Oh, how lovely it was - my time of traipsing through lush meadows! I have moved on to the level of tripping over hard sidewalks. Now, granted, God's favor still shines upon me! I am still and always will be His precious daughter, Child of the King. I am not, however, his most graceful child. This is a fact I have never disputed, and have, in fact, embraced.
One of my coworkers had a wonderful idea this afternoon! "Let's go for a walk outside," she said. "I'm in," I replied, slipping on my sneakers I had stashed in my closet for just this moment. Another colleague of ours joined us, and off we went - to walk the "Hendrick Trail." It was a lovely afternoon - sun shining, birds chirping, women chatting. I even noticed that I wasn't as out of breath as usual and could carry on a conversation while we walked! Progress!
Now, it just so happened that I was wearing a maxi skirt (which looked smashing with my hot pink tennies). About halfway around the trail, I took note of the thousands of freshly fallen acorns on the sidewalk, which reminded me of a hilarious time when I twisted my ankle on one of those pesky little rascals outside the mall, ripping Todd's belt loop as I fell (I had my finger looped in it while we walked), and did a complete 180 as I fell, only to land in a King Tut position on the ground. Seriously - straight as a board, arms crossed across my chest in an "X." It struck me as funny today because I was wearing that very same skirt on the day of the acorn attack. I giggled as I told my friends about the incident, pointing out the skirt and telling them how notorious I am for falling.
We continued to walk until we rounded the third corner of the trail, and one of the girls had to step into a doctor's office to pick up a prescription. She told the other two of us to go ahead, and she would meet up with us. So, we continued to walk. We made it about 15 feet before the earth rumbled, the sidewalk split, and I was thrown to my face! Maybe I am exaggerating a bit, but I tripped over a raised piece of that sidewalk and down I went! It was one of those really ugly falls, too! The kind where there is no way you are gonna recover, you just have to try to minimize the damage. I caught myself first with both palms, but then I did some weird version of that dance called "the worm," scrubbing the sidewalk with my left brow and left shoulder…and then it was finally over.
I'm sure it was a sight to behold! My friend, Kara, told me it was like I was falling in slow motion. I felt like it would never end! I'm sure there was skirt flying everywhere, and I feel certain my butt showed at some point. Thankfully, I was wearing thick tights. After I finally collected myself, Kara began to help me to my feet, and this sweet little man hobbled from across the street at a doctor's office to try to help. Miraculously, my glasses were fine, no clothing was torn, none of my jewelry was harmed, and I did not pee my pants! (See! God's favor…) I did, however, end up with a nice knot and little gash beside my left eyebrow, a bruised and swollen left shoulder, sore hands, swollen left knee, stiffness all over, and a slightly bruised ego. My biggest fear was that something internally may have been damaged after my surgery, but I think I'm ok. There is a reason my parents did not consider "Grace" as my middle name. But thankfully, God is grace, and He extends it to me freely!
We all walked back to the hospital together, unanimously deciding that black skirt has to go! We had a really good belly laugh over the incident, and the others were already devising safety plans for our next walk. As my director and I were filling out the forms to report the accident, one of the questions on hers asked something like, "Has the employee received any training on how to perform this task safely?" Obviously NOT! Maybe I need to attend Walking 101. Nah! I'll just keep things interesting!
I'm still enjoying the lush meadows! I'm just learning to watch where I'm traipsing!
TTFN!
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Word of the day: Surgiversary (you're welcome!)
Tomorrow will mark my three-week surgiversary (anniversary of my surgery). On Monday, November 12, I saw my surgeon for my post-op visit, and he was very encouraging! I had lost 15.5 pounds in the 12 days since surgery, and everything is healing beautifully. Another week has passed, and I have no idea how much more I have lost because I asked Todd to confiscate and hide my bathroom scales. I was becoming a little obsessed. I do, however, plan to weigh tomorrow. I just don't want to be all about the numbers on the scale. My dress slacks that were snug on me in mid-October are hanging all over me, making me look like I pooped my Depends! HAHA! For the record… I DO NOT wear Depends! At least not yet!
