And in this corner...
Ladies and Gentleman…. May I have your attention please….. In this corner we have the outgoing and big mouthed Heather A. weighing in at a number she’d rather not mention. And in this corner we have the incredible and ever computer skilled Heather B. also weighing in at a number she’d rather not mention. The rules of this competition are simple… the first one to lose 20 pounds is the winner!
Yes, you read right. Heather and I are in deep competition to see who can lose 20 pounds fastest. The winner gets a fabulous pedicure at the expense of the second place winner. Really, there can’t be a loser in this competition. We’re both working towards healthier us’s. LOL
I’m having the DICKENS of a time staying focused. Seriously. I started running (much to Steve’s dismay) and I’ve heard that runners lose weight in their lower body. I have 20 pounds to lose to reach my goal weight (my goal – not my doctor’s goal). I’d really like to slim down my hips, thighs, and legs and running is the only thing I can come up with that will most likely work. I don’t want to lose any upper body weight because … well… quite honestly… I’m a flat chested kind of girl. I’m talking about the kind of girl who could honestly NEVER wear a bra… and no one would be the wiser. Seriously. If I had not found the Fredericks of Hollywood Water Bra’s, my chest would likely appear to be concave shaped. (Have you seen the episode with water bras on Will & Grace? SOOO funny)
I’m not Catholic, but I’ve decided to give something up for Lent. I believe in giving up something for the greater good, or to better ones self, and even in giving something up to help another. I fast monthly, focusing my thoughts and prayers towards a cause (whether it be for a friends grief, trials, health, or myself and my personal goals). Of course, our competition is giving me a bit of a push towards giving things up. Honestly, I’d love to say I’ll give up caffeine but at this point it’s just not logical. I could, but it would be an incredible struggle – and I don’t even want to try and overcome it. I love LOVE love my Diet Coke, Diet Mountain Dew and Diet Dr. Pepper.
So, I’ve decided to give up sweets. (Steve, I hear you laughing!!) So, for the next 40 days, I’m not going to eat candy, cookies, cupcakes, desserts, chocolate (GASP!), or any other typical over the counter impulse candy or baked goods. If I really must have something sweet to tide me over, it’ll have to be something natural and fresh as in an apple wedge, peach, banana, nectarine or other healthy substitute. My coworkers think I’ve lost my mind. I know my husband will laugh so hard, he’ll likely break my antique chair as he falls off of it.
I’m determined to get my body into the absolute best shape I can as soon as I can. Steve and I are going to try and start our family this year. It’s important that my body be the best shelter it can be so that when our bean starts, it’s in the perfect soil with the best nutrients it can have.
Granted, by the time our garden is ready to( should our garden be able to produce of course – which is a very huge likely problem and possibility) I’ll likely need a total overhaul. Then I won’t feel a bit bad about having some skin nipped here and a bunch tucked there.
Off to finish my Weight Control Oatmeal. It’s tasty – I really DO like it!
Thankful
Just a quick post to share how grateful I am for my husband. Yes, at times he drives me crazy – beyond any level of craziness I could have EVER imagined. But, I also love him with a love stronger than anything I could ever have dreamed or hoped for. He supports me in everything I want to do, even though he worries that sometimes I push myself too hard.
He does the things he can to help me out around the house, and tries do make things easier for me (even though sometimes they make tasks harder – but it’s the thought that counts).
He has great good intentions (even though they don’t always happen) and he has dreams for our future.
He is mindful of me, and of the things I need or want. He is conscious of my efforts, goals, hopes, dreams and wants them to happen for us both.
Sometimes I have to remember these things when he’s driving me insane or when I’m frustrated beyond all else. I am a very lucky woman - I am so blessed!
reade more...
He does the things he can to help me out around the house, and tries do make things easier for me (even though sometimes they make tasks harder – but it’s the thought that counts).
He has great good intentions (even though they don’t always happen) and he has dreams for our future.
He is mindful of me, and of the things I need or want. He is conscious of my efforts, goals, hopes, dreams and wants them to happen for us both.
