**Foods & Drinks**

Healthy Foods & Drinks For Everyone!!

I am asked so often.... Eydie, what do you eat, what do you drink?? So, I have put together a list! These are items that are really for everyone, not just people who are trying to lose weight, or that have had the surgery! These are things that I serve and have in my own home!

PROTEINS: Low fat cheese sticks, cottage cheese, turkey, chicken, ham, venison, roast beef, eggs, yogurts (Greek Yogurt has more protein), Laughing Cow Cheese (many different flavors), etc.

FRUITS: bananas, apples, pears, oranges, kiwi, grapes, grapefruits, star fruits, mango, peaches, pineapples, etc.

Fresh fruits are the best, but also can use frozen or canned. If you use canned fruits, make sure they are packed in their own juices... NO ADDED SUGARS!

VEGETABLES: carrot sticks, celery sticks, tomatoes, romaine lettuce (any of your darker green lettuces - no iceberg lettuce as there is no nutritional value in it), spinach leaves, green-red-orange peppers, cucumbers, radishes, etc.

DRINKS: Powerade Zero, G2, Crystal Lite, FUZE... and most importantly... water! When buying the drinks... always check the labels! So many of these look alike, and it is so easy to buy the wrong thing! The Powerade Zero, and G2 look just like the regular Gatorades, but we can have only the ZERO or the G2!!! These have so much less sugar, or no sugar! When buying the FUZE... again, watch labels. There are a few varieties that have 5 or 10 calories... these are great, but there are also a couple of them that are extremely high in sugar and calories, so be careful!

IDEAS FOR HEALTHIER SNACKS:
Apple wedges with peanut butter
Apple wedges with soft 'Laughing Cow Cheese'
Celery sticks with peanut butter
Carrot sticks with 'Laughing Cow Cheese'
Cottage cheese with pineapple tidbits
Cheese stick wrapped with a slice of deli turkey or ham
Yogurt with fresh fruit
Veggie sticks with dip made from Greek yogurt & Onion Soup Mix
Grape tomatoes dipped in 'Laughing Cow Cheese'

FOODS TO AVOID!!!!

BREADS & PASTAS! They are made from the unhealthy carbs that trigger cravings! Proteins keep you feeling full for a longer period of time. The more carbs you eat, then hungrier you get. You still get your healthy carbs through your fruits and vegetables.

ALSO AVOID POP, CHIPS, AND CANDY.... AT ALL COSTS!!! These are foods that bring on fat the quickest, and... there is NO nutritional value in them at all! Once you eat them, it is so quickly, that you will be craving more... and then more, and then the cycle just keeps going! You never get "full" with these foods!

By eating the healthier snacks, you will feel more satisfied for a longer span, and ... once you rid your body of the "JUNK FOODS" you will notice a difference within. You will start to feel "CLEANER". Yes, it will be tough at first, but... use the "TOUGH LOVE" on yourself... You are SO worth it!!

**REMEMBER: NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS HEALTHY FEELS!!!!!<strong>

Burn calories not oil

I had mentioned this sticker in my last entry. So thought I'd include a picture of it! This is me riding my way to Arizona!! From there... the world is the limit! I have such wonderful supporters in California... all the way to New Hampshire... and each state in between practically! I love you all!!!

Love, Eydie (PurpleMinnesota)

2-12-10 Dr. physical

Good evening my circle of Team members!!! I am so enjoying your positive comments, your enthusiasm!!! Thank you so much!!! It is good for me to know that I have such great team members, I have the BEST support system! I am finding that here around Park Rapids... I also have a FABULOUS support system as well. The article came out in our local paper about the Power Up 2010 that we are doing. I am not sure of the link, but it is the local newspaper.... www.parkrapidsenterprise.com It has 2 pictures of us. One is a family photo that they took, and the other one is of Benjamin and Shelby playing hockey in the basement! Would be fun if you were able to read the article. Let me know if you are able to find it.

I am so amazed at how good I am feeling now. I am 9.5 weeks out now, and just feeling completely different! What a great feeling.... feeling like my body is SO much healthier!

