Spa Missy

I am a relaxed Missy. After my last post, Sweetie came home for lunch. We found our bread went moldy - yuck - so we went out for lunch. It was a nice and relaxing visit where I learned about my cute walk. After lunch I went to Target. I had a great time shopping. I got Bug an outfit for her b-day, a shirt for me, and many items to make a spa treatment - hair mask, facial mask, and foot mask. I also splurged and got some makeup. I hardly ever buy makeup. This was a big one for me. After getting back home, I set up a bubble bath with this great foaming bath my niece got me for my b-day. I did all three masks. Oh and I got a great body spray. I am nice and comfy now. My toes are pretty, my makeup looks good, and I smell good. Now I am ready for Bug and Sweetie to come back home.

All about me

Since I had to work on Monday, I got today off. Sweetie insisted that Bug go to school. He said that if I clean I would not want her around and if I do not clean, that I should have a day for me. So Sweet.

I am feeling great today. I can honestly say that. Nice feeling. I had two small cramps yesterday - but nothing bad so I think that the calcium and magnesium is working.

You know when people ask "what would your perfect date/day be?", I get annoyed by that. It depends on so many things. For example, I have been exhausted lately. So before my day off I was in bed before 9:30. I woke to a beautiful girl snuggling me. She is a snuggly baby. Some aren't, but she is. She will wake up (she comes to our room when she wakes up during the night, but last night she started there, lol), turn, and lay her head on you. A great way to begin the waking up process.

I got up with Sweetie and Bug, helped them get ready for the day and ate my breakfast. I then took the perfect nap. It was the kind where you fall into a deep sleep quickly and when you wake up you feel awake - not groggy nor out of it. I also woke to rain. Oh how I love the rain. It is still raining. I have all the lights off so I can enjoy the full affect. I am currently on my favorite couch drinking a hot chai.

I feel great. I don't know how to explain it. I am wearing comfy pants and a t-shirt, sans bra. I am not a no-bra girl. I like the girls supported. Well after having Bug, I don't mind as much. They seem more equal now, or I don't care as much. Well, I feel thin today. Normally I do not feel thin when I go without a bra. But today I do. I used a self tanner on Sunday. It worked - however my stretch marks are peeking through the dye. I love it. I love looking at my belly and seeing stretch marks, I know I am crazy. But they are proof that my little angel was in my belly. Proof that it was not a dream.

During my nap, I had strange dreams. I dreamt that my mom had a PS2 and she had Yourself Fitness. I also dreamt that I made Bug's party cake a week early and my mom told me that it would not last for a week. So funny. I know it is because right before the nap Sweetie sent me the confirmation that our Yourself Fitness "game" shipped. And the cake makes sense. I am still undecided on the party cake. I have the makings for the actual day cake - but am toying with the idea of making the party one too. But the other interesting dream was one where I admitted that I love my job. It is funny, my job is with good people, good cause, pay sucks - but there is more to life, and it is boring. But I am off today and next Wednesday - that says a lot. I think this is where I am supposed to be right now. No overtime, lots of time off (4 weeks a year for vacation and 3 weeks for sick time) is very nice.

I am listening to classical music, it seems very appropriate. Just heard from Sweetie and he is coming home for lunch. He requested my famous grilled cheese sandwiches. He is too cute. Before I started the whole work while going to school routine (worked full time while attending school 6-15 hours a semester from 1999-2005), I cooked for him. I made him scallops, jicama salads, quesadillas, the list goes on. The boy does not remember anything I used to cook. All he remembers, and is his favorite, is my grilled cheese. This past weekend we celebrated our Priest getting his PhD. This, of course, made me want to go back to school for mine (it has been over a year since I received my MBA). If I could figure out what I would want it in, I would soooooo want to be Dr. Missy. Sweetie says I am addicted to school. Well, I am good at it :-) The biggest thing is that I have no reason for my PhD. It would not further my career unless I wanted to teach. My favorite professor of all time has her's in Statistics. That sounds like fun. No, seriously, I loved statistics.

I have been in a funk. The weight gain with the meds has really gotten to me. It is hard to eat right and exercise for health and not to move the scale down. But today that is how I feel, like I am being a healthier person.

What else is in store for the day? I am not sure, I may post more later. I may go shopping. I love shopping by myself. Or I may take a bubble bath while watching a romantic movie.

