I'm not sure when it occured, but something has happened to me and I like it.
For pretty much my entire adult life, I have not liked the way I looked, to make an understatement. Even at 125 lbs I thought I looked awful.
Sure, there have always been certain things I've liked about my looks - my eyes, my hair, my ankles, even my bustline (once upon a time LOL), but overall, I was always disappointed when I looked in the mirror.
Now, I have been blessed with a wonderful man to share my life since I was 19 years old. (actually we were 15 years old when we started dating) No matter what my weight, he has always been generous and genuine with telling me I am pretty. I couldn't begin to count the number of times he has taken me in a hug, given me a kiss, and then turned to the kids and said "Isn't your mother beautiful?" Of course, I felt pretty at those times.
However....and this is a big however......I have just begun to realize that my confidence in the way I looked was always dependant on what others (primarily my Mr. Wonderful) said about me.
In the last many years, since I got near and then past the 200 lb mark, ONLY my hubby could make me feel pretty (and I began to not believe even him).
If my kids told me I looked pretty, for example, I did not believe them...I told myself that they were just saying that because I was their Mom, that they just wanted me to feel good about myself. (I'm talking about when they were teens and adults, not little ones who don't know better)
Any compliments I recieved from anyone other than my man, I always qualified in my head..."Yeah, I look good for a fat chick"...."Yeah, it's a nice outfit, but that is all"......I accepted the love that came with the nice comments, but rejected the comment itself.
And I NEVER complimented myself!
That has changed.
It is a change of miraculous proportions.
OK, there are days that I honestly do not look good....when I put a barrette in my hair, wear no makeup (I'm getting old, ya know...need a little paint to cover the aging), and wear my old, baggy clothes - those are the days that I am just working around the house and not going to see anyone.
BUT most days I actually want to put on a little makeup - just for me, I want my hair to look nice - just for me, I want to wear clothes that fit - just for me.
The biggest miracle of all.......I often feel pretty. I look in the mirror and I'm actually happy with what I see. I do not need to have someone else tell me I look nice in order to feel confident.
When one of my kids or a friend tells me I look good, I can thank them graciously, KNOWING that they are right!
When I walk into a business, I no longer feel like everyone is looking at the fat slob who just walked in.....I walk in confident that people will think I am pleasant looking - or, it just doesn't even occur to me that anyone is forming any kind of opinion at all about how I look.
How did this happen?
I have not even lost half the weight I want to lose.
I have not exercised enough to tone up and firm up.
Previously, when I saw a photo of myself, I wanted to cry - every single one just confirmed my opinion of how awful I looked.
Now, I see a photo of myself and I am surprised that I am still obviously obese but I don't want to cry anymore. (Although I do delete the least flattering ones)
I even like to look in the mirror (most days).
I know what the scale says.....I know what the BMI says......I can see in photos what I really look like.......but for the first time in my memory, I think I look better than I actually do! And I don't need someone to have told me I look good!
I see this as a huge step in finally winning this war with my weight, because it means that I have begun to love ME the way I AM. I've always known that my self hatred was one of my biggest stumbling blocks.
I really hope this lasts.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
I'm here
Just want to let y'all know that although I got a little "behind" on blog reading, I have been catching up - just not leaving comments for expediency sake. I love to read about your victories, your struggles, your epiphanys, your lives....I feel like I know many of you. Certainly, as I've said before, I've been pleasantly surprised at how much a person can really care about someone they have never really met. Anyway, just wanted to let you know I've most likely been 'by', even if I haven't left a 'calling card'.
I've had the afternoon to read the blogs since I am babysitting my second grandson, Kaden. It is his daddy and mommy's 4th anniversary. They are gone for an afternoon/evening of just the two of them - no baby. My third son and his wife will be arriving shortly to take the evening shift.
Jim did not get home last night, but he is hopeful for tonight. We'll see.
And, when I got on the scale this morning.....it read 208.8.....2.2 pounds LESS than yesterday! Go figure.
I've had the afternoon to read the blogs since I am babysitting my second grandson, Kaden. It is his daddy and mommy's 4th anniversary. They are gone for an afternoon/evening of just the two of them - no baby. My third son and his wife will be arriving shortly to take the evening shift.