I was to the doctor today for a physical. She said I was doing great! My blood pressure was 94/64. Blood sugar was 101. I have lost 55 lbs since surgery. They did a complete set of labs on me, so will be interesting to know what my A1c will be, along with my cholesterol, triglycerides (sp?), and everything else!

Well everyone.... I am off to bed. Dreaming of a bike ride... hmmmm... how about to Arizona??? Maybe one day I will ride across country. Wouldn't that be a huge achievement for me??? I have a sticker that say... "Burn calories, not oil" and there is a picture of a guy on a bicycle! I love to dream... as long as it's not about banana splits or Chinese food!!!

G-nite ..... Love, Eydie =)

2-9-10 week 9 pix

Here we are at Week 9. The time really does seem to be going by quickly! But, I am so thrilled with my progress. Someone mentioned that I hadn't written about my blood sugar numbers for a while. I do check my blood sugar every day still, morning and night. I just want to keep a REALLY close eye on that! My morning numbers are running between 86 to 105. Evening numbers are around the same! Wow.... a few months ago, I would never have believed that it would be possible! I am off of all of my medications! Just taking vitamins now! It is wonderful to be eating good food now for my body!

I am increasing my exercise as well. Adding a few minutes to the treadmill, a few to the bike, using the cardio glide, and some basic leg lifts and arm exercises too! Using weights too... want to keep the muscles I have, and increase as I can! Just trying to be as healthy as I can!

All for tonight my Dream Team! Eydie

2-6-10 YES!!! 100 lbs lost so far!!!

Oh yeah....what an incredible feeling!!!! Is this really possible?? Have I really lost this much?? I do have a ways to go, but already I am feeling SO much happier and healthier! It feels great to be living again... to feel alive! Some people want to put more years into their lives and more life into their years! My years will be healthier ones for sure. Of course... things happen, life happens, but... I am doing ALL I can now to take care of this body of mine, and to help my children to be healthier and to take care of their bodies as well. Even if there isn't a weight problem, like my Benjamin, he is SO active, he runs everything off, he doesn't have a single ounce of fat on his body at all, but I still want him to eat well, and take care to keep himself healthy on the inside! We've gotten into a great routine here. The kids play floor hockey in the open part of the basement, and while they play, I walk on my treadmill, then ride my stationary bike! So far, I walk 10 mintues, then ride 10 minutes, which is 2 miles. Then I also have started doing some arm exercises too. Starting out very slowly, but it really does feel so good to be able to move! I really enjoy this time, I can watch the kids too, and they love having mom down there with them!

This morning the lady from the newspaper came to our home to interview us about the POWER UP 2010 program. This program we are doing, is through the Community Education Office. It stands for:
P = Protein/Produce
O = Optimism
W = Water
E = Exercise
R = Resist grazing

This is to try and get people to eat healthier, drink more water, rather than pop, exercise more, and not to be snacking so much! So it was fun to have her here, and she asked lots of questions, what we are doing, what we are having troubles with, etc. Then she wants to talk to us again in the middle of this, and then again at the end of the program. We each are to set weekly goals for ourselves too. One of my goals has been to get in more protein since I am still behind. Neal set a goal of replacing some of his coffee and pop with more water. Benjamin wanted to get in more fruit, and Shelby is trying to resist grazing. So, a good thing here for the whole family!

Well.... I am just SO excited... can you believe? 100 pounds! That is -51 lost since surgery, and a total of 100. I do remember what I felt like at my highest point, I still have the clothes to show just how big that was.... I feel it when I go up and down our basement steps now too! Shelby made a comment about that yesterday... she said.. "Mom, you go down the steps regular now, not one step at a time!" Yes... I hadn't even realized that! But... before, I took one step at a time! My knees were so bad, I had to be so careful as they hurt so bad! Ha... hadn't even noticed that, but my knees don't hurt anymore! One of those things, you don't notice body parts UNTIL they start to hurt!!!! So... just one more thing that has improved with my weight loss! Oh yeah... this is SOOOO awesome!