I have already taken several pictures today. I may take more. Oh how I long for my BAMF (as my blogging bitches call them) camera. Sweetie is dying to get one for me. But I told him that the agreement is that I must pass all four sections of the CPA before I get to have such a cool digital camera.

I just had to share how great I feel today. I hope everyone feels great today. It is a great day. Well, I think I rambled enough here for now. I will close until later.

TT + MP

Friday night was a blast. We stayed out until 4:30 - yes very very very late. After our clubbing we went to breakfast. Too much fun. The second bar we were at had picnic tables where people had carved initials and comments. In honor of our 14 years together (it was the anniversary since Sweetie asked me to be his girlfriend), he carved our initials into the table - too sweet.

I received my test results from last week's blood letting. This look good - Dr told me on Wednesday that things looked normal and to continue my meds - that the muscle cramping was not a sign of needed adjustment. I am a numbers person, so seeing the results made me feel better. Two of the three chemicals are normal now.

Last night I started taking additional calcium and magnesium. I am not sure if it helped, all I know is that last night and today I have not experienced the horrible cramping. I woke 5 times the night before with horrible neck, leg, and chest cramps. I will take it again tonight and see if the cramps stay away.

Pain from today - cheering at captex tri (killed my legs) and listening to side one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Movie soundtrack. Totally crappy. Sweetie would not turn it off until we heard T-U-R-T-L-E Power. I also got a bad migraine. Sweetie was so sweet and took Bug shopping so that I would have a quiet house to nap in. VERY NICE!!

Turning Point

Sit back, relax, and let me tell you a story.

Back when I was in Jr High I had two "best friends". One lived in my neighborhood and one lived in Round Rock (not far away and same school). The one in Round Rock, we will call her RR, had a friend whose parents were split up. One parent lived in Round Rock close to RR and the other lived in Pflugerville (not too far but a different school district). RR and her friend would go to Pville to visit the other parent. RR met a boy in pville. The friend and RR's relationship lessened (not sure what happened), but her romance with her Pville boy was strong so she continued to Pville to visit. Confused yet? Let's continue.

So, Neighbor, RR, and I became best friends. We spent all our time together. She took us to Pville to meet her boyfriend and his friends. I started dating, let's call him Coin. Soon RR and her boyfriend broke up - really do not remember why. Neighbor started dating him. I do not remember if this was an issue. I just remember that all three of us would go to Pville during the summer and stay all day hanging out with these guys then it was just Neighbor and myself going. Coin and I were not soulmates and did not last.

Coin and I kept in touch. I introduced him to other friends. He dated W, I think he dated S, I know he dated C, and he dated L. But I am digressing. May 1992 he took me and C to a party. That is where I met Sweetie. That is where he said "The short one's mine" to Sweetie.

The point? Tonight we are celebrating HS friend's 29th b-day. The Two HS friends that we have been hanging out with and Sweetie and I are going. Sweetie is the only guy going and will be the DD. However, there is one other joinging us, RR. I have not seen her for years. She is the reason I have Sweetie. Without her I would have never met the Pville group, and I would have never gone to that party. I will let everyone know how it goes.

What to say?

I have not been good with blogging. Life seems to be taking all of my time. That is a good thing. I still feel a bit lost between my Grave's and my career.

So, a friend found a family member's secret blog. This has me a bit more paranoid. I write what I want. And while that may be boring most of the time, it is me. So what if a co-worker, someone from my past, or a potential employer found my site? It could happen. The world is a very small place. Would this alter what I say, how I write? At first I thought it would. Then I started really thinking about it. This is me. If you want to come to my site and read, I do not have a problem with that. And I think having my site public in the first place means that I have to be willing to take the chance that someone who might not like what I write, or might be a person I write about, has as much access as the next person. I like blogger for this reason. I personally feel that if I am going to write about it, then I am going to incur the liability that goes along with it. So there it is. However, I do have a statcounter. I know when someone new reads me. I also know my regular readers. I might not know who they are, but I know the repeat locations. Bottom line, I am going to write what I want.

I am happy to say that the 1st b-day party planning is well underway. I cannot believe she is turning one. I am very lucky and am getting the day off. Not sure what we are going to do, but it will be fun - I am sure. Along the same lines, our first vacation is close to being fully planned. All I gotta say is Mouse Ears and Sweetie's Birth City.

It is late. I need to go to bed so that I can attempt to work out in the morning.

