News for today's 2018

I’m proud to introduce…

12:14 PM Tukiyooo 0

My first nephew, Hayden James!<img alt="DSC08548" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYQgqRgI_A9IbTjlK7JOISzAHr-XQ5Jt9gThzpW3I92l3PUg8KQlBNobvOPsU1JrzR7_xTo4XAIUNqeoprUcT38bSjJ7flH3LlWvyrs-DCAIfr1U162ISKSfbjbiu9XP_OFrq605snyHs/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08548" width="404" /> Click <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/09/hes-here.html">here</a> to read about how he came into this world! I finally got to bed about 2am early Monday morning, but I was ready to go and see my nephew first thing in the morning! Before I left the house I made a bowl of oatmeal like always, 5 points. Isn’t he SO cute!!!<a><img alt="DSC08544" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s6AxexKVB74xwYAxohL9f_SiYUSL__dz46RmLhVYp5MHxVNMVLxjJV_h715ce9S2ofPqQJ0DDfkYEyQgYh36rfD4aouupJJFZyV5Gzr5xZmlilbaacudRcZwZACdlrx4SokSmatqIcYh/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08544" width="404" /></a> My little sister, Wendi’s, motherly instincts kicked in right away, she’s a great Mom!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIW3cmRBl-mhxSRL7siKg-N3pb8jJvyqY12jP2mE8IUY6h-c9ZxLY9tFiFbGYC5kCpuZMVsMB4kyibqnlbKdVzOEcrYWeGfAGA7LrNKIdj6q7YQGU-XpGnlw8xt_pdcZwgrYrGovDZXch/s1600-h/DSC08556%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08556" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lJ-z8MuLZMBXUEi1T8Ut0rhAutLcfqWYptQujFZFMLyoWNwpkrUaL_ffvvDVlEKbCd_dFo3NqxxY4E8ZikBapxqUvkOPDFNoysF88zWF5HKtms12DQyUbaXhp-On8uvtFR6bsD2A6far/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08556" width="304" /></a> And of course, I’m not the only Aunt…here’s Aunt Mindi!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUp8lQrsP1Yn-u-9UFcXTNHf6h56gRr08JGyVZKLmIU_SKl5f1qLI6lp8acvY1QNIDgyOd-MdMsDxfSQFdTb6AT9C4WTGvcOqYOwCEx-wsjFfpjyxMH_amDeobSEQpwW_Kw8tdHBcsYHax/s1600-h/DSC08559%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08559" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarpLiFsc3jFk_oAMToWfLF-KEMDVr38FY1GZc28_mWVFw1iXzMgWXnYz1Nqje8eEwIxgEwf30V7Wm5jAa6QyMnw1cDJ13pPtDQZKnIeXnddchEoG-79F_wKL4DPGdP1HvhRoZCwVKpyL-/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08559" width="404" /></a> And Aunt Stef! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqSPnt-0z_OC89DJzKUVwtCgg7KPOpyd6mly_FWtcIWvgMqW9OCpa98IX-gN6o04_TEAPQCmkQ2FN6w7q3oXAm49JHujHX7oenwH7FSCE44HJxz9xRIY5aTh46qShTCpo1BgY81_lrG-y/s1600-h/DSC08546%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08546" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWx6kNEUk-Wa-vMv9h2W2DIjS98JQms3Mx7A_MlH9-xzPq07qqA-2dJZ6NDkxU3Avftjj0P3b1dL7_vZ20Q0m-yqVJWnGOxhRXpPKegZ5Wov9-n-RkttdeDt3Wz176i5AFSCsoRYC2_wKo/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08546" width="304" /></a> This little boy is greatly loved!<img alt="DSC08563" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTO-UpWa08djbcVmGp24YBvVUgMUCumnLkxFOFwezdiWmk04Jn3g0FaRtTd3DXU_YQnTlPDUNGyV-U7ugZMowrR7Ce-VHi1QC3Bqi28XQuodhTipjOOnmBL35BdTI6wYu7qOK-D236w5Q/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08563" width="404" /> I picked up Subway for lunch for 6 points. It was hard to think about eating this afternoon though…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqw-GRqWMwRynzz7fdlsiiNxfAOOMpAvztq4wRx3_MOPXAqI647of_yyRw60F1F5dZD4Ihg3VD3QZNFSThd0oi8UfIenFDcivgA3Eade-3EoUenJqU72rNgFPxjPklvi26L20KTScu0GR/s1600-h/DSC08581%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08581" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJrV2z5g1SSgyB8Jny0zWlsB3mwp5Vk-e802of62bgFy9u3MLo_vDORFylRcE57ba3DnXoE0wGsnLz2PS7PSlhvJVijfaTh6EI6kp_YaiskIwgucT-fEpY3rlYv1MxPIWZBGiabSx4DDL/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08581" width="404" /></a> If you recall from my <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/09/hes-here.html">post about the birth</a> he wasn’t breathing right when he was born. They thought it was fluid in the his lungs, but then they detected a heart murmur on Hayden.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJVMbvID6PRSkpVRsdg-ZifqXk8KXzqoEvX_kB4kby-dUSdvTfEHebvC1KzGCInYvxSGfc-TPfq25LYeAR2WCBrXJt09KPfbuPa7t2vmB0NyrQPSql8tRcBOF595lr831YNmjwiDmlbM9/s1600-h/DSC08574%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08574" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4UIshxI2UfkMpOez97I2BZpcGoHGo5LZqbjIKFn8251r3xC0uhFfCG0IAadWzsYZTPl3N2nMVYJF64bNG6ewa68Su8DzvbaAmILfbm6Ta9vmf1KeBn7CADOdkbIkwPvR_H6Be0ALOU-u/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08574" width="404" /></a> They ran tests today and found out he has pulmonary hypertension, which means he is breathing like he is still in the womb and not like he should on his own. At birth there are some valves that are supposed to close and then the baby breathes through his lungs, but that didn't happen with Hayden. He was life flighted this evening by helicopter to a larger hospital with a NICU about 2 hours south.<img alt="DSC08578" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE2q-jAIYe6dBJ0t-mdQnwqVR_JRZS0EWlXDQ8ZbZflQH8p3yoT46XQC4v-J0svwMIT8Ypt8AcslW5hXqSvzWMZAgVTQyYhik-SJjyutAwLRY9tTeOFyIZlwTPcdoY1jGuM6e2-O5ktgS/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08578" width="404" /> The nurses and doctors said they have seen this before and comparing Hayden to recent cases he was the most stable, so at least that was reassuring.   It was a long, emotional day. My sister, Wendi, had to stay in the hospital here. I am staying with her and hoping to go down to be with Hayden Tuesday morning.    I had a bag of SunChips & a granola bar this evening for 6 points. I’m trying to make smart choices while we are in the hospital. I am committed to this journey! MONDAY’S STATS POINTS = 18/23 WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 1 used/34 remaining ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/0 week H2O = 32 oz EXERCISE = none Please keep my sweet nephew in your thoughts & prayers. I know Hayden is in great hands, not only with the NICU doctors, but more importantly God has His hand on him & has a plan for this his life!