Soft food has been introduced into my diet. My chickens are laying eggs again, and thankfully their precious little treasures are one of the foods I have been craving. Of course, since I can eat less than one egg at a meal, I'm not even making a dent in them! It's interesting that the only things I have really craved are eggs, cheese, and most recently green beans. My son, Eric, made a great point in saying that these cravings are my body telling me what macronutrients it needs. He's so smart! Whatever you do, though, do not tell him I said that! His head will get so big he won't be able to come through my door!
I did cheat a little tonight, I must confess. I was told not to take a tub bath until 4 weeks postop, but I just HAD to take a bath tonight. It is so hard to get a good shave on your legs in the shower, and nothing feels better at the end of the day than a long, hot, soaking bath! I will return to the showers tomorrow for another week, though. Rebellion over.
Things are getting a little easier, with the exception of getting enough protein in daily. I thought adding food would make it easier, but it muddied the water a little. When I was on liquids, my primary source of nourishment was the protein shakes. Now that I can eat food, I get protein through it, but only in small portions. We are taught not to drink immediately before, during, or for 30 minutes after a meal (which takes about 20 minutes to eat), and it takes me about 30-45 minutes to drink a protein shake. PLUS, I still have to make sure to get my water in. I'll just say, I don't think I've been 100% yet, but I'm working on it.
Progress is being made! Things are moving forward! Now I'm off to bed!
Blessings!
Soft food has been introduced into my diet. My chickens are laying eggs again, and thankfully their precious little treasures are one of the foods I have been craving. Of course, since I can eat less than one egg at a meal, I'm not even making a dent in them! It's interesting that the only things I have really craved are eggs, cheese, and most recently green beans. My son, Eric, made a great point in saying that these cravings are my body telling me what macronutrients it needs. He's so smart! Whatever you do, though, do not tell him I said that! His head will get so big he won't be able to come through my door!
I did cheat a little tonight, I must confess. I was told not to take a tub bath until 4 weeks postop, but I just HAD to take a bath tonight. It is so hard to get a good shave on your legs in the shower, and nothing feels better at the end of the day than a long, hot, soaking bath! I will return to the showers tomorrow for another week, though. Rebellion over.
Things are getting a little easier, with the exception of getting enough protein in daily. I thought adding food would make it easier, but it muddied the water a little. When I was on liquids, my primary source of nourishment was the protein shakes. Now that I can eat food, I get protein through it, but only in small portions. We are taught not to drink immediately before, during, or for 30 minutes after a meal (which takes about 20 minutes to eat), and it takes me about 30-45 minutes to drink a protein shake. PLUS, I still have to make sure to get my water in. I'll just say, I don't think I've been 100% yet, but I'm working on it.
Progress is being made! Things are moving forward! Now I'm off to bed!
Blessings!
Traipsing Through Lush Meadows
This post is, quite frankly, exactly one week late. When I began writing it a week ago, I developed a bad case of writer's block. I wasn't crazy about the way the post started, couldn't find a way to salvage it, so I deleted it. Every time I tried to revive it, I hit a brick wall. I refuse to let this particular post remain silent, though, because it is one of praise, thanksgiving, and glory to God!
I've always thought of myself as an optimist, seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. I'm the girl with the half-full glass, the one who tries to find the bright side of everything, and is sometimes fooled by people who don't live up to my Pollyanna opinion of them. It seems that I can always give a person the benefit of the doubt…except when that person is me.
At the risk of sounding falsely humble or, God forbid, a self-pitying martyr, something many people do not know about me is that I do not often see myself in a positive light. I am my own worst critic and often, enemy. While I realize a negative self-image is unhealthy, I also recognize it as the enemy's greatest weapon against me. If he can make me believe that I am worthless, I am of little or no use to the Kingdom of God, right? Right!
This brings me to the amazing way in which my Poppa God spoke to me last week. He blessed me with the most amazing new job which I started in October, just a couple of weeks before my surgery. My family, church family, and friends all prayed over this fervently for weeks, asking God to ONLY allow me to have it if it was completely within His will. Just about the time I was ready to just give up because the answer was still not being revealed, I prayed a simple prayer in my car as I was ready to drive off from my shift on the hospice unit. I held both hands out in front of me, cupped together like a child waiting to be given a gift by her daddy, and prayed, "I'm coming to You, Lord, with my hands open, palms up, waiting on the wonderful gifts You desire to give me." I cried. I repeated the prayer. Over. And. Over. Tears streaming down my face. I wasn't begging. I was just declaring to the Lord that I know He longs to bless His children, yet we are too often so busy trying to live life according to our own wills and under our own power that we miss the amazing blessings He had for us.
