Abide and Endeavor

Valentine's Day all around...

2012-02-14T19:19:00.000-05:00

Hubby left for work at 6:30 this morning...I was not out of bed yet,

BUT...

These were on my counter when I came downstairs this morning...all varieties of coconut candy! My FAVORITES!

(Notice that one is missing...Ever heard of dessert for breakfast?)

These arrived at work...

THEN...

Princess and I went to an 'after work' matinee of this...

AND...

This is waiting for hubby when he gets home late tonight.

(Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Lasagna. Gotta watch those points to make up for breakfast's dessert!)

Yup, good day!

Elder Porphyrios "love" words...

2012-02-14T07:40:00.000-05:00

"Let us scatter our love selflessly to all, without regards to the way they act towards us. When the grace of God enters us, we will not be concerned about whether they love us or not or whether they speak to us politely or not. We will feel the need to love all people. It's egotism on our part to wish for others to speak to us politely. If they don't we shouldn't be upset. Let them speak to us as they wish. We needn't become beggars for love. Our aim should be to love them and pray for them with all our soul."

Wounded by Love-The Life and Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios

...Much easier to read than to live. Lord have mercy on this unloving sinner!

Just so tired of words...

2012-02-13T16:23:00.002-05:00

It's not that posting isn't fun anymore--I am just doing lots of thinking and searching about things I want to post about. Sorry, just being a bit more private. There is nothing really 'wrong', just lots of stuff.

With Great Lent coming up at a break neck speed, I think that I'll be posting 'pictorially'. Some of my blog friends have been doing a picture a day type of thing since the beginning of the year-and I might imitate that type of thing except with a Great Lent theme. No details yet, I am just in that 'idea phase' of the plan-and I am trying to keep it simple so the idea doesn't over shadow prayer time. Yes, blogging has been one of my 'not enough time to pray' excuses. Pray for me-the struggle continues!

So, fewer words...

Gonna go think about it...and pray.

Later.

The picture is of the dome of the first Orthodox Church I ever entered and attended Divine Liturgy, many years ago!

Superbowl compromises...

2012-02-06T14:54:00.000-05:00

I don't really 'do' sports that much. I rah rah for the 'local' college team, and I listen to ESPN radio sometimes because I think that it is just plain fun. I knew who was going to play in the Super Bowl, but much more than that....nope.

Hubby REALLY doesn't 'do' sports. He just never did. (I think that it was all those bad memories from high school band and bad weather at football games, but who knows.) All I do know is that by the time we met our first semester in college, he was adamant about the fact the he just did not do sports of any kind.

BUT...

We both attended a Superbowl party last evening and had a good time.

Yes, we took two cars and hubby departed after part one of the party. I stayed for part two and enjoyed the game.

The food was great...

The friends were wonderful...

AND...

A good time was had by all...even hubby.

Marriage and Superbowl parties are both matters of compromise!

Remember the Word Bubble Doodle?

2012-01-31T07:40:00.002-05:00

I finished coloring this last week, but I couldn't think of my 'inspiring word.' I really, really thought about it too. You would think it would have been easier...maybe I was thinking to much...

Then it hit me last evening...

Tah Dah!

Thanks Loretta!That was fun!

Feast of the Presentation Question...

2012-01-30T20:01:00.002-05:00

Are there any 'food' traditions for the upcoming Feast on Thursday?

Princess and I are in charge of a potluck following Liturgy and I wondered if there was anything 'special' we could do to celebrate the day 'edibly.' (Hopefully, that's a word...)

I couldn't find anything looking quickly online...I thought some of you might be able to help us.

Thanks!

Embarrassing and just a bit scary...

2012-01-27T16:54:00.007-05:00

That's the way it feels when you find medicines and first aid items in your medicine cabinet with expiration date of 11/09! You don't even want to know how many expired items I threw out!

Like I said...Embarrassing and scary.

Three for One Furniture "Chuck"

2012-01-25T08:23:00.006-05:00

Yes, we are chucking furniture. Well, maybe CD towers and shelving may not be considered furniture to some folks, but we're counting it as such!

These three beauties are headed to the thrift shop, (if hubby can get them in his car!) and we have replaced them with one (only slightly more tasteful) CD storage cabinet.

Three for one.

So I am only adding two more items to the chuck list...

But hey...two more items gone is two more gone...

Gonna Do a Doodle Today!

2012-01-24T07:45:00.004-05:00

Loretta has given me a way to deal with my stress level today.

Work today looks to be very stressful-(can you say 'board meeting'?)

So I plan on de-stressing by spending some time with my art pens and coloring, decorating and just plain having fun with this word bubble downloaded from Loretta's blog! I haven't chosen my 'word' yet..but I do plan on having fun!

Sure beats opening a bag of chips to de-stress!!!!!

I am sure Loretta wouldn't mind if you want to doodle along too! You can watch a video of her creating her bubble, too! You might want to share your results, too!

Lounging with Leonidas or Camera Cat

2012-01-23T22:02:00.005-05:00

Just hanging out with my camera on the floor with Leon this evening. Such a noble creature!

Clutter Chuck Update #1

2012-01-23T14:32:00.006-05:00

I went up to the attic one day last week for one purpose and it turned into two. I had to locate a craft item made by Princess a few years ago. (We needed examples of artwork created by participants in a class held where I work.) I found the item-a really adorable tile trivet made by her highness about 5 years ago.

While there I grabbed one of those BIG black plastic trash bags and filled it with my kids' old clothes! (Yes, I was still saving things...) Well, three big bags later, I finally decided that it was enough for one cold, wintry, unheated and not too well insulated attic day, but I made it 15 minutes!

What is embarrassing is that there is just so much more up there I could chuck! We have had 2 attic clean ups since we moved into this house on New Year's Eve 1986-but there is still so much 'stuff' that we do not need.

So three bags went to the resale store...

AND...

I snarfed myself a winter coat! Yes, I found our son's winter coat that he wore in 9th grade! I tried it on...and... it fit! So who is the new owner of a Land's End, looks-like-he-never-wore-it Parka?

The Mama, that's who!

SO...

Next time I get the urge to 'clutter chuck' the attic in the middle of winter, I have something to wear!

Memory Eternal...

2012-01-18T16:09:00.002-05:00

My mother died 42 years ago today.

Sometimes it feels so long ago, then other times it feels like just yesterday. I was 9 years old then and now I almost 2 and one half years older than my mother was when she died.

Memory Eternal is more than a phrase...it is also true.

Timer Time

2012-01-17T15:27:00.007-05:00

In this world of electronic wonders there are many different types of 'timers.' Here is part of my electronic collection.

Not really creative, but they serve their purpose. They time the dinner, the dryer, time it takes to soak Princess's retainers-you know the daily grind stuff.

But I have been on the lookout for a different kind of timer.

Both Princess and I are beginning the challenge put forth by Janelle at The Geeky Wife, who is tossing (at least) 1000 items from her home this year. Hey, we KNOW that we have at least that many extra items just hanging around! Hopefully there will be plenty of trips to the thrift store donation center and/or the recycling center.

Back to timers...

In order to make this an ongoing project for the whole year, Princess and I are taking it a room at a time. Actually 15 minutes at a time. We will go room by room, minute by minute. Some rooms will take much longer than others...and we know that the attic will be the longest of all.

We don't want to bog down or burn out, so it will be done in 15 minute increments! We can do anything for 15 minutes, right? (That's what Flylady says, anyway!)

Back to timers...

So, we decided that we needed a timer that was up to the job and just cute enough to inspire us.

Say hello to our new De-Clutter Timer, Chuck ..."Clutter Chuck".

(We're going to be 'chucking' things...get it?)

So with Chuck to time us and urge is on...Princess and I have begun. I am going to keep track by adding a sidebar ticker real soon

Slogging through the week

2012-01-13T21:05:00.003-05:00

sloggingpresent participle of slog (Verb)

Verb:

Work hard over a period of time.
Walk or move with difficulty or effort.

I will be glad when this week is over.

I feel like I am slogging...yes...both definitions.

