I do love looking out my windows. No matter where I look I see beauty..Beautiful , tall pines, covered in white lace, valleys that appear "water colored" by a mist...distant frosty mountains...It all takes my breath away. However.....
You all knew that was coming huh?
I've truly had enough snow this year. Taking care of the animals is much harder in winter..having to tote water and bring them all in at night (when it's really cold). I love the seasons..including this cold and frosty one. Winter has a certain beauty to it all it's own.
Having lived in a Southern climate for a while I know what it's like to see sunshine all the time...
It gets OLD...don't get me wrong...I loved playing with the dolphins and manatee's...I miss that.
But living in a rain forest 80% of the time is not my idea of "The Good life"...perhaps when I'm old LOL
I believe hard work mixed with laughter and play time, makes for a fun life. The winter is the hardest work of all, but sooner or later Spring will come and the work will change...From plowing and shoveling...to plowing and shoveling LOL only it will be dirt instead of snow...By Summers end we will be praying for a chill in the air and then will come my favorite time of all...the time of year when Mother nature is at her best...Covering the mountains with bright colored quilts and sweetening the air with the smell of FALL. Unlike life that only turns in one direction, The seasons continue to change and with it, so do we.
To any new people reading this Blog, you may want to go back to the beginning of this Blog. That is where the most info is regarding surgery and what to expect... While I've tried to keep to the subject matter of WLS, I have at times, gotten way off track.
Like I've said, I'm working on a new Blog that will bring people into my fantasy world of art and mixed media...It is where I am most happy and most comfortable.
I feel I have a lot to offer the WLS community, just based on my positive experience with surgery. However, my honest approach is not always appreciated...There are those who doubt my experience and prefer to speak loudly about any negative aspects of THEIR experience.
What this does is bring me into a negative aura. I do not do well there..My happiness depends on surrounding myself with positive energy. So I will continue to post here when possible and I will continue to help people who request my help...but I will definitely be spending more time in the place I am comfortable and with kindred spirits.
My Hidden Treasure
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
A Very Sad Day
(I have no idea how my Birthday Blog got hung up. It was supposed to be published on Feb 20)
I received a phone call last night. One I knew would come, but prayed it would be longer in coming. I was notified that Dear Mother Mary had begun her new journey, her new life in heaven with all those who have gone before her.
The sadness I feel is overwhelming. Not that we had a chance to speak to her every day. She was a bit deaf and phone calls were difficult. But I know she knew, she was always in my thoughts and prayers. Not a day went by that I did not think of that lady and wonder if she knew how deeply she touched my life.
She was the Mother I wished I had had. Don't get me wrong, she wasn't perfect, she had her fair share of issues and she had her moments...but she had a wonderful heart. There are people who have expressed those feelings for my mother (of course they didn't know her for the length of time I did, nor did they spend 24/7 with her at any given time) So maybe we all see the beauty in another person and dismiss their short comings, more easily then we can our own family.
All I know is Mother Mary was a comfort and a blessing in my life. She rarely judged others and even when she did, in the most harsh manner...I know in my heart she prayed for forgiveness. She never wanted to see the bad in anyone. She was a person who was easily played by many people with their own agenda, but again, she was a deeply religious person and I knew in my heart of hearts that God would protect her. AS long as she was happy, that's all that ever mattered to me.
She was a GRAND lady, always had her hair done, nails done, make up on. She wore the prettiest of clothes and always looked and acted like the lady she was. She got so much joy out of her friends and family. I could sit and talk for hours about the parties and all the laughter that was shared around her pool. She was a blessing and a treasure to me and my family and she will be deeply and sadly missed. It gives me solace to know that her end was peaceful and her journey to heaven swift and without question.
I received a phone call last night. One I knew would come, but prayed it would be longer in coming. I was notified that Dear Mother Mary had begun her new journey, her new life in heaven with all those who have gone before her.
