I Can Drive!!

Today was great on several levels:

1) A good follow up appointment with my surgeon - everything is healing well, and looks good.

2) I can now eat soft-solid foods... so veggies, cottage cheese, cheese in general, fish, fruit, and other things are now a part of my diet... I still can't have chicken, bread, rice, beef or pasta, but at least I've reached one more milestone.

3) I now can drive again... which means I'm free!! Seriously, though - I probably won't drive any more than I have to for a while still - it's not the most comfortable thing. John offered to drive me to work and pick me up for the next week, but we'll see... I'd hate to impose on him and his carpool for no reason.

4) My sugars and blood pressure still continue to come down and get better. I can't wait to get off of my diabetes meds... they are terrible. Right now I have to crush them and try to take them with a "shot" of cranberry juice... still discusting and it takes me a few minutes to recover and make sure that they aren't going to come back up... but hopefully this won't last to long.

5) I made it through the entire month of the blog challenge!! I actually enjoyed sharing a little about everyday, and probably will still do it as often as I can - it's very therapeutic for me, and will serve as a great reminder next year of how far I've come in my health.

From here - I go back to work on Monday. I'm not particularly excited about it, but I guess it's time for me to come back to the land of the productive... but I hope that I still can manage to work out everyday like I'm supposed to and not be to exhausted. I know that I can count on John to help me - so that is good. If it's all I can do for the first week - I hope to work and get my excercise in before I go to bed... I might be in bed at 8 each night, but it will get better as time goes on!

My weight loss was confirmed by the doctor's office, and that was a great feeling - I'll be sure to update that every Thursday, and after the fourth week - I'll post my losses in measurements.

We hope to get some decorating done for Christmas this weekend, so I'll post pictures when it's ready for everyone to see... it'll be proof that I'm a snowman freak... but oh well - that's the fun of the season.

2 Weeks

Two weeks ago today - I got this surgery, and everything changed. Since that time I have lost 20 pounds!! I can't say that I can tell in my clothes or anything as of right now, but 20 pounds have come off of the scale. I do feel better so far, and haven't had anymore signs of hybernation syndrome today - although I didn't start feeling it until later in the day yesterday. I just wanted to write a quick note about how things are going - and now I'm off to ride my bike.

I've got a full day planned of magazine reading and recipe transfering - so please be jealous!! HA! If I find any articles of interest or anything - I'll write again later.

Have a great day!!

Hybernation Syndrome

First off, I have to laugh at one of my dogs... I let them out today to play while I worked out, and when I came downstairs to let them in... this is what I found Missy doing. She was sunning her belly... wonder if dogs can get sunburns?! She cracks me up!

Let me start off by saying that yesterday I felt so great that I didn't even really want to go to bed at my normal bedtime... I found myself talking and keeping John awake because I actually wasn't tired yet. This never happened before surgery - in fact - we were lucky up at the end if I could manage to keep myself awake past about 8:30 every night.

Today however, is a different story. I did all the same things -30 minute workout, ate all my meals... even had more protein than yesterday... but tonight - I am really struggling to stay awake.

I am really worried that I'm going to get hybernation syndrome right as I go back to work. Hybernation syndrome is a documented condition within patients that have had weight loss surgery where the patient's body begins to think that it is in starvation mode and tries to shut itself down to conserve energy. You basically have to push through it by exercising and keeping up your protein to push your body through it and on down the path to recovery. I've never been really good at the mind over matter stuff that has come up in my life, and I hate to think of having to push through feeling bad while going back to work. It's going to be hard enough to end my nice time off and get back to the grind without having to be exhausted on top of that.

I guess only time will tell if it's truly hybernation syndrome - I've been very lucky up to this point and things have gone really well and have been very easy for me... so lets pray that I'm just tired tonight and it's an isolated incident.

Nothing Much

Today was a pretty quiet day for me... I started my day with riding the bike again (2nd day in a row) for 30 minutes. This is a big deal for me because I've never done anything like that before... I do have to admit that I wanted to quit after 10 minutes, but I didn't...

I found a couple of pictures from before my surgery that I think are pretty funny... they are of my Mom and I taking my measurements the night before I went to the hospital. As you will be able to see we had a good time and laughed a lot.

Who knew it would be so funny to take measurements?

I'm questioning the tape being in the right place here...

One of the three of us must have just told a joke... or said something silly.

Thanks to John for capturing a good moment before surgery for us... as you can see - I wasn't nervous or anything prior to going into the hospital... I was very ready for what was going to happen, and I can only thank God for that! Well, I can give a few props to all my friends for sending their love and prayers throughout that day as well as all the people on the support groups that helped prepare me for everything that would happen over those few days after surgery.