I am finding getting back on the Weight Watchers wagon much harder than I thought it would be. There is still too much 'holiday' left in my system. I do well during the day, but then in the evening...it becomes a much different story. I need to just get rid of the remaining Christmas bread, and other goodies that folks have given us. Just having it around is too much temptation.

Work has been stressful. Getting back into the swing of things since Christmas has been a chore! Now there is just not enough time to get all of the things done. It felt like NO ONE was in their office the two weeks before Christmas, so it all hits now. I am working on a multiple projects with deadlines ALL at the same time. I don't deal well with all that multi-tasking...I need to feel like I have finished A before moving on to B.

Finally, it is that time of year for 'Orthodox house cleaning' aka time for the house blessing. Of course I have been obsessing over this, and this means making the family miserable. Our blessing was this evening and I stood there realizing..."MJ, you are so focused on the WRONG things!

I apologize for the crabby, 'complainy' post.

Slogging...I think that it starts from the inside. Yes, it goes deeper than just my weight, my busy job and my messy house...

Soul Slogging...Please pray for this sinner!

The terrible truth in numbers...not quite that terrible.

2012-01-08T21:53:00.003-05:00

I posted it on Facebook, but I forgot (?) to post the numbers here on ye olde blog.

My last weigh in before my surgery was November 11, 2011, and my most recent weigh in was January 7, 2012.

The time between the two weigh ins were filled with two surgeries, two holidays and just plain eating times...no excuses sometimes I just plain ATE!!!

The truth is...I only gained three pounds.

Yes, I gained, and that is the wrong way to head on the scale, BUT I am so happy that it was only three pounds! I have not exercised one bit because of surgery, (BTW, I can't use that excuse anymore, I was 'released' for exercise by the surgeon last Tuesday!)

So, the ticker on the side should say 93 pounds NOT 96. But you know what? I am not going to change it. I am going to get these three pounds OFF and keep going!

I missed going to Weight Watchers meetings. Princess and I really enjoy them. We even stayed after to 'review' the new 2012 Points Plus program. No really big changes but it does us BOTH good to review-especially after taking our 'holiday' break.

So, onward and DOWNward!

PS. Princess only gained one pound during the same time! GRRR!!!

East West Patron Saints Week aka More Convert Quirks...

2012-01-02T16:47:00.010-05:00

Part of the 'fun' about being an East West Convert Family is that we can celebrate things twice! Hubby remains a Roman Catholic and this makes for some fun as well as for stress at times. Yes, we are quirky-and sometimes it gets difficult to explain our household customs to others. Sometimes I just can't explain something, and we just come off sounding weird. But one thing we have chosen not to do is completely forget where we 'came from.'

Princess's Patron Baptismal Saint is Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose feast day is Wednesday on the Roman Calendar...AND... She chose Saint Elizabeth the New Martyr as her Patron when she was chrismated in the Orthodox Church. So we celebrate on January 4th and July 5th for her!

Prayer to Ask Mother Seton’s Intercession

Lord God,
You blessed Elizabeth Seton with gifts of grace
As wife and mother, educator and foundress,
So that she might spend her life in service to your people.
Through her example and prayers
May we learn to express our love for you
In love for our fellow men and women.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Today is my Patron feast day-Saint Juliana of Lazarevo.

Kontakion for the Saint

O righteous and merciful Juliana, who wast chosen by God,
and amidst worldly cares didst in thy soul live in Christ,
as in heaven; and who didst abide in great stillness,
loving silence within thy heart!
Glorifying the Lord Who hath glorified thee,
with compunction we sing to thee a hymn of praise.
Do thou, who endured grievous sorrows in thy life,
pray for us, who are tempest-tossed by perils and sins,
and entreat the merciful Savior
to grant us salvation of soul and deliverance from misfortunes,
that, giving thanks unto God, we may glorify thee, saying:

Rejoice, O merciful Juliana, boast of Murom and adornment of women!

Holy Saints of God, pray for us sinners-East and West!

Not the Scale!!! Christmas Season has just begun!!!

2011-12-29T17:59:00.006-05:00

Princess informed me that she wants to start back to Weight Watchers this coming Saturday, with a weigh in bright and early Saturday morning at 9:00am.

NO!!!!

The Christmas season has just begun and there are still many non-fasting days left! There are still baked goodies and candy in the house. How can I possibly go back to WW and step on that scale?

BUT...

I guess now is as good as time to go as any...

Christmas and self control?

Gotta learn it, I guess.

PS. I don't know where the picture above was taken, but I would have loved to have been invited. (From Flickr...)

Gory Details...well, not that gory...

2011-12-27T21:54:00.003-05:00

Here is the lowdown from the surgeon...

The mesh that makes up my abdominal wall is 'catching', and even though it feels like someone is sticking me with a knife in my abdomen, everything is OK.

If being in pain is OK...

He showed me the size of my 'new' mesh abdominal wall and it is huge! It really is my abdominal wall, not just a few inches around my center incision! So the pain I am feeling way to the right side is where the mesh was 'tacked' to the wall...and I will feel the 'catching' until it is totally healed and the mesh is 'absorbed' into the tissue. This will take another six weeks or so, so no lifting or jerky movements. Just take it easy.

Once again, I was trying to do too much, too soon. (I know, I know, I never learn!) I got the sermon about it having been less than 4 weeks since surgery.

Everything else looks fine. The adhesions are gone and things will soon be back to 'normal' when it comes to 'digestion and elimination'-to put it delicately. Just keep the fiber going...

There, not too gory. Thank you for your prayers. I was so worried...as well as in pain.

Appointment made...and Christmas

2011-12-26T11:43:00.005-05:00

For my surgeon for tomorrow afternoon.

Pray a quick prayer for me tomorrow about 1:30...

Details later, but some things are still not right. I am so tired of all of this, I really am.

BUT...

Christmas was quiet and nice, though tiring. Divine Liturgy until about 10:30 on Christmas Eve, then hubby had to play and sing Christmas morning. It was our first 'adult' Christmas, with no scrambling to get out of bed before the crack of dawn to open presents. Both children decided that we would wait until we returned home from Christmas Day Mass to open presents. I guess that it is the end of the 'child' era at our house!

I received a Kindle Fire and spent the afternoon downloading all of the free offerings from Amazon. Orthodox Daily Prayers are now on my Kindle! One less excuse to pray...

I also splurged and purchased the Orthodox Study Bible on Kindle. No, it was not free, but it is so worth i!.

Christmas Eve afternoon

2011-12-24T16:04:00.003-05:00

Princess and I made pies and cookies this afternoon.
Junior did this: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2951548752071

Wow!

Stopping by to say...

2011-12-24T10:06:00.002-05:00

Blessed and Merry Christmas.

Sorry I haven't been posting.
Lots going on, but we'll get through this.

Pampering delivered and pacemaker lessons!

2011-12-17T12:12:00.008-05:00

Today the at home nursing services begin for Her Highness, and we all begin our lessons on learning to live life with a pacemaker. I must admit that I don't know the difference between old wives' tales and the real thing.

What about cell phones? Microwave ovens? Cordless home phones? Scanning?

We have no idea...so our entire family has a big learning curve ahead of us.

I am also happy that I can have some help with incision care and telling our resident royalty what she can't and CAN do! I know for a fact that there is just a bit of drama going on...yes, Princess, you can go up those two steps by yourself!

Princess Update: Two for One Surgery Sale

2011-12-16T15:45:00.004-05:00

Thursday started off with Princess having surgery to implant a pace maker.
Thursday continued with Princess having (another) surgery to implant a pace maker.

Don't ask me all of the details right now. I will post an in depth post at a later date, but after coming out of surgery with her pacemaker and being in recovery about 15 minutes, Princess was taken back for another surgery.

I remember her monitor alarm going off and being moved out of the way while four or five folks in scrubs told me that she was going to head to surgery again.

My husband was called out of the waiting room and we met in the hallway between the recovery room and the waiting room. A quick call to us at the phone at the nurses station from the surgeon who was still in the building...then she was off...

It was one of those feelings that I never want to feel again.

BUT...

It was also one of those times when I really realized the power of prayer and the love of friends and family who were really praying...that feeling was WONDERFUL!

