So this is a new concept for me. I was reading Kristen 's blog and copied the idea. I liked it so here it goes!
Dear Mike: While I appreciate your great job I miss having you at home. I appreciate all you do for me to keep me safe while you are gone. I am sure the messages you get every time the alarm is set and unset drive you crazy yet they probably keep you up to date of my comings and goings. I just wish those comings and goings were with you. I will say it is easier to have you gone now then when we had little kids oh so many years ago. I only have to take care of myself now. Anyhow, this part of our lives can be over anytime now and I will be happy. I miss our mini vacations we took 2 or 3 times a year. We have much catching up to do and more places to explore so hurry home.
Dear Mother Nature: I think you have the most amazing earth. I love the colors you use each day. But your killing me with your pollen! Can you please tone it down a notch or two? Oh and by the way... thanks for amazing beaches and the sound of the ocean. They are my favorite!
Dear Mr. Postman: Your weird! Quit opening my mailers and sticking my mail inside of it... I'm thinking that is a federal offense.
Dear Pres. Monson and others: I love it when you come into my home and give me counsel on what I need to do to become a better daughter of God. I am thankful for the many reminders you give me. I am truly thankful for the spirit that comes into our home. I love you!
Dear Calling: While I love listening over and over again to General Conference talks I do not enjoy trying to merge 2 amazing talks together and teach them in 20-40 mins. Hello who does that? Okay me but still it is a hard task to ask of anyone.
Dear Netflix: Thank you for keeping me company at night! I appreciate it!
Dear Wii Zumba: I enjoying your dance moves! Thanks for not laughing at me when I can't follow you.
Dear Murphy: I miss you my furry friend!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Fabulously WICKED
Alyse has wanted to see Wicked for years. She had the music and would put it on for me to listen. It didn't make much sense to me and seemed quite confusing. This past summer we were going to try to go to NY and I thought I might surprise her while there and see it. My friend told me she had a coupon to get tickets earlier and maybe even a bit of a discount and that I could go see shows in Orlando. Since this was the beginning of Dec I thought that possibly this might make a cool Christmas present for Alyse. So I talked to Mike and I purchased the tickets and bought amazing seats on row B! I held on to them until her birthday in Jan. She was so excited. Since I had bought a pair of tickets that meant she could invite someone. I wasn't sure I would be able to go. I also wanted it to be her choice. She chose Bryan since he was the one that turned her on to it. As life sometimes happens he couldn't go so she asked me and I could go!
So the weekend came and we both took Friday off and down to Orlando we went. One thing I really love about Alyse is her constant desire to be in the temple. We left Tallahassee dressed for the temple so we could go straight there. I am so glad we did that. We had a marvelous time in the temple. We stayed for over 3 hours and we both walked out beaming with happiness at our experiences.
We woke up and got ready for the day. Our showing of Wicked was at 2:00. We shopped and grabbed a bite to eat, changed out clothes and we were off. After driving around for a bit we finally pulled over and asked someone where the Performing Arts Theater was. We drove right to the venue and I thought Alyse was going to burst out of the car. We took pictures before we went in and as a final gift I bought her the updated souvenir book they sell. We found out amazing seats and settled in for the ride.
So I am here to tell you that Wicked is an amazing show to go and see. It was everything Alyse had hoped for and since I wasn't sure it was a smash hit with me. So all in all it was a WICKEDLY GOOD WEEKEND!
So the weekend came and we both took Friday off and down to Orlando we went. One thing I really love about Alyse is her constant desire to be in the temple. We left Tallahassee dressed for the temple so we could go straight there. I am so glad we did that. We had a marvelous time in the temple. We stayed for over 3 hours and we both walked out beaming with happiness at our experiences.
We woke up and got ready for the day. Our showing of Wicked was at 2:00. We shopped and grabbed a bite to eat, changed out clothes and we were off. After driving around for a bit we finally pulled over and asked someone where the Performing Arts Theater was. We drove right to the venue and I thought Alyse was going to burst out of the car. We took pictures before we went in and as a final gift I bought her the updated souvenir book they sell. We found out amazing seats and settled in for the ride.
