Happy

Today was a rough and frustrating day. This morning started with a sweet girl who wanted a few more hugs. Then I got to work. It was a frustrating day. This is the last week before the tax return that I have been working on needs to be done. I knew I would have to work late. Sweetie is awesome, he took Serif tonight to see friends as I wouldn't make it. Working late isn't a problem, it doesn't cause stress in and of itself. But combine it with an auditor asking tons of questions and a computer that kept having major issues and I end up cranky. I left work after 7 completely shot. If I could drink, I would have enjoyed a glass, or bottle of wine.

I got home before Sweetie and Bug. Do you know what I did? I went for a walk. Nothing major. I am just getting back into it. I finally feel far enough along to start moving, yay second trimester. The plan I am following starts with 15 minutes. And I have to say, that 15 minutes felt wonderful. I cannot wait to do it again. Now I am sipping some soup, enjoying some t.v. and the remaining silence in the house.

National Start Walking Day

Wednesday, April 8th, is National Start Walking Day for the American Heart Association. Come on everyone - get in 30 minutes today.

To learn more go to: http://www.mystartonline.org/about_start_walking_day.jsp

Feeling Better

The Christmas party was fun last night. It was nice to relax and enjoy the food. Today Sweetie and I took off from work and did Christmas shopping. Good company, cracking people up, giving to charity, buying Bug the item's she asked for, and letting go helped a lot today. 

Tomorrow is the Nutcracker. I am so looking forward to it. Sunday is the Jingle Bell 5k. 

I decided that since I don't have control right now to simply try to let go, yes easier said than done. But it seems to be helping. 

I am doing better and that is the main thing. 

Things are as crazy as normal in my world. We got the tree up on Saturday night but finally decorated it last night. Bug is so much fun this year. I love it. I just want to soak up every second with her.

This weekend was BestFriend's b-day. We had some one on one time on Saturday - much needed with great fun. Sunday was a group playing pool and going to see JCVD. It is such a good movie. Nothing like I expected. And seeing it at the Alamo Ritz downtown was very awesome.

The best part of the night was driving home, all five of us in the car. I see a sign for an insurance company.
Me: "Acceptance insurance, I don't think I would want an insurance company named acceptance"
BF: "What about Rapture Insurance?"
Me: "Is there Rapture Insurance?"
Shawn: "Yes, Jesus"
Come on that was funny, you know it. It was like a script sooo funny. I was crying with laughter.

We walked the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning - yep all 5 miles. Sweetie ran with BestFriend and MIL walked with me and Bug - who was in a stroller. It was fun. There were some nasty hills, but it was fun. Next 5k on the radar is the Jingle Bell.

Thanksgiving was at SIL's MIL's. This is the first year since 1998 that I did not host some sort of Thanksgiving feast. It was very different. I didn't think I was that big on the parade but seeing it made me feel like Thanksgiving. The walk was good for us and I would like to keep up the tradition. But missing the parade was a little sad. That and not having my Sweetie smell like smoke. He always smells the best at Thanksgiving. I think I might have to make him smoke something for Christmas on these even years where we don't have Thanksgiving but have Christmas Eve. That and with Brother not here, it was just different.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! This year is filled with much thanks. This has been a hard year and I am coming through it stronger. I am thankful for my health and strive with the new year to improve it even more. I am thankful for my Sweetie. He is my everything. Our relationship has gotten even stronger through this year. My friends are amazing. They know when to step back and when to step in and come over without calling. There are many friends that I wish I had seen more of recently, but lives are busy. The part I am thankful for is that I know when I need them, they are on call. I am thankful for BestFriend. She is my rent-a-sister. She trusts me and believes in me like no one else. I am thankful for Bug and Mom for much of the same reasons, they give me hope, make me feel safe, and take care of me. All of my family and friends are amazing. I am thankful for the family in town, miss the family out of town, and feel very lucky for the friends that I have met over the internet.

