Hello ladies. It's been a while since I've posted on here so you'll have to forgive me if I'm a little bit rusty. It's been over a month since my last post and I'm not going to lie, back on June 1st I would not have even been able to imagine the changes that would take place in my life before I logged on and wrote again.
The biggest and most life altering change that has ever happened was the loss of my mother. I know that you ladies never had the opportunity to meet my mom but she was an amazing lady. If I am some day 1/3 of the wife, mother, grandmother, sister and woman that she was I will be lucky. My mom was not perfect, nobody is, but she was unwavering in her kindness and willingness to accept people for who and what they were. I learned so much from her and I truly am the person that you know (and hopefully love) because of what she taught me. I know that I'm going to be sad and hurting and angry and lost for a long time but I have so many wonderful friends and family members that I know I will get through this. Not to mention, I know my mom is watching over me. I don't know what your personal beliefs are on spirits and the like but I had an encounter when I was home the day after the funeral and I know that she's still with me. Anyway, I know that it's going to take a lot of time but it will get better.
One of the lessons that my mom taught me is that crappy things happen and they don't just happen to bad people. However, there are always good things going on in our lives. While it's been a little difficult to see these things with the death of my mom and then my grandma falling and breaking her hip and then my car being stolen (I really think I deserve a pity part or a least a very large margarita)I am trying to make a concerted effort to find some happiness, the silver lining if you will. So, here is what I have come up with:
-it is more apparent now than it has ever been that I have the most wonderful family that anybody could ever wish to have. I don't know what I would do without Karla, Cody, Tasha, my Dad, Bob, all of my other siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, nephews etc. I am so blessed.
-it is more apparent now that it has ever been that I have the most amazing friends a girl could ever ask for. Even though they knew I couldn't spend a lot of time with them and that I would be pulled in the family direction everyone was there for me. Even though they probably didn't have the time or the money for the road trip everyone was there and some gave more than they probably could (I'm looking at you Jenny) and I will NEVER forget that.
-while I loved my purple car I do like that fact that I will no longer have a car payment and that the car my sister is giving me is newer, lower mileage, arguable cooler, has A/C and a CD player that works.
-when I left home I was sad because on top of everything else I wasn't going to be home and see anybody until Christmas and I wouldn't be seeing my brother Dean until he returned from Afghanistan...now, I get to go home for the weekend and I get to attend Dean's going away/Mom's 50th birthday celebration at the farm. When I talked to Bob he said he was so sad that I couldn't make it to the party this weekend and now I get to so he's going to say a thank you prayer to God tonight for having my car stolen.
-I have never been more motivated to get my weight under control. First, if I do have children I do not want them to have to go through the pain of losing their mother at a young age. I know what it feels like and I will do everything in my power to not let that happen. Also, Justin has decided to propose to Karla on her birthday and that means they will be getting married in October of 2011 (she doesn't know so don't say anything). I am not walking down the aisle at 300+ pounds so I need to get my butt in gear if I want to be a hot maid of honor! Also, and I know it's not healthy but, I can't really eat right now because I have this nauseated feeling ALL THE TIME. I figure I might as well take advantage while it lasts and work on really healthy eating habits as my appetite comes back.
I guess lastly I want to talk about some music. I haven't been doing much reading lately with everything going on but the long car rides have afforded me ample time to listen to some music. There are some songs right now on the country stations (I've been in a country phase) that are speaking to me especially 'The House that Built Me' by Miranda Lambert and 'If I Die Young' by The Band Perry. Not only do the vocalists have amazing voices that I find easy to sing along with their songs have such strong ties to my life right now. Regardless of how you feel about country I think you'd like these songs so you should give them a listen. I need Kleenex when I listen to them right now but I'm guessing you ladies won't have that same issue. Anyway, that's my plug.
