. Well, I got a ton of responses and have a guy coming to work on it tomorrow. He said it'll take about 8-10 hours to finish and he'll charge $15/hour. After that I'll worry about staining. I've been quoted $550 and $300 to stain it, but I'm thinking I might really try it myself. We'll see, I'm really in no position to be spending money on something like that considering we're on WC pay, but I'm so freaking sick of my patio furniture sitting on my patio on the other side of my house! Anyways, off to figure out what we're going to watch this evening! Hope everyone has a wonderful week! Going to try and post a new pic this week too. I cut my hair last week, super short, shorter than before, wow, not too sure about the bangs, but I love the sides/back! Still weighing between 137-141, so I'm happy about that!

Shoot Me Now

There's always a twist. So, yesterday morning when Steven gets up his face is all big and puffy and hard. Well, he had a 10am follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon. As soon as we walked in he was like something isn't right. He checked Steven out and was pretty concerned. He called the eye specialist and after being at the PS's office for 2 hours the eye specialist finally got back to him and said to send Steven over. So, he examined him and determined the bleeding wasn't in the eye, but maybe in the sinus area. Now, just so you know both Dr. White and Dr. Camarata are pretty high powered well know doctors. So, Dr. White's nurse walks us downstairs to the hospital and within like 30 miutes Steven was getting prepped for another angieogram before even doing paperwork to be admitted. Well, again the found no active bleeding, however they went ahead and clamped 2 vessels in the sinus area that feed to another larger vessel. After that it was off to get a CAT scan then back into the OR to do another operation to remove the blood collection in his cheek. So, needless to say he is back in the hospital until at least Sunday. They are keeping a close eye on him because before he presented find but then things got bad. So, yesterday was a super duper long day. Left for the doctor's appointment at 9:30am and I didn't get home until 9:30pm. Happy 4th Everyone!

A Day In The Life of Amber

Well, let's start off with a new low.....137.1 almost there!!! OMG where to begin. The last week has been totally crazy. I posted that Steven had surgery Friday and everything went good. Well his face got really puffy and hard Saturday, so they sent him for a CAT scan to see if it was blood or swelling. Well, it was blood, so Sunday they went in and operated again to get the blood clot out. They kept him in ICU overnight for monitoring. Well, Monday his face got all puffy and hard again. They didn't see anything bleeding when they operated so now they're wondering why he's bleeding and where it's coming from. They need to do an angeogram, but they don't do that at the hospital we were at, so they transfer him to another hospital, but our doctor doesn't have priviliges there, but luckily his brother is a neurosurgeon there so he admits my husband. So, Tuesday they do an angeogram to try and locate the bleeding. Well, basically what they found was no active bleeding at the time of the test but that there was damage to the artery that pumps blood to the eye and that it was damaged from the initial blow to the eye. They finally released him this morning, but he has to take it very easy b/c of the incision on the groin from the angeogram. On a positive note, they did extensive eye exam testing Monday and everything looked good, so that was relief. He just can't look up but they think that is b/c of the swelling in the eye from the surgery. Anyways, we're in for lots of follow-up appointments but at least he's home. Athena turned 3 today, so he was so happy he got to be home for her party. She is such a princess and had a wonderful day and party. We did a Dora theme!

What A Long Day and Week

Well, TGIF! It has been a super long week to say the least. I don't even remember the last day I blogged. The weather here has been all over the map, so it was pretty nice yesterday so I mowed the grass after I worked in the back wooded area for like 3 hours. Then after all that I had to shower, run to Sams and the grocery store then take Jacob to his baseball game. I was worn out. Inbetween I'm trying to clean house because my mom gets here tomorrow. Then today, Steven had his surgery, so I was at the hospital from 9:30 until 6:15. It was a very long day. Everything went OK, he bled a lot so they're keeping him overnight for monitoring. I'm glad they are so he can have some peace and quiet and get good medicine. Anyways, just an exhausting week and I'm sure the week ahead will be the same. Haven't been on the scale in a while, been eating crappy the last couple days.

Just Plain Worn Out

Who says weekends are for resting and relaxing?!? Lets just say I worked my butt off this weekend. Today after working out at my dads (I did a mile on the treadmille then upper body and lower body weights) I came home and worked in the wooded area behind the house for about 2 hours. I'm completely worn out. Maybe all this hard work will get me my 2lbs! LOL...Tired as I am I feel good about working like that!

