Terry's weight loss journey

How I made mysefl have a fulfilled life

2011-05-15T20:34:00.001-04:00

Foundations to how I made myself have a fulfilled life
I’m constantly getting asked how it is that I am so happy and seem to have such a fulfilled life. Well here are some of basic foundations or if you prefer you can call them values, or principals to how I have made this transformation over the last 2 and ½ years.

Keep life simple. I use this everyday from the way I dress, to how my home is appointed, to how I speak to folks. SIMPLE is easy and no hassle which means less stress for me.

Practice being satisfied. I’m thrilled and delighted with what I have, sure I want to continue to grow but I am satisfied everyday with where I am at right now, what I have, and the friends I have. Makes life GREAT!

Beware of indecision. Indecision leads to disappointment, and heartache. I’m not saying go make decisions without the facts but gain the facts, and make the best decision and move on. Do not second guess yourself or be indecisive for long. In 2006 I had to make the hardest decision ever, the decision to put my husband into hospice and discontinue lifesaving measures. For years I agonized over that decision, I had to stop second guessing it and just know I did what was best for him.

Practice cheerfulness. It’s so important. Being happy is a choice, being cheerful makes everyone around you be the same way. Think about this- what would our world be like right now if everyone practice cheerfulness? What a different place we’d be living in.

Learn to like people. I hear from a lot of my friends and family members the phase “I hate people” and I say REALLY??? Think about this – 65% of all communication is NON verbal. So if you say “I hate people” do you real think that others don’t know that? How would you like to walk into your next Drs appointment and “feel” the person at the first desk be saying under her breathe “I hate people”. People make our lives more full and fun. You do not have to like everyone you met but learn to like people in general. You will be adding life to your life.

Live and let live – Who are you to judge anyone 1. I try not to be judgmental of the people I meet or the folks in my life. It is not my place to place judgment on anyone, nor is it their place to place judgment on me. Live and let live…. For me there is one 1 being that can Judge any of us and that is God.

Adversity teaches. I have on my desk the story of the butterfly – the story goes that the breed was excited to see his butterfly begin to emerge from its cocoon, the butterfly was struggling to free it’s self from cocoon, this went on for hours, the butterfly had pulled 1 wing out of the cocoon, the breeder could not take it anymore he used his own fingers to open the rest of the cocoon to free the butterfly. While the butterfly was beautiful it could never fly correctly because it never developed the muscle in that 1 wing, for it’s the struggle to release its self from the cocoon that it develops the muscles it needs to fly. I have had a lot of adversity in my life, and I would not trade any of them for a second- for each 1 has gotten me to where and who I am today.

Don’t take yourself so seriously. A number of years ago someone told me I needed to lighten up, and they weren’t talking about my weight. I was once very serious and never laughed at anything. Today I love to laugh and can’t get enough of it. Laugher really does add to your life. I try to laugh at every day.

Have a sense of purpose. Having a purpose is more than a goal or series of goals. Having a purpose is having a drive, a reason, a sense that makes you get up every day and go forward. If you need to write yourself a Purpose statement and read it every day then do so.

Practice objectivity. Be objective in your decision-making and risk-taking. Know the facts and avoid letting racial, social, or any other type of bias influence your decisions. Great leaders perform their best when they act based on facts, not on emotion or prejudices. Become a great leader for your life. I make decisions based on the facts, and not on feelings, I do this with every decision in my life, from what to have for lunch to which TV to purchase. Weight the FACTS, not your emotions. Be objective not emotional. Now that I look back it was an objective decision I made in December of 2006.

Tolerate your own mistakes. You will make mistakes – in fact, you will make so many mistakes you will never be able to list them all. Learn from them and then MOVE on. Do not dwell on them or let the idea of making a mistake stop you from going for what you want. I have made so many mistakes in my life, and when I stopped and thought about it each one was an incredible learning experience, I gather the lessons and move forward.

Forgive yourself. Stop beating yourself up over things that happened in the past - things you did or didn’t do, and mistakes you may have made with others or with yourself. JUST STOP IT. Forgive yourself first. Then others. Most people do not know that I nearly went insane after my Dad died. I blamed myself for his death, I felt I should have seen the signs, I felt I could have been a better daughter. Within 6 weeks of my Dad passing my Husband had a series of strokes and I blamed myself for that too. I had to find it in myself to forgive myself for whatever it was I thought I had done to cause any of these events.

Forgiving yourself is a skill so few of us have the ability to accomplish. It's such a shame that we spent a lifetime living in the past and never make it to our full potential in the future. Forgive yourself – and just as importantly, forgive others.

There you have it. Really not secrets just common sense things that I choose to live my life by. These things have helped me develop into the person I have always wanted to be. Following them will help you too.

There are many ideas on this journey; many do not have to be difficult. Making changes are easy, thinking about change is hard.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Vuja De your life

2011-05-08T20:49:00.001-04:00

Vuja De your life
A good friend sent me a YouTube link early this week of Inspirational speaker- Simon T Bailey. WOW is all I can say. Vuja De is his key phrase; he talks about shifting your thinking to alter your life.

I have talked about this before, I had to alter how I thought about myself to be able to move on with getting the life I want. I’m not totally there yet but I’m a work in progress, and far far closer then I was 280 some pounds ago. NO the weight is not the only factor.

I have not been shy about the fact that I used to consider myself worthless. It has taken time; work, patience, understanding and a great coach to help me get passed that. I Vuja De my life…

The weight loss has been a byproduct of the altering of my life, I now have a self value, a self worth and a healthy self esteem. My question is HOW IS YOURS?
One of the things the Simon talks about is building the relationships. Personally I think 1 of the most important relationship we need to build is the 1 with ourselves. What is your relationship with yourself? Is it a good one, do you say positive things to yourself? Or about yourself?

I really suggest you take a look at Simon Bailey’s YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/simontbailey#p/u/13/_m7cwfusr3g

You will love them.

Be nice to yourself, you’re the only you that you will ever get.

What is happening to you on your journey?

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Life lessons learned from a 3 year old kitty

2011-04-24T19:09:00.003-04:00

Life lessons learned from a 3 year old kitty

My Ariel kitty turned 3 this week. I started thinking about her and how she interacts with the world after reading my friend Dr. Bourla’s tribute this is kitty when he passed away.

So here are the things Ariel is teaching me:

* Never be afraid to explore new things- you never know what fun you might find in something that seems strange at first.
* When meeting new people access them from a distance for a short time – then greet them with a warm and friendly welcome
* Naps in the sunshine are the best thing in the world
* Never be afraid to show affection to the people you love
* Find a warm spot and curl there to sleep
* Always stretch before you get out of bed in the morning
* Play often and with different things
* And most importantly- Be a source of unconditional love to all in your life

Ariel has been with me since she was 9 weeks old, she still runs about like she did then. She really is a source of unconditional love for me.

The last couple of weeks have been very stressful for me, yet when I come home at night she is standing on the back of the chair by the door ever so happy to see me, she rubs around my legs as I get settled in, when I retire for the night she purrs herself to sleep on my chest.

I have learned far more than I ever thought from this cat. Life lessons that will help me be a better and happier person in the future.

Everyone needs a pet to share this journey with.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

12 Secrets to living a full filled life

2011-04-17T18:19:00.001-04:00

I have been asked a lot lately how I keep such a positive attitude, how I can be so happy and upbeat so much of the time. Well not to sound trite but I have 12 secrets that I try to remember to always live by. So tonight I am going to share them with you:

• 1-Try everything twice. On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph:
"Tried everything twice. Loved it both times!" Why twice- the first time with anything is usually awkward and uncomfortable. The second time gives you a better experience with it, whatever it is.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!) I try to surround myself with happy, positive, successful, kind people. Positive people breed positive people. Surround yourself with people that are the way you want to be. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever...

3-Never let the brain get idle. 'An idle mind is beginning of death. I love learning, I read books, take classes, engage in conversations with people that are smarter or more knowledgeable them me. It keeps my mind working and busy.

4. Enjoy the simple things. A walk in a spring rain, the laughter of a child, the smell of roses or of fresh cut grass. Find the enjoyment in the basic and simple things of life. There is joy there to be had.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER. I love to laugh; there are plenty of times I will laugh so hard I make myself cry. It’s the greatest feeling ever. Currently the Big Bang Theory on Thursday nights is the show that makes me laugh so hard. It’s great.

6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive. In the course of 10 years I lost my Mom, Dad, Mother in law, Grandmother in law, Grandfather and Husband. Each was significant losses for me. I gave myself time to grieve, I cried, I mourned and then I moved on to live this life. Life must go forward. There is no idle in life, there is no backward either.

7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, and hobbies, whatever... For me I have tons of books, I love books, I love my nick knacks, for each 1 reminds me of something fun and pleasant, whether it was trip, my parents, my grandparents, a special friend, the birth of my God daughter, my nephews, etc. Be with the things you love the most. After all your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. As you all know I am firm believer in Chiropractic care. Chiropractic is the best form of health care out there; it’s the only true HEALTH care. It will help you maintain your body so you can live a long and healthy life.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is. Guilt is destructive and serves no really purpose. I try to learn from my mistakes and do better the next time, but I do not live in guilt. It’s just not healthy.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. I love you, are the 3 most powerful words in our language. Who do you love? And how often do you tell them that you love them? I strive to let the folks I love know that I love them. I love my friends, I love my family. It’s only in the act of giving love that, I love my family. It’s only in the act of giving love that you get it back.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance. Forgiveness is so very important. Start with yourself. Then forgive anyone else in your life that you feel has wronged you. FORGIVENESS is the key to freedom, and life fulfillment.

12- To Thy own self be true… What does that mean that means always always follow your heart, your brain and your own values? Do not be talked into anything you do not feel right about doing.

This journey is easier if you know what you want, have a strong value system and know how to laugh.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

All you need is love

2011-04-10T20:20:00.001-04:00

All you need is love

(Love, love, love)
(Love, love, love)
(Love, love, love)

There's nothing you can do that can't be done
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It's easy

There's nothing you can make that can't me made
No one you can save that can't be saved
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time
It's easy

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

(Love, love, love)
(Love, love, love)

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

There's nothing you can know that isn't known
Nothing you can see that isn't shown
There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be
It's easy

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

All you need is love, all together now
All you need is love, everybody
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

Love is all you need
Love is all you need
Love is all you need

This amazing Beatles Song was the theme for the Seminar in Orlando I just attended. Parker Chiropractic Seminars are always amazing this one however really struck home for me. Not only do I keep hearing all you need is love, but I also kept hearing that right now I am in the place I need to be with the right people around me for a reason.

Think about that for a moment. I was surrounded by intelligent, successful Chiropractors and Chiropractic assistance all weekend. People that have had struggles, and made them into successes, folks that have had to pick themselves up by their boot straps.

It got me thinking about the other people in my life. My boss, my friends, my coach, they are in my life right now for a reason. And they are right where they need to be for me and for themselves.

People come to us for all kind of reasons. I have been told so many times that when the student is truly ready the Master shall appear. This has happened so many times in my life.

Think about it, who is in your life right now, and for what reason are they there?

All we really do need is love. Love for our family, friends, and mostly ourselves.

This journey is about love.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

How is your life treating you?

2011-04-03T18:46:00.000-04:00

How is life treating you?
Is your life treating you well? Is your life bringing to you all the things you want? Do you think it’s not in your control?

Well I am here to tell you – It is in your control…. You get to say what is happening in your life. It’s really a choice; it’s really your control, your decision…

Do you think Oprah got to be the most famous female in the world by happenstance? NO she knew what she wanted to do, she got the education she needed, she worked hard, took all the necessary steps each day, each choice, each moment she had her eye on the goal.

All successful people keep their eye on their goals. They make excellent choices; they do what needs to be done each day, each moment. Always looking forward, always keeping moving in the right direction.

This is a skill I have been working hard to learn. To let go of the past and keep my eye on my goal.

It is not always easy to let go of the past, occasionally the “I’m worthless conversation “rears its ugly head, but I have trained myself to catch it and STOP it as quickly as possible. I have my coach Dr. Wood and a few others in my life that are always willing to help me, get past that and get me back on track.

To me it’s very important to have coaches; Dr. Wood is my weight loss/lifestyles coach. I have folks that coach me in business, and in other aspects of my life. Have you ever seen a football team make it to the Super Bowl without an outstanding coach? I sure haven’t.

Decide what you want, enlisted a coach to help you get there, keep making the right choices, and life will bring you what you want and treat you the way you want. It really is that simple.

For me these days the choices involve not only making the right choices on what to eat, but also on the activities that best nurture my body. Choices that will let it heal, and be healthy.

No one walks this journey alone.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

We all need someone to lean on

2011-03-27T16:21:00.001-04:00

We all need someone to lean on

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand (Chorus)
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on

We all do need someone to lean on once in a while. This week was my turn. On Thursday morning I had surgery on my female parts. (Since my nephews and other guys read this blog I am not going into details here) The surgery was scheduled for 45 minutes and took just over 2 hours. Leaving the hospital every move hurt. The car ride home had me in tears. Once home I wanted the comfort of my own bed, and my heating pad. Which is where I have stayed for the last 4 days. ( Laptops make writing this blog from bed easy)

In life we do not get to choose our families God does that for us. Then God brings people into our lives that become friends, over time they become our own handpicked designed by us family. I am blessed to have both an outstanding family and a great friend family.

I wanted to take a moment to THANK all my friends the meals you have prepared and sent over, your text messages, phone calls, emails, and facebook messages have meant a great deal to me. You all are the greatest.
Sometimes during this journey we need someone to lean on.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

What a week- stressful yet amazing

2011-03-20T18:41:00.000-04:00

What a week- stressful yet amazing
Well as I posted last Sunday my wonderful Coach and his wife were here for several hours last Sunday. I posted a photo of him and I in July of 09 and the one taken last week, there was a big WOW , but when I found the photo of him and I from November of 2008- the WOW got even bigger. Our New CA at the office looked at it and exclaimed – THAT DOESN’T EVEN LOOK LIKE THE SAME PERSON… It really doesn’t

All I can say it LIFE REALLY IS GREAT.

Tuesday found me tearing and spraining my Deltoid muscle in my right shoulder, not a good thing for a right handed person. Apparently while I worked on Tuesday the gasket housing on my garbage disposal went bad, and leaked its lubricant on to the kitchen floor, so as I came in from work- like always I walked to the sink to deposit my empty water bottle and slipped. It’s a good thing I work for a Chiropractor.

Thursday night I nearly set my kitchen on fire. Seems tea towels and gas stoves don’t play well with each other. I have been telling folks for years I should not be allowed in the kitchen, it just isn’t my forte.

The TRULY amazing part of this week came on Friday morning- I had an appointment with my PCP for a pre-op examination. She was totally impressed. See I really do not like going to the doctor so I kind of avoid it, no offense to the amazing physicians out there, but your offices are scary places. But I have to say this was the BEST visit to the doctor in years. She is so happy with my progress that she lowered my blood pressure medication (only 1 these days- used to be 3) and lowered my thyroid medications as well and agreed with my dropping all the diabetic medications and had taken me off all the other meds I used to be on. When I first started this journey I was on about 10 different medications a day between high blood pressure medications, Diabetes meds, etc... I was so happy when I left her office.

This morning I meet a dear friend for breakfast and then went to the grocery store. As I was wondering around trying to figure out what to have for dinner, something occurred to me. The once “staples” of my Sunday night dinners, are no more. It used to be that on Sunday nights I’d fix a big pasta dinner, with the Pillsbury Grand’s rolls. I can eat a whole can by myself in 1 sitting. Those once “staples” aren’t even in my radar any more. Tonight for dinner I decided on a nice piece of Sirloin steak, (cooked without incident) some sautéed mushrooms, a nice garden salad and fresh squash. Later tonight I will have a small piece of the Hot Milk Cake my friend made me. Yes she made me a whole cake, once I got home with it; I sliced it into individual servings, put 1 slice aside for myself for a treat later, and have put the rest in the freezer for future company. (Feel free to comment Dr. Wood)

The Pre –op exam was for a surgical procedure I am having on Thursday of this week. On the girl parts. I know it needs to be done, as we have tried every other means to solve the issues I have been having and nothing has worked. But I am still scared, nervous and worried. One of the big things that scares me is I know me so well, I do not do BORED well. The doctor’s orders are that I come home and spend at least the first 48 hours on bed rest. I figure by Friday morning I will be wanting out of bed and finding things to get into, which is going to be a bad thing. See for me this won’t be deliberate, it’s just me and just how my brain is wired. I’ll think Oh gee I’m up to go potty any way- let me just load the dish washer, or clean out the cat’s box, or….. Yeah that’s me. So for any of you friends that live /work/play in the Owings Mills, Reisterstown areas, and would like to come save me from my self, all company will be most appreciated. Bring your favorite DVD- I’m always open to a good non-violent movie.

Life really is good.

This Journey is amazing to me
.
Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

This is not a diet

2011-03-13T21:24:00.002-04:00

This isn’t a diet

I have said this many times in the past and find I am saying it more and more- THIS IS NOT A DIET, it’s a new lifestyle.

Yes diets work in the short term. You lose weight, but once you END the diet and you ALWAYS end the diet you go right back to the lifestyle habits that put the weight on in the first place.

I choose to change my lifestyle- I choose to stop living a life that was going to put me in an early grave.

I CHOOSE to Stop being self destructive and life a positive life affirming life.
Its 1 choice at a time. It’s really as simple as an apple or a donut, every time I choose the apple I choose to live.

I have no weight or size goal, I have a LIFE goal- I want to live long enough to see my nephews grow up, get married and have children that make them as crazy as they are making my brother and sister in law.

I choose to get up in the morning at 5 to go to the gym. I choose to eat Chinese for lunch most days; I choose to have salad or soup for dinner most nights.

