White Christmas

White Christmas

Well I honestly y don’t remember ever having this much snow on the ground for Christmas, I know a lot of people like it, I personally don’t. It was lovely to watch while it fell, but that is about the extent of it.
Christmas always brings back memories for me- Memories of my Dad putting up the train garden and tree, Memories of Mom making a cream puff, Dad playing Santa for the Jaycees, listening to my Grandmother sing Christmas carols in Polish. But I think my fondest memories of the first year with Edward. We were not yet married, he come up on Christmas eve and spent the night at my parents house with us (He slept in my brother’s room downstairs, while I slept in mine- next to my parents room) I was so sick, working a full time job, carrying a 21 credit load in college, planning our wedding, and of course striving to be a perfectionist I had worn myself out. Christmas morning I woke up with a strep throat, 102 degree temp, and a cough that won’t quit. After more than 2 weeks of feeling bad – I was horrible. While my parents went to Church – Ed took me to the doctors. Loaded up on anti-biotic, decongestants and something to help with the body aches and fever, I insisted that we continue with our original plans for the day visiting his Grandparents, and parents. About an hour after arriving at his Grandparents and listening to this awful cough, Ed quietly got up to get our coats and announced we were leaving. He took me home tucked me into my bed all warm and cozy, had dinner with my parents and went home… heck of a way to spend our first Christmas. I didn’t even open his presents till New Years Eve, when I was finally able to get out of bed. The day after Christmas a dozen long stem Apricot Roses arrived, all arranged in a vase. They were incredible, the card read- something pretty for you to look at when you are awoke… It was at that point I knew more than ever that I loved that man and wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.
As with everything in life changes come and we began creating new “traditions” one that my brother, his wife, boys and I still do is the Christmas Eve dinner at China Moon. Dinner was great as always. The boys were fun, and it’s always outstanding to be in the glow of the love of my family.
After dinner I made desserts for Christmas day- Chocolate Mint Brownies, and a raspberry/ French vanilla parfait. I bet you can’t guess that these two desserts are the boys favorites right?
Whatever your Christmas traditions are I hope you have a wonderful wonderful holiday that you get to bask in the glow of the love of your family.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and God bless you.

May Santa bring you all you asked for, and then some. May 2010 hold great promise and much success.
Love and Joy on your journey…

To work or not- Pricelss moments

To work or not, priceless moments

As most of you know I manage a Chiropractic practice here in Reisterstown. In the last few weeks I have heard the same question many times about closing the business during the holidays. So before I get into the purely business aspects of this I want to relate one of the moments in my life I consider priceless.
(Now before I start this I am going to say again I am NOT bashing my parents – they were great people who did the best they could with what they knew)

On May 31, 1986, at the age of 22, I married my husband Edward. My parents were – well less the enthused when I announced my engagement- it might have had something to do with the fact that when I announced my engagement they didn’t even know I was dating Edward. Ed’s and my relationship had gone from-“Hi, I’m” to “will you marry me” in about 6 weeks. In the 13 months we were engaged they got to know him and like him.

I had a traditional Polish catholic wedding. My Dad and I had agreed that there would be NO father /daughter dance. Well my Mom, Brother and several family friends decided to veto that idea. Before either of us could protest we were being pushed onto the dance floor to “Daddy’s little girl”. We were both an emotional mess during that dance. However, there was a very intimate conversation going on. My Dad told me during that dance that to him, he felt like he had been too busy while I was growing up, between work, Jaycees, Hugh O’Brien Foundation, PTA, etc he felt he had missed a great deal of my growing up. He said to him it was felt like overnight I had gone for the infant he would bounce to sleep- to the 16 year old that was learning to drive. He said with a blink of his eye I was 18 and he was moving me into my dorm room at college, and within another blink here I was 22 and getting married. He confided in me that he felt he had missed so much, and that 1 of the hardest things for him, before walking me down the aisle that day was the day he had to get into the car, and leave me in my dorm in Delaware.
That conversation was priceless to me.

My parents passed away very very young- My Mom was 55 when she died, Dad was 58. One of the things they wanted most in their life was Grandchildren. My Mom got 11 months with Nick, when she passed away. Hunter was just 2 when Dad passed away. They missed a lot of fun and joyous moments with those two boys.

What does all this have to do with opening your business during the holidays – well it’s the emotional sentimental side of life we tend to forgot.

From a business point of view here are a few things to consider: What is it costing you to be open? Let’s think about that- you are probably a salaried employee and you might have 1 or 2 others that are as well. Yes the building does draw a certain amount of power to operate you HVAC system, and any signage lights, but it’s not nearly the draw of having all your equipment on. Nor having to pay your full staff.
A few years ago we opened the Friday after Thanksgiving- while we had 15 or so patients on the schedule prior to that day- we saw only 2. Why because it was the Friday after thanksgiving and everyone was busy doing other things and visiting their Chiropractor was NOT a priority. What did it cost us to be open that day in comparison to what we actually made? I can assure you it cost a lot more then we made.
Of course this is from a purely financial outlook.
What does the time away from your family cost you? What could you be doing that would someday be priceless to your children? I know your kids all want the latest and greatest- they want the WII, x-box, Beatles rock band, etc. I can assure you that when they get to be my age- they will not remember the expensive gift they got as much as they will remember the “priceless” times you spent together.
For the life of me I cannot remember what I got for Christmas the year I turned 14- what I do remember about that Christmas is that both my parents were off work, and we spend a day touring the Smithison museums and visited the National tree all light up that night. (I am 45, so 31 yrs later I still remember that day).
No one I know is independently wealthy, we all have to work. But a day or two or even a week away from your business will NOT KILL it. But those moments with your family you have the potential to create could mean a lifetime of PRICELESS memories for all of you.

So Close or stay open- your call. But weigh in all your options first.

My Dad loved this time of the year; I am more like my Mom who disliked it greatly. I’d give almost anything to be able to hear her yell “Billiam” 1 more time, or spend a whole night babysitting a pot of Crab soup with him. Life is precious- NONE of us are promised a tomorrow. Would closing your office for 3 days really put you on the edge of financial ruin? What would 3 days with your spouse, kids or aging parents mean to them? All these consideration should go into the decision making process.

As for me- well I think I am around the 180lb mark. Feeling good other than some issues with my right knee. I have an MRI scheduled for Tuesday and if as my boss suspects I have torn the PCL muscle I will need to see an orthopedist when I return from Jamaica. PCL’s usually need to be repaired with surgery, if that is the case then so be it. Hardest part will be keeping myself from being so damned bored I am climbing the walls, during the recovery. It will be a minor setback, but I tore it moving around and living life, and that’s just what happens at times.

Christmas is a crazy time of the year, but let’s try to remember that it’s about love, and family and time spent with those we love most.

Merry Christmas all. God bless.

This journey is awesome……

Books I recommend

I was asked the other day about books I have read and books I would recommend. So here is a list of books that I would highly recommend. I have broken them down into business, health and for Fun
Feel free to ask about any of them.

Enjoy


Business:
Influencer- Patterson, Grevey, Maxfield,McMilan, Swizler
The Sedona Method-Dwoskin
Thank you for being such a pain- Rosen
Who moved my cheese- Johnson
Winne the Pooh on success- Allen
Blink- Gladwell
Busting your rut- Drubin
Letting go of your bananas- Drubin

Mental and Physical Health:
The Tao of health sex and longevity- Reid
Four Agreements – Ruiz
The Voice of Knowledge- Ruiz
Mastery of love- Ruiz
How to impress the world in 7 days with your body- Madow
Is your frog boiling- Madow
I will not die an unlived life- Markova
Lucky man- Fox
When the earth moves- Heart
100 yr lifestyle- Plasker
Passing for thin- Kuffel
Core Performance- Verstegen
Pain free- Egoscue
How not to be afraid of your own life-Piver


FUN:
Where have all the leaders gone- Iacocca
Rescuing Sprite- Levin
Jemo- Robertson
Act like a lady, think like a man- Harvey
Divini Code- Brown
Angels and Demons- Brown
Lost Symbol- Brown
1st to die – Patterson
2nd chance- Patterson
3rd Degree- Patterson
4th of July- Patterson
5th Horseman- Patterson
6th Target- Patterson
7th Heaven-Patterson
8th Confession- Patterson
A time to kill- Grisham
The firm- Grisham
The Pelican brief- Grisham
The client- Grisham
The Chamber- Grisham
The rainmaker- Grisham
The runaway Jury- Grisham
The Partner- Grisham
The street lawyer- Grisham
The testament- Grisham
The Brethren- Grisham
Skipping Christmas – Grisham
The summons- Grisham
The king of Torts-Grisham
Bleachers- Grisham
The last Juror- Grisham
The Broker- Grisham
The innocent man- Grisham
Playing for pizza- Grisham
The appeal- Grisham
The associate- Grisham
A child called it- Pelzer
The Lost boys- Pelzer
A man called Dave- Pelzer
Help Yourself- Pelzer
The Privilege of Youth- Pelzer
Moving forward- Pelzer

On my current waiting to come out to read books:
Miracles in minutes- Dr. Joe Wood
9th Judgment- Patterson

What is a real vacation?

What is a real vacation?

I was asked this the other night in an email conversation with a friend. He was expressing how tired he was, and I asked when he had last been on a real vacation…. So Dr. Dave tonight’s blog is for you.

