Enjoying the company of yourself

This weekend I indulged in some R and R about an hour out of town. By 8pm Friday I was taking an evening dip in a refreshing pool with a cocktail in hand. Saturday morning dawned to a fresh cup of Temecula's finest brew and a morning spent soaking up some Vitamin D, paperback fiction in hand.

The afternoon brought heat in excess of 100 degrees so I brought my derier to the Casino, where I promptly won $121.00. Upon my departure, alas, my car battery had kicked the proverbial bucket, so another 45 minutes was spent waiting in a parking garage... alas, my savior came in the form of a AAA technician. One new battery later, I was back by the pool enjoying a chicken salad and iced tea, sans the long island. After a few episodes of forensic television sleep beckoned me.

This morning I strolled through Old Town Temecula, window shopping and taking in the sights. I eventually found my way to Old Highway 395, a long, curvy county road surrounded by horse farms, fields of fruit and beautiful mountains; spontaneously stopping along the way at a fruit stand where local farmers sold their fare for extremely reasonable prices. For a mere 8.50 I bagged cucumbers, mango's, squash, and 30 avocados. Yes, 30... that was NOT a  typo. Small in size but PERFECT to take for lunch. And for $5 a bushel, who could possibly resist?

All in all, a very calming few days. At one with myself, not forced into small talk or mundane conversations, nor abiding else's schedule. I reflected on recent changes to my life and made some new resolutions on bettering myself.  Although I enjoy going on adventures with friends and family, this was one that proved to be just what the doctor ordered.

French Heirlooms

Two months ago, the last if the five Cote Family daughters passed away at age 91. How apropos that she was the baby of the family. Being the sentimental gal I am, my father allowed me to browse their home of 50+ years and pick a few mementos to cherish them by. Sadly, neither of them were ever married or had children and they lived together their entire lives. They were the epitome of French sophistication and had impeccable taste.

I chose a hand crocheted bedspread, finished in the 1960's by my Great-Grandmother, a silver tea service, a set of 1950's end tables the sisters purchased on a trip to Turkey and a vintage filigree wall mirror. Even after their calling back to God, their giving lives on. Thank you, Cote sisters, for all your love, advice, and overall generosity.

Happy Birthday, America!

Everyone have a safe and blessed 4th of July!

To my brother Bob, you are loved and missed...

Happy Birthday to you too!!!

MY Extreme Makeover, Weight Loss Edition

Seven years ago I was 70 pounds lighter and felt the BEST I had ever felt in my life. I was happy, confident, healthy, and full of life. I had so much self confidence.

My entire life I have struggled with my weight. Depression was a large part of it, but the main issue was being addicted to food. After several very emotional experiences in life, I just lost all hope of ever being happy and completely let myself go. At my heaviest I weighed 310 pounds, and at only 5 feet, 2 inches, I was so obese I don't think I would have been alive if I had not lost weight. After gastric bypass, I lost 150 pounds in 18 months. (as seen in the photo above).

As I said, seven years has passed and I have put 70 pounds back on. I know I can loose this extra weight. Even though I have gone up and down more times I care to remember, I somehow feel like this time may be my best chance. I finally have a steady job so I am not as stressed over money as I was before, and I can afford to rejoin my gym, which just happens to be 5 minutes from my new job. I also work for a clinic that specializes in metabolic programs and the doctors have offered to give me a consultation and help me along my journey.

So, tomorrow is Monday, July 2nd. As good as a time as ANY to get the party started. Stay posted my friends... here we go.