The very next day, after weeks of uncertainty, I received a phone call offering me the position for which I had earnestly and ceaselessly prayed. Which brings us to the reason for this particular post. I was sitting in my office (which feels just like home, btw), thinking about all the fabulous things that have happened in my life over the past couple of months; GREAT things! Among the top ten are, of course, my surgery and my job as Nurse Recruitment and Retention Officer (sounds pretty darn official, huh?) I am still in such awe over all this amazing stuff happening to ME! This sort of thing just doesn't happen to someone like me! That stinkin' thinkin' just crept back in. Did you see it?
I have a devotional on my phone that sends me a message each morning to remind me that it's time for my devotional. It's a really great devo, and it even has the Scripture to go along with the readings. Jesus really was showing off the next morning because my devotional answered to those negative thoughts of being undeserving in a very LOUD voice. He told me through the beautiful writings of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young that I am living in a time of abundance. The November 12 entry says I am "traipsing through lush meadows" after a season of trudging through difficult times. Providing times of blessing for His children is God's delight! It goes on to say that we often have feelings of false guilt because we don't believe we deserve such rich blessings. BINGO! It is amazing how God speaks so clearly to us in times like this! How could I think that the God who sacrificed His only Son to save a sinner like me would not delight in giving me gifts like a fantastic new position and a fresh start on my health? Those gifts pale in comparison to that ultimate gift of salvation!
As I traipse through these lush meadows, I am learning to receive and enjoy the wonderful blessings God is pouring out on me. I really don't deserve any of this, but I can tell you one thing - I'm certainly glad He doesn't give me what I do deserve.
Blessings!
Romans 8:32 "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Almost HuUuuuuUmP Day!
Day 10 postop…
WHAT!?! I've almost made it over the hump! My days of strictly drinking my meals are almost behind me! I'm not gonna lie, though, I haven't even really cared. There is always a rumbly in my tumbly (Pooh-ism), and I'm never sure if it's hunger, thirst, or just plain old gas. I can tell, however, when it's time for a protein shake because I feel like a battery-operated toy running out of juice. Of course, the hour it takes me to drink a protein drink is a little annoying, BUT I have been able to get almost all of my protein in over the past two days, plus all my recommended water and my vitamins and minerals! Yay!!! I'll take a victory, no matter the size!
It has been so inspirational to hear from some of you who read and appreciate my ramblings! Just yesterday, a sweet friend stopped by my office and offered me such encouragement! Her first words were, "You're already getting thinner!" This journey, like so many of its kind, is so much nicer with friends to encourage and lift you up! Thanks, Brianna Sam! And then there was the phone call from our precious pastor's wife, and the daily words of encouragement from Todd and my kids, friends, and family…you just cannot put a value on having a great support system. I am blessed way beyond what I deserve in that area!
On a different note, we (being Todd, me, and our kiddos) all went to have our photos taken for our church directory. It was pretty fun, and the guy did a great job. He was very friendly, professional, and the photos were ok. It's just so funny how portraiture has evolved so much over the past few decades. There was a time when folks didn't feel they had a good family photo unless it had the name of a studio scrawled across the bottom right-hand corner. You know, standard backdrops, unnatural poses, weird lighting.
When I first began taking photos for the public, my goal was to capture the actual personality of the subject. Of course, it took me a bit to get away from the "studio" setting and out into the world around us, but those photos allow the subjects to truly relax and be more natural. "Lifestyle photography" is the term used. I haven't done this in such a long time because I felt I didn't have ample time for it, but I really had a knack for it, and I miss it. I'm thinking I will ease back into it. Maybe not so much commercially, but a dream of mine has always been to capture the inner beauty of people in my life. I love natural lighting and heavily contrasted black and white photos.
Both of my kids have inherited their momma's love for the camera. Eric loves to shoot outdoors shots in RAW, and his photos have a grunge, rugged feel. Of course, he has the helicopter hog hunting business, Pork Choppers, and takes great shots for his clients as memorabilia. Emily, like me, is more of a lifestyle photographer, capturing her subjects at special events such as weddings, births, etc. Both of them are extremely talented, self-taught, and make their momma very proud.