Jim did not get home last night, but he is hopeful for tonight. We'll see.
And, when I got on the scale this morning.....it read 208.8.....2.2 pounds LESS than yesterday! Go figure.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Weighty Wednesday
It's everyone's favorite day of the week - no, not Wednesday - Weigh In day.
I'm disappointed to report a .2 gain. I'm not upset about it because there are any number of reasons to 'gain' 2/10 lb. I expect the numbers to be quite a lot less tomorrow.... today's weight of 211.0 is the highest I have been all week. I was down to 209.0 on Monday.... Oh well.
I had a few 'cheats' over the weekend (which was a little on the busy side) and I've been told it actually takes 3 days for indulgences to show up on the scale so I guess I deserve this.
As for my goals of the last week, I wasn't real successful there, either. I wonder if that could be the explaination for a gain rather than a loss? (heavy sarcasm there)
Here's the report:
1. Drink 8 cups water EVERY DAY I failed miserably here.....the most I got in was 6 cups of water (most days)
2. Take my vitamins EVERY DAY I remembered 4 days to take my vitamins. At least that is better than one day!
3. Walk on my treadmil a minimum of 30 minutes 6 out of 7 days Again.....no prize. I walked over a mile 3 days each and for 10 min (1/2 mile) another day. My excuse? Well, really....I was in quite severe pain for the first 3 days of this 'week' (my hip) The day I did 10 minutes I was hurting still, but a little less. 10 minutes was what I could manage. I did notice, however, that my speed is increasing.
4. Do not sit at my computer or my desk for more than 30 minute intervals I am doing much better at this, although time still gets away from me at times. Still, I see lots of improvement here.
5. eat ALL my exchanges each day, making sure to weigh and measure everything Rats! I forgot that I determined to weigh and measure everything.....I didn't - just some things. Looking back, I see that I was lacking in veggies and carbs most days. I haven't had an appetite this week - as in, I don't look forward to preparing and eating a nice meal. Also, I've been satisfied with less than normal. When I look at my food journal just before bed and see that I haven't eatn 2 carbs, I think it is smarter to not eat them than to eat them just before bed. Maybe not, since I didn't lose this week.
6. No unplanned nibbles OK, not so good here. Not real bad, but not so good. Friday I baked cupcakes for Seth's 1st birthday. I licked the bowl and I had one cupcake (iced). Saturday, at the birthday party, I had another cupcake. Then, hubby's truck broke down 2 hours west of home. I had to take him my truck (straight from the birthday party). My youngest son followed me so he could bring me home. When we stopped for fuel, I succumbed to the Dove Dark Chocolates sitting on the counter - I ate all four. Then, Dan wanted to stop at McDonald's before heading home (no other options in this town) I ordered a cheeseburger (the small one) and also ate some of his fries (probably 10). That is my list of "bad girl" food for the past week.
7. Spend 2 afternoons helping my daughter (she has 2 big events this weekend) I visited Kathryn one afternoon and babysat the next afternoon while she went to the doctor. I also baked the cupcakes for Seth's BD party (as I've already stated) so she had a little less to do, I shopped for her for some nutritious snacks that she might be able to eat. She is pregnant and suffers from Hypermesis Gravadum.....literally constant nauseau and inability to eat - not good for her or baby......if she starts to vomit she cannot stop and ends up in hospital on an IV. In fact, after the birthday party she ended up in hospital. Oh yes, I and DIL Victoria cleaned up after the party for her. Because she was in the hospital on sunday, she was unable to participate in the second event she was scheduled for.
8. Help out my daughter in law at least one afternoon I picked up my granddaughters on Tuesday afternoon and kept them until Wednesday afternoon so that Lana could get some rest and maybe get caught up on housework. She has a newborn (3 wks old) and was sick with Mastitis last week. In fact, someone in their house has been sick since Titus was born!
9. Finish the reorganization and de cluttering of my office/art room and my kitchen I bit off more than I could chew with this goal. I did make good progress on my office though. There were a few unexpected activities come up that kept me from getting more done.....
10. Formulate my plans for increasing my health and fitness over the next year Nope, didn't do it....again, several things 'came up' that were urgent and some things just have to take a back burner. I have a general plan for the next year, I've only not taken the time to 'flesh it out'.
