Sooo......2 months ago, during a conversation with my primary care doctor, she said "Gretchen, I can tell you are frustrated with your weight loss journey. You seem to be stuck, what can we do to help you get through this." My response.....Dr. Dow, I am ready to try ANYTHING! We started with agreeing to do a sleep study, join a medically supervised exercise program at the gym and then, she said the "dirty" words, weight loss surgery.
I know I sighed audibly, and she smiled at me. Weight loss surgery was always a last chance option for me. I know several people who have gone through the surgery (some successfully, and several who have regained the weight after 2-3years). Here's the thing, I know I am stubborn, strong, determined, blahblahblah..........It scares me to death, that I will become complacent like the people I know who have regained the weight.
I promised my doctor, I would do a consultation with a surgeon. I promised I would be open minded and really listen to what the surgeon had to say. I am leaning more towards having the surgery than not having the surgery. I would be doing the Vertical Gastric Sleeve. Basically they remove 2/3 of your stomach, the portion that creates ghrelin. Ghrelin is the hormone that creates the feeling of hunger.
So far, I have been to an orientation, met with the surgeon, done a crap load of research and had 1 nutrition class.
My psych eval is scheduled (okay, for those that know me.....don't say it, I know I am crazy, but hey, why not have a doc tell me officially?)
I had my last Diet Dr. Pepper on Tuesday (even though I found one in the office fridge yesterday). (can't have carbonation for at least 1 year after surgery).
I have started practicing not drinking anything 30 mins before or 30 mins after I eat.....that is a tough habit to break! Next will be not drinking with a straw AND giving up coffee. I think I will wait until September 1st for the coffee......
I am going to the gym for an orientation today, I will meet with a trainer 2x a week and then also do some pool work (which is really what I want to do......)
The earliest I can do the surgery would be middle to end of October. I decided to share my decision because I think that people tend to be ashamed of deciding this drastic route to assist with weight loss. If you think it is the easy way out, you would be wrong. Yes, the surgery is the easy piece, BUT we are talking a complete lifestyle change. Remember, the stomach will be 2/3 smaller than it is now. This is just a tool. I will be looking to my inner circle, more than ever, for support.
I ask that if you have something negative to say, DON'T say anything. This is not a decision I am coming to lightly. It has taken a lot of prayer and research.
Let the journey begin!
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Reason got no rhyme
Everyone comes into our lives for a season. Some seasons span years and others a much shorter time. It is our responsibility to learn what we can from the situation. Relationships are work! But it takes 2 to tango.
I recently met a man that I connected with immediately. Things were amazing.....to begin with. Then things changed, with no warning, no explanation. The writing on the wall was starting to show, but I kept holding on......silly Gretchen, you know better!
My friends keep saying, sorry and want to be angry with KCS. This is why I love my inner circle! I am not angry with him, I don't hate him. I am actually thankful for him! He reminded me that I like being vulnerable to someone, that feeling butterflies is exciting and scary at the same time. He reminded me that I am a damn good girlfriend and the right guy will be lucky to have him.
He also gave me a gift that I have been desperate to receive for the past 10 years. He gave me emotional freedom from a past relationship. A relationship that has haunted me. I am finally able to think back on it with fondness! I am finally able to look towards rebuilding a friendship with this person.
I have learned a lot about myself. I learned that I am happy and content to be by myself. I don't need someone to complete me, because I am complete. I worked really hard over the last 9 years to build a life that I could be proud of. I have worked hard to find balance, peace and be happy with who I am.
Am I perfect? NO
Am I finished growing and changing? Nope......
But I am whole, I am happy and I am ready to let someone share my world. It will take someone special, someone who is whole themselves to be welcome.
I deserve someone who is able to give me what I am willing to give back. Someone who wants to grow together, but still have their own identity.
There is a whole world to explore and I am prepared to explore it as someone who is single and has an amazing inner circle of family and friends, but I am open to sharing the journey with someone.
I recently met a man that I connected with immediately. Things were amazing.....to begin with. Then things changed, with no warning, no explanation. The writing on the wall was starting to show, but I kept holding on......silly Gretchen, you know better!
My friends keep saying, sorry and want to be angry with KCS. This is why I love my inner circle! I am not angry with him, I don't hate him. I am actually thankful for him! He reminded me that I like being vulnerable to someone, that feeling butterflies is exciting and scary at the same time. He reminded me that I am a damn good girlfriend and the right guy will be lucky to have him.
He also gave me a gift that I have been desperate to receive for the past 10 years. He gave me emotional freedom from a past relationship. A relationship that has haunted me. I am finally able to think back on it with fondness! I am finally able to look towards rebuilding a friendship with this person.
