Amy's New Start : Comments Welcome!

[goldcupmom]

Hope your week is off to a good start. Trip is almost here!

Glad you are feeling better. Are you packing yet?

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks ladies, sorry I have been MIA lately. I have been super busy. Boy once school is over, I can use my computer in the afternoons and evenings again! I have been hit or miss with food and exercise. I feel like I have lost some of my stamina with this and I need to be careful! I did do very well yesterday and worked out, today I didn't work out but have behaved very well with food.

I have started packing which means I am getting things done but have all sorts of piles of stuff all over and the place looks like a bomb went off.

Good news is that I invited my nephew to come with us in October to DL! The room sleeps five and I told him I would get his airfare (got $89 each way for him on Frontier, too good to pass up) and get his park ticket. He's not been anywhere in five years and I was so glad he could get the time off. He is probably the only person outside my immediate family I could share a room with. He's only coming out for part of the trip so we'll have some time just the four of us. It will be fun to see it through his eyes.

I need to catch up with all of you later.

Tracy: Why are the Nuggets and the Cavaliers not playing each other???? Hugely bummed and I bet you are too!

Amy: I am ready, I know you are too! It seemed so far away for our trips, now we are both on the verge of leaving.

Julie: Started packing but have a long ways to go. Packing for that long of a trip is a challenge and I refuse to check more than two bags now that I have to pay!

Lisa: You must be so excited, five days to go for you! And talking with an old friend is so nice, I've known her longer than my husband!

 

[toystoryduo]

I don't know why the Nuggets and the Cavs aren't playing each other. It is a major bummer!

That's great that your nephew will join you for part of your DL vacation! I bet he really appreciates the chance to get away and relax for awhile. Great prices on airfare too!

Sending some packing your way....Just a few more days now!

Have a great evening!

 

[eyor44]

I have started packing which means I am getting things done but have all sorts of piles of stuff all over and the place looks like a bomb went off.

Same bomb went off in my house, but in multiple rooms.

I am going to take a picture of my dining room turned sewing room. I do try to clean up the piles of material scraps and thread each evening when I stop, but didn't get it last night.

How wonderful that your nephew gets to join you. That was sweet of you to invite him.

 

[traceycooper]

HI Amy
I cant believe your trip is almost here, i love packing
thats great you get to take your nephew
have a great week

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks Ladies,

I have been a horrible Wisher lately, I have been so busy this week. I had a friend from out of town here, the packing and then getting ready to go camping this weekend have all just had me running around!

I splurged at lunch yesterday, had some pizza and cookies but ate an apple for dinner so it was fine. And I have exercised three days this week, so that's good.

I need to visit all of you and be a better Wish Sis, thanks for sticking with me even though I have been a bit absent lately!

Later....

I am going out to dinner tonight, I did okay all day and worked out, so I need to stay on target as much as possible. But I told the kids we could go out to celebrate the end of the school year and tonight works better so tonight it is. I wonder which place they'll pick? If its Mexican, my diet is dead!

Ds did get his grades up from last quarter but sadly had the lowest GPA of his school days. Oh well, its only one year, this school does an advanced curriculum, in fact only three other middle schools in the country do this so I guess all things considered its okay. He does not like to do a lot of creative writing and critical thinking sort of stuff (just like his dad lol) so it was a challenge. But he learned a lot. I hvae to think of the big picture. Normally the grades are good but he struggles to fit in. Not this year. He had a ton of friends, spent a lot of time doing fun things, and judging by all the kids (girls in particular) that signed his yearbook, he's well liked. And he got very involved with church and outreach/volunteering , so I'm happy. I am just used to better grades by him. I think next year when he returns to a standard curriculum, it will be easier. He has a date this weekend, he's going to a movie with some girl! They text each other and by her picture she's very cute. Its a group thing but he did ask her and she did say yes. Oh Lord, am I ready for this???

DD did great, best grades ever. Apparently she thrives on this type of curriculum. So for once, she had the better report card which is nice for her!

And I also had to do a bit of Tough Love with my sister. Long story short, she needed money, I gave her money for this already (medical bill), she used it for something else, let it slip, I made her figure it out for herself, and lo and behold she did. Its always something with her. But she got it handled and got her MS meds filled so that's all that matters. That and I'm not $500 poorer. Now I just have to wait for the next crisis!

Nephew is so excited for the trip, he keeps texting ds asking questions about Disneyland. Very cute. I can't wait, I wish he was coming with us next week but that was too soon to get it together, plus neither of our WDW resorts sleep five guests. So I have to wait awhile for that one.

Also forgot to post that I met stepdad's girlfriend. She was very nice. Now I know where he spends his time and that he's in good hands. We don't see him much now which is better all the way around, but I am happy to know this woman and see that he's happy. Its been hard to come to terms with some of this, 30 years worth of crap is a lot to work out but I can honestly say I think I have. And through it all, I want him to be happy and in a good spot and now I know he is. So that's one problem child I don't have to worry about anymore!

