My life has sooo changed in the almost YEAR since I last blogged. I don't know what happens with me, but sometimes I feel like a blog, sometimes I don't.
So, the family and I are in OKLAHOMA right now!!Wow, what a change our life has gone through. Dale has a really good job with a company called CNL Services out of Tulsa. They service HUD loans and Dale works in the IT department. I am writing for living now. I got let go from Pizza Hut for hanging up on a customer. It was a misunderstanding and I thought they had hung up first, but they let me go...so, I'm solely depending on my writing now. We're having a tough time of things now, trying to keep the house in Winder and renting this house in Broken Arrow.

Wish Us Luck.

climbing back

How many times have I said the words that I'm starting over? That this time it will be different? That I'll make it?

I don't know that to be true this time...but hey, it wasn't true before either. I know my health is at risk. My doctor left me a very urgent voice mail on Friday about my recent tests. But to be honest, they weren't a surprise. My cholesterol was a little high (about 223), but my blood sugar numbers were the worst. A1C of 10.7. To put it in perspective for you non-diabetics, it should be below 6. He's upped my meds and wants me to do a 2 week test on them before he ups them again.

So this morning, in all that pouring rain (cats and dogs !!) I got out of bed when the kids did (they are back to school today! whooo hooo) and this time I DIDN'T go back to bed. I immediately got dressed in my workout clothes and headed over to the Y after I dropped them off at school. There was almost noone at the gym and that made me feel good that I'd made it when few others did. But then again, few others probably needed it as much as I did.

The treadmills that the Y uses have a television built into them and I was watching The Today Show and they featured a lady who'd lost 212 pounds! I really needed to see that today! She'd had an aha moment (to borrow the phrase from Oprah) while watching Phantom of the Opera. Never seen it....But if it worked for her, great. She looked wonderful...And you can only imagine the benefits to her health. Like I said, I NEEDED to see that clip today.

So, bottom line, I got on the treadmill this morning, walked 45 minutes, burned 304 calories and walked 2.23 miles. I'm not looking to increase on that yet. If I can keep that steady for a week, we'll see about increasing it. I came home, fixed a good low carb breakfast that will be good for my blood sugars, drank 2 cups of water...so I'm off to a good start. Wish me luck.

goodmorning! As they say in the children's rhyme, rain rain go away.....and it has. The sun is shinning today and it's a beautiful day. May take the kids to the park this morning and hope it's dried enough for them to play.

Went to IKEA yesterday (during the rain). I love that store. It's like a giant playground for adults. I bought all kinds of STUFF.







just to name a few!

Still goin'

So bad bad headache today. Don't know if it's blood sugars, sinuses or what. But I've had 8 adviil and two extra strength excederin to no avail.

Eating well plan is going well on day two. Had oatmeal for breakfast and a black bean burger salad for lunch that this picture just doesnt do justice. I was so full after it that I couldnt eat the soup I fixed to go with it. (will save it for later).



Worked most of the morning so that's good too. $$$$. Right now, I'm using all my work money for the Yellow Daisy Festival that's coming up. After that, who knows! lol.

First day on healthy eating in a LONG time. Worked this morning and had scrambled eggs and turkey link sausage for breakfast. Had a delicious chicken breast for lunch that i cooked in beef broth and various spices. Served it with steamed veggies I had in freezer and Navy Beans. Fitday is saying those navy beans had 444 calories...There's NO WAY. I bet i have the wrapper still on top of trash. I'm going to go check it out.



Anyway, I'm optimistic today. Feel like I can do it...But as we all know, the first day is usually the easiest.

Just had a hot bath and about to go pick up the kids. All For now.

