I am officially 37, well as of one minute ago I am. So far 2015 has been pretty crazy, I go a new car, well it's new to me anyway. Then I had my stomach surgery and since then I have lost 80+ pounds (woo hoo!). I got a promotion at work, I attended the Lori Foster RAGT conference in June and then we bought our first home at the end of July! My oldest son moved out, and now we have a senior as well as a 7th and 8th grader. Now I just added another year to my age.
My weekend started off going out with a few co-workers for drinks after our shifts ended. Hanging out with them outside of the office was fun. It was interesting getting a glimpse of the guys I spend 40 hours a week with away from the daily grind. I hope we do it again soon.
I spent this weekend baking pumpkin cupcakes with whipped cream cheese frosting, both gluten free and regular, pizzas, again both gluten free (Chebe is the best crust I have ever tried!) and regular. I also made loaded baked potato salad, deviled eggs, and brewed iced tea. We had a BBQ and our friends and family made a GF carrot cake (OMG my mom is amazing), and pasta salad. We grilled various sausages from Schmidt's in German Village, steaks, and juicy Lucy's (burgers with cheese stuffed inside). It was wonderful. Spending a nice, relaxing weekend with loved ones was definitely awesome.
Our life has certainly been chaotic this summer. We are still unpacking and getting settled. Since we started this process back in June, nearly every weekend has been filled with chores, moving, packing and unpacking, organizing, donating unneeded items, looking for misplaced items, fixing just about everything (that is an entirely other blog entry), and the list goes on and on... So needless to say, a bit of fun was well deserved.
I even took my birthday off from work. Which was definitely a good call since school starts on Tuesday for my two boys in junior high and I have yet to buy all their school supplies and my driver's license and tags expire. Oh, and I still have to go to the grocery store so they will have something to put inside their lunch boxes. Even though I won't be at work, I will be a busy girl!
Now that I am 37 years and 43 minutes old, I guess I should go to bed.
Showing posts with label #2015. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #2015. Show all posts
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Sunday, July 26, 2015
And it continues...
So last Thursday we were supposed to close on our house but because our lender/loan nazi has decided to take his good old sweet time and dick around with our paper work while trying to drive us absofucklinglutely batshit crazy we did not. Oh yeah, and this asshat has still not given us an actual closing date either. Can you tell that I am a bit frustrated? Sorry for venting...
We have the loan, it has been approved, but for some reason, we are still sitting here in the dark waiting to get the final word that all the T's have been crossed and all the I's have been dotted so we can finally get the keys to our home. We are hoping that it will happen by the end of next week. At this point, we have no clue.
I have started packing. Jamie has not. Why you may be wondering have I begun the process of cataloging our belongings and placing them into boxes, wrapping all fragile items in newspaper and bubble wrap, and filling our hall, living room, and bedrooms with boxes and totes when my husband refuses? Because he has reached the point of doubt. Doubt that we will get the house, that the seller will continue without a closing date, that our lender is ever going to do his damned job. Jamie doesn't want to put our lives away only to be disappointed if we lose the house because our lender has dragged his feet for so long that everything falls apart for us. Honestly I can't say I blame him. Sitting here in my living room looking at the brown boxes and Sterilite storage tubs currently surrounding me filled with knick knacks and clothes and photos makes me anxious.
What if he is right? Unpacking them would be difficult if we lose the house we have come to think of as our new home, the home we plan on building with our sons. Our family needs a new home. A few months ago our dog Brutus died, and we have all been sad since then. Our current home where we have lived since 2004 is filled with memories, good mostly, but once Brutus passed, it just seems so sad here. Time for a fresh start. We had already begun the house hunting process before we lost Brutus , so it isn't just because of him we are leaving, but it is time for sure. In fact, he is coming with us, well, his ashes are anyway. We'd never leave him behind.
I was able to get this past Thursday and Friday off work for the planned closing and move, but since that fell through, I spent the days off taking my kids to doctor appointments, school shopping, going to yard sales, and going to the gym. What makes me even angrier is that I can't get any days off this week so hopefully IF we do close this week, we can do the closing before I go to work at 2 pm. My mother in law is planning on coming up to help us pack and move, and my mom is also planning on helping. We have a few friends who are supposed to help too, but I am not sure with all the help we have planned it will be enough now that I only have Saturday and Sunday and weekdays before 2 to move.
The bad news (yes there's more) is that we have to pay another month of rent but the good news is that we have the whole month to move so there isn't such a big rush. Oh well... Nothing we can do to change any of this. As I write this reflecting on this past weekend that should have been chaotic and stressful and busy and exhausting, this weekend wasn't so bad at all.
Aside from errands, we spent family time poolside, went shopping, and even to a concert (if you are not a James Bay fan, you do not know what you are missing). Maybe next weekend will be crazy and this time next Sunday I will be in my new home. I guess what's meant to be will be.
We have the loan, it has been approved, but for some reason, we are still sitting here in the dark waiting to get the final word that all the T's have been crossed and all the I's have been dotted so we can finally get the keys to our home. We are hoping that it will happen by the end of next week. At this point, we have no clue.
I have started packing. Jamie has not. Why you may be wondering have I begun the process of cataloging our belongings and placing them into boxes, wrapping all fragile items in newspaper and bubble wrap, and filling our hall, living room, and bedrooms with boxes and totes when my husband refuses? Because he has reached the point of doubt. Doubt that we will get the house, that the seller will continue without a closing date, that our lender is ever going to do his damned job. Jamie doesn't want to put our lives away only to be disappointed if we lose the house because our lender has dragged his feet for so long that everything falls apart for us. Honestly I can't say I blame him. Sitting here in my living room looking at the brown boxes and Sterilite storage tubs currently surrounding me filled with knick knacks and clothes and photos makes me anxious.
What if he is right? Unpacking them would be difficult if we lose the house we have come to think of as our new home, the home we plan on building with our sons. Our family needs a new home. A few months ago our dog Brutus died, and we have all been sad since then. Our current home where we have lived since 2004 is filled with memories, good mostly, but once Brutus passed, it just seems so sad here. Time for a fresh start. We had already begun the house hunting process before we lost Brutus , so it isn't just because of him we are leaving, but it is time for sure. In fact, he is coming with us, well, his ashes are anyway. We'd never leave him behind.
I was able to get this past Thursday and Friday off work for the planned closing and move, but since that fell through, I spent the days off taking my kids to doctor appointments, school shopping, going to yard sales, and going to the gym. What makes me even angrier is that I can't get any days off this week so hopefully IF we do close this week, we can do the closing before I go to work at 2 pm. My mother in law is planning on coming up to help us pack and move, and my mom is also planning on helping. We have a few friends who are supposed to help too, but I am not sure with all the help we have planned it will be enough now that I only have Saturday and Sunday and weekdays before 2 to move.
The bad news (yes there's more) is that we have to pay another month of rent but the good news is that we have the whole month to move so there isn't such a big rush. Oh well... Nothing we can do to change any of this. As I write this reflecting on this past weekend that should have been chaotic and stressful and busy and exhausting, this weekend wasn't so bad at all.
Aside from errands, we spent family time poolside, went shopping, and even to a concert (if you are not a James Bay fan, you do not know what you are missing). Maybe next weekend will be crazy and this time next Sunday I will be in my new home. I guess what's meant to be will be.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Life after surgery and Valentine's Day
It has been two weeks since my surgery and for the most part, it has been smooth sailing. I spent four days and three nights in the hospital, though I was only expecting to stay for two at most, due to extreme nausea. Thankfully, after switching medicine, the nausea subsided and I haven't had any issues since. I slept a lot the first few days, and even now I take three to four hour naps. The only other issue I've had to deal with is a bit of pain, however the pain is only at one of the five incisions (the largest one at 1.5") and in my back. I have been able to manage the pain with a heating pad for my back and some medicine.
I have been able to get up and get some regular exercise in the form of walking. Since the not-so-lovely weather here in Ohio has limited my outdoor activities and I still have restrictions that my surgeon gave me, I go to the mall and grocery stores and walk around. The biggest limitation is that I haven't been released to drive yet which means I have to rely on my husband and mom to take me. Hopefully at my next appointment on Thursday, some of my restrictions will be lifted and I will be released to do more exercise and fingers crossed, that I will be able to start driving.
I have followed my diet and have been tracking my nutritional needs. I need to make sure I get at least 50-60 grams of protein and 40-60 ounces of water/liquid per day. One of the biggest issues for bariatric patients is dehydration so my liquid goal is super important. Without protein, my body will not heal as fast and will lack nutritionally so I make sure to drink two protein shakes each day especially since they have quite a bit of the other nutrient requirements. For the most part I have to make myself eat/drink though I have gotten hungry a few times.
Now for what you have probably been wondering... How much weight have I lost so far? Well, since I started the pre-surgery diet January 9th I have lost 30.5 pounds! Pretty cool huh?!?! I am still "fluffy" so I am not so sure that it is really noticeable, but maybe I am just being hard on myself... Eventually I will post the pictures that I have been taking every Friday, though right now I am not ready to share them.
So now that you are all up to speed on me, let's move on....
Every year my husband, Jamie, and I do something for Valentine's Day. Usually we go out to dinner and sometimes a movie. We are pretty low key and exchange cards, though once in a while he surprises me and gets me flowers, gifts, and chocolate. Side note: I love dark chocolate and last year he asked the store associate for candy suggestions. She recommended 90% pure cacao. What Jamie didn't realize is that in 90% pure cacao there is only a touch of sugar, in another word, nasty. Being the prankster mom, I offered to share with my four boys and the looks on their faces was totally hysterical! I know, I'm so mean, lol.
So obviously this V Day things will be different. Going out to dinner is out unless I get soup without chunks (I have to puree or blend all of my food right now) and if you haven't looked at a menu lately, there are not a lot of options. No candy either. So as of now, it looks like we will be celebrating the day of love at the movies, sans concessions. Not sure what movie yet. Guess we'll figure it out.
Even though making plans is a little more difficult now that basing an event around food is out of the question, I will still have fun and be healthier for it!
I have been able to get up and get some regular exercise in the form of walking. Since the not-so-lovely weather here in Ohio has limited my outdoor activities and I still have restrictions that my surgeon gave me, I go to the mall and grocery stores and walk around. The biggest limitation is that I haven't been released to drive yet which means I have to rely on my husband and mom to take me. Hopefully at my next appointment on Thursday, some of my restrictions will be lifted and I will be released to do more exercise and fingers crossed, that I will be able to start driving.
I have followed my diet and have been tracking my nutritional needs. I need to make sure I get at least 50-60 grams of protein and 40-60 ounces of water/liquid per day. One of the biggest issues for bariatric patients is dehydration so my liquid goal is super important. Without protein, my body will not heal as fast and will lack nutritionally so I make sure to drink two protein shakes each day especially since they have quite a bit of the other nutrient requirements. For the most part I have to make myself eat/drink though I have gotten hungry a few times.
Now for what you have probably been wondering... How much weight have I lost so far? Well, since I started the pre-surgery diet January 9th I have lost 30.5 pounds! Pretty cool huh?!?! I am still "fluffy" so I am not so sure that it is really noticeable, but maybe I am just being hard on myself... Eventually I will post the pictures that I have been taking every Friday, though right now I am not ready to share them.
So now that you are all up to speed on me, let's move on....
Every year my husband, Jamie, and I do something for Valentine's Day. Usually we go out to dinner and sometimes a movie. We are pretty low key and exchange cards, though once in a while he surprises me and gets me flowers, gifts, and chocolate. Side note: I love dark chocolate and last year he asked the store associate for candy suggestions. She recommended 90% pure cacao. What Jamie didn't realize is that in 90% pure cacao there is only a touch of sugar, in another word, nasty. Being the prankster mom, I offered to share with my four boys and the looks on their faces was totally hysterical! I know, I'm so mean, lol.
So obviously this V Day things will be different. Going out to dinner is out unless I get soup without chunks (I have to puree or blend all of my food right now) and if you haven't looked at a menu lately, there are not a lot of options. No candy either. So as of now, it looks like we will be celebrating the day of love at the movies, sans concessions. Not sure what movie yet. Guess we'll figure it out.
Even though making plans is a little more difficult now that basing an event around food is out of the question, I will still have fun and be healthier for it!
Monday, January 5, 2015
New direction for the new year
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Now that we got that out of the way... So there's this pesky little tradition where every December 31st we are supposed to come up with at least one New Year's resolution, something that we will resolve to do better or start doing to kick off the start of a new year. Its a fabulous idea. Stop smoking, pay off debt, be nicer, read 100+ books in a year, then there's the big one... lose weight.
I myself have set numerous New Year Resolutions (can we just call them NYRs already?) and have even managed to keep a few, the big ones for me? I got my first book published and quit smoking. I am pretty proud of myself for that one, going on three years and no temptations to start again! Sometimes I set NYRs, other years I don't. Realistically setting a NYR, especially if you do it just because it is that time of year, you will not be successful unless you are motivated. Staying pumped and on track is not easy either. Let's just use dieting for this example... Temptations are around every corner, commercials advertising a multitude of ways to sabotage your weight loss ***food, glorious food*** and time is always an enemy. Not enough time for the gym, grocery shopping, food prep, cooking (all of which mean you get to avoid fast food/restaurants), and god forbid you have kids, a spouse, a job, and other responsibilities. At least the big feasting holidays are over...
So get to the point of your blathering you say? We already know this you say?
Okay okay!!
I didn't set a NYR this year. Why? It felt like cheating. Huh? Let me explain.
Last June, June 26th to be precise, my mom, my husband, and I attended an information session at the Ohio State University Medical Center. There I met Dr. Sabrena Noria and a myriad of others on her staff and began the official process of having bariatric surgery done. I have been considering this for many years, but until now have not been ready to do it. A few days later I submitted the application to enroll in their program after eliminating two others, then mid August I (successfully I might add) completed my mandatory psych evaluation and was then moved on to the next step, pre-screening for a bunch of health tests and general check up, an appointment with my dietitian, and meeting to cover my progress and what was yet to come in early September.
So far I have had (and passed) a ton of blood work, an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, phew!), an EKG (electrogardiogram), an overnight oximetry test, and completed four education classes. Then at the end of November I received a phone call from my case manager at OSU saying that she was submitting my case for final approval to my insurance company. I was in the home stretch... Then on December 10th at 8:30 am the call I'd been waiting for for months came... I was approved. My next few appointments were scheduled right then.
January 8th I meet with the dietitian and Dr. Noria. I will be put on "The Liver Shrink Diet" (sounds lovely doesn't it?) for three weeks and get my final instructions prior to surgery.
January 13th I meet with the anesthesiologist.
January 27th Surgery.
I have decided to have the gastric sleeve that will mean my stomach will be reduced to the size of a small banana, the rest cut away and removed. Seeing as today is the 5th, I have only a few days left to eat normal food before my life will change for the rest of my life. I am not pigging out (I have been sick with a sinus and ear infection for days now) and will eventually be able to eat some of my favorite foods on occasion, only very small portions of them. No more soda. No more junk. I am already on a restricted diet due to Celiacs and IBS so I am fine with all of this if it means I get to be healthier.
So here is to my new me in 2015 without a NYR...
Now that we got that out of the way... So there's this pesky little tradition where every December 31st we are supposed to come up with at least one New Year's resolution, something that we will resolve to do better or start doing to kick off the start of a new year. Its a fabulous idea. Stop smoking, pay off debt, be nicer, read 100+ books in a year, then there's the big one... lose weight.
I myself have set numerous New Year Resolutions (can we just call them NYRs already?) and have even managed to keep a few, the big ones for me? I got my first book published and quit smoking. I am pretty proud of myself for that one, going on three years and no temptations to start again! Sometimes I set NYRs, other years I don't. Realistically setting a NYR, especially if you do it just because it is that time of year, you will not be successful unless you are motivated. Staying pumped and on track is not easy either. Let's just use dieting for this example... Temptations are around every corner, commercials advertising a multitude of ways to sabotage your weight loss ***food, glorious food*** and time is always an enemy. Not enough time for the gym, grocery shopping, food prep, cooking (all of which mean you get to avoid fast food/restaurants), and god forbid you have kids, a spouse, a job, and other responsibilities. At least the big feasting holidays are over...
So get to the point of your blathering you say? We already know this you say?
Okay okay!!
I didn't set a NYR this year. Why? It felt like cheating. Huh? Let me explain.
Last June, June 26th to be precise, my mom, my husband, and I attended an information session at the Ohio State University Medical Center. There I met Dr. Sabrena Noria and a myriad of others on her staff and began the official process of having bariatric surgery done. I have been considering this for many years, but until now have not been ready to do it. A few days later I submitted the application to enroll in their program after eliminating two others, then mid August I (successfully I might add) completed my mandatory psych evaluation and was then moved on to the next step, pre-screening for a bunch of health tests and general check up, an appointment with my dietitian, and meeting to cover my progress and what was yet to come in early September.
So far I have had (and passed) a ton of blood work, an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, phew!), an EKG (electrogardiogram), an overnight oximetry test, and completed four education classes. Then at the end of November I received a phone call from my case manager at OSU saying that she was submitting my case for final approval to my insurance company. I was in the home stretch... Then on December 10th at 8:30 am the call I'd been waiting for for months came... I was approved. My next few appointments were scheduled right then.
January 8th I meet with the dietitian and Dr. Noria. I will be put on "The Liver Shrink Diet" (sounds lovely doesn't it?) for three weeks and get my final instructions prior to surgery.
January 13th I meet with the anesthesiologist.
January 27th Surgery.
I have decided to have the gastric sleeve that will mean my stomach will be reduced to the size of a small banana, the rest cut away and removed. Seeing as today is the 5th, I have only a few days left to eat normal food before my life will change for the rest of my life. I am not pigging out (I have been sick with a sinus and ear infection for days now) and will eventually be able to eat some of my favorite foods on occasion, only very small portions of them. No more soda. No more junk. I am already on a restricted diet due to Celiacs and IBS so I am fine with all of this if it means I get to be healthier.
So here is to my new me in 2015 without a NYR...
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