Anyway, the name of my blog is "Missylaneous Me" for a reason. I am very sporadic and have MANY interests! I just felt I should write a little about that. I am still relatively new to this blogging world, but plan to continuously tweak the blog to include tabs for my missylaneous interests. Thanks for reading and giving me a place to share! Be prepared for my next post because Todd is going to drive a race car at Texas Motor Speedway tomorrow! I'm sure there will be a LOT to write about!
Blessings!
WHAT!?! I've almost made it over the hump! My days of strictly drinking my meals are almost behind me! I'm not gonna lie, though, I haven't even really cared. There is always a rumbly in my tumbly (Pooh-ism), and I'm never sure if it's hunger, thirst, or just plain old gas. I can tell, however, when it's time for a protein shake because I feel like a battery-operated toy running out of juice. Of course, the hour it takes me to drink a protein drink is a little annoying, BUT I have been able to get almost all of my protein in over the past two days, plus all my recommended water and my vitamins and minerals! Yay!!! I'll take a victory, no matter the size!
It has been so inspirational to hear from some of you who read and appreciate my ramblings! Just yesterday, a sweet friend stopped by my office and offered me such encouragement! Her first words were, "You're already getting thinner!" This journey, like so many of its kind, is so much nicer with friends to encourage and lift you up! Thanks, Brianna Sam! And then there was the phone call from our precious pastor's wife, and the daily words of encouragement from Todd and my kids, friends, and family…you just cannot put a value on having a great support system. I am blessed way beyond what I deserve in that area!
On a different note, we (being Todd, me, and our kiddos) all went to have our photos taken for our church directory. It was pretty fun, and the guy did a great job. He was very friendly, professional, and the photos were ok. It's just so funny how portraiture has evolved so much over the past few decades. There was a time when folks didn't feel they had a good family photo unless it had the name of a studio scrawled across the bottom right-hand corner. You know, standard backdrops, unnatural poses, weird lighting.
When I first began taking photos for the public, my goal was to capture the actual personality of the subject. Of course, it took me a bit to get away from the "studio" setting and out into the world around us, but those photos allow the subjects to truly relax and be more natural. "Lifestyle photography" is the term used. I haven't done this in such a long time because I felt I didn't have ample time for it, but I really had a knack for it, and I miss it. I'm thinking I will ease back into it. Maybe not so much commercially, but a dream of mine has always been to capture the inner beauty of people in my life. I love natural lighting and heavily contrasted black and white photos.
Both of my kids have inherited their momma's love for the camera. Eric loves to shoot outdoors shots in RAW, and his photos have a grunge, rugged feel. Of course, he has the helicopter hog hunting business, Pork Choppers, and takes great shots for his clients as memorabilia. Emily, like me, is more of a lifestyle photographer, capturing her subjects at special events such as weddings, births, etc. Both of them are extremely talented, self-taught, and make their momma very proud.
Anyway, the name of my blog is "Missylaneous Me" for a reason. I am very sporadic and have MANY interests! I just felt I should write a little about that. I am still relatively new to this blogging world, but plan to continuously tweak the blog to include tabs for my missylaneous interests. Thanks for reading and giving me a place to share! Be prepared for my next post because Todd is going to drive a race car at Texas Motor Speedway tomorrow! I'm sure there will be a LOT to write about!
Blessings!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Trial and Error
Day 7 postop…
It's so hard to believe that it's been a whole week since my surgery! I enthusiastically returned to work today, and was very glad to be back. I left the house feeling pretty darn good, and looking pretty good, too. LOL! I made one major wardrobe mistake, though! Those pants that I mentioned in my last post, Out With the New& In With the Old… Yup. I wore 'em. They felt okay until, oh, about 8:30…a.m. I finally had to close my office door and unbutton those suckers. My tummy is still pretty tender as I mentioned, and that was way too much pressure on it! So I tried it, saw the error, and will wait until this belly has healed a little more!