This Thanksgiving is SIL's MIL's. It will be completely different than others. For one, since we are not hosting we are able to attend the Turkey Trot. That is right. Instead of sleeping in we are getting up and getting together with BestFriend and MIL and walking 5 miles. WOO HOO. Since Brother moved and will not be with us this year, I am happy that it will be so different.

This whole Thanksgiving week, really week and a half has been great: organizing, bachelorette party, seeing Thomas, bowling with BestFriend, sushi with Jim, seeing Cirque Jungle Dreams with family, seeing Thomas again, making dessert for tomorrow, tomorrow is the walk and dinner, Friday is P from work's wedding, Saturday is girl time with BestFriend, and Sunday is movie and pool with BestFriend to celebrate a special day - it is the one day out of the year that isn't her unbirthday - heehee.

I am thankful for my life. The good, the bad, and the ugly makes me who I am. And, quite frankly, I think I am pretty cool.

Please keep praying for Deb. She is fighting hard but is missing her 8 year old daughter this Thanksgiving.

May everyone have a happy and safe Thanksgiving. And a special warm wish to Brother. May it feel warmer than the 22 degrees forecasted.

we are all connected

First, my weekend was wonderful. Friday was a romantic date night. We used the remaining gift certificates from Sweetie's Halloween winnings last year. It made a $155 meal only $18. Woo hoo!
Saturday was my b-day gift from Bug, Madagascar 2. It was a fun movie. She slept through part of it. Fine by me as she was in my arms.
Sunday was brunch with Jim and in the evening was bowling with BestFriend. Bug beat me. Of course she had bumpers up and I didn't. All in fun, right?
We had quite a packed weekend.

This weekend was also good in a different way. A friend of mine had a miscarriage. I was able to send her my support and tell her that I understand. I hope it helped a little. I know it helped me when so many women told me that they had been through it as well.

Tonight and tomorrow night are busy as we prepare the house for the cable guy to come. Not only does it need a deep cleaning anyway, but we are finally getting cable. We have been without it since like 2001. We are adding it to save money. I know sounds so funny. So now we have to make room for a cable box.

Then my B-day. I am doing it very different this year. Since it is midweek, I am not having everyone over. I know it can be a pain to go someplace after work and then worry about getting home in time for bed. So I am declaring my b-day celebration on the weekend. We are going to Ren Fest this weekend anyway, what better time to celebrate. Plus we will be camping, so much fun!! So instead, tomorrow, we are going to Moms to eat some pizza and maybe play a game or two. We will see how it plays out. It will be weird not seeing all of the family tomorrow, but I am holding out for the weekend for the big fun. It isn't like it is a big birthday.

And I am back on the study bandwagon. I walked this morning listening to my lectures. I am very motivated to get this certification complete. It is like being in school again. Yay the semester is over, but the process is not - know what I mean? Next test hopefully is beginning of the year.

I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving. This year is SIL's turn for Thanksgiving and my turn for Christmas Eve. We are doing the Turkey Trot. It is a great way to start the unhealthy day :-) And we are already registered, so we will be there. I have wanted to do this for so many years. YAY!

And we walked

Today was Livestrong. MIL, Niece, Sweetie, Bug and I all walked. We walked in honor of those we love who are in the fight or have kicked cancer's ass. It was a lot of fun.

One week until test. I will be preparing until time of testing. I need to post pictures too.

Right now I am tired so I am gathering my girl and headed to bed :-) Nothing better than snuggling with Bug as a reward for studying.

a weight lifted

This weekend was good. Friday was date night, Saturday was b-day party for one of Bug's friends and errand day with Mom. Today was family day and the Maker Faire with BestFriend. It was cool with a life size mouse trap - like the game.

