So I haven't been as diligent as I should be in posting. Who has time?? Although, this week I have actually left work each night by no later than 5:45PM. So, rather than the 60 hour week I normally work, I worked a 43 hour week. Whew!
So, what has been going on....not much on the Wii front. I didn't want to be told how bad I was doing so I haven't done anything in three weeks. But now that Brent and Amanda have their Wii Fit, I might have to pick up the competitive edge and start a family challenge. Maybe we could band together and challenge another family....Hey Di...Don't you have a Wii Fit?? Dianna and her family verse Cathy and her family; I'm liking that idea!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Wii Bit of Frustration
Ok, so I spent the entire weekend watching what I eat, cleaning (exercise) and playing Wii Fit games (again, exercise). I had a very diffult time sleeping Sunday night...ah, make that Monday morning. I finally drifted off around 2:15 or 2:30AM. I woke up at 7:07 and normally leave for work by 7:15. So I was running late and did not weigh in. I didn't have time to eat at work...I mean, I had nothing but a banana, Cranberry juice and a V8. Last night I fixed a plate of spagetti.
This morning I was sure I was going to have a nice report from my Wii Fit Expert. But alas, she was rather rude when she told me I gained 1/2 pound! What is up with that??? Let's hope the report tomorrow is better.
This morning I was sure I was going to have a nice report from my Wii Fit Expert. But alas, she was rather rude when she told me I gained 1/2 pound! What is up with that??? Let's hope the report tomorrow is better.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tick Tock, Tick Tock
Wow, it is amazing how time flies these days. I remember when I was younger, right about the age my kids are today, that it seemed time stood still. There were all these little milestones to look forward to; birth of children, first days of school, last days of school, marriages, birth of grandchildren and retirement. Of course the one I am anticipating now is retirement. Only 438 days until I'm eligible to retire! Oh, I will probably work a few more months, but knowing I can say stuff it at any time....that is so appealing!
The kids have asked that I blog about weight. Gee, such a personal note on a public forum. Here goes. I'm going to go back a few years in which I had once again developed a tumor in the salivary gland. Past history dictated that I would lose 20 to 30 pounds in a very short period of time. Well, first of all the others were in the roof of the mouth while this one was in the neck. Second, there were those nasty steroid shots and pills. I didn't loose a pound!
Six months later I tried Atkins and did great. I lost 27 pounds and felt great...for a while. It took me 2 years to gain 10 pounds back and it took me 6 months to gain almost 30 more pounds. I had been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and was on 9 different prescriptions to deal with all my symptoms. And I didn't seem to be getting any better. Then in the early winter of 2007 I stopped all but two of the meds. I immediately lost 10 pounds. About 4 months later I stopped all meds and lost another 10 pounds. Hmmmm... In September 2008 my irregular heartbeat was out of control again. So...back on the two meds I had previously stopped. Sure enough, I gained 10 pounds in 2 months!
After hearing the kids talk about their Wii Fit experiences, I decided to check it out. I have been Wii Fitting it for about 10 days, off and on. More on than off! I think I missed 3 days. Funny, I would never have dreamed that 40 pounds overweight would be border line obese. But my Wii Fit age runs between 35 and 47, which is good to know (those of you who don't know about the Wii Fit age just need to try it out). So far I have dropped 2 pounds which doesn't seem like much but it should be easier to manage and keep off. I haven't really changed my diet too much, but I have been ensuring 3 meals a day.
Over the next few months I will be updating my progress as I master some of the games and activities. They aren't as easy as they look, and speaking of easy, I will probably remain in the beginners category the rest of my life. After all, if I have trouble reaching amateur in the beginners category, how can I every become an expert?? It's all about the balance!
So, look for my updates, take up the challenge, and let's all get fit! I will talk to you in a Wii bit.
The kids have asked that I blog about weight. Gee, such a personal note on a public forum. Here goes. I'm going to go back a few years in which I had once again developed a tumor in the salivary gland. Past history dictated that I would lose 20 to 30 pounds in a very short period of time. Well, first of all the others were in the roof of the mouth while this one was in the neck. Second, there were those nasty steroid shots and pills. I didn't loose a pound!