Snow Hits Home

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Getting Healthy

So next to losing weight, the step to getting healthy is to get my butt back to the doctor. So this week I pulled up my insurance provider website and made myself an appointment for today with what I hope will become my permenant doctor. I dont know what it is with me, but I rarely stick with one doctor for very long. And this is not a good thing. This doctor, while stuck in an office out of 1979, was relatively young and knowledgeable and NICE. He didnt chastise me for being so long seeing a doctor or going un-treated. He didnt say ONE WORD about my weight. If anything, I brought it up along with the fact I'd lost about 35 pounds and was doing weight watchers.

So, now I'm back on Glucotrol and I was excited to find out that it's on Walmart's list of $4 drugs. Whoo hoo. Funny thing is I rarely buy my "drugs" at Walmart but CVS...but they charge me the full copay of $10. So hopefully we'll be seeing my bloodsugars coming on down.

feelin fine in 2009

2008 wasnt such a great year. I dont want to dwell on it, just want to move on to a better healthier new year. So my concentration on this blog for the current year shall be my health etc. My continuing saga on weight loss and getting my blood sugars down.

I'm at approx 260 pounds today. My blood sugars after exercising were 289! UGH. I'm doing Weight Watchers but am not going to the meetings anymore to save money. So I am doing it online. It's really not a major sacrifice as I'd been going for ages and feel like I know the program inside out.

I'm posting a picture of the lunch I made today. I want to see myself eating a variety of different types of food although todays wasn't so "different"

Today, I had a chicken breast w/cheese & bacon bits on it, green beans, and 0 point southwestern vegetable progresso soup. Total points - 8.

So many Topics, So little time

As the title says, so much to discuss!! I never even did my Halloween post and we really had a great time last Friday night trick or treating. Had a great time picking out a pumpkin and carving it (that in and of it's self was worth an entry...I've NEVER carved a pumpkin before so that was a treat indeed!...Word to the wise, invest in a pumpkin carving kit. My knives just weren't cut out for it! (no pun intended!) )

Here's a pic from Halloween



Then there's the BIG news...The election of Barack Obama. Wow. What a night. I voted for him. I was glued to the tv watching the returns come in. Listening to John McCain's really heartfelt speech...the part where he took the full blame of the defeat on himself was sad to hear. It wasnt a loss...it wasn't his 'fault' so to speak....It was just a different direction that country needs to go in. Something new to try and put the country back on the road to prosperity. He shouldnt blame himself in my opinion. Then the acceptance speech by Obama....it truly gave me goosebumps. I hope the country can make a turn around and that Dale & I can continue to make a difference in ours and our children's lives. I've never felt like the president really made a difference in my life personally. Still dont although I continue to vote each year. I think that it's up to us as individuals to make our own differences in our life and to encourage and prosper the best we can. But I wish nothing but the best for the Obamas.

Deep Thought Questions.

Found this on a friend's blog and borrowed it because I thought it would make for interesting converstion

[1] Would you do meth if it was legalized?

No, not today, tomorrow or ever.

[2] Abortion: for or against it?

Golly...in my lifetime I've gone back and forth on this one. My husband has a very compelling argument on it that I'd like to share. He says he's against it. He feels only God knows when the fetus becomes a human and why test God on this point. So when the final day of judgement comes, does he want to be guilty of Murder or thwarting free will??? Hmmmm....

But to answer the question on my own....For me it's wrong. I think Adoption is ALWAYS the better option. But I am not going to tell someone else what they should do. That's for them to decide. If they ask, I'll give my opinion. But I do believe it should be legal.

[3] Do you think the world would fail with a female president?

No. I think the right woman...just as the right man would bring a new perspective on the position. Not all women would make a good president anymore than just any man would make a good president.

[4] Do you believe in the death penalty?

I'm a fence sitter on this one. I see both sides...I think there should have to be certain types of irrefutible evidence in the guilty decree before the Death Penalty should be allowed.

[5] Do you wish marijuana would be legalized already?

I think marijuana is no more harmful than alcohol...But do I want my children doing it? NO. But do i want them drinking either? no. I think like cigarettes and alcohol it should be legalized at certain ages.


