News for today's 2018

The Rafael, My Local Theater

10:05 PM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e_agWaS3KuQLcyvbyU_PU5juz1LBwbkE0MvLunbPsFpIjGkMzoGYUW_luURnyKwvQe6AU-vsVdLodPpkXkXERzGteLnOVtyvrtLnvP8qPbc0CfuSnU9umDFy-feojeXRtDADF2JN9Ob5/s1600/2599500164_08344e8018%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517362929709756834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e_agWaS3KuQLcyvbyU_PU5juz1LBwbkE0MvLunbPsFpIjGkMzoGYUW_luURnyKwvQe6AU-vsVdLodPpkXkXERzGteLnOVtyvrtLnvP8qPbc0CfuSnU9umDFy-feojeXRtDADF2JN9Ob5/s320/2599500164_08344e8018%5B1%5D.jpg" style="float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 239px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1Omrshf1ouSOVEsYi_VAcW4NtMwFRlpdbLHE0szK-NrKoHyGKXReg_OAzV1F28LkKrjaA0t4pXSC6bQoCSzcf_SiVG7sqRrMIwAuq9fdWHYG35LhEYzwSP3JSllHxS2GoxBwRFiTz3MA/s1600/if7a9879_thm%5B1%5D.jpg"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2u8nboWnASJVKrZsU5Z6L4AFKqbI8fX9eb00hRGYPo2EqchyyyePYomb7WQVEVJLH6daYzKW9Nadh494iYnAUgZ03laVVJtEw5MENyNbrgABmfPNZoYLR5vXUkAphvfiBOCWQTnis13l/s1600/if7a9879_thm%5B1%5D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517363302722707634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2u8nboWnASJVKrZsU5Z6L4AFKqbI8fX9eb00hRGYPo2EqchyyyePYomb7WQVEVJLH6daYzKW9Nadh494iYnAUgZ03laVVJtEw5MENyNbrgABmfPNZoYLR5vXUkAphvfiBOCWQTnis13l/s200/if7a9879_thm%5B1%5D.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMWjlBYtfMTaJGRl1noxetO1AyknX9b_r-5_pLUXC7OmhHuL1RyKcbgsWkSQCXQyMS68dNe3eqHzLxkn2ls3-Lbs0CHIB-1rTKPWHlY4CuOODv253mSAo_oWJpONMzvkNCJFY3x7Rk-8o/s1600/2599500164_08344e8018%5B1%5D.jpg"></a> The Rafael Theater in San Rafael, California, began life as the Orpheus Theater in 1918, long before the Golden Gate Bridge connected Marin County to the city of San Francisco. A first-run movie house, the Orpheus was razed by fire and resurrected as the art moderne Rafael in 1938. The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused significant damage to the building and the Rafael closed for ten years. In 1998 reconstruction began. The theater was gutted and renovated and reopened in 1999. Today it is a three-screen art/indie/revival house operated as a non-profit by the California Film Institute and has been renamed the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Theater. The Mill Valley Film Festival, which runs from October 7 - 17 this year (2010) and will honor such luminaries as Annette Bening, Edward Norton, Sam Rockwell, Ryan Gosling and Julian Schnabel, screens many of festival films at the glorious Rafael. In the last few years I've seen quite a variety of films at the Rafael - La Vie en Rose (Marion Cotillard won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance and attended the Rafael premiere), Starting Out in the Evening (featuring a remarkable performance by Frank Langella), Francis Coppola's Tetro (a film that brought Luchino Visconti to mind) and the Swedish sensation, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Most recently I attended a screening of the silent version of Alfred Hitchcock's Blackmail (1930) with accompaniment by the Alloy Orchestra (<a href="http://classic-film-tv.blogspot.com/2010/07/dial-h-for-hitchcock-blackmail-on-big.html" style="color: #990000;">click here</a> for my post  about it) and a free-to-the-public presentation of Hitchcock's North by Northwest (<a href="http://classic-film-tv.blogspot.com/2010/09/dial-h-for-hitchcock-north-by-northwest.html">click here </a>for the post). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1atKcd8fEqkyx1xiMucmeVsGAH92anIV0aZ7V9VWApPRWxn8cE-5qXiIuymNQNBKypnxbqpWojlzM2AeunEyokCisAnz5dYPHxPPJq_l6NpU9UcTlY0yZC5VPZQyI2nQ9rq1EWTd-UuD/s1600/537814%255B1%255D%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1atKcd8fEqkyx1xiMucmeVsGAH92anIV0aZ7V9VWApPRWxn8cE-5qXiIuymNQNBKypnxbqpWojlzM2AeunEyokCisAnz5dYPHxPPJq_l6NpU9UcTlY0yZC5VPZQyI2nQ9rq1EWTd-UuD/s320/537814%255B1%255D%255B2%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> A few years ago the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night was screened on the exterior of the Rafael. The street was closed to traffic and filled with people sitting and standing and singing along with John, Paul, George and Ringo. Some of the Rafael's illustrious guests... <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNZVjVobbj4V8t6dEZFGiNw7LpcPtmDKZg97Bzb-LSz5ToJanMhYAn3LeI3w0iVOka47yJRX7cMcMS84glwgULsDCPnY5rQsUYOLoLf9Yo7mbBG3l-Yx7jojB6Eidy968jSyRhKzyRDza/s1600/barbara+hale+at+the+rafael+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517762412342532482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNZVjVobbj4V8t6dEZFGiNw7LpcPtmDKZg97Bzb-LSz5ToJanMhYAn3LeI3w0iVOka47yJRX7cMcMS84glwgULsDCPnY5rQsUYOLoLf9Yo7mbBG3l-Yx7jojB6Eidy968jSyRhKzyRDza/s200/barbara+hale+at+the+rafael+2.jpg" style="float: left; height: 167px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 171px;" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara Hale</td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517762638183555666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOL4y2MBjJQZjSkAM-eoCtNEZhGdmdHoXeVrWj_aQ0oFr-mHZUgpNvgqkNQdpT7xoe0cNWLX18Yoe6U58EntxbBaEqfuYZtzA5Cdok-6cLxi7fyAwmzkFV0g4hywAVjyk0ORQwx3OTu8s/s200/Ray+Harryhausen+auto+graphs.jpg" style="display: block; height: 144px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 170px;" /></td></tr><tr style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray Harryhausen</td></tr></tbody></table>   <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuop-gOPXgy_rFFpvB-VKbinm5WaAHTzH8r1-SQS5nL1QaqFqhz6gHk4qMo1im5o53L8Bx6jj99-TvsyLb7orf9RrkqYBjTwSJpGOH2gczca9xeov6n_QSN2ju_YYFlhBkBZUyLymi_7rR/s1600/Mirren+MVFF+the+queen+at+Rafael.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517763547007563826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuop-gOPXgy_rFFpvB-VKbinm5WaAHTzH8r1-SQS5nL1QaqFqhz6gHk4qMo1im5o53L8Bx6jj99-TvsyLb7orf9RrkqYBjTwSJpGOH2gczca9xeov6n_QSN2ju_YYFlhBkBZUyLymi_7rR/s200/Mirren+MVFF+the+queen+at+Rafael.jpg" style="float: left; height: 142px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 175px;" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helen Mirren</td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519759120717768418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0eVOT0O3G0K2WBRuEAr5YG3C9qum4c9lvpAdEY8psUNMeyUPhBVF88G93yxG8OiFfAkT7NtbC-fmrA1jclLASgzJbW-9cbbS1KPexwjbAVfjOIt7GeDC0gr9FRqI5ZLQxygGR0JLi0q2/s320/Coppola+Tetro.jpg" style="display: block; height: 189px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 117px;" /></td></tr><tr style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Ford Coppola</td></tr></tbody></table>