Thank you skinny girl

So, I was in the drive through at chick-fil-a and in the car in front of me is this sorority 18 year old. I have been counting my points this week, but not limiting them. I want to see what I normally eat and cut back at a reasonable level rather than jumping right to 20 points a day. Well, I was tasting those waffle fries as I looked at the pre-order board. I knew what I was going to get. Then I hear the young thin chick order a chicken strip salad. UGH, she was right. So I ordered it too. And it was good!!! Thank you skinny girl, whoever you are.

This week has been rough. I have been suffering from some depression, joint pain, and muscle cramps (imagine a charlie-horse on your neck). This has been getting me down. I just did a search on the internet and found this:

"If you have severe fatigue, excessive sleepiness, depression, or muscle cramps while taking PTU or Tapazole, this could be an indication of hypothyroidism. Report these symptoms to your doctor so that your dose can be adjusted"

This would mean that my medicine would need to be reduced and I would be one step closer to being off of it. I don't have any hopes up, and my next appointment isn't until June 14, but I think I will call on Monday and see if I can get at least my blood work done.

I know I have more to update, just not sure what to write. I saw my buddy Chris last night. I sure do miss working with him. I only wish I knew what would be best right now.

Where is that damn crystal ball?

Oh and as of this morning - Bug has, drum role please, FOUR teeth.

May 15th

Today marks 9 years since we lost Sweetie's father. So much has changed in that time. We miss him greatly. But I know he remains close.

This anniversary always makes Sweetie and I want to be together nonstop. If I could have, all my current sick time is used up, I would have had us skip work. Since we could not do that, lunch was in order. I said that we "should" eat what we brought and save the money. Sweetie agreed. Then not even 5 minutes later he imed me that he didn't care, he missed me, and wanted to see me.

Today also marks the date to begin training for Motive, but I don't think that is realistic. Or it also marks the day to start studying for the CPA - in order to test for all four sections before my b-day. Sweetie and I had a long talk last night. He wants me to still hold off on the testing until my levels are normal and I have the whole eating healthy and exercising routine as a habit. Makes sense.

So I am going to focus on eating healthy, exercising, de-stressing, and organizing the house. I have four weeks until I have my blood tested again. Once I get the results, I will reevaluate. I may start studying at that point, or I may still be focusing on lifestyle. I hate this medicine and I want to do anything and everything I can to get off of it. The scale moving upward is killing me.

If only I could focus on being healthy and not a number on the scale.

And everything I read tells me that a southbeach-like diet is the best for me. I am working on Weight Watchers now. However, I am going to focus on the core plan with my menu planning - it is very much like south beach. We shall see.

I am getting ready to pack up and get Sweetie and Bug. Bug is so silly. She danced for everyone yesterday. And gave me a million kisses. I love that sweet little girl. Tonight I will hold her extra tight.

Happy Mother's Day

This weekend has been superb.

Friday night we hung out with HowieMaui and her husband. Good times, good times.

Yesterday, we packed up Bug and participated in Walkamerica. We supported HS friend and the whole event was very moving. During the walk they had memorials on the walk for the babies lost. My friend's son was one of these memorials. When I saw it, tears began streaming down my face. I wasn't bawling, but I could not control the tears. I did the whole walk and Bug was awake for a good 70% of it. The most important thing was that my friend knows that we went out and supported her. And I got a workout in.

After the walk we met Brother, SIL, and Mom for a Mother's Day brunch, as Brother could not make the celebration on Sunday. That was the BEST food. After such good food and exercise, what else could we do but take a family nap? Plus it was a perfect priming for our date night.

Our date night was the best ever. The evening began with a quick stop at Starbucks. We enjoyed cold drinks (it was very hot yesterday) and a small bite while enjoying each other's company. Then we headed to the Ballet. It was AWESOME. The costumes were amazing, the dancing beautiful, and the choreography moving. We watched with our arms interlinked. I am so very happy that we saw this ballet. It was amazing. After the ballet we stopped by ToyJoy and got a couple of things for Bug's b-day. We are rarely downtown anymore and this is a cool toy store that stays open until after midnight.

We finished the evening at Cheesecake factory. This location was a movie theater when we had our first date 14 years ago on the 10th. While we miss the theater a great deal, we are happy that there is something there where we can sit and reminisce.

Truly, it was a fantastic date. I love my husband. And having him hold my hand in his, looking me in the eye, and telling me how much he loves when we go on dates like this, it simply makes a girl's heart melt.