Six months later I tried Atkins and did great. I lost 27 pounds and felt great...for a while. It took me 2 years to gain 10 pounds back and it took me 6 months to gain almost 30 more pounds. I had been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and was on 9 different prescriptions to deal with all my symptoms. And I didn't seem to be getting any better. Then in the early winter of 2007 I stopped all but two of the meds. I immediately lost 10 pounds. About 4 months later I stopped all meds and lost another 10 pounds. Hmmmm... In September 2008 my irregular heartbeat was out of control again. So...back on the two meds I had previously stopped. Sure enough, I gained 10 pounds in 2 months!
After hearing the kids talk about their Wii Fit experiences, I decided to check it out. I have been Wii Fitting it for about 10 days, off and on. More on than off! I think I missed 3 days. Funny, I would never have dreamed that 40 pounds overweight would be border line obese. But my Wii Fit age runs between 35 and 47, which is good to know (those of you who don't know about the Wii Fit age just need to try it out). So far I have dropped 2 pounds which doesn't seem like much but it should be easier to manage and keep off. I haven't really changed my diet too much, but I have been ensuring 3 meals a day.
Over the next few months I will be updating my progress as I master some of the games and activities. They aren't as easy as they look, and speaking of easy, I will probably remain in the beginners category the rest of my life. After all, if I have trouble reaching amateur in the beginners category, how can I every become an expert?? It's all about the balance!
So, look for my updates, take up the challenge, and let's all get fit! I will talk to you in a Wii bit.
Monday, December 1, 2008
December is Upon Us
I can't believe it is already December. Wow, the year has really gone by quickly! Thanksgiving was a bit disjointed this year. Darrell's brother Lloyd and sister-in-law, Nancy hosted Thanksgiving dinner in their home in Argyle Texas. We ended up having dinner in three shifts...first the kids and Lloyd as Lloyd had to go to work. Jay and Darrell were both out on the road having difficulty due to the holiday travels. Jay arrived in town first with Darrell soon behind. Jay decided to wait in Denton until Darrell arrived so he could pick him up from the truck stop. The women in the meantime had planned on waiting but hunger finally took over and we sat down to dinner. Finally Jay and Darrell arrived and had their dinner. Overall we had a good time and a great feast!
Friday Darrell and I did some shopping but waited until late in the afternoon. I was a bit surprised how empty the stores were but later found out the reason was because most people shopped in the early hours (whiled we were still sleeping). We decorated for Christmas and had a wonderful dinner in the apartment. On Saturday Darrell wanted to visit with his brother so we drove up to Argyle. But not before spending some time on eBay shopping. I looked for the gift I wanted to get for the kids for Christmas and having a difficult time finding it, decided to check out eBay. Pay dirt! So I spend the morning showing Darrell how the whole eBay thing works. Darrell got into the bidding a bit but I had my rock bottom dollar and wasn't going to go over it (and some people were going well over my price). It took almost 2 hours but I finally won the coveted purchase (I'd say but then the kids would know what they were getting for Christmas)!
Upon return from Lloyd and Nancy's house we met Mike, Kristina, Joshua and Kylie Ostrow for dinner at "On the Border". Afterwards we stopped at the Ostrow home for a game called "Up the River". It was certainly a lot of fun and those with the early leads ended up loosing the game (namely Darrell and I).
It was wonderful having Darrell around for the weekend but wished it could have been longer. With such little time we have to spend together, the time spent is much more enjoyable and precious. Our next time together will be the week after Christmas in Tennessee for about 10 days. I'm looking forward to being home and enjoying family!
Only 522 days until I can move back to Tennessee and retire!
Friday Darrell and I did some shopping but waited until late in the afternoon. I was a bit surprised how empty the stores were but later found out the reason was because most people shopped in the early hours (whiled we were still sleeping). We decorated for Christmas and had a wonderful dinner in the apartment. On Saturday Darrell wanted to visit with his brother so we drove up to Argyle. But not before spending some time on eBay shopping. I looked for the gift I wanted to get for the kids for Christmas and having a difficult time finding it, decided to check out eBay. Pay dirt! So I spend the morning showing Darrell how the whole eBay thing works. Darrell got into the bidding a bit but I had my rock bottom dollar and wasn't going to go over it (and some people were going well over my price). It took almost 2 hours but I finally won the coveted purchase (I'd say but then the kids would know what they were getting for Christmas)!