The Rafael Theater in San Rafael, California, began life as the Orpheus Theater in 1918, long before the Golden Gate Bridge connected Marin ...

NICU - Tuesday

12:58 PM Tukiyooo 0

Hello everyone! First of all, from not only me, but my sister, Wendi, & Hayden too, THANK YOU so much for your throughts & prayers, very much appreciated! Tuesday morning I stopped my office to do a few things knowing I would be out of the office a while and then helped Wendi get discharged from the hospital and we headed down to the hospital first thing. Hayden was hungry & needed his Momma! :) I did have a chance to grab some breakfast though! My favorite oatmeal comobo like always, 5 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXQKWPfjyf3gX6uNYSRaSvT4l2Qg1un0opWrzkKSg6OXCuA62Uc9B6P8QmXnOUePZ08MLOlW2ut3pnRpQNDtYI1OUGLDEPofd06ZfGUsfAcEI7O3_EU1n35FN_Op3nNA6pDdCBEx9z5pm/s1600/DSC08588.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517233169651663634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXQKWPfjyf3gX6uNYSRaSvT4l2Qg1un0opWrzkKSg6OXCuA62Uc9B6P8QmXnOUePZ08MLOlW2ut3pnRpQNDtYI1OUGLDEPofd06ZfGUsfAcEI7O3_EU1n35FN_Op3nNA6pDdCBEx9z5pm/s400/DSC08588.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> We got to the hospital and made it up to the NICU with Hayden. He ate really well first thing. Momma Wendi was happy to be with her boy again! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyonlu0aA_fbyO93fZWxh2pKB5ZMn6rQesf7oAhcYMmz7kbVej9D76fsCzvvuJzgb-TE7vvUdubnwuMR6VjvL7JBicxkNsrKz3xv5jJnYlI-Pq3h7G7nZ1t2UyiMRTFyVMBCFqqLy8GDi/s1600/DSC08591.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517234406966016626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyonlu0aA_fbyO93fZWxh2pKB5ZMn6rQesf7oAhcYMmz7kbVej9D76fsCzvvuJzgb-TE7vvUdubnwuMR6VjvL7JBicxkNsrKz3xv5jJnYlI-Pq3h7G7nZ1t2UyiMRTFyVMBCFqqLy8GDi/s400/DSC08591.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> I feel like there is always something do to with Hayden! Making sure he eats at the right time, doing his checks every 4 hours, diapers, and helping Wendi w/other things! We're staying pretty busy! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZbiU0f2qWGqaNMOHQx4KTKgLz3pmdB_AjVQuDeP2JCa7gOIYPrRPuTzAfjLsTbAhkzgtf97zl0KyoS2XL5UBsIjV95LK4dYGfk9GonuZsjMf2cmiMOJOrzWPqWsDptmwPYKeui0EgQHg/s1600/DSC08595.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517234988430354130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZbiU0f2qWGqaNMOHQx4KTKgLz3pmdB_AjVQuDeP2JCa7gOIYPrRPuTzAfjLsTbAhkzgtf97zl0KyoS2XL5UBsIjV95LK4dYGfk9GonuZsjMf2cmiMOJOrzWPqWsDptmwPYKeui0EgQHg/s400/DSC08595.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> For lunch we went to the cafeteria. I was nervous, but happy to find they had lots of great options! I had a ham & turkey sandwich... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyO8AZ_nSisrHwaR7zDiYrP1BmlrFPYCWFfhtm-ZOgIafvvCWHIk-WLuNev9NTxcjJG8NwZmHTlFkGmvUMV5R49TkrF-L1IH2waCHjSxi_Smy_aDKP62JMU-r-3t-5fbCX5C53CdX9jRb/s1600/DSC08603.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517235763407463570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyO8AZ_nSisrHwaR7zDiYrP1BmlrFPYCWFfhtm-ZOgIafvvCWHIk-WLuNev9NTxcjJG8NwZmHTlFkGmvUMV5R49TkrF-L1IH2waCHjSxi_Smy_aDKP62JMU-r-3t-5fbCX5C53CdX9jRb/s400/DSC08603.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> watermelon & pinapple <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RDy37igmZx0hNdPtnjkiznXcHMxZN92lWmBgHmbxF5dxthocjGZVAVAdyGdhHEO4GQGAwoWyrcZaCy2OagztmhN6nryH4HfE__xcJe-uxEUx0tLdQbtgWmHt4H-clb7SrPbsHjaOL9xB/s1600/DSC08602.