Can't believe it has been over 2 months...

since I last posted. Summer school has come and gone and we already have 9 student days in for the new school year.

In early July my husband and I had a bit of a mishap on the scooter. I had a sprained wrist, a bruised shoulder, and road rash. He had bruising, road rash, and 5 broken ribs. We did manage to go on vacation to Atlanta to see family there. My uncle had back surgery in July and was having difficulty recovering and ended up having more surgery. He is no longer on pain meds, but all the surgery has taken a toll and recovery has been an uphill climb for both my aunt and uncle. He is doing a bit better, but has a ways to go. On the way home we stopped at Natural Bridge in Virginia. We go past all of these landmarks/historic sites every year and I keep saying that we are going to stop but we never did. Since we left Atlanta earlier than I would have liked since my husband was still have trouble finding a comfortable position for sleeping, I suggested we find someplace to stop and that is the place we decided upon. It was worth the time. We got some, but not as many pictures as I would have liked because I forgot to take the charger and spare battery for the camera.

This Tuesday is the annual picnic for my weight loss support group. Part of the program is Drop Your Drawers. Those who have lost weight come in a before outfit over their new clothing and then reveal their transformation. In a weak moment, I agreed to do this. I had to submit before and after photos. Here are the ones I submitted. The first one was 2 weeks before my first visit with the dietician. I don't remember the date of the second one. The third one was at my daughter's wedding on 5/16/09. The last 2 were taken on 8/30/09. Unfortunately I can't get them in the positions I want them in. Oh well.

A lot has happened since I last wrote

The wedding went quite well. There were a few glitches, but that was to be expected. The weather was good. even though rain was predicted it held off until the reception was over. Our son-in-law learned that he needs to leave a set of car keys home. They had to come home a day early because we couldn't move his car for street sweeping. We are still waiting for the proofs from the photographer. I hope they are online by the end of next week.

We had company from British Columbia for the wedding. While she was here we did some tourist things including Boyd's Bear Country. We also went out to eat almost every evening.

School is over for the summer, at least until summer school begins. I was pleased that I had all my work done and could leave as soon as we were dismissed. I do need to go in to water my plants though.

Becky's was in an accident on June 3. A woman up the street ran a stop sign at the end of the alley. Her car was totalled. I must say that Progressive, in spite of commercials I personally find annoying, gives good service. Their adjuster was here the day after and waited for her to come home to sign the title and he cut her a check at that time. the car was picked up the next day. Becky ended up buying a new car, a Pontiac G3. She is now in debt for 6 years. She had some problems since she had changed her name some places and not others. Keith's car needed over $1300 worht of work and his car was worth only $100. He bought a used car, a Pontiac Grand Am.

This past Monday and Tuesday I attended a 2 day conference for school. They were 2 long days, but I'll be glad come August and there will be 2 days I don't have to work. On Wednesday, someone Ken knows from his message board and her husband came for the day. We took them to Gettysburg and Hershey, even though the weather did not cooperate.

Tonight was support group for gastric bypass. My friend Linda rode with me. It was nice to have company for the ride. They had the body analyzer scale there. I had mine done and was pleased. Kathy did not go because her knee was giving her trouble.

We have had so much rain lately. Even so, we have managed to get some time on the scooter.

The wedding is less than 2 weeks away!

As mother-of-the-bride, I am in stress mode. I have the bridesmaids' jewelry finished and all I need to do for my daughter's jewelry is attach earhooks to a pair of earings. I have started jewelry for me but need a sunny day to check to see if the colors go well before I finish.

Weight loss has slowed even more. Only 2 pounds this month.

Last Sunday was bittersweet. The church where I've been a member for 29 years closed. We voted to close in January and had several votes to confirm that decision, but last Sunday was the final service there and it was very hard not to completely break down, but I held it together pretty well until the end of the part of the service that was held in what is now our former church. for some reason I get very emothional when we sing the hymn "Borning Cry" and that is when I had trouble. We went to the new church (the one we merged with) today. We will be received a members ther on May 17. It is a little strange since this was the church I left 29 years ago when we moved, but in many ways it is not the same church. I guess time will tell. So far everyone seems very friendly.

Saturday one of my aunts and cousin came for a visit. I haven't seen this particular aunt in several years so I was very glad she was able to come. She is leaving for Spain this week so she won't be at the wedding.

Just to keep things interesting I broke out in a very bad case of hives that itched like crazy that required a late night trip to the pharmacy for Benadryl. Thank heaven it worked.

