Thursday, September 3, 2009

Changes are a good thing, right?

Change is coming my way. I am convinced that this is what I need in my life right now. I have decided to go back to school and work on a Master in Business Administration with an emphasis in Health Care. I tried to go for the Master in Health Care Administration but you have to be working with patients, in a doctor's office, etc. What's up with that? Anywhooo, it will be alright. Classes start on September 15th, so watch out world, here I come!

Why would someone of my age, who has been out of school 30 years as of this summer, decide to go back to school? Well several reasons actually. I first started thinking of this when I heard that government was doing a health care reform which meant my job may be in jeopardy. You see the government now has to think up ways to make more money since they have to pay for the auto industry bail out, the bank bail out, the war, the cash for clunker program, all those stimulus packages that was created. The FSA plan allows people to save taxes and if you eliminate the plan or put a cap on it, then the money that WAS being saved now goes to the government. Wow! Now they can start paying on their bills. However, this means eliminating my job and unless I can find another one (sure, in this economy that will be a breeze), the government will be paying for expenses for me to live on, eat on, be well, and hell? Why am I worried? I probably have a better chance at being okay sitting home and doing nothing....not!

In addition to that, I now have a crappy insurance plan at work. The deductible is $2500 per calendar year. Only, the change was made in the middle of my plan year for FSA and I can't change my elections. Oh wait, more money for the government. I probably make as much sense as the government or new health care reform at this point!

I am also going to Dave Ramsey financial classes as of next week. If only I actually apply what I learn, I might have a chance :) I hope that this will help me financially in the future as well.

AND.....starting next Wednesday, work is having another 16 week Biggest Loser campaign to lose weight. I thought why not? I don't have anything else going on, right? I really didn't do too bad the last go around (16 weeks) considering that I was off my feet and healing from surgery. Only a .2 pound gain overall. Good thing I walked my ass off the first part of the program!

So, what is new in your life may I ask?

Monday, July 20, 2009

Life's Blessings

To some, being rich means having lots of money. To me, it means much more than that.

To some, family means the group of people to which you were born, and thus inherited. To me, it means much more than that.

To some, being lucky means being successful at everything you do. To me, it means much more than that.

To some, being blessed means being lucky, being rich and having a family. To me it means much more - way more than that!

I recently had foot surgery, again. Having hammertoe is a pain in the foot, pun intended. Having to ask for help really is a major problem for me. When I had foot surgery the first time, I had to ask for help getting to the surgery center and back. I was lucky enough to have a person in my life (thanks Deann) that was able and willing to do this for me. I had people check in on me, call me, and etc., for which I was grateful. This time, I had to ask for much more than that.

You've heard the saying that you don't chose the family into which you are born, right? Where would I be without my chosen family? I have a sign in my kitchen that says "Friends are the family ones finds along the way." This is so true for me and how lucky am I? I am truly blessed with my chosen family. When I pass on, I want/need to have my chosen family sitting with my family into which I was born. They are as important, and at times more so than others, as my blood family. I expressed this to Deann this past weekend and the more I think of this, the more I am determined to make this an absolute (no I am not being morbid, but did have a funeral recently that has me thinking).

I don't consider myself to be a friend to the world, however I feel that I do try to be helpful to anyone in need. I am very picky about those that I call my friend. I really don't have a lot but the ones that I do have have been around for a long time. I am not opposed to meeting and making new friends, but it takes a lot for a person to be considered my true friend. I have those that I call a friend and they are in the lighter sense of the word. But when push comes to shove, I have my family friends and they know who they are.

I would do just about anything for my friends, but for my family friends I WILL do ANYTHING, all they have to do is say the word. It has just taken me this long to realize that this is a two way street and they will do ANYTHING for me, all I had to do was say the word. This last surgery period has been a testament to this. I had a situation that required some transferring of me from one family friend member to another. WOW! Did they come through for me or what?!

I am blessed! I am rich with family friends that makes me feel rich and lucky.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

GOD Bless America

I am so tired of the group of people who hang around the main corner down town with their signs that say 'HONK FOR PEACE' or 'BRING OUR TROOPS HOME' or 'END THE WAR'. Do they not realize that we have to defend our country? While I don't agree that Bush started this over the 'mass weapons' possibility, I believe he really wanted to strike back for the 9/11 disaster, without those men and women overseas, these people would not even have the right to congregate on that corner. It is their right, I am just tired of it.

