The First Day of the Rest of My Life

The best way out is always through. Robert Frost

2010-12-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-08-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-09T23:18:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-27T19:59:00.001-07:00

Pictures of my boys

2010-05-23T11:30:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-03T11:27:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-02-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

Gracie

2010-02-04T14:50:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-03T21:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-25T20:24:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-01-24T15:29:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-02T22:54:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

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!!

The Greatest Gift

2009-12-07T21:16:00.000-08:00

I am such a blessed person. I have a wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally and is so willing to walk by my side through the good and the bad, the wild and crazy, and he even moves furniture when the Christmas tree is to be put up. I just spent the most delightful few days in celebration of my 63rd birthday. When I arrived home from work on Friday there was the most beautiful floral arrangement from my work colleagues (a gingerbread mixing cup with roses and greens) waiting for me. I love and respect the gals I work with and it was especially nice for them to remember me. I am lucky to have a most expert staff and great friends as well. On Friday evening, my son and his beautiful family (wife and three sons) took Vince and I to dinner. The little boys sang Happy Birthday (I am most impressed with D3 who is 18 months doing that). It was a great meal, the boys were very good, and I was surprised with a gift certificate for a pedicure and one for the movies. The greatest gift was spending time with them and enjoying their company.

Yes, I had to teach on Saturday at one of our Indian schools but the people are so nice and they work so hard. It was a great day. Late Saturday afternoon my brother and sister-in-law arrived from Minnesota to spend the rest of my birthday with me. We had some wine (have to remember it hits harder with a lapband) and then went to dinner. Again, beautiful gifts but I am so lucky to have a brother in my life (there are just the two of us) and I so appreciated their traveling to spend the day with me. We watched Marly and Me which is a real tear jerker but as we all love our dogs, it was worth the tears.

I fixed some oatmeal and coffee Sunday morning and we enjoyed the conversation. After lunch they departed for Minnesota as I had been invited to my dear friends' house for another birthday get-together. As I have been reflecting on my years, I just have to say that friends and family are the greatest gift one can have. Flowers and books and just wonderful people for whom to be so very thankful. I received cards and e-mail greetings from so many loved ones. I am just so very lucky.

I have been reading The Thread of Truth which is a sequel to A Single Thread. The author writes about women who have become close friends. I recommend these books if you haven't read them. I have been quilting (more on my other blog). I finished the Christmas quilt for our bed. It is the one that 12 of us each made a block for each other and now we have the most beautiful quilts to remind us of our friends. I am making gifts as quickly as my little fingers can stitch, listening to Christmas music as loud as Vince will allow. Work is busy and I get stressed. I have my sleep study on Wednesday this week after I see the pulminologist. I just love this time of year!

I promise to be more regular in my posts as I want to continue to care for my bloggin friends. I do believe the greatest gift is friendship. Pictures below are of D2 in the lion costume I bought for D1 nine years ago. D3 is wearing the Air Force flight suit I made for his daddy 36 years ago. And the Minnesota boys went shopping with Baba for a rose poinsetta and I just couldn't pass up the picture.

Bite the Bullet

2009-11-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

Well today I bit the bullet and while I was at the Rec, I asked Thomas to weigh me. I have been walking 3 miles every other day now for eight days. I feel so good when I am done. I am still very fatigued but I am hoping that when they get the sleeping oxygen right, that will be alleviated. Anyway, I took the leap of faith and I weighed 195 pounds. That is 70 pounds less than I weighed two years ago but now is the time for me to get in gear and take off the last 40 pounds. I really do believe if I use the band as a tool, walk as I train for the April half marathon, and eat right, I can do it by August which will be two years with the band.
I know I should look at the fact that I have weighed 195 pounds now for a very long time but I am eating healthy and not feeling deprived of some of the things I enjoy. I just have to exercise to increase my burn so that more fat will go. Considering we went on vacation and I have been under an incredible amount of stress, I think I have proven to myself that I can maintain now.
I just have to lose the last 160 sticks of butter.

A Fresh Start

2009-11-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

I got a call from the Doctor about my blood work. Interesting! Everything was fine except for my Vitamin D count. I am at 20 which is considered quite low. The doctor would like the count to be between 40 and 100. So they ordered a prescription vitamin D. Vince opted for the liquid due to the fact that the capsule was quite large. The price breaks the bank. However, low vitamin D count can contribute to weight gain, depression, fatigue, anxiety, and decreased immunity. I started with the first dose of that last night when I returned home from my visit out west.
Then today the Doctor called again. The sleep (at home) study that I did last Saturday night showed that about 20 times during the night something happened but most significant was that much of the night for three minutes at a time, my oxygenation went quite low. In simple terms, my brain is not getting enough oxygen. Lack of oxygen leads to fatigue during the day and can cause strokes. Now this was a wake up call because my grandfather and my mother (his daughter) died of stroke related causes. So now I go see a pulminologist (due to my insurance) and have a full blown sleep study. Stay tuned for these medical events. I could do a TV show with all the activities going on. The PA asked many questions about sinus infections, snoring, grinding my teeth, talking in my sleep, etc. I answered "yes" far too many times. If I can begin to go to sleep and feel rested when I awake, I will be a happy camper. The PA said I would have to start sleeping with oxygen and time will tell about a CPAP (whatever that is?).
I have set a goal for myself. One of the baseball player wives is a marathon runner and when I saw her at the wedding (see former posts), she encouraged me to enter a marathon. Now reason would tell you that this almost 63 year old non-runner thought she was crazy. She went on to tell me that many people walk marathons and that some walk 1/2 marathons. She continued by telling me that people cheer you on and everyone gets excited when you cross the finish line. Needless to say, I bit. I have always thought it would be fun to complete a 5K but as some of you know me, I never settle for less than the best, so I am opting for the 1/2 marathon. I have asked my daughter, Allison, to walk with me. She has been encouraging me to walk alot. What better way for us to go than together. She is pregnant, by the way, and just perhaps, the three of us could finish the walk together. We are planning for April. She will be seven months along and I think I could keep up with her then. I walked three miles today in 55:45. The training begins.

Taking Care of #1

2009-10-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

So for over two months I have been fighting feelings. Those who know me would tell you that I am a sincere person who is passionate about taking care of people and caring about others. I have even been known to speak out and get myself in trouble by making certain things are fair and trying to have the world function with truth and not politics, and people being honest and not playing games.
I have been worrying about my staff and feeling very disconnected from them because we are going twice the speed of light and never see each other, let alone collect any synergy from each other. I worry about the budget, cuts and contracts, and making certain staff has adequate time to prepare and do the job they are capable of doing for our schools.
Meantime, I haven't taken time to exercise! Now those of you who started this blog with me know that I have been a proponent of exercise since before the band. I know it is the only way that I can maintain good health, alleviate stress, and even hope to lose those extra pounds of fat. I was so committed to taking care of myself and making certain I exercised regularly. Well, that has gone out the window. It was pointed out to me today that has been my choice. I have chosen to allow other things to take the time away from taking time to exercise each day. Guess what? That is the truth!
With the risk of being philosophical, I have spent my entire life putting others before me. I admitted today that my personal opinion of myself has always been based on what others think. I have been a people pleaser for 62 years. I tried to be a perfect daughter and never disappoint my parents. I don't believe I ever measured up to my first husband's expectations (weight, intelligence, or motherhood). I attained my Doctorate because I believed it might give me a "leg up" on the world of a male dominated profession (school administration). I am writing this not to collect sympathy or kind words, but because I need to admit this to myself. I think if the truth was spoken, I have had the goal of losing weight because our society values skinny people more than obese. Yet, I have written that I am trying to change my weight so that I will be more healthy.
All in all, I am not healthy in the head. I KNOW I need to put myself first and take care of myself if I hope to be able to do unto others. I know that, but I don't walk the talk. So tonight I went to the Rec and walked for 30 minutes. I walked 1.6 miles. I plan to go to bed as soon as I finish writing this post. I have been eating better than ever before in my life but I have started to add those sweet morsels too often. I need to adhere to what I know is necessary and lay off thinking about what tastes good.
I sleep but I don't think I am resting. I need to learn to say "no" when the reality is that I can't add another thing to my schedule. I encourage my staff to do that so I guess I better start modeling what I want for them. As of today, I am really going to try to start a new chapter of taking care of me. Stay tuned for what's next.

Wonderful Week

2009-10-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Vince and I just returned home from a wonderful week away. It was a much needed rest for me and it seems like we don't get to spend as much together as I would like. We saw beautiful fall colors on the gorgeous mountains in West Virginia and Virginia. We spent some great time in the warm sunshine in Williamsburg. This is a place that both of us love but we had never been there together. We walked the streets together and at times, I just sat in the sun and watched the people. The weather was beautiful. I especially loved our drive to the Atlantic and was absolutely awestruck by the tunnels and bridges linking us to the Delmarva Peninsula. Those of you who know me know how much I love the water.

I will add some pictures for you.

Once Upon a Time. . .

2009-10-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy fall with school starting and our contracts with schools demanding hours of planning, driving to schools, and working with a lot of educators. I like the work but some things have suffered. Number one has been my exercise program! I have to start putting my health first and getting the exercise to help with the stress. There, I said it, now I need to put my tush in motion.
This past weekend I drove to Rapid City to attend the wedding of a very special young man. Eleven years ago I met Luke as an incoming Freshman at DWU. He wanted to be a teacher and came to DWU because he was recruited by the baseball coach. This was the beginning of a wonderful time in my life! I watched baseball games in the fall when it was starting to get cold, rained, and even snowed. I watched baseball games in the spring when it was still cold, snowed and rained, and the wind was blowing. I was privileged to travel with the team to the Metrodome and sit in the Twins dugout with the team. I traveled to Florida with these fine young men. I have watched them laugh with each other, learned about their superstitions, watched them win and watched them lose (both games and special friends), and shared tears with them more than once.
So, this weekend was special because some of these young men were able to come together to celebrate. Their coach, Adam, is the short guy in the back row. He is the reason these guys know each other. He is the one who recruited these fine young men. So once upon a time there was a team and today these young men are dear friends and they still make me laugh and cry and I am blessed to know each of them.

Tag - You're It

2009-09-30T18:35:00.001-07:00

The rules:
1. Respond and re-work: Answer these questions on your blog. Replace one question you dislike with one of your own invention, and add another question of your own.
2. Tag some friends to play along!

1. What's your favorite article of clothing? I love a big heavy thick sweatshirt with a hood at a baseball game.
2. Who was the last person you hugged? My husband this morning before I went to work.
3. What's your favorite dinner? Steak and a sweet potato
4. What's the last thing you bought? A birthday card for Zachary
5. How's your head feeling right now? Surprisingly - pretty good!
6. What's your favorite weather? Calm and cold
7. What is your least favorite season? spring
8. What's in your purse? What's not in my purse. :) Credit cards, pens, lipstick, hand sanitizer
Not billfold, hairspray, towel
9. Say something to the person who tagged you.
10. What is your favorite dessert? ice cream with chocolate and peanuts
11. What did you want to become as a child? radio commentator
12. What do you want to be now? a change agent
13. What is your favorite song? What a Wonderful World
14. What is your favorite country/state? Michigan
15. If you could go anywhere in the world in the next hour, where would you go? Hawaii
16. What are my most challenging goals right now? Time for exercise
17. What is your five-year plan? retire and become more crafty
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? baseball
19. What show would you be a cast member of? Grey's Anatomy
20. What is your most prized possession? my family
21. Name a favorite childhood memory. summers on the farm
22. What is your favorite book of the Bible? Phillipians
23. What is your favorite quote? Be the change you want to see in the world.
24. What is your favorite book? Elm Creek series

I tag Nola, Caroline, and Helen.

