Is It Fall Yet? Or Even Better, September Yet?

Ahhh, Fall, my favorite time of the year.  About this time every year, I get the itch for Fall, and I just can't wait for it to arrive.  I love everything there is about about Fall...the colors, the pumpkins, Halloween...and most importantly?  COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!!!  I can hardly wait!  As of September 1st, (if not a couple of days before) I will have my house all decked out to the 9s with Fall Decorations.  Every inch of of this place, from top, to bottom, to the bathroom, will look like Fall puked all over and I love it!  It's all I can do to wait for October 1st to decorate for Halloween. 

I usually take off Saturdays so I can watch me some FSU (Florida State University) and ISU (Iowa State University) football games, but this year I have Saturday and Sundays off, so bring on the games, baby!  Before I had surgery I used to make loads of snacks for the games.  Meatballs, chips and dip, taco dip, anything football.  So, this season should prove interesting since last year I had surgery in October and could only drink liquids or soft foods for most of the season.  It's funny how much can change in a year and for the better, but I'll save that for a later post. 

So, now I'm off to look at game schedules and to plan out my Saturdays.  I'm thinking I need to set up the TV in my sewing room and get some projects together so I can sew and cheer on my teams.  Go Noles and Clones! 

Housework Is Evil...Need I Say More?

This weekend has been hotter than heck and all I wanted to do was catch up on my sleep and just lounge around.  So, what do I end up doing?  Tons and tons of laundry.  Oh!  And to top it off, I decided it would be a good idea to mow the lawn at 1 in the afternoon.  Could it be any hotter?!  There's no shade, no breeze, no nothing!  Just me, trying to keep the sweat out of my eyes and trying to keep myself from busting into random dance moves while listening to my iPod.  I should have kept my butt inside where it's cool. 

So, now I'm sitting here, trying to cool off and putting off folding the laundry and putting it away.  Plus I really need to pick up my bedroom and I've been wanting to rearrange it.  Why is it we decide to do all of this stuff when it's 1000 degrees outside instead of just sitting back and relaxing?

This Is How I Feel

This is how I feel after walking 2 miles this morning and then another 2 miles tonight.  Enough said!

WLS Facebook Group For The Midwest

Hello all!  I have decided to start a Facebook group for us Midwest WLS people.  I would love it if you all wanted to join as well.  It's not just strictly for people from the Midwest, but hopefully we get some others from the "area".  Anyways, it's just getting started so it's small and bare, so hang in there with us!

Midwest WLS Friends

Shake Your Grove Thang!

I was sitting around the house surfing the net (okay, I was really Facebook stalking) thinking I need to get up and do something.  And by something, I mean workout.  And by workout, I mean something inside because it's 94 with a heat index of 108.  So, I started looking thru some WLS forums and came across one for Zumba for the Wii.  I did some reading up on it and thought it might be something worth looking into.  I went to my trusty site, Amazon.com and looked it up.  I read some of the reviews and added it to my cart.  Then I thought I would check out the Walmart site and see if they have in our store.  Very rarely do they have things in our store since it is smaller and the next Walmart is 20 mins away.  Well, of all the luck, they had it in stock...so the site said. I have run into this many times with our local store.  The site says they have something in stock and I get there and it's no where to be found.  Typical. 

I shut down my computer, grabbed my purse and headed on out!  I walked back to the electronics department, went straight for the games and there it was!!!!!  And they had 5 or 6 of them!  JACKPOT!  So, I decided since there were plenty of them I would go and check out some of the workout clothes.  I have some awesome New Balance workout/Yoga pants and capris, but I needed some shorts.  I found these for $6!  I got the gray ones, but I'm thinking for $6 I'm going back tomorrow and picking up a couple other pairs.  Not only were they perfect for the Wii, but they will be perfect to sleep in.  And at that price, you can't go wrong. 

