college · family · friends · Uncategorized · Weekend Trips

Little Things Mean A Lot

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David and I made a quick trip to Birmingham on Friday for a sweet friend that is more family than friend.  Shana’s oldest, Jacquelyn, graduated with her Masters yesterday, and we were blessed to be a part of the celebration.
Jacquelyn finished her Masters degree in 5 1/2 years.  This was such a honor to be invited to the graduation, to be a part of the celebration.  They are family to me.  It was just a whirlwind visit, but so worth it.

It has been far too long in between visits.  This was a confirmation that we need to visit them more.  It seem like a such a little thing going up for an overnight visit, go to the graduation, and then right back home.  It meant a lot, not only to us, but to Jacquelyn and Shana.  Little things really do mean a lot.

Blessings!

 

Quotes · Random Thoughts · Sunday · thoughts · Uncategorized

Sunday Thought

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Courage doesn’t always roar.  Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying “I will try again tomorrow.” –Mary Anne Radmacher

This seems to be my favorite quote at the moment.

Blessings.

 

Random Thoughts · thoughts · Travel · Uncategorized

Kentucky Derby

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So today is the Kentucky Derby.  I have become more fascinated with it the past several years, and would like to attend one day.  Won’t be today, but one day.

And, just really to dress up and wear a fascinator: A fascinator hat is a small ornamental headpiece that fits on the head using an alice-band-type base or headband or even a small comb. It is always lightweight and usually features feathers, beads or flowers.

I especially like these:

Ah, one day.  Just add it to my wish list.

Happy Saturday! Happy Derby Day!

Blessings.

 

5 Love Languages · Empty Nest · gifts · Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized

5 Love Languages

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So the other night, David and I were watching “A Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” and someone made the comment in the movie about being married takes out the romance of the relationship.  I snickered.  David took offense.  We have different definitions of romance, and we both realized that at that moment.

The 5 Love Languages talks about how you like/love and how your partner receives those same things.  I have the book from years ago.  I even got the one for parents and kids to discover how to communicate with your children.

Well, we are learning to communicate again.  We are in a different place with the kids gone out of the house.  We are in a different place.  And, I am learning who I am again.

So, in The 5 Love Languages, you basically break down what brings you joy.  Mine are receiving gifts, personal touch, acts of service, quality time, and words of affirmation.  I had forgotten how important gifts are to me.

David made me a gardening bench out of pallets he found.  Completely blew me away last year.  (It popped up on my Facebook memories feed.)13166716_1131160830269618_122406483_nHaven’t used it like I want to, but in the next few weeks I will be doing some yard, and gardening.

I am trying to remind myself that these are just small snippets of our personalities, and that we are really good.  But I also believe that we need to grow, and adapt to not only to each other but to oneself.

More to come.

Blessings.

 

Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized

May 4th

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It’s been a crazy week, and not feeling great.  So…

May 4th

Happy May the Fourth!

Blessings.

 

accomplishment · Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Bucket List · goal · Goals · lupus · Uncategorized · WLS

Bucket List #18

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My bucket list item #18 is conquer math.  I began the journey in January with developmental math due to my placement test.  I have such test anxiety that it wouldn’t have mattered how much I would have prepared for the placement test.  I needed to go to the first developmental class.  I was really okay with this.

The first day, I was freaking out about the end of the book.  Everything looked so foreign to me.  Like an alien language.  But that was day one.

I conquered the first Mat 0018 with an A!!  I took my final on Monday night for the Mat 0028, and received a 96!!  Oh my goodness!!  How scared I was to even begin Math.  All it took was a step.

So, I have gotten over the beginnings of Math.  This summer I will take Intermediate Algebra.  And, hopefully, I will conquer it.  Fall will be College Algebra.  Lord willing.

What have you conquered?  So another goal met, and it’s only May.  Ha. Got a ways to go, but loving this.

I never thought I would be able to do any of this with my Lupus and my old weight.  Only due to the weight loss, am I able to do so much.  I fight fatigue with my lupus.  The fatigue is still here.  But I fight it.  Daily.

Blessings!

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · lupus · Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized · WLS

Lupus Awareness Month

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May is Lupus Awareness Month.  All this month, I will be promoting awareness.   I will incorporate some of the things I do to get through the day, and highlight the positive and negative.

So if you would like to find out more, click here:  www.lupus.org

 

lupus2

 

Blessings!

 

German · memories · Random Thoughts · thoughts · traditions · Uncategorized

Happy May Day!

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One of my first memories of being in Germany is a carnival.  Not sure where exactly I was, but was with my sister, and we were sitting on a bench watching kids dancing with spring wreaths on their heads.

I found this article here about May Day in Germany:  German Traditions

Maifest (Mayfest) is one of mankind’s oldest traditions! It is the celebration of nature’s bright reawakening after winter’s cold darkness. The ancient pagan festival eventually took on Christian religious significance, much like Christmas. However, it is now a colorful, joyous part of history and culture in Europe! The custom of the maypole began in the tenth century, when villagers would erect a pole in the local square. They would decorate it with sausages, cakes and multicolored ribbons! The villagers would dance around the maypole, as medieval citizens believed that it would bring good luck and wealth!

I will be taking my math final tonight, so not a lot of celebrating today.  But I may have a bratwurst, and a bite of chocolate?

Happy May Day!

Blessings.

Quotes · Random Thoughts · Sunday · thoughts · Uncategorized

Sunday Thought

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“What you can do, or dream you can, begin it; Courage has genius, power and magic in it.” – Johann Woflgang von Goethe


Dreaming today.

Blessings!

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Goals · new habits · Uncategorized · WLS

Saturday Habits

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Habits.  I don’t normally keep up with workouts or diets on the weekends.  At least, I didn’t in my past.

This morning, I walked again.  The past 3 mornings at 530a, I have gotten out of bed, put on my sports bra, socks and shoes, and hit the treadmill.  I haven’t been concerned with what type of workout, just getting up was enough.  I have been walking, but not consistently.


But it has been enough by just getting up and moving.  I have increased my steps for each of the days, and I am up and being productive with the rest of my day (two loads of laundry will be done by 10a).  I was ready to have coffee on Thursday and Friday during work, but I didn’t and it didn’t kill me.  I was off of the treadmill by the time I was normally out of bed.  So no need to change the process of getting ready for the day.  I just added 45 minutes to my day.

It wasn’t easy this morning especially knowing that I could have slept in.  Stayed warm and cozy.  Nope.  I have a goal to hit by May 16, and it is something I can accomplish.  Well, if I don’t drink as much wine between now and then.  Ha.

So, what have you been sticking with the past month?  Anything fun?

Blessings!!