I am totally blessed with an amazing coach who supports me and encourages me, and yes argues with me when need be. I had the joy of spending several hours with his wife and him today, he told me several times that I looked younger and healthier, and how much better I was moving. I delighted hearing that from him, but he was only affirming what I already knew. See the photos of him and I below.

Are you looking to change your lifestyle? Get in touch with me and I can help you.

This journey is SO WORTH the effort.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

What is on your bucket list?

2011-03-06T20:01:00.000-05:00

What is on your Bucket List?

Turning 47 this week has made me start thinking about all the things on my bucket list. A few years ago I wrote 101 things to do before I die list, but there were a lot of redundancies on that list.
Of course I have a list of things I want to do before I die. Things like see both Nephews graduate from High School, College, get married and have children of their own. There are all the places I want to travel to, and then there are the dare devil things I have a desire to do.

A bucket list is nothing more than a list of goals we wish to see, do or achieve in our lives. Of course there are things I have crossed off my original list, they are not all epic, but there are fun, things like getting to see the Magic Kingdom, Dancing in the streets with Chip and Dale, Being recognized for the work I do in the Chiropractic industry. Continuing to lose weight, I weigh in on the first Friday of the month, when I got on the scale this past Friday I was amazed to see that I had lost 12.4 lbs in a month.

In many many ways turning 47 was on a list I wrote mentally years and years ago. Life continues to move and grow and we has human beings must continue to grow and move with it. When I say life really is great- I truly do mean it. LIFE IS GREAT!

Along the way I continue to grow, to make friends, and live a health life and most importantly to have fun.

So what is on your bucket list? What things do you want to accomplish before your time on this earth is up?

The journey should be full of fun and friends.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

47 Candles

2011-02-27T19:10:00.002-05:00

47 candles

No I do not actually want 47 candles on anything this week. But the movie 16 candles was 1 of my favorites so I borrowed the title from the movie.

On Wednesday of this week I turn 47, thinking about that makes me wonder- HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? For many many reasons this really is amazing to me. I started thinking about all the reasons why I shouldn’t be here to celebrate this birthday.

• I have a birth trauma called a Chairi 1 malformation- that many many folks have huge issues with, and that can lead to death.
• 28 years ago I was hit by a speeding Buick- the car damaged my knee, low back and internal parts.
• A diagnosis 18 years ago, of Cushing’s disease, with a prognosis of 18-22 months to live.
• Blood sugars that were spiraling out of control, even 220 units of injected insulin weren’t controlling it.
• Uncontrolled Morbid Obesity- weights that would broke a normal scale.
• Severe depression after the death of my late husband.

That is all the past. Today I am happier healthy and living life to the fullest more than I ever have. It hard for me to remember at times how much of a struggle things used to be for me. The steps at the office used to scare me, I thought I’d have to quit my job because I couldn’t do the steps and now I do them several times a day without thinking about it. I was using a cane all the time, now a days I am not even sure where the cane is. I needed one of these motorized carts to go shopping at the grocery store, Wal mart, or Lowes, today I walk the stores without issue. There are so many other things that I now do without even thinking about it that it amaze me.

The most amazing part for me has been the reduction in Medications; I think it was April or May of 2010 that I last needed an injection of insulin. Once I was on super high doses of 3 different high blood pressure medications, today I am on 1 and that one’s dose has gone from 150mg a day to 5 mg a day. When I began this journey I was taking 17 medications a day, now I am taking 4 medications. I hope to soon be off most of those too.

Life really is great these days. I find I am moving easier and easier in the gym, in the office and in life. LIFE really is a gift. A gift to be celebrated.

Yes, 47 is cause for celebrating. One of our patients told me that other day that he celebrates his own birthday, his wife’s and his children’s birthday all month long the month of their birthdays. I really like that; I think I will be celebrating thru the month of March. HOW? I have no idea…

Wednesday we are having a Pink Day at the office to celebrating. I have requested pink cupcakes. Yes, I know not part of the new lifestyle, but I am betting even my Coach will say have 1 and enjoy.

The photo attached was taken on March 2, 2008 I was 44, 6 months before I met my amazing coach, it was taken while I was having dinner with friends, but I felt uncomfortable and miserable. This year will be much different.

There are milestones days during this Journey- they need to be acknowledged and celebrated.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Sometimes you just don't know and that is ok

2011-02-20T19:53:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you just don’t know and that is ok

During this journey of life – there will be things that happen that we don’t understand or cannot explain. It’s ok when these things happen. Sometimes there is a freedom in the “not knowing”.

There are lots of things that happen that I have no clue how to explain. This week several things occurred for me. For starters I woke up Wednesday morning weeping and crying- for those of you reading this blog that don’t know me, who have not been in my life as some of my readers have been for 20 or more years. Crying and weeping is just not me, I am far too practical and logical for that.

My amazing coach- said it was just my body cleansing a bunch of built up crap. Well that is as good an explanation as there is I guess.

I started thinking about all the other times in my life when I just didn’t know:

* When Edward proposed- I didn’t know what I was doing, how I was going to be a wife, but our marriage worked out well we were married for 20+ years when he passed away.
* Ten years ago when I started working for Doc- I had no clue what this job would be like and look how it turned out. I love what I do.
* When I first met Dr. Wood and we began this amazing weight loss journey. I wasn’t even sure I could loss 1 lb let alone 270. I didn’t know if I’d be able to exercise, or eat the right foods, I wondered about food craving s and would I be able to handle the changes in my body.

Of course the answer to all of these was YES I handled being a wife for 20 years and loved Edward thru the good and bad times. Yes I learned the job of Practice Manager of Reisterstown Family Chiropractic. The weight loss journey speaks for it’s self.

Sometimes just embracing the unknown is where life happens. For it’s the unknown that challenges us , has us grow and has us become the US we truly want to be.

No one knows what the future holds for any of us.

There are many things not know on this journey that we just don’t know.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Love is in the air

2011-02-13T17:36:00.001-05:00

Love is in the air
Love is in the air
Love is in the air
Oh oh oh

Love is in the air
In the rising of the sun
Love is in the air
When the day is nearly do

Tom Jones made this song popular when I was a kid- I remember hearing it coming from the radio my Mom kept in the kitchen. I recall her singing along to it.

As we prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day tomorrow. We think about love, yes there is that amazing romantic love between two people that have declared themselves forever the other persons. This is an amazing love and should NEVER for any reason be thought of as anything less than truly a pure and inspirational love. As I write this today I have friends that are renewing their Marriage vows after more than 15 years together. Congrats Rick and Tina, may your marriage and the marriages of all my friends and followers last a long long long time.

There are other kinds of love too. The love a parent has for a child , the love a child has for a parent, the love siblings have for each other, the love our friends have for us and that we have for them. But there is 1 IMPORTANT LOVE that we all tend to ignore. The love of self.

It wasn’t till I figured out that I needed to LOVE myself, the way I love the others in my life, to begin this weight loss journey. This was such a hard concept for me to learn. I still struggle with it, not nearly as much as I once did.

Once I figured out that I needed to love myself, my life and lifestyle changed. It’s because I love myself that I get up and go to the gym. It’s the motivation for me to each right; it’s what prompts my choice of salad over fried chicken, or a protein shake verse a chocolate milk shake.

Find it within yourself to love you for who and what you are.

As we celebrated Valentine’s day- remember to tell those special people in your life that you LOVE THEM.

I love all of you, especially those of you that loved me even when I didn’t love me.

This journey is so much better with LOVE.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Celebrating Life

2011-02-06T16:45:00.003-05:00

CELEBRATING LIFE
Celebration
Let's all celebrate and have a good time
Celebration
We gonna celebrate and have a good time

Kool and the gang sang this song in the midst of my adolescent. I loved the song then and still do.

I have talked about this before and will continue to do so- every day is cause for celebrating but there are some events that should be celebrated more than others.
This past Wednesday I quietly celebrated what would have been my Parent’s 48th anniversary. I celebrated not only their marriage but what their marriage produced, and the love that was uniquely theirs.

Next Monday we all celebrate my favorite holiday of the year. Valentine’s Day. Why is this my favorite holiday? Well yes it is expressed with lots of pink and red hearts, roses, and chocolates all favorite things of mine, but more than that it’s a holiday about love. I am not talking about just the love of a couple but the love of family, friends, pets, and most importantly the LOVE OF LIFE it’s self.
In just about a month I will be celebrating my 47th birthday. WOW – how did that happen? Well we all know I have been working at altering my life style. It’s an even bigger WOW given that in 1993 I was diagnosed with a death sentence and given 22 months to live. That was 18 years ago, not only am I still alive, but I am really living my life, I have lost 270lbs which NO one including me thought possible. I am doing things I never thought I would, things like dancing in the streets of Disney with Chip and Dale, swimming in the Caribbean, and being named Chiropractic Assistant of the year. All amazing given that 22 months sentence 18 years ago.

Maybe because of this, I try to celebrate each day. I really is amazing to me that I can swing my feet to the floor each morning, stand and walk unassisted, go to work and love our patients and staff, work for someone I am blessed to call my best friend, go to Vegas and have a great time, spend time with my family and friends.

When I thought I was worthless, life was not worth celebrating. Nothing was, but now that I have altered my headspace everything in my life is altered. No I really have no plans at the moment on how I am going to celebrate my birthday, but I will be celebrating it.

Celebrations for me are no longer about food. Food is just the fuel my body needs to keep going. Just like putting gas in the car. I have marked each 50lb weight loss with a special reward or celebration for myself, a new digital camera, and Acer netbook, a pink sapphire ring, a Sony reader, and a pink eternity ring.

When most people hear CELEBRATIONS they think of milestone birthdays, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, etc. But everyday should be a celebrations, everyday is special, when my Grandma passed away she had bunches of dresses hanging in her closet with the tags still on them, all waiting for “a special occasion”, I found it sad that dinner out with my Grandfather, or her weekly high mass where she sang on the Choir were not “special” enough to have warranted wearing one of these beautiful dresses that would then be going to a charity.

CELEBRATE EVERYDAY!!!! Every day is special.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that my wonderful Coach’s birthday is tomorrow. I hope you celebrate Dr. Wood. May your birthday be as special as you are
.
Celebrate good times, come on!
It's a celebration
Celebrate good times, come on!
Let's celebrate

There are many ways to celebrate this journey. How will you celebrate yours?

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

What kin of life are you living?

2011-01-30T19:01:00.002-05:00

What kind of life are you living?

Are you living a good life, a healthy life, a smart life, a fun life? Do you make good choices for yourself most of the time? Do you enjoy the life you are living?

I hear folks tell me they cannot afford to eat healthy, WHAT? How can you afford not to eat healthy? Or folks tell me they do not have the time to live a healthy life.

I just do not understand these things, but nor do I understand the folks I see on the highway riding motorcycles without helmets.

I am frequently asked how can I be so up, happy and positive so much of the time. Easy it’s a choice I make every day. I used to not, I used to be depressed, miserable and defeatist. I made a choice to STOP THAT.

Living a healthy life starts with your head, you have to believe you are worth it; you have to make a commitment to yourself and then choose to honor that commitment every day. For so many years I thought I was worthless, I thought I didn’t deserve to be happy, to be living a happy healthy life. I was wrong.

Notice I did not say a life free of problems, pain or issues, NO we all have those things, but we can choose to let them stop us or we can find a way to keep going while dealing with them. For instance- I have talked on and off a few times over the past several months about the dizziness I have been experiencing, well that has not gone away, but I have developed ways to just keep going, to keep moving forward with my life. That doesn’t mean I have stopped trying to figure out why I feel dizzy. It just means I am living my life to the fullest while in the inquiry.

Here are some simple but helpful tips for you to life a healthy life:

• Chew your food for a minute before swallowing it. A meal should take 15-20 minutes to eat. NOT 5 minutes
• Keep healthy snacks like grapes, apples, pears, carrots, celery sticks or nut on hand. Much better for you then Potato chips.
• Clean out your pantry and kitchen- get rid of all the unhealthy stuff
• Remember Moderation is the KEY
• Write yourself a positive affirmation and read it aloud to yourself several times a day.
• Always remember to the world you are 1 person, but to someone you are the world.

There are many choices to me made on this amazing journey.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

What kin of life are you living?

2011-01-30T19:01:00.001-05:00

What makes you happy?

2011-01-23T19:16:00.000-05:00

What makes you happy?

It’s been a busy week, and I am still lost in thoughts of last week. I have been thinking about what one of the speakers that kept talking about what makes you happy? This is a conversation my coach and I have had many many times. Most people look to the outside for happiness, when really it’s from within. It’s a choose.
One of my Great Uncles used to say that any day he could get out of bed by himself was going to be a good day. That was him choosing to be happy.

I have tried to adopt that mindset. To choose to be happy to choose to enjoy life.
I have been thinking all week long about what makes me happiest, it seems to be the simplest things in life that make me happy:

The way my Nephew’s get excited by used Casino chips from Vegas
The way my cat curls herself on my chest and purrs till she is asleep at night
A call from a friend
Sunshine on my face
The smell of the spring flowers

Notice NONE of these are food related. So many times I thought and felt FOOD was the means to feel good. I am not alone in this. For many years I turned to food for comfort in the good times and the bad. Many many people do. I was wrong to think that Ice cream would make me happy or less stressed. Sure it tastes good but that is about it.

Happiness is a choice? What makes you happy? Do you choose happiness? Do you seen happiness or comfort in food

This journey is all about chooses, enjoy them. Be HAPPY

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

New Year, New you- How was your first week of 2011?

2011-01-09T18:40:00.000-05:00

New Year, New You…. How was your first week of 2011?
It was the first full week of the New Year and all of our Projects to take care of ourselves.

So how did you do?

Me well I did not so great. Not having a working stove for the last 2 and ½ weeks has proven to be a bigger challenge then I thought to my eating lifestyle- after all I profess to not cook.

There are still too many of the holiday goodies around home and work, not being able to cook makes it very easy to fall back into bad habits and that is exactly what I did. Several meals out, cold sandwiches for dinner, skipping meals all together, etc.
I have talked before about how this time of the year brings about a major depression for me emotional. I hate this cold weather, the short days bother me, the lack of sun is the biggest thing as its where the body gets the most efficient source of vitamin D. Being depressed just makes the bad habits easier too.

Well I am done whining and will be moving on, making better choices for my new and improved lifestyle.

So how did you do? What is getting in your way of living a great lifestyle? How can I help you get there?

This journey is meant for friends. So join me in the fun.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

2010 a year in review

2010-12-26T18:44:00.001-05:00

2010 The year in review

This will be my last blog of 2010, as this is the last Sunday of 2010. WOW this year went by fast. Sitting in Church Friday evening got me thinking about what a year it was.

2010 brought us all-

The first total lunar eclipse to occur on the day of the northern winter solstice/southern summer solstice since 1638, takes place, and what an amazing site that was to see.

Brought Maryland record breaking snow falls in February.

Haiti and Chili were hit with massive earth quacks

Tsunami hit the pacific

The seated President of Poland died in a Plane Crash

Volcanic ash shut down air travel for days

From a Personal stand point 2010 brought about for me-

I started the year down 180lbs ended the year down 261lbs- a loss of 81lbs during the year- a bit shy of my goal of 100 for the year but not bad at all.

I rehabbed a severe knee injury without surgery

I gave my very first public talk on my life

Started Life styles coaching by Terry

I moved into the 21st century with the addition of a smart phone, Sony reader, and GPS

I celebrated my 46th birthday, my nephews celebrated their 10th and 15th respectively, and Ariel turned 2.

All in all 2010 was a year of learning, growing, weight loss, fun and living life to the fullest.

What did 2010 bring for you? Please share your reflections.

The journey continues to be amazing.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Remembering, being sad and NOT over eating

2010-12-05T22:52:00.001-05:00

Remembering, being sad and NOT over eating

Yesterday December 4 was the 4th anniversary of the day my husband passed. Yes I was sad, I was tempted to just eat my way thru the day and not care. After all his passing triggered such an eating frenzy that I gained almost 100 lbs.

So instead of eating Ice Cream, Cup Cakes, Pop Tarts, and Donuts, which my brain told me I wanted. I did have a somewhat descent lunch- the bread of the sandwich was the worst part. The fresh crab, shrimp, ham and cheddar were ok.

However, I knew I needed to do something so that I did not sit at home and eat. To honor my husband a good friend and I when to Emmitsburg MD, to the Basilica of Saint Elizabeth Seton. This was place my husband and I would visit a couple of times a year when he was well. I lit 4 candles in his memory, said a few prayers. This was a very cathartic thing for me. Being in a place where we both attended mass, a place that we both held as special. I miss him for sure, but I know where he is at is a better place, and his pain is gone.

So when you are having a bad day, tempted to eat your way thru a bad memory, go do something, that means something to you.

As for the rest of life, it’s going ok. On Thursday I will be having a cyst removed from the top of my head. It has grown between the bone and skin, so it’s an easy procedure to remove it. I will have staples in my head for a while and will need to keep my head covered, but even the surgeon said I would be able to return to work on Friday. The hope is that with the pressure off the skull some of the symptoms I have been experience will subside.

This journey doesn’t have to be sedentary. Move thru the grief, fear, etc, and of course it’s always good to have a friend along.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Profound words from the Beatles or maybe it's just sinking in

2010-11-14T18:15:00.001-05:00

Profound words from the Beatles or maybe it’s just sinking in
When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be

“Let it be” has always been one of my favorite songs, and certainly my favorite Beatles song, but it wasn’t until the long drive home from Pennsylvania last night that I finally got its meaning.

