Thankful Thursday

Dear Friends,
Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always. 

Today is my Daddy's 77th birthday.  I was thankful to spend time with him and my mom this past August when we visited them on our way home from Colorado.  I'm thankful for the things he taught me, like the value of hard work and being honest.  I'm thankful he was always there for me.  Like the time I worked at the mall and was getting threatening phone calls from someone who was watching me.  Security couldn't do anything so Daddy came with Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson and waited with me until the shop closed, and then drove me home so I wouldn't have to drive alone.   I'm thankful I still have him.  He might be a little more forgetful, a little more bent, a little crankier, and a little more cynical, but he's still my Daddy and that will never change.  Happy Birthday Daddy!

I'm also thankful for
     *  the arrival of a new great nephew (the day before his great grandpa's birthday)
     *  the excitement of the Christmas season
     *  the internet
     *  Michael's job  

What are you thankful for today?

xo Annette xo

     

Wordless Wednesday

Lone Leaf

Happy Wednesday!

xo Annette xo

The Weighty Things

(source)

Hi Friends,

This is a difficult subject for me to write about but one I feel most compelled to share.  I had even started a second blog two years ago to focus on my my struggles with weight, but it turns out I wasn't able to successfully maintain two blogs and keep them separate.  My daily life revolves around food, my weight, and diabetes. 

I was overweight as a child but was never teased or felt left out because of it.  I don't think I really even realized I had a problem until my mother told me I needed to lose weight.  From that point on I've always been on a diet and have had body image issues.  I've lost count of the number of times I've joined Weight Watchers and lost significant amounts of weight only to gain it all back and then some.   Now here I am at my heaviest.  I need to lose 120 pounds.

When it comes to my size and how I look, I'm miserable in every way.  Physically I'm tired all the time.  I don't have the energy and stamina I should still have at my age and every joint hurts.  Mentally it's pretty much on my mind all day and when I go to bed at night.  Emotionally I beat myself up, feel guilty all the time, and feel pretty hopeless about losing the weight.

I know there are those who believe people like me just need to exercise self control.  I wish it was that easy, but it's quite complicated.  First, I'm on insulin for type 2 diabetes.  Insulin causes weight gain which requires more insulin which causes more weight gain.  It's a vicious cycle.  Second, I've learned to use food to cope with loneliness, and depression, and disappointment. Food keeps me company and has become my best friend.  I know that's hard to understand if you've never had food issues.  Third, food addiction.  Sweets are my drug of choice.  I'm not making excuses, but trying to explain how I got here and why it's not as easy as some people might think to just "lose the weight".

The good news is I'm ready to tackle the problem.  It's not going to be an easy journey, nor will it be quick or pretty.  It's going to be the hardest thing I've ever done.  I'm not waiting until after Christmas to start.  I think by starting now I will have more self control during this "food season".

I know most women struggle with their weight.  Do you?  How do you deal with it?  I'd really like to know.

xo Annette xo

Small Business Saturday

Hi Friends!
I've never been one to brave the lines and crowds on Black Friday.  As crazy as it has become in recent years, I'd rather not risk life and limb just to get a few extra dollars off a purchase.  I know some people plan the day out in advance and know just where they are going and at what time they will be there.  Not me!

Instead, I will rest up today and plan my shopping for Saturday.  I have a list of small local businesses I will visit and hopefully find some gifts for giving or something I can't live without.  I will also be shopping on Etsy in support of handmade.    If you have time, why not support a small business this Saturday.  It will make someone's day!

Are you a Black Friday shopper?

xo Annette xo

Thankful Thursday~Thanksgiving Edition

(source)

Hi Friends,
As you know, every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  I have been doing this for over a year and I'm amazed how much there is to be thankful for when you choose to focus on the positive instead of the negative. We don't have to wait for Thanksgiving to be thankful for what we have.

This Thanksgiving I'm thankful for

     *   my family and the time I can spend with them.  Sean is not with us this year, and I miss him terribly, but I'm thankful that he is happy and not regretting the decision to move so far away.

     *   all that I have.  I have everything I need and then some.

     *   the soldiers in our family who are all home  this Thanksgiving.  I'm thankful for the men and women  in the military, who are away from their own families this holiday, who fight for our freedoms.

      *   the little things.  A cup of tea in the afternoon, sunglasses when I'm driving, the smell of pumpkin pies baking, Shylee's giggles, Annie dog's kisses, lunch with Michael.  The list could go on and on.

     *  all who read my little blog.  You each bless me in ways you don't even know.

I wish each and every one of you a very blessed and memorable Thanksgiving!

xo Annette xo

On The Way To The Bus Stop

Hi Friends,
One of the things I had to do while I had Grandma duty was walk to the bus stop with Shylee.  It wasn't that far but there were lots of fall things to see along the way.

I hope you have a fabulous Friday!

xo Annette xo

Thankful Thursday

Dear Friends,
Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always. 

After writing this post, I've tried to be more positive about where we live.  Today I'm thankful for the beautiful water views that are so abundant in this county we live in.  Surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay, and Potomac River, not to mention so many other rivers and waterways throughout the county, there is water everywhere you look, and I never get tired of seeing the beauty.  

I'm also thankful for 

     *  my own bed to sleep in after 4 nights in a hotel

     *  finding what I'm looking for at the first store

     *  a chai tea latte on a cold night

     

What are you thankful for today?

xo Annette xo

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!

xo Annette xo

Grandma Duty

How could I resist when Erin called me and asked if I could come spend a couple of days because she needed a babysitter?  Well, I couldn't, so I packed my bags and headed to northern Maryland over the weekend.   I was supposed to go home today, but it turns out I'm needed tomorrow too!

I always look forward to seeing Shylee and this time was no exception.  She is a sweetheart most of the time.  I have to tell you, she has been a real challenge this visit.  Temper tantrums, back talking, telling me 'no' when I tell her to do something, arguing, and all around unpleasant to be around.  I have been relieved to leave her and retreat to my hotel room each evening!  That's the advantage of being the Grandma!

I hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

xo Annette xo

I Heart Macro

Pumpkin Bread

My fall comfort food!

Have a blessed Sunday!

I'm joining Lori at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro.

Thankful Thursday

Dear Friends,
Every Thursday I share what I'm thankful for.  Sometimes it's a serious or big thing, and sometimes it's a goofy or small thing.  I believe that no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.  Always. 

I am so thankful that this election is over!  No more political ads, phone calls, emails, and heated Facebook debates.  For now anyway!  However, I am thankful for our freedom to vote and have a voice in our country's elections.

I'm also thankful for
     *  rain instead of snow
     *  no more physical therapy
     *  really great test results from the Dr.
     *  Shylee's 3 night stay with us

     What are you thankful for today?

Have a happy Thursday!

xo Annette xo

Thankful Thursday

Blue Sky and Sun Photograph by JPW Photography

I'm thankful for beautiful blue skies today.  The gray, wet, windy skies of the last few days are gone and that's fine with me!  As I see pictures of the devastation of Sandy, I'm more and more thankful that we came through the storm as well as we did.  We have a home, we have power, we have food and water.  There is much to be grateful for.

I'm also thankful for
     *  first responders
     *  distractions
     *  friends and family who pray
     *  phone conversations with Shylee

What are you thankful for today?

Keep smiling!

xo Annette xo