The sadness I feel is overwhelming. Not that we had a chance to speak to her every day. She was a bit deaf and phone calls were difficult. But I know she knew, she was always in my thoughts and prayers. Not a day went by that I did not think of that lady and wonder if she knew how deeply she touched my life.
She was the Mother I wished I had had. Don't get me wrong, she wasn't perfect, she had her fair share of issues and she had her moments...but she had a wonderful heart. There are people who have expressed those feelings for my mother (of course they didn't know her for the length of time I did, nor did they spend 24/7 with her at any given time) So maybe we all see the beauty in another person and dismiss their short comings, more easily then we can our own family.
All I know is Mother Mary was a comfort and a blessing in my life. She rarely judged others and even when she did, in the most harsh manner...I know in my heart she prayed for forgiveness. She never wanted to see the bad in anyone. She was a person who was easily played by many people with their own agenda, but again, she was a deeply religious person and I knew in my heart of hearts that God would protect her. AS long as she was happy, that's all that ever mattered to me.
She was a GRAND lady, always had her hair done, nails done, make up on. She wore the prettiest of clothes and always looked and acted like the lady she was. She got so much joy out of her friends and family. I could sit and talk for hours about the parties and all the laughter that was shared around her pool. She was a blessing and a treasure to me and my family and she will be deeply and sadly missed. It gives me solace to know that her end was peaceful and her journey to heaven swift and without question.
My Birthday Month
I have to be THE luckiest person I know. I sincerely mean that. My life is not without issues, pain, or heartache...I am , after all jogging in the same human race as everyone else.
But I am surrounded by so much love, so many kind hearts that most woes seem very insignificant in the BIG PICTURE.
For days before my BD I began getting cards, e-cards and little gifts. By the day OF my BD, friends on FB lite up cyberspace with Happy BD wishes, my e-mail box was full of e-cards and notes filled with love. Little gifts began arriving from people in some of my groups. Gifts that brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. All Rich kept doing was shaking his head and smiling. I'm sure he wondered about my excitement over some of the silly things I received a tiny bird made from felt, a little tree also made from felt, a doll made from twigs, an angel needle holder and the list goes on and on...silly little things perhaps..but each and every thing I received was made with love and given from the heart..It is not so much the gift I treasure, but the person behind the gift. Some people made gorgeous cards, some people added their own touch to already made cards...It didn't matter...they remembered me.I even got a singing Telegram, which turned out to be the actual friend (never knew she could sing) I was delighted, that she would think so highly of me ,to go out of her way to come up with that surprise. Thank you Kittie
There is a person by the name of Mary, she is a member of a WW group that I dearly love but never seem to get the time to post on . Every year, Mary sends me a FQ, always purple, with a card for my BD. I have never met Mary in person, but I have promised myself to find the time to let her know how deeply I am touched by her continued friendship...She does , after all, find time for me.
Yes I am truly blessed. I have a husband that doesn't just express his love in everything he does, but he adores me and never misses an opportunity to remind me of that. I've got a loving family that, even though it is hard to arrange days off around school days off...they always manage to find the time to share my special day...and then there are the "friends", some that I have never met in person, that still find time to take a moment out of their day to say Happy BD.
Little gifts and cards continue to arrive each day and each day I become more and more over whelmed by people who seem to care far more then I imagined.
I want each and every one of you to know, there is no possible way I can ever explain the gratitude and appreciation I feel. It has nothing to do with the card or the gift, although they are greatly appreciated..It is YOU I treasure...each one of you has a very special place in my heart.
I want you all to know that and to thank you for making me the person I am.
I am indeed, the Luckiest person I know.....
But I am surrounded by so much love, so many kind hearts that most woes seem very insignificant in the BIG PICTURE.