Is This Me?

2009-09-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Vince has been listening to me fret and sputter about the amount of work I have and how hopeless I feel sometimes trying to be a "change agent". I had a nasty attitude and couldn't seem to chase away the anxiety I was feeling. This week seemed woefully tiring. Although I feel like I am chasing my tail, I think this picture portrays the sincere feeling I have. I am overwhelmed! I really believe if I could, I would climb a limb in a sunny spot and let the world spin by. I would not even watch. I would lazily daydream and let someone else get it ALL done. Meantime, there are less than 100 days until Christmas.

Hello again

2009-09-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I just realized it has been over two weeks since I have written anything on my blog. I have been thinking about it and I have been reading my bloggin' buddies work but I have not taken the time to write for myself. I happen to be watching over the 3 D angels this evening and have a few minutes of quiet so that I can blog.
I had a wonderful time in Michigan with my friend, Marilyn. Cathy was a most gracious hostess and it was so nice to spend time on the Lake Michigan on Labor Day. The sun was warm and I don't think I have ever been on the big lake when it was more calm. Curt is a great captain and we had a most relaxing cruise out of Muskegon Harbor south to Grand Haven and finally to the river marina. Marilyn and I also took Brach (Cathy's chocolate lab) to the beach to exercise and that was fun as well.
My nephew's wedding was so beautiful and we had a great time dancing at the reception. I feel so much more able to participate now that I have dropped the pounds. I had a new dress and felt pretty "spiffy" in it.
On Tuesday, we took a day to travel to a winery near Saugatuck and then spent the afternoon strolling the streets of Douglas and Saugatuck. It has been years since I visited these places. So much art, color, texture, and visual beauty. I really miss the western shores of Lake Michigan.
Monday it was back to reality and this week the work has come tumbling down. Many miles on the road and loads of thinking on my feet.
Oldest D had his first "real" football game last night. I guess this is an indication that he is growing up. He plays tight end and guard. It will be fun to watch him scrimmage at the university half time on Saturday.
I have started my exercise routine again now that I am back from vacation and fall is upon us. I need to kick it in gear and start working on this body again. Life is good and I will add pictures to this when I get home later tonight.

Number One Son

2009-08-30T18:15:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of my number one son, since he is my only son, and his youngest, D3. My son was born 37 years ago today. I remember the day as if it were yesterday. He was born in the early morning. By calculation, he was three weeks late but he only weighed a little over 7 pounds so he was probably right on time. I was teaching and the school year started two days later. I went back to teaching four days later as I had not applied for medical leave and mine was the only income as my husband had left the Air Force and returned to college. My little guy became my life as I would teach all day and usually spend the evenings alone with him until he went to bed. He was the first grandchild for both my parents and R's parents. He was the only grandson my parents had and he was very special to them. I do believe they were special to him also.
He has spent his 37 years living in Michigan, Texas, California, and South Dakota. He is usually a pretty serious guy but I do know he likes to have fun. He met his wonderful wife learning to dance in college. They can jitterbug with the best of them (he flipped her even in her wedding dress). He loves to hunt and golf. He built the home his family lives in and works hard. On his birthday, I pray he will always love his wife and children as much as I love him. I wish him many more years to watch his wonderful three sons grow and become the kind of men of whom he can be proud. I am proud of him. I also wish for him patience, health, and God's richest blessings. Happy Birthday son!

One Year Today

2009-08-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

It is almost midnight and I must write a blog entry today. It was one year ago today that I was banded and yes, I do believe it was the first day of the rest of my life. I went to see Dr. Glatt yesterday and again he told me how proud he was of my success. I am half way there in my opinion but it does feel good to impress one's surgeon. He decided not to give me a fill because of my problem with some foods (chicken and bread) and the fact I have lost it more often than he would like. I have to trust his experience. He did say that because I am doing so well, I didn't need to see him again for six months unless I have a problem. I am stalled right now but the exercise routine has started again that I am fully recovered from surgery and interestingly, I have maintained and lost a little of the weight by eating right.
Guess what movie I just came home from seeing? Julia and Julia Coincidental I went to see a movie about the love of food and blogging. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend. Meryl Streep at her best, again. I do love Amy Adams also!
So as I start my second year after banding, I must set a goal or two. First, I want to continue to use exercise as a means for losing weight but also for relieving the stress of work. My goal is to exercise four or more times a week for the next six months. With fall and winter coming on that means I must see exercise as a priority and allow time for it! My second goal is to eat right, chew thoroughly, take the 30 minutes necessary to eat a meal, and lose 20 pounds by February 14th, 2010.
The clock just struck midnight and I must end this day and get some rest. Bon Appetite!

What a difference almost a year makes

2009-08-19T21:19:00.001-07:00

The picture on the left was taken one year ago today (August 19) about a week before my lapband surgery. The picture on the right was taken a week ago. Words cannot express my emotion. I have a long way to go but I do have to celebrate the difference.

If it is possible . . .

2009-08-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

I had my surgery four weeks ago yesterday and I went back to my doctor yesterday with what I thought was an infection in my right side incision. Felt hot, oozing, and just really sore! Sure enough, I am back on an antibiotic to get things under control. Ironic that the right side was not the side that had caused the problem but was, instead, the side I opted to do for cosmetic reasons. I wanted to match!
Diane did take my blood to check the white count. All levels were good which helps me know I am eating right. She did tell me I needed to get some rest. Now we all know that stress lowers ones ability to heal and I know how much stress I have going on. Exercise helps me release that but I am not feeling up to it right now. So, things aren't adding up to feeling very good.
The weather has finally warmed up to normal August temperatures and the humidity hit today. Eight of us traveled to the Strawbale Winery for the Third Annual Quilts and Vines. Doctor said I could go if I sat and relaxed more than walking around. I have to admit, I really didn't feel like doing a whole lot of walking around. There were over 400 quilts hanging on the grapevines and it is just a beautiful setting. We had a great time, but I am whipped tonight. Don't even have the energy to go upstairs and quilt.
Enough complaining for my part. Vince has been busy in his workshop. We had old cedar boards from a downed fence shoved under the deck. I showed him a picture of an Adirondack chair and he designed his own plan and has been building us some chairs. They are beautiful and are so comfortable. He is so talented and really is a craftsman. He will stain the chairs and I will take a picture to show. Now if we could just conquer the mosquitoes.

A History Lesson - the people

2009-07-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with work and not had a chance to continue my story about our trip. I wanted to show you a picture of my brother and cousins. The first one is of my brother, cousin Gary who was the 65th birthday boy, and me. I am the short one. My brother has my dad's vivid blue eyes and reminds me of my dad in facial expressions. However, my dad would never have dressed like John. I don't think my father owned a pair of blue jeans. Dad did have a mustache at times in his life and he preferred pink or yellow polyester slacks, shirts and ties. We actually buried dad in his blue and white cotton boxers that you could see through the pastel trousers most of his elderly life. We loved him just the way he was. My cousin Gary also looks like my Uncle Sherman that I loved.

The next picture is of Mary Lou and I. She is 6 months to the day younger than I am. When we were both a year old, Mary ran after a kitten in the driveway and my uncle accidentally ran over her. She has always had a very drawn face but is most lucky to be alive. She lives with her husband and son and was most happy to see us. She was very close to her mother who died a number of years ago and she called this past week to tell me how lonesome she gets and how much she appreciated our visit. Tugs on my heart!

My mother had one brother, Uncle Sherman and I have one brother. John is nine years younger than I am. His 54th birthday was two days after we visited Gary last week. I remember well the day he was born.

The rest of the people we visited last week are buried in Michigan. I am very interested in collecting information about my genealogy and work on it in my spare (LOL) time. Someday I hope my children want to read about their ancestors.

Last, but not least, I want to share a picture of my buddy at Coors Field in Denver a recent shot of the three Ds. We had a great SHORT baseball trip this year. We already have next year planned. D1 is an awesome big brother. D2 loves the mule and tractor and don't you just love the expression on D3?

Baba in South Dakota is Praying for Stellan

2009-07-27T20:38:00.001-07:00

God is working in our "small world". Leslie wants us to wear orange tomorrow! This dear little one and his family are friends of my daughter and her family in Minnesota. I know God is watching over him and his family. Stellan is a precious child who is in the hearts and prayers of many. I pray that all of my blogging friends begin to pray for him and spread story far and wide. God will do the rest!

By the way, go to Leslie's post and add your post! http://www.lambertslately.com/2009/07/orange-for-stellan.html#links

A History Lesson

2009-07-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

On December 5th, 1946, I was born in Hillsdale, Michigan. My great aunt Alta lived in this house in Hillsdale. It looked much the same on this trip as I remembered it (big and very nice). I lived with my father and mother, who were teachers in Quincy, Michigan on US 12 (east Chicago). It was a very busy road as it originally was the stagecoach road between Chicago and Detroit and became the main road in the early 1900's. That house has not really changed much at all. The two windows on the lower front were the living room where I remember watching the Republican convention where Eisenhower was nominated for President in 1952. I was in Kindergarten and we had a brand new black and white TV. I wasn't able to take a picture of my grandparents' house on the farm where I spent much of my time while mom and dad were at school. It was a mile south and east of town and is now a corn field.

My other grandparents lived in Hudson where my dad had been born. We visited Hudson and here is a picture of their home. I can remember many summers sitting on the screened in porch on a glider sofa and listening to my grandfather whistling in his rocker. Their house used to be covered with a shingle type siding that looked like bricks. Grandpa always had a new Chevrolet or Buick parked under the carport that has been removed. I always slept in the bedroom at the top of the stairs or the window on the left above the living room.

I have to go to bed now so that I am ready to drive Dillon and I to Denver for our summer baseball game. More later.

Oh the Itchies!

