Thursday, September 29, 2011

Ten Things Thursday

Thanks to Laura Belle ... here's the ten:


1.  I can't wait to read all about BOOBs !  So post, darn-it !


2.  In a week from now, I leave for Germany to see my sister and her family (which include my reason for living - my precious niece and nephew).


3.  I am finally getting excited about this trip even though I was planning for it last winter.


4.  Ten weeks ago (right now) I was in the recovery room - thanking God that all went okay with surgery.  Waving hello to my band-twin JRD and almost band-twin Rachel.


5.  I'm down two pounds this week for a total of 37.6 since the pre-op diet.


6.  I was down a bit more earlier in the week so this morning was a bit of a disappointment.


7.  I hate it when I can't just be happy with the basic loss?  Why do I have to have an add-on comment and put myself down?


8.  I was suppose to find a good therapist while I was off on medical.


9.  I did not.


10. Instead, I found a GREAT group of women who provide such support that I KNOW I would have have had the success that I've had to date - without them ... thanks, BOOBS ... have a blast in Chi-town !

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Note the travelling BOOBS ...

Have a blast and take photos !!

Wine Down Wednesday

Slowly getting 'it' figured out ... 


Back in February my sister told us that she and her family (including my precious niece and nephew) were moving to Germany for a job.  Before I could think about that colossal change to my life, I need to have surgery, heal and return to hell work.  Well, the time has finally come to go visit.  I leave a week from tomorrow and I am now just getting excited about my trip. 


My last vacation was in February and I remember thinking: next time I get on a plane: I will be smaller, I will be healthier, I will be able to move more easily .. 'it' will just be better.
And as I sip my glass of red, 'it' is better. 


Granted, I have a list a mile long of things to do when I return (find a pool or at the least find a gym), find a new job, but for now 'it' is okay :)



Monday, September 26, 2011

Jeans update and my butt

So I bombed out at Old Navy.  The gal told me that there is a bigger selection on-line compared to the retail store.  Lovely.  I do not care to order jeans on-line but I guess I will.  Also, Old Navy does not sell belts. So, I walked out of there with a pair of sunglasses.


Professor asked me last night: is your butt getting smaller?  
Answer: YES !!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

The best laid plans and I forgot about Caturday

On the way to the library, I kept hearing this thump-thump-thump.  Pulled over and my tire wasn't just flat ... it was starting to shred !!  Called a tow and had quite the NSV :)  Just as the tow truck was pulling up ~ cute man in a Bentley stopped and said: just seeing you needed any help but I see the tow is here.  I don't know ... it just felt good :)  Who drives a Bentley?  And is under age 53 (I would guess)?  


So, five minutes as the tow guy was doing his thing, I'm standing in the road and Mr. Bentley drives back by ~ toots and waves.  It just felt good :)


Back to the repair-place ... get this .. they will go to the tire store and pick up a tire for me ! Skipped across the street, had a bagel and coffee (yes, an entire bagel, toasted with butter), hopped back and zoomed off.  


No, not to the doc for a fill.  To the Library to pick up some True Blood (Eric with short hair ... whoa !), nap with the fur-child and then to see Professor. I guess I have this week to assess the fill situation.


And, now ... presenting ... Caturday



Saturday, September 24, 2011

Returning to normalcy

As if there is such a thing as 'normal'.  But, as Saturday's go .. I think this is about as normal as I can get.


Up early (so that when I take an afternoon nap - there is no guilt), laundry, some baking (not eating - it's for Professor and my coworkers ... oh, I am pathetic).  Going to the library to return the first season of True Blood .  I find myself sliding into Bill's diction after watching the show.  Having a girlfriend come over for coffee and my morning will be complete.


I'm considering zooming down to my surgeon's for a small fill.  My fill two weeks ago was a total of 4ccs.  When I had surgery, he put in 3.  At the time of first fill, 2 had 'absorbed' and they added 3 for a total of 4.  I'm doing ok with the restriction but I'm almost sure I'm going to Germany to see my sister in two weeks so I don't want to be bothered during flying, trip, etc. (I'll channel my inner Nora - http://atravelingbandita.blogspot.com/) and hope for the best.  