So I am here to tell you that Wicked is an amazing show to go and see. It was everything Alyse had hoped for and since I wasn't sure it was a smash hit with me. So all in all it was a WICKEDLY GOOD WEEKEND!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Family pets
Who figured that animals can/could make such an impact in our lives. It's odd to think we let some furry animal stay in our homes, eat food we buy for them, clean up after them, sweep up the hair they shed, give them baths and hope our houses don't stink like dogs and grow to love them just like they always belonged in our families.
Some people say they don't get animals because it is too sad to say goodbye but all the years of love and happiness so out weight the sadness when we have to say goodbye.
Kristen, Rob and I found ourselves at the mall on Saturday afternoon and they asked if we could play with one of the puppies in the pet store. We walked in and saw our little furry beagle and it was love at first sight. We played with him and in decided to bring him home. He wasn't cheap but he was sure cute. Mike, Bryan and Alyse were working the concession stand at FSU. We brought him home and he loved Molly instantly. She on the other hand hated him! As you can see in the top picture. They had a few good years together and I don't think Molly ever really learned to like him. She just growled as he would walk by each time. But he loved to torture her any way he could. It was pretty funny to watch.
Years later we had to put Molly to sleep. She was old and had arthritis so bad, we had a cold snap and it was more then she could handle. She could hardly move and cried when she did. It was a sad day for our family. We all felt a hole she left even Murphy. We would ask him where she was and he would run and look for her.
Murphy was an interesting dog. He always looked at you when you talked to him. He had the word INK on his hind leg. His coloring was amazing. He was hit by a car when he was a pup and his back paw always turned in a bit after that. He loved veggies and just about anything else we ate. Although he never did get into salad. He was a great friend to have around. The years went on and I always thought of him as a pup but he was getting old and cranky but hey so were we. I knew the day was coming when he would finally have to leave. But I didn't think about it too much since I knew it was in the future, the far future. Mike started to travel and I always felt pretty secure at night since he was my extra set of ears. He barked when someone came to the door and he generally was a great companion. He also was a great secret keeper. I told him many things and he would just look at me and listen.
So came Feb 22nd. I got up and let Murphy out of his bed. He found something to chase outside and bark at. I had to keep telling him to be quite since it was 6:00 am. I left for work and Alyse came by and let him out for lunch. I arrived home and greeted him as I always did... Hello Murph Murph! How as your day! I let him out of his cage and he walked out all to slow. As the night went on he grew sicker and sicker. I was just about to call Bryan and ask him to come up when he walked in. I knew Murph was in bad shape. Lance and Kristen came up and we determined we needed to take him to an emergency pet hospital. We called Alyse to see if she wanted to see him just in case this was not something that could be fixed. She came up and the 3 of us were off to see the Vet. Out of his character he laid wrapped up in the blanket we put him in.
Bryan carried him into the building. It was the hardest thing I have ever done is to watch him try to breath. The Dr. came in and told us that she tested him for internal bleeding and it was positive. Alyse and I were crying (okay short of sobbing) which left Bryan to be the non emotional one. We called Mike who was in Ca and had him on the phone as we talked about the decision that needed to be made. It was time for us to say goodbye to our furry friend. Mike said his goodbyes on the phone and then we called Rob. Thankfully his goodbye was funny but the laughter was all to short lived.
They told us to take as much time as we wanted but it was too hard to see him suffer. As I petted him I looked at his once tan coloring now mostly white. He wasn't so young after all. But his ears were still so soft to touch and caress. We hugged him and talked to him as he was put to sleep. I will always miss my furry friend and recall how one little furry dog came into our family and filled it with so much joy, laughter and unconditional love. We told him to go find Molly and chase her around for a bit and to look up Grandpa as I was sure he would greet him warmly.
It has been a wonderful experience for our family to have pets. They have loved us as much as we loved them. I look forward to seeing them again and continuing our relationship on the other side but for now our two furry friends will run the streets of gold and chase all the rabbits they can find. That makes me happy!