So, I picked up my shorts, picked up Zumba and headed on home.  I pulled on my shorts (way comfy), popped in Zumba and started to shake my grove thang like it was nobody's business.  Thank goodness I pulled the blinds, because no one should have to watch me try to strut my stuff LOL  I didn't bother learning the steps (which I should have done) but jumped right in.  I kept up pretty well, but after 22 minutes, I had had enough.  I was spent, sweaty and dying for a drink of water.  So, all in all, I would say I had a successful Walmart trip and a pretty good Zumba workout.  I think I'm going to try it again later tonight and try to learn some of the moves. 

Holy Wow!!! It's Hotter Than....

HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!!  It's the dead of summer here in Iowa and mother nature is strutting her stuff and showing us who is boss.  It's supposed to be in the 90's today, with a heat index of 100+.  It's hot, it's humid...it's Iowa!  LOL  And to make matters worse, this icky humid weather is here to stay until at least Wednesday, or at least that's what the heat advisory says.  I don't plan on doing much, that's for sure.  I went for my walk early today, ran to the grocery store for the ingredients for taco salad and then to Walmart (huge mistake). But for some reason, I decided to rearrange my pantry today and needed a new spice rack and some new air tight containers.

Anywho, because it's so hot out today, I thought I would post a few pictures of ways to cool off.  I hope you enjoy them!  Enjoy your weekend!

I'm Baaaaaaacccckkkkkk!

Hello everyone!  I feel like I have been gone forever!  My laptop decided it didn't want to work anymore...well, actually, it was the motherboard, again!  I have replaced it twice now in less that a year and a half and I have had enough!  So, today, I ran my happy ass over to Best Buy and grabbed me up a new Toshiba Satellite laptop!  It doesn't have a bunch of bells and whistles, but I don't need all of that.  I mainly just surf the web (okay, Facebook), listen to my iTunes and type up the occasional paper.  So, now I'm back in the computer age and I have missed everyone!  I hope things are well for you all!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!  Enjoy your day and be careful out there!  Remember to thank a soldier for your freedom! 

Finally....The Weekend

Well, that pretty much sums up my last week.  It was the week from emotional hell!  I haven't been on this hormonal roller coaster since about a month post op.  I've had some days since, here and there, but not a whole week since.  Holy crap it was horrible!

I couldn't get in a good mood for anything!  I felt like I couldn't get enough sleep.  Like I couldn't get ahead.  It felt like I would take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back.  It has been one long week for everyone involved and I am so sorry.  I wish I knew what triggered this whole thing so I could forewarn others.  So they could take cover or come prepared! 

I am so happy that the week is over and that I'm off for the weekend.  I'm hoping to get everything back into check and come Monday be back on track.  I want to enjoy the Holiday weekend without having my head spin around in circles and pea soup spewing from my mouth.  Wish me luck!

One-der-land Baby!!!!!!

WOOT!!!  WOOT!!!  That's right baby, I'm out of the two hundreds!  It happened yesterday, but I wanted to make sure it was gonna stick before I started to brag about it!  I can't believe it, 9 1/2 months ago I was over 300 pounds and miserable.  I'm such a happier, healthier person now and I love it!  I had a pretty amazing weekend and this just tops it all off! 

Pity Party? Table For One? Your Table Is Ready!

Yep, I'm complaining today.  I am in pain, it's making me crabby and I just want it to go away.  I feel like I've traded in one illness for another *sigh*  When I had my surgery in October, they had my arm strapped straight out from my side for over 2 hours.  Turns out, my body didn't like that.  I have a horrible pinch in my upper bicep, that at times, will drop me to my knees. My RNY surgeon said my arm was hyper extended and referred me to an orthopedic surgeon.