To fully understand the impact of learning this lesson – of a real vacation you need to understand a bit of my history. I will try to keep it brief.
In 1993 I was diagnosed with bi-lateral functioning adrenal adenomas- (tumors within my adrenal glands) because of the way they screw up my body’s hormone production I am always in “fight or flight” mode. Add to that – I am a Type A personality, Perfectionist, workaholic, who believed for a long time she was totally worthless and there for HAD to make myself totally indispensible to everyone… can you say STRESS MONSTER. (I still have all these tendency by the way) oh did I forget to mention totally addicted to caffeine as well…
In 1996 after months of being told she had the flu by her Doctors my Mom passed away from something called multiple myeloma. Three weeks before she passed away my Dad had his 3rd heart incident on the deck of the house and broke his left femur. He returned home from the hospital and the PT facility the morning before she passed away. Two months after her passing he had his 4th heart incident- unfortunately he was doing 70+ miles an hour on I-83 at the time. The Dodge ram pickup truck he was driving looked like a Volkswagen bug when my brother when to the tow yard that day. In the course of the accident Dad fracture his left femur in 27 places. Between July 1996 and January 2000 he had 19 surgeries in hope of saving that leg, finally in January of 2000 it had to be amputed. All the while I cared for him and made sure he had the assistance he needed with dressing, laundry, care of his medical needs, keeping house, driving, etc.
By September of 2000 my husband, Edward’s diabetes and heart conditions had worsened to the point that he needed to go out on permenate disability. In October of that year he ended up in the hospital for 16 days with an infection of the sack the heart sits in – this infection is called pericarditis, and was the beginning of his downward spiral.
In April of 2001 Edward developed gangrene in his groin and in the course of 3 weeks and 11 surgeries at shock trauma he lost everything in that area (ok all the males reading this –every man I have ever told this to had cringed – it’s ok) afterward Edward could not walk more than a few feet at a time and got around mostly in a wheel chair.
So I took care of both of these wonderful men and worked a full time job, the same one I have now.

In April of 2002 I earned a bonus my boss and I had set up, whereby I earned an all expense paid week long trip to where ever I wanted. This was my first real vacation of my life. With the help of an amazing travel agent I selected a resort in Tulum Mexico and off I went for a week… well ok I was there, but I had no clue how to relax or stop my brain for its constant spinning. I called home twice a day to check on my dad and husband, I called the office to check on things there, I spent a lot of time looking at my watch, pacing around and generally being in a state of agitation because I did not know what to do with myself, worrying about everything from what my Dad and Husband were having for dinner to how my boss was doing posting insurance checks at the office.
Then came 2003- WOW what a hell of a year that was. Once again I had earned the bonus of an all expense paid trip somewhere. But life was a mess that year. On January 31, 2003 at approximately 9pm my Dad died in my arms in our living room- after all he had been thru with that leg, a blood clot to his lung took him. I was ill prepared for the process the human body goes thru when it expires suddenly like that. The traumatic nature of his death still wakes me from a sound sleep at times. Less than 6 weeks later Edward had his first stroke in the bathroom of the same house we had been sharing with me Dad, since my Mom learned of her illness. The stroke caused him to arrest and by the time paramedics got there I had a faint pulse back. Over the course of the next 2 weeks he had 6 more strokes and arrested twice more. I obviously put my vacation on hold –
But by May he was in a more stable condition and needed to go into a Physical Therapy facility to have some work done to try and regain the use of his limbs if there were to be any possibility of that. He eventually came home totally bedridden. The doctors were telling me 12 to 16 weeks in the rehab center. I WAS A HUGE MESS! I was not sleeping; I was living on Pepsi, coffee and fast food… and was taking anti- anxiety medications like they were M & Ms.
The doctors, my brother and my boss convinced me that NOW was the time to go away- while Ed was being cared for. They all urged that if I did not relax and unwind soon – I was headed for a major break down, or worse. So I called my travel agent and within 2 weeks he had me on my way to Jamaica for the first time.
I left BWI on the last Tuesday morning in May that year, flew into Montego Bay airport, and then had a 90 minute ride to the resort in Ochio Rios. The only resort open on such short notice was a small resort – privately owned by an American Business man. Much to my surprise he personally greeted each guest as they arrived at the resort. He welcomed them to his home. Yeah I was too agitated to be impressed, before I would even let them check me into my room I had to call home and check on work and hubby. I got settled into my room and again have no clue what to do with myself- then I realize there is NO TV, radio, alarm clock, or phone in my room – well any of the rooms for that matter. There was an inter- resort communication system that allowed you to call the front desk, bar and restaurant from your room. So I called the front desk and was told that there was a TV in the lounge, newspaper delivery to the lobby daily and a phone at the front desk, that all these rooms had been designed to assist in the restful nature of the island.
Ok sure- NO clue what to do with myself- I paced the beach drinking 1 coke after another, taking 100 mg xanax every hour… and Still NOT relaxing or unwinding. At dinner that night I drank the equivalent of a whole bottle of white wine, still wound like a top.
Wednesday morning I was awake well before the sun- after all I wasn’t sleeping more than an hour or two due to the nightmares. When I went up to the restaurant at 5 Am for coffee the owner greeted me, and asked if anything was wrong, ( I was the only guest on this 70 room resort awake at that hour) I explained that my husband was ill and that I had just lost my dad, the owner knew all this as my travel agent had called him personally to make sure – that if anything happened while I was there- they could facilitate whatever needed to be done to get me back to the US as quick as possible. He offered his condolences and gently invited me to relax. Yeah ok…,.
Wednesday afternoon as I paced the beach again- aggitately looking at my watch every 6 seconds, the resort owner, approached me and invited me to come sit and enjoy a drink with him, he ordered both of us something named for the resort, this rum infused drink had fresh pineapple, coconut, and banana in it, all blended into a frozen smoothie… Eric the owner began to tell him how he came to own this amazing little piece of heaven. He shared how he had been a major player in a multi- billion dollar business, how is obsession for perfection had cost him his wife, his family and how a jammed kitchen garbage disposal had been the breaking point to this overly stressed life he lead. Then he did something that totally blow me away, he reached over and took the waist watch off my left arm, promising that I could have it back when I left. When I asked how was I to know what time it was he told me this- in Jamaica when your body tells you it’s hungry it’s time to eat, when you body tells you its thirsty its time to drink, when your body tells you it’s tired it’s time to sleep, and the rest of the time is to enjoy life.- Yeah Right….
We talked for a while, he asked if I trusted God, not just believed in God but trusted him. Of course I did, he then asked why I could not trust God to take care of Ed and the practice? WOW – I had not looked at it that way before. He then showed me a meditation method he used – that with each inhale of the soft Caribbean air into your lungs you bring in God’s peace and tranquility, with each exhale you let go to the wind your troubles and anxieties. I did this exercise with him for a while. Then he asked me to just close my eyes and just relax and breathe and listen to the sound of waves crashing on the beach.
The next thing I knew the sun was setting and I was being awakened by a gentle touch to my shoulder. When I opened my eyes I was embarrassed to discover I had dosed off while conversing with Eric, when I started to apologize he stopped me and reminded me that in Jamaica when the body is tired it is time to sleep, with a node of his head to the waiter High tea service arrived, we talked some more as we watched the Jamaican sunset, what an magnificent site that was- I had never seen anything so amazing in my life. Correction I finally allowed myself to experience that magnificent site. Eric gentle explained that I had been sleeping there in that lounge chair for nearly 4 hours at that point. As we sipped our tea and watched the sun set, he explained that life can be lived better when we take a break from it. I still rushed to the lobby to call and check on the office and hubby. Still needing a xanax to clam my nerves that night, but something was changing.
After dinner that night I sat on the beach listening to the sounds of the steel drum band play, Eric’s girlfriend- Alexis joined me- she shared with me that Eric while modest had left the “crazy life” behind in Connecticut , purchased the resort 10 yrs prior and had NEVER looked back. That she had been with him for 11 yrs and that there was just something amazing about him now that he no longer owned a suit or tie, worked all day in shorts, did not own a pair of shoes that were not sandals. She offered the advice that I just needed to give my responsibilities to someone else for a few days a year. Starting with God.
On Thursday of that week GOD spoke to me- well to all of us on that resort. A tropical storm hit that part of the island- it knocked out the power, phones, etc for 3 days. Somehow it didn’t matter. When I had no means to call home every few hours, and had given my responsibilities to someone else and to God- what was left for me to do… Relax, drink rum, and swim in the amazing Caribbean… , and somehow by Friday of that week I no longer needed the xanax. In fact I spent all of that Friday swimming in the pool, watching a cricket match (please don’t ask me what that hell cricket is – I still have no clue but it was cool to watch) and breathing in the magic of Jamaica.
In 2004, 2005, and 2007 when I went to Jamaica- while I stayed at different resorts, I have always given my responsibilities to someone else and God. So on December 26, after the anxiety of getting to Jamaica is over (while I love to fly- I really don’t like the way the pressure changes make my head feeling like its exploding during takeoff and landing) I will give each of my Responsibities to someone else- I trust that Mike and Alex will look after the office and the practice for Doc and I have trained them to the best of our abilities. I trust my friend Joe and his sister Cindy will take good care of Ariel and treat her as if she were their own. I trust God will look after my family and friends. I will not be taking either laptop with me; my cell phone will get left in the car at the airport. My only responsibility for 7 days will be to make sure I have enough sun screen on to NOT fry this “lily white skin” of mine. I will take fun and silly books to read, I will drink rum, I will dance on the beach, and I will have fun.
So Dr. Dave that is what a real vacation is. Time to rest and allow the brain to recharge.
Its amazing to discover how much better the brain works, thinks and reacts when it had time to NOT be in a constant state of spin. It doesn’t really matter where you do this either, it could just as easily be a cabin in the mountains, on the frozen slopes, or deep in the rain forest.