2009-07-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have an allergy to paper tape and so when I have surgery they are alert to that. I have no rash or blisters but I do believe I am reacting to the steri-strips. The plastic surgeon performed normal suttures internally but the entire 10-12 inch incision is covered with steri-strips. New meaning for butterfly queen! I have been itching terribly for the past three days. It subsides periodically but when it is flaring it is terrible. I called the Doctor today and talked to his nurse. She was so nice and asked Vince to investigate for rash or blisters. There are none but if I scratch like a monkey I could change that. She suggested benadryl, so now I am a doped-up ape trying to scratch. I know better but you all can have sympathy while I vent. I have had itchiness when I am healing before but this is ridiculous.
Otherwise, I feel no soreness unless I roll on my side in the night and then I wake up with the pulling sensation. I have been working at home so that I can wear the surgical bra and relax when necessary. I will drive to the office tomorrow for a board meeting and then I am taking a few days off to travel to Michigan.
Actually, my brother and sister-in-law are going to drive as well. John and I have a cousin (my mothers' brothers' son) who will turn 65 on Monday. I haven't seen his dad's funeral in 1995. That is way too long for first cousins! Gary's sister, Mary Lou, is six months to the day younger than I am. Gary tells me she is not in good health so I plan to stop and see her on Sunday when Vince and I go to my early childhood stomping grounds. I want to look up some graves for details in my genealogy work. I hope someday my children appreciate my work but for now, I am having fun reconstructing some history.
I was thinking today that I lived half of my 62 years in Michigan and soon I will have lived over half of my life in South Dakota. Just wanted to let everyone know how well I am feeling and thank you for your concerns. Until. . .

Battle of the Bulge

2009-07-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

I had Vince take this picture on Thursday so that I could make a comparison in a few weeks. I have never seen this before because I really didn't want to look at the lumps but you can see that on the left side right near the underarm there is a large bulge. Much scar tissue from previous surgery and yes, just a lot of fatty tissue and skin from losing weight. I am in very little pain but really stay ahead of it with the pain medicine. I have a drain on both sides but the right side is very light. I walked a few blocks this morning to get the blood moving. Went to Saturday Sampler at the quilt shop and after a couple of hours, I was ready to sit again.
I appreciate all the kind words from my blogging friends. I am very fortunate to have wonderful virtual and live friends. Again the hospital staff was outstanding. I even got a card signed by all who touched me in some way yesterday at the hospital before we left. From the greeter, to the OR Nurse, to the primary care nurses, they all signed it. What a place! Wanted to let you all know that I am still kicking and hope you have a wonderful weekend. Almost forgot to mention my dear husband, Vince. He is the best caregiver a person could have. I just need to tell him I love him more often so he knows how important he is to me. Lucky girl!

Here Goes

2009-07-09T17:28:00.001-07:00

I went for my pre-op appointment this afternoon. Dr. Howard is going to try to make both sides of my back look the same. Cosmetic for one side and eliminating a point of infection for the other. I must admit the left side has begun to hurt most of the time.
Surgery again! I explained the problem a few blogs ago (May 1) and decided it was time to get it fixed. Maybe he will remove a pound or two. LOL. I doubt it but I know it will look better. I had Vince take a picture today so that I could compare the appearance in a couple of weeks.
I will be weighed in the morning at the Surgical Tower. We have to get there at 6 AM. Surgery at 7:30 AM and it will take about two hours. If all goes well, we can drive home in the afternoon. Do I sound excited? I always grow anxious at about this point. Vince says I will probably hold up the anesthesiologist with a call on my Blackberry. I don't think so.

Boys, Boating, and Baseball

2009-07-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

Vince and I returned today from a wonderful weekend in Minnesota. We left on Thursday for Allison's house. We walked almost four miles that evening around her neighborhood in the heat and humidity and I did it.

On Friday, we took the boat out and the picture is current (yes, I mean moving water and taken on Friday). I can't believe I was bouncing around on a raft behind the boat. What fun! I also tried twice to get up on the water skis but the old bum knee (hurt snow skiing) warned me that I might want to continue my land exercise program and I had to give up. Don't have the strength I had 30 years ago. Oh well, wouldn't have even tried 50 pounds ago!

Friday night we went to the first 8 innings of a 16 inning game between the Twins and the Tigers. The Tigers won in the end but I had a delightful time watching Zachary and Garrett learn about Baba's favorite sport.

On Saturday we went into Chanhassen to the car show (Vince loved it) and the carnival. There were so many families and it was a beautiful day. After naps, we took our dinner and went to the boat. We watched the fireworks over the water. I have never been within 300 yards of the launch pad (it was on the island) and the sound and sight was breathtaking. I have a picture of the boys on their daddy's lap watching the show.

Yesterday, we took to the water again. I so miss the water as I lived in Michigan while growing up and we were always near the beach. The kids have a really nice boat and we spent from 10:30 am until 4:00 pm on the boat and swimming in the lake. The picture is of Allison and the boys bobbing together. We had such a great time.

Where did June go?

2009-06-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

So it is already June 27th and although it is officially summer, I have yet to really feel like it has begun. Thanks to all of you who responded about Zachary. He was a trooper and until the time I left early Friday morning, he seemed to be having little pain with the throat. His voice is a different pitch but I think that is normal after throat surgery. He was taking full advantage of juices and cold treats. Can't blame him. The pictures above were taken in Michigan by Grandma Gayle of the boys.

While I was in Waconia, Allison, the boys, and I toured the new birthing environment. Nothing like it was 36 years ago, ladies. Jet spa tubs in each suite, molded sinks for the baby's first bath, WiFi for waiting moms and dads, and couches long enough for even the tallest dads. I was very impressed with the facility.

Allison asked for me to make more of the boutique burpees. We bought some fabric while I was there and I came home and whipped up 13 of the burpees. They are quite nice, very soft bamboo cotton and Allison has a knack of selecting some rather bold and bright fabrics to lay on the shoulder. I will take the completed ones back to her next week when we go up for a holiday.

Last night we went to the kick-off event for Dillon's teachers' cancer foundation. Mrs. Morgan has started a foundation to support individuals with some of the very simple things they might need when diagnosed with breast cancer, like transporation to and from treatments, etc. It is called "You'll Never Walk Alone". The quilt we donated was there and she will continue selling chances until October 17th. We have already sold over $500 of chances and I hope it brings $1000.

Today I exercised at the Rec. Mentioned to my friend that once I have done that, I can "quilt without guilt". I didn't run today as my knees are giving me some grief. Walked on the treadmill and biked for a time. Our back yard is so beautiful right now. I am inserting a picture of Vince and I in front of a clematis we planted just one year ago.

Just reading the blogs

2009-06-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

It is quiet here in the Waconia house. Allison and Kevin left for the hospital with Zachary about a half hour ago for his tonsil and adenoids surgery. I have been connecting with my blogger friends and catching up on their stories. My mind wanders as I think about our little guy going into surgery at 8:30. He has been sleeping on his back with his arms above his head for a long time, snoring. The specialist says that indicated he is trying to get more air. I would rather be walking into surgery anyday before my husband, children, or grandchildren. I think it is easier to be the patient that the waiting family.
Zachary came down to wake me this morning and we just snuggled and cuddled for a long time. He has one small freckle on his wrist and I always tell my guys those are "angel kisses". Today was the first time he heard the story. As I was telling him, I was silently praying everything goes well this morning and he handles the "hurt" afterward well.
I have memories of Kevin, at the age of five, standing in the hospital crib with high bars just shaking the crib with his crys for mommy. Both Allison and Kevin had tonsilectomys when they were preschoolers but I believe they were both older than Zachary.
Garrett and I will spend the time waiting together. He will keep me occupied with his "why" and "yup" replies. I am so lucky to have five beautiful grandsons.
I have been changin' up my exercise the last few days. I have been trying to use the beautiful outdoors for my space. I jog (just quickly putting one foot in front of the other) for 30 seconds and then walk for 30 seconds. Try to keep this up for 20 minutes. In our heat (finally) and humidity that seems to make me sweat. And that is a good thing.

Down Memory Lane

2009-06-17T20:16:00.001-07:00

I was looking through some pictures today and found this one of me and my favorite cousin, Nancy. This was taken at the wedding of my foster sister, Shirley. Nancy is about two years younger than I am I believe. It is certainly a take on the early 50s. My mother made certain my hair hung in ringlets that were perfectly twisted around her finger. I had to sleep on those pink rubber curlers to make it work. Nancy and I have remained close our entire lives. She lives in The Woodlands near Houston. I think this picture caught my eye because I believe that was the last time until now that I could cross my legs. It is a good feeling to be able to do that.

And more on life

2009-06-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I have sat down long enough to share my thoughts. It is not good for me. I need this outlet and quite frankly, I need to take the time to share as it leads me to goal setting and dealing with daily stuff better. I have putting off going to the Rec and having Thomas weigh me. Putting it off because I have been eating at my stressors, not finding the time to exercise once a day, let alone twice as I need to for weight loss, and just avoiding the reality. I stayed the same and that has been over five weeks. I just lost 35 days of time I could have been moving down the scale but instead treading water to get by.
I do believe we finally have enough contracts in place to cover the full salaries of all of my staff. That has been a huge weight for the past three months. The economy is just rotten and it seems like in South Dakota, we have to fight for every penny to support schools and teachers. Shouldn't be that way!
The son of one of my teacher colleagues committed suicide last Friday night which brought back much emotion in another dear friend and her daughter who dealt with a suicide of their ex-husband and father. The young man was the nephew of another dear friend. I find this type of tradgedy very difficult to understand and I really don't know how to try to comfort or support those left behind.
Allison called to tell me her dad was in Tulsa with a very dear friend of ours, saying his "goodbyes". You know that saying - some people come into our lives and we are forever changed? Well, Jim was that person for me. I first met Jim and his family in 1967 when we were newly weds and moved to South Dakota and entered the military life. Jim was a most handsome man, a real teaser, and one of the kindest individuals I have known. I loved his first wife and their two young children. Jim and his wife, Annie, came to Allison's wedding in Tulsa and I was so touched that they would attend. Seeing Jim's smile erased the 20+ years gone by. Jim gave me a nickname "Mickey" because of had very long hair, put it up in a ponytail on top of my head and the hair fell out around my head like mouse ears. I can still hear him calling my name. I am so glad Randy was able to be with his family at this time. Jim entered heaven yesterday afternoon and I will forever love and remember him as a true friend.
There has been some very great news as well. Dillon's teacher, Mrs. Morgan who has been battling cancer this year, nominated him for Leadership in the People to People program and he was accepted. What an honor for him and his parents. Dillon is truly a very remarkable young man and is most deserving of this opportunity. Do I sound like a proud grandma?
I am anticipating some time off as I have completed my contract obligations until July 1 and the new year. I exercised twice yesterday and have alreadly gone once today. I must kick this NOW. Need your prayers. Oh, and I have decided that I don't have any short bandit friends as the pants won't travel.

Mostly About Life

2009-06-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted as I have been reading and commenting on other blogs and just realized it has been almost 10 days since I have written on my own blog. Very fascinated with my blogging and bandit friends.
Vince and I dug up some lilac bushes on the spur of the moment on Saturday morning and then jumped in the car and drove the 300 miles to my brothers' house to give them away. Coincidently, we arrived in time to be able to attend the Gaither Vocal Band concert at the Target Center in Minneapolis. It was absolutely fantastic and brought back so many memories. The vocal talent of these people is phenomenal and it was truly an inspiration to attend.
On Sunday morning, we helped plant the five garbage bags full of lilacs. It felt so great to be outside and bending over without losing breath because the fat in the middle got in the way. We had to rush off after brunch to return to Mitchell so that I could be on campus in time to help set up for the Laptop conference our agency was hosting.
For the past two days I have been hanging out with some of the greatest people on earth, teachers. People who care about children are the best. It is always an upper for me to connect with these professional friends. The only problem has been that we have had chocolate in dishes at the registration table and I have had the munchies. Oh well, back to straight and narrow on Thursday.
My buddy, D, has been helping me and just having a blast getting to know some of my friends from Kansas and Maine who are here presenting at the conference. D has been a very great helper and people are very impressed with his ability to relate to adults. His mom and dad should be proud of him and his behavior. I know I am. The conference will be over tomorrow and then one day of visiting schools and then I go on a quilting trip.