For days before my BD I began getting cards, e-cards and little gifts. By the day OF my BD, friends on FB lite up cyberspace with Happy BD wishes, my e-mail box was full of e-cards and notes filled with love. Little gifts began arriving from people in some of my groups. Gifts that brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. All Rich kept doing was shaking his head and smiling. I'm sure he wondered about my excitement over some of the silly things I received a tiny bird made from felt, a little tree also made from felt, a doll made from twigs, an angel needle holder and the list goes on and on...silly little things perhaps..but each and every thing I received was made with love and given from the heart..It is not so much the gift I treasure, but the person behind the gift. Some people made gorgeous cards, some people added their own touch to already made cards...It didn't matter...they remembered me.I even got a singing Telegram, which turned out to be the actual friend (never knew she could sing) I was delighted, that she would think so highly of me ,to go out of her way to come up with that surprise. Thank you Kittie
There is a person by the name of Mary, she is a member of a WW group that I dearly love but never seem to get the time to post on . Every year, Mary sends me a FQ, always purple, with a card for my BD. I have never met Mary in person, but I have promised myself to find the time to let her know how deeply I am touched by her continued friendship...She does , after all, find time for me.
Yes I am truly blessed. I have a husband that doesn't just express his love in everything he does, but he adores me and never misses an opportunity to remind me of that. I've got a loving family that, even though it is hard to arrange days off around school days off...they always manage to find the time to share my special day...and then there are the "friends", some that I have never met in person, that still find time to take a moment out of their day to say Happy BD.
Little gifts and cards continue to arrive each day and each day I become more and more over whelmed by people who seem to care far more then I imagined.
I want each and every one of you to know, there is no possible way I can ever explain the gratitude and appreciation I feel. It has nothing to do with the card or the gift, although they are greatly appreciated..It is YOU I treasure...each one of you has a very special place in my heart.
I want you all to know that and to thank you for making me the person I am.
I am indeed, the Luckiest person I know.....
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
New Blog
I have not been very good at posting here and I feel terrible. I had no idea of the many people who check this Blog for info. Every time I miss a day or two it becomes obvious LOL
I am going to try and maintain this Blog on a weekly basis. Of course if a situation comes to light that has to be addressed, I will certainly try and post here. As most of you know I do not believe the WLS thread is place to discuss our lives, or our business. I think it is a place to help others. To try and keep people on the right track and answer questions. While my postings can sometimes be a bit long, please note that I address A LOT of different people and issues. It is never all about ME...That's what this blog is for. It is all about ME, my feelings, my opinions, and all there is to know about my Journey...about the only thing I do not share is my writings, I'm talking poetry, sonnets and short stories. Those are private and personal, although some have been published, for the most part , that is the part of me that is private and comforting and the place I go when I want to escape what is painful and real.
I am working on a new Blog...a Blog that will be about me and my play time. More of an insight as to who I really am....There I will be able to show my work...I believe my work shows my feelings better then any writing. Some call me an "Artist", while that may be true....I just play. I have a world of fantasy and fun...a place in which to dwell where there is no judgement, no harsh words or sadness (although every once in a while a "sad" creation may emerge) For the most part my private world is full of color, brightness and sunshine..It is the KEY to my happiness and my ability to keep smiling in the most painful of times. As soon as it is finished, I will invite you into that world and hope that it will make you feel good , just to visit.
Like I say, I will maintain the WLS Blog, but not on a daily basis.
I belong to many "groups" Volunteers, artist, crafters, quilters and animals.... It can become very overwhelming at times...so I'm try to restructure my life so I can give each group the best of me...even if it means cutting back on the time I dedicate to each one.
I can't play and enjoy the life I've created, if I'm writing all day.
I do LOVE this group and all that follow this Blog...I just need a bit more ME time.
I am going to try and maintain this Blog on a weekly basis. Of course if a situation comes to light that has to be addressed, I will certainly try and post here. As most of you know I do not believe the WLS thread is place to discuss our lives, or our business. I think it is a place to help others. To try and keep people on the right track and answer questions. While my postings can sometimes be a bit long, please note that I address A LOT of different people and issues. It is never all about ME...That's what this blog is for. It is all about ME, my feelings, my opinions, and all there is to know about my Journey...about the only thing I do not share is my writings, I'm talking poetry, sonnets and short stories. Those are private and personal, although some have been published, for the most part , that is the part of me that is private and comforting and the place I go when I want to escape what is painful and real.