Princess is now the Bionic Battery Powered Princess. After three programming sessions things seem to be going swimmingly. Her arm will be in a sling for a while and lots of restrictions for about the next 6 to 8 weeks!

AND...

God is good!

Thursday is a comin'

2011-12-13T08:10:00.004-05:00

We headed over to the hospital yesterday for Princess's appointment for an EKG, Chest X-ray, blood work and meeting with her anesthesia nurse-yes...all in one afternoon! There were lots a questions and medical conditions and allergies to cover. Not to mention trying to find 'alternate' electrode pads for the EKG because of Princess's latex allergy! (I guess they store them in a different area.) She was one tired patient at the end!

Please keep Princess in your prayers. We do not know what time her surgery is scheduled-we'll be called Wednesday evening. She will be admitted to the hospital after the surgery.

She was anointed after Divine Liturgy this past Sunday...

But she is still very nervous...

And to tell the truth...So are Mama and Papa.

How to embarrass your children...once again.

2011-12-10T17:41:00.003-05:00

Buy this hat at the mall and wear it home!

Yes, it is a chicken hat!
Cool or what?

When the footnotes grab you...

2011-12-08T09:15:00.004-05:00

From the Orthodox Study Bible note from I Timothy 2:15:

"If salvation is holistic, involving all of one's life, then women who have children are saved, in part, by motherhood, if they persevere in godliness. Our God-given role in life is the place of our salvation."

I don't want to get into all the 'controversies' about the verse itself and what different scholars think it means. The last sentence, "Our God-given role in life is the place of our salvation," is what shouted at me this morning.

There was a major portion of my life when I complained using the words, "if only" quite often. To be really truthful, there are still times when those words escape my lips and my heart. Those two words were most often followed by words blaming others or situations for my lot in life, family, health situation, income etc...

Today's footnote reminds me to (once again) shut up, sit down and accept the God-given place of my salvation.

Yep, sometimes the footnotes can zap you too...

A House Decorated

2011-12-05T16:45:00.011-05:00

Remember Junior's complaint about our tree last year?

If for some sane reason you have moved on with your life you might not remember that Junior complained about our fake tree last year. Well, he was true to his word and this year we have a beautiful REAL Douglas Fir in the corner of our living room.

Junior also went to the attic and brought down all Christmas decorations. He decorated the tree and put lights up outside. What a son we have! Our decorating is done and we can enjoy the season! It is nicer to recuperate with twinkle lights!

Here are a few pictures of our Christmas home.

Notice a certain puppy snoozing in the background?

I am going to go take a nap by the tree now!

Making something while doing nothing...put in my place...and finally getting dressed.

2011-12-05T09:04:00.002-05:00

I obeyed the doctor and did nothing. Except make these:

Princess needs an eyeglasses case and a phone case while she is in the hospital, so I made these for her. I also made a set for myself...just because I needed something to do.

Princess also made a double batch of Gluten Free Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookies this week. I had nothing whatsoever to do with prep, making or clean up! She took care of everything herself, and now we once again have cookies in the cookie jar!

When I commented on her accomplishment she came back with, "Mom, I do this all the time in school!" Zap! Princes one, Mother zero!

FINALLY...

To celebrate my one week post surgery I got dressed this morning. Actually, I have to, because I have a doctor's appointment today. I am still swollen and sore, so I have one pair of pants that fit under bandages and binder. Oh well, I am not going for fashion statement, but pain free comfort. It's not pretty, but it works.

Home from the hospital...

2011-12-01T20:00:00.004-05:00

I am home from the hospital and I am experiencing post anesthesia fog along with pain medication haze. Thank you all for your prayers. The surgery went well and everything was repaired-I've got about 30 staples to prove it! They took very good care of me for three days. Now that I am home, I am going to be a very good girl and listen to the doctor and do nothing! Nothing except sleeping and taking my meds. I'll post more later!

It's a date...

2011-11-21T16:40:00.001-05:00

Just back from the hospital. Princess's surgery date is December 15th. The surgeon wanted to do it on December 1st, but my surgery is the 28th! He definitely did not want to wait until after the holidays. So we will have a quiet Christmas at our house this year.

That Kinda Afternoon

2011-11-20T16:51:00.001-05:00

It is cloudy and rainy outside, so we are taking time this afternoon to finish Princess's thank you notes. All Christmas presents are purchased, wrapped and 'hidden', and there are a few extra meals in the freezer. Everything is winding down on the pre-surgery home front.

Now the work front is an entire other story...

My boss says that 'I am wrapped too tight' about making sure everything is done and in order. I know that things will get done while I am gone, but I want to make sure that I have prepared as well as possible, so things 'get done' smoothly. I only have three days this week in which to get all that preparation completed...

You know...my boss is right.

What I KNOW I should do...

2011-11-15T16:20:00.001-05:00

From the Antiochian Archdiocese site:

The Purpose of Fasting
The purpose of fasting is to focus on the things that are above, the Kingdom of God. It is a means of putting on virtue in reality, here and now. Through it we are freed from dependence on worldly things. We fast faithfully and in secret, not judging others, and not holding ourselves up as an example.

Fasting in itself is not a means of pleasing God. Fasting is not a punishment for our sins. Nor is fasting a means of suffering and pain to be undertaken as some kind of atonement. Christ already redeemed us on His Cross. Salvation is a gift from God that is not bought by our hunger or thirst.
We fast to be delivered from carnal passions so that God’s gift of Salvation may bear fruit in us.
We fast and turn our eyes toward God in His Holy Church. Fasting and prayer go together.
Fasting is not irrelevant. Fasting is not obsolete, and it is not something for someone else. Fasting is from God, for us, right here and right now.
Most of all, we should not devour each other. We ask God to “set a watch and keep the door of our lips."
********
The 'knowing what to do' part is the easy part....it is the doing and attitude part that needs much improvement! Pray for this sinner...

Told you my car was full!

2011-11-14T15:01:00.001-05:00

We had to move things out of the front so Princess could get into the car. We're off to the animal shelter!

Party Day! Pre-Party Pics and Roundup!

2011-11-14T07:41:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures from before the party. My husband was the official party photographer, so all the real 'happenin' pics are on his camera! Everything went smoothly and Princess danced all afternoon with her beau! Thank goodness 21 only happens once for this girl! We came home and just collapsed!
Today Princess and I have to take all the animal shelter goodies to the humane society! The trunk, back seat and part of the front seat of my car are FILLED with animal shelter supplies! The party attendees were so much more than generous!
Junior was our DJ and he did a wonderful job! He had a play list, but when he started to take requests the list went by the wayside... You should have seen the dance floor for "All the Single Ladies"!!!!!

Another number...

2011-11-12T17:34:00.001-05:00

Total pounds lost!

I lost three more pounds lost this week!

Princess did not want to step on the scale last week becasue of all of her monitor gear, so we both took the week off from the WW scale. So that made this week's loss look really good!

Even after icing over 80 cupcakes yesterday afternoon...!

Greetings from the land of Pink and Sprinkles!

2011-11-11T17:20:00.001-05:00

The photo color does not do the hot pink cupcakes with hotter pink sprinkles justice!

Party preparations are DEFINITELY in high gear around our house!

Weather...and no more monitor!

2011-11-08T17:54:00.001-05:00

It snowed 5 inches here on the 29th of October. Today it was 69 degrees-sunny and beautiful!

Weird...Not that I am complaining that it has become warmer!

We also celebrated the END of the 14 day monitor today, by removing it this morning when Princess woke up. Back to normal at our house now. No more hearing, "Mom, I'm blinking blue (green or red) again!" or "Mom, we need to change the batteries again!"

We will also no longer have to keep track of that doggone cell phone! It had to always be within 10 feet of Princess, so we (tried to) remember to make sure that all of her outfits had pockets. We also forgot to charge it a few nights-making for a little fun during the day-thus the red blinking light!

But like I said life is back to normal. We will get the final results within the week. Princess is no longer the Bionic Woman...

Date and "Times"

2011-11-03T08:14:00.000-04:00

Well, it is the full blown surgery, not laparoscopic like I wanted. They can't fix what they need to fix without 'opening me up again.' (Makes me sound like a can of green beans or something!) He is going to rebuild my abdominal wall and straighten out the colon where the mass was-(gross!) The surgery date is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. (Because of the Thanksgiving holiday it was impossible to schedule it any sooner.)