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517235756109981730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RDy37igmZx0hNdPtnjkiznXcHMxZN92lWmBgHmbxF5dxthocjGZVAVAdyGdhHEO4GQGAwoWyrcZaCy2OagztmhN6nryH4HfE__xcJe-uxEUx0tLdQbtgWmHt4H-clb7SrPbsHjaOL9xB/s400/DSC08602.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> cottage cheese, veggies, & ranch for a total of 6 points. I didn't eat the veggies or ranch...neither were good! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA0gOHWGHbhjJIe6K9LlJL0cFvLIaL1kkccOBVK9wJU9hvgWAOr3uSrO02ci8hkq_hkpzNIDjKtKPjSDeQd2r4Lchlc1za_PoDmT1bXnxTBUzXPwGPwWw0GgLaBhLBpAsybXyw1YtweL_/s1600/DSC08601.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517235748855934546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA0gOHWGHbhjJIe6K9LlJL0cFvLIaL1kkccOBVK9wJU9hvgWAOr3uSrO02ci8hkq_hkpzNIDjKtKPjSDeQd2r4Lchlc1za_PoDmT1bXnxTBUzXPwGPwWw0GgLaBhLBpAsybXyw1YtweL_/s400/DSC08601.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> In the afternoon we took a short drive to the Ronald McDonald House to line up a room. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5FdvEm6IYyVj7dvAUOR_aBormYNzcqOfKeLhQ5GeuW5maoWyZuoADYHQkacPESNZJYPJcQYq4R8XOzk1WEgODFL3o3De38bnGk6J42YMfXa2Pq0W1jMzSWaXSnPi9USLDnCyDuxggzAB/s1600/DSC08608.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517236491363344178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5FdvEm6IYyVj7dvAUOR_aBormYNzcqOfKeLhQ5GeuW5maoWyZuoADYHQkacPESNZJYPJcQYq4R8XOzk1WEgODFL3o3De38bnGk6J42YMfXa2Pq0W1jMzSWaXSnPi9USLDnCyDuxggzAB/s400/DSC08608.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> The doctors are saying very positive things about Hayden, which is great! He is eating well and his respirations are closer to where they need to be. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPTbBe_BHfsKI8gjBlcWqRM95bmM2mofYiy1Hrjcb4J2K7Yd2HFLlpkY5-rPMnXKWWKiaJgQjEbNvs0ZaqxD6soWVDcG9uLKaEX-gTgynubgqEhwTBQci5V6ExapkN3wxMrLmxjBjMcED/s1600/DSC08605.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517237152494847250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPTbBe_BHfsKI8gjBlcWqRM95bmM2mofYiy1Hrjcb4J2K7Yd2HFLlpkY5-rPMnXKWWKiaJgQjEbNvs0ZaqxD6soWVDcG9uLKaEX-gTgynubgqEhwTBQci5V6ExapkN3wxMrLmxjBjMcED/s400/DSC08605.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> For supper we ate at the hospital cafeteria again. I had a grilled chicken sandwich and some more watermelon and pineapple for 7 points. No pictures...left the camera in Hayden's room. Hayden is doing so well, but still has some progress to make! This little guy isn't even 2 days old and I already love him to pieces!!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapbfils7FCN2c6FN816CbphXKtIX1aIkj4JaaqJv4Oa6vgvevVWceuh_oCODQ0t14DY3BHi3dnGdY4Kh-rGuK9EYB8oxIfpUwR80T3GhT_YOskFq4zTGzLapzsIKXQPjK-OLFB_oUhXHt/s1600/DSC08599.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517238035971969922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapbfils7FCN2c6FN816CbphXKtIX1aIkj4JaaqJv4Oa6vgvevVWceuh_oCODQ0t14DY3BHi3dnGdY4Kh-rGuK9EYB8oxIfpUwR80T3GhT_YOskFq4zTGzLapzsIKXQPjK-OLFB_oUhXHt/s400/DSC08599.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> Not much for exercise lately! I'm trying to keep my eating in check and bring in the exercise once things settle down. Thanks again everyone for all the comments, thoughts, & prayers. Keep em coming! TUESDAY’S STATS POINTS = 18/23 WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 0 used/35 remaining ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/0 week H2O = 80 oz EXERCISE = none Oh! I didn't forget that Tuesday's are weigh in days...I weighed 167.5, a 1.5lb loss! I'll take it!