Sometimes I have to remember these things when he’s driving me insane or when I’m frustrated beyond all else. I am a very lucky woman - I am so blessed!
What I Love About You
Well it IS Valentine's Day, and I won't be seeing my cute boy - aka my husband Steve. Since I know he checks in with my blog, here are 25 things I love about you Cute Boy!
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- Hearing you say Kuss Kuss.
- Watching you with my nieces and nephew and realizing what a great Dad you’ll someday be.
- How you obsess over the house heat gauge, but not yelling at me when I turn it up.
- How you think that Battlestar Gallactica is real, serious entertainment.
- How you come into my studio, and sitting down to just be with me.
- How you don’t understand how much I get done around the house, but will bug me to sit down and just relax.
- How you worry about my health, and my overall well being.
- How you call me into our bedroom to help you find your glasses (or your retainer, or your keys, or your wallet, or your employee badge) – which have only been off of your face (or out of your possession) for 5 minutes.
- How you love to have breakfast waiting for me – and the deliciousness of chocolate dipped donuts (and thinking that drinking orange juice with them makes them healthier).
- How you make up and sing silly, WAY off key songs to me – just to make me smile.
- How you enjoy snuggling with me.
- How you tell me that “you’re going to blog about this aren’t you?”
- How you scour the house looking for candy, but don’t think to look in the most logical place – the candy jar.
- 3’s
- How you call me at work, and ask me “What’s Up?”
- How you forget entire conversations we’ve had.
- That you call me “Heather Bear.”
- How you refuse to take medicine when you’re sick even though we both know it’ll make you feel much better.
- How you can’t send out any store bought cards to your family – they have to be “Heather Made” (P.S. My family doesn’t even get them! I’m YEARS behind in ALL kinds of cards!)
- How you cutely pouting when I take away your pan of sweets or when I try to explain that I can’t cuddle and cook dinner at the same time.
- Your ticklish feet!
- How you worry about our future, but are mindful of it and planning for it both financially and mentally.
- How you call me your precious cargo, when you’re driving with me in the car.
- Loving me with all of your heart, no matter my faults and short comings.
- How you are mine and I am yours. Forever and ever… plus one.
I love you, my Husband!
Lot's Going On!
So much is going on and happening right now. It almost seems like it's the calm before the storm - which in some aspects it is.
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I do, however, have photos to share of my favorite little Valentines! When we went to visit, one of the things we did was make valentine cards to send to Oma and Papa (my parents), and to a few other family members.
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Here's a cute one of just Michael and Arissa. They really are good kids. It's a shame that all three of them were sick the weekend we were there. I'm almost glad because even with being sick, they had TONS of energy. It was amazing! If they were in full health I think Steve and I would seriously rethink having any of our own. My mother keeps telling me.... "Just remember they don't normally come 3 at a time." I had to remind Steve of that MANY times over the weekend!
I've recieved many fun packages and sussies over the last few weeks from some amazing people - but their acknowledgemetn deserves a post to itself. I'll do that later today!
Steve and I celebrated Valentine's Daylast weekend by going to dinner and just taking it easy. We wanted to avoid the Wednesday traffic, and since Steve works nights, it would have been extra difficult for us to actually go somewhere. Sometimes it's hard enough to just get a meal on the table in time for him to eat before he needs to leave for work.
Also on Wednesday night, I'm starting a new VERY part-time job at my local scrapbooking store, The Scrapbook Pad. I'll be working one night a week (mostly Wednesday nights) and hostessing the crop on one of the weekend nights. Of course, I'll likely fill in here and there for other shifts, but that's mostly what I'll be working for now. I'm a bit nervous (can you believe it?), but I think it'll be fun.
In case you didn't know (I didn't until I read about it Sunday night over on the Scrappers Bliss Message Board), this week is National Clean and Organize Your Scrap Space Week. Who knew? Anyway, the fabulous Stacey shared a dandy schedule of how to accomplish this huge feat. I'm happy to report I am RIGHT on schedule and even a bit ahead (shock of shocks)! I even took PICTURES! I sent them to myself here at work this morning, but they've yet to arrive. Something tells me they got stuck in cyber space somewhere. I'll try to remember to post them tonight.