Christmas List Ideas for You

I had to take a moment to share some of my favorite products from BeautiControl with you in the event that you're still working on your Christmas list. These are the finest products from all over the world created for you to have a wonderful spa experience in your own home. I have used most of these products and really believe in them... they are truly fabulous!

I'm going to give you the description of the products from the company, but then a few sidenotes from me about them as well....

Therma del Sol® Detoxifying Bath Soak

Turn any bathtub into a luxurious Roman bath. As you soak, soothing olive oil and purifying botanicals gently release the toxins in your skin and the stresses of the day. Emerge feeling restored and revitalized. Leaves skin looking and feeling renewed.

I've used this product for about a month now, and I love it's fresh minty smell... and the feeling that I get when I get out of the tub. It is a really fresh feeling like all your pores have been opened and purged of toxins. It really is a great product.

Therma del Sol® Detoxifying Body Facial
Indulge in a centuries-old European tradition of using natural clay to help open pores and draw impurities from the skin. Rich olive leaf oil helps purify and condition skin. Treat yourself to a full body Detoxifying Body Facial, or use on your face for skin that glows.

Therma del Sol® Energizing Toning Lotion
When you need a lift, Energizing Toning Lotion is your secret survival tool! This refreshing, cooling gel helps energize your mind, body and spirit with lemon, orange, basil and bergamot extracts. Ideal to start each day or whenever you need to recharge.

A good friend of mine used this product to help her with restless leg syndrome. She really liked it, and said that it worked like a charm.

Luxuries of the Sea™ Ocean Bath
Re-creates the peaceful pleasures of the sea to calm your mind and body. Experience much deserved relaxation as you soak in its blue waters enriched with beneficial sea salts, aquatic botanicals, minerals and antioxidants. You’ll feel a million miles away as you breathe in the intoxicating fresh sea scent.

I met a lady that used this product for putting her children to bed every night. They would ask her if they could have a "blue bath", and would even tell her that she needed one if she got to stressed.

Luxuries of the Sea™ Fango Seaweed Scrub/Masque
Caters to two very important skin care needs — detoxification and exfoliation. You choose how you want to use — as a masque or a scrub — and if you want to use just on the face and/or on the body. Give yourself a Fango Facial, for face and body!

This masque is really great - I've tried it, and the smell alone is worth purchasing it. It smells fabulous and does great things for your skin.

Luxuries of the Sea™ Moisture Wrap Body Conditioner
Works by tapping into the therapeutic benefits of the heat and humidity as you shower to open pores and allow skin to receive and absorb generous amounts of moisture, as well as rich marine botanicals and antioxidants. Your skin will feel incredibly soft and smooth all day.

This product is amazing! You put it on in the shower and it gives your skin all the moisture it needs... you don't need to bother with lotions and creams anymore to keep your skin hydrated! What better time than the middle of winter to let the shower take care of your skin in a way that it never has before...

Save Your Sole™ Rich Sea Salve for Feet
Head for deep waters as your feet soak in the moisture to soothe dry, callused skin. Leaves skin feeling silky soft and hydrated. Refreshing scent helps you escape to a tropical paradise in the comfort of your own home!

I'm actually using this product while I'm writing this post. I've got chronicly dry heals all year round, and am always looking for products to help keep them hydrated. I typically would put this on my feet at night, slip some socks over them, and go to bed... but since I'm still at home recovering from surgery - I'm taking the extra opportunity to use the product. This is another one that smells absoltely amazing!

Herbal Serenity® Show of Hands Instant Manicure
Take a dip and see smoother, softer looking hands instantly! Formulated with Dead Sea salts to gently exfoliate dead skin cells while natural oils nourish, moisturize and help protect hands and nails.

This is the most amazing product. I use it daily for an instant manicure that is kept up all year long. It smells fabulous, and everyone that I've shared this product with has absolutely loved it! Check it out!! If you add one thing to your Christmas list - this should be it.

Herbal Serenity® Sugar Cookie Show of Hands
Limited Edition! Sparkling sugar crystals, plus macadamia and avocado oils, make hands feel reborn and look years younger. While Supplies Last.


This product is the same as above, only with a fun Christmas twist... it smells exactly like sugar cookies!

If you're interested in any of these products, or any others - this is not an extensive list - please let me know! I really believe in these products... and I know you'll love them as much as I do! If you want to add them to your Holiday Wish List - please use this link - http://www.beautipage.com/KimHawkins/

Thanksgiving Photos

My little sister (Gabby), neice (Brittany), and another neice (Taylor) watching movies before dinner on Thanksgiving.