I am working on a new Blog...a Blog that will be about me and my play time. More of an insight as to who I really am....There I will be able to show my work...I believe my work shows my feelings better then any writing. Some call me an "Artist", while that may be true....I just play. I have a world of fantasy and fun...a place in which to dwell where there is no judgement, no harsh words or sadness (although every once in a while a "sad" creation may emerge) For the most part my private world is full of color, brightness and sunshine..It is the KEY to my happiness and my ability to keep smiling in the most painful of times. As soon as it is finished, I will invite you into that world and hope that it will make you feel good , just to visit.
Like I say, I will maintain the WLS Blog, but not on a daily basis.
I belong to many "groups" Volunteers, artist, crafters, quilters and animals.... It can become very overwhelming at times...so I'm try to restructure my life so I can give each group the best of me...even if it means cutting back on the time I dedicate to each one.
I can't play and enjoy the life I've created, if I'm writing all day.
I do LOVE this group and all that follow this Blog...I just need a bit more ME time.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
I'm hysterical
No really, yesterday I laughed til I cried. I got 16 e-mails in response to my posting, 10 knew exactly who I was talking about ( although I did not confirm it). I found it odd that out of the 10, 7 felt pity because they were sure the person had "no clue". A narcissist wouldn't...they are perfect, therefore it could not be them. 3 people proclaimed that the person in question seems to think they are better, brighter and set apart from everyone else, believing themselves to be totally unique and different. Has anyone looked up the word narcissist ? Hellooooo
Then we had the 6 e-mails from sweet, caring people wanting to know if it was them. They were apologetic and wanted to discuss it. You all know who you are because I took the time to write back to you...again not mentioning the name of the person.
I will say this...the person in question was not one who wrote...but then again I didn't expect that. I'm sure they feel themselves above even reading this blog...
This is the last I will write about this problem. I hope to be able to solve it or at least try and hold our little community together..I know I'm not alone...there are many of you who do not want to stop attending meetings and are just venting your frustrations.
I want to see everyone happy and getting along. I know in my heart, this persons intentions are honorable...truly they are. I just think the person lacks the skills at this time of life to change who he/she is...but I think in time EVERYONE, no matter what personality disorder they may suffer from, will come to see the writing on the wall. It's time for us to rise above the pettiness and accept things we can't change, but make every effort to change what we can...in a kind way.
Those of you who wrote are adorable...Thank you for the smiles................
Then we had the 6 e-mails from sweet, caring people wanting to know if it was them. They were apologetic and wanted to discuss it. You all know who you are because I took the time to write back to you...again not mentioning the name of the person.
I will say this...the person in question was not one who wrote...but then again I didn't expect that. I'm sure they feel themselves above even reading this blog...
This is the last I will write about this problem. I hope to be able to solve it or at least try and hold our little community together..I know I'm not alone...there are many of you who do not want to stop attending meetings and are just venting your frustrations.
I want to see everyone happy and getting along. I know in my heart, this persons intentions are honorable...truly they are. I just think the person lacks the skills at this time of life to change who he/she is...but I think in time EVERYONE, no matter what personality disorder they may suffer from, will come to see the writing on the wall. It's time for us to rise above the pettiness and accept things we can't change, but make every effort to change what we can...in a kind way.
Those of you who wrote are adorable...Thank you for the smiles................
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Mutiny
Yes I am a totally happy person, but that doesn't mean things don't get on my nerves.
I have a real problem with Narcissistic personalities. I don't care if it's a real disorder or not. It drives me nuts. It is so unfortunate that these people are so NEEDY, so full of them selves that they find a need to share every aspect of there life over and over and over again.
WE all want to share our experiences on this Journey in hopes of helping someone. I use this Blog for that purpose...to educate, to answer questions and speak from personal experience.