I’m proud to introduce…

My first nephew, Hayden James! Click here to read about how he came into this world! I finally got to bed about 2am early Monday mornin...

He’s Here!!!

9:09 PM Tukiyooo 0

Sunday was a BIG day!! Kyle and I went to church, but Wendi decided to stay home. She wasn’t feeling the best. After church Kyle and I went out to eat with his family….the dreaded buffet! Never fear though…I was good! My first plate with veggies, fruit, & cottage cheese. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzyrVS29XVoNJhXxvM1Oc7m1e8Sx09KYcmHr8S3cxSKdjRGErL45OzMS2_dDmuMPf21s2LxB54XdMS9Z6Ol0WuUth8fUdyLA_zlesL4XxTRpAIuA85FdEsRwXtSXlfLAFdflGKvlq4oHq/s1600-h/DSC08502%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08502" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01vOG1xGdPhfcWY8Pi8j444EcmNITj8ngQZzHtXbJcV68ySvypql0fJwgghwxI6jGn54i6CL6janWP8xUKD0eegz-egML76qWwTAAduHCjnnF8soEvqCjBAh2xFwtpWBFbZbABRZ1Y9Zc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08502" width="404" /></a> My second plate was a little lighter….and I shoveled it in because Wendi called and really wasn’t feel well. I’m estimating 7 points total.<a><img alt="DSC08503" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfrm2m-8bjBWF15yf-GGDdDqtfxyoAOCBTUHVNtKvedABrkmwnYXkCE5UO3psVmpxiCf4vpfjH6W7-dAoNCqULq46TeOBSjWz5JfuM5Gjc-hfsjwm6th3uCeuLBVsSqRdYEYxw3q4Lysb/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08503" width="404" /></a> Of course when Wendi said she wasn’t feel well my first thought was “OMG is she in labor?” Got home and Wendi said she was “uncomfortable”, but not in too much pain. The key thing I heard when she was explaining how she was feeling was that it was coming & going. Instantly I thought she was having contractions. She wasn’t sure though, so we timed them, and they were about 3 minutes apart lasting about 45 seconds. Wendi was worried she would get there and they would say it’s false labor & send her home. Kyle finally said Wendi didn’t have a choice and we were going to go to the hospital, at least to get checked out to see what was going on. We got to the hospital and the nurse said “You’re having a baby today!” Wendi was dilated to 7cm and 80% effaced! We made the calls and my Mom and 2 other sisters rushed to the hospital. Wendi wanted us all be with her during the delivery! I couldn’t believe how far along she was and how incredibly well she was doing. She decided to get her epidural to get her relaxed and it did just that!<a><img alt="DSC08511" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFX1kH4_YpXDzZKa88yzJ3O6HPxbu9KTowBuUnDs3lDNQRMLWD59fsdVHMoX3oyV9yJYpm_b4lCApVnDA7YFHnXniFfjdyLfnx7kSyjZxUaeVDYKp7GijKZ_GThCIc3WkPymg9jE4qvn-p/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08511" width="404" /></a> Wendi’s nurse decided she thought Wendi should have her baby for the shift change! We had specific goals! <img alt="DSC08514" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJzVz7nGnJzj5xwYjL4CdPuXG7lWELPm1qoexsvtMjTVbln2MtLFBUI71uVm1yQ-Yn1RkjkmppD7OWWlhgHEWrWguTh5h3ROGeXAbqjPs3P47VvswyH4j6TtZdHoNDPEeUOJvOUGbSSgM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08514" width="404" /> It was crazy we were all sitting around, Wendi was relaxed, and just chatting away! I enjoyed a baby sized can of pop!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Cen_wQo0TKloLStr5OGIz_hjzzT1qQNg6uAKbLPpcG3VyGMAJBuaerdJwFivdgcSdXrNIUJiO4go3LFm6W5L8JARSMmc2t6Ey58jrAdbXJixNlQI8MBdiIaiFHulNJ2iUik3u1GA7iIO/s1600-h/DSC08515%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08515" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGAUCF0E51sbMx_I2jXMuqLetrBKRTa0SRseRCGoDMZ6MCMSSgL7NSfWdxztxRkVs3ptsSD8nCAUxKEunXrvqvTiQzNNolHwWAgimIWo_HJPQJNLJVbLkxAidd0zgUJT_1PmxFaM_NEo9/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08515" width="304" /></a> It was getting close to 6pm and I hadn’t eaten since before 11am and was pretty hungry! I went down to the cafeteria and got some supper. I had a grilled chicken breast, green beans, and some sf jello for 6 points. <img alt="DSC08516" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAYvS5F3bYfxdMoq4GimlgG-TSzrXPmo_tSPqK0SJLylsZGg41W72mjNzgUoBIYet_mKFUucgSdFrvgIb9Sj1jXQXVJz1JTXO672YFLVHDS3aWHbnworydPyPhnkZJNRFHVn8X29D-G6z/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08516" width="404" /><img alt="DSC08517" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kWpdU7eSJwPBjhkf4Fk1lEWLMZuty6oNEd6HNaxHEMHw3M4Rec87ipSwiLheHD9OUy4BS5bJRH809UJxnpxYYeSqbdwdnnTsieFfMOGOdMB3hESwO5gfiyFlYn-9UHVaDk7IlqYORUY3/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08517" width="404" /><img alt="DSC08519" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL897EQ0kdNYh89G3iEk1HgJjEbHQ4q6_zW7GrLwa3R5rMx1M4jVSc67OYe9I6mGO6xqDezlFcmQCScgA9fmxghCifhO-NKNg_9GT1HvpkoWTdoqbg3hx-XF5dhC0v_tITu2_Me9Q1il0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08519" width="304" /> Wendi was still pretty relaxed, but hadn’t progressed too much. The dr decided to give her pitocin to get things moving. My sister Stefanie did a good job keeping Wendi relaxed!