BestFriend Strikes Again

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BESTFRIEND!!!!!

She did it again, she got me to register for another 5k. We are doing the Trail of Lights 5k. This is a 5k at night through Zilker Park's Trail of Lights. It is going to be fun. Plus we get a long sleeve t-shirt. What more can we ask for?

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World Domination Tuesday

First a HUGE SHOUT OUT - HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOWIEMAUI!!!!!

Now onto what I was going to say. I am sore. Not just sore, I am very sore. I have not worked out with my power 90 videos since labor day-ish. At that point I was doing level 1. Last night I decided that I need to get back on it if I want a loss during the holiday season and to feel great about myself for our anniversary. So I did level 2. Makes sense right? I mean it has been almost 3 months since I did anything like this, shouldn't I be able to move on to level 2? The overall video is the same as level 1. But, it is 12 minutes longer and I swear the extra time is with lunges and push ups. OWIE. I am so sore. It feels good to know I worked hard, but damn.

And get this, after my workout, I made dinner. That involved THREE pots/bowls to cook. AND we ate at the dining room table. Am I awesome or what?

My goal is to workout again tonight. but if it doesn't happen, that is ok. No beating myself up.

And I never posted about Thanksgiving weekend. It was AWESOME. No stress. I did not have my traditional flip-out. YAY. It was four days filled with family and good times. We got a new tree, picture is at home of course, it is beautiful. Very very us. We played a lot of Wii. Sweetie and I have a competition on who is better at Big Brain Academy - LOVE THAT GAME. We were even productive and made a huge dent in the laundry. It was the best four day weekend. It was a weekend where we spent every minute together and wanted more.

We are finishing putting up the decorations after work this week and hopefully putting up the lights outside soon - it is supposed to rain again this weekend.

Did I mention that I love Christmas?

Giving Thanks

It is that time of year again, time to give thanks. This year I am not feeling up to par, allergies are kicking my butt. My response is to take the holiday as stress free as possible. The house isn't perfect, the floor isn't spotless, Bug's room is a mess from us putting in her big girl bed (a twin now). But none of that matters. What matters is family, quality time with loved ones, and being thankful.

I am thankful for so much this year.

• For my Mom. I am thankful that she is so close to me. I am thankful for her expressions of what a great mom I am.
• For my home, my job, my health.
  
• For my friends and family.
• For me. I am learning more about myself everyday and I like who I am. I may not be the weight that I want but that is ok. When I look at what I have accomplished at the weight I am now or higher, I cannot complain.
  
• But above all else, I am thankful for Sweetie and Bug. They are my life, my support system, and my constant reminder of good in the world.

This morning Bug reminded me again of how thankful I am. This is the first year for Bug to enjoy to parade. She and I sat on the floor watching in awe. She is amazing. Here we are, watching the fun - of course straight from bed. Here is Sweetie and Bug. Sweetie smokes the turkey every year. He wakes up early and tends to the temp and I wake up to his wonderful kiss and him smelling of smoked turkey. This is what makes my Thanksgiving. May everyone have a wonderful and safe holiday. Take time to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.

Only Two

Two Names You Go By:
1. Missy 2. Melissa
Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. Grey turtle neck-ish shirt 2. The prettiest panties with little flowers on them (I am wearing pants over them)
Two Things You Would Want (or have) in a Relationship:
1. Trust 2. Laughter
Two of Your Favorite Things to do:
1. Walk with my family 2. Play games
Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:
1. Sleep 2. Clean for Thanksgiving
Two things you did last night:
1. Walked for an hour with Bug 2. Started cleaning the dining room
Two things you ate today:
1. Slim-fast 2. Vitamins
Two people you Last Talked To:
In Person
1 . Co worker Buddy A and another co-worker
IM
1. Mom and Sweetie
Two Things You're doing tomorrow:
1. Cleaning for Thanksgiving 2. Hopefully finish a big project at work. My boss says I have to finish it to get Thanksgiving off, he jokes but I want it done.
Two longest car rides:
1. Austin to Florida 2. Austin to McAllen
Two Favorite Holidays:
1. Thanksgiving 2. Christmas
Two Favorite Beverages:
1. Right now, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha - for me it is a big O in a cup :-) 2. Cherry Coke
Two Things About Me -Things you may not have known:
What don't you know? That is hard.
1. The Friend's episode with the chocolate chip cookie recipe, that is what happened to me. I thought my G-ma's cookies were an old family recipe.
2. I have to have my programs appear on my toolbar the same way each day. When a program quits and things are out of order, it really bugs me
Two jobs I have had in my life:
1. Accounting Manager 2. Candy Counter Saleswoman - with Lammes - mmm mmm mmmm
Two Movies I would watch over and over :
1. Nemo - oh wait movies I want to watch over and over; FightClub 2. Steel Magnolias
Two places I have lived:
1. Austin 2. Cedar Park
Two of my Favorite Foods:
1. Chocolate 2. Sushi
Two places I'd rather be right now:
1. Home in bed snuggling Sweetie 2. Near water
Two people I think will respond:
1. Mom 2. not sure
P.S. Now add a couple of questions:
What have been the happiest two moments in your life:
I am leaving out birth of Bug and wedding - as those are obvious
1. Finding out we were pregnant 2. Walking the stage for my MBA
What books are you reading right now:
1. CPA/Thyroid/Walking books 2. The Golden Compass

