Just Die, Old Man Winter!

Do you know we were in the midst of a snow storm, yesterday? A.freaking.snow.storm. Yes. I was not happy. I looked super cute, but I wasn't happy. Why oh why won't old man winter just die, already? You're time is over! Get the hell outta here!

The next few days (um, May starts tomorrow?!) are supposed to be cold and rainy/snowy. The good news is that it's not sticking; however, the flowers look sad and pathetic. I looked at the ten-day forecast and, at least, Mother's day looks like it will be nice (76). Of course, we'll all have colds and flus because of this blasted weather that can't make up it's mind.

Speaking of Mother's day, I found a lovely diamond necklace for my mom. I wasn't planning on buying her diamonds, but I found this piece for a steal and just couldn't leave it in the store. It even says Mom! I hope she likes it and actually wears it. So often, she's so happy to receive things but then won't wear them. I plan on just putting it on her in church when I see her. No choices, right?

I am happy it's Friday (even though it's colder than the 9th layer of hell) but I do wish my hubby weren't off and away. He's going to Boise for his show this weekend (a five hour drive) and I won't see him until late, Sunday. I will be drowning my sorrows in computer games I purchase from Office Depot (they're having a sale, currently). My poor computer is so full of games already. I am especially fond of time management games like Diner Dash, Wedding Dash, Dairy Queen Tycoon and Delicious. So pitiful, huh?

My Hubby is Wearing Himself Out

He has signed up for another show. That will make six total, once he's all done. I think he's lost his mind, but he sees this as some sort of personal challenge/goal. Okay, so when he falls out, who's going to pick him up? He's too damn solid...and heavy.

Have to say that all the testosterone in the house has made me randier than usual. No complaints from hubby, of course. Also, with my new eating habits I've learned that I substitute food and alcohol for the "good stuff". Better to have the "good stuff" than to put those 30 pounds back on.

We're thinking of our vacation plans and reconsidering our trip to California. We were going to drive part way, stay in Vegas a day or so, then continue driving to Southern Cal. Now, we're thinking we should go ahead and put those passports to use. I'm totally game! Point me to the big boat with the swimming pool. If everything goes well with the second part of my eating plan, I may dive in and get a two piece. Wow! Never thought I'd say that.

I made a faux baked potato dish for lunch and it was divine! Who knew cauliflower could be so good. I suppose when anything's drowned in cheese, it's bound to be good. I've made new and unique dishes four times over the past two weeks. It's been quite the adventure.

Work Politics and Other Stuff

So much drama happening in my office right now. I don't want to convey too many details just yet, but let's just say the environment is making it easier to leave in Mid-May. Why can't people who are fortunate enough to have jobs have a strong work ethic? Why not buy two, three or four alarm clocks if you can't wake up for work? Where in the recession-hell is a lunch paid for by a company these days?

Hubby has another show on the 30th and wants the family to go. I would love to, but we're not sure if he can change his hotel plans. Also, I can't remember if the Babe has her last competition that day or not. Crazy that each of their competitions have been on the same day.

I've been living through my family, as of late. There's nothing really going on with me aside from the weight loss. I'll be moving through the next couple of phases and, hopefully, regain my former body back. Right now, I'm about six pounds less than I was when I got married 12 years ago. In a couple of weeks, I'm going to start adding my weight training back in (slowly) and tone up. That's the only aspect missing on my new physique. Happy hump day!

50 Random Questions

Haven't done one of these in a long, long while. Pass it on!

1. Where were you three hours ago?

Here, working.

2. Who are you in love with?

My hubby

3. Have you ever eaten a crayon?

Probably

4. Is there anything pink within ten feet of you?

Yes. A picture frame made at Indy's daycare with a picture of Indy in the center.

5. When is the last time you went to the mall?

Last week.

6. Are you wearing socks right now?

Nope

7. Do you have a car worth over 2k?

Yep.

8. When was the last time you drove out of town?

Last Friday

9. Have you been to the movies in the last five days?

No.

10. Are you hot?

Do you mean "hot like fire"? or Is my temperature warm? Yes to the first, no to the second. ;)

11. What are you wearing right now?

a birthday outfit my sister bought me a couple of years ago.

12. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it?

Depends on how I'm feeling that day (and how dirty my car is)

13. What was the last thing you had to drink?

Water

14. Last food that you ate?

Miso soup

15. Where were you last week at this time?

Well, right here, of course.

16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

Shoes for my girls (sandals, to be exact).

17. When is the last time you ran?

Over the weekend, but not far.

18. What was the last sporting event you watched?

Figure pair skating on tv

19. What is your favorite animal?

Dog

20. Your dream vacation?

An all expenses paid cruise/European excursion for like 3 months (with built in babysitting)

21. Last person's house you were in?

My own

22. Worst injury you've ever had?

I was bit by a dog in the face. Fourteen stitches. You'd never know, today.

23. Have you been in love?

Yes, and still am.

24. Do you miss anyone right now?

My grandmother

25. Last play you saw?

Dial "M" for Murder

26. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?