You see, Yesterday morning, my Boss and Co-worker and I set off to my Weight Loss Coach’s office in Morrisville PA- as he was teaching a workshop we all wanted to attend. He is in a new location and I had not been to his new office. This started off being fun- why shouldn’t it have been- I was driving my boss’ car, which I love to drive, as its fast and a fun and easy car to drive. He had brought several Beatles CDs to listen to, it was beautiful bright day. Just perfect for a road trip

In my usually overly organized, need to be responsible thing- I have pulled Rand McNally and Map Quest instructions as well as programmed the address into my GPS. All 3 had me going across the Delaware Memorial Bridge, onto 295 and up into New Jersey. These seemed odd to me, because I had never had to go over the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and he had said the new place was only 10 minutes from the old one.
The first 2 hours were fun; we were all laughing, and singing along to the songs on CD. The GPS had me get off 295 on to Rt. 322, about a mile and ½ up 322 it tells me “route Recalculation”, then instructions me to get onto the New Jersey Turn Pike, then it has me get off back on to I 295 north, and then off again- each time I make a turn it tells me it tells me route recalcation, at 1 point, it told me we were an hour away when we were less than 5 miles from his office. I was freaking out, pissed off, upset and getting very anxious.

I have learned to deal with a lot of my anxiety issues over the years, but there are a few things that still get me going. Things like being lost in areas I do not know. Eventually my boss made me pull over and took the wheel because I was as the kids say “Freaking out”. But there was more to it than that, I got hooked by being late, My Dad, who I loved dearly, could not be on time to save his life. No matter where we were going we were always late, and it really annoyed me. I buy technology to help make me smarter, and the GPS was making me look like an idiot, so add all that together and I was boiling over. At 1 point I looked down and was doing over 100 miles an hour, oops took my foot off the accelerator. Yeah I was super hooked, super upset.

Dr. Wood’s workshop was awesome- working with him, he keeps telling me to relax, and let go. I have no clue how to do any of that.

During the drive home my boss and I were talking- as many of you know –successful weight loss is so much more than just reducing the amount you eat, and increasing your exercise. I have many friends that have had weight loss surgery and all of them tell me the same thing, the surgery fixed my stomach but not my head.

I have talked before about the things our brains do to us. My brain instantly takes me to “it’s my fault”, “I’m responsible”. Of course when I get upset I want to eat, and eat the WRONG THINGS, of course I was not craving apples or carrots yesterday – oh Hell no- I wanted Chocolate cake and brownies. Of course I did not eat them but I wanted them.

Talking on the way- my boss put in “Let it be” – wow I get it- I try too friggin hard to force things to” Work” instead of just letting them happen. As we were driving around in circle yesterday getting back and forth over this metal hanging bridge- my boss was laughing, yeah that was pissing me off too, but he was laughing because he is good at just letting things happen, and secure in his knowledge that they will work out how they were supposed to…. “Let it be”

This 1 is going to take a lot of practice for me…. But I am up for the challenge.

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
speaking words of wisdom, let it be

This journey should be full of “fun days”, with people we like being with.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

And so it begins

2010-10-31T22:35:00.001-04:00

And so it begins
It’s Halloween, or the first of what I like to call the trifecta of eating holidays. Stepping into any store lately has been a very tempting and even dangerous experience. On Friday I went into Target and before I was in the store 10 feet there were aisles and racks of bags and bags of chocolates and other candies.

Yeap tonight is Trick or Treat night- and yes every store I have walked into has had a lot of Reese’s and Milky Way’s calling to me. Personally I do not buy candy- I learned the first 2 year I lived in my apartment that I did not get any kids coming to my door so I now just keep my lights off.

Next Month- less than 4 weeks away will be Thanksgiving, a holiday about overeating. Oh my there are so many options to make this day healthier- for instance how about baked sweet potatoes instead of these marshmallow topped, brown sugar laden candied yams. I am in NO way saying NOT to go have a good time with you families- I am all for that but personally I start with the Turkey first and then try a few sides. I know that my brain will not know my tummy is full for a bit- so I have just trained myself to STOP eating after 1 plate.

Less than 2 months away is Christmas- OH my – Christmas cookies, Pies, Fudge, Cakes, Fruit Cakes, Christmas Candies… this list could fill 2 pages. It’s hard to not over eat but Please remember moderation is the key.

Beyond this being the trifecta of eating, this time of the year is a very bad time for a lot of folks, me included. I have always disliked Thanksgiving and Christmas- I was possible the only 8 year old in town that needed to be pulled out of bed on Christmas morning. My adult life of late has made this time of the year even more difficult. It was 4 years that the Doctors came to me on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to tell me that Edward’s condition was terminal and that I needed to make a choice for him. I know I did the right thing- so that is NEVER the issue, but it’s hard to put on a smiling face this time of the year.

I tried for a long time to “stuff” my emotions and feeling with food- we all know this did not work. If you are one of those folks like me that find this a very hard time of the year PLEASE call a friend, or anyone you trust so that you do not “stuff” your feelings with food. You are always welcome to call me if you need to.

If you know someone that finds this time of the year difficult- please please treat them with compassion and understanding. If you can invite them to share the holidays with you, the worst thing in the world is to be ALONE when the rest of the world is with their loved ones.

For me Thanksgiving and Christmas mean I get to spend time with my Brother, Sister in Law, and Nephews- 4 people I love and adore.

This journey doesn’t have to be about FOOD.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Other places to find me

2010-10-21T20:10:00.002-04:00

For those of you that follow this blog there are other places to find me/ follow my blogs, keep up with all the stuff going on in my life. I have now became a Weight loss and life styles coach.
So here are the other places you can find me:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/terry.chaney

https://terrychaney.wordpress.com/

http://twitter.com/Antter95

www.facebook.com/CoachTerry

www.familychirodoc.com

Please friend or join me on any or all of the above.

This journey really has become amazing

Hoorah

Terry

Coming out of the Comfort Zone

2010-07-25T22:11:00.001-04:00

Coming out of the Comfort Zone

We all have a mental place where we are most comfortable, a place where we feel safe, protected and often times that enhances our own bad stories about ourselves.
I have shared in the past that I have a story about myself that I am worthless, have nothing to offer, and therefore why would anyone want to listen to me?
Well this week I am stepping out of my comfort zone. On Wednesday night July 28- I will be presenting My Weight loss Journey in a program called Lose weight Gain a life.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=108670455852282&index=1

I hope all of you will join us that night.
This is a big step for me- I am both excited and terrified.

Hope to see you there as this journey is taking me places I never thought I’d be.
Love and Laughter
Hoorah

Terry

How to eat when traveling this summer

2010-07-04T19:34:00.001-04:00

How to eat when traveling this summer
I have received a number of emails this week about how to eat right and keep on track when traveling. Well it really all comes down to choices. Each meal, each moment is a choice.
So if you are away from home this summer and need to eat out here are a few tips:
Fast food- If you really have to do fast food- Think, look and make smart choices-
Wendy’s has a great Asian Chicken salad- I really like this it has mandarin oranges, grilled chicken and salad greens
Burger King –has a good Grilled chicken salad as well

I occasional have either of those for lunch or dinner on busy days.

Buffets- I love the variety but they are temptations
I usually start with the salad bar- salad greens, tomatoes; mushrooms, etc are great veggies.
Most buffets now have grilled steaks and chicken, or even grilled seafood- I try to avoid the deep fried items.
Restaurants- These can be really tempting but again it’s a choice – I try to look for the lean proteins, I love seafood so that is my usual choice, I ask if I can have 2 vegetable options instead of a potatoes- or I just ask for a box for the baked potatoes and eat it later .
Desserts- I usually just DON’T- but as I have spoken about before I have a sweet tooth and love these decadent delicious items. When I do indulge I try to go for something that is good.

Even when I do make poor choices I do not beat myself up for them- I just move forward, recommit myself to what I want and make better choices the next time.

The journey will take you many places- experience them, enjoy them and make them meaningful.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah
Terry

Wow what a difference

2010-06-27T19:47:00.000-04:00

WOW what a difference

This was a busy weekend and what an awesome weekend it was- WOW I really noticed a huge difference in so many things.

First off my boss and I attended a Chiropractic Seminar in The Poconos Mountains of PA. We left our office at 10:30 Saturday morning and were back at his house by 10 Sunday Morning- Yes 410 miles round trip in 24 hours. WOW.
The last time we did a trip like this was in March of 08- I was so exhausted after that trip that I spent 2 days in bed asleep. I am not saying I didn’t take a 2 hour nap today- because I did. That was more due to the fact that I did not sleep well last night- I don’t like hotel beds and the AC in the room was not working well so it was a very HOT night. I tend to keep my bedroom on the cooler side. But after my nap today- I cleaned the apartment, did errands, did the laundry, played with Ariel and now I am writing my blog. Totally not exhausted.
The other difference was how I sat in the car I was driving. On trips like this one I get to drive my boss’ sports car- it’s so nice. It used to be that I would have to have not only the seat in the far back setting, but I would have to have the seat back leaning all the way back just so I could get behind the wheel. Not this time- I had the seat straight up.
This was a majestic trip the view was incredible. There is something to be said for a car that will climb a 2600 foot elevation at 82 mhp while being driven with 1 hand and NOT sway 1 bit.
When I was a kid there was a commercial that sang – See the USA in A Chevrolet. Well I don’t care what kind of vichele you are in- seeing the USA is amazing.
Here are a few “Road trips from “
• Stop every 2 hours and get out –walk around for 10 minutes
• When you stop every 2 hours- go to the bathroom whether you feel you have to go or not- this will help prevent bladder and kidney issues.
• I keep a rolled up towel under my thighs and shifts its position ever so often – this changes the pressure on the spine.
• Allow yourself plenty of time to get from point A and point B
• Enjoy the journey as much as you do the destination.

Enjoying this journey- where every it takes me.
Love and Laughter
HOORAH
Terry

Your body knows

2010-06-20T20:23:00.001-04:00

Your Body KNOWS!

Your body knows what it need and when it needs it- your body is a heal regulating self healing organism.
Your body or rather you innate intelligence knows EXACTLY what it needs when it needs it- we however have to interpret what those signals mean.
Did you know that many times your body sends your brain a signal that its thirst but you interpret it as Hungary and eat instead of drinking water?
Yawning is another innate signal- for Oxygen.
Your body tells you to sleep by sending you the “I’m tired signal”
Pain is innate way of telling you something is wrong
Fever is innate way to of getting rid of bacteria or infection
All of our bodies are amazing that way. Yes sometimes our bodies need some help- there is nerve interference which a chiropractor can help eliminate, this should always be the first option in my opinion. There are times when your body needs the intervention of a cardiologist, an MD, or other specialist.
This past Wednesday night – after being adjusted and having a very swollen lymph node, behind my left ear worked on- I suddenly had a fever, I came home- get some bottled water and went to bed. I listened to my body and did what my body wanted.
Do you listen to your body? Do you listen when your body tells you it’s full or do you keep eating? Do you feed your body when it really needs water?
Remember the power that made the body will heal the body.
Listening is a big part of this journey.
Love and Laughter
Hoorah

Terry

Are you alive?

2010-06-13T18:51:00.001-04:00

Are you alive?
I do not mean do you have a heart beat or brain function- clearly you have both or you would not be reading this. I am talking about are you living or existing?
When I was younger I would tell folks my weight doesn’t stop me- and for the most part in my teens, twenties and early thirties it really didn’t. But then as you all know life took some interesting twists for me – and I slowed down, eat, and slowed down even more. By the time Edward passed away – I was in my early forties and felt awkward and uncomfortable doing things. Sure I still traveled for work, but for the most part I found excuses NOT be social.
When I started thinking about the last couple of weeks, I realize how much that has changed. Last weekend my boss and I hosted a Chiropractic mastermind meeting at our office. This meant we spent Saturday running around getting the needed supplies for the lunch. Sunday all day I was at the office having a great time. This Thursday I attended a cocktail party hosted by a couple of friends where my boss and I met with a new Web designer. Friday night friends Dave and Rich were in a comedy showcase which was a lot of fun, and Saturday afternoon was my longest friend Jeff and his family’s good bye party as they are soon moving to Texas. I had a great time at all these events. It occurred to me that 2 years ago I would have found excused to NOT attended any of these events.
These days I want to be more active. As I blogged a while ago I am still trying to figure out how to make friends at this age. I watch shows like Sex in the City and long for that kind of female camaraderie, that kind of bonding and friendship. But I am living my life and enjoying it completely.
My weight loss hero Richard Simmons blogged the other day about are you hiding from the world or are you engaging in living? I feel like I am starting to engage in living again.
This journey is so much fun.
Love and Laughter
Hoorah
Terry

Intentions

2010-06-06T21:05:00.001-04:00

Intentions
What are your intentions? This is a question Young ladies’ Dads ask of their suitors. But it is much much deeper than that. Your intentions are your under lying thoughts, what you want out of what you say and do.
My intentions when I started this weight loss journey were never# on the scale, or a dress size. My intention is to be healthy, happy and mobile.
Intentions apply to everything you do- we had this great meeting at our office today- a Chiropractic mastermind- we talked lot about intention – intention of everything we do.
Some of my intentions in life are:
To be a good friend to my friends. I love them all- it was awesome being with some of them today and I missed the ones that could not join us
To see my nephews graduate from High School, college, get married and have kids that drive them as crazy as they make their parents
To be re-married
To be a life/health coach and help others achieve their dreams
So I ask tonight- What is your intention? Your intention in every aspect of your life. Make sure to know and are certain of it before you embark on anything ….
Remember to always have an intention not a destination on this journey.
Love and laughter.
Hoorah
Terry

2010-05-30T19:50:00.005-04:00

24 years ago

Wow, I woke up this morning thinking about where I was and what I was doing 24 years ago today.
May 30, 1986 was the day before I married Edward. It was an unbelievably stressful day- for starters it was over 100 degrees with 90% humidity. I was still living at my parent’s house which having been built in the early 60s did NOT have central Air conditioning. The only room that did was a window unit in their bedroom. IT was HOT!!!!
That Friday morning dawned with much to do- being overly organized I had a tight schedule to adhere to…. HAHAHAHAHA yeah right.
Edward had already moved into out 1 bedroom apartment which was air condition, so he did not understand my OMG I’m melting statement that morning.
Murphy’s Law states that which can go wrong will---- WELL we were having a Murphy’s Law day.

• My car over heated
• My dress which had been done but the hem 4 days before was now without sleeves as the lady making had decided she did not like them and took them off to redo them.
• The tuxedo place after months of reassuring me that they would have no problem getting a full tux for my Plus sized hubby- did not have a shirt for him, or the white cummerbund we ordered.
• My brother’s tux pants were at least 3 inches too short
• My Dad’s tux had a burn hole on the sleeve
• My Mom was all upset that her Dad was not going to be able to make it since he had a stroke 3 weeks before
• And did I mention it was the HOTTEST end of May in recorded history?

Something in me told me that all this nonsense was just God’s way of telling me that which was worth working for was worth having.

That marriage was worth having- it lasted a little over 20 yrs when Edward passed away. I know that somewhere in the hereafter he is smiling thinking about that weekend.

I am much different person NOW then I was then- of course I was 22 then, 46 now, but beyond that I have learned much about myself and how I related to the world. While I miss Edward dearly, and wish everyday he was with me- there is NO way I’d ever want to go back to who I was 24 yrs ago.

It was Edward’s request that I move on, start dating , fall in love and get married again- that promise to him is proving to be much much harder than the 1 to made 24 yrs ago tomorrow. My dating experience over the last year leaves me wondering if a second Love is even possible. But because I promised I shall keep trying.

This journey included many great memories- cherish them along the way

Love and Laughter

Hoorah
Terry

Happy Mothers day

2010-05-09T19:11:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother’s Day

Today is Mother’s Day. It’s the 15th Mother’s day I have spent without my Mom.
My Mom was a very amazing and funny lady- she was affectionately known by many as Mother Frazee.
I miss her a lot; she taught me many things in the 32 years she was here with us. One of the greatest things I learn from her was how to be a friend. I know my brother misses her as well. In many ways she and my brother were closer then she and I were, and that was not a bad thing. I think all Moms’ and sons have a special relationship and I was never jealous of that.
My home is full of fun memories of her and my Dad too. I have their wedding photo in my living room; I have many other photos of her and her parents in my den. These photos and memories help me to feel her presence with me daily.
I tell my Brother frequently what joy his boys must be bringing her. My brother was the adventurous one growing up, while I was quiet and pretty much a book worm; my brother was well – shall we say BUSY and adventurous. He now has 2 boys just like him. While my Mom would have no doubt been concerned for my Nephew yesterday when he broke 2 metatarsal bones in his left foot playing baseball, she is smiling and nodding her head knowing my brother is once again getting a dose of his own medicine. My brother was always getting injured, hurt or in some way some sort of mayhem. She is no doubt amused by the stuff my nephews get into.
I miss my Mom.

To update you all on ME- well I continue to fight the bacterial infections- I am on yet another antibiotic this week. My wonderful friends in Florida sent me some supplements that should also start to help my body rid itself of these infections. I have been speaking with my PCP regularly, my blood work is showing an excellent A1C, and thyroid levels (2 keep indications that my weight loss is working well for my body) However my electrolytes remain low, and I am very fatigued which my Doctor says is a very good indication that my body is working hard to get rid of these infections. Her advice to do as little as possible right now, I am taking my medications, my supplements and resting as much as I can. Ariel has been doing her best to take care of me- as noted in the photo – she is asleep on my hip.

Wishing all of you that are Mom’s a very HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY and to all of my wonderful friend’s MOMS HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO YOU AND THANK YOU FOR GIVE US YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER- They are a gem.

Remember those that have walked this journey before us is a good thing.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

I never promised you a rose garden

2010-05-02T19:37:00.001-04:00

I never promised you a rose Garden

I beg your pardon,
I never promised you a rose garden.
Along with the sunshine,
There's gotta be a little rain sometimes.
When you take, you gotta give, so live and let live,
Or let go.
I beg your pardon,
I never promised you a rose garden.