Totally Worn Out

Wow, I'm pooped! Let's see, I started my day at 7:30 this morning, not sure why Athena thought getting up early today would be fun. Went and picked up the lawn mower, got gas, brought the lawn mower home. Then it was time to continue to run errands, some how I ended up with both kids wanting to go with me, there goes the alone time I thought I'd get. Off to the dry cleaners, then the dollar store, then the party store, then Sams Club. Come home unload groceries, make lunch for the kids, now it's time to mow the lawn. After mowing the lawn, I start to clean up the back wooded area behind our house. It's all natural with trees leaves etc etc, but there are a lot of tree limbs sprouting up and it just looks icky, so I decided to slowly start cleaning it up. OK, so it's going to take forever, but eventually I'll get it done, plus we're going to put a hammock or something back there and basically claim the land as our own even if it isn't. Then after all that, I forgot I promised Athena a bike ride, so she wanted to go riding. I convinced her to go swimming instead, not as wearing, so we went to the pool for about an hour and a half. Needless to say I'm WORN OUT!!! Going to work out tomorrow at my dads and help him trim some trees. Also, I found a tick on me today.....freaked me out.....no ticks in Vegas, any ideas how to get rid of them or treat for them?

Working Out and Weight is Steady

Well, I've worked out twice this week and I feel good about it. I went to my dads Tuesday and today and got in a really good workout. I ran/walked 1 mile both days then did upper body weights and today I did upper and lower. I could hardly move my arms Wednesday morning. For my cardio I would walk for 1 song on my zune then run for 1 song then walk then run. I did a mile in 14 minutes. I'm not sure if that's good or not but it is what it is. I'm contemplating if I should increase my run time or increase the distance I'm doing. I know I need to do both but one at a time, just not sure which one would benefit me more. Also, I was at a 3 incline.
I got ont he scale this morning and I weighed 137.4, so I was pleased to see that. I want that last 2.4 freaking pounds though!
I also had another consult with a PS for my arms. The first doctor was nice and quoted $5K. This doctor was super nice (he is the one who is going to do Steven's surgery on his orbital bone). His quote was $6K but I really think I'd spend the extra $1K for him. I just really liked him alot and his staff was totally awesome. Now if I can just find $6K...........I know PS will take off probably another pound of skin from my arms.
On the home front, my sister and her fiance' have been here for almost a week with their 2 cats and 2 dogs. Let's just say having their animals here confirms I am not an animal person and should not have pets. They smell, are dirty, are noisy, and just too much responsibility. They get the keys to their house next Saturday, the day my mom gets here.

Life's Twists and Turns

Susy just recently posted things in life happen for a reason.....I guess I will sit and wait to see the reason for this! So, I get a call from my husband at about 1 in the morning early Sunday morning. He tells me don't worry but I'm on the way to the hospital to get stictches, I got hit in the eye. I figure, eh, not a big deal, he'll be fine, yet I still can't fall back asleep because now I'm a little worried. So, throughout the night I get updates and phone calls from his guys he works with filling me in on what happened and how he's doing. Well, not to bore everyone, but basically they had some stupid drunk guests at the hotel trying to get into the night club. Security was escorting them out, my husband was walking along with to make sure everything was OK, when one of the idiots basically pushed through the group came up and shoved my husband and another guy. By the time they got their balance the guy was swinging and connected with my husbands face. After almost 6 hours in the ER, a catscan, 4 stitches, and a ton of eye-exams, he got home about 7 that morning. OMG, his eye was swollen shut and as purple as you could ever imagine. I got him to bed, then up at 9 with Athena (I think she knew she should sleep in). So, after only like 2 hours of sleep yesterday was long. There was swelling behind his eye and bleeding and he has a broken orbital bone (the bone under the eye that holds the muscles etc up. So today we had to go to the eyedoctor that saw him the night before for a follow-up. The swelling behind the eye has gone down some and he could see a little better so the doctor was pleased with that. Then off to the plastic surgeon (He laughed saying he never thought he'd see a plastic surgeon before me). So, he has to have surgery either later this week or early next week. They're waiting for the swelling to go down. The guy who did this was arrested for assult, plus he had two other warrents, so obviously the guy is a troublemaker. The police department is going to obtain Steven's medical records and they're hoping to up the charges against the guy due to the injuries my husband sustained. So, I ask.......why did this happen? He's going to be out of work for at least 3 weeks. Thank goodness it was an on the job injury so he'll get paid and all the medical is taken care of. But even so, he can't do anything, can't drive, it just sucks. I am happy I get to take care of him because he took care of me after my surgery, but it's still hard having to do everything by myself. I just keep telling myself how lucky we are that it wasn't anything worse, that the guy didn't have a gun or something like that. Keep us in your prayers.

Amazing

We talk about the things we can do now that we couldn't before because of our weight. But yesterday I did the amazing......I mowed the entire yard all by myself. Seriously, I would have died just thinking about doing something like that a year and a half ago and now here I went out without anyone pushing me to do it and mowed the yard. I though it would be a nice surprise for my husband to come home to a mowed yard, OK, so plus the fact that we're trying to refinsh the deck and the weather isn't working with us, so I figured if he didn't have to worry about the yard he could sand the deck.

