MOVING

I wanted to let everyone know that I am shutting down this blog for the time being.  Well, it will still be here, I just won't be using it for now.  I have decided to turn my efforts to my health and wellness and will be posting primarily on those issues.  I hope that you all will follow me to my other blog.  WWW. Danielasweightlossjourney.com.

Thank you so much for your continued support.  I love you all.

FEELING GREAT

Good Sunday Morning to ya.  I woke up to snow on the ground this morning which instantly put me in the Christmas spirit.  So, I turned on the Christmas lights, brewed some awesome coffee and thought I'd try to get caught up on my blog reading.  I rarely have time to read blogs during the week, unfortunately, due to a nasty little thing called a job.  Good grief I'm behind, you all have been busy.

I want to thank you all that have traveled over to my other blog, www.danielasweightlossjourney.com, to offer your encouragement and support.  It means the world to me.  I lost 2.9 pounds this past week for a total of 4 pounds.  I'll take it.  My weight has been such a struggle for many years, and choosing to make the right choices was definitely the hard part.  I am the QUEEN of denial don't ya know.  But now I'm committed, so let the good times roll.

It's almost that time of year again.  I'm not talking about Christmas, but that's definitely exciting.  What I'm talking about is the time of year when my office closes for two weeks.  Our last day of work is Friday the 17th and we'll re-open on the 3rd of January.  What a nice treat.  I can't wait to spend some quality time with my mom, my boys and my grandsons.  It is usually the happiest time of the year for me.  No stress, no alarms, no work.

Today I think I'll watch Christmas movies and work on my crochet blanket.  Have a happy Sunday friends.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND A PLEA!

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!  I hope everyone had a joyful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends as I did.  I spent the day and night over at Jons house and helped them pick out a tree.  Dante' was so funny and was so happy that grandma stayed the night.

He loved helping his daddy trim the tree! 

Homer is doing really well.   He's into everything, so I'm constantly watching to make sure he can't hurt himself.   He has absolutely no fear, which I guess comes with being blind.  He can't see danger, so it is my job to keep him safe.  I take that job responsibility seriously.

He is finally sleeping all night long...thank god for that.  As a matter of fact, he will sleep almost anywhere, in any position.  Isn't he a cutie?

Well, internet friends, I am going to ask you for a huge favor.  What I mean is.  I am trying very hard to change old habits, get healthy and lose weight.  One hundred pounds to be exact.  I started a weight loss blog so that I will (hopefully) keep myself accountable.  It's embarrassing and I hate it.  But could you all help me? Could you please support me through this difficult journey?  I need all the support I can get.  All the advice I can get.  All the love I can get.  I'm desperate.  The blog is as honest as it's going to get.  I'm going to still post here.  The other one is specifically for my health and diet.  I hope you will join in my journey of self discovery.  

Thank you in advance,

Daniela

Daniela's weight loss journey

AN AWESEOME SATURDAY!

Yesterday was a fabulous day.  Mom and I spent the day shopping.  We went to Belk and I bought a Bella Cucina grill/griddle combo and some Anchor Hocking food storage dishes in an attempt to start cooking healthier.  After shopping we went to the movies and saw the new movie Secretariat.  Awesome movie, especially if you like horses, Diane Lane and John Malkovich.  We both loved it.

After the movie we went to a restaurant that my sister and brother in law own called Brixx. Loved the food. I had a chicken sandwich with half a salad..soo good. Then we came home and had coffee while talking about our day. It's always so good to spend time with mom.

RAMBLINGS!

Isn't it hard to believe that the holidays are upon us?  I say it every year, but it feels like it all snuck up on me.  It's been crazy here in my little piece of North Carolina.  We had some snow a couple weeks ago, which was nice, especially since it was gone by noon.  All the critters are good, but the dogs are not happy with me right now.  They are all on diets.  Yep..diets.  I am now measuring out their food and have cut out dog bones, chewies and anything that isn't completely healthy.  Actually, it's been a week and they are getting used to it now and don't fuss too much.

Homer is doing great.  He's gained alot of weight and now weighs almost 4 pounds.  He'll be getting neutered in 3 weeks...oh Merry Christmas to him.  He is getting around so well.  Most people who meet him are really surprised that he is blind.  He has no fear, which scares the crap out of me.  He will jump, climb and crawl on ANYTHING.  The other night he got up on my nightstand in the middle of the night and cleared everything off of it.  It took me about 15 minutes to find my glasses, which were half way under my bed.  He's a little thief.

Today, my mom and I are going to do some shopping, have lunch and then see a movie.  I am looking for a George Foreman grill in an attempt to get healthier.  Why is it that some people can eat anything they want and never gain a pound, while others like me, just think about food and can't button her own pants?  My weight has fluctuated so much this year, so I am researching healthy living.  In order to change my weight, I need to change my life.  Good luck to me!




