True Friend

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In the past few weeks I have discovered the true meaning of friendship in several different ways. Have you ever asked yourself what is the true meaning of friendship?

I suppose it is different for each person and different for each friendship. But one thing I know for certain, is that a true friend never leaves you in times of good or bad.

A true friend laughs at your jokes even though they are truly bad.

A true friend tells you that you are beautiful even on your frumpy or bad hair days.

A true friend will come to your rescue in the middle of the night, always just a phone call away.

A true friend is always there, even when you have hurt them, and have no right to ask them to be.

A true friend tells you they love you even when you are acting spoiled and impossible.

A true friend is one that you can share your deepest secrets and fears with and know that trust will never be broken.

It is my hope that we all have at least one person we call our true friend. If you don’t, become one. So, how do you define true friendship? Please let me know, I would love to hear your answers.

thegeekwife

 

Reading Challenge – Update II

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In April I gave you an update on my reading list. At that point I had only read 8 books. Thankfully, due to my vacation, and a recovery period due to surgery, I have managed to hit 25. I am 1/3 of way way to my goal of 75! Here are the books I have read so far:

  1. Ghosts of Varner Creek by Michael Weems
  2. The Hunter by John Lescroart
  3. Death Benefit by Robin Cook
  4. Worth Fighting For by Lisa Swayze
  5. The Rose Garden by Suzanna Kearsley
  6. My Captor, My Love by Leah Matheny
  7. A Heartbeat Away by Michael Palme
  8. Seventh Heaven by Alice Hoffman
  9. The Girl That Came Home by Hazel Gaynor
  10. Constant Hearts by Donna Hatch
  11. The Last Innocent Hour by Barbara Sissel
  12. The Law of Attraction by Allison Leotta
  13. The Trial by Larry Thompson
  14. Stigma by Phillip Hawley Jr.
  15. Letters From Home by Kristina McMorris
  16. The Witness by Nora Roberts
  17. Delirious Special Bonus by Daniel Palmer
  18. Delirious by Daniel Palmer
  19. Tanglewood Plantation By Jocelyn Miller
  20. Human Sister by Jim Bainbridge
  21. The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux
  22. Dead Man’s Walk by Larry McMurtry
  23. Commanche Moon  by Larry McMurtry
  24. Lonesome Dove  by Larry McMurtry
  25. Streets of Laredo by  by Larry McMurtry

My Kindle is overflowing with books waiting to be read (44) and many, many more samples I have downloaded to review. Do you have a favorite book you have read lately? If you have reviewed a book, leave me the link. I am always looking for a good read. Enjoy your Summer and happy reading!

thegeekwife

Weight Loss – Setbacks

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You have been reading about my weight loss journey for awhile and about my successes. Well, I went on vacation to the beach in late May, and when I returned in early June, I was not feeling well.

I was told I had to have emergency surgery or I was just going to get worse. This surgery is quite possibly the worst I have ever had. Now, I have never had a C-section which I hear is horrendous to recover from.

But, if you have ever had your gut operated on you have an inkling of the suffering to which I am speaking. The things that makes this so hard on my weight loss journey is the lack of physical activity.

I have been told it could be 3-6 weeks, (ack!) before I am allowed to resume my exercise routine. Now, for someone that has become used to exercising quite regularly, this feels like forever!

So, I began to wonder how I could manage to not gain weight during this time. I am going to have to be very careful about my salt intake, and what I eat. This means no sugary snacks at all, and watching what I put on my food.

So, plenty of fruit, vegetables and lean protein will be the answer. Now, I eat these things anyway, but now they are just more important. Once I am up and around, which will be at least another week, I hope to begin going on short walks to help with maintaining my weight.

Inactivity as we know is the key to weight gain, and I have come too far to let this be a permanent set back. So, staying motivated the best I can will be my goal.

If you have any ideas that would help, please send them my way. I am all ears.

thegeekwife

 

Weight Loss Pay Off

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As you all know, I began my weight loss journey 1 year and 5 months ago. I wish I could say it has been easy, but it hasn’t. It has however, been so worth it.

This week I went to a doctor I had not seen in two years. As soon as I walked in, the doctor’s wife said, “Wow, you are a lot thinner than when I last saw you, you look great!” I cannot begin to express how it feels when someone acknowledges all of your hard work! I then went downstairs for a test and the lady in x-ray had not seen me in two years and even she repeated the same sentiment! It felt great!

Then, I went looking for a new dress to wear to an event, and I pulled my usual size off of the rack. I was a little surprised when I tried it on, and it was too big! I then asked the sales lady for the next smallest size and she said, “We don’t have that size but we have one three sizes smaller.” I looked at her and I said, “I am not trying that on, it will not fit.”

Now, those of us who are overweight, know that nothing makes you feel worse than putting on smaller sizes you know won’t fit, and then seeing how bad you look in them. I did not want to go there. Then the sales lady said, “Try it on and if it doesn’t fit, then we can order you the size you need.” I shook my head, took it from her and headed to the dressing room, prepared for my disappointment.

