ObesityHelp

Yeah, I can't believe that I haven't blogged on here in over 7 months! What the??! I know what it is: Busy. I had weight loss surgery and now I go go go! Always going. When I weighed 332 #, I didn't get around. Not because I couldn't necessarily, but because I didn't always want to move. Now that I can move around and feel great doing it and have TONS of energy, I don't want to gravitate towards the couch potato that I used to be!! And I spend less and less time doing the nothing that I used to do. C'mon OHers, you know what I mean. If you're a post-op, anyway. If you're still pre-op, trust me, ladies and gents, the time is coming for you, too! 

Let's see, what's been going on here? Still working with youth as a youth pastor/youth leader at my church, New LIfe Assembly of God church in Elmira, NY. Having a blast doing that! Last weekend of April, we went to NYC to Metro Ministries to minister to children. It was an awesome, life-changing opportunity that the teens had. The next weekend, May 2-4, we travelled to Pittsburgh, PA, for Acquire the Fire: Let Your Voice Be Heard. It's a Christian event for teens that encourages them to stand strong for what they believe in rather than be a weak minority. Our next generation needs to use their voice for good rather than the junk that's been coming out of their mouths at school, on the streets, etc. So, we had a blast and the teens had eye-opening experiences! 

Um, okay, a couple weeks ago, on May 18th, I ran a 5K in Elmira called Race for the Cure. I had a flippin' blast! I ran 1/2 and walked 1/2. There was this lady that was about 200 # (give or take a few) and she did the same thing. We kind of encouraged one another throughout the whole race, pushing each other to finish. It was so amazing! And that's why I like to run: The commraderie. I had this surgery so that I could be a runner again and that's what I intend to do with my life. Be a runner. 

Anything else? I'm sure there is, but I have to jet because I have to do some things before I go over to volunteer at the food pantry tonight. Good luck to everyone on their journeys! God bless you. Pay attention to every little detail in your journeys; it'll pay off later. Until later....

Jen Halliday

Yeah, I can't believe I haven't updated in forever! I guess that happens when you have surgery and find all this energy. Yeah. Something like that.  I'd like to try to update every month or more. So, let's see, what's been going on? I turned 30 on September 6th. Yeah, it was a great birthday. I was expecting them to do something and by the end of the day, it was clear that my family was not going to do anything. I was devastated! I mean, if I mentioned it, would they feel guilty and do something as an afterthought? I didn't want sloppy seconds! You know? Call me selfish, but I wanted someone to more than remember me....I wanted someone to make a big deal over my 30th year! They ended up taking me to Olive Garden and no one, not a waitress or busboy, NO ONE sang Happy Birthday to me! I was deflated. I secretly cried, but tried not to let anyone see. How pathetic was I! I am a youth pastor and we had youth group that night. I decided to just have fun and enjoy the last of my birthday with my teens. It was fun. We played this great outdoor game and we were running all over the yard and getting all tired & sweaty. Part way through the night, we went inside and decided to play an indoor game. My pastor met us going into the church and took me aside and was asking me questions about an event that was going to take place the next week. He then told me that our other pastor wanted to ask me some questions and chat with me quickly before youth group started. So, I went with him to the basement of the church. He opened the door to the fellowship hall (our banquet hall) and it was all dark. I was like, "What the...?" All the sudden I saw all these flashes (TONS!) and people screamed "SURPRISE!!" It was like I was being followed by the paparazzi! All the youth had snuck downstairs while I was talking to my pastor and there were about 50 of my family and friends. I was floored! SO SHOCKED!! I think that's the point. It was great. The best part about it---and I do mean the absolute best part---was that the food table was ALL stuff that I could eat. It was all food that I eat all the time. You know how some times you go to parties (weddings, bar mitzvahs) and as a bypass patient there might be very few options food-wise? Well, this time everyone else had to eat what I eat!!! That made me happier than having a surprise party! Some of you know what I mean....it SUCKS going to a gathering and there's nothing there for you. The host/ess just shrugs, mumbles and apology and says lamely, "Well, there's salad!" I'm not a complainer and I won't start now and absolutely chose this lifestyle, so i have to plan for myself for moments such as those, but....it wears on me after a while!! When I saw the food table at my birthday party....let's just say I cried. THAT will stick with me for a long time and I will tell people about that very thing every time I mention my birthday party!

So, what do I do with my time now? I still work with youth as a youth pastor at my church. It's fun and tough and rewarding and difficult and an all-around good time. Hardest thing I've had to do so far! Besides youth work, I work a second job at Wegmans in the Nature's Market department. That is the oranic/whole foods section. I like it.....well, I like the section, but I'm finding more and more that I DO NOT like to work there in the department!! It's back-breaking work. Now, I'm not a lazy girl and I don't try to get out of doing things. It really IS a hard job! Not just lifting and stocking and refilling shelves and ordering, but fast-paced stuff. Ordering on a time crunch and getting boxes out now now NOW!! I've been talked to about how I need to get faster at my job. It's so stressful, being told that you have to go go go, constantly. Every day it's a new challenge! The worst part is I am unhappy in that department. At least as a cashier and working in the cafe I could interact with customers. Now, even though I still interact with customers, if I stand around too much and talk with them, answering their questions, I'm told that I look like I'm not doing anything, even though I'm doing what the higher-ups want me to do. It is horrible. I feel bad when I look forward to days when the department manager is not there, so I can feel more relaxed and able to get stuff done. And believe or not, I am way more productive on days when she is not there. That sucks. I mean, it's great, but.....And then she's been really coming down hard on me because of my availability. I'm getting pretty sick of it. I'm trying to find a different job where I can put my college degree to work. After all, why did I go to college for four years and accrue debt for? Not my health! So I can make more money and do what I love. Guess it's time I do that, five years after I graduated from college!!!

