Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Limbo + Hope = Unhappy Hope

My life is quite blessed. I have loving friends and family. I have a roof over my head. My boys are healthy. So what do I have to complain about? There are parts of my life in limbo right now. When I try to sign up for health insurance it asks about my income and marital status. My divorce isn't final, and 'my house income' has changed drastically. Trying to sign up for financial aid runs me into the same problem. I don't do well not knowing what I'm doing or what's going to happen. Yes, I know we won't always know what is going to happen. I want to be able to know how I'm going to pay for school, and how much is health insurance going to cost me? My ice maker is still broken. Fusco has blood in his stool. My boys still aren't listening to me...I mean my children aren't respecting me. I need super nanny. I've exercised just a handful of times in the past few months.

Whine, whine, whine! I am done with that. I know what I need to do when it comes to exercise. Get my ass back to the gym, and quit my whining! I can give myself a break about freaking out about school and work, but I'm telling myself to shut up about everything else. For me it helps to complain, and then I move on. I feel like deleting this post, but it is a good reminder to release your complaints, and remind yourself of the blessings in your life.

New Image
The other day my mom and I did a little shopping. I tried a fo leather skirt on that was a size 10! Yes, it fit, and I'd like to say it was a little loose on me! Sadly the zipper was broken, and it was the only skirt available. I actually liked the skirt on me! My mom handed me a cute black jacket to try on. I told her it wasn't going to fit. Oh! The jacket fit, and I loved it! I don't need another jacket, but I really wanted it! I realize I still see myself with the extra 129 pounds on me. I'm working on my self image, but it is taking some time. I still see myself at times as having a big belly. In all I am incredibly happy with what I've done. I went from a size 24 to a size 10 in less than a year!

My mom had the same surgery, and she's doing quite well. I'm so happy for her, and I look forward to exercising with her soon. I also look forward to seeing how happy and healthy she will be!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Adventures in Divorce

Where do I begin with this post? What have a noticed most with this whole experience? Every move/decision I make is studied, talked about, and then I'm given a report or advice. I've seen this before from the outside. All of us think we can run someone else's life better than them.

"That person shouldn't be married to that horrible person."
"I wouldn't put up with that."
"She should work for another company."
"If I were him I wouldn't do that."

We as friends, parents, siblings, or partners just want the best for the other person. As we all know the person or ourselves decide ultimately what we believe is right. Are our decisions made by some professional's opinion we read, or do we make up our minds by critical thinking and emotions? Do we follow the guidelines of a psychologist's opinion written in a book? Here's how I am making my decisions as of now, or what I take into consideration:
  1. My CHILDREN (always #1)
  2. My well being (includes: emotional/physical health, schooling to be able to care for myself and children by getting a decent job.)
  3. Past experiences
  4. What are my motives?
  5. Will this hinder or help my future?
  6. Once again, always thinking of what is best for my children.
  7. Will I be making the same mistakes I've made in the past?
  8. Am I happy? Oh...that goes towards my well being.
  9. People's opinions/advice/concerns/judgments
I can't blame people for being concerned with my choices; I'm getting a divorce! So obviously a bad decision or mistakes were made at some point. Of course people feel they need to give their input after such a monumental mistake.

It is also incredibly frustrating and hurtful when people assume they know why the divorce is happening. People incredibly close to me know why, but sometimes I wish the judgmental people knew the facts. My decision wasn't made so that I could have my 'freedom'. My decision was made so that my children could have a happy and healthy mom. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I never wanted to share my time I had with my children. I never wanted to have to think about what weekend I have the kids. When Ethan came home from school yesterday I couldn't get enough hugs from him. I hadn't seen him since Friday afternoon. What I wanted was a supportive and loving partner to help me raise our children. Do you want to know what it means? I'm happy right now.