So, after putting up with it for a while (until February) I finally did something about it and the orthopedic surgeon put me in physical therapy.  Today at my follow up, he decided to step it up a bit and gave me a cortisone shot in my shoulder....YEEOUCH!  I'm a touch cookie, I have 9 tattoos, but I'm not liking this one bit!  The shot itself didn't hurt any more than a usual shot.  The slight little prick and boom!  It was done.  But now that time has gone by, my entire left arm is numb (which is making it hard to type, yet equally funny at the same time) and it hurts like a SOB!  The doctor told me ice, ice, ice and rest, rest, rest...but I'm finding this a little difficult.  And since we cannot have any ibuprofen, I'm a hurting unit! I'm trying to lick my wounds (so to speak) with a Vanilla Latte Click, but it's not doing the whole trick.  So, I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to have another one!

I'm glad I decided to take today off work...could you imagine me after about 8 hours of being crabby and all doped up on Click?  On the flip side, I'm trying to be optimistic and thinking this is going to work and it's going to change everything...I hope!  

Okay, my pity party is over...you may now resume your regularly scheduled programming :)

Happy 1st Day of Summer!!!!!!!!

My First Day of Summer Dream

WAHOO!!!!!  Summer has officially started!  And even thought it's cloudy and rainy in Iowa today, who cares!  Summertime is here!!!!  This is the first summer since I lived in Florida (way back in 1998) that I'm actually looking forward to getting out and showing myself off.  I've worked hard to drop this weight and damn it, I'm gonna flaunt it...bat wings and all!  :)  I have actually gone out and bought 3 tank tops and 2 sleeveless shirts and I'm excited to wear them!  Now all I need is somewhere to go...besides work!   And now, for your viewing pleasure...someone that CAN rock the sleeveless shirts....KENNY CHESNEY!!!!  Enjoy ;)

100 Pounds Gone...FOREVER!!!!!!

Enough said!!!!!!! 

My "I've lost 100 Pounds" ring.

The stone on the left is the birthstone for October, the month I had surgery.  The one in the middle is for my birth month, November.  The one on the right is the birth stone for June, the month I lost the 100 pounds in.

My mom made this wall hanging for me out of my favorite fabrics for losing 100 pounds. I love it!

Protein Lemonade? Yes Please!!!!

I'm in love...with Nectar's Roadside Lemonade protein powder!  As many of you know, I've had one heck of a time finding a protein powder that I could tolerate and keep down.  There was my first protein love, Vanilla Latte Click, then there was Vanilla and Chocolate Body Fortress and now, now there's Nectar. With it's 23 grams of protein, NO CARBS, NO FATS, NO SUGARS and only 90 calories.  Just add water and go! 

This stuff is AWESOME!!!!  I have tried it a couple of different ways.  I have tried it plain, with SF Strawberry syrup and with Wild Strawberry Crystal Light.  I must say, the last one is my favorite.  And this stuff is super easy to make.  You don't have to throw it in the blender, you don't even have to put it in a Blender Bottle, you can put it in a glass and stir it up.  That's it!  Isn't that great!?! 

I have been putting mine in a Blender Bottle when I'm at work just because it's easier for me.  But otherwise I usually just put it in a glass and stir, stir, stir!  I have put it in the blender and it's gets a little frothy, but I don't mind it one bit.  What it really boils down to is preference.  So, what are you waiting for?  Go get yourself some of this stuff....NOW!!!!

Retail Therapy...Good or Bad?

Ahhhh, nothing feels better than a little retail therapy, right?  Let's face it, it's always fun to buy yourself a little something.  A new pair of jeans, maybe a new purse, or those hot pink shoes? 

But when does a little retail therapy turn into an obsession?  Or perhaps a crossover or transfer addiction?  I only ask because I've been looking back over my past spending habits.  At first after surgery, I was very frugal.  It was great to go into the grocery store and only buy $25 worth of groceries for the next 2 weeks, if not longer.  If you were like me, in the beginning, you were proud of yourself for making the decision to have surgery, but you weren't seeing results right away, so you were somewhat depressed.  But, after that first 50 pounds came off, you were on top of the world!  Nothing could go wrong, no one could get you down...except for that stupid scale!

