Denise's Happy, Healthy,Healing Journal-Posts welcome

[DisDee]

We're off to Myrtle Beach for a few days, and we decided not to take the laptop. So....I'll visit everyone when we get back. It's good to see everyone posting again!

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Hey, Dee! Hope you are having a great weekend!!

I looked back and realized that I haven't posted in quite a long time. I know I'd been reading, but I just failed to post.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear that your tests have come out well and that you are remaining healthy and motivated! I am sorry to hear about your lay off, but I have to agree with what others have said, it sounds like it was a blessing in disguise. I'm sure that you will find the right work soon. In the meantime enjoy the downtime Especially coming into the holidays it will be nice to have some extra time.

I'm glad to see that you are hitting the gym on a regular basis and working on your healthy eating. I've been doing poorly for a long time now, but I'm ready to get back on track. I agree that the holidays are a tough time, but if you can keep from gaining that is an accomplishment in itself. I read somewhere that the average American gains one pound during the holidays and never gets it back off. Let's make sure we don't do that

Have a great week!

 

[DisDee]

We had a really nice time while in Myrtle Beach last week.We were there for just 3 nights, but still managed to see and do a bunch of things. Our favorite was the Carolina Opry Christmas show. It was just beautiful-very family oriented with a mix of traditional, spiritual, comedy, country and contemporary-something for everyone. The building and decorations were spectacular. It really got us into the spirit of the holidays. I need to get myself moving and pull out some decorations!

I have to go for a CT scan tomorrow as a follow-up to my treatment. I'm a little nervous about that, but keeping a positive outlook. I feel great, its just that once you've had the big "C", the thought of another episode always lurks in the back of your mind.

Yesterday was DS's 27th BD. Wow, he's getting old (not me). We all met for dinner at a Lonestar which was in-between all of our homes. (DS lives about an hour's drive from us.) Our DIL's parents also joined us and we had a lot of fun. It was a slow night and we ended up being the last ones in the place.

Today's plan include my on-line job search and also mailing some resumes to local businesses. I have the gut feeling that my next job will come from a referral from a friend or just happen when I'm not even looking. With the job market as bad as it is right now, applicants way out number available positions. If I don't find something by the first of the year, I plan to enroll in a class or 2-maybe medical terminology or a computer class. I need to learn how to use Excel-most of the jobs that I'm looking at require it.

I went to the gym yesterday and did a yoga/stretch class, which was very nice but a little mild. I'd do it again after using the equipment as a good way to wind down. She even threw in a little meditation-you know, the whole mind/body thing. I did enjoy it though, since I like variety in my work-outs.

So, enough for now. I'll be back!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Denise,

I will say a prayer for your cat scan. I am sure it will be fine but I don't think you'd be human not to be worried and a bit fearful.

So glad you had fun in Myrtle Beach, that sounds wonderful. And glad you had a nice evening for your son's birthday. Is that Lone Star Steakhouse you are talking about? We used to have those but they all went out of business. I miss them!

Good luck with the job thing, the perfect thing will come to you. I think taking a class or two is a great idea.

You are doing great, way to go with the yoga!

 

[DisDee]

Amy, thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers. I'll be very anxious until I get the results.

Did I say Lonestar? Oops, I meant Outback-I always mixed up those two.

 

[goldcupmom]

Just catching up. I cancelled WW today....would be SIX YEARS in January. I, too, hope to someday make lifetime & work for them....but not yet! Too expensive at present for not getting to go.

Glad tests are going well. Always breathing a sigh of relief & thanking GOD for each moment.

I hear you about not getting exercise & food in sync. I can't seem to be good at both, either!

Glad you joined the Dec. exercise challenge.

Have a great rest of the week!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Denise, I love Outback! Those we still have. Keep us posted on the CT results. We'll celebrate with you when they come back clear and normal!

 

[DisDee]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!!!!!

See you in the New Year!
Denise

 

[Goofydiane]

Merry Christmas Denise!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Happy New Year Denise, hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

 

[DisDee]

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!

Since I've been so bad about posting lately, I decided to start the year off right. First of all, I want to thank those of you who have become an important part of my support group in 2008 while I was going thru my medical problems. I'm so thankful that you touched my life. And speaking of thankful, my last CT scan came back clear. I couldn't ask for better news than that.

I slacked off a little with my gym routine the last couple of weeks before Christmas. I did manage to get there on Monday, and plan to go tomorrow.I really love using the pool for my strengthening and stretching. I also swim some laps and hope to build up my endurance in the New Year. I need to take advantage of all the gym has to offer while I am still out of work.

So, speaking of lack of work-its tough out there. I've been very diligent with my online job search, and have gone for 2 interviews, but so far, nothing. Its a bit frustrating, but I have faith that I'll eventually find something. In the meantime, we booked that cheap flight/cruise and fly to Ft. Lauderdale on the 11th. I have all kinds of guilt about going, but it was paid off before I knew that I would still be out of work. So, we're going and we plan to have the time of our lives. Its 4 nights on RCCL-Majesty of the Seas. The itinerary is Nassau, Coco Cay and Key West. I plan to stay connected by phone and internet while gone, just in case someone offers me my dream job. (yeah right)

I'm sitting here feeling the effects of my food fest from yesterday. Yuck! Why do we over-eat? Its that weird combo of all types of different foods that gets to me, and now my stomach is churning because of it. I think this is the time to say that I'll do so much better in the New Year, but I've said that before, so I'm just going to take one day at a time and try to make healthier, lower fat, high fiber choices and leave it at that.