Whew! I'm glad that's over! I think I'll make few goals this week so I don't have to report so many things that I didn't accomplish.
Besides being in pain at the beginning of the week, having 3 or 4 different 'emergencies' come up, (really nothing new there - it is par for the course around here) and having a dog that needed nursing, I have been singularly UNmotivated.
This lack of motivation - or boredom maybe, was really bothering me. I think I have realized what the problem is......I got used to having Jim home for 2 weeks every 2 weeks - a routine that kept me motivated. When I knew he would be home in X number of days, I was motivated to finish a project so it was out of the way when he was home. NOW, I have no idea when he will be home and since no one else is around, there is no real motivation to go beyond keeping things picked up.
Maybe the Post Christmas Letdown has something to do with it, as well. Maybe it is the fact that my Christmas tree is still in the living room - undecorated, but I cannot take it downstairs on my own (it requires 2 strong people) and there has been no one out here since Christmas.
BUT.....today has been pretty good. I have gotten quite a lot of work done, eaten well, and have supper planned. There is even a slim chance that Jim will be able to come home for the night. A very slim chance.
Oh....goals for this coming week:
1. Drink 8 cups of water EVERY DAY
2. Take my vitimins at least 5 days
3. Treadmill a minimum of 1 mile or 30 minutes 5 days
4. Begin to do toning exercises (at least 2 days)
5. Be more careful to get all exchanges in before it is too late in the evening
6. continue to train myself to not sit at the computer for more than 30 minutes at a time.
I won't burden you with my household and family goals this time.
I'm disappointed to report a .2 gain. I'm not upset about it because there are any number of reasons to 'gain' 2/10 lb. I expect the numbers to be quite a lot less tomorrow.... today's weight of 211.0 is the highest I have been all week. I was down to 209.0 on Monday.... Oh well.
I had a few 'cheats' over the weekend (which was a little on the busy side) and I've been told it actually takes 3 days for indulgences to show up on the scale so I guess I deserve this.
As for my goals of the last week, I wasn't real successful there, either. I wonder if that could be the explaination for a gain rather than a loss? (heavy sarcasm there)
Here's the report:
1. Drink 8 cups water EVERY DAY I failed miserably here.....the most I got in was 6 cups of water (most days)
2. Take my vitamins EVERY DAY I remembered 4 days to take my vitamins. At least that is better than one day!
3. Walk on my treadmil a minimum of 30 minutes 6 out of 7 days Again.....no prize. I walked over a mile 3 days each and for 10 min (1/2 mile) another day. My excuse? Well, really....I was in quite severe pain for the first 3 days of this 'week' (my hip) The day I did 10 minutes I was hurting still, but a little less. 10 minutes was what I could manage. I did notice, however, that my speed is increasing.
4. Do not sit at my computer or my desk for more than 30 minute intervals I am doing much better at this, although time still gets away from me at times. Still, I see lots of improvement here.
5. eat ALL my exchanges each day, making sure to weigh and measure everything Rats! I forgot that I determined to weigh and measure everything.....I didn't - just some things. Looking back, I see that I was lacking in veggies and carbs most days. I haven't had an appetite this week - as in, I don't look forward to preparing and eating a nice meal. Also, I've been satisfied with less than normal. When I look at my food journal just before bed and see that I haven't eatn 2 carbs, I think it is smarter to not eat them than to eat them just before bed. Maybe not, since I didn't lose this week.
6. No unplanned nibbles OK, not so good here. Not real bad, but not so good. Friday I baked cupcakes for Seth's 1st birthday. I licked the bowl and I had one cupcake (iced). Saturday, at the birthday party, I had another cupcake. Then, hubby's truck broke down 2 hours west of home. I had to take him my truck (straight from the birthday party). My youngest son followed me so he could bring me home. When we stopped for fuel, I succumbed to the Dove Dark Chocolates sitting on the counter - I ate all four. Then, Dan wanted to stop at McDonald's before heading home (no other options in this town) I ordered a cheeseburger (the small one) and also ate some of his fries (probably 10). That is my list of "bad girl" food for the past week.