So, to make myself feel better, I bought myself just a little something.  It might have been a smaller sized t-shirt, a pair of exercise/yoga pants or maybe even a new movie.  It wasn't anything big, just a little pick me up.  Since then the "gifts" have become more and more frequent and more and more expensive.  I somehow have managed to tell myself this is okay.  I pick up overtime at work so I can buy myself something that I more than likely don't need or even worse, won't even fit me for long.  I am wasting my money, which, in a time like now and the economy being so bad, is so irresponsible.  I have always prided myself on having a level head and on making good decisions, but lately I have been letting impulse take over for my common sense.  

Do I have a transfer addiction from food to shopping?  Yes.  Am I going to let it consume my life like food did?  No.  I think the fact that I could/can recognize this pattern or obsession is a good sign.  That much like food, if you step back and think about it and ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" that I will find out that the answer is no and that the urge will pass.  I always knew that surgery was a life changing process and that it wasn't going to be easy, but when you step back and take a look at yourself and your addictions, it's a real eye opener.  I am thankful that I was able to see this now and can hopefully try to curb it before it gets worse and even more thankful that the only thing I'm addicted to is shopping.  I'm not going to sit here and beat myself up over this, instead, I'm going to call it a bump in the road.  I'm going to fix the problem, look for triggers and move on. 

Wonderful Weekend Weather

The weather is absolutely perfect in Iowa today.  Sunny, breezy and about 65!  PERFECT!  Too bad my crappy attitude doesn't match it.  But, such is life and life will go on.  However, with my crappy mood comes lots of deep cleaning, so my house will be happy at least, right?  And hopefully I'll be happy when the cleaning is done and I have a drink in my hand at the end of the day!

Not So Traditional Taco Salad

 
Summer has finally hit, but it's not truly summer in my household until you've made what our family calls Taco Salad.  It's not your traditional Taco Salad.  In fact, our family thinks it's better and it's a lot easier!   I don't have a picture of my salad because I couldn't get a decent one taken.  So, I posted the next best thing.  Two of my favorite pre-op foods which also happen to be two of the ingredients...weird ;)  I will add real quick before I post the recipe that I don't use the fully loaded ranch dressing anymore.  I now use either reduced fat or fat free, which ever one is on sale, and I can't tell the difference.  This salad is so yummy, your family will come back for seconds or thirds even.  Or if they are like my dad, you just go ahead and get your bowl and he takes the rest! 

Taco Salad

1 lb ground beef or turkey

minced onion

1 medium can chili beans

1 tomato, peeled and diced

1 bag shredded lettuce

1 bag low fat or fat free shredded cheese

1 bag Doritos

1 bottle ranch dressing

Brown ground beef with some minced onion.  When beef is done drain off grease and return back to pan.  Drain the juices from the can of chili beans into the ground beef and simmer on low for about 5 mins or so.  Remove from heat and place in a deep serving dish.  Top the beef with the can of chili beans and chill at least 2 hours in the fridge.  Just before serving, top with diced tomatoes, then the lettuce and finally top with cheese.  To serve, take a handful of Doritos and crush them up into a salad bowl.  Spoon salad on top of Doritos and top with ranch dressing. 

It's Finally Friday!!!

FRIDAY!!!!!  IT'S FINALLY FRIDAY!!!!!  (Doing my Happy Friday dance)  This has seemed like the longest week...EVAH!  I think it's because I worked Memorial Day (love that holiday pay) but since no one was in the office but us dispatchers and jailers, it seemed like a weekend so this week has just kept dragging...and dragging...and dragging!

