Waiting

I don't like waiting. I am definitely a "I need to know right now" kind of girl. But I am finding myself waiting. Waiting for the blood work to come back on my cat. You can mock me if you want, but this cat means more to me than I know how to tell you. She is almost 17 years old, and has been with me through everything. She's road tripped with me, flown on airplanes with me, survived an earthquake in Seattle with me. She's seen the ups and downs of my dating life, and she snuggles me when I am sick. This cat isn't just a cat to me. She is my love.

Lately she seems to want to eat but hasn't been eating much, and she's gotten pretty thin. David took her to the doctor this morning, and she has lost a lot of weight, which sent me into a crying jag when he texted me this information. My precious only weight 5 pounds, 6 ounces. That's down 3.5 pounds since two years ago. But the doctor, who is a very trusted man in my family (we've been taking animals to them for 31 years now), was reassuring, saying that he thinks there is a good chance it's her thyroid. Whatever it is, he seems to feel that it will likely be treated with meds and diet. Oh, I can live with that! Regardless, no one thinks she is going to the Rainbow Bridge any time soon. Music to my ears! But of course, we don't know anything for sure until we get the blood work back. Dr. K will call me tonight with the results, and we'll go from there.

I love this cat more than anything. She means the world to me, and there is almost nothing I wouldn't do for her. I'm just not ready to let her go. Thankfully, it looks like she's not going anywhere. (But I'll keep praying until I know for sure!)

Heading In The Right Direction

We had a health screening today at work, and although there is a lot of work to be done, there was good news to be had. My cholesterol is excellent, so I am pleased about that! :) The other numbers didn't upset me because I am a work in progress and so far I am doing great. I was up and at the gym at 5:15 this morning (again!!) and it really makes me feel good all day long. I think I am finally understanding the benefits of exercise and finding the right time of day for your body. As it turns out, I might be more of a morning person than I thought!

School is going well. After this week I have two more weeks and then I am off for a short time. I'll be in summer school both sessions (trying to get through as quickly as possible!) so it will be a busy summer. And seriously, I can't believe it's almost May! Where has the year gone??

Anyhow, that's really about it for today. Hope everyone made it through the thick fog safely!!

Tired and Frustrated

David and I walked for about 4 miles yesterday, and I was exhausted by the time I got done! I was frustrated about that because I used to be able to do that, no problem. I've just been out of regular working-out habits for a while, and now that I am back to it, it's hard to recondition my body to do what I could do so easily before. I know I have to have patience, and I am trying. Oh trust me, I am trying. It's hard to be back at what feels like square one, though. But I'm powering through and pushing myself to do this. I want to do the Breast Cancer 3-Day in 2010, and right now the ability to do that feels like a long way off. But hey, a year and a half can make a big difference! WW is challenging its' members to do a 5K this summer, so I am part of a group that is training for that every Saturday after my WW meeting. That should help, except that I have to miss the first training this weekend because of Dad's retirement party - but that's a valid reason and I don't mind!! I'll make up for it on Sunday and get out and walk. A 5K is 3.1 miles, and I can do this. Those who finish a 5K will get a charm, and as silly as it may sound, those kinds of rewards work well for me. Whatever works, right?

So that's about it in a nutshell. It was a good evening. Got my hair cut on Friday (had to go to a new guy since Christy is on maternity leave). It's good and I am happy. Getting the color redone on Wednesday, and I am very happy about that...my greys are making an appearance and we don't need that!! So I am trying to maintain myself. I am not a cheap gal!

Everyone try not to float away with all the rain!!

Here We Go Again...

...with all the "rah rah rah" and positive energy talk. Yes, I am still doing well with WW, and feeling great! I was telling a coworker today how clear-headed I feel, and how I can tell that I have gotten rid of some of the toxins stored in my body...I just feel better and brighter and all that silly stuff. :) It's a good feeling, and I love feeling in control of everything! I am aiming to get up at 4:45 am tomorrow to get in a workout, and I love it!!