Which leads me to my last point - I need new jeans !  I hate to buy jeans.  I simply want to fit into my size 16W-short size (have three of the same pair).  I certainly can't fit into them now but I can dream.  


Any suggestions for places that sell jeans to short girls with fat thighs?

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Ten Things Thursday

1.   Thursday is my new Friday (mentally) so Friday will just be an illusion.


2.   Earlier this week, I wore the trousers to my suit and a golf shirt (which I thought was too tight) - had a number of people tell me they could see the weight loss.  Wearing clothing that fits is different.


3.    I try and carpool to work as much as possible.  Makes for a longer day but I like saving $ and doing my little bit to help the environment.  I'm waiting for my carpool as I type (or as I speak).


4.    Again, I am beat.  Feel like a Mack Truck has run me over. 

5.    I brought my tiny laptop to work as I want to be able to read and blog on whatever kind of break I can find in my workday. Today's break was at 515pm.


6.    My new boss must have been a file clerk in her previous job.  In 9 days, we have had 6 full fledged conversations about the HR file room.  Which is funny because it is in the best shape it has ever been.  Today, we actually had a meeting about it.  She asked if filing had ever been a priority and I responded: no, our staff has gone from four to two and filing was never a priority. Getting the bare minimum done has been the priority.  Twinkie-Twit is the nicest word I can come up with for her.
  
7.    Started watching a new show last night: Revenge.  I liked it.


8.    I really miss Coco Fiona when I'm at work.


9.    I put my protein shake on top of my car and drove off.  Heard something but thought it was my seat belt.  A few miles later I reached for the shake.  Poof ! And, that had one of the 'good' lids on it too.


10.   Happy Birthday to my dear Band-Twin, JRD.  I just love her ... she is so positive, upbeat and is real at the same time.  We are Team 7~21 !

I hear it's your birthday !

piece of a birthday cake


Happy Birthday, my Band-Twin ~ the fabulous JRD 
Please drop over and wish her well !

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Wine Down Wednesday

I'm turning Wednesday into the new Thursday.  And that means a little tiny glass of wine :)

Also, since I have no problem adjusting calendars and I'm anticipating TOM, I decided to weigh in today instead of tomorrow (Thr is my official day):

Down: 3.8 lbs
Since pre-op diet: 35 lbs (YES !)

Work and life have continue to be hell (and I'm not happy).  

Still haven't gotten the exercise thing worked out. As in, haven't done any. Didn't swim this weekend, haven't done anything this week.  Feel like carp <-- pretending to be a lady.

Have been prepping for two job interviews (one yesterday afternoon and a different this morning).  Wasn't geeked about either.  But each one exhausted me.  I've been back to week since last Monday and I feel like I've been run over by a truck.

I am promising myself: I will get this figured out !

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Please pass the tissue ... why am I so emotional?

Blog Awards!
I am weigh over (pun intended) due for posting but every time I sit down to do such, I become incredibly emotional ... 

First, off I can't believe the kindness that is always overflowing from this awesome BOOB community.  JRD (http://canuckbanditmusings.blogspot.com/), Ronnie (http://bandumentary.blogspot.com/) and Robyn (http://robynnest-robyn.blogspot.com/) all nominated me for this super-sweet award and all had such nice things to say about me that (again) I started crying.  I remember when I first blogging - Robyn nominated me for a Blog Award - the Adorable Blog Award and I didn't even know what to do.  Still don't but just know that I am humbly touched my the three of you AND the (I cant' believe it) 73 other followers I have.  OMG - thank you and pleasepleaseplease if I am not following you - just let me know !

Secondly, the return to work has been a disaster.  I have updated my resume, sent it off to a few places and am just going to keep plugging away until I have something ... anything would be better so my expectation is pretty low. In fact, when new-boss asked me about carpooling (is it the money or don't you know how to drive?) I responded: it's the money and if I could find a job closer to home I would take it.  That sailed right over her head.