A new version of the sisterhood of traveling pants

2009-05-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

I am sick and tired of trying to sell my clothes that are too big for me and I have given so many away to the Salvation Army and I noticed last time I took a bunch there, they were just leaving things outside in the snow and weather and I don't think that shows much appreciation. So, I have another idea. Why not try my blogging bandits for fun! I am a professional and so my clothes do not get much wear and tear. I have four pairs of size 18 pants to send traveling. Sag Harbor stretch corduroy in a warm brown color, Chaps dark brown heavier cotton, Gloria Vanderbilt jeans, and Vanessa black dress pant (not lined). I am 5'1" tall and these are the "right" length. Going to a new home. If you would like them, I will ship to you upon request. They are clean and ready to wear. For those of you who are losing, I wore these when I was in the 200 - 215 range.

I love iris

2009-05-24T17:30:00.001-07:00

Since I was a little girl, I have always loved iris. I can remember having so many of them in the yards of my three childhood homes. A couple of years ago I order these two varieties in the mail and each year they don't disappoint me. I finally left the quilting room long enough to go and snap a picture. They are so delicate. I wished they would stay beautiful longer but as with many things, we must enjoy them while they last and stop wishing for more.

We finished quilting the top of the "rolling on" quilt yesterday. It is so beautiful and it makes me feel so good that we are doing something for someone else. I got a brainstorm in the night that Dillon could display it at the Laptop Academy in two weeks and help up sell tickets. It is in honor of his teacher who has been fighting cancer all year and is starting a foundation.

On Doc Sly

2009-05-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

I have had an inquiry about my "pen name" or e-mail address. In 1997 I came to Dakota Wesleyan University as the Chair of the Education Department. I have always been a fan of baseball and it happened the university coach was the same age as my son and he began to rely on me to speak with prospective players and their parents about DWU. By chance, some of his earliest recruits were interested in teaching and it was a "best fit" for both of us to recruit the best and brightest. I began going to all of their games and even got to travel with them on some of their trips.
I have a doctorate in education and thus came the Doc part of my nickname. My first name is Sylvia and many times in my life people have spelled it wrong and I have found saliva, slyvia, etc. The coach and players began to call me DocSly. I have a warm up pullover with that name on the back and now I have vanity plates for my car with DOCSLY. Over the years, the players come back and have had children and so on and I must admit it is a most endearing event when one walks up and gives me a hug and says, "hi DocSly".
The coach has moved on to another "field of dreams" but I will always have a special place in my heart for the DWU baseball players of 1997-2006.

We Are Family!

2009-05-17T19:37:00.001-07:00

We just arrived home from an absolutely wonderful three day break. Of course, I forgot the camera but I will try to reflect on our trip and give you a verbal picture. One of the most beautiful vistas in all my travels is 70 miles west of home when you drive down the hill across the Missouri River. It is especially beautiful right now because the hills on either side are green and the sky is almost always blue here on the prairie. I just love this spot.
When I was in sixth grade I memorized a poem by Edgar A. Guest that begins, "It takes a heap of living in a house to make it home." Well, we visited that place this weekend. Vince's cousin, Cleo and her husband Alan, live in Sundance, Wyoming. 348 miles west of our house on I-90. I have always wanted to have the time to really get to know them as Vince has few living relatives and he has always spoken so fondly of them. Theirs is the home Guest speaks of. It is absolutely a home full of wonderful memories and a family who really values each other. Cleo and Alan have raised a son and daughter (we got to meet them and their delightful spouses) and Gay has a daughter, Abigayl, who is the sparkle in her grand dad's eye. We could easily understand why. We had the time of our lives talking and sharing and talking some more.
They live on a hillside across the break from Sundance Mountain. We watched parasailors each morning. I also relaxed (yes, I did) watching a herd of mulies munch, lounge, and meander in their yard right outside the beautiful windows of their home. I just can't express how much it meant to me to be with family and to watch Vince become so animated about his ancestors and the information he has gleaned. Vince's parents were older when they had Vince and he was an only child. Cleo is the daughter of Vince's father's sister and has lived in Wyoming most of her life. Alan was born in Sundance as was his father. Oh, the stories he can tell. I know there are many wonderful places in our country but you just don't know country until you have visited western South Dakota and Wyoming. The Black Hills in the distance, the deer outside the window, and the vivid blue sky overhead is just a tribute to how great God is.
Cleo is a marvelous cook and we spent our time eating great meals and getting acquainted. I even was entrusted with a lap throw she has pieced and will quilt it for her this week so that she has it to use. What fun! Cleo and Alan opened their hearts and home to us and we felt so welcome.
Today we drove home through Spearfish Canyon. It is beautiful in the spring however the aspen have not yet leafed and there were small piles of snow on the peaks. We shared some time with our friends in Rapid City before heading home. Catherine and Mike gave us the news of their family and our many friends. It was just a wonderful break.
Vince is already in bed as he drove all the way over and back. We did manage to stop at two quilt shops in Rapid City and I found the fabric for my mini-quilt exchange. More on the other blog about that. Now it is time to get ready for another busy week at work. Life is good!

Fill er up!

2009-05-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

So I went to see my favorite Lapband surgeon yesterday and they put in another cc. I now have 6 ccs in the band. I keep hoping to get to that "sweet spot" everyone talks about. I still want to eat way too often and I am not always certain I am hungry or just "STRESSED"! I really wish I could let go of some of the "stuff" on my mind! Pray for me and I too will ask God to take over and let go of it.
Vince and I are driving to Wyoming tomorrow to see his cousin and her husband for the weekend. I just want to sit back and enjoy the ride across this beautiful prairie. I plan to NOT answer e-mails on my Blackberry and only answer the phone if it is family. A day off is a day off!
I went to the Rec and exercised yesterday and as soon as I complete this post, I am going again tonight. I need to go in the morning so it is done and I can't put it off because of schedule or the just plain "worn out" excuse.
Dr. Glatt was his happy self and again told me how proud he was of my progress. I was disappointed yesterday that I was only down 2 pounds since February. My goal is to drop 15 pounds before I go back in August. That will be about one year after banding and it would be 60 pounds for the year! I believe that is reasonable. I just need to work out five out every six days. Hard workout and then eat right. I think I will set another chart on the bottom for how far I am going. It seems I am motivated by those little tickers that keep moving from left to right.
On a personal note: I got measured for a new bra in Minneapolis the other day when I was with Allison. A 38! When I started this work, I wore a 44. Also, I am so thankful they now make bras in D, DD, F, G, H, etc to K cups. I can remember in the 60s and 70s when I could have used those amounts, there was no such thing. The girls (Nola's term) either fit in a teacup or you were out of luck! I feel very good in my 38G by Wacoal. Supported and one can actually see my rib cage under the shelf.
On another note: Nola, e-mail me with your address so I can send your 100th blog post surprise!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

My goodness, the time is absolutely flying by. I went to Doctor on Friday and it would appear we will seek insurance approval and get that flabby fat flap removed in June. So as not to be lopsided, we will opt for both sides at once but of course, the right side will be at our expense as there is no danger of infection on that side. It will take that long to get the paperwork passed through the insurance.

I had a very nice day today. I spent the morning with Vince in our yard. I can't really tell you which is my favorite season. When I was in seventh grade our English teacher read us the book, The Secret Garden. I know this story is one of my favorites and I distinctly remember being able to see that garden in my imagination. I always think about that story in the springtime. Even before the snow is gone, I begin strolling around our yard and looking for the green tips of something peaking through. I love the greens of spring. I took two pictures today. One is of the ivy that grows on our brick home. Makes me sorta believe I live in a castle. The other is of the groundcover I planted six years ago that has taken over and makes a lush carpet in one of the flower beds in the yard. Helen, I found a trumpet vine and we planted it next to our fence in the back yard. We will really nurture it until it takes hold.

After church Dillon came over to spend some time with me while his younger brothers took their naps. We had fun watching the Twins play and just hanging out together. Later his mom came back with the little guys and we then went out for dinner. I am packed ready to fly to St Louis in the morning for a grant meeting and then fly home Tuesday. It seems it will be a busy week.

Needle and Thread

2009-05-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that I am a quilter and knitter for fun. Do as much as I can to keep me busy and out of the food. We just had a pair of baby squirrels born in the near proximity and they have become my diversion. Vince and I have named them needle and thread. Needle first came to visit last week and I posted its (don't know if it is he or she) picture on the window outside my quilting room. He stayed for a long time and watched me smile, laugh, take its picture, and just be happy the little one is living. We knew there were two because Vince has seen both heads in near proximity. Well this afternoon when I went down our stairs, I saw them both on the front porch. Gracie, our cat, was watching them from her perch in the front window. So I now have pictures of both of them. Needle and Thread are pretty identical and are so cute. Have to share. And then don't miss the foxy lady of the house.

Two Weeks and 2 and 1/2 pounds

2009-05-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Well, sorta! I have been trying to eat like a normal human and not focus so much on this whole diet thing. Kinda trying to let the band be the tool and just live a regular life for two weeks. Exercise when I could, eat correct food most of the time, and try to know when I am full. Today when I went to the Rec to work out with Thomas, he had the scales out. 195.5 and body fat reading of 44%. Since surgery, I have lost a real 12% of body fat! I was pleased. I really had no idea what the scales would show this morning.

I also went to my GP today for what has been an episode with strep throat this week. No aches so the pigs haven't infected me at this point. We also talked about the plastic surgeon. Way back in 1978 I had a double reduction mammoplasty (I know you can't tell from pictures). I did put a lot of weight on there also. But at the time of the mammoplasty, I hemmoraged and had a bad port scar under my left arm. I had lived with the lump for many years until about 7 years ago, Diane sent me to a plastic surgeon to have it repaired. I am not certain that he did not make it worse but again, one lives with these things. This fall after the band surgery and a few pounds, I was fitted for a new bra and low and behold this really great bra started to interact with the back scar and when I went in for my November surgery regarding the port, I was broken wide open under the arm and would bleed regularly if I didn't have it securely bandaged. Since I have lost weight, there is a real flabby flab flap (don't know how else to explain it). Those of you who are obese know how we collect those flabby flab lumps everywhere. Long story short, we have to get this corrected before summer or I will be having problems with perspiration and such.

Enough of this, I don't know if insurance will cover this but I need a new bra again and I don't want to go through the wound business again.

Dillon and I went to MN last weekend to watch over Zachary and Garrett. We had fun!

My other blog

2009-04-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

My quilting blog is www.happierdocsly.blogspot.com Nola wants to win! I am so excited to give away two of my projects. Some lucky friend is going to be happy!

