Well, it is almost Thanksgiving 2011. I have much to be thankful for.
Marissa:
Accepted to UW Eau Claire
Enjoys her job as life guard
Having fun at school this year
Volunteer Barista at Mercy hospital
Owns her own car
Gunnar:
Doing well as an 8th grader
After surgery, 2 casts and a metal brace, his elbow is healing.
A few more OT appointments to go
Has drummed at a CPHS football game
Marched & drummed in Anoka Halloween parade
Pat:
Sober for 3 years
Working with me to re-grow our relationship
Employed (still at EFP)
Playing with camera
Me:
Employed as a consultant
Maintained my 40 lb loss
Still knitting and reading
Trying to convert from Diet Dr. Pepper to tea
19 November 2011
25 September 2011
Recovery Weekend
Gunnar re-injured his right elbow on July 29. It has taken until Sep 13 for an MRI to be determined necessary. Then until Sep 20 to get it scheduled. Then it became urgent to get him into surgery, so that occurred on Sep 23. Of course I had to land a sinus infection on the 22nd. Today G and I are both recovering. I am doing much better than him. He has a straight arm cast and has to miss a few more days of school (1.5 so far, another 2 for sure. He is being a trooper and the doctor said the surgery went well.
Poor kid has been unable to straighten his arm for almost 2 months. Now, after 2 days casted straight, he would really like to bend it! Praying that this will heal quickly so he can get back to being a typical teenage boy.
Poor kid has been unable to straighten his arm for almost 2 months. Now, after 2 days casted straight, he would really like to bend it! Praying that this will heal quickly so he can get back to being a typical teenage boy.
29 May 2011
Graduations: endings & beginnings
My nephew graduated from high school today. He has grown up so fast and I hardly know him. In the short time we had to visit with him and the rest of family, I learned that he is a friendly, polite and caring young man. It was fun to talk with him and see him interact with little Norah.
As we were leaving the graduation party I was overcome with tears. As usual, for me, I tried to hide them while simultaneously trying puzzle through the emotions. What I believe I was, am feeling is loss. With my mom gone, now over 10 years, it is very clear her work to keep us all in touch with each other was not taken up by anyone else in her absence.
Are we incapable, lazy, too busy with higher priorities or were we all hoping another would step in? Maybe we were all just so buried in grief and our own struggles, that we just didn't recognise what we were missing? Well, I see it now. Hopefully not too late...
As we were leaving the graduation party I was overcome with tears. As usual, for me, I tried to hide them while simultaneously trying puzzle through the emotions. What I believe I was, am feeling is loss. With my mom gone, now over 10 years, it is very clear her work to keep us all in touch with each other was not taken up by anyone else in her absence.
Are we incapable, lazy, too busy with higher priorities or were we all hoping another would step in? Maybe we were all just so buried in grief and our own struggles, that we just didn't recognise what we were missing? Well, I see it now. Hopefully not too late...
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17 February 2011
Busy, busy, busy...
Not even sure where to start???
Turning worries into prayers:
Over the last 2 weeks, 4 people I know have been going through cancer treatments. Prayer warriors are really working for these 4 gals. One has 1 chemo remaining and all signs are pointing to remissions. Another is still in the midst of chemo, but test to determine effectiveness are showing amazing results. The third got amazing test results back this week as well. Finally, my SIL's mom had a mastectomy last week. The lab results showed only a small percent of the mass removed was cancerous and the lymph nodes were clear. PRAISE GOD!!!
Slow and steady wins the race:
You may or may not know that I hit a wall the end of October 2010 and just had to do something to get me out of my slump. What I did was join a fitness club and hire a personal trainer. As you can see by the ticker on this blog, I am seeing success. The weight loss faster earlier on, but I am still dropping. Adam is very good at pushing me beyond what I would do on my own, but still actually hurting me. I joke that I cannot believe I am paying someone to torture me!
