Just a quick note to check in. Back to work- getting new claims starting tomorrow. Oh, maybe I hadnt mentioned but I am a claims adjuster- auto. Yup, no more training- throwing me to the wolves. lol.I have 2 weeks left of yoga training, then certification. I have been learning lots of core strengthening exercises at P/T, so I may offer a class for that as well.  I am working on a yoga class now, just have to find out  when I can start teaching. I am soooooo excited. My plus size population is going to love me.   On a serious note, my children’s school had a lock down this afternoon, because there was an armed robbery at a gas station. It was at the other end of town, but still…..  I am in a very rural town- who’da thunk?? I went to our local market after they let me pick up my 14 yr old, and we saw a surveillance helocopter- still not certain if they caught the guy.  Yikes! I just looked it up online. The paper says the suspect was initially involved in a bank robbery then the gas station and they found the vehicle at the elementary school. The suspect is still at large.Our failing economy is only going to continue to bring out the worst in some people. It’s very sad. Gas today, $4.18. It seems to be going up in price daily. What’s going on here? Instead of a Economic Stimulus check, how bout making our every day needs more affordable. Somebody up high is making some serious cash.  OK, dont get me started.Yoga- yes… breathe………. 

ok everyone, I have been trying to fill my days with things I love, or things I have always wanted to do.  Yoga is now an everyday part of my life, and I have wanted to get back into a creative mode. I recently bought a book on soldering. Have always been fascinated, so I went out and bought a soldering gun. A plug in one, not ready for the one with fire- it scares me still. One of the projects I am working on involves silver ware. Sterling- the real stuff. I have been searching locally at thrift shops and salvation army and good will, and coming up empty. I have bid on 3 on ebay, but thats it so far. So my request to any of you who want to join in on my scavenger hunt, is if you go to tag sales, or shop re-sale shops, if you could take a minute and look for silver spoons( any: tea, soup) and knives are good, forks as a last resort. Havent found a use for forks yet, but I have only just begun creating. I would say, no more than $1.00 per piece. If thrift store shopping, you might be ble to find them for 10 cents or so. Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I will reimburse 100%, and will share a little somethin somethin too. Thanks, and I cant wait to hear from you…….. <3  Sandy 

I lost 3 lbs this week. I am thrilled. Now remember, I have been up three, down three over the last month. BUT, very pleased to be down 3 today.  I think the physical therapy has me doing much more than I was doing on my own. The exercises they have given me are to strengthen, so a lot of resistance work, with bands and exercise ball.  I am being diligent to get the exercise in at home, and I guess it’s paying off.  YAY! I know I had taken my measurements a month or so ago. Cant find them. When I do, I will post if I lost any inches. I feel like I gained an inch or two in height, just from correcting my posture. Hope you all have a great weekend. 

OK, so I’ve decided to stop focusing on all the drama, and live my life. It seems if it isnt one thing, it’s another, and thats just life. Roll with it.  So Today,  I had an epiphany….. they come every now and then. Todays was, isnt it sad, that my injury has me, finally, in a healthy state of mind? I think I let the unknown medical crap consume me, along with how I could control my weight before that. I was thinking way too much, and not doing. Tony, you have had such a healthy attitude, just keep on keepin on. I was on, then off. I was questioning every last thing when it came to “dieting” and it got me nowhere. I suffer thru 2 months of hell, not knowing what causes this pain, and in turn stopped my life. NO more.I started physical therapy last Saturday, and have had 3  appointments to date. They dont baby you, they get you moving. From what I understand, with the undiagnosed pain, my body basically folded up( almost fetal position) My posture has gone from bad to worse, and so that is what we are working on at P/T. I do my exercises there, then come home and do them daily in between appts. I have to tell you, I “appear” thinner, just by standing up tall. Crazy, well, not when you think about it. My DH actually commented today, I looked taller. So I have a new exercise ball and bands that offer lots of resistance. I still get the moist heat pads when I first get to my appt, and they are heavenly. I bought vitamins( multi) and extra B complex, and chromium. The chromium is said to help decrease cravings for sugar.  Definitely needed here. I am snacking on raw green veggies, and mainly protein at meals, but not too much emphasis as before. Oh, and I started drinking green tea! THANKS Tony!!!!  I spent too much time thinking about food, and now am trying to just eat reasonable portions.  If we have rice, I have a little. All things in moderation. So, starting tomorrow, I will join in on weigh in’s again. I am not going to post my weight, will post how many lbs lost each week. I dont want to get hung up on the scale too much. I want to take measurements, and see my body firm up, and less about the weight. I have to start somewhere.  It’s a way of life, and getting over stressed about any part of it is crazy. I was crazy before.  So thanks Kanye West for the inspiring song, “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”.  Funny it reminds me of the 6 billion dollar man. I’m showing my age! LOL See you all here tomorrow. 

I have FINALLY received my “official” diagnosis. I have a disc herniation- T 7-8.  It is pinching the nerves on the right side of my spine. I’m still waiting for the extensive blood work results( close to a dozen vials of blood drawn) and I am at peace. Mind peace, not yet body peace. I believe I will start P/T soon, as the pain hasnt let up and we are going on 8 weeks. I take that back, the pain has moved around, but little relief. I have an appt w/ my primary doctor on Thursday to talk about returning to work. We may start back with 1/2 days, which would be fine with me. I am entering my 9th week of yoga teacher training, so the end is near. I am really hoping to get out there and teach soon after I’m certified. I have tons of idea’s for plus size women as well as for children.  I have to start calling around to the schools for maybe an after school class or two. and I want to see if any of the halls at the churches may let me use them for classes in turn for donations or a small fee. I am soooo excited to really be so close. Now it’s staying focused and taking steps towards my goals. I want to have my time with my children. Going back to a job I originally left was only out of necessity, not out of love. I am thrilled I have been able to continue pursuing my dream, and am confident I will be living my dream in the very near future. I have 4 weeks left of training, then I have to teach a class as part of the certification. Gosh, I can hardly wait.  To see the vision so clearly, is absolutely amazing. This Friday, I am headed to Bridgeport, to observe, and hopefully participate, in a class taught to elementary school age children.  Then the yoga retreat at the end of the month, to help solidify it all. I couldnt be happier.Thanks to everyone for their kind and heartfelt comments.  They really mean a lot.