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I do, however, have photos to share of my favorite little Valentines! When we went to visit, one of the things we did was make valentine cards to send to Oma and Papa (my parents), and to a few other family members. Ainsley didn't want to sit still for anything, and this is the best photo I captured of the three of them together. I have finally started to realize what others talk about when they said they only got a few good shots of thier kids when posing them. Good Night... I have oodles of HILAIROUS outtakes of the three of them. I'll have to share them sometime. I know that Oma would love to see them!
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Here's a cute one of just Michael and Arissa. They really are good kids. It's a shame that all three of them were sick the weekend we were there. I'm almost glad because even with being sick, they had TONS of energy. It was amazing! If they were in full health I think Steve and I would seriously rethink having any of our own. My mother keeps telling me.... "Just remember they don't normally come 3 at a time." I had to remind Steve of that MANY times over the weekend!I've recieved many fun packages and sussies over the last few weeks from some amazing people - but their acknowledgemetn deserves a post to itself. I'll do that later today!
What Kind of Cake Are You?
I so stole this from Amy's blog... but it was really interesting! See how it works for you!
If all of the desserts listed below were sitting infront of you, which would you choose (sorry, you can only pick one!) Trust me....this is very accurate. Pick your dessert, and then look tosee what psychiatrists think about you. By the way, I'm carrot cake!
Here are your choices:
1. Angel Food Cake
2. Brownies
3. Lemon Meringue
4. Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Icing
5. Strawberry Short Cake
6. Chocolate on Chocolate
7. Ice Cream
8. Carrot Cake
No, you can't change your mind once you scroll down,so think carefully what your choice will be..............
OK - Now that you've made your choice this is what theresearch says about you ...
SCROLL DOWN...
No Cheating!
1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE -- Sweet, loving, cuddly. You loveall warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you needanice cream cone at the end of the day. Others perceive you as beingchildlike and immature at times.
2. BROWNIES -- You are adventurous, love new ideas,and are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempersflare up you whip out your saber. You are always the oddball with auniquesense of humor and direction. You tend to be very loyal.
3. LEMON MERINGUE -- Smooth, sexy, & articulate withyour hands, you are an excellent after-dinner speaker and a goodteacher.But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a divaattimes, but you have many friends.
4. VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Fun-loving,sassy, humorous, not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lackmotivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practicaljoker. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are afriend forlife.
5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE -- Romantic, warm, loving.You care about other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expectthesame in return. Intuitively keen. Can be very emotional.
6. CHOCOLATE ON CHOCOLATE -- Sexy; always ready togive and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, andpassionate. You can appear to have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not settle foranything average in life. Love to laugh .7. ICE CREAM -- You like sports, whether it be baseball, football,basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like toparticipate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give upthe remote control. You tend to be self-centered and highmaintenance.
8. CARROT CAKE -- You are a very fun loving person,who likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang outwithyou. You are a very warm hearted person and a little quirky at times.You have many loyal friends.
Now, leave a comment and share your cake with me!
reade more...
If all of the desserts listed below were sitting infront of you, which would you choose (sorry, you can only pick one!) Trust me....this is very accurate. Pick your dessert, and then look tosee what psychiatrists think about you. By the way, I'm carrot cake!
Here are your choices:
1. Angel Food Cake
2. Brownies
3. Lemon Meringue
4. Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Icing
5. Strawberry Short Cake
6. Chocolate on Chocolate
7. Ice Cream
8. Carrot Cake
No, you can't change your mind once you scroll down,so think carefully what your choice will be..............
OK - Now that you've made your choice this is what theresearch says about you ...
SCROLL DOWN...
No Cheating!
1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE -- Sweet, loving, cuddly. You loveall warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you needanice cream cone at the end of the day. Others perceive you as beingchildlike and immature at times.
2. BROWNIES -- You are adventurous, love new ideas,and are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempersflare up you whip out your saber. You are always the oddball with auniquesense of humor and direction. You tend to be very loyal.