Back From Vegas....AGAIN

Well, another trip to Vegas is under my belt. It was crazy and busy, but I got alot accomplished. I was there for work this time, so no playing. I was worn out when I got home. I left last Thursday and came home yesterday (Monday). I ate a lot while I was there, not a lot at one time, just a lot of meals. Normally I'll pick for breakfast and lunch then have a nice dinner, but I ate a nice meal 3 times a day everyday while I was there! I cheated majorly and had starbucks twice...OMG, I don't do coffee so I get the chocolate frapachino thing or whatever it is with whipped cream on top......OMG......sinfully good! It took me like 3 hours to drink it but man those were some good 800+ calories! I got on the scale this afternoon and am sitting at 139 so I was pleased with that. Nothing really new on this end. We did take a 2 mile bikeride to the park today and played for a while. Not sure if I posted but for our anniversary my husband got me one of those wagons for my bike. I love having it and Athena loves riding in it. I plan to ride at least 3 times a week, then I'm going to shop for a sports bra so I can start running/weight training at my dads another 3 days a week.

So everyone at this event I worked this past weekend just kept going on and on about how great I looked. I hadn't seen them since October, so I had lost another 15lbs and gone down another 2 sizes. I never realized 15lbs would make that big of a difference.

Why Do We Do Stupid Things

I ask this question because I find myself doing stupid things all the time. I knowingly make some of the dumbest food decisions ever. I know better, so why do I do this? Just more proof that the surgery is not a fix, just a tool. I bought some hostess chocolate cupcakes the other day because they just sounded so good and I figured if I open one up, I could cut it into 4 and the have one piece and put it away and make it last for 4 days. Just a little nibble to fill that chocolate craving. So, what do I do, eat the whole stupid thing. I mean seriously, why would I do that knowing I can't handle sugar like that. I was miserable. I literally had to make myself throw up for a little relief and even then I had such horrible cramps and shakes that I just went to bed and curled up in a ball. On a separate note, I made an appointment for a consult with a plastic surgeon for my arm flab. My sister is getting married May 30, 2009, so I have a year to find the funds for surgery. Anyone want to make a donation I have a paypal account LOL. I'm leaving for Vegas again Thursday for work this time. Tomorrow I'm heading to my dads to help him finish hanging pictures. Tomorrow is Jacob's last day at school, he gets out at noon, then he is out for the summer. OMG, what am I going to do with him!!! I'm use to 3 week breaks and year round school........any ideas for inexpensive ways to entertain an 10 year old other than video games?!? Remember I have an almost 3 year old so I have to do things that can include both of them.

WOW..New Low Weight & New Size

Sorry it's been a while since I've blogged. I was in Vegas from Wednesday through Monday. It was so nice to get away. I was getting grumpy and stressed from being an "at home mommy" and needed some space, so I really enjoyed my trip with no responsibilities. I got in Wednesday afternoon, grabbed my car then went to visit a friend. I then did dinner with my dad and then headed to my sisters for the evening. Thursday I ran literally from 8am-11pm. I ran some work errands I had to do while I was there, met an old boss for lunch, gave a deposition, met with the attorney beforehand, visited a client, had a drink with my old assistant, visited my friend again, then had a drink with another old friend. (OK so when I say had a drink, yes I was at a bar, but my draink was good ol' H2O-LOL). Let's see my mom and brother flew in Thursday night so I went and got them then back to my sisters house.

Friday AM we headed to the Mirage (my sister is interning there in the fish/dolphin area). We got to go touch the dolphins and take pics with them. Posting one for you guys! It was totally awesome, then we got to go "behind the sceens" and feed the fish in the aquarium. That was cool too. I fed the puffer fish some squid....they suck it in like a vaccuum. Anyways, then the big thing happened, we were waiting for my sister to change to go to lunch with us and her boyfriend asked my mom and I for permission to propose. Needless to say we were both bawling in the middle of the casino at the slots! We of course said yes. That was a total shocker! Let's see, we went to lunch at the Grand Lux at Venetian then my mom, sister and I went shopping at the outdoor outlet mall. I shopped for the kids like always. I'm just not a shopper for myself. That night they went to see Love (I had no interest) so I went shopping at Ross and ran to do a work errand I was procrastinating.

Saturday was graduation day for my sister. OMG it was like the longest day ever. It lasted 3 hours. Then on the grounds under a beautiful tree Tyler proposed to my sister. I got it on video. I was totally awesome and exciting. He's already sick of wedding talk I think! My sister asked me to be her matron of honor, of course I accepted. We headed to Lucille's BBQ for dinner (Super super super good). Then we went home and crashed. We had so much food we didn't even do cake and champaign.

Sunday mom and I got up and headed to the pool at 8AM. (My sister was working and brother/fiancee sleeping). We hung out at the pool until noon. I got super sunburn, but wow that hot sun felt good. Then mom and I went to see a couple of other friends and stop at the store, then home and bed basically. We did slip in cake and champaign that night.

