Oct. 13, 2008
Man is it windy out here in Fontana. When we first moved here we had no idea that it got as windy as it does. We made a comment to a neighbor after our first night of wind and they made it clear that what we had that night was nothing. Man was he right. I used to hate wind when I was younger it scared me the noises the house would make in the night. Now I enjoy it, it is part of where we live and I get a kick out of this season. So far in this wind storm we have had very few breaking issues or damage to the house. In the past we have lost our gates, they have ripped their bolts out of a concrete wall and blown down a few doors to the neighbors, or broken roof tiles, or bent satellite dishes. Yesterday we woke up to a broken mirror. When we redid the bathroom 2 years ago we had a giant like 6 foot mirror we didn't know what to do with so we put it on the side of the house. A few weekends ago Shawn and I were talking about what to do with that giant mirror. Well the wind took care of it for us. It fell over in the night and shattered all over the side of the house. The clean up wasn't fun but no more mirror:) So I went in the backyard at 7am this morning to take a video of the wind for all of you but realized I looked like an idiot blowing away and freezing so sorry no video.
We had a great weekend. Shawn was supposed to go deep sea fishing on Sat. but drove all the way up there and they had cancelled the boat due to wind. We ended up going fishing with Justin and Brandy, Brandy's sister Jess and her two boys, a friend of theirs and all of our crazy family. We didn't catch anything but it was fun to hang out. After fishing we went to the rodeo with all of Shawn's family. Pj came home wanting to be a tractor, not a cowboy or a horse, but a tractor. The boys had so much fun. Yesterday we went to church in the morning and then a nice day at home with the boys and of course football.
Diet wise I only did ok. I watched what I ate and stuck with diet soda but I did have 2 burritoes and a few cookies. I ate kind of whatever but only a few bites of all of it. I didn't weigh in today. I am giving myself a day back on before I get back on the scale. I definitly could have been better but I also could have been a whole lot worse. So back on today.
Ali

Oct. 10, 2008
I have a fantastic neighbor who is Italian. Even better her Mom is 100% Italian. She loves to cook and makes everything from scratch. Every once in awhile she loves to drop off some yummy food to give to the boys. Bad part is She decided to bake us a pizza. Sauce, dough, everything homemade and smelling amazing. So I on Tues. night did eat 1 very small slice of her pizza and it was so good and unlike any pizza I have ever had. She had grilled onions and mushrooms. So I did have 1 small slice and that is the only cheat I have had in the last 3 days. I have done really well.
I had my first clay club meeting at school for the year yesterday. I was put in charge of picking food for everyone to eat that the club pays for. I decided on this Thai place that is one of my favorites. I didn't have one bite. Cool part is since I was running the meeting no one noticed that I didn't eat so I didn't get the are you dieting questions and comments. Another cool part is I am currently vice Pres. and I was nominated as Pres. which is cool but alot more work. I think I if elected will take it because it looks really good on resumes.
I haven't last as fast the last 2 days. I had my pizza mishap and other then that have added in carbs ( like lettace, corn, beans) the last 2 days so that I wasn't exhausted form all the sugar withdraws. Once my body fells a litle more normal I will cut back on some of those again. I have been really good about getting in 3 meals plus 1-2 snacks and staying in my calorie range.
My first concern- we pick up our cookie dough order from soccer this weekend. When we placed the order I was not dieting so I know I ordered some yummy stuff I can't eat. Good thing it is frozen and a little harder to eat.
Well have a good weekend.
Ali

Oct. 8, 2008
Well I am still here. I made it through 2 successful days. I did really well but was busy so it was alot of snacks like string cheese and hard boiled eggs. I am journaling to keep on track and not go under in my calories.
Yesterday was a crazy day. I went to school at 7am and did the school thing. I got home at 6:30 and the kids were not done with homework. We worked on homework until 7:45, ate dinner, and were nonstop until the kids finally got to bed at 9pm. I was so tired that I melted into the couch with a hot cup of tea and a tv show with Shawn. Our life is crazy but 8 months more of this crazy schedule and then I am afraid it might get worse. I found out that I will be student teaching during the day and doing my credential classes at night. I know I can handle it but man am I going to be busy.
I have .6 pounds until I get to open my 35 pounds lost gift. So tomorrow morning should be an exciting time to wake up.
Have a good day everyone,
Ali

Oct. 6, 2008

Let me start by saying that my life is totally nuts between school, soccer, karate, life, etc. that it has gotten very hard to post everyday. I am going to do my best to write at least 3 times a week but Thus and Thur. there is just no way I can fit in blogging.

With that said I went back to school last week. I wasn't thrilled with going back but now that I am back I am loving it. I am taking fun classes and get to see all the people who give me great ideas on how to better my art work. I did have one bump in that my photo class didn't have enough people so they dropped the class. For me this meant that I wouldn't graduate in June because I wouldn't have that one class. Good thing is I have befriended the teacher and went and explained the situation and he was willing to work one on one with me so that I would still be able to graduate on time. Awesome. well enough about school.