7. Spend 2 afternoons helping my daughter (she has 2 big events this weekend) I visited Kathryn one afternoon and babysat the next afternoon while she went to the doctor. I also baked the cupcakes for Seth's BD party (as I've already stated) so she had a little less to do, I shopped for her for some nutritious snacks that she might be able to eat. She is pregnant and suffers from Hypermesis Gravadum.....literally constant nauseau and inability to eat - not good for her or baby......if she starts to vomit she cannot stop and ends up in hospital on an IV. In fact, after the birthday party she ended up in hospital. Oh yes, I and DIL Victoria cleaned up after the party for her. Because she was in the hospital on sunday, she was unable to participate in the second event she was scheduled for.
8. Help out my daughter in law at least one afternoon I picked up my granddaughters on Tuesday afternoon and kept them until Wednesday afternoon so that Lana could get some rest and maybe get caught up on housework. She has a newborn (3 wks old) and was sick with Mastitis last week. In fact, someone in their house has been sick since Titus was born!
9. Finish the reorganization and de cluttering of my office/art room and my kitchen I bit off more than I could chew with this goal. I did make good progress on my office though. There were a few unexpected activities come up that kept me from getting more done.....
10. Formulate my plans for increasing my health and fitness over the next year Nope, didn't do it....again, several things 'came up' that were urgent and some things just have to take a back burner. I have a general plan for the next year, I've only not taken the time to 'flesh it out'.
Whew! I'm glad that's over! I think I'll make few goals this week so I don't have to report so many things that I didn't accomplish.
Besides being in pain at the beginning of the week, having 3 or 4 different 'emergencies' come up, (really nothing new there - it is par for the course around here) and having a dog that needed nursing, I have been singularly UNmotivated.
This lack of motivation - or boredom maybe, was really bothering me. I think I have realized what the problem is......I got used to having Jim home for 2 weeks every 2 weeks - a routine that kept me motivated. When I knew he would be home in X number of days, I was motivated to finish a project so it was out of the way when he was home. NOW, I have no idea when he will be home and since no one else is around, there is no real motivation to go beyond keeping things picked up.
Maybe the Post Christmas Letdown has something to do with it, as well. Maybe it is the fact that my Christmas tree is still in the living room - undecorated, but I cannot take it downstairs on my own (it requires 2 strong people) and there has been no one out here since Christmas.
BUT.....today has been pretty good. I have gotten quite a lot of work done, eaten well, and have supper planned. There is even a slim chance that Jim will be able to come home for the night. A very slim chance.
Oh....goals for this coming week:
1. Drink 8 cups of water EVERY DAY
2. Take my vitimins at least 5 days
3. Treadmill a minimum of 1 mile or 30 minutes 5 days
4. Begin to do toning exercises (at least 2 days)
5. Be more careful to get all exchanges in before it is too late in the evening
6. continue to train myself to not sit at the computer for more than 30 minutes at a time.
I won't burden you with my household and family goals this time.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
BIG NEWS - not weight related
A few months back, I posted about "Bustin' My Buttons" when my son-in-law, Vinjelu, won a national talent search for "best song".
He and Kathryn (my daughter) have performed a few times since then, including hosting a benefit concert last month. You can read about that event here, if you are interested.
Next big news in this journey.....their winning song is now available on itunes.
Here's how to get it:
Go to itunes.....(you do not have to have an ipod in order to use itunes, BTW...it is a great way to store, sort, and listen to your music on your computer)
In the search bar, type in "Weeping"
A surprising number of items will come up with the same title, so go to "power search" and type in "Weeping" for Song Title and "Another Way" for Artist.
Next, click on "buy song"....it is only 99 cents.....and follow the instructions to have it downloaded to your computer.
Once finished, take a listen.....It starts with Kathryn singing "Weeping might endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning...." If that is not what you downloaded, you got the wrong song.
The song is a combination of lyrical and hip hop, just so you know ahead of time.
Vinjelu and Kathryn’s heart is to address issues of social justice, using music as a platform to bring awareness to global issues. They also bring a message of hope and the wealth of walking with God. Vinjelu’s lyrics touch deep in the soul - I have read many of his songs and there has't been one that hasn't touched me - and I'm not just speaking out of parental pride.....really.
Even if 'hip hop' isn't your usual genre, Vinj is pretty clear in his raps - realtively easy to understand - even for my untrained ear - and Kathryn's melodies are straightforward.
