I'm back....

I haven't kept this up like I had planned. I've been really busy with my job and I'm trying to get healthy, in shape, etc. As my previous post stated, I have been really frustrated with myself. I feel really bad about how much weight I've gained (15 big ones), and I want to change my lifestyle. I have still been doing Turbo Jam and while I enjoy it, I wanted to try something a little different. I wanted to jump on the P90X bandwagon, but I have a few issues with it. 1. I don't like male exercise instructors. Nothing personal against them, but I feel like I can actually do something if I see a woman doing it. 2. I've seen Power 90, and Tony Horton gets on my nerves a bit. 3. I don't have 1-1 1/2 hours 6 days a week to commit to something like that. 4. The thought of doing a chin-up (and where) is really not something I relish.


So, I looked into something that's more geared to women. I really like Chalene Johnson from Turbo Jam. She's bouncy and bubbly in an encouraging and not cheerleader-y way that I find appealing, and I actually look forward to working out with her. I know that anything works if you are dedicated and stick with it, but I've been unable to find anything to keep me motivated....until now. I read lots and lots of reviews about a new 90-day plan that she's done called Chalean Extreme, and it's been compared to P90X in terms of difficulty and results. I have so far only been doing it since Saturday, and I really look forward to it, and boy, do I feel it! The work-outs incorporate weights with pretty much everything, and the goal is to get you to be able to lift heavy weights with fewer reps. I have been getting up around 5am each day so I can do my work-outs before work, and I have found that I really enjoy not having to muster up energy at the end of every day to work out. Plus, I don't like having to take 2 showers every day!


Here's a link to the site, if anyone is interested.
®" src="http://www.beachbody.com/images/en_US/products/programs/chaleanextreme/ce_210_thumb.jpg" border=0>


Jason had tried to get me to agree to buy the Bowflex Selecttech weights a few months ago, but the high price ($450) really turned me off. If you're not familiar with them, they're really cool. They are one pair of dumbbells that you can turn a dial and change the weight anywhere from 5-52lbs. For those of us with a lack of space, they're ideal. So, I had said no because I didn't think we'd both use them, and I wasn't sure that Jason was going to stick to his work-out enough to get our money's worth. Well, now that I want them, we of course had to get them. I DID NOT pay that price for them, though. I am a serious bargain shopper, and I actually won them (brand new) on ebay for MUCH less. I am quite proud and ready to get them here, as they shipped today. I felt kind of guilty for buying them when I wanted them but not when Jason wanted them, and I've definitely heard about it. But, in my defense, he hasn't been working out for the past month, and I would've been really ticked if I'd caved in earlier.


So, I'm hoping to keep up my newfound enthusiasm for this and am really trying to eat as healthy as possible. I would NEVER be one of those to post before and after pics, but I definitely will post an "after" shot after 90 days if I'm pleased with the results. Say some prayers that I can stick with it because I am determined to get back in my favorite jeans before Thanksgiving!

Frustrated doesn't cover it

You can ask just about anyone who speaks with me frequently. I have been working by booty off working out at least 4 but usually 6 days a week since the middle of February. I walk around a lot at work, too, so I have definitely increased my daily movement since I started the new job. I also really don't eat that much junk and make it a point to eat a salad at least once a day. So, can anyone tell me why I haven't lost a SINGLE POUND?!?!? I actually have gained a few, which I really think I can chalk up to new muscle because I've been doing lots of strength training. I feel a TINY bit better in my clothes but not that much. Jason hasn't worked out as much as he was before, and he still looks great. I know aobut the whole guys-have-faster-metabolisms thing, but this is just straight up not right. I will never starve myself because I would pass out from hypoglycemia if I even skipped one meal, so other than going to the fat clinic and getting on pills, I don't know what to do. Any ideas??? I've gotten to the point where I feel guilty eating just about anything other than a salad.

I passed!!!!

I took boards last week, and I'm proud to say that I PASSED!!! I now have to wait for the TN Board of Nursing to give me my license number and my DEA license so I can prescribe, and for the very LONG process of getting credentialed at Le Bonheur. They have me on track to "officially" begin acting as the hospitalist PNP as of June 1st (at least that's when my malpractice insurance begins!).