Today consisted of Bug and me at Target at 8:30. Yes, this was by choice as we needed a couple of items for the Mother's day event. This was a perfect beginning to my first Mother's day. Bug and I shopped and had a blast. Sweetie was busy at home with the lawn. And I even got an outfit for myself. We had SIL (Sweetie's sister), niece, MIL, Bug's Great Grandpa, and Mom over for Mother's Day fun. I received beautiful and thoughtful gifts. I am very lucky. Bug got me two books for me to read to her - I love it - and Sweetie got me a new battery for my camera.

As I sit here, everyone is playing a game. I am downloading photos - yep another photo update coming soon. I am blissfully happy. Bug has been busy today showing off her walking abilities. I still cannot believe she is as big as she is. In 2003, Sweetie was working at a steakhouse on Mother's day. One of his tables had a young boy choke on some fatty meat. Sweetie came to the rescue and performed the heimlich. This year, we discussed this event in detail as Sweetie is now a dad. I love that story, it is one he is most proud of.

Now I am off to have some of our favorite Chinese food with Sweetie. A perfect end to a perfect weekend.

I hope everyone had a wonderful day.

Boundless Energy

That was Bug tonight. After she and Sweetie shopped for Mother's day, we got a quick bite to eat and headed to BestFriend's for a nice visit. Bug never stopped moving. She took a couple of quick steps, furniture walked, crawled, and wiggled all over the place. Needless to say, her cuteness and abilities impressed her Godparents.

The last couple of days my knee has been a bit sore. Not fair as I have not been working out like I should. This makes me believe that only one 5k might be all I can do this weekend. That is ok. All that matters this weekend is spending time with family.

After Mother's day I am going to get back on track. Whether it is South Beach or Weight Watchers, I need a plan. Gaining back this weight has killed my motivation. I know it is silly - some are going through much worse. But this is me. I am trying very hard to adapt a healthy lifestyle for my Graves. One that focuses on nurturing food and exercise. Then even if I don't lose weight I will still meet my goal of being healthier for my b-day.

After Mother's day I am also planning on picking back up the 'ol CPA review. My levels are close to normal and I currently have the stress free job that can allow me to study, I need to take advantage of it.

But now it is late. I need to get to bed for work tomorrow.

Night all.

These Boots Were Made for Walking

SHE WALKED. My 11 month old little girl took her first steps. Today after work, we went to the Disney Store. Now, we have been working with her on her walking for awhile, but today was the day. When we got to the store, I put her down so that she could walk holding my hand. For the first time she walked a ton with holding only onto one hand. YAY. She also walked a ton with holding onto one of Sweetie's hands and one of mine. Too Cute!

So what was the motivation for the actual steps? Right when we got to the store, the first thing we found was a pink tinkerbell cup. She proceeded to lick it - my rule is "you lick it, you buy it". So we knew this cute little cup was ours. She was holding it throughout the store. She feel in love with this cup right away. Once she dropped the cup we made our move. Sweetie got her standing and he and I were in front of her by her beloved cup. She did nearly three steps to get the cup back. I love it. Sweetie was so floored that he went to the saleswoman we chatted with earlier in the visit and told her that they had the best cups ever.

OK that is all that I can think to post. Mostly because SHE TOOK HER FIRST STEPS!!!!

11 months

Today, Bug is 11 months. This amazes me. She is turning into the sweetest little girl. I just love hanging out with her. And I am very lucky that I got to do that a lot this weekend.

I have not blogged in forever it seems. Thursday night I went out with BestFriend and Arden. HowieMaui could not make it and was missed. We planned to play pool. However, the pool area was reserved for another hour after we got there. No problem, we had dinner and went back. It was over an hour later but still reserved. We decided pool would have to be for next time and went to WorldMarket where we shopped and talked. All in all still a good night. Sweetie is so wonderful about letting me go out with the girls. This is going to be a regular occurrence - like once to twice a month. Yay.

Sweetie and I had a rare situation this weekend. We did not have any plans on Friday or Saturday. That was so nice. Don't get me wrong, I love hanging out with family and friends - but to just be with Sweetie and Bug, that was wonderful. We went to the bookstore on Friday night and hung out (aka Sweetie played his game while I read and surfed). And then Saturday we spent the day Mother's day shopping. It was so much fun. Last night Sweetie and I watched "The Green Mile" while doing laundry. I know it sounds corny - but I loved it.

Currently Sweetie and Bug are napping. I cannot say anything as they let me sleep in. That was nice. I woke to a horrible cramp in my back - I get these a lot now. But the sleeping in was good. Then we are getting all packed up and going to the new Blanton museum with HowieMaui and her husband. I cannot wait. I love museums and this will be Bug's first one outside my belly.

