I'm still here...just busy

Seems as if I've neglected this little blog over the past two weeks. All is well I've just been too lazy to blog since I've been taking care of myself. Healthwise I have made myself a priority and I've been to the gym five times a week since I saw Dr. Yao. My appointment with the nutritionist is on March 2 so I'll heed any dietary advice they suggest and incorporate it into my lifestyle. I eat pretty healthy already, it's my portion sizes that I need to monitor.

For Valentine's Day Trent and I had dinner with the kiddos and then saw a movie on base by ourselves. We watched He's Just Not That into You. I'm so thankful I don't have to deal with the whole dating scene again. LOL The movie was good, but the company was even better. I really enjoy spending time with Trent sans the kids. It's great!! He gave me a sweet love letter this morning.

As for posting my weigh in I'll try to do it by tomorrow. I've just been too tired/lazy to upload the pictures I took onto my computer. Hope all is well for you guys.
Stephanie

Opps I almost forgot...

Happy Birthday Clara!!!

Today is my mother-in-laws birthday. She's 50ish (wink....wink) and still a very young grandma. Being that my hubby is her only child ....my kids are her only grandkids. Clara we wish you very Happy Birthday.

Thoughts....

Just taking a quick break from homeschooling. Noah and I just finished a math lesson and we are reviewing concepts in other subjects this week. I finished setting up our daily schedule. Now I need to organize my lesson plan book. I have the long weekend to finish all of my planning, but Trent pitched the idea of going on a road trip to Bari or Assissi. Ahhh...big decisions....should I stay and work or go and play???? Both destinations are 4 hrs away??? I want to go, but I also know I have work and planning to do. I'll let you know about my decision later.
I did want to discuss two books that are on my nightstand right now. I started reading this first book on our drive back from Germany. Thus far it is a good book filled with priceless information.

The other book at my bedside was recommended by my friend Yesenia. I haven't read it yet, but she had a lot of good stuff to say about it. Not only do I have the book, but my dear sweet hubby bought the book on i tunes and downloaded it to both of our ipods. He's listened to this book already and likes it too. Here is the book:
Then there's this movie. I love the message in this movie. I would recommend it to any married couple.

Well time to hit the books with Noah.

Buh-Bye,

Stephanie

Following through with some goals.....

I didn't make any New Years resolutions this year, but I did set goals. One of my goals was to be more proactive about my health. Yesterday I went to see Dr. Yao for a full physical and to discuss my concerns. We laid out a course of action that we both agreed to. I have a consult appointment with the nutritionist and today I will begin my excercise program which will be adjusted every six weeks. I am also charting my monthly cycle for the next six months to see visually any patterns that exist. I've used this tool in the past and basically it'll just give me a heads up as to when I should expect any physical/ hormonal changes.

In addition to meeting my weight goal, the excercise program will help me manage my condition and tone up. My weight goal is between 110-115lbs. this is what I weighed most of my adult life until I turned 30 and then got pregnant with Gabriel the Great. Since giving birth over three yrs. ago, the lowest I've weighed is 124lbs. For me personally, I feel sluggish and not physically fit or strong at my current weight. My goal isn't to get skinny....I like the curves I do have. I just want be toned, strong, and healthy. Anyhoo....I am posting a weekly weigh in here to keep me on track. Here's my first:

20 lbs. to go!!!

Four years since you've been gone....

I didn't remember this day last year until it had passed. I had a dream about you early this morning and it wasn't until I was fully awake that I realized the date. Four years ago you left this world for a better one. I miss you Grandma...... I'll always remember one of the last conversations I had with you and Grandpa. As we sat , drank coffee, and ate some sweet treats. (grandpa's favorite thing) I spoke of how I missed home and expressed my fears about living so far away. You both told me to see, do, and take advantage of the opportunities that lay ahead of me. You both told me to travel, see the world, and experience life. You told me to LIVE. I hope I've made you proud...I love you.










I miss you both very much.

Umm..Bartender I'll have several shots of tequila!!!

Living with PMDD is a hell I can't begin to describe. I'm in the throes of it as of a week ago. God please fix me!! Only a handful of people have known that I've been trying to function with this shit since being diagnosed with it in 1996. I have dealt with it most of these years without the blue little pills my doctor prescribed to me. Hell is an understatement. I HATE it....I Hate what I experience two weeks out of the month like clock work. I hate what I feel.......I hate everything about it. I hate experiencing this hell. My mood swings are so severe I sometimes don't know what I'm feeling by the minute. All the while doctors/people debate about whether or not it's a real disease!! Yeah....ask my husband and kids if it's real. Better yet ask the 8% of women and their families who suffer and have to deal with it.

Missing home...

Ahh...How many time have I heard "I'd switch places with you in an instant." Yes, I am thankful for the opportunity to live overseas, but sometimes the everyday stuff can be a bit burdening. There are conveniences big and small that I miss back home. Italy, especially the southern parts, compared to other European countries is third world. On top of that the culture is much different and frustrating at times. I love it here, but there are days that I hate it too. I've emailed this video before...it's funny and so true. Most drive horribly, don't believe in giving you personal space, can't form a line, and southern Italy has trash EVERYWHERE.




Things I miss back home in no particular order:
* Poor boy brisket sandwiches....I'd do anything to have one of these!!! Anything LOL
* Target stores
* cheap, clean, and healthy produce
* clean unpolluted water...I have to use bottled water for cooking, brushing my teeth,and cleaning. Thank God the goverment pays for the bottled water...because the cost added up when we had to pay out of pocket.
* fast food restuarants...especially Chick-fil-A
* my family
* authentic Chinese, Thai, and Mexican food
* clean air
* Cracker Barrel.....uummm
I'm getting hungry. LOL