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_peAaaTS2Bi9m7o6yJHotzGCJG2egOQ5Cn9pLnJksQCm9kQ_uc7JNxE3pbGuGDcXJwah94t2N3-K1PPlFy-KMAO9Q2hGdJRTbPjcsjtUqzEfknqIBfANykKu8S_zeCgXDjA7TVoONOl1Z/s1600-h/DSC08520%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08520" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzydggoWLsCyrUXvR6jkLRgzlR90wvVxXiVgcA3aHI5mTCJB63c11n-oWt_VEPtTRbRaWo2e5dK325ucdSsZZ4D-Svgmw-QIx1I-ET-ozpYqqRNAvcm92UsdjZ5zm4PV-ob93DuVs3OESD/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08520" width="304" /></a> Mom did too!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6doRMD3fSCdPIMiq0WU23xuvFWwVaQ0edVmXgD4BEZ12JF3R0WdqpwPf93el3fZCFsPuDpel7_CjrrrxRS1deieUwFaaPjwzwK_oYyRPVuCUtoQPEwLnfXD1ExZzsQZld6SX6u0q_3FlZ/s1600-h/DSC08522%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08522" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG50pZabJ7nClcwRLhkTnRlR0pxxnk36tnQ7-mF0dg7e3rudpAVaI6xFOyYT5czKuCTzq6pyUydLWBo4n_jcY-q0t6rfcGi03EfKLBFmVhyqpuyQVT53vh8iykKnizda7cVxIUM98KvA2f/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08522" width="304" /></a> The petocin was working, but nurse wanted more! So she brought Wendi the squat bar and had her lean back & forth to help move the baby down. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWAZPojaOGT13zkph5IJEPNkBtOP9ND10fxVgQsyOpoy9wCH4QmGTMh3xx1hQFvGuQ0Ojq4pYdb2U8YzJItx6P4oaCCCBE6REK-QdRwBk7y8n727LSErJyzvjitfVfYKMRvhjAqoQM3NV/s1600-h/DSC08526%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08526" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIRxXK2ZT9lknFbY566borlntB1arJC5m1aQBAK4nEV6s11adya1XFTsmPBUx-qDbd0KTQzbS0ZJ7uFEO0Lnbb1g2_WMyKEALD4qNnZ1p7-q7QmzbdYjrW7TS9LyzQm5IHckdwY6QJ1R8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08526" width="404" /></a> By this time Wendi was feeling the urge to push and feeling a lot more pressure. So 2 of my sisters held one of Wendi’s legs and I was up by her head. My job was to count to 10 each time she had to push. The dr kept telling me to slow down with my counting, but it was so hard because I was focused on Wendi and I could see the pain in her face with each push. I have come the conclusion that Wendi is the strongest one of us sisters! She was so tough and strong throughout the entire process. Wendi only had to push for less than an hour and at 11:27pm he was born! She did SO incredibly well!! It was such an amazing experience and I’m so glad Wendi had me be a part of it. He is absolutely perfect!<img alt="DSC08535" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DIR36rpsG-Ou_GlOMVVCCz-nZENBGJ771eb9FtpPLnUWwLoi3Xxz0fiaaAhLmC25faOglm5qim-mkRcaN2KJpxb-ZxsZUwpGwzBItOt6dggtHcJDArflBmbtYSmiWNVui08aT6AVvqke/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08535" width="404" /> He measured 20 1/2” long!<img alt="DSC08538" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPq4qxSCq_bgBaNcfQ4xUT2IZZFZHyhcTV50HzspvkOcj4jvncyUKKhO1OMXTSJdelO8dZ11rKaQmt-LXrVg1oXSgO97u09gloAV-R9cQNKfb5Ubr60SzlaUeMj_AgPIzFOMynOG9ZY_lz/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08538" width="404" /> He weighed 8lbs 10 3/4 oz and has a full head of beautiful dark hair! <img alt="DSC08539" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObAyYwx_JB7Tib8IiHZZX5wFJiu7-8IE5KxB1w5Le7U7fY19PQXIKyTzfFeUZ_5XAnrFyfXLJBhnHQRGnWaYWzwIHxvVnl2YvLTsf1KZFkYwX2VYVJF-cr9qDNKLUOeE02WFnwHQLIuyX/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08539" width="404" /> He wasn’t breathing right when he was first born, so Wendi didn’t get to hold him for about 3 hours.<img alt="DSC08540" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-NIHzTAAQ_ybCXCgLao1ZHkY1PymOG1oWh2H-8T-JT4nSvBz3fnrzPBpknTERS4ZT9A3onOconZFRqLIcFdYYTWy4OPKtTlk82n1uvYCcFOE2Jfdql3Jh6HkoSFlLHctUxBozE-DObpm/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08540" width="404" /> They said he must have got a lot of fluid in his lungs and he was breathing too fast. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSlUdgzxjnFUfffnkPSLDFYC5FmquQAhNoQDxL433QlWZ-QGCpFIpJ2_BcgZ0bV324Ke9KjuYawge-IhgE6FTtQY61Wu3PjMrWW3CniDQBRRarj50VDl0zgz4ebrlgD05-ZG51ukq0TwZ/s1600-h/DSC08530%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08530" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68gFK5O23tcqZTZJq00htSdOVQ5eIaIix-Iuj7KwpBCYDoBs7HMdulfBtLT1SyNqthkf1WUrhP1_vRO6spDe-kurTn2_3cpCMuEATf9wiz7QQoa2tM_BUVEYAMf6fja88QHUkTR0BSrhL/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08530" width="404" /></a> By this time it was after 1am and everyone was worn out! Obviously it was a long day for Wendi, but everyone else was pretty tired too! SUNDAY’S STATS POINTS = 13/23 WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 1 used/34 remaining ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/0 week H2O = 32 oz EXERCISE = none