This song has been stuck in my head for a few days now. None of us were promised a rose garden; none of us were promised everything would always be great. NO ONE was given those promises.

I have also been reminded of the story of the butter fly keeper that pain staking watched as his beautiful Monarch butterfly struggled to free itself from the Cocoon, after hours and hours of struggle the butterfly had only released 1 wing. The butterfly keeper could not bare to watch anymore and free the butterfly from its cocoon. The butterfly’s 1 wing never devopled the muscle it needed to fly correctly because the keeper had pulled from its cocoon, for it’s in that struggle to free itself that the butterfly develops its muscles in its wings to fly.

My point of all this is –
Yes I have been struggling lately, with the infections, fevers, etc- but I know that there is a reason for this struggle, what the lesson is – I do not know, but I do know God is giving me this struggle to learn something, to get somewhere, to gain something. - At the right time- HE (God) will reveal it to me. Till then I will embrace this struggle.

The update from the Doctors-
The CT scan was Thursday- it shows no major issues, just lots of inflammation. The blood work is showing EXCELLENT A1C and TSH levels, however my white counts are elevated and my Electrolytes are very depleted. My PCP suggested Gatorade but I really hate the taste of it.
I did take this weekend to rest and try to catch up on my sleep, it helped some but I still do not feel right.

The journey thru life should not be without struggle for it’s in the struggle that we gain muscle,

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

2010-04-25T18:42:00.001-04:00

Wishing I had a GPS for my life

Last summer, after a major disaster with Map Quest leaving me stranded in the middle of Fort Lee, NY, I gave in and purchased a GPS. I did not think I would like it at first but knowing my boss and I were going to be making trips to Downtown Philly, King of Prussia, and Jersey City within a few weeks of each other, I relented.
It only took using it once for me to really like it. It tells me everything I need to do- of course I bought one called “Navigation for Dummies”. This is exactly what I need- it’s simple and easy to understand. I find great comfort in hearing that robot sort of voice tell me I will need to make a left in 1. 2 miles.
The last few weeks I feel like I need a GPS for my life. I seem to have so many twists and turns – that I have no idea which way to turn.
I have been contemplating taking a course or two to become a health/life coach, but there are so many programs out there, many of them involving selling products like exercise equipment or supplements. Some of the programs involve “fire walks, or jumping from helicopters” also not my thing.
As I related last week- I have no clue anymore how to be anything but a workaholic, just this week I forged 2 new work relationships, that I am sure will proved to be good for the company, but have no clue how to form personal relationships.
Then there is this whole issue of my physical health. A trip to my PCP on Friday provided upsetting to say the least. The 3 bacteria have not cleared up; in fact they appear to be worse. She and I did have a long talk, about all the things going on – she agreed that I have good reason to feel depressed, but doesn’t think it’s true depression but rather from how depleted I am feeling physically. As she descripts it my body has been fighting Vietnam for the last 4 months and used every bit of its reserve, and is continuing to fight with resources it really doesn’t have. The game plan well at the moment she is re-culturing everything and has ordered a CT scan of my head and sinuses.
I’m just not sure what direction to take with my life and that is just not like me. I am sure my coach will tell me to spend some time being quiet and not thinking about it and in that quiet my innate will tell me. I just haven’t seem to be able to get myself there either.

No one ever said the journey would be easy.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Do you have balance?

2010-04-18T19:34:00.001-04:00

Do you have Balance?

I am not talking about the kind of balance where you can stand on 1 foot and not wobble over- although that is a very important thing to have.
I am also not talking about the hormonal/chemical balance – but that too is also very important.
I am talking about the kind of life balance. My boss’ late Uncle used to say that all work and not play made you dull, and all play and no work made you broke. How accurate this statement is.
I have been feeling very down all week- so I started doing some serious soul searching and have discovered I am very out of balance.
I work, I have work friends/acquaintances, and I have work activities and sometimes even work social events.
It wasn’t always this way- Years ago I was very active in the Jaycees, and different things in the community and even some things with the church.
But then I started taking care of My ill Parents, Mom passed away first , then Dad had a devastating injury related to his 4th heart attack, so I cared for him, all the while Edward’s health deteriorated . I was busy caring for the 3 people I loved most in the world. Their illnesses and injuries were debilitated to them, they really did not want others to see them, and so I became isolated with them. I worked and took care of them. Trust me this was like working 2 full time jobs or more.
Mom passed away in 1996, Dad in 2003, within 5 weeks Ed had a series of strokes, became totally bedridden. He needed so much care, that I could not even think about anything but work and his care.
In December of 2006 when he passed away I was devastated, depressed and left with NO clue what to do with my non working hours. So I starting bring stuff home from work to do. I invented new work projects for myself – like learning social media marketing, writing blogs and learning as much as I can about good headspace techniques. Yep I work and I do work things.
I have come to the conclusion that I am out of balance-I have mostly work and work stuff. And sadly I have no clue how to build new social relationships. I am too old for Jaycees, have gotten away from the church. I did join a local chapter of the Red Hat Society but – that didn’t work out- the ladies were all retired, and met on Tuesday afternoons once a month, which just became impossible for me- I have way too much to do at work to be leaving at noon for a luncheon, especially since every Tuesday I listen to a teletrainging call.
My physical being isn’t helping the state of depression either- 2 days this week I have been in bed with a fever and chills. The 3 bacterial infections have no cleared up, and I am still feeling lethargic and wiped out all the time.
We will not even discuss how much of a nightmare dating is…. It’s just not worth the time it would take to type it all out.
So tonight’s blog is asking- How do you build social relationships in you mid 40’s?

No matter where the Journey takes us- remember it’s worth the ride.

Love and Laughter

Horrah

Terry

The Stories we tell ourselves about ourselves

2010-04-11T18:16:00.001-04:00

The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves

We all make up stories about ourselves at a young age – these stories are usually not accurate.
These stories lead us to make all kinds of BAD statements to ourselves about ourselves.

Usually there is a predicating event when we are somewhere between 3 and 6 yrs of age that cause these stories to come into existence. In my case –when I was about 4 and ½ my brother ended up with an axe in his skull- I had nothing to do with it- wasn’t even aware he had come outside till I heard him scream. Due to questions and statements of my parents at that time I started telling myself I was WORTHLESS!

Being worthless meant it did not matter if I ate Pop Tarts and coca cola 3 times a day, or if I have a Burger King Bacon and Cheese biscuit and a piece of Hersey sundae pie with a 32 oz Cola for Breakfast, or a lot of other” bad for all of us” foods at any point in the day. To have this weigh loss journey actually work I had to tackle this head space issue. Tackle is a good word for it too.

I had to come up with a couple of daily affirmation to help with this- I say them every day, several times a day. But like anything this headspace/attitude adjustment is a work in progress.

There are things that make me go right back to I’m WORTHLESS… things like the guys I have been meeting lately and the string of horrible 1st dates I have had. Last night was 1 of those- after just 70 minutes with this guy while he had dessert I felt completely worthless and ready to just give it all up after all- Chocolate Donuts NEVER EVER made me feel worthless by the way they behaved in a restaurant.

I was depressed and upset last night- but I have learned that instead of having Chocolate donuts and and then beating myself up even more for being worthless and weak, that I just need to communicate to folks I know it’s safe to vent to- I did just that last night- I emailed a few Male friends- that confirmed for me that ALL MEN are in fact NOT A-holes, had a good night’s sleep. This morning I greeted with another Gift from GOD- another Day to be alive and live and learn.

Thank you to my special Guy friends that I know it’s safe to vent to after these horrible dates. I am not going to mention you by names as to not embarrass you- but you know who you are and I love you and love that I can vent to you and you all never take it personally and re-affirm for me that in fact there are still Gentlemen and nice guys in this world.

These stories will NEVER go away- I will be working at not listening to that little voice in my head that keeps telling me “You are worthless, you can do nothing right”, the rest of my life.

What stories are you telling yourself about yourself? Are these stories good for you or detrimental to you? Do you need help in changing these stories?

This Journey sometimes can be frustrating, but still worth taking.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah
Terry

The Pop Tarts are talking to me

2010-03-28T19:45:00.000-04:00

The Pop Tarts are talking to me

I am beginning to think that I need a chaperone for the grocery store. I have been feeling blah all week- mostly allergies, but there have been a few other health related issues going on as well. Nothing major but feeling blah always makes me want comfort foods, like my Grandmother’s chicken and dumplings or Donuts.
Friday dawned here cold, damp and rainy, another receipt for my wanting comfort foods. We typically finish at the office on Fridays around 12:30 or 1 in the afternoon. I decided that after getting my glasses adjusted by the best – Mr. Fred at Custom Eyes Optical, I was going to head to the local grocery store, pick up a few things and head home to crawl under the warm blankets.

Oh my- the trip into the food store was far more difficult then I had thought- I had 6 or 8 things on my list- like soup, yogurt, fruits, teas, kitty treats, etc. My first step into the store and bamm – Right there 2 feet inside the door is the HUGE Mary Sue Easter egg display- for those of you not from Maryland- MARY SUE EASTER EGGS are just the BEST- my favorite is the peanut butter cream chocolate egg …. YUMMMMMMMM!!!! It was hard but I walked away from the display empty handed, and walked right into their bakery area== they had a lot of things on sale- like a Pink Easter egg shaped cake, their honey glazed donuts on sale for a $1.00 a box, they had chocolate cupcakes with pink icing, and…… many other tempting things- again I managed to keep walking. THEN oh my- they moved the teas across from the breakfast foods- I am looking for my favorite herbal teas and the Pop Tarts are calling to me- they even have NEW pop tarts that have sprinkles on the icing. As I look for my favorite blue berry tea and the Hot Apple Cider tea I really like- I keep hearing- “Hey we are over here- you know you want to take us home, we are so yummy- hot from your toaster” I am not kidding. Even as I moved onto the produce area I could hear them calling me.
Somehow thee bag of apples, container of Strawberries and grapes I bought do not come close to being as tempting as the bakery goods , Easter eggs and Pop tarts… My 1 indulgence was some sugar free chocolate pudding.

Do foods talk to you? Do they call to you as you are walking thru the food market? Do you need a chaperone in the food store?

I thought 18 months into this journey – I was passed these issues- but I guess not.

This journey is amazing- you keep learning things about yourself every day.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Do you eat your way thru the Calendar?

2010-03-21T17:56:00.000-04:00

Do you eat your way thru the Calendar?

I was thinking about this the other day. Most of our holidays and celebrations revolve around FOOD.

Let’s look at it this way.

January-
New Years- In my family this was a big “feast” day with lots of traditional Polish food- Kalbesi, Perogies, Stuffed cabbage rolls, and some favorite American dishes like pot roast and potatoes.
Super bowl Sunday- Pigs in a blanket ( hot dogs in croissant rolls) Mom’s hot crab dip and those thin French bread slices baked to a crisp for dipping into said dip.

February
2nd was my parents wedding anniversary- their shared favorite meal was Chicken and Dumplings followed by Banana’s foster.
14th is Valentine’s day- there were always chocolates and candies in the house for this event, Mom always made cupcakes, heart shaped cookies, etc
19th was my Dad’s Birthday- his favorite dish was Hot Dogs sliced down the middle /stuffed with Velveeta cheese, covered in tomato paste and baked in the oven, this meal was always accompanied with Homemade Mac and cheese. Followed by German Chocolate Cake

March
2nd Is my birthday- my favorite dish as a kid was Chicken Pot Pie and biscuits, followed by an Ice cream cake
17th- St. Patty’s Day- Mom would make Corn beef and Cabbage- which I didn’t like so she would order me a pizza for dinner

April
Easter- OH MY- let’s see Easter breakfast was- Hard boiled eggs, Kalbesi, Pancakes, Omelets, toast, bacon, etc- Dinner- was glazed ham, Mac and cheese, mash potatoes, green bean casserole, corn, peas, rolls/breads, a butter lamb, etc lots of desserts and LETS not forget the EASTER BASKETS that contained my all time favorite Mary Sue Peanut butter eggs, jelly beans, peeps and other assorted candies.

May
1st MAY Day- this was a big Polish Custom or so I am told- May Day meant lots of Coconut baked goods
Mother’s day- was the Day my Dad traditional broke out the BBQ grill and cooked- he would make Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, BBQ Chicken, Ribs, grilled sausage, etc
Memorial Day- Pool Party- BBQ- again Hamburgers, hot dogs, Ribs, Potatoes salad, Macaroni salad, etc

June
Father’s day- Meat and Potatoes, corn, followed by tons of desserts

July
4th- Big Pool Party- Steamed crabs, the usual BBQ stuff, lots of people, lots of foods.

August
8- Was My Dad’s parents Anniversary – Dinner at a restaurant that usual featured Fried foods
27- My Mom’s Parents Anniversary- Dinner at their favorite place – lots of seafood

September
Labor Day- Another BBQ
29th was my Brother’s birthday- His Favorites were either Lasagna or Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, followed by Ice cream cake.

October-
25th- Mom’s Birthday- Dinner was some kind of seafood, with pasta, followed by Black Forest cake
Halloween- the Dieters HELL- Candy abound

November
Thanksgiving- Turkey, sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes made with pineapple, brown sugar and marshmallows, corn in butter sauce, peas, rolls, followed but a ton of desserts

December
Christmas cookies, homemade candies, cakes, breaks, fruit cakes all month long
Christmas Eve was dinner at our favorite Chinese Restaurant- egg rolls, shrimp toast, fried dumplings, fried rice, sweet and sore chicken, etc
Christmas breakfast – Bagels, Donuts, My Mom’s Monkey bread, Danish, hot chocolate, chocolate milk,
Christmas dinner- Turkey, Ham, Oyster stuffing, Mashed potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, corn, etc…

I swear I have gained 20 lbs just writing this blog. My Mom and Dad were both good cooks. But every CELEBRATION involved huge amounts of unhealthy foods.

Find a new way to CELEBRATE. As I have said I do not need an excuse to celebrate- Yesterday was the warmest day we have had in 2010- it was 72 degrees- to celebrate my friend and I took a ride in his convertible – top down- it felt so good to have the wind in my hair and the sun on my face.

Celebrations are great- but do they have to involve foods?

The journey has many celebrations- let’s find ways to enjoy them without food.

Love and Laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Awesome weekend to end a challenging week

2010-03-14T21:31:00.002-04:00

Awesome weekend to end a challenging week

I have just returned home from a GREAT weekend seminar in Philadelphia. My boss and co-worker spent the weekend in a training session with Dr. Eric Plasker. Dr. Plasker is the founder of The Family Practice which is a practice management program for Chiropractors. Dr. Plasker is also a 2 time bestselling Author- having written the 100 yr Lifestyle and the 100 yr Lifestyle workout book.
This weekend was a training program about the 100 yr lifestyle and it was amazing. We as a nation are living longer than we thought possible and shouldn’t we be doing that with a great quality of life.
Awesome weekend. The drive to Philly and back was not even that bad.

Earlier in the week proved to be a bit of a challenge- A huge water main broke not far from my home, too out water to over 100K homes and businesses. Both my apartment and office were without water till Thursday. It was very different trying to cope without running water.

This week also brought about CHANGE- change is always a good thing. For a while now I have been noticing more and more gray hair, and how washed out it was making my face, so thanks to my friend Dawn who helped me pick out a great color and my friend Gina for cutting and coloring my hair this week. Photo below.

Tomorrow is back to the gym and back to work. All great things.

The journey has many stops along the way. Remember to find something great about each one.

Love and laughter

Hoorah

Terry

Updates and a look ahead

2010-03-07T21:34:00.000-05:00

Updates and a look ahead

I have been getting a bunch of emails asking how things were going with my knee and Pneumonia/Pleurisy - since I have had no power all day I figured I would use the blog tonight to update everyone on things.

The knee- after 3 months of not using it much- constant icing, nearly daily chiropractic adjustments, dietary supplements, 2 cortisone injections, keniso taping, Russian bone setting techniques, laser and light treatments and using a cane to walk, it is about 80% better. Still very stiff and sore to stand on but getting better and this past Monday March 1- was my first day allowed back in the gym in 3 months. I had to promise (swear on my life and the lives of all I hold dear) that I would take it slow and careful. I was very glad to be back at Brick Bodies last Monday it felt good to be moving again.

The Pneumonia- Seems to have cleared up. After 72 hours on the antibiotic the fever went away. The cough took about 10 days to clear up. I have not needed to use the inhaler is nearly a week now. So I would say I am better from that.

The Pleurisy- Pleurisy is an irritation and inflammation of the lining between the lungs and the rib cage (at least as far as I understand it) and the doctors at Patient first warned me that this takes a long time to clear up. I have been getting great chiropractic adjustments, using a heating pad, and doing some thoracic exercises to help. I am about 50% better in this regard and doing what I have been instructed to do.

The state of Depression I was in- Getting better, the sun is at least shining here now- the temps have been in the high 40s and low 50s this past week, which while still cold are better than the 29 degrees that it had been. I swear my depression only happens in the winter and only when I do not get to see the sun for days and days. I am much better.

Celebrating turning 46- Tuesday March 2 was my 46th birthday. How did I celebrate it- with 75 minutes in the Gym that morning, then worked nearly a 13 hour day at the office- getting much done. Last Sunday my Sister in law and Nephew came to see me and brought me some lovely shower gel and body lotions from Bath and Body works. Tuesday I had lots of birthday wishes from my friends on Face book, phone calls and well wishes from my friends. On Friday my good friend took me and his sister to my favorite Mexican place in Frederick MD for tacos and Margaritas. It was a good birthday.