Upon return from Lloyd and Nancy's house we met Mike, Kristina, Joshua and Kylie Ostrow for dinner at "On the Border". Afterwards we stopped at the Ostrow home for a game called "Up the River". It was certainly a lot of fun and those with the early leads ended up loosing the game (namely Darrell and I).
It was wonderful having Darrell around for the weekend but wished it could have been longer. With such little time we have to spend together, the time spent is much more enjoyable and precious. Our next time together will be the week after Christmas in Tennessee for about 10 days. I'm looking forward to being home and enjoying family!
Only 522 days until I can move back to Tennessee and retire!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Are You Ready To Rumble?
Normally I would not post so soon but I must share my week with everyone. Little did I know the activities of the week would be such a special morale booster for my staff who have been suffering from overwork and feeling unappreciated in the past few months. That's another really long story....
Each day the Director has a briefing with the management staff to determine what has occured the previous day and of course any announcements. Well, last Monday it was announced that there was a CFC fund raiser activity that would include a Nintendo Wii Boxing Tournament between the Medical Center Director and the VISN Director. For those of you who don't know what CFC is, it is the Combined Federal Campaign which is a huge federal fund raiser for various charity groups. So when someone calls me at home for a donation I tell them...I really do give at the office! HA!
Ok, so back to this Wii Boxing Tournament. Somewhere between morning meeting and 4PM the plans changed a bit. I received a call from the Director's Staff Assistant telling me I had been challenged to a Boxing match by the Assistant Director. Seems each one of the Executives was challenging one of the middle managers. Now, I knew that a Wii was the newest in a series of game boxes sold in the past 25 years, but that was the limit to my knowledge. Why, I remember our first Nintendo. Frankly...I didn't realize that Wii was a Nintendo and better yet...I thought Nintendo was no longer a product that was used. What do I know since the boys are all grown up???
On with the story. So, I agreed to the match with no real information. Talking to Chris and then Brent I soon learned that this was going to be a very physical game. I was actually going to have to box! Uh oh! My opponent is 29 years old and probably owns a Wii. I'm 53 and not in good physical shape. I resigned myself to the fact that the chances of me winning were pretty slim so if I couldn't beat my opponent, I would need to put on a good show. So I informed my staff of what was going down and I was relying on them to help me put on a good show. The date for the tourament was set for Friday afternoon at 2:30PM.
Thursday we were informed that each of us had been assigned stage names. The Director was named Rocky. The Chief of Staff was named The Innoculator, the Chief of Engineering was named The Builder and I was named The Sterlizer. You know, I'm responsible for the sterilization of instruments. Ok, so you might need to work in a hospital to appreciate the humor of it all! These were just some of the names there were twelve boxers in all. On my way into the office on Friday I walked with someone who was carrying a 4 foot needle and syringe she had made out of cardboard containers and a chopstick. She made it for her boss, The Innoculator. I'm thinking, ok, the presentation war is on! So, I called my staff together and told them we needed to work together to make a great presentation. My staff informed me that I was to only worry about the match, they would take care of everything else.
The teamwork displayed by my staff was great....we gave a wonderful presentation! I wore a surgical gown that on the back said "Cathy The Sterilizer (SNIP SNIP)". A crash cart was prepared with Wade The Enforcer written all over it (he was my opponent. A Last Will and Testament, Organ Donation form and Death Certificate were presented to my opponent. And when I was called to "the ring", I was escorted by all my staff banging together bedpans. The noise was so loud you couldn't hear anything else! My opponent and I pushed each other a little bit before we put into our "corners". We were handed our controls and the match was on. Within 30 seconds the Enforcer was Sterilized! I knocked my opponent out in 30 seconds...the quickest match of the day! The crash cart was brought out and my opponent was escorted out. In the end 5 of the 6 executives lost their match.