My little brother, Josh, watching movies with the girls.

Dad & Lynne waiting for dinner.

Me, my brother-in-law (Robert), step-mother (Lynne), and neice (Megan) getting ready for the Thanksgiving feast!

My sister, Cathi, the head chef in the family.

The three older children in the family - in reverse birth order - Me, Cindy & Cathi

Brittany & John pushing the little ones on the swing.

More fun outside after dinner on Thanksgiving.

John built our first fire at the house on Friday - it was really cold in Houston, and the fire helped us stay warm while watching football!

Our youngest neice, Brooklyn, gets a kiss from her Mommy after we returned from our "Black Friday" trip to the mall.

Soup

So the title for this post isn't much - but right now that is the most beautiful word I have seen in a while. I am still struggling through this liquid phase of my surgery recovery, but I ventured out to the grocery store with John tonight only to find something new that might have saved this week for me... baked potato soup. I know it's nothing big, but for someone has only eaten bland protein shakes and cream of chicken soup for days... baked potato soup might be a pot of gold to me tonight. HA! I bought it at this fabulous HEB/Central Market store that just opened a few weeks ago - which let me tell you as I rediscover food - you might hear about some other treasures that I find there in the coming weeks.

I brought the soup home and put it through the blender... and it was the best thing I've ever tasted! Finally, a little flavor for my life! I could probably go on for days about how good that tasted, but I'll spare you guys.

I also bought a few other new things to try this week, I got some Weight Watchers Yogurt (it didn't seem to have any chunks), and some baby food apple sauce. A friend of mine also told me that baby food mac & cheese wasn't half bad - so I got a jar of that to try as well.

At the end of this week I will get to broaden my food choices, and try some more new things - I'll move into the pureed or soft solid food stage - so any ideas from you readers out there would be welcomed. I can eat just about anything that is at least slightly mushy. I'm trying to keep my sugars down though - so I'm only dabbling in fruit right now... we'll see how it goes and take it from there.

I do have a request though from my lovely devoted readers... I have grown up as a land-dweller, and have NEVER liked seafood. The first solid protein that I can try starting this weekend though is fish... and I need some recipes for white fish... I'm looking for things that will be tasty, but that your kids would eat. I am really opposed to fish, but am giving it a try - so this is tough for me... and it REALLY can't smell like fish. Any ideas? Email them to me or post comments...

Movie Reviews

Since today has been rainy and unbearably cold... (feeling cold is a very new thing for me) John and I have stayed in today. John built a fire for me starting early this morning, and I've stayed close to it all day.

I recorded a couple of movies on my DVR yesterday, and cuddled into the couch to watch them today. Both were really cute movies, and had some Christmas notes to them so it was a nice way to begin the holiday season.

The Last Holiday

This was the first one that I watched today with Queen Latifa, and it really was a cute movie. In the movie Queen Latifa plays a lady that is diagnosed with a terminal illness and decides to live out her time living life to the fullest. Great message about living life and not taking it for granted, and the indulgences that she took were fun to watch. Things that we all have thought about doing from time to time, but don't because of various health reasons. For instance one time during her stay at a fabulous resort in Prague - she went to dinner at the hotel's fine restaurant and orders all of the chef's specials for the night - which was like 8 meals... hillarious!

The Holiday

This movie was really good with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet - along with Jude Law and Jack Black. I really enjoyed it! In this one Cameron Diaz lives in L.A. in a fabulous house, and Kate Winslet lives in a small cottage in England - they switch houses for two weeks. Lots of fun things happen while they are staying at each other's homes, but they learn a lot about their own lives and end up being better people for having made their switch. A very good movie - if you haven't seen it - I'd highly reccomend it to you.

Both movies are playing on Showtime this month - so if you have that channel - check them out!

Crazy Shopping

So I'm going to nickname today the Craziest Shopping Day of the Year. I know that typically it is called the Biggest Shopping Day of the Year, but for someone like me... crazy is more of a fit.

For starters - I absolutely loathe going to the mall on any occasion, being that I need exercise more than anything else these days - I decided to go with Susan and John's Mom for the afternoon while John and his Dad watched the A&M and ut game. (the u and the t are in small letters on purpose)

I think that the entire population of Northwest Houston was at Willowbrook Mall today, and can I just say that most of them are really SCARY looking? I'm not going to get off on this soap box, but I can't imagine letting my children go out in public looking a fraction like most of the kids I saw at the mall today. Whew! Do they look in the mirror?