NICU - Tuesday

Hello everyone! First of all, from not only me, but my sister, Wendi, & Hayden too, THANK YOU so much for your throughts & prayers, ...

Still standing...sort of

12:47 AM Tukiyooo 0

I just logged off my work computer and yes, it's indeed 12:03 a.m. Work is the same as the last time I posted. High stress, long hours. This is just temporary and won't last much longer (and at this rate, I won't last much longer either!). However, today I seemed to be handling it a whole lot better. I'm not sure why, although I have a theory. Recently during this highly chaotic time I decided to start decluttering my life. Those Hoarder shows have really bothered me. Like just maybe I could become one of "those" people. I'm not a collector of anything, at least when you first walk into my house, that's what you'd think. I hate knick knacks. I really like the whole idea of Feng Shui, or actually, just the idea of no clutter. It makes me feel better. I think as you get older, you realize you've accumulate a whole lot of junk during your life and you don't want anymore junk. In fact, you really want to get rid of the junk you have stockpiled over the years. Even though I may appear to like clean surfaces and a clutter-free environment, open a closet or some of the drawers around here, and oh my goodness...look what we have here...a secret hoarder! I won't even discuss the garage...definitely the makings for a Hoarder show. During my decluttering these last couple of weeks I've been finding stuff I didn't even know I owned. One thing was a brand new, unopened New Testament on CDs. I'd never even taken off the cellophane. I opened it up this morning and thought maybe I should listen to it on my way to work. It's kind of cool because the reading is done with a lot of famous actors (and yes, James Caviezel does the voice of Jesus). It also has sound effect, if there's a storm, there's thunder and lightning. If there's water, you hear water running. It has all sorts of background noises and music. I started with Matthew this morning and at first I thought oh boy, all these "begets" are b-o-r-i-n-g! But it quickly became interesting and somehow, comforting. I know I have atheist friends that read this, but honestly, you really should give the Bible a try. It has some great advice on how to live your life. Swearing My new thing is to stop swearing. I'm not sure how this happened but recently I'm swearing like a sailor. Not the f- word, okay, sometimes the f- word. Usually it things like "oh crap!" or "that's crap!" or "what the hell" or "Oh my God!" or "Oh Shit!". It's really gotten out of control. I work in a business environment. One person I work with is very religious, and I'm sure he's offended by my language. I'm even kind of offended by the words coming out of my mouth. So I've started my own swear jar. It's not for other people, just for me. I don't really care if other people swear (except the GD phrase...I hate that one...prefer the f- word over that). Other people swearing doesn't bother me, it bothers me most that I swear. My Baptist mother would die if she heard me (if she were alive). I gathered together the dimes and quarters out of the change jar and decided the quarters are for the f- word, dimes for the "crap" and "shit" and "OMG" words (I have a lot of dimes). Within about thirty seconds of getting my money and jar together, I said "oh crap!' and then "oh shit!" because I had just said said "oh crap!" See what I mean, it's really bad when I swear because I just said a swear word! It's kind of disgusting if you think about it, and not cute at all for a 55-year old woman to sound like a trucker. Not classy, kind of trashy. The diet and the exercise (after all, this is a weight loss blog, in case you forgot) I went to Weight Watchers Saturday, and had a one-pound loss. I should have done better, but I didn't. I'm at 174.8. I could write a whole lot about this, but I won't, not tonight (this morning). I haven't been to the gym since Saturday. I know...who AM I?! Actually, I kind of hurt myself last Saturday. I pushed myself on the weights, doing concentrated dumbbell curls with 25-pound dumbbells, hammer curls with 20-pounds dumbbells, lat pulldowns with 75 pounds, and three sets of full plank for a minute each. That was just a part of my workout, and I overdid it big time. I was still sore this morning, three days later. I was trying to compete with a 20-year old working next to me. I need to remember...I am not 20. I am 55. I need to act appropriately. Well, it's off to bed. I have a million things I want to write about, but no time right now. I'm definitely going to the gym in about five hours (ugh!). I'm really missing reading all your blogs. I haven't been taking a lunch break at work lately so I don't even have that time to read. This will all come to a grinding halt in about a week. It's just a little tough right now, and I can hardly wait to have my life back!

Still standing...sort of

I just logged off my work computer and yes, it's indeed 12:03 a.m. Work is the same as the last time I posted. High stress, long hours. ...

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!!!!