Aging - Changing places with your parents:
My in-laws are older than my dad. Pat's personality is not one to want to take on tough task/roles, or until recently even admit they exist. He has been amazing me daily as he is stepping up to get things done regarding his dad's memory care and his mother's inability to act on what needs to occur. He is dealing with tons of emotions, learning that his mom might lie or omit when talking to him, his sister (older by 10 years) doesn't want to do the icky stuff, and his dad just isn't "with-it" enough to help himself. Last week Pat brought in a lawyer to get all the different paper work completed and toured some facilities with his mom. This week, after learning that there WAS an opening at the favored facility (another long painfully emotion ridden story), he contacted the center and started the ball rolling for Jack to be assessed and place. His mom has been threatening to "leave him" which at this point he is no condition to be left alone at home even for a short time. The assessor has talked to Pat today, his mom and will be contacting the doctor. Praying that this will come to resolution soon.
Career, work and carpooling:
So, last week the rumors were flying about layoffs. People were really tense and the atmosphere was pretty depressing. Add to that all of the above prayer needs - UGH! In the mean time other opportunities are slow in coming to fruition. A positive note is that I started carpooling a couple/few times a week. Well, the stress of the week finally got to me on Friday. I was lucky enough to get out of my last Friday meeting early. I text my carpool buddy I would be ready about 4:05pm. I pulled my stuff together and headed to the employee entrance. After waiting 15 minutes outside, I walked back into the building. I ended up chatting with the security guard and a co-worker. I didn't realize my phone volume was turned low. Because it was now 4:30pm, I was now getting worried about being in Champlin for my 5:30pm trainer appointment, I pulled out my phone to check on my ride and noticed a message from carpool buddy. He wrote, "Just checking to see if you drove home without me, give me a call!" Embarrassingly enough, I realized I was the one who drove after 35 minutes of waiting for someone to pick me up. All I could say at that point was TGIF.
Positive mish-mash:
Marissa has completed her ACT. Gunnar is a ski machine. Laundry room is getting remodeled. Owe Uncle Sam less than last year. Typing this all out was cathartic. Now I am off to my knitting group which is always a great reliever of stress!
Turning worries into prayers:
Over the last 2 weeks, 4 people I know have been going through cancer treatments. Prayer warriors are really working for these 4 gals. One has 1 chemo remaining and all signs are pointing to remissions. Another is still in the midst of chemo, but test to determine effectiveness are showing amazing results. The third got amazing test results back this week as well. Finally, my SIL's mom had a mastectomy last week. The lab results showed only a small percent of the mass removed was cancerous and the lymph nodes were clear. PRAISE GOD!!!
Slow and steady wins the race:
You may or may not know that I hit a wall the end of October 2010 and just had to do something to get me out of my slump. What I did was join a fitness club and hire a personal trainer. As you can see by the ticker on this blog, I am seeing success. The weight loss faster earlier on, but I am still dropping. Adam is very good at pushing me beyond what I would do on my own, but still actually hurting me. I joke that I cannot believe I am paying someone to torture me!
Aging - Changing places with your parents:
My in-laws are older than my dad. Pat's personality is not one to want to take on tough task/roles, or until recently even admit they exist. He has been amazing me daily as he is stepping up to get things done regarding his dad's memory care and his mother's inability to act on what needs to occur. He is dealing with tons of emotions, learning that his mom might lie or omit when talking to him, his sister (older by 10 years) doesn't want to do the icky stuff, and his dad just isn't "with-it" enough to help himself. Last week Pat brought in a lawyer to get all the different paper work completed and toured some facilities with his mom. This week, after learning that there WAS an opening at the favored facility (another long painfully emotion ridden story), he contacted the center and started the ball rolling for Jack to be assessed and place. His mom has been threatening to "leave him" which at this point he is no condition to be left alone at home even for a short time. The assessor has talked to Pat today, his mom and will be contacting the doctor. Praying that this will come to resolution soon.