Dating and Divorce: Oohhhhhh this is a good subject. NOT. By talking to others you would think it was the only thing in my life. I'm not rebounding. Believe me, with what happened in my marriage I'm not rebounding. When I started going out on dates it was to enjoy actual conversation and to be treated nicely. That's all it was. I didn't want a relationship. I had no faith in love or what people called love. I scoffed at love or people supposedly being in love. I grew up watching betrayal and I went through it myself. I happened to meet a man for dinner that seemed like a pretty nice guy. I figured we would have dinner, and maybe I'd never see him again. It has been over a month now. I've never been treated with so much respect and love before. Does that mean I've moved him in? NO! Does that mean I'm getting married soon? NO! Does that mean my children are no longer my priority? NO! Am I ignoring my friends? Nope. It's the same as it always has been. I see my friends off and on. Everyone gets busy as usual, and sometimes we don't get together for a while. Is it the ideal time to be in a relationship? According to the professionals, no. Every decision I make I think of my children. For now my boys see him as a friend, and they rarely see him. He is a positive influence in their life. I will always consider my children number one no matter what I do. As long as my kids are happy, I am happy, and what is going on is healthy than I will choose to spend time with this wonderful man. I'm sorry it didn't work with everyone's timeline. I feel like people want me to prove for a certain amount of time I can be 'alone'. You could say I've been alone for quite some time. Heh.

Divorce adventures also include issues with the ex and not informing me of things that happen with the children. I don't expect to know everything about what happens. It is important to inform me if you're in a car accident whether it is big or small.

I've been surprised with all of the stereotypical experiences of a divorce that happens. We didn't have a whole lot of friends together, but I was surprised that I was alienated by a couple of our friends. All I can do is continue to do what I am doing. I strive to be a good person, and my boys are number one. If lies are told about me all I can do is ignore it. I can choose to air all of the dirty laundry, or be the bigger person and move on. Hate me, love me, judge me, like me, talk about me...

I ask each person that has given me advice, supported me, loved me, judged me, or talked about me to take a minute to think about what my children and me are going through. Before I type this I realize people have it worse than me, but this is what I'm going through. I took on going to school at the same time I decided to get a divorce. I was promised help from him with our youngest. He decided in the middle of the semester not to any longer. Because of missing lots of classes for child's sickness and not having help I've had to drop one of my classes. My middle son is dealing with extreme anger issues because of the divorce. My house is an example of how my life is right now; A DISASTER. Between trying to do homework, clean, take care of the boys, ex issues, not sleeping through the night, and so much more I feel like I'm drowning. I have support...but it seems like there's not enough time in the day to get enough done. After hearing some opinions you would think all I do is spend 24 hours a day with my boyfriend. That's not even close to being true. He does work, has a home, and doesn't live in the same town. I also have my boys the majority of the time. I am 36 years old, with three boys, and almost a divorcee. I have made plenty of mistakes. I have learned from them. I'm a healthier and happier person, and I will not make any rash decisions. There have been many examples from other divorces I've seen that have been good and bad. I will obviously take from the good and avoid the bad.

The last favor I ask is to try to be less judgmental not just of me but of others going through a divorce. From the outside you have no idea of everything that is going on. It may look like one thing, but is another. I'm trying to make a happier and healthier life for my children and myself; Remember that above everything else. I welcome your advice, but please don't take offense if I choose a different path. It also doesn't mean my way is wrong. If my children are happy and healthy that's what matters. I'm sure that I'm forgetting some things I wanted to say, but this blog is already super long. Happy reading!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Transformation

January 22, 2013 seems like a lifetime ago. I have 'shed my skin'. I have been 'reborn'. I have made a transformation. All of those can be said for my life the past eight months. I don't feel like a different person. This is who I have always been, but hidden deep inside my insecure body. I guess that would be insecure mind. ;-)

I've made some big decisions in my life lately. I do share a lot of personal information here, but some details will not be shared. My divorce is only being mentioned, because I feel I need to clear up what I'm sure some have thought. "She's divorcing him after losing all of that weight." If anyone knows me personally they know why I made the incredibly hard choice. Becoming healthy mentally and physically is what helped me be strong enough to do what needed to be done. I wish him happiness and good health. Done.

I really don't know where to begin! Even with the hard changes in my life I am incredibly happy! My time with my boys is cherished and so much better now. I'm exercising three to five times a week! There have been so many times when I've surprised myself.