Beginning the Season

Happy Birthday Daddy! Today is my Dad's b-day, he would be 62. As we do, we did our shopping. And since everyone started the holidays early this is the first year we have been surrounded by Holiday Music/Decorations/General Cheer on a full blown level. This was very fun. This is my favorite time of year. Not for the presents, but for the fun, the family, the tradition. Even the station that goes "all holiday music" started the fun early. Normally they start the day after Thanksgiving. Nope today the music was on. I could go on and on about the marketing concepts that corporate America is pushing on us and how it isn't about making the cheer of the season last longer but rather more paychecks in the season making you spend more. But you know what? I won't do it, I love the season and I am going to enjoy the extended version.

We had the best day. BestFriend joined us for a short time with lunch. She is wonderful and asked me and Mom to tell her about my Dad. We were crying for most of lunch. But it was a good time.

Shopping on this day is a tradition for Mom and me. But I think this year we accomplished the least amount of actual shopping, lol. We ended up browsing jewelry stores. With the upcoming 10th wedding anniversary coming up, Sweetie and I are getting new wedding bands. This has me on a hunt for a new "engagement" type of ring. Well, long story short, Mom and I went from store to store looking at their offerings. This was fun as what I want this time is more non-traditional.

At the end of the day we laughed that we didn't do much actual shopping but it was one of the most fun shopping days we have had. Thank you, Sweetie, for watching Bug for me.

This week was very good. Not only did I have my b-day, a good week at work, Bug's Thanksgiving lunch at school, had a weight loss at WW, and a fun shopping day, but I also got in contact with an old friend. This friend was actually a friend of my brother's and more of my "big sister". She was awesome and I felt a great loss when she moved away. Not to dwell on that at all. Time has passed, everything has changed, circumstances are understood, and well... life happens. But thanks to Brother's boss being out of town and him surfing the 'ol my*spa*ce, he re-found this friend. I received a warm email from her today and I can't wait to get back in contact. When she last saw me, I was 15. Things have changed a tad bit since then.

Thanksgiving is next week. I can't wait. I have a ton of cleaning to do, but such is life. I love Thanksgiving. Reflecting on what we are thankful for is always important. And it is supposed to be cold and rainy for the day. Perfect weather, IMHO.

Today I am thankful for the people in my life. I am so very lucky to have such amazing people around me.

** I forgot to add, I got my test results back. While my thyroid is lower, which means closer to Hyper than it was 1.5 months ago, it is still normal. I am getting rid of my Endo. Not because of her, but because of her rude ass staff. I get my levels checked again in January. However, I am living as if I am in remission, regardless of how long I get to enjoy it. Which means if all goes well, we may be able to start thinking of trying for #2 in March (six months being off anti-thyroid medicines). We shall see, a lot can happen between now and then. My focus is being as healthy as I can in the meantime.

Yes, bullet points again.

• Back at work today. Not only did I have a ton of emails to go through, but I also had a 2 hour meeting - yay. Can you say, not caught up at all? Yes, I knew you could.
  
• I am getting my blood tested tomorrow, yes two weeks early. I am noticing some symptoms. And to be honest I have no clue if I am hypo or hyper.
  