3. LEMON MERINGUE -- Smooth, sexy, & articulate withyour hands, you are an excellent after-dinner speaker and a goodteacher.But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a divaattimes, but you have many friends.
4. VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Fun-loving,sassy, humorous, not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lackmotivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practicaljoker. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are afriend forlife.
5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE -- Romantic, warm, loving.You care about other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expectthesame in return. Intuitively keen. Can be very emotional.
6. CHOCOLATE ON CHOCOLATE -- Sexy; always ready togive and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, andpassionate. You can appear to have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not settle foranything average in life. Love to laugh .7. ICE CREAM -- You like sports, whether it be baseball, football,basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like toparticipate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give upthe remote control. You tend to be self-centered and highmaintenance.
8. CARROT CAKE -- You are a very fun loving person,who likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang outwithyou. You are a very warm hearted person and a little quirky at times.You have many loyal friends.
Now, leave a comment and share your cake with me!
I don't get it...
Why is it that when I'm trying to watch my caloric intake, I want to eat more than I would on any other day?
I'm trying to accurately track everything I ingest or consume. On a normal day, I think I eat close to 1300 calories. Seriously. Now that I'm writing everything down - I'm eating close to 2000 calories! OH MY GOODNESS! I think it's because I'm being mindful to write it down, so of course - I'm thinking about it a whole lot more. I've snacked more in the last two day than I have in at least a week. Seriously! Who eats Cheeto's for breakfast? Granted, i'm not eating the whole 2 ounce bag - but the point remains. What the heck is the dealio? I just don't get it!
I think I'm going to go back to my "no writing down" plan. It was working well, and I had tasty low calorie snacks at work to munch on. I still have them here, but they SO don't sound tasty.
Help!
reade more...
I'm trying to accurately track everything I ingest or consume. On a normal day, I think I eat close to 1300 calories. Seriously. Now that I'm writing everything down - I'm eating close to 2000 calories! OH MY GOODNESS! I think it's because I'm being mindful to write it down, so of course - I'm thinking about it a whole lot more. I've snacked more in the last two day than I have in at least a week. Seriously! Who eats Cheeto's for breakfast? Granted, i'm not eating the whole 2 ounce bag - but the point remains. What the heck is the dealio? I just don't get it!
I think I'm going to go back to my "no writing down" plan. It was working well, and I had tasty low calorie snacks at work to munch on. I still have them here, but they SO don't sound tasty.
Help!
Another CHA bites the dust...
A few days ago, CHA-W finished. Booths have now (or are in the process) been taken down. Orders have been placed, designers dreams have been visited (and hopefully fufilled), and scrappers everywhere are looking for the latest and greatest in products. As I viewed various manufacturer “sneak peeks” and photos from the show, I started to create my own “wish list” of the latest and greatest products I’m dying for. Here are a few items on my list:
Luxe Designs Paper and “The Rub”: While the Luxe team kept everything under wraps until the last possible moment (wise choice!), what they didn’t keep under wraps was the buzz generating about this new company. From what I’ve heard Luxe was THE new exhibitor hit of the show. I know I personally can’t wait to get my hands on their new papers, and on their rub-ons cleverly titled “The Rub”.
Maya Road: Yes, I know I’m on their design team – but I have to buy my stuff too! I simply CANNOT wait to get my hands on the new Scroll Corners, Tapestry, Clocks, Motifs, Keys chipboard pieces. Of course, life just wouldn’t be the same without the Paisley and Flourishes Sheers too. The Scallop Coaster Box set, and Scallop Ring Book are definitely on my list. And those paisley rub-ons? Don’t you hear them calling my name??? If I didn’t already have their new stamps though – they’d be the very first thing I’d HAVE to have.