Ok... well, I better be off to bed! Thank you everyone for being here for me! You don't realize just how much you are helping me... keeping me jazzed up!!! Thank you! Love ya all ... Eydie =)

2-4-10 Thursday

Hello again my great Dream Team! I am doing great here! Feeling SO much better every day. I am now at -49 lbs lost since surgery. (8.5 weeks) I had lost 49 lbs before surgery as well! Sooooo.... that makes a total of -98 lbs lost so far!!! Can you believe it??? Just 2 lbs from losing 100 pounds!!!! I have been going through my clothes, my closet, and drawers! I am getting rid of ALL of my big clothes! Well.. yes, I am going to keep one of my big dresses, but the rest is going!!! I am boxing them up, and going to sell what I can at our garage sale on Memorial Day Weekend, then the rest will be donated to our local store that helps disabled people. One way or another... they are going to be out the door! Never to return, never to be needed again! Just a little tid-bit here... something I don't usually admit, but... as I was pulling my big dresses out of my closet, taking things off of the hangers, and piling them up on my bed... I just couldn't help but cry! Not because I was sad to be getting rid of special clothes, but.... I have never felt hopeful like this before. Yes, I have lost weight in the past, but I never was so optimistic about it, and never did get rid of clothes, because I knew at some point, I would more than likely gain the weight back, and sure enough... I always did... and then more! But now... I KNOW the weight will NOT come back! I just feel SOOOO positive about it, and so hopeful about the future! I just do not need to keep anything for... some day!!! I sure wish I knew of someone who really could use these clothes, I would love to send them out.. but mostly... I would just LOVE to help another find a happier and healthier future as I am. Someone who is thinking about surgery, or... someone who has had the surgery even, I would just LOVE to be of some encouragement for them. But... I was just almost overwhelmed, is it really possible that I have changed my life, have actually become healthy again? Is it possible that there is a thinner person within me?? Is the old Eydie still in here?? Maybe she is... maybe wiser... more mature?? Ha... now I am reaching! But, anyway, just a little about my emotions there, they were just so strong!

I tried a new product today! It was called Morning Star Chix Patty, Original. It was not chicken, but tasted like a chicken patty. It was actually a "veggie patty". The crazy part... it was high in protein, and it tasted good! Believe it or not! Yes, it was good! I was able to eat half of it, then had the other half for supper. One whole patty is 140 calories, and 8 grams of protein.

I also tried another new product today. This was a drink, called FUZE Slenderize Blueberry Raspberry. This was REALLY good too!!! The 18 oz bottle has only 20 calories. A nice treat!

Well.... hope you are each having a good week! Oh... an exciting thing happened too. A week ago or so, we started a POWER UP 2010 program. Remember they were looking for team names, but they just ended up using personal names. Anyway... they contacted me, and said the Park Rapids Enterprise (our local newspaper here) was wanting to interview someone in the program, so they said they wanted me! So... Saturday morning, a lady from the newspaper is coming to the house to interview us, and take some pictures! The program is about exercise, nutrition, optimism, and so on! So, it should be fun! So my program name is: Eydie Garcelon =) but I've named my team of supporters Eydie's Dream Team! I have such a great team, I just LOVE the notes, emails, phone calls, all the encouragement is SOOO wonderful! Thank you everyone!!!

All for tonight! Love ya all!!! Eydie =)

February 2010 Weight Loss Chart

from January 2010:
-46 from surgery -95 from highest

Feb 1, 2010 __ stayed the same
Week 8
Feb 2, 2010 __ -47 ___ -96
Feb 3, 2010 __ -48 ___ -97
Feb 4, 2010 __ -49 ___ -98
Feb 5, 2010 __ -50 ___ -99
Feb 6, 2010 __ -51 ___ -100 YES!!!! =)
Feb 7, 2010 __ -52 ___ -101
Feb 8, 2010 __ -53 ___ -102
Week 9
Feb 9, 2010 __ stayed the same
Feb 10, 2010 _ -54 ___ -103
Feb 11, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 12, 2010 _ -55 ___ -104
Feb 13, 2010 _ -56 ___ -105
Feb 14, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 15, 2010 stayed the same
Week 10
Feb 16, 2010 __ -57 ___ -106
Feb 17, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 18, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 19, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 20, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 21, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 22, 2010 stayed the same
week 11
Feb 23, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 24, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 25, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 26, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 27, 2010 stayed the same
Feb 28, 2010 stayed the same

