Amy's New Start : Comments Welcome!

[toystoryduo]

Sending a and prayers your way....Things will get better soon!

Good for you for getting the work approved for the plumber!

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks Tracy and Julie. Julie, our home warranty is another company, but I think they are all the same!

I have been off disboards quite a bit lately as you have noticed! For one thing, it would take me sometimes a minute or more to get a post to show up and I thought it was the disboard server. Turns out, ds had some stuff he had installed on his settings that was taking up so much space it made the whole computer slow. So I had Dan uninstall that which helped tremendously!

I have also been busy getting us all to the dentist and doctor. Since today may be Dan's last day, our benefits run out. Cobra is around $900 and we may just purchase a major med thing until he gets a job which would cost half. I had over $1000 worth of dental work done in the last two days, luckily it only cost me $140. But my mouth is sore and I am so glad I don't have to have that done very often!

As I said, today may be his last day, but it probably won't. I think he got his two week extension and with that plus his PTO they will owe him for, he is good through June. He should find out today for sure. It is so ridiculous that he is treated this way. But he'll do whatever to stay on for the two weeks which will also give us benefits through June.

Job hunt going along well and he had a good interview yesterday.

We just take it one day at a time!

I am getting busy with getting ready for company. I had Dan clean some stuff out of the garage, including a twin sized mattress we don't need anymore. I told him to put it on the driveway last night with a free sign on it. I know for a fact there are people who drive around neighborhoods hoping to steal stuff people have out the night before Garage Sale Friday's this time of year. So they can just have my mattress for free! And sure enough it was gone by this morning.

I am going to weigh in today, its been an okay week food wise, exercise I only got in three times. But given all my dental stuff, I am proud I got that much in. I doubt the scale will be that friendly but I guess you never know!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi WISH sis,

Any updates on Dan's job? Did they give him another extension? We're praying!

I've been meaning to ask you...Where is the place at WDW where you can make your own pasta? I think I remember reading about it in your journal, but I didn't write down where it was located.

I hope you have a safe and Happy Memorial Day!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks Tracy, Dan did get the two week extension. It went right down to the wire, he didn't find out until Friday about 3:00 p.m. He wasn't sure if he needed to pack up his office or get things ready for next week. I can't wait until he is out of there, this whole situation and the way they treat him is intolerable. But since the wheels of time move slowly in the job market, he needs this two weeks to continue with the hunt as well as have benefits. So it was a prayer answered.

The pasta is at the Port Orleans Riverside food court. They make it for you, but they have about 10-15 toppings you can choose from (as many as you want) and the choice of chicken or shrimp. Then they make it fresh for you and put it in a big chinese takeout container. You also have a choice of alfredo or marina sauce. It comes with a breadstick and is enough for two adults and maybe a kid or two. Dan and I couldn't finish ours when we shared but partly that was because we each got a hunk of cheesecake and didn't want to be too full for that!

We have gotten a lot done this weekend. Dan and I got the deck cleaned off and washed, then he stained it this morning and will seal it tomorrow. We also got some yardwork done. Nothing like company coming to make you get the house and yard shaped up.

My sister and nephew came down Friday night. They spent the night then I took my sister to see Sex and the City yesterday. We had a great time. She is so lonely and so worried about money and I really worry about her. Ever since my mom died, I am all she has left. Don't know if its that or the constant praying I do for God to give me the strength and patience to deal with her better, but our relationship is better than I ever thought it would be. She finally sees me as an ally and not someone to knock down and degrade. WE both try very hard and I hope my mom can see us. She always worried about my sister and wondered what would happen between us and I hope she knows it all came out just fine. Not that I can't still get mad (and I am sure she does too) but I let it ride because getting in my two cents is never worth it anymore. She is who she is and in the end, she is my sister. Stepdad and my brother have basically bowed out of her life but I won't follow. I love her to death and if I do that, its like rejecting my mom and dad since my sister is a part of them. Anyway, we decided to have them come back on the 18th, we are all HUGE Toy Story fans and I told her and my nephew that we had to see it together.