I have strong opinions and I exert these opinions when necessary, with the hope of setting a person back on track or bringing them back to reality. I don't have all the answers, NO ONE does, although they like to give the impression that they do. I have had a very interesting and eventful life that few people know about...Why? Who the hell cares, that's why? I take full responsibility for my short comings...I don't blame them on abuse, an over bearing , manipulative mother or any other factors of my life. I am who I am because of ME...good bad or indifferent..I made me who I am, no one else is to blame and no one else can take the credit.
I am interested in people...I want to know how they are handling the program, if they have any fears that can be set to rest, any questions about long term effects. I do not want to listen to one person drone on and on about his/her personal issues that few people can relate to. My position as a mentor is to listen and to help...I'd like to be able to do that. Am I venting? yes as a matter of fact I am. I have a mutiny on my hands...I have people writing and calling and telling me they are fed up. Not with me, but with one person...just one...that puts themselves above all others and I do not believe, realizes the harm that's being done. people are dropping out of the group because of this person and now those that have always attended are threatening to stop coming because they have had it.
I know a lot of you follow this blog. I don't have the answer. It is difficult to deal with a narcissist because of their self importance. If I explain whats going on I doubt it will mean much. if I tell someone that CAN stop it, I will be a snitch. I haven't quite figured out how to deal with this situation, but I assure you I will find a way to preserve feelings, but get the point across.
Please don't stop attending meetings because of one person...The group needs to be together and needs to help each other. This problem will be solved.....
I have a real problem with Narcissistic personalities. I don't care if it's a real disorder or not. It drives me nuts. It is so unfortunate that these people are so NEEDY, so full of them selves that they find a need to share every aspect of there life over and over and over again.
WE all want to share our experiences on this Journey in hopes of helping someone. I use this Blog for that purpose...to educate, to answer questions and speak from personal experience.
I have strong opinions and I exert these opinions when necessary, with the hope of setting a person back on track or bringing them back to reality. I don't have all the answers, NO ONE does, although they like to give the impression that they do. I have had a very interesting and eventful life that few people know about...Why? Who the hell cares, that's why? I take full responsibility for my short comings...I don't blame them on abuse, an over bearing , manipulative mother or any other factors of my life. I am who I am because of ME...good bad or indifferent..I made me who I am, no one else is to blame and no one else can take the credit.
I am interested in people...I want to know how they are handling the program, if they have any fears that can be set to rest, any questions about long term effects. I do not want to listen to one person drone on and on about his/her personal issues that few people can relate to. My position as a mentor is to listen and to help...I'd like to be able to do that. Am I venting? yes as a matter of fact I am. I have a mutiny on my hands...I have people writing and calling and telling me they are fed up. Not with me, but with one person...just one...that puts themselves above all others and I do not believe, realizes the harm that's being done. people are dropping out of the group because of this person and now those that have always attended are threatening to stop coming because they have had it.
I know a lot of you follow this blog. I don't have the answer. It is difficult to deal with a narcissist because of their self importance. If I explain whats going on I doubt it will mean much. if I tell someone that CAN stop it, I will be a snitch. I haven't quite figured out how to deal with this situation, but I assure you I will find a way to preserve feelings, but get the point across.
Please don't stop attending meetings because of one person...The group needs to be together and needs to help each other. This problem will be solved.....
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tool of the trade
Sorry I haven't been around for a while but I've been having my head examined.
We all know that surgery is just a tool to help us not only in losing weight but in keeping it off.
However it is not the only tool we should use. In fact, few people succeed on this journey who do not incorporate the use of other tools. Of course I can only speak from facts I know to be true and my own experience , so let me list some of the tools you should also use as help aides.
A Journal: I've kept one for most of my life. Expressing feelings, a thought for the day, and happenings. I have one just for my surgery and all the experiences that followed...most of which I have shared here. If you have never kept a Journal, now would be a good time to start. Those that are obsessive will not only write down everything they eat, but will also include the nutritional info..I don't, I just keep check on what I intake, I also express a feel regarding the success of the day. It always helps to be able to look back and see what you've done right or wrong.