They are SO excited to have taken this step......getting a song recorded and 'mastered' so that it is of good enough technical quality for itunes to accept it was a huge step!
Can you tell I'm proud of them?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Weigh In - First one of 2009
My official weigh in for this week is: DOWN 8/10ths of a pound. Minus 0.8 That puts my weight today at 210.8.
I was down to 209.0 on Monday, but I'm OK with 210.8. Wednesday is typically my heaviest day of the week for some reason. Also, I noticed way back near the beginning of this 'trek to fit' that typically I will go down over a pound in a day then bouce back up most of that pound, then begin to lose a little every day until I am back to that low weight. This process usually takes 4 days or so.
I was very excited to see 209 on my scale! I've never seen a 0 in the middle before!!!! I can't wait to get there again.....should be in a few days, at most. For that matter, I've never seen 210 before!
I'm only about 11 pounds from seeing a change in the FIRST number!!!!
Look out, ONEDERLAND, here I come!!!
I have not forgotten that I promised some goals and plans......I'm still thinking and formulating what will be challenging, yet realistic. I want to push myself but I don't want to become discouraged because I cannot meet my goals.
For this week, however, these are my plans:
1. Drink 8 cups water EVERY DAY
2. Take my vitamins EVERY DAY
3. Walk on my treadmil a minimum of 30 minutes 6 out of 7 days
4. Do not sit at my computer or my desk for more than 30 minute intervals
5. eat ALL my exchanges each day, making sure to weigh and measure everything
6. No unplanned nibbles
7. Spend 2 afternoons helping my daughter (she has 2 big events this weekend)
8. Help out my daughter in law at least one afternoon
9. Finish the reorganization and de cluttering of my office/art room and my kitchen
10. Formulate my plans for increasing my health and fitness over the next year
I will try to remember to come back to this list next Wednesday and let you know how I did.
Ta-Ta.......I'll be back soon!
Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
I was down to 209.0 on Monday, but I'm OK with 210.8. Wednesday is typically my heaviest day of the week for some reason. Also, I noticed way back near the beginning of this 'trek to fit' that typically I will go down over a pound in a day then bouce back up most of that pound, then begin to lose a little every day until I am back to that low weight. This process usually takes 4 days or so.
I was very excited to see 209 on my scale! I've never seen a 0 in the middle before!!!! I can't wait to get there again.....should be in a few days, at most. For that matter, I've never seen 210 before!
I'm only about 11 pounds from seeing a change in the FIRST number!!!!
Look out, ONEDERLAND, here I come!!!
I have not forgotten that I promised some goals and plans......I'm still thinking and formulating what will be challenging, yet realistic. I want to push myself but I don't want to become discouraged because I cannot meet my goals.
For this week, however, these are my plans:
1. Drink 8 cups water EVERY DAY
2. Take my vitamins EVERY DAY
3. Walk on my treadmil a minimum of 30 minutes 6 out of 7 days
4. Do not sit at my computer or my desk for more than 30 minute intervals
5. eat ALL my exchanges each day, making sure to weigh and measure everything
6. No unplanned nibbles
7. Spend 2 afternoons helping my daughter (she has 2 big events this weekend)
8. Help out my daughter in law at least one afternoon
9. Finish the reorganization and de cluttering of my office/art room and my kitchen
10. Formulate my plans for increasing my health and fitness over the next year
I will try to remember to come back to this list next Wednesday and let you know how I did.
Ta-Ta.......I'll be back soon!
Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Moving vs Sitting
I was just editing photos from our Christmas celebration and I noticed something.
Observation:
The photos of my husband have him sitting in different places in almost every photo.
The photos of me have me sitting in the same spot all day. (Even though there are few photos of me, I know this is true)
Caveat:
With 20 people in the room, there was precious little seating and I DO have my favorite rocking chair, which my kids respectfully leave for me most of the time.
However:
If Jim was able to move around the room, switching his seating, then obviously other people were doing the same thing.
Memory:
My oldest kids were at an event about 2 years ago where they saw my sister for the first time in years....they remarked how much we looked alike and also how much we behaved alike. Part of their comments....."She had a camera and sat in the same place all afternoon, taking pictures of everyone, just like you do".
I immediately recognised myself in their comments and hated the fact that they were right.
