The best way out is always through. Robert Frost

I can believe those of you who knew I was blogging here to help me with the process of staying focused the rest of my life are probably casting a weary eye on this blog with a bit of disbelief. Where has she been? Oh right, she is trying again! Will she ever stick to anything? Now what?
Believe me, I have been riding a roller coaster of life this fall with work and the lapband. I have been doing a great deal of driving to schools all over the state (about 1,000 miles a week sometimes) and with driving comes "convenience stores". That is so right on. Convenient to grab something "sinful" to snack away the miles. Staying in hotels with no workout facilities (they don't know that concept yet in some of the remote and rural places we go). So after a day of sitting behind the steering wheel or sitting in a classroom watching teachers, I sit some more and work until I am tired enough to go to sleep. Not exercising again!
I do continue to order healthy choices when we eat out and the band works when I eat slowly, take my time to let the band tell me I am full, and just do it right. But the exercise is a challenge.
"The best way out is always through!" I know I have gained ten pounds because when I went to the endocrinologist in November I had to step on the scales. All clothese still fit but there is a certain snugness in the belly and that wretched roll around by middle is bigger than ever. So what shall I do about it. "The best way out is always through." I need to set a goal and although my dear best friend, my husband, is skeptical of my plan, I do believe I must set the goal in order to prove I can do this. The best way out of "not exercising" is through "exercising". Now this is the hard part. My bucket list includes walking a half marathon. Vince lovingly says "then just walk 13.1 miles around Mitchell." He is not a real crowd lover and doesn't get into sports so it is difficult for him to understand the "roar of the crowd". I need cheerleaders and "rah-rah" to get me through. In addition, I have a colleague who just lost her seven-year-old to Cancer and I can't get this dreaded disease off my mind. SO. . . I am going to contact Sanford Health and see if I could plan a 1/2 marathon in Sioux Falls for Cure Kids Cancer Foundation at the Children's Hospital.

It would be something for me to work on, like I have nothing else to do. I would have to train for it, cause I would have to complete the marathon! I just feel compelled to do this. Each of us who is walking could take pledges, like $10 a mile. It just so happens June 5 is a Sunday and I will be 64 and 1/2 years old on that day. I wonder if it is possible. Love to all of you and continue to love fiercely all those you love and smile at those you don't know as they will wonder what you are thinking and they might smile back.

And the beat goes on!

I am alive and well but I can't believe it has been two months since I posted to my blog. Well, that isn't exactly true as I can believe it but I am not satisfied with my neglect. Magdalyn was born on the 10th of June, Great Grandpa (my father-in-law of 24 years and always thereafter) died on June 17th,Dillon and I went to a college world series game on June 22nd in Omaha on the drive home from Michigan, Dillon and I flew to Atlanta to go to a Braves game on June 27 and a game at the new Target Field on June 28th, I went to my 45th High School class reunion on July 19th and there were numerous excursions in between! I have had fun but I am not certain I know how to rest.
My staff and I have been back at work for 10 days and I am already exhasted with all day workshops, driving over three hours a day in most circumstances, and it doesn't help that I broke a bone in my foot while in Michigan.
South Dakota and Mitchell in particular is having a very rainy summer. The temperatures are warm and we are not used to the high humidity. The mosquitoes are monsterous in size and one can't sit outside for fear of being carried away by the critters. The crew is putting new metal roof on our home. We are replacing the original roof of over 90 years and I have much compassion for the crew up there in the heat. Vince tore down the chimney on the garage (we think someone lived in the garage in the early 20's while they built our home) and today they readied the garage for a roof. We have had over 4 inches of rain in one hour and numerous storms with wind in the 70 mph range. The weather is strange. While I was driving in the fog last winter and spring, the old ranchers would predict heavy moisture in 90 days. Well, they were right.
I plan to get back on track with everything this week. I rode my bike out to my son's house (five miles away) a week ago on Sunday when it was 95 degrees. Crazy but good for me, I think. I haven't been on the scale but clothes are fitting just fine so I think I am OK. Hope to keep you better posted on the rest of the story, until then. . .