LOTS to get done and ready. I am fortunate that I have more time to prepare than I did in June-when I was told, 'guess what you are doing in about a week and a half?"

So it is make-and-freeze-meal making time; deep clean-the-bedroom-if-I-am-going-to-be-spending-a-couple-weeks-there time; make arrangements for Princess-care; pay-all-bills time; get-car-inspected time; tell-Junior-that-he-is-responsible-for-all-Christmas-decorating time; AND keep-husband-who-has-just-entered-Christmas-retail-season calm time.

All this while taking it easy, not lifting, taking lots of 'Docusate Sodium'-(gotta be 'delicate' here on the ole blog!) and being off my pain meds! It turns out I was taking way to many and it was not good for my liver, (You were right Fr. S!)

BUT...

Folks have offered to help, and there is Princess' party to look forward to, so things are not really all that bad. Take each day as it comes, do as much as I can do...and God takes care of all the rest!

Princess is still on her 14 day monitor and things are going along swimmingly. There is (practically) no more drama, except for the incident with the water fountain-details are funny but I promised I wouldn't give them here! It will be off before her party! We will know more about what the future holds with our resident Royalty at the end of the month! Like I said...God takes care of all things anyway...why worry?

Because it is...

2011-10-29T14:16:00.000-04:00

Doing this outside...

We are doing this inside...

I definitely wanted to get this done before surgery, so it was nice to have 'appropriate' weather for early Christmas gift wrapping!

Well now...a medical update

2011-10-27T09:02:00.003-04:00

The stress test is over-the Dr. decided to not do the nuclear test, but did the 'plain old' treadmill test. He did not want to risk the radioactive chemicals with Princess if this test gives him the info he needs! (We were relieved about that!) She lasted 8 minutes on the treadmill...Yeah!

Also, she wired with the 14 day monitor now, and we are adjusting to the drama once again. It tends to beep and flash and that just bugs the daylights out of her Highness! There is also lots of 'maintenance' and equipment with this monitor-replacing the batteries, changing electrode 'pads' daily, charging (and keeping track of!!!!) a glorified programed cell phone that has to be within 10 ft of Princess at all times. Now THAT has made for some fun times already, let me tell ya!

All in all were a figuring things out slowly. It isn't that bad...

And of course it makes Princess feel just a bit more special!

...on to making more gluten free birthday cupcakes!

118 for lunch...

2011-10-26T18:33:00.000-04:00

Our elementary age Halloween Party was today at work-118 for pizza, ponies, candy and fun for lunch!

Party Prep Lesson One

2011-10-24T07:44:00.001-04:00

...next time choose 'easier' favors!

These are just adorable BUT we are only about a third of the way through making them. The melting, pouring, cooling, trimming, and bagging take much more time than we originally thought. We only get about 11 or 12 done in a batch...

But they are so cute and Princess loves them...that's what counts!

Got the Word...

2011-10-22T21:25:00.004-04:00

The test will be paid for! She will go in for the advanced stress test this coming Wednesday (4 hours with iv's!) and then she is 'wired' again for 14 days with (yet another) monitor! We are on our way to finally fixing things!

LOOK WHATS ON MY FRIDGE!!!!!

2011-10-22T13:02:00.001-04:00

FINALLY!

50.6 pounds off since January!!!

I worked hard for that little 50 pound star magnet!!!!!

It is NEVER coming off my fridge!

...and NEVER back on my body!!!

Wonder what you get for 75 pounds lost?

Jeans fit?

2011-10-21T17:42:00.000-04:00

I had to hurry and change after work this afternoon, so I didn't really pay enough attention when I grabbed a pair of jeans. Got them on-but they were a bit shorter than I was used to. I bugged me just a bit, but I had to get a move on. Well, while in the restroom of a store I noticed something when I looked at the tag...I grabbed a pair of Princess's jeans not mine. I felt kind of silly (and happy) and mentioned this to Princess while we were washing out hands. Her comeback as she looked at my legs, "Well, I guess they are too big for me!"

Gee, thanks Princess. Just when I was ready to celebrate that I could get your jeans on...

Invitations...and preparations!

2011-10-20T20:37:00.001-04:00

I have severe writer's cramp from just finishing round two's batch of Princess's 21st Birthday party invitations!

Now the real work begins! Because of the impending surgeries we are trying to get as much done as soon as possible.

Saturday morning we begin the favors-dark chocolate dog and pink chocolate cat "pops" ...100 of them!

We going to make the meatballs over the next two weeks then freeze them. Then come the cupcakes!

We are making everything ourselves because we want everything to be gluten free! Some of Princess' friends have Celiac's too, so we wanted to make the party a time when they didn't have to worry about gluten at all! Too many of us remember making 'special' food at home and taking it with us to a party so our kids could have something of their own while the others ate the pizza and cake...it just wasn't the same!

The colors of the day are black and hot pink and the theme is 'cats and dogs'. Princess is inviting her guests to bring items for our local Humane Society instead of presents. She is really enjoying planning the day, the menu, decorations and games! She's having a ball!

AND...

I am seeing black dogs and pink cats in my sleep!

Oh well, you only turn 21 once, right?

Changing Face...and tickers!

2011-10-19T18:00:00.001-04:00

It is taking me a long time to lose this weight and sometimes I get discouraged. (OK, let's get honest here-I get discouraged more often than not lately.) We're talking years here, folks. Throw in a major illness in 2006 where I lost a lot of weight then put a lot of it back on when I recovered...

BUT...then I go through some old photos...

When I look at the difference 91 pounds makes~WOW! I keep a copy of this 'before' picture and the before picture on my sidebar on my fridge...so I can't miss them when I am opening it for an attempted late night graze!

PS. I changed my ticker on the side to reflect my total weight loss, not just this 'round.' I need the inspiration right now. Sounds silly, but just seeing a little ticker on my sidebar helps. (Guess you gotta know me-I also am inspired by Weight Watchers bravo stickers. Yes, I have the heart of a Kindergartner!)

Quick 'little' prayer request

2011-10-17T07:50:00.000-04:00

Princess needs another heart monitor test, but the insurance company needs to approve it, (they are unsure if it is necessary 'enough.') Please say a prayer that the paperwork (and payment!) is approved in a timely fashion. There is no way that we have the money to pay for the test.

Her physician is almost positive that Princess will be needing a pacemaker more sooner than later, but this next test is really 'necessary' whether the insurance company says so or not.

Lots going on...

2011-10-13T08:34:00.002-04:00

Princess is 'wired' with a heart monitor for 24 hours, so that makes for a lot of drama in our house right now. Oh my, the drama! I'll be glad when this evening gets here and we have it removed.

Looks like I am going to see (another) surgeon in a week or two. Guess who's incision herniated and just got plain nasty? Doctor said that is was nothing I did-just the result of way to many abdominal surgeries (starting with 2 C-sections 10 months apart 21 years ago!) So no lifting again. Hopefully, I can have a laproscopic procedure done and not have to go through a long healing process...again.

I am just going to take all this family health stuff one day at a time. No use worrying about all of it. Worry does nothing positive, (but of course that is what I usually end up doing.) I just have to trust God-this is all working for my salvation. (I also have to learn to keep my mouth shut and quit complaining!)

BUT

On to better and brighter...

In the 'nothing to do with anything' category-here is a recent picture of my 'puppy'. Just thought I'd share...she is so adorable. Lucky is 10 years old and I call her the 'puppy of my middle age.' She is always good for a cuddle, my lap buddy, and has a serious addiction to animal crackers!

Weighty Update-Back on the Path!

2011-10-08T21:38:00.001-04:00

Well after a couple (or a bit more) weeks of up and down on the scale, I am once again at what the ticker says: 48.8 pounds down.

There was a vacation, Saint Thekla Pilgrimage, Princess's Pittsburgh doctor trip, and some just plain not tracking time in there, but I am back on track now.

The food at Antiochian Village was wonderful and I enjoyed every bite-BUT I should have got my tush back on track a lot sooner than I did. (I enjoyed my 'food' vacation a bit more than I should have....)