He’s Here!!!

Sunday was a BIG day!! Kyle and I went to church, but Wendi decided to stay home. She wasn’t feeling the best. After church Kyle and I wen...

Big Ten...BIG Changes

4:40 PM Tukiyooo 0

I think everyone that lives in a Big Ten state should read this blog, because there are lots of changes going on next year. Yes, NEXT year - 2011. This season everything is as it has been. Eleven schools, play everyone but three, rivalries still there, no championship game. But over the summer (I almost missed this news, since I was in Disney World) Nebraska agreed to leave the Big Twelve Conference and join the Big Ten. Of course, this caused me to drool, since I hate Nebraska almost as much as I hate Ohio State (almost) and a chance to play them on a regular basis is neat. But this also caused the Conference to deal with the fact that it's not a Ten. Nor is it even an Eleven! (Goodbye, old logo, which I didn't even realize had an 11 in it till a few years back!) It is a Twelve (though it's still going to be called Ten - don't get me started.), and by being a 12-school conference, they are obligated to have a championship game and split into divisions. Tonight, the Big Ten announced those divisions and explained how it would keep traditional rivalries while maintaining divisions. The two divisions are Division 1: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin Division 2: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska and Northwestern. If you read that carefully, you'll realize that Ohio State and Michigan are NOT in the same division. But while yes, a team will play each of its division teams every year, they'll also play three of the other division's teams. One of those games will be a "guaranteed cross-rival game" where those two teams will play each other even though they're not in the same division. And yup, Michigan's guaranteed cross-rival game will always be Ohio State. My dad hates this, because he thinks it's going to make it even harder to make it into the championship game because they're always playing the always formidable Ohio State. And this guy I'm watching on the Big Ten Network, Gerry DiNardo, is saying the same thing. I also have a few thoughts. Read on... <ul><li>Honestly, how much money did Michigan State AD Mark Hollis pay the Big Ten to have INDIANA be their cross-conference rival on a permanent basis? We play Ohio State; they play INDIANA?? Are you kidding me??</li></ul><ul><li>I am loving the fact that Wisconsin and Penn State are not in our division. We don't even see either team in the 2011 or 2012 seasons! They are always difficult teams to play, and not having them on the schedules make me breathe a little easier.</li></ul><ul><li>I am eagerly anticipating the final two games of the 2011 season for Michigan. Both games are at home, and the first is Nebraska; the second is Ohio State. I'd like to mention now that I am all for the match-ups. Unlike my dad, who always likes to see how we'll get to a championship game, I take each game at a time (unlike what I do for baseball, where I'm always looking ahead). To host Nebraska will almost be more exciting than going to the Ohio State game! (Dad: I'd like to claim that ticket, if I can get the free time.) I can already imagine the lusty booing that will resound through the newly renovated stadium. </li></ul><ul><li>I watched the Big Ten Network coverage tonight, and they interviewed Nebraska AD Tom Osborne. It looked like he'd been dead for two years and had been decomposing! It's the Crypt-Keeper!</li></ul><ul><li>I really didn't care if U-M/OSU was at the end of the season. I'm happy it is, but having to play them while they are NOT a division rival is a bit unsettling.</li></ul><ul><li>The season just got a ton harder. That mountain that Lloyd Carr talked about back in 1997 was just a molehill compared to this gigantic Everest that we're going to have to play in future seasons.</li></ul><ul><li>The first championship game is in Indianapolis, but I really hope that Ford Field can claim a championship game in the future. </li></ul><ul><li>I'm still a little confused about how exactly you get to the Big Ten championship game. If you win all your divisional games, does that put you in the championship? Or do you have to win every game in the conference, regardless of which divisional team you're playing? Because people keep saying that Michigan and Ohio State could play twice in a row. (For example, both teams are 5-0 in their division and play each other twice.) But I only see that happening if they only count the divisional games. How do the conferences like the SEC and ACC do it? </li></ul><ul><li>This is all extended only to the 2012 seasons. This is a method that even the Big Ten commissioner has said can change. And I'm comfortable with that. It's not like the BCS, where the NCAA has pretty much said that there's no way a playoff is going in place anytime soon - it's the BCS, period. The adjustments after the 2012 season will be welcome.</li></ul><ul><li>Did we really have to keep all the rivalries? It seems like they wasted a lot of time on something that is purely tradition. If they had done away with tradition and just adopted any old format, sure the fans would have griped for a while about schedules, but after the griping we would begin to adjust with what's been given us. One acronym helps me to explain this reasoning: ALCS. After the 1968 season  Major League Baseball adopted a divisional system where they had a championship game for the AL and the NL before the World Series. There was complaining, but after a while it just became how it is. </li></ul>So here's how it is, and here's how we handle it. We complain for a little while, and then let it happen. And then when they change it, we'll want this version back! So I'm just going to skip over all of that complaining stuff and go with it. I hope you do, too. It will make the transition a liiiiittle easier.

Big Ten...BIG Changes

I think everyone that lives in a Big Ten state should read this blog, because there are lots of changes going on next year. Yes, NEXT year ...

Bragging rights for the Hawks!