I don't have huge plans for the weekend, just some very minimal running around and I hope that's it.  My mom and I are going to go to a Quilt Expo for a little bit on Saturday to see what's new.  I'm looking for a new quilting project that I can work on at night when I get home from work to unwind and maybe shut down my brain a little bit.  I have to mow the yard tomorrow and then that's really about it.  My dad has a Corvette (his baby, now that I'm grown LOL) that I'm going to take out and get some sun and fresh air.  Last year pre-op, I could barely get in and out of it and I would have to pull the seat belt almost all the way out to fit around me.  I'm hoping this year it will be a little different and tomorrow I will find out!  I'll have to have my mom take a picture of me cruising!  Then on Sunday, I get to wash it LOL  Since I can sit on the ground (and now get back up!) I told my dad I would help him clean it.  In return, I get to drive it for free and eat my parents food...sounds like a fair trade to me!  So, tell me, what are your big plans for the weekend? 

I'm Proud To Be An American!

  Before firing up the grills this Memorial Day, please pause to remember and honor all those who have sacrificed in service to their country, as well as their families and loved ones.  Be careful out there today and thank your service men and women for their sacrifice so that we can be free. 

I'm Proud To Be An American and I always will be!

 

8 Months Out And Other Ramblings

 So, here you have it...8 months in the making of an RNY post-op patient.  I started out in October at 302 pounds and currently (today) I'm down to 206...96 pounds gone forever.  FOREVER!!!!  It's still hard to believe and hard to see sometimes, but as I sit here today, it's also bittersweet.  I know I posted my first 6 months of post-op pictures a couple of months back, but I still wanted to share this with you all.  There's one thing you can see changing in these pictures every time besides my weight.  It's my smile.  With every picture my smile is becoming bigger and bigger as I am becoming smaller and smaller.  I went thru a bunch of my pictures last night and compared them all.  I have my mom take at least 3 pictures a month, so I had lots to flip thru and every time I kept coming back to my smile.  All the pain and frustration I've been thru, not only post-op, but the years of being overweight have been worth it to be able to share my story with others.  Even if only one person listens to my journey and makes one healthy change in their lifestyle, then it's all been worth it. 

Now, moving on to things less serious :)  I was up at 5:30am today (and on my day off) and decided to just get up and start my day.  Why I was up so early is beyond me, but I have been able to get things done.  I've gotten some laundry done, some dishes done, my walk in and I've been to Walmart already.  I made me a "big" purchase at the Mart today.  A new Oster My Blend Blender.  I got the orange one and I love it!  I've only used it once, but so far, I have no complaints.  I used it to blend my protein drink and it was perfect.  I don't call mine shakes because I can't stand the consistency of a shake.  Instead of 8 ounces, I use 16 ounces of liquid and then pour it over 6 ice cubes.  Yes, 6.  I don't know why that's the magic number, but it is.  This blender is the perfect size, being 20 ounces.  It didn't foam over like it did in the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender, which is only 14 ounces.  The Oster one also doubles as a travel bottle with an interchangable lid for on the go use.  I haven't used it yet, but I will try it tomorrow when I go to work.  Also, Oster sells extra bottles, which I think will come in handy if you want to make more than one drink for on the go.  I plan to get at least one extra bottle, if not 2 and try to pre-blend my drinks.  

This comes in a couple of different colors, but orange matches my kitchen.

Other than that, not much is going on this weekend.  I'm going out to dinner with some friends tonight and they have decided to go to Lonestar Steakhouse.  I haven't been there post-op so this should be a new, fun adventure that I'm looking forward too.  I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!  Peace out, Girl Scout!

Wahoo!!! I Love Getting Stuff In The Mail!!!!

Today was a WONDERFUL mail day!!!!  I had done some online shopping (shocking, I know) last week and I got me some fun new stuff!  And today is delivery day!!!  I've been stalking the postman and the UPS man and it seems to have paid off.  I'm still waiting on the UPS man, but he should be here before I go to work.  If not, it will be another surprise when I get home! 