This weekend- This weekend has been sort of an interesting realization of the little things we take for granted. Baltimore County has been without water for 2 days. Because of the construction that had to be done to get to the water main- a power line had to be taken down so my neighborhood has been without power a good portion of this weekend too…. UMMM how much we take for granted the ability to fill a glass, take a shower, do laundry, play on our computers, etc. As I write this power has been restored but not water.
While I have been whinny about this it really hasn’t been horrible. Yes a friend and I had to go about 12 miles from home the last night and today to get dinner. We also had to purchase water there as all the stores close to home were sold out very quickly Saturday morning.
Also this weekend I got to watch my Good friend Jeff and his friend Brian compete in the indoor Tri to help at Brick Bodies. It was awesome to watch the two of them swim, cycle, and run in an hour’s time. Congrats you two – Great job.
Coming up – This week will find me back at Brick Bodies in the pool. Working hard to make our practice AWESOME. This coming weekend I will be going to Philly with my boss and co-worker to attend an awesome training class.

This journey is amazing. I really love it.

Love and Laughter

HOORAH

Terry

Cause for Celebration

2010-02-28T15:29:00.002-05:00

Cause for Celebration

Honestly I need no excuse for a celebration; life is a celebration for me. But I have decided that turning 46 is in fact cause to celebrate. 46 is a age I really had not expected to see for a number of reasons, of course there was the Buick that tackled me doing 45mph in 1984 – all the Doctors I dealt with after that accident told me I was lucky to be alive. Of course there was the “death sentence “ in 1993 when I was diagnosed with bi-lateral adrenal adenomas- the doctors at that point told me I had 18 to 22 months to live, and let’s not forget the extreme worry by family and close friends that I would take my own life after Edward passed away.
I persevered in each of these cases and I life in general.

This Tuesday I turn 46. Nope there are no big celebrations planned, in fact I will be at work all day. But inside I will be celebrating this milestone. An age I never thought I’d see.

I’m incredible grateful to the amazing family I am blessed with, an incredible group for friends that I always enjoy , a job that allows me to do what I love, and coach that offers guidance, assistance and the occasional good swift kick in the ass when I need it. Life really is good.

Oh sure there are things I want, I want to be in love, to find my soul mate and get married. I wouldn’t mind a million dollars in the bank, but can live without it. In fact I have learned that everything I really have to have in my life comes from within me.

I have been asked so often how I can be so upbeat and cheery – honestly I have down times, I am very open about these things. I look at each morning that I can put my feet on the floor as a gift from God, a gift that should not be taken lightly or misused. Then there is always the fact that I get to wake up to this adorable face every morning.

My journey is hitting a milestone this week.

Love and Laughter

HOORA

Terry

Feeling Depressed, Frustrated and ready to give up

2010-02-17T20:30:00.001-05:00

Feeling Depressed, Frustrated and ready to give up

I started this Blog a year and ½ ago with the intention of always being honest with what I write. I usually post on Sunday nights and did not this past Sunday evening for several reasons, most of them mental.

I have been ill for about 10 days now- running a fever and awful cough. It turns out that I have a series respiratory infection, which has caused another condition from the constant coughing. After 48 hours on an Antibiotic, inhaler and codeine laden cough medication I am feeling a bit better.

Why did I get sick, why and I frustrated and ready to give it all up- well there are probably several things have played into it this BAD state of mind.

A- I have not been able to sleep much with Animal house going on over head

B- During the month of January I was in several claimants that my body probably had a hard time readjusting to.

C- I’m stressed – about work- Medicare and most of the insurance companies have cut their fees, which means less money coming and it worries me how we are to keep a business running when everything is costing more and more and we are collection less and less. On top of that many of our patients are coming to us telling us that they are having a hard time paying their co-pays. It’s hard to run a business like that.By the way the insurance and medicare cut are across the board- Today CIgna announced a 15% rate increase for its members at the same time chopping fees paid to doctors- most note worthy is the amount they will pay for a heart surgeon to place a stunt in someones heart- The fee had been 983.00 they have now reduced it to $567.00 - Yes folks Something needs to be done with our health care system- its a shame, Oh yeah Cigna's CEO received a multi- million $$ bonus at the end of last year.
My personally life- I spent Valentine’s Day again this year alone with just the cat. My birthday is in 2 weeks and it just reminds me of how old I am getting.

D- Dating sucks at this age- seriously- since when did it become acceptable to “break the ice” with a women by telling her you’d love to __________ her. So I have deleted all my dating profiles and given up on that.

E- The knee injuries have been a frustrating set back for me. While the weight loss is continuing at a slower pace, it is still continuing. But I do still feel like a failure.

F- I have lost my positive outlook on life and myself- there is a serious lack of confidence right now- which is very weird for me- as much to my boss and good friend’s annoyance I am always the Glass is ½ full kind of person.

Thanks for letting me vent- suggestions, ideas, and whacks to the back of the head to help me snap out of this funk will all be welcomed.

Sometimes the journey stalls. I guess this too shall pass.
Love and Laughter

Hoora
Terry

How to spend a Blizzard

2010-02-07T16:18:00.002-05:00

How to spend a Blizzard

Here in Maryland we got pounded this weekend with a HUGE snow storm, some areas have as much as 30” of the white stuff…. YUCK
Normally, I’d be complaining about the snow, the cold and lose of my independence this weather creates, but I’m not. In fact I found (by accident) one of the coolest ways to get snowed in.
This weekend I attended the Madow Group Social Media Marketing seminar at the BWI Hilton- the original plan at been for me to drive down and Friday morning, come home Friday night , go back on Saturday Am, and come home Saturday evening. Mid week when I heard that the weather service was calling for 24” of snow. I emailed my friend Dr. David Madow who, with his brother and partner Dr. Richard Madow were hosting this seminar and asked if they had an alternative plan based on the weather, he in fact told me I was crazy that we were not going to get that much snow and that the seminar would go on . I decided my best course of action would be to have my friend Joe drop me off at the hotel on Friday morning, and my boss pick me up Saturday night, so I booked a room at the Hilton.
Friday arrived with Gray skies storm clouds looming. By mid day Friday there was a light snow falling. Friday the seminar was great, we worked on Face book Fan pages, blogs, Tweeter, LinkedIn, etc. Friday evening there was this wonderful cocktail party, several of the other attendees were from California, Kansas, Georgia, Florida, etc- same where not used to see the snow, in the course of the 3 hours we were talking and socializing a good 4 inches fell, several of the other attending and leaders started throwing snow balls inside, then moved a full blow snow ball battle outside.
The seminar was amazing- full of great information like how to use PING.FM, and tweetdeck, how to use our blogs to help build business, and so much more. I learned so much that my head is still spinning.
Saturday morning in the midst of the seminar I felt my cell phone vibrate, not being rude to the speaker I left it go. When we broke for lunch I returned the call to my boss who was calling to tell me that he really didn’t think he would be able to make it from Owings Mills to Linthicum to get me as planned and suggested I see if I could extend my stay thru Saturday night.
Since none of the attendees were going anywhere on Saturday night we all kind of met for an impromptu to dinner, which proved to be very fun. A short step outside to see the snow and snowmen a few folks had built on the entrance, and take a few photos. As I was standing outside laughing at a snowman with grapes for eyes. I realized that instead of being upset about being stuck in the hotel, it was actually more fun being with new friends, learning a lot and laughing so hard that I had tears in my eyes, that I should be grateful I was not home alone with just the cat and I watching it snow from my front windows.
This morning, Sunday, my Boss and friend Joe came down to the hotel to get me, they brought Ariel with them (she had been at Joe’s all weekend) she was happy to see me, as I was her. The normal 20 minute drive took about an 45 minutes, there were parts of the Beltway (I-695) that were still very snow/ice covered and very bumpy. When we got to my apartment we discovered that NOTHING had been shoveled or dug out- so Doc and Joe had to dig me into my apartment as they were afraid I’d fall in the snow and mess up my knee even more.
All in All it was a good weekend.

Enjoy this journey- you never know where fun me be lurking.

Love and Laughter

Terry

The importance of sleep

2010-01-31T19:26:00.001-05:00

The Importance of sleep

I have talked about this before and its really ringing true today. While at the Parker seminar a few weeks ago in Las Vegas I heard JJ Virgin talk about the importance of sleep, I have talked a lot about this with my boss and my coach, and it has sunk into my thick head but I still get annoyed with myself for it.
The last 2 weeks my body has been dealing with the 4 knee injuries and trying to heal from it, as well as the upper respiratory infection and the infection in my left eye, as well as all the other stuff I have going on in my body. I have been sleeping a lot , feeling like Rip Van Winkle, but it’s my body’s way of telling me what it needs to heal it’s self. Remember the power that made the body will heal the body, but the most healing occurs while we sleep. So my body has been making me sleep a lot.
Unfortunately- last night my body was saying sleep and my upstairs neighbors where having a snow party that lasted till 5 AM. 2 kegs packed in snow on the deck and what sounded like a 1000 people in their townhouse right above my bedroom… Sleep did not happen till after 6 this morning.
Sleep is a good thing, now I am not talking about 20 hours of sleep constantly. The body needs 7 to 9 hours of consistent sleep in every 24 hour period. People that do not get adequate sleep have a harder time losing weight and tend to be more over weight than those that do. There are several reasons for this, 1 the body views the lack of sleep as a stressor and therefore puts the body into fight or flight mode, which releases excess cortisal which slows the metabolism and keeps us a wake, thus creating a cycle of no sleep. Secondly sleep deprived people tend to eat and drink the wrong things to keep themselves going. So sleep its good for you.

Update on the knee- its progressing slowly and I have to learn to be patient with myself, which is not easy. I have been sitting with it elevated and iced most of the time for over a week. The brace the ortho suggested arrived on Tuesday and is helping a lot; I have been taking the medication and supplements he suggested as well. My coach as suggested some gentle stretching exercises that I am slowly working into. My boss continues to adjust and tape it several times a week. I am slowly improving- as I said I am just impatient and want to be back up and going full throttle …..

Sometimes slowing down and letting the journey take you is the best.
Love and Laughter.
Hoora
Terry

Being a Chiropractic Patient/living a chir

2010-01-24T18:12:00.002-05:00

Being a Chiropractic Patient/living a Chiropractic Lifestyle

I have been asked this question a lot, “ Why do I believe so much in Chiropractic? “ so I thought I would take this chance to explain, why I honestly believe that EVERYONE should have a Chiropractor as part of their Health and wellness team.
Chiropractors do more than handle back and neck pain… Oh sure they are great at handling that but far far more important than pain is what their primary purpose is. Chiropractors are really doctors that handle keeping the central nervous system working at its peak.
The central nervous system is housed in the spinal column. There are 33 bones of the spine any one of them could be just slightly out of place and cause pressure on any one of the many nerves, causing the all important signals from your brain to NOT get where they need to be or to be incorrect or vice versa.

Think about it this way. Your garden hose is your spinal column; the water flowing thru it is the life-force, the energy, the power. Someone parks a car on the flowing garden house. What happens? The water or life force STOPS flowing. What a chiropractor does is help that life force flow correctly, by removing the interference from the central nervous system.

Interference can come from any number of things. Macro traumas such as an auto accident, falls, being tackled by a Buick, and then there are micro traumas – repetitive motions, lifting a squirming toddler, or even a cough or sneeze can cause interference on the central nervous system. Chiropractic teaches that the power that made the body can heal the body. Medications DO NOT heal the body, the body heals the body. That is not to say that medications, surgeries, etc do not have a place in our health care- they do, but they should not be the first choice to solving an issue. Trust me- the night I was tackled by the Buick I was so happy to have pain meds and surgeons that knew what to do.

My own story with Chiropractic began about 16 years ago. Here is why I swear Chiropractic saved my life.

Born in the mid 60s, as soon as my Mom went into labor she was given general anesthesia and knocked out. I was then pulled out with forceps – this method was thought to be easier on Mother and child. As with many “forced” births the forceps did some damage. For the first several years of my life I had a large purple mark on my forehead, my parents jokingly called it my light bulb. By the age of 3 I was having horrific migraine headaches, at my 4 year old check up the Peditritan told my Mom it was impossible for someone so young to be actually having a headache that intense and that she should punish me for seeking attention. Thankfully my Grandmother knew that the dark circles and pale face, and severe sensitivity to light were NOT thing I could be faking.
I spent much of my adolescence and teen years curled up in a ball on the floor of the cedar closet in our basement. It was the coldest, darkest , quietest place in the house. It would be years later when I was in my thirties that we discovered I had a birth trauma know as a Chairi I Malformation. I am lucky mine is stable and will be fine without surgery.

Headaches aside I lived my life, College, marriage. Then 1 Sunday morning in June 1992 I woke up with my period or so I thought. It was a bit strange as I hand not have a spontaneous menstrual cycle since I was 15. I had been complaining of joint aches and muscle fatigue for a few months, but my HMO doctor was constantly telling me my problem was my weight and my thyroid. After 2 straight weeks of this “strange period” I called my GYN. He did the usual exam and stuff and determined it wasn’t a period- he then preformed a D&C and exploratory – all in all he found no reason for the bleeding, which was getting increasingly worse. For months my GYN begged my HMO Primary care physician to order a CT scan, or send me to an Endocrinologist- but he refused always stating that I just needed to lose weight.

Then one Friday in April of 93, my bosses sent me home from work. I was bleeding heavily hemorrhaging, my joints and muscle hurt so bad I could barely move. Brushing my teeth had become a painful task. I went home that Friday night and tried to sleep, I was pale, weak, my hair was falling out in clumps, my joints hurt so much that the simplest of tasks brought tears to my eyes. I had an awful night and early Saturday morning my husband fearing for me well being while he was at work, called my Mom to check on my till he returned home at noon.

All you parents reading this will understand what I mean when I say that my Mom was in Mother Bear mode that day. Mom and Dad arrived at our apartment to find me ½ in our master bedroom and ½ in the adjoining bath. Lying on the floor, bleeding, crying, unable to muster the strength to get myself up from where I fallen. I begged my Mom to just let me die. I had endured all I thought I could at that point. I could not continue living that way any longer. Mom called my GYN and in typical Mother bear fashion, insisted that he DO SOMETHING to help me. He instructed my Mom to get me to the local hospital where he was delivering a baby. He said he would meet us in the ER. It took a lot for my Parents to get me out of the apartment and into their car. As promised my GYN met me at the ER door with a wheel chair. I again begged him to just let me die. He explained that a friend of his was on duty today in the hospital and that he wanted me to meet her, she was one of the best endocrinologists in town. About 20 minutes after I had settled on the gurney in the ER this little Tornado appeared. She stood about 4’9” in 3” heels, and never stopped moving. She took 1 look at me and told me she was nearly positive that I had Cushing’s disease. After days and days of testing she determined that she was right. I left the hospital with a diagnosis I had no understanding of, 22 medications, and a pronouncement that I had 18 to 22 months left to live.

I went home and as the saying goes, put my affairs in order. I wrote a will, a living will, an advanced directive, I told my husband and parents what my last wishes were, I signed the papers to donate my body to medical science. Lucky for me, one of my oldest and dearest friends was attending Chiropractic College at Life University outside Atlanta GA. In March of 1994 he decided to spend his spring break with me. He arrived over the weekend. Monday morning he said to me- that between finals and the flight he really needed to be adjusted, would I mind calling the friend from my Jaycee Chapter that was a chiropractor locally and see if he could see him. My Jaycee friend was more than happy to adjust my friend. Little did I know I was being set up.

Dr. John Rosa, finally of months of talking to me at Jaycee meetings, had me at last in his office. He talked me in to the exam that first night and then offered me something NO one else had…. HOPE. Over the course of the next 8 months Dr. Rosa adjusted me 4 to 6 times a week, and low and behold I started to feel better. After about 3 months I noticed my joints were not hurting as much, my muscles weren’t as fatigued. Sadly about 9 months into my care Dr. Rosa moved an hour and ½ from where he had been practicing due to contract issues with the corporation that owned his clinic.

After Dr. Rosa moved away- I figured I was fine and went on living. Well that wasn’t the case. I started to see a few other Chiropractors around and they either used techniques that didn’t work for me, or for a number of reasons were not right for me. Then 1 night in early 1999 my Husband and I went to one of our then favorite little places to eat. As we were leaving the diner, my husband said to me look they are putting up a sign for a new Chiropractor. You have been looking for a good one- why don’t you give this one a call. I called the next morning and went in for an appointment the day after that and as they say the rest in history. I became Dr. Howard Lipman’s patient on February 1,1999, about 20 months later he offered me a job, even as his employee I am his patient too. He keeps my life going; he keeps my body healthy and functioning at its optimal.

I see my chiropractor first for everything. That is not to say I don’t have a Primary care Physician – as I do, I have a GYN, I have a dentist, I have any number of specialist. They are all part of my health and wellness team. When my Chiropractor says “I think you need to seek additional assistance”, I do. This is pretty much what my Chiropractor said to me a few weeks ago regarding my knee.

I still to this day credit chiropractic and Dr. John Rosa with saving my life, for I was sick of the pain, tired of hurting and believed I was on my way out. I now have many many chiropractors in my life, all over this country- My incredible coach is a Chiropractor in Langhorne PA, I have several chiropractors friends in Pittsburgh, Marietta GA, Tucson AZ, Ft. Meyers Fl, Woodbridge VA, Dallas TX, Pittsfield MA, Stratham NH, etc. I love them all.

Just like you go to the dentist once every 4-6 months for a checkup, and women go the their GYNs a few times a year, you take your car in for a tune up or oil change every so often, you should take your spine in for a regular checkup too.

To update you on the knee- well it’s still very swollen, I have been elevating and icing it and limiting my movements as much as I can. My friends are being very helpful with doing all kinds of things for me from my grocery shopping to cleaning the apartment. Ariel is doing her best to take care of me too. I know that there are many of you that read this blog either on facebook or blog spot and enjoy it; you are friends and relatives of friends. I am told some of you reluctant to post a comment or ask to be a friend. PLEASE do not be, my Grandmother taught me that there are NO such things as strangers in life, only friends you haven’t met yet.

Remember no one’s journey is without struggles, it’s thru the struggles we gain life.