An update on our health-kick progress: Jason hurt his knee in a very strange way. We were on our way home from a wedding in Atlanta, and I was driving. He twisted in his seat to get something out of the back and apparently injured his left knee. Not too sure how he managed to do it, but OH, did I hear about it. After a visit to an orthopedic surgeon and a day with a physical therapist, he's now doing much better and using PT exercises to help him strengthen his leg. He was pretty bummed because he didn't get to work out for awhile, but he's getting back in the swing of things. He's still losing weight despite not being quite as active. I, on the other hand, have bounced back and forth from losing a few pounds to being back to where I started. How is if fair that men can see results so much faster than women and with less effort?!? I am working my booty off and eating what I think is pretty healthy food, but I can't seem to get off this plateau I've been on for pretty much the past 10 years. ARGH! Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Speaking of knees, Ruby may have a problem with her left back knee (do dogs even have front knees??). She had surgery last July on her right knee because she had a severe subluxating patella. Our vet told us her kneecap pretty much spun around to the back of her leg when she was sedated for surgery. It was a LONG recovery, but she is now doing great and takes joint supplements every day. She has now limped around some on her left leg and has been yelping, and I REALLY don't want to go through that again. I also don't want her to develop arthritis if we don't get it fixed. Money is not at all an issue because we have insurance on her, but I have a feeling our premium might go up on our little girl considering this would be her 4th surgery. It was just so heartbreaking to see her in so much pain afterwards, and my job schedule would make it rather difficult for me to take time off with her to help her recover. I mean, I planned her spay and her surgery around my old schedule so I'd have at least a few days off with her because I couldn't bear to leave her alone while she was hurting. We even slept on the fold-out couch downstairs so we wouldn't have to carry her upstairs. Can you tell she pretty much runs our house? I'll keep updating on her progress. We haven't gone to the vet yet, but I have a bad feeling that we'll be making that well-known trip sometime soon. The pic above is before she had her staples out. Wasn't she pitiful?? On a side note, I can't figure out how to put pictures in the middle of my post. That's why it's at the beginning. Any suggestions??

I'm still alive.....

I just haven't blogged in, oh, 6 months. So, here's what's been happening in my life since I last blogged. I went on a really fun family trip to Disney World and finished up graduate school in December. I started a new job in January. I'm now working for UT Medical Group as a pediatric nurse practitioner with the hospitalist service at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center here in Memphis. I really like my job so far, and I'm looking forward to being able to fully practice as an NP. It has been a bit difficult adjusting to 5 day work weeks, but I'm doing better with getting up at 5:30 every morning. I haven't taken boards yet (March 30th), so I can't officially write orders, prescriptions, etc. I'm getting lots of practice in the meantime and staying busy studying. I don't know if anyone really reads my blog, but I PROMISE I'll do better once I finish with boards and have more free time. Oh, and I've started working out pretty much every day because I feel like a big fat cow, so that's been taking up my time as well. I've been doing Walk Away the Pounds.....don't laugh. I actually like it, although I'd like to mute Leslie Sansone sometimes. I've also started Turbo Jam, which is really fun and kicks my booty. Jason is also on a big health kick these days and has been eating better, taking vitamins, and working out. He's doing the Power 90 (not P90X), and I'm very proud of his progress. It's also helped that he gave up all fried foods, and I gave up chocolate for Lent. We'll be one fit couple in a few months (hopefully)!

Jason and I are doing great. He's still traveling way more than I would like, but that's what I can expect as long as he's in medical sales. I locked myself and Ruby out of the house the other morning in the freezing rain at 6:30 AM, and I REALLY disliked his job at that moment. I had to wait an hour and a half for my sister to bring my key. I was VERY appreciative of her and my neighbor who I had never met and allowed us to hang out in his house until Jenn arrived. I've been a bit obsessive about the locks now because I now all have of our spare keys in the house with the exception of our dog walker.
We're very quickly out-growing our condo, but I don't foresee us buying another house anytime soon. With the economy as bad as it is, I have no idea when we'll be able to move out and up....I just hope soon because we certainly cannot add too much to our family here!:) And NO, we are not adding to our family anytime soon. I have decided to completely leave that up to Jason, so any pressure should be directed at him!

Jenn and Steve have bought a house that is VERY close to us, and we're so excited about them being right down the street. I love to hang out with my niece and nephew, and I'm really looking forward to seeing them more often. They're both growing so fast, and I've loved being able to be right here with them to see them develop into such wonderful children.

Ruby is still the same little Ruby. She's such a funny little dog and has been the best companion for me while Jason has traveled. I'm always laughing at her, although she does drive me crazy sometimes. If anyone knows of a good way to stop barking, please let me know. She goes nuts at our back door at absolutely NOTHING sometimes, and I cannot figure out how to stop the behavior. I soak her with the water gun sometimes before she finally stops, and then of course I feel guilty because she looks so pitiful.