The freedom to do what we do is what it is all about. Regardless of where you fit on the thought scale about the war, you have the right to feel, think and act on it however the law allows. If standing on the corner suits your style, go for it. I am still tired of it.

Those people that died in 9/11 were casualty of a war, one that was not started by us, but was aimed at us, the United States of America. There is no question of this fact. There are those that hate Americans, can't stand Americans and plot against Americans. This was directed toward Americans. I am proud to be an American.

I am further proud of the men and women who serve our country. These are the people who loved our land, our people, our country so much that they made the decision to protect 'US' at a cost. To some, that cost may very well be there life. How does a person say Thank You? It is hard. The prayers I say for them are small in comparison to the prayers that they need to get through this, sustain the strength to overcome the things they have seen, been through and will feel for the rest of their lives.

I live in a great and wonderful country.
Thank you to those that serve this country.
Thank you to those that gave their lives on behalf of my country.
Those people on the corner, they thank you too.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

My Life and the Merry-go-round!

The weight lost program continues....I have managed to make this a little better than I thought, just not perfect or as serious as I should. The strangest thing is that my employment has decided to step into the mix with a few new offers. The first, The Biggest Loser ASI way. We pay $10 to join and at the end of 16 weeks, the person that wins the biggest percentage of their body weight wins this pot. In addition, for every pound you gain over 1/2 pound, you have to pay $1 overage fee. The person that has the greatest number of pound lost at the end of 16 weeks, wins the overage money pot.

Well, the start at workd did not go as smoothly as planned, which is a lot like my start with this idea over a month ago! I found that the pounds are not coming off as easily as they did 5 years ago, which is depressing in itself. I also found that it is making me a little moody about trying. Anyway, the scales used for the weigh-in turned out to be faulty, so we have new scales with the second week weigh-in; the first week weigh-in didn't count.

ASI has also purchased 50 pedometers for a Walk Fitness program - turns out the first ones ordered were faulty as well. It would count movement even if you were sitting at your desk. So they had to order new ones. Received those and haven't walked much since due to rain, being out of town, etc. OY!!! I am really having a time with this round of watching food and exercising.

I just returned home from a few days in St. Louis. It started with Marcy and I going to the Billy Joel/Elton John concert on Thursday evening. The original plan was for me to park and North Hanley metro and meet Marcy at Union Station for dinner, where we would then go to the concert, she would ride back with me on the metro to my vehicle, I would drive her to her vehicle, then follow her home. WELL....due to work being not so busy, I took off early. I drove to Scott Air Force base, met Marcy, we grabbed a sandwich, took the metro to the site of the concert and LOVED EVERY MUSIC NOTE PLAYED BY THE TWO GREATEST MUSICIAN'S EVER!!!! What I didn't love were the seats....my ass was just too wide!

When the concert was over, we stopped at the restrooms, we stopped at the merchandise booth, then we went to the metro stop. The platform was jammed packed full of people. The gentleman from the Metrolink informed us that the next metro to Scott Air Force Base would be there around midnight. Twenty minutes seemed no problem to wait for the next train compared to being sardines on the platform. We waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Turns out that that guy was wrong. The train we didn't catch was the last one to Scott Air Force Base. OMG!!!! Marcy found out that there was a shuttle from Fairview Heights to Scott Air Force Base. Well, we caught the last train to Fairview Heights, which was a lot closer to our vehicles, but still 15 miles away. By the time we got there, we think all shuttles have stopped. We really believe that they had, but the gentleman who ended up taking us home did so out of the kindness of his heart. Thank you Steve! We love you and are blessed that you were working that night. :-) Got back to Marcy's about 3 a.m., whew, we made it without having to call Tom to come get us (which meant he would have had to get both children out of bed, load them up and drive, etc...). Had we just stuck to the original plan, we would have been home by 12:30 or so; hindsight!

Friday was a relaxing day for me...Marcy on the other hand, had to get Evan up and off to school. She then had an appointment with Colby's therapist at 8:30, but waited to get me up until after she returned home. Colby got the honor of actually waking me up. I got to see all his vehicles, tractors, bobcats, cranes, and machines I have no clue what they were called. But he did and could tell you what their purpose was! After a shower, Marcy and I made a late breakfast, followed by a trip to return a movie and walking around Wal-Mart. Marcy lives in a small town, so you have to drive 10 miles to the next town to go to a Wal-Mart. In between you see nothing but farmland. Really pretty if that is your thing.