Questions:
WHY do I sit in the same spot?
Am I just lazy?
Did I ever get out of my chair?
Have I changed AT ALL since they made those comments?
Answers?:
I believe that I have made a habit of staying in the same spot when in larger gatherings because I have felt so fat.
I feel that I take up too much space (which is true) and that I am less intrusive if I just stay put.
I feel like a cow, lumbering around a room full of people.
Christmas makes it 'worse' because the room is also full of boxes and paper.
I don't think this situation has anything to do with being lazy. I would really like to get up and move around more, but being so self conscious about my size has forced me to stay sitting in one spot.
This year.....did I ever get out of my chair? Have I changed at all?
I still feel that I take up too much space, but not so much.
I feel far from graceful, but not so 'lumbering'.
I know I do not feel so ugly as in the past....in fact, I do not think of myself as ugly at all, any more.
I am not sure if I got out of my chair more often or not this year.....I am naturally less 'antsy' than my hubby - he has never been able to sit still for long (a challenge when watching a movie or playing a game. LOL ) so it is unreasonable to compare myself to him.
These are just thoughts, spurred by looking at Christmas photos (which I should so totally NOT be doing in the middle of the day).
End Result:
I want to be more conscious of MOVING in ordinary situations. I want to forget about being the fat woman in confined quarters and begin to ACT like I am a normal size.
I am going to set a timer when I am working at my desk so that I have to get up and walk down the hall, at least. Keep those joints moving.
I want to be someone who is 'on the move' and just making myself exercise is not going to be enough to change me from a person who just sits in one spot taking pictures to one who is up and moving around, getting those same photos from different angles.
(can you tell I love to take pictures?)
Well, I must get up and do something that involves movement, now that I've made these statements! :)
Observation:
The photos of my husband have him sitting in different places in almost every photo.
The photos of me have me sitting in the same spot all day. (Even though there are few photos of me, I know this is true)
Caveat:
With 20 people in the room, there was precious little seating and I DO have my favorite rocking chair, which my kids respectfully leave for me most of the time.
However:
If Jim was able to move around the room, switching his seating, then obviously other people were doing the same thing.
Memory:
My oldest kids were at an event about 2 years ago where they saw my sister for the first time in years....they remarked how much we looked alike and also how much we behaved alike. Part of their comments....."She had a camera and sat in the same place all afternoon, taking pictures of everyone, just like you do".
I immediately recognised myself in their comments and hated the fact that they were right.
Questions:
WHY do I sit in the same spot?
Am I just lazy?
Did I ever get out of my chair?
Have I changed AT ALL since they made those comments?
Answers?:
I believe that I have made a habit of staying in the same spot when in larger gatherings because I have felt so fat.
I feel that I take up too much space (which is true) and that I am less intrusive if I just stay put.
I feel like a cow, lumbering around a room full of people.
Christmas makes it 'worse' because the room is also full of boxes and paper.
I don't think this situation has anything to do with being lazy. I would really like to get up and move around more, but being so self conscious about my size has forced me to stay sitting in one spot.
This year.....did I ever get out of my chair? Have I changed at all?
I still feel that I take up too much space, but not so much.
I feel far from graceful, but not so 'lumbering'.
I know I do not feel so ugly as in the past....in fact, I do not think of myself as ugly at all, any more.
I am not sure if I got out of my chair more often or not this year.....I am naturally less 'antsy' than my hubby - he has never been able to sit still for long (a challenge when watching a movie or playing a game. LOL ) so it is unreasonable to compare myself to him.
These are just thoughts, spurred by looking at Christmas photos (which I should so totally NOT be doing in the middle of the day).
End Result:
I want to be more conscious of MOVING in ordinary situations. I want to forget about being the fat woman in confined quarters and begin to ACT like I am a normal size.
I am going to set a timer when I am working at my desk so that I have to get up and walk down the hall, at least. Keep those joints moving.
I want to be someone who is 'on the move' and just making myself exercise is not going to be enough to change me from a person who just sits in one spot taking pictures to one who is up and moving around, getting those same photos from different angles.
(can you tell I love to take pictures?)
Well, I must get up and do something that involves movement, now that I've made these statements! :)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Stuck in a deep freeze
As my regular readers know, my hubby has a 'new' job.....really, it is his old job.