I studied at work on Friday, at Mom's on Saturday, and three hours tonight. I don't feel the most confident, but it is coming. I am doing what I can. It fully sunk in that if I don't pass, it is OK. I know that sounds counter-productive but it truly helped. I was expecting perfection and fully accepting that I am human and can only do what I can helped. After all the friend who got me into this CMA route even had to take two sections twice. Plus, I have had an rough couple of months. If I don't pass it would be understandable. With that said, I will be studying daily. I am still giving 100%, but I will not be devastated if I don't pass, I simply will pick up where I left off and study some more.

With all of that said, can I just add that I love my new nose. I had no idea how hindered my breathing was before. My Dr said I would be feeling better at this point and that in another two weeks I am going to be feeling great. I love it.

Next weekend is LiveStrong. If you are in Austin on Saturday come and walk/run with us. 3.1 miles for a great cause. What more can you ask for? Oh and the forecast shows a high of 81. Yay!

OK off to bed, I am feeling positive.

ME!!!!

I am feeling great today. Ok a little tired, but nothing out of the norm. Other than that, I feel great. I have not really posted in so long. Mostly because I haven't had much to post. I have been recovering, studying, and doing the day-to-day tasks.

It is funny today on my day of feeling good is also the day I just hit my freak out point. The point where the test is so close and I want to pass it so much but I start to doubt myself. I just need to study all the time for the next two weeks.

But I feel normal again. I don't feel sick and run down. I feel energized and silly. I feel no depression. It is a good day. And it is so beautiful outside. It is 68 degrees. I love it.

We went to Half Price Books on Tuesday. I found the greatest find. The same people who made Power90 made Slim in 6. It is a 6 week program rather than 90 days. Normally, this runs for $60. I got it for $10. I came home and checked out the DVDs to see if they were in good shape. Sure enough they look great. The previous owner completed 3 days of the program and then stopped for whatever reason. No judgement there as I have no room to talk with stopping programs. So I am going to start it tomorrow and it will end on Thanksgiving.

Of course, I also need to train for the Turkey Trot. Oh and study.

Hmmm so much I want to do.

Bug and Sweetie are doing great. He has been #1 dad and watching Bug whenever I need so I can study. She is getting so big. Her new thing is to come up to you and say "mommy, you be my best friend?". I love it. I jump up and down and act silly and say yes. I know everyone is shocked that I EVER act silly. I tell you if daycare paid more, that is where I would be working. I love hanging out at her school and with the kids. In the meantime I will just be the favorite class mom.

So off to study. Wait I am at work. I cannot study, I must be a good employee ;-)

calm

Perhaps it is the calm before the storm, but I am feeling much better today. I am focusing on the good things. Won't you join me?

1. Sweetie took my computer to the Dr today. He is so awesome like that. He said I would either have a fixed computer or a new one today.
2. Computer is fixable. While a new computer would have been nice, I would like to save for it and plan for the expense, instead of a "have to".
3. I have been good with studying and enjoying the topics.
4. I am excited for the surgery. If you put your finger under my nose and I breath out you can feel the difference from one nostril to the next. There is quite a bit of difference. I am not sure what I am going to do when I can breath normal.
5. I am still focused on the P90 program. However, I have not worked out since Sunday. I don't want to overdo it and get sick. As soon as I feel up to it, I will be exercising again. It doesn't stop my 90 day goals, it just changes how I get to the end of the 90 days.
6. Week one of weight watchers went very well. I lost 3.8 - whoo hoo! I am motivated. This weigh in is what i needed before tomorrow. The old me would drown my pain with bad for me food. This is going to keep me good.
7. SIL's MIL is doing Thanksgiving this year. My year for Christmas Eve. I am beyond psyched for the Turkey Trot.
8. I am very excited about the debate tonight. I don't think I ever watched the debates like I have this election. I am going to get some dinner and enjoy my family. We are watching the debate with MIL and Mom.
9. My mood is much better today. I feel like I am peeking out of the hole. Now I just need to hoist myself out. Better yet, anyone got a hand?
10. Bug's eye is so much better. It is a beautiful shade of black/purple/yellow/green/blue. Should be perfect for picture day tomorrow.