 

[lovinaz]

That is so cool that you were able to give your nephew a vacation! He will always remember that.

ANd it's also good that you are having your sister figure out her own mess. I knew she could do it and that is much less stress on you!

I am still not excited about my vacation, since I have a week of work hell in the UK next week! But the minute I see my family at Heathrow airport next Sat, hopefully all the work nonsense will melt away.

Where did you end up going to dinner?

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amy,

I'm glad that you stood firm with your sister. I know firsthand how hard it can be to draw boundaries with family members sometimes, but it is important to do that. I'm glad she figured things out!

I bet you have a busy weekend ahead of you getting ready for WDW. I am super excited for you! You're going to have a great time! Don't forget to have a Grey Goose Slushie or a Mai Tai for me while you're there!

Have a great weekend!

 

[traceycooper]

DS is setteled at school
DD has best ever grades
DS has sorted herself out
& stepdad is settled AND you're off to WDW....you've come a long way Amy, life is treating you well long may it continue

 

[Amy&Dan]

Tracey: That about sums things up and it feels very good to have it that way! Some roads are long and winding, but the outcome is all that counts!

Amy: I am so bummed work is this way for you right now, I hope you start to get some anticipation going soon, if not as you say, it will all be good once you meet up with Eric and the kids! Hang in there!

Tracy: I have thus far not gotten one thing done for WDW this weekend! I will definitely try my best to remember to drink a mai tai in honor of you. Or a Lapu Lapu, or maybe a glass of champagne in France while I watch Illuminations. Somehow, I'll get it all in!

So we camped yesterday. So instead of getting ready for WDW, I spent Friday and yesterday morning getting ready for that. We had a great time, perfect weather, went with our three friends/family and I let ds bring h is best friend (none of our friends have boys so this way he's not bored). It was worth it, but now I am home, I have to unload, do the laundry from camping (can we say smoke smell from the campfire) and dh has to take the kids to a bbq at church. Its "Move Up Sunday" so ds gets to officially be a highschooler at church and meet other high schoolers and the Sr. High Youth Pastor. Its hard


Monday:
Well, right as I was typing this post above yesterday, it began to rain and hail and the next thing I know the tornado sirens start going off, emergency broadcast goes off on the tv and I had to hustle myself and the dogs down to the basement for a very scary half hour. We had golf ball sized hail, the wind was like nothing I have ever heard before and I see on the tv that a tornado is right where our church is. I called dh, by that time, they had seen the actual tornado right to the east of them (maybe a quarter mile from it at most) and had to hustle everyone inside to the interior of the church building. Our friends who dh was with were totally freaking out, they had left their 12 year old daughter home alone and were panicked and couldn't get a hold of her (finally did she was fine thank God). The mall about 1/4 mile from our church had some heavy damage and I must say, it was not the afternoon we had planned on! In spite of this thing, nobody was hurt seriously and other than some minor hail damage to our car, and the fact my yard looks like a bomb went off in it, we came out fine. So that was good. But it was a scary time I must say. And completely altered the day, I didn't get much done and ended up eating McDonald's while we sat glued to the tv watching all the coverage. It was weird to see the mall and movie theater we always go to looking like that, heck the pizza place we almost went to Friday was pretty much destroyed by the looks of things.

And today they say we may have more severe weather . Gotta love springtime in Colorado.

So today's plan is to get the yard cleaned up (although I may just let ds do that tomorrow since he's home), pack, clean, unpack camping stuff and get that put away and work out.

Dd has school, ds is heading downtown to our amusement park for his 8th grade trip. They are predicting severe thunderstorms and hail, but hopefully most of the day will be fine.

 

[traceycooper]

wow Amy that is soooo scary, i was only watching a programme about tornadoes on tv, & the camerman got caught on the edge of one - frigtening!!!
Hope no more head your way

 

[toystoryduo]

Oh Amy,

Thank God you are safe! I bet that was so scary for you and for everyone in your community. Sending lots of prayers and your way.....

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks Ladies, its very unusual (can't remember but one other time) to have tornadoes like that in the metro area. Out on the eastern plains it happens but not here! It did some mild to moderate damage and nobody was hurt (except for one idiot that stayed outside taking pictures). I am just bummed the pizza place is messed up and I can't go shopping today. Okay, that sounds selfish but you know what I mean.

Updated later on Monday.