6:20 AM Tukiyooo 0

Hey everyone! I know I’m a little behind, but I have a good excuse, but I’ll get to that later! Saturday morning, 5am to be exact, we hit the road to Iowa City for the state rivalry football game between the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones. My goal for the day was to stay on plan and hopefully get a big WIN for the Hawks!! I started out with a WW double chocolate muffin for 3 points.  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeQ6ESOElTCNqe1BxG09jiZRvmG22axGLPE7RI_3busnTs_qdZXusHmvaQDp3VyIEAX8g9ojIWC4GkJi4fOYWrWe9dIyrttupFpprrbIFtnFDjFpjTWpVvUdcMlBfNy_dhfmwELQYMO-3/s1600-h/DSC08458%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08458" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yqFgqLGc_2Me9RKrra8co-ySwdrr5LTWsD6VclyQ9duxkcB3V2cywvDuIvqnwTg6Pir08FD5SXSfwGjsvN7ILdYGWHWddnGRyAjvUwRDql02NWT3QqFdNBQi1zK9FyN1E4jAwLpQreHr/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08458" width="404" /></a> We walked around to see a bunch of friends that were down for the game. Look what we found for sale, a Hawkeye motor home!! Too bad it was over $100k!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCryBpByQYbREiM_zPn1kKkV-hSDgZIkkyTtetqN6m1Xnlaf8K_mH-475hytq36sjCaKd2Fy25nh_EeEpQIM3km8yIpeF60mYmgGcRg8R1x32EtvPhE5PoLxhvyEzyNoZxDGd5PWJf6mCt/s1600-h/DSC08460%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08460" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNZu2NEnsmUTJLzLrDvtVINFMz13x8XA6B4qihVBXIEHw530vH6j1t2I3v0J8T3YMLlxu4gb27L02mPyGhZ35MP9TqSKRR4wo-YQF8TWqKR8ygIW7OtasKHHDMU4HMpQrQFUCIlxMqfJ5/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08460" width="404" /></a> Me and my favorite Hawkeye!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTNRZ0zJN2HxSJ_jP-ws1bTtw-g4P6667zxYOqPV_Uq_VyiuyfiuI1ipOVotRAdhXWT2jRs8SFEMKzObSsAhiEnuTuzDcCsHzmFUAjfaMYUyAz2ewTTeIJgbZuvqmaO_PGPZY3QVrv93n/s1600-h/DSC08462%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08462" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7j0DDgX0BEm6KdL1vlf9WK88dltM6zBzxsaxunVLNVpvC3ztd9VrVgFZIShU4JB_E11nvr0D-JraNYK0VYw8oyQwO-RCS55vTLVHS2NF86rrucN8R1n-J2w6wj7IAIPhk6d2iRTvwvWH/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08462" width="304" /></a> Me and a random Herky statue! Like my outfit? My sister asked if everyone dresses ridiculous! lol<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6b7RnpavlfaI9v7zUVSzDHaQKD-07jsOyd6feE2n6HNY-WCqbOlRNxxDYLIelTEzvplsS42V48NntmxrKmeJAA0OlRh2YdlDpSuZUrr6KXDuNECAlAhp-b6l5uHj7NklpVtzoaUYBh-X/s1600-h/DSC08463%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08463" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKFPfhmOLQz369iSHq66Y_jYe52UsMZHOImBQmeqHBKwmhlhc0XGP-afO4-tSw8jkM8rkydg7JzylEG6wIrhpBl1CKft8hGTpUn4AxV7YSqmo209m2Lc9LA3DuExsxn0SsovRdy7XLOk7/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08463" width="404" /></a> Kyle and I planned on eating out for lunch. We picked the Vine just a few blocks from the stadium. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pqr1cC1TknY2Ik73SMzKLmdKXKXCxTVGCS2Bz8WCsaSZvCcrU3XMqso2UxvvGZ-sSJOB3FxUqlEWcEKgrMy1UGHtzpO0fIHu5WBtcRcST1SAXQN91jYWWMWOZcVM4eHWzIk0hx-3pYC5/s1600-h/DSC08470%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08470" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXh6VDnUTVTi7BaJj_5e9QIuZ8XWuEUdSGkFGjcOEbXFMp9yJQAgOScdW3pLrkQZNYMnfZ0nsxKdTDkcg8kTRdDS63HDRi4vHm_viY4VmyFNPY4vy6VdcV4w8Zddmb9HfwkZ-qHDYgnDIP/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08470" width="404" /></a> We loved their decor!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6xDamAg7v1rqYocjPJah2JExBZheGcSjQeIIq7IpjlDzVUbOwmam-ueLl2qirvqXMiYPiT3yprIGJKSJZImSTmE1wDZj4px-TUVr0Uc40Tge6wpgh4-XZLSQ3nZ2sYNFLYwQDZ0E1NYm/s1600-h/DSC08472%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08472" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELO4IoY7xX6krPcWDHYJX-0iW-HrPmhY03RtW5SwmrIUnZG3L5K7no1mXZ53-oHihsdjaeTQZESFCsLVmtE_DxWIqdZ4IkQyWN2-U7cKBBBd8shRGpaqxxGbWBcY32W7f5PGL2NveyCl6/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08472" width="404" /></a> I ordered veggies and the grilled chicken sandwich. I only ate half the bun and scraped off the bacon and cheese for a total of 7 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIJWscabLbysTWb8RyFwc2eGTFsrOUPX6rU0GLnEW74fCq__Z1GVua7eabQhxyNtBGCHAXK-Du_sMI3Et1f8xNLjoG2NXEXUSXkep3SqM9rgKDsWeZUnf3_wq3_DPu73to3e8B2mITqpn/s1600-h/DSC08473%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08473" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEies6ae63VmP6L2VNOJ99qmWtVW6cIlQDU6vD339t_uJG7_UrY8TfdMUnl3LTFaL62qsnqhotnJ2orjosHXUa1WRg-yPDDTl_jKm1DiVXI9o4bXRt1a8U_6wgiuGRYLXfIfGZkzYrhZJu9N/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08473" width="404" /></a> Kyle got the French dip! One of his favorites! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHStBm6wSk8DrL1-bL3E0BlSkd5MCLNvI3LYJlS2LbCfJuFueVUDFYURv6OQRDxVonWb9ssak3VfYf7TOF1wpiOMGPmK65BiXvIy3TDa_5apTab2FvIqcc3CszyusB0Ljk-zlOBf3GmRoh/s1600-h/DSC08474%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08474" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJy6GLS3sbxXbOUcVuIg4NyOhTdqksLro7N0p0YimDj9FWsGx8eAy2veRNwOHxdzfZvEoh1UqYvoHxbbxTam1NXnnb6fanR9_GYVxJRBt9bkyK8gNCJ2iV9-qeYQpqjpGSeVT_XcL74IC/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08474" width="404" /></a> Finally game time!!! We were pumped!! It was a great game and we won 35-7!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32RXZLx3SMe8CjbpTRcCL7vqQ08RulPNgAae6IpCQz_BWYFnXrnlZ1IqtNWiPUBa-Gx4o1wWHDAvE6EW_6kfrYNGNNJKYf5Fm5tR-UQhTnFLarpFmr9QQaCCKYDNlYfR8Ofuhs8Kgj6rw/s1600-h/DSC08478%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08478" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJPhDyc1ZTAk7J-ohz9S6vo5HvJ2zOU6tsqKuHs14FaukX7WRRDpcyCIr9r4QKA9TmC8Ty_Ou7y8K8HguW1DhqxXS2H0uFnrNZQGO1F_PgGZSz1YSd_FEDiYAutDoNw6FJg_PF8ms2Oh2/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08478" width="304" /></a> After the game, we hit the road right away for our 3 hour drive home. I had a turkey sandwich and some grapes for 4 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02LCAMAoW7bIr20tMLJFPENx_naXiqp7UidtrSaMbbQThkpPBcZ4SOm09qKx0sEk1Q1WWFxP_hWbuo4U_duCa8ykOVQz0uFGVFxIrZP0OZ3JiMz5NIKKMxTX75sG9oH4c-AA3Uzqbk_uL/s1600-h/DSC08500%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08500" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PMiBZ_XsTQDRkjID1kJ6JwXT0muq1u-uzSTAsyBLTGUFDV15Oyn8f5HK5NAFfQiQWYVBrHB3WUlMBy6QZU1wNNnpjkJNMxqZjKmARNNwklg05jZXkcHwYsO06RiFwN6vsKcoO0c2MxWR/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08500" width="404" /></a> Kyle & I listened to comments on the game on the drive home. I also had a few servings of animal crackers for 4 points. My lil sister, Wendi, came over when we got home and we watched a movie and had a bowl of celebratory ice cream! My serving was 3 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzjDJLOOFJcxI0gU_XuDel_mcnuyY-ya6KHQF2MRXjrdTtvm2PuvSng6xzNfttnl5w5LU73enIobmnDMFZIvoY8WtQDc114L2iZBIVSRC-8NjOALY7kQE_nFVksm5Qc5rKFYufo-yz-SA/s1600-h/DSC08501%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08501" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0kqyQWYptlKpBnyCilOWjBt4wJZQQE-nusKqXqfg3tMyxBVxPadZtFmstRyQjLIHXWMt3pLxhXXRtaH0oFpTzvdgMRNCas1R77mBOZapH3vtdDI03uNmUytU3kGWf_2Rc5tKBlTmgnxv/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08501" width="404" /></a> SATURDAY’S STATS POINTS = 17/23 WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 1 used/34 remaining ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/0 week H2O = 64 oz EXERCISE = 3 miles of walking while tailgating Alright guys I have big news, but I have to save it for Sunday’s post! So stay tuned!!!!

Bragging rights for the Hawks!

Hey everyone! I know I’m a little behind, but I have a good excuse, but I’ll get to that later! Saturday morning, 5am to be exact, we hit ...