Friday evening - pork steaks on the grill, followed by me watching the boys and neighbor girl running through the sprinklers while Marcy and Tom went to St. Charles tent shopping. Once the fun wore off, the boys went into the shower. It didn't take long for Colby to drop off to sleep on the couch, but Evan was still up when mom and dad arrived. Stormed like the dickens that night too, but I was sleeping in the basement, so no worries :)

Saturday, I met my friend Lisa for breakfast, then followed her back to Catherine's for shopping. I didn't NEED any clothes; just wanted some :) so I got some! Then I traveled to five different Wal-Mart's looking for matching gold napkins, something I had 12 of and needed 12 more to get for my parent's 50th anniversary that will be next year. I have given up and will be returning the 12 I have - it just isn't worth the driving around I am doing right now.

Today - I need to go to the office so tomorrow isn't so full of emails and problems. I just need to get my body in the shower. Hasn't happened yet, but the day isn't over either!

Thanks Marcy for a fantastic time at the concert! It was worthy every penny, even with the tight seats! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT!

My summer calendar has filled up quite full already - something every week between now and the end of July, when I have foot surgery.
May

Next weekend - Ginny's birthday party and Memorial weekend
Last weekend - going to KC for hearing aid repair and to spend time with Becky, Deann, & Laura

June
First weekend is the bridal shower for Jacquie's daughters, Savanah and Caitlyn, both getting married this summer
Second weekend is my mom's 75th birthday, heading to Marshall
Third weekend is the I-70 baseball game in KC plus Father's Day on Sunday
Last weekend is the first of the weddings for Savanah

July
First weekend is Fourth of July - heading to Marshall
Second weekend is 85th birthday party for Norma - heading to Marshall
Third weekend is the girls weekend in KC
Fourth weekend - heading back to KC to pick up Kaycie so that she can stay with me during my recovery time after surgery

August
Have a wedding at the lake, but no invitation yet, so don't know if it is the first or second weekend....hoping second or I may not be able to go! Not certain when I will be able to drive or get Kaycie home yet....hope she isn't too BORED (popular word) while she is here :)
Ascanio's birthday party will be the third weekend and then school starts.

I am sure that other events will pop up before all is said and done. In the midst of the above, I am trying to walk daily (as long as it is not HOT outside). A person has to stay busy I guess - far better than sitting around the house. But sometimes, I want the merry-go-round to stop and take a breather. I just don't know when that will be.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

It's A Brand New Day....again

Miss Ashley has decided that it is time to take off some weight (the four letter word is NOT allowed) and wants me to do it with her. While I am not opposed to taking off some weight, for some reason starting on a Wednesday seems rather strange. Yes, we are starting tomorrow with emailing each other our weights. Truthfully, I am not certain I am in the right frame of mind to make this work right now. But I will cheerfully, diligently, and willingly try - scratch that - I will go forward with this endeavor. Ready or not Ashley, here we go!

Loosing weight, something almost every one wants or needs to do, but seldom finds that the experience is successful. Weight Watchers is the way I have gone in the past and I will be honest with you, I lost over 60 pounds, kept off 45 -50 pounds of that weight and have more to go. It is not about the number's honestly; it is more about feeling better, eating healthier and being able to do more. I watch The Biggest Loser show faithfully since it first aired. I find it an inspiration to know that people who weigh as much as I do not only loose it, but they keep it off. But I don't have my own coach to make me do the exercises and watch what I eat. That is MY job and I am not a very good participant most of the time.

With Weight Watchers, I was able to eat the food I like, not worry about eating food I didn't like and still managed to loose weight. Seems impossible, but true. If I can do it once, I can do it again. The first time I started to loose the weight, it was all about eating and watching what I eat. I have to do more in regards to exercise, but it just isn't that easy for me. I will have to put some thought into this and see where this takes me. One step at a time, one foot in front of the other. One meal at a time; one bite at a time; one point at a time.

God Bless Marcy!

I called Marcy, who also has used Weight Watchers and told her that Ashley called me, so now I am calling her, and the three of us are doing this together. Okay, she says. That's it. Just OKAY! How wonderful is that? I am not going to complain and will focus on this and the goals ahead. My first goal is 15 pounds....that's all, just 15 pounds. This will put me in the 2's (you know what I mean, don't you ladies?) Then I will set a new goal, but first things first.

