Weight watchers: Postpone

Due to recent events the weight watchers program I started awhile was postponed. It was under too much stress to plan out meals and keep up with the program. Now that things have calmed down I plan on re-starting the program come Monday.

"If at first you don't succeed, try and try again."

Yeah I know old and cheesy, but it's true

In memory of Joseph Michael Pablo Jr.

"Life is precious. Love is eternal. Death is merely a door separating where we are from where we are going"

I first met Michael in the 8^th grade when we were students at Highland View Middle School, in Corvallis.  Even though, he moved away in high school, we have stayed in touch and remained friends.  I know that Michael would thank you all for being here today and supporting his family and friends. 

Michael was a very kind and loving person.  He was like a brother to me.  Michael’s family and friends had the pleasure and joy of his presence in their lives for 24 years During that short time, he touched many hearts with that slow smile, that quiet demeanor, that twinkle in his eyes.  Everyone who knew Michael knew he was always there to help and support you, a good son, brother and a solid friend.  You couldn’t ask for more than that. 

I feel in my heart that Michael has taken his place with God’s angels.  His time here on earth was lived to the fullest.  Right now, it is hard for us to comprehend the loss that we are feeling after his passing.  With the passing of time, the pain of his loss will lessen, but the memories that we have of Michael will remain strong in our hearts and we will never forget him.

I'd like to dedicate the following poem to him

----Love Lives On by Amanda Bradley

Those we love

Are never really lost to us—

We feel them

In so many special ways—

Through friends

They always cared about

And dreams they left behind,

In beauty that they added to our days…

In words of wisdom,

We still carry with us

And memories that never will be gone….

Those we love

Are never really lost to us---

For everywhere their special love

Lives on.

A Thanksgiving I will always remember, but hopefully never repeat

This Thanksgiving was definitely an interesting one. It went by fast and the next thing you know it was time to go back to work. But this year was different for me. While most people woke up Thursday morning to get ready for their feast of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy with many loved ones gathered around the table, I woke up early to say goodbye to a very good friend of mine.

It was just the morning before when my best friend, Michael Pablo, was in a bad car accident when the car he was riding in ran off the road, struck a tree, and rolled several times before landing upside down. He was transferred to the hospital where he suffered major brain damage. Things didn't get better, for he was declared brain dead the next morning. Not really the best way to start your Thanksgiving holidays, or any day really, but I went about my regular festivities.

Death is scary thing, especially when it's so unexpected. It's so unknown to us living and healthy people. It's hard to except and at first I didn't want to believe it. I kept thinking to myself, "am I dreaming?" And then once the shock wore off, my mind filled with questions. Why did it happen? Why him? Why did it have to be near Thanksgiving? How does someone just drive off the road? Why did he have to die?

I will never know exactly what happened that Wednesday on the morning of November 24th. All I know is that I'm going to miss Michael so much. He was my best friend. Someone who was always there for me. He will be greatly missed, but his memories will live on forever. Rest in peace Joseph Michael Pablo Jr. I will always remember you

Introduction

So here's the story- I have been struggling with my weight for awhile now and I have gotten to a point where I'm actually going to do something about it. Here is what I am going to do to jump start my weight loss program:

1)Reduce my calorie intake:
This sounds harder then is it. With all the processed foods out there it's hard to find food (that doesn't cost you an arm and leg) that in sense is "good for you." Don't get me wrong, I love my macaroni and cheese and hamburger helper so I'm not about to get rid of all my food that comes in a box. The easiest way to do this is decrease the portion size. Instead of eating it all in one sitting, split it up and save the rest for later. I need to remember that my food isn't going to go anywhere :)

2)Exercise:
Pretty much anything cardio. At moment I am switching between running and using the elliptical at Timberhill, but I am willing to try anything. I enjoy going on walks, biking, swimming, hiking, and even just kicking/throwing a ball around at the park with some friends. I would like to change my routine up once in awhile so I don't get bored with doing the same thing over and over again.