1-27-10 Wednesday

Good evening my Dream Team! It seems unreal that just yesterday I was in the hospital having the dilitation procedure done!!! Today I have done fantastic! Taking my vitamins was fine, eating was fine! I actually was quite worried that now I'd be able to eat too much though. But... I couldn't eat any more really... just what I did eat, went down so much easier! It didn't get stuck, and it didn't come back up!!

I was to the group nutritionist today, and they go over all of my food journal, checking protein intake, calories, and liquids, etc. I can hardly believe, today was Day #52 and I have kept a food journal every single day... and it shows every single thing I have eaten for these 52 days!!!! I have been set back to stage 2 like I had mentioned before, mostly liquid protein shakes, soups, etc. But my throat isn't sore anymore, and just really felt great all day today. The biggest thing for me though.... I want to start doing more things then, but I just relaxed most of the day, I did run some errands this afternoon, and took the kids to their basketball practice, but I did not walk in the school. Will try and wait a couple of days, to get my strength built back up!

Kind of a bummer this morning... I did gain 3 pounds due to the IV fluids they pumped into me yesterday... before and after the procedure. But.... I know I needed the fluids SOOOO bad... and actually they were my life support, as I was so dehydrated again!! I surely am not discouraged at all, in fact, I am SO optimistic! I look at how FAR I have come... my health is better now than it has been in years!

Well... all for tonight my dear family and friends! My Dream Team!
Love, Eydie

1-26-10 Day in Hospital

Well hopefully things will get better from here now. I have had a bad cold for about a week now. Also, from the beginning I just have not been able to eat much, and really just plain not enough, or drink enough.The last 3 days or so, more trouble keeping things down. When I would take my vitamins, or eat something... more and more, I was throwing it up. I just figured it was due to my cough, lots of gunk in my throat etc. So I just wasn't too worried.... this too will pass... I still could see beyond this... this is just a temperary inconvenience, and such. Well, last night it got so bad, that I couldn't even keep down a sip of water or broth, so I knew there was a problem. I was afraid my little straw size tube leading into my stomach pouch had probably shrunk too much. That seems to be a fairly common problem for some patients. Also, due to the fact that I have been dehydrated a couple of times, that also can create a problem there with the tube shrinking. Anyway.... come this morning, I went right to the clinic, checked in at the desk, they called back to the surgical nurses.... yep... they said "register her in now". So began a very full, but very good day all in all. They got me registered, then into the surgical department, hooked me up to IV's again to get me rehydrated, then into surgery with the same doctor and team that did my main surgery.... such a fabulous crew! They went down my throat with a little scope, with a little balloon attached to the end, once down there, they blow up the balloon, and it stretches the opening. I was put to sleep, so did not feel any of that, or know about it while working! =) The procedure took about 15 minutes. Then back to my room to wake up. Neal, kids, my Aunt Julie and Neal's mom Helen were there waiting. Then I was hooked up to another full bag of liquid nutrients, through IV's that took about 2 hours to complete. Then I was able to get dressed, and then I was set free to go home. I had driven to the clinic, but now have been parked again, for at least 24 hours due to the strong meds/sleep drugs, etc. So some vehicle shuffling with Neal and Aunt Julie. My van is back home though... just waiting for the "all-clear" tomorrow. =)

So, this afternoon, I was VERY amazed at just how well I was feeling!!!! Really, I can't believe it. My throat is a little scratchy, maybe a tad bit sore, but I am sucking on sugar-free popsickles and they taste SO good... so nice and cool. I've taken some of my meds tonight... and no problem at all!!! So, wondering if that had been a little bit of my problem all along.... the opening was just a little too small even from the start! My diet is to be stage 2 again for 5 days, but I had gone back to the liquids anyway, trying to get in more calories and protein, so they said that was going to be great! My potassium level was back to normal now, so they had discontinues those pills for now as well... good sign.

