One more month in 2011

Does anyone have any news or New Years Resolutions they would like to share?

I wanted to share that I have been on a journey that has been "officially" nearly 3 years in the making, of getting a revision from my 2002 RNY revised to a DS.  The reason it has taken me so long.... is insurance.  I have exhausted my internal procedures with my secondary insurance (my primary insurance has a surgical obesity surgery exclusion).  2 weeks ago, I had my hearing, and they have decided to have on final IMR (Independent Medical Review) to determine medical necessity, so I should know on or by December 16th.  It has been a LONG road.  But here is to prayers of finally getting an approval and flying from Alaska to have surgery with Dr. Keshishian from RNY to DS in California.

My son is 5, and has started kindergarten this school year.  That has definitely been a change!!!

Also, I was informed that my job would be cut from 40 hours a week to 20, and no benefits.  So, in essence, our household income is dropping 25%.  I am thankful that I did not lose my job!!!!!  Then we would be selling our house in the dead of winter......  And also thankful my husband has health insurance.  But the BIG bummer is that I lose my 401K and I am looking into making our life insurance portable, since it is through my job.


So, lots of adjustments for the new year of 2012 to look ahead for.  And when a door closes, God opens a window somewhere!!!!!!


-Jamie in Alaska

Oh Jamie, I will definitely be keeping you in my prayers on all aspects of what's going on for you and your family.   Some really big adjustments are coming.  I'm glad you didn't lose your job but man to have it cut in half is a huge adjustment.  I guess I will keep this in mind as I complain next week about working my 52 hours.....just be glad you have a job Michelle!!  I sure hope your surgery is approved!!

We've had a busy life lately....more so than usual even.  My hubby took on a 2nd job seasonally....which looks like it'll continue past the new year.  He loves it but is gone most evenings and weekends now.  It's tough but it'lll be worth it when all of our debt is paid off (which is what he took it for).   We've actually made some pretty big strides in that area of our lives this past year.  

Sadie is doing really well in pre-k and loves every minute of it.  She's starting to sound out words and can write all the letters now.  She's starting to figure out adding and subtracting as well.  She's also going to AWANA at a sister church of ours on Wed nights plus our church on Thursdays and Sundays.  My hubby has been teaching a class on Mondays while I have been doing the childcare for that.  Tues night is about the only night of the week we don't have something going on.  

Sooooo my resolution for real is to slow down!!  I'm getting too old for this pace.  Not sure what all will have to go but something has to.  Hubby is really thinking he isn't going to teach this class anymore and will just pass it on to someone else.  I am thinking cutting back the hours I work will be a big part of it.  I need some time to be with my baby!

Here's to finding that open window!!

Michelle,



I am APPROVED for my revision!!!!  WOOT!!!! 




-Jamie in Alaska

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!  Congratulations!!