What a wonderful world!

I arrived home on Saturday and went from one joyous event to a bit of problem at my son's house. Let's just say, 7 inches of rain in two days makes for issues in septic fields and basements. Vince has been out there pumping water frantically since the kids had an anniversary trip planned to Memphis and left in the dark (water over the road south of their home) for the airport on Saturday morning. The carpet has been ripped out of Dillon's room and today I sprayed down the floor seam with vinegar and chlorine crystals to squelch the mold. It just keep raining. Hopefully, Kevin and Vicki can relax and have an enjoyable time away. We will be there to help with the reconstruction later.
Meantime in Minnesota, the little girl went to the Doctor this morning and she has gained six ounces since birth. I am knitting bonnets, quilting a small quilt for her, and plan to make a diaper bag for mommy. See the other blog for pictures.

It is a girl!

More later today but Magdalyn Anna was born a few minutes after midnight today (June 10). She is fine and mommy and daddy are doing well.

A Little History

Pictures of my boys

The pictures of the boys in Minnesota finally got downloaded. We spilled the bubbles but we had fun. Both of the little guys love to ride their bikes.
The other picture is of my son and his three boys on Mother's Day. These are the 3 Ds I talk about so much. I am a really blesed grandma, baba, and mom.

Round Peg, Square Hole

I have been having a great time spending time with my two little guys in Minnesota since Friday. Mommy and Daddy left on an airplane on Saturday morning for a little break and we have marching to the beat. Let's just say, this random abstract Baba is having to "hut hut" to the beat of this household. First off, the bugle sounds when Z wakes up and announces it is time to get up. I am used to setting the alarm and then pushing the snooze atleast twice each morning. Not so in Minnesota, it is time for breakfast. And there is a routine, down the steps from bedrooms to the main level of the house where the dogs know it is their turn to have attention. They are standing by the slider waiting for dismissal. One goes on the rope so that she doesn't wander off and the other one waddles down the steps for relief. Back to the boys, they are great breakfast eaters and you start with a banana. One banana broken in half but "don't take off the strings, I do that" I am told. About that time, I see the forlorn noses of the two dogs waiting to come in. And once in, they go to their bowls. What? You didn't put a full scoop in Bailey's bowl and a 3/4 scoop for Elly? What is the problem. Don't forget the 1/4 portion of some pill for Bailey in the morning. Back to breakfast, now it is time for cereal. This is a problem because the request is for oatmeal squares and that box does not fit on the shelf so the box has been disposed of and we have two bags of cereal with clothespins holding them shut. I do not recognize the content of either but the two year old does. "This type of cereal needs milk" I am told. When the banana and cereal are almost gone, we select the option of yogurt. Oh yes, I must give options for most things. That is the way we do it. While eating breakfast, I ask G what we should do while Z is at preschool. "We could go to Jimmy John's, that is daddy's favorite." Well Daddy isn't with us so that isn't an option. "How about Taco Bell, I love tacos". Note, it will be between 9 and 11:30 am when we have do find something to do. Love it! Time to get dressed for the day. "Z, can you go get your underware out of the dresser?" "You mean "skivveys", Baba?" "Yes, that will be fine." And that is the way the day begins. You have to understand these are the children of an engineer and a financial analyst so there is little random in their lives. Tonight while watching Dancing With the Stars with me, "my option", we were watching the phone call antics of the stars and Z puts his fingers up to his ears and says, "ring, ring, Baba? Could you watch my kids? I am going to California?" I just about split my sides laughing at this one. Lesson learned last time I was here, sleep when they do. We had a three hour nap this afternoon. Time for bed!