• I had to take co-worker bud, A, to the ER today. She is having heart issues. Not cool at all. I just hope they figure everything out.
• Behind my knee is hurting again too. GRRRR!
• Sweetie downloaded Super Mario Brothers Three for our Wii. This is my all time favorite game.
  

birthday comes to a close

My birthday weekend has been wonderful. Saturday during the day Bug had a b-day party at an inflatable play place. She had so much fun, as did I. Saturday night Sweetie and I had a date night. We went to Cool River and enjoyed some of his Halloween winnings. We had a fantastic time. The meal was delicious, the service was divine, and the atmosphere was wonderful. It could not have been better.

Today Sweetie and I took off from work. Mom made cupcakes and we took them in to Bug's school. I wanted all my kids to celebrate my "Happy Day". We then set out for our day. We enjoyed some breakfast, some shopping, a movie, some lunch, talking, planning, and dreaming. The wonderful day completed with Bug and I taking a walk around my Mom's neighborhood, where I grew up. Funny how everything seems so much smaller now. We then had dinner with Brother, SIL#1, Mom, MIL, SIL#2, BIL, Niece, and BestFriend.

It was a great day. Now back to the norm and preparing for Thanksgiving.

~HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME~

Happy Birthday to ME!!! I am now officially 30 something. 31 years ago I entered this world.

bullet point day

• You never realize how much you shift your weight and move in a chair until it squeaks.
• Life is all about how you look at things. I had a bad day yesterday and had some M&Ms. A co-worker pointed out that if you turn them upside down it is "WW" which means they must be weight watchers candy.
• I got back from getting my car inspected today to find on my desk several bags with M&Ms in them. On each bag has "2 points" written on it. My work buddy A went to the trouble of figuring out how many M&Ms are in 2 points and made these emergency bags for me. Isn't that sweet. I truly do have a great support network around me.
• I love it when I am on the road by my work and people flash their lights to tell others of a cop up ahead.
• It cracks me up that our 12 year old car passed inspection with flying colors but my 5 year old car needed a new part to pass.
• I have no idea where my thyroid is. GRRRR.
• I get to have dinner with my Diva's tonight. My Sweetie is too good to me.
• My b-day weekend has already started. I got a card from a co-worker today.
• My Bug sings "die die die". She gets it from A Bug's Life. It sounds horrible. But I know it could be MUCH worse, and will be knowing her.
• I still need to post the picture of the "Loose weight now" car. That is mine and Sweetie's BIGGEST pet peeve. Lose and Loose are not the same. I laugh at it but it is like nails on a chalk board to me.

Picture me Picture you

Time for some pictures. First, Bug was a little dead girl. The best part? The outfit will also be her christmas outfit, lol.Then on Saturday we had a family day. We went and hung out with the cows. Sunday was Race for a Cure. As soon as Bug saw her bib she said "I running". Bug and me at the race. Sweetie was there too, but his start was different than mine as he was chip timed and I went with the easy going crowd. The weather was wonderful. BestFriend Bug was wonderful. She slept through about half of the race. After she woke up, she was happy in her stroller watching everyone. Once we finished she was ready to party.The walk yesterday was great. I love participating in events like that. I love that Sweetie was a part of it too. I am sore today and behind my knee is hurting again. I think I need to make sure to take it easy.

I planned to do a much more in-depth post but tonight consisted of playing in the front yard watching stars, playing trains, snuggling Sweetie, lots of laughing/singing, and eating dinner.

pre-5k check in

Just a quick note to say that I am doing good. Race for A Cure is tomorrow morning. So we have to get up nice and early. Thank goodness for the time change.

Let's see, what have I been up to?
Halloween was good, pictures to come. Weight Watchers started on Friday. I am so excited. It is going to be good. Now I just need to get back on the 'ol workout routine and I should be set.

OK short and sweet. I need my beauty sleep for tomorrow morning I walk in the sea of pink.

life is good

Today, I had jury duty. I was not picked and was back at work at just after noon. I am such a good employee, I could have taken the whole day off. Weight watchers at work starts this week - woo hoo! I am so excited.

This weekend was so wonderful. Sweetie and I enjoyed each other and our Bug. It was one of those weekends where everything feels so good. Sweetie and I have reached great point in our relationship. We are perfect for each other. And since we have been together for close to 15.5 years, we have grown with each other. We have had several different relationships during this time. It is hard to describe. But we are very different people than 15, or even 3, years ago. With each new phase we find ourselves closer. This weekend we joked and laughed about some of our harder times. This was a huge step. It means I have let go a lot - and that is a big thing for this control freak.