My charm

27. What are your plans for tonight?

It's Mom-taxi time. Taking the Babe to dance.

28. Who is the last person you sent an email message to?

Co worker

29. Next trip you are going to take?

Hopefully, a postponed romantic rendezvous with hubby somewhere.

30. Ever go to camp?

Nope. The outdoors has bugs.

31. Where you an honor roll student in school?

Why, yes I was.

32. What do you want to know about the future?

If my children will grow up happy and safe

33. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?

I'm wearing Black Amethyst body spray from Bath and Body Works.

34. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor's visit?

Yes, that reminds me...

35. Where is your best friend?

At work in Nashville

37. How is your best friend?

Very, very unhappy with her current situation.

38. Do you have a tan?

Uh, not currently but I stay pretty brown through out the year. lol!

39. What are you listening to right now?

The sound of my typing

40. Who is the biggest gossiper you know?

My sister

41. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over?

It's been years, but a cop came to help me when I had an accident, last year.

42. Have you ever drank your soda through a straw?

Yep

43. What does your last text message say?

"Thanks. :) I survived but, boy was it painful."

44. Do you like hot sauce?

Yep! Franks!

45. Last time you took a shower?

Last night

46. Do you need to do laundry?

Took care of two loads before work. Today is laundry day at my house.

47. Are you someone's best friend?

Yep!

48. Are you rich?

In so many ways, I am.

49. What is your heritage?

African, German, East Indian, Irish

50. What were you doing at 12AM last night?

Sleeping peacefully

I'm Married to Mister Utah 2010

I hate that I missed it! Hubby took his weight class and overall! I'm so proud of him! Thankfully, my sister and mother were there to cheer him on. Well, a slew of his friends were there to cheer. His sister came too, in fact, and brought along our niece and nephew. It's wonderful that he did so well, but haters prevail. He said he could hear people in the back talking about him, insisting that he must be on something. He was a light-weight contender and looked much heavier than he was because of his muscle mass. So what! Genetics rock! Besides, they make all the competitors take all sorts of tests before they can compete in a natural show to prove this very thing.

My daughters and I were down south in 80 degree weather just basking in all that gorgeous sunshine and red rock. I was so happy to be in shorts again. Unfortunately, the Babe became ill and I had to get creative with medications, so that she could compete in her show. She did so well, but the group after them (high schoolers, at least) were their competition. What the heck? Not again. You can't pit that kind of skill against 9 year-olds. No fair! We'll find out Wednesday how they ranked. This really makes me not want her to compete next year.

The snow has melted away and the rain is coming. When I drove home, yesterday, the sun disappeared and was replaced by overcasting clouds. The more north I drove, the cloudier it became. How sad. I was happy to see my hubby again. I missed him so much...even more so because I was without him during my anniversary. I really, really hated that. The plan is to get away together, once he's done with all this competing. It can't happen fast enough.

I'm very happy about reverting back to my old schedule, next week. Last month, I spent so much on gas and extra babysitting that I thought I would just break down and cry. Hubby insisted that I calm down about it because this is just what we had to do. Rational, my man. I calmed but I still wished for that money to magically reappear in my purse...especially with hospital bills arriving soon. Tax rebate? Do you hear me? Time to make an appearance.

Hoping to See Spring Again

We received over five inches of snow the night before last. As such, I decided to work from home, yesterday. No way was I going to risk my life in even more impending snow. It was slow, but a fairly good day. It's spring break and both my kids were home making me a little nutty. It's hard because they can't go outside and play, which would alleviate some of the extra energy they have. I'm praying the temps warm up enough over the next couple of days where they can get out and go to the park.

Friday, we're driving south for the Babe's dance competition. She's to compete with other groups across the state. I hope her expectations aren't too high. Last year, they placed platinum for their category. I think they look great when they perform but, of course, I'm incredibly bias.

The drive is approximately 4.5 hours (but a bit faster, since part of the drive allows for super speeds). The temperatures are usually 30 to 40 degrees warmer than they are here. So, even if the temps remain a little chilly, we're headed to nearly summer like weather. Bring on the swimming pools!

The sad part is that we will be traveling on my wedding anniversary. This is the first anniversary that my hubby and I will be apart. We are not happy about this in the least, but I'm sure we'll be rewarded with trophies from both ends (hubby and the Babe's). This weekend, hubby will be in an all natural show. I can't imagine that he won't place, after going up against "roided" up guys the past couple of shows. I'm so very, very proud of him.

Today is my mother's birthday and I asked her to tell me what she wants. In the past, I would have thought this tacky but, she's nearly at retirement age and pretty much buys whatever she wants. I felt it best to just ask. Know what she said? "Bananas. I want bananas." I told her to think about it a little more and call me back with a real answer. (P.S. I'll still get her the bananas, though).

Post-Surgery and Easter

Friday was surgery day. We were scheduled to be there at 8:15 (early, but not unreasonable). We arrived at approximately 8:00am and my mother was waiting for us in the waiting room. I inputted Indy's name into the computer, which programmed my beeper, then sat to wait to be called.