Those of you that know me well know that I am still very high stung, hyper and tend to be wound like a top all the time. Comes from being hyper responsible, extremely organized, type A, perfectionist that never thinks she does anything right, or has anything of value to offer people. Yeah I have gotten better about it, a lot better, but I still stress about things all the time. But there is something about that incredible, sensual, peaceful island that will allow me to relax within hours of my arrival there. The brain will turn off and I will not worry about all the things I am responsible for – well at least for 7 days. Then it will be back to my usually hyper high strung self.

As for the weight loss and exercise program well it kind of takes a vacation too…. Ok my fabulous and amazing coach, Dr Wood, reads the blog every week, he has comment at times publicly and sends me private response too. I email it directly to him as well, and to be honest I will be HIGHLY surprised if he tells me to do anything but go and enjoy myself. My new lifestyle is about living, moving and enjoying life, it’s not about numbers on a scale, in fact I have not stepped on a scale in more than a month, and might not for a long time. My clothes continue to get looser and looser, my moving around, while I still have knee pain and some back pain is so much easier then it was. In fact I wear a pink and white hoodie today, that when I ordered it 4 years ago was so tight I could not move my arms- today it’s too big. That’s what this lifestyle is all about. I do truly enjoy Jamaican Rum and what better place to indulge then in Jamaica. Jamaica also has the MOST AMAZING coffee- right from the Blue Mountains. So how can I go to Paradise and not enjoy two of my favorite things. Coffee and Rum- and yes sometimes I have them together. Sure once I am home I will do a detox or cleanse, but life is about living and having fun.

This journey is taking me to Jamaica soon…. Hope yours is taking you to spectacular places too.

Things I am Truly sick of hearing about

THINGS I AM TRULY SICK OF HEARING ABOUT!

I know I don’t typically post blogs mid week- and NO its not Sunday, but I feel strongly enough about this one, that I am posting on a Thursday.
I am so sick of hearing about the following topics:


GLOBAL WARMING- Really- is not even officially WINTER yet and we have had SNOW, currently its 31 degrees with high winds, bringing the wind chill factors to the signal digits….

JON GOSSELIN - What does this guy do for a living? Nothing it seems, he was in court here today in Maryland – where a Judge ruled he had to stop making “Unofficial public appearance” WHAT?? Official Public appearances are for OFFICIAL people – not BAD reality TV celebrities. He needs to get a REAL job and figure out how to support his 8 kids.

KATE GOSSELIN- Again why are we hearing about her- she had a New hairdo on a recent TV appearance- SO WHAT---- who cares if she changes her hair style, shaves her head, or bangs her head on a wall. I don’t mean to sound cruel – going thru a divorce is never easy- in fact I am told it is the second worse thing in life next to losing a loved one to death. BUT divorces are handled but attorneys and Judges- so let them handle it.

TIGER WOODS- Ok I am in NO way shape or form condoning Adultery… so don’t go there- but seriously he is a famous sports figure, and for sure NOT the only man in the US that can’t keep his thingy in his pants ( Females to for that matter). I am sure this is devastating to his wife and children and needs to be handled with a Marriage counselor (s), attorneys, family therapist etc… NOT THE rest of the world. We somehow accepted it when a seated US president had an affair, and we seem to be in SHOCK that a Golf Star has had an affair or multiple ones.

MICHAEL JACKSON- I thought Michael was one of the greatest entertainers of our generation. I enjoyed watching him perform, and was saddened at the lost of this great talent- BUT he now needs to be allowed to REST IN PEACE. Come on folks he so sought PEACE that he supposedly begged for sedatives. His brothers, Sisters, Mother, Father, etc – need to take care of his 3 children and let him alone. RIP MICHAEL you will be missed.

ROMAN POLANSKI – Let me start this one by stating that I think anyone that sexually abuses a minor should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and then be castrated. This case is 30 years old; Mr. Polanski is over 70 years old. This case should have been handled a very long time ago… We just don’t need to be hearing about him or it every day.

Thanks for letting me vent tonight. I appreciate it.

Kind if a blah week

It’s been sort of a blah week for me

This week started with what I would call a disturbing call from my GYN on Sunday night. His statement sort of alarmed me. I have a horrible family history of reproductive cancers in my female family members, so hearing him say your Pap came back showing A-typical, Abnormal precancerous cells and I need to see you ASAP- 8:30 Tuesday morning- really disturbed me. He explained he needed to do second cell sampling or biopsy and that the means in which he needed to do it would be painful…. That was an understatement. (There is a part of me that sometimes feels like men come up with these things just to torture women) I had no clue what that really meant but could tell it had the potential to be not so good. (I rather prefer dealing with Chiropractors who speak a more understandable language)

Tuesday morning I arrived at his office prior to my 8:30 appointment, it was indeed a painful procedure. Friday afternoon he called and said that I was at a very low level for pre-cancerous cells and would just need to be checked more often- so instead of a pap once a year as is common for women my age he wants me to start having them every 6 months. That was actually a sigh of relief.

Friday was the 3rd Anniversary of the day Edward passed away, and for some reason that hit me much much harder this year then it has the past 2. I miss him a lot. Yes I know his suffering has ended and that he is in a much better place. It’s hard to have spent 21 yrs with someone and not miss them.

Edward and I had a bit of a whirl wind romance, and of course we had our ups and our downs but we did love each other very much. Edward never ever failed to make me laugh.

The cold, damp, rain, snow of this week has not really helped my mood much either, I like the sunshine, the warmth and happy feeling of the sun. In less than 3 weeks I will be leaving for Jamaica – I will be spending 7 days here - http://www.clubambiance.com

As for the weight loss it continues to be at a much slower rate, but it is still coming off. But as my coach tells me this was about living and moving and not a number on a scale. He is right and I am living and moving around more.

My girlfriend was laughing at me for what a traveler I have become this year-
Vegas, Jersey City, Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Langhorne PA, Florida, - there are probably a few I forgot in there too.

Jamaica in a few weeks, I will be home from Jamaica only 11 days and will be leaving for the fabulous Parker Chiropractic Seminars in Vegas.

My life really is good, I am lonely. My one and only Christmas wish is for a second true love of my life, a man I can shower with love and affection and allow him to do the same for me.

This journey is amazing- sometimes it’s best to drive slow as you never know what kinds of twists and turns are in the road ahead.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

Well maybe- personally I dislike this time of the year. I think it brings out the worst in people. A number of years ago, when the oldest nephew was about 5 he wanted a down comforter for his bed , like I had given his parents the year before. Macy was having a sale, my husband who was still working at the time, had dropped me off at the entrance and waited for me. I was going into the store to get the comforter only.
When I reached the bedding department I found 2 older women fighting over the last king sized comforter. Seriously two 60+ year old women fist fighting over a comforter.

For me this is the most wonderful time of the year because JAMICIA Beckons.
Early the morning after Christmas I will be boarding an Air Jamaica flight to Montego Bay, from there I have an hour car ride to Runaway bay. Runaway bay is on the north side of the island. I love Jamaica.

IN 2003 (a year that was NOT a good one) I made my first trip to Jamaica- from the moment I stepped off the plane I knew I was in paradise. I know this will sound weird but for me- I experience GOD when I am in Jamaica. The beautiful, tranquil, sensual island feeds my soul. The sun is always bright, the Caribbean is always bath water warm, and the rum is always ice cold.
So have fun shopping and hanging the tinsel… I’ll be digging out my warm weather clothing, sun screen and bathing suits.
I hope you all had a Very Happy Thanksgiving and that your travel was safe.

This Journey takes us too many destinations each one holds its own surprises.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving



It’s the season of Thanksgiving- I have so many wonderful thing and people to be thankful for.



I am thankful that I can get out of bed on my own every day.



I am thankful that I can move around without excessive pain



I am thankful I have an amazing job that I love, that allows me to help people



I am thankful I had a wonderful husband for 20 years



I am thankful for the two wonderful parents, Bill and Barbara that brought me into this world



I am thankful for a Wonderful boss, Howard Lipman that constantly encourages my own personal growth- because he knows as I grow so does his business



I am thankful for my Amazing Coach Dr. Joe Wood- without who’s encouragement and support I would not have gotten thru the last year. He has had faith in my ability to lose weight and get healthy even when I didn’t.



I am thankful my wonderful brother Chris, he is my rock when I need one



I am thankful for my two healthy, happy, well adjusted nephews Nick and Hunter



I am thankful for my delightful sister in law- Deb, who is a support a friend and who takes incredible care of my brother, 2 nephews and me.



I am thankful for my “Clothing Police “friend Dawn and Gina who lovingly refuse to allow me to dress like a bag lady.



I am thankful for my Amazing friend Jeff, who’s so willing to share his own success and struggles with losing weight.


I am thankful to my friends Naomi and Dr. Steve for the amazing time in Florida, their continued love and support.



I am thankful for my friend Dr. Brandie- who is always willing to answer the embarrassing intimate questions for me, encourage and believes in me, even when I don’t.



I am thankful to my cat Ariel who fills my life with unconditional love



I am thankful for the staff and trainer at the Reisterstown Brick Bodies who encourage me daily



I am thankful for all my wonderful friends for you support and encouragement



I am thankful to be alive and healthier then I have been in years



I am thankful to God for all the blessings he brings to me everyday...





Have a happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving.



God Bless



Terry

Time is flying by

Time seems to be flying

Wow the days and weeks are just flying by. It’s almost Thanksgiving – where has time gone? It was more or less a typical week. At Brick Bodies every morning, work, home and repeating.
My cravings for sweets have been really bad this week and I have no clue why. I even gave in early in the week and get a small mixed cone from the cow after lunch with my Boss on Monday. I eat a lot of fruit which should curb some of this but doesn’t to be helping. My blood sugars have been running a bit low so this maybe the cause of this.