Basic Grey Patterned Papers and Precision File Set: This little kit is just darling – and so timely in a chipboard bonanza! It’s a kit filled with various filing tools sized to fit into the nooks, crannies, corners, and tight spots we find in chipboard. While I realize everything in this kit could probably be found at a local beauty supply store, I think I’ll buy it from Basic Grey. Their products have always been high quality in the past – why should this be any different? (Be sure to check out their booth photos over at ScrapTalk.com! There is some SERIOUS eye candy! I’m so filled with inspiration – it’s a shame I have to work a day job!)
Heidi Swapp Damask Mask and Stickers: I don’t know what’s come over me, but I am so in love with damask patterns and flourishes. Heidi Swapp released a new line that includes this pattern – and with flair! Can’t wait to play with them!
Autumn Leaves: Okay, you knew I wouldn't be leaving them out of my wish lists, RIGHT? First and foremost Miz. Foofala herself finally got Autumn Leaves to come out with an idea book based on all things Foof-a-licious. It's titled "Life the Foof-A-Life"! LOVE IT! I can't wait to flip through this sure to be tasty treat! I also can't wait to get my grubs on Rhonna's new papers and fab-U stamps! Seriously, I love her flourishy and scrolly stamps, they're a super staple in my work!
Scenic Route: Both of their new papers lines are incredible. I love the color schemes – they’re so versatile! I can’t wait to get them both (entirely) with the coordinating alpha chipboard pieces and rub ons! YUM!
Around the Block Tape Writer: As a DYMO lover, this cute little tool is screaming my name. I can’t wait to see the various tape (with scalloped edges??? Be still my heart!), and the fonts they bring out for us! Yay!
All things Junkitz: I was really excited for the release of Teresa’s Extreme Boy line, but everything they released this show looks exciting! From the papers, to the chipboard pieces, to calendar kits, to rubber stamps – I want it all!
Technique Tuesday: While we all know I’m addicted to unmounted acrylic stamps (really, I do love them!), It’s going to be hard to narrow down what I’m dying for from Technique Tuesday. I know I’ll be purchasing the Provence uppercase and lowercase stamps and the new Icing on the Cake cupcake builder sets.
Timeless Touches: WOW! Timeless Touches released a few really great stitching templates that I KNOW I’ll be adding to my wish list. The rounds (circles) and flourishing stitches ones are definites!
All My Memories: Oh My STARS! Their new crop bags and totes are GORGEOUS! I don't know WHEN I'll own them - but I surely will! They're so...modern and stylist! LOVE IT!
LizzieAnn Stamps: For a stamp addict, admitting that I love another company is nothing new. But, these stamps are just darling. They're very country style in some aspects, and modern in others. I love that they are unmounted and that they come in their own storage system. It's hard to find hand drawn images anymore - and I'm sure that some computer work was done on them too, but they're just darling!
Okay, so spill it - what's on your Wish List?
reade more...
Luxe Designs Paper and “The Rub”: While the Luxe team kept everything under wraps until the last possible moment (wise choice!), what they didn’t keep under wraps was the buzz generating about this new company. From what I’ve heard Luxe was THE new exhibitor hit of the show. I know I personally can’t wait to get my hands on their new papers, and on their rub-ons cleverly titled “The Rub”.
Maya Road: Yes, I know I’m on their design team – but I have to buy my stuff too! I simply CANNOT wait to get my hands on the new Scroll Corners, Tapestry, Clocks, Motifs, Keys chipboard pieces. Of course, life just wouldn’t be the same without the Paisley and Flourishes Sheers too. The Scallop Coaster Box set, and Scallop Ring Book are definitely on my list. And those paisley rub-ons? Don’t you hear them calling my name??? If I didn’t already have their new stamps though – they’d be the very first thing I’d HAVE to have.
Basic Grey Patterned Papers and Precision File Set: This little kit is just darling – and so timely in a chipboard bonanza! It’s a kit filled with various filing tools sized to fit into the nooks, crannies, corners, and tight spots we find in chipboard. While I realize everything in this kit could probably be found at a local beauty supply store, I think I’ll buy it from Basic Grey. Their products have always been high quality in the past – why should this be any different? (Be sure to check out their booth photos over at ScrapTalk.com! There is some SERIOUS eye candy! I’m so filled with inspiration – it’s a shame I have to work a day job!)