Monday up at the crack of dawn and home.

So, now the big news, When I got home I figured eh, I'll get on the scale to see what's up. Drum roll please.........137.7....a new all time low. I was shocked. But I was moving a lot and not snacking at all. I also finally broke down and bought a size 4 pants. Seriously, I was just laughing, seriously I'm a freaking size 4....that just doesn't compute.

Happy Mother's Day!

OMG, Almost Forgot

I just realized I forgot to post my weigh in yesterday......139.9....I got below 140!!! Yippie! Not that I'll stay there, I seem to bounch about 5lbs, but I was just so thrilled to see something below 140 and I was surprised. I figured 140 would be the lowest I ever got. Haven't really done anything different. Probably just didn't drink as much the night before LOL.

Shopping Blues

So, I went out shopping Monday for clothes. It's fixing to get warm here (I hope) plus I'm leaving for Vegas a week from today, so I need some clothes to wear. All I have are sweaters and jeans. So, I went to the mall. Found nadda. I ended up buying a couple outfits for Athena and pair of jammie bottoms for me from Old Navy. OK, totally not what I was shopping for, although I do need some summer jammies, so that purchase is OK. Couldn't find any shoes either. I did find some stuff I liked at Old Navy, it's just that the sleeves are so short and my arms are so flabby I would't be tugging at the sleeves the whole time I was wearing it. So, after going to ON, Sears, Dillards, Macys, and a few of the other stores that aren't completely trendy and for young kids, I went to JC Penney. I did find a cute denim skirt (skort I guess it's called it's got shorts under it, but looks like a skirt all the way around) and a cute red t-shirt with bell like sleeves. I also got 2 tanks with the shelf bras. They are great for wearing around the house and since by boobs are smaller I can wear them now and not look like I have a giant watermelon on my chest. So, all in all, only 1 shirt and 1 skirt. Oh, I did find a cute white t-shirt at Target too. Forgot about that one. It has the wider arms but aren't too short. Athena and I are going out today, I think to the ON down the street and TJ Maxx maybe and the Payless right down the street too. I'm am also going to Lowes to get my last 2 bags of flipping mulch so I can be done with that dang yard! My Lilis are blooming and they look so pretty. They're like a deep deep purple color. Anyways, Jacob & Steven went to a Royals game last night, so Jacob is sleeping in but I need to get him up because we have to leave for school in 20 minutes!

Also, I chopped off my hair! When I was at Penneys I went to the salon to see if there was a wait. No wait, so I did it! I was back and forth with whether I was going to do it or not, but I did! It is super super short, but looks pretty cute. When I get dressed later and fix it I'll try and remember to snap a picture to post.

Yard is almost DONE!

Well, I'm almost done. I'm short about 2 bags of mulch and then the yard will be done. Next project, cleaning up the wooded area behind our house. It is so beautiful and natural, but I'd like to just get some of the straggley trees and weeds out of there so that the other trees can grow bigger and stronger. I think throughout our whole yard we went through about 65 bags of mulch. I swear those things are heavy to lug around but I did it!

Jacob's first baseball game is tonight. It doesn't start until 8:15, which sucks, but I have to go watch since it's the first one. Hopefully Athena will cooperate and behave.

We had super bad storms last night. It was a little scarey. The tornado alarms were going off and the hail and rain was crazy. Thank goodness we didn't have any damage.

Well, the bus will be here in a few, so I better get going. I work tomorrow then I think we'll go visit my grandparents, so maybe I'll post something tomorrow if anything exciting happens!

Blogging About Nothing Really

Just thought I'd do a quick post. I love reading Susy's 100 list. I worked in the yard the last 2 days about 2 1/2 hours each day. I just look back to before the surgery and I would have never attempted that. I wouldn't have wanted to. But now, I look forward to going outside to work in the yard, not really because I enjoy it because really I'm not a big outdoors working in the yard kind of person, but because I can. I can go and squat and kneel and bend and do yard work without feeling like I'm going to die after 10 minutes. Another thing, going up in the tree house and swinging on the swing set. I can do those things. Athena and I had a picnic today in the tree house. I climbed up the ladder like 3 times and went down the slide too. We also did some swinging. I wasn't like "Am I going to break the swing", I just enjoyed my time outside with Athena. It just amazes me how much energy I have. Now if I can just get myself to work out. That is one thing I just really have no desire to do. I've always hated exercise. I'd love to start playing tennis but I have to find someone and the time. I'm hoping to go get a trailer for my bike so we can start riding this summer. So summer plans for family exercise:

Swimming at the HOA pool
Bike Riding
Possibly running (I won't hold my breath)
Find someone to play tennis with at least once a week (I'm thinking my dad once he gets out here next month)

We'll see how many of these things I actually do. I really really really want to become more active and get my children up and going more than they do now!