Reddirt Woman Is One of My Heroes

2009-04-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

You Color Your Life With Vibrant Warmth

You are light hearted and have a sunny disposition. You live a life of gratitude.
You are open and adventurous. You're interested in young people and what's new in the world.

You don't carry any emotional baggage with you through life. What's done is done, and you've moved on.
You start every day fresh. You are optimistic about what's to come.

How Do You Color Your Life? Helen had this on her blog and I loved it so I had to do it for me.

101st Post - I have a gift for you!

2009-04-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

This is my entry into Onederland posting. What a silly celebration but I so intended to live the band through this blog. I feel so blessed to have begun a blog relationship with so many wonderful people. Some bandits, some not! Doesn't matter to me as I feel you support when I write and I hope you benefit a bit from my blogging remarks.
For those of you who don't know, I have a quilting blog as well. I have just begun this creative endeavor in the past year as well. I have always been a knitter but I now enjoy the whole idea of fabric. I am a tactile person and it keeps my fingers out of my mouth and lessens my eating time, so it is beneficial.
In the quilting world, people have a giveaway on their 100th blogversary. So. . . I would like to incorporate that into my bandit world. I promise I won't send you chocolate! I will wait one week from today, April 23rd, and I will have my daughter draw from the names of all of you who comment on this blog entry. The winner will get a surprise from my quilting and knitting closets.
Sara and Beth have already entered. I love to give gifts, so here is your chance to win something from my heart! Bring on the comments!!!!! You don't have to be a bandit to win, come on there are loads of followers to comment.

Wonderful Easter

2009-04-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

Vince and I had a wonderful Easter together. We drove to Platte to have dinner with the Ringlings. They are always so kind to include us in their family holidays. It was a chance to watch our three South Dakota grandsons run around the yard searching for eggs. They had a great time. I ate a bit more than I should have in the line of sweet desserts and salads but it tasted so good. I cut back on calories today to balance the diet. Been quilting up a storm to stay out of the kitchen. Dawson is using the phone, Dayton is always smiling, and Dillon is thinking about his new game.

Ready to Speak

2009-04-07T07:15:00.001-07:00

I have been asked to speak at a Blue Ribbon School celebration today. This is the new dress I bought instead of a pink suit. I love the dress as it is a size 16 and the little lycra knit shrug was an extra. The top of those arms, you know. I had Vince take a picture because I couldn't believe what I saw in the mirrow. Feels good!

Have I Told You Lately?

2009-04-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

I love going to the Rec. Today I saw four very good friends at the Rec working out. The first one walked over to where I was cross training and gave me a big hug and said, "you are looking good". He is the father-in-law of my trainer and we have been friends for years. He is a former DCI guy and is built of muscle and our age. What could I say? He knows how hard I have tried to lose weight for the past three years and so I said, "working on it". Then another friend who is tiny tiny and is now addicted to exercise saw me. She just hugged me and told me how great I am doing. T has gone through some really tough times in her life and is such a focused person. Her faith has gotten her through the last couple of years and I respect her so much. She understands addiction and my addiction has been food. Another friend who has conquered cancer was exercising and she, too, gave me a thumbs up. What do you say to someone who has had cancer about just losing weight! She is the one who is doing great. Finally, a former student from the University met me and as we passed in the snow she leaned in and said, "by the way, I meant to tell you the other day, you are looking so good". That prompted this blog post. I want to shout from the mountains, "YES, I am looking good." But, what if I jinx myself. This whole mental attitude is so much a part of our struggle with weight. I have to love and respect myself enough to keep going. I just want to watch those grand babies grow up and enjoy my family for years to come. The whole motivation is health! But looking healthy and well is such a nice thing.
To be able to go into a department store, pull a size 16 dress off the rack, put it on, and look remarkably well. That is a celebration. That is visible to me also. Have I told you lately how great I feel. Don't let me down little band. I am depending on you to get me through this and keep me on track. By the way, it is snowing! Touch South Dakota tulips in the snow. Same hot tub, second storm.

10 Sticks of Butter

2009-04-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

I feel like a meteorologist these days, constantly listening for when it will snow again. We are due for more inches this weekend. Oh well, I will exercise inside and do some quilting.
I went to the Rec this morning to see if Thomas would weigh me. Yes Nola and Caroline, it has been more than a week. I had weighed on our home scales and it said 198. I know they are about three pounds heavy so when I couldn't find Thomas I got out the electronic scales and did it myself. 196! Yeah, I broke the barrier. Two weeks and 2 and 1/2 pounds. As in earlier blog posts-10 sticks of butter! Yee Hah! The boiled eggs and grapefruit are helping with the burn.
I know I am losing inches right now however. I needed a new pair of shoes and who would believe it, I have lost another 1/2 size there too. Strange how our bodies change.
I have a new stretch for those of you who are trying to tighten the abs. I didn't know I had abs until about two months ago. They were hidden under the flabs. Anyway, get out the big exercise ball. I love mine. Stretch over the top of it and get yourself situated so that the ball is under your shins just below the knees and your hands are straight down to the floor under your shoulders. When you are ready, keeping your legs stiff and your back straight, hike your butt toward the ceiling while at the same time rolling the ball down to your ankles. Slower lower and roll on the ball back to the knees. Try doing this 10 times, slowly. It really tightens the mainframe. I would capture it for U-Tube but it would be rated X-tra Hilarious. Better left to your imagination.

A South Dakota Blizzard

2009-03-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

Time for my travelogue for March. It has been a very challenging winter in South Dakota. A little geography for my friends. South Dakota is a rectangular shaped state that is about 380 miles long and 210 miles wide. The Missouri River runs through the central part of South Dakota. To the east of the river, lie low hills and lakes formed by glaciers. Fertile farm country covers the area. To the west of the Missouri River, the land consists of deep canyons and rolling plains. I live about 70 miles east of the Missouri River about midway between the borders with Nebraska and North Dakota. If you click on the pictures you can enlarge them to see better. The snow blows against the screens on the windows and fills the holes for a nice effect.

It started to snow at 5:00 am and these pictures were taken at 9:00 am. Four hours of accumulation. I have flowers growing on my sun porch inside and blizzard raging on the outside. You can see about 8 inches in those four hours on top of the table and hot tub. The sign above the garage door is the way I gave Vince his answer to the marriage proposal. Our last name is Street thus "Yes Street".

We feed the birds all winter and some of them are weathering the storm to see if Vince has filled the feeder by the garage. Vince built the feeder with the copper roof. Mostly English sparrows but I love watching them. No school for my grandson so he is here with me today while Mom and Dad are working. Most of the schools in South Dakota are closed today.

PS At 1:00 pm we had 14 inches of snow. And at 5:00 pm, it is still snowing.

Just a Great Day

2009-03-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

I have kinda taken Caroline and Nola's advice and stopped weighing every week. Notice I said "kinda". On Friday I had to drive 70 miles to an appointment at 8:30 meeting so I didn't go to the rec to have Thomas weigh in. Instead, I ventured down stairs to our scale. The last time I weighed on that scale, I weighed 202. On Friday I weighed 198. Now we consider this scale about three pounds heavy and 198 was a half pound loss from Thomas' scale last Wednesday, so I was psyched. Then I called about getting a Anti-shingles vaccine. One of my dear friends had shingles over the holidays on her face and I can only imagine the pain. My mother had shingles twice when she was older.
At the suggestion of my caregiver, I called the insurance management and as long as you are over 60 they cover the vaccination. It is costly. When I called the office to tell my CNP I could get the vaccine, she came on the line and heard my voice. She immediately suggested I come in for a visit since I have the crud in the head and throat. When I went for my appointment at 3pm, the first thing I had to do was step on the scales. Now this is in the middle of the afternoon with clothes on. I had had 16 oz of decaf, 32 oz of water, and fish, potato, and green beans at Crackerbarrel for lunch with Vince in Sioux Falls. I hesitated but stepped on. I weighed 198 on the office scales. When I whined about weighing, Diane said she thought her scales were about 4 or 5 pounds heavy. So. . .
I have taken to eating a boiled egg if I am hungry. I think I don't get enough protein to keep me satisfied and to burn the fat. Thinking doesn't get me very far. Anyway, on Thursday of this week I will weigh in with Thomas. I will post the Friday picture.

Home Again

2009-03-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I just spent a few days with my charming little guys in Minnesota. I tell you what, if taking care of a three year old and another that is almost two doesn't keep one busy, I don't know what does. We went to Lifetime Fitness everyday and took walks around the neighborhood two of the four days. I exercised this morning before I drove back.
I tried to go for 50 minutes everyday instead of the 40 minutes since the boys were in the Child Center and I could take the time. I biked, walked on the treadmill, and used an elliptical strider of some sort. Even broke a sweat three times.

My thyroid specialist called and the latest blood work was right on target. I will see him in October for my yearly cancer check.

I drove through some heavy rain and strong winds this afternoon in South Dakota but just 60 miles further west and the Interstate is closed all the way to Wyoming with a spring blizzard. Hard to believe it when the car thermometer read 51 degrees when I drove into town. The open sky on the prairie is awesome and today was no exception.

I think I will drive to the office in snow flurries tomorrow morning. Must show off the grandsons. I wish you could see how crystal blue those eyes are!

198.5

2009-03-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Scream! Kick! Cry! I could go on and on with the emotions. I can't believe it. I was so disappointed yesterday I just sat down stunned. Thomas says, "water". I say, "shabam (cleaned it up for the blog)"!
I drove to Allison's yesterday and we went to Lifetime Fitness and I worked out for 55 minutes instead of 40 minutes. The little guys and I have already been there this morning on the way home from the airport. I worked out 45 minutes and after their naps, we will take a long walk.
Something has to drop! And it is not my motivation. . .

Productive Weekend

2009-03-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

I have continued to record everything I put in my mouth. This weekend I walked for about 35 minutes outside with Vince and then rode the bike doing the interval work. I feel really good. I put on a pair of slacks this morning that are size 16 and they felt rather big. I am not saying I am ready for a 14 but maybe I am losing inches again and not pounds.
I really had a great time quilting this weekend. Did you know that Saturday was National Quilting Day? I took three items to Saturday Sampler for show and tell and then went back to hear a very inspirational and talented woman speak about her lifelong quilting accomplishments. I definitely know that if I keep myself busy, I am not hungry.
I saw my first robin this morning near the school I was visiting. It was a beautiful warm (over 70 degrees) day on the prairie. I also watched Australia this weekend. It was great! Such a vast continent. Life is good.

Straight Talk

2009-03-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

My body is winning this plateau battle. I weighed in this morning at 197. Thomas and I had a great talk. It is always great talking to him. That old fear of failure seems to sneak up and get me. So much stress right now about job and staffing for next year. Thomas says that causes hormore changes and I guess just stress without eating badly is almost as bad as eating at stress which is what I have always done.
The other thing we talked about is changing up the exercise. 40 minutes on resistance level 3 is too easy for the body now. Who would have thought that? He suggested sprints in the riding. I also asked about the stepper at the rec. He worries about my knees but said I could try it. Thomas also suggested walking outside now that the snow is leaving and it is warmer (double digits on the thermometer).
I came home a bit down but decided to write everything down that I eat again. I was doing that until about the beginning of the year when I stopped. If I do that, I will know I get enough grams of protein and monitor the food that goes in. Drink more water! Three small meals a day. Life is good.