A small plate: Smaller portions tend to look lost on a large plate, giving you the "visual" idea that you are not eating enough. Using a small plate keeps it all in proportion in your minds eye.
A small fork: A friend had a set made for me and I use it to this day. You will find that by picking up a tiny piece of anything on a regular size fork, it looks out of balance. You will tend to eat more as well as faster by using regular size utensils...again it's all visual.
Gem's on my window sill LOL or pennies: Put 8 pennies to the right of your windowsill , as you finish an 8oz glass of water move a penny to the left...It is a good visual indicator as to how you are doing with your fluid intake for the day.
Measure cups and scale: In the beginning you may want to get a visual on what 1/2 cup looks like on that small plate, what 6 oz of protein looks like etc. After a while it all comes naturally...but if you do this for a while you will know you are getting just the right amount of food at each meal.
Protein and protein Bars: there will be days you may need extra protein. having these on handy will assure you that you have what you need and you won't be going off track (they make a good snack as well)
If you don't have a piece of exercise equipment in your house. walking shoes are a good investment..Take a 15 min. walk each day, just to clear your head and get in some exercise...You'll find , in time, that you increase that walk to 30, 45 min. or an hour, just because it feels so good.
There are many tools we learn to use along the way. But these are ones that are helpful to everyone on this Journey. Of course one of the biggest tools you should make use of is the meetings and the on-line help group. Staying connected is so important to success...and that's a FACT.
We are all there to help...sometimes 10 different answers do not help but rather confuse, but you will learn to take what you need and leave the rest.
We all know that surgery is just a tool to help us not only in losing weight but in keeping it off.
However it is not the only tool we should use. In fact, few people succeed on this journey who do not incorporate the use of other tools. Of course I can only speak from facts I know to be true and my own experience , so let me list some of the tools you should also use as help aides.
A Journal: I've kept one for most of my life. Expressing feelings, a thought for the day, and happenings. I have one just for my surgery and all the experiences that followed...most of which I have shared here. If you have never kept a Journal, now would be a good time to start. Those that are obsessive will not only write down everything they eat, but will also include the nutritional info..I don't, I just keep check on what I intake, I also express a feel regarding the success of the day. It always helps to be able to look back and see what you've done right or wrong.
A small plate: Smaller portions tend to look lost on a large plate, giving you the "visual" idea that you are not eating enough. Using a small plate keeps it all in proportion in your minds eye.
A small fork: A friend had a set made for me and I use it to this day. You will find that by picking up a tiny piece of anything on a regular size fork, it looks out of balance. You will tend to eat more as well as faster by using regular size utensils...again it's all visual.
Gem's on my window sill LOL or pennies: Put 8 pennies to the right of your windowsill , as you finish an 8oz glass of water move a penny to the left...It is a good visual indicator as to how you are doing with your fluid intake for the day.
Measure cups and scale: In the beginning you may want to get a visual on what 1/2 cup looks like on that small plate, what 6 oz of protein looks like etc. After a while it all comes naturally...but if you do this for a while you will know you are getting just the right amount of food at each meal.
Protein and protein Bars: there will be days you may need extra protein. having these on handy will assure you that you have what you need and you won't be going off track (they make a good snack as well)
If you don't have a piece of exercise equipment in your house. walking shoes are a good investment..Take a 15 min. walk each day, just to clear your head and get in some exercise...You'll find , in time, that you increase that walk to 30, 45 min. or an hour, just because it feels so good.
There are many tools we learn to use along the way. But these are ones that are helpful to everyone on this Journey. Of course one of the biggest tools you should make use of is the meetings and the on-line help group. Staying connected is so important to success...and that's a FACT.
We are all there to help...sometimes 10 different answers do not help but rather confuse, but you will learn to take what you need and leave the rest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)