This week will be another busy one. I have several appointments plus some shopping to get done. At school we have a field trip, assuming it does not rain on Tuesday or Wednesday. There is also all of the end-of-the-year stuff that needs doing.

Long time, no blog

It has been almost a month since I last was here. I have been busy, but that is a pretty lame excuse I suppose. I'll begin where I left off.

The inservice day was different. We went on a scavenger hunt in downtown York. The day was cold and the sky was gray, but no precipitation. The purpose was to help cooperate with each other and be better team members. I just wish I would have thought to wear my knee brace. When we were told we would be outside, I thought we would be near the school and not doing so much walking. I will say the day did go quickly.

Thanksgiving was at my sister's, although one of our cousins was in charge of the meal. You must understand that my sister is extremely organized. My cousin was expected between 2:00 and 3:00 on Wednesday afternoon, but did not appear until much later. Apparently he did not leave his house when he planned and before going to my sister's, he took his dogs to a dog park near my sister's house for 1 1/2 hours before coming to her house. This would not have driven her crazy, except he was going to cook the turkey on Wednesday. She feels he needs to acquire some time management skills.

Talk about being busy, I started this post yesterday evening and an just now getting back to it. We had friends for dnner last evening and they got here earlier than they thought they would, so I had to stop. I was too tired to finish last night and there was church this morning with a meeting afterward. I've wrapped some Christmas presents and made some goodies along with making dinner and getting all the dishes in the dishwasher.

My sister and I did our Black Friday shopping early and went out to Dresden, Ohio to Longaberger Baskets. We made a basket and has a great time shopping. Everything was 20% off and we bought plenty. My sister's SUV was jam packed when we came home.

Last Sunday my husband and I went to the Christmas party for his part-time job. Thank heavens for take-out boxes. With those leftovers and the leftovers from Saturday night (we went out) I did not have to cook all week! The food was good, but not the best for a gastric bypass patient. I only lost 1/2 pound that week.

On Thursday evening my sister and I went to our bariatric support group. That was a Christmas party, but the food was gastric bypass patient friendly. We went out to eat before the party and split a meal and each had enough for another meal.

The best news, I am no longer obese!

A visit to the surgeon

Weight loss has started again! The doctor was pleased with my weight loss and how I looked! When I lose 6 more pounds I will no longer be obese, just overweight. Yes, it is a big deal.

I have been busy working to fill orders as a result of my Open House. I've finished 7 pieces and have one more to go (as of now). I hope to get another order or two or sell some things on etsy.

I started back at the deli on Saturday. My 10 year anniversary occurred while I was off. There was a small pin for me commemorating the anniversary. Because I am taking off this coming weekend I'm working tomorrow night and possibly Wednesday night.

In school, the students are in only two days this week. There is an inservice day on Wednesday. We've been told to dress to be outside all day and to lock cell phones and other valuables in our cars, but to have ID with us. A bit of a mystery, don't you think?

Only 2 more days at home...

...then it will be back to work (school). I still tire fairly easily, but I do have a few more days to rest. My principal told me that if it is too much, I can do half days for a few days.

The grocery store manager wants a very specific note. I called the surgeon's office and the nurse will send another note and we'll see what happens. The nurse was not happy about having to do another note. My next appointment is 11/20/08.

The time went so fast. Being in the hospital the extra week really cut into time I had planned to do other things. I did some work on my daughter's wedding jewelry and I did get some things listed/relisted on etsy and I'm working on reviving a couple BNR's that I am on. I also wanted to get some items made for some holiday open houses and I did get a few made. If they don't sell after the open houses are over, I will list them on etsy. I have today and tomorrow to get as much done as I can.

On a happy note, I'll be able to get back on the scooter tomorrow!!

Moving right along!

I had my last pre-op nutrition appointment last Friday. Yesterday I had my anesthesia appointment and the visit with the surgeon's nurse and signed the consent forms. I began my 8 day fast. Rigt now I am hungry and am on my last shake of the day. Today I did Carnation Instant Breakfast (sugar free, of course). I can have more sugar free jello, which I will do. According to the dietician, the hunger will go away after the third day. I hope so. I also have protein powder so I can have something different later in the week; I just need to get some fruit juice. I found out today that my insurance has committed to pay for the surgery!

As far as school goes, I survived my first IEP conference and am working the the IEP I need to ave finished before I go on medical leave.

I learned a new skill!

How to reply to a post in a google group via email!

Since I'm back from vacation I'm trying to get reconnected with all of my online groups before it is back to school, not just inservice days, or else I'll never get caught up. Since school hasn't started, I'm putting in a few extra hours at the deli this week. It will make up for the pay I did not earn last week, but I miss vacation! DH was ready to back on vacation after 3 hours at work on Monday because he had so much to straighten out.