Some Talky Diversion

2009-03-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

Don't want to write about weight today. Been good, that's not the reason. Just want to write about something else. So I think I will give you a better picture of me that what a camera can portray.
1. I am the oldest child, my only sibling was born during my eighth summer. I remember the day John was born. We lived in southern Michigan and it was a very hot July day. He is married to a very patient wife and they live about five hours away in Minnesota.
2. 10 months before my brother was born, our house burned to the ground. I lost many dolls which were very important to this "girly". The three of us (mom, daddy, and I) moved in with a family down the street and that Christmas I learned to knit. The son of the family was a research scientist at the University of Michigan and he brought a Japanese exchange student home for the holidays. She taught me to knit. It is a hobby that I cherish and I can't tell you how many projects I completed in my lifetime.
3. When I was 20 I married my high school boyfriend and we were married for 18 years before our divorce. Great things came out that marriage. Many Air Force friends, a trip to England, and two wonderful children. The oldest is our son and his sister is 29 months younger.
4. I met my husband in 1985 and we were married 13 months later. He is a saint and has changed my life for the very best. He has supported me while I was raising teenagers, getting my doctorate, and always by my side in this weight loss quest. He was an only child and had never been married so you know how we turned his life upside down.
5. I have five grandsons. They are very special to me. The oldest is 10 and the youngest is 9 months. They all live close enough to us that I can give hugs and kisses often and share in their lives. I can't express how much it means to me to be a "grandma" and "baba". They are the sunshine of my life.
6. My favorites are as follows (in no particular order): chocolate, the colors red and lime green, Christmas, knitting, quilting, sitting on a beach, cardinals, love stories, cashmere sweaters, baseball, wine with friends, reading historical fiction, watching big flakes of snow falling, music, dancing, and iris.
7. My dislikes are: snakes, people who do not tell the truth, situations that are not fair, the medicine I had to take for pylori, hawks that kill my little sparrows, violent movies, adults who abuse children.
8. My bucket list includes: a hot air balloon ride on a warm summer night at sunset, a return trip to Maui and Williamsburg with Vince, seeing all of the major league baseball stadiums with my grandson, Dillon, owning my own red VW convertible bug, and living to be older than my grandmothers did.

Six Months and 197 pounds

2009-02-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

A new low and I am on a new high. It was six months ago today that I had the banding and I have lost a total of 46 pounds in six months. My blog friend, Helen, asks if we bandits only think about food as we go through these experiences. I will admit that when I am out and I have to order, I contemplate what it will be. But then I am home, I just need to plan three balanced meals each time I eat and then chew and eat more slowly.

I had hoped for at least a pound this week but with all the stress going on about our Educational Agency and the state funding that has been cut, I am a bit of a basket case and it is clear to me that I still eat at stress. An old habit that jeopardizes my success. Thomas explained that stress acts on your hormones and then it just causes your body to hold water and fat.

I took a risk and had Vince take a picture this morning. First of all, the hot pink t-shirt in my early pictures was a 2X. It is in the wash but it now hangs like a dress on me. I still love to wear it to exercise in. However, the new pink t-shirt that I have on today is just an XL (catch the "just"). I got in honor of my grandson's teacher who is fighting breast cancer. I put it on this morning and dared to wear it as a short dress for the camera. Get a load of the legs (white as snow falling outside). The adoring dog in the picture is my Abby (an English Cocker Spaniel).

Chicken

2009-02-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

I can't eat chicken. It will go down but it comes right back up. I don't know why I keep trying. I was in Pierre today listening to the legislative testimony about education (that is enough to make one up-chuck). We went to lunch and I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and took it apart. Cut the chicken, lettuce, and tomato into very small bites and started to eat very slowly. I chewed a significant amount of time and swallowed. I almost didn't make it to the ladies room in time.
Maybe I will lose two pounds this week as it seems like I am taking in a much smaller amount of food each time I eat. I suppose that means the fill is working to my advantage.
On a brighter note, I am know able to easily wear a size 16 pair of slacks. I will take a picture on Friday as that will be exactly six months since banding.

197.5

2009-02-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

That Thomas, he is such a sport. He gave me a high five even though I didn't hit the 195 mark he had set. I can't be unhappy with a pound and one half. I then went to see Dr. Glatt and on his office scale I weighed 202.3 He again told me how proud he was of me and was smiling the whole visit. I did get a fill. Up to 5cc in the band. Now two days of liquids again to let it settle. I finally remembered to ask him what his goal was for me. He said a BMI of 30. Holy cow!!!! I quickly got the Blackberry out of my purse and that would mean he wants me to go to 159 pounds.
It is really interesting because Thomas and I had talked about that this morning and he said there was no way I should go below about 150 pounds.
When I start to eat regular foods again on Friday I have decided to time my eating meals. I eat too fast! Habits are hard to break. I am just going to really work on that. I am on a real high today. I feel good and I also know I am losing inches right now even though the scale is not dropping faster. Just remind me that a pound a week is good.
I have read that to calculate the minimum number of calories you need you multiply your current or desired weight in pounds by 10 if you're a woman, 11 if you're a man. This number represents your basic calorie needs. 197 X 10 = 1970 calories
I also know it takes 3500 calories to build one pound. I also know I am not supposed to count calories but. . . if I eat around 1600 calories a day (370 calories less) and exercise once (200 calories burned) that equals around 500 calories a day and when one multiplies that by 7 days in a week, one should lose 1 pound a week.
Enough with the math! I just know that in 12 months I could reach Dr. Glatt's goal. I think it is safe to say, that in a year and one half, I could lose 100 pounds. That is long term goal. I need to set a short term for my benefit. I think I will try to weigh 192 on St. Patrick's Day.

Feeling Sorry for Myself

2009-02-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

Why is it that food is tied to so many of our celebrations. No candy for Valentine's Day and not even a dinner out. It wouldn't serve the situation well to go out and pay for a meal that one can't eat. Chocolate is such a challenge for me. I love the taste.
I finally got the grant off my desk and that is a huge relief. That stress drives me crazy and I found myself eating at it. I tried to eat the right things, but I was not on a three meal schedule, none the less.
I can tell I am losing inches right now but the scale isn't moving like it once did. I only want one or two pounds a week but it is getting harder. I really wonder if I had a schedule that allowed me to exercise every morning and every evening, if it would make a difference. I just can't seem to get my body out of bed at 6 am and go to the bike or the rec.
My thyroid specialist lowered my script for thyroid and I seem to be cold and sleepy again. I am warm once I start to exercise but then I get so cold when I am done.
Well, enough of this rattling. I go see Dr. Barth on Wednesday and I will be elated if his scale is close to the 199 mark.

I still really do not like pictures

2009-02-10T20:33:00.000-08:00

I asked Vince to take picture last week and I am still not happy looking at myself. I can see the fat around the middle and it really bothers me. Maybe it will be motivation. Watched the Biggest Losers tonight and that certainly is. I had an important meeting today and I noticed that for a time I was eating at the stress. When will I learn?

February Goals

2009-02-05T17:22:00.000-08:00

Weighed in with Thomas this morning. I know it is not Wednesday, nor is it Friday, he just said, "today". So two of those ugly pounds are gone and I am back in Onederland. I have an appointment with Dr. Glatt on February 18 which is exactly 25 weeks from surgery. So, Thomas set my goals! I gave him permission since he has been my physical trainer for almost two years now. He says that on February 18th, he wants me to weigh 195 or 194.5. He says, I can do it. I have been trying to exercise for 40 minutes twice a day and in order to drop 4.5 pounds in 13 days, that is really what I will have to do. I just wish I believed in myself as much as other people believe in me.

So my February goals are: to eat no pieces of chocolate from a beautiful Valentine box (or any other container for that matter), to drink more water, to exercise twice a day every day I can, and to lose six pounds.

The Road to Healthy

2009-02-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Beth, a blog pal, send me a quote from Richard Simmons, "if you don't quit, you can't fail". It really set me to thinking about this journey. My destination is "HEALTHY" and as long as I don't lose sight of that, I must stay on the road. Now just as in life, sometimes when we travel, we have to take a detour, make a wrong turn, or just plain hit a pothole, we still have the destination in mind. A book that really had an impact on my life was Stephen Covey's book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. I often think of the habit - begin with the end in mind. I began this journey with the end, HEALTHY, in mind. I must consider the past few days, a detour. But now I am back on the road to HEALTHY. I really hope that when I weigh tomorrow, that can of Crisco has been thrown out the window and I am back in Onederland.

So Let's Just Say, "Back to Business!!!"

2009-02-02T16:54:00.001-08:00

Well, the fun is over and boy, did I make the best of it! I literally blew the last 8 days of January like it was old behavior, BIG TIME. So it is "back to business for this bandit". I exercised mid grant writing this afternoon and as soon as I write this post, I am going to exercise again. Two a days for the next seven. Also, there will be no SNACKING! Just a piece of cheese or something mid whenever is over! What happened to my discipline that knows 3 small meals a day and lots of water in between. And, I could go on. Last Friday when I weighed in, I had left Onederland in the dust by a pound. You know, I can't even remember if it was one or two pounds now. I just know it said 20? !!!!!!!!!!!!! I was really disappointed in myself. Another 12 hours in the car, but this time I didn't do too badly. I just know I am now back in control and the saddle is tighter than a week ago. I wonder why?

What a Weekend

2009-01-26T13:29:00.000-08:00

I flew to Chicago Friday evening and got stuck there. Long story but airplanes parked on runway and airplanes that push back early from the gate equalled a free night's stay from United. Anyway, I arrived in Michigan on Saturday morning for the 50th wedding anniversary and it was a great party. I know I drank three glasses of wine over 4 fours and ate far too many bite size sinful pieces of food. Then early Sunday we took off on the 13 hour drive back to South Dakota. Funny how riding in a Blazer makes one want to munch. We had mostly healthy snacks but it seemed like we munched and drank (decaf and G2) all the way home. Needless to say, I needed to exercise today.
I think there is some stress in my life right now that is testing my ability to not eat because I am stressed. Our state legislature is cutting education funding dramatically and it will effect my staff and our organization. I am alarmed at the foresight of our governor and legislature.

Patience Alice

2009-01-22T11:10:00.000-08:00

A news flash from Alice in Onederland, patience is the name of the game. I lost one pound this week. Now that is 4 sticks of butter and I should be happy, which I am! However there are other things that should spark my trip down this road. And they do! Like here is a picture of me today being able to cross my legs!

Small thing? Not for someone who has been overweight all her life. Crossing your legs is like awesome. I feel so slim when I cross my legs.

And, how about being able to lean over and paint your toenails?

I was able to do that this morning because no longer do I have that huge belly that gets in the way. I have always been able to stand straight legged and touch my toes because I am so short, but painting my toenails has been a challenge for many years. I would have to bend my knee and paint behind me. You can see that picture. So it is a great day.