I will update everyone with how I am doing as soon as I can tomorrow. But send good thoughts/prayers around 7-9am CST.

So hyper today

I woke up feeling so good today. I am so hyper. I think it has to do with today I am two weeks out from my procedure. This means I am cleared for such things as exercise, a bubble bath (with wine please), and the most important SEX (WOOHOO). Sorry but it is true. Last night I had to return some maternity clothing. Yes, I know that I could become pregnant soon and would need the items. However, I would rather buy them then. I am, of course, keeping what I have already worn but I still had some items with the tags still on them. So I asked Bug if she would help me go shopping.

What does my darling daughter in 90 something degrees ask for? A coat! When I finished the return I said "you want to look at coats?" and she said "yes, one that keeps me cold, I am soooo cold". She has a "so cold" voice and she used that. It cracked me up. She picked her own coat and it is nice - pink, I know that was a shocker.

I also got me an outfit. A cute skirt and shirt. Nothing better than an outfit that makes you feel sexy. Today I feel sexy.

I went in the morning to the Vampires and hit starbucks on the way to work. It is my splurge after a dr/lab appt. I was so hyper. I am still pretty hyper. I worried about an upcoming crash due to how good I was feeling. So far that hasn't happened. I have been the most productive at work. I did everything in my in-box AND cleaned my desk. This is big for me.

So I am feeling good. I am listening to my lectures while I blog, err work, this afternoon. I am not sure what all we are doing tonight, but I am hoping for some sort of exercise, studying, and a bubble bath. Sweetie said he would take Bug to a park or something so I can take a bath by myself. I have not had that in quite some time. Yay.

I think the big thing is that I am out of the physical healing stage. That makes me feel normal again. I am still working on the emotional, but at least the physical is good.

Today I feel like life is moving on and I am a part of it. Now I think I shall work on my spreadsheets. I need to focus on my walking and my studying.

New Day

Yesterday turned into a hard and sad day. I didn't see it coming, but there it was. I felt very lost and sad. Today I am focusing on side stepping the depression hole again. I refuse to get into the depression I was in a couple of years ago.

We are having the Moms over for dinner. I am making Turkey chili with brown rice. Yummy - or at least I hope so. I might even make some cookies if I am up for it.

And we had the Internet guys out here at 7 this morning. OMG that was early, but our Internet is fixed and running smooth again.

Tomorrow Sweetie and I are going to be working out again. I have to start moving again. I have 7 weeks until LiveStrong. Plus I would like to lose a couple of pounds before we start trying again.

Oh and studying. I started again last week and this week I have to crank it into gear. I have to test by Nov and I am determined to get it underway.

I am emerging from my hole and need to hang with my friends. I think this week is going to be one of making plans.

Happy Birthday Mom

Yesterday was Mom's 60th b-day. I should have blogged sooner, but we were so busy. BestFriend and I surprised Mom by taking the day off work and spending it with her. I gave away the surprise, I am so bad at keeping secrets from my mom. We enjoyed starbucks, Alamo Draft House, shopping, playing with Bug's friends, and dinner at Outback. It was awesome. I hope it was what she was looking forward to with her b-day. It was exactly what I was hoping for. Happy Birthday Mom - you are a sensational sixty!

As far as me, I am doing great. I walked three days this week. I have been feeling good since Monday. I hope this good feeling lasts. The main difference with this pregnancy this far, to keep feeling good - I have to eat. I am trying to eat healthy items, but you know how it is. I think the walking has helped a ton. Plus it gives me time to move my body and listen to my lectures.

The real difference with my walking is BestFriend. She said she will call my house and wake everyone up if I don't get up to walk. So far, this tactic has worked.

This weekend is a double date with Jim. I cannot wait. I think we are going to have a fantastic time.

