Nutshell + Regression + New Plan

I think I'm nearly outside of the window-of-posting for Christmas tales... I had a great trip and completely enjoyed my time with Dad & Maggie in Phoenix; we had a splendid time and since it's been nearly a month...I'll let the photos tell the story.

New Year's... I wasn't feeling very New Year's Eve-y this year. I had a very chill evening and preferred it that way. I'm on the fence about making resolutions. Plus - I view my birthday as my "new year". There are things I need to work on and grow into every day, week, month...etc.. I'm not against the idea of reviewing the past year and thinking of things I'd like to do differently, better, or at all... But it doesn't make sense to me to do it once a year. So...I resolve to be aware daily, grow constantly, and re-evaluate often. I'm in my head so much...the latter is built right in.

This leads to me something I have been working on, regressed, and now - it's important to me to get back on track. I've written a bit about our family weight loss challenge... Though Team Roseland dissipated, and it's now just me...all of us (the remaining players) have had varying levels of success; Uncle Max has been most successful. I've asked if we were still going (competing/weighing in)...and basically get the sense everyone is going their separate ways. Though I went back and forth a bit, I eventually lost 21 pounds...17 on the other scale. We'll go with 17. I've gained 10 back over the last 4 weeks. I'm wildly displeased with myself.

I liked the accountability factor of weighing in each week...and having to report and write down how much I had lost or gained. So. Since the fam has split off, and I don't want to pay to go to Weight Watchers meetings each week (and the closest location is 30 minutes away), I'm going hold myself accountable by reporting here. Ultimately, though the competition was fun...I'm the one who has to live & love with me. I will be using Weight Watchers online tools. I'll weigh and post each Monday.

I never know who reads my self-indulgent little posts...but I'm hoping at least a few people will check in and keep track/help keep me on track.

Also, I saw Gran Torino. It was good. Really good.

A coconut shell...b/c I need more space than a walnut.

Where to start...

"Note to self: posting more regularly would prevent lengthy posts that are difficult for others to get through...*

Thanksgiving was lovely; my Aunt Brenda prepared SUCH a delicious meal. It's rare that (regardless of where you are) everything is good...and everything WAS good. 4 of the 7 little cousins were present. Their ability to generate such volume & energy is...amazing. I likened it to leaving a concert; it's a good show, but your ears ring for an hour after you've left. Grandmama and Granddaddy enjoyed their plates from Brenda's... To finish the day properly, I spent some time with my other family...the Johnsons <3.


Next up...birthday!!! I love birthdays and this year was one of the best I've had...it was fantastic! My friends, Matt & Leah, came to town from Tallassee, AL and it was so, so great to see them. They treated me to dinner to a lovely dinner @ Miyabi Friday night; so much fun. Saturday morning, Lindsay arranged for a brunch.... It made my heart so fuzzy and happy to have friends make time to spend and be a part of my birthday. I loved that Matt & Leah were up for brunch with a bunch of strangers...as were Kimmey & Ben, and Kevin. (If you live in the area, Crums on Central is working it's way up to one of my favorite local restaurants.) Phone calls, e-mails, comments, voicemail serenades, a sweet office party, and chocolate pie from Teresa completed the day...Dad's singing is the call I look forward to most. Posting a few of my favorite photos...the entire album is in Picasa. The only people I didn't get to see that I planned to...were Chris & Tiff. I was scared to drive Sipsey to ATL; even with the patch (and the gum), she won't quit smoking.

As my birthday gift, Kevin provided me with my first [Christmas] tree! I certainly had them growing up, I've just never had my own. His [my tree's] name is Owen...and I enjoy him every day :). I also put lights outside...another first; apparently feeling super festive this year. I've attended a few Christmas parties...the pictures below are from the one @ the nursing home (plus my tree!). Grandmama adored Santa Claus and was disappointed when the framed picture I gave her for Christmas was of me and her...and not her and Santa. The pictures of her are great, though not exactly representative of how she's been lately.

So now it's off to Phoenix for a visit with Dad and Maggie :). This semester has been frocked with illness following the car accident. As a result, I am having to shorten my trip by one day (not enough leave :/). I wish we didn't have to make the [time] adjustment, but am just excited to see them at all...should be great :). I don't know if it's a combination of feeling good for the first time in awhile, the great birthday, the growth in the last year, Alabama's football season (lol) - (I know, Farrah....), or just...timing, but I have a super pleasant optimistic vibe about this next year. We shall see...

Wishing everyone an amazing & safe holiday... Love!

July-ish

Grandmama moved to NHC (…which is a skilled nursing facility) last Wednesday (7/2/08). She’s adjusting…okay. The therapy is difficult for her, as is the [post-therapy] recovery. She’s been in the hospital for 3 months though…so the atrophy is to be expected. My goal is to be optimistic, but not expectant. We’ll see how it goes. Check it though. On the 3rd...exercise...flag waving... Huh...right?! They offer colorguard at this facility. I'm thrilled to bits. J/k.

I didn’t write anything about SYTYCD dance last week… I enjoyed talking with Elisa on the phone afterward…almost more than I enjoyed the show; we had to hang up so I could vote :). I liked both pieces by Mia Michaels…but that’s nearly a given. ...And though Jessica doesn't do much for me, I really enjoyed Mandy Moore's piece to Alone (by Heart)...using the shirt. Twitch didn’t go home (yay)...and though I like Kourtni (more so in her audition than on the show), I’m okay with who did [go home]. I hope there’s a little more oomph this week…

I spent the 4th with my family…out and my aunt and uncle’s homestead (Brenda & Max). I was able to see my cousins and the products of their lovely gene pools. Seriously. My cousins have some cute kids. Pictures here…

The 4th was an eventful day; I’ll have to post more later… I’m out of time and I’m not sure my thoughts & emotions are all tied up and ready to be presented just yet. Good day though. Good day.

The Latest from Augusta...

Overall things are about the same... The best news is that the blood is continuing to recede off her brain...one spot is completely gone and the other is getting smaller and smaller.

Last week wasn't a good week and she had a rough time this weekend as well. Yesterday (Monday) and today though...are better days. Back and forth, back and forth, and back and forth again. We're entering the 9th consecutive week...by the way.

They are still working to bring her ammonia level down, regulate her heart (she is experiencing a lot of arrhythmia), and help her breathe more easily. She is receiving breathing treatments (nebulizer) and wearing a bi-pap mask a bit more. They are adjusting her heart meds to see what works best, and also trying to find the best fit possible for the food she receives through her tube. Someone who is diabetic and lactose-intolerant presents a bit of a challenge! She was able to participate in some physical therapy one day last week; she definitely does the best she can on her good days :).

She always has lots of company, but had some special visitors this weekend... Her former pastor and his wife came in....as did John, Nicole, and Elizabeth (who were down from NC). Grandmama really seemed to enjoy her time with them.

Granddaddy is doing well... He worked this past week and finally got his new choppers yesterday...he's been waiting weeks. They'll take some getting used to, but he's happy to be able to chew again :).

Hope all of the dads had a wonderful Dad's Day!

~ Grandmama with Reverend & Mrs. Prince ~

~ Grandmama with Elizabeth, John, and Nicole ~