So anyway, I made it through at least 4 hours at the mall - and I only know that because I eat every two hours now and I had two meals while we were gone. I made the one purchase that would warrant me having to go to a mall during this season, and I am done! All the rest of my purchases can be made at individual stores... thank goodness!

I completely forgot to mention in my post for yesterday about my weight loss for the first week post surgery... 10 pounds! I know that I had lost that much when I got home from the hospital, but John reminded me that I was dehydrated at that point. Which means that I have been able to rehydrate myself and get a true 10 pound weight loss.

Thanksgiving & Arson

Our Thanksgiving was nice, although once again I really wanted to chew something very badly... but I made it through another day! Only 7 more days to go...

We spent the day at my sister's house in Brenham and enjoyed lots of fun and laughs. We always take a few moments to go around the adult table telling everyone the things that we are most thankful for from the following year. Somehow this year it was both sentimental and very hysterical... the men were all thankful for their marriages, which is a long and very funny story.

Basically we started with my brother-in-law, Robert, and my sister was coaching him in the things that he was thankful for which we all found hysterical. So then it became a joke with all the men... maybe you had to be there.... but it was quite funny.

We ended up getting home at about 8:30 or so, let the girls out in the backyard, and noticed that our neighbors behind us had a fire going on the ground in their yard. John walked over to sneak a look at it, and it was on the ground about 3-4 feet from the fence. At the time it wasn't very big so we let them be, and went on with our evening.

I was fairly tired after the events of the day, and went to bed at about 9:30 or 9:45. While getting settled in the bed (not an easy task these days) I began to notice an orange glow and flickering coming through the windows of our bedroom. Shortly after I started hearing loud banging coming from the neighbors. I initially thought that the fire was getting out of control and that they were trying to put it out. I was wrong though, John came in at about 10:15 and asked if I would be mad if he called the Sherrif's Department.

Anyone that knows me well knows about my fear of house fires, so of course I didn't care... so John called the Sherrif's Department. After explaining the situation and trying to give specific details about where the house in question was... at about 10:30 the fire truck pulled up at our house. John went out to tell them that it was actually the house behind us that they were intended to go to, but while the truck turned around and went to that house - one of the firemen went through our backyard. He climbed up on the fence and started talking to the people... very quickly the fire was put out and the fireman jumped the fence. It was about another 10 minutes or so before the truck pulled away... and I started back to bed.

John asked me to arm the alarm before going to bed, and I went toward the laundry room and noticed a big white light being shined on our front porch. It was a Sherrif's Deputy looking for our house, but for a split second - I thought we were under seige! (HA!) The officer just wanted to make sure that every thing was alright - so John explained what happened and he went on about his evening.

It ended up an exciting night - and I finally made it back to bed at around 11...

P.S. Yes, I am cheating a little and posting this story early this morning... but it's a much more interesting post than I would have had last night before going to bed!

Oops!

I forgot to post a picture of the lovely flowers that my in-laws brought me when they came to visit on Saturday. I don't want anyone to feel like I didn't appreciate them - so I thought I'd make a special post to show my love and appreciation!! Thanks so much!

One Week & Struggling

Today marks my first week post surgery, and I find myself so sick of chocolate protein shake - I told John that I'd actually rather paint it on the walls of our house than eat any more of it. I honestly don't mind at all the fact that I can't eat much or that I'm honestly not hungry at all - EVER! The thing that gets me is that my doctor has said that the best plan is to get one of those shakes down every day... and my husband takes these words to heart. He is doing his best to make sure that I do exactly that, but what this means for me is that chocolate shake in 2 ounce portions is all I've had since I got home from the hospital. The only break I've had so far has been that I've made it clear that at least one of my 6 meals a day is going to be something different - and for the past few days I've had one meal of 2 0unces of cream of chicken soup. Aparently I can get about 5-6 meals out of one can of soup so I'm stuck with this for two more days before I switch to something new.

I'm pretty strict on the 2 ounce or 1/4 cup portion size because I tried to eat 1/3 cup of soup and actually made myself nauseous! Unreal... but so very true. So until I get the slightest bit of hunger pains - I'm not changing my portion sizes. We're avoiding nausea and vomitting at all costs!!

Poor John though, I actually begged to be allowed to eat a little filling from a pumpkin pie with some whipped cream tomorrow. He of course talked me off the ledge, and I won't do it - for fear of having to go to the ER in Brenham if something went wrong... but the idea sure sounded solid in my head when I brought it up.

Alas - 8 more days until I can have pureed foods, and I'm counting down now!! I'm already dreaming of things that I can make into my own personal baby food...