It has been a long time...

...since I was last here. So much has happened. Since I began my weight loss journey I have lost 25 pounds and haven't even had the surgery yet. I am still wearing the same size tops, but I've gone down a pants size! Soon I will need to take a new picture to replace the one that I've posted. Obviously portion sizes are smaller and different choices are being made. I've also been walking on my treadmill since walking outside is so hard on my knee. Today I finished and "passed" the psychological evaluation so I can proceed to the group sessions.

The school year ended on a good note. All paperwork and conferences completed on time and my observation went well. Summer school begins on Tuesday. We are in session Monday through Thursday mornings from 9:00-12:00 during July and I know all the students I am going to have and I have worked with all of the assistants assigned to my class so I am expecting it to go well.

My husband chats with a lady in British Columbia, Canada and she and her husband came east and spent 2 weekends with us. The week in between they took the train to New York City. We had a nice visit. They were quite generous and took us out to eat each day they stayed with us and I even managed to lose weight! They have invited us to visit them so that is something to look forward to in the future.

My husband and I have been spending part of each weekend riding on the scooter. I now feel pretty comfortable on it. Since losing a little weight, it is easier for me to get on. It sits higher than a motorcycle and I am short and what little height I have is in my torso. We are hoping to add a trunk with a seatback, which will have more cargo space and provide a backrest for me, which will make riding more comfortable and I will feel a bit more secure. Now all I can reach to hold on to his my husband's belt.

On Sunday my sister and I are going to a "spa" day. I know I'll be getting a facial, but I'm not sure what other services I'll have to pick from. It should be fun.

I'm glad today is over!

Today I had a prospective student and his family visit my class and I'm happy to say it went very well. Not that I would have changed anything, but it was stressful, worrying about how it would go. Now it is time to blog.

Today I am featuring Elements by Dawn. In her profile on etsy shre writes, "*<>*Element - refers to the shape, form, mass, line, texture, pattern, light, and color of a design. *<>*Dawn is particularly drawn to creating pattern and texture in her pieces. Through pattern and texture, her designs take on movement, visual and tactile interest. Through the use of color and form, she communicates emotion and energy. Dawn's pieces range from simplistic shapes and lines, evoking a sense of calm; to heavily textured with bold colors and lines, suggesting passion.Her obsession with circles, spheres, disks, and
symmetry is expressed throughout her designs.Dawn is constantly
learning new techniques, as well as perfecting traditional methods of metalworking and design. Additionally, she is a full-time student, wife, and mother of two boys. She enjoys listening to music of all types, especially industrial, techno, a little ska, and classical. Dawn is a self-diagnosed coffee and cheese addict." These earrings are awesome. I have tried that chainmaille pattern and was unable to do it. You can see examples of other chainmaille work when you visit her shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=69819 She also has a blog at http://elementsbydawn.blogspot.com/

Another snow day!!

And I am not happy about this day either. Oh well, I did get lots of school work done today so I do feel goo about that. Today's featured shop is sparklystrandz. In her bio she writes, "I've had a love for crafts, especially crochet for over 25 years ever since my grandmother taught me at age 5. It was probably the best thing she could have done for my parents because it would keep me busy for hours. During college, I developed a love for beads--not just because they're sparkly, but because beads have such a rich history to them from around the world, and can be made from almost anything imaginable. Also, as an occupational therapist, I am able to use a variety of crafts and activities in my therapy to make it more fun!I combined my love for crochet and beads and began making jewelry, baby onesies, hats, and all sorts of gift items about 10 years ago. "Sparkly Strandz" is an online store that you can visit and create your own jewelry by choosing the right color bead, wire, and length you want for that perfect piece!!" Check out one of her catnip toys, pictured above. To see what she has to offer, visit her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5059734 You can also visit her blog http://sparklystrandz.blogspot.com/

Back to School

Due to bad weather and scheduled vacation days we have been off a week and the day was wild. I was exhausted by the end of the day, but still had the energy to go to my first knitting class. I didn't do too badly.

Today I am featuring arosebyname. In her profile she writes, "I am a self-employed wife and mother of two teenage daughters. I enjoy beading and find that it is my therapy for stress!My daughters and I first tried beading many years ago. Over the years, the beads have gotten smaller and the designs more intricate. Although my girls no longer bead, they enjoy wearing the pieces that I have created. Etsy Street Teams are awesome and I have become a part of this fantastic group!Etsy BeadWeavers Street Team: http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ " I just love the bracelet I pictured, but you might prefer something else, so check out her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5049143 and her blog http://arosebyname.blogspot.com/.