Over Two Hundred Pounds

No me, silly! I have to show all of you the beautiful artistry of my husband. Vince is a man who believes in the beauty of handtools and handcrafted wood items. He has a pretty nifty shop and he has just completed what I believe to be one of his most magnificent projects. In the winter we discussed his next project and I asked him to build a "sideboard", "buffet", or whatever it might be called. I wanted it made of oak to match our table and chairs in the front dining room of our home. We measured the spot where I wanted to place it and we discussed my needs. I wanted drawers for placemats, napkins, and napkin rings and such. I wanted closed places to store serving pieces. Finally, we arrived at a top which would secretly (not a secret anymore) lift where I could place my silverware chests. He set to work in February and what we believe to be over 400 hours later and much careful measuring and cutting, you see the finished product. It is completely wood except for the piano hinge and the door hinges. The drawer slides are wood and all of the dovetails and joints are hand cut and formed. He is truly a craftsman. His skills are quite good even though he is most humble about it all. I love it and wanted to share it for all to see.

Oneders in Onederland

Oh my gosh! I had promised to weigh on Friday morning but it was early and Sara and I had to leave for the Crow Creek reservation and I forgot. Then I went back alone to Crow Creek yesterday to finish the graduate class I am teaching there and it didn't happen yesterday. So this morning, just 23 days after seeing Dr. G, I marched downstairs and stepped on the scales. It is battery operated and it flashed "Lo" and I jumped off and started to laugh. "Lo" my you know what! I exited to Vince's workshop and hustled up a screwdriver and fresh battery. Stepped on and I have lost nine pounds. 199 AGAIN!
If you haven't read the comments from my last couple of posts, you need to. I have become very close (in thoughts and prayers) with some wonderful people in blog land and the love is transmitted in their remarks. No, Tina, I haven't been eating those naughty things and I know how good it would be if I admitted if I had. Just do it and get it out! But rather, I do believe the fill on March 28th might be the ticket. I am very tight and would probably need to admit some episodes related to eating too fast or just a "smidgen" too much since the fill but I am becoming more and more accustomed to the feel and it is so much better. I now have 6.5 ccs in the band and according to the insurance records, this was fill #4. I didn't realize that.
Caroline, I have a Blackberry and it is a "thing of the devil". It rings or vibrates to alert me of calls or e-mails. I have put it away while I am driving except to talk to someone if it rings. I also have a personal cell since the IRS thinks the Blackberry is a "perk" of the job and would like to tax me on the benefit. No perk, in my opinion. I have it so I am never out of School Superintendents' reach.
So it is with much delight I post a new picture. I felt very slim the other morning and asked Vince to take a picture since the last one was in August. I notice I am losing some of the spare tire (A John Deere tractor tire) from around the mid section. And some tulips in our yard!

Driving and Drinking

I had decided to do more water drinking while I was driving and see how it made me feel (other than having to stop more often). I think it may be helping as I have been less hungry between meals and I know water is better than coffee (even though it is decaf). I plan to get on the scale on Friday morning this week as that will be two weeks since I saw Dr. G. It is going to be OK as I know I will be successful. Nola says "1 Kilo" and I say "four sticks of butter". I have been doing a load of driving again as school is getting close to the end and we have contract days to fulfill. At caring friends' requests I have refrained from reading or writing e-mails while behind the wheel.