I have learned a lot about myself. I learned that I am happy and content to be by myself. I don't need someone to complete me, because I am complete. I worked really hard over the last 9 years to build a life that I could be proud of. I have worked hard to find balance, peace and be happy with who I am.
Am I perfect? NO
Am I finished growing and changing? Nope......
But I am whole, I am happy and I am ready to let someone share my world. It will take someone special, someone who is whole themselves to be welcome.
I deserve someone who is able to give me what I am willing to give back. Someone who wants to grow together, but still have their own identity.
There is a whole world to explore and I am prepared to explore it as someone who is single and has an amazing inner circle of family and friends, but I am open to sharing the journey with someone.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Oh, the Places You'll Go Update: Drive through the Irish Country side and kiss the Blarney stone (June/July 2015)
My mother's maternal grandmother is from County Cork, Ireland!
I have been drawn to everything Irish for as long as I can remember! The landscape, the livestock, the beer, the people. I have been talking about going to Ireland for 6 years and this year I promised my mother, I would make it happen.
I didn't know who I would go with, but that just didn't matter. My friend Alice decided she wanted to go, we had never traveled together before. She was an excellent travel companion!
We booked our trip through CIE Tours and they were fantastic.
The trip was better than I could have imagined and I am convinced that God made Ireland last! I figure, he tried out a few things first and when he decided he figured it out, he made Ireland!
I was able to connect with an old camp friend that I haven't seen in 23 years! She was the perfect host and showed us her village of Skerries, which was lovely!
This was a sampler trip and I know I will go back and spend more time in the Ring of Kerry and County Cork.
I have been drawn to everything Irish for as long as I can remember! The landscape, the livestock, the beer, the people. I have been talking about going to Ireland for 6 years and this year I promised my mother, I would make it happen.
I didn't know who I would go with, but that just didn't matter. My friend Alice decided she wanted to go, we had never traveled together before. She was an excellent travel companion!
We booked our trip through CIE Tours and they were fantastic.
The trip was better than I could have imagined and I am convinced that God made Ireland last! I figure, he tried out a few things first and when he decided he figured it out, he made Ireland!
I was able to connect with an old camp friend that I haven't seen in 23 years! She was the perfect host and showed us her village of Skerries, which was lovely!
This was a sampler trip and I know I will go back and spend more time in the Ring of Kerry and County Cork.
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| Cliff's of Moher |
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| Kissing the Blarney Stone |
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| Blarney Castle |
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| Giant's Causway |
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| County Clare |
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| Me, Alice, Stephen and Camille in Skerries! |
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| Skerries, Co. Dublin |
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| Ring of Kerry |
Thursday, February 12, 2015
My new love
On June 5, 2014 my life changed again! I adopted Maisie Moon. I swore up and down that I would not have another dog until after my trip to Ireland. You may be saying....well what happened then?
A high school classmate had posted a picture on Facebook of a yellow lab. I popped over to the page to check her out and when I started looking through the pictures, I came across the following. This was on 5.29.14. This little pups name was Haven. I sent her picture to everyone I could.
Next thing I knew, I was applying with Pets Tail Rescue. I was already heading to Haverhill, MA to celebrate my birthday with my family, so when I was approved to adopt her, I went to NH to meet the sweet girl. She was the last one of her litter to be adopted. She was rescued from South Carolina.
It has been a very busy (and sometimes stressful) 9 months. I can't believe she will be 1 year old on March 3rd. She is spoiled, listens 90% of the time and one of the sweetest little pups I have ever met. (Okay, I am a little biased, but just ask the people at her daycare).
I truly believe that Sadie Mae and LuLu Bird sent her to me.
Thanks for letting me be your person Maisie Moon!
A high school classmate had posted a picture on Facebook of a yellow lab. I popped over to the page to check her out and when I started looking through the pictures, I came across the following. This was on 5.29.14. This little pups name was Haven. I sent her picture to everyone I could.
Next thing I knew, I was applying with Pets Tail Rescue. I was already heading to Haverhill, MA to celebrate my birthday with my family, so when I was approved to adopt her, I went to NH to meet the sweet girl. She was the last one of her litter to be adopted. She was rescued from South Carolina.
It has been a very busy (and sometimes stressful) 9 months. I can't believe she will be 1 year old on March 3rd. She is spoiled, listens 90% of the time and one of the sweetest little pups I have ever met. (Okay, I am a little biased, but just ask the people at her daycare).
I truly believe that Sadie Mae and LuLu Bird sent her to me.
Thanks for letting me be your person Maisie Moon!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet: Life list item completed!
I would not say I am a religious person, but I do believe in a creator and a higher power. I enjoy listening to religious leaders speak and am always able to walk away from the experience with something positive that I want to incorporate into my life.