Tag Responses

The Game Meme Rules:The rules of The Game get posted on the beginning. Each player answers the questions about himself [or indeed herself]. At the end of the post, the player tags five people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read his [or her] blog.

What was I doing ten years ago? Gosh, that's a long time ago. Ten years ago approximately to date, I had been married almost a year and had just given birth to my baby boy! I was living in Las Vegas and worked for an insurance company. I look back and think, wow I was only 21 at the time and had been married almost a year and was a mommy.

Five things on my To-Do list today: *Get my billing done for one of my clients*Call WF to find out the approval status on the sale of our house in Vegas*Wash whites*Clean out the last flower bed in the front yard*Watch Desperate Housewives & Y & R

Bad habits: *I'm a neat freak*

Five places I’ve lived:*Cuero, Texas*San Antonio, Texas*Las Vegas, Nevada*Lees Summit, Missouri

Three jobs I’ve had:*Bill Miller's BBQ*Titan Auto Insurance*Venetian Showroom/Club C2K*Self Employed Bookkeeper (and Lane Bryant to keep my sanity, although I don't really consider that a job)

Five of my favorite movies*Grease*Willy Wonka (The original)*Fried Green Tomatos*10 Things I Hate About You*Grey's Anatomy (I love that show, I know it's not a movie, but I love it!)

Long Week

Well, it's been a very long week, but fun. My mom and brother got here Sunday then my sister arrived Monday. We really didn't do much of anything, just shopping and visiting. We did play some Scrabble and Scatergories. I'm bummed that everyone is leaving but at the same time ready to have my house back in order. I'm hoping to get the one section left in the front yard finished up this week. I don't have much work to do, so I'm wanting to get the house cleaned and the yard finished. That's on my to do list this week, the to call freaking Wells Fargo every hour on the hour every day. We are having such a hard time with them trying to get the house in Vegas sold. They're just taking their time and dragging their feet. Anyways, nothing really new to report on this end. We did go garage sale hopping today. Our neighborhood has a big neighborhood garage sale twice a year, so that was fun. I've never been to a garage sale today. I got junk I didn't need. Spent a whole $4.00 total on everything! Let's see, I did get a totally cute purse that is like new, for myself. Then for the kids, I got Jacob 3 chapter books for summer reading, an army helmet and scarf thing, and for Athena a giant rubber duck and a cute cute old Sesame Street bus lunch box. Big big purchases! LOL! I'm going to try and update more starting Monday. I work all day tomorrow after I take my mom and brother to the airport. I'm looking forward to work. I like getting my little checks to spend as I wish, plus I just love the interaction with other female adults!
On a food note, haven't been eating great, but haven't been eating a lot, so I guess that balances out. Haven't been snacking as much as I have been. I need to start making my snacks healthier and I need to start getting my protein. I can't remember if I blogged about my physical a few weeks back. They did a ton of blood work to try and figure out what is causing my dizzy spells. Everything came back perfect, but my Iron was 1 point above being low, so he wants me taking 326mg of Iron a day. Yea, OK! The only pills I could find were 50mg each, so there's no way I'm taking 6 a day that's crazy. So I'm taking 2 but I think they're causing major headaches. Ever since I started them I'm getting headaches all the time. Like in my shoulders up my kneck and back of my head. Not sure if that's what's causing them but I don't know what else it could be. So, starting today I cut down to 1 per day and I'll see if that helps. I really don't want to make the choice of dizzy spells or headaches. Oh well, at least I'm thin. Guess there's always a price to pay!

Lots Going On Here

Wow, I didn't realize how long it's been since I've posted. I know how bummed I am when I check everyone's blogs and there's no updates. Do you guys feel that way about mine? I love reading about everyone. It's so reassuring and lets me know I'm not alone with some of the stuff I feel.

So, update as to what all is going on. I've been busting my azz in my yard. OMG, it is sooooooo much work. WE have a beautiful yard, however the shrubs needed trimming, the mulch needed to be refreshed and some plants needed to go. Needless to say about 70 bags of mulch, 50 tulips, about 5 shrubs and a bazillion hours later I'm almost done. I started in the back yard. Why you ask, nobody can see that. Well, I know myself, and I knew that after I started and realized how much work it would be that I'd say forget the back yard nobody sees it. So, I started with the back yard to make sure it got done. I did the back yard, both side yards, and most of the front. There is still one big section down in the front by the street that I need to clean out, do some replanting, and re-mulch. So, hopefully within the next few weeks I can finish up.

My dad was here from the 3rd through the 12th. He was house hunting. We were out all day that Friday/Saturday looking at houses. I think we looked at like 23. So in the end, he ended up putting an offer on the very FIRST one we looked at! We both loved it from the beginning, so it was funny to look at all the others because we kept comparing them to the first one. So, after that, we hung out a little and I did some yard work since he was here to hang out with Athena.

