Metformin

My endo has me on Metformin to help control my insulin level. I'm not a diabetic but my level is too high. It's making my stomach a bit angry but luckily it's not too bad. I have lost 6 lbs in the last two weeks which is great. Finally, things are starting to come together. For you girls out there with the same diagnosis, keep the faith. It's taking a long time but it does get better. Stay tuned!

Sabres Game

Went to the Sabres game last night with my brother, sister and 2 of my brother's friends. We played those funny little birds from Pittsburgh. Hmm..... when they scored they were awfully loud but as we won 4-3 I didn't see any of them after the last couple of minutes. There was 17,900 people there last night and we all sang the Canadian national anthem - like we usually do - but there was hardly a dry eye in the house when we sang the American national anthem. Funny how we've really changed since 9/11. Not that we weren't proud before, now we're personally touched and that just brings what runs deep to the service.

Pix from the game to come.

We are proud of you guys!

Better Blogger

I have to say, I'm a pretty poor blogger. If you check out my friend Chri's site (C's travels) - to the right - she always has great posts with neat little finds and fun facts. Now, from her site you can get to my friend Smithy (All things Jen(nifer) ) which for some reason blogger won't let me add.......b*ast*rds. Anyway, Smithy's quite the deal in the blogger world and I'm honored to be called her friend. If you ever want to really know what's going on in Buffalo, check out her site.

Now on to fun news of my own. On Nov 1st I leave my beloved city of Buffalo but only for a short while. I'm off to the fun filled city of Austin, Tx to visit my favorite cousin (ok, Nikki & Corrie are actually tied as my favorite cousins but Corrie lives across the street so it's easier to visit her! lol) I'll only be gon 5 days but it'll be a great break from the stress of work and I'm not even taking my cell phone. Ok, I probably will but I'm seriously restricting my calls. LOL We're going to this place called the Alamo Drafthouse for dinner one night, the Hula Hut for dinner when I get in, 6th Street which is supposed to be like our Chippewa but smaller and believe it or not, there's a place you can get your picture taken with a real live longhorn!!!! I so need to do that! LOL There's even a famous drag queen named Leslie. Now you just know I HAVE to have my picture taken with a drag queen in Austin. How many chances in life will you have like that? Heck, I'm even going to add it to my list of goals in life just to cross it off! LOL Lots of pictures to come, I promise!!!!

Dad on wheels........

Tonight was a skating party for Kari's school, the first of the season. They even brought out the school mascot - The Screaming Eagal - who was brave enough to strap a pair of roller skates to his own feet. Well, the big bird wasn't the only one. Dad got into a pair of roller skates for the first time since he was about my sister's age!!! A few times around the rink........... ok, more than a few and he was feeling like a kid again. I'm sure he'll feel it in the morning but it was sooooo good to see him having such fun. Doesn't he look great!!!!!! 99lbs down and only 7 more to go! Way to go dad!

A new stance

I've been looking at various blogs and I've noticed something. While ones like my friend Smithy (allthingsjennifer) cover a variety of topics, they stay in a general arena. Same with my friend Chris (linked to the right). Mine is a bit of a mish-mosh that touches on a ton of things but is serious about nothing. Well, I'm finally getting serious.

We often have symptoms we ignore or when we finally do go to the doctor, maybe we're afraid to say anything because we think that no one in the world has what we have. Well, why? I find this insane and have decided to speak out about what I've got in hopes that others will go to their doctor, get diagnosed and not be afraid. What have I got that's so important? Hashimoto's and PCOS. I won't go into detail but here's a couple of articles you might want to look at in your spare time. Leave me a comment on my post and let's spread the word. You are NOT alone.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/Hypothyroidism-Cause

http://women.webmd.com/tc/Polycystic-Ovary-Syndrome-PCOS-Topic-Overview

Yummy thought...

I was trolling Smith's blog and I saw she' s linked to one called "Grilled cheese & a cup of coffee". For some odd reason, it's midnight and the sound of that blog was yummy. I could go for a grilled cheese and iced coffee. Too late though, maybe for dinner tomorrow.

Career Quiz

So I'm browsing my dear friend Smithy's blog (allthingsjennifer) and I come across a career quiz that I've just GOT to take. I always wondered if I was in the right job or if I just fell into it because it's what my mother does. Well, I took the quiz and guess what, my current career doesn't even show up on the list of 20+ ideas! In fact, it says I should be an interpreter, fashion designer, make up artist or the #1 idea is Director of Photography. Hmmmmm.......

1. Go to http://www.careercruising.com/.
2. Put in Username: nycareers, Password: landmark
3. Take their “Career Matchmaker” questions.
4. Post the top ten results.

A new thought

I've never wanted to be kids and I'm 100% sure I don't want to be pregnant and 100% sure I don't want to go through childbirth. After watching a medical show tonight I'm 1,000% sure I don't want my knees pushed up through my nostrils. As I hung up Kari's bathrobe in the bathroom and fixed her still little sleeves, I had a funny thought. I'm not 100% sure I don't want to be a mom. This is uncharted territory for me. Any thoughts?