There have been three major challenges nutritionally with this new stomach of mine: getting 84 grams of protein per day, drinking 64 ounces of water daily, and taking approximately 16 vitamin and mineral supplements per day. PLUS, you cannot take your calcium within 2 hours of the multivitamin because of the iron in them. It's a juggling act. I was so excited this morning, though, because I had consumed 26 Gm of protein in my breakfast shake in the 50 minute commute to work. I had packed a pre-made protein drink by Naked® that had 30 grams for lunch, believing I was actually going to get my protein in today. Unfortunately, about halfway through it, I started feeling pretty yucky. I slowed down thinking I was drinking it too fast, but didn't get any relief. Then, a light bulb came on! Even though that drink was all natural with no added sugar, it was FULL of fruit juices, which contain natural sugar, which is a No-No. Oops! Gotta learn to read those labels!
Anyway, as with anything new, my banana-shaped stomach will require some getting used to. I know it will get easier as it heals, and as I relearn how to eat. Each day gets better, though, and brings me one day closer to being allowed to eat soft foods. I've been craving eggs and cheese, which is a good thing since my chickens are finally laying again! I'd better hush. My mouth is watering!
So, stretchy pants tomorrow and NO fruit juice!
Blessings!
It's so hard to believe that it's been a whole week since my surgery! I enthusiastically returned to work today, and was very glad to be back. I left the house feeling pretty darn good, and looking pretty good, too. LOL! I made one major wardrobe mistake, though! Those pants that I mentioned in my last post, Out With the New& In With the Old… Yup. I wore 'em. They felt okay until, oh, about 8:30…a.m. I finally had to close my office door and unbutton those suckers. My tummy is still pretty tender as I mentioned, and that was way too much pressure on it! So I tried it, saw the error, and will wait until this belly has healed a little more!
There have been three major challenges nutritionally with this new stomach of mine: getting 84 grams of protein per day, drinking 64 ounces of water daily, and taking approximately 16 vitamin and mineral supplements per day. PLUS, you cannot take your calcium within 2 hours of the multivitamin because of the iron in them. It's a juggling act. I was so excited this morning, though, because I had consumed 26 Gm of protein in my breakfast shake in the 50 minute commute to work. I had packed a pre-made protein drink by Naked® that had 30 grams for lunch, believing I was actually going to get my protein in today. Unfortunately, about halfway through it, I started feeling pretty yucky. I slowed down thinking I was drinking it too fast, but didn't get any relief. Then, a light bulb came on! Even though that drink was all natural with no added sugar, it was FULL of fruit juices, which contain natural sugar, which is a No-No. Oops! Gotta learn to read those labels!
Anyway, as with anything new, my banana-shaped stomach will require some getting used to. I know it will get easier as it heals, and as I relearn how to eat. Each day gets better, though, and brings me one day closer to being allowed to eat soft foods. I've been craving eggs and cheese, which is a good thing since my chickens are finally laying again! I'd better hush. My mouth is watering!
So, stretchy pants tomorrow and NO fruit juice!
Blessings!
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Out With the New & In With the Old
Day 6 postop…
Day 5, yesterday, was an absolutely WONDERFUL day! Each and every day, I feel better and better! I began my day with a cup of coffee and a tiny splash of my CoffeeMate peppermint mocha creamer. It was a bit early for that, but I used such a small amount that I didn't think it could hurt…and it didn't seem to. Oh, how my taste buds danced, though! Emily and her dog, Lily, showed up around 8 a.m. to hang out with my pack (Ellie and Buck) and me. We two humans ventured off to Walmart after lunch and picked up a few things we needed (and some we didn't). It's okay to yawn here. I just bored myself. LOL!
Anyway! The exciting part of my day, besides getting to hang out with one of my favorite people, was when Todd helped me out by bringing a storage tub into the house for me. It was a tub I unofficially named my "Next Steps" tub. A few weeks before time for my surgery, I went through my closet and dresser with a fine-tooth comb, getting rid of things I will never wear again, keeping things I could wear at the time, and carefully selecting things that didn't fit, but would soon after surgery. I was afraid that resurrecting the "Next Steps" tub might be a little premature, but was pleasantly surprised to find that there were several pieces that made their way to hangers in my closet.
Now, granted, some of the pants will have to wait till the swelling and tenderness in my belly dissipate a little more, but I got those suckers on AND they weren't skin tight! My wardrobe increased significantly in one afternoon…for FREE! This is great news because I had refused to buy more than a few key pieces when I was preparing to move into my new office position. There are only so many ways you can mix things up, though, before it looks like you are wearing the same outfit for days! Some of those new clothes will have to be worn pretty quickly, though, because they will be too big in no time. I can add a little flavor to my workweek now by bringing in these "old" clothes!