Only a month until her b-day. I am shocked - it has gone by so quickly.

I am a little upset as my goal for her b-day was to be a healthy weight. Due to my meds, I do not think this will be possible. Blah. So I will focus on moving my body until then and not allowing myself to become obsessed.

Next weekend should help that. I am hoping to do two 5ks. One on Saturday for March of Dimes. I have a HS friend who had two premature babies - one survived into a beautiful now 3 year old, the other only lasted minutes. Needless to say this is a charity close to her heart and I will be there to show my support. Then on Sunday is the Austin Runner's Club Daisy 5K benefitting Any Baby Can.

Oh ya and next weekend is Mother's day. That means that Saturday night is our date night with Ballet Austin. Such a packed first mother's day for me. I love it.

This salsa was made in NYC. Get a Rope.

I survived the audit/regional controller visit. Everyone was so worried here, even my boss. It turned out to be the EASIEST audit I have ever experienced. I did not have to pull invoices, journal entries, or even bank statements. All I had to do was answer simple questions, sit in on meetings and go to lunch with him. So, all in all, not a bad couple of days.

Having the Controller here cracked me up. He is from NYC. He was SHOCKED when he read a "no handguns allowed inside the building". He could not get over that we can carry weapons and that they can even be concealed if you have the correct permit.

All I could say was "well, this is Texas".

He also experienced some nice Central Texas weather: rain, thunder, lightening, and hail. He kept saying "It was 80, how could there be hail". When I told him that it is thunderstorm season he said he would take the snow any day.

He told me that I need to visit NYC but not live there. LoL, I so agree.

I took him to lunch today to Trudy's - very Austin. We sat at the bar and the bartender was very Austin with his Big black earrings causing the earring hole to be at least a 1/4", tats, and grunge type clothing. The controller pointed out that this guy would fit-in in NYC. This coming from a small Indian man in a suit. I honestly think he thought this man looked "out of the norm" and was making the comment to let me know that he is used to seeing this. I don't think he had an idea of how normal this man looked.

The funniest part was when he would ask questions. The lunch was the end of the visit and was just the two of us. We already discussed work the day before so he was trying his hardest at good conversation. He asked me what kind of music I listen to. After I answered, he was shocked that I did not list country music as one of my favorites. He asked me if I carry a gun, after the whole "no gun in the building discussion". He was shocked that I do not know anyone who has the conceal carry permit. I was a little surpised when he said he listens to classic rock. Then he defined classic rock as 80's and Guns and Roses. I like this music a lot, but I do not think I would call it Classic Rock.

Then it got bad, all I can say is that the was really trying to figure us Texans out. He asked if I own cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. I told him that I had some boots from when I was in Jr High but have not worn them in over 15 years. He was shocked. He asked what I do for fun. When I said some of the things we do, he came back with "you hunt, right". I told him no. He said "well, hunting is big here right"...

He spoke of his 45 minute commute, which from what I have heard is not bad for NYC. He said it is hard because he has to use both the heater and the AC during the year. Without a pause he says "you never use your car heater do you?" Uh yes, we do. Not as much as you snow people, but it is still cold at 40 degrees and warrants a heater.

Then he told me that he is going to Dallas and Houston next month. Poor guy is going to think he has this whole Texas thing figured out based on Austin, and then be shocked by Houston and Dallas. Nothing against either, but Austin is one of a kind.

He did tell me that everyone is nicer here then NYC. He also said that the Tex Mex is much better here. I smiled and told him that I hope so.

May Already?

How is it already May? The 8th marks 14 years since I met Sweetie. All I can say is hottub and white t-shirt. teeheehee

After my last post, I came the next day to work to find a nice card from everyone in the office without the word assistant on it and a $25 gift certificate to Cheesecake Factory. I was supposed to get it with the balloon, but my boss forgot it on her desk. That did make up for it a bit. I plan to use it on the 13th when Sweetie takes me out on the town for Mother's Day. Dinner, Ballet Austin's Romeo & Juliet followed by drinks and cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory (a tradition of ours).

No word from the company I interviewed with. Today at lunch, Sweetie asked if I followed up. HAHAHAHAHA of COURSE I followed up. I have called or emailed everyday since the interview.

South Beach Phase one phased out. Sweetie and I felt very limited with our snacks. I know there are some great things out there to eat. But when you want crunch - you want a chip- not a celery stalk.