Yesterday, April 2

So it was another one of those days to think about what I need to do. It was nice to be able to sleep in since on most days I am on the road to somewhere around 7 am. Instead I was able to take a shower and then get ready to go pamper myself. Allison and Kevin had given me a pedicure for staying an extra day so they could take advantage of gettig bumped by the airlines and earn $800 toward future tickets. I have to say I don't like getting any payment for watching over my precious grandchildren but their appreciation is very thoughtful. On my way across the yard to the car I asked Vince if he had read my blog (I don't know why I asked because I know he reads it regularly). He looked at me with that pitiful grin he has when I know he is disappointed in me and just slipped "good luck". It cut like a knife. I let the most important person in my life down. I knew that would be his reaction as I have failed so many times at this struggle. I just felt like a real scum bucket! On Wednesday, I had admitted to Cathy (my little sister because of ex-husband). Before I had the surgery she had honestly stated she was not certain I could make the band work because I really needed to change my behavior and this was not a magic fix. Well on Wednesday, she reminded me of her precautions two years ago. It seems like I just really meet everyone's expections. These are people who know me well and love me but know what I am capable or incabpable of.
Needless to say, I have shed some tears of disappointment in myself and shame for what I can't seem to do.
The pedicure was wonderful and I have pretty toes. I came home and walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Then I went out to my son's house and watched over D1, D2, and D3 while mom and dad had to work in the afternoon. They are so sweet and lovable. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful children and grandchildren.
For food, I had yogurt, water, salad, and about 1/2 cup leftover ground turkey casserole. That didn't go down very well. Before going to bed I had 1/3 cup pecans for a snack with some decaf coffee.
I really appreciate the comments from yesterday. Tina is right, this is like getting a PhD. I have to say that I really wasn't certain I could accomplish that either. Don't know why I don't believe the therapist when he tells me I am my own worst enemy. Caroline, I am convinced there is no secret to this but if reading and writing about it helps, then perhaps my words will assist someone in figuring it out. We are in this together. I believe you thought long and hard about the surgery, as did I. It was unkind of the snit to tell you that the band might not be for you. It is what we chose and we can make it work for us. Keep the faith and cut yourself no slack, fellow bandits. Have a blessed Easter! No chocolate across the lips.

Just the Facts

My dear cyber friends and those I know who read my blog cause you love me,
This post is long overdue. I have not had the guts to write what I need to write. This blog was started as a way for me to share my thoughts but most of all add a bit of real conviction to this episode of my life. How many times have I failed at this struggle with weight? How many times have I started over? How many times do I need a therapist to tell me that I am my own worst enemy? How many times do I need to tell myself I can beat this?
Well, this is the next time. I have been sitting in my car driving all over this vast prairie thinking about how I need to write this post. I have let MYSELF down one more time. I have not been exercising regularly. I have not been drinking enough water! I have not been eating three meals a day with small nutritious snacks once in a while. I have not been using my band as a tool!!!!!
Instead, I have been sitting in my car driving all over this vast prairie eating a little of this and a little of that. Spending long hours working and not making my exercise program a priority. Drinking decaf coffee instead of water. And well, just making excuses for not getting on the scale.
No, I haven't gained inches. I am not certain how I have managed to do that when I have added 36 sticks of butter back onto this 5'1" frame. It is not the fault of the band, oh no, it is my lack of ambition to take care of myself and exercise. I can not lose the pounds if I don't move my body and burn what I do eat. Yes, you read that right! Since the last time I went to see Dr. Glatt, seven months have gone by and I have gained 9 pounds. I weighted 208.1 pounds on the scale in his office last Friday. There I wrote it down for all of you to see.
I am ashamed of myself. I am disappointed in myself. I was so embarassed that it has taken me almost 7 days to get up the courage to admit this to all of you. Oh sure, I got a .5cc fill to make that band work better but I am the one who needs to work better. I have thought about writing this post and have been writing this post, keeping it as a draft until I could finally make certain I was ready to face the fact that this journey is one of the hardest I have ever traveled. BUT, today is the first day of the rest of my life. You have just the facts! No excuses because there are none to be made. No blame for anyone but me. I have to get control of what I am going to do with all of this. My actions will speak louder than my words. I guess I will start today.
I will make this promise. I am not hiding from you anymore. I will be writing regularly and you will be hearing about my progress, my temptations, and most of all my success. I am going to get to 160 pounds (now that is 48 pounds away). I will be healthy and happy for many years to come because I am going to beat this thing with the help of my family, friends, and my sweet little band.

Such a wonderful award

I was nominated for the Sunshine award by: Ronda http://thelongroadtothenewme.blogspot.com/ Ronda is a wonderful lady who really tells it like it is and makes me smile.