It's A Brand New Day! What is that quote from 'Sister Act 2'? "If you wanna be somebody; If you wanna go somewhere; You better wake up and pay attention" Well lookout world, I am coming out!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Turning the World on With His Smile :)

Ascanio is almost 8 months old, but his mommy says he is over 7 months old. She is in denial! Her little boy is growing up. He is such a joy to be around and so bright. He laughs with his eyes, but what gets me is the giggles and laugh out loud sounds he makes. There is nothing like hearing it and I try my best to make it happen. He is so strong, stubborn and smart. Nothing like braggin' rights!

The most expressive eyes I have seen. I love them!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Some days.....

Some days, I feel like I am on auto pilot.
Some days, I feel like I have no life.
Some days, I feel older than I am and as old as I tell everyone I am.
Some days, I feel like I know nothing.
Some days, I feel like I know more than the doctors.
Some days, I really miss my parents and just want to go home - their home.
Some days, I really miss reading my books.
Some days, I feel separated from my biological family and closer to my chosen family.
Some days, I feel so MUCH and feel so LITTLE at the same time.
Some days, I have a zillion things to do and just can't get a thing done.
Some days, the do-to list actually gets pitched in the trash.
Some days, I crave chocolate SO BAD, I eat it from the Hershey's bottle by spoon because that's all I have handy.
Some days, I wonder what the hell it up by older brother's butt and warped mind.
Some days, I REALLY miss Amber.
Some days, I feel like I have lost my connection to God.
Some days, I feel that the world as we know it, will never be the same, the good times are over.
Some days, I feel that the world as we know it, will be greater than ever.
Some day, I want to finish organizing my pictures and put more on my walls.
Some day, I want to lose more weight.
Some day, I want to get my books out of storage.
Some day, I want to win the lottery - oh wait, you have to play first!
Some day, I want to be able to look back in my life and say that I did make a difference.
Some day, I want to move again, but it won't be this year (yes, I am staying here another year)
Some day, I want to be able to get another pet.
Some day, I want to have nicer furniture.
Some day, I want to be able to make enough money to live comfortably.
Some day, I will regret some of things I wanted to do and didn't.

Today, I am thankful for so many things: the love of my parents and family, my health, my job, my apartment, my friends, the children in my life, the people I work with. I get such a kick out of the smiles on Ascanio's face and the how he smiles with his eyes, the wonder of the new born baby Jacob Truman, the joy of hanging with Elayna, the laughter and love from my nieces and nephew. I am able to go up and down the stairs, see the wonderful changing of the colors from dead of winter to the brightness of spring, smell the fresh scent of rain washing the earth, hear the birds sing and children playing on the days by hearing aids aren't acting up, and I know that tomorrow is another day. Today, I am thankful that I am catching up on my sleep too!

Friday, February 6, 2009

Busy, busy, busy!

It is already the end of the first week of February of the new year. Gang, I am not sure WHERE the heck the time has gone, but I know I have spent most of it at my job! It is unbelievable the amount of claims that are being sent in to be processed right now. It started with Monday and 3,000 claims being received and has not let up since then. We are about a day behind schedule and everyone has been asked to work 4 hours overtime this weekend - not mandatory mind you, but if not enough people do it, that will be next. I already feel like I live there and when I get home, I am just too wiped to do much of anything.

I saw an old friend this week, my doctor before I moved to KC. She moved into a new business with 3 other women doctor's and were accepting new patients. Since I had been shopping around for a primary care physician since my return from KC, this was just opportunity knocking! How sad is it that getting a primary care doctor makes me happy? Very sad - but when you are 58, that's what you live for, a good doctor!

It is time to go get my boobs squeezed again as it has been 4 years come April (now you know why it was good to get a primary care doctor!). I am so not looking forward to it and will be glad to get it over with. An evil part of life, one I will live through. One of the ladies at work had her boobs squeezed last week and they found a shadow on the x-ray. She is a worrier, which makes this a bad time until she sees her doctor next week. The shadow could be anything, but she goes for the worse. Not certain how I would react if it was happening to me, so I just try to be supportive.

I can see that the sun is coming up later and still in the horizon as I drive home from work before dark. Spring is not far away when it is 6:30 at night and I still see stripes of orange, pink and blue in the sky! What a beautiful sight! God really has magnificant colors doesn't he? Crayolas just don't come close!

I made a big pot of ham and beans earlier this week - it was nasty. I took them to work and the next thing I know, I hear one of them tell me that the beans were crunchy - UGH!!! They are in the fridge, but I am going to pitch them this weekend (been too tired to do it since). I hate the waste, trust me, but they won't get eaten. It will be a while before I try to make another pot, I tell you...it left a really bad taste in my mouth. Some of the people at work had more than one bowl and others were throwing the first one away, I was one of them!