Next up, my mom and brother get here Sunday then my sister gets here Monday, so needless to say the next week is going to be crazy! I'm looking forward to it though.

Other than that, I haven't been working out at all, although all my free time has been spent cleaning house and working in the yard, so technically I have been working out just not on a machine or something. My whole body has been aching like crazy. I was literally on my hands and knees today waxing the floors before going outside to work in the yard. Whew.......

One last note, I'm still in a size 6, which are a little loosy goosy, but the scale was at an all time low of 141.4! Maybe I will get to that unrealistic goal of 135 one of these days!!!

Swim Suit Picture

OK, so I look totally crazy because I have no make-up on and my hair is just piled on my head! Anyways, I'm being brave and posting this picture, mainly because the other Amber did! My stupid arms are just so freaking flabby!

Updated Picture

I just posted a new picture for March. I didn't realize the last one I officially did was October. It's funny when I look at the two pictures I look thinner in the one in October, but I'm actually only 10lbs lighter from October. Will think about posting a swim pic Wednesday when we go to lessons.

Just Checking In

Just realized it's been a while since I blogged. There really isn't anything new going on in my world. I did get on the scale this morning and I was sitting at 143.9 so that made me happy.

We still haven't found Athena's marble. We did go for an X-ray yesterday and they didn't see anything, so either she passed it and I missed or she choked it up and I didn't see it.

Let's see, my dad sold his house, so he gets here Thursday to look for a house. Still nothing on ours, wonderful bank is holding up the whole process.

I laughed at the other Amber's blog about a swim suit. I told her I can relate. Athena starts swim lessons Wednesday, and I have to go with her, so I had to get a suit. I looked at Wal-mart, Target, TJ Maxx, Khols and found nothing that gave my flat droopy boobs the support they need. So, my husband was just on me to get one, so we went to the mall. I had a gift card for Dillards so we started there. OMG OMG OMG can you say major expensive! I was like holy shit are you kidding me. Who in their right mind spends over $100 for a swim suit?!?! They had ones that were based on bra size, but the top alone was like $70 then the bottom was like another $50, I mean SERIOUSLY! So, I ended up almost there, I spend $90 on mine. I've NEVER EVER EVER spent that much money on an article of clothing, other than shoes and my wedding dress and maybe a prom dress. My husband was just like who cares it looks good and you're comfortable, so just buy it. So, I really felt like I had no choice, so I got it. It really is cute. It's a tankini with a skirted bottom. If it weren't for my totally gross arms I'd actually really be confident in it. I might post some pics, depending on how I feel once I get it on for real and not in a dressing room.

I also went dress shopping for a dress for my sister's graduation in May. She's graduating from UNLV. I didn't want to spend a lot, but again, now that I'm thin there is much more to choose from. I ended up with this wild pattern wrap dress. I got it at Khols and my grandparents went with on Senior day so I got an additional 15% off, but in the end they insisted on buying it for me. It's cute. Now I need to find some shoes to go with it.

Well, like I said nothing exciting to report. Tomorrow is baseball tryout day for Jacob, so we have to be there at 10 then I have to go grocery shopping at Wal-Mart.

One other thing I've been wanting to post, which will be one of my just being honest and bold posts. Since surgery have any of you had a change in your hair and periods? My hair is curly and frizzy. WTF, I've always had super straight hair. I'm trying that frizz ease, but it just seems to make my hair greasy. It's insane how it curls up in the back. Now period, OMG, could it be any heavier? It is so terrible, no cramping or what not, just super heavy period. Just figured with losing weight it'd make my period lighter, no idea why I thought that, but it seems opposit. Just thought I'd put that out there to see if anyone else is dealing with these two crazy changes.

Swim Suit Purchase

Well, I finally broke down today and bought a swim suit. Athena starts swim lessons on the 2nd so I figured I better get one. I looked at Wal Mart and Target and couldn't find anything that was supportive of the ladies. I ended up at Dillards. I spent way way way too much, more than I've ever spent on any one item of clothing (other than a jacket or shoes). It looks pretty nice though. I wish my arms weren't so gross looking though. Oh well, maybe in a year or so I can get them fixed. I'm thinking of maybe taking a pic of the suit and posting, we'll see. Still no marble.

Mindless Snacking At Night

I read one of the other bloggers comments about late night mindless snacking and boy can I relate. I swear every day I tell myself today I'm not going to have any snacks after dinner and everyday I fail. I don't get it. I'm not bored or depressed or lonely or anything so what is the deal. Not to point fingers, but it seems like the only thing I can figure out is my husband. For the 6 months we were apart I hardly ever snacked at night. I might have a hand full of nuts or something but that was it. And now I eat crackers, cookies, chips, all stuff I know I shouldn't have yet I eat it anyways. I don't know how or if I should say anything to my husband. I'm not blaming him, I am an adult and my own person, but I know that if he wasn't snacking I wouldn't be. What do I do? I've been trying for weeks now to figure out why I'm snacking at night and this is the only thing that makes sense. I have no will power when it comes to having junk around the house and if I keep snacking I'm going to end up where I was which is NOT an option for me. I WILL NOT GO BACK. How do I deal with this? I can't expect everyone in my house to alter their eating because I'm weak. I got on the scale this morning and I was at 146, so it's not like the snacking is causing me to gain, but I know it will eventually. I just don't know what to do to make myself realize I am not a person who can just snack and snack and not have to pay!