Morning meeting tomorrow should proved quite interesting!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Each day the Director has a briefing with the management staff to determine what has occured the previous day and of course any announcements. Well, last Monday it was announced that there was a CFC fund raiser activity that would include a Nintendo Wii Boxing Tournament between the Medical Center Director and the VISN Director. For those of you who don't know what CFC is, it is the Combined Federal Campaign which is a huge federal fund raiser for various charity groups. So when someone calls me at home for a donation I tell them...I really do give at the office! HA!
Ok, so back to this Wii Boxing Tournament. Somewhere between morning meeting and 4PM the plans changed a bit. I received a call from the Director's Staff Assistant telling me I had been challenged to a Boxing match by the Assistant Director. Seems each one of the Executives was challenging one of the middle managers. Now, I knew that a Wii was the newest in a series of game boxes sold in the past 25 years, but that was the limit to my knowledge. Why, I remember our first Nintendo. Frankly...I didn't realize that Wii was a Nintendo and better yet...I thought Nintendo was no longer a product that was used. What do I know since the boys are all grown up???
On with the story. So, I agreed to the match with no real information. Talking to Chris and then Brent I soon learned that this was going to be a very physical game. I was actually going to have to box! Uh oh! My opponent is 29 years old and probably owns a Wii. I'm 53 and not in good physical shape. I resigned myself to the fact that the chances of me winning were pretty slim so if I couldn't beat my opponent, I would need to put on a good show. So I informed my staff of what was going down and I was relying on them to help me put on a good show. The date for the tourament was set for Friday afternoon at 2:30PM.
Thursday we were informed that each of us had been assigned stage names. The Director was named Rocky. The Chief of Staff was named The Innoculator, the Chief of Engineering was named The Builder and I was named The Sterlizer. You know, I'm responsible for the sterilization of instruments. Ok, so you might need to work in a hospital to appreciate the humor of it all! These were just some of the names there were twelve boxers in all. On my way into the office on Friday I walked with someone who was carrying a 4 foot needle and syringe she had made out of cardboard containers and a chopstick. She made it for her boss, The Innoculator. I'm thinking, ok, the presentation war is on! So, I called my staff together and told them we needed to work together to make a great presentation. My staff informed me that I was to only worry about the match, they would take care of everything else.
The teamwork displayed by my staff was great....we gave a wonderful presentation! I wore a surgical gown that on the back said "Cathy The Sterilizer (SNIP SNIP)". A crash cart was prepared with Wade The Enforcer written all over it (he was my opponent. A Last Will and Testament, Organ Donation form and Death Certificate were presented to my opponent. And when I was called to "the ring", I was escorted by all my staff banging together bedpans. The noise was so loud you couldn't hear anything else! My opponent and I pushed each other a little bit before we put into our "corners". We were handed our controls and the match was on. Within 30 seconds the Enforcer was Sterilized! I knocked my opponent out in 30 seconds...the quickest match of the day! The crash cart was brought out and my opponent was escorted out. In the end 5 of the 6 executives lost their match.
Morning meeting tomorrow should proved quite interesting!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Time of Thanks
I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving, which leads to Christmas, and finally the new year. Wow! It seems that time is just speeding by. That's ok...only 535 days until I'm eligble for retirement.
This week Mom and Dad West drove to Dallas to visit Lloyd and Nancy, on to Murfreesboro to visit Darrell and stopping in Champaign to have dinner with Brent and Amanda. That was more than 2000 miles in 5 days! They are amazing, or crazy...not sure which! HA! Mom West had surgery a couple of weeks ago and is still recovering. In truth I hope the trip wasn't too hard on either one of them.
I went to FLorida to visit family last week. Dianna and her fiance, Jonathan picked me up from the airport in Fort Meyers and we drove to Marco Island where sister Libby and her family were staying. We had a couple of great days on Marco Island before heading for Venice. We stopped to visit Mom and Dad Beirne and both look really great! Finally we met up with Mitzi Pape at Dianna's house. We shopped, ate and went for spa services...the perfect long weekend!
Next week is thanksgiving and Darrell is suppose to come to Dallas. We are planning on having dinner with Lloyd and Nancy and their family. I'm thankful for all of my family and friends for their love and support and most of all, for helping me to find balance in my life. Happy Thanksgiving!