My point is that I am feeling so good. I know I have said it. I wish I could completely describe the difference. I am more confident, more awake. It is a great feeling. I knew I was hypo - I KNEW IT. Now I know better. Another month and I will get my blood tested again. I have no idea where I am right now. All I know is where I don't want to be.

I am very very emotional. Not bad, but in a appreciating everything and everyone around me kind of way.

I do have one bad issue. OK I have many issues, but this one is different. Last week I noticed behind my left knee was giving me some pain. Nothing horrible, but annoying. I assumed I just needed to "work it out". Last night we went on a family walk/run. It was fun as always and I ran more than the last time as my coach can be a hard ass (she says "run mommy"). Today the pain is worse. And tonight it is hurting to walk. Nothing to go to the Dr about, but I must baby it. I have a heating pad on it now. The issue is that the Race for a Cure is this weekend. I have to get this better in order to walk. Grrrr

Now time for bed. I have my heating pad, ate some of the best French toast ala Sweetie, and will have my Bug to snuggle.

All in all, Life Is Good!

Costume Fun

Here I am all ready for our night out, I am considering getting my nose pierced :BestFriend was there and gorgeous as always:BestFriend and Michelle: Michelle was the best cat woman:Sweetie before : Sweetie after: Shortly after we arrived, Sweetie received this: HE WON THIRD PLACE!!!!! Third place was $500. I am so very proud of him!

This was second place: And this was first place: Sweetie was very creepy. He received great reactions and we found out he has amazing thigh strength. He had to squat walk all night. Is he sore today? Nope. Amazing truly.

OK back to my fantastic weekend. Family day today has been awesome.

Lack of Blogging

Man, it seems that I have no time to blog. Things are fast paced as always. This past weekend was so very nice. Friday night BestFriend, Mom, Bug, and I volunteered for the Special Needs Dance in Gtown. It was so wonderful. I am beyond proud of my daughter. She was receptive to everyone, regardless of their "difference". It was so heart warming to be appreciated for a few hours of our time. Bug and I danced and took pictures. I need to upload them for BestFriend.

Weight Watchers is finally starting the at work program this week. The first meeting will be on Thursday and then Fridays until Feb 22. That means I should have some good motivation to be good through the holidays. I couldn't do any other plan around co-workers. I wouldn't want them watching what I eat. But with WW you don't know if I have the points for what I am eating, so there :-)

Sweetie and I registered for the Cap 10k on 3/30/08. It falls on my Grandpa's b-day. Since we already paid for it, we are much more likely to train for it. I am so excited.

Today is so beautiful. I love this fall weather. I don't get spring fever, I get fall fever. This weather makes me want to walk, to clean, and to organize. On Sunday I started going through the pantry. Throwing away old items, cleaning the shelves. I didn't complete it, but I made a good dent.

We are almost ready for Halloween at my house. Sweetie is the only one whose costume is lacking. And we are going to a Halloween Party this year. That is big for us.

I am still feeling so good. I can't even describe it. I feel like a blanket has been lifted. I feel like me again. And that is a very good thing, I like me.

It is getting close to 5. I need to finish up some work and go get my baby. For a very nice change Sweetie will be home when I get there. Poor guy has been having to get up at 5 the last two mornings for work and having to stand all day. I think I will cook him a nice dinner tonight. Hopefully we can go on a family walk as well, we shall see.

Everyone have a great night.

time for a change?

Sweetie and I got our passport renewals in the mail today, you never know when a girl's weekend in Canada will happen. However, you have to send in your old passport. I looked at mine one last time before putting it in the envelope. The photo is from Nov 1994. I was 18. I think I look so young in the photo. But what really surprised me was my hair style. It is the same as my new photo. Sure the hair is darker now and I have gained some weight since my teen days, who hasn't? But the style is the same. Now I have not had the same style during the 13 years. Every year or so I cut it short then I grow it long, you get the idea. My hair was super short and super cute at our wedding. I have thought about going back to that short. I think it was just a little strange to see two photos 13 years apart with the same style. I want to be the cutest little me I can for my 31st b-day.