I am also fraustrated that I seem to have slowed down the amount of weight I am losing. My coach says the more I am working out the more I need to be eating,yet the weight seems to be coming off slower and slower.
It seems hard to believe that at this point last year- we were running around crazy, trying to move into our new office. We have been in the new place almost a year; it’s really really an amazing place. The house itself is the oldest in Reisterstown, it was built in 1773. I love my purple and lavender office on the second floor, I had been so worried about those steps – but they are no problem, I go up and down them several times a day.
Life really is good. I am very much looking forward to my vacation in Jamaica the day after Christmas.

This journey is awesome….

Answering all the questions

Answering all the questions
Wow, so many questions after last week’s blog- here are all the answers.

NO- I am not afraid or concerned leaving my apartment at 5 something in the morning.
YES- it is very dark at 5 Am
NO- I am not the only car on the road at that hour, actually there is more traffic at 5:15 Am during the week then there is at 7:15 on Saturday mornings.
Yes-Believe it or not Brick Bodies is open and busy at 5:30 in the morning.
Yes- Brick Bodies does have a life guard on duty, Personal Trainers and other staff working at 5 AM- and they are all very nice and helpful.
Yes – it is quiet outside at that hour of the morning.
No – I am not the only 1 in the pool – actually there are usually 7 or 8 other people in the pool at that time.
No – Joining the gym was not easy for me, it took me months to actually join and then for a long while after I joined I would sit in the car in the morning and have to give myself a 20 minute pep talk to just go in. I felt I didn’t belong there. The more I went the more I liked going, the more I got to know other members and some of the trainers and staff, and now it’s like going to Cheers- everybody knows my name….
Yes – I drink A LOT of water a day- somewhere between 150 and 200 ounces a day- how I do this is simple. I always have a water bottle with me, I have a number of bottles plastic, stainless steel and aluminum ones, I prefer the aluminum ones because they keep the water colder longer, they don’t have the supposed toxin plastic does and they are lighter to carry, but I use all the bottles in my collection. Most of my bottles are 20 or 24 oz bottles , I refill these bottles often thru out the day- by day’s end I have consumed 7 to 10 bottle full of water. Here at home I have one of those pitchers with the filter on it, I keep it filled and in the fridge at all times. At the office I have a filter/purifier on the tap I keep a container of water in the fridge there too. I prefer cold water for several reasons - #1 I have suffered with throat problems most of my adult life, I have had my tonsils removed twice and the cold just feels better. #2- The body must burn calories to bring the water to body temperature before digesting it, burning calories is a good thing.
Ariel’s story – Ariel adopted me when she was a 9 week old kitten. She has been with me since; she will be 2 on April 15, 2010. She is incredible spoiled, and some of that isn’t my doings. Ariel was the runt of the liter of 5, she has 4 brothers, and the Mother Cat rejected her, so she was bottle fed by the Mother cat’s owner and then the Vet that gave her to me. Oh yes I have spoiled her more, but she come with that already started. She is a wonderful source of love in my world. Nothing makes a bad day turn good then her curling up on my chest and purring herself to sleep at night.
Organization- Well yes I guess I am organized. I already know what slacks, shirt, under garments, shoes and earrings I will be wearing tomorrow. They are in fact already packed in my gym bag, along with my towel, and other stuff for the gym.
Sleep- It’s an important factor in any healthy lifestyle- usually I go to bed around 9 or 9:30 and get up at 5 AM. Up until just recently I had been sleeping thru the night, lately I have been suffering with Restless leg syndrome- which is where the legs seem to take on a mind of their own and twitch and jump all night long. I am working with my boss and a few other Chiropractic friends to get this to stop.
What is a chiropractic lifestyle- A chiropractic lifestyle is one of natural and holistic healing. Chiropractors believe in the body’s own innate ability to heal itself. This is done by keeping the central nervous system in alignment so that signal flow correctly from your brain down to you organs. Medications and surgeries should always be the last resort. I believe in this whole heartedly.
I believe everyone should have a Chiropractor as part of their health and wellness team.

H1N1 Vaccine- I am going to start this answer with this statement- THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS BLOG OUR MIND AND MIND ALONE, THEY ARE MY OPINIONS THAT IS WHY THIS IS MY BLOG-
I will not be getting the H1N1 vaccine or any other vaccine for that matter. I do not believe we need them. If your body is in good health (see above about chiropractic lifestyle) then your immune system will work correctly. These vaccines contain chemicals and toxins that just are not good for human beings. Don’t believe me- do some research on the guadisal vaccine and what is happening to young women when some of them get it. Look at the Red skins Cheerleader who after receiving the season flu vaccine is now hasving unexplained untreatable neurologic issues. That vaccine by her own words has destroyed her life. Again these are just my opinions, but I will not be getting any flu shots this year, or any other year.
SODAS- I don’t drink them anymore. I used to drink between 6 and 12 cans of Ginger Ale a day. The first week I was working with my coach and he had me cut out sodas I dropped 12lbs in 1 week. Sodas are full of chemicals and sugar. Neither are good for you. On August 17 I had my tonsil removed for the second time. As they nurses were trying to wake me up my blood sugars dropped to below 30 - very dangerous levels. They gave me ginger ale to bring it up quickly. Yes with in 15 minute my blood sugars had gone from below 30 to 84. SUGAR. By the time I got home from the hospital that afternoon, my stomach hurt so badly from the gas in the soda- I think it hurt more than my throat. I do drink about 8oz of Orange Juice every morning with my medications and vitamins. I buy the no sugar added kind. Occasionally I will have a cup or glass of tea, and sometimes even a cup of coffee or a glass of Iced Coffee. I never put sugar in them.
Cravings- Yes I still have them. I have a 3 day rule for cravings. If I have been craving something for 3 days or more I go out and eat it. IE- 2 weeks ago I was craving Mint Chocolate chip Ice cream, after 5 days of this craving- I had a single scoop Ice cream cone of this. Not the greatest thing in the world but it satisfied my craving.
Over doing it- Yep I have done it and have hurt myself, this past summer I was trying to do a 1 armed pushup in the pool and tore a muscle in my shoulder. I had done other things that have injured me. I try not to but it happens. I work for a chiropractor so he can usually fix me, because I live a chiropractic lifestyle even when I have these injuries they heal pretty quickly thanks to the great Adjustments I get from my boss.
Indulging- This is something I try not to do too often, but it does happen. Last week some friends and I were at Golden Corral- the buffet place. I had done really well until I heard the dessert bar calling my name- then I lost my head, some soft serve ice milk, a chocolate cupcake and a chocolate truffle and OH MY did I get sick…. Yep my coach laughed. It happens, we are all human, and I got up the next morning recommitted to eating right.
Men- Most of my really great friends in life are guys, I have a few great female friends but they are outnumbered by the males. I love my all my friends. My male friends are just that FRIENDS. About a year and ½ ago I decided I had sufficiently mourned my husband passing and was ready to start dating and hopefully fulfill on the promise Edward (late husband) made me make to him. Well so far that quest is not going so well. I am open to it, but so far the dating game isn’t too much fun.

This journey is amazing; I am meeting new people and gaining a new confidence in myself.

Enjoy the journey- you never know who you will meet on it.

How I make it work

How I make this work

I have been asked a lot how I do what I do and make this work. Well the answer is this- I DON’T know….
I was asked the same question the whole 3 and ½ years I cared for my bedridden Husband and the answer was the same- I don’t really know, I don’t think about it l, I take 1 day at a time and do what needs to be done in the course of that day.

Being organized helps I guess, so here is a typical Monday – Friday for me

5Am- Alarm goes off, I brush my teeth, comb my hair, put in my contacts, ect- slip into my bathing suit, put on a sweat suit over it, make sure Ariel ( my cat) has food and water and head out for the 2 mile drive to the gym. I usually have an orange or banana on my way- I have found that eating these potassium rich foods lessens the muscle cramps during my workouts.

By 5:30-5:40 I am in the water at Brick bodies in Reisterstown, I do a variety of exercises in the water- from simple stretching to deep water running, swimming, water aerobics, etc. I usually am there working out between 75 minutes and 2 hours.

I then head to the office where I shower, dress, have some breakfast, and start our day working. I typically work till somewhere between 6 and 7 sometimes later. I try to eat every 3 hours or so- I eat small meals consisting of about 200 calories at a time. Usually its fruit, nuts, fresh veggies, lean proteins.
One of my favorite lunches is Chinese food- my favorite place it China Moon, I have lunch there at least once a week, usually more.

After work I head home, throw my bathing suit and towel in the washer. I fix some dinner, by then my bathing suit and towel are ready to go in the dryer. I play with Ariel, read my emails, maybe watch a bit of TV, read a book, play with Ariel, and by 9:00 I am feeling tired.

Before I go to bed- I pack my gym bag. When I joined Brick Bodies they gave me this nice black backpack. So each evening I decide what I am going to wear to work the next day. Pack that outfit, my towel, whatever accessories I want for the next day into my gym bag, and place it by the front door.
By 9:30 PM I am in bed, getting ready to fall asleep- typically I read for about ½ hour and then can usually not keep my eyes open any longer.

For those of you reading that that have been in my life for a long time- YES those night owl ways are long long gone. Now the only time I see 2 AM is if Ariel has woke me up or the alarm company is calling about the office alarm.

Saturdays the gym doesn’t open till 7 which makes getting to work by 7:30 difficult, so I either go after work, or work out with my bands, Richard Simmons sweating to the oldies DVD or one of the other at home work outs I have.

Sundays I don’t go to the gym at all. I usually get up and do the Richard Simmons DVD, I sing and dance while making my bed, cleaning the apartment and doing laundry. I work out with my pro gym bands, I take a walk. Sundays are also food shopping and any other errands I need to run.