Sorry that I was MIA for so long and once I'm back in Michigan after the weekend I plan to be better.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Heat Wave
Well obviously a lot has happened since I last wrote for the 4th of July. It seems wrong to immediately start writing about weight loss considering the loss in Nicole's life. I know her Mom's passing has turned her world upside down and it has caused me to do a lot of thinking and reflecting. It was another reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly life can change without much warning. It also made me reflect about Gavin and the future if my health is compromised and I pass away sooner then expected. I really want to make sure I make choices that promote or better my health. It makes me feel ill knowing that Nicole has lost a parent so early in life. I know God takes us when he needs to but I also want the reassurance that my lifestyle is boosting my health.
I hope you feel comfortable to communicate on here Nicole as you continue with day-to-day life in Michigan. I'm also hopeful that you continue to focus on your own health but I also understand that grief and coping can overshadow previous endeavors. I know your Mom will look down on you with pride as you continue with life professionally, spiritually, emotionally, etc.
I'm going to switch gears now that I've shared those thoughts. The heat wave that started at the end of this week has been anything but enjoyable. Gavin and I are hiding indoors with the air conditioning since it feels unbearable outside. The heat is supposed to still be an issue next week...especially Wednesday through the weekend. Gavin came back today from his 3rd session of 4H camp. He really liked his Homesteaders "Pioneer" week. He also came home with clothes that were dirtier and nastier than usual. I was grateful the wash machines were immediately available for use when we got home.
I finished reading my bible study book about grace and will be starting another book by the same author Jerry Bridges. The new book is called "Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate". I actually suggested the book to the group since the title is an oxymoron and intriguing. If you think about it, many sins are actually tolerated now a days, or even ignored. I'm also reading a classic. I started reading "Gone with the Wind" a couple days ago and it's quite good. The author is still using early chapters to explain family history and character development.
I've been eating out too often again. And I've been more impulsive too. Sadly, I can feel that I've gained weight back. As I look at my non-used treadmill, I know what I need to do. Tiffany has started the run-walk program and I also need to start that program and get my caboose moving on a daily basis. I gave Jon an extra pedometer and I want to wear one as well to ensure I'm getting 10,000 steps or more a day. I allow myself to sit in front of a computer too often.
Stay cool everyone. Jenny
I hope you feel comfortable to communicate on here Nicole as you continue with day-to-day life in Michigan. I'm also hopeful that you continue to focus on your own health but I also understand that grief and coping can overshadow previous endeavors. I know your Mom will look down on you with pride as you continue with life professionally, spiritually, emotionally, etc.
I'm going to switch gears now that I've shared those thoughts. The heat wave that started at the end of this week has been anything but enjoyable. Gavin and I are hiding indoors with the air conditioning since it feels unbearable outside. The heat is supposed to still be an issue next week...especially Wednesday through the weekend. Gavin came back today from his 3rd session of 4H camp. He really liked his Homesteaders "Pioneer" week. He also came home with clothes that were dirtier and nastier than usual. I was grateful the wash machines were immediately available for use when we got home.
I finished reading my bible study book about grace and will be starting another book by the same author Jerry Bridges. The new book is called "Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate". I actually suggested the book to the group since the title is an oxymoron and intriguing. If you think about it, many sins are actually tolerated now a days, or even ignored. I'm also reading a classic. I started reading "Gone with the Wind" a couple days ago and it's quite good. The author is still using early chapters to explain family history and character development.
I've been eating out too often again. And I've been more impulsive too. Sadly, I can feel that I've gained weight back. As I look at my non-used treadmill, I know what I need to do. Tiffany has started the run-walk program and I also need to start that program and get my caboose moving on a daily basis. I gave Jon an extra pedometer and I want to wear one as well to ensure I'm getting 10,000 steps or more a day. I allow myself to sit in front of a computer too often.
Stay cool everyone. Jenny
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy 4th of July
Hey Ladies:
Well first of all, it doesn't seem like the 4th of July. Due to the rainy weather all day, we were unable to go to the parade and the city has postponed the fireworks until next weekend. I'm hoping they have the fireworks next Sunday night so we can still attend the fireworks in Ankeny that are on Saturday night (I think). We may ride in the parade in Ankeny with Jon and throw candy since he's supposed to drive his work truck in the city festival and represent his employer.