I just need to have patience in the Onederland and give myself the pats on the back that I need. One added picture is of one of my precious grandsons wearing a hat that I knit for him. He is one of the important reasons I am changing my lifestyle.

Is It the Dreaded Plateau?

2009-01-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

Well, that is what I would deserve, if it is! I was admonishing those bandits for whining and here I am. I went to weigh in on Wednesday morning with Thomas and he had left town early because of the frigid temperatures here in balmy South Dakota. It was above 0 degrees today! So, one of the guys at the Rec and I got the scale out and calculated my weight. It was 202! I about died. Then I called Thomas yesterday and he said they allow four pounds for clothing and we had only allowed one pound so that calculates that I lost 8 ounces in a week. Now I know what you are thinking! BUT, I worked out six out of seven days and I really believe I was eating sensibly. My sister-in-law suggested that the bean soup I created last Sunday might be causing some bloating. Nice thought.
Anyway, I had already decided that if I didn't lose, I was not going to get discouraged, BUT that is a half a pound over two weeks because I didn't lose anything last week. So, take my own advice. Drink more water! I also think I will try to get in two exercise sessions on the weekends from now on.
You would think my body would be burning calories just to keep warm. One of my colleagues announced that she and her family tested the 42 degree below zero temp by spitting on the sidewalk and it froze solid in 3 seconds. Now that is SCIENCE!

Where I Blog

2009-01-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Nola started something. This is my desk where I blog. I added the beads to the lamp shade in one of my craftier moments. My blackberry lays close to the keyboard so I am never more than a click from the schools we serve. I have an Obama button next to the candle on the right knowing that his term may serve to brighten our country. The picture on the wall in this picture is of my oldest grandson when he was three. He is my buddy. Notice the mug. I love to drink skim milk with decaf expresso and some sugar free white chocolate flavoring. The desk was a wedding gift from my mother to my father and they were married in 1941 so it is vintage. I love it because I was very close to my dad.

My office is in the gradsons' bedroom in our home on the second floor. I painted the wall stripes a number of years ago. I love the color as it goes with the down comforter on the bed. I also made the curtains out of some cute animal panels to entertain the boys. There is a twin bed and a crib in this room to accomodate the five boys. Oldest is now 10 and youngest is 7 months. They don't all come to visit at one time.

Lastly, is the view from my desk to the hallway. The words say, Grandma's Little Angels Welcome Here. I have various pictures of all of the boys. When I get a newer one for the great room downstairs, the picture gets moved to this wall. Needless to say, my boys are pretty important to me.

Great idea, Nola. Hope this gives you a window on my life.

Colder than a bandit's tiny hiny!

2009-01-12T13:29:00.000-08:00

I just drove home in a real South Dakota blizzard. 50 mile an hour winds and snowing to beat the band. Trucks and cars on the interstate traveling 20 miles and hour and I even saw a Highway Patrol in the ditch. If anxiety is a weight loss program, I lost 10 pounds in the 70 mile trip.
Now that I am back in town, I will go to the Rec and do some real exercise. Wednesday weigh-in is just around the corner.

Continued. . .while at the rec center I watched Oprah while I biked. She was talking about her "new life" series and how people who have lost a great deal of weight have gained it back and are ashamed to carry on. I think that is an internal fear that I have. My husband tells me to convert that fear into a motivator to stay on my target. I had decided two years ago that I needed to exercise to become more healthy. I had hoped an added benefit would be weight loss. It didn't happen and I want to tell you, I worked at it hard.

The scientific reality is "calories in, calories out". Some of us were born with genes that make life more challenging. I believe my early life hysterectomy and my recent thyroid issues have not been my best buddies either. Nevertheless, this band and I are in this for the long haul.

My new slogan is:

Workin' 2

A healthier me!

Quilt til ya wilt

2009-01-10T20:48:00.001-08:00

I have really taken my behavior seriously this week: salads for lunch at the office, bike and/or walk everyday for 40 minutes, and quilt so I won't be close to the kitchen. For those of you who read my last post, I have excused myself from the South Dakota bandsters yahoo group. I don't have time for that and I find my blogging bandits a far healthier crowd.
Not that we are holier than thou, but I read some self criticism in our blogs and not so much self "woe is me". From my viewpoint, we are pretty touch on ourselves and the attitude is that we want to be healthier and that is why we chose to change our life styles.
If you wonder at the comments, Mom is not my mom but my "sorta ex" sister-in-law. She is a wonderful support cheerleader. She has known me practically all my life and she knows how much obesity has hurt my self esteem. I have not been married to her brother-in-law for almost 23 years but I have remained very close to his family.
I had a wonderful chat with my daughter this afternoon. She was cleaning her closet and offered me some of her 16s and 14s that are now too big for her. She has been going to the gym faithfully and I know she works hard at keeping herself in good health and shape. I didn't give her the best of genes and her father was 6'3" with a large bone structure. Anyway, she is thinking that some of her professional clothes will help me through the spring and summer. I wonder where I will end up in the clothing department?
It is snowing in such a beautiful way this evening. No wind, just constant flakes. My cozy slippers and knitting are calling my name.

Oh Holy Cow

2009-01-04T17:33:00.000-08:00

I just vented on a Yahoo users group to some real whiners. I feel cheated because they live in my area and I could benefit from some local support. But oh well, I probably won't be hearing from them again. I will share what I said because I do so believe in this. Hope I did the right thing.
Copy of my e-mail:
"I joined this group to listen and sometimes add if I felt I had something to say. I have my own blog and have some followers from around the world who are fellow bandits. We communicate regularly and I have learned much from them. With all due respect, I don't think a "fill" or "less of a fill" is the answer that some of you need. I never hear any of you talk about exercise. I go to the rec six days a week to exercise. I am a busy person, working full time, but exercise and eating correctly are two things we all have to do if we are going to be successful. The band is a tool to help us eat less not the answer to weight loss. I suppose after I vent, I should leave the group and not submit my thoughts again. I too have been thinking this group is a waste of time. Attitude is so important. I travel to Sioux Falls to the support group at Sanford because the leaders are motivational and the bandits are too. I was banded on August 27 and I have lost 44 pounds. I am not special and I am not unique. You too can lose 1 or 2 pounds a week if you exercise, use the band to tell you when you are full, and believe in the whole process. Excuses don't get you anywhere. If you have a problem with PBing and you think it is a problem, then you have a doctor that needs to hear what you have to say and you need to stop second guessing the problem. Small bites, some foods aren't tolerated, some foods are a waste of high calories and shouldn't be consumed everyday just because they taste good, and we all need to chew more and eat more slowly. I have gone on enough. Getting a lapband is a personal choice, no one made me do it. I wanted it and I will continue to have a positive attitude and surround myself with those sort of folks. If anyone is interested in some tough talk, feel free to e-mail me, otherwise I will keep my mouth shut. Sylvia"

It is Snowing

2009-01-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

I know it means Vince will need to shovel the drive and sidewalks but I do believe if it is going to be cold, then snow is perfect. It is January in South Dakota.
I went to the Rec early today because it is right after New Years so everyone has made a promise to exercise. It was busy but some of the regulars were hanging in there. I rode the bike for 30 minutes and then walked on the treadmill for 10 minutes. It feels good. Can't believe I am saying that. I have to work harder now to get my heartrate up there where it will burn some fat.
It is a great day to be alive! I am listening to the last of my Christmas CDs and then I will put them away until next year. We have put some decorations away as well. Need to get back to normal so that I can hit the road hard on Monday.

Day One in Onederland

2009-01-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

It is a beautiful sunny day here in South Dakota but cold as can be. I love these kind of days. I have been quilting all day and contemplating some personal goals. This is that time of year. I have talked a great deal about weight goals but I have some others as well.
I have decided to read the Bible over the next two years. It would be the first time I have ever done that. It is on my bucket list. I also want to make certain I write thank yous to people who give me gifts or do special things. I think that e-mail has become too convenient for me and I need to make a better effort to say thanks.
I was watching a television program tonight about Obesity in America. It featured a woman who had once lost over 111 pounds and had been honored on a Richard Simmons program. Since then she has gained all of her weight back and again some. This really scares me as they were discussing the genes and fat cells she had and how her body fought her to get back. I called Vince into the room and we discussed my fears. I forget that with the band, one is not starving the body as she was on a very low calorie diet. I just have to remember to eat sensibly and let the band tell my brain that I am full. I wonder if I will ever lose the fear. Perhaps that fear is a good thing.
I added a picture to the slideshow of me, last night. The slacks are the size 16 I just found. I do have to work on the fat around my middle. More sit-ups!

I Made It!

2008-12-31T11:16:00.000-08:00

Today marks 18 weeks since I was banded. I went to the Rec this morning and Thomas weighed me. I weigh less than 200 pounds (well .5 pounds less). I was so pleased that I accomplished my first major goal. It still seems hard to believe that if I eat right and exercise, the pounds just keep coming off. That has never happened before.
On August 13th when I went for my bariatric surgery class, I weighed 243.6 pounds. That was 20 weeks ago and during that time, I have lost 44.1 pounds or about 2 pounds a week on average. That is just about perfect as far as what the doctor wants.
I have so much for which to be thankful. I feel so much better. Thomas laughed today and noted that I was jumping up and down with excitement. I couldn't have jumped six months ago. I am especially thankful for the loss due to having the holidays in the middle of this time period and also that last surgery which was a setback.
Now I need to set my second goal. I believe I have an appointment with Dr. Glatt in February. I would flat blow him away if I had lost 50 pounds on his scale by then. I think that it would have to be 60 pounds on any other scale to be safe. I think they have those hospital scales rigged. Any thing less than 195 pounds should cause a smile on his face. So for the time being, I think I will shoot for 188 by Valentine's Day. I also want to plan to exercise 6 days a week.
Happy New Year to all and may 2009 be a time for losing for all of my friendly bandits.

Home From the Holidays

2008-12-29T08:05:00.000-08:00

Well bandits, I made it through my first full blown holiday! I learned a few things and I think I better write it down so I remember.
First, if I am going to eat cold shrimp, I must chew even though they are bite size. Our Christmas eve feast tasted so good but after the meal, I thought I was having a heart attack from the pain in the chest. I realized that what seemed like chewing probably equated to buzz sawing through the pile of shrimp on my plate and that if I ever (and at that point I doubted I would) ate shrimp again, I must chew them thoroughly!
Second, I can't eat rice. The literature says you can't but I have to try things. We went to a pleasant little oriental restaurant in Northfield and I ordered my entree. Of course, it came with rice. I put just a couple of teaspoons under the bed of chicken cashew and chewed slowly. The rice wouldn't stay down. Let that be that lesson.
Third, ice cream goes down with no problem. So it is best to measure a reasonable amount and eat it slowly as it goes right through the pouch and those calories can add up quickly. My brother and I take after our dad who loved ice cream. Vanilla in a bowl is a happy time.
It is a fact that food is an integral part of a family holiday. As a bandster, I just have to think about what and how much I plan to eat and participate with reasonable sensibility.

