August 2009

Time is flying and apparently I am not keeping up! I almost can't remember everything that has happened in August, but here we go.

I spent most of August preparing to start colleg at St. Petersburg College on Monday, August 24. There were so many different things I had to do prior to classes starting. This semester I am taking Human Anatomy which is in-class on Mondays/Wednesdays and Healthcare Ethics class that is online. I was able to transfer over my three+ years at Ohio University and I am persuing my bachelors degree in Health Services Administration. My first stop is an associate degree in Health Information Management. I will be able to start course work fall 2010.

I was very nervous and had a lot of anxiety for my first class on Monday, August 24. I felt like I would be the oldest in my class, I would not know how to study, I would fail before I started. After the first week, all of the anxiety went away as I am not the oldest and I still do have brain cells.

I also had anxiety for Drake as we found out he needed a biopsy on his prostate. This came as a surprise to both of us. His procedure was on Friday, August 28 and I am SO proud of him. I thought for sure he would pass out and not go through with the procedure. I called the urologist the day prior and explained Drake's fears and they were very gentle with him during the procedure. Drake and I were extremely exhausted after the tests. We will find out the results on Friday, September 11. Our fingers are crossed and we are praying for good news!

Drake was driving home one day and they stopped traffic on the bridge because there was a funnel cloud in Tampa Bay. He called me and I was like, "Take a picture!" and he said "No way, I am scared to death!" So I told him to 'duck' on the floor of his car if it came his way. Of course, I would have had my camera out! Here is a picture of the funnel cloud that was posted in the St. Petersburg Times.

July 2009

Here is the month of July recap:

July 4 weekend went and hung out with Debi and Luly and had a great time! Good friends, floating in the pool, chillin', and grilling out hamburgers and hot dogs. Sad part was, Drake had to go to work at 2pm - 11pm so he did not get to join me.











Drake and I got to spend July 6th together as I had a long weekend off from work. It is nice just to hang out with one another on days off!!






Drake surprised me with flowers one night! He is the sweetest man I have met and I love my Caribbean man!



Allyson and Matt got married today, Saturday, August 1. Our team at work had a celebration lunch for her at Ruby Tuesday. I with them both the best!



July 17 - July 20 was the First Annual Sister Weekend at Bon Aire, St. Pete Beach, FL. Carla and Tomi came down with no children and we had a great time and laughed a lot!

June Update

I have decided to update my blog at least once a month. Time goes by and as much as I review other blogs on a daily basis - I forget about my own.

Life is good and can not complain. Would not help if I did. Just finished my Toastmasters meeting and I love it! I will be the VP of Membership for the next six months and I love the opportunity and challenge. Today was our first combined meeting at WellCare and we also had many new guests. The theme was New Beginnings and how true it is that each day we wake up is a new beginning. One speaker made the comment to try something new everyday - whether it be something different for lunch, a new attitude or joining a new club. The main point is we should make it FUN no matter what it is. Life goes by too quick and if all we do is complain about something, it will get us no where unless we act upon it.

Drake and I are doing well. We still have some issues to work through, but every relationship has them. My goal and new beginning starting today is to spend the time working through my situations versus complaining about them and getting all worked up.

I am down to 308 today and hope the scale continues to drop. My ultimate goal is to not gain it back and to continue changing my lifestyle and eating habits. That part will be with me forever.

I also want to go back to school and get my degree in Health Services Administration. It is never too late to go back. I attended Ohio University for three years and just requested my transcript. I have not attended college since 1988, but it will not stop me from completing my degree. I might have to start from scrath. My theory is even if it takes me 4-5 years to complete, I will still need to work 20+ years before I can retire. Two goals - eat healthy and finish my degree so I can live to retire and have enough money to enjoy life.

Time sure does fly!

Here it is May 2nd already! Definitely living one day at a time. I am happy to say that I am down to 316 pounds today. I joined B-12 program March 11th and doing well. It feels good to get this weight off and to have the energy back!

I am frustrated today and hope this one is the time where I stand up and follow through. I will be much better off in the long run, shew! Life is too short and I want to be happy. Maybe this is the time.

Weight Watchers Recommittment - 1/3/09

I rejoined Weight Watchers on Januray 3, 2009. I am excited for the new "Momentum" plan as it incorporates eating 'filling foods' as well as controlling emotional eating. I want to keep track of my weight loss as I continue on my journey. Enjoy!

Starting Weight: 335.2 lbs.

Week One: -3.8 lbs.
Week Two: -1.4 lbs.
Week Three: -3.4 lbs.

Before Picture

Happy New Year 2009!

WOW, it has been one whole year and then some since I have updated this blog. Here is a recap of 2008 and I hope to update my blog more often than once a year!

Drake was sworn in as a US Citizen on January 9th. He was very excited and it was a very emotional day for us both.





I traveled to WI on business for more than a week. Had a lot of snow and went to Green Bay Packers stadium.



Floe turned 13 on February 15th. She is still 'fat and sassy' and also the Princess!



Drake and I went to the 50th running of Daytona 500! We spent 4 days in Titusville celebrating Valentine's day and going to 2 races. We had a blast and plan on going to Daytona 500 this year as well.









Drake and I went to OH to visit Mom on my birthday in March. It was a quick trick and we spent most of the time with Mom in the hospital. She was not doing well at all, but has come a long way and is now in a nursing home and doing well. There was freak snow storm and the first time Drake was actually in the snow!! It was cold, but a good time.





I traveled several times to PA prior to transferring to Provider Communication May 5th. I was definitely happy to not be traveling any longer.

Michele graduated early June and I went to her graduation.

Happy New Year 2008!

Wow... how time flies while you are having fun! Yes, it is a new year and a good one. 2007 was a good year overall. I left my job at Aon after 7 years and have settled into WellCare 5 months now. It was a lot of mixed feelings, but I like where I am and the person I have become. My new job has brought travel with my job. I have been to CT, MI, PA and headed to WI this month. Drake was approved as a US Citizen and will have his ceremony on 1/9/08. This will open many opportunities for him. Drake will now be Mario Alexander Drake. Drake is transferring to the Bakery department and has plans to become manager by the end of 2008. We also plan to move to TN in the near future. One day at a time and we are Blessed!