 

AWWWW!!

Are you all sick of seeing cute videos of Homer? I hope not!! He's doing so well. He is healing well and growing like crazy. He's FINALLY sleeping most of the night, but I think that is only because he wears himself out before bedtime..as he did last night..Feel free to ooohhh and awwwwww. He won't mind!

THE LAST TWO WEEKS!

I woke up this morning to gray skies and a heavy blanket of snow covering everything within sight.  The snow was falling so hard and fast that I was positive that within an hour we'd all be buried alive.  That was an hour ago.  Now, the sun is shining and it stopped snowing.  You've gotta love North Carolina.  The 2 inches of snow that is on the ground will probably be gone in an hour or so.  I should wake up Brandon so that he can see it, or he'll think I made the whole thing up.

So, for the last two weeks I have:

Vacationed in Texas
Gone to a haunted amusement park
Worked in a haunted house
visited the Dallas Aquarium and Arboretum
stayed up uncharacteristically late
Spent time with an old friend (meaning I haven't seen her in 30 years, not that she's "old")
Tried to make friends with her Pomeranian who still hates me.
Almost lost her cat.
Went to my old high school...didn't like it then, don't like it now
shopped with my mom
bought a new Christmas tree and food processor
broke in my new food processor
took naps
Made a salad with 600 ingredients ...recipe here
Played with, loved on, snuggled with all my critters
Had some great conversations with former college dude who has moved from Boulder Co., to Lawrence KS..thinking of inserting a GPS under his skin when he comes home for Christmas.
Did 400 loads of laundry, no 500, no 400..alot
Watched Homer grow by the second.

Monday I go back to work.

I'm exhausted!

PS..I'm craving a Jersey Mikes sub.  Big time..it's only 10:30 in the am and there is snow on the roads, but I'm considering braving the elements for a regular italian.  I wonder if they deliver, up the mountain, in the snow.   Probably not.

PSS..Mr. Magoos new name is Homer.  It just is.  I like it.  He likes it.  We're all happy!  The End

UPDATE ON MAGOO!

Well as you can see, Magoo has had no trouble adjusting here at the ranch.  He is completely comfortable with the house and everyone who lives here.  I am really in love with this boy..he's a riot.  He is NEVER still.  NEVER.  Well, except when he's sleeping.  Anywhoooo, he's doing great and has healed up very well.  He's gained a ton of weight and as of last week weighed 2.2 lbs.  I'm sure it's more now.  When he first came to me, he was less than a pound.  Magoo and I will keep you posted.

A HUGE SHOCK!

On Wednesday of this week, my youngest son, college dude, gave me the shock of my life.  He surprised me at work and announced that he had dropped out of school and was on his way to live in Boulder Co.  I thought he was joking.  But he wasn't. His car was packed and he was literally on his way out.   He was in the middle of his senior year in college.  Had just gotten a part in a new play and was racing every weekend, then BOOM.  It's all over.  He ups and quits.  He says it's for a job as an assistant rock climbing instructor.  Someone that he worked with for a few weeks this past summer told him about it.  He thought about it for all of two days.  I had no warning.  I am in shock still.  He's a little vague about the details.  I've been so worried and I don't know what to do with it.  Everyone says for me to let it go.  Kids do that kind of thing..etc.  I'm not buying it.  I feel like he's running from something.  What, I don't know.  I know that recently his girlfriend started dating someone else.  He won't give me details about his grades.  I'm really confused.  I'm angry. I'm sad.  I don't know what to do.  I just don't.  I'm trying not to think about it too much or put to much into it, but right now, I can't help it.  Next week I'm going on vacation to visit my best friend in Texas, so that will be a nice distraction.  This sadness has to go away. I feel really torn between being supportive and wanting to rip his throat out and bring him home.

I know that we have to let our kids make their own mistakes, but noone prepares you for how hard that is.  Maybe this is my comeupins for all the crap I put my parents through when I was younger.  Mom, If I haven't said this enough..I AM SO SORRY!

NO EYES, NO PROBLEM!

Here is a little update on Mr. Magoo.  As you can see, his "little situation" has not hindered him in the least.  In this video, he and Frankie were playing.  I can tell you that the dogs poop out a lot faster than he does.  His incisions are healing beautifully.  He's still on antibiotics and we're doing warm compresses on his sutures a few times a day, which he seems to enjoy.

He now weighs 1.5 pounds and is strong as an ox.  Thank you to all of you awesome friends who have commented and emailed about him.  Now, if you can please send him some sleep vibes, that would be great.  He REFUSES to sleep in his crate at all now and wants to sleep in bed with me.  Usually this isn't a problem, but since he's only a few weeks old, he only sleeps for a couple of hours at a time, therefore, I am up with him when he wants to play..which is often.  This morning he woke me up at 3 am biting on my lip..ughhh.  He's a little wrecking ball.