A Few Pics

This picture is not so much for the blog world - but more for me. I want to remember how my stomach looked after surgery - how little was actually done to make so many changes to my life. So if it grosses you guys out - I'm very sorry, but this one is actually for me. :-)

This photo is a shot of my wrist where a crazy nurse took blood before my surgery. Before I ever entered the operating room - I had this huge bruise... I should have slapped her, and for the record I did complain A LOT about the pain - but she did it anyway... next time I'm going to get tougher!

This is the rug that my Mom bought for our entry way - it's really pretty and combines all the colors that are being used in the dining room and kitchen - so it's really going to be great when we get the paint on the walls in the kitchen. Of course that is on hold until I can get recovered and get some strength, but I can imagine it in my mind and I can't wait until everyone else sees what I see already.

A picture of our entry way - the entry table is the one that we bought on Monday. It really looks nice, and adds a great finishing touch to our entry way. The only thing we're planning now is a mirror to hang above the table. I put my new Heartwood Creek angel on the table for now, but it's going to be beautiful when John is able to dig out our other peices from the collection. :-)

Out and About

Today brought me lots of exercise or at least what has become my excercise since I can't move very fast yet. I had a doctors appointment this morning with my regular doctor - he was checking in on my blood pressure and diabetes. If you can believe it - I'm already down to 3 prescriptions!! Just two for my blood sugar and one for my blood pressure - I'm to crush them and take them... then fax my blood pressure and blood sugar results to the doctor on Monday.

From the doctor's office - John drove over to get a new battery for my watch - I've been wearing it for like a year with it being dead, but my hero has fixed it at last. I also have been needing new tires - so he stopped in at Sears to price them because we saw a commercial that they were having a sale on Friday. The quote made John laugh - so it looks like we'll be going with Discount Tire or Wal-Mart and their previous quotes.

We went to The Great Indoors next to get an entry table - we found a great one on sale - so when it gets put up - I'll post a picture. My Mom bought us an entry rug while I was in the hospital - so our entry way is getting fixed up. I can't wait to get my Heartwood Creek nativity set put up for the Christmas season.

I also had some coupons for Best Buy so we swung through there to get some movies for my recovery. I now have, Shrek 3, Licence to Wed, Spiderman 3, Evan Almighty, Wyatt Earp (Dennis Quaid version) and something else to watch. Reviews will come as we watch.

Our final stop for the day was to our new HEB/Central Market store that opened about a month or so ago. Let me tell you first that it is the most interesting and liberating thing to go to a store and have absolutely NO interest in food. I did look around though and found some things that will be good for when I start eating solid food again... and I checked out the baby food section for a few items as well. We mainly went there because HEB has a product called Mootopia which is a milk based product where they take out some of the extra sugars and add protein - so I'll be using that to make my shakes for the next week or two. We really liked the store and it was packed! Everyone was there getting their stuff for Thursday... it's sort of nice that we won't be doing any cooking or spending for Thanksgiving - but by next year I'll be ready!!

That pretty much wraps up my day - I came home, had my 1/4 cup of shake, and went straight in to take a nap! After two hours of napping - I'm ready to go again!

I can't wait until Thursday's post because I'm going to have some amazing news on my weight loss - the numbers are already staggering, but I only want to post weekly so that there isn't as much up and down as I've seen in my everyday weighing.

I'm going to post a picture of my tummy (tomorrow) too because most people are shocked at how little was done to my skin, but so much was able to be done to my organs!

Visitors

Today has been good - I was able to get even more rest and shower by myself!! HA! Seriously though it has been nice. My Mom went home today after doing a couple of loads of laundry and running the dishwasher... she has been a big help and we appreciate her coming to visit.

My friend, Sarah, came to hang out with me while John took Mom to the airport. We didn't do much, but just sat and relaxed a little together... we were able to talk a little which we haven't been able to do for a while - so that was great too.

Susan, Ryan and Brooklyn came to visit today as well - Brooklyn is about 2 months old now and is growing like crazy. Everytime I see her she looks different!

It has been nice to see everyone, and to relax at home instead of in the hospital.

Before Pictures

Here are a few before pictures - and they aren't flattering... but I've already lost some weight - so we've got progress!

Home Today

I'm home today - things are going much better after a rough day yesterday. I'm adjusting back to resting at home and trying to get a schedule set up for my water and food intake. I'm pretty tired still - so I'm going to keep this short, but I'll post some pictures of my before and the lovely flowers that I got in the hospital.

Flowers

These lovely flowers were sent by Robby & Sarah Magee and Judy & Mike Patterson.

John sent these flowers.