I'm taking a couple of courses in Jan. which I hope will help with my new career, whatever that may be. My library is offering a free, 3-part Excel class, and I'm also taking a medical terminology class at the community college. I really need to keep my mind a little more active during this down time, so wish me luck. The last time I took a college course was in 1978. Yikes, I'm scared!

Well, I think I rambled enough for today. All the best to everyone in 2009! Make it your year!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Denise, that is such wonderful news about your CT scan. I am so relieved and happy for you and your family. I think 2009 is off to a very good start!

Enjoy that cruise! You have earned it. It sounds wonderful. Your dream job is out there, in the meantime, enjoy your time away from the workforce.

Great job taking classes and staying with the gym. I know we can do this in 2009!

Amy

 

[goldcupmom]

Fantastic news about the CT, Dee! And the trip/cruise sound like just what you need.

Classes? Great idea! The job will come when it is time.

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

 

[DisDee]

Thanks Julie and Amy!

I took the first part of the Excel class today, and so far, so good. I was able to keep up, which was encouraging. The instructor is focusing on applications for personal use, but at least I'm getting a feel for the program, and I'll be able to practice at home.

My eating has improved now that the holidays are over. I'm trying to make good choices this week since we'll be cruising next Monday, and you know what that means. Food overload!!!!! I haven't been to the pool yet, but the weeks not over, so I will make it.

Tomorrow I'm going to a seminar at the library called "New Year, New You". The little blurb on the website says...learn to make changes in your life by decision, not by default. I got to thinking how appropriate that is for me. So many things that happen in our lives are caused by circumstances that we react to rather than be pro-active about. So, if I walk away with just one idea for improving my life, it will be time well spent. I'm looking forward to the session.

I have a cruise to-do check-list, and its not getting any smaller. I think I have to work on it tonight. Its just a bunch of silly things, but I like to be organized to avoid aggravation later on.

Have a good night everyone!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Denise, that sounds like a great class at the library and congrats on doing the Excel class. You are really doing some good things for yourself! Enjoy all your cruise preparations, I am so excited you are going!

 

[goldcupmom]

Sounds like a good class at the Library! I've never even been in our new library and I can see it from my windows!

Where are you cruising to? Bahamas?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

 

[DisDee]

We're leaving today for the cruise to Nassau, Cococay, and Key West. I can't wait. "See" ya next Saturday!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Denise, have a wonderful trip (I know you are). See you when you get home, can't wait to hear about all the fun you had!

 

[DisDee]

I got back from the cruise late Friday night, and we just relaxed all weekend-you know, the vacation after the vacation. We had a wonderful time! The ship ,Majesty of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's smallest and oldest, but they've done a super job maintaining it. It was remodeled a couple of years ago, so it has a nice, updated look. We weren't able to go to Cococay because of rough seas, so we enjoyed an at-sea day instead. They had lots of fun activities to pass the time. We made sure that we hit every area on the ship and enjoyed all it had to offer. When we took our Wonder cruise back in May, it was just 5 weeks after I completed my treatment, so I didn't realize how fatigued I was until I look back now. We never made it to any of the lounges or participated in any of the extras that the ship offered. I must say that as much as I love all things Disney, RC was a better match for us, and the price couldn't be beat. I would definitely sail with them again! I'd probably sail with Disney again too when we have some grandkids.

I must have over-done it with all the walking while we were away, so now I'm having some major knee pain, about the worst its ever been. I went to the pool yesterday with hopes that it would make it feel better, but it even hurt to do my routine in the water, which eliminates about 90% of my body weight. The pain is intense enough for me to consider having the surgery that my Ortho. doc recommended back in August. I'm going to do some research on that, and also look into how it would affect my unemployment. Oh yeah, went for a job interview before I left and while talking with the interviewers, they shared the info with me that for that 1 position which was open, they received 250 resumes. Now that's pretty scary and just proves how bad the economy and unemployment rate is. It's very discouraging out there.

Good news is, the weight that I gained while on the cruise (about 5 pounds) is now gone and I can officially start my New Year on the food and weight front. I got my WW stuff together on Monday and started journaling. Still need to go shopping, but I think I'll wait for DH so he can help me with all the bags.

So, that's my recap for now. Its time to get on with my day so I need to figure out what I can do that won't put too much stress on my knee.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Denise, I am so glad you enjoyed your cruise! Dh and I loved our Disney cruise, but they have priced us out and we hope to try RCCL someday. Your report makes me want that to be sooner rather than later! Well done losing that five pounds of cruise weight. And I am so sorry about your knee. Good luck with your decision, I know its a tough one. Feel better soon and keep up the good work!

Definitely make dh lug the grocery bags in!