My best friend of 16 years, Becky, is engaged, and I am so incredibly happy for her! She has had a lot of things happen to her that would break most people, but she is such a strong individual and has survived and thrived. She is happier than I've ever seen her, and Jason and I just love Tim. He's a really great guy and he just adores Becky. They're getting married in December, much to the delight of anyone who loves SEC football! She was very considerate and chose a weekend when there would be no games.

So, there's an update for anyone who reads this. Like I said, I'll be updating more often once I have more time, but I can't guarantee that it'll be anything that'll glue you to the computer screen.


Jess

Joy and sadness

My sweet grandmother passed early this morning around 3 am with her family at her side. She had made a turn for the worse on Sunday, and we knew we didn't have much time left with her. My sister and I went to AL on Monday and were so blessed to spend one of her "good" days with her. She was lucid, though medicated, and we were able to tell her how much we loved her. (As though she didn't know!) She worsened drastically on Thurs., and we had planned on going back anyway. She was still somewhat alert and talking at times, but we knew she was much weaker. On Friday, we all knew that it wouldn't be much longer before our Lord took her home. For 12 hours she hung on to those last few moments with us. When she passed, she had her husband of 66 years, her daughter, her son, her daughter-in-law, me and my sister, her caregiver Penny (who was sent from God to us), and the most wonderful hospice nurse, Claudia. That woman is an absolute saint and was so selfless with her time, words, hugs, and reassurance through this entire period. We are so grateful that our grandmother was in such good hands. Although I still cannot control my emotions at times, I am so happy that she is now free from her physical ailments. If you knew her situation, then you would understand how this can be a moment of sadness and still be joyful at the same time. Before her health started to fail, she was such a lively and active woman. She kept her quick wit and sense of humor until the end. Now I take comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with her parents and siblings again. She can walk again, eat again, and use those hands free from her horrible arthritis. I thank God for those precious moments that I had this week with her when it was just the two of us, and I was holding her hand. She will be greatly missed, and I look forward to seeing her again soon.

On another incredibly sad note, my sister's sweet English bulldog, Lola, was hit by a car early this afternoon and killed. We came back to Memphis early this morning to be with our spouses and to return with them tomorrow. Jenn's friend's husband came upon Lola after she was hit and was so sweet to take her back to their house before telling Jenn and Steve about her. They are completely devastated, as are we all. She was quite a dog and was always so happy to see you. She was my sister and Steve's first "baby" before they even married and had children. They are having a tough time figuring out how to tell my 3 year old nephew about grandmother and Lola. I can only pray that Carter will be okay with all of this and not be too confused.

God has been so good to our family and gave us almost 83 years of the woman who inspired me to follow in her footsteps and become a nurse. I can only hope that I can be a fraction of the wonderful woman that she was.

My sneaky dog

Ruby is one smart puppy. Yesterday, I went to clinicals at St. Jude, so my dog walker came by around noon to walk Ruby. I got home a little after 3, let her out to potty, played with her a few minutes, changed clothes, and went to the gym. I've been putting her in the kitchen with 2 baby gates up because she limps a lot (from her knee surgery) when I leave her in the crate for several hours. She's gotten out of the gates a few times, but we've rigged it with the garbage can in front of one and a rather heavy toolbox in front of the other, so she can't get out (or so I thought). I was gone for 45 minutes tops and came in to Ruby lying down in Jason's office. Around her were several little plastic wrappers and a few other miscellaneous paper products. Apparently, she had freaked out when I left her and pushed against the tool box until she had moved the gate. She then proceeded to go through my lunchbox and get out 3 packages of melba toasts (2 crackers in each). She honestly ate the crackers and left the wrapping on the floor as though she had merely opened them up. She was working on opening up a Nutri Grain bar when I caught her. I was laughing so hard at the thought of her NOT eating the wrapper along with the crackers that I couldn't really get on to her. She's so silly! I wish I could've gotten pictures of her little mess, but the camera was in the car. I'll have to keep it on me at all times to document her shenanigans.

I've been tagged...

My sis-in-law, Sara, had tagged me to tell some random things about myself. Please don't think I'm a complete weirdo....