Today we went to a friend's house for a party. I did not have fun. I think partly I was sort of just not in the mood but mostly I was a fish out of water. I was sitting there with women (guys were in the garage playing darts) and I don't always feel very comfortable with women. They were all thin, they all dress very nice and spend a ton of time shopping and on clothes and they all have big careers. One of them works at an Ann Taylor so she was passing out coupons and offered me one to be nice but I declined. Everyone there knew full well that Ann Taylor would not be a place I would shop due to my size. Oh yeah, and the fact I don't work and my husband is two weeks away from being jobless so Ann Taylor ain't happening! I stuck it out for three long hours but then told Dan "time to go" and we left. I think he's mad at me now, he was having a great time. I should have gone and played darts with the guys and listened to Van Halen and AC/DC because frankly, I would have had more fun. As it was I listened to stuff about one gal's love life, another one whining that her nanny only speaks spanish so her two year old now speaks spanish and she can't understand her and then all of them talking about how they are size 6's but sometimes have to wear 8's when they are bloated. Meanwhile, poor dd was stuck with the daughters of these women and was being largely ignored and made fun of since these girls are cheerleaders and dd is not and therefore didnt' know how to do the cheers and tumbling. So she was miserable too. Its funny, this one woman is a good friend of mine and we have a great time when its just her and I, but when she's with her other friends, she's like a different person. It was just the last thing I needed. I was feeling so good about myself when I was getting ready to go, I had on a pair of capris I could barely zip in the fall and they fit perfect. But then somehow during the course of the afternoon, I just started feeling like a loser. I am too old to be so insecure!

I weighed in Friday, was up .4. So I have gained .6 in the past two weeks. I am not hitting the food and exercise as hard as I should and clearly it shows. I need to have a good week this week, but so far I have overeaten two days in a row and haven't exercised since Thursday. I plan to go for a long walk tomorrow and then we hope to take the kids to the pool. I already have a healthy lunch planned to take to the pool. Time to get back on track.

Sorry to be negative again, I think this job thing an impending company is making me a bit stressed. I am looking forward to having a day just the four of us tomorrow, I think it will help me feel a bit more positive.

 

[lovinaz]

First of all, I just want to remind you how awesome I think you are! And hurray on your capris fitting! Forget those shallow wenches at the party. I'm impressed that you made it 3 hours with them! I think you hit it right on the head - if there HAS to be a next time - hang out with the guys! It's a shame that your friend changed personalities when she got around the other women. Not surprised the girls acted that way - look at their role models!

I wouldn't fret about 0.6lbs in 2 weeks! I can gain that in 2 minutes! You know what the problem is, and I KNOW you will get back on it full swing. You've come too far this year to fall off track.

How wonderful that your relationship with your sister is going so well. That is one stress you don't need right now.

I am sending some for Dan's job situation.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Amy are you home my friend??? You are are so awesome yourself and I really needed to hear that today so thanks for being my friend. Its so funny because during that long afternoon of female nastiness, I thought of you and said to myself "I wish Amy was here because we could be miserable together". I love many women in my life, but I have to say, women can often be just plain nasty! I think we let our own insecurities get the best of us sometimes and I think some women let that turn into petty stuff. I just turn inward and start dissing myself which isn't much better but at least I only hurt myself when I do that as opposed to hurting others! Next time I am heading to the garage with the guys. Dan did forgive me, I guess he was up on darts by a game or two and that was why he didn't want to leave! He did say he had overheard some of the conversation and knew "we were leaving damn quick" because he knew I was probably not having any fun.

I weighed today and was not up at all. In spite of a rather bad weekend with food. Go figure. Although I did slam the water and while I ate some not so great stuff, I didn't eat volumes of it and I stopped the minute I was not hungry. Maybe if I am very disciplined the next three days, I can take off my .06.

Dh that rat has lost 19 pounds and now weighs 154 pounds. His blood pressure is normal but he needs all new pants! The man drinks beer every darn weekend, exercises not even half of what I do but loses four pounds more than me. Men have all the luck.

 

[keenercam]

Amy -- I know I haven't been around, but I've always thought of you as one of my WISH heroes. You have so much self-discipline and such a positive spirit. I am not surprised that gathering wasn't your cup of tea. You are so much deeper than that. Don't let any of that shallowness impact on how you feel about yourself. You are an awesome woman, and a wonderful wife and mother. I have often thought that WISHers sometimes know each other better than the people in their real lives because you get to know the person, and not just the "appearance". KWIM?