My blood sugars at the clinic today were 105. My blood pressure was 99/54. When I left, blood pressure was up to 104/64.

Well, my Dream Team... thank you again! Just wanted to give a little up-date here. I really am doing great tonight... I feel great... and so looking forward to the next few days. My cold is finally doing better, and looks like all is going to be good! Wish me luck. You all take care... Love you.. Eydie

1-25-10 week 7 pix

Well I have made it 7 weeks now! Today was day #50. I have lost -43 lbs! YaHoo!!! I am so excited about my improved health. The future is surely brighter! The weight loss is just frosting on the cake! Oh... maybe that is POOR wording?!?!?! Hmmm... ok... I will say it like I have before... the weight loss is just an added bonus! No more cake and frosting!!!! The greatest part of all that... I DO NOT MISS IT EVEN!!! I really don't! Those foods just don't even tempt me anymore, thankgoodness I see it as just gross! I hope that is how I will always see them! The family had Pizza on Sunday night... and I didn't even want any!

The kids got out of school at 12:30 today, due to strong blowing winds, and drifting snow! Basketball was cancelled for them both.

Thank you again my Dream Team... you are all helping my dream of better health come true! Love to all... Eydie =)

1-23-10 NEW CLOTHES!!!

Neal & Shelby brought in my totes of stored clothes! These are items that I have collected through the years. Some I had bought, but were not able to wear.. or things that were given to me, and maybe had gotten too small, etc. Whatever the case... It was so nice to go through things, and realize I have a whole new warerobe! Funny though... Neal's mom came over while I was going through things today, and saw everything laying around the livingroom and said "Wow... you sure have alot of purple!" Well... is there really any other color?!?!?!

We were to have Shelby's basketball tournament here in Park Rapids today, but it was cancelled due to our ice storm! It rained all last night and this morning, then turned to snow! A nice combo... ice with a few inches of snow on top of it! Shelby was quite disappointed, but hopefully they will reschedule it.

I am feeling better now, not coughing as much, and I got my voice back. Sure looking forward to getting back onto my feet and walking in the school too. Things should be better again now since I am drinking more of those hot drinks and soups that I bought. They are between 80-90 calories, and have 15 grams of protein in them. I am getting 3 in a day now!

Some have asked about the Power Up 2010 that I mentioned. It is through the Community Education Office here in Park Rapids. Their # is: 218-237-6600.
I love the different names for the Team that you've come up with.
* Purple Power
* Eydie's 2nd chance dream team
* Go-celon's (twist off of Gar-celon's)
* Winning Losers
* Losing Winners

Kind of funny though.... they were asking for team names, but when we went in to register... they decided to use names.. so my team is called... Eydie Garcelon.. now that is original!!! But..... I still want to have a name here for my very special group!!! I just cannot tell each of you enough... how much I appreciate your comments, your encouragement, here or via emails, texts, phone, etc! It is such a boost to know I have such an awesome support group here, you truly are my team! Thank you SOOOO much everyone!!!!

All for tonight... love to all... Eydie =)

Name My Team

I thought "what better place to go than to my blog for this question!" Park Rapids is starting a Wellness Challenge... Power Up 2010. I have been asked to participate in this. It is an exercise program, healthy eating, healthy living, etc. This is my year! 2010. We are to choose a "name" for our team. The team can be 1 or more people. I am going to be the main person for the team, but the family will be included, as I am trying to incorperate these healthy lifestyle changes into the whole family!