I feel I should pause here to give you a baseline. On my initial consultation with Dr. Stowers at My Bariatric Solutions, my official start-up weight was 231.2 pounds, and I wore size 18-20 pants, 2X tops, and was spilling out of a 40DD bra. During the three months between that visit and my actual surgery, my weight fluctuated, dropping down to as low as 226 at one point and jumping to 241 for a short time (after a binge). I honestly had times where I felt I might explode.
Yesterday, my weight was 219.2! On Sunday, I put on a pair of black pants while getting ready for church, thinking they were my trusty 18's, only to find out they were the 16's that I had not been able to wear. It is insane! The best part is I can breathe so much easier with some of that belly fat gone. It's getting a little easier to cross my legs, too!
There is another tub still out in the storage building; one whose contents I have not seen in about 2 years, and some pieces that have not been worn in over a decade. Dragging that tub into the house will require a celebration of ginormous proportions! Maybe even a ticker tape parade! Inside that tub are clothes that I have held onto for many years. Some of them may be out of style, but many of them are timeless. Such as the black velvet dress with lace cap sleeves that I wore as a bridesmaid at my niece's wedding. That tub holds treasures that will make this girl's heart BEAM! It will be a while before I crack open its lid, but the journey toward it is gonna be AWESOME!
So…one day at a time, one protein drink at a time, I will walk this journey.
Day 5, yesterday, was an absolutely WONDERFUL day! Each and every day, I feel better and better! I began my day with a cup of coffee and a tiny splash of my CoffeeMate peppermint mocha creamer. It was a bit early for that, but I used such a small amount that I didn't think it could hurt…and it didn't seem to. Oh, how my taste buds danced, though! Emily and her dog, Lily, showed up around 8 a.m. to hang out with my pack (Ellie and Buck) and me. We two humans ventured off to Walmart after lunch and picked up a few things we needed (and some we didn't). It's okay to yawn here. I just bored myself. LOL!
Anyway! The exciting part of my day, besides getting to hang out with one of my favorite people, was when Todd helped me out by bringing a storage tub into the house for me. It was a tub I unofficially named my "Next Steps" tub. A few weeks before time for my surgery, I went through my closet and dresser with a fine-tooth comb, getting rid of things I will never wear again, keeping things I could wear at the time, and carefully selecting things that didn't fit, but would soon after surgery. I was afraid that resurrecting the "Next Steps" tub might be a little premature, but was pleasantly surprised to find that there were several pieces that made their way to hangers in my closet.
Now, granted, some of the pants will have to wait till the swelling and tenderness in my belly dissipate a little more, but I got those suckers on AND they weren't skin tight! My wardrobe increased significantly in one afternoon…for FREE! This is great news because I had refused to buy more than a few key pieces when I was preparing to move into my new office position. There are only so many ways you can mix things up, though, before it looks like you are wearing the same outfit for days! Some of those new clothes will have to be worn pretty quickly, though, because they will be too big in no time. I can add a little flavor to my workweek now by bringing in these "old" clothes!
I feel I should pause here to give you a baseline. On my initial consultation with Dr. Stowers at My Bariatric Solutions, my official start-up weight was 231.2 pounds, and I wore size 18-20 pants, 2X tops, and was spilling out of a 40DD bra. During the three months between that visit and my actual surgery, my weight fluctuated, dropping down to as low as 226 at one point and jumping to 241 for a short time (after a binge). I honestly had times where I felt I might explode.
Yesterday, my weight was 219.2! On Sunday, I put on a pair of black pants while getting ready for church, thinking they were my trusty 18's, only to find out they were the 16's that I had not been able to wear. It is insane! The best part is I can breathe so much easier with some of that belly fat gone. It's getting a little easier to cross my legs, too!
There is another tub still out in the storage building; one whose contents I have not seen in about 2 years, and some pieces that have not been worn in over a decade. Dragging that tub into the house will require a celebration of ginormous proportions! Maybe even a ticker tape parade! Inside that tub are clothes that I have held onto for many years. Some of them may be out of style, but many of them are timeless. Such as the black velvet dress with lace cap sleeves that I wore as a bridesmaid at my niece's wedding. That tub holds treasures that will make this girl's heart BEAM! It will be a while before I crack open its lid, but the journey toward it is gonna be AWESOME!