So now I need to decide what I want to do with my hair. Grow it, cut it, color it?

we went, we walked, we livedstrong

LiveStrong was awesome. We went to the race expo last night and had fun. I filled out an "In Honor Of" sheet for Deb. That felt awesome. Bug was very good with the chaos and excitement. She found the CVS booth and fell in love with the little bean bag chairs that they had. I asked her if we needed to get some for home to which she replied "yes".

This morning came early. BestFriend was at the house by 6:15am. Bug did not understand why we were getting up so early and why the sun was not up. We found great parking and had plenty of time to warm up before the start of the race.

The race started and ended at the Capitol. Sweetie and me before the race.Bug and Sweetie listening to Lance's speech. The weather was perfect, though the sun was bright at a couple of locations. The best part for me was the music. There was a DJ mixing live while on a pedi-cab. Normally as a walker the fun stuff is already done by the time we get there. Not only did we get to dance while walking, we even passed the DJ. We passed a lot of people. Bug was awesome. She fell asleep shortly after the start and didn't wake up until we finished. Sweetie and Bug after the race. I did great. I even ran some. And I got a PR. YAY me!!!! Here I am after the race. BestFriend also got a PR. Of course, she ran the whole way and met us at the end. And two more photos to round out the post. This is my new cube and my new shoe laces. OK off to enjoy the rest of my weekend. Be safe.

LiveStrong Tomorrow

Tomorrow is LiveStrong. YAY. I have not been walking. But that is ok. I may be slow but I will finish.

Last night was so wonderful with my friends. My Divas are awesome. I am feeling so much better. It truly is amazing at how much better I am feeling. I am more focused, more awake, with more energy, higher sex drive (if you must know), and all in all feeling better.

I don't know what is going to happen with my thyroid. And I am ok with that. I am simply focusing on being healthier for me. But what I do know is when I said over and over and over and over the past oh 10 months that I felt I was hypo, I was. I have my blood work and I am going to keep it close to me. Regardless of how my thyroid goes I will be able to say "see these numbers, this is when I feel best, keep me here".

My b-day is a month away. YAY! Though Sweetie said that we are skipping it due to the anniversary coming up. He is funny. So my goal is to workout and be healthy and see a weight loss before my b-day. Nothing crazy, just down :-)

Ok Just realized that all the bosses are gone and all my peeps are gone, why am I here? I think I will go get a Bug and a Sweetie and go to packet pick up for LiveStrong.

Be healthy everyone!

Happy

Just a quick note to say how happy and great I feel. Tonight was dinner with my Divas. It was wonderful, as always.

This week has shown me how over medicated I was for many months. I am feeling so healthy.

well crap

Yesterday I had the WORST headache, it lasted all day. I took my normal meds, took a long nap, ate chocolate and bad food - normally works. Nope headache still continued.

Today I woke with a fever and the same headache. Blah. I have been drinking my water and hoping it was simply dehydration. However, when I got dressed I noticed that I have a rash on my legs. Not horrible but there nevertheless.

I can't like rashes so when I got home from the grocery store I went onto my trusty webmb.com and the symptom checker. One question asked if I was taking antibiotics. Yes. The details specifically said that sulfa drugs can cause this. Flash back to the Dr's office on Thursday, NP asked "can you take sulfa drugs". I said yes, not thinking twice about it.

I looked up the side effects for this drug:
1) Headache - check
2) dizziness - check
3) rash - check

Great. Just when I started to feel better I find out that my meds are not good for me. Guess I will be on the phone first thing in the morning for a new prescription.

I am off to try and get rid of this headache, take a bath for the rash, and get ready for next week.

feeling better

My sinus infection was bad enough for the dr to prescribe a double dose of antibiotics. I woke this morning feeling so much better. Still a little tired, but I woke contemplating going walking - don't worry I was smart and decided not just yet. Perhaps tomorrow, today is about resting and finishing getting rid of this infection.

Yesterday was Jim's b-day. He came over and we celebrated him. I hope I wasn't too much of a party pooper, I was just tired.

I have felt so bad with this infection that I have not fully celebrated my great thyroid news. I have not even told everyone. I think with feeling badly, it just hasn't seemed real.
____________________________________________________________________
Dear Ex High School Best Friend,
We have not spoken in over 4.5 years. I just want you to know that I find much solace in the fact that your bill collectors are calling my house DAILY to try and find you. However, please pay your bills as it is damn annoying to hear your name on my answering machine over and over. Isn't karma is a bitch?

Thank you
____________________________________________________________________

Now to pictures: