OT: Update on me/Moving

Hey all, I know it's been a long time.  Just thought I'd give you an update on me. As far as WLS goes, I'm doing as good as can be expected.  I'm eating pretty normally, not drinking enough and getting some exercise.  My weight loss has stalled a bit (down about 125lb), but I'm still getting smaller.  The trick to shrinking seems to be buying new clothes.  As soon as I do, they get too big for me.  I don't have health insurance right now so I won't be able to make my 18 month post-op visit.  I feel ok, but I'd like to get my blood work done again. I lost my job in December and have been on unemployment since.  It's enough to cover my bills, but it means no big fun for me.  I've been interviewing some, but no bites yet. I've been using my free time to volunteer.  I've been baking at Open Arms of Minnesota and I've gotten certified by the Red Cross to be a CPR/Defibrulator/First Aid instructor for them.  (Talk about a workout!  Do CPR for 4 hours and you're getting a great tummy/butt workout)  I'm also on call and respond to house and apartment fires and help people get situated in temporary housing, food clothing, et****il they can get back on their feet.  Nothing like standing in water that is ankle deep at 2 in the morning when it's 24 below to make you appreciate your home and your warm cozy bed. I've also been prepping my condo for sale.  I met with a real estate agent yesterday.  The market is bad, the timing is wrong, but it's going up for sale anyway - really cheap.  If anyone wants a 2 bedroom condo  with a garage in the west burbs for around $100K, contact me! I'm also using my free time to go back to college.  It's a lot harder than I realized it would be, but I am learning. On the romance front, I've moved in with my girlfriend and am playing step-mom to her 8 year old daughter.  It's a really good relationship and I'm very happy.  Our household is now 4 adults (2 college students living with us), 1 child(part-time), 5 cats, 1 dog and 1 chicken.  Very different from me livin alone with my 2 cats, but it's really fun.  Always someone to talk to, the tea kettle is always hot, and there's plenty of laundry to do (I love doing laundry). Finally,  my real estate agent wants my place empty ASAP to be followed by a day of patching and painting the walls, cleaning the carpets and washing the windows.  I'm renting a truck and moving the last of my stuff (little furniture and 30-40 boxes) on Saturday morning and I could use some help.  If you're available for a couple of hours on Saturday morning starting at 8am or so, I would really appreciate it.  The condo location is in south Hopkins.  The house is in south Minneapolis.  Refreshments will be provided.  If you can help, please let me know and I'll send you the directions (near the location of the first Swapkins for you old-timers).  If you can't help, please keep me in your good thoughts.  I need all the good thoughts I can get.

Wow Jen have you got a full plate!! I am sorry that you are going through this right now. No insurance is scary...no job is scarier yet!! Glad you have people that love and care for you to live with. The voluntering is an awesome thing to do. Thanks for all the people you help. Hope the condo sells quickly...buyers market isn't great but maybe you will be one of the lucky ones. It is good that you are going back to school. I don't know how you do that with all the things happening around you. I wish you luck with that. Glad you posted...it was nice to see you again. Hugs, connie d

I won't be around on Saturday but I hope you find help.  I hope things look up for you soon in the job market as well.  Good for you for volunteering in your time off!

Hey Jen, So glad you checked in!  It sure sounds like a lot of change - but also sounds like some fun new stuff too.  The volunteer work you've been doing sounds very rewarding - what a great niche to get into! Good luck with the job hunting and selling your condo - it's a hard market for both right now - but I'll keep my finger, toes and eyes crossed for you and I'll say a little prayer too! Take care!

Good to hear from you again!!! I would be glad to help you move. PM me your address and directions.  Hugs, Lori

Hey, Jen - I am sorry you are having so much to deal with right now.  I can't help with the moving, but I may be able to help with the job.  Lia has had some positions open that would be great for you.  Give me a call at Synico soon!  952-544-1403. Hugs - Laura

Jen, Wish I could be there.  I have tax clients until 2pm on Sat and then the mail-ins to work on.  Not much free time during tax time.  I am very happy for you relationshipwise.  I hope she knows how lucky she is to have a great partner like you.  I am hoping the job/insurance situation improves for you soon.  That is such a load.  At least it sounds like more things in your life are positive than not.  And some lucky employer will snap you up soon. Hugs, Corrine