After about five minutes, the beeper went off and I went to the admin station to sign lots of papers and get tagged. She told me to take the beeper back with me because it would go off again when it was time to see the nurse. Within five minutes of returning to the waiting area, the pastor of our church arrived. It seems someone didn't pass along the message of what time we would be there. He'd been there since 6:00am. Yikes! What a guy. He talked with my mother and I for a few minutes, then little Indy. He had her hold her neck up so he could see her cyst and get an idea of what we were dealing with. Five minutes after that, the beeper went off again. I was glad things were moving along nicely.

The nurse weighed her, took her height then showed us to an examination room. There, she took her temperature and blood pressure. She also left out jammies for Indy to put on (and some warm socks). The next nurse came in and gave us information about the surgery start time (9:45am) and pain management. She said she just wasn't sure what to expect for her since everyone is so different. She then showed us to the pre-op waiting room (more like a playroom).

There were all manner of toys for her to play with; dolls, kitchen sets, trains, blocks and more. She was having a grand old time. Then, an hour lapsed and we were way past surgery time. My mother inquired with the nurses station and it seems the doctor was behind on the surgery before hers. She was beginning to ask for food, poor thing. What child wouldn't, who is accustomed to having regular breakfast every morning. Finally, finally (at around 10:45am) the nurse came out to introduce herself. A few minutes later, the doctor came out to apologize for his lateness and assure us we were going back in just a few minutes. Lastly, the anesthesiologist came out and introduced herself. She also asked us if we had any questions.

We walked back to the surgery doors with Indy and said, "See you later," as she went through (the education classes said to say this, rather than goodbye as it can prove too traumatic for both the child and parents). My mom and I then headed to the next waiting room to receive status updates on Indy's surgery. While we waited, I wandered down to the cafeteria to see if there was anything I could eat from there. No dice. My mother went and came back with a tuna melt. It smelled divine. Have to remember to make those at home.

Indy's surgery was successful and fast! The nurse initially told us 1.5 hours to complete the surgery, but they were done in 45 minutes. Hooray! The doctor came back and confirmed that the cyst was a Dermoid cyst, but that they would send it to the lab for testing. He also said he didn't see any cancer or cancerous cells. Good! Lastly, he indicated that she would not need to stay overnight and could go home with me. That was the icing on the cake. My mother and I went back to see her in post op and, although a bit loopy, she was in good spirits. She drank them out of apple juice and slushies.

Saturday, we had Easter practice again and she was totally up for it. She ran through her speech twice, then participated in the Easter egg hunt. When we got home, she died eggs with her sister. Later, we ran errands then came home to watch movies and eat.

Sunday, my stupid clock sprang forward (it still has the chip and I bought it before all the changes were made a couple of years back). It was fine, since I wanted to try something new with my hair. It totally didn't work, so I rinsed it and brought back my curls. The girls looked beautiful, my hubby was handsome, and I was working it in a David Meister yellow dress (size 8, thank you).

We came home, watched the Prince of Egypt and passed out on the couch. Later, we went to Wally world and shopped since everything else was closed (we missed our Target, yesterday). I had lots of yummy new goodies from my plan but they were loaded with salt. I'll know better today. TOM is a monster, when it comes to salt (and it's way).

Overall a positive and happy weekend. Thanks to you all who reached out with your concern and prayers. You'll never know how much those mean to me. Hope you all had a happy and joyous Passover and Easter.

Surgery Day Approaches

We're trying to wrap our heads around this thing, my family and I. Today, we'll be journeying up to the hospital for our pre-surgery education class. My eldest is looking forward to it, but Indy still has no idea. I'm not sure I know how to explain it to her, but I'll try. She has a right to know what's going to happen, even if she doesn't fully understand the ramifications.

I received a call from one of the hospital administrators this morning who performed the standard health questionnaire. I'm glad that Indy is so healthy. It made answering the questions very, very simple. At the end of the call, she mentioned that the doctor reserved a bed for her over night. I understood this to be an out-patient surgery. She said that it is, but that he has the bed for her in case they decide to do an overnight observation...seeing as it's her throat and all. They want to make sure there's no swelling. Poor little thing!

I made arrangements for my mother to keep my eldest, since my hubby has to work on Saturday. I left a message for him about the new information I received. I wonder if he'll call in or something? I guess I'll find out this afternoon. It's been four years since I stayed in a hospital over night. Ironically, it was due to Indy's birth. I'll never forget those last two days with her there. The nurse would bring her in and I would lay her in the crook of my arm and both of us would pass out. It wasn't exactly safe, but we sure made good napping buddies.

Finally, it's Easter weekend and I'm thinking that a movie and dyed eggs on Saturday will perk up spirits around the house (if spirits are up to it). My insane move was to do Indy's hair tonight, but I think it will be less-than-fresh by Sunday. I suppose that I can, at least, get it washed and straightened. Then the hard stuff is out of the way. We'll see how the day lays out. It's definitely going to be a long one.