[6] Are you for or against premarital sex?
I think sex is a vital part of any good marriage. If there are problems in the sexual arena, it's better to know before you commit to each other. To quote the sin scale above...which sin would I rather answer for? Divorce due to incompatibility or pre-marital sex....



[7] Do you believe in God?

Yes, yes yes.

[8] Do you think same sex marriage should be legalized?

I think civil unions should be legal. So that couples that have chosen to live together can share in all the benefits of marriage...ie taxes, insurance coverage etc. But as I read in my friend's blog, I feel a CHURCH shouldn't be legally required to perform a marriage since that kind of marriage goes against it's doctrines. But a civil ceremony shouldnt be a problem.



[9] Do you think it's wrong that so many aliens (of race, not ETs) are illegally moving to the USA?

Yes, i soooo think it's wrong. I think that there are legal ways to come into our country. Go thru them. I'm sorry your country is not what you want it to be...sometimes the USA isnt either, but you dont see me taking off for Montreal either do you? Work to make your own country better or come to another country the legal way.
[10] A twelve year old girl has a baby, should she keep it?

No. A 12 year old is a sister, not a mother. She can't drive, cant vote, can't MOTHER a child. Even if she gives birth to it. It needs to be given up to someone else...her parents if they're willing? adopted? Not aborted, but re-assigned.

[11] Should the alcohol age be lowered to eighteen?
As long as the voting age and the draft age is 18, yes.

[12] Should the war in Iraq be called off?
Yes, we've outstayed our welcome. The Iraqi govt needs to govern it's self at this point. We've got toooo many domestic issues to handle. Let the Iraquis handle theirs now.

[13] Assisted suicide is illegal: do you agree?
No.
There are situations where it's the most humane thing that can be done. God granted us free will. Like abortion, the government should not be interferring with our wishes in this area.
[14] Do you believe in spanking your children?

Yes. Time outs work sometimes. Writing Sentences work sometimes. and sometimes, its a spanking that works. It should never be the sole form of punishment. But sometimes, it's the one thing that gets thru to a child or emphasizes how dangerous or wrong an action they made was.

[15] Would you burn an American flag for a million dollars?

publicly, no. I would burn one in private for a million bucks, then I would make amends somehow. Possibly by donating a significant amount to a patriotic charity etc.

[16] Who do you think would make a better president? McCain or Obama?

Obama..

[17] Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers?

Obviously I'm not afraid of it...or I wouldnt have posted it on my blog.

This & That

Yes, I'm at the library right now enjoying me time on the computer. Not that I cant get on the computer at home, but the imps are usually right over my shoulder. So they have this arts & crafts day at the local Auburn library that I bring them to and let them "create" and I play on the computer.

Work is going pretty well...I've been having trouble with my ISP and so my % that drives my call volume had dropped low. Well it's back over the demarkation point so I'm receiving more calls. Yay.

Weight Watchers isnt going as well. Christine is dropping out for now...for various reasons...financial and results based. I'm not doing any better, but I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet. Gotta find my motivation again.

Still missing my mom. Dreading/anticipating Christmas and her not being in it.

House is coming along well. Our yard has improved 100% with the addition of lime and some more grass seed. Next year I hope to attack the back yard. We had family over for a cookout last weekend and I really noticed how bad the back yard looks because the builder didnt sod it. And there are soooo many rocks in it. Growls.

What else is going on in my life? Sharon is still living with us. I think we've found us a house mate! LOL. Dale and I put our names in to become foster parents but we haven't heard back from the DFACs yet. Hopefully, we'll hear soon when the orientation class is. Of course Dale's done this before, but I'm still new to it all. I'm very anxious about it tho...I just love the idea we could really make a difference in some children's lives (not that we arn't with ours already...but you know what i mean!) I think I'd like to have a baby but then think how much effort that would be. We're open to the possibility of adoption but plan on fostering and if a situation just falls into our lives, then so beit. But otherwise, we still plan on one day retiring to Florida (lol)

All for now...