You are doing great. Keep up the amazing work. With all the stress in your life, it is phenomenal that you have been so on-track.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, that is so sweet, how on earth do I deserve so much love and respect around here??? I remember seeing your wedding photos (traceycooper told me about those lol) and thinking "I need to get on her journal"! So now is the time, thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot. And you are right, I know for a fact my Wish Sisters know me better, they ought to for all the stuff I unload on this journal!

I did well with food today, but I didn't make it to the gym. My friend "d" lost her dog last week and we went and had coffee instead. This poor family, they are both out of work, their son was just diagnosed with aspergers and now they lost their beloved golden retriever. I am telling you, when it rains it pours.

I am okay with not exercising. That's why God invented tomorrow!

I am also thinking I might stop WW for a bit. I can weigh on our wii, or I can weigh at the gym. Frankly, going to WW on Friday makes it impossible for me to aquasize that day and right now, that is helping me more than WW. Also I am sort of getting that burnt out feeling with it. So maybe a break is a good thing. My billing cycle is coming up, I may cancel it so I can save myself $39. I know I'll be back (Weight Watchers and I are the proverbial dysfunctional couple ) but I think I'll take a few months off.

Plans coming along very well for our week with Dan's family for his dad's memorial. I know its kind of weird, but I'll sort of miss having Dan's dad's ashes and my mom's ashes here at my home. But we are ready for this closure. I am sort of making a week's worth of food that fil liked to have back when he lived here and would come over. I wish he was coming over this time too. I still cannot believe he's gone and its been six months now. I am so proud of Dan for getting his 19 pounds off, is dad's way-too-early passing really had an impact.

I posted this earlier, then deleted it but I guess I'll go ahead and post it again (and keep it this time lol). I booked airfare to WDW! We have really saved up over the last few months and Dan has been after me to take the plunge and think positive. I got the best airfare (by a few hundred dollars) I have ever gotten in six years of WDW trips. Its on Southwest and good until next May, so if things don't pan out as we hope, we can save those tickets for spring break. Southwest never charges a change penalty which is good. I madea room only reservation at CBR for a pirate room (had POR booked first but the pirate rooms called my name so I switched). Now, if a good discount doesn't come my way we may switch to Pop or just hold off until March. In the meantime, we have something to look forward to one way or the other.

I will add, this trip is going to be a total surprise for the kids. I don't want them to know about it because if we cancel due to not getting a good job, they won't know and won't be disappointed. Which is why I deleted my post, I am always worried somebody from real life will find this journal and I don't want the surprise ruined. On the other hand, I am about to bust so I gotta share!

Yeah we are crazy, but then again, my mom did some crazy fun things in her life and I never heard her say one regret about any of it. She was however always bummed she never got to see Niagra Falls!

 

[DisDee]

Amy, I'm so glad to hear that you booked the trip to WDW! It really helps to have something to look forward to when you are going thru stressful times. I know it kept me going thru my first bout with the big "C" when I knew that a Disney Cruise was on the horizon. I'm really happy for you and know that things will work out with Dan's employment.

 

[goldcupmom]

I am okay with not exercising. That's why God invented tomorrow!

I am also thinking I might stop WW for a bit. I know I'll be back (Weight Watchers and I are the proverbial dysfunctional couple ) but I think I'll take a few months off.

I booked airfare to WDW! We have really saved up over the last few months and Dan has been after me to take the plunge and think positive. I got the best airfare (by a few hundred dollars) I have ever gotten in six years of WDW trips. Its on Southwest and good until next May, so if things don't pan out as we hope, we can save those tickets for spring break. Southwest never charges a change penalty which is good.

\!

OMG Amy! These quotes could be me!! I was spewing my diet orange crush over the WW comment! I have decided after cruise IF I can be about 155 or below, I will rejoin & claim I need to lose 10 to finally get lifetime. I've been WW off & on since 1/28/2003, so I feel I deserve it!

I got pretty good fares on SW for July/Aug, too. Still hoping for a 'ding' tho!