Heidi Swapp Damask Mask and Stickers: I don’t know what’s come over me, but I am so in love with damask patterns and flourishes. Heidi Swapp released a new line that includes this pattern – and with flair! Can’t wait to play with them!
Autumn Leaves: Okay, you knew I wouldn't be leaving them out of my wish lists, RIGHT? First and foremost Miz. Foofala herself finally got Autumn Leaves to come out with an idea book based on all things Foof-a-licious. It's titled "Life the Foof-A-Life"! LOVE IT! I can't wait to flip through this sure to be tasty treat! I also can't wait to get my grubs on Rhonna's new papers and fab-U stamps! Seriously, I love her flourishy and scrolly stamps, they're a super staple in my work!
Scenic Route: Both of their new papers lines are incredible. I love the color schemes – they’re so versatile! I can’t wait to get them both (entirely) with the coordinating alpha chipboard pieces and rub ons! YUM!
Around the Block Tape Writer: As a DYMO lover, this cute little tool is screaming my name. I can’t wait to see the various tape (with scalloped edges??? Be still my heart!), and the fonts they bring out for us! Yay!
All things Junkitz: I was really excited for the release of Teresa’s Extreme Boy line, but everything they released this show looks exciting! From the papers, to the chipboard pieces, to calendar kits, to rubber stamps – I want it all!
Technique Tuesday: While we all know I’m addicted to unmounted acrylic stamps (really, I do love them!), It’s going to be hard to narrow down what I’m dying for from Technique Tuesday. I know I’ll be purchasing the Provence uppercase and lowercase stamps and the new Icing on the Cake cupcake builder sets.
Timeless Touches: WOW! Timeless Touches released a few really great stitching templates that I KNOW I’ll be adding to my wish list. The rounds (circles) and flourishing stitches ones are definites!
All My Memories: Oh My STARS! Their new crop bags and totes are GORGEOUS! I don't know WHEN I'll own them - but I surely will! They're so...modern and stylist! LOVE IT!
LizzieAnn Stamps: For a stamp addict, admitting that I love another company is nothing new. But, these stamps are just darling. They're very country style in some aspects, and modern in others. I love that they are unmounted and that they come in their own storage system. It's hard to find hand drawn images anymore - and I'm sure that some computer work was done on them too, but they're just darling!
Okay, so spill it - what's on your Wish List?
Another week ....
Wow… so much going on!
First, the tile work is done! Yay! It’s amazing how such a minor change can make such a huge difference in the overall look of our home. I think it’ll encourage Steve to get the wood floors laid sooner. J I need to work on getting everything that had to be moved back into it’s place. That, my friends, is a HUGE challenge! I’m getting used to cold floors. I’m sure in the coming summer months I’ll be thrilled with cool floors. However, currently, in the cold that has moved into N. Texas – I am freezing!
I often get double takes from visitors (Steve too for that matter!) to our home. Once I get home from work, I usually immediately change into comfy attire which normally includes flannel or workout pants, long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts (both at the same time), thick warm socks, and a sweatshirt. I look like I’m stuck in the middle of a snowstorm trying to conserve heat. It’s not that Steve likes to keep our home at frigid temperatures; it’s that I’m always freezing.
Why am I always freezing?
One reason is that I lost most of my natural thermal layers as I worked at losing weight. Another reason is that I am severely anemic. What kind of anemia though is currently up in the air. A few of you may remember that a few years ago it was discovered that I had sickle cell anemia – an unusual condition and when found is usually among black Americans. FYI: I’m an uber white girl – blonde hair, blue eyes, fair skin, EXTREMELY prone to sunburns. However, repeated tests verified their findings. (Side Note: It is very possible for a white person to have sickle cell anemia. For this to genetically occur, both genetic donors (ie mother and father) must also carry the specific gene which may or may not be active. Interpreted – both of my biological parents have “black” somewhere in their family genetics. While they may not have had sickle cell anemia, the combining of their genetics (because they were both carriers) gave me sickle cell anemia.) Interesting thing to find out about yourself, eh?