3)Lay off the junk food:
I will confess that I have a pretty bad sweet tooth. I LOVE candy and chocolate of all sorts! What I have started doing to help curve my sweet cravings is chew gum (sugarless of course.) Something fruity and sweet that can take off that edge of eating something sweet. I have also tried sucking on a hard piece of candy like a jolly rancher. So far these techniques have worked, but let me know if you have any other ideas!

4)Want a snack? Try something healthy instead:
Instead of grabbing for a bag of chips, I'm will eat some sort of fruit or vegetable. Cucumbers, carrots, celery, apples, pears, peaches and oranges just to name a few. I like eating my celery and carrots with low-fat ranch dressing and peanut butter with my apples and celery as well :)

With the holidays coming up, it might be a little hard but I'm going to do the best I can!

My goal

Starting on Monday I will be starting weight watchers. Tyrel was able to give me all the information about it for free. He took the time to explain the point system to me, and I went though all of my food and marked what food was how many points. It is going to take a lot of patience and time, but I am determined to lose this weight!

My goal is too loose about 1-2 pounds a week.

Starting weight: 195 lbs
Goal weight: 150 lbs

That's 45 pounds total.
I picked this weight because I've weighed this much before so I know that it is possible for me to achieve my goal. I want to be happy with the way I look. I want to look good in a bathing suit. I'm not doing this to be like every other girl in media. I'm doing this for me. Because I want to.

A different perspective

After some thinking and sleeping on it, I've come to the conclusion that things aren't all bad. The fact that I was given the news of my schedule changing at such short notice without discussing it with me, was a big shock to me. I didn't know what to think and I got upset thinking that I did something wrong that caused me to lose my classroom. It's hard to accept change at first, but you must try and look at the positive side of things. Yes I may be changing classrooms but I'm not leaving Little Beavers. I still get to work with kids, something I love doing. And I still get to work with the same wonderful group of people.

The only big differences that seems to be happening are the age group of the kids. I get to work with the babies, which means changing diapers, nap time and crying, but I get to play and cuddle them all day long. When holding a baby it's like instant happiness. Aside from the messiness and tears, overall it should be fun. The other big thing that is is happening is that I have to be at work at 8:30 now. Yeah it's earlier but that means I get off work earlier. I really don't mind the mornings, but after being on a set schedule of coming in later, it may take some getting use to.

There are other things that come to mind when thinking about this change. I should be grateful that I still do have a job. There are plenty of people in this world today what would love to be in my position and have some sort of job; even taking care of kids all day. Yeah, it's not what I was originally hired to do. It's not what I planned to do after going to college for 5 years, but I'm willing to take to what I can get. I will be working more hours, which means my salary will go up.

And as far as the insurance thing goes, well I will figure something out. I'm just happy that I have some sort of insurance because there are lots of people out there that don't have insurance at all. I still have the medical insurance, which is what I need the most, and if anything I can get medical insurance through work, that is completely payed for by Little Beavers.

Life is still good, I still get to work with kids everyday. I'm still happy about my job, and I still love my life. Money doesn't buy happiness, happiness comes from doing what you enjoy doing. And in the end, that's all you could ever ask for

And just when you thought you had it all...

Within the past week I was given some news that has put some major stress on me. I just recently learned that I'm going to be losing my dental and vision insurance starting in January. Luckily I still have my medical benefits for another year, but it still means that I have two months to take care of all my dental stuff: Getting my wisdom teeth removed and orthodontics. I need to stalk on contacts and hope that my vision doesn't get any worse. And because I work full time I need to somehow find time to fit my appointments in before I go to work. Luckily I don't have to be at work until 10:45...

Well that was my plan, until I found out today at work that starting on Monday I'm going to be working at 8:30. Makes it a little harder to fit appointments in. I will also be working in a different classroom, which means a different group of kids and different environment. I was told it will only be temporary, but it's still a lot to take in at the moment. As hard as it is for me to think to myself about not working in my usual environment, at the same time I do feel honored in being asked to step in during our time of crisis at work, knowing that it's hard to find "state regulated" qualified infant toddler teacher.

Trying to stay positive about everything. I'm going to need it the next few months