Now that I am back in school and can't wear the same t-shirts and short day after day I have realized how much weight I have really gained. I have been really good about maintaining all summer at 185ish but I have got to get back down again. I am uncomfy and can really see a difference between 160 and 185. I have been saying for weeks that I am going to restart but never really wanted to.

Sat. I went and refereed my first game and when I came home my bestest friend Ali had stopped by with my 35 and 45 pounds lost gift. After staring at them all weekend I am restarting today. I didn't realize what a motivation those little gifts are. How funny that after months all it took was a box wrapped in Christmas paper to get me going again. So thanks Ali.

As of today I am 100% back on plan. I have already mapped it out and the only day that will be a cheat day is Halloween. We will be going to Oak Glen and I will be careful but a little more leanient that day.

I am going to Henry's today to get veggies and lean chicken and turkey. I found these new ziplock steam bags and love them. All you do is put your veggies in them, throw them in the microwave and dinner is ready in like 5 min.

I will post on Wed. to let you know how I am doing. 4 pounds until I get to open 35 lost and my guess is 2-3 weeks before I get back to 45 lost.

Ali

What a fantastic weekend. Everything went great and we made it to all of our events with no problem. My brothers weeding was awesome. Brandy and j wanted simple and small and that is what they got. We met at a park where they looked around for a tree they liked. We all stood around them while they exchanged vows. We went to dinner at a cool little bbq place where they had a cute little patio we all fit and hung out on. It was nice and simple.

I am off today to go buy a bunch of photo supplies for a class I am taking. This quater I am taking art history(yes another one), advanced photography, advanced ceramics, and senior project. A full load but I just keep reminding myself 81/2 months and I am done.

Well off to take care of the house and life,

Ali

Well life is back in full swing. I started school yesterday. I am going Tues. and Thur. from 8am-6pm. Long day but 8 months 3 weeks to go.
This weekend is going to be super crazy. We have 2 weddings on Sat. one of which is my brothers surprise wedding planned in 3 days. We also have soccer, church, and a million other things.
Well I wanted to check in because I have not blogged in awhile. I am doing good but still not dieting.
Well off to make 9 table centerpieces for tomorrow.
Have a great weekend and I will try to blog on Monday,
Ali

Sept 18, 2008
It is strange how weight can change you whole image of yourself. I went to get dressed for back to school last night and my pants are tight. It changed my whole evening. I went from being happy go lucky mom to feeling depressed and sad that I have let myself go again. Then to top it off I watched the biggest loser and made me feel all impowered to change. I wike up this morning with a new attitude. My clothes don't fit, I don't likt the way I look or feel so instead of complaing or feeling bad I am going to change it.
Now the hard part, sticking with it.
I am going to do a really intense 1st week. I want to get the headaches and tired part out of the way before i go back to school next week.
One of my goals was to be at my goal weight by my college graduation day. Well I graduate on June 20th, 2009 9 months from tomorrow. I better get my butt in gear.
Off to go buy diet soda, alot of diet soda.
Ali

Have you ever had zero motivation to do something. That is how I have felt about everything for the last few weeks. I am up to my neck in soccer, kids with tons of homework, back to school, life...I haven't dieted, I haven't done my one house project a day like painting my front door. Nothing. I am in recouperation mode from my long school year and nonstop life. I actually got bored yesterday while the kids were at school and made a candlelit dinner for the family. It is nice to actually have the time to make a nice dinner and eat as a family. When school starts next week it is back to get home at 6:30 try to have something to eat and kids in bed my 7:30.
The great news is I have a date, June 20, 2009 is my graduation day. I have 9 months until I am done with school. I have to turn in my graduation paperwork next month and this year will be about getting my credential work figured out and all of the state testing I need to have done by next summer. So I guess it is bitter sweet, just when you are almost done you have more to do.
But all in all life has been good. Time with my family, soccer all the time, lots of being a mom.
Well I am off to get the ids ready for school.
Ali

The newest update on Brandy
Well I finally have some good news regarding Brandy. She had surgery on Friday afternoon and it went great, they ended up having to open up the cavity around the right lung to get to the infection and clean it out. She was on morphine for a couple days but once they took her off of it she began recovering rapidlly. They put in 2 chest tubes after the surgery to drain any remaining fluid. They pulled one of them yesterday and the remaining one today. Once she gets a final x-ray tonight she may be cleared to come home. She might be home tomorrow, but most likely Thursday. I will hopfully only have to send one last e-mail, to let you know when she gets home.Thanks for all your thoughts and support through the past three weeks. We are very greatful for having such a great group of friends and family during this time. Thanks, Justin

As for the diet we will just say day one didn't go so well. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling a little sick. When I got up yesterday I felt aweful. I have a UTI. So I am in pain and drinking a ton of juice which is loaded with calories then last night shawn brought home chinese food and soup to make me feel better. He didn't know I had started my diet or at least thought I was going to start yesterday. So a few more days to get back in running condition and then I will be back on track.
ok well have a good Wed.
Ali