Saturday after my WW meeting, my mom is coming over for some retirement party planning for dad. I'm also going to have her take my measurements (ugh!) and then in a month I'll do it again and see where it's starting to come off from. I don't expect miracles, but it's nice to be able to track all this. Slow and steady wins the race, right? I'm feeling that old determination that I felt back in 2005. (Check blog postings from 2005...I was very successful, but fell off the wagon.) All that strength and will is coming back to me. It helps to have a very supportive husband (who seems to love me as I am right now!), and he goes to the gym with me and never minds eating healthy. Hey, we like veggies a LOT! I am surrounded by people who are cheering for my success - Kim, big shout out to you on this one! I was thinking of my friend Holly, who used to give me cards and flowers, and when I lost 50 pounds, she gave me $1 for every pound I lost. (Holly, I wouldn't ever be able to forget how supportive and kind you have always been to me!) And then there is my family, who seems to love me and be proud of me all the time. I count my blessings daily, as I have much to thankful for. Thank you so much, mom and dad, for always being positive. Hopefully this will be one more thing I do that makes you proud. (Although I have to be clear to all who are about to say it anyways....I really am doing this for me!)

And here I am again...at the starting line and ready to go. Except it's not a race. It's a long walk, but I'm absolutely determined to cross the finish line this time. I have a very long way to go, but it's just like the old saying goes: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. :)

Worn Out

For the last two mornings, David and I got up at 4:55am and went to the gym and worked out. It's a great feeling, but I have to tell you that I am exhausted! We decided not to get up this morning because both of our bodies are absolutely worn out. Today I am going to the gym here at work and doing some resistance training to change it up. I just couldn't get up that early today...but I'll be doing it some, just not this week. We tried it out because Mondays and Tuesdays are school days for me and I knew I wouldn't want to work out at 7:30pm those days. But I am very grateful to have a gym here at work so I can keep on track!

I have been back on WW for a short time now, and so far so good. I don't want to post my weekly losses, I'd rather post when I lose 10 pounds. I'm just going for increments of 10, so hopefully I'll have a report soon. :)

Tonight David and I are going to go see the new Earth movie. I have a love of baby animals, and the previews have been full of them, so David is taking me to see it tonight. Yay! He's heading to New Orleans tomorrow morning and comes home Saturday evening, so this is going to be our date night. I made a WW recipe for beer and beef stew in the crock pot that we'll be having for dinner tonight, so it's dinner and a movie for us!

Dad's retirement is a hair over a week away now, and I am super excited for him! We get to go up there to join him for the reception, and I am looking forward to that. It's been ages since I've gotten to go up there, and it's going to be the last time I can go. (Dad works for Lockheed-Martin.) David has never been there, so it's going to be pretty cool for him, too.

That's it for today. Everyone try and stay cool in the 90+ heat we'll be having today!!

How Do You Know You're Serious About Something?

When you get up at 4:55am to go work out. Yep, I did that this morning and I liked it!! I've never been THAT much of a morning person, but I decided that losing weight is just that important. Now, this won't be an every day occurrence, but I am doing it tomorrow and Wednesday as well. It's the best way for me to get a workout in since I have school in the evenings Mondays and Tuesdays. I love that I've already gotten 30 minutes of the treadmill out of the way today! David has his 20 year reunion this October, and while I won't be at my goal by then I can be smaller and look a little cuter, right? :) Besides, we have a number of trips we'd like to take, all of which would be more enjoyable if we were in better shape. Who wants to take a safari trip to Africa and be tired walking around? Not me!! (BTW, we do actually plan to take a trip to Africa in a few years!)

So I think that old me from 2005 is back...the one that was focused and loved feeling healthier. This is a very good thing!!

A Miracle Happened Today

Christy gave birth to a healthy baby girl today! At 1:03pm, Abby was born, and everyone is well. When I got the news from Rich, all I could do was cry tears of joy...my BFF and her husband are parents!! It's so wonderful, and they are so happy...it's so amazing that they created this tiny little life!!

I'll get to hold this precious girl tomorrow when I go up there, and if I get the OK from mommy and daddy, I will post pictures here. (They may want to be the first to show pictures, and I don't blame them!!)

And to be even more sappy, here's a short exerpt from a very fitting song:

"Ordinary Miracle" - Sarah McLaughlin

It's not that unusual
Everything is beautiful
It's just another ordinary miracle today.

Welcome to the world, Abby! So many people have been in love with you and have been waiting for you to get here!!

I'm an Auntie!!!!