Glad prayers were answered in the way we were all praying for the 2 wk extension of Dan's job. Guess God is on hiatus from his WDW vacation!

Glad you had a nice visit with Sister. Don't stress too much about company....but I do the same darned thing!

Have a great rest of the week. One of these weekends I need to head to Co so we can hang out. I am 6 hrs from the north end of Co. Springs, so can't be that much further to you.

 

[toystoryduo]

I am totally convinced that we need to have a WISH meet in WDW! I completely understand what you're talking about with the ladies at the party. I so often feel like a third wheel in those situations. That's why we MUST have a WISH meet someday. We would all have so much fun together!

I am so glad that Dan got another two week extension! Sending prayers for his job situation....

Very excited about your Disney trip! Thanks for the information on the make your own pasta. Do you remember how much it cost? Also, does everyone make their own or is the takeout box enough for the family? Is it on the dining plan? Thanks!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, WISH sis!

 

[keenercam]

Cam, that is so sweet, how on earth do I deserve so much love and respect around here??? I remember seeing your wedding photos (traceycooper told me about those lol) and thinking "I need to get on her journal"! So now is the time, thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot. And you are right, I know for a fact my Wish Sisters know me better, they ought to for all the stuff I unload on this journal!

Frankly, Amy, you deserve kindness and respect because you give it. You probably don't remember but I am pretty sure I used to post on your old WISH journal. Then again, I am heavily medicated, so maybe I just feel like I know you because I lurk in WISH journals all the time and have read this one even when I wasn't posting.

I have gone through that phase with WW where I took a break from the meetings and paying and spent the time at the gym instead. I am still paying that 39.00/month for the monthly pass in the hopes that I'll actually use the site more and journal my foods, but if you can use sparkpeople to track calories and you find that task helpful, it might be a way to save the money but to still track your food. You'll do great!

BTW, congrats on booking airfare. With SWA you can't lose. I think it's great for you to have that to look forward to. I hope Dan finds a new job quickly. Does the 2 week extension mean you have health insurance at least through the end of June? I hope so.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks ladies.

I went to a funeral today, an old friend from my childhood lost her 87 year old dad recently and his memorial was today. One of those very nice celebrations of a life well lived, he was a wonderful man. Sort of a father figure to me since I didn't have a dad of my own. In fact, it was ironic, today is the 38th anniversary of when my dad died and I remembered all the times Mr. G. was happy to give me advice or a hug in the years after.

Of course (and here we go with me griping about snotty women lol) I saw lots of friends from high school. I must say, God granted me a very good hair day, my 15 pound loss made me feel much more confident and had my nice "funeral" clothes fitting way better than the last time I wore them and Dan went with me which was nice. I got to see some of my friends and their moms and dads and although it was sad day it was so nice to see everyone. However, my one friend I have known since kindegarten sat next to me and had no sooner sat down when she throws in my face that my ds15 got busted by her husband last week for using the "f" word in the halls with some friends. She and her husband both teach at ds' school and I guess he was horsing around with some friends and somebody stuck an ice cube down his back and he let the f nasty loose. So not good but why oh why in front of other friends, in a church, when I haven't seen her in two years since my own mom's funeral does she have to bring that up? Oh well. I was nice and said I'd be sure and talk to him and that his time with the Marines had in fact gotten him on the Potty Mouth Wagon. Ds is not going to be in my good graces when he gets home today! Dan said she should worry about her own kid (who crapped his pants at about age 7 the last time we saw them lol) and mind her own business!

Dan has a second interview tomorrow! Its looking very good and very promising. Say a prayer he gets an offer! And I have a possible job lead. This woman who is the aunt of one of dd's friends is a sales rep and needs somebody to come in and do general office work 20 hours a week in her home. It sounds perfect. So maybe I am going to get that break I need too! I called her this morning and hopefully she'll call me back in the next couple of days.

Dan and I went out for Mexican food afterwards. Went to a favorite place of my mom's in my old neighborhood and I ate half and got ice tea but I am thinking it wasn't my best effort on the food front!

Cam: You did visit my old journal but I was bad about keeping up with that one consistently! I feel like you can't lose with SWA either, to me it was a safe bet. If we can't get to WDW we can always just use those tickets to go see my brother sometime. But no offense to him, I'd rather go to WDW!