So…one day at a time, one protein drink at a time, I will walk this journey.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Bless the Lord!
Day 4 postop…
Today was the first day I've fixed my hair and put on makeup since Tuesday. It felt so good! It took me longer than usual to dry and style my hair. It's hard to imagine how little strength and stamina one has after going without any sustenance for several days. But I got it done! I started on my clear protein drinks, which aren't horrible, but I can only drink small sips at a time or I get nauseated. Actually, it feels more like a spasm more than nausea. So…it takes a LONG time to drink a 10 oz drink. This is totally new for me because I love to drink! I'm not confessing to alcoholism, but rather stating that I constantly have some hot or cold liquid to drink. I usually get my money's worth from the outrageous cost of a glass of tea in a restaurant. They might as well just give me that pitcher of unsweet tea with a straw and some lemon slices and call it good! A minor adjustment, but my body keeps me in check.
Such a wonderful time of worship at Bethel Assembly of Anson today! Our awesome worship team led us into the presence of the Lord beautifully as always. I was moved to tears during "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" because of the overwhelming realization that God has blessed me with such an awesome gift! I will be healthy! I will be fit! I will feel good and feel good about me! I'm already feeling much better about me. I mentioned in a previous post that I did this, not because I don't love myself, but because I do! I want to live to enjoy playing with my grandkids (who are still just a glimmer in their daddies' eyes). I want to grow old with my sweet man and be that cute old couple walking arm in arm. And in everything I do, I want to glorify God! I can serve Him so much better when I am healthy! Guess we just had a little church in here!
This is an exciting week because I will return to work on Tuesday for a morning seminar and then be back full-time on Wednesday. PLUS I get to move back to full liquids on Wednesday, which means I can have my creamer in my coffee again!!! Celebrate good times! Come on! Nothing makes me smile like my peppermint mocha creamer in my cup o joe! It's the little things. Tis the season to be thankful, right?
TTFN! Blessings y'all!
Today was the first day I've fixed my hair and put on makeup since Tuesday. It felt so good! It took me longer than usual to dry and style my hair. It's hard to imagine how little strength and stamina one has after going without any sustenance for several days. But I got it done! I started on my clear protein drinks, which aren't horrible, but I can only drink small sips at a time or I get nauseated. Actually, it feels more like a spasm more than nausea. So…it takes a LONG time to drink a 10 oz drink. This is totally new for me because I love to drink! I'm not confessing to alcoholism, but rather stating that I constantly have some hot or cold liquid to drink. I usually get my money's worth from the outrageous cost of a glass of tea in a restaurant. They might as well just give me that pitcher of unsweet tea with a straw and some lemon slices and call it good! A minor adjustment, but my body keeps me in check.
Such a wonderful time of worship at Bethel Assembly of Anson today! Our awesome worship team led us into the presence of the Lord beautifully as always. I was moved to tears during "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" because of the overwhelming realization that God has blessed me with such an awesome gift! I will be healthy! I will be fit! I will feel good and feel good about me! I'm already feeling much better about me. I mentioned in a previous post that I did this, not because I don't love myself, but because I do! I want to live to enjoy playing with my grandkids (who are still just a glimmer in their daddies' eyes). I want to grow old with my sweet man and be that cute old couple walking arm in arm. And in everything I do, I want to glorify God! I can serve Him so much better when I am healthy! Guess we just had a little church in here!
This is an exciting week because I will return to work on Tuesday for a morning seminar and then be back full-time on Wednesday. PLUS I get to move back to full liquids on Wednesday, which means I can have my creamer in my coffee again!!! Celebrate good times! Come on! Nothing makes me smile like my peppermint mocha creamer in my cup o joe! It's the little things. Tis the season to be thankful, right?
TTFN! Blessings y'all!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Let'r Rip, Tater Chip!