Waiting

Tomorrow my best friend, Christy, is giving birth to her baby girl. Seriously, this has got to be the most exciting thing ever! I can't believe how misty I get when I think about it, but she and her husband are so ready to be parents and this is just such a blessing! So they have to be at the hospital at 6am tomorrow, and they're going to induce labor. I know it will be a long day for them, but at the end of it all they will be holding their precious baby girl. What a miracle!

I plan to go see them on Friday, and I can't wait to post a picture!! Please pray for a healthy delivery for little Abby!!

Happy Easter

Just a simple message today...I hope you are having a great Easter and enjoying the beautiful weather!!

Having "Conversations"

I fully realize how petty this sounds, but has anyone else noticed how often politicians like to use the word "conversation"? As in, they want to have real conversations with Americans about the economy. Or how Oprah now says she wants to have real conversations about the city of Chicago and bringing the Olympics there in 2016. I don't know...it just makes it sound like no one is talking about anything. I know in my circles, we talk about everything!

Everything is going pretty well. School is keeping me pretty busy, but I am doing well. Finals are in a few weeks. May 11 and 12 to be exact. Where does the time go? I register for Summer school next week. It's going to be a busy year!

I don't have much news. Still waiting for Christy to give birth. Most likely it will be next week, so I am crossing my fingers for the 16th. (That's the date I picked for the baby pool at work!)

Really, that's about it. Everyone enjoy the Spring weather!!

It's Back!!

I heard through the blogosphere that the Bedford Bennigan's is being resurrected! Great news for the locals, and now I don't have to only have my Turkey O'Toole sandwich in Las Colinas any more!! Looks like they're going to reopen in about a month, so for all you mid-cities folks who have been missing cheap beer and tasty nibbles...you won't have to miss it much longer!

Today after work I have to get a new tire for David's Jeep. But after that, I am going to Central Market to do some shopping. Yum!

That's it for today. I'm outta here!

** Update ** I have a feeling I bought into an April Fools Day joke, so just ignore this post. (Just a feeling...no proof yet!)

Nothing Much

That sums it up right now. Just nothing much going on. Christy had her baby shower this past weekend, and that girl cleaned up!! She isn't due until the 28th, but she started have some VERY slight contractions today. I don't think Baby Abby is going to wait for 28 more days! We've started a pool here at work. I picked the 16th. We shall see!

I managed to slice my finger last Friday. I was being a good wife and putting a pot roast in the crock pot. I was cutting one more potato when it rolled off the cutting board and I somehow managed to stab my wedding ring finder. Seriously, I have never seen a cut bleed so much! I really freaked me out! It's okay now, just bandaged and tender, but I survived.

David and I bought some plants for the patio this weekend. We bought a hibiscus, some tomato plants, and two other plants that I don't remember the names of, but are just beautiful! I can't wait until things start blooming! I need to water them today and give them some TLC. I haven't historically had a very green thumb, but I am working hard to take care of these guys!

Honestly, that's about it. School is going well. I register for the fall semester on Friday, and I register for summer school on the 15th. It's going to be a very studious year!!

Almost At The Finish Line...

That's how it feels...tomorrow is Friday and we're almost there!! (Thankfully!) It's been a long week and I feel really tired. Nothing big happening in my life, just all the usual stuff. Except for my 14 year old cousin, Ashley. She got into trouble recently (peer pressure got the best of her) and now she's in a pickle. It's a story for another day, though, but she is on my mind constantly right now. Okay, basically she let a little friend of hers talk her into doing something with some very serious consequences. We're still waiting to see how this is going to go. I don't want to give details here, but she's physically fine. (No drugs or teen preggo stuff.) She just made a really irresponsible decision and now she's going to have to suffer the fallout. I hope that this is a lesson learned. I think kids today really do have it harder. There is more access to temptation than when I was that age. Cell phones, computers...all of it makes temptation a text message away. I am thankful I grew up when I did. It just seems like it was easier to be a regular kid and not having to contend with some of that stuff. That, and my idiot moments didn't end up on YouTube. :) But again, my idiot moments were mostly me being a dork. So all that to say, Ashley is a good kid, makes good grades, and I love her to pieces. Still do, just disappointed. And don't ask me to post the details, because I won't. I just needed to put this out into the universe and hope for good things to come back. Mostly, I am just praying for her to have wisdom and the courage to stand up to her peers when her gut tells her something isn't right.