Then OMG all of a sudden, I put it on and IT FIT!!! We are talking about a dress four sizes smaller than I normally wear! I could have passed out on the spot. I came out of the dressing room and the sales lady was grinning from ear to ear and my husband just looked at me and said, “You look beautiful!” It took everything I had not to cry. The sales lady was so happy that I took the time to try the dress on, and that she had made my day.

I felt over the moon with joy that all of my hard work has finally begun to pay off. My clothes are fitting better, I feel better and people are beginning to notice the physical changes.

To keep me motivated, I have joined a 10 week fitness challenge that is beng hosted by a friend of mine on @Twitter. The challenge is geared to get you moving if you have not in a long time, or keep you motivated if you are. It is called the Meet My Goals Challenge. If you are interested in joining just click the link above and join in!

If you are on a weight loss journey, just keep trying and eventually you will start to see your results and so will others. Remember a little hard work goes a long way!

thegeekwife

 

 

 

Blessings

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As you know my mother died two years ago last month. I have not celebrated Mother’s Day in a while, because there hasn’t been much to celebrate. This year that has changed. This Mother’s Day I have many blessings to celebrate.

I received my Mother’s Day gift early this year. Two weeks ago my grandson Charlie (aka Junior) came back into my life. It has changed me. He is a joy to be around and has the sweetest smile that just warms your heart. I did not know what I was missing, not being able to see him, until I did. Being a grand mother is a great and wonderful thing. It is amazing how your grandchildren can capture your heart.

There will also be another grandchild added to the family soon. My oldest son and his wife are having a baby girl. She is due in August, but stay posted, we don’t have a name yet.

I also have a new nephew Mason. He was born in March. I love being an aunt to him and his older sister Elissa. They are both great kids.

My mother would want me to celebrate the blessings I have on this wonderful day. I am going to try to do just that. I miss my mother terribly and I wish she were here to share these blessings with me. But, since she is not, I will do my best to honor her by never taking for granted the blessings I have been given.

If you still have your mom, make sure she knows you love her. Life is entirely too short to not take the chance to say, “I love you mom” when you can. If you have ever lost a mother, I certainly pray for you and your family. If you are at odds with your mother please change it before it is too late to do so. May God bless you all.

thegeekwife

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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Everyone is looking for easy recipes, especially in the Summer months. My children used to love this meal for dinner. It was one of their favorites. I mean who doesn’t like pasta? Every one at work loved the way it smelled when I heated it up the next day at work too!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

2 jars Alfredo sauce

1 box rotini pasta

1 bag fajita strips chicken

1 bag frozen vegetable blend (carrots, peas, corn, whatever blend you prefer)

Cajun seasoning to taste

Garlic powder

Pepper

Salt to taste

Parsley for garnish

To prepare pasta:

Place a large pot of water on the stove on HIGH. Salt the water well. This will give the pasta flavor. Bring the water to a full rolling boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, 7-8 minutes. Once it is done strain in a colander and place in a large serving bowl.

While the pasta is cooking, cut up the fajita strips of chicken into bite size pieces, and set aside. Then, take the frozen vegetables and cook them according to the directions, and set aside.

To prepare the sauce:

Place the sauce from the 2 jars of Alfredo into a pot, on medium to low heat. Then, place enough salt, pepper and cajun seasoning in the pot to taste. Then, add the chicken and the frozen vegetables. Heat on medium to low until the sauce is heated through.

Once the alfredo mixture is hot, place together in a large bowl with the pasta, and garnish with the parsley. Enjoy!

P.S. This feeds many people. You can cut the recipe down to feed your crew.

thegeekwife

Reading Update

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In January I mentioned that I challenged myself to read 70 books. I have read eight books so far, but I am off to a really good start. I have not read as much as I would like due to a new job. However, Summer is coming and that leads to lots of reading time. Here is a list of some of the books I have read so far this year:

  1. Ghosts of Varner Creek by Michael Weems
  2. The Hunter by John Lescroart
  3. Death Benefit by Robin Cook
  4. Worth Fighting For by Lisa Swayze
  5. The Rose Garden by Suzanna Kearsley
  6. My Captor, My Love by Leah Matheny
  7. A Heartbeat Away by Michael Palmer
  8. Seventh Heaven by Alice Hoffman

I would have to say that Death Benefit, followed by The Rose Garden have been my favorites so far. What books have you enjoyed this year? Please let me know, as I am always on the lookout for a good read! Happy reading this year, and I hope you find some great books to enjoy!

thegeekwife

Success in Small Doses

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I weighed today and I am 8 pounds away from my first huge goal, 50 lbs lost!! I have also lost 17 inches overall! I have made major changes in my diet in the last two weeks and I am increasing my physical activity. I had to have a pain block in my back one week ago due to a fall in my home 5 weeks ago. This has prevented me from doing most of my exercise I love but I am slowly moving again. I am looking forward to resuming full exercise in 2 weeks.

