Friday September 8

Good Friday morning! The weekend is almost here! I am only working about 1.5 hours today due to my LONG days in the office this week. They are starting to drain my brain in preparation for me leaving. Also, the new boss DID say that everyone was going to be given notice and have to reapply for their jobs. I hope the notice comes soon so I don't have to delay retirement (60 days notice, then severance). Everyone else is panicked and trying to position for other jobs already as many feel that they would be getting a demotion or not be qualified. Including my immediate boss! What a mess!

DD called yesterday to tell me that the promotion they had offered her, she had accepted, but they had put off on announcing, has been pulled away due to a reorganization (she's at another insurance company). I have had that happen to me in the past too - it stinks. Also she may not get the puppy (catahoula cur) as it is being held sort of for ransom by one partner in a separation battle. So DD is very down.

Weight 116.5, calories 1361. Almonds made their way back into the house, but may need to leave. I'm going to catch up on OH reading now - I haven't seen anything other than dear Liza's passing.

Have a phenomenal Friday!

Liz-sorry to hear about your daughter's work situation. That does really suck.

160.4 today. Same as a week ago.

Last day of my twenties. I feel a little bit more sad than I did yesterday. Scratch that--maybe not sad but nostalgic and reflective. My twenties were very good to me and my heart overflows with gratitude for all the places it led me, all the friends I made, the experiences I had. It's kinda like New Years--am I the only one who gets sad on New Year's Eve--the closing of a chapter. While I'm excited for the next chapter--and it WILL be a very exciting chapter--I'm a bit sad to see this season of my life go.

It may come as no surprise to you all that when I think of my twenties, I feel like they were defined by my weightloss surgery journey. I don't mean to suggest the size of my jeans defined me and my twenties--but it did open doors to many more opportunities as well as what a remarkable emotional and almost "spiritual" thing it is to go through a transformation like that. At least it was for me. I've heard some people talk about giving birth/becoming a mother this way. Maybe I finally was able to give birth to myself--the self I always wanted to be--in my twenties. I had WLS at 22, so the greatest chunk of my twenties have been spent getting to know my new self and doing things I never would have imagined--from horseback riding, to any events with tight seats that I would've avoided before, to river floats or anything where a bikini is necessary, to being more willing to meet people and having confidence. I don't think it's ever too late to make a positive change. But as I reflect on turning 30, I am so thankful that I had this surgery in my 20s. I'm absolutely confident I would not have reached goal on my own. I would still be trying to lose weight, probably pushing 300, and beating myself up for it.

I'm also so thankful God led me to my husband in my twenties. I met my now-husband at 23! He has brought out in me so many things I didn't know were there before. I really think we complement each other. He's an eternal optimist and helps me to just choose to be happy (because I am learning more and more that it is a choice!) and to not sweat the small stuff--maybe I'll evolve more on that in my thirties ;) We've had so many fun experiences together. We also had some really challenging times with family blending, but I think all of us are better and stronger than where we started.

I went to law school in my twenties. I'm probably the exception to the rule here, but I LOVED it. I would go back for an LLM, or to teach, or whatever in a heartbeat. Ahhh the smell of a library and stale coffee just makes me heart pitter patter. I was lucky that my law school experience wasn't cutthroat. It was enjoyable. I loved how the lecturers really forced me to think on my feet and pushed me to grow. Never in my life have I felt so challenged, yet accomplished as in law school. I really really miss those days. But I will cherish them in my memories.

I cannot wait to see what my thirties have in store...

Happy Birthday tomorrow!

Greetings Friends

137.5 today. I am enjoying getting more veggies in but suspect I am shorting the protein.

Liz sorry the reorganization woes continue for you and now DD. What earthly good does making everyone reapply for their jobs do? So glad I am away from that stuff and I bet you are glad to escape. If almonds are your worst thing in your house, count yourself lucky!

BB interesting to read your reflections on your 20's. That was so long ago for me. I was in law school too then and had a great time there even though it was tough. Then I spent the rest of my 20's being the first woman in my law firm when there were only about 5 in town. Every day was an adventure and I sure worked hard. But you have many wonderful experiences waiting for you especially little girl so enjoy it. My only regret about my younger years is that I put too much into career and not enough fun. But I am making up for it now. Tee Hee

So I had a talk with Tesla and explained how she had to be the "big girl" dog of the house now and somehow I think she understands. She has calmed down a lot from the terror she used to be.

Well my brother has scheduled the clean out date for our mother's house. Its basically full of junk with not much of value. I will fly back and help some and mainly deal with papers. Ohio State is the visiting football team on the weekend in question so I have to hurry up and get a hotel room and make other reservations.

Well its another foggy day but at least I don't think its smoke.

Speaking of foggy, time for more coffee. Diane S