Denise: Our whole Disney thing got started after my mom got cancer and having those trips to plan and look forward to got me through that last six years with her cancer and Alzheimers. I am okay with going much less, not having our DVC anymore, but I have to have a trip or two a year to keep me sane! I knew youd' understand.

Tracy: That pasta bowl is like 11.99 if memory serves. Its huge! I did three surveys today. Thanks for helping me with this, I'll probably pm you later. With my sign up thing and the survey's I've earned enough for a Mickey Bar at least!

Julie: I am about an hour north of that end of Colorado Springs and yeah you need to come here! I am telling you, most people I know do the on again, off again thing with WW. I love the plan and even want to become a leader someday, I just need a break. And if I get this job, I'll need my mornigns for working out so then I'll really have to think about what I want to do on that front.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Finally got a walk in tonight. Dan and I did about 35 minutes FAST because it was getting dark and the bugs were out. First workout I have done since last Thursday. Shameful!

So I came home, decided to relax on my deck (that is newly washed up, stained and looks great thank you very much). Had my nice ice water, good view of the Big Dipper and chatted with Dan about our clandestine WDW plans. Then Dan goes inside to help ds with something and suddenly I hear the sad sound of gushing water. Our piece of crap sprinkler system that has some major problem every year is apparently keeping up with tradition. Great. I told Dan we may just have to live without a sprinkler system this summer, frankly not one penny of my WDW budget is going towards that when we have a little thing called a hose and a sprinkler head that can water just fine. And two teenagers who can get their butts out there and move that hose and sprinkler!

At least I got my walk in, short as it was. Also unloaded a coffee table I have had stored in my furnace room for years today so that was good.

Plans for this weekend:
paint ds' room
wash windows
clean out the flower bed we never bothered to do last summer and plant some bushes and flowers in it (if Daisy gets in there she's gonna be thrown on the bbq for sunday dinner)
remove, wash and put back on all bedding in guest rooms in basement
make out grocery list and shop for groceries
clean out garage and take a bunch of crap to Good Will and the dump
yell at ds every five minutes to study for his finals

This will not be a relaxing weekend.

 

[toystoryduo]

Amy,

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's dad. He sounds like he was a wonderful man.

I'm also sorry that you had to deal with more friend drama.

WONDERFUL news that you and Dan both have some very promising job leads!!!! Sending prayers and for you both!

Great job getting your walk in!

Don't forget to work on a survey or two today! Please let me know if you have any questions.

I hope you have a wonderful day today!

 

[keenercam]

Amy -- UGH! on the sprinkler system. Glad you can enlist the aid of your teens to help. Your weekend to-do list looks very ambitious. I hope you can accomplish all you hope to do.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks Tracy and Cam.

Today was not the most productive day I have ever had. In fact, I came home from aquasize and basically watched tv. I am tired from not sleeping more than 3 or 4 hours any night in the past week. My allergies have been awful. All day, in spite of taking my Allegra, I have been sneezing, my throat is all scratch and my eyes are burning. Its been cloudy and humid and cooler and I think maybe that has gotten the mold going on top of the pollen. I am so ashamed of myself for being so lazy today. It makes me feel so worthless, like one of those fat housewives I don't want to be. Even though its very rare for me to do that, it just makes me feel ashamed when I know so many women who work full time and don't get a tv day in the week. On the flip side, I won't have a second to sit down all weekend so I guess that makes it a little less horrid. At least I got to watch some stuff I recorded back in January!

Dan had his interview, it went well but they have one other candidate in mind and will not make a decision until next week. Naturally he and I were both so hoping he'd know this week. He has one more week left of work but with vacation time they owe him, we'll be fine through the month. And we do have benefits all month. But we are both just feeling like if we don't hear something soon we'll go bonkers. Its been a long two months.

Got a bit of laundry done today and did make a nice dinner for the family (after tv time I was mad and ashamed I got into overdrive at long last). Did not hear from the woman who needs an assistant. I also found out where she lives, its quite a long ways away. It would be impossible to work the hours she has in mind and get dd picked up in time, especially since I found out last week that they are changing middle school hours. She will now get out 40 minutes earlier each day. Which means I can only work until 2:30 to get her picked up in time. But I still hope to at least talk to this woman to see if maybe we can work something out.