Drama In Our House

Well, let's see where to begin. I had to call 911 yesterday. I have a 10 year old son and I've never had to call 911 or even deal with any injuries, but my 2 1/2 year old daughter is breaking me in! I'm telling you. I've never been so scared in my life. We were in the basement yesterday morning. I was cleaning/dusting, rearranging and she was playing. I had disconnected the surround sound and was taking the speakers to the storage room. I got back there and put a load down and I hear Athena coughing and screaming. I go running out and ask her what's wrong. She doesn't stop screaming and coughing. I grab her face and pry open her mouth to find one of those stupid magnetic marbles (the ones that you build things with the magnet sticks) in the back of her throat. I stuck my finger in her mouth to try and get it out but had no luck. She swallowed it and was choking and coughing. She was still screaming and coughing so I knew she was getting air but I freaked. I called 911 and they put me through to the fire department and dispatched someone. The lady kept me on the phone for a few until Athena calmed down and could talk a little. Then she hung up and within a few seconds the ambulance and fire truck were here. 5 guys came in and Athena was having no part of even letting them near her.....that is until they took off their gloves. Odd that she freaked out over the blue gloves. Anyways, the one guy, Chris, was totally awesome with her. They were all super nice and supportive and making sure I was Ok. They were here for about 10 minutes and said there was really no worry because it is round and smooth she should pass it in 1-2 days. She pooped yesterday and today and it still hasn't come out. Anyways, that was my excitement for Tuesday. I mean, seriously she's a girl and only 2 1/2!!! If this is a small showing of what I have to look forward to just kill me now!!! LOL! She's been fine every since, so hopefully it'll come out in a couple days! What an experience. My husband rushed home, the neighbors called, I mean seriously. Maybe I jumped the gun with calling 911 but I was freaking. I'm just glad all is OK. So, about these stupid Cheez-it's. They're totally bad to have around! TOTALLY!!!!!

Just Checkin'

Just thought I'd pop in with a quick post. Nothing really new to post about. I worked out today and have been eating good so far today. Got ont he scale and I was at 143.9, so I was happy about that. We had the formal event Monday. I totally spaced taking a picture of us. We looked nice though and the dress actually seemed to fit better. I wasn't uncomfortable at all and I could breath. I ended up wearing a cute pair of closed toed shoes I got at Target with black stockings. I am going to return the sandels I bought because I'll probably never wear them. Anyways, nothing else to really blog about. I have such a boring life!

Just checking In

I got on the scale yesterday morning and weighed 143.7 so I was happy that I'm in my "range". I haven't worked out in several days, there's always something going on, I know that's no excuse but oh well. We had company last night. Jacob's friend from Vegas was in PA and they were driving home so they stopped in for the night. He was totally surprised, I didn't tell him they were coming. They played all night (he had no homework, thankgoodness, and we let him stay up until 10). They had fun, he was very sad this morning when they left. Bellydancing starts again tomorrow. I haven't signed up yet. Not sure if I'm going to. Steven wants me to, but it's just so expensive. We'll see. I finally got to the other Target and picked up more protein bars. They're $1.69 a piece but sugar free and lots of protein. Plus they're good. So far the chunky peanutbutter and brownie crunch are awesome. I bought 1 white chocolate chunk so I will try that tomorrow and see how it tastes. I figure I'll try and eat them every other day. I did a hard boiled egg today and that was good. Pretty much all of the Valentine candy and cookies have been disposed of. I pawned it off on random people. At Target though they had the valentine candy 75% off so it was $.69 for a bag of hershey's kisses. Thank goodness they didn't have the ones with almonds. I bought like 10 bags (plain, dark, rasberry, strawberry (so good), and 3 chocolate (white, dark, milk all in one). I tried one of the rasberry and strawberry and 3 combo but then I put them all in a bowl for Steven to take to work, so the temptation is gone. I think I'm going to go work out now so I better go while I have the motivation.