One of my friends and I were talking about when to leave to see Bon Jovi. She asked me if we could leave at nine. I replied by saying how about ten, because I'd like to exercise and have time to shower. What?! Who said that? That's me? Yes, exercise is a huge priority in my life now. It is my antidepressant.  Exercise is my canvas. My body is what is on the canvas, and as I lift the weights or do my sixth minute of squats I'm creating my artwork. It has taken my whole life to realize whatever my body is, it is mine, and it is beautiful with all of its imperfections. I need to remind myself of this when I'm concerned about my scars or my sad face my skin makes on my stomach now. (hehe) What I need to celebrate are the tight thigh and arm muscles I have now! This is my artwork!

I have lost 115 pounds since December. Someone I know asked me why I was exercising if I had this surgery. I didn't have this surgery for an easy answer. This was a drastic but needed decision. The gastric sleeve is a tool. It has been a huge tool for helping me change my life. After my surgery I was sick for quite some time. My gallbladder was the culprit. After that surgery I was depressed though. I had no motivation to exercise. Well, I had the


desire to exercise, but I still had the old negative thinking that I wasn't good enough to be in the aerobic classes. A couple of my friends mentioned the classes they liked at the YMCA. A friend mentioned they were going at 5:30. I was hooked after that class! My friends and family have been such a huge support system!

 People tell me I'm such an inspiration. I need to thank my friends and family for being here for me. The support, kind words, and love has also helped me get to where I am. I've done the hard work, BUT my beautiful friends and family have been with me every step of the way. Ah...I digressed. Exercise and the question of why am I exercising if I had this surgery. Once again, this surgery gave me a tool. It wasn't the magic pill. Before I started exercising I felt depressed. I thought, "Great, I will be thinner now, but still out of shape." To finish this story.... I now exercise and LOVE it! I signed up for the 5K Mud run here in town. I cannot wait to participate with my team! I'm ready to get dirty!

There is so much more I want to share, but for now this is it. I'm 36, mother of 3 boys, divorcee(soon), and a junior at EIU!!! Oh and I wear a size 8 at Black and White! *CHEER!* 



Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Five Weeks Feels Like Six Months

I'm sitting in the van with my youngest in the school pick up line. I feel so full. For lunch I had a few bites of what's pictured below. I ordered sausage without really thinking. Not that the mouse bites I had would add pounds on me, but it is fatty and not good for my gallbladder. I realized I just wanted to taste it again. Everything was too salty for me. I realize if I ever eat out I should always go with someone I can share a meal with.


I'd say it has been a roller coaster ever since my surgery. I'm very happy with my decision still, but the message from Dr. O's nurse really means something to me now. "If anyone says you took the easy way they are completely wrong."

This is not easy. I had to make a drastic move in my life before I wasted any more years. Can I eat cake, ice cream, etc if I wanted to? Sure! The surgery didn't solve everything. It is a stern voice in my body saying THIS is how much you can eat, and if you eat more than that you are going to hurt. I still have to make the right decisions. It is still up to me to exercise and eat what is healthy for me. It has been five weeks, and my problem isn't that I'm eating high calorie/fat foods. My problem is drinking enough fluids and getting my protein in.

I still have times when I see pizza, and think that it smells and looks really good. I'd really like to taste it, but I tell myself it won't be worth it. At some point I'll make pizza with cauliflower crust. When I was in the hospital over night for my gallbladder I wasn't able to eat or drink anything. That next day I was quite cranky about sitting at Atlanta Bread watching everyone eat tasty looking food. As long as I'm not kept from drinking or eating I'm ok, but that day I wasn't. Most of my friends are nervous about asking me to go out to eat. I can go, and if I feel like it won't be easy for me I won't go. I can share meals...more like take a few bites from your plate. ;)

I've lost 25 pounds since my surgery. According to my nurse I'm doing quite well! I've lost 26% of what I'm supposed to lose. They ask most patients to be between 15% and 25% at this point. Minus my uterus and gallbladder issues I feel good. I say that as I feel weak and tired, but when I walk I notice the weightloss. I feel lighter. My clothes shirts are quite loose. I've gone down a jean size, but I feel like my stomach, butt, and hip fat don't want to leave me. I've noticed most of the weight and inches coming off from my face, waist, and chest area. I'll be looking into a breast reduction and or a lift. I wouldn't say I was ever perky after I passed size DDD, but they are no longer plump. I laugh as I type that. National Geographic comes to mind. AND we move on...