Planning de la semaine du 13 au 17 septembre 2010

12:48 AM Anonymous 0

<h2>Permanences </h2><ul> <li>Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 13 septembre de 9h à 12h30, - le mardi 14 septembre de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h, - le mercredi 15 septembre de 13h30 à 17h, - le jeudi 16 septembre de 13h30 à 17h, - le vendredi 17 septembre de 13h30 à 17h. <li><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/01/egee-nouveau-partenaire-la-maison-de.html">EGEE</a> - lundi 13 septembre de 13h30 à 17h (sur rendez-vous) <li><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/solidarits-nouvelles-face-au-chmage.html">Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage</a> - mercredi 15 septembre de 10h à 12h30 <li><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de Gestion</a> - vendredi 17 septembre de 09h à 12h30 (sur rendez-vous) </ul> <h2>Ateliers </h2> <ul><li>CV - mardi 14 septembre de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 15 septembre de 13h30 à 17h <li>Lettre de Motivation - mardi 14 septembre de 13h30 à 17h <li>Pôle-emploi.fr - vendredi 17 septembre de 10h à 11h30 <li><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a> - vendredi 17 septembre de 14h à 16h</ul> <h2>Information collective </h2> <ul><li>RSA - Conseil Général - mardi 14 septembre à 10h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 13 au 17 septembre 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 13 se...

Beat State…again!!!

9:23 PM Tukiyooo 0

Hey friends! I hope everyone enjoyed their Friday! Mine was just perfect! I really hope you guys don’t get tired of seeing me eat the same breakfast everyday because I sure don’t get tired of eating it! Oatmeal, a small sliced banana, and 1T of peanut butter for 5 points is just right for me!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OUWQ7-XtdVfCSVwhAtNHHIC5XRnje_Xv6Q3d61INk3bZb4G9XPur-sl195gsQ6kcIEqcbxKXbZV2WHgKz02H0NTZ5H7Z26SJ8Ts6XzeEUzrHnBrNga9x5i9faYsXznlFWv8JKgf68slT/s1600-h/DSC08438%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08438" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWS1ZgkpBzIjK7sLXs54i9oQlYineEktWIJe_R2l9D-egOjXq4Ag7nIzFxhg0t7rj9OioGhNbIS7JKtgBBzrIXNIEx__VfIxjdVbj45a0tDLtzL9HEzTtIsUS2c6NLcR9MYA49P4N33bwQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08438" width="404" /></a> I spent my morning in meetings about identity theft…man were my eyes opened up! Good info tho! When I got back to my office I inhaled some vanilla yogurt with 1 c strawberries for 2 points. My tummy was growling early for some reason today.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfaRQmGgP027MOkm1cJ-9KB5GqCX6PuTfSoTRUvnzLnbuBGj6HVJFLhQ0DGqATPVe9DX95AMkuid1b5CQueP9ectIXjtB758BywWaF_3kgQTdPbL78QXo8b9yBzbaNknAF9knFA4_g-CQ/s1600-h/DSC08439%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08439" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2nEBsx925iKjk3SOW-9ZuGy6sShUR7UBQONFIyCUcGUMAYVJG1ja0wmEx4urMnJIL8Bl9-IX1i7FJhYMLqs6UDn2fr8mGV48lRJK4U9-UrI81C0QXhHJ2pmepWP4B-yE6OtnWz_3CK7m/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08439" width="404" /></a> Tomorrow is the Iowa Hawkeye vs Iowa State Cyclone football game…basically the super bowl in Iowa, the game to determine who gets bragging rights! I played a little joke on a co-worker who, needless to say, is NOT a Hawkeye fan! ;) It’s all in good fun tho!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0Sexw8uPwuMjfzITencntNk6TidWdnoJeU5n0omYe6Nya8weoyhcFHfuzW0kFD6o1Bx0YLFJXZ0P8_XIJugmGkLO00iY3VxFmeoiJoEq4ds9jMzYqyzBqeAFF6iQTqI_Rxp2kA0_beZY/s1600-h/DSC08436%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08436" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBPzHdrYKZG2blYUaiG2_2NNQtHb-3uSsr6vg5yP7j3lE3kVz20saRXVfEIkSfOaDg_WB4vlZ8wKwW7Ug4yRL2weVCENSnUGw331jWRqe_xClO99Be4qTIndRT-5Plf2AzAJ2TM0051U8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08436" width="404" /></a> Kyle and I went home for lunch and were short on time so I had a Smart Ones for 6 points. Quick & within my points range…I’ll take it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWE7uAslnmn4bzWf52i6O3PflkKcIPY4TBD3qQzV3babuSc-5AkdlTUJxktMfpucSL8gLni-vc5iNqE7WFzzGlnDolIUTuoRdmKf5Bph3ioDWdeSUeiINAMloqw3rRdg_YLo2q2GjS7kBg/s1600-h/DSC08440%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08440" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1unLBh4BmYJfybFpCU9_O4JsM8GMLNSWwSwBe2nA18hWzI-s_Lit91BxU-JzKX0__Niwqkj19m_-Wahq8Czn-qW_e6fahqbcZz60kmKu4ioY_6Ks_u479otcmvA7PTkrCTroFYo2hQYJq/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08440" width="404" /></a> We finished off our last few hours of the day at work and then hit the road to see Kyle’s Grandma. Not without stopping at Kum & Go for $0.59 fountain pop first! MMMmmm good!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZdzGeSSx0QuCq8kBZH-lfpqpAr6x5ebcC7GQxKphwkVfPh0wYkfShrnZn8iHons4CRqYysl6VZnluPDiaovdGGjMQKZOHjUPT9VNiaoEjNYFrWLoiXQJh8V0tFWbX6Qo7MVPpf8cMwhyphenhyphen/s1600-h/DSC08442%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08442" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2l2Eu5pUWXNOy17Ad_328rca0K-XePebiT6pMUrD11CNowGF0QAFgHERiBdBixirzT3thuixw7QGqLOs0xBzfKvHcWc8ObkOm-KU3JMz__k0FwZQm97meFKrV_lPCsyEi3MzhZ6cLz9h/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08442" width="304" /></a> Notice I went all out w/my Hawkeye gear today…ribbon in my hair & everything! :D The past few times we’ve went to see Kyle’s Grandma we have went out to eat, but we decided to cook supper at her place tonight.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgi18wh5vx_6JXnDCOlC2E48-0ERuhFO3lBMdxBKrIasXJtZHLxn3-LXUC45TQmxn2EN8V5A2rmGKDKCFWvGoK8lXYNIP-55bD4aEXz2xfzjdRuY0YHx8zBaDmK1AUQb3Rp0YRvLvTf25V/s1600-h/DSC08455%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08455" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NLu_dQ3BENQpwGv_3hvvhZM-9JpzXq9lu7HyC0SkR9T3x2vNEFMFZLqZQ-iV_7L_Kp9ztwwWurvxgepUh77Tx7BVgQR3eap0kfOCJUCu7jAwtZB5fpPevc_gr91XmfqBvtOpm4xieSbf/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08455" width="404" /></a> I made creamy baked chicken, green bean casserole, corn, and dinner rolls. My plate was a total of 11 points (counting a dinner roll, not pictured). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHp_yLW-25KxwmxXt1aY0ehcOcgsPnBExGaZ0C442ADCGlbVJfxQ-9w9Mf45-42hVSDfN3obnmJ2swy-xejjv3PqcFCkWih6AfMhBibuFclsV7zp-3YSjehHyYXMxy7ZNcIPzurnodOIH/s1600-h/DSC08444%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08444" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG6KYa9NrX7BVoIQslPNgYy2yUTwWZanJRPyUSLUcef1kIX76wrLcS0RJZAIFLHqivUkuyOPNqrzNqdREwRSgqAVsgsC4yxlo9fsvomdyUzE6qHakPNZSaLAZP_F7prkTGLK4HDbmGlDv/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08444" width="404" /></a> After supper we played cards. Up the river, to be specific. Yes, this was a bad hand :( but…..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgCYYBe5wEaB-v47MerxClwLmRMqZP8q4H2HtYNyTXQNeSs_TKdKW9dJYsUJbT4adZFo3YDBGODzYhUaZUt8Y2BfPoD8-5Zp7Aqow350astNJsgwRCz7ZXNXOXpf59WUKJxzGFTvDkcxE/s1600-h/DSC08454%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08454" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx18B6qtcWZZh1ruZOd9P-fOhkD2FyiZLz_U5yfb1xDp4j4SQbTcjyxejUNyqC12hgfpJC_nLrE2yYQz6cg4kzNcU6qSygz_YHm5nnRlg4WQrtVhxpeeBZBA-Q0cIfm64_9_vWymI2Ff0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08454" width="404" /></a> I won the overall game!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7NuW27ZNo7HWioKgszgXYbQjMpg3AQMxFdz0YDiD-3cmv3BF3CC6DTE1HZgcQ3nrsqWit3YYqoPYEEeNhIgsjllggIW9iBW42a3aigxL4JsccrBL35dTtxICjsLdPSTVCzpFNPNewerT/s1600-h/DSC08456%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08456" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicd80V8_FLjYrkwcee2rXNwLP4xvn0clwSUKKdBfJSMZKluQU8TOiMvPNH0LuQ5CbKjsJNnGGJ7ybGjGvb6VIOgGRxfeOcJCKI6G4tRi1YYbBhbeFi7kMYnIpxlZ7XdB3F9qiFyranaZSK/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08456" width="404" /></a> Look what greeted up when we pulled in the garage…about an 8 inch slimy looking thing! EEEWWWW!!! Not something I would expect to see in Iowa! Gave me the willys!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62WZc_yc3fpWQcHEAAFyz2zd7z_YpJCGEzc2s-hlO6ssMDoIJCGJ3kPSQoz3oSgFasYxDxuqtO_L_TKmlKYwWqUDxUhn_l34w1dd7QVpBkJ8A4ahO76MVXrqbw1rwKtyqrP_ru6GB5Nel/s1600-h/DSC08457%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08457" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKBBXmyhufPiG7EVGGGHUORVOfsekwAnX5zGvkmjjPfGWVHyg4kogh0SCT2NJ8cQTcGk-G9cxmbDoTxlwzAWnOJq16_rWOvFueVZ6nNDfaTwDQBJRuVKY30AnU6bXZ4oMW-KWX8SRBdgT/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC08457" width="404" /></a> FRIDAY’S STATS POINTS = 24/23 WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 1 used/34 remaining ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/0 week H2O = 96 oz EXERCISE = none Ok, off to finish packing our tailgate stuff! We are leaving the house at 5am tomorrow to get a prime parking spot! What is on your agenda for the weekend? If you’re an Iowan I sure hope it includes cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes! ;)