So that's it. I think I am going to go to Central Market tonight and find some yumminess for dinner. I want to cook, but I don't know what just yet.

Allrighty. I'm outta here!

Things That Make Me Happy

Because things have been so stressful with work, I decided that I should make a list of things that make me happy so I can re-read the list and get a big smile from it. Here goes:

Family
Friends
School
Chocolate
Lipgloss
Singing
Travel
David's "Championship Ribs"
Cleo, Zak and Kaylee
Pictures of my Gran
Hugs from my nieces and nephews
Shopping for baby stuff for Christy!! :)
Ladybugs
The color pink
Listening to Brahms' German Requiem (in German...never in English!)
Black patent Mary Janes
Soft pajama pants and a t-shirt
Blackberries
Buying school supplies
Collecting Christmas ornaments with my hubby
Champagne and Brie soup from JR's
Cherry Blossom candles from Bath and Body Works


These are all things that make me happy, and all for different reasons. I guess this is my version of stopping to smell the roses. :)

What makes you happy? You don't have to tell me, but just stop and take a moment to remember them.

Spring Break Is Over

I was sad that Spring Break was over, but really...I still had to work and do other things so it shouldn't be that big of a deal. I saw the Vagina Monologues with Mom Saturday night. Interesting. It was part of a day-long "Whole Woman" festival. My takeaway was that apparently there is a perception that when it's a woman's festival, all women want to buy is hippy artwork and incense. Just an observation, not knocking anything. The production itself was very interesting. Mom and I left laughing at ourselves at the end of the evening. All I will say is that no matter how much it may take away from my inner Goddess, there are just some words I won't say. Sorry. (Mom, you know I just CAN'T!)

Sunday was full of studying. I have a test in my Human Sexuality class tomorrow, so I am trying to be prepared. I also got advised for Fall '09 today. It's going to be a full semester. Taking Crisis Intervention, Humanities, and History. I still have some GEC courses to knock out. I am registering for Summer next month and will be taking both semesters of Spanish. Yes, I am a VERY dedicated girl and if I handle Summer I well, I will add my communications class for Summer II. Seriously, I am ready to have my BA done so I can move on to Grad school. I am not loving my job, and every day I have to go and put up with more BS, I am reminded why I am working so hard in school.

Dad is retiring in a little over a month now. I think it's great! He's worked for a long time and deserves to enjoy himself now. Dad has always taken such good care of us, and it's time for him to enjoy his life. I hear he is planning to volunteer at church, maybe participate in the men's Bible study, and work out a few days a week at the gym. Go Dad! I'm so excited for you! Maybe once in a while he can sneak in lunch with his favorite daughter...

That's it for now. I'm going to head to bed and rest up. David heads out again tomorrow, and I have that test tomorrow night. Good vibes will be welcome at 4:30!

Girl Gone Wild

I have made the executive decision to take a day off tomorrow. It's Spring Break, dammit, and I need a day to enjoy myself. Therefore, I am giving myself a three day weekend. What's on tap for tomorrow? Nothing but things that make me smile. This will include no alarm waking me up, a trip to Starbucks for breakfast, and who knows what else. But I'm going to enjoy my day. :) (I will probably do some laundry in there somewhere, but I don't mind doing that. And it REALLY needs to get done!)

David comes home tomorrow night, and I am really looking forward to that. Saturday is my long-overdue hair appointment, and Saturday night mom and I are going to see the Vagina Monologues. I will definitely report in on that one. Sunday is study day. I have a test on Tuesday and I really want an A to keep my status for the Dean's List. We ALL know how important that is to me, so I won't go on about that any more.

That's it. I'm outta here!

Sorry For No Posts...

Yeah, I know everyone waits with baited breath for one of my posts. I've been busy, and then I just got a little lazy with the posting. It's been a hectic week, and a full weekend with family birthdays. We ate dinner at JR's Steakhouse...I insist on people eating the Champagne and Brie soup - a.ma.zing! We had brunch at the Park Cities Club in Dallas, too. Again, some serious yum...and bottomless mimosas! Double yum!