For starters, I got the above medical ID bracelet from Lauren's Hope and I love it!  They have so many choices, including one for gastric bypass awareness and it comes with a super cute little skinny jeans charm!  I didn't get that one...this time, but I'm sure there will one in my future.  These bracelets are so neat!  You can change out your medical alert tag with any of their bracelets...ANY OF THEM!  And you can add the skinny jeans charm to just about any bracelet also.  The initial cost was a little higher because of the medical tag and the engraving, but that's a one time cost and more than worth it.  I had called their customer service to get started because I didn't know what all I needed/wanted engraved. LeAnne was more than helpful and made my shopping experience more than pleasant.  With her help, I ended up getting my name, gastric bypass surgery, No Blind NG Tube, No NSAIDS/Sugar and ICE.  It looks really nice and is super cute.  You can't even tell it's a medical alert bracelet.  5 stars and 2 thumbs up to this company...I will be ordering again from them. 

Today was also delivery day for my Click Vanilla Latte Protein.  I am addicted to this stuff, almost as much as I am to Amazon.com!  I have been out of this for probably close to 2 weeks and I think I've been going thru withdrawals!  I have been trying to recreate the same drink at home, but nothing is better than the real deal, baby!  I can't wait to mix one up for work!  Oh Click, how I've missed you!  It's good to have you back again! 

And last, but not least...the UPS man.  He is going to be bringing me my Torani Sugar Free Syrups.  It took me a day or so to decide on what flavors I wanted, but finally decided on Pumpkin Pie, White Chocolate, Strawberry and Raspberry.  I also ordered the pumps to go with them.  I wasn't going to, but they really are nice to have and there's no clean up.  I'm excited to try my new flavors and see what I can come up with.  I'm wondering about trying the strawberry one in water and want to use the raspberry one in a protein drink.  I'm thinking a White Chocolate, Raspberry, Vanilla Ice Latte (made with Click) sounds wonderful.  Time will tell and I'll keep you up to date.  So, what are you waiting for?  Get out there and do some cyber shopping!

OMG!!! You HAVE To Try These!!!

I found these yesterday while I was wandering around Walgreens.  For those of you that know me, you know I'm a bit of a Walgreens junkie...okay, I need a 12 step program for Walgreens.  But if it weren't for my obsession for the store, I never would have found Dark Chocolate flavored almonds!  That's right...I said CHOCOLATE!!!!  I am in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it! (I also have a thing for the movie Elf) 

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the best on knowing my stats, like carbs and whatnot, but my surgeon and dietitian require us to watch calories and protein, that's all.  I know a lot of people watch other stats, but for my "requirements" these fit in and made a wonderful dessert...twice!  Oh, and maybe a snack too!  I took them to work last night and I had to have my partner in crime (the other dispatcher) take them away from me! 

I'm not much of a chocolate fan post-op, but for some reason yesterday I was craving it...thank goodness!  I'm going back to Walgreens today (big shock) to stock up on some more, although you can order them online, which is probably what I need to do so I don't over indulge in them.  Here are the stats for those of you that are interested. 

So go out...NOW!!!!  Go get yourself some of these and let me know what you think!!!!!

I'm Sizzling!

That's right!  I'm smokin' hot...and not in the "I'm looking good" sense of the word.  This pastey white Dutch kid (and I do mean bright white) decided to get some color yesterday and hopped in a tanning bed.  I LOVE tanning.  I know, I know, it's harmful and not good for you, but I find it so relaxing and after the last couple of days of being crabby and pissy pouty, it's just what I needed.  Just me, a nice warm tanning bed and 10 minutes.  I turned on the radio to some Chuck Wicks Old School (I know, my music tastes are a little odd, but that's a completely different post for later), put on some tingle lotion and relaxed.

Those 10 minutes were a little piece of heaven for me...I loved every second of it.  After those short minutes, I left the tanning salon feeling like a different girl, for a couple of different reasons.  One reason?  I actually fit in the tanning bed...with room to spare!!!  I couldn't believe it when I laid down and my smaller body fit in there perfectly, room on either side and I fit comfortably.  It was an amazing feeling!  Another reason?  And this is for you ladies...when I laid down, my boobs didn't smother me!  It was like I was a normal sized person laying there.  WAIT!  I am a normal sized person!  When did this happen?!  Don't argue with it, go with it!!! Now, I'm burnt to beat hell...but I don't care.  I had 2 AWESOME NSV's yesterday!  2 of them!