Third, I lost 1.2 lbs from Thr to Thr (happy 8 week bandiversary JRD !!) - the lowest amount ever.  Not complaining - just stating the fact that I wake up every day with a pit in my stomach and the stress hormone cortisol is going like gang-busters.  I was going to go swim today (at a drop in place for $10) but I decided to work on the job stuff instead.  

Lastly, we can wear jeans on Friday.  A g-friend gave me some 18s last year that I've been waiting to get into.  Wore a pair of Liz & Co 18 W Stretch Jeans and by the end of the day, I could take them off without unzipping them.  Oh, if only all jeans were like that.  Hips, bun and thighs are my biggest problem so I'll probably take these to get altered.  Hey, I'll take the NSV any place I can get it.  Note, I have a pair of size 20 jeans that I cannot even breathe while wearing. 

I need to find a way to blog and read at work.  Now THAT would make the 7am-7pm routine bearable :)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

From bad to worse

Gosh darn it (not really the words I used !!)  I just ate Trader Joe's sweet potato chips (about a serving) and hummus ... not because I was hungry but because I had a bad day thought I deserved it.  


Just checked pills ... yes, I am totally pms-ing.  :(


Going to bed. 

This job is getting in the way of my blogging life

All good things must come to an end and my return to work was like running full speed ahead into a brick wall.  I took photos of my office (and the associated piles of work) but I'm too tired to post them ... imagine your desk, work table and credenza covered with stacks of paper all staggered so more can fit on the space.

My new boss started on Monday as well.  No Comment. I'm no fan of my current place of employment but they are getting ripped off with her.  I came home, updated my resume (some more) and went to the pool.

I can tell I have a little restriction but need more asap.  I've been eating half of a salad or half of an omlette, hash browns and toast and then bringing the other half home for dinner.  A huge improvement over pre-band but I am definitely eating !!  I'm stressed and hungry between meals (stomach growls) but all I've grabbed is a low fat moz stick. 

There's talk of layoffs which probably should have happened months ago (there was a batch earlier in the year).  

Batting zero with finding a pool that fits my life (the one where I'm gone 11-12 hours each day) and is not expensive.  But I'll find something.

If this post sounds 'down' .. I am down ... I am feeling beat down.  A total of 32 pounds thinner (I'm afraid of the scale tomorrow) but definitely beat down.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Everybody into the Pool !

My condo pool will be open until Thursday, September 15 !  I am having a 'devil of a time' (I got that phrase from Professor Steve) trying to find a relatively inexpensive replacement for my new fav workout - treading water.



My gym closed about a month ago. (Yes, due to their policies and how I was forced to pre-pay my last month - I can technically go to one of their other gyms until mid-November.)  Old gym had a pool - nothing great but at least I could tread. 

I have looked at the Recreation Center at next city/township over.  Fees are double for non-residents and they have NO classes whatsoever. I've looked at a private country-club type place, located on the other side of the township.  I need to be age 50 to join. @@  (I'm calling tomorrow to see if there are any exceptions as I just want to use the pool.)  The local high schools do not look promising.  I am trying to stay away from Lifet*me Fitne$s as I just don't think I would fit in.  And, I'm sure they are expensive.  


Here, I have finally found a workout I like, I don't sweat, it's easy on the ol' joints, etc. and I'm going to be booted from it in a few more days ...  

A few firsts and a new name

Last weekend, the Sweetie (who will now be named Professor - think Gilligan's Island) and I took his sailboat out and I had my first tiny, flat hamburger (no bun, lots of jalapeno mustard).  In hindsight, due to the choppy water, not the best decision to go out on the water but now we know his boat (I call it: The Other Girlfriend) is seaworthy.  Over and over again, I thought: next year, I will be more limber, next year I will weigh less, next year the boat won't tip as much when I step on .... not that I am wishing my life away ~ it just felt GREAT that I actually believe that next year will be better :)


Last night, we went to a BBQ-Bonfire.  We did not go on the 15 or 25 mile country roads bike-ride ~ just went for the after party.  I made a chili cheese dip and ate that with some veggies and two brownie-bites.  Didn't need the brownie bites but I was going to be under calories and I was at a party ... so I savored them :)  No beer, wine or booze for me.  <-- impressive.  