So, what else? I've been going to the gym. My friend that I had been walking with bought me a gym membership. Well, she paid for the initiation fee and then I pay for monthly fees. She said she'd help me if I needed it. So, now we go to the gym. We usually go 3 or 4 times a week, more if we're able to. It's tough because we're working around my schedule because she doesn't work and I don't have a car. So, it's tough. But I gotta tell 'ya: It feels good to work out! I mean, after a stressful day at Nature's, I go in there, work my abs or whatever muscle group I'm working that day, and then I get on the treadmill and just RUN! It feels so good to just get junk out on the treadmill! I might need to do that tomorrow. I didn't go today because I've been feeling a little under-the-weather lately. Not sad or depressed, just not feeling up to par. I felt kinda worn and tired today, so I didn't want to go to the gym and spread anything I might have. More than likely, though, it has something to do with a vitamin deficiency or lack of enough water. Or both. Man, that sucks. I gotta get bloodwork done. I'm four months away from being two years out and I never had my one year bloodwork done because of a lapse in insurance. I gotta get insurance....which is why I need to leave Wegmans and get a full time job that has benefits!!

So, if anyone knows of any jobs in the human services field (I'll move ANYWHERE!!) let me know. Hey, more later. I have to go to bed. Enjoy your journeys!!

Jen  
 

I just got home from doing a bunch of stuff. All of which I am going to write about.....right now!! Buckle in. It's gonna be a ride! JK.   I just got back from handing my resume to a few places. I'm excited about that because I have to start using my degree and I really hope I could get in one of these places! So, yeah for me. 

So, a couple of days ago, my friend Angela, who's getting married in October, asked me to go to David's Bridal with her to exchange my bridesmaid dress b/c it's a size 16 and doesn't fit. Imagine that! A size 16! I'm now fitting in a size 12....or so I thought. The sales lady got everything squared away in the computer and said the new dress would be in on or after August 6th. Fine. Great. I went to try on another dress for a wedding I'm in on July 7th and guess what. The size 12 dress was too big! So, I tried on a size 10 and it fit perfect! So, I had to get that all straightened out, but it was cool. A SIZE 10!!! That is neat. I went back today to try on the dress and get some pictures for everyone on OH and the dress I tried on the other day is gone. I'm bummin'. However, I tried on another, equally as beautiful. Only, in this dress I tried on (and got pictures of) I look short. True, I am only 5 foot 4, but I'd like to look taller in dresses! If you're short, you know what I'm talking about!

So, what else? My dad is still in the hospital after 8 weeks of being in ICU and a regular room. Yesterday he was transferred back to a regular room. Argh! It's such an up and down thing. I'm glad he's doing better, though. My prayer is that he can (soon) get into a rehabilitation facility where he can heal up and get stronger. Hopefully, (crosses fingers) that'll be soon.

Okay, I'm being pressured to leave. I've gotta go get my mom from work and drop off my sister somewhere, as well as make snack and go to food pantry. More later, friends! Good luck on your journeys! It's all about healthy eating and a better lifestyle. Exercise!!

Jen

50 Things to do instead of snacking:

1. Imagine the new healthier you
2. Walk around the block
3. Call a friend
4. Make a list of your Top Ten Reasons to Lose Weight
5. Make a To Do list
6. Turn on music and dance
7. Jot a thank you note to someone
8. Go to bed early or take a nap
9. Read a book
10. Blog or journal
11. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
12. Plan a healthy meal for your family
13. Surf the Internet
14. Finish an unfinished project
15. Walk your dog, pet your cat, feed your fish
16. Brush your teeth
17. Balance your checkbook
18. Say a prayer
19. Chop veggies to keep on hand
20. Give a massage
21. Clean out a junk drawer
22. Play a game with your kids
23. Try a new route on your walk
24. Drink a glass of water 
25. Kiss someone
26. Try on some of your clothes
27. Look at old pictures
28. Rent a video
29. Wash your car
30. Take a hot, soothing bath
31. Update your calendar
32. Work in your yard
33. Start your holiday shopping list
34. Count your blessings
35. Write a letter
36. Fold some laundry
37. Check your e-mail
38. Give your dog a bath
39. Send a birthday card
40. Meditate
41. Hug someone
42. Rearrange some furniture
43. Light a fire or some candles
44. Put your pictures in an album
45. Plan a trip (real or imaginary)
46. Straighten a closet
47. Clean out a files
48. Visit a friend
49. Clean out your trunk
50. Do something nice for someone 

~~originally posted by Michelle (M V on the main board)~~