And September begins….

Yes, I know I said last time that I would write a blog post that following weekend, and I didn’t.

Life’s full of disappointments. But that isn’t what this blog is about at all.

I’d like to preface this blog by saying that yes, I understand that everyone is going to miss summer, but all I can say is bring on fall! Autumn is my favorite season – crisp air, falling leaves, football. I think it’s beautiful this time of years and absolutely love it. Well, if it weren’t pushing 90 every day this week I would, but soon enough, my favorite season will be upon us again.

The last time I posted, I had been at the hospital for my second sleep study.  I received the letter from the nurse at the Sleep Clinic telling me they were going to send a prescription for a CPAP machine to the local home health medical equipment joint when I walked in the door from actually picking up said machine.  The first night, the CPAP kicked my ass. I slept very little. I woke up in the morning feeling like I’d gone 10 rounds with Chuck Liddell. I had a headache, I had horrendous sinus pressure, and felt like crap. When I tried it the second night, I cranked up the humidifier on my machine and that did seem to help. According to my wristband fitness/sleep tracker, I did sleep lightly for over 6 hours, and was in a deep sleep for 20 minutes. Technically, 2 minutes less than night before, but I felt markedly better Wednesday morning than Tuesday. The old schnozz is a little ouchie yet, but I think in time, it’ll toughen up and I’ll be okay. I just really want this thing to work, and I’m willing to keep at it to make sure it does.

As of today, I’ve officially lost 27.2 lbs. I’m 8.8 lbs from my preop weight loss goal. (You can check out my “Weights and Measures” page to follow my progress.) I go back to UPMC Bariatrics on Monday the 14th, and I’d be pleased as punch if I could hit my goal at my weigh in there.  There is a HUGE part of me that would like to have my surgery this year. I’ve met my deductible for 2015, and of course, I would like to have it sooner rather than later so I won’t have to fork out ANOTHER deductible next year. But when I went to see Dr. Ali in May, he said February or March. The PROBLEM with having surgery this year is that I don’t have any more time off to take, so any time off will be unpaid. And there’s no way I can survive (as in pay my rent or utilities) if I miss 3 weeks work unpaid.  So unless someone out there wants to help a gal out, I’m probably still looking at next year, and a new deductible. *Shakes fist into the air!

I also have to go to the cardiologist on the 14th. I’m not too freaked out about it; I’m sure this all just CYA (cover your ass) territory.  That doesn’t make it suck any less.

On a completely unrelated note, my girls have got it going on!! Mariah has started grad school!!! She’s attending online classes through Clarion University to get her Masters in Library Science.  Victoria recently started a new job that she seems to enjoy (as much as any 19 year old enjoys a job), and from the feedback she’s received from staff and patients, she’s doing a great job! And Jordan started her senior year of high school yesterday. Where did the time go? I am SO  very proud of all three of my girls, and I love them very, very much!

Finally, there’s a boy in my life.  Well, not really a boy. More like a grown ass man.  He’s super sweet, and puts up with my bullshit and there’s been talk of the “f” word. Not THAT “f”word, you freaks! Future! We’ll see how all that pans out, but I am optimistic! I think he’s got real potential.

So that’s all the news that’s fit to print. I would like to take a second to thank all the wonderful people in my life for being there when I need you. My girls have been so terrific through all this, and yes, they are trying to make changes too! My Mom is a rock; always so supportive; I’ll never be able to adequately thank her. Alexis – you are amazing, and you are totally going to kick surgery’s ass in a couple of weeks. I wish I could be there to help you through it, but I’ll only be a phone call/text/email away.  And Dennis, thank you for wandering back into my life.  I look forward to everything my future brings, especially with you in it.

Be good to one another,

Linda ❤