VIDEO OF MR. MAGOO AND LUCY!

Lucy has been obsessed with Mr. Magoo ever since we brought him home. If he's out of the crate, she is buy his side. If he's in the crate, she's right next to it. He even cries for her and she comes running. She constantly tries to clean his sutures, so I can't leave them unattended. I'm really afraid she'll accidentally pull them out.

You have to admit though, this is pretty darn cute!

WE HAVE A WINNER!

We have a winner, but before I announce the new name of our newest member, let me give you a little background and some darn cute pictures.  Just two days ago, this little boy was found in a dairy barn with his momma and 6 or 7 of his siblings.  He had survived on bologna and corn bread from the good folks at the dairy who didn't know any better.  An awesome lady that had a non profit group that rescues feral cats came upon this pitiful family and quickly brought them to us.  This little boy was the only one in such bad shape.  The momma and other babies went into the rescue and this little guy came to me after his surgery.

I brought him home today and he was quickly adopted by Lucy and well, everyone really.  But especially Lucy.  I think Lucy has had puppies before she came to me because whenever she's around a young animal she tries to mother it.  This little kitten actually tried to nurse on her and she let him..too cute.  The well was dry however so he just played with her until he passed out.

Here he is playing..so cute.  I am positive that we made the right decision by doing the surgery. He is going to have an excellent quality of life.

Nap Time!!

Snuggle time!!

I want to thank you all for you awesome name suggestions.  This was tough.  I was leaning towards Mouse and Bumper (not at all mean Martha..haha), but at the last minute I got Mr. Magoo from Teri over at Blooming where I'm Planted.  I love it!!  Mr. Magoo it is.  Once a year my folks would drag out our old home movies that my dad would play on his old projector.   Before we watched the home movies he would always play a Mr. Magoo cartoon for my sister and I.  WE loved it and looked forward to it every year.  Thank you so much Teri, this name fits him perfectly. Please send me your information so that I can get your gift card in the mail.

Introducing Mr. Magoo...

 

WHO'S THE SUCKER? I'M THE SUCKER!

WARNING THE FOLLOWING PICTURES ARE GRAPHIC AND MAY BE UPSETTING TO SOME.

This little kitty came into my clinic yesterday with obvious problems. We had two choices Euthanasia or eye enucliation.  We are only a spay/neuter clinic and don't do general medicine or any other surgeries, but one of our awesome surgeons made an exception.  Long story short.  This little boy, who only weighs 1 lb, will be coming to my house on Friday.  TEMPORARILY!  I will rehab him and send him packin'.   Well, I'll rehab him anyway.  This photo is from before surgery obviously.  Both of his eyes were infected and had an enormous amount of pressure causing the bulging.  This condition made him completely blind and in great pain.  So, the eyes had to come out.  

During surgery.

In recovery.  He probably already feels a million times better. 

Licking his chops after surgery.  Everything went great.  He will be climbing the drapes by morning.  I'll keep you updated on his progress.  

NOW, for the important question.  What do I name him?  I've had some great suggestions..

1.  Winky

2.  Blinky

3.  RC 

4.  Stevie.

While these were all great suggestions, they do nothing for me..or him.  So, here's the deal.  I need suggestions.  Good ones.  If you leave a comment with a great name, which I end up picking, I will send you a $20.00 Starbucks gift card.  He is a 1 pound male kitten with no eyes.  He's gray and cute and purrs alot.  So there ya go, have fun.  I will make my decision by Friday night 8pm Eastern time..good luck...

I can't wait to see what you come up with!!

A HEARTFELT LETTER!

Dear Logan, Lucy and Frankie,

I want to thank you for all the years of companionship that you have given me.  I love coming home from work every day and being greeted with wet sloppy kisses and enthusiasm that only I would be inclined to show Ed McMahan if he had the million dollar ticket in his hand.  Of course, he would still need to be alive, that goes without saying.  RIP.  Anywhooo...I love you very very much, which is why I buy you only the best dog food, the noisiest squeeky dog toys, the yummiest, vet approved snacks and yes, even the occasional halloween costume (sorry about that).  So, if it's not too much trouble, I would really like  to sleep in my bed. ALONE!  For once!  Please?  I mean really, if I ask you to go in your black wire crates with the finest beds and blankets, you act as if I'm asking you to walk the green mile.  But really..I need this.  I need to sprawl out on the queen size bed by myself.  Don't get me wrong, I appreciate you letting me sleep with you and all, but if I can please do it by myself, just for tonight..that'd be great!  Please.  Think about it and get back to me.  

With love,

The person who caters to your every need.  Gives you everything you want and hardly ever fusses when you pee on the floor.  Mom