Some people say they don't get animals because it is too sad to say goodbye but all the years of love and happiness so out weight the sadness when we have to say goodbye.
Kristen, Rob and I found ourselves at the mall on Saturday afternoon and they asked if we could play with one of the puppies in the pet store. We walked in and saw our little furry beagle and it was love at first sight. We played with him and in decided to bring him home. He wasn't cheap but he was sure cute. Mike, Bryan and Alyse were working the concession stand at FSU. We brought him home and he loved Molly instantly. She on the other hand hated him! As you can see in the top picture. They had a few good years together and I don't think Molly ever really learned to like him. She just growled as he would walk by each time. But he loved to torture her any way he could. It was pretty funny to watch.
Years later we had to put Molly to sleep. She was old and had arthritis so bad, we had a cold snap and it was more then she could handle. She could hardly move and cried when she did. It was a sad day for our family. We all felt a hole she left even Murphy. We would ask him where she was and he would run and look for her.
Murphy was an interesting dog. He always looked at you when you talked to him. He had the word INK on his hind leg. His coloring was amazing. He was hit by a car when he was a pup and his back paw always turned in a bit after that. He loved veggies and just about anything else we ate. Although he never did get into salad. He was a great friend to have around. The years went on and I always thought of him as a pup but he was getting old and cranky but hey so were we. I knew the day was coming when he would finally have to leave. But I didn't think about it too much since I knew it was in the future, the far future. Mike started to travel and I always felt pretty secure at night since he was my extra set of ears. He barked when someone came to the door and he generally was a great companion. He also was a great secret keeper. I told him many things and he would just look at me and listen.
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| Teen years! |
Bryan carried him into the building. It was the hardest thing I have ever done is to watch him try to breath. The Dr. came in and told us that she tested him for internal bleeding and it was positive. Alyse and I were crying (okay short of sobbing) which left Bryan to be the non emotional one. We called Mike who was in Ca and had him on the phone as we talked about the decision that needed to be made. It was time for us to say goodbye to our furry friend. Mike said his goodbyes on the phone and then we called Rob. Thankfully his goodbye was funny but the laughter was all to short lived.
 |
| The last picture I took before saying goodbye! |
They told us to take as much time as we wanted but it was too hard to see him suffer. As I petted him I looked at his once tan coloring now mostly white. He wasn't so young after all. But his ears were still so soft to touch and caress. We hugged him and talked to him as he was put to sleep. I will always miss my furry friend and recall how one little furry dog came into our family and filled it with so much joy, laughter and unconditional love. We told him to go find Molly and chase her around for a bit and to look up Grandpa as I was sure he would greet him warmly.
It has been a wonderful experience for our family to have pets. They have loved us as much as we loved them. I look forward to seeing them again and continuing our relationship on the other side but for now our two furry friends will run the streets of gold and chase all the rabbits they can find. That makes me happy!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Events that change us
So how does one change the every day get up, go to work, work and then go back home routine? Day after day we go through life just like robots. Just as if that is how life is. Then bam something happens and it wakes us up and changes our pattern for a bit.
Our family had one of those changes. First off I am ever thankful for Heavenly Father and his whisperings to me or someone in our family. One of the dreaded parts of being a parent is the call everyone will get at some point in life that says... Dad or Mom I've been in an accident. First- question back is always are you okay? Second- is usually is anyone else hurt? Then how does the car look?
It is interesting to note here that Mike is always the recipient of the I've been in the accidents calls. I get all the other fun calls like Mom! I'm in love or Mom today was a crappy day at work!!! I have always like how that has been divided up. I have however gotten a few of the crash calls. I have discovered AFTER that I had a feeling something was going to happen. Almost like it is hanging in the back of my head yet I haven't honed in on that feeling in time to call our kids and say... Stay where you are for a bit. One morning I awoke to the sound of heavy rain. The thought came to me and I started to send out a text to the kids. Alyse's went first and as I was typing one for Kristen when she called. Mom I was just in a small accident. Awe that familiar feeling was correct yet again. I sure wish I could recall that BEFORE the calls come.