It’s not the most exciting but it works for me.
This week has been a good one- most of the clothing I ordered last week has arrived and amazingly it fits, smaller sizes then I have seen in my closet in years. But most of it is warm and will keep me from freezing this winter.

As I have spoken of before I have this story that I am worthless. I have worked hard to eliminate it from my life but its still there- I see it in how I purchase things that are just for me- I only buy clothes when I absolutely have to, but I don’t buy frivolous things for myself usually. I have been wanting a pink sapphire ring for a while now. I kept telling myself that someone day I would meet a man and he would put one on my hand. Well my luck with dating has not been that great- well more like nonexistent. Last weekend while shopping I found a very pretty pink sapphire ring that I really liked, and decided on the spur of the moment that yes in fact I was worth it. The ring is lovely and being worn on my left hand ring finger. Surprisingly it’s a full size and ½ smaller then my wedding ring was.

As for the meeting a man- I am still hopefully but not having much success. Frankly- I am ready to give it up. But alas if any of you know a nice man between 40ish and 60ish, who actually likes and respects females, please give him my name and email address.

As always have a great week yourself. Enjoy the journey we never know where it’s going to take us.

Friends and Family

Friends and family

Today October 25 would have been my Mom’s 69th birthday. I am starting this blog off with this to explain my rather melancholy mood.

I have been thinking a lot about family this week- my actually family has dwindled significant in the last decade or 2- My Mom, Dad, Husband, both my Mom’s Parents, My Dad’s father, my Mother in law, one of my Grandmother in laws, my step mother in law, and many Great Aunts and Uncles are all deceased.

I do have a fabulous Brother, his wife, 2 Nephews, My Dad’s Mother, a Father in law, Grand Mother in law , Sister in law, 2 Nephew in laws – 1 of which just got married, My Mom’s brother and a bunch of her relatives that all live in and around Ludlow Massachusetts.

We do not choice our families- they come to us from God, he selects them for us. However there are the “collected family”, as my Mom used to call them. I have many of these family members. Some have been part of my “collected family” since I was 8 or 9 years old, others since Jr. High school ( I Graduated High School in 1982 and college in 1986) High School, College, Jaycees ( 1984-1996), Landmark education, and life in general. Many of those family members live all over the place- New Hampshire, Georgia, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Delaware, and others are just up the street.

They work in all kinds of jobs and careers from, stay at home Moms, to Teachers, Chiropractors, Hotel sales director, IT folks, office/practice Managers, bar owners, Physicians, Retired military personal, Etc. We get to exchange ideas in our diversity.

I love my “collected family” for I have chosen them, I have invited into my life and my heart, they are frequently on my mind, and never ever out of my heart. As I sit here to write this there are some of them doing amazing things and other having struggles. One of “collected family” ran the Marine Corp Marathon today, and I am anxiously awaiting his blog to find out all about it, another is on his way home from Las Vegas where he delivered a speech this weekend about this incredible plan he has come up with that helps Patients get out of pain, and be able to strengthen their weak core muscles, a plan I know and thanks to him, has given me my life back. Yet another is preparing her special needs son for Tonsil surgery this week, one is dealing with caring for his aging Mother who is in the beginning stages of dementia, one has a daughter about to graduate high school this year and a teenage son to deal with, one is coping with the recent death of her beloved Mother in law, one just got her 1 yr clearance from a Liver transplant, and others are dealing with the day to day joys and struggles of living life.

Of all the Collections I have had in my life, the collection of “Collected Family” is my most cherished and beloved. They are blessing in this amazing life I live and I am truly blessed to have them be a part of my life- to each and every one of you I say THANK YOU, I love you and even though we don’t talk often, you are never out of my thoughts and always in my heart. God bless each and every one of you.

This week I finally broke down and purchased some winter clothing. I ordered on line several pairs of slacks, some tops, a couple of fleece jackets, a few sweaters, 2 pair of shoes, a pair of boots, and 2 sweat suits – yep I am COLD already. I have always disliked shopping and I am not enjoying it all now either. I did however order a fabulous Dress to wear for New Years Eve, I will be celebrating New Years in Jamaica this year and am very excited about this dress, and it’s awesome.

I saw my PCP this week; I have lost 168lbs – HOLY COW--- I am blown away by that. My injected insulin has been reduced drastically in the last year- from 220 units a day to my now 20. WOW. My blood pressure meds have been reduced equally as drastically. My goal is to be off all by my Thyroid replacement hormone within the next year. It’s all about being HEALTHY.

Thanks for being a part of this incredible journey with me.

Unusually Cold

Unusually Cold

That is what I have to say about this week… it’s been usually cold. This morning I awoke at 7:30 to find the ground covered in white stuff. I thought for a moment I was dreaming but – no dream it has snowed well a lite dusting over night. WHAT ???? Its October right? It’s been cold enough that Ariel, the cat, has been sleeping under the blankets with me lately.

I’m still fighting with a cough that doesn’t seem to want to go away. But I am feeling good- and have had a good week. Our new front desk/marketing director is doing a great job, and so far I am very happy with his performance.

My weight loss continues, and I really need to buy some warm clothes as the cold has snuck up on my faster than I had anticipated and have almost no warm stuff left in my closet. Of course what I do have the girls are going to get rid of anyway the next time they are here.

I really did enjoy my trip to Florida 2 weeks ago, and I am looking forward to Jamaica in December. I just read an article that made me scratch my head- apparently one of the news sandwiches sweeping the nation is a bacon cheeseburger that is served on a toasted buttered krispy kreme glazed donut- this sandwich weights in at a whopping 1500 calories- WHAT?? Seriously why?
Things here are good. My nephews are growing and thriving one is playing football for his high school team, they have a new Puppy named Molly. I hope my brother enjoyed his Guys weekend in OC.
My incredible coach leaves for a speaking engagement in Vegas this week; I know he will have an amazing time. Vegas is one of the most amazing cities – there is so much energy there. Good Luck Dr. Wood have a ball.

As always your love and support means to the world to me- THANKS
The journey keeps getting better and better.

I've had the time of my life

I’ve had the time of my life…

I have just returned from my first trip to Florida and an incredible visit with my friends Naomi and Dr. Steve. I truly did have the time of my life and I really want to Thank Naomi and Dr. Steve from the bottom of my heart for the fabulous time.

I decide to make this blog entry a chronically of my trip.

Day #1- Thursday October 1st
My alarm went off at 3 AM although I was wide awake, too excited to sleep. I showered dressed and drove to my friend’s house for him to take me the BWI airport. I arrived at BWI right around 4:30 AM. Thru the ticket counter, and security the first leg of the flight was Baltimore to Atlanta- was only in Atlanta for less than an hour then off to Fort Myers Florida.
I had a window seat and was watching the beautiful landscape and sky as we landed. WOW
Once I had my bag and was outside waiting for Naomi to arrive to pick me up I was enjoying the warm sun and calm breeze. What a lovely place.
Naomi was as excited to see me as I was to see her. First stop was Dr. Steve’s office in Fort Myers- Dr. Steve has been a chiropractor for more than 30 years, he practice AK which means Applied Kinesiology, it’s really interesting and something I would like to learn more about. Dr. Steve gave me a great adjustment. While at the office I got to meet their daughter Marianne. We were off again this time to their home on Sanibel island- over something they call a causeway- it looks like a very very long bridge to me. It was beautiful. Naomi and Dr. Steve have a lovely home. We dropped my stuff as Naomi was anxious to show me as much of Florida as possible. She showed me Sanibel and then Captiva island- WOW what a beautiful place. We stopped for lunch at a place called the Bubble Room- WOW what a great place- this little restaurant has 3 floors, with all kinds of memorabilia around- the tables are all glass topped boxes with sand and toys in them. The meal was awesome and their “Award winning” cakes were even more amazing- I had something called Orange Crunch- OMG what a cake- I could only finish about 1/3 of it.
After lunch we went to the “Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge” where we toured the refuge and saw some beautiful birds and a live Crocodile. This was amazing to me.
Back at their house I got to meet their Son Chet and just hang out, helped a very little in cooking dinner. After dinner Naomi took me for a golf cart ride around the neighborhood, showed me the beach, and the golf course, Chet joined us on his bike and led the way. What an incredible place to live.
By 10 PM I was barely able to keep my eyes open and excused myself to bed.

Day #2- Friday October 2nd
It was off to Orlando for Naomi and I- a quick visit to Dr. Steve’s office and the off for the 3 hour drive to Orlando Florida. It was a lovely drive, the sky was so blue and the big white fluffy clouds. Once we had checked into the Embassy hotel. The pool was just too inviting so we spent the next couple of hours in the water and enjoying the warm sunshine.
After our swim and a quick shower Naomi wanted to show me International Drive this is one of the most well known roads in Orlando- it has so many many unusual buildings, hotels and the huge convention center. Then it was off to Downtown Disney- OH my goodness what a place… it was packed with people, music, lights and about a billion things to do. We had dinner at planet Hollywood- ( I had a turkey club) this restaurant is packed with really neat things like the Dorothy’s dress from the wizard of Oz and a Jeep from Mash, there is a constant stream of videos playing very loud and a DJ .
Since we knew Saturday would be a long day we were off to bed early.