I have always wanted to hear the Dalai Lama speak and found him inspiring. He is humble and pretty funny.
He considers himself a simple Buddhist Monk which is amazing seeing he has been in the public eye since he was 2 years old which is when they decided he was the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama.
He talked in great length about education of morals and ethics, in the absence of religion, being the key to a peaceful world.
He also said that the definition of secular is to respect all religions including non-believers. I LOVED this idea. If religions would stop trying to "recruit" others to their beliefs and learn to respect others, we may have a chance at fighting the "problems" of the world.
Humility, dedication, passion, compassion and empathy......if I could learn a little something from His Holiness...I would be a better person!
I have always wanted to hear the Dalai Lama speak and found him inspiring. He is humble and pretty funny.
He considers himself a simple Buddhist Monk which is amazing seeing he has been in the public eye since he was 2 years old which is when they decided he was the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama.
He talked in great length about education of morals and ethics, in the absence of religion, being the key to a peaceful world.
He also said that the definition of secular is to respect all religions including non-believers. I LOVED this idea. If religions would stop trying to "recruit" others to their beliefs and learn to respect others, we may have a chance at fighting the "problems" of the world.
Humility, dedication, passion, compassion and empathy......if I could learn a little something from His Holiness...I would be a better person!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Introducing Blue Belle......
On November 4, 2012 I was in a car accident and my car was totaled. I was okay, but was faced with the daunting task of replacing my car. I have only had my license since July of 2005 and my first car was a gift from my parents. My car was a 2001 Dodge Stratus with only 60,000.
I really struggled with spending that much money on something that just was not important to me. A car has always been a way to get me to one place or another. I don't LOVE driving and really miss living in a city where public transportation is easy and accessible.
I narrowed down my options and decided I was either going to buy a Honda Accord or Honda CRV. Thankfully my parents were able to go with me and help me remember to ask questions I would not have thought to ask. I finally settled on the CRV EX Moutain Air Blue.
So here is my FIRST new car....
I really struggled with spending that much money on something that just was not important to me. A car has always been a way to get me to one place or another. I don't LOVE driving and really miss living in a city where public transportation is easy and accessible.
I narrowed down my options and decided I was either going to buy a Honda Accord or Honda CRV. Thankfully my parents were able to go with me and help me remember to ask questions I would not have thought to ask. I finally settled on the CRV EX Moutain Air Blue.
So here is my FIRST new car....
Friday, October 12, 2012
New Mexico Balloon Fiesta 2012
I got to experience it with Tara and her mom. Unfortunately, the morning mass ascension did not occur (which wa a big bummer!), but the evening glow went off without a hitch. One minute you looked at the field and no balloons were inflatted and if you blinked, you missed balloons rising! It was definitely overwhelming and I wish I had eyes on all sides of my head so I could see everything happening. I would definitely go back!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
20 Ballparks Down and 14 to go!
I visited my last California baseball park on July 5, 2012. I had heard good things about Petco Park and I was not disappointed. It is a beautiful place and of course the gorgeous San Diego weather doesn't hurt!
I am hoping to make it to Cinncinatti in September for ballpark #21.
I am hoping to make it to Cinncinatti in September for ballpark #21.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
14 months later......
I mentioned in an earlier post that I would share before and after pictures. I intentionally begin trying to lose weight in February 2012. Since then, I have lost 40 lbs. I find that when I look in the mirror, I don't see the difference. I am also struggling with clothes sizes.....in my mind I am still 40 lbs heavier....this is a problem because all of my pants fall down as I walk and I don't remember the last time I had to unbutton my pants to use the restroom!
Here is a pic of last May in Sedona, AZ with my friend Jeff next to a pic of me on July 6, 2012 with my friend BJ at the San Diego Zoo. Can you see a difference?
Here is a pic of last May in Sedona, AZ with my friend Jeff next to a pic of me on July 6, 2012 with my friend BJ at the San Diego Zoo. Can you see a difference?
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| Sedona May 2011 |
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| San Diego July 2012 |
Monday, July 2, 2012
Sadie Mae turns 12!
My puppy girl turned 12 years old this weekend.
I can't believe that I have had her since April 2001. I had always said I was going to get a dog as soon as I could. I was working for San Francisco State University and I moved from on campus housing to Treasure Island. In March 2001, I survived an assault from a good friend (clearly not such a good friend) and my BFF recognized that I was slipping into depression. I just couldn't get out of bed each day. He knew I wanted a puppy....so during my sister's visit, we went to San Francisco Animal Control and there was Ms. Sadie....(of course they had named her Princess). She was the calm, reserved and sweet. She had us fooled! As soon as she recovered from being fixed, she was no longer calm and reserved....she ate my friends palm piolet, chewed a chair, ate her collar, ripped apart her puppy bed......yet she was a handful! But we loved her anyway!