One lesson I learned was that I can control my 'food-self' better than I could before. Going off plan for a while did not result in a 'give up binge' this time.

Small steps and lessons learned-it is a lifetime journey, after all.

Tired...

2011-10-06T15:16:00.002-04:00

Princess at the Zoo!

It has been one of those weeks. Princess had to go to Pittsburgh for a Dr's appointment at 8:00 in the morning this past Tuesday, so we decided to stay overnight in PGH. After getting there late Monday evening, we all had a big case of 'can't sleep in any other bed by mine' syndrome. By the time we dragged ourselves home late Tuesday evening we had just about had it! (We did sneak in a nice trip to the Zoo!)

Turns out we have to see a few more specialists, but luckily those appointments can be made here in town, so hopefully we will not have to make another Pittsburgh trip until spring. It looks like we'll be making trips to a cardiologist...

Princess just doesn't seem to have the energy she once did and she has fainted multiple times in the last 6 months. (At first seizures were suspected...) Now, after ruling even more things out, her Doctor wants to rule out tachy-brady syndrome.

We are at the point of 'can we just find out what is wrong, here?' I guess that is not as simple as we thought. I have been making calls and appointments since we came home...

Tasty Heating Alternative

2011-10-02T18:25:00.001-04:00

Why turn on the furnace when you can do the 'tasty' alternative and turn on the oven and bake some chocolate chip scones! When you are sipping a nice warm cup of Earl Grey tea and nibbling on a scone who cares that it is 38 degrees outside!

Family Portrait...

2011-09-30T19:58:00.002-04:00

...so to speak!

Hubby, Princess and I made it craft night this evening and we think that 'we' turned out rather well! (Possibly better than the real us!) We are delivering Junior's tomorrow...its homecoming weekend!

Going to try another -ology!

2011-09-28T17:28:00.001-04:00

Hubby and I made a trip to the local library this afternoon and I found this book. Yes, I am going to dive into the world of Sockology! I can't wait to begin, and go through my solo sock basket! Now I have a use for all those mate-less socks who's partner was taken to that place where socks go....somewhere between my kids' feet and the laundry!

AMEN...sister! (Special Needs Mom Rant repost)

2011-09-27T16:06:00.004-04:00

The link below goes to the blog of a mom of a son with special needs. I am posting the link because I agree with her 100 percent. Princess brought home some 'field trip' permission forms for us to sign and WAY to many of those 'field trips' involve unhealthy, just plain bad for you food. (I commented on her post...)

Princess is still 'doing' Weight Watchers with me and we are struggling to learn to eat healthy. I wish there were more healthier alternatives for "Community Education Days" where she attends 'school.'

Read on: Sometimes They Just Don't Get It at Losing Weight after 45 is a B****

Quiet Life...

2011-09-27T14:42:00.003-04:00

Life goes on here, but there is just not much to blog about.

Both Junior and Princess have 'fallen' into their daily routine of school, one away and one at home. My husband is gearing up for a busy floral season.

Me?

I am just trying to balance some kind of spiritual life, home, family and work. If any readers have any magic answer-just drop me a comment! Sometimes it is hard-but I gotta keep on keepin' on. Hubby, Princess and I attended the St. Thekla Pilgrimage at Antiochian Village this past weekend. Once a year we can get away and remember what is most important.

So that's all for now...

No more teenagers...

2011-09-22T21:07:00.003-04:00

My 'baby' turns twenty years old tomorrow. He came home for the afternoon today so we could celebrate a day early. He got to chose the dinner menu, so it was a gluten free/dairy free birthday celebration that included pasta, meatballs, cake and ice cream! (Yes, all of my WW extra points are now spent for the week-but it was so worth it!) We had a nice relaxing meal, where we sat as a family and talked for the longest time. We laughed, talked politics, laughed some more, laughed about politics...and just had a beautiful time!!!! I miss those days eating meals as a family, and it was nice to relive them for just one evening.

He is making the trek back to school as I write this, because he has to work this weekend on campus...

My 'baby' is now no longer a teenager. Both my children are now the same age for 8 weeks until Princess turns 21!

I'm getting old...and so are they!

Hike at Plummer's Hollow Private Nature Reserve

2011-09-18T17:55:00.009-04:00

We went for a family hike this afternoon at Plummer's Hollow Private Nature Reserve near Tyrone, PA. The weather was perfect, I remembered to charge the camera battery AND to pack the camera! Uphill all the way up the trail than downhill back to the car!

I broke in a new pair of hiking shoes today, (a pair of Dunham Women's Nimble Hikers.) I have had sneakers in the past and I have had hiking shoes, but this new 'hybrid' pair is wonderful! They are lighter than hiking boots, but heavier than regular sneakers. Now I won't have to guess which type to wear when I am not sure exactly what type of trail we'll be trying-I have a catch all shoe!

We took plenty of pictures and it was the first 'hiking use' of my new zoom lens. The only drawback is that with the big lens on my camera it gets awfully heavy. Nothing like hiking with weights! But the pictures that I got were worth it. I am still doing some editing, but here is a collage of some of the day's pics.
Click on the collage to 'enbiggen'...

Doing the Happy Dance of Fall!

2011-09-16T10:21:00.003-04:00

Yes! It got cold last night! I am talking 'put a blanket on the bed' cold!

We don't turn our furnace on until November, (sort of a tradition AND economic necessity around our house,) so it is that baking time of year! It warms the house and keeps the troop's tummies happy.

This evening's kick off confection is chocolate chip cookies-Just in time for Junior's arrival.

I feel SOOOOOO June Cleaver!!! Think I'll get my pearls...

Yoga will kill you!

2011-09-15T16:51:00.003-04:00

Sure, those moves look innocent enough. But lurking behind every plank, every pose is pain. Pain from too many years of Doritos, Ho Hos, Super Size meals and just being plain old couch potato.

Fit folks make it look so easy...

I am sure that if a picture was taken of my session it might look something like this:
I am kidding (a little) of course, but let me tell ya. It is NOT as easy as it looks!

Guess who...

2011-09-15T12:35:00.002-04:00

has acquired the services of a personal trainer?

The same person who has absolutely no core strength, has the knees of an 80 year old woman, who's joints crack LOUDLY...

AND

the woman who promised herself that someday she would do this!

AND

the woman who is finding more places to ache than she EVER knew could exist, after just two sessions!

BUT

is loving it!!!!!!!

Preparing for Tomorrow's Feast

2011-09-13T08:09:00.004-04:00

photo from: http://edwardsingreece.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html

FOREFEAST OF THE ELEVATION OF THE PRECIOUS AND LIFE GIVING CROSS

Troparion of the Forefeast Tone 2

We lift up in prayer the lifegiving Cross which Thou in Thy goodness hast
given us, unworthy as we are.
O Lord, save all who pray to Thee, and grant peace through the Mother of God, O only Lover of mankind.