The relevance of this information is that he started his new job yesterday....in a small town 2 hours west of our home. Since his first day was going to be a very short day, I offered to follow him (a few hours later since I did not want to leave at 5 am) and help him get settled .
My plan was to arrive around noon, find him a hotel with a kitchenette, buy him some groceries, cook us some supper, and then we'd hang out for the evening.
All went according to plan....I even beat him 4 out of 5 games of Rummy. (He'll tell you it was because he was so tired, but don't you believe it!)
This morning, we awoke at 5 am to temperatures around 40 degrees below freezing. Brrrrrrrr
No one likes these mornings.
Both our trucks started, thanks to the extension cords plugged into the motel's outdoor outlets. Problem though, when Jim went to leave.......his truck would not go into gear. It would not move either forward or back.
First 'real' day of work......several crews of workers were going to be arriving somewhere in the middle of the 'bush' an hour south of town within an hour and a half, looking to him for instruction......what does he do?
He takes MY truck, of course.....what else can he do?
I spent the morning phoning different shops in town, trying to find one that was A) open on this Saturday after the New Year (most places had decided to close down from the 1st - the 5th) B) had time to work on our truck. and C) would give credence to my hubby's analysis of what was wrong.
I succeeded....the Ford Dealership was willing to take Jim's GM truck and do what he asked...even though they did not think he was right in his diagnosis.
What was it? you ask?
Here's the thing......Last February, we had a high performance tranny put into our truck. Where were we last February? Bossier City, Louisiana. The tranny techs put high performance tranny fluid into the transmission (of course). Now, those fortunate folks down in Louisiana never have to consider how their transmission fluid will perform in a deep freeze.......Jim figured the thicker oil simply got too thick in the extreme cold, causing the truck to be unable to go into gear. He asked that the shop do a "tranny flush" (drain the old oil) and add new "Alberta-cold-resistant" oil instead.
Did it work?
Much to the surprise of the service folks at Ford, yes, it worked.
BUT....that meant that I've been stuck in a hotel room (except when I was in a tow truck, at the dealership, or in a cab) all day.
Happy for me that Jim has a personal computer with him as well as the one supplied by his employers.....I've had the company of my blogging friends all day.
Couldn't even read, because the book I brought (of course, I brought a book along) is so poorly written, I can't make myself read it past the first 3 pages (which I read last night). I don't often find such a dud.......
Not that I'm not enjoying the blogs.....of course I am, but it would be nice to do something else too.
Sitting here with no options as to how to spend my time took a tole on my mind......I started craving chocolate in a bad way. Of course, there was none in the room - or my purse - or my bag and I had no way to get to any place that would sell it.......until the dealership called that the truck was ready.
The cab dropped me off, I paid the bill, and drove away.....straight to the nearest gas station where I started looking frantically for my usual chocolate help - a Cadbury Thin, Dark Chocolate. I even asked for help from the cashier but was informed that the Cadbury Thins did not sell well here, so they don't carry them.
I should have walked out. I mean, the Thins are part of my personal strategy when I "need" chocolate.....anything else is an 'infraction'.
I did not walk out - had you already guessed that?
I did read the calories on a few different bars, and the one I chose had fewer calories than many - plus it was the only one that was dark chocolate. (I don't see any use for eating chocolate if it is not dark) I bought a dark Kit Kat and I enjoyed every bite.
But I am disappointed in myself for giving in so easily.....
Hubby just called.....telling me that when he finally gets "home", he is going to need a hearty meal - he's been outside all day (and it has not gone above -25 C). He took steaks out of the 'freezer' this morning so I will need to work around those.....and we have limited groceries - as in, no 'staples' and only salt, pepper, and garlic for seasoning. That eliminates stew or something like that.....unless I brave the deep freeze again and go supplement his simple supplies. But my feet have been cold since last night (even though we went and bought me some slippers to try warm them up) and I really don't like driving his truck.......
Guess I'll have to go think and get a bit creative......he probably won't be home for another couple hours, at least.
It is getting colder.
Tonight it is supposed to go down to 45 degrees below freezing. ugh. Take me back to Louisiana!
On the up side, the forecast is for the temperature to rise to ABOVE freezing by Tuesday.