Beat State…again!!!

Hey friends! I hope everyone enjoyed their Friday! Mine was just perfect! I really hope you guys don’t get tired of seeing me eat the same...

Stressed? Me? Maybe just a little.

10:53 PM Tukiyooo 0

Does this sound like stress? I woke up several times last night, thinking about work. Thinking of things I needed to do at work and composing work emails in my head. I had a nightmare where I was invisible to my husband. He kept calling my name and I was standing right in front of him. I kept saying, "can't you see me?! I'm right here!", as I waved my hands in front of him. He never did see me. I woke up crying. I went to the gym this morning, worked out for an hour and 15 minutes. Got in my car, drove home, sat in my parked car and had a meltdown. Tears and all. Thinking about work. I took my shower, but couldn't remember if I put conditioner on my hair, or even if I had shampooed it. I couldn't remember if I had shaved my underarms. I couldn't remember if I gave my diabetic cat his insulin shot that morning. I pondered about it, but just could not remember. Was that last night or this morning? As I was driving to work I glanced in the mirror at my hair. I had used hot rollers on it and I had "winglets" (thanks to these crazy layers I have now). I started laughing hysterically at how silly I looked. In my car, by myself. At about 11am my stomach was rumbling. I suddenly remembered I didn't eat breakfast. I NEVER skip breakfast. It's the highlight of my day. How on earth could I forget breakfast?! Yes, I'm kind of stressed out these days. I know things will eventually calm down. Things work out one way or another. Somehow. Someday. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I actually wrote the above during my 10-minute lunch break today as I shoveled lukewarm soup in my mouth. I didn't have time to head back to our lunch room and heat it a couple more minutes. My day actually did get better. Things have a way of working out. I think I've calmed down a little and don't feel as freaked out as I did this morning. Things aren't fabulous at work, but they're definitely better than the past week.

Stressed? Me? Maybe just a little.

Does this sound like stress? I woke up several times last night, thinking about work. Thinking of things I needed to do at work and composin...

On the mend!

