Life of the Party

     It's raining again here in the mountains of North Carolina. As we sit and watch the morning greet us, we realize that today is a new day, a new start. I sip my coffee calmly on the front porch steps and breath in deeply the scent of rest. Mom has decided that breakfast needs to be made so I can hear her cooking. It's moments like this that I cherish most. 

    This is an image of me from about a week ago. I can see that my face is changing. I'm no where that I need to be, but its a work in progress! 

     I'm excited to announce that I'm on track! I was super stressed about not keeping up the momentum, but she said that I'm doing just fine. I think I have been doing really well with the eating side of the deal, but the exercising portion is not going so well. I do lift weights, but getting the cardio in is very tiresome. I have a hard time staying focused and into the workout.     I will try to make an effort to really stick with my routine.   I'll keep you guys posted!  

         So it's December and I'm nearly a month out from surgery. Wow, the time has passed by super fast and that is okay. I'm 25lbs down and counting. I don't know what the average should be, but this is progress. I'm still struggling with food in general. Sometimes I still over eat and have to deal with the repercussions of that. The pain is crippling at times. Advice:        I would still recommend getting the surgery if you're determined to make a life change. You need to know that this isn't the easy way out or the "best" way. I struggle each day with food choices, but I still manage to hang in there. I would suggest that you go to all the classes that they recommend. Remember to keep your water count up! 

        The first week after wls is nothing to joke about. I feel as if I'm endlessly drinking some sort of fluid. I did manage to get in all of my fluid intakes both days at home. I had to spend an extra night in the hospital (Mission) due to some high blood sugar counts. What were they expecting? All they had given me to drink was Core Power shakes, which is loaded with sugars and carbs.  FYI I'm not a fan of Core Power!          I haven't been on a scale yet, but I'm sure I'm still the same weight. I'm swelled to pop. Walking seems to be the only relief in sight! Here are some things to remember: 1. When you get home pick out some very comfy clothes 2. Don't worry about what you look like 3. Drink, drink, drink! 4. Make sure you get up and walk (it helps) 5. Note any changes 6. Try to be as comfortable as possible.        I have personally been using Glucerna Shakes, and I think they are the ...

    Monday is the big day for my weight loss surgery (wls). I'm currently weighing in at 262.3. I started way heavier, but I'm working my way down. I'm a bundle of nerves as the hours click by. Honestly, Monday couldn't get here any sooner. I think when it is actually here the anticipation will die down some. I've been on the liquid diet for 12 days in total. I must say that it does cause some questioning of what I want to "eat."      I will begin to post pictures, as soon as, I get out of the hospital. I picked the Mission Weight Loss Management facility to start this journey. They have treated me well, but driving the two hours to Asheville is very annoying. I guess this is to be expected! Where I live there are no programs offered.  May Monday be a blessing.       I wanted to have wls because I was told it would help my diabetes. This alone is worth the risk! I'm tired of fighting the battle of checking my sugar 24/7.   Wi...

Football It's the sound of the loudest fan It's the loud music of the band It's the intense moment of the game It's the moment of instant fame It's the blood, sweat, and tears It's the moment of no fears It's the coach screaming plays Its the long practices most days This is a work of progress. I will try to remember to post the final piece. 

    This school year is going to be great! We are off to a wonderful start, but I'm stuck at home for a few days. I'm super upset that I'm missing work, but kidney stones really hurt. I tried to go to work yesterday, and I was sent home.       I hate missing school days. My students will get behind without me there to guide them. I wonder if all teachers feel this way when they cannot be there? This feeling of guilt has washed over me and will not go away. It's the beginning of the school year, and I need to be there to uphold classroom structure and a safe learning environment.     What I've done today- - Checked my student's blog accounts to read about what is happening during their literature circles  - Graded last week's papers and provided student feedback - Planned for student stations to begin on Thursday

   School starts back tomorrow for teachers, and it's bitter sweet. I miss my students, peers, and schedule, but I really enjoyed my time off. I logged into our school system today, and my students have not been placed in my classes yet. I'm excited to see what this school year will bring. I will have more time to devote to lesson plans, because I will not longer be in grad classes. I'll actually get to use some of the information I gathered during school.     I had a student send me welcome back messages through my school email.  I was excited to know that they miss their teachers too! I don't completely disconnect with my students during the summer, but I do use our school related apps to answer questions that they send me.  Goodbye Goodbye to the lazy late mornings  Goodbye to the leisure times wasted on reading  Goodbye to the social media apps that always keep my attention  Goodbye to the lake and all its contents Goodbye to...

    When I think about summer, I often think about the lake, camp fires, and marshmallows. I'm sad to say that this summer has been filled with none of these precious delights. I've missed the past summers of fun and excitement. Mom just doesn't feel like getting out and doing things, and most of my friends have children. I really try to avoid those situations where children are involved. I have to deal with them enough at school.