Today was my best food day in awhile. I did eat out lunch and dinner (fast food both times) but I planned carefully and made it work. I also took dd to her first pedicure (she got her second ever manicure) along with my friend and her daughter (dd's friend) so it was really fun for the four of us. Sort of an end of year present for the girls that the moms could enjoy too! Other than a furious giggling fit when they massaged her feet, dd decided pedicures are quite nice! Then I took her to Subway just us for dinner. So a nice mom and daughter night. Lunch was a chicken salad sandwich and fruit at Chick Fil A, breakfast oatmeal with walnuts and I had some cheese and crackers for a snack. Not enough veggies but on target with points and I walked 30 minutes. So I'll take it. I want so bad to get my 20 pound star this wee but I know it won't happen. Camping and not enough workign out in the past two weeks are the culprit. Oh well. My main goal was to get healthier in stages and I guess I am doing that. Its funny, I worked out three times last week and felt like a total failure. I remember when that was my goal! I did work out today and hope to nail all four days before we leave.

Ds is a freshman officially, I can't believe it. Dd is a 7th grader and I can't believe that either. And I am in my mid forties and that I can't believe most of all!

 

[traceycooper]

I am just bummed the pizza place is messed up and I can't go shopping today. Okay, that sounds selfish but you know what I mean.

from a fellow shopaholic - doesnt sound selfish at all

I'm with you on the kids growing up & us too !!!

Well done for having a great food day - not easy especially when eating out - well done
The mother/daughter day sounded lovely - i need to do that, instead of just pampering myself - i'm a selfish mother!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Congrats on the great food day yesterday, Amy!

How many more days til you leave? I bet you are getting so excited!!!

Did you say your DS is officially a freshman now? Oh my goodness! Time is flying by so fast! Congrats to both of your kids on a great school year!

Have a wonderful day, my friend!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks Tracy and Tracey. I cannot believe I am leaving Friday morning! Two days from this moment, I'll be at Chef Mickey's, then going for EMH at the Magic Kingdom. Between now and then however, I have a LOT to do! But I'm getting there.

I may go weigh in tomorrow. First I'll cheat and weigh myself at home and decide if I want to burn ten bucks and an hour to go weigh in! When I get back home, I'll sign back up for prepay and go weekly again. I worked out today really hard (but skipped yesterday) and have so far done very well with food. We are having pizza with friends tonigh so I have to watch that. I did have a nice big salad for lunch and some almonds. Oh, and I went to a movie last night with a friend (My Life In Ruins, very good chick flick and an oh so yummy guy in the film plus lovely scenery of Greece) and had: WATER. No popcorn, no candy. Call the AP, its offcial, Amy resisted popcorn at a movie. No idea how that happened.

We are having severe storms and guess what, under tornado watch. We are in some weird weather pattern, its 10-20 degrees cooler than it should be. And these wicked storms with hail are getting old. I worry about the dogs when I'm gone.

 

[toystoryduo]

Tomorrow is the big day!!!! I hope you and your family have a wonderful, magical, safe, fun, and relaxing vacation! Don't forget to have a drink in Epcot for me!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks Tracy, this will probably be my last post for awhile. Although dh as usual has to work and check email so I may have some time to log on and check out things around here!

I am so bummed, we have hail damage on the roof and car. I didn't think the car was too bad, but hadn't really had a chance to look closely. Insurance will cover it but of course there's the deductible. Then Dan decided he had better have someone look at the roof, sure enough hail damage. So the insurance guy will have to come out and look to see if they will cover it (another deductible if they do). If not, we have to decide if we want to replace or repair it on our own. Given the severe weather we have around here, I hate to fix it and then have another storm hit. Maybe insurance will cover it. I am determined not to let this ruin our vacation, but the two deductibles combined are $1250 which is not exatly chump change. Oh well, its out of my hands. We didnt' have broken windows which would have been a nightmare since all companies are backed up with claims and repairs and I would not have felt good about leaving my house with plywood on the windows for two weeks!

I did so so with food last night. I still managed to eat within points and I did weigh at home. By my best guess, I am at somewhere between 18-19 pounds total. So didnt' make the 20. And I don't want to weigh in, I have too much to do! I guess I have to be proud of what I accomplished in the last five months and just remember how long it takes me to lose weight before I pork down a Micky Bar or guzzle a fruity, sugary pool bar drink!

Thanks for the well wishes, I'll say hi to Mickey for you ladies and of course have a pool bar drink for Tracy. She made me do it!

 

[Amy&Dan]

If one more person tells me "why are you going to WDW, its so hot and miserable there this time of year", I think I'll die laughing. I was out shopping, about to go to my church (site of Sunday's tornado) to do a volunteer thing when I get a frantic call from the kids that the sirens are going off, and then I hear some woman say "golf ball sized hail coming this way" so I just called and cancelled and rushed home. Crazy weather! Its 50 degrees, windy, cold, raining with screaming sirens, I think I'll take the heat and sun in Floridia and take my chances!

 

[toystoryduo]

I'll say hi to Mickey for you ladies and of course have a pool bar drink for Tracy. She made me do it!

In my defense, I've heard that there are no calories in WDW so those drinks should be okay!

Sending some for your roof and for your car. I hope everything works out that you don't have to pay much money out of pocket and that both get fixed quickly.

I hope you have a wonderful and magical vacation, Amy!!!