Day 3 postop…
We made the trip from Decatur to home on Thursday, just 24 hours after my surgery. The night in the hospital was probably exhausting for Todd, since every time I awoke, I wanted to walk. The goal was to move the gas out of my largely inflated abdomen. Of course, the ways that gas moves out of the abdomen are less than ladylike…you burp or you fart. Pardon my vulgarity, but I'm just calling it like it is. So…I walked every chance I got. And when I was finally able to expel some of that gas, there was a huge celebration! Any nurse will tell you that celebrations are in order for passing gas and pooping. On more than one occasion, I have declared to my patients who have accomplished these goals, "Let'r rip, tater chip!" That always seems to lighten the mood and lessen the embarrassment because, let's face it, tooting, burping, and pooping are taboo outside the hospital walls. Sorry for that, but Hey! It's real life!
Anyway, WOW! That went south, huh? My surgery went just as expected, and I was back in my room before noon where Todd and Emily were waiting for me. Emily was thoughtful enough to record some of the wisdom I shared under the influence of anesthesia and my Demerol PCA. Apparently, as I entered the room, I asked the nurses, "Did they tell you I wanted to keep my excised stomach?" WHAT?!? Evidently no one else got the message because I left the hospital without that piece of anatomy. Other Missy-isms include: announcing "I brought Q-tips," stating that "I started to ask if it was a boy or a girl," and telling my family "You might have to remind me to breathe." Evidently, I kept my family entertained.
Life after surgery has proven to have its own set of challenges. I am NOT hungry, yet I know I have to constantly keep something in me. I am supposed to squeeze 64 oz of water per day into this tiny, swollen pouch of mine that was once a stomach. The tricky part is finding something that doesn't trigger nausea. I have discovered that orange and lime sugar-free popsicles are tolerable, as well as raspberry lemonade and lemon-lime G2 Gatorade. As I write this blog post, I am sipping spring water from a champagne flute. Fancy! So far, nothing chicken flavored is appealing. Tomorrow or Monday, I will try my clear protein drinks to see if there is anything palatable. I have several to choose from, so hopefully, I will find some that I love.
Walking is GOOD, and I really enjoy it. The cool, autumn weather makes it even more enjoyable. In fact, I think it's time to get up and go for a little walk. It's time to let'r rip, tater chip!
We made the trip from Decatur to home on Thursday, just 24 hours after my surgery. The night in the hospital was probably exhausting for Todd, since every time I awoke, I wanted to walk. The goal was to move the gas out of my largely inflated abdomen. Of course, the ways that gas moves out of the abdomen are less than ladylike…you burp or you fart. Pardon my vulgarity, but I'm just calling it like it is. So…I walked every chance I got. And when I was finally able to expel some of that gas, there was a huge celebration! Any nurse will tell you that celebrations are in order for passing gas and pooping. On more than one occasion, I have declared to my patients who have accomplished these goals, "Let'r rip, tater chip!" That always seems to lighten the mood and lessen the embarrassment because, let's face it, tooting, burping, and pooping are taboo outside the hospital walls. Sorry for that, but Hey! It's real life!
Anyway, WOW! That went south, huh? My surgery went just as expected, and I was back in my room before noon where Todd and Emily were waiting for me. Emily was thoughtful enough to record some of the wisdom I shared under the influence of anesthesia and my Demerol PCA. Apparently, as I entered the room, I asked the nurses, "Did they tell you I wanted to keep my excised stomach?" WHAT?!? Evidently no one else got the message because I left the hospital without that piece of anatomy. Other Missy-isms include: announcing "I brought Q-tips," stating that "I started to ask if it was a boy or a girl," and telling my family "You might have to remind me to breathe." Evidently, I kept my family entertained.
Life after surgery has proven to have its own set of challenges. I am NOT hungry, yet I know I have to constantly keep something in me. I am supposed to squeeze 64 oz of water per day into this tiny, swollen pouch of mine that was once a stomach. The tricky part is finding something that doesn't trigger nausea. I have discovered that orange and lime sugar-free popsicles are tolerable, as well as raspberry lemonade and lemon-lime G2 Gatorade. As I write this blog post, I am sipping spring water from a champagne flute. Fancy! So far, nothing chicken flavored is appealing. Tomorrow or Monday, I will try my clear protein drinks to see if there is anything palatable. I have several to choose from, so hopefully, I will find some that I love.
Walking is GOOD, and I really enjoy it. The cool, autumn weather makes it even more enjoyable. In fact, I think it's time to get up and go for a little walk. It's time to let'r rip, tater chip!
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