She is still filled with energy and gets into lots of trouble. If I have ANYTHING in the kitchen sink, she finds a way to take it out and destroy it. She has eaten a blender, lots of wooden spoons and I have no idea how she hasn't been rushed to the vet for any sort of blockage!
I love her and she gave me that reason I needed to get out of bed every day......she is my fur baby and is one spoiled pooch!
Friday, June 29, 2012
California here I come...........(okay just for a short trip)
On Thursday, July 5th, I am headed to California to combine a work trip with a personal trip. I tell people, I am bi-coastal! My heart lives in California as well as Massachusetts!
Not only is this my first trip to CA since February 2009, it is the first time I will be in CA without a visit to San Francisco, since I moved in July 2005! I am struggling with that a bit, but trying to focus on seeing some old friends from HHS and hopefully some friends that have relocated from SF to Southern California!
I will be visiting my 20th baseball park (Petco Park). It is the last ballpark in California for me to visit. I am also going to the San Diego Wild Animal Park (which I have wanted to go to for a VERY long time). My pal BJ and I are flying from BWI to San Diego on the 5th. He and I always go to zoos together.....even in New Orleans when it was crazy hot and I was in extremem pain.
Then we head to Anaheim for our annual conference. I will be presenting at a national conference for the first time. I will also be having lunch with a childhood friend who I haven't seen since high school!
I will probably make a trip to Disneyland seeing I have never been........
Anyone who lives out in the Orange County/Anaheim area.......let me know if you want to get together. I will be in San Diego for 1 night, but if you are around and want to grab dinner....let me know.
I will be visiting my 20th baseball park (Petco Park). It is the last ballpark in California for me to visit. I am also going to the San Diego Wild Animal Park (which I have wanted to go to for a VERY long time). My pal BJ and I are flying from BWI to San Diego on the 5th. He and I always go to zoos together.....even in New Orleans when it was crazy hot and I was in extremem pain.
Then we head to Anaheim for our annual conference. I will be presenting at a national conference for the first time. I will also be having lunch with a childhood friend who I haven't seen since high school!
I will probably make a trip to Disneyland seeing I have never been........
Anyone who lives out in the Orange County/Anaheim area.......let me know if you want to get together. I will be in San Diego for 1 night, but if you are around and want to grab dinner....let me know.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Back on Track
I am happy to report, I am back on track. I have lost 5 lbs (in 7 days) since my post about falling off the wagon! I have had "cheat" meals, but nothing like my birthday weekend. I was nervous about Nutrisystem, because I know you have to be careful when you stop eating the food, but I am comfortable because I know I will know how to eat when I decide to get off of the plan. I am scheduled to get month 2 at the end of the month and decided to add some of the frozen entries.
I find it is easier to stay on track if I allow myself a little craving every once and awhile.
On Friday, I went to dinner with a friend and I knew I wasn't going to be following Nutrisystem, so I got to the mall early and walked all 3 levels.
I have also noticed that the foods I once LOVED to eat, are now being rejected by my body. If I have something greasy or starchy....I end up feeling ill for a few days. My goal is to be down another 20 lbs by August 1st (7 weeks from now). That would put my total weight loss at 53 lbs!
The new set of YMCA classes begins on Monday and I am signed up for two "land" classes and 1 aquatics class. Now that the weather is nicer, I am more motivated to get outside and walk with Sadie (my puppy girl). The property I manager is 15 hilly acres so it gives me lots of space to walk inclines and increase my heart rate during a walk....thankfully Sadie likes to walk quickly so she doesn't slow me down.
I love that the clothes I haven't been able to wear in over 4 years are fitting again, but it is going to be time to buy some new clothes shortly. I am putting a dollar in a jar for each time I exercise. The goal is to reach $100 so I can buy a new outfit.
I find it is easier to stay on track if I allow myself a little craving every once and awhile.
On Friday, I went to dinner with a friend and I knew I wasn't going to be following Nutrisystem, so I got to the mall early and walked all 3 levels.
I have also noticed that the foods I once LOVED to eat, are now being rejected by my body. If I have something greasy or starchy....I end up feeling ill for a few days. My goal is to be down another 20 lbs by August 1st (7 weeks from now). That would put my total weight loss at 53 lbs!
The new set of YMCA classes begins on Monday and I am signed up for two "land" classes and 1 aquatics class. Now that the weather is nicer, I am more motivated to get outside and walk with Sadie (my puppy girl). The property I manager is 15 hilly acres so it gives me lots of space to walk inclines and increase my heart rate during a walk....thankfully Sadie likes to walk quickly so she doesn't slow me down.