Love and Laughter.

HOORA

Terry

Life is an adventure

2010-01-17T20:03:00.002-05:00

Life is an adventure

Life truly is an adventure. This week my life took me to the annual Parker Chiropractic Seminar in Las Vegas.
With my knee being as swollen and painful as it is, my boss convinced me that it would be best to do the airports in a wheel chair to save the knee some pain of walking. Early Wednesday morning he and I drive to BWI airport and boarded a plane for Atlanta- the flight landed in Atlanta early and without incident. The Sky cap assigned to meet me at the gate with the wheel chair had only pushed the chair about 20 feet when she steered me right into the door jam bashing the right knee. I saw stars.

The flight from Atlanta to Vegas was very pleasant- I dosed on and off while listening to my iPod thru my new Bose ear buds. At the baggage claim area we discovered that my rolling duffle bag had been ripped across the bottom. Since no one was there to handle my claim of a damaged bag I was given an 800 customer service number to call and on Friday afternoon the airline delivered me a new bag to the hotel.

Parker Chiropractic seminars – Las Vegas is the largest gathering of Chiropractors in the US. It’s always amazing, and I always come home – touch moved and inspired. This year one of the speakers that touch, moved and inspired me the most was Brigadier Gen. Becky Halstead, Gen Halstead is a 6 star General, from the second class at West Point that allowed Females. One of the things she said has stuck in my mind- “ There are 2 rules in life #1 Never ever quit, #2- when all else fails referrer to rule #1. General Halstead also taught us a new word one I really really like and am going to make a part of my vocabulary. The word is HOORA- she says it means anything but NO- that pretty much sums up my life- I don’t quit, and I’m all about anything but NO.

Parker Seminar’s President is Dr. Fabrizio Mancini. He an amazingly happy and upbeat man. He said that is always happy because he receives at least 150 hugs a day, and how could anyone be depressed being hugged that much every day. Well I don’t know about that, I do love hugs but not sure I could handle that many a day. However, I do know that he believes so much in the Chiropractic profession and he always smells so good; as those of you reading this that know me well- know that I usually do not like men’s colognes. I have no idea what cologne Dr. Mancini wears but I know that I every time I hug him- he smells great. The Vice President of Parker Seminars is an amazing chiropractor Named Dr. Gilles LaMarche. I am always touched moved and inspired when he speaks as well. This year he shared a very personal story about how Chiropractic care saved his own life. I cannot tell you how amazing the energy is when you are with so many like minded people. I wanted to take a moment here to Say thank you so much Drs Mancini and LaMarche for all the work you put into these amazing seminars.

This year’s seminars were even more special because my friends Drs Arthur and Brandie Nemchenko joined us at my suggestion. They had a great time, I think. My dear Friend Naomi Chance was awarded the Parker CA of the year award. Congrats Naomi an honor well deserved. Parker Seminars has become a change to see many of my Chiropractic family from around the country. Dr. Steve and Naomi Chance from Florida, Yolanda with foot levelers from Roanoke VA, The Nemchenko’ s are from King of Prussia , PA, Dr. Wren is from Texas, Dr. Scott and Greta Garber from Massachusetts, Kathy Mills Chang from Denver and many others. There was something so amazing for me to be holding Naomi’s hand on the right and Dr. Arthur’s on the left swaying to “we are the world” during the closing session. Dr. Rick Wren led the closing and it was a very emotional event for all in the room.
My boss Dr. Lipman had made arrangements for Dr. Mark Charrette to asses and adjust my knee, he did an awesome job- he used a technique called Russian bone setting, yes it hurt while he was doing it, but it did help. He too agrees that the knee is a huge mess. Dr. Charrette is known throughout the chiropractic profession as one of its extremity adjusting gurus. I spent a good bit of my non-seminar time sitting with my knee packed in ice- thanks to the swelling the door jam caused. I will be seeking a second opinion this week with an orthopedic doctor that comes highly recommended by a good friend.

As for the weight loss- I continue to loss, just at a slower pace than I was. Yes Vegas posed many temptations, I did really really well avoiding most of them, HOWEVER- Saturday morning the breakfast buffet got the best of me- they had Chocolate covered donuts and chocolate milk on the buffet – two of my former favorites. I decided to indulge – I had 1 glass of chocolate milk and 1 chocolate covered donut – yes they tasted very good, but the stomachache I had an hour later- was NOT worth it. (Yeah Coach I know- sooner or later I will learn)

I have a goal for next year- I want my friend Dr. Dave and Rich Madow speaking from the Parker stage helping Chiropractors manage their businesses they way they have been doing for Dentists for years, I also want my coach Dr. Joe Wood on that Parker stage teaching Chiropractors how to get their patients out of Pain quickly, he has written a book about it called Miracles in Minutes.

As I close, my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Haiti. If you have not already done so I urge you to donate to the red cross to help with the relief efforts there.

Remember don’t quit, this journey is worth it.

Love and Laughter

HOORA

Terry

You got to have goals

2010-01-10T18:47:00.002-05:00

You got to have goals

I borrowed those words from my friend Jeff. Jeff is a numbers guy- I am not a numbers girl and never have been. I do agree though that we all need goals. Here are my 2010 goals:

Health and well being:
Continue weight loss
Continue work outs
Get issues with my knee handled so I can do above
Learn to dance

Personally life:
Date
Fall in love and be engaged by end of the year
Bring in 2011 in Jamaica again

Work:
I want the practice to thrive
2010 to be our best yr ever

There were a number of highlights of 2009. Last January The Parker Vegas Seminar was amazing- I had so much energy and easy of movement. I had a ball. The look on my Coach’s face in July when I know only got on to the floor in his office, but got up with relative easy. How could the dance in the street in front of Cinderella’s castle with Chip and Dale at the Magic Kingdom not be one of the outstanding highlights of 2009? Of course an outstanding end to an amazing year was bringing the year to a close in Sunny beautiful Jamaica.

As you see one of the goals for this year is to get my knee straighten out. On Friday I saw an Orthopedist, and I have to admit I was less than happy with him. I felt totally dismissed and like I was imposing on him and a waste his time. He more or less told me that the 180lbs I have lost so far doesn’t matter and that when I get down to the 120 range we will talk. (I know the national BMI charts say women my height should weigh around that amount but it’s not a realistic weight for me)
He did put a cortisone injection in there- which made it hurt even more. The knee remains tremendously swollen. I have spent most of the weekend with ice packs on it. Clearly when its 20 degrees outside and 1 knee is packed in ice- I have done my best to keep the rest of me warm. (Photos show the wrap holding the ice packs in place) This doctor from Friday wants me to consider something called Synvisc injections. The MRI shows that I have no ACL, a macerated meniscus and severe arthritis. I think I might seek a second opinion.

This week brings Parker seminars Las Vegas- this is the 1 seminar I always look forward to attending. Las Vegas is always so much fun; this seminar is always packed with great speakers and inspiring people. I know moving about won’t be as free and easy as last year, but this time it’s not because of the weight , but because of a swollen knee.

I hope your Journey is being kind to you.
Love and Laughter

Terry

Things I need to gett off my chest

2010-01-06T20:25:00.001-05:00

Things I need to get off my Chest

There are few things I need to get off my chest- things that have just been annoying me lately.

Children- I do not have any of my own, I could not conceive in 5 years of trying, but I generally love children. I am guilty as charged when folks tell me I indulge my 2 nephews; my friends that have children know that I am usually a willing babysitter. However folks Children should be taught to behavior in public- I was, my friends were. To honest I do not recall either of my parents ever raising a hand to me- the threat that they would was all I needed.
Let me elaborate a bit here-
I am all for exposing Children to different cultures, and new experiences, I was. But seriously folks your 22 month old is NOT going to remember spending New Years in Jamaica. Wait till they are OLD enough to understand the impact of these new experiences. When you have them on an airplane, bus, train, restaurant, etc- make them behave- we do not think it’s cute or adorable to have our seat backs kicked from Montego bay to Baltimore, we do not enjoy having them scream in our ears from Baltimore to New York. It is not cute when then stands up on the seat in front of us and droll their lollipop all over us- it’s gross. It’s not funny when they cough and sneeze in our faces while looking over your shoulder as you hold them waiting in the line at security.
I have to admit I owe my Friend Dr. Dave an apology- a few weeks ago he was on an Amtrak train from Baltimore to New York and had a young girl screaming and jumping up and down in the seat behind him and I was laughing at his facebook posts about how annoying it was. I am sorry for Laughing Dr. Dave.

Global warming- Really? Most of the United states in experiencing frigid cold temperatures. We had a cooler than normal summer, almost no fall. So where are things warming?

Rude people- For the last couple of weeks I have been having problems with my Right knee, the MRI report is not very promising and I have an appointment with some of the best Orthopedist around on Friday. My knee simply is not bending and therefore I have been limping and moving slower than normal. Seriously folks there is no need to shove grocery carts into my back as I am shopping- say excuse me and I will get out of your way if you are in that much of a hurry. Also there is no need to comment on my weight- I know I am over weight and working hard on that issue.

Dating- It sucks in your 40s. But men out there dating in this age pool- get really- it’s not ok to assume the only way to break the ice and get to know a woman is to sleep with her. It’s not ok to eat your meal at a nice restaurant with your fingers. It does not ok insist the first date be at her place. It’s not ok to ask for your disgusting sexual fetishes on the first date. Be the gentlemen you Momma taught you to be.

Foods- I am probably one of the biggest sweetaolics you will ever meet. Last night as I lay in bed watching the Jay Leno show- I was so grossed out I thought I would have to go vomit… Jay and his guest were making Deep Fried Oreos…. YES you read that right Need fried Oreos- they took Oreo cookies, dipped them in whole milk, white flour, rolled them in tempura batter and then deep fried them. As if that were not bad enough they then made Deep Fried Pizza…
I recently read an article that the Texas state fair’s 2 top selling foods were deep friend butter and deep fried bacon…. I can hear the arteries clogging.
In September at the annual Reister’s towne Festival one of the vendors was offering Deep fried Twinkies. REALLY- do you know that a Twinkie can with stand the heat from a blow torch that will melt steel? Why would you want to put this into your body?
As I said I love sweet things. I have had to learn to change my eating habits, but even at my worst Deep fried Twinkies and Oreos never appealed to me.
When I really want something sweet- I do indulge in something good- for instance if I want ice cream I go to Hoffman’s Ice Cream and get a dip of Good Ice Cream- its homemade with all natural ingredients. If I really want Chocolate I get some Dark Chocolate. Yes that also includes cocktails. Be smart and put good things into your body.

Out with the old/ In with the new

2010-01-03T19:55:00.002-05:00

Out with the old /in with the new

It’s amazing that we are in 2010. Seems like only yesterday we were worried about Y2K, and now that was a decade ago.
I have to admit it was totally amazing to bring in the New Year/New Decade dressed in a flimsy sundress, outside under the stars, totally enjoying a full moon. The resort in Jamaica did an awesome Job of the New Years Eve celebration. Anyone looking for a nice relaxing vacation I highly recommend this place http://www.clubambiance.com .
I have posted some of my 162 photos http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=369571&id=631730532 .

I came home with my body tanned, my soul nourished, my batteries recharged and my spirit renewed; pretty cool what a week in the sun, doing nothing can do for a person.

I spent a good bit of time pondering some things, my coach has been telling me for a while now that I have changed in the last year. Not just the loss in weight, but that my way of being has changed, my whole outlook on life has changed. He is right, but I spent a good bit of time trying to figure out what has changed, when I changed and how I have changed. I still have not been able to put my finger on it, but I do know that I feel more confident in myself, I have a better self esteem, I enjoy living more, and I am getting more out of life.
I thought about the previous New Years I have brought in during my lifetime- and this one was by far the best.
Last New Years I said my goals for 2009 were to have lost 150 lbs from Sept 14 2008 till Sept 14, 2009 (1 yr of working with my coach) well I came damn close I had lost 149lbs at that point. Currently I am about 180lbs down. I feel great, had little problem walking in to the ocean (the moving sand does prove a challenge to walk on)
I had also said that 2009 was going to be the year that I fell madly passionately in love with a man- well that did not happen at all. It’s ok- I will happen when God is ready for me to have it.
The business had a good year, not great but a good one, better than the year before.

As for 2010- well here is what I say is going to happen:
The practice is going to thrive
I am going to continue my weight loss
I am going to get the issues squared away with my knee
Be open for the love of my life to come into my life
Practice being a peace
Be of assistance to my friends and family

I’d love to be engaged by the end of this year, it’s my goal to bring in 2011 in Jamaica again, and both are things I will be working toward.

Life is good; this journey is amazing and taking me to all kinds of new places.

God bless all that read this blog regularly, Happy New Year may 2010 be the year your dreams come true.

Love and Laughter
Terry

White Christmas

2009-12-25T00:35:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-20T14:17:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-18T23:05:00.001-05:00

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?

2009-12-13T16:07:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-10T20:42:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-06T16:54:00.001-05:00

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

2009-11-29T19:25:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-25T21:45:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-15T17:51:00.004-05:00

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

2009-11-08T15:41:00.001-05:00

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

2009-11-01T21:41:00.001-05:00

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

2009-10-25T17:48:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-18T19:59:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-07T19:05:00.000-04:00

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

2009-09-27T20:39:00.001-04:00

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

2009-09-20T19:23:00.001-04:00

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.

2009-09-13T19:55:00.006-04:00

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 !!!

2009-09-06T20:18:00.001-04:00

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

2009-08-30T19:03:00.001-04:00

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

2009-08-23T13:06:00.002-04:00

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

2009-08-16T21:16:00.000-04:00

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

2009-08-14T20:56:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-09T20:50:00.000-04:00

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

2009-08-02T13:53:00.000-04:00

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

2009-07-26T20:50:00.001-04:00

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

Amazed

2009-07-22T21:41:00.000-04:00

This was a totally amazing day for me.
I had my pre-op appointment for my tonsil surgery ( August 17) today. My Doctor is very very pleased with how healthy I am now.

My insulin injections have been reduced again, 1 High blood pressure medication has been done away with, and my thyroid medication is being dropped down again. WWWHOOOO

The completely amazing part for me was when I got on the scale. I have lost 127 lbs from my known highest weight and I think I was probably 20 to 25 lbs heavier then that when I started.

I am so excited.

I do have a tear in one of the muscles in my shoulder from trying to do 1 legged push ups in the pool last week. The doctor gave me a pain killer and muscle relaxer to help with the pain and recommended I slow down for a few weeks and rest the shoulder.

Amazed is the only word I have.

Thanks again for your love and support.

This week and other stuff

2009-07-19T16:08:00.003-04:00

This week’s accomplishments: - 7/13-7/19/09

Monday worked out for 75 minutes
Tuesday worked out 150 minutes
Wednesday worked out 75 minutes
Thursday worked out 180 minute
Friday worked out 60 minutes
Saturday worked out 60 minutes
Sunday worked out 60 minutes

Wow it’s already the end of July- this year is flying by.

The girl that handles are front desk was off this week so I was working downstairs most of the week. I did as much of my usual job duties as possible.
I got my new Acer mini laptop set up and working so I can use it when I travel and be able to log into the office.
Dawn and Gina came over on Saturday night and we cleaned out shoes and bags, the shoes were too big as well and the bags well they say I have an addiction to them… I think I am just like my Mom in that regard, but my clothes have been officially cleared out now. The 3 of us then made a midnight run to the Wal-Mart in Hanover PA and did some shopping. I got a couple of new blouses, and a dress. It still amazes me that I can buy clothes at Wal-Mart.
Somehow in the midst of some water pushups I injured my right shoulder/rib, my boss thinks I have torn a muscle called The Terry’s Minor- I have no clue what that is – but I can tell you it hurts like hell, so my work outs since Thursday have been slowed significantly, but it’s ok. I will just need to modify my workout routine for a bit till it heals.

This coming week will be fun- on Thursday my boss and I are driving to Philly for a seminar hosted and taught by a friend of mine- should be a great one. Friday Night we are having dinner with my Coach since he is just outside Philly, I am looking forward to seeing him, and it’s always neat to see the expression on his face when he sees me. This will be the 4th time I have seen him in person since I started this weight loss journey in mid September. I have said it before and will keep saying it the man is a genius.

I am working toward my next goal-on December 26 I will be leaving for a week’s vacation in Jamaica- last January I purchased a 2XL polo shirt that has “Get Adjusted” embroider on it. Dawn brought me over a pair of her Jeans that are too small for me- I really want to be about to wear that outfit on the plane when I leave- it would be an amazing end to an amazing year for me. I have posted photos of the polo and jeans together- of course Ariel sees the camera come out and just has to be in the picture so she is laying on the jeans in my bed.

Thanks Gina and Dawn for all you help with Project purge... I know I gave you guys a fit at times but I do appreciate your assistance.

Thanks again for all the love and support.

The journey is always fun- but it’s getting better.

Terry

What a week

2009-07-12T19:36:00.003-04:00

What at week this one has been.

I am sure you all are sick of seeing my workout schedule so I have done between 75 and 180 minutes in the gym everyday this week. I swam in the afternoon at a friend's pool 3 days this week too.

The biggest accomplishment of the week was what we called Project Purge the clothes.

Thanks to my Friends Dawn and Gina- we cleared out my 2 bedroom closets and 2 dressers full of clothes that fit 119lbs ago.

I have to admit that this was emotionally harder then I thought it would be, there were several things that I handed over that nearly brought tears to my eyes.

Currently I have 9 bags full of clothes that are going to my Dawn's sisters church- who runs a charity for Displaced women that are returning to the work force. It feels good to know that someone else will be happy to have these lovely things.

My winter closet is nearly empty, and my summer closet has a few things left but not much.

