Tuesday, January 30, 2007

hello, my name is ann and i'm forty


This photo is what is left of me after being alone with three kids for two weeks. No really, this little artwork was a masterpiece Jordan created at church (note the bible canvas in the background) using Silly Putty. I took one look at it and decided that it just couldn't go back into the storage egg until it had been recorded for posterity's sake.

Dave has been on multiple business trips since mid-January. It's unusual for him, but there was a lot going on with a new contract. He was in Redmond, WA for two weeks and then yesterday he flew to Maryland for a one day meeting. We've all missed him around here. On Saturday we welcomed him back from the Settle trip. We went out to dinner (nothing fancy, just a catfish joint) and I think we welcomed him back loudly to family life in that outing. Nothing unusual -- a stubborn "do it myself" toddler who knocked her sister's uncovered drink over during a protest session towards her father. LOL

On Monday Dave flew out again for a quick one day trip to Maryland to disseminate the information gained during the two week trip. We have spent the last few days getting back to normal. The kids have been thrilled to have Daddy take them to school and be back in the house again.

So, today is a momentous birthday for me. 40. Forty. FORTY. My first thought is, "How in the world did THAT happen?" and then I remember all the good times and blessings I've been given; a few hard times mixed into the formula too. I thought we might get a snow day today to enjoy some down time, but we were greated with 33 degree temps and sloppy rain this morning. Just ten minutes north of here were icy roads and school closings. (Ah, the unpredictable South) Dave had a beautiful flower arrangement on my bathroom vanity this morning. Roses and lillies -- best of all they were accompanied by the sweetest note he had composed. It was very romantic and sweet.

Oh yes, I almost forgot my news. I have been following Dr. Oz's lifestyle plan and in the two crazy weeks while Dave was gone I lost 4 inches around my waist and 10 pounds. Granted I have a long way to go, but it was a good start. I didn't even get the whole thing right, but I got enough of the message to make a good start. I had been completely obsessed with my exercise schedule for the past year, but got off it when our family Thanksgiving occurred. My task now is to get back into my routine despite any family emergencies. That should really make a difference in combination with the food plan. Everything was easy to do...there was hardly a time when I felt deprived. His plan really focuses on the conscious changes we can make to our food pantry and habits which matter most to our health. We were already eating healthy, but the tweaking made by this diet has been awesome.

6 comments:

Caroline said...

Happy 40th Birthday Ann. Sounds like you guys have been pretty busy the last 2 weeks. Congratulations on follow Dr.Oz's plan that is great.

Dori Ann Dupré said...

Happy Birthday! And congrats on the new health plan working so well!

impromptublogger said...

Happy Birthday again! I'm glad Dave was able to be back for your birthday. Congrats on the weight loss.

Emily

Lula said...

Happy Birthday!!
I have just started the Oz plan as well. I am also walking on my treadmill and just started taking Tae Kwon Do. Love it. But I am soo out of shape. Congrats on your weight loss. I hope I have that much success. :)
Tammi (JenL's friend)

FourSure said...

Happy Belated Birthday Ann! I love that Dave was able to be home and the flowers & note sound so romantic & sweet. Good luck with Dr. Oz's plan - I joined the gym in January and although I don't see any physical progress yet I certainly feel better so that's got to count for something!
Sarah

Ann said...

Thanks for the happy wishes. 40 is not so bad after all -- at least that is what I am telling myself. ;-)

Lula - thanks for dropping by. We need to get together and talk either by email or in person soon. It would be nice to have a fellow Oz buddy (besides my husband). Have you settled into Georgia? How are your children doing?

Sarah - You certainly deserve some "me time" at the gym. If you are like me, you'll need the energy to keep up with your crew.