Mike has been flying to Ca every other week for the past year and a half. So every other week I am pushed to the front of "Everything is in your lap" line. Upon reflecting about this now my mind is called up to the biblical story of David and Goliath. I have learned a lot from that wonderful story. David wasn't just thrown into the ring with Goliath but he was given smaller opportunities to practice and to succeed which in turn gave him confidence in his new skills. David killed the lion and the bear before he got into the match with Goliath.
And so it is with us. Heavenly Father gives us smaller opportunities to try our hand in life and to gain confidence for bigger things to come. Kristen's accident was the lion or the bear for me. And upon hearing from Mike... "you did exactly what I would have done" I unknowingly gained confidence for future life issues.
So came Feb 9th. Michelle drove down to Shands for some tests and a chance of being admitted to the hospital for some issues she was having. I told Bryan I would pick him up and take him to work (they only have one car. We have been there ourselves with just one car many times so it was no big deal). Mike was in Ca and I came up with the idea of getting Mike's car out of the airport parking lot. I would drives the Highlander and I would let Bryan drive my car until the end of the week. We had done that before a few times. We both worked and I was on my way to pick him up from work. The director of our center's husband is in the final stages of cancer and so on my way to get Bryan from work I called the temple to put their names on the prayer roll. As I was doing that I added a few more names including Michelle's name. Just as I said Ladle a thought came into my head to add Bryan's name as well. So I did.
I picked Bryan up and out to the airport we went. We found Mike's car and I said to Bryan I'm starving lets stop for dinner. We did and had a great time talking. I had purchased some curtains that needed to be hung and Bryan was going to spend the evening helping me do that. So we left the restaurant and headed home. Bryan leaving right before me. I passed him in the turning lane. The whole way home I kept looking for him and wondering where he was. I would scan the cars looking for my car and to no avail I never saw it. I got home and was greeted Alyse. It was a bit of a surprise to see her but I am always happy when my children spend time with me and I thought great I have two kids to help me. But I now know she was up at the house for a more important reason then to help me hang curtains.
The phone rang and Alyse answered and came running to me saying- BRYAN'S BEEN IN A BAD ACCIDENT. She gets her emotions from me and was very concerned by what she had heard on the phone and her big brother was in a jam. She knew the questions to ask him... is he ok? Yes, Is the other person okay? He thinks so. How's the car? Not good.
As I drove away from the house I knew this was not the time to be emotional. But I felt a heavenly calm. Alyse was assigned to call people I thought needed to be there and to ask them to meet us at the accident. First on the list Devin (Mike's brother), Kristen and Lance. I knew I needed two priesthood holders there just in case. She went to call Mike and Michelle and I said NO don't call them right now, not until I know what is going on.
She called Bryan again and he said I have to go they are trying to cut me out of the car. Well that caused Alyse to burst into tears. I said Alyse he said he was okay this will be just fine.
My mind raced to how would be the quickest way to the accident scene without traffic. The accident happened in a very bad spot and those roads are always crowded. I knew it would be hard to get there without traffic. My mind was given the directions on how to go and I followed. Devin was the first on the scene. As Alyse and I parked and walked towards the red flashing lights Kristen and Lance joined us in our walk. Alyse said... I see Bryan and he is standing on the side of the road. As we walked up to the accident the air seemed to be filled with adrenaline and car crash smell.
Since the car was flipped to it's side and laying on the drivers side and he had been t-boned on the passengers side Bryan made his escape through the sunroof. I was relieved to see my son with not a scratch on him. I felt as though I was looking into a miracle. The car looked totaled but Bryan was safe. I stood in amazement looking at my car.
