Many Changes!!!!

I had not realized how long it had been since I posted on here until my boyfriend asked me last night if I had posted anything on my blog recently. There have been so many changes going on in my life over the last couple of months I don't know where exactly to start...

I will start with the most significant change. Jim and I have decided to co-habitat or as he refers it as "shacking up". I have been in the process of clearing out my apartment and deciding what I want or need to take with me and what I can dispose of. It is absolutely amazing how much stuff can be crammed into closets and under beds when you are living somewhere for any length of time! Goodwill is going to love me over the next month. I have decided that most of the furniture can be either sold or donated. My late husband and I purchased most of the items in the apartment together and I really want to start "fresh" with Jim. I don't want to have constant reminders of the past while I am working on starting a new life with such a wonderful man. While I am busy working on my apartment we are also busy getting Jim's house organized so we can combine households. I never thought about how time consuming combining two lives can be. :) However, I am loving each and every moment we spend doing this because we are doing it together. In case you haven't figured it out, I am madly, deeply in love with this man!!!!!

One of the side effects of living in Millersville now is I am not watching any television. Jim does not own a tv and doesn't have cable. As of now, I am not really missing watching it (except for watching the Ravens games). It is interesting to see what other things a person can do when there is no television to take up hours of time at a clip. I have read more books recently than I have in years (and I have always been an avid reader). I am also pulling out my crafting supplies and getting back into the activities that I have always loved. Eventually, I would like to go back to school but I want to get settled in here first. I also want to start volunteering somewhere to help those less fortunate than myself.

As things settle down, I will keep you posted on what is occurring in my life.

One Month After my Nest emptied

Here is one month later and I am still trying to adjust to the ability to do whatever I want, whenever I want. I do love not having to answer to someone else; however, I have found it is a little lonely coming home and not having anyone here. I truely miss having a significant other caring whether I am home or not. Even having my youngest daughter living with me was nice because she would call to see what I was doing before I headed home from work.

I am finding that I am spending way too much time on the computer so I am in the process of finding new things to do by myself. I have read quite a few books and am working a crochet project as a gift. Once I give it to the person, I will post a picture of it on here. :) Well I better get back to the crocheting. I will keep you posted on my "new" life!

I have a empty nest!

On May 1, 2009, my youngest daughter, Laura, moved into an apartment with her girlfriend. They moved into an apartment that was directly across the parking lot from my own apartment; however, they moved out! Ha ha.

I was nervous at the idea of living by myself because I have never lived alone as an adult before. I am finding that I do like it. I can cook dinner when I want, I can come and go as I please (without checking in), I can have company without wondering if the kids are coming home. Don't get me wrong, I love all my children. It is nice to see them grow up to be responsible adults that can take care of themselves.

Journeylite

I have struggled with my weight all of my adult life. I truly believe I have been on almost every diet out there! I have been talking with my doctors about having gastric by-pass. We have been having this discussion for a couple of years now.

If you are one of the people that know me, you know I have to research almost everything. LOL Therefore, I have been researching the different gastric by-pass surgeries and locations for having the surgery. I came across this center, lap band surgeon cincinnati during all my research. I love all the information they have on their website for prospective patients. Almost every section you click on they describe that area but also have videos so you can visually see what they are describing also. I think that would help remove some of the fears that patients may have.

They even have a section that discusses all the options to pay for this type of surgery. They provide the (CPT) code, 43770 you should ask your insurance company if they cover while you are calling. This is nice because if you have ever tried to get pre-approved through an insurance company for any type of procedure you know it can be a very tedious process. By knowing the exact code to ask for you are eliminating them giving you incorrect information.

I highly recommend looking at lap band surgeon cincinnati if you or any friends and family are considering the Lap-Band gastric surgery.

Kira's Wedding

Kira's wedding was beautiful, even if I do say so myself! :) She got married at 5:30 p.m. on March 14, 2009. Her sister, Laura, stayed with her Friday night after the rehearsal dinner. Jesus (her husband) stayed at a local hotel Friday night. Everyone in the family was just waiting for me, Ole Mom, to start the tears a rolling. My children were predicting at what time during all the festivities I would start crying. I did really well with my emotions. I only had a few tears when they were pronounced husband and wife.

I was able to sleep in (at least by my standards) until 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning. I went got a cup of coffee and some breakfast at the local 7-11. I was staying with Jim for most of the weekend and he does not drink coffee (The only downfall I have found with him is he does not have a coffee pot in his house.) LOL I have to tell everyone what a blessing Jim was to me over the past weekend. He was right there and willing help whenever anything was needed.

Then at 12:30 p.m. I went to my girlfriend's, Terry, house so she could do my hair. I ran back to Jim's so he could drive me to Kira's house so I could help her get dressed.

When I got to Kira's house all the bridesmaids were there getting their hair and make-up done. Getting Kira into the dress was no picnic! Let's just say, it took all the bridesmaids and myself to get her dressed. Then it was time for pictures and off to the church. We only had two minor mishaps for the wedding....first the heat died in the church Friday before the rehearsal and they could not get the part until Monday; and second it started to rain just as we were leaving to go to the church. The good things was it really did not down pour so it was not something that really messed anything up.

The service was beautiful and I can't wait to see all the pictures from the photographer. They had the reception at Overhill Manor in Catonsville. It is an old mansion that sits up on a hill. It was a very dignified setting to have a reception. It appears that the guests seemed to all have a good time. I do have to admit Jesus' family really does know how to celebrate and they managed to get many people out on the dance floor that never would have been dancing otherwise! :)

The happy couple left to go on a cruise and then to visit some of Jesus' family in Puerto Rico.

The best part of all the stuff is knowing "my little girl" has married a very nice, warm man. We all welcome Jesus into our family with open arms.

Getting ready for Kira's Wedding

I can't believe how fast the time has been flying by. My oldest daughter, Kira is getting married March 14, 2009. Needless to say, I have been very busy and very stressed trying to make sure everything is finished in time for the BIG DAY!

Last Saturday the bridesmaids held a surprise bridal shower for Kira. It was funny because Kira kept trying to figure out what date the shower would be on so she would try scheduling things for dates to see what all our reactions would be. What she did not know was that the bridesmaids, her fiance (Jesus), and myself were in constant contact so whoever was asked something about a date would know the "proper" response and we would all be on the same page. Kira was driving us all crazy!

The theme of the shower was "Spice Up Kira's Marriage". Everyone brought her a different spice for cooking. They played a game where there were 10 spices in different bowls around a table. The guests needed to guess what spice each was. I use spices and still found this game much more difficult than I thought I would.

As one of the activities, everyone share some advice for Kira. Once piece of advice that stuck with me was "Always remain the girlfriend." I loved it because it is so easy to become complacent with a relationship once you are married. It reminded me to never become so complacent with any relationship that you don't care enough to "be the girlfriend". The part of the shower became much more emotional than I think most of us thought it would. It was a very good thing they had Kleenex handy!!!!