Career, work and carpooling:
So, last week the rumors were flying about layoffs. People were really tense and the atmosphere was pretty depressing. Add to that all of the above prayer needs - UGH! In the mean time other opportunities are slow in coming to fruition. A positive note is that I started carpooling a couple/few times a week. Well, the stress of the week finally got to me on Friday. I was lucky enough to get out of my last Friday meeting early. I text my carpool buddy I would be ready about 4:05pm. I pulled my stuff together and headed to the employee entrance. After waiting 15 minutes outside, I walked back into the building. I ended up chatting with the security guard and a co-worker. I didn't realize my phone volume was turned low. Because it was now 4:30pm, I was now getting worried about being in Champlin for my 5:30pm trainer appointment, I pulled out my phone to check on my ride and noticed a message from carpool buddy. He wrote, "Just checking to see if you drove home without me, give me a call!" Embarrassingly enough, I realized I was the one who drove after 35 minutes of waiting for someone to pick me up. All I could say at that point was TGIF.
Positive mish-mash:
Marissa has completed her ACT. Gunnar is a ski machine. Laundry room is getting remodeled. Owe Uncle Sam less than last year. Typing this all out was cathartic. Now I am off to my knitting group which is always a great reliever of stress!
22 January 2011
Struggling for motivation...
I have a fairly long list of things to do today. However, I cannot seem to get motivated to get moving. I have started the laundry, worked with the budget a bit and payed bills. Now all I want is a nap! I think I am going to take one.... NOW.
Maybe more later.
Maybe more later.
21 January 2011
Friday - Freezing - Free of Kids...
TGIF...
The lowest in MN today was -40. That was without windchill. I guess it isn't really surprising, we always have 1 week of hideous cold.
G is up at Timber Ridge camp, near Pine City, MN. It is with the church (Grace Fellowship) junior high group. I hope they have a wonderful time, but I am praying that the frigid weather overrides the teenage fashion mindfulness and that full winter gear is worn for the outdoor activities.
M is overnight with a friend who is kid sitting for the weekend.
I have found a new, hot drink... Chai Tea Latte from Caribou. YUM
Well, I am off to warm up under an electric blanket with my knitting and watch some TV.
The lowest in MN today was -40. That was without windchill. I guess it isn't really surprising, we always have 1 week of hideous cold.
G is up at Timber Ridge camp, near Pine City, MN. It is with the church (Grace Fellowship) junior high group. I hope they have a wonderful time, but I am praying that the frigid weather overrides the teenage fashion mindfulness and that full winter gear is worn for the outdoor activities.
M is overnight with a friend who is kid sitting for the weekend.
I have found a new, hot drink... Chai Tea Latte from Caribou. YUM
Well, I am off to warm up under an electric blanket with my knitting and watch some TV.
18 January 2011
Getter Done
Well, if I have any followers, you will note that I am completing construction. I have my FPU baby step 3 tracker, weight loss monitor, etc.
Please feel free to check up on me to see if I am sticking to my 2011 goals.
Please feel free to check up on me to see if I am sticking to my 2011 goals.
12 January 2011
Teenagers...
First I will start with the thought that I have some pretty great kids.
However, it seems like they go into hiding somewhere in their teens and are replaced with a selfish, self centered, snotty monster. I know I wasn't the perfect daughter, but when I was young, there were certain things you knew never to do. Here they are:
However, it seems like they go into hiding somewhere in their teens and are replaced with a selfish, self centered, snotty monster. I know I wasn't the perfect daughter, but when I was young, there were certain things you knew never to do. Here they are:
- Don't sass if you are asking for a favor.
- F's are just not acceptable - avoid or be VERY scared if you come home with one.
- Stomping and slamming = grounded - period.
- When the answer is "no", and you have dared to ask for a clarification and get "no" again - stop asking or you will get a previous "yes" turned to "no" as well.
- Having a car, paid insurance, designer wardrobe and a paid membership to a club are not necessities and are not expectations of your parents - get a job!
- You go to school unless you are throwing up, fever over 101 or are dead. If it happens to be canceled - thank God - it doesn't usually happen more than once in your educational career.