It had been whispered in my mind at that time that he was not harmed because of the Temple Garments he wore. I thanked Heavenly Father over and over again as I stood looking at the accident scene. Bryan was told he could go so we all walked back to the cars. I asked that Devin and Lance give Bryan a blessing. Once again heaven interceded and everything was made right again. Devin took Bryan over to the Urgent Care. Now the interesting thing is I kept wondering why Devin was taking Bryan and not me to Urgent Care. But it seemed to be the right thing to do but odd. Alyse and I drove back home and we weren't back to the house not even 15 mins when I received a call from the tow truck driver telling me that our sunroof was still open AND it was raining and it would rain all night. If we wanted to spare any items inside I would need to come and close it. I told him we lived 30 mins away and he said he would for me. Alyse (by this time is my trusted wing man!) and I jumped into the car and drove down to the collision place to close the sunroof. We grab all of the valuables we could see at that time.
As my mind thought of Michelle who was down at Shands hospital dealing with her own issues and now Bryan who was just in a very bad accident, I said in my head... Why can't these two seem to cut any breaks? To which I was told- "They were tonight. I took care of Bryan during the accident." I said OH- repented for that thought and said another thank you!
The following morning as I was in the shower my mind was taken back to the previous afternoon as I heard myself calling the temple. I was given a prompting by adding Bryan's name to the prayer roll about 4 hours before his accident. I don't know if his name had made it to a prayer circle by then but I did know it was in the temple. It was then that I cried at all the miracles that had taken place and how thankful I was for the sweetness the gospel brings!
Our family had one of those changes. First off I am ever thankful for Heavenly Father and his whisperings to me or someone in our family. One of the dreaded parts of being a parent is the call everyone will get at some point in life that says... Dad or Mom I've been in an accident. First- question back is always are you okay? Second- is usually is anyone else hurt? Then how does the car look?
It is interesting to note here that Mike is always the recipient of the I've been in the accidents calls. I get all the other fun calls like Mom! I'm in love or Mom today was a crappy day at work!!! I have always like how that has been divided up. I have however gotten a few of the crash calls. I have discovered AFTER that I had a feeling something was going to happen. Almost like it is hanging in the back of my head yet I haven't honed in on that feeling in time to call our kids and say... Stay where you are for a bit. One morning I awoke to the sound of heavy rain. The thought came to me and I started to send out a text to the kids. Alyse's went first and as I was typing one for Kristen when she called. Mom I was just in a small accident. Awe that familiar feeling was correct yet again. I sure wish I could recall that BEFORE the calls come.
Mike has been flying to Ca every other week for the past year and a half. So every other week I am pushed to the front of "Everything is in your lap" line. Upon reflecting about this now my mind is called up to the biblical story of David and Goliath. I have learned a lot from that wonderful story. David wasn't just thrown into the ring with Goliath but he was given smaller opportunities to practice and to succeed which in turn gave him confidence in his new skills. David killed the lion and the bear before he got into the match with Goliath.
And so it is with us. Heavenly Father gives us smaller opportunities to try our hand in life and to gain confidence for bigger things to come. Kristen's accident was the lion or the bear for me. And upon hearing from Mike... "you did exactly what I would have done" I unknowingly gained confidence for future life issues.
So came Feb 9th. Michelle drove down to Shands for some tests and a chance of being admitted to the hospital for some issues she was having. I told Bryan I would pick him up and take him to work (they only have one car. We have been there ourselves with just one car many times so it was no big deal). Mike was in Ca and I came up with the idea of getting Mike's car out of the airport parking lot. I would drives the Highlander and I would let Bryan drive my car until the end of the week. We had done that before a few times. We both worked and I was on my way to pick him up from work. The director of our center's husband is in the final stages of cancer and so on my way to get Bryan from work I called the temple to put their names on the prayer roll. As I was doing that I added a few more names including Michelle's name. Just as I said Ladle a thought came into my head to add Bryan's name as well. So I did.
I picked Bryan up and out to the airport we went. We found Mike's car and I said to Bryan I'm starving lets stop for dinner. We did and had a great time talking. I had purchased some curtains that needed to be hung and Bryan was going to spend the evening helping me do that. So we left the restaurant and headed home. Bryan leaving right before me. I passed him in the turning lane. The whole way home I kept looking for him and wondering where he was. I would scan the cars looking for my car and to no avail I never saw it. I got home and was greeted Alyse. It was a bit of a surprise to see her but I am always happy when my children spend time with me and I thought great I have two kids to help me. But I now know she was up at the house for a more important reason then to help me hang curtains.