This week Mom and Dad West drove to Dallas to visit Lloyd and Nancy, on to Murfreesboro to visit Darrell and stopping in Champaign to have dinner with Brent and Amanda. That was more than 2000 miles in 5 days! They are amazing, or crazy...not sure which! HA! Mom West had surgery a couple of weeks ago and is still recovering. In truth I hope the trip wasn't too hard on either one of them.
I went to FLorida to visit family last week. Dianna and her fiance, Jonathan picked me up from the airport in Fort Meyers and we drove to Marco Island where sister Libby and her family were staying. We had a couple of great days on Marco Island before heading for Venice. We stopped to visit Mom and Dad Beirne and both look really great! Finally we met up with Mitzi Pape at Dianna's house. We shopped, ate and went for spa services...the perfect long weekend!
Next week is thanksgiving and Darrell is suppose to come to Dallas. We are planning on having dinner with Lloyd and Nancy and their family. I'm thankful for all of my family and friends for their love and support and most of all, for helping me to find balance in my life. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The Good. I was able to get a few very nice days in Murfreesboro, TN last week. The days were warm, the nights cool and Darrell was home for the weekend. It was as if all the stars were in their right place! We did go to Nashville on Monday but the rest of the time was spent enjoying being home! I read some on the back deck, we had friends over for dinner and we watched a couple of movies. It was all so very relaxing.
The Bad. I needed the trip home. Work has been so stressful that I was having major episodes with my PVC's and didn't have to worry about being on a treadmill. My pulse was elevated as if I was on a treadmill! I had a doctor's apppointment on the same day I was to fly home and he didn't like my pulse. So, he sent me to have an EKG. He didn't like the results of that so sent me to Cardiology. A Echocardiogram was done and afterwards the doctor told me I needed to stick around and have the problem resolved. I would be called for an appointment. A few minutes later a technician called me again and said they wanted to take a couple more pictures. When I arrived I was told he was going to put an IV in....my immediate response....OH CRAP! Then he told me he would be shooting air into the line. I was like WHAT???? I thought that was bad, very very bad. He said a little was ok. Apparently it was ok because I'm still here! HA! Now I haven't heard the results of that test but if it was bad I would expect they would have made a quick appointment for me. Instead, my appointment was made for November 12th. So, I'm back on medication and trying to get regulated again. Retirement would help!
The Ugly. Well, it is official. Thom is in Afganistan. I don't think I have to say anything else about that except maybe....keep him in your prayers!
This weekend I'm going to a pumpkin stew dinner at Lloyd and Nancy's house. I'm curious to see how that works! I also have to made about 200 greeting cards to sell at a fund raiser for work. No rest for the wicked!
More to come later!
The Bad. I needed the trip home. Work has been so stressful that I was having major episodes with my PVC's and didn't have to worry about being on a treadmill. My pulse was elevated as if I was on a treadmill! I had a doctor's apppointment on the same day I was to fly home and he didn't like my pulse. So, he sent me to have an EKG. He didn't like the results of that so sent me to Cardiology. A Echocardiogram was done and afterwards the doctor told me I needed to stick around and have the problem resolved. I would be called for an appointment. A few minutes later a technician called me again and said they wanted to take a couple more pictures. When I arrived I was told he was going to put an IV in....my immediate response....OH CRAP! Then he told me he would be shooting air into the line. I was like WHAT???? I thought that was bad, very very bad. He said a little was ok. Apparently it was ok because I'm still here! HA! Now I haven't heard the results of that test but if it was bad I would expect they would have made a quick appointment for me. Instead, my appointment was made for November 12th. So, I'm back on medication and trying to get regulated again. Retirement would help!
The Ugly. Well, it is official. Thom is in Afganistan. I don't think I have to say anything else about that except maybe....keep him in your prayers!
This weekend I'm going to a pumpkin stew dinner at Lloyd and Nancy's house. I'm curious to see how that works! I also have to made about 200 greeting cards to sell at a fund raiser for work. No rest for the wicked!
More to come later!
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