Got my iPhone this weekend, and I am loving it. I knew I would...it was that or the Blackberry Bold, and I got sucked in by the iPhone. :) No regrets! If you ever buy one, do it at the Apple Store and make an appointment. You get the star treatment! Seriously, loving the phone.

It's Spring Break for me, but I still have work so it's not much of a vacay. And I am blogging while taking a break from studying. I have a test next week, so there goes the whole goofing off for a week, you know? It's all good. Eyes on the prize.

Christy is having her baby in about 6 weeks, so that's a big deal and very exciting! I am getting my hair cut/color Saturday morning and I can't wait! It's in bad shape, for sure. I have been neglectful with the hair, and now it's taking revenge on me by being uncooperative. Sorry, hair. I keep telling Christy she would be ashamed to be seen with me, so she worked me into the schedule, thankfully! :)

Things are going well. I had a horrible night's sleep last night and I don't know why. I am optimistic about tonight, though. I'm tired.

My Sister-In-Law (Lea Anne) is with her hubby this week and has bribed me to come for dinner tomorrow night, and I accepted. She is going to do something yummy with fish, and since I didn't have school I thought it would be fun to hang with her and my two nieces so it's going to be a girls night and I am looking forward to it. Kristen and Morgan (aka Momo) are a riot, and they're growing up so fast! Lea Anne has also found the perfect Yoga class for me and I am giving it a try next week. I always have a lot of anxiety about trying new classes, but I think it's a good idea and it's close to home. I'll report on it next week and talk about it in more detail.

So that's really about it. Oh, and I didn't make it to WW last week. There...honesty and full disclosure. I am going this week. I have to. I will report after I go. :)

Time Change

This is a really tough time change for me. I love my sleep and am sad that I lost an hour, but I seem to be doing okay so far. I made it to work early, but I am a yawning, sleepy mess right now. I hate that I am having to power through on a Monday...it's my long day with school and I have a test tonight, so I am hoping that I can shake off the sleepies soon. I am feeling a little out of sorts and I have got to get it together since it's a busy day!

I hope everyone had a good weekend! I don't have a lot to report. David got home yesterday and I was glad to see him. :) The kitties were all VERY glad he was home and started acting like little fools running around the house and being crazy. But everyone settled down and bedtime and we all got a good night's sleep. (I think I am recovering from being out late last weekend. Yes, I am old and it takes me longer to recover.)

So that's it for today! I hope everyone has a good Monday!

Happy

That's me in a word. Happy. :) Things are going well with school, and at home. (Work isn't my favorite so we'll skip that topic, although we found out today that we'll be getting our annual bonus next month and it's going to be a good one!) I am really proud of how school is going, and I am on track to be on the Dean's List again for this semester. I just really need to keep up the hard work. I made an 88 on my Intro to Counseling test and a 93 on my Human Sexuality test, so I am doing well. I have another Intro to Counseling test on Monday, and I should do well on it, too. Although I will be spending a LOT of time getting ready for it. I would love to make an A on this test, so I am going to work hard to make that happen.

Back in January I talked about my three areas of focus for this year. Here's the status so far:

• Finances - We are SO on track to be debt free by June! We've paid off several credit cards and are building up our savings account so we're very proud!
• School - I think you all know by the beginning of this post that school is going great! :)
• Fitness - This is the area that has had no progress. But I am NOT giving up, so don't think for a moment I have. I am going to go to a WW meeting this evening to get myself back on track. However, I don't plan on making a big deal of it. It's time to just get off my rear and do it, so tonight I will. Tonight will be the start of getting that last part of my "2009 Focuses" underway. I am actually looking forward to it!

So there's the update. At least I am honest, right? But I am not discouraged or frustrated with myself. I just know what I need to do and it's time to do it. And it's all good. :)

Austin In A Nutshell

Let's see...we ate plenty, drank plenty, and had a ton of laughs. It was wonderful to spend time with my friend Bryan. It had been about 20 years since I had seen him! He is getting his PhD at UT, and I couldn't be more proud for him. He's an amazing guy and he's worked so hard on his education. :)

I am so sleepy today. We stayed up late each night in Austin, and then I couldn't sleep last night so I am a bit bleary eyed today. I need to snap out of it since I have school tonight. I'm keeping it short today, but I do have pics to post when I get home and can upload them.

I hope everyone has a good Monday!