New 30th b-day goals: After much research, I am bowing out of the Motive Bison Stampede. I do not want to start a training that I might not finish. The reason being Graves causes muscle fatigue. I am not sure if my legs could take 3-4 hours. And I am not in a "beat all odds" mood. I did Motive before. I was 190 pounds and completed it. I still want a goal for my b-day. I have never run a mile in my life, not even in school. I always walked. Now, I have a bad knee, so I have to take it easy and train for the full 6 months that I have. But I want to run for my birthday.

This means I get to have a b-day party on the day before my b-day - yay. I am not sure what I want to do yet. I told Sweetie "no surprises". I want to plan the perfect b-day. Not that I expect a perfect day, but I want to be doing something I truly love with people I truly love.

OK so new goal for 30th b-day less than 28 weeks - To be the healthiest I have ever been. My realistic - think about when having a hard day - goal is to run a 5k (Susan G Komen)and to be considered in a healthy weight range.

However, my "carrot on a stick" goal is to run a 10k - and to be at my goal weight. I figure if I was able to train to walk 13.1 when I was obese, I can train to run 6.2 when I am much lighter.

I also joined the President's Challenge. I hope it helps to be a part of a group.

OK This has taken hours to write. Stupid work. We have a guy from the Home Office coming for the next two days. Should be nice and exhausting as I get to attend EVERY meeting with him and take him to lunch on both days. Blah.

Only one more hour until I get to see my little girl - who kisses us now - heehee. She is not like a lot of babies. She likes her hugs but only kisses when she wants to - and last night she kissed both me and Sweetie. I love those baby kisses. AND surprisingly, they were close mouthed, lol.

What a Wonderful World

I love this song, most specificity - Sarah Brightman's version. Sweetie and I adore her.

That is truly how I am feeling right now. Today was my last half day of work as Bug goes back to school tomorrow. I have loved coming home, having lunch with Sweetie and then enjoying the afternoon with Bug. But I know that she misses her friends.

Today, after a two hour nap - Oh how I love that she is so snuggly, we went to Target. She stood in the main part of the cart and was the best baby ever. Twice, even though she was being a big girl, she turned and gestured to me that she wanted to be held. The second time, right before we were leaving, she even put her head on my shoulder for the longest time. She is amazing.

I got a pedometer so that I can do the 10k steps a day challenge (15k if you are trying to lose weight, as I am). I need to remember to take it to bed so that I can get every step possible logged tomorrow.

And, we are completing another good day on Phase One. The scale even went down!! A first since starting my meds.

Today is administrative assistant's day. I got a balloon. I need to focus on the thought. But it kind of irked me. This is going to come across snobbish and rude - so let's remember the rules of the sandbox - my blog = my opinions. When I first walked in and saw the balloon, I smiled. It is blue with daisies and read "Thank you for all that you do!" Work has been "less than" and only being there half a day has sucked. I figured my boss was doing something to make me feel better. Well, she was and I need to focus on that. I wasn't at work long before the balloon turned and I saw the other side "Happy Assistant's Day". I was a little shocked. I am on the "management team" of my office. Of course, the management team is almost 50% of the office, but I digress. I am in charge of running the office, tracking people's comings and goings, enforcing our dress code (no open toes unless you have a defined heel), and other responsibilities.

I am not an assistant. I am not a receptionist or secretary (although I do answer the phones and greet people as part of many other duties). I am the Office Manager. I have two freaking degrees - of which I am using neither at this job. I know it sounds bad, but with every "oh yes, happy assistant's day" from the staff as they noticed the balloon, I wanted to scream that I am not up to my eyeballs in student loan debt to be called an assistant. My Mom has received flowers and such on Secretary's Day in the past. She was never offended and I never thought she should be. I think if I was in the office environment that she was in at that time that I would not have thought twice either.

I am trying to make this work or leave before my view of this organization that I love changes.

But back to the title - I know how lucky I am. I know there are MUCH worse things that could go wrong. And that not feeling completely fulfilled at work is NOT the end of the world.

OK, I must get to bed, I have 10,000 steps to aim for tomorrow.

Yard Nazi

I got to be in full-force mom mode today. Two kids were using our backyard as a cut through. I totally caught them and was able to yell at them. We are fixing the fence this weekend. I do not want to take the chance of a kid getting hurt sneaking through and being sued.

I remember being a kid and yelling at the much older kids cutting through my mom's yard. I think I have always been at least 30.