The phone rang and Alyse answered and came running to me saying- BRYAN'S BEEN IN A BAD ACCIDENT. She gets her emotions from me and was very concerned by what she had heard on the phone and her big brother was in a jam. She knew the questions to ask him... is he ok? Yes, Is the other person okay? He thinks so. How's the car? Not good.
As I drove away from the house I knew this was not the time to be emotional. But I felt a heavenly calm. Alyse was assigned to call people I thought needed to be there and to ask them to meet us at the accident. First on the list Devin (Mike's brother), Kristen and Lance. I knew I needed two priesthood holders there just in case. She went to call Mike and Michelle and I said NO don't call them right now, not until I know what is going on.
She called Bryan again and he said I have to go they are trying to cut me out of the car. Well that caused Alyse to burst into tears. I said Alyse he said he was okay this will be just fine.
My mind raced to how would be the quickest way to the accident scene without traffic. The accident happened in a very bad spot and those roads are always crowded. I knew it would be hard to get there without traffic. My mind was given the directions on how to go and I followed. Devin was the first on the scene. As Alyse and I parked and walked towards the red flashing lights Kristen and Lance joined us in our walk. Alyse said... I see Bryan and he is standing on the side of the road. As we walked up to the accident the air seemed to be filled with adrenaline and car crash smell.
Since the car was flipped to it's side and laying on the drivers side and he had been t-boned on the passengers side Bryan made his escape through the sunroof. I was relieved to see my son with not a scratch on him. I felt as though I was looking into a miracle. The car looked totaled but Bryan was safe. I stood in amazement looking at my car.
It had been whispered in my mind at that time that he was not harmed because of the Temple Garments he wore. I thanked Heavenly Father over and over again as I stood looking at the accident scene. Bryan was told he could go so we all walked back to the cars. I asked that Devin and Lance give Bryan a blessing. Once again heaven interceded and everything was made right again. Devin took Bryan over to the Urgent Care. Now the interesting thing is I kept wondering why Devin was taking Bryan and not me to Urgent Care. But it seemed to be the right thing to do but odd. Alyse and I drove back home and we weren't back to the house not even 15 mins when I received a call from the tow truck driver telling me that our sunroof was still open AND it was raining and it would rain all night. If we wanted to spare any items inside I would need to come and close it. I told him we lived 30 mins away and he said he would for me. Alyse (by this time is my trusted wing man!) and I jumped into the car and drove down to the collision place to close the sunroof. We grab all of the valuables we could see at that time.
As my mind thought of Michelle who was down at Shands hospital dealing with her own issues and now Bryan who was just in a very bad accident, I said in my head... Why can't these two seem to cut any breaks? To which I was told- "They were tonight. I took care of Bryan during the accident." I said OH- repented for that thought and said another thank you!
The following morning as I was in the shower my mind was taken back to the previous afternoon as I heard myself calling the temple. I was given a prompting by adding Bryan's name to the prayer roll about 4 hours before his accident. I don't know if his name had made it to a prayer circle by then but I did know it was in the temple. It was then that I cried at all the miracles that had taken place and how thankful I was for the sweetness the gospel brings!
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me- confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me- Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me- Oh, it is wonderful- Wonderful to me!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Epiphany happens!