Day #3- Saturday October 3rd

Naomi’s birthday- and The MAGIC KINGDOM DAY!!!!
Up at 5:30 showered, dressed and sun screened. A quick breakfast which Dr. Steve, who was attending a nutrition seminar in Orlando, joined us for. We headed to the magic Kingdom- as we pulled up and saw the huge arching sign the says Magic Kingdom- it took all the restraint I had to not un do my seat belt and start jumping up and down like a 5 year old. We had to pick up our tickets at “will call” and then off to the Monorail that took us into the Magic Kingdom….
We waited impatiently at the Gate- then the MC came out and introduced himself- his first name was George, and he announced the train the carried Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Chip and Dale, etc into the Park. We then entered the Park….. Cinderella’s Castle loomed in front of me- this was a site I had longed to see, Naomi lead the way- first to the “It’s a small world “ ride- awesome, then to Peter Pan’s first flight, then to the Hunted Mansion…. OH My - I have issues with movements due to the Chiari One Malformation, which is a condition were my brain stem sits outside the spinal column. We then went to the hall of Presidents – this is amazing how each President from George Washington to Barack Obama, then we were off to the Country Bear’s Jamboree, then to Mickey’s Philharmonic, then I had wanted to see the new Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it street party, so we went back to the front of the Castle to watch that, well watching wasn’t all we did- Naomi has photos of me dancing in the street with Chip and Dale. A quick bite of lunch and it was off to meet the Princesses, well worth the nearly hour wait, I had my photo taken with all 3 Princesses, a ride on the Walt Disney Train, then more waiting to meet Mickey and Minnie. In to Tomorrowland for the new “Monsters Inc”. Laugh Floor, then Walt’s carousal of Progress. Believe it or not it was time for us to make our way back to Adventure land for our dinner reservations and the Liberty Tree tavern. What a dinner- OH WOW- salad, roast beef, turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, rolls and butter, apple cobbler and vanilla ice cream for dessert. YUMMY. After dinner we secured our places in front of the restaurant for the Parade. The Parade was amazing everything had lights on it. Then off to Main Street to what the fire workers and Tinkerbelle fly out of the castle and sprinkle Pixie dust on the crowd. We ended our Day with some shopping on Main Street. It’s hard to believe the day went by so fast. It was an Amazing and incredible day.
We got back to the hotel right around midnight- a quick shower and off to bed.

Day #4- Sunday October 4th
Neither of us could believe that we slept past 9:30; both Naomi and I are usually early raisers. We each showered, packed up our stuff, loaded the car and headed to International drive again. Naomi wanted me to try a restaurant called TU TU Tango- this is a Tapas restaurant – the food was very very good- we had bang bang shrimp, Grilled crispy pears, Stuffed lobster rolls, and Flaming cheese.
We were off then for the drive back to Fort Myers. The sky was once again so blue and the clouds so white and fluffy- just beautiful. Sunday night I got to meet Naomi’s Mom and spent some time just hanging out with their family.

Day #5- Monday October 5th
I slept in, visited Dr. Steve’s office and then Naomi took me to see the Sanibel Light house, the gulf of Mexico which I walked into to my mid calf, then to the shell museum, some shopping at She sells sea shells, dinner at the Lazy Flamingo, then to dairy queen. Back at their house we relaxed and chatted a bit more. Sadly it was time for me to pack and get ready for bed.

Day # 6 Tuesday October 6th
I woke up at 5:30 to the sound of Croc’s and the birds in the back yard. After I showered I got the rest of my stuff packed and relaxed a bit. Soon we were off, a quick stop at Dr. Steve’s office then off to breakfast with Naomi at a little place called the last watch- I had something called Floridian French toast which is a wheat germ break with strawberries, bananas, and kiwi on top of it.
Then off to the airport- I had a direct flight from Fort Myers to Baltimore it took about 2 hours and 20 minutes. My friend Dawn picked me up BWI airport for the 25 minute drive to home.


I really did have the time of my life. Florida was amazing the magic Kingdom is just that totally MAGIC-
A few weeks ago a friend of mine had told me that I was going to love the Magic Kingdom as entering there was like entering a different dimension. Rick you were so right- it truly is.
As for the diet well let’s just say it was on vacation too. I did eat wrong, but still managed to keep my blood sugar levels under 100.
I cannot put words to the feeling it felt standing on the beach Monday while the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico washed over my legs. It was just incredible.

Ariel my adorable kitty was so happy to see me when I got home- she did not leave my side all night.

The stuffy nose I woke up with yesterday morning turned into a fever and cough this morning- I am sure it is just my body’s reaction to the claimat change and in a few days I will be fine.

I cannot find the words to express my gratitude to Naomi and Dr. Steve for their incredible hospitality and for giving me this amazing chance to enjoy my new life. THANK YOU BOTH so much.

Months ago my Coach the amazing Dr. Joe Wood told me that life was going to get so good that I could not imagine it, I kind of shrugged that off but NOW I know what me means. OH WOW…

This journey is amazing and so much fun.

Growing bones in new places

This week’s accomplishment: 9/21-9/27/09

This was a good week- back in the gym. Our New employee is working out great, and I have been able to return to my desk and get a bunch of stuff done this week.

My workouts have been about 75 to 90 minutes this week- despite tendonitis in my left wrist and a kidney infection. Thankfully I am feeling better.

I am so very very excited about my trip to Florida and to the Magic Kingdom. I have been doing some research on the magic Kingdom and it looks like an amazing place.

I ordered a pair of jeans last week- they arrived this weekend and they appear to be too big. I swear I no longer know how to dress my body. I guess at some point I will need an intervention for clothing.

I have also begun to grow bones in new places- for instance the other day I notices that I now have bones around my collar area and in the hip areas. I wonder when they got there, and why they decided to appear at this age.

Thanks for all your support and love.

I want to wish everyone a Happy and Safe fast for Yom Kippur.

This journey is amazing and getting more amazing every day.

An awesome week

I want to start this week’s blog with a huge Thank you to all of you that commented on my post from last week. Thank you so much for the kind and wonderful words, your love and encouragement has meant a lot to me.
This has been a good week- Besides the lovely comments to my blog, several of our patients made a bunch of comments and compliments about how I was looking. THANK YOU
This was my first week back at the gym since my tonsil surgery. My ENT cleared me last Friday for a gradual return to life. I was warned to take it slow and not push myself too hard. So I have kept this week’s work outs to about 75 minutes or less.
Wednesday morning as I was walking into the gym my gym shorts fell to the ground… LOL NO I have not thrown them away yet- I did however put safety pins at the waist to keep them up. I know I need to get rid of them, but I seem to have issues parting with clothing that I paid so much money for and have worn for such a short time. The 1 trainer I have come to know laughed and said to the women he was working with- “See I told you she was working her A—off”. It was kind of funny.
My friend Dawn and I went shopping this weekend- it was cute- Friday evening standing in Burlington Coat factory – as I tried to convince her that the Beverly Hills Polo Club Polo shirt I had in my hand needed to be in the larger size and Dawn is saying no no no next size down. To my surprise the next size down fit perfectly. We then went to Wal-Mart and I bought 2 more tops and several packages of panties and a few bras. Several sizes smaller then what I had in my drawers. This is a very strange experience for me – as I feel like I am dressing someone else’s body.
Thank you Dawn for being my shopping buddy and for knowing what fits my body better than I do these days.
It’s getting cooler and I needed to buy some jeans as Dawn and Gina throughout the pairs I had- so I took my measurements and to my surprise I have lost nearly 10 “ from my waist and hips since the beginning of March, and 8” from my chest in the same time frame. When I first joined the Gym they took my measurements as part of my initial assessment, I have no clue what they were back in September. I have ordered a pair of Jeans and we will see if they fit. Yes I still hate shopping.
This week our Company’s New Marketing Director started- he is doing awesome so far and I am thrilled to have him on our team. Welcome Michael. I will be training him all week. Since we let the former employee go nearly 3 weeks ago- I have been doing double duty and feel a bit frazzled but it will all be ok.
In 10 days I will be leaving to visit my friends in Florida- I am very excited about seeing them and the trip to Disney. While out shopping this weekend I made sure to get some SPF 50 so I don’t burn. This is going to be a fun trip and I am so grateful to my friends Naomi and Dr. Steve for making this happen for me.
I noted a very amusing thing Friday night – Dawn and I went to Carraba’s for dinner- we shared an appetizer and then each got an entrée, of which more than ½ mine came home with me. It used to be that I could eat an appetizer by myself, my entrée and then dessert. NO more… Dinners frequently come home with me.
I keep saying this “Life is really great” and getting better. My coach once told me that I had no idea how great life was going to get- I get that…. Words cannot descript how I feel, beginning able to shop at Wal-Mart and Burlington, to have to be replacing my entire wardrobe, to be able to move- walk, swim, dance and have fun and not feel pain, winded or exhausted. LIFE IS GREAT…. THANK YOU Dr. Wood.

The journey is taking me too many destinations- and I am enjoying every one of them.

This has been an incredibly amazing year.

This has been 1 incredibly amazing year

It was a year ago today that my coach Dr. Joe Wood extended his hand to me and WOW what a year it’s been.
At this point last year I weighted 149 or so pounds more then I currently do… I could barely walk, I had a hard time getting out of a chair, I could not even shower without having to sit down as soon as I got out, I was scared that the stairs at our new office would be too much for me and I would have to quit my job, and mostly I was terrified that I would end up like my late husband Edward, bedridden and needing someone else to do everything for me.

Today life is GREAT and getting better and better. Those stairs at the office are not even a challenge; I go up and down them multiple times a day. I spend 90 to 180 minutes at a time, 5-6 times a week at the gym working out. I eat right, feel great. My nephews have a better Aunt, My boss has a better employee, my friends have a better friend, and I have a better me.