I was not feeling well this morning, so I did not go to the other interview planned. Instead I enjoyed a nap with Bug - yay.

Tonight, I made dinner, shrimp stirfry - shrimp, snowpeas, mushrooms, bell pepper, green onions, olive oil, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Yummy yummy. Sweetie was working late so Bug and I took him dinner. He was very appreciative. Today, other than feeling bad earlier, we had another good day on phase one.

Deb requested that we post a memory. Summer: Peanut butter cookies fresh from the oven. My mom in the yellow kitchen with mid-morning sun. Summer days long enough to exhaust a kid. Being able to be gone most of the day with only saying "I'm going to play, Mom, see you soon". Riding my bike with friends to 7-11 to get slurpees - coke and cherry mixed, eating an astro pop outside while sitting with my grandpa on the curb, fresh cut lawn, falling backwards into the neighbor's pool, and falling in love with Sweetie.

Withdrawal

I have been so bad with my blogging. And, Crista, I got your tag and am working on the list.

I have been taking care of Bug, with Sweetie's help of course. She is doing much better. While still covered in pox, they are much less than they were on Saturday - her worst day.

I was at work half a day today. I am working the mornings until Bug goes back to school. Then Sweetie was nice enough to watch Bug while I went to an interview. It went well. I should know this week. Don't worry, I am weighing more than just money in with my decision.

Sweetie and I started South Beach phase one today. For those of you who do not know, South Beach is about the right carbs (fruits and whole grains), proteins (lean meats, peanut butter, lowfat dairy), and fats (canola and olive oil for example). Phase one is two weeks without the fruits and whole grains to jump start weight loss and reduce cravings. Today was good. I had turkey bacon and a chai tea (homemade) for breakfast; chicken, pecan, and spinach salad with cheese for lunch; lowfat lunchmeat, lowfat cheese, and a pickle for snacks; diet cokes to help curb the cravings; rosemary salmon (I made it myself), cooked spinach, and iced tea for dinner; and sugar free pudding for dessert. YUMMY.

Since I knew South Beach was coming, I have been eating badly, and having a ton of candy with Easter. I am totally feeling the withdrawal. But it is nothing to stop me. I am determined to complete phase one. Brother is even altering our family dinner on Friday so that we can stay on plan. It is so wonderful to have Sweetie doing it with me. He totally loved the salmon I made tonight - shhhh don't tell him, but it was way easy.

We dropped the gym last week. The thirty day trial was up and we realized we had not used it as much as we wanted. We are going to focus on an exercise habit at home and then going back to the gym later.

I was so excited about Motive falling on my 30th b-day. The thought of celebrating with a half marathon sounded perfect for me. Problem? My graves. Muscle fatigue is a huge problem, mainly leg, from what I have discovered from my research - and why walking 30 minutes can kick my butt now. While I would love to train and see how far I can get, I want to be able to make other b-day plans if the 13.1 miles will be too rough on me. I am not giving up yet. Training doesn't start until May 15th.

I can always alter my plan to run the Susan G Komen Race for a Cure, which falls one week before my b-day. It would still be a challenge, as I have never run a 5k. But it would be less time on my legs. I will, as always, keep everyone updated on this decision.

Chicken chicken chicken, can I have some pox

This has been a crazy week. Monday and Tuesday we hit all time highs. Hitting 100 in April. Let me repeat that. 100.In.April. Tuesday night we had a good sized storm and our temp yesterday only hit 91 - yay a cold front. Then today we had a HUGE thunderstorm. Actually at my house we had three rounds of storms with two having a lot of hail.

Luckily, I was home during the bad storms today. Why was I home, you might ask? Yesterday, the school noticed a couple of blister bumps on Bug's head. They were not concerned enough to say she could not go to school and she did not have a fever, so I planned to make an appointment sometime today. We even went out to eat last night with HowieMaui and her husband.

This morning she had more bumps. Chicken pox? Of course not. I figured it was a fungus or allergic reaction, although the pox was my first thought yesterday. Sweetie took her to the Dr. Yes, she does in fact have Chicken Pox. My 10 1/2 month old has chicken pox. And she cannot go back to school until Thursday. Since Sweetie was off the morning, I took off the afternoon. We still need to figure the remainder of the time off.

We slept during one of the big rounds of thunderstorms - that made for some good sleeping. I woke to hail. Crazy hail. Car is fine, that is the important thing.