I feel just blah and worthless today. I snacked all day long on low calorie junk that added up I am sure. I also have to say when I have a lot to do I get in this overwhelmed funk and end up doing less than normal. Having company next week is without a doubt the worst possible timing I can think of. It will be nice to see them and who knows, maybe by the time they get here, we'll know something. I hope so.

I also got really excited today, I got an email from Disney Destinations in my spam folder, I was so excited thinking maybe I got a pin but no such luck. It was just some dumb email newsletter. Don't know why I am even worrying about that. You know a pin for a trip we may very well not get to take! But a pin for free dining or 40% off would be so great. Maybe soon.

Sorry to be so whiney, I promise I'll be more positive tomorrow!

Tracy: I got four surveys done today, but only two showed up. Do they sometimes take a long time to show up on your account history? And I never seem to be able to get any of those click things. I like the surveys and every bit for Disney counts!

Cam: I nuked painting ds' room off the list, so my list is getting less ambitious! But a little more realistic.

 

[keenercam]

AMY!!!! Stop being so hard on yourself!! Geez, you haven't been getting enough sleep and your allergies are taking a toll (and don't I know how that can make a person miserable!) And you went to aquasize, nonetheless. Pat yourself on the back for that, kiddo. I don't see anything lazy about you. Besides everything else you are caring for a family and you have the stress of the job situations. That's a lot to cope with, my friend. So stop that!

I hope Dan hears back on the job soon and that you have that happy news to share with your company next week. I also hope there is some way you can make that personal assistant job work for you and that woman. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Oh, and congrats on making your list slightly more manageable.

Happy Friday, Amy.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, thanks so much. I was just really disgusted with myself yesterday because knowing how much I have to do, a "sit in front of the tube" day was not the best timing! It was rather nice though.

We are having happy hour tonight with some friends. Its a favorite place of ours and they have a great happy hour. We can both share an appetizer and get a couple of beers for cheap. We both need to do something to have fun and decompress.

I am going to clean my own carpet this weekend. I had an appt. scheduled but realized I can do it myself for free. So add that to the list of stuff I just can't wait to do this weekend! Also rememberd the guest room toilet is acting funky so I got an appt. for that to be handled. Another expense but its got to be done since my inlaws will be in that guestroom.

I didn't make it to aqua today, thanks to my goofing off yesterday, I decided I needed to stay home and get stuff done! Which I have so that's good. I may try to get a walk in later today. For sure I am going to walk tomorrow and Sunday. For sure. You heard it here first!!!

So far today I have gotten 2 surveys done, hopefully I can do a few more this afternoon. They are fun and I am making money for WDW, what's not to love about that.

I intend to start posting my food again now that I am not doing WW. I also intend to begin weighing on our Wii. My old bathroom scale is not that accurate. I am still really glad I took the break from WW but I know full well I need to be very careful. Its easy to get the attiude of "not doing that anymore so I can just go back to all my bad habits" when I leave WW even for a short while. I may not get on the daily food posting until the week of the 14th when my inlaws leave. We have a lot of stuff planned and a lot of running around to do. I can only imagine how much gas I'll be putting in the car.

Well I guess that's about all the prattling I can do in one post. Thanks for reading and I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

Cam: I read a lot of your wedding journal last night. Boy do you and I have a lot in common! I told Dan he and I need to do a vow renewal in WDW for our 25th. Lord knows thanks to family drama, our original wedding wasn't quite what we had in mind!

 

[goldcupmom]

Amy, if it is one thing you are NOT it is lazy!

When you do your carpets yourself, try 1st going over them all with 1c vinegar mixed w/ 1 gal water. This picks up any residue left on them from prior cleaning. Then shampoo as usual and go over again w/ the vinegar/water mix. This keeps the residue from the shampoos from building which actually makes them get dirtier faster. Got this tip from an old gymnastics friend who owns a carpet cleaning company.

Praying for Dan's job possibilities & yours too! Hang in there.

Is it super hot there? We are to be in the 100's the next 5 days. Even 6 a.m. is getting too hot for me to get out. Pollen here is horrid, too!