One of the shows I enjoy watching is Dr. Drew Celebrity Rehab. I have watched it for a couple of years now. I watched it at first to see just what the spoiled Hollywood celebs were getting themselves into this time. The best part is I have learned things and gained compassion by watching Dr. Drew. Last night was the graduation of his latest group of addicts. They are only with him about 3 weeks which prove to be the main with drawl period. I have watched them toss and turn in their beds, throw up and act out in violence towards each other. I have wondered many times why his employees haven't clocked some of those people when they become like spoiled brats. But the longer I watch the show the more I begin to understand the staffs reasoning. They were all drug addicts themselves so they understand the process these patients are going through. Dr. Drew is always saying to them "You can't listen to yourself and take direction because it's your addiction speaking. You are not well so you need to listen to people like me who know how to get through this stuff." "It's your addictions speaking again." Dr. Drew lets you see some of their therapy as he talks to them one on one. I have watched his face as they speak to him and I have been touched with his kindness all of these people who aren't so kind or lovable. He talks to them about issues in their lives and teaches them to move forward without addiction.
Last night as I watched the final season and it hit me that I am not so different then any of those people. I to have an addiction. My choice of addiction is food. And just like them if I don't change it will kill me. About 2 years ago I took the bull by the horns and went on weight watchers. I worked so hard at it and after 4 months I lost 2 lbs. Ya you read that right 2 lbs. I came to a breaking point and quit. I was done! There were also other things going on in my life like menopause so my head was swirling about as well as my body. When I went to visit the Dr. for something I wrote down everything that was ticking me off. And when she got to the 2 lbs I lost it. Broke down and cried. Dr. Kelch did say to me, well did you know that women going through menopause usually gain 10 lbs so the fact you lost 2 lbs is pretty good. That didn't help any as I was angry and ready to strike back. I had worked hard and my result was 2 lbs??? I was crushed and I was not going to be told I had done okay and to keep going.
So here I am almost 2 years later and 20 lbs heavier. I am finally past the don't care stage. One day while at work Denise my boss told me she was going to go on the South Beach Diet. I said "oh I have heard that it"s a pretty good diet to go on. I had a teacher tell me she had lost 20 lbs on it." She told me more about it and how it really wasn't a diet but a healthy way of eating. There are 3 phases. Phase 1 is the most restrictive and you cut out almost all carbs, fruit, and some veggies. She told me it was hard in the sense that because it was so restrictive it becomes kind of repetitive if your not creative. But that in reality there was LOTS you could eat. So after a week of watching her and talking to Mike we both started on our diet or better eating plan the following Monday. By not eating carbs, fruit any root veggies your body detoxes riding itself of all the sugars and carbs. You are changing your inside first. A person can move back and forth between the phases if they would like too as well.
It dawned on me last night while watching that I can't really trust my thoughts yet either. It's my addiction speaking. Mike is great at pulling me along as we do this together. We bounce things off each other and come up with things to eat. I find it interesting that drug addicts are sent to a rehab for 3 weeks, phase 1 is for 2 weeks. Drug addicts are encouraged to go to a sober house for I think a month or more where they can gain the upper hand on their addiction and phase 2 is for as long as you are losing weight. I found that an interesting parallel between these two addictions. My compassion has been enlightened by this discovery. I don't think I can any longer condemn those who turn to drugs, food or any other addiction. The trick is to detox and listen for guidance from someone who can get you through this.
So I am here to say that on Monday (1/24) Mike and I will have completed our phase 1. I have so far lost 7-10 lbs (I didn't get a starting weight so I am going on what I remember) and I am quite proud of myself as I hammer this thing out. For the first time in a long time I feel great inside. My body feels different and I LIKE IT. I have many many pounds to go but that will happen I am sure and I look forward to the day I AM in control of my body and not food. I chose to eat to live NOT live to eat.
Last night as I watched the final season and it hit me that I am not so different then any of those people. I to have an addiction. My choice of addiction is food. And just like them if I don't change it will kill me. About 2 years ago I took the bull by the horns and went on weight watchers. I worked so hard at it and after 4 months I lost 2 lbs. Ya you read that right 2 lbs. I came to a breaking point and quit. I was done! There were also other things going on in my life like menopause so my head was swirling about as well as my body. When I went to visit the Dr. for something I wrote down everything that was ticking me off. And when she got to the 2 lbs I lost it. Broke down and cried. Dr. Kelch did say to me, well did you know that women going through menopause usually gain 10 lbs so the fact you lost 2 lbs is pretty good. That didn't help any as I was angry and ready to strike back. I had worked hard and my result was 2 lbs??? I was crushed and I was not going to be told I had done okay and to keep going.