Kontakion of the Forefeast Tone 4

Thy precious Cross rises like the sun and mystically makes all pure and
holy. Let us prepare to welcome it with faith.
~~~~~

I miss celebrating the feasts with our children. "Back in the day" when we homeschooled and Junior and Princess were little, we would 'celebrate' with crafts and cooking. We had a HUGE yearly liturgical calendar posted on our schoolroom wall and would anticipate the days, (She sighs, as she types...) I miss these days... Thank you to Jessica at Shower of Roses for bringing back good memories for me!

...I might go ahead and make a few cross cookies anyway, and take them to Junior!

Kicked out...of the building

2011-09-12T17:55:00.006-04:00

We have been kicked out of our workplace for the rest of the week...until Friday noon actually.

We thought that we could work around the remodeling and construction, but reality hit us this morning. In the construction foreman's words..."Ain't no way!"

So it is officially 'work from home' week, and I don't like it. Stuff I need here is there, and there is not a place I can get to right now. Also, I am not that disciplined to sit and just work-there are too many things at home that can grab my attention...(not to mention the refrigerator!)

Gonna be a fun week, I can tell already!

Well...now

2011-09-10T16:45:00.000-04:00

I lost one pound...

Going to update the ticker later.

Yep, one pound...

Well, tomorrow is Saturday again...

2011-09-09T18:18:00.005-04:00

...and we know what that means...

I am reminding myself that I will NOT focus on the scale numbers, no matter what! I feel like I have had a good week both with food and exercise. I have learned to live a bit healthier this week. The journey continues...in a positive direction, no matter what the scale says.

Its not all about the number...
Its not all about the number...
Its not all about the number...
Its not all about the number...

On to better things like BOOKS!...finishing my summer reading!

2011-09-03T17:34:00.007-04:00

I am putting this week's scale debacle behind me!
I will not stuff my face in despair, I will finish my summer reading list!

I had some pretty high and mighty plans for my summer reading this year, and I have done ok with it.

Princess and I have done some good audio book 'reading' while out and about in town, and while relaxing at home. This Summer we have listened to:

Everything for a Dog by Ann M. Martin
Follow My Leader by James B. Garfield
The Leanin' Dog by K. A. Nuzum
Highway Cats by Janet Taylor Lisle

...sense a theme for our summer audio book listening?

I have started a book or two that I did not care to finish. I won't even list the names. Let's just say that I don't tolerate much modern fiction-Too much gratuitous sex and foul language. Needless to say-back to the library they went!

I am finishing my summer with two Debbie Macomber books:

and

Hubby just brought this one home from the library for me a few days ago. It has been on hold forever! I had to wait my turn. The down side is that it is a 14 day book. I better hurry up and finish 1022 Evergreen Place!

I have been reading some other 'more uplifting' things, like Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy. But with my fuzzy post surgery brain, I kept having to read and re-read the same parts. Lets just say it was some slow reading for a while. Most of the time I just wanted to kick back and relax---so Debbie Macomber fit the bill! I loved the earlier Blossom Street Series books and I am looking forward to reading The Turn in the Road.

So there! Life is more than just hopping on a scale once a week!

It Didn't Move!!!!!

2011-09-03T16:03:00.004-04:00

I exercised...

I counted every point...

I didn't even use all of my extra points OR Activity points...

BUT...

The scale did not move this week!

---Please insert your exacerbated word of choice here---

Guess I'll have to wait another week to reach the 5-0.

---Repeat word if necessary for emotional health---

UGH! ...and Ouch! But it's out!

2011-08-31T20:20:00.003-04:00

Oh, I wish that I had a taken a picture of what was causing all of the mayhem!

Yes, there was just a little something in there...

They had stitched over a stitch, so it wasn't seen when they removed my stitches EIGHT weeks ago. Suture had gone down into the incision and the incision was (trying to heal or) healing over it, thus causing problems when my body decided that this foreign body shouldn't be there! How some silk thread could cause so much trouble...

I'll spare you the gory (and somewhat painful) details, but it is out now. All of the other incision irritation was caused by that area of infection under the skin that was trying to work its way up and out! Some antibiotics and I'll be fine. They sent a culture away to be tested just as precaution.

Back to the Dr. AGAIN?

2011-08-30T15:41:00.003-04:00

Well, just when I thought the summer medical saga was over...it decides to make a repeat performance.

Back to the surgeon tomorrow. Believe it or not, my incision is infected again in places. I won't go into details, but not pretty, believe me. They are going to take a closer look and see what might be causing it. Sounds silly, but I am thinking things like, "hey, fellas, did you count all the sponges and tools before you sewed me up?"

Sounds screwy, I know...but this is driving me crazy!

The Scale Moved...FINALLY!

2011-08-27T11:53:00.002-04:00

So Long Same Old, Same Old!

The Weight Watchers Scale moved this week! It only a little but it moved a little in the right direction.

.6 down!

Total of 47.8 pounds since January 8, 2011.

I know that some folks lose it faster, but slow and steady for me I guess after a quick start.

I am going to try real hard to hit the fifty pound mark next Saturday morning at weigh-in. So if I am not on line much it is because I am exercising and counting points real close...

RIP my dear weedeater...

2011-08-23T20:17:00.003-04:00

So much for spending the afternoon outside doing things around the old homestead. I went to the basement and fished out the weed-eater; plugged her in to the mile long extension cord; revved her up and started to weed-eat.

That did not last long.

Halfway down the side of the house she gave up the ghost. Not the 'ran out of line' ghost or the 'jammed at the spool' ghost- no, the motor is running, but the 'something broke in the shaft see ya later alligator, big time, this is gonna cost more for repair than you paid for me' kinda ghost. (We did buy an inexpensive model...)

Yep, she's gone- Just like that Montgomery Gentry song says.

I hate to by another weed-eater this close to the end of the season. Can't we live with real long grass and high weeds until mid-October?

Didn't think so...

Wal-mart, here we come...

Well now,

2011-08-23T14:25:00.001-04:00

I have finally experienced an earthquake! Thought that was west coast stuff. Going to spend the afternoon OUTSIDE!!!!

Same Old, Same Old WW Update and "Haunting Cothes"

2011-08-20T19:53:00.006-04:00

Neither up nor down this week...stayed the same...EXACTLY the same. Kinda wonder how that sort of thing is possible...

I always envied those gals who 'stayed the same weight as they were in' ...insert time period in life here...

I always had a closet full of clothes that were varying sizes. Seemed I never stayed the same size for 2 weeks! So it still blows my mind that I can stay the same for a week. Go up, sure...go down, maybe...but the same?

But the times they are a changin'. I went through the closet today and boxed up all those clothes in my ' too big' sizes that were just hangin' around...sort of waiting for me to fail again. Haunting me..daring me to be that size again.

Well, I am NOT. Those babies are gone. They are in the trunk of my car, waiting to be deposited in the nearest Goodwill container.

Bye Bye haunting clothes!

Of Farm Equipment, Sunburn, and Embarrassing Lamb Hats!...

2011-08-17T19:59:00.010-04:00

If you know anything about Central Pennsylvania and the month of August, you know about Ag Prog ress Days. Been there, done that today. The weather was sunny and beautiful, the farm equipment was huge, and the food was great!
...and last but not least...the embarrassing lamb hats. See how much I like you guys, I am putting myself out there not only in a full body shot--but with a silly hat! Of course, Princess and I wore our hats the whole way home in the car. My husband just didn't understand!

Got Whooped!...feelin' good and WW numbers...

2011-08-16T15:25:00.005-04:00

I played basketball with Princess this afternoon. It was hot, I was sweaty, and I got whooped! Basketball was never really my 'thing' but I didn't know I was that bad! I think in about 45 to 60 minutes of playing time I only made about 5 baskets. Yes, folks I am that bad!

BUT...

It was fun being active again. It has been years since I could do this kind of activity and not feel pain at the time or a bit later. (Oh, the knees use to really get me...) No surgery soreness from 8 weeks ago, either.

I remember lying on the cot in the pre-surgery waiting room eight weeks ago. I was having one of those moments. You know, the kind that you get when you realize that you finally called the Dr about nagging pain that has hurt terribly, then when you make the appointment...it eases up. Hadn't really hurt for days.

Well, it was that kinda moment. I lay there thinking, "It really doesn't hurt all that bad right now, and here I wait for surgery and I am going to feel miserable for a long time...is it worth it?"

Well, it did hurt...and I was miserable for a time. And brother, was it worth it!

Yesterday and today were great days for me. I woke up and felt 'normal.' No nagging anything. No incision troubles, no aches...Nada.

I am at that wonderful place---a mere eight weeks later. Joy!

...Then I get my butt whooped by my daughter at Basketball.

BUT...

I am down another 2.2 pounds this week at WW. So soon I'll be a lean mean, kickin' my daughter's butt at Basketball machine.

Say hello to my new weight-loss aid...

2011-08-12T20:43:00.004-04:00

One of my knitted dishcloths

Yes, I am knitting again...BECAUSE...If one has knitting needles in one's hands, it is difficult to put food in one's mouth!

(Can you say "LOTS of Christmas gifts"?)

My WW points were STOLEN by Taco Bell ordering mismanagement!

2011-08-12T16:02:00.009-04:00

So Sad...Because...

By noon I have 'accidentally' used almost all of my daily WW points! Should have checked the Taco Bell website BEFORE heading there. I ordered the wrong item and it had TEN more points than I thought. That's funny, it sure looked innocent enough. Didn't taste worth TEN more points though.

My bad.

Leaves me only THREE points for dinner.

I'm just thrilled...let me tell ya!

And tomorrow is weigh in day, DAGNABBIT!

Fitness Lesson Learned...

2011-08-11T21:13:00.005-04:00

I am got going to try that fast walk/running thing again for a while. Sort of blows the exercise schedule out of the water for the rest of the week.

I am now trying a day of walking the dog and rather easy walking, (which is all that I could really do after Tuesday's crazy burst of exercise energy!) followed by a day of more intensive walking exercise.

Today was three miles in 42:38. More like a pace that I can maintain over a period of time. My 'three in thirty' might have been nice, but it is a VERY once in a while deal! I also have to agree with Diane...I don't want to hurt myself again and have to all through that knee recoup time like I did a year ago!

You might have figured out by now that I am not really a gal of moderation and balance. This exercise thing for me tends to be an all or nothing deal. Gotta be Super Exercise Woman or I am afraid I'll be Miss Couch Potato! (We'll discuss my somewhat silly fear of regaining all my weight again in a later post...) I REALLY have to work on balance while reasonably pushing myself to reach higher goals. Goals that a also safe...

So a three in thirty was nice. I can say I did it once. Perhaps with time and training I can work up to doing it somewhat regularly. But for now I'll keep working up slowly and 'healthily.' (Is that a word?)

Yup, another fitness lesson learned...

The day after yesterday's post...

2011-08-10T09:19:00.004-04:00

OK, so I won't be doing three miles in thirty minutes every day...

...or maybe every other day...

My muscles are not so happy this morning...

How about once a week?

Definitely going slower today...

Think I'll take the dog for a (nice, slow) walk...

Three in Thirty!

2011-08-09T20:39:00.002-04:00

I walked three miles in thirty minutes...

The walking queen is back, my friends!

Free as a bird and celebrating with penguins!

2011-08-04T09:13:00.006-04:00

My Doctor 'released' me and I can go back to work next week! Still no heavy lifting, but life is back on! He is happy with my progress and so am I.

To celebrate, the family took a road trip to a nearby city and saw the movie Mr. Popper's Penguins. Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater was one of the first books that we read aloud as a family when the kiddos were little. Sometimes it is hard to see a movie based on a book...too many 'mind pictures' that have been set in stone for too many years. The movie was not like the book AT ALL, but we still had a good time. Penguins are cute and funny no matter what...

'Thank you' goodies...

2011-08-02T15:15:00.009-04:00

It is 87 (and rising) degrees in my kitchen, but I am still having fun baking!

Tomorrow I am taking a basket full of Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Muffin Tin,(courtesy of Sylvia at Adventures of an Orthodox Mom), to my 6 week post op appointment. My Doctor and his wonderful staff have been so kind to (AND patient with) me before, during and after my surgery-they deserve yummies!

I am going to go out later this afternoon and find a cute tea towel and some ribbon to 'wrap' them in. Better get a move on...

What a difference 6 weeks makes-Back to Life!

2011-08-01T15:54:00.003-04:00

My surgery was six weeks ago today, and today for the first time I felt 'normal', (ok, obvious joke here-as normal as I can get, folks.)

My six week appointment is not until Wednesday morning, but I don't think I have far to go.

Still not doing the sweeping, lifting or laundry, but I am back to cooking. My husband did such a good job with making the meals, I feel like we are taking a step backward with my cooking.

Today was my first real trip back to the grocery store. Princess was the cart driver and the trunk loader and unloader. Who thought that I would enjoy a trip to Save-a-lot?

We also went for haircuts, stopped at the optometrist to order a new ('cool' green color frames with transition lenses) pair of glasses for Princess, and met Junior, (who was in town for a doctor's appointment) for lunch.

Tomorrow is the annual 'go through Princess's closet to see what she really needs' day. Everything gets pulled out, (don't worry, Princess does all the pulling,) examined and assorted into the appropriate pile: Tossing, Giving and/or Staying.

There is not much back to school work to do for Junior. He moves into his apartment soon and has already started a pile in the corner of our living room. (Even though he has not lived here all summer-he has been working at college!) It is strange to see how much less he is taking this year than last-and he is moving into a bigger place!

Last year we 'listened' to all those lists that the college sent to us telling us what the college freshman needs. We could have saved some money if we would have ignored half of the things on that list! This fall both we and Junior are a bit smarter-and traveling a bit lighter! Live and learn!

Life has definitely returned to (more or less) normal at our house.

Revised the old Weight Loss Ticker...and the skin issue

2011-07-29T14:39:00.004-04:00

I revised my weight loss ticker from a 60 pound loss goal to a 80 pound loss goal, (for this round.)That would put me way under the highest weight for my height at Weight Watchers. The original goal of 60 pounds would have put me at the highest weight for my height.

It depresses me just a little to add 20 more pounds to what I 'have/want' to lose, but I want the buffer of a lower weight goal. I realize that there will be further tweaking of the numbers as I get closer to goal. I also realize that it will take longer, but it is all part of learning to live a healthy lifestyle and becoming a more balanced individual.

I am also starting to realize that there will be an residual skin issues. The doctor who performed my surgery noted that I might want to see a plastic surgeon about all the extra skin just 'hanging around.' But that costs big money and there would not be any insurance to cover it. (I'll deal with that later and I'll see what more 'specific' exercise does to help the situation.) Part of me thinks of it as having to live with the consequences of living so unhealthily for so long and as a motivation to NEVER let it happen again.

Back on the Weight Watchers Wagon (addendum)

2011-07-25T08:09:00.008-04:00

Bright and early this morning Princess and I are off to Weight Watchers for weigh in.

We'll see...

I have NO IDEA what I weigh. Still some swelling to deal with, but I have GOT to get back on the wagon of counting points.

Life is slowly getting back to some sense of normal and WW is part of that 'normal.'

Update: Dunno how, but I lost 3 pounds...THREE!

Mileage...

2011-07-24T20:16:00.004-04:00

Walked 1 mile in 16 minutes 31 seconds

Long way from 5 miles in 54 minutes, but I'll get there slowly.

Doctor gave me permission, don't worry...He made me promise not to do more than one mile a day until he sees me again next week. He also made me promise to stop if any of about 100 symptoms/signs appeared.

None appeared today!

Now lets get on with this recovery thing!!!

Eat Like a Bird? Wrong!

2011-07-23T09:35:00.005-04:00

Here is the definition of the idiom "eat like a bird" from About.com.

Definition: eat very little

Explanation: Used when speaking about someone who needs very little food to get by, often used when criticizing someone for not eating enough.

Examples: She eats like a bird, it's no wonder she's skinny! - You're eating like a bird, I wish you would eat just a little more.

Well, I have been feeding and watching my bird friends every morning for quite a while now, and I have come to understand that that definition is wrong. All the stale bread that I have had in the freezer is gone now, and those little guys expect the birdie buffet every morning to be and endless buffet! The word has evidently gone out and birdies from far and near have come to realize that the woman who sits on her porch every morning is a soft touch.

I am now out of stale bread, rolls, no-salt crackers and anything else that a birdie might want to eat.

I think I'll have to work up to making a trip to the bread store...before the buffet opens, tomorrow morning!

Explaining this Orthodoxy thing (Getting the word out on a new book))

2011-07-23T08:12:00.006-04:00

I was chrismated on December 16, 2007 and I am still trying to explain the 'whys' to friends and family. Maybe someday I will really have my act together and be brave enough to explain it with some sense of rationality to my Methodist mother-in-law. I think I might be getting close to doing an acceptable job on that front with hubby-then there are days when I just blow it all out of the water when I get a little weird on the explanation front.

That brings me around to the reason for this post. Take a gander, (yes, the right word...I googled it!) at this:

"Are you an Orthodox Christian who wonders how to explain to your Baptist grandmother, your Buddhist neighbor, or the Jehovah s Witness at your door how your faith differs from theirs? Or are you a member of another faith who is curious what Orthodoxy is all about? Look no further. In Orthodoxy & Heterodoxy, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick covers the gamut of ancient heresies, modern Christian denominations, fringe groups, and major world religions, highlighting the main points of each faith. This book is an invaluable reference for anyone who wants to understand the faiths of those they come in contact with as well as their own."

If you are not into words, but pictures her tis:

The author is having a contest and you can win a copy of this book!

Win an autographed copy of Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy!

If I don't win a copy, I am going to have to go give Conciliar Press some money...then maybe I'll take my mother-in-law, out for a nice long lunch!

...and I'll just give Hubby the book...

Wonder if I can get a case price?

NEWS!!!

2011-07-18T15:55:00.007-04:00

No more bed rest!!!! Infection gone...healing nicely!

I am to 'ease into' to almost regular activity during the next two-three weeks. Take my time...by my next appointment.

BUT...

No laundry for a while...or a whole lot of steps.

No lifting for up to three months...just to be on the safe side with all that abdominal/colon work...I see his point!

Doing a somewhat restrained, non lifting, no laundry basket carrying HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!!!!

Can you tell me 'who' this is?

2011-07-18T08:55:00.008-04:00

I found this little guy in our pot of Lantana this morning. I have never seen one before. He sort of reminded me of a hummingbird...but not. He was fearless, let me tell ya. I didn't have to use zoom...I DID get this close.

Doing something with my days...

2011-07-16T09:34:00.006-04:00

I completed a 'project'!!!!! Something I could do while sitting on the porch watching my bird friends and/or while I was lying in bed. Hey, some productivity and listening to my Doctor at the same time!!! Who knew?

All of my recipes gathered from the internet and my cooking magazines were in various places. That is putting it politely. They were all over the place!

Well...

Since I can do nothing, (almost), I gathered up my umpteen copies of Simple and Delicious and Taste of Home magazines and went through them page by page. I cut out recipes I think I'll actually use someday, and the magazines went into the recycling bin. I also gathered those many recipes printed from the internet-some in binders, some tucked behind the cutting board on the counter, some just setting on my desk-(I told you it was bad!)...

and made one organized binder for them all! (And they are actually in a crude sort of order, too!)

Tah Dah!

Waiting (Weighting?) for the Scale?

2011-07-15T08:01:00.003-04:00

I have not stepped on a scale in almost a month. The last time I took the leap was at Weight Watchers two days prior to my surgery. I had a good weigh in-so I left with a positive outlook.

Well...

Like I said, it has been almost a month and I have no idea how much I weigh. I am afraid to get on...

I have been dependent on the (yummy, who's countin' points, this stuff is good) meals made by friends and a wonderful hubby. I know that the swelling is still with me because I have only two pair of capris that I can wear and not feel like a boa constrictor is around my abdomen! Of course exercise has gone the way of the Dodo...and it will be that way for much longer. PLUS, I think that our scale here at home is slowly dying, (again.)

I DON'T want to get on the scale right now...BUT...I DO want to know that I have not regained all 41+ pounds. (Which is what I feel like I have done some days-let me tell ya!)

Yes, I know that this is all part of the patience factor. I must take my time and get well...THEN...work on the weight. It is not a race, I know. It is part of living healthy and getting healthy. The GETTING healthy part right now is healing...

Yes, I know...

I tell myself this and others tell it to me.

What are numbers on a scale, right?

I am obsessing...

MJ Get happy, get healthy...quit your complaining...listen to folks who love you.

You blog readers put up with so much...

QUESTION: Guess what you can't do...

2011-07-14T12:48:00.005-04:00

...three weeks out from surgery?

ANSWER: Reconcile your family's bank statements.

Guess I'm still dealing with some 'residual surgery fog.'

All bank papers have been stuffed back into the family file, awaiting a more number savvy clear thinking moment...

(Probably November 2011...)

Who thought?

2011-07-13T10:38:00.005-04:00

...that I would ever miss going to Walmart for silly little household items?
...that I would ever get tired of doing nothing?
...that I would ever want to houseclean?

Gonna definitely re-think some stuff that I complained about for so long!

Vacuum Dreams...Turning the corner, maybe?

2011-07-08T16:34:00.006-04:00

Since the surgery I don't care about much. I didn't even read or watch television, or get on line because I felt so loopy. I think that I am turning a corner however.

The loopy pills are gone and it is ibuprofen or nothin'.

But, do you really want to know how I know that I am getting a bit better?

As I lay here, I look at the carpet and I see that it needs swept! I go through all the devious ways in my mind that I could 'get away' with vacuming the carpet.

No, don't worry, I am not going to actually do it-I have got to listen to the Dr so the bleeding will stop. I DON'T want to be 'opened back up', (as my surgeon so nicely put it. He knows me...)

But the carpet is really bugging me.

Think I'll take a nap-Shut my eyes and dream of little Oreck, Hoover, Eureka, Electrolux, and Dyson fairies...coming to my home.

Back on Bedrest...

2011-07-08T14:08:00.001-04:00

...again...

This is getting really old!

Spending time with birds...

2011-06-30T08:09:00.008-04:00

I spend a lot of time on our front porch lately. (When I feel adventurous I walk my 'allowed' half a block up the hill then back down.)

I have been spending much of my time with the neighborhood birds. Every morning they get their two pieces of bread and I enjoy them...so much. A few have flown right to the table by my chair. They stay for a while then flutter away. So beautiful!

Being forced to sit and and take it quiet and easy has been a difficult thing for me to adjust to-but I am beginning to enjoy it now...with my bird-friends.

Pathology Results in...

2011-06-28T15:20:00.004-04:00

(A get well gerbera from Father and Khouria Nancy. It is SO beautiful, the picture doesn't do it justice. It makes me smile every time I look at it.)

I got to read, (and have all those hard words explained to me) my surgery report and pathology results. I had three different tumors-masses-one on the left ovary and fallopian tube, connected to the bowel, one around the right ovary and one in the uterus.

The uterine mass had tripled the size of my uterus.

My surgery took 4 and one half hours and three surgeons. Lots of gory info, and TMI details, but the end result is...Everything is out (ovaries, uterus and tubes) and a part of my bowel was stitched where the part of the mass was 'stuck'.

Three different tumors-masses-three different types of masses.

NONE OF WHICH WERE CANCER!!!!!

If I could do a happy dance, I would.

So I'll just say Praise GOD!

Home but...

2011-06-27T10:59:00.001-04:00

Don't feel like blogging yet.

Biopsy results this afternoon at Dr's office.

Pain meds are wonderful things...

BUT...

I can't think complete thoughts...

or read...

or hold a conversation...

I hope this ends soon.

The Red band of happiness, WW and TMI

2011-06-18T14:23:00.004-04:00

The blood draw went OK. They got blood...that's what I went for. Thank you for thinking of me. Still don't like it. The folks were really patient and nice though...

I now have this very fashion forward red band on my wrist that I have to keep there until...whenever, (Honestly dunno!) Did I mention that they put it on too tight and it is humid outside?

While out and about this morning after the blood draw we drove near WW. I stopped in and volunteered to get on the scale. I have not been following too well this past week. Last week was my last official weigh in until I am done with recoup time...but being a glutton for punishment, (in addition to food,) I asked to get on that scale.

Just so I would know what I was working with...mentally.

I was not wearing my weigh in clothes. (You know, that lightest set of clothing that you own that you know what it weighs down to the ounce?)

BUT...

Somehow I lost .8 of a pound! Now I am kicking myself for not wearing weigh in clothes!

So petty I am...

So much to be really thinking about, but I am vetching because I didn't weigh less because of clothes!!! Would have helped to follow the plan all week MJ!!!

Excuses, Excuses...

I am just a pre-surgery bundle of pettiness!

Well, I am rambling...gotta go finish cleaning the kitchen. (Why? Dunno. Never know who is going to see my kitchen...like I said P-E-T-T-Y!!!)

I am going to be anointed tomorrow after Liturgy.

Then it is home for 'prep.' Won't be able to go too far...if you know what I mean. Can you say 14 doses of Mirolax in 4 hours? Eight ounces of Mirolax in 1/2 gallon of water and I have to drink it within four hours!

Not gonna be pretty. Sorry to yuck you out with TMI...