My Boss, Rick, and my team sent this plant to me.

Meme, Bill and Tere sent these really cool exotic flowers to me.

This arrangement was from my office, and have the biggest roses I have ever seen!!

Jack brought these on one of his visits to the room.

My room was very lovely and smelled so good - everyone commented on how beautiful they were... and how loved I am.

The Deed is Done!

Well as most of you who keep up with Kim's blog know, today was the big day. Kim's gastric bypass surgery went off without a hitch. We arrived at the hospital at 7:15 AM this morning and by 9:45 AM they were taking her into the OR. The Doctor came out at 11:30 AM to let us know that everything went well and that we would be able to see her soon. She got to her room by 2:00 PM and other than being groggy and feeling a little pain, she felt fine.

She had several visitors and her room is all decked out with flowers. I'll try to get some pictures of them all tomorrow and post them on here for everyone to see. Kim wants to thank each and everyone of you that have been praying for her. To our friends, family, Church family, etc. a big thank you goes out.

As of now, we expect for Kim to go home on Saturday afternoon. I feel sure Kim will feel more up to phone calls tomorrow, so if you are wanting to talk with her, feel free to call her cell phone.

On a personal note, I just hope that Kim knows how proud I am of her. She has taken a huge step in improving her health and our chances to start our family. I know this was not an easy decison for her to make, and I am eager to help her get started on this new adventure. I love you very much sweetie and I hope you get to feeling better soon!


John

John's Landscaping

Some pictures from my proud husband - he worked really hard and it looks great!!

Sick of Food

Today was my last day at work before the surgery and it went well. Everyone there has been so supportive of my decision to have this surgery, and are all so excited and interested to watch what happens from here.

My pastor's lovely wife, Amy, came over tonight to pray with John and I before the surgery... she is so wonderful! I appreciate her thoughtfulness so much, but she asked an interesting question... what can my church family do to help with my recovery. Isn't that interesting? Not in a bad way, but I just think that it is so interesting that I can't think of much that people could do since cooking for me isn't an option.

Our lives revolve around food so much - it's certainly going to be interesting to watch that transformation!

The title of my post is "Sick of Food" and I have actually hit a place where I don't want to eat anything else!! I'm so full that there just isn't anything else that I want. We'll see what I'm saying tomorrow afternoon when I get good and hungry... but I haven't wanted anything since lunch today - but I'll probably force myself to eat a little something before I go to bed tonight - just because I'll need it tomorrow.

Last Day Tomorrow

One more day and I'm officially on the longest vacation I've had since college. It's a sad thing to be excited about, and probably the most extreme type of vacation I'll ever take - but it's all I've got right now. I'm finishing things up at the office and I think they'll be in good shape in my absence... so 8 more hours and I'm free until December 3rd. I started wondering today if I might need to do something a little more gradual when I go back - like work until noon the first day, and add an hour each day... at least I can go home and nap while I'm building my strength back up. I might write them and suggest it at some point while I'm off - but I'll just wait and see how things go at first.

I don't have much else going on today - so I'm going to keep it short. Have a great night!

Another Day Gone...

Today has been a blur - as usual it started with church. Our church is merging with a larger church and we will have lots of events to attend over the next few weeks - or at least as many as I can physically manage. I'm not going to talk much about the merge because a good percentage of my readers are from church - so they already know about it. HA! We are all excited, but one couple that John and I have really enjoyed being friends with isn't going to make the transition to the new church with us... so we had lunch with them today. It ended up being a big group that was at the restaurant, but it really was fun.

We felt a little bad about it looking back because we missed a meeting for the Transition team with the church to go out with them... we originally thought that it was our change to minister to them and help their transition to a new church go well... and remind them that we can all remain friends no matter what happens on Sunday mornings. It did end up being about 4 other families that were at lunch with us - so there wasn't much in terms of heart felt discussion about friendships and all, but lunch lasted about 2 hours or so - and we all had a good time.

We spent the rest of the day doing house projects, and a few other things that needed to get done. John finished the back yard - and I will have him take some pictures tomorrow before it gets dark. (I don't make it home from work in time) I got the laundry completed and the guest room all set up for my Mom. I also completed all of my remaining math homework assignments and only have 2 more tests to take there before the final. John is going to help me get through those tests in the next couple of evenings. He's such a trooper when it comes to that class. I owe him big!

That's about it - we're getting ready for dinner - and I can't WAIT to eat my crab stuffed mushrooms!! We even realized that I can actually have those as a meal when I get back on solid foods again in about 2 months or so. At least it's something fun to look forward to!