Feeling Great

Other than getting sick after lunch, I have felt great today. I walked this morning, didn't have my headache, sore throat, or bad nausea.

I don't know how I am going to keep it quiet at work for another month. I just hope I feel as good for the remainder of the week - Mom's b-day is on Wednesday. WooHoo!

What a great weekend

This has been a great weekend so far, and it isn't even over. Thursday was awesome with a lunch with Sweetie's coworkers in celebration of him. No real reason, not an anniversary or promotion, they just wanted to make sure he knew how much he was appreciated. It was awesome. They even gave him two bound books of the work he has done over the last 2.5 years.

Sweetie's day continued to improve as after he left from work. He went to Mom's as I was there with a horrible headache. It was so bad I had to leave work early and go straight to sleep - Mom's house is closer to work than mine so I went there. BAD MIGRAINE. Anyway, I was awake and we were outside when he arrived. Bug ran to the door at top speed. I let her in and she ran and picked up a bag and took it to him. She said. "this is for you". Shocked, he said "for me?" I told him that we wanted to continue the celebration from lunch.

He opened the bag and started to laugh as he felt the kiosk SWAG type pen wrapped in tissue. As he unwrapped it, his face changed quickly from humor to being ecstatic. You see, what Bug gave him wasn't a pen.

It was a digital pregnancy test. And his ecstatic response was based on the "pregnant" listed as plain as day. He looked at me yelled OMG and Yay and some other happy words. He then looked at me all serious and said "are you sure?" I smiled and said "blood test confirmed". He kissed and hugged me. He hasn't stopped smiling at me.
So once again, we have the luck of getting pregnant the first month of trying. Before you think I am bragging, please know morning sickness has already set in. So much for having a fun "trying" phase. I am doing ok. I am sicker this time already. I have been fighting a headache, and I have a sore throat. I walked yesterday and I enjoyed a nice nap today and leisurely studying. It hasn't sunk in all the way. I keep telling people hoping it will be more real. Don't get me wrong we are beyond excited. But it is hard to believe that, God willing, we are going to be a family of four in March.

I know this is early to post. However, the way I see it, if something horrible happens, I will need my friends to support me. The good news is my thyroid is healthier and I am starting out over 20 pounds lighter than last time.

BestFriend was the first to know, I then blurted it out to my Mom. I knew at that point that planning in a big way to tell Sweetie, wasn't going to happen. I have a big mouth.

Last time was princess pregnancy. This time is queen pregnancy. And yes, the queen has already begun ruling.

Life is Wonderful.
She is going to make the best big sister.

**Ok quick story, I have been having symptoms and last week Bug told me out of the blue, "there's a baby in there". I was due to start on Thursday so I tested on Wednesday. I got a negative. I tested again on Thursday and received a positive. At the dr I took the urine test, it came back negative (of course my pee was practically clear to how much I am drinking). The dr said "we have seen the result of you being pregnant, so I want to know for sure today". He put a stat on the blood test and they told me he would get the official answer in 2 hours. About 2.5 hours later he called me on my cell. Indeed the answer was positive.

moving right along

I walked this morning, second time this week. I listened to my lectures as I walked. Currently I am reviewing microeconomics. I forgot how much I enjoy this topic. I am also impressed with the amount I have remembered. The last mirco class I took was at least 8 years ago. I also received the letter with my testing authorization number. I have until 11/6 to take the first section. I am so excited.

Last night I was lucky enough to see MotoDiva, her Jeff, BestFriend, and G. It was a good dinner. However, after BestFriend and I slipped away to do some shopping. We laughed so hard. I love hanging out with her. If you don't know her she has the best "i am telling a joke but keeping a serious face" face. It cracks me up. Best part of the evening can be summed in two quotes, "are you having a seizure?" and "a shallot is a fish". And she bought me dark chocolate - she is the bestest bestfriend ever.

Work is busy, but good - actually getting caught up. I am so happy to have a three day weekend. I am going to put it to good use with laundry and studying. Oh and playing and having much fun too.