Poor Bug is hanging in there. She is not scratching yet, so that is good.

On the job front. There not any part time jobs at the rate I would need. So I am looking around, putting myself out there - for higher pay to get out of debt faster. Crazy thing? I have two interviews and one meeting with a headhunter next week. We shall see.

Or I am going to try to figure how I can stay home. I know all over the place. What is new?

And although I am immune to chicken pox, I am all itchy, lol.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter. We had a great weekend. Friday was the evening at Mom's with MIL, Sweetie, Bug, and me. Nice and relaxing. Saturday was cleaning and then coloring eggs and visiting with Best Friend, her husband, Sam, Mom, MIL, Bug's GreatGrandpa, Sweetie, and me. Brother and SIL joined us and we finished the evening - after sundown - we went to Outback. Sweetie had a 16oz steak, lobster, and Au jus sauce (meat based sauce). Suprisingly he is feeling good - no throwing up or tummy problems. Even after today with Whataburger for breakfast and BBQ - sausage, hotdogs, and BBQ chicken - for lunch. He is still hanging in there. I would be so sick. I am so proud of him for completing lent. He is so very awesome.

Today was wonderful. We did not make it to church - we were too worried about the church being too crowded to simply sneak Bug out when she gets too rowdy. We enjoyed a relaxing morning and everyone came over for egg hunt, bbq, and games. Bug was cute in her outfit, of course. Sweetie made some good food, and I created a great dessert.

This weekend made me, once again, so thankful for all that I have. My family is amazing. Bug received so much for this first Easter.

Thank you all who made this weekend memorable.

Some pictures:
Photos taken at the park two weeks ago.




Bug's new play area.

Toad family in our backyard.

Sweetie and Bug playing yesterday.


Me, Bug, and her Easter basket this morning.

Bug showing off her Easter outfit.



The yummy dessert. It is supposed to look like a flower. hmmmm At least it was good.

Where Sweetie wants to put a trampoline.

Life

I am feeling good. Life is good. I spoke with a company yesterday. They want, if they chose me, to start in less than a week. I told them that I need to give two weeks. The headhunter was snide and said that I shouldn't let an opportunity in my field pass me by for my current position. I don't think she understands that I truly do not want to burn bridges. I plan to stay connected to where I work.

Tonight, Sweetie, Bug, and I went shopping. Bug's 2nd favorite teacher's last day is tomorrow. This meant a trip to the good ol' target. Bug rode in the main area of the cart. She stood almost the whole time.

I am very lucky. I know this. I am excited about Easter. Tonight we are getting the house ready for the upcoming festivities. I can't wait to see Bug in her outfit.

So, as I have said before, I am letting fate take me where I need to go. I have considered teaching, but I would need to get my teaching certificate and that takes more schooling, lol. If I am meant to be at my current job for awhile, then I will. If I am meant to go back to accounting, it will happen. Or if I am supposed to stay home, I will figure it out. I do not mean that I can simply sit back and let it happen. I am taking an active role in looking for a job, putting myself out there, and researching.

I believe everything that happened in my life molded me into who I am now. The good, the bad and the ugly. Without everything, I would not have my wonderful husband, my beautiful daughter, and my great relationship with friends and family. It is good. Life is good. My point? If you are having a hard time now - remember that perhaps you are in the molding process. Good things will come from this. I believe that to my core. It worked like that for me.

So, back to the present. This Easter has me very happy/emotional/excited. I love Easter. I love dressing up and going to Church, I love the egg hunt, I love the food, I love hanging with my family. My SIL and niece normally have conflicting plans during Easter weekend, but I am so grateful for any time I get to spend with them. But this year, this year we have Bug. This year we get to have her sitting in our lap at Church, we get to watch her hunt for eggs, we get to feed her good food, and we get to show her off to family. Man we are crazy about that little girl.

And I can hoola-hoop TWO hoola hoops at once. And I am good at it.

Test Results In

I love that I give my blood at noon and have the results the next morning before nine.

After 4 weeks:
Weight gain: 4 pounds - but nothing over the last week, so hopefully this is the end of that.

Free T4 - normal range .73-1.95
Was 2.29 and now 1.4 - NORMAL

Free T3 - normal range 2.3-4.2
Was 7.3 and now 4.7 - Almost normal

My Ultrasensitive TSH stayed the same.

I think this is great progress.

The doctor told me to keep the same dosage for another 9 weeks. I go back on June 14th.

So I will continue. I hope that the joint pain goes away soon.