One other reason I wanted to get my color on is because of the Big Country Bash 2011 coming up at the end of June.  I can't wait!  I went to Bon Jovi last week and now I'm going to this.  With Trace Adkins and Dierks Bentley and only $32 to get in, you can't go wrong at all!  It's an outdoor all day/all night long concert.  I can't wait!  It's amazing how much more social I have become since losing my weight.  It feels good going out and about and being able to fit in smaller places like concert seats or bar stools and not have to stand because you're too big.  I'm loving this RNY thing!!!! I'm down 91 pounds and couldn't be happier!!!

Crabby

This pretty much sums it up for today.  I have been one crabby chick!  Or pissy pouty as I like to put it.  Whatever you want to call it, I made it perfectly clear I was not in a good mood.  So, what did people do?  That's right, they poked me with a stick!  STUPID MOVE!  I thought I was done with these mood swings post-op, but I guess not.  Just when I think I'm in control...BAM!  Hormones rear their ugly heads and make my day unbearable.  Not to mention make me unbearable for others.  I'm really hoping tomorrow is a better day.  Keep your fingers crossed, please. 

Just One Of Those Days

I like to think that I have a pretty tough layer of skin when it comes to my weight issues.  For years I was always the fat one, the fat happy one or the fat one that's an awesome cook.  I have had a hard time shaking that image of myself until recently, probably within the last couple of weeks...until last night.

My friends and I went out for a girls night and it started out really fun.  We went to the local (and my favorite) Mexican restaurant.  Good food, good friends and great conversation, just me and my girls.  Loved it!  We were there for about 3 hours or so and then decided to hit up a friends birthday party.  Along the way, they wanted to stop at a bar for a couple of beers.  I don't drink anymore, but it didn't bother me to go along.  Not drinking anymore was a personal choice I made after surgery.  I waited my 6 months like a good girl, tried Diet Coke and Crown (my old standby) and hated it.  So, I just decided to give it up all together.  But anyways, back to the story. 

We walk into the bar, one I hadn't been in for years.  The only thing that had changed is the ownership.  I saw some blasts from the past (old drinking buddies) who barely even recognized me.  That was a great feeling until...wait for it...they open their mouths.  "I had no idea you used to be THAT fat!  You look awesome!"  Really?!  REALLY?!  Is that supposed to make me feel better?  And the worst part?  They aren't even drunk!  WTF?!?  I didn't say anything, just smiled and said thank you and moved on.  I was fuming!  Maybe I took it too personally and it was supposed to be a compliment, but I didn't see it as one.  I let that consume the rest of my night and woke up this morning still just floored that someone would say something like that. 

So, to relieve my anger...I started listening to what I call my angry music.  I'll link you to a few of my favorites that always seem to get me over the hump of being angry and I feel better after listening to them.  I Will Buy You A New Life, Voodoo, and the one that always helps no matter what the situation is, My Way.  I'm hoping that now that I've blogged it out and listened to my music I can move on with my day and just relax and chill out.  I hope...

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there...even you moms to fur babies (like myself)!  Kick back, relax and enjoy your special day! 

My New Addiction

Yummy!!!

Well, the time has come to admit I have a problem.  I am an addict.  My name is Katie and I'm addicted to Dr Pepper (diet and caffeine free of course) *hangs head in shame* 

When I first started my weight loss journey, I had to break up with Diet Coke.  It was a horrible break up, you can read about it here.  It was a very hard thing for me to do, but it had to be done.  Sure, I had problems sleeping and almost took it back, more than once.  But a clean break is what I needed and what was best.