Dawn who had weight loss surgery and a liver transplant recently has lost a lot of weight too, she brought over a bunch of her things that were 3x and I was albe to fit into most... AMAZING
Thursday night I attended a business meeting with my boss - wore a new dress and got lots of compliments on it.

Life is so good.Yes getting rid of the clothes was hard but something feels so clean about it.

Was caught off guard by some back and hip pain last night- I am hoping it was from about 6 hours of standing and pulling clothes on and off.

The journey is better with good friends to support you....

This week

2009-07-05T16:54:00.003-04:00

This week’s accomplishments: 6/29- 7/5/09

Monday worked out for 75 minutes
Tuesday worked out 135 minutes
Wednesday worked out 65 minutes
Thursday worked out 180 minute
Friday worked out 120 minutes
Saturday worked out 60 minutes
Sunday worked out 90 minutes

My usual office duties- these are vast and varied and include everything handling insurance and Medicare issues, to staffing issues, payroll, office maintenance, overseeing marketing, Accounts receivable, dealing with our patients attorneys, and anything else my boss asks of me.

Out of the office it was an ok week, I cleaned the apartment, played with the Cat, did 5 loads of laundry, stripped and remade my king sized bed, had dinner with friends, swam ( beyond the above work outs) read a really great book- ( I will not die and unlived life) I highly recommend it.

It’s been a very introspective week for me- for starters I have been having major issues with my blood sugars- had them go from 89 to 44 in an hour’s time on Wednesday morning and haven’t been able to get them about 75 since. I know this is a good thing as it means another reduction in the medications I am taking, but I really hate this unfocused fuzzy feeling, which is one of the reasons I really rarely drink alcohol.

The other thing that has had me so introspetive is that I really truly want a full time man in my life, I realize I have a great deal of love, compassion, understand and passion to share and would dearly love someone special to share all that with. I also sort of feel like I am failing on the promise I made to my late husband. He made me promise him I would meet someone and be happy.

I still can’t seem to bring myself to clearing out my closets, my friend Jeff says I really need to purge the clothes that no longer fit, I just can’t seem to get myself there. But like most things in my life I will when I am ready, I just might need some assistance in getting there.

On the high note- My boss booked my bonus this week- I will be spending between December 26 and January 2 at Club Ambiance in Runaway bay Jamaica- http://www.clubambiance.com . Looks great doesn’t it.

Thanks for reading and for all your love and support- I do feel it every day.

In search of someone to share this Journey with…

Terry

This weeks accomplishments

2009-06-28T20:02:00.000-04:00

This week’s accomplishments:

Monday worked out for 85 minutes
Tuesday worked out 120 minutes
Wednesday worked out 75 minutes
Thursday worked out 150 minute
Friday worked out 75 minutes
Saturday worked out 100 minutes
Sunday worked out 150 minutes

Handled our front desk and my job duties
Swam for 2 hours in the sun w/o getting burned
Vacuumed and dusted my apartment
Washed dried folded and put away 6 loads of laundry
Stripped and made my king sized bed
Bought clothes
Helped my friend clean the tile in his pool
Worked about 55 hours in the office and about 15 from home
Played with my Nephews
Organized our third quarter events
Earned my bonus- a trip to the Caribbean
Made good food choices
Scheduled all the pre-op stuff for my tonsils to be removed

It’s been a good week. Today my Friend Dawn and I went shopping -s he wanted to go to Fashion bug, I went – telling her as we walked into the store that they wouldn’t have anything to fit me. Shortly after we walked in Dawn was holding up shirts that she said would fit me… I looked at the size and said no way, Dawn convinced me to try them on… to my total shock they fit, and I left Fashion Bug with 3 tops. We then went to Wal-Mart and I bought a dress and top there.
My bathing suits that used to be tight are now so loose I fall out of them. Soon I will have to just clear my closets and start over.
It’s all good.

This journey is getting more and more fun…

Finally I am seeing a difference

2009-06-23T21:48:00.003-04:00

Finally I am seeing a difference- The photo of my boss, co-worker and I goofing around in New Orleans was me at me heaviest, the one of me alone with the sunburn was just taken Sunday. I see a big difference finally in my face.... yeah I know you all have been telling me for a while- but NOW I see it.

The first photo I spoke with was taken while on a business trip to New Orleans - it was hot and sticky and OH so humid and I really thought I was going to keel over that trip, I need a cane to walk. These days I can frequently be found dancing around my office to Elliott John, Donny Osmond, Queen, or even Neal Diamond.

Boy life is good.

Hang on the journey is getting into high gear.

It's been a good week

2009-06-21T19:18:00.001-04:00

This week’s accomplishments:

Monday worked out for 75 minutes
Tuesday worked out 85 minutes
Wednesday worked out 75 minutes
Thursday worked out 120 minute
Friday worked out 75 minutes
Saturday worked out 85 minutes
Sunday worked out 150 minutes

Stepped on the scale= 111.1lbs down

Did two employee reviews
Attended an outdoor benefit concert with a friend
Got a sunburn
Had 2 fun dates
Vacuumed and dusted my apartment
Washed dried folded and put away 4 loads of laundry
Shopped for clothes
Attempted to fix my vacuum cleaner (think it’s destine for the trash)
Organized my office at work
Rearranged both of my closets
Worked about 51 hours in the office and about 12 from home

It’s been a good week- I also signed to receive a word from God message everyday and somedays I swear my coach is writing these things as they seem to be very close to what he tells me regularly.

This coming week is going to be hectic – as our front desk Assistant is off so I have her job to do too. It’s all good – life is awesome- I love that I have all this energy and do all this things.

I am blessed to have a wonderful family, amazing friends and am living a life I love.

Life is good – the journey is so much fun.

The Reason

2009-06-17T22:10:00.003-04:00

My boss and I were talking over lunch today , during that conversation we started talking about the why of what I was doing. I explain to him that after many many years of feeling like I had no worth at all- I finally got it that I have value, I have a worth.

I explained that I have 2 huge fears in life- #1 being alone the rest of my life, and # 2 ending up like my late husband Edward.

You see Edward was a wonderful man- I loved him very much and he loved me too. Edward was severely morbidly obese, diabetic, had 3 heart conditions and suffered from bipolar disorder. During the course of the 20 and 1/2 years we were married he got sicker and sicker, 7 years before he died he got gangrene in his groin and had to have several major surgeries, nearly died, and spent a month in shock trauma, after that he could only move about in a wheel chair. He spend the last 3 and 1/2 years of his life bedridden, unable to do anything for himself.
I never want to live like that.

For many reasons that I can not find the words for when my Fabulous Coach offered his assistants - I took it and embraced it.

The last 9 months have been about me working on me- in more then just the weight loss. Its about me learning to be confident, calm and secure in my own being.

Pretty amazing Journey for this worhtless girl who knows nothing.

Embrace the journey and enjoy it.

Last weeks accomplishements

2009-06-15T23:29:00.001-04:00

\This was to have been posted last night- but I didnt get in till too late.

This week’s accomplishments:

Tuesday while talking to my coach he suggested I start thinking about all that I accomplish and the good things in my life.

So I think from now on my Sunday blog posts will be a recounting of all that I have accomplished in the week.

This week I accomplished:

9 Patient reports for work
Got our Medicare providership squared away
Got our software guy working on the software update to handle the new NPI numbers
2 Employee evaluations written
Collected enough to be very close to my 2nd qrt goal for a year end trip to the Caribbean
4 loads of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away
Painted my own toe nails
Helped my boss /friend clean his pool and get it ready to swim in
Attended the year end coaches and sponsors banquet for the team we sponsored
Went to the gym 5 mornings this week
Had an amazing first date with this really awesome guy- keeping my fingers crossed for this one.

The things that are right in my life

2009-06-10T20:09:00.002-04:00

Yesterday while talking to my coach about my arm/hand he asked me to make a list of all that is right and good in my life. I thought I would take a few minutes and share that list with you all.

Makes you think- what is right and good in your life?

Things that are right in my life:

My deep faith and belief in God - and his love for all of us

My innate wisdom- when I shut up and listen to it.

My amazing nephews

My wonderful friends

A job that I love

I have an amazing coach

I have lost over a 100lbs

I can move around more

Its warm and sunny

Most of my clothes are falling off me

I have an amazing and wonderful brother and sister in law

I have this adorable little cat that adopted me

I like that I have the ability to go to the gym every morning

This journey is amazing- enjoy it

Thinking back and moving forward

2009-05-31T09:40:00.003-04:00

I woke up this morning thinking about where I was 23 years ago today. Today is my 23rd Anniversary. My husband is deceased now, has been for about 2 and 1/2 years now.

How I remember this day 23 years ago- it was HOT - Horrible HOT- 103 degrees hot when we walked out of the NON air condition church at 11 AM, My dress weight 22lbs on its own, I was overweight as I have been all my life, My husband was larger then me. I was sweating horribly, and by the time I got out of that dress I had hives everywhere it touched.

Edward was a good man even after 7 stroked he tried his best to make me laugh. Ours was not the usual courtship, no we met over the phone- he was a client of the alarm monitoring company I worked for, we talked for 6 weeks on the phone before ever meeting, then 1 day he asked me to lunch and proprosed and I accepted, 13 months later we were married.

I realized how different I am then I was then- besides the fact that I was only 22 then and am now 45, besides that- there are so many other diffences- back then when I was upset or anxious I ate- not I go for a swim, back then I would go all day without eating a realy meal thinking that was going to help me loss weight now I get it that eating something small every 3 hours is soo much better for my metoblism.
Back them Ice cream, hot dogs and mac and cheese were main stays in my diet, now adays its fruits, veggies and good proteins.

Yes I would dearly love to be married again- I do better as a significant other, so far I haven't met the right man- I hope and pray there is another one out there for me.

The journey takes us places we never expected to be- but its all part of the ride, so buckle up and enjoy it.

Life is getting interesting here

2009-05-25T11:58:00.002-04:00

Wow is life getting very interesting these days. For starters I am noticing so much about how things used to be:

Last night my friend and I stopped at friendly's for a quick dinner- (chesseburger with out the roll) while we were there I noticed a teenager eating a reese's peices sundae. This sundae has 5 scoops of ice cream- chocolate,marshmellow, peanut butter, whipped cream, etc...
When I was in high school my friend ( who's name I will not mention) and I used to go for pizza and then for 1 of those sundaes. I dont know how we did that.

I notice that I order meals totally differently too, no more deep fried, highly fat loaded foods- Friday night a good friend took his sister and I to ruth chris for dinner-I had escargot, salad w/vinegrette dressing, filet w/broiled shrimp... Big difference from the last time I was there.

Tuesday morning I stepped on the scale at the gym- I dont weight myself often- would just make me nuts and this isnt about numbers for me - I was shocked to discover that the scales said I was 102.4 lbs lighter then 8 months ago. ITs taken a week to sink in to my head.

My clothes are all to big and some are even sliding off. I did buy a couple of summer dresses to wear to work, but they are even a bit loose now too.

Life is interesting- we are entering the hot humid summer here in MD- and I can't wait to be swimming outside, and tanning and doing all the fun summer things- I am not much of an outdoors girl. My allergeies are awful, but I am looking forward to a fun summer.

Life is interesting and the Journey is getting good.

Happy Memorial day to you all- be healthy , be safe, be alive.

Lots of cool changes in the last 2 weeks

2009-05-17T20:55:00.002-04:00

There have been lots of really great changes in the 2 weeks I have been without working and stable internet here at home.
I thought I would take a moment to share them:

#1- I had to pull the drivers seat up a notch.

#2-I bought 2 summer dresses 1 is 5 sizes smaller then last summer its a bit tight right now across my chest but will fit fine in a few weeks, the other is 4 sizes smaller and looks great on.

#3-I had to make another PCP order reduction in my insulin injections and it looks like I am heading for another very quickly as the numbers just aren't coming up to what they should be.

#4- THis morning my boss was the Doc on site for a local 5K run- I was able to help him put the tent up, move boxes , run back and forth from the car without huffing and puffing, and without pain.

#5-Foods I once loved that were not good for me are now making me ill just smelling them.

#6- I can now chase and catch my cat when she needs her claws trimmed.

#7-Exercising is getting much much easier.

#8-I no longer need a seat belt extenter in the car

#9- My brother keeps asking if I am sure I am not sick...( this is a good thing cause he usually doesnt notice anything)

#10-I have had to pack up many of my old clothes as they just can't be worn anymore.

Life is good.

The Journey is getting fun.

Life without the internet

2009-05-14T20:56:00.002-04:00

About 11 days ago my DSL went down, so did my phone line. I called Verizon and they send 1 person out who couldn't get it fixed, so they called in a higher level service ticket and a second person came out, that 1 couldnt find the problem either.
That was last week.
Monday of this week some came out and looked at my wires and cables and filed an even higher level service ticket. Tuesday when I got home from work there was a message taped to my door that said the underground lines were bad and a "team" would be out Wednesday. Last night when I got home from work there was a mount of dirt in front of my bedroom windows. Today I got home- dirt gone, 4 lights lite on my modem.

I am a happy camper.

Yeah I am addicted to the internet.

Glad to be back

The difference a year makes

2009-05-02T13:51:00.004-04:00

This morning my Nephew Hunter made his first communinion for you non- catholics- this is considered the third sacrement in life and its an important one.

I am extermely proud of both my nephews. Hunter is 8 and looked so handsome in his double breasted navy blue suit.

These boys amaze me- Nick the oldest is going to be 14 in 3 weeks, and is already 6'4"

Hunter is 8 and 5'3" already. Both of these guys were born premature- they were so tiny and fragile when I held them to my chest just minutes after their births. Now look at them.

The 1 Photo was taken a year ago (I an in Pink then and blue today)- and to- WOW what a difference a year has made in both of them.

I enjoyed being their with them today. I love these two young men with all my heart.

Life's journey is more fun with family along

Life Lessons learned from My Mom

2009-04-27T17:59:00.002-04:00

As I sit here today- in shorts and a tank top with my AC on, I think of April 27 1996- it was cold damp and a constant drizzle that day. Why do I remember the weather from 13 yrs ago. Easy- Today is the day my Mom passed away in 1996. She was 55 when she died.

In March of 96 she was diagnosised with Multiple Mylomia which is a rare blood born cancer. Less then 6 weeks later she was gone.

In those last few weeks she enparted several incredible life lessons- I have decided to share a few of those with you.

Life Lesson #1-
My Mom had never ever watched the news or read a news paper- she didnt even like them in the house. She choose instead to read things like the National Equirer , the globe, the star, ect- Trash magazines we used to call them. It was during those last weeks of her life that I began to understand why. As Mom grow to weak to read herself I would read her this magazines- and she would laugh and laugh- there was one day she and I were both laughing so hard we had tears rolling down our faces, and our sides were hurting from laughing so hard. She told me that- to find something everyday to laugh about.....

Life Lesson #2-
Mom was wasting away quickly and couldnt eat, the doctors had suggested giving her ensure to drink- well she hated the taste of it- so I began making her a special milkshake everyday- 2 scoops of vanilla Ice cream, a packet of Carnation instant breakfast mix, a can of ensure, a cup of cold milk and several sqirts of hersery's chocolate syrup- all in the blender- then served to her in a big glass with a bendy straw. It would take her hours to drink this - but she liked it and would drink the whole thing. I was working from 11 pm till 7 AM and would frequently get home as my Dad was leaving so that I could take care of Mom all day. One particular Saturday morning- Dad was home and told me to just go to bed and he would care for Mom that day. I offered to make her my special shake before I went to sleep. He told me no that was ridiculous and that all he needed to do was tell my mother to drink the ensure.... I had barely gotten into my PJs when I heard Glass shattered in my Mom's room. I walked in to find Dad and the wall behind him covered in Ensure and glass all over the floor. Once I had made Mom her special shake and brought it to her- she told me- NEVER Ever assume you can changes someones mind on something they do not want.

Life Lesson #3
On Valentines night 1984- while crossing Reisterstown Road after work- I was hit by a buick- My then 18 yr old Brother was one of the witnesses to the accident. He scooped me up off the street- called for help, etc- once I was safely on my way to the hosptial he went to find my parents who were out to dinner for Valentine's day (long before cell phones) He found them finishing dinner- Dad took my brother's car (Dad always thought he was the move level headed parent) and raced to the hospital- leaving my brother to take care of my Mom and the valet with Dad's car. Once in the car My Mom asked my brother " What underwear did your sister have on", My brother's response was I dont think it matters- they shredded her clothes at the scene. Once in the ER My Mom was obsessed with finding out if my contacts were still in my eyes. It was during those last weeks of her life that I finally found the courage to ask her why she had been so worried about contacts and underwear... She told me that she always worried about the small details because God took care of the big ones..

Just a few of the many lessons I learned from my Mom. For those of you that read this blog that knew my Mom please feel free to share your own stories of her. She would be tickled.

For those of you that didnt know my Mom- she was an amazingly strong, determined, loving and funny women.

To honor her today- I took flower and a national Enquirer to her grave and left them for her.

Visit with my ETN today.

2009-04-23T17:44:00.002-04:00

I had an early morning appointment with my Ear, Nose and Throat doctor today. We discussed my frequent and lingering Strep throats- I have had 7 of them in the last 6 months..... ARGGGGG

He confirmed that in fact my tonsils have GROWN BACK!!! Lucky me...

Even better- after being on an antibotic for 2 weeks and having just come off it- I have strep AGAIN...

I love this doctor - he is by far the greatest. He was very very straight with me- he said that the removal of tonsils - surgery wise at any age is an easy surgery from the surgeons stand point. 45 minutes snipe snipe over and done with. HOWEVER, the recover is a misery the older you are. 26 yrs ago at the age of 19 the recovery was not fun... He assures me that it would be even less fun this time around.

Wanting to spear me that misery he has decided to put me on a very strong antibotic for the next month ( like the 2 weeks worth didn't already cause a yeast infection).
After a month on this one I will have to go back for another throat culture- if there is still signs of strep- we will have no choice but to remove them AGAIN....