Great New Site

I joined this great new site called Flylady.net . It's a cute little website that breaks down the mundane and helps you not feel overwhelmed mostly about housework. It's created by a housewife for other housewives who mainly don't work. While this is a great site I recommend, this isn't what I've chosen to post about. It's this one:

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/groups.cfm?l=eng

It's a great, FREE way to light a candle for whatever reason. I got it in an email from Flylady because her great neice is in the hospital with an illness and she's only 1 month old. Well I started looking around and you can create a "group" for any reasone and anyone can light a free candle. I started a group called "Troop" to show support for our troops. I also started a group call "Bills" for Kevin Everett who we all know took a potentially fatal hit in yesterday's game. If you get a chance, stop by & light a candle for him or create a group of your own. Take a second to reflect why you're lighting the candle and pass it on.
Peace & Blessings,
~Jenn

Making it count...

I always thought that a blog was an anonymously public rant or praise that no one knew about or at least didn't know who wrote it. I found out today I'm wrong but that's ok. I was apologized to today because someone saw that my feelings had been hurt by their actions. While I hope I reassured her that I'm fine it did make me think.

If I've got a public platform to use for good, then why am I not using it more? Am I using it enough? Well, I'm going to be a bit better about it. I want to direct you (after reading this post of course) to the link on the left called "One Marine's View". It's a blog run by a US Marine who is just expressing his views which happen to be shared by thousands. They are able to write real life experiences of what they're seeing while in military service and what family members are going through as they're left behind. Well, we can't all join the military. For those who can, I envy you. I've had to think of another way to show my support and be a part of the team. My flag flies outside my house day in and day out and that will never change. But there's more that we can do without marching in protest rallies (if it rings your bell go for it). There is a site I've mentioned more than once called EmailOurMilitary.com. I joined it a couple years ago and I highly suggest it to anyone who wants to show support but doesn't have a lot of money or time. There's another site called AnySoldier.com. You can see this on OneMarine'sView. You'd be amazed how impactful a few dozen chocolate chip cookies can be.

Find what makes you passionate be it the military, cleaning up your neighborhood (Thanks to JP Losman of the Buffalo Bills for cleaning up my hometown), or making life a bit more bearable for the senior citizens in their golden years. Whatever it is, go out and do it. Make it happen. Just do me one favor.......................... make sure it's something positive.

What a week it's been

It's been a pretty off the wall week for me. On Monday and Tuesday I was allowed to take my mother's van to work. Hmmm.... the first solo drive. For all of you out there who may be on the road the same time as me I say this: "The city speed limit is 30 mph. If you have an insane need to get to the next red light before me, feel free to go around." I say this because there's been a large influx in patrol cars in the area and I don't intend to get my first ticket just weeks within getting my license.

As for my license, it came in the mail yesterday or the day before. It also came with a note that said it was about to expire so please stop down to the nearst DMV to pay $50 to keep it current. How nice of them, I can also send it in by mail. Seems to me you should just start over again. Mom said it's because I waited so long and my permit would have expired next week anyway.

I think part of what's contributed to this "odd" week has been the fact that I haven't taken my synthroid. No, it doesn't mess with my mind but I don't feel good. I'm feeling run down like before. Add that to the crazy week and the fact that a friend from work is losing her job the end of the month, another got her hours cut in half and yet a 3rd friend and I are on icey terms. The 3rd friend often gets too close to and crosses barriers she has no right to. I told her so last Saturday and we haven't really spoken since. I see it as this. As children we're taught not to do certain things. Don't drink, you're not old enough. Don't have sex before you're married.... ok, so that one doesn't really work out so much anymore. Don't stand in scalding water. Pretty basic things. Well, as we grow up, there's still things we shouldn't do. She just needs to remember that.

We've got another girls night coming up and I'm really looking forward to it. This one is at Chris's apartment which none of us have been to yet. She lives in these nice apartments and the best part is that she has a viewof the harbor. It's all sweets & desserts so I just need to figure out what to make. Hmm..... graham cracker reese cup treats anyone? I think that's one that will work.

I've been feeling off for a few weeks now that has nothing to do with my synthroid. It's my birthday. Funny but no one tells you that 27 will bother you. 25 bothered the hell out of me. I'll be in a total coma for 30. There's so many things I thought I'd have done by now and I haven't done any of them. I didn't marry Paul (thanks Joe, I owe you for that one), I don't have kids (really not sure they're for me anyway), I haven't started my own Fortune 500 business and I haven't made a million dollars. Things seemed so easy & trackable in high school. That begs the question "Do we put false hopes into kids minds when we tell them they can do anything and the world is their oyster?" Who picked the oyster anyway? Slimey little things and I'd rather go to a jewelry store to get a pearl anyway.