Two weeks ago I picked up this little box at the grocery store.  It wasn't flashy or anything special, but it was on sale.  I have been craving the taste of Dr Pepper for awhile now and I just kept fighting it off.  It's no secret I've gone back to pop and had some here and there, but it's always been diet and it's never been Diet Mt Dew (my old crutch) and it was a treat.  Now, before you flame me, my surgeon doesn't mind pop after 6 months of surgery, but it has to be diet and they would like it to be caffeine free.  So, I waited like a good girl for my 6 months and had a pop and it didn't do much.  But after awhile I noticed it wasn't the caffeine or the carbonation I missed, but the taste.  It took me 6 months for the WLS light bulb to finally kick in and understand my cravings and what they really were.  Sure, pop was something from my past, a very big part of my past.  But before I used to drink it because I wanted the caffeine and sugar rush.  But today, I wanted the flavor and that was it.  I finally made a break thru (in my mind) and realized it's okay to have this as long as I don't over do it. 

Now, many people will feed you lines of OMG!  You can't have pop!  It will stretch your stomach!  Is that true?  No, but if your surgeon tells you no pop, then no pop (your surgeon always trumps the general public, remember that).  But I talked this over with my surgeon and like I said earlier, caffeine free and diet.  I go one step further and fill a glass with ice, pour in the pop and let it sit for awhile until most of the carbonation is gone.  If you've never had carbonation with your new pouch I suggest you skip it, unless you like the feeling of being bloated for hours.  Oh, and if you're like me, there's only one way that carbonation comes out...and it ain't up!

Oh Happy Day!!!

Finally after being on 12 hour shifts for the last year and a half at work, we are on a new schedule.  We have gone back to 8 hour shifts!!!!  Those 12's were beating us up emotionally, physically and mentally, coupled with no breaks had every one of us bitchy, sleepy and just plain worn out.

I was working 3pm to 3am, so not only did my sleep schedule suffer, but so did my diet and exercise routine.  My weight loss slowed WAY down, which was expected, but I didn't think it would be so soon.  I felt like I was always on the go and rushing, rushing, rushing.  I would come home and go to bed between 4 and 5.  Then up at 11:30, take a shower, go for a walk and then rush home, pack food for work (not always good choices) and go work for 12 hours. 

Being a 911 dispatcher is stressful enough, but having/trying to figure out all of these puzzle pieces of weight loss, exercising and counting calories was enough to push me over the edge.  So, when we were told we were going back to 8 hour shifts, I was so excited.  This is my chance to get back on track and use my tool to the best of my ability.  I can't complain, I'm down 89 pounds...89 POUNDS!  Can you believe it?!  I would like to be down 100 pounds by July 1, and under 200 pounds before my 9 month follow up July 13.  I think it's possible...so, I gotta wrap this up, get my rear in gear and get outside and walk, walk, walk! 

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Hello all!  I just wanted to take a quick moment to thank everyone who follows my blog, everyone who has stopped by and to everyone that has supported me thru this wonderful journey!  I couldn't do this without you guys and I wouldn't continue to succeed if you all weren't here for me.

Every one of you has made some sort of a positive impact in my life and I can only hope I've done the same for you.  I know my blog isn't anything fancy or special, and is a far cry from professional, but it's a place where you all have listened to me ramble and made me feel more comfortable about myself.  Once again, thank you everyone...my journey wouldn't be the same without you! 

Look What I Made!!! Baby Quilt #1

Baby Quilt #1

So, this has been the latest project I have been working on.  My good friends had a little baby girl about 2 weeks ago and I get to be an honorary aunt, again!  I love being Aunt Katie! 

This quilt was a kit from Keepsake Quilting and went together in about 3 days.  I should have had it done in a day, but I was being slow and dragging my feet when it came to actually quilting it.  I decided to just go around some of the blocks on the machine and in the middle did some stars, about 5 of them I think.  This is quilt 1 of 3 that I am doing for co-workers.  The next baby is due in July and the other one in September.  I'm going to be busy making these little buggers, but I love doing it! 

I LOVE this backing fabric!