I love that the clothes I haven't been able to wear in over 4 years are fitting again, but it is going to be time to buy some new clothes shortly. I am putting a dollar in a jar for each time I exercise. The goal is to reach $100 so I can buy a new outfit.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Fell off the wagon!
Soo........I believe that my birthday is something to celebrate! I like to spoil myself and surround myself with those I love......
Unfortunately, this year I sabotaged myself! I didn't fall of the wagon, I was being dragged behind the wagon, holding on for my life! I was doing so well on Nutrisystem and had lost 6 lbs in 9 days. My gluttony began Thursday night and didn't stop until last night. I didn't make any good food choices.
I did learn that bread is my ENEMY! I feel disgusting! I am not disappointed in myself because I knew what I was doing....but my body is revolting! I feel like there is a gluey substance just sitting in my stomach...
So I woke up this morning with a new resolve......walked for 30 mins before I came to work, walked to work and plan to walk 4 buildings this afternoon. I will follow it up with a 30 min walk with Sadie after work and then some arm cycling.......(I love my bike pedals and am getting definition in my arms).
I have had some ups and downs since last May, but didn't start trying to change my lifestyle and eating habits until February. I am proud of the progress I have made and look forward to continuing the journey!
Unfortunately, this year I sabotaged myself! I didn't fall of the wagon, I was being dragged behind the wagon, holding on for my life! I was doing so well on Nutrisystem and had lost 6 lbs in 9 days. My gluttony began Thursday night and didn't stop until last night. I didn't make any good food choices.
I did learn that bread is my ENEMY! I feel disgusting! I am not disappointed in myself because I knew what I was doing....but my body is revolting! I feel like there is a gluey substance just sitting in my stomach...
So I woke up this morning with a new resolve......walked for 30 mins before I came to work, walked to work and plan to walk 4 buildings this afternoon. I will follow it up with a 30 min walk with Sadie after work and then some arm cycling.......(I love my bike pedals and am getting definition in my arms).
I have had some ups and downs since last May, but didn't start trying to change my lifestyle and eating habits until February. I am proud of the progress I have made and look forward to continuing the journey!
Monday, May 21, 2012
NutriSystem
Okay....before you judge....I KNOW I have the knowledge and tools to lose the weight without a pre-packaged plan. I have been frustrated lately that my weight number isn't going down. I know I am losing inches.....and I SHOULD be happy with that (and I am to an extent), but I want the weight to come down.
I decided to try NutriSystem because it is risk free. At the end of the program, if I am not satisfied, I can call and get a complete refund. I am hoping the program will kick up the weight loss.
I started today and am STARVING..........that just means I need to pack more non-starchy veggies for during the day because I can eat as many as those as I want. I also need to drink more water because that keeps me full.
We shall see.......
I decided to try NutriSystem because it is risk free. At the end of the program, if I am not satisfied, I can call and get a complete refund. I am hoping the program will kick up the weight loss.
I started today and am STARVING..........that just means I need to pack more non-starchy veggies for during the day because I can eat as many as those as I want. I also need to drink more water because that keeps me full.
We shall see.......
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Body Changes
It is has been almost a year since I posted. Life threw me a curve ball in September and I was rushed into emergency surgery on September 9th. I am one lucky girl and although, I may never regain all of the feeling in my saddle area, I am thankful every day to be walking and that I regained most of my functions.
My mother was a saint through my healing process! She had to help me with things she hasn't had to help with since I was a small child. My dog took on roll of protector and whenever I moved she would get my mom and make sure she came in to check on me. She loves my dad, but wouldn't let anyone in my room unless my mom was there too. It was very cute. I also learned quickly who my true friends were and the people who were willing to put aside their fears and step up to the plate and send me positive vibes, joke about the ridiculous events occuring and let me cry when I needed to. They all made the situation about me and I didn't have to worry about reassuring them I would be okay.
My surgeon was amazing and the day he discharged me, I was a little sad.
Through this journey I recognized I had been lying to myself about my size. I always knew I was big, but didn't realize how big I got. Nobody ever said anything to me and those of you who struggle with weight understand that sometimes when you look in the mirror, you don't see your true reflection staring back at you.
I made the decision to change my lifestyle. It is a struggle everyday to make the right choices and I don't always do it, but I TRY and forgive myself when I slip.
I started using myfitnesspal.com to track my progress. I exercise daily even if it is just for 30 mins and I joined the YMCA.
I have lost 30 of the MANY pounds I need to lose. My goal is to be at 235 by the time I am 41 so I can zipline over the treetops in Costa Rica..........
I have been vocal about my journey because it keeps me honest. I have now added a weight loss ticker to my blog so you all can follow me on my journey as well. Slow and steady wins the race (or so I keep trying to remind myself)!