Sorry I took time off

2008-12-26T15:26:00.000-08:00

Oh my, it has been a long time since I have posted to my blog. So much has taken place. First off, Allison got strep throat so I took off on the 16th to drive to Waconia to help with my grandsons while she got back to normal. After three days in Minnesota, we zipped back to South Dakota and put in a marathon evening wrapping gifts so that we could celebrate Christmas with all on the 20th as that was Kevin's weekend off. It was a wonderful day with all of our family and we had so much fun with the grandsons. Of course, Zachary gave me his terrible cold so when we headed back to my brother's on the 23rd, I had the runny nose and sneezes. I have tried to be most careful with hand sanitizer and Kleenex so as not to give it away.
We had a wonderful Christmas eve and day with my brother and his wife at their home here in Minnesota. I have been very careful to drink lots of fluids and we have been eating sensibly so I ventured onto their bathroom scale on the 24th. That would be 18 weeks since banding and on their scale, I weighed 200 pounds. Now I am not certain how that equates with the scale at the Rec Center but it feels good to be in that range. Linda weighed a five pound bag of flour and it read 6 pounds. Needless to say I am hoping it says 200 when I weigh in at the Rec in five days.
Linda had to work today so I left the boys and went to the Eden Prairie mall to meet Allison with the Christmas presents they couldn't get in the Jeep last Monday. I just had to go into Talbots and look around. Actually, they have a large petite department and I love their slacks. No need to shorten them. I was a bit disappointed when I looked on the rack and the largest size were 16s. However, I found a grey wool lined pair of slacks to replace my old favorites and I decided to try them on. I have always hated trying on clothes. I think it is because nothing ever fit. Well, I went in and pulled those slacks up and buttoned and zipped them up. A bit snug but who would have believed I could wear a size 16?! I was psyched and they were an additional 40% off to day so I bought them and danced out of the store.
I have really let down on the exercise since the 15th. I didn't specifically exercise while at Allison's and so finally yesterday, I used my sister-in-laws' "gazelle" in the pole barn for 50 minutes. It felt good. I won't be able to reach the 750 mile goal at the bottom of the page but I have done remarkably. I read a really great article in this month's O magazine about taking better care of yourself. Poor Oprah fell off the wagon. I think it is reasonable to say that just because I didn't exercise for nine days doesn't mean I won't exercise regularly for the last four days of the year. I can get another 96 miles on the ticker before the 31st.
It has been a much needed break and I am feeling better today. As Vince said, I should be better by the time I have to go back to work. I hope to get some quilting in this next week. I want to have my friends over to play with my birthday, Christmas and anniversary gift, my new quilting machine. We will make merry and have fun. I guess I should call this to a close and go pick up the knitting I brought to Minnesota, a readers shawl. It is going to turn out quite well and I will enjoy the warmth.

Support Group Not Hose

2008-12-15T20:45:00.001-08:00

I drove to Sioux Falls tonight with Vince to go to the support group at the hospital. It is so worth it to sit down and have a discussion with others who are dealing with the same life experience. Each person is so unique and each has a story. Tonight's meeting was about "paying it forward". I said, from the very beginning, that the reason I am writing this blog is to share my story and perhaps give someone the push to take a step in changing their own life.
I did share about this blog tonight and I also mentioned my Australian friends (not by name) that I have begun to feel akin with as we wander down this path of bandsterhood. I just read one blog and she calls them the bandits. I think that is so cute. About the time one feels like they are slipping, along comes a new bandit to help one refocus. That happened tonight at the support group. A beautiful young woman shared that she was banded in October and has lost 33 pounds. I reminded her that is 11 cans of Crisco. That is so great! It isn't that one wants to compete with her to lose more, but rather, it just compels one to continue the journey with a bit more ATTITUDE!
I am still having the wretched dents in the ankles when I take off the wool socks at night. Some one recommended green tea as a natural diuretic but I so hate the taste of tea. I think I will just try to drink more water and really watch the sodium content of foods.
I do believe there is a real benefit in having a support group. Not that misery loves company but rather, it is good to hear others talk about some of the same feelings and experiences and give their take on it. I believe we are never to old to learn something from others. I especially like to learn from others who have positive attitudes and this group is full of those kind of people.

Add four sticks of butter

2008-12-13T21:09:00.000-08:00

And I am not talking about a recipe. I finally faced the day when the scale went the wrong direction. I know I was exercising each day while I was gone but I also know I am retaining fluids. I have big dents in my ankles when I take off my socks each night. I was bummed but I refuse to get discouraged about it. I will just have to kick it in the rear for the next few days if I want to reach my goal of 200 pounds on December 31, 2008.
We went to a house party tonight and I had to practically run to the bathroom to keep from making a rousing embarassment of myself. I didn't chew the little meatball long enough and it got stuck. I tried to PB but it didn't work and the next thing I knew I was racing to the bathroom. That will teach me to try foods at parties.
I will weigh again on Tuesday to make certain I have taken off that pound. I then weigh on Thursday as Thomas is going to Oregon for Christmas and I want to check in with him before he leaves.

Taxis - Read this and weep!

2008-12-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

I think you all know that I have been at an educational meeting in Washington DC this week. Actually we have been staying the Gaylord Nation on the Potomac. Wow, it is beautiful. Anyway, today we drove down to the mall and parked at the wrong end of Independence Avenue from the Holocaust Museum. The museum was absolutely a most emotional experience. I have wanted to visit it for years and today was the day. Well, it got to be a little later in the afternoon and I knew we needed to get the car and I sorta wanted to miss rush hour in downtown DC. So I walked the 1 mile plus back to the parking lot and was back to pick up the gals in just 24 minutes. Now I know that is not moving out but it is for me. I just started walking and before I knew it I had worked up a sweat and was done with the mile. Never would have happened four months ago.

Exercise

2008-12-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

I have managed to go down and exercise every morning we have been in Washington DC. We have also walked a great deal and I am handling it quite well. We went to the FDR memorial tonight and it was an absolutely beautiful walk.
The food at this conference has been healthy and when we have gone at night, I have tried to eat right. The real problem in restaurants is that the portions are so large. Tonight I was able to order a baked potato and that was just enough.
Sara and I just listened to a web report about Oprah and how she has gained all of her weight back. That is a really scary thing to hear. The reporter talked about her yo-yo struggle with weight. I can so identify with that. I wonder if she has ever considered a lapband. I wonder if it would work for her. I must say I still fear it won't work for me. . . forever. I wonder if the scale will go down every time it gets close to a weigh in. It is just so hard to believe in myself.
It will be 15 weeks tomorrow since my surgery. 105 days and I am hoping for 41 lost pounds on Friday.

Sunday Fill Ins from Washington DC

2008-12-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

I am taking Tracey's lead and doing the fill in. Around the globe with the same ideas!
I give myself permission to feel good about my progress toward my goal.
Christmas with my children and grandchildren is what I am looking forward to right now.
If I could change one thing about someone I love it would be to encourage my husband to relax and laugh with me.
I have exercised and then walked and climbed the steps to the Lincoln Monument today.
Tomorrow I am planning on exercising and walking without pain at a conference.
I am going to decorate my house this week and begin to do some baking for Christmas.
I feel badly that we don't have any decorations outside on our house..
One of my favourite things to do is to spend time with Dillon.
I want to weigh 200 pounds before the end of 2008.
Attending church on Christmas eve is one of my best memories.

New Meaning for Love Handles

2008-12-04T16:04:00.001-08:00

Those of you who follow my blog know that I am at educational conferences for 9 days. Today I put on my favorite brown wool skirt. It is straight and has always been soft and comfy. It is a size 22 but Allison and I decided I should keep it for this winter as it has always looked nice. Right length and pretty stylish. Well, I can grab a handful of fabric on both sides and hold what should be a straight skirt is rather FULL. Nice problem to have but I don't think I will wear it again this winter. I am afraid I might lose it. I brought a red wool skirt to wear tomorrow and it is a size 20. Both are from Talbots and I really love to wear them. Guess I will stick with mostly slacks this winter and buy new skirts next fall. Haven't exercised yet today but will get it in. Didn't eat everything on my plate at lunch either. So far, so good.

19 days left in Autumn

2008-12-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

Since I was out of town on Friday, I weighed in with Thomas today. 204! That is a 3.5 pound loss in 10 days but better still it included a holiday. I can't begin to tell you how anxious I get when it is time to step on a scale. I just can't believe it is going to go down. I know the day will come when it will go up, at least I have seen that happen on almost everyone's blog. I know I will be devastated! Until then, I will continue to exercise everyday and eat right. The next 9 days are going to be a real test.
My goal for autumn was 43 pounds and with today's loss, I am at 39.6 pounds since August 13th. I have 3.4 pounds to lose in 19 days. I am going to make this goal. I need to. I have to. I am glad I didn't go for 50 because I would be disappointed. I am also adding a picture that Vince took on December 1st. Not only can I feel the difference, I am beginning to see it as well.
Would I do this again? Yes! Can you see the 13 cans of Crisco piled up?

21 days left in autumn

2008-11-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

I have 21 days to lose the 7.5 pounds that was my goal set in August. I will weigh in with Thomas on Tuesday the 2nd of December before I leave for 9 days on business trip. It is going to be close. I wanted to lose 43 pounds in the autumn.
For some reason, I craved chocolate today so I bought some sugar free chocolate to pack in my suitcase. I ate one piece and that was OK. I also had a latte today with sugar free white chocolate. I guess I am still normal. I hope planning ahead will benefit my goal.
It is snowing and I am listening to Christmas music. This is my favorite time of the year. I think it is for all of us born in December. I guess I will sign off and write our Christmas letter.

ANew Meaning for Fill

2008-11-29T23:02:00.000-08:00

I am up waiting for the kids to come home and have been reading an Australian favorite blog. She suggested adding a fill-in once in awhile to our blogs. Thought I would do it.

1. My stomach can actually be sucked in again!
2. Squash is what I ate the most of today.
3. Outside today it was sunny and cold.
4. Reading a book with any one of my five grandsons is where I'd rather be at any given time.
5. The smell of warm applesauce makes me melancholy. My grandma always made it for me.
6. To know that I have lost two more pounds is what I need right now!
7. And as for the weekend, I had a great time with the Waconia family.
8. Tomorrow my plans include getting out a few Christmas decorations before I have to leave on my business trip.
9. This week I really want to maintain healthy eating and control my portion sizes while I am traveling.
10. That I am still awake at this hour is a big surprise to me right now.

Dessert has two ss

2008-11-29T19:47:00.000-08:00

I have decided that dessert has two ss and they stand for smaller and smallest. How in the world does one make it through holidays without a bite or two of the yummies? Today I helped Allison bake some cookies and although they smelled so good, I only had one broken piece. I can see how difficult the next few weeks are going to be with everyone baking and celebrating with food. I will just have to take hold of my goal and exercise all the harder. This is not a diet, it is a life change and attitude is part of the plan.
I was reading two of my favorite blogs today and decided I should like to weigh in kilograms. It is the only way I could ever consider my weight in double figures instead of triple digits. I currently weigh 94.1 kilograms! I have lost 35 pounds now and that is how much my three year old grandson weighs. When I picked him up tonight at the fitness center I realized how much I was carrying around on my frame.