I helped my sister do taxes via phone last night...what a nightmare. This was the first time she did them on line. She did it last week and did just fine, except she put the incorrect routing number to her bank in the blanks. This was caught as the numbers must be 9 digits and I guess she didn't have that many. Anyway, she spent 4 hours or more trying to 'resubmit' online. I hate to tell her but I think she is going to have to mail it in and mark it revised. I don't think she is going to be able to resubmit or correct online. I have not had any problems with my taxes, in fact my funds are suppose to be here this weekend. It is hard when I do an EZ form and she doesn't, hell my form has 20 lines max and hers has 70 or more I think!

My brother wrote yesterday and asked if I would like a girls weekend. I would love a girls weekend but I have to work 4 hours sometime on Saturday or Sunday. I was so busy yesterday, I didn't get time to write him back. I am sure that he is looking ahead to next weekend, Valentine's weekend so maybe by then, we will be caught up at work and I can have a girls weekend! I miss seeing them! Ginny is growing up so fast now and Katie is getting older and it shows. All three of them are beautiful girls. Becca may not be coming as she is old enough to have a social life :) Guess I will find out today!


Got up early and now it is my regular time to get ready for work. I am tired, tired, tired. I have a feeling that tomorrow is not going to be my four hours at work!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Happy New Year!

Well Christmas AND New Year celebrations are now over, but my wishes are still valid :)

I don't know about you, but my holidays were AWESOME! Two things missing - Ashley and Eric - that would have made this year really OUTSTANDING! I had four days off from work for Christmas and that just added to the great feelings. Last year I had four days off too and was sick for the entire Christmas time as well as extending to the New Years. Ugly!

I left early on New Year's Eve and took another four days off while I ran around KC with my friends. That was a blast. New Year's Eve was spent with Deann's family at her parents. I was the designated driver, which was okay with me. Laura and I drove back to her house, then went to Deann's for New Year's day with her family AND Tim's parents. Great time! Great time!

I went to Becky's for the final two nights in KC and proceeded to lock myself out of my van before I even got to her house. After calling the locksmith and he got there, come to find out that the back door had not connected and therefore was not locked! Oh well, who knew that after trying three doors out of five, I should have kept going? Not me, but we have a new theme now...Check All The Doors! You might have a get out of jail card waiting!!!

Becky and I ran around on Saturday - it was so warm!! Wonderful weekend to be sure. I found lots of after Christmas sale stuff for my mom, who was very appreciative. I found some things for me too, but mom got really lucky. Who can pass up 75% off sale? Not me!!

Going back to work on Monday was hard...I had over 300 emails waiting for me! Took me all week to get caught up, just to get behind again last week. Had a person out for two days that meant I had to do part of their job, which took priority over my job. Now I am behind, way behind again. I went in for four hours today and really didn't put a dent in it to be honest. I am getting up in the morning, brushing my teeth and hair, getting dressed and driving myself to that office. With any luck, I will see no one! And if I do see someone, too bad - got stuff happening man!

Ashley got engaged Christmas Eve! The wedding has been set for St. Patrick's Day. Judy, Kaycie and I are flying out there for the wedding. Robert wanted to rent an RV and all of us ride but that would take too many days to get there and drive back. It is just too far. It would have worked if she was just a little bit closer! I don't know if his family will make it or not; my mom and dad are not able to make the trip.

I am looking forward to the trip, even if it will use up all my vacation days practically and all my money from taxes. I have never been to Washington or Oregon, so this will be fun. Judy and Kaycie are flying Northwest and I am flying American Airlines. We go on the same day, but depart and arrive at different times. Doesn't bother me - I am the one that has to wait around - four hour lay over in Dallas and four hour wait for them to arrive in Seattle. Coming home, not as bad, although....leaving at 6:10 a.m. I am NOT a morning person, that is all I have to say!

Marcy called me with wonderful news today. Billy Joel and Elton John are going to be in ST. Louis in May. Sign me up lady! Yes, we are in the nose bleed section, but this is Billy Joel and Elton John!!! Worth it, I promise you. This will be the second time she and I have seen them together plus we saw Elton John when she lived in Texas. Billy and Elton do not know this, but they go way back with Marcy and I! Loving this!

My new year is starting out with a bang and the wheel is moving along rather fast. I just hope that I can keep the pace. Another year and another birthday = 57 years old now...try that on for size people. Live! Love! Laugh! I am.