Go figure.
The relevance of this information is that he started his new job yesterday....in a small town 2 hours west of our home. Since his first day was going to be a very short day, I offered to follow him (a few hours later since I did not want to leave at 5 am) and help him get settled .
My plan was to arrive around noon, find him a hotel with a kitchenette, buy him some groceries, cook us some supper, and then we'd hang out for the evening.
All went according to plan....I even beat him 4 out of 5 games of Rummy. (He'll tell you it was because he was so tired, but don't you believe it!)
This morning, we awoke at 5 am to temperatures around 40 degrees below freezing. Brrrrrrrr
No one likes these mornings.
Both our trucks started, thanks to the extension cords plugged into the motel's outdoor outlets. Problem though, when Jim went to leave.......his truck would not go into gear. It would not move either forward or back.
First 'real' day of work......several crews of workers were going to be arriving somewhere in the middle of the 'bush' an hour south of town within an hour and a half, looking to him for instruction......what does he do?
He takes MY truck, of course.....what else can he do?
I spent the morning phoning different shops in town, trying to find one that was A) open on this Saturday after the New Year (most places had decided to close down from the 1st - the 5th) B) had time to work on our truck. and C) would give credence to my hubby's analysis of what was wrong.
I succeeded....the Ford Dealership was willing to take Jim's GM truck and do what he asked...even though they did not think he was right in his diagnosis.
What was it? you ask?
Here's the thing......Last February, we had a high performance tranny put into our truck. Where were we last February? Bossier City, Louisiana. The tranny techs put high performance tranny fluid into the transmission (of course). Now, those fortunate folks down in Louisiana never have to consider how their transmission fluid will perform in a deep freeze.......Jim figured the thicker oil simply got too thick in the extreme cold, causing the truck to be unable to go into gear. He asked that the shop do a "tranny flush" (drain the old oil) and add new "Alberta-cold-resistant" oil instead.
Did it work?
Much to the surprise of the service folks at Ford, yes, it worked.
BUT....that meant that I've been stuck in a hotel room (except when I was in a tow truck, at the dealership, or in a cab) all day.
Happy for me that Jim has a personal computer with him as well as the one supplied by his employers.....I've had the company of my blogging friends all day.
Couldn't even read, because the book I brought (of course, I brought a book along) is so poorly written, I can't make myself read it past the first 3 pages (which I read last night). I don't often find such a dud.......
Not that I'm not enjoying the blogs.....of course I am, but it would be nice to do something else too.
Sitting here with no options as to how to spend my time took a tole on my mind......I started craving chocolate in a bad way. Of course, there was none in the room - or my purse - or my bag and I had no way to get to any place that would sell it.......until the dealership called that the truck was ready.
The cab dropped me off, I paid the bill, and drove away.....straight to the nearest gas station where I started looking frantically for my usual chocolate help - a Cadbury Thin, Dark Chocolate. I even asked for help from the cashier but was informed that the Cadbury Thins did not sell well here, so they don't carry them.
I should have walked out. I mean, the Thins are part of my personal strategy when I "need" chocolate.....anything else is an 'infraction'.
I did not walk out - had you already guessed that?
I did read the calories on a few different bars, and the one I chose had fewer calories than many - plus it was the only one that was dark chocolate. (I don't see any use for eating chocolate if it is not dark) I bought a dark Kit Kat and I enjoyed every bite.
But I am disappointed in myself for giving in so easily.....
Hubby just called.....telling me that when he finally gets "home", he is going to need a hearty meal - he's been outside all day (and it has not gone above -25 C). He took steaks out of the 'freezer' this morning so I will need to work around those.....and we have limited groceries - as in, no 'staples' and only salt, pepper, and garlic for seasoning. That eliminates stew or something like that.....unless I brave the deep freeze again and go supplement his simple supplies. But my feet have been cold since last night (even though we went and bought me some slippers to try warm them up) and I really don't like driving his truck.......
Guess I'll have to go think and get a bit creative......he probably won't be home for another couple hours, at least.
It is getting colder.
Tonight it is supposed to go down to 45 degrees below freezing. ugh. Take me back to Louisiana!
On the up side, the forecast is for the temperature to rise to ABOVE freezing by Tuesday.
Go figure.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)