Much Better

Whew - what a difference a steriod shot and lots of steriod pills can make when you want to itch your skin off!! HA! The rash is still on my back, but the rest of my body you really have to know what you're looking for to see it. The great thing is that it really hasn't itched much today. The main problem that triggered a lot of the itch was having clothes touching it or whatever... but by last night I was able to get some sleep and that has made a big difference.

I went to BeautiU today - and learned a lot about the products that BeautiControl has to offer. I am really pleased to be a part of their company - and if anyone wants to enjoy a relaxing hour in their home - just let me know! Their spa product line really is amazing - I've loved everything that I have used and there are several more that I hope to get soon! You can check out my website at: http://www.beautipage.com/KimHawkins/ - there are product specials every month so feel free to check it out. You do get some great gifts and discounts if you host a spa - so I'd be glad to show you and a few of your friends, family, and coworkers what we're all about.

John got the two large trees planted today, and will get the small ones planted tomorrow - he was a trooper while I was out all day - not only did he get those planted, but he also went to the grocery store for me today... and planned out my last 4 days of meals. He did a fabulous job, and is even making me a treat tomorrow night with dinner - crab stuffed mushrooms! Yummy! I realized this morning that we hadn't made it around to one restaurant that makes the best crab & lobster stuffed mushrooms in the world - and since John has actually recreated the recipe before - he is going to make them here at home. Isn't he wonderful?! He actually made me a special dinner one New Years Eve and it was really great - it was about 3 or 4 years ago, and it cost us around $200 for the ingredients... but we have pictures of it all set out and him with his chef's hat on. Very cute!

To round out the day - I decided that I wanted to get a little change in hair style before my surgery... so I stopped in Beauty Brands and had the best hair cut ever - the lady was really great, and I might have actually found someone that I would like to become a regular customer of. I haven't found someone like that since I was in college - so that is really a nice treat! She might not recognize me if I stay on my previous hair cut schedule of one cut per year... but if I became a normal girl... I'd see her every 8 weeks or so!

Pre-Op Day

Wow... what a busy day! I'm still battling with my allergic reaction to the antibiotic, and it actually got worse over the course of the night... it has been a miserable itchy experience.

We started out the day getting me all registered for the surgery, getting my pre-op labwork done, an EKG, and a chest x-ray all completed at the hospital before my appointment with the surgeon. John was a trooper just following along and waiting.

While I was getting my tests done at the hospital - John called my regular doctor, Dr. Weinstein, to see if we could fit in an appointment with him about this allergy stuff before meeting with Dr. Ferrari. It worked out better than anything we could have actually planned...

I did get in to see Dr. Weinstein, and got a shot of steriods for the allergy - and a prescription of tapered doses of steriods to take for the next several days. This crazy deal has even raised my white blood cell count more, which the surgeon did question... but all is set to go as planned... and I'm ready.

The appointment with Dr. Ferrari wasn't really any big deal at all, but he did give me a little good news - it seems that I will most likely be able to travel to Brenham to see my Dad & all the family for Thanksgiving. We will have to see how things go when I get out of the hospital, but as of now - we don't see any problems that would cause me to not be able to go.

Now, I'm all set and just ready to get this thing done... I can't say that I'm feeling any excitement about it - but I'm not feeling any nervousness right now either - just more of a feeling of steady resolve. I'm ready for this, and I am ready to get on with the rest of my life.

I met a guy in the waiting room at Dr. Ferrari's today that had the surgery 1 week ago, and he looked really good. He seemed to be doing well, and assured me that he is not hungry... so I'm looking forward to that. Maybe all the crazyness that I felt earlier this past week was just in my head. This is going to go great, and the results are going to be amazing! Bring it on!!

One Week Left

I am exactly one week away from surgery, and tomorrow is my pre-op day. To add insult to injury - I've had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic that I was taking for my infections. I've had this happen one time before and was put on a steriod that caused my vision to be really blurry for several days. (long enough for me to buy glasses!! ARG!)

So I've been taking benadryl, putting the cream on everything I can, and have now taken an Aveno bath. The Aveno is totally new to me, but WOW - it works! Thanks Mom!

I'm going to keep this short in case the benadryl kicks in and I start crashing...

3 Work Days Left

I only have three days left to work for the month of November - wow - that sounds so great! I will be at work tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday - then I'm officially on surgery leave, and believe me - it couldn't have come at a better time.

I didn't have this blog back in March but my boss was fired after returning from a trip to Jamaica with her new fiancee - pretty harsh... but I digress. Since that time - we've been functioning on auto-pilot under the supervision of our Assistant Vice President. Well, today they announced the lady's replacement... and it happens to be someone I have a history with.