Recently, my doctor retested my blood as part of my annual physical. She feels that her original findings may not be correct and that I might, perhaps, have a different form of anemia. We do know, without a doubt that I’m anemic – which explains why I’m always so freakin’ cold. Further testing in 8 weeks will hopefully determine what’s going on, what I really “have” and how we can work to get my body balanced out.
Back to reality… sorry for the rambling tangent….
Steve and I are heading down to McAllen, Texas this weekend to help my sister and her family move into their new house. It’s a rather unexpected trip, but when family has a need – we’ll do whatever we can to fill it. Our roles this weekend will to be the official babysitters for their three children; Arissa (5), Michael(3), and Ainsley(1).
Does anyone have any ideas on how to entertain 3 young children for two days, on a low cost budget, in a hotel room? Granted we won’t be in a hotel room the whole time. We have time set aside to go eat lunch at Burger King and burn off some energy in their Play Place and time set aside to visit the movie theatre. We’ll probably do some mall walking. Other than watching movies in bed, or coloring in coloring books, I can’t think of other things to do. Of course, I’ll be taking oodles of photos the whole time. How entertaining is that for them though? :)
reade more...
First, the tile work is done! Yay! It’s amazing how such a minor change can make such a huge difference in the overall look of our home. I think it’ll encourage Steve to get the wood floors laid sooner. J I need to work on getting everything that had to be moved back into it’s place. That, my friends, is a HUGE challenge! I’m getting used to cold floors. I’m sure in the coming summer months I’ll be thrilled with cool floors. However, currently, in the cold that has moved into N. Texas – I am freezing!
I often get double takes from visitors (Steve too for that matter!) to our home. Once I get home from work, I usually immediately change into comfy attire which normally includes flannel or workout pants, long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts (both at the same time), thick warm socks, and a sweatshirt. I look like I’m stuck in the middle of a snowstorm trying to conserve heat. It’s not that Steve likes to keep our home at frigid temperatures; it’s that I’m always freezing.
Why am I always freezing?
One reason is that I lost most of my natural thermal layers as I worked at losing weight. Another reason is that I am severely anemic. What kind of anemia though is currently up in the air. A few of you may remember that a few years ago it was discovered that I had sickle cell anemia – an unusual condition and when found is usually among black Americans. FYI: I’m an uber white girl – blonde hair, blue eyes, fair skin, EXTREMELY prone to sunburns. However, repeated tests verified their findings. (Side Note: It is very possible for a white person to have sickle cell anemia. For this to genetically occur, both genetic donors (ie mother and father) must also carry the specific gene which may or may not be active. Interpreted – both of my biological parents have “black” somewhere in their family genetics. While they may not have had sickle cell anemia, the combining of their genetics (because they were both carriers) gave me sickle cell anemia.) Interesting thing to find out about yourself, eh?
Recently, my doctor retested my blood as part of my annual physical. She feels that her original findings may not be correct and that I might, perhaps, have a different form of anemia. We do know, without a doubt that I’m anemic – which explains why I’m always so freakin’ cold. Further testing in 8 weeks will hopefully determine what’s going on, what I really “have” and how we can work to get my body balanced out.
Back to reality… sorry for the rambling tangent….
Steve and I are heading down to McAllen, Texas this weekend to help my sister and her family move into their new house. It’s a rather unexpected trip, but when family has a need – we’ll do whatever we can to fill it. Our roles this weekend will to be the official babysitters for their three children; Arissa (5), Michael(3), and Ainsley(1).
Does anyone have any ideas on how to entertain 3 young children for two days, on a low cost budget, in a hotel room? Granted we won’t be in a hotel room the whole time. We have time set aside to go eat lunch at Burger King and burn off some energy in their Play Place and time set aside to visit the movie theatre. We’ll probably do some mall walking. Other than watching movies in bed, or coloring in coloring books, I can’t think of other things to do. Of course, I’ll be taking oodles of photos the whole time. How entertaining is that for them though? :)