SUNSHINE AWARD RULES
The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blogging world.

Once you receive one, then you:

1. Post the logo on your blog.

2. Pass the award on to 12 fellow bloggers.

3. Link the nominees

4. Let nominees know they have won this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to the person you received this award from.

I would like to nominate the following bloggers in no particular order & pass on the happiness :)
Sarah http://losingweightgainingtons.blogspot.com/
Tina http://tinasweight-lossjourney.blogspot.com/
Cara http://carasquest.blogspot.com/
Helen http://reddirtwoman.blogspot.com/
Tracey http://downsizemystomach.blogspot.com/
Nola http://abbfab.wordpress.com/
Caroline http://lonicera53.blogspot.com/
Denise http://daneesey.blogspot.com/
Polly http://auntpollysporch.blogspot.com/
Sara http://mysewingroomsara.blogspot.com/
Karen http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/

This one's for you, little D!

It is Sunday and I have been missing my relationship with church and most importantly, my God. It was time to start a new day and a new attitude this morning plus D2 was to be given his 3 year old Bible and his love of books will be expanded if he begins to love his Bible too.
Last night, D3 and I were able to catch up as he went skiing with his family for a week and my work consumes my days most weeks. D3 and I have been best "buds" since his birth. I thank God everyday for his life and pray for him in this world. He has passed me up now and is taller. He won the school spelling bee and will go to the district spelling bee for the second year in a row. We are proud of his abilities but most of all I love his kind and gentle spirit. I work with kids his age in schools I visit and I am constantly amazed at their views of life. There is so much vulgar language, abuse, and insecurities in the lives of young people today and very few of the children I see have a wonderful set of parents like my grandboys do and grandparents who pray over them like my grandboys do. So this one's for you, little D (might have to change that nickname now that your shoulders are higher off the ground than mine). I love you dearly and I pray you life will be richly blessed by many people who believe in you and want what is very best for you. I pray you will rely on God in the good times and the times that are tough. You know he is there for you always!
I spent a few days with daughter and her boys in Minnesota. That was fun? Well I do believe we have some differences in opinon on how to do things and sometimes that causes us some stress in our relationship. Allison is very precise and confident in her decisons and actions. The problem is not her, it is that her mother is compulsive and cofident in her experience. Well, let's just say I wish I could learn to be more careful of when and how I offer advice. We did have fun and I always enjoy spending time with Z and G. They are so inquisitive and their love of music reminds me of my daddy. He would so love to hear them sing and dance. I think his talents are in their genes. I had a fun night with my daughter's friends from MOPS. I wish every young mother could have their support system and listen to their values and faith come floating into their conversations. They are truly delightful young women.
Work has been challenging with the weather. Most of you know that I travel with staff to schools around the state of South Dakota to offer technical assistance and provide coaching to teachers. It is truly an awesome responsibility and I only wish I could have had some of this professional development when I was young. I wonder why we choose to spend so much money on professional sports in our country but cannot afford to fund teachers and educational programs at the state and national level. Our state legislators are certainly between a rock and hard spot but I question the wisdom in their budgetary cuts for schools in South Dakota. They have one more week of deliberations and then the hammer will fall. It isn't going to be good.
Meanwhile, I am trying to follow my doctor's advice about keeping a balance in my life. I must exercise everyday and if you are praying soul, please ask God to compel Sylvia to do just that! The doctor says I have to take care of myself. I have always been one who can do that for others but neglect me. One would think I would learn. I am eating fairly right foods everyday. I am sleeping so much better now with my CPAP. I just need to allow 30 minutes a day in my awake time to exercise. Check out some of my quilting projects later when I update my quilting blog. I have been working and some beautiful things are coming out of my time.
It is suppose to rain tomorrow and Tuesday. Maybe spring will come to the Dakotas.

Isn't Sunday to be a day of rest?