I think it's time for another life list, or at least a good hard look at the current one. Maybe it's time for an update. Keep you posted and post thoughts, nice to know I'm not alone on this planet.

WARNING!!!!!!!! IDT Energy

About 10 minutes ago a man named "Michael" came to my door saying that he was from checking on gas customers in the area. That people from IDT were going around getting people to sign contracts & he wanted to make sure we weren't paying higher bills than we should be. He then asked to see a copy of my gas bill !! I told him everything went to the financial planner and we never saw the bills. If it's true or not, he doesn't need to know. I just now hung up the phone with a very nice woman named Dawn from National Fuel to inquire about the visitor. She stated that National Fuel is well aware that these people are going around, that they are NOT affiliated with National Fuel and that by looking at the bill, what they're doing is copying down the account number and automatically switching people over. I'm all in favor of more than one supplier but let's be legit about it folks.

BEWARE THE GAS MAN!!!

Iced Coffee

Since dad's surgery, he's become quite the lover of iced coffee's. So far he thinks McDonald's has the best but honestly, if you are getting 2 a day, the $3 price tag can add up. So, with that in mind, I offer you the Abbott Iced Coffee:

A 16-20 oz tumbler (plastic)
a teaspoon of Sanak instant coffee
Fill about half way with cold water
mix until dissolved.
Add a dash of your favorite flavoring (I'm a nut for hazelnut!)
add 1/2 & 1/2 to desired coloring / taste
ice
stir & chill.

YUM!!!!!

Ahhh.... facial

I'm home early so figure I'll make dinner for everyone. I'm dumping the boiling water from perogi's and the steam hits me full in the face. Hmm... cheap, and non-embarrassing as it's at home. Wonder if we can scent the water though. LOL Just a thought next time you're cooking pasta. Linger over it a little longer and treat yourself to more than a great meal.

Solo Driver

Last night Kari needed to go to the grocery store to get chips for her end of summer picnic at camp. Well, mom was too tired to take her and dad, having just gotten back from his walk, wanted to water the lawn. Donald was as of yet still at practice so guess who that fell to. Yup! Yours truly. Well, it was a bit nerve racking but you know what? The confidence started to work it's way into my bones and while I'm still very cautious about doing the speed limit exactly, I was feeling pretty good by the time I got home. My only Oops! moment was when I got home and my father asked what I'd forgotten. I figured it was to use my blinker before I pulled into the parking spot. Nope. I'd forgotten to turn on my lights. Oh well, if the 4 police cars I passed didn't care, I'm kosher! LOL

US Postal Story

Too cute not to share.
~Jenn

>THIS IS A U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STORY>> Our dog, Abbey, died August 23, and the day after Abbey died, my> 4 year old, Meredith, was SO upset. She wanted to write a letter to> God so that He would recognize Abbey in heaven. She told me what to> write, and I did.>> Then she put 2 pictures of Abbey in the envelope. We addressed> it to God in Heaven, put two stamps on it because, as she said, it> could be a long way to heaven. We put our return address on it, and> I let her put it in the drop box at the post office that afternoon.>> She was absolutely sure that letter would get to heaven, and I> wasn't about to disillusion her.>> So today is Labor Day. We took the kids to the museum in> Austin, and when we came home, there was a package wrapped in gold on> our front porch. It was addressed to Meredith. So... she took it> inside and opened it. Inside was a book, When Your Pet Dies by Mr.>Rogers (Fred Rogers).> Inside the front cover was the letter we had written to God, in its> opened envelope. On the opposite page was one of the pictures of> Abbey taped on the page. On the back page was the other picture of> Abbey, and this handwritten note on pink paper:>> "Dear Meredith, I know that you will be happy to find out that> Abbey arrived safely and soundly in heaven. Having the pictures you> sent to me was a big help! I recognized Abbey right away! You know,> Meredith, she isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me, just> like it stays in your heart... young and running and playing. Abbey> loved being your dog, you know.>> Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any> pockets to keep things in. So... I am sending you your beautiful> letter back with the pictures so that you wi ll have this little> memory book to keep. One of my angels is taking care of this for me.>> I hope this little book will help.> !> Thank you for your beautiful letter. Thank your mother for> sending it. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially>for you.>> Signed,> God>>> This is a true story, I love that we have angels among us, some of>them even work at the Post Office!

Leeeaaving Onnnn A Jet Plannneeee....

Got word this morning that my friend Iggy flew out of Iraq today and will be home Sunday! I'm so excited to see him!!

Roll up the road..

I passed my roadtest today!!! I'm officially a licensed driver according to the state of New York. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cody

My friend Laura had her son Cody & then moved to Kansa a few days later and I haven't seen her in person since. This past Wednesday she stopped over while in town visiting her parents. This isn't the greatest picture but he's such a cutie. Here he is gnawing on the phone.

40 & Fab Club

Mom & her friends from work get together and call themselves the 40 & Fab Club, a few members are over 40 but who's counting?