Kitsey: Yay for you—donuts are hard to resist, and I’m proud of you for not going there. I’m not quite at the point of Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, who says, “Never apologize; it makes you look weak,” but I do believe that apologizing for being human isn’t useful, either. Save the apologies for when you’ve really goofed up and then they mean more. I think you’re going to do just great on your CHF presentation.
Learn: I wish I had all your energy for cleaning!! My house looks like a tornado has blown through here—well, actually, it looks like a combination of a computer store and diving shop blew up in here with all my DH’s stuff all over! I’m going to try to emulate you this weekend and see how much good cleaning and organizing I can get done before classes start on Monday. You’ve inspired me.
We were recently in Pensacola for my DH’s dive class. We also went to Vortex Springs a few weeks ago for his 1st certification. He is loving it!! I get claustro, so scuba isn’t a good fit for me, but I do love to snorkel.
Ashley: You go, girl!! Sounds like you’re getting in the good-habit groove!! I’m also looking forward to your weigh in so we can all share the good results. As a fellow teacher may I wish you happy days and nice kids!
Devsmom: I’m glad you’re going to cheer on your son—I think it’s wonderful for him to have you there. My sister and her family are so supportive of their kids’ efforts, and it means a lot. Her kids may be embarrassed sometimes, but they definitely don’t have to wonder if they are loved and a priority, because their parents spend time on them and their activities. Fantastic, and best wishes for a great season!!
Shannon: I believe you CAN achieve anything you want. Isn’t it funny that when we start taking responsibility for ourselves, I mean really focusing on us and what we need and how we need to be cared for, suddenly lots of stuff gets better! Seems like before, I almost had an “I don’t care” attitude not just about myself, but about everything, and all of that is undergoing a change. I have a new energy and a new mental focus, and most importantly, I have goals and a plan for reaching them. Sounds like your house is going to be so nice!! Please share your secrets for getting your husband to work on his man cave!!! I need inspiration for dealing with DH’s “office,” which is so messy he can’t even go in there!!
Ags: I am blown away by how wonderfully positive you are. I’ve got your post bookmarked for encouragement for whenever I start falling back into the old mindset of “I can’t.” Because I believe I can. You’re 100% right; the language we choose can really influence our thoughts and actions! Strong words, strong mind, strong action.
OnaMi: Aren’t you sweet! I was “iffy” about putting up a pic (I HATE the camera these days), but I decided that since most everybody else had one up, I should put on my big-girl panties and do it. I appreciate the plateau support—I’m really hoping it was just water.
Heather: Congratulations on your anniversary!! And I hope all goes well with your doctor visit and weigh in post TOM. I don’t have to worry about that any more, happily, but I definitely still have the mood issues, etc. Yay for better living through chemistry with Advil and HRT to keep us sane and pain free.
Stella: Thanks for the encouragement—and you’re absolutely right. I know the weight is going to come off. I was just hoping for the boost of changing my first number on my birthday—but if it happens a week later, it’s still going to happen.
Dgramie: Congratulations on the new addition to your family!! How wonderful. And I think it's a great idea to work toward a goal in time for the birth of the baby. It will be doubly wonderful.
Maria: A whole week off??? YAY!! I hope you have a restful, recuperative, and recharging time—
Always: Welcome to the thread!!
So this is evidently my book.
Some of you asked about my job. I teach at one of the local universities, where I’m the choir director and teach choral conducting and music education methods for students who are going to teach music at the secondary level. It’s a fantastic job, and I really love it. I conduct 3 choirs at the university and also conduct an adult community choir called NOVA (New Orleans Vocal Arts) Chorale. I taught public school choir for 6 years in between degrees; when I started college teaching I realized I had found my home. I’ve been teaching at the university level for—oh, goodness—16 years now. I also do medical transcription part time; it was a skill I picked up during the semester we were closed after Katrina, and I’ve kept it up because I really enjoy it. I tend to be a bit of a workaholic; finding balance between things has always been a challenge for me.
So far, no movement on the scale—I’m wondering if I really do need to up my calories a bit, since I’m right around 1300 each day. Don’t suppose there is anything wrong with trying that, since what I’m doing now isn’t really working….and I can’t blame TOM or anything!! LOL I feel better, at any rate, and I know I’m doing my body a favor by eating more healthfully than I have in years, so maybe after the initial rush of water loss, my body is just shocked about the real food it’s receiving. Wouldn't surprise me--for YEARS, I ate like a kid with no thought about what I was doing to my body. Now I am providing it with nutrients and real fuel, and maybe it's just freaking out a little. We'll see! I'm going to up my exercise a bit and see how it goes.
Hope y’all have a great day!