I plan to post a picture of me from last may next to a picture of me now in the same outfit so you can see the difference. I didn't notice it at first, but the 30lbs definitely shows and I feel better everyday!
My mother was a saint through my healing process! She had to help me with things she hasn't had to help with since I was a small child. My dog took on roll of protector and whenever I moved she would get my mom and make sure she came in to check on me. She loves my dad, but wouldn't let anyone in my room unless my mom was there too. It was very cute. I also learned quickly who my true friends were and the people who were willing to put aside their fears and step up to the plate and send me positive vibes, joke about the ridiculous events occuring and let me cry when I needed to. They all made the situation about me and I didn't have to worry about reassuring them I would be okay.
My surgeon was amazing and the day he discharged me, I was a little sad.
Through this journey I recognized I had been lying to myself about my size. I always knew I was big, but didn't realize how big I got. Nobody ever said anything to me and those of you who struggle with weight understand that sometimes when you look in the mirror, you don't see your true reflection staring back at you.
I made the decision to change my lifestyle. It is a struggle everyday to make the right choices and I don't always do it, but I TRY and forgive myself when I slip.
I started using myfitnesspal.com to track my progress. I exercise daily even if it is just for 30 mins and I joined the YMCA.
I have lost 30 of the MANY pounds I need to lose. My goal is to be at 235 by the time I am 41 so I can zipline over the treetops in Costa Rica..........
I have been vocal about my journey because it keeps me honest. I have now added a weight loss ticker to my blog so you all can follow me on my journey as well. Slow and steady wins the race (or so I keep trying to remind myself)!
I plan to post a picture of me from last may next to a picture of me now in the same outfit so you can see the difference. I didn't notice it at first, but the 30lbs definitely shows and I feel better everyday!
Friday, June 3, 2011
One Visit lots of VC's!
After a very long 10 years, a finally visited my friend Jeffe and got to meet his husband! What a great weekend and just what I needed at the right time! It is amazing to have people in my life I could go years without seeing and when we get together again, it feels like no time has passed!
Not only was I able to spend time with Jeffe, but I was able to cross some things off of my life to do lists!
I added another ballpark to my list making the count 19........lots more to go. I am hoping to make it to Miami this summer to catch a Marlins game. I loved the ballpark....we had great seats and the D'Backs won! Maybe the best part of the ballgame was seeing a prostitute meet up with her pimp after failing to find a John at the light rail stop......that was definitely a first!
We spent the day in Sedona and Jerome which meant LOTS of wine! I think I drank more this weekend than I do in a 6 month period and who would have thought I would find some of my new favorite wines in AZ? If you are ever in the Sedona area, check out the wineries they have, you will not be disappointed. Of course it is embarrassing to have to have the bartender help you add the tip to the bill......DAMN YOU WINE!
Here are just a few:
http://www.caduceus.org/
http://bittercreekwinery.com/
I was honored that Eric shared his family with me. Great people, great food and a great time playing Catch Phrase.....I decided to not play corn hole...but enjoyed watching others play. The weather was perfect, not too hot with a cool breeze.
The weekend went by fast, but I know it will not be another 10 years before I visit again. Who knows...maybe next time we will head to the Grand Canyon or maybe I will head out there for the Tuscon Gem Show..........all I know is it won't matter what we have planned because it will be a great trip!
Not only was I able to spend time with Jeffe, but I was able to cross some things off of my life to do lists!
I added another ballpark to my list making the count 19........lots more to go. I am hoping to make it to Miami this summer to catch a Marlins game. I loved the ballpark....we had great seats and the D'Backs won! Maybe the best part of the ballgame was seeing a prostitute meet up with her pimp after failing to find a John at the light rail stop......that was definitely a first!
We spent the day in Sedona and Jerome which meant LOTS of wine! I think I drank more this weekend than I do in a 6 month period and who would have thought I would find some of my new favorite wines in AZ? If you are ever in the Sedona area, check out the wineries they have, you will not be disappointed. Of course it is embarrassing to have to have the bartender help you add the tip to the bill......DAMN YOU WINE!
Here are just a few:
http://www.caduceus.org/
http://bittercreekwinery.com/
I was honored that Eric shared his family with me. Great people, great food and a great time playing Catch Phrase.....I decided to not play corn hole...but enjoyed watching others play. The weather was perfect, not too hot with a cool breeze.
The weekend went by fast, but I know it will not be another 10 years before I visit again. Who knows...maybe next time we will head to the Grand Canyon or maybe I will head out there for the Tuscon Gem Show..........all I know is it won't matter what we have planned because it will be a great trip!