Gracie

This is a delightful picture of our 13 year old cat. She is resting comfortably on a scarf I am making. She also seems to be examining one of the boutique burpees that I stiching. She is such a wonderful companion. Just a little spoiled.

Grants Not Blogs

It is almost midnight and I have been working on a grant but finally took a break and was reading and responding to some of my blog and bandit friends. Work is a little overwelming right now as two major grants came out last week and are due next Friday. I don't enjoy this part of my job as I get frantic when it comes to explaining my ideas and thoughts in "grantese". Oh well, it is funding and goodness knows we need that!
I have been really bad about exercising lately. I did go with Allison to a dance cardio class at Lifetime. One hour of jumping and jiving. I didn't have any trouble keeping up with the youngsters. It wouldn't have happened two years ago. I would really like to find a treadmill that I could put in the basement or upstairs and have to use when I want. It would save getting dressed, going out in the cold, and then coming home to shower as I currently do. I don't think I am making excuses. I could listen to my kind of music or watch my kind of TV while walking also. Got to find a great deal.
I just make a quick trip to Michigan to see my ex-father-in-law. He has been a part of my life since I was 13, They have started him on oxygen to assist with breathing and it seems to alleviate some of his fatigue. He will be 86 in April. Allison and the boys made his face light up and I do believe he enjoyed our visit. He is a dear man and wanted to tell him that.
The clock is striking 12 and I need to be up and at em at 7am so I believe I will sign off. Tomorrow is another writing day and I also do a workshop with high school teachers in the afternoon. This too shall pass and hopefully we will be successful in our endeavors for more work and monies.

Continue the Frenzy

Wow time flies while you are trying to stay warm in South Dakota in the winter. What a winter it has been! The Interstate has been closed due to bad conditions very often and again tonight it is closed from the Missouri River to Albert Lea Minnesota and from South Dakota all the way north into Canada. We are having a blizzard.
Meantime, my knees are killing me. I walk on the treadmill but it hurts most of the time. I need to walk even more but it is so cold and dark when it comes time to go to the Rec that it takes a great deal of will power.
I believe we have finally figured out what has been at the root of my fatigue. I had a sleep study on December 9 and did not get the results until last week. I saw the Pulminologist about the results. He was surprised I don't have apnea. That is good. But I still have significant episodes of shallow breathing and that causes me to wake up (that too is good) and he believed I need a CPAC but was certain my insurance wouldn't cover it. So he ordered another sleep study and this time I had a sleeping pill so I would remain on my back all night and this time the numbers were high and indicated the need for the CPAC. I have been sleeping with it since last Friday and I really am much more clear headed and I believe I am catching up on my rest. Sleep deprivation has been a real problem.
Work is busy but it seems about the time I have a day scheduled in a school, they have to cancel because of snow. This has been a very different winter thus far.
I am reading the latest Jennifer Chiaverini's book from the Elm Creek Series. I lover those. I have been knitting and quilting and cooking soups for Vince and I. I went to see Extraordinary Measures with my gal friends yesterday afternoon. It was excellent. I also loved It's Complicated. That was great!
I promise I won't take so long to post. I read blogs everyday and love listening to you. I feel like I have this whole set of friends out there. When I went to the Post Office today to mail a baby gift to one of my daughter's friends, the postman asked me if I wanted stamps or postal supplies or a passport application. Interestingly, I said "yes" to the passport application. I have one that has expired. I know I won't be able to get Vince to go with me but I would love to return to England and the more I read blogs of my Aussie friends, I think a trip down under might be delightful. Stay warm.

This is Crazy!

Vince said to me today that I have been writing on my quilting blog and not on this one. His question was "am I not motivated?" That is certainly not accurate as each day I try very hard to do right by my band. It has just been crazy. I promise a longer blog later tonight - in the meantime, Go Vikings!