For now it is time to get out of here. Thank you Bestfriend for your comment. Your support means the world to me.

Springy Arches

Well, I am happy to report that BestFriend was right, as she always is, and I was over reacting. He RSVPd yes. YAY. Now we may change some logistics, but I know where his heart lies and I apologize for anything nasty written or thought. But I wouldn't be a good lil sister if I didn't fly off the handle every now and again. The day is going to be perfect for my Bug and that is all that matters.

So I go crazy sometimes - it is true. But it is because I love my family so very much. They are my world.

Oh and last night Sweetie, Bestfriend, Christie, Bug, and I all went bowling. Bug was a pro. I cannot wait to do it again with her.

I got some arch supports for my shoes, we shall see if they help. They feel a little odd right now, but very springy.

Tomorrow is the 3rd annual celebrate Bug day. We are hoping to take her to a movie - yay. Then we prepare for the party. WOO HOO!

don't touch it

I did something awesome today. I mailed an envelope - postage paid even. The contents? Four cotton swabs. Why? To get myself on the bone marrow registry. Sweetie is cautious of this, he doesn't want me to have any pain. But I told him that I hope I am picked, I want to help. I think everyone should be on the registry and give blood. Come on, you can save lives. The way I think about it, if I needed it I would want others to have donated.

Yesterday, I went to the Doctor. Bottom line is that I am OK. I have Plantar Fibromatosis. It enlarged in the week I waited for the appointment. When I told the Dr this he asked if I had been massaging it. Well yes, I left off that I read on the internet to do this as he said "well, don't. don't touch it. touching it makes it bigger." So I am in the process of not touching it :-) I have a wrap on my foot and get to wear it for two weeks. Then I go back with my walking shoes and will have inserts made. I can still walk and we will just watch it. I don't have to do anything unless it starts to cause pain - then I face injections or surgery. I hope to get back into my walking very soon. I have no excuses now.

And on a side note, I took the paper invitations to Bug's school today (for the people who I did not have email addresses for). We caught two of her friends as they were leaving. I gave one to Bug and told her to give it to J (her best friend). She held it tight, found J and gave it to her. J took it and said a huge "thank you". Both were jumping and smiling. I don't think either knew what was in the envelope. It was the simple act of giving that made them happy. I love this age.

The full party mode has set in. There is so much to do even with what we have planned. I want it wonderful for her. Nope, not perfect, it won't be and I know this. However, I just want her to have a great time. She is saying over and over "my birthday comes next".

Today is my Friday

Yep, I get a four day weekend. Tomorrow is Girls' day with my niece. I am not sure what we are going to do, but it will be fun.

I had to make an appointment to see a podiatrist, I go in on Wednesday. I have a lump in the arch of my foot. From the research I did, it looks to be nothing more than an overuse injury. We shall see. It hurts but not enough to where I cannot move around. I just don't think I am up for any training walks. And that sucks as I want to walk.

I have the CUTEST video of Bug. I need to get it up where people can see it. She just cracks me up. We have to get the invites out for her party this weekend. This means we must choose a theme already - she want a spiderman, princess, Thomas the train, totoro, kitty party. She did choose the cupcakes though - pink ones of course.

AND I have been "back on" the 'ol weight loss band wagon for four weeks now. I am happy to report a 7 pound loss :-) I am so close to my first mini goal that I can taste it. Don't worry I will let everyone know when I get there.

And with that, I am off for my weekend of FUN!!!

New Challenge

LiveStrong is back! This year we are forming a team. If you are in Austin the weekend of Oct 25-26, please join us for a 5k. When registering please reference team TEAMtamashii.

I challenge YOU to join me: family, friends, stalkers, everyone. We have almost six months to train for 3.1 miles. We can do this. We can join together and make a difference.

Come on everyone - let's kick some cancer ASS!!!!

Click here to join. Click here to donate.