So here I am almost 2 years later and 20 lbs heavier. I am finally past the don't care stage. One day while at work Denise my boss told me she was going to go on the South Beach Diet. I said "oh I have heard that it"s a pretty good diet to go on. I had a teacher tell me she had lost 20 lbs on it." She told me more about it and how it really wasn't a diet but a healthy way of eating. There are 3 phases. Phase 1 is the most restrictive and you cut out almost all carbs, fruit, and some veggies. She told me it was hard in the sense that because it was so restrictive it becomes kind of repetitive if your not creative. But that in reality there was LOTS you could eat. So after a week of watching her and talking to Mike we both started on our diet or better eating plan the following Monday. By not eating carbs, fruit any root veggies your body detoxes riding itself of all the sugars and carbs. You are changing your inside first. A person can move back and forth between the phases if they would like too as well.
It dawned on me last night while watching that I can't really trust my thoughts yet either. It's my addiction speaking. Mike is great at pulling me along as we do this together. We bounce things off each other and come up with things to eat. I find it interesting that drug addicts are sent to a rehab for 3 weeks, phase 1 is for 2 weeks. Drug addicts are encouraged to go to a sober house for I think a month or more where they can gain the upper hand on their addiction and phase 2 is for as long as you are losing weight. I found that an interesting parallel between these two addictions. My compassion has been enlightened by this discovery. I don't think I can any longer condemn those who turn to drugs, food or any other addiction. The trick is to detox and listen for guidance from someone who can get you through this.
So I am here to say that on Monday (1/24) Mike and I will have completed our phase 1. I have so far lost 7-10 lbs (I didn't get a starting weight so I am going on what I remember) and I am quite proud of myself as I hammer this thing out. For the first time in a long time I feel great inside. My body feels different and I LIKE IT. I have many many pounds to go but that will happen I am sure and I look forward to the day I AM in control of my body and not food. I chose to eat to live NOT live to eat.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Cleaning!!
So I had a great mother who taught me how to clean well. She is on my mind quiet often as I clean my house. This morning I decided I needed to tackle our shower and bathroom. Neither of which was a thrilling thought. I hate scum! Let me say that again... I really hate scum. I feel last weekend and tweaked my shoulder and so to stand in the shower and scrub isn't working well. So I lined up all my strong bathroom chemicals and off I went. The shower is now almost done. I will need to rub it down with one coat of lemon oil pledge so it I don't have to repeat the whole process as much. I had wanted to add a picture of shower scum for fun but the ones on the internet are horrible.... wow they needed to be trained by my mom. I'm feeling a whole lot better about my bathroom scum.
I found this interesting little tidbit about shower door scum- Dryer Sheet: You may be surprised to know that the dryer sheets can also be used to clean soap scum. If the shower door is wet, then take a dry dryer sheet and rub it on the dirty areas of the door vigorously to get rid of the soap build up. In case the surface of the shower door is dry, then dampen the dryer sheet and rub it on the door. Both the methods are equally useful to solve the problem.
Now that the shower is done it should all be down hill from here! That is until I open the cupboards under my sink and throw everything out. Drawers be aware you are next. I'm in a haven't used get rid of it mode. Okay put off cleaning the rest of it long enough.
I found this interesting little tidbit about shower door scum- Dryer Sheet: You may be surprised to know that the dryer sheets can also be used to clean soap scum. If the shower door is wet, then take a dry dryer sheet and rub it on the dirty areas of the door vigorously to get rid of the soap build up. In case the surface of the shower door is dry, then dampen the dryer sheet and rub it on the door. Both the methods are equally useful to solve the problem.
Now that the shower is done it should all be down hill from here! That is until I open the cupboards under my sink and throw everything out. Drawers be aware you are next. I'm in a haven't used get rid of it mode. Okay put off cleaning the rest of it long enough.
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