If this bout is cleared up we will have to keep a watchful eye on them for a while.

He confimed what I already suspected that they were very swollen as swallowing is very difficult right now. He recommend COLD COLD drinks and rest.

Now to the REST thing- I have been feeling a bit like Rip Van Winkle lately- all I seem to want to do is sleep. My coach and I had discussed this and he thinks its my cortisol levels coming down, and my body's way of adjusting to the many changes.

THe ENT agrees with that and thinks that my body is also trying like made to fight off this strep infection and ralling all his resourses to do that. So he said SLEEP..

On a side note- he was soo shocked when he saw me today- last time I saw him was when he released me from my sinus surgery at the begining of last August. He was so impressed with the weight loss, and how I looked.... ( Made me feel good he noticed)

I have stocked up on probotics and yogurt with probotics in it. We will see what the next month brings.

Thanks

P.S.My good friend Jeff will be starting the American odyess relay tomorrow AM- this is a 200 mile relay race from Gettysburg to Washington DC. I wish him the best and hope all goes well for him. Here it the link to his blog if you are interested-http://www.formerlyfatrunningguy.blogspot.com/

Life is good

2009-04-19T19:58:00.002-04:00

Life really is good.

I'm feeling better. Still sleeping a bit more then I think I should be but that might be the last effects of the virus or it might just be my body telling me it wants more sleep.

When I started this incredible journey Back in September I was sleeping maybe 4 hours a night and knew that was a problem. I had eventually gotten to the point where I was sleeping between 6 and 8 hours a night, the last few weeks I have been sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night. Its all good. If my body needs more sleep right now to regroup, rebuild, rehab- I will be happy to give it...

The strep throat has cleared up, today is my last day on antibotics and I do feel better. My PCP has asked me to consult with and ENT about the whole tonsils regrown thing. So I have an appointment Thursday Morning with the same ENT that did my sinus revision surgery last July. He is really an awesome doctor and I completely trust him.

After Thursday night's "just want to be be friends with benefits" date I have done a good be of soul searching, talking to friends, emails with my coach and a few other folks whos opionons I respect. So here is what I have come to the realization of

LIFE IS GOOD:
I have some of the greatest friends. I have long term friends too- I have talked before that I am still really good friends with folks from High School and college.

I have an awesome brother, I count his wife as a friend, they have 2 amazing, healthy, happy and energic boys.

I do what I love and love what I do as a career. I have an amazing boss who is also a good friend.

I have been blessed with an amazing health and wellness coach. His advise is always right on, and I really do credit him for showing me how to get my life back. With his coaching I have learned to listen to my own body and STOP fighting my own innate intelligence.

I'm happy where I am at in my life. Its not perfect, but no ones is...

I decided this weekend to take down the dating site profiles - when my life is ready for a mate- he will appear... that is just how my life seems to work and I am really ok with that.

Life is good- the journey is amazing...

The miss adventures of dating in your 40s.

2009-04-17T16:12:00.002-04:00

Warning- this blog post has little to do with weight loss and is more a commentary on life in general.

I never intended to find my self in the dating world at 45. By age 22 I was happily married to a wonderful man that I had intended to grow old with. Well that didn't happen. Thanks to his obesity, dibeties and heart conditions he was called home to be with God alot sooner then I would have liked.

He knew he was not long for this life in 2003 after a series of strokes left him bedridden and unable to move his legs or 1 arm. He made me promise I would not pine away for him. That I would go out and date, met someone wonderful and marry again.

It took a little more then a year for me to get out of the BLACK hole I fell into after he passed away. Shortly after emmerging from that hole - I put up several dating site profiles. Mostly on dating sites that are for BBW's .

Well dating is ALOT different then it was 25 yrs ago. At first I was getting "hits" from alot of men telling me they were working in Africa or Ghana- yeah right- I'm not that stupid.

Once in a while I would get a "hit" from a real man. Someone relatively local- we'd email for a bit, then chat on line , then when I felt comfortable I'd give him my cell phone number. Occasionally I have met a few of these guys.

NONE to date have worked out....

There was the guy I left sitting in TGI fridays after he belittled the waitress before we had even ordered our meal.

There was the guy who had our wedding planned before we had even gone out.

There was the guy who asked me the most degrading discussing question ever and also got left in a restuant.

There are alot of guys who just want to come here on the first date- NOT HAPPENING.

Last night I went to dinner with a man I have been out with a few before- I thought we were enjoying each others company. He does too- but during the course of dinner he tells me that he "just wants to be friends with benefits".... what exactly does that mean....

Don't get me wrong- I have had friends all my life- I still have friends from Jr. High, High School and College... but Friends with benefits... thats a new one to me...

SO I am turning to you- my obviously much more intelligent friends and blog reads to please enlighten me as to what are " Friends with benefits" and what kind of relationships is that...

For the record- I am seeking a Nice, Normal, Funny, Sensative and caring Guy ... know anyone?

This journey is full of twists and turns....

A slow come back

2009-04-14T19:00:00.002-04:00

Wow this last week has not been the greatest. Last Tuesday I noticed some swelling under my jaw line on the right side and then later in the day swelling of the glands in my groin and under my arm. Wednesday brought more swelling and a scheduled visit to my PCP for a meds check. She did a strep test and it showed positive right away.
She put me on an antibotic and did a Mono blood test and sent me home to bed.
By Friday the swelling was really bad, and my throat felt like I was swollowing lite matches. When I called my PCP her nurse advised me that they had no appointments available as it was a holiday ( Good Friday), they advised if I felt that bad I should go to Patient first or the ER. I picked Patient First. I had a friend take me.

The Doctor at Patient First was very nice- he did a strep test which came back positive, a MONO test which came back negative ( thats a good thing) diagnosised me with a severe strep throat and virus. Advised bed rest and fluids- yeah right I was having a hard time swollowing my own spit.

On the way back my friend and I stopped at Safe Way, got some grape juice - the orange juice I had been trying to drink was just too much for my throat, some vita waters, some soft cheese, yogurt and sherbert. Not exactly on my eating plan but it was all soft and easily swollewed.

To bed I went with my trusted heating pad on my face- the doctor had recommend the heat to promote blood flow to the area to help the swelling.

I'm getting a bit of cabin fever- I'm not a good intervort - I like people I like being out and about.

Tomorrow will be my first day back at work. I am actually looking forward to go to the office.

Not being able to eat or drink, has surely helped my weight loss, between Wednesday and Friday I had dropped 4 pounds, but I know I was pretty dehydrated Friday.

As for the low back and leg pain and muscle spasms- they are much better- now only being awoke once a night with charlie horses, which is a far far cry better then the every 10 minutes I was experiencing last week.

I am hoping to be back in the Gym on Thursday. I have missed it alot- Yes I did just say that.

I missed seeing my Sister in law Confirmed a Catholic on Saturday night and Missed Easter with my Nephews on Sunday but I couldnt take a chance of getting them ill.

I am viewing this as a minor bump in the road- its a bit fruastrating to know I have been working hard at being healthy to be TKOed by a virus and strep for a week, but such is life.

Its all part of the journey.....

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T21:24:00.002-04:00

I wanted to wish everyone a Very Happy Easter and Passover. I hope you all had a great time being with family and friends today.

I'm still sidelined. Had to make a second visit to the Doctors on Friday evening.
My throat is very swollen, and I am still running a fever. The Doctor diagnosis is that I have strep and a virus.

I haven't been to work since Wednesday nor have I been in Brick Bodies since Wednesday. I miss working out, but know that listening to my body and its need to rest so it heals.

Enjoy these first days of spring and these lovely holidays.

Side lined for a few days

2009-04-08T20:56:00.002-04:00

For the last week I have been having horrible muscle spasms from my right hip down my right leg. They were getting so bad that I have not been sleeping. It seems that in my overly zellous enjoyment of the gym- working out for 2 and 1/2 hours on Sunday was not the best thing for my body.....

Yes I need to learn to pace myself,but hey I'm new to this.

Yesterday I noticed that the right side of my face was a bit swollen. Last night I noticed that the glands in my groin were swollen. I knew I had an appointment with my PCP today anyway for a follow up so I figured I'd discuss all this with her then.

Well by this morning it hurt to swollow, the right side of my face was very swollen, and I felt feverish. I was stupid and still went to the gym this morning but working out was hard.

So the bad news from the doctor :
I have a severe strep throat and possibly Mono- she did a blood test and will have the results tomorrow. I'm on bed rest till at least Friday, maybe longer if I do have mono.

The good news:
I have lost 91.7lbs.... Amazing
she reduced my diabetic medication again this is the 4th drop in 6 months.

What does my wonderful coach say:
Keep the fire burning at a stead flame- dont burn to hot or too cold...
IE- slow but steady is better then doing to much at 1 time.
And of course to follow my doctors orders.

Life is a learning experience....

101 Things to do before I die

2009-04-05T21:37:00.003-04:00

Back in January I attened the Parker Chiropractic Seminar in Las Vegas- Jack Canfield was one of the speakers ( Author and creater of The chicken soup for the soup books). In his talk he advises all of us to write a list of 101 things we wanted to do before we die. I had started this list and then when my mood soured I sent it aside. This week I picked it back up- today I finished it. For me however its 101 things to do before I die.

I thought I would share it with you all.

101 things to do before I die

1-Tour the vataican
2- See the louve museum
3-Tour Buckingham palace
4-Shop for clothes in anystore
5-Be married to a passionate man
6- Learn to do the waltz
7-See the Grand Canyon
8- Dance at Nick and Hunters weddings
9-Learn to Tango
10-Dance in Public
11- See a Polar Bear up close
12-Be a speaker at a Parker Seminar
13-Help others live a healthy life
14-Be a great- Aunt
15-Own a convertible
16-See the Eifle tower
17-Go to Ireland
18-Go back to Poland
19-See Auswitze
20-See the Medditreana
21-be kissed with such passion it brings tears to my eyes
22-Weight 150lbs
23-Be a part of Reisterstown family Chiropractic being a million dollar business
24-Learn to salsa dance
25- Visit the California wine country
26- See Figi
27- Go to Austriala
28-Swim Naked in the Carribean
29- See Nigra Falls
30-Go to Disney Land
31- Never have to worry about money again
32- Be a coach
33- Make a difference for others
34- Learn to play chess
35- Be an inspiration to someone else
36-Be a part of Chiropractic becoming main stream medicine
37-Celebrate my 100th birthday
38- celebrate my brothers 100th birthday
39- Learn to belly dance
40- See my nephews graduate high school
41- See both nephews graduate from college
42- fall in love again
43-see the seisth chaple
44- see St Ann’s shrine in Quebec
45- See a cher concert
46-Meet the President of the usa
47-See a Barry Manilow concert
48- See Stone hedge
49-See the pyramins
50-Learn about wines/tasting
51- See the statue of Liberty
52- See the empire state building
53-Own a pink Diamond
54-Own a pink sapphire
55- Take a cruise
56- go to Denmark
57-Go to Belize
58-attend a mass offered by the Pope
59-Go to Hawiie
60-Read Moby Dick
61-Learn to crochet
62- See the holyland
63-Go to the whaling wall
64- learn about buddisum
65-Get a degree as a coding and billing specialist
66-Open my own company
67- Own an Astin Martin
68=Write a book
69-Be a part of a close knit group of friends
70-Learn and practice tantric
71-See Alaska
72-Go to the bottom of the grand canyon
73-Parasail over the carribean
74- See London
75-Shop at Harriods in London
76-Tour the white house
77-See all of the Smithonian museums
78-Experience zero gravity
79-Walk the Chesapeake Bay bridge
80-Go to the top of the space needle
81-Visit the rock and roll hall of fame
82- Learn to Cook
83-Learn to make wine
84- Own a house
85-Learn to golf
86- Empower other women
87-Help children with disabilities
88-work with children that have cancer
89-Make a difference for a child
90-Be a leader in the chiropractic profession
91-Help young girls build healthy self-esteem
92-Learn more about computers
93-Experience ultimate happiness
94-See a live Pengin in its natural habitat
95-Help other life a better life
96- swim with dolphins
97-Go to the top of Dunns river falls
98-See the liberty bell
99-work with battered women to help them get their lives back
100-See Germany
101-Go to Greece

WAAHHOOO Moments

2009-04-03T20:48:00.002-04:00

Waahhoo moments are new for me- but I have had several lately.

This morning I woke up feeling much better then I have the last 2 days- Wednesday and Thursday I had a sore throat, stuffy head and fever- this morning I was like 95% better- and I took NO medications - just vitamin C, lots and lots of fluids and sleep.
WAAHHOOO

Not to long ago I had a very disastous date- the date started off well, but as we were finishing lunch the gentleman informed me of prefence that he has that I found degrading, gross and disgusting. When I called on of my oldest friend shaking my head in disbelieve, my friend gentle asked me - Ter - you and I both know you have struggled with low self-esteem for years, please tell me you said NO, I laughed and put my friend at ease - telling him- OH I did more then that- I thanked him ( the date) for lunch and walked out of the restuarant and drove him. All the while shaking my head. The old me would have tried to make his sicko request be ok.
WAAHHOO

After work today I went shopping with my girl friend Dawn. Dawn has 1 of the gastric bypass surgeries a few years ago, this past November Dawn had a liver transplant as she has liver cancer. Dawn has lost alot of weight. She agreed to join me at the gym and in the pool sunday Morning. She needed a bathing suit- so we went to walmart tonight. It was fun plucking bathing suits off the rack and tossing them into her cart. She swears in a year or less she will be doing this with me.
While she was trying on bathing suits- I was looking around and found tops that fit me- OMG clothes for me at Walmart. YEAP- They are plus sized tops but they fit , and fit well.They were less then 10 dollars a piece too.
WAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOO

I am moving and doing, and enjoying and living so much these days that it really feels like I am having Waahhoo moments alot.

Living this journey is sooo awesome.

Listening to our bodies

2009-04-01T20:41:00.001-04:00

Listening to our bodies

My coach and I talk a lot about listening to Innate – Innate is the intelligence in all of us that tells us what our bodies need. Unfortunately we also have a bad little voice in our heads that tell us we need bad stuff.

I like to think of this as the Angel and Devil on each shoulder. The Angel/Innate tells us what we need in any given moment and only wants us to succeed. The Devil/the story we tell ourselves about ourselves- tells us the stuff to sabotage ourselves. My story as I have shared before is that I am worthless and don’t deserve the good. That story will never go away- it’s just a matter of learning to recognize when that voice is talking and ignore it.

This morning when my alarm went off at 5AM- like it does every morning, I woke up feeling awful. My head was all stuffy, my ears hurt, my throat felt like I was swallowing shards of glass, and I had a bad headache. Innate told me to go back to bed, skip the gym, so I did. I did get up and go to work- as it was the first of the month and I had to do the monthly close out.

About 10:30 Innate told me I needed to be home in bed. I left work, stopped at the local deli and get a cup of matzo ball soup, while I was in the deli- the Devil on my shoulder was trying to convince me that I needed some chocolate covered jelly filled cookies, but I didn’t listen. I came home had my soup, a big bottle of water and went to bed. I slept for several hours and awoke feeling a bit better. Innate always knows…

My coach keeps telling me Innate will never forget or forsake me, Innate will always lead me in the right direction. It’s taken me a long while to get this, and I think I only have it sometimes, but he is so RIGHT!!!

Do you know when Innate is talking to you- it isn’t the voice telling you that you need chocolate covered fudge pop tarts.

You learn a lot in the journey of life.

Oh Yes I can

2009-03-29T17:13:00.005-04:00

Yesterday after work my boss and I made the 2 and 1/2 hour drive to see my fabulous Coach- Dr. Joe. It was the first time since early November that he and I have seen each other face to face. I think he was happy with my progress. I know I sure am.

The coach has added several new exercises that are even more of a challenge for me. At one point he was showing me one he wanted me to do and I looked at him like he was nuts, and so I CAN'T DO THAT... He said oh yes you can- and that moment I realized I was limiting myself... I CAN DO ANYTHING if I willing to try hard enough.... So did what he was showing me and it was hard but do able.. OH YES I CAN...

Later he showed me another exercise he wanted me to do and I was about to go NO I cant and stopped myself - and did it- and trust me trying to stand from a fully seated postion while holding a 35 lb kettlebell against my chest is FAR from easy but I did- OH YES I CAN.

I have always hated having my photo taken, and that has gotten alot worse in the last several years,but yesterday I asked for a photo to be taken with the Coach. I'm sharing it hear with you along with a photo taken 1 week into this fabulous journey. While I dont see that big a difference- everyone else does.

I am told by alot of folks that it takes a very long time for your own eyes and brain to catch up with whats happening to your body... I will trust my coach, friends and clothes and just believe it.

OH YES I CAN....

Gratitude

2009-03-25T16:09:00.000-04:00

Gratitude
I hear so much in the Ladies locker room at the gym in the mornings.. Mostly complaints-
Here are some of the complaints I hear almost every morning:
Oh I hate to have to go to work
It’s too cold out
So and so called me at midnight last night to discuss her problems
My boss is a pain in the ass
My husband’s snoring kept me up all night
I hate working out
I have been thinking about this and have decided that instead of complaining I am going to be grateful and thankful for the wonderful things in my life

Grateful I have a job to go to everyday
Thankful that God gives us cold spring mornings to remind us that earth is going thru a re-birthing process.
Grateful that I have friends that respect my opinions enough to call me at midnight to talk.
Thankful I have a boss that adores and values my opinions enough to bug me all day long.
After more than a decade sleeping alone I would welcome the lullaby of my partners snoring next to me.
I am Thankful I still have the ability to work out, and move on my own accord.
I am also thankful for people like my boss, my friends, my coach and my brother and his family who are there to offer me support all along this journey.

Life is good lets all be thankful for it.