This weekend was the annual Reister’s Towne Festival- this was our company’s 11th year participating in it. In past years I have helped set up the booth and then just sat at the booth because I knew trying to walk around would have been impossible. This weekend I walked around the festival several times, and totally enjoyed it. Yes it was cold and damp yesterday and I was frozen, but today was bright and sunny and LOVELY. Despite all the incredible bad temptations of food- like deep fried Twinkies—YUCK- I managed to make good food choices- a polish sausage grilled yesterday and a pit beef today

My ENT cleared me on Friday I can doing really really well. Tomorrow will be 4 weeks and he was kind of surprised I had been back to work for 2 weeks, able to talk, and able eat and swallow most normal foods. He said he has seen patients my age need 4 to 7 weeks off from work. I was off 2 weeks.

Last year when my coach and I first talked we set some goals. (Beyond the Aston Martin) my goals were –
I wanted to be an inspiration for others, I wanted to make a difference for others, I wanted to dance at both my nephews weddings, I want to hold both of my nephews babies in my arms. I want a husband who is honest, sincere, genuine, humorous, loving man, who will love my cat and accept me for who I am, who will let me know everyday how great it is to wake up next to me. I don’t think I have met any of these goals yet, but life is a work in progress.
I still have my affirmation hanging on my bedroom wall and say it every morning: I am loved and protected, and a very special person, unique and I of a kind, and that makes me a priceless creation of God’s.

Last week my coach said he was proud of me and that he expected much more- he didn’t elaborate and I did not ask because I know whatever it is- I will be able to accomplish it, for anything is possible once I have set my mind to it.

As for the Husband when God is ready for me to have that- he is going to put the man in my path.

There are lots of great things happening in the next few months- On October 1st I will be flying to Florida to visit my friends, this trip is going to include the Magic Kingdom – I have never been to a Disney park and am very excited. The day after Christmas I am leaving for a week in Jamaica- I am giving serious thought to purchasing a bikini for this trip, and come January we will once again be going to Parker Vegas – Las Vegas is the MOST awesome place.


I am not an island and have had some great support thru out this year and I really do appreciate all of it, of course my coaches guidance , support , love and belief in my even when I didn’t believe in myself has been amazing. THANK YOU DR. JOE WOOD!!!!

The top photo was taken today, the bottom 2 are me at my heavest- you will notice the cane in the 1 photo.

What a week !!!

This week’s accomplishments: - 8/31/09- 9/6/09

What a week!!!!

Well my surgeon and I had agreed I could go back to work this week, if I only worked 5 to 6 hours a day, well that did not happen. In fact I worked 3 consecutive 12 hour days at the beginning of the week, 8 hours on Thursday and 5 on Friday, and another 8 today.
Unfortunately, I had to terminate one of the Chiropractic assistance that worked for us, it really hurt my heart and soul to have to do that, but my boss and I had no choice. For those of you that have ever had to terminate someone you know what I am talking about, you invest so much in to them and then are left with little options. On the high side- we did some interviews late in the week and 1 of the candidates was just a great fit, so we offered the job and have a new employee starting next week.
My throat is doing better, still a bit sore but I am finding that if I keep it moistened with cold liquids it feels better. My shoulder is also nearly totally healed- now just reaching over my head provokes pain.
Next Sunday will be a year I have been working with my coach….. It’s been an amazing year and I feel so good. Seriously no price can be put on being able to move and live life. For the last year or so my friend Naomi has been on my case to come to Florida to visit her, well later this month I will FINALLY be doing just that. She is having a ball planning all kinds of fun things for us to do including a visit to the magic kingdom…. A year ago I would have made excused to not go- for fear I would not be able to keep up with her- not now, while there is a small bit of anxiety about all the walking involved with the magic kingdom- I am excited about it, and excited about doing 1 of the things on my 101 things to do before I die list.
Ariel has not been happy this week, she had not liked my return to work, nor that she has been left alone during the day. She is spoiled but loves me, and wants to spend every moment with me, as I write this she is sleeping on my feet…. NOW if I could only find a man that would love and adore me so much.
Today would have been my Late husband Edward’s 52nd birthday. He was taken home so young- but I know he is at peace and not suffering.
Life really is good.
The journey is getting great… hold on tight..

A better week

This week’s accomplishments: - 8/24/09-8/30/09

A better week for sure, the Demerol fog has lifted, and the last 4 days I have been able to eat and swallow real food. Tomorrow is return to work. Hopefully the doctor will clear me Tuesday for a return to the gym Wednesday.
Wednesday was my first real food- thanks to Dawn who took me out for lunch, it took me about an hour to eat a 4oz chopped burger but it tasted very good.
Thursday I did work for about 3 hours at the office- I did payroll and got the stuff together for the practice management seminar we were attending in New Jersey.
Very early Friday morning we left for the drive to Jersey City New Jersey- despite some detours getting to my boss’ house to meet him, and some heavy rain on the way up the drive took only about 4 and half hours. The seminar was awesome the Hotel was lovely- many of the folks attending I had not seen since early November and they were all very shocked at how different I looked. Lots of compliments this weekend.
I did the driving up and back and really felt pretty good- other then I got tired out very easily, both Friday and last night I was in bed by 10 and out as soon as my head hit the pillow. But I guess being tired is just part of the healing process.
I have done some serious thinking this week- thinking how lucky I am to have an amazing boss that really does respect me, wonderful friends, and a great family and last September God blessed me with an amazing Coach. I have done so much and feel so incredible. I thought it was taking a long time to recover from the tonsil removal, till I talked with the ENT the other day and he was amazed at how well I was doing and feel so soon, so I guess I was just being impatient with myself again.
I cannot believe it is already September- where did the summer go? Next weekend is Labor weekend WOW- time is flying by…. Living life to its fullest …. Making the most of each day.

As always I really do appreciate each and every one of you that takes the time to read and or comment on my blog posts. Thank you so very much- your love and support really do mean a lot to me.
I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor day weekend.

This is an amazing journey- hold on its about to get better for sure.

A week not as I had planned

This week’s accomplishments: - 8/17/09-8/23/09

No gym allowed till after September 1, no exercise allowed either. (I’d make a pouty face but that hurts the facial muscles too much)

This has been a very low key week for me. Monday morning at 7AM I checked into GBMC for my second tonsillectomy. My friend Dawn drove me; we were home by 12:30 or so. A few minor complications during and after surgery, but no big deal. The Doctor had a hard time getting the right side of my throat to stop bleeding because of the old scar tissue, and then when they were trying to wake me up my blood sugar had dropped down to 30. Both were a bit scary but completely handled by the hospital staff.

Of course my coach is going to groan when he hears that the way they brought my blood sugars up were to give me 2 regular ginger ales and a grape Popsicle.

Thanks to the Demerol prescription I have been sleeping a lot this week. My coach always tells me to listen to my body, it’s the best doctor in the world, and well this week my body has been saying “sleep so we can heal”. So I have listened and slept. I have been told that the body heals much more rapidly while asleep then awake.

Last weekend my Boss and I attended a Chiropractic meeting in King of Prussia PA, my coach was there, he told me afterwards that I had a glow, that it was the life energy radiating from with in... Well there is no glow this week. In fact everyone that has come to see me has commented on how pale and wiped out I look. Amazing how that changed so fast. In many ways I feel like I have let my coach and myself down this week. I was fully planning on being back to work by Thursday or Friday of this last week and feeling much much better than I do right now… In a nut shell this surgery kicked my a- -.

I have this wonderful cat- a year or so ago when I was first looking into getting a kitten I was told that cats were a source of unconditional love. Well my Ariel is just that. Late Tuesday night I got up sick to my stomach, I sent hours in the bathroom. Finally falling asleep early Wednesday morning. When I woke up Wednesday afternoon, Ariel had pulled both her blankets, her pink teddy bear, her white teddy bear, her squeaky mouse, her crunchy fish and both her jingle bell balls on to my bed, and had them laid out next to me. I am told that when cats bring you presents like this, it’s to show love and comfort. I am not really sure what I was supposed to do with all her toys but I thought it was a very lovely gesture. Ariel has been at my side all week long. She hasn’t left me alone long. That is her in the photo above.

This week has been made a lot easier by some of the wonderful friends in my life- Thanks to Dawn for taking me to and from the hospital, getting my medication filled and checking in on me all week. Thanks to my brother, sister in law and the boys for the lovely flowers, pudding, soup and slurpees. Thanks to Gina for the ice crusher I couldn’t have made it thru this week without it. Thanks to Vicki and Neil for the greatest chicken motzah ball soup I have ever had. Thanks to Margie for calling and coming by to check on me. THanks to Joe for seeing to Ariel's needs. Thanks to my boss for keeping the office running in my absence and for looking in on me. Thanks to my coach for the lesson “always listen to your body”- that has been an invaluable lesson this week, and for being my champion even when I am feeling down. And of course thanks to Dr. McCorkle and the staff at GBMC’s Sherwood surgical center for all their great care.

Tonsil surgery is but a bump in the road on this journey.

Frantic week

This week’s accomplishments: - 8/10/09- 8/17/09



Monday I did an hour of deep water running

Tuesday I did 90 minutes of water aerobic, 30 minutes of deep water running

Wednesday I did 90 minutes of deep water running

Thursday I did 2 and ½ hours of aerobics, running and laps

Friday I did 90 minutes of deep water running and then 3 hours of swimming and sunning outdoors

Saturday I did 90 of deep water running

Sunday – Stretching and driving for 5 hours





This has been a busy week- well frantic as I have been really working hard at making sure everything in our office is done so my boss isn’t too stressed next week while I am out. I am really hoping to be back in the office by late in the week. My ENT’s note said off work till September 1, but I think I will go nuts being home alone all that time. We will see.



Today we had chiropractic Mastermind Meeting in King of Prussia PA.- which is about a 2 and ½ hour drive from here. It was amazing to be driving up I-95 this morning and embracing this great day.