My diet changes have consisted of adding more whole grain, fish and fruit to my diet. Oatmeal is now my staple breakfast and IF I eat bread it is a whole grain bread instead of wheat. I have also added granola bars as my staple snack. Now, for dinner most nights, my meats consist of lean protein, lots of fish and one night a week, steak.

My fruits consist of grapes, apples, pineapple, strawberries, and bananas. As far as vegetables, I try to eat them mostly steamed. I have found that the different varieties of flash frozen steam-in bags at the grocery store work very well for me considering the long hours I work.

I was speaking with someone yesterday at work, and they asked me what as been the most challenging of all through this journey, and I told them adjusting to a lifestyle change. That is truly what you have to learn to do, if you successfully want to lose weight, is make a lifestyle change. Eating right and exercise become part of your daily routine.

I no longer eat the way I used to. I no longer eat fried foods, I don’t crave sweets like I used to, and I drink tons of water. If you are contemplating a weight loss journey, you have to mentally ready to accept that your life has to change. You also have to take it one day at a time. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. This has been hard and there are days I just want to splurge and eat whatever I want, and then I look at the app on my phone and see that BIG number that I have lost, and I quickly change my mind, that is power!

So, finding a way to stay motivated is important, and my app on my phone does that for me. As well, I have an amazing diet support group that keeps me motivated. I also added the weight loss ticker here on my blog to keep me honest and accountable.

I am looking forward to my next goal, 100 lbs lost which I hope to hit by the end of the year! I will keep you posted on my progress. If you are on a weight loss journey, good luck and maybe we can keep each other motivated!

thegeekwife

A Selfish Act – Part II

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As you know, I have written about surviving suicide several times before. It is a very painful subject for me, because my family has experienced it more times than usual, it seems. I have mentioned before that my father, my brother, my ex-brother in-law have all committed suicide. Two weeks ago, another member of our extended family did the same.

According to S.A.V.E  “Suicide takes the lives of 30,000 Americans every year.” This is a staggering figure.

Trying to make sense of suicide as an adult is difficult. Trying to explain suicide to your children is impossible. Trying to make them understand why multiple people in your family would do the same is incomprehensible.

You have to make them understand that nothing they could have done differently would have changed things. You have to make them understand that they are not at fault. This is not an easy task. Children often ask why their loved ones left them here if they loved them so much. Wow, it hurts when you hear questions like that.

Also, you have to make sure you understand the warning signs of depression so, that you can get your children help before they head into trouble. Depression and suicide runs in families, like mine,  and that in itself is a scary fact.

If you feel you are depressed get help immediately, do not wait. If you know someone that is depressed encourage them to get help. Symptoms of depression and its warning signs can be found here.

Suicide, like I have said before, is a very selfish act. Those that choose this path, do not think about those they leave behind. Nor do they consider the emotional, and financial mess they leave behind. For those that have survived suicide you are left to deal with not only the emotional and financial fallout, but often the social fallout as well.

Suicide still has a stigma attached to it. People do not understand it and cannot until they experience themselves. Even though depression treatment has made huge leaps and bounds over the years, it is still largely an illness not understood.

If suicide has touched your family, my heart goes out to you. It can be a horrible process and the healing can continue for many years. Just remember, time doesn’t heal all wounds, it just makes the pain easier to bear.

thegeekwife

 

 

The Ring Fiasco

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About 8 months ago the stone in my engagement ring became loose. I took it to the jeweler, they tightened it and told me the prongs would have to eventually be replaced. Now keep in mind I had just gotten my ring in February 2009. This was Summer 2011. I am very hard on jewelry I will admit.

So, I continued to wear it but, I was very careful where I wore it, and I always took it off and put it away when I got home. Now, you may be saying to yourself, “why is she continuing to wear it if the prongs needed to be replaced?” Well, you see I could not bear to part with it even for a day to put in the jewelers to have the prongs replaced. It had been a very tough year, if you read my blog, and it was just too much for me to part with it even for a day.

Well, one day in November, we had a very busy day of errand running for our house. I am talking about all the major stores, grocery stores, etc… a full day. Well, I put on my ring and ran out the door.

We were in the very last store of the day and I happened to look down at my hand and my worst nightmares had come true! I had LOST the stone in my engagement ring! I looked at my husband and burst into tears. His first reaction was hurt and anger, because he had been telling me I was going to lose it, and I kept telling him I wasn’t that careless.

But, after he calmed down, he told me that my ring was completely insured and that we had full replacement value insurance. Thank goodness I have a very smart husband. Well, after several months of paperwork and appraisals etc….We finally got the ring back on Monday night, I was like an excited little school girl.

My husband gave my ring back to me in a very romantic way. It will never replace the sentimental stone we lost, but this stone will be here for many years to come and hopefully we can build new memories with this stone. We are going back to our engagement spot in May. We will take this stone back to where it all began and start those memories off on the right foot again.

If I have learned any lesson out of this, it is to take your ring to the jewelers at the first sign of trouble no matter how big or small. Do not be afraid to be without it, because if you do not fix it, you may be without it forever.

thegeekwife

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