I swear when it rains it pours

So, we finally got the hot water heater fixed yesterday after calling Lowes and complaining to them about Whirlpool and their service. Now, the freaking thing is leaking F*%$$@ gas. I mean SERIOUSLY. WTF!!! I woke up in the middle of the night and got Steven up and told him I smelled gas, of course, he smelled nothing and went and checked the fireplace, drier and HWH. He said he smelled nothing. Then tonight when we got home from my grandparents house I got blasted with it. So after getting Athena down and everything I went and checked the FP, Drier, HWH and could smell it coming out of the HWH. So, I called Lowes and they said at this time of night they could try and get someone but weren't sure if they could and recommended that I call the gas company, so I called them. Waiting now for someone to come out to check it. I mean seriously. I'm done with being responsible and mature. Screw that, where did it get me? A week without hot water and now a gas leak. I'm not doing any preventative. Until it breaks I'm not doing anything to anything!! LOL. Anyways, just had to vent. Didn't work out yesterday b/c we were running around then Jacob had a 1/2 day at school and we just bummed out the rest of the afternoon. Then today I worked from 12-4 then Steven went to work and we went to my grandparents. I know those are sad excuses, but what can I say. I wore my size 6 jeans to work today. They look totally hot. A little tight, but that's good because I like showing off my slim figure. The shirt I wore is so totally cute but is large. I bought it back in october and wore it a few times but now it's too big. Anyways, haven't been on the scale in a while, not sure I want to get on with the way I've been eating. Hope that dress fits next Monday the 25th. The sunless tanning lotion isn't as great as I first thought it was. I thought maybe I was gettind darker but now I'm not so sure. I'm thinking seeing a change was all in my head. Anyways, gonna go so I can wait for the gas guy! Hopefully I don't kill over from gas. If I do, you guys are my witnesses it wasn't suicide! That's so sad to say, but hey, putting it in writing doesn't hurt right!?!

Quick Blog Blabber

Nothing really to post about. I worked out today. Hadn't worked out in like 4 days, there's always something. Our stupid hotwater heater went out. Seriously, we did the responsible thing and bought a new one before the original one (20 years old) went out so that we wouldn't have to go without hot water. Now 6 weeks later, the new one not working. Seriously. So, needless to say I haven't showered in 2 days...ick. They're coming to fix it today, so that's why I worked out because I know tonight I can shower. It absolutely sucks not having hot water. Can't do dishes, can't wash clothes, can't shower. I mean it just sucks. Thank goodness I didn't live in the old days. Anyways, bellydancing is over. It starts back up next week. Not sure if I'm going to do it again. It's a little expensive, $10 per class and each class is 1 hour. We'll see, I did enjoy it and Steven wants me to keep it up, so I'll decide next week if I'm going to do it again.

I blogged my food today. I have to start doing that again. It seems to help when you actually put down on paper what you're putting into your mouth. We have so much junk in this house and I've been eating just totally crappy. I've got to get myself under control so my stomach doesn't get all stretched out and start expecting junk food all the time. I have to stop on the snacking too. I want to try and bump on my protein majorly. The boca burger is good. I have to go get more of the sugar free protein bars at Target. I went to the one by our house and they had none, not even a spot for them, so I have to drive to the one in Independence to get some. Anyways, that's enough blabbing for now. I'm watching my soap, Y & R.

3 days in a row!

Well, I worked out again today.....gold star for me! I only did 3/4 of a mile on the ellipticle but I did it on the resistance/pace program which takes you through 5 different resistances. It was tough and I burned more calories doing that than doing 1 straight resistance for 1 mile. Odd. Anyways, did some situps too. Belly dancing kicked my butt last night. We did a ton of abs and arms and butt. Wow I was hurting! I called a plastic surgeon yesterday. After watching that Tyra show I went to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and looked up surgeons in my area. The one I called doesn't have a web site. The reason is because he wants people to come into his office to do their research and meet with him to see how they feel and make sure they're comfortable. I don't know what to think about that. I'm one of those people who think in today's age a good business has a web site, period. The lady was super nice though and gave me a lot of information. Basically this doctor specializes in body conturing after WLS. But he won't do a lot of procedures at once. I told her I was interested in arms, breast, tummy but arms were priority. I had hoped that I could get the insurance to approve and cover breast then I could just pay the doctor to do the arms and tummy but she said that insurance requires you to have the procedure done in a hospital and the hospital will only allow that procedure to be done. So, that was good to learn. I told her if I had to prioratize I'd pick arms to be done. She said that runs about $3,000. WOW! They only do consults on Tues/Fri so I have to figure out if I should just go in alone or what. I'd like Steven to go with me but with Athena we don't have anyone who can watch her in the middle of the day on one of those days. I'd love to have it done within the next 2 months, but I also said that I would wait until I was at least 18 months post-op. I didn't realize the price. I guess it's better to at least go in and meet with the doctor to see if I mesh with him and like him and also once I do that start my research on him and talk to some of his past patients etc etc. My head is spinning! I mean, my boobs look good in a bra and my tummy isn't bad, so I think if I just focused on arms right now I might just really be oK with that. I hate that I can wear shirts that have short short sleevs or tank tops. Then I think about the pain and the procedure it self and I freak out. I mean I lost 2 pints of blood during my surgery so it really scares me.