Monday, May 2, 2011
My Life Desires- Organize Recipe Book
So, it may not sound like that big of a deal, but I have had loose recipes scattered around my house for years. I used to just keep the magazine or email that had the recipe in it but that caused me to have way too many useless items taking up valuable space.
This weekend, I went through all of my magazines and organzied the recipes into a 3 ring binder. They are all in protective sleeves so they don't get dirty as I am using them while cooking. They are organized by category.
Now the trick will be keeping up with it as I get new recipes!
This weekend, I went through all of my magazines and organzied the recipes into a 3 ring binder. They are all in protective sleeves so they don't get dirty as I am using them while cooking. They are organized by category.
Now the trick will be keeping up with it as I get new recipes!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Easter
Easter has always been an important holiday for me. Not because of the religious aspect of the holiday, but it has always represented time with family. I remember going to church in our pretty new Easter dresses, hunting for eggs that the Easter Bunny hid in our yard, Easter brunch at my Godfather's house and spending time with my Grandfather and Crazy Nana!
I moved away from home when I was 18 years old and because of the distance between me and home, I rarely made it back to MA for Easter. Easter was always difficult when I was not spending it with family. When in college, my first year I spent Easter at my friend Patty's grandparents trailor park, my second year I spent alone in my room crying over a stupid boy, I have no recollection of my third year and my 4th year I spent with Heidi. I don't have any recollection of how Easter was spent when I lived in TX, but can remember each of my Easter's in SF very clearly.
We always did Easter at my house on the island. We usually had a good group of people. Some came for dinner and stayed, some came for the after dinner drinking games, but everyone (even those I didn't really care for) was ALWAYS welcome.
I was really worried about my first Easter away from SF when I moved to SC, but my bestfriend (AK) came to visit and we had an amazing time....of course, shortly after that visit things were not so great between us, but hey, this blog is about Easter. We went to FL and I was able to show him around Eckerd College, introduce him to my friend Al and take in a baseball game at Tropicana Field.
We lost my Godfather in February 2010 so I new last Easter was going to be tough for me. Thankfully my friend Julie and I decided to take our first vacation together and it was life changing! I was so thankful to be hanging out with a good friend in tropical paradise.
During Easter, I seem to cling to my Polish heritage more than any other time of year. I try to cook traditional foods (even though I still have not mastered pierogies). It seems to help me feel closer to my family and friends.
Don't get me wrong, the religious significance of Easter is not lost on me. I still following my Catholic upbringing and give something up for Lent every year. This year it was meat and I can't tell you how happy I am I will be eating meat in just a few days! I love the idea of making a sacrifice or committment and following through with your agreement with Christ.
So whether you are religious or not, I hope each of you have a wonderful Easter and remember to reach out to your loved ones because you never know if they will be with you this time next year!
I moved away from home when I was 18 years old and because of the distance between me and home, I rarely made it back to MA for Easter. Easter was always difficult when I was not spending it with family. When in college, my first year I spent Easter at my friend Patty's grandparents trailor park, my second year I spent alone in my room crying over a stupid boy, I have no recollection of my third year and my 4th year I spent with Heidi. I don't have any recollection of how Easter was spent when I lived in TX, but can remember each of my Easter's in SF very clearly.
We always did Easter at my house on the island. We usually had a good group of people. Some came for dinner and stayed, some came for the after dinner drinking games, but everyone (even those I didn't really care for) was ALWAYS welcome.
I was really worried about my first Easter away from SF when I moved to SC, but my bestfriend (AK) came to visit and we had an amazing time....of course, shortly after that visit things were not so great between us, but hey, this blog is about Easter. We went to FL and I was able to show him around Eckerd College, introduce him to my friend Al and take in a baseball game at Tropicana Field.
We lost my Godfather in February 2010 so I new last Easter was going to be tough for me. Thankfully my friend Julie and I decided to take our first vacation together and it was life changing! I was so thankful to be hanging out with a good friend in tropical paradise.
During Easter, I seem to cling to my Polish heritage more than any other time of year. I try to cook traditional foods (even though I still have not mastered pierogies). It seems to help me feel closer to my family and friends.
Don't get me wrong, the religious significance of Easter is not lost on me. I still following my Catholic upbringing and give something up for Lent every year. This year it was meat and I can't tell you how happy I am I will be eating meat in just a few days! I love the idea of making a sacrifice or committment and following through with your agreement with Christ.
So whether you are religious or not, I hope each of you have a wonderful Easter and remember to reach out to your loved ones because you never know if they will be with you this time next year!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Lent
Lent in the Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Lent is a time of sacrifice for Jesus. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
According to the Canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan.