My three boys don't seem to notice a difference. My middle child asked me yesterday, "Mommy, if you've lost weight why are you still fat?" I can always count on Aaron to be blunt and not spare my feelings. Maybe in a month or so he will notice a difference.

I guess that's it for now. I'm posting some before pictures. I have to laugh when I look at them. It was the night before surgery, and I asked John Michael to take pictures of me. I've always thought people made their before pictures look bad on purpose. Nope, that wasn't my plan. I'm adding one I took of myself over a week ago. I think I've lost four or so pounds since then.









Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Grab A Beverage Before This One! It's A Long One!

I'm a week out after my surgery. I've lost seven pounds. I'm not hungry, but I'm craving real food!! I've had friends bring over food for my family. I imagine myself picking up that piece of chicken and ravishing it! I miss carbonated beverages more than anything! The protein shakes are grossing me out, because it takes me so long to drink them. I'm finding myself wanting food food food! I don't plan on eating horribly, but the deep dish pizza John was eating earlier was driving me crazy. I want to make healthy food and eat it, but right now I get cranky when I see any food. I keep telling myself this feeling will pass. Look at the big picture. Soon I can eat again, and it won't be broth. I'm excited to eat healthy and not pig out.

This weekend John had a hard time with my new life style. The kids were away, and normally we will eat out at restaurants we enjoy without children. Also late at night we used to go for yummy dessert. I told him we would have to find another hobby together that didn't include consuming over 1,000 each at a time. We can cook, walk, or play games together. I was dealing with it fine, but he started bringing up foods he wanted or how he missed dining out together more than a few times a day. So I told him I'm ok talking about it once or twice a day, but anymore than that makes me think about it too much.

I'm adding rowing to my bucket list. I watched it being done on the Biggest Loser. I've refused to watch that show ever since it started. I'd start watching it, and then feel guilty after a while or feel defeated. Now I use the show to motivate me! I usually end up getting emotional. I KNOW I will be one of those people that finally get it, and love life! I don't think ..... Ok, I know I've never been happy with my body. (I've thought about writing about this for a long time. I guess I'm doing it now. I will say before I write more that I am no longer a victim of my childhood woes, and I will have a good self esteem.)

I've wanted pictures to post with this story, but I'll do without. In elementary school I matured quickly. While most girls in third grade had barely anything under their shirt I had breasts. I started my period at nine. I had hips. Hell, I had a body of a teenager/woman. I slouched. I ran leaning forward a little while putting my arms in front of me. I had boys trying to touch my breasts at the same time telling me I was fat. A classmate that was also a crossing guard found much humor in shaking while I walked across the street. He said I was a bulldozer shaking the road. I tried to act like it didn't bother me, Inside I was horrified and sad. In high school a friend apologized for calling me 'Hope The Dope, With The Big Fat Soap' throughout elementary school and middle school. I went through school feeling like I didn't deserve to look in the mirror ever. I'm still working on that issue in public. Some lovely girl told me I was fat, and I didn't need to bother fixing my hair. As I write this I'm saying to myself whine whine whine. Lol

Of course in elementary school classmates thought I was fat. I didn't look like them. I WASN'T fat at all. When I look back at pictures of myself I looked GOOD! Because of my body image I wore baggy shirts.

So there's part of my story. I was blind to what I really looked like. My self esteem was tanked. I cannot wait until I walk into one of the mall stores, and feel like I belong. I love myself now, but I'm still working through years of self negative talk. I accept myself, AND I will change what I don't like. I'm overweight, but I do think I'm pretty. Two weeks more, and I can start my active life! I'm walking, but I'm ready to start training for 5K's, long hikes, and so much more. Playing football with my boys! Running through the park tagging my boys! I may still shy away from the mirror when someone walks in the bathroom, but dammit I'm going to fix that! I will live, live everyday, and love it! My weight, past, and other people's judgement of me will not rule my life. The end. ;) for now!