Sooo..... what do you think everyone? What would be a great name for my team?I want all kinds of ideas! =)

Thanks everyone... More later... Eydie

1-20-10 Up-Date on health

Well, I am still here. I was to the doctor today. My cold is worse, coughing non-stop, losing my voice... which seems to be the most traumatic for me, ya know! Well, the report is I have a virus, bronchial, etc. So strong cough syrup, 7 day med, and the found out I am low on Potassium so they've added that to my vitamin list! But, all in all.... the surgery check up today was great, they are very pleased with my progress. I am very low on liquids and protein... so needing to get that boosted up in my system. Still trying to figure out how to do that, but... just trial and error I guess. It seems hot items go down better. I did find a site Bariatric Choice, that has great hot soups and hot cocoas, etc... with higher protein, so have ordered some of that! Hopefully that will help!

I do hate being sick, but the problem now is just the nasty cold, and soon that will pass, and I will be back on my feet... raring to go! I have come a long ways so far, and I really am amazed at the improvements in my health already! Just the fact that I am no longer a diabetic, makes it ALL worthwhile!!!! YaHoo!!!! The weight loss is just an added bonus! I have already lost 43 lbs just since surgery! (45 days ago). That makes -92 lbs lost total!

Well, my Dear friends and family... thanks again for all of your encouragement!!!!
Love to all... Eydie =)

1-20-10 A "before" dress!

YEAH........... I have lost 92 lbs total now, and this is one of my dresses from "before"!!!! Kind of funny.... falling off the shoulders, and it was dragging on the ground!!!

1-19-10 week 6 pix

Well, here it is 6 weeks post surgery! I am really feeling a difference in my clothes! I have found some items in my closet that I now can wear, but it won't be long and I will need to buy some things! What a great feeling!

1-17-10 Sunday

Wow... it's been a few days since I have written. I am still alive and fairly well. I have had a couple of days that were a bit off again. I am still doing great on my program... still have a fantastic attitude, and am SO optimistic about the future! I and the doctors just have a few "kinks to iron out" I guess. I've had a few days that I have felt very light-headed. Drs adjusted some of my meds again, but still one that was affecting my blood pressure. Also, I am not able to eat enough, so my body was weakening from that as well. I had started exercising quite a bit, I had felt SO good, but then I was using far more calories than I was taking in! That sure sounds crazy, but... I am just not able to eat much a day and had been getting 150 calories to maybe 200 calories again. That doesn't go far, when you are walking and trying to exercise!

Saturday, January 16 we were out of town (New York Mills, MN about 50 miles from us) all day for Benjamin's Basketball Tournament. They played great, and placed 3rd all around! Benjamin was really playing fantastic as well, so was really proud! Ok... I won't go into all the details about his awesome skills! =)
Anyway... I started my day with my protein shake, then later had a yogurt. But then wasn't able to eat anything else that I had brought, jello cup and cheese stick. The games were all played in 2 different gyms, so lots of walking, and of course I used TONS of energy cheering Benjamin! So by the time the day was ended there, I had only had 175 calories, and I wasn't able to eat anything more! When we got back to Park Rapids, I knew I was in trouble, so we went right to the ER. My blood pressure was 97/60, my oxygen level was 79, the Dr looked at me and said "we are going to be hooking up IV's right away, you are dehydrated". But.... they tried in 3 places, 2 different people, finally got one to work somewhat! It "blew my veins" not really sure what that means, but the last one was able to work for awhile anyway! SO they pumped me full of fluids, took some X-rays, and finally took me OFF of the last of the meds!!! =) I am very happy about this! Hopefully I will start to feel better again, and maybe can even start to eat a bit more! I am still WAY behind in my calorie and protein intake! A little problem now also, I am getting a cold, so coughing a lot, and my shakes are made with milk, and that causes congestion too! Oh my... I really am sounding like a sob story here I guess... I am sorry! I just want to tell how I am doing now, why I hadn't been on for a few days, but really..... I am doing SOOOOO good! I really can see beyond this as well. I am going to have a few little speed bumps to get over... maybe I am hitting them a little too hard and a little too fast... so maybe hitting bottom on my way over??? Not a problem though! Maybe that is just the "Magsam" in me?!? =) These are just little things I am working with the doctors on. I will have to say, the support of the clinic and hospital here is AMAZING!!! Day or night, for any reason, I can call in! They even give out their cell phone numbers so we can call the different ones direct!!! Like I said... that is AMAZING! It just feels so good though to know they are holding my hand through all of this!