Today is the day. I have been "restarting" my diet over and over. I keep thinking I want to sit in my clothes before I restart school. I looked at my school stuff last night and I have 16 days. That isn't enough time to lose a ton but hopefully I get on the road to losing. So today I am eating right. I know the weekends are always tough but we don't have major plans this weekend so it should be managable.
Update on Brandy......
I talked to J yesterday and Brandy is feeling much better. The surgery was a success. She was on morphine but they took her off ot it because she couldn't stay awake. She is now on like tylenol and the pain is a little more but at least she isn't sleeping all the time. After the surgery they put in 2 chest tubes well one was taken out yesterday and they are hoping to take out the other one today. She went in for xrays last night to see how the infection is doing but I will find out the results of that today when I call. If she keeps improving they are expecting her to go home by the end of the week. Other great news is her job is giving her 1 more week to recover which isn't much but hopefully they keep putting it off until she can make it in. The best news of all is Brandy was approved for medical coverage through the hospital. She is covered 100% for 1 year wwhich includes this hospital stay and surgery si she will owe nothing for being in the hospital for almost 1 month. Amazing Huh?
well have a great day,
Ali

Sept. 8, 2008
What a weekend. We went to a very good friends wedding on Sat. It was beautiful and we are thrilled for the couple. Sun. was the first football day of the season. We took the day off of church becasue of all the wedding stuff going very late into the night for Shawn, I think he made it home about 2am. Our normal Sunday during footbal season is church at 8, back on the couch by 10 am with mcdonalds and a sunday paper. We do nothing the rest of the day but watch football, eat snacks and have a cat nap. I love our Sundays from now until Jan.
What else is going on? I talked to Justin yesterday in the morning and Brandy is doing well. She is up and walking and the pain from the surgery is pain but managable. We are still really worried about her but she seems to be ok from the surgery. Today I will find out a little more on if the infection is still gone or what is going on. I am going to try to swing down to the hospital this evening.
other then that life is no school,
oh my house is so gross. My normal clean and get the house in order big time is on friday but since I was at the hosptial I didn't do my normal cleaning. So today my house isn't to bad but the floors haven't been vacuumed in 2 weeks! Yuck, 3 kids and a wood floor. So this morning is get the house in order day.
Have a good one,
Ali

Sept. 5, 2008
I am so excited. I was in BAD need of new pots and pans. Mine were chipped and about 6 years old. I was not planning on buying new ones at this moment. Thought mine would be fine for another 1-2 years. Well I was walking around a local store and they had a deal I couldn't pass up. I got a 10 piece set that is really nice calphalon normally 399.00 for $50. how cool is that. Last box too. I love when things happen like that.
Nothing new with Brandy I talked with Justin yesterday and she hadn't changed at all. I just want her to get better fast.
Shawn was a a wedding rehearsal last night so the kids and I decided to try a new recipe. Yum. Not diet friendly but just like the stuff you get at the fair and super easy.
Fair style kettle corn-------
in a large pot put 1/4 c. oil, when the oil gets hot add 1/2 c. popcorn kernals(the real stuff), sprinkle the top of the kernals with 1/4 c. white sugar. Put a lid on the pot and start shaking over the heat. If you don't shake it burn pretty easily. We took about 5-7 min of shaking. Once you hear the popping slow down take off the lid and sprinkle with about 1teaspoon of salt and shake a few second more put it into a bowl and enjoy, watch out it will be really hot give it 5-10 min to cool. Enjoy.
Have a good weekend.
Ali

Nothing new yet on my sis in lasw yet today. I am really worried about her. Sounds like if they are not able to get the bleeding to stop they will do surgery. Hopefully it is all figured out before it gets to that point. Also a new prayer request. The job that she got and said they would wait for her to get out of the hospital is now saying that may not be able to hold the job for her. Isn't that sad? Here she is in the hospital very ill and they might not let her have the jobb they gave to her because they cannot wait a few weeks.
Anyways, on the eating side lets just say I went back into old habits of not dieting. I am bad to bad eating. I am 100% for sure restarting on Monday of nect week. We have a very busy wedding weekend and crazyness this weekend. Once life is "normal" again I can concentrate on dieting. I have to return to school in 3 weeks so the pressure for my pants to fit is on.
I think I did well on my final on Tues. night. I am still waiting for my grade. I am so excited to have a few weeks off of school. I was thinking of each day doing 1 thing in my house that I have been putting off like painting the rest of the house trim, or painting the front door, so far I don't feel like doing anything but relaxing. I am sure after this weekend I will get on the ball with some of that stuff. If not, my house isn't going anywhere and there is always Christmas break.
have a good day,
Ali

For my post today I am attaching a copy of an email I got from my brother about Brandy. Please continue to pray for her.
I just wanted to let everyone know the latest with Brandy. She is still in the hospital, going on day 16 and just when we thought she would be heading home, her chest tube continued to drain fluid and blood. She is comfortable but still has fevers, and today her blood count was down to dangerous levels. She received a blood transfusion tonight and hopfully tomorrow she will be doing much better. The doctors are not sure what is going on, they think the infection may have damaged some of the lung tissue or that the body is still just trying to fight the infection and is sending blood to the area that has the chest tube. I just wanted to make sure everyone is up to date and if you are religious, continue to pray, eveyone else keep her in your thoughts. Hopfully the next update is soon and it is about her finally coming home, only time will tell.
Thanks everyone, Justin