Another snow day!!

I was even less happy than yesterday. Now we are adding days to the end of the school year. This does not make me happy.

Today I have chosen to feature Chalk Hill Studio. Her etsy username is Kala. In her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=45836 profile she writes, "My name is Karen, I'm mum to two beautiful children and a professional artist and illustrator from the UK. I love to create and have trouble deciding what to do so I usually end up trying to a bit of everything from painting to jewellery making and crochet, which is why I opened an esty shop. Here you will find my artwork, prints and cards,my crafts and jewellery can be found in my new shop opening soon http://upwiththelark.etsy.com/ My main website is www.chalkhillstudio.co.uk which is where I sell my stationery and gifts for those special moments in our lives! To see what goes on in my life visit my blog http://karenjinks.blogspot.com/ " Don't you just love the picture of the roses on the front of that notecard?

Snow Day!

However, I really did not want one. Now we will be in school Easter Monday, which makes me unhappy. I can't do anything about it so I'll grin and vear it.

Today I decided to feature Moore Taste. The bracelet at right is my favorite item from her shop. But, I like the chainmaille bracelet too since I have a fascination with chainmaille and seem unable to master any of the 3 chainmaille weaves I have attempted. To see all of her items and read her profile, where you will learn that she is in Australia and has 2 children, you'll need to visit her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=100235 You can also visit her blog http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=100235

I'm in another treasury!

I'm a member of etsybead but haven't done much due to life getting in the way. When I saw the current theme I was excited because I already had items listed that fit the theme and since it is a 2 week theme it seemed worth the effort to figure out what I needed to do. One of the members snagged a treasury and selected one of my items to go in it. No sales as of yet, but at least more views, so a few more people know I'm out there.

I'm also a member of BBEST and had a convo with someone who lives less than 2 miles away. Maybe we can meet at Starbucks or someplace like that.

Only 2 more school days until Christmas vacation. There are so many special activities going on that the days just fly. Today the chorus from another school came and performed for us. Tomorrow is the holiday dance and Friday is our sing-a-long. Families are invited and we sing holiday songs led by our music teacher. It is a fun time.

Busy Days!

It seems hard to believe that October is almost over. It seems like so much has happened in a very short time. I've been a bit negligent in posting, but things in my life are moving right along. DH and I celebrated our birthdays in the past 2 weeks as did my sister. I went on my first, second, and third scooter ride, however, on the third ride, we laid the bike down. I have a few bruises to show for it. DH, on the other hand, has a broken foot. The boot that he wore on his other foot most of the summer is now on the other foot. The first few days he was in considerable pain, but that has eased quite a bit and he gets around quite well with the boot and/or crutches. Tonight at Wal-Mart he rode one of the motorized carts which surprised me, but I'm glad he did. He goes back to the doctor on Wednesday. I'm not sure what they will be looking for, since it took a CT scan to see the extent of the break.

Last week was not the best at school. It was full moon and it seemed to be adversely affecting many of the students. I was really glad when Friday was over. Hopefully everyone will have had a restful weekend and be refreshed and ready for a new week.

I'm thinking seriously about having an open house for my jewelry to pick up some business that way. I guess I need to get busy creating so I have ample inventory to make a nice show. My sister spent last weekend with members of a message board that she is on. I had made a bracelet for her to use as a contest prize and she got orders for 12 more so I really do need to get busy. I not sure what I want to do about etsy. Do I want to relist items as they expire or just wait until after the open house so I have a lot of items to list, which will keep the shop coming up in the time machine?

Pictures are my biggest problem. Taking clear ones, selecting a background to show of the pieces to their best advantage, good lighting, editing, and organizing them--all of these cause me great difficulty. I have pieces I could list, but I'm not up to dealing with the photography aspects of it, so they are not listed. There is so much more to selling jewelry than making it and saying look what I made.

Back to work

Unfortunately all things must come to an end, and I went back to work today. I must say that I am tired and it wasn't really a very hard day. My knee is still a bit bruised and sore, but it is not too bad. I guess I'll see how tomorrow goes.

I found a thread on the etsy forum about exchanging blog links so I added a number of links to help people browse through etsy shops. Hopefully others will add a link to here and that will bring some traffic to my shop. BTW, I just added a few new pieces and expect to adding a few more in the very near future since I have a few pieces near completion. I also just got Photoshop; I now need to install it. I hope that will improve my pictures.