Sunday Stuff

Pre family days, I used to love Sundays. They were my relaxing day. The day to sit back, watch football, go to craft festivals, etc. Then I became a part of this family and Sundays became a dreaded thing. A day when we had to do the unnecessary visit with Dale's ex. She has it in her mind that the kids NEED to see her. Yeah right. ANYWAY.

But today, we declined her offer of a visit and enjoyed a morning at home...i worked a bit this morning then went downstairs to make pancakes for breakfast. For some reason, pancakes put me in a good mood. Then we just kinda hung around the house, I worked some more, the kids colored and watched tv. Then after lunch, we took the kids to the indoor swimming pool over in Lawrenceville. It was a treat since we havn't been swimming since Labor Day or so. We came home and brought Pizza Hut pasta & pizza to eat for supper...the kids got to eat "picnic" style on the floor in front of tv (a rarity) and Dale and I got to take ours upstairs to watch in front of the football games.

Now, I'm working some more..

So as you can see, it wasnt an exciting day. Just a fun one in my book. Getting ready for Josh's birthday ...we're doing a skating birthday party which I think every kid has at some point in his or her life. All for now.

My Quiz from QuizYourFriends.com

So, You think you know Gina? 1) If Gina could spend the day doing anything, what would it be? Garage Saleing Swimming Good Book and Bag of M&M's & Diet Coke & Giant Garden Tub Six Flags

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Happy Birthday to ME

So today is my birthday...41 this year. I had a huge party last year and I'm so glad I did. Granted, it was expensive and we really couldnt afford it at the time...but so many people came...including my mom. and my dad. See they divorced after 30 odd years of marriage...and it made me feel so good that they both came to my party.

This year my family has been wonderful to me today. Went out to breakfast at McDonalds...the kids and nieces all made me wonderful cards that I adore. I'll scan some of them in later...on the new printer/scanner/fax machine that Dale gave me...while sitting on my new desk chair he also gave me. Then we took the birthday money that Grandmother King, Siler & AM (her's was house warming money) gave me and bought me a new desk. Pictures of that to follow after Dale puts it together.

But the one thing that keeps hurting me is the absence of my mom. Every birthday, she'd be the first one on the phone to me to sing Happy Birthday..or to sing it to my answering machine. And re-tell the story of how late I was...how hot it was that summer of '67. How my grandmother Siler couldnt believe she wasn't going to spell Gina with a J instead so that my mom and I would have the same initials. How it was a Saturday morning around 10am when I was born. Noone can tell it quite like a Mom.
I sooo miss her.

Orange Beach, AL

Another day in paradise. That's what my dad's wife says about Orange Beach, AL. We've been coming here for years and my mom & dad moved down here some time in the late 80s/early 90s...I've forgotten the exact year. So we made our journey southward to here yesterday and today has been wonderful.

We're staying in a condo on the bay called the Moorings. It's GORGEOUS. I really can't emphasize to you how nice it is....and if it were on the beach, it'd be un-affordable for us. But since it's NOT, we can afford it. Today we spent mostly at the pool...got a good start on a tan...Lynne (Dad's wife) came over to do some sun grazing with us and we had fun. We're alternating eating out and staying in to try to keep this vacation affordable. Today is an eating in day so I'm about to get up and whip up some rotini alfredo with chicken. Easy to do and few ingredients (I'm lazy and brought canned chicken)

All for now.