1. I REALLY like even numbers of things. I'm not as bad as I used to be, but I used to only eat things in pairs, like 2 chips, 2 cookies, or even numbers of them. Now, I don't pay attention as much. OCD, I know.
2. I cannot stand to have a dirty/messy workplace. Before I can start my day, I have to wipe down every counter, keyboard, phone, or doorknob with disinfecting wipes. I mean, I work in a hospital, so there are germs everywhere. My house is a different story. That's why we're having a maid come on Monday.
3. I get freaked out by butterflies. I like to look at them from afar, but I cannot stand for them (or anything) to flutter around me.
4. I strangely look at the clock every single day at the exact time of 10:23. (My birthday is 10/23). Jason thinks I'm a freak because I always point it out to him. I don't intend to look for it, I just do it.
5. I LOVE musicals.....just can't find anyone to go to one with me. Any takers?? Wicked is coming to the Orpheum next year!!
6. I wanted to be an actress or singer when I was a little girl. I always was (and still am) a bit dramatic sometimes, and I wanted to be in a movie like Dirty Dancing (I used to know the dance by heart and would dance along to the end of the movie). Oh, and I would watch Elvis movies over and over again and sing along as well.

I honestly don't know many bloggers, and I don't know who reads this, so I tag anyone who wants to participate.

Starting the semester early

Tomorrow marks the beginning of possibly the last semester of school that I will ever have. Classes don't officially start until Sept. 11, but we can work on clinicals early. So, instead of enjoying my 3 weeks off, I'm planning on doing at least 70-80 of my 240 hours before I step foot in the classroom. I'm heading downtown at 6:30 (tentatively) in the morning to spend some time in the ICU at St. Jude to see what it's like. I've never worked in an ICU, so I don't know how comfortable I'll be. I can only hope that my preceptor will be very patient, as I am a bit nervous and do not have a lot of firsthand experience with pediatric oncology. I'm doing 80 hours total in the ICU and will be doing the rest at Lebonheur, which is where I truly hope to end up working after graduation. Anything would be better working in a clinic/ER where today I seriously had a not-too-bright 15 year old girl who basically came for a pregnancy test and had been pregnant once before. Obviously, she didn't learn her lesson the first time. I just wanted to tell her to go to Dollar Tree and pick up a home pregnancy test in the check-out line. (Thank GOD she wasn't pregnant!). Anyway, I just get really sick of dealing with non-emergent stuff and am really excited about what all I'll be seeing and experiencing at a true pediatric facility. Wish me luck!!

While you were out....

Jason's been in Minneapolis since Thursday for a work weekend of meetings and golf. It really sucked that he had to be at the airport that morning for a 7:00 flight, which meant he woke me up at 4:40 so that I could take him. Poor thing ended up not leaving Memphis until 11 or so because his plane had some malfunctioning computer, and everyone on the plane had to be dispersed to other flights. Needless to say, he was not a happy camper. Nor was I because I had to get up so early the morning of my final for summer semester, and I was worn out all day. I have of course missed him, but I've also been keeping myself a little busy. Becky, Tim, and I went out to eat last night, and then Tim made the mistake of challenging a game of the movies version of Scene It. The 3 of us are incredibly competitive, so I knew it would be a battle to the end. I am quite proud to say that I won, even though I was pretty much falling asleep in between turns by the end of the night. It was lots of fun.
Today, I went to the mall, a children's clothing store, and Target with my sister and her 2 toddlers. For those of you who haven't experienced shopping with small children, I highly recommend it before deciding to have one of your own. I kid, I kid. They actually did pretty well considering it was nap time, and we were dragging them all over Memphis. To be honest, those 2 kids really are pretty well-behaved most of the time.
I had every intention of having the house spotless by the time hubby got home tomorrow, but the chances of that happening are growing more dismal by the minute. I think I'll take a nap with Ruby and then see what I can get myself to do. I feel kind of like a lazy-butt since I don't have to study or focus on school at all right now, so I figure I'll eventually guilt myself into attempting to be a good semi-housewife. I don't have to pick him up until 3 or so tomorrow, so I have plenty of time to get a little work done around here. Hopefully tomorrow's travel will be uneventful for him, or I know I won't hear the end of it.

Becky's birthday bash

Last Friday night we celebrated Becky's 27th birthday with dinner at Sakura (yum!), drinks and darts at Brookhaven, and ended the night with an impressive rendition of "If I Could Turn Back Time" at the Windjammer. We had a great time and were so excited to be able to celebrate with her. Here are a few photos from the evening.
I was really concentrating. Note Tim and Jason in the background trying to plan a course of action to beat me.
Me and the birthday girl!
Becky and Tim
Doing our best impersonation of Cher....we brought down the house.