The big news is that on Saturday my DH passed the test for his motorcycle license. Now I need to get a helmet so I can ride with him. I'm excited about taking my first ride. His birthday was Saturday so he got a really good present.

It got cooler over the past few days so fall is here. I would like fall so much better if it didn't lead to winter. Of course, winter wouldn't be so be if I didn't have to go out in the bad weather

It has been awhile

It seems like life is flying away from me. I need a 3 day weekend every week just to keep up, never mind get ahead. My surgery was on 9/28 and it went well. It seems like I spent all my time since the last post preparing for it. Pre-op testing had to be scheduled and done and I had to have my classroom in order for my sub. I'm going in Monday for inservice, since that will be computer work, but then will be off until the following Monday for sure, although the doctor said it I didn't think I could handle it he would give me more time.

My stitches came out yesterday and I got to see pictures taken during surgery. Thankfully, they were not bloody, but more like x-rays. (I have a weak stomach about such things!) It was explained to me that the inside of my knee was better than expected, however the outside was worse and needed more cleaning out. There was a piece of loose cartilige along with the tears. Arthritis was also found (no surprise there) but if One was to have arthritis in one's knee that would be a "good" place to have it. Have to look for the silver lining in the clouds!

I am getting back into making jewelry to list on etsy. I plan to try to get lots more done next week before I have to go back to work. I went to the bead store today armed with 4 coupons. Yipee!!! I have so many projects in mind. I would like to have a backlog of items to list on a regular basis, so even if I don't have to make things, I can list on a regular basis to keep the shop appearing in the time machine.

Of course, the bonus is 3 weekends off from the deli, but then it is 3 weeks with no pay from the deli. I guess everything has a trade-off.

Other big news is that my husband got a scooter, which is like a motorcycle but has an automatic transmission. There are other differences, but I couldn't tell you what they are. He had been looking and took me along and I talked him into a bigger one. I wanted a more comfortable seat and I liked the color better. Besides, I was thinking that with 2 of us on it, we would need a bit more power. The difference in price wasn't a big as I thought it would be. The first time he rode it, he was a bit intimidated by all the power, but he soon got over that and is glad I talked him into the larger bike. Everybody who sees it says they think it is neat and one neighbor pronounced it cute.

Right now, he is in the middle of motorcycle classes. If he passes the class, he will have his motorcycle license (he has a learner's permit now). Then he will be able to ride after dark and have a passenger. He's already said that before we head out on the road we will have to do parking lot practice, but first I need to get a helmet!

An eventful 2 weeks

It seems like I haven't made a post in ages. Much has happened. I found out that I will need to have surgery on my knee to repair torn cartilige. In a way I'm looking forward to it in the hope tht the pain will end. As a bonus, I'll have some time to work on making jewelry. I hope to get an inventory built up so I can list regularly on etsy, even if I don't have time to make many pieces. Soon I will have 2 IEPs to write and they can be time consuming and there will be a firm deadline. During that time, jewery making will definitely be on the back burner. Another bonus is that I will get time (unpaid) off from the deli.

School is going quite well most days. One of the students got a personal care assistant and having an extra adult makes things less stressful.

My husband and I went to my 35th high school reunion. It is the first one that I have gone to. I was able to recognize most of the girls, but the guys were another matter. I said it was because the girls still had their hair. Looking at those I graduated with, I've aged fairly well. That made me feel pretty good.

My sister and I went to the attorney who is preparing our inheritance tax forms. The amount of paper involved is unbelieveable. The forms have to be mailed in duplicate and each set is at least 1/4" thick. We owe some, but we paid most of it in March to get a discount and we saved over $500. Now all that has to be done is to complete the income tax return for the estate and pay all the taxes that are due from the estate, which is in addition to inheritance tax.

The biggest news is that I finally had my first sale on etsy! The feeling is wonderful and I am on cloud 9. Maybe since I've had a sale I'll gain some momentum. At least, now I feel the desire to be creative and make jewelry reawakening within me.

The first week of school is over, and it was a good week!

The first week of school this year was so much better than the first week last year. The deli was a problem this week, but I went to the store manager before I began work (the best defense is a good offense) and things went OK.

My crafting, and therefore Etsy, has stagnated since I went on vacation. I'm now trying to create a backlog of inventory so that I can list something regularly, even if I don't have time to create new items. Since I'm off tomorrow I plan on taking pictures of what I have finished. I'm also going to write the descriptions and save them in Word, so listing will be a pretty quick process. On the bright side, I've sold another piece locally. At least I now have the desire to make jewelry, which is more than I had going 2 weeks ago.