It has only taken 18 years...

Excitement can't even begin to describe what we are feeling! After 18 years--it has finally begun!!!! On Tuesday morning Greg and I took a half day--personal day to be home when the builder came to stake out our new house!  We trudged through the snow--or rather skated across the top of it--in order to work with the builder in choosing the placement and angle of the house. G and I had gone out on Sunday afternoon (and really did trudge through the snow and slush) in that beautiful, freakishly warm, 60 degree weather--to do a preliminary stake out. All that slush froze solid when the temperature plummeted on Monday--creating the skating rink that will soon be our home! I've finally allowed myself to get excited! After staking out the house--I was standing in what will eventually be my kitchen--and can I just say--the view out the kitchen window is AMAZING!!! Beautiful, tranquil farms and fields forever!! I never thought I'd say this--but I am almost looking forward to doing dishes!!!

When we got home from work Wednesday evening--we were greeted by equipment that had been dropped off in the yard--and reality set in!! This is really happening!! When we pulled into the driveway and parked--we just sat in the car for a while and stared at the big blue "spot a pot" or "job johnny" that had been placed in front of our parking space. We were both in disbelief. We were finally going to get our dream house!

Coming home from work on Thursday—was just as exciting-- equipment and piles of dirt!! They had been there that day to clear the icy snow from our property and put in the driveway. It now looks like a real construction site! They are supposed to "brake ground" and dig out the basement on Tuesday--however--the forecast of yet another storm Sunday into Monday will delay that date I'm sure. That's fine--we've waited this long--what's another couple of days!!!

Each day seems to bring us something new—I’m sure anxiety and frustration are lurking around the corner—after all—this is the second house we've had built—so we know the drill—but for now we are going to bask in the joy and excitement of our dream coming true! We are so blessed.

To change the subject--and shift to my recovery and me—I am six and a half weeks post op and I feel incredible! I have been back to work/school for two weeks.  It is just what the doctor ordered! I am so lucky to love my job! That first Monday back I was greeted by so many e-mails and visits from colleagues welcoming me back. I was flower bombed by an unknown assailant (Karen Fedder—you can’t fool me!) However—the best gift was all the students who stopped by to say “Hey”—their way of saying welcome back—it really took me aback. I knew that the students I had in class last semester knew I was gone—but had no idea so many others would notice my absence. 

My progress seems really slow—to me. During the preparation for surgery—those six months of classes and meetings--they constantly stressed how quickly the weight will come off during the first six months—well—it has been two weeks since my follow-up appointment with the surgeon and as of this morning--I have only dropped one 1.2 pounds. Normally I would say—“that’s not bad” but considering the fact that I am only eating 800 calories a day—that seems unbelievable! I have increased my activity and have been walking in school after hours—I’m up to 2 miles. I can’t say that this is a set bak--or has me discouraged—I am just really surprised! I know that this is a journey—one that is going to take a long time and I am in it for the long haul!!

I am pleased to report that this whole process has not been as hard as I thought it would be—Most days are just down right easy—although my days are now consumed with planning what to eat, prepping my miniature meals, keeping track of what I’m eating in My Fitness Pal, and finally--when to eat and when to drink or not drink. Don’t get me wrong—there are times that I feel plain sad--not depressed—just sad.  When those rare occasions surface—they obviously revolve around food--foods that I can’t eat yet (or may not be able to eat again)—or situations involving food.  It’s unfortunate that as a society—so much of our socialization with friends and loved ones revolves around food. When those moments of sadness surface—they don’t last long—as all I need to do is look at the big picture and I snap right out of it. I know that in time—my life will get back to normal as far as food goes—or should I say “will get back to my new normal as far as food goes.” 

I continue to be so thankful for all of your support and love—it has made this journey so much easier and enjoyable—to know that I am not traveling it alone!

Until next time…
Peace