My Coach was at the meeting and adjusted me so that the power is turned on in my body for tomorrow. THANKS DR. WOOD. All my doctors agree that I am healthier going into this surgery then I have been for any of the other 15 surgeries.



My boss took me for a wonderful dinner at Bone fish on the way home... I had mussels Josephine, Imperial Long tail which is a fish with crab, and scallops on it… Totally Yummy.



Tomorrow Morning at 7 I need to be checking into GBMC, for a tonsillectomy, for the second time..



It’s all part of the Journey, and it’s all good…



Again thanks for all your love and support- for those that live close feel free to stop by this week if you would like to visit..

11 monts ago

11 months ago today - a wonderful Chiropractor said to me - You can loss weight, you can teach your body to move without pain, you can live the life you want.....

I was secptical at first, the first few weeks were difficult, and then it was like a light going on in my head... I could..

The last 11 months have been an amazing journey for me- I have in fact learned to eat to live, and not live to eat. I have learned to move and love how my body feels when it is moving.

I have lost 133lbs so far, yes I have a lot more to go, but WOW I am personally amazed at that number.

I have tried all the other weight loss products out there- I'd loss weight- usually in the 80 to 90 lb range. But then the weight would come back with a vengance.

For a very long time I feared that I would fail at this, but I get that its not going to happen. This is not a diet this is a new way of live, an amazing way of living.

Life is great the Journey is fun and will continue to be fun.

Monday morning I am having my tonsils out, even that isnt really scaring me..

I have this wonderful Chiropractor in Langhorne PA to thank for it too- Dr. Joseph Wood- he has a book coming out soon called Miracles in Minutes. The book continues many of the exercises he has used with me to get me to where I am today. THANK YOU DR. WOOD!!


Enjoy the journey- is the best part of the destination.

This week

This week’s accomplishments: - 8/3/09- 8/9/09

It was back to the pool at the Gym this week and still using my friend’s outdoor pool some.

Monday I did an hour of deep water running
Tuesday I did 90 minutes of water aerobic, 30 minutes of deep water running
Wednesday I did 90 minutes of deep water running
Thursday I did 2 and ½ hours of aerobics, running and laps
Friday I did 90 minutes of deep water running and then 3 hours of swimming and sunning outdoors
Saturday I did 90 of deep water running
Sunday – 60 minutes of Richard Simmons, 30 minutes of Band work, about 4 hours of swimming and sunning in the outdoor pool.

I am so enjoying the sun shine- I have a nice tan and feel so happy from the sun. I don’t totally understand what the sun does for the body- I just know I am happier being in it.

My shoulder is feeling about 80% better, thanks to my boss adjusting it almost every day, and the stretches Dr. Wood showed me. I am just that I can move and move so easily.

A friend of my parents is a nurse that runs patient support programs at a local hospital she asked me to go speak to the weight loss group. I was a bit terrified by the thought of it, but it turned out great.

I had to have a blood test done, well actually several, this week in preparation for the tonsil surgery. I was told not to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to my scheduled time for the test. My appointment was for 8:30 Tuesday morning. I had dinner at 7 Monday night, went to the gym and then to the office to shower, since we knew my blood sugars would be dropping my boss had agreed to drive me, when we got to the lab, they would not see me since they could not read my name completely on the form. I was pissed off…. I felt horrible, light headed dizzy and sick to my stomach. Once back at the office I had some fresh fruit and felt better. Rescheduled for Thursday morning at 8:45 with a new form. Thursday morning I worked out for 2 and half hours like normal, then went with my friend Dawn to the lab, then to breakfast, by the time we got to the restaurant I was pale, shaking and very light headed. Downing 2 glasses of fresh apple cider did make me feel better, and then a ham and cheese omelet helped a lot more. It makes me think that the day of the surgery is going to be NOT so fun. I won’t be able to eat from Sunday evening till after I get home. I had planned on going to dinner Sunday night with friends but have a meeting to attend in King of Prussia PA.

I continue to be amazed at the weight that seems to be just melting away. As I write this I am wearing a pair of jean shorts that last summer I could not get to zipper or button, today I need a belt to keep them on my hips.

My tonsil surgery is in a week. I am really nervous about this. I am planning on taking the week of the 17th off, and will see about the following week. For those of you that live close you are welcome to stop by for a visit and keep me from going insane from boredom.

Life is good and getting better every day.

As always thanks for your love and support. God bless
Relax and enjoy the journey

The week of 7/27/09-8/2/09

The week of 7/27/09-8/2/09

The pool at the gym has been closed all week for repair- so I opted to workout in my friends outdoor swimming pool and enjoy the splendor of the sunshine and God’s creations…. It’s been fun and I have the starts to a great tan too.

Monday I did an hour of deep water running
Tuesday I did 90 minutes of water aerobic
Wednesday I did a 30minutes of Richard Simmons, 30 minutes of a band work out and 20 minute o f hula hoop
Thursday I did 2 and ½ hours of aerobics, running and laps
Friday we had thunder storms so I did Sweating to the oldies for 40 minutes, a band work out for 30 minutes and worked the hula hoop for 20 minutes.
Saturday I did 90 of deep water running
Sunday – 60 minutes of Richard Simmons, 20 minutes of hula hoop and 30 minutes of Band work

This has been a fun sort of week. I really enjoy being out in the sun shine- it seems to make the happy juices in my body flow, seriously the gray, dark days of January and February make me feel very depressed. Being out in the sun this week has made me feel really good.

My shoulder is feeling about 70% better, thanks to my boss ultra sounding it every day , and the stretches Dr. Wood showed me last weekend. My whole body feels better when I move it; this used to not be the case, but sure is now.

On Saturday my friend Gina asked me to come over and tell my story and weight loss success to a couple of her friends that are also struggling with their weight. I hope what I had to say and offer them was helpful to them. Perhaps I don’t want to see it, but I just don’t get why folks are so amazed when they hear I have lost nearly a 130lbs in 10 months.

Saturday night Gina and Dawn came over again and helped me clear out the coat closet in my living room. I seriously nearly cried when I had to part with me long black leather coat. In February when I last wore this dress coat it was HUGE on me and could easily have been made into a double breasted coat, last night it was soooo huge I could have button each side in each arm. That coat was something very special to me- I am not one to spend a lot of money on myself- about 5 yrs ago I had gotten a nice bonus from work and saw this coat (something I had wanted for a very long time) on a 75% close out sale and bought it for myself. I had to keep telling myself last night that there will be more stylish long black leather coats in my future. I now have 15 bags full of clothes that Purple Heart will be picking up tomorrow. My hope is that many people will be able to get use out of my pretty things.

My tonsil surgery is two weeks from Monday- I am getting anxious about this one. I know I am healthier then I have ever been before going into a surgery, but it only takes once of waking up in the middle of the surgery because the anesthioligst didn’t give you enough to keep you out- to be forever worried when you have to have surgery. I have a great ENT- Dr. McCorkle is one of the best so I know he will do a great job. I am planning on take the week off from work, and will see how I feel the second week as to whether or not I go into the office. I can always work from home.

Last weekend my boss and I were at a seminar in Philadelphia- it was awesome. On Friday night we went to my Coach’s office and then to dinner with him. When I told people this week that I had dinner with my coach – they all asked if I had been nervous or anxious about that , and then looked at me like I was retarded when I said NO I had not been. I never really occurred to me to be anxious about having dinner with him. Maybe it was because I know his story, but I ordered like I normally would have, enjoyed my fish and shrimp and really enjoyed the conversation which was far more interesting then when I put in my mouth.

For those of you that have asked about how things are going on how things are going in the dating arena- well they aren’t. I continue to have several online dating site profiles up, I do occasionally get hits, mostly from 19 till 25 year old men- which I have no interest in. I know that when and if God is ready for me to have a mate, a loving and wonderful partner, he will put him in my path. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be interested in meeting any gentlemen age 40 or older you think I might enjoy the company of.

Life continues to be great. I find I have more and more energy every day; I am moving and enjoying living so much more than I ever have. It seems like every day I discover something new or different about myself. A few months ago I discovered I had collar bones. I have always slept on my left side, lately there seems to be something hard on the left hip area- I am going to say it’s a bone that has been there all along. The steps are no longer a challenge for me, chase the cat is now fun and I still dislike shopping.

As always thanks for your love and support. God bless

Enjoy the day to day twists of this Journey.


Terry

This week 7/20-7/26/09

This week’s accomplishments: - 7/20-7/26/09

No gym work outs this week due to the tear in my shoulder. I have been doing the hula hoop, Richard Simmons sweatin with the oldies, and my band workouts here at home.


This week has been a kind of low key one for me. My shoulder has really become bothersome, to the point that I accept my PCP’s offer for a mild pain killer and a muscle relaxer.
I went to my PCP on Wednesday for my Pre-op for my tonsils. Oh yes my tonsils have grown back and are now inflamed and infected, so they have to come out again. That happens August 17. While I was there- I got on the scale and woo hoo I have lost 127 lbs. AMAZING!

My boss and I had a seminar to attend in Philly this week, we went up on Thursday- normally I do the driving but since I was a nasty grumpy, thing when I got to his place he drove and let me snooze. On Friday night after the seminar was over we drove up to my coach’s office and visited with him and had dinner. The visit was great- had a lot of fun with him. He did some new exercises and stretches with me- one of which required me to get on the floor, I was in a dress and pointed that out to him, but he didn’t seem to care, so I got on the floor and did what he asked me to do… the stretch does help my shoulder.

Ariel was not happy that I was gone, so I have had purring kitty on me since I got home yesterday.

All it all it was a good week, life is good- and getting better and better every day.

Thanks again to for all your love and support- I appreciate it more then you will ever know.

Enjoying the journey.

Terry