Power Thinking

OK so I am not a resolution maker as I am old enough to know those don't work for me. However, I can be a power thinker and I have been doing some of that these past few days. I need to adjust my thinking and then match my actions to my thinking. Walk my talk! You see, I have been dancing around the 195 pounds mark for almost a year now and that stinks. It doesn't stink that I can stay at that weight and eat right and be comfortable with my lapband and use it as a tool for this weight thing. It stinks that I have not lost the last forty pounds I set out to lose in the beginning. So what is it going to take?
1. I need to drink the eight glasses of water everyday. Coffee doesn't count as water and although I am drinking, it needs to be water. I can do that if I put my mind to it and it feels good when I do. This #1 is easy for me if I plan ahead and fill the water bottle and take it with me where I go. DRINK
2. Eat three meals a day and no snacking. Hmmmmmm! As busy as I am that should be simple as well. I have mastered lunch at lunch time and I can plan ahead and carry a good lunch with me. There is no reason why I can't eat breakfast either in the kitchen or on the road when I am driving to the office or a school. I like yogurt and oatmeal on the run is not bad either. Supper is a challenge because I sometimes don't get home at a decent hour and when I sit down, I often grab for the wrong thing or too little of a good thing. You know what I mean? My "dine and dash" doesn't have anything to do with money and everything to do with planning ahead and eating the right things at the right time. Now this one is not difficult if I start planning some meals ahead and using the crock pot which would be of benefit to Vince as well. My schedule is what it is and unless I start planning better, #2 will not get better. PLAN
3. Exercise! This one is a real issue. I like to exercise when I get to the rec. I love walking on the treadmill and I don't mind riding the recumbent, and I even enjoy crunches on the big ball. I just have a very difficult time getting to the rec. Sounds like an excuse, doesn't it? It is so cold in South Dakota right now (sub zero outside both early in the morn and after dark). It is dark when I get home from work. It is dark when I get up and I don't like mornings! So what am I to do? I would rather read blogs, quilt, knit, or just sit with a great book than go out after I get home from my drive from whereever. So I now that I am writing I am thinking again. Maybe I should take my exercise clothes and shoes with me and never come home until I am done with the exercise. Perhaps that would work. Once I am home, I am done for the day because exercise needs to be part of my day and not something I go out to do after I am home. I will try that starting tomorrow. EXERCISE
4. I must continue to share my successes, my weaknesses, and this ride with my blogging allies. I know that may sound wierd but I do get counsel from many of you and you keep me honest in this quest. After all, every day is the first day of the rest of my life. BLOG
Stay warm and stay tuned!

My Bear

I think two year olds have it all together! My little G is holding his "bear" and when things go awry, he goes and finds his bear and everything is better. Bear is there to take away the hurts, to snuggle with when you are all alone, and to just hold when you need some comfort. I have a "bear", he is my best friend, my husband Vince. Yesterday we celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary and as I sat today and tried to relax just one more day before I start the "hassles of work", I was reminded of how much he means to me and how I rely on his wisdom, commitment, and genuine concern about my health and well-being. I am so lucky, no blessed, to have Vince in my life. He is "my bear".

Some Fun

I have a friend who owns a book store in our town and I was wondering how I could get the word out about having Mrs. C sit outside our house and pass out candy canes to passerbys. Well, my friend reminded me that I have always wanted to come to the store and read to children. So we took this opportunity to have me come to the store as Mrs. C. This is a picture Vince took on our sun porch before I went to the book store. We have a wonderful costume rental place in town and one of the lapband benefits was that the costume fit me. I had such a delightful time doing it even though only five children came to the store that December afternoon. Maybe more next year?

Happy New Year

I want to take this opportunity to tell all of my blog friends that I value your time reading and kind words responding to this blog. I really feel connected to all of you and many times over the holidays I thought of you and warmly wish you the best of everything for the new year. Life is hectic with many wonderful visits from family and friends. Please pray for my friend, Sara, who had emergency surgery on Tuesday. She will need much time to recover and prayers for no infections. I will write more later but it looks like it will be the Nashville Rock N Roll marathon for us. 114 days and I AM Counting!!