Elizabeth gets a haircut

Like most young girls, Elizabeth hates brushing tangles out of her hair...So today we went for the annual summer haircut. I think it came out cute. What do you think?

funny story

So i have a funny story...my oldest had just pitched a fit....and in exasperation, i say,
"Josh...what makes you pitch these fits??"
My youngest John says, "It's cause he doesnt have the holy spirit in him!" (he's fresh from Vacation bible school) and daughter Elizabeth pipes up, " I have the spirit in me! I got it Tuesday & Wednesday"
...Tue & Wed? How both days???
She replies, "in case it didnt work on Tuesday, I tried again on Wednesday" hehehehe

All thanks to "Sex in the City"

So, it all started from me going to see Sex & The City with the girls. There's a scene in it where they're all out sunbathing and everyone notices Miranda's hairs escaping from her bathing suit.

So while I'm taking a bath the other day, I thought to myself, "gosh I'd hate to have that happen to me" so I took razor in hand and swiped a little at the escape region of my legs etc. Two days later....a cyst has formed. And a day after that, it's doubled in size. It's painful to walk, sleep, etc. It's big, pussy etc. So I try to get in touch with my doctor, but it goes to voice mail hell. So I end up going thru my insurance provider book and finding a lady gyno in Athens who can see me QUICKLY. She looks at it but says she sees no head on it to puncture....gives me anti-biotics and tylenol-3 for the pain and says for me to come back today.

Now we're up to date. I went in today...she puts lydicane on it to numb it...but something in my alkaline makeup doesnt take the lydicane and it's not numbed...she inserts said scalple and i burst in to tears. God it hurt so bad. She got what she could, but between my hysterics and the lack of fluids coming out, she had to stop. It's still all puffy and way sore. But hopefully it'll drain it's self out over the next few days.

Poor Poor me.

Have a Lazy Fun Summer

Last day of school here in Barrow County. Our kids were later getting out than the other local schools due to construction last summer delaying their starting. Everyone had good years for the most part. All had a fun last couple of days.

We have Sharon staying with us now. She's been living in Columbus since Dale & I got married and has recently moved back to the Atlanta area. Until she gets a job etc. she's staying with us.

We've booked our condo for our summer vacation...going to Orange Beach again but not staying on the beach...actually staying in a new local that is on the bay. It was MUCH cheaper than the beach condos so we figure we can always drive to the beach. We'll be going June 21-28. Should be fun :)

Weight Watchers is not going well. I was AWOL for about a month and gained nearly 3 pounds. Bad Bad Gina.

They have opened our new subdivison pool and I couldnt be happier. It's like old times when as a kid we used to go up to my Aunt Marilyn's pool and spend all our summer days playing there. This is just about as convenient.

I'll post more pictures later. Have a lazy fun summer.

Mother's Day

I havn't blogged in a while and I have a couple of pretty good excuses. Been quite busy with work. I work about as many hours as I can. I'm primarily working with LiveOps now and I usually enjoy it. I especially enjoy seeing the part time pay creep up. I've also been sick this past week. You know...the sinus or head cold thing. You never really know which one it is. But Ebeth has it now. UGH.

Anyway...Mother's Day was yesterday and I thought it went well. L originally wanted the kids that morning AND afternoon. Dale said no and we had them all morning. Had a leisurely type of morning...Dale went out to McDonalds and brought back breakfast...he got me some lovely flowers and this Hallmark software program that i wanted. I love making greeting cards for people and inserting our pictures in them.
Listen to this card Elizabeth wrote for me...all by herself.

Happy Mother's Day (on front)
(inside) The teacher had put on the ditto "Happy Mother's Day! Thanks for everything you do. And then there's all these lines for the kids to write on. She filled up everyline!!
"You are very nice. You take care of me. You watch out for me. You are the best mom in the world. You are the best. I am thankful that God put you on the earth for me and Dad. (apparently not so much for John & Josh) We love you ver much. And we are thankful for you . You are very special and God made you that way. You are the rose that blooms and smells and look so pretty. You can do everything on Mother's Day because it is your day to be queen. You are the queen for one day. your day. I will be your little servant for the whole day. You're the best of the moms. You are generous and kind and show compassion. You are the light on this day.
Love,
Elizabeth Simpson May 9, 2008
Spelling has been corrected. LOL.