That position strikes a chord with me in many ways because I applied for it last year when it was created and got ignored. Worse than ignored actually - I told them that I wanted to apply for it, but was never given the opportunity. Then was told that they hired the only applicant that they had... so I had a bad taste in my mouth from the begining.

Now they've put a lady in the position that could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how it goes. When I was hired in 2005 - she was very threatened by me (or at least that was the feeling that several of us got) and during a meeting threw a fit. She literally stood up in the meeting and started screaming at me. Things were very uncomfortable between us for a long time - but she invited me to lunch several months later and we've dropped it ever since. That was 2 years ago, but now she is my boss... so I don't exactly know how to feel about that - or how it might play out now that we are more than just coworkers.

I think it's probably a really good thing that I'll be out for a while during her transition. Some days - it's just not worth the salary to put up with the drama! I know that isn't really true - but it certainly feels like it!!

Better Than Yesterday

Today is better than yesterday was, but there are still signs of nervousness. I think that one of the biggest problems is fear of the unknown. I am one of those people that makes things much worse in my head than they could possibly ever actually be... and that makes my anxiety really high.

I was thinking on my way into work today that I really am not looking forward to going to my BeautiControl class on Saturday... but then I realized that at the very least it is something that will keep my mind occupied for at least 7 hours. Then I plan on getting a haircut on my way home - so that will take my mind off of it for a little while longer... so that actually will be a good thing!

Sunday will be church, and if nothing else - in the afternoon - I can probably curl up on the couch in the game room and watch Lifetime Movie Network all day and be fine. I don't know why - but I don't really obsess as much about it at home as I do at work. Maybe it's because at work all I am doing is getting everything wrapped up to be gone for the surgery and it stays in the forefront of my mind all day. Either way - thank goodness I only have 4 days left!

The downtime is what gets me - so all I'll have to worry about is entertaining my brain on Wednesday next week while I'm at home waiting for my Mom's flight. I will have some packing and probably some cleaning to get done before I pick her up, but it will be a tough day because of only being allowed clear liquids for the entire day. It's only one day though - so I can do it and then I won't be hungry for a very long time... 6 months to a year from what I've been told.

Nerves Take Hold

Well, it has happened... like an unwanted stomach virus - my nerves are taking hold today. You know, until this morning - all I felt was excitement over having this surgery... but something has changed. I can't explain what it is or why it is happening, but BOY is it happening!

I had a meeting this morning with my department and our boss. He asked me if I was getting my final preparations for my time off completed, and something snapped in my head. Maybe it's this crazy book I've been reading, "Weight Loss for Dummies", but something is definently raising my anxiety level exponentially.

In the past 24 hours - I've read about how my hormones are going to make me crazy while losing weight, people are not going to know how to relate to me, I probably will feel miserable for a while, and there is a strong possibility of getting depressed. No wonder there is a high divorce rate with people that have had this surgery... I'm sure that it's taxing on everyone around you while you're going through all of that. John and I have a long road ahead, but I pray that God will give him the understanding to live through it with me during this rough first year.

I get the feeling that this can be a very isolating proceedure because most patients get the feeling that no one understands what they are going through. To me - this is a strong case where you need to be plugged into support groups. The one at the hospital where I'm having the surgery done allows you to bring spouses or family members with you to the meetings - so maybe that will be a good thing for both John and I. They also tell you to get your spouse as involved in the process as possible - so I'm going to have to learn to talk to him about every stage and step along the way.

I pray that tomorrow will be a better day and that my mind will be eased from some of this anxiety with a little catch up on the missing sleep from our crazy weekend. Maybe my exhaustion has allowed the devil to creep in and make me think about the bad things that can happen with this surgery... who knows... but I really need God to give me some peace this afternoon!

Successful Pre-Thanksgiving

Our new holiday decoration.

During the painting of the dining room.

The finished product.

The left side of the yard the live oak tree will be planted here.

The right side of the yard - our maple tree will be planted here. There is plenty of room in the middle of the trees for a swing set too!

Miss Brooklyn is resting comfortably.

The table is set and ready for a special meal.

Here are the happy diners ready for their first taste of turkey.

Another picture of us ready to eat.

Last shot before the prayer.

Poor Brooklyn had to stay on the floor during the meal... but she slept through it anyway.

Susan, Taylor and Brooklyn relaxing after filling up on all the yummy food.

It was a great day - lots of food and people that I love sharing in a special meal before my surgery. I enjoyed spending time with each of them, and will treasure memories of the day while I'm recovering - and for the rest of my life.