Ok... on a brighter note... My Benjamin is going to be 11 years old on Monday the 18th! Can you believe that???? Wow... where have the years gone! I was up at 5 this morning and put the roast in the oven! We had the family birthday party, with aunts and uncles and Grammie here for lunch. Then at 3 pm some of Benjamin's friends came over for a little while for another party! A fun day all the way around!

So my Dear Support Team... I am glad to be back chatting with you! I am really doing well. Still have NOT had one single bite or a sip of ANYTHING that I am not suppose to have!!!! I AM going to make this work!!! I will be the next "poster child" for Gastric Bypass Surgery! =)
Happy Monday Morning Everyone! Love to all... Eydie

1-13-10 Wednesday

Ahhh, the morning started so nicely! Kids off to school and then I went in for a spa facial! One of the moms from school owns the big cosmetology school here in town. They have invited me in before when one of the students needs more practice. Of course it isn't a hardship to help them out! =) So today I went in, the soft piano music with the waves in the background, the oils, lotions, exfoliating, warm towels, massage... oh yeah! Hmmm, I think I can even feel the sand between my toes! I can even smell the fresh pineapple and coconuts!

It was kind of nice to do that today, as it was 6 years ago today, that I sat with my mom, held her hand and watched her take her final breath! A very hard time... I really miss her SO much, but mom was SO sick by that point, had been in a coma for 4 days, I just had to let her go... and it was such a relief for her, no longer suffering, no longer in pain! So the facial today was just a nice way to pamper myself!

The kids had basketball this afternoon, so I walked in the school again. I pull them out a tad bit early so we can go to our bible study. I have said, they can be in sports, as long as it does not interfere with the church. I have been amazed with the coaches so far... they are so cooperative with this. No hassle at all. So good. Benjamin has a tournament coming up this Saturday in New York Mills. Shelby's tournament is January 23. They are both really excited, and have worked so hard for this. "Go Park Rapids Panthers!!"

All for tonight.... hope you are having a good week so far!
Take care, my team! Love, Eydie =)

1-11-10 new 5 week pictures

Wow... Monday night, January 11, 2010. I am now 5 weeks out from surgery! I have lost 39 pounds since surgery (88 from my highest point). I just cannot believe how good I am feeling! I am feeling better now than I have in years literally! I am very surprised too, how much I am WANTING to move and be active. Tonight the kids had basketball, so I walked in the halls of the school. I made 3 complete laps, which is a full mile. I walked a mile!!! WA-HOOOOO!!!! That is huge for me! I bought myself a little portable CD player, and I have downloaded some high beat songs, so I plug myself in, and start walking! Next I will probably go deaf, because I like my music quite loud, but it does help me to walk faster, and want to keep going! I really am thrilled with my progress.

I want to make a very special note here to everyone. Your positive support, your positive comments, letters, calls... I just want you to know they mean EVERYTHING to me! I know I have such a great team. Because of each one of you.... I am going to be successful in my journey! Thank you so much!!!

All for tonight... love you... Eydie =)

1-10-10 week 5 pix

These pictures are a little blurry. Shelby took them. Today was a very exciting day, as I went through my clothes and have found "new" items!!! This morning I found a coat that I had gotten a few years ago, but it never did fit! Today I put it on, and even was able to zip it up! YAHOO!!!! The sweater in this picture was given to me last year, and I was upset, because it was WAY too small! Now... it fits! Just so exciting!

I hope everyone has had a great weekend. Monday morning coming soon... back to reality! Hard to believe it will be 5 weeks for me now! I am doing fabulous!

Take care... Love, Eydie

1-8-10 Ready 4 the weekend

Nothing new to report today. I am feeling so good, so much happier and healthier. My clothes are fitting looser. A sad day will be when I need to start buying new clothes, right??? =) I do have clothes in my closet that haven't fit for a while, now I can wear them! YEAH!!! I have a great coat that I haven't worn for a few years, now it fits too! Such a great feeling!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Love, Eydie =)