Nothing too exciting.  Just some good feelings of control ... spending some time today reflecting back on 9-11 and giving thanks for those who gave their life and continue to serve our country. 


  

Friday, September 9, 2011

Dinner last night and fill advice solicitation


Dinner
Chicken - Boneless Skinless Breast, Baked - 1/2 Breast, 2 oz600111Ico_delete
Generic - Cherry Tomato - With Potassium, 6 cherry tomato24511Ico_delete
Trader Joes - Sweet Potato Tortilla Chip Rounds, 11 chips1501972Ico_delete
Kraft - Cheddar Cheese - Shredded 2%, 1/4 cup (28g)80067Ico_delete
Kroger - Refried Beans-Fat Free, 1/2 cup1102007Ico_delete
Add Food 424441528
Is this greater than 1.5 cups of food ?? Argh !!  


Got the total blow off today at the surgeon's office.  I now have 4 cc in an AP Large band (which holds 14 ccs).  It was like pulling teeth to get that info. 


I do not need to have liquids or mushies ~ I can go right to 'real' food and band rules.  Without having to go back and reread blogs for 'first fill tips' or 'any fill tips' ... do you have any?


Condo pool is open until Sunday and we have no rain - yeah !


Dropped off return to work slip at work.  Am getting screwed.  Plus, the a/c is on so high I walked out 20 minutes later with a sore throat.  I need to change my attitude and fast. 

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Ten Things Thursday

I am totally copying Laura’s Ten Thing Thursday this week.  


1.  I love that Ten Things Thursday coincides with my bandiversary :)   Super fast 7 weeks :0


2.  I copied Robyn's first sentence and I think I like her font better than mine :)    (http://robynnest-robyn.blogspot.com)


3.  Spoke to a co-worker friend last night re: going back to work on Monday.  Don't make me go. 


4.  New dishwasher was delivered today - need to keep job to pay for the darn thing (and for cat food).


5.  Heard from a recruiter today regarding the phone interview from last week.  Apparently, the hiring manager does want to meet with me.  


6.  I would not have been able to interview 30 lbs ago (when I started this journey) so I am thankful that I now have some confidence back.


7.  Treated myself with permanent eye-liner after I had surgery.  Last night was the 'Perfecting Appointment'.  I love the sound of that: Perfecting Appointment.


8.  Thanks to Robyn and Laura, I am making some homemade chix nachos for dinner.


9.  I was a waitress for 10000000000 years and still use waitress lingo (back in the day when waitress handwrote your order and gave it to a cook).  See: chix above.


10.  Those nachos are not going to make themselves ... where is that dinner fairy I ordered?

First Goal Met !

Yippee !! Ten percent of this ol' body is long gone (channeling the Detroit Tigers announcer).  

Today, is JRD's (http://canuckbanditmusings.blogspot.com/) and my seven week bandiversary and I am thrilled with the changes that I've made :)  I'm just hoping I can keep the majority of them going when I go back to work next week ... finger crossed.

Weekly loss: 3.2 lbs - I guess the sailing that didn't kill me - only made me stronger.

Need to clean out under the kitchen sink so my new dishwasher can be installed. Another thrill. 

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

I guess I do need that fill ...

Was not hungry today until after I got home about an hour ago (745pm).  Did not work out or tread water (pouring rain all day).


Salad for dinner consisted of:


A ton of lettuce
1/3 of a cuc
6 cherry tomatoes
1 oz of feta chz
1 oz of ff feta chz
3 oz of grilled chix
2 tbl of greek dressing


And I ate it all.  Yes, I'm sure I am not suppose to be able to eat all of that !

The night before the fill ...

For some reason, I am nervous about getting my first fill tomorrow.  Or maybe I'm bothered that I RSVP'd yes to a BBQ-Bonfire for Saturday night.  Or maybe, it's that I'm finally going back to work on Monday.  To a new boss.  And by new boss I mean - her first day is Monday.  I had another 'new boss' that started on the first day of my LOA.  She's already gone.  


Ok.  I just realized that my first fill is not tomorrow.  It's Friday.  Carry-on.