The week has been a little more difficult to manage food-wise. Thanks to a certain time of the month that is approaching, I am craving a lot of foods so it's been tough not to snack. Fortunately, I've been trying to make healthy snack choices. I bought some candy bars from Weight Watchers and those are extremely helpful. I got the chocolate caramel bars and they had a new flavor...cookies and cream. They are packed with fiber and help me get over the need for sweets and actually fill me up nicely. I also have whole wheat English muffins on hand and sugar free Jello cups on hand too. Sadly I've not been craving fruit much which is irritating since it's summer and things are in season. Needless to say, I'm a little nervous about being weighed tomorrow at Weight Watchers...any kind of loss will be nice to have.
My mom, sister, Gavin, and I are going to Adventureland and I have full intentions to get a funnel cake and share it with Gavin. Funnel cakes have to be my favorite amusement park/fair food. I'm hoping my results tomorrow will cause my funnel cake indulgence to be a reward.
I'm somewhat anxious to start my walk/run program on the treadmill. Anxious because I know how much the extra energy output will help on Monday weigh-ins. My energy levels have increased but exercise will boost them further.
I was waiting at the pharmacy last week and decided to read some of their free literature while waiting for an prescription. The article that caught my attention was about triglycerides. My triglycerides are always sky high and the article helped me to understand what the long term consequences could be. Excess triglycerides contribute to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) which can increase my chances of heart attack or stroke. The article reminded me that 2 or more servings of fish each week (omega-3 fats) can help reduce my triglycerides too. When I had my physical earlier in the year, my triglycerides were 242 and the acceptable range for my age/gender is 35-160 mg/dL. Hopefully that number is dropping.
Well first of all, it doesn't seem like the 4th of July. Due to the rainy weather all day, we were unable to go to the parade and the city has postponed the fireworks until next weekend. I'm hoping they have the fireworks next Sunday night so we can still attend the fireworks in Ankeny that are on Saturday night (I think). We may ride in the parade in Ankeny with Jon and throw candy since he's supposed to drive his work truck in the city festival and represent his employer.
The week has been a little more difficult to manage food-wise. Thanks to a certain time of the month that is approaching, I am craving a lot of foods so it's been tough not to snack. Fortunately, I've been trying to make healthy snack choices. I bought some candy bars from Weight Watchers and those are extremely helpful. I got the chocolate caramel bars and they had a new flavor...cookies and cream. They are packed with fiber and help me get over the need for sweets and actually fill me up nicely. I also have whole wheat English muffins on hand and sugar free Jello cups on hand too. Sadly I've not been craving fruit much which is irritating since it's summer and things are in season. Needless to say, I'm a little nervous about being weighed tomorrow at Weight Watchers...any kind of loss will be nice to have.
My mom, sister, Gavin, and I are going to Adventureland and I have full intentions to get a funnel cake and share it with Gavin. Funnel cakes have to be my favorite amusement park/fair food. I'm hoping my results tomorrow will cause my funnel cake indulgence to be a reward.
I'm somewhat anxious to start my walk/run program on the treadmill. Anxious because I know how much the extra energy output will help on Monday weigh-ins. My energy levels have increased but exercise will boost them further.
I was waiting at the pharmacy last week and decided to read some of their free literature while waiting for an prescription. The article that caught my attention was about triglycerides. My triglycerides are always sky high and the article helped me to understand what the long term consequences could be. Excess triglycerides contribute to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) which can increase my chances of heart attack or stroke. The article reminded me that 2 or more servings of fish each week (omega-3 fats) can help reduce my triglycerides too. When I had my physical earlier in the year, my triglycerides were 242 and the acceptable range for my age/gender is 35-160 mg/dL. Hopefully that number is dropping.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
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