7:48 PM Tukiyooo 0

Hey friends! Thanks for all the well wishes, I feeling much better today. I was slow moving this morning, but made it to work and felt better & better as the day progressed! For breakfast I was nervous to eat, but knew I needed to. I couldn’t do plain oatmeal, so I added my favorite toppings, a banana and 1T of peanut butter for 5 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qw6FEz4OQ7NDECqS79Cay590fVpw8QSgoCEW1cOCQjR6OFHVw52DZTsCxXEAQ-K2PL-idqgH5NfNpP8uet_-KwhmIyPRSuFxYPTGhF_dKyue2b90ChZy4_p_yD3iSMNRVyLhT2wgWjAv/s1600-h/DSC083013.jpg"><img alt="DSC08301" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95ZtSIIlNObZiaogVC2MUBqHvo093pBeiKrYd0_Hb_ey-f6Ea7iy2eFUI7vMAhWCd4qiNimhzl0og2CShcqcsIwQ1CmI65O_BlnFfF0eNCJqsHGIqX3RDGnZ6cXCjDK-z_RnOmrQhH2Yl/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC08301" width="404" /></a> My day FLEW by! I had a few meetings and our director was gone, so that meant everyone came to me with their questions! Kyle and I went home for lunch around 2pm. I had a simple, but delicious plate of 1/2c cottage cheese, 1 c watermelon, and a ham, turkey, & cheese sandwich for 6 points.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAggytK_xbEuFOvsO5kDQzPvYak5B7drKCEqRMbn0pp8FdfilO74H0hyphenhyphen-TumbJHwFRFFcinBd7GF-dJ6EC7mh8tn_owcR5euSQIRDLG4ONo8m5PfTYk7Br7kiuwhmiPt5HxVbqvl9hUaO/s1600-h/DSC084293.jpg"><img alt="DSC08429" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpBW_qKWmduPnRvlCdl-gKVa8lVKpE1L8IcpJW82OrJoUiebAqiuzHLqMfmd8DdrVtA07twn7-6Njp8nGvFcdqhR1MnIEDFzfTBja9XPGSnBFLK77tDzMXpdi40wZr6qQFbB4Z8yl-EBa/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC08429" width="404" /></a> Since we had such a late lunch the last 2 hours of the day were a complete blur! All I know is that I felt SO much better!! Thank goodness! After work my lil sis, Wendi, and I met up with our sister Mindi and her husband Preston for supper! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4X9XFBHjgt7S6HIoyXLC3mq3HGN-4BhbCqYXB0VmAEwPg0BpFkX3TVK4jtOBDP79aAb10G3VOsGbu7HTq9a1CnPKjnrABPkozBgoas9TTb-3D6JBJ-on1XY411w9RyVW99hWHhSzwwsr/s1600-h/IMG000452010090917504.jpg"><img alt="IMG00045-20100909-1750" border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsnjWNqE57Jsd-aB5e1RbQVPnOJzv03F7_qEsSyWoE2GIdMXkhoLA2nE9yww-IjP6TQlodyfu_fCCjuUit-o3YgcPOVqEVI08YItdPpev6RRyIQRKbnqGIMGsTujUUJylI4mVLqxEWdeV/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG00045-20100909-1750" width="404" /></a> Sorry for the poor pic quality, these are cell phone pics…my camera battery died after I took pics of my plate. :(<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1iRYbRUaMxkWdPDYYuu4O8EhcaQ9IQxoa0byPWR5eoh3WFOEZzyf6VO48QgvIDGSDZ2H6TxIDx_3s0StmZ9PoK6sn-fElaahyphenhyphenGtZ_3jXNiegs-dCRuDtgRvAjL2Ggbk2GV30DkdeZ9G1/s1600-h/IMG000442010090917503.jpg"><img alt="IMG00044-20100909-1750" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9L9aN6kNlBeiP8nCpGgb0avpO54uLBx3koDgVQL_Ly4ty8mie1UY1VbzFFV1Nm3RWMP21pYWSIRX4I_p1LS2tqPVSSo5mCIlf_YKvhCU4j2bNOkre2EdS8_NKS358DOveHvaBpp_TTtd/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG00044-20100909-1750" width="404" /></a> The restaurant special was 1/2 price appetizers, but there were not point friendly options so I ordered a the grilled chicken ciabatta with a side of steamed vegetables.  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQi_aUasUUtck9bsAboiuIWNHHBPKyGr3sq-ckaMRPvjWuZUYP1PDC-ow-0ZAoYQyovDW8A901HCZTE91VWe_vmQOEJfLewseVXA__SBgYqLqKRfcm959_eD_W2uej2MIsCeKiYqlKJUR/s1600-h/DSC084313.jpg"><img alt="DSC08431" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE1nATHmqUdBhAsPVSYaXP7NZO9pz0JA6CaYgYCkSfxJsCizX9v5JdflWFp8Zww__CG_lNutV1vVBu5Bbc80QIVoYf4wqt_HZ8hEdTvhYne2Ftsr9p7EynlGRyQvLrAw2VNCr9q_VI6BK/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC08431" width="404" /></a> I only ate 1/2 the bun and scraped off the lettuce, bacon, and mayo. Points = 6 (just to estimate high!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSStUtXQ70Gh_xSvNJyzrTrVud-7BDFHSZzT_K2ZGOT0CvBDiP1baXanmn_aYDxbS5VFONXPaKF_XuKftspBWBvuwg3MaklTAXk8YV9bBEJLE4VQ6O5UQZevt_2VzQkTKVOweIV1TGE-h/s1600-h/DSC084303.jpg"><img alt="DSC08430" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gCf1F7AaNmwJ0exIfKyhKapyKxURX5An6oPjLqozRMlc24A5xD1ZRpTeGgR2zkpZjpXHPKCRfhyzvgEtcs2rE16wPLxsPgtCL4jxBym7Mwq6AHZ2zk-A3Dorf9f8-NN4_ZJW1tEINUbj/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC08430" width="404" /></a> After supper Wendi came over to hang out. Still no baby! She is 41 weeks, 2 days pregnant! Today the doctor said she will her go up to 2 weeks past her due date. So if Wendi hasn’t had her baby by next Thursday she will get induced. I have to say I’m quite anxious to meet my nephew!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ND-OnoNPGB6xt29AlseDsfqypKlL70Js8G5VrdHaq_wA0LYoaVSEePbO7OScK4SgV1iMtgIfjoL0GghATpSGll1lN6-zKzOW_PGtOTNmder1rsgAG03WFZQ7ViGJNB4VFK6oKWGUywJt/s1600-h/9.9.1041weeks2days3.jpg"><img alt="9.9.10 - 41 weeks, 2 days" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrCzLfjjbzGAxeYyA4B0Nl1ZUQiopWES4j6FfN4L-svDnTaM8z5-LtfLnGeM6AOt-AwWejtTNHBO3PDG3-5UT3Z30eD8SeASZSzDfcaRkfMI_eOkgHw_JW5Cal1R3WEN4xC3MD7QgLXop/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="9.9.10 - 41 weeks, 2 days" width="354" /></a> Wendi has been VERY blessed with her pregnancy. It has been SO smooth and she was never sick. And to think she is 41+ weeks prego, we went on a 15 minute power walk tonight, and she is ok with the fact that she is over due! THURSDAY’S STATS POINTS = 17/23 WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 0 used/35 remaining ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/0 week H2O = 96 oz EXERCISE = 15 min power walk If you have had a child, what was your pregnancy experience like? Smooth as could be, I could do this for a living? ;) OR Had a kid and that will be my ONLY kid, not going through that again? OR Something else? Obviously I haven’t been through it yet, but I’m hoping my little sister’s experience is a good sign for me!