- All toys (even expensive electronic ones) can & will be taken away if they are being abused, you are not meeting your grades or if they are causing distraction of any kind - parent's determine what is distracting (like not listening to "no" the first time).
- Just because you "want" something, be it clothes, a ride, money, etc. does not mean you are entitled to it.
- Carpooling - learn it, do it. Parents didn't sign up for a 2nd job of your personal taxi.
- Never come home pregnant. Don't even consider putting yourself in a position to become pregnant - it is not socially acceptable in your household no matter what the media advocates.
11 January 2011
Today is a banner day...
I have has such a great day! My reasons for today being GREAT!
- Scale shows I have lost 25+ pounds. That is since 10/28/2010.
- I am wearing a size 14 pant (down from a VERY tight 16) today and it is not cutting off circulation!
- A very special offer I was hoping for came my way today... more on that later...
- FY12 budgets for work are in and I think I am done with that stuff until at least March.
- I have no predefined plans for this evening.
09 January 2011
Can house cleaning be counted as exercise?
I think so! At least for today where I was pulling down all the Christmas decorations. Feels nice to have it done, but now I need a shower and a nap. I don't think my family will let me get away with that.
I have gone "Cold Sheep" for a new years resolution. That means I don't buy anymore yarn for some pre-determined amount of time. I have enough yarn to knit for quite a while (100k yards). I am official a member of SABLE (Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy). The weirdest thing is now that I set that goal, all I am doing is perusing yarn de-stash pages (for sale), on-line yarn sales, etc. I do get to buy one thing of yarn for a sweater for my sister - that has been in the plan. Hopefully that will help.
Off to clean-up and hopefully sneak away to somewhere unnoticed for a nap.
I have gone "Cold Sheep" for a new years resolution. That means I don't buy anymore yarn for some pre-determined amount of time. I have enough yarn to knit for quite a while (100k yards). I am official a member of SABLE (Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy). The weirdest thing is now that I set that goal, all I am doing is perusing yarn de-stash pages (for sale), on-line yarn sales, etc. I do get to buy one thing of yarn for a sweater for my sister - that has been in the plan. Hopefully that will help.
Off to clean-up and hopefully sneak away to somewhere unnoticed for a nap.
08 January 2011
Baby it's cold outside...
So I slept until 9am. G-boy was skiing today. He moved up a group, that means that he will have hit the top levels of this new group this year as well. We are hoping Marissa is keeping warm at Camp Fred - what a name! Really haven't accomplished much for home and hearth, after getting some "take home work" done, I had little energy left to do much more than change a laundry load every hour or so.
My niece Norah got her ballerina sweater today and according to Stephanie fits & looks great - YEAH!
Listening to a book on tape, but will have to start over soon - keep falling asleep.
My niece Norah got her ballerina sweater today and according to Stephanie fits & looks great - YEAH!
Listening to a book on tape, but will have to start over soon - keep falling asleep.
04 January 2011
Feels like Wednesday today...
Today I am dragging. Not that I didn't get where I needed to be on time or anything, I am just really sluggish. Lots of yawning. Exercise this evening didn't even help. Off to bed! Big morning ahead of me.
Fun happening for the day: neighbor KKS brought over a Christmas gift for me - loved it!
Fun happening for the day: neighbor KKS brought over a Christmas gift for me - loved it!
02 January 2011
Freezing!
For some reason I just could not warm up today! I have been a slug under my electric blanket. Thankful for Pat doing the kid running today while I vegged.
01 January 2011
Happy 2011!
New Years Resolutions:
- Blog more frequently
- Exercise minimum 5 days/week (hopefully 6)
- Continue the healthy eating
- Continue the downward trend in weight & meeting my mini-goals
- Shop for yarn from my personal stash
- Complete at least 12 knitting projects
- Read/listen to 100 books
- Continue Diet Dr. Pepper free
- Fully fund our emergency fund
- Knock of at least 6 household projects
- Enjoy this wonderful year God has provided
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