I don't claim to be the best Catholic around, but over the past few years, I have renewed my relationship with God and have begun to embrace more of my faith. Each year, I struggle with the decision of what to give up for Lent. This year, the decision was even more difficult because normally I give up Dunkin Donuts iced coffee and then donate the money I would have used on the coffee to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Seeing I have only had 5 DD iced coffees since January 1st, I didn't think that would be much of a sacrifice.
I thought about giving up soda...but for those of you who know me, that would have been UGLY! I am addicted to caffeine! I didn't want to give something up just for the sake of doing so, I wanted it to benefit me in some way. I decided I would give up eating meat for Lent. I am not a huge meat eater, but I do eat chicken at least 5 times a week and I have been going to brunch almost every weekend which of course has to include bacon or sausages. Giving up meet will allow my body to "clense", it will force me to be more creative with the ways I utilize vegetables and more creative with finding good protein sources.
I have a few friends who have been sending me vegetarian recipes, but if you have any I would love to see them! Forty days is a VERY long time to go without meat, but they say it takes about 21 days to change a bad habit or create a new one, so...........I will give it my best effort and who knows what may come of it at the end of Lent.
Last year, giving up DD did nothing! I was so excited to find that Nassau, Bahamas had a DD. When my friend Julie and debarked the cruise ship and arrived in Nassau, I literally bumped into a woman who was holding a DD bag.....I said (out loud) THANK GOD! It may have been one of the best Easter's I have ever had! (right next to the trip to St. Petersburg in 2006 to a new ballpark and a visit with an old college friend).
According to the Canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan.
I don't claim to be the best Catholic around, but over the past few years, I have renewed my relationship with God and have begun to embrace more of my faith. Each year, I struggle with the decision of what to give up for Lent. This year, the decision was even more difficult because normally I give up Dunkin Donuts iced coffee and then donate the money I would have used on the coffee to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Seeing I have only had 5 DD iced coffees since January 1st, I didn't think that would be much of a sacrifice.
I thought about giving up soda...but for those of you who know me, that would have been UGLY! I am addicted to caffeine! I didn't want to give something up just for the sake of doing so, I wanted it to benefit me in some way. I decided I would give up eating meat for Lent. I am not a huge meat eater, but I do eat chicken at least 5 times a week and I have been going to brunch almost every weekend which of course has to include bacon or sausages. Giving up meet will allow my body to "clense", it will force me to be more creative with the ways I utilize vegetables and more creative with finding good protein sources.
I have a few friends who have been sending me vegetarian recipes, but if you have any I would love to see them! Forty days is a VERY long time to go without meat, but they say it takes about 21 days to change a bad habit or create a new one, so...........I will give it my best effort and who knows what may come of it at the end of Lent.
Last year, giving up DD did nothing! I was so excited to find that Nassau, Bahamas had a DD. When my friend Julie and debarked the cruise ship and arrived in Nassau, I literally bumped into a woman who was holding a DD bag.....I said (out loud) THANK GOD! It may have been one of the best Easter's I have ever had! (right next to the trip to St. Petersburg in 2006 to a new ballpark and a visit with an old college friend).
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Jewelry Class
I have been taking a Jewelry I class through the Gem Cutter's Guild of Baltimore since the end of January. We only have 2 more classes left and I feel pretty sad about that! I have always considered myself pretty crafty, but this class has definitely given me a new appreciation for the jewelry I have purchased over the years.
We started out learning how to heat sterling silver, use pickle and bend the silver into a ring. Our next project was to earrings. We learned to texture cooper through a mill using paper designs and then cutting out discs to create earrings. We used dappers to create a sauer shape and then drilled small holes and created our own earring hooks.
The third project was learning to use the jewelry saw (not easy at first) and creating a key chain. We used our sawing skills to create the bracelet below. After we used the piercing technique to cut out our design, we sanded and buffed the project, shaped it around a mandral and then textured it.
The past two weeks we have been working on soldering sterling jump rings to make a bracelet. We learned how to solder, make jump rings and S hooks. During the next two weeks we will learn how to set a stone into a bezzel.
We started out learning how to heat sterling silver, use pickle and bend the silver into a ring. Our next project was to earrings. We learned to texture cooper through a mill using paper designs and then cutting out discs to create earrings. We used dappers to create a sauer shape and then drilled small holes and created our own earring hooks.
The third project was learning to use the jewelry saw (not easy at first) and creating a key chain. We used our sawing skills to create the bracelet below. After we used the piercing technique to cut out our design, we sanded and buffed the project, shaped it around a mandral and then textured it.
The past two weeks we have been working on soldering sterling jump rings to make a bracelet. We learned how to solder, make jump rings and S hooks. During the next two weeks we will learn how to set a stone into a